Essential Suffolk January February 2017

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January / February 2017 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

SUFFOLK SUNRISES Capturing the beauty of daybreak Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Elite Properties

www.essentialsuffolk.com

CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

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MADE FOR LIFE DESIGN

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MANUFACTURE

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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

Showroom, Design and Manufacturing all at the same Suffolk address.

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Inspired by tradition

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

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

hopkinshomes.co.uk • 01394 446860 Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex

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French doors Bespoke design ll Tallow Ba in Farrow and

ber Cottage style tim ring su door with our reas mechanism g integrated lockin Period box sash wi nd no rattles, draughts ow or condensation

Enhance your home in 2017 with beautiful Victorian style timbe r door featuring attractive Samuel Heath furniture windows and doors Visit our showrooms for inspirational ideas and take advantage of our New Year Offers with up to 20% off*

burgess-group.com *Offer ends 31/01/17. Subject to an order being placed before 31/01/17.

Not to be used in conjunction with any previous offer.

SH OW R OOM S Notcutts Garden Centre Ipswich Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF Tel. 01394 386666

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

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

Traditional flush caseme nt window in French grey

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

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

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

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

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

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com Cover: Orwell Sunrise by Jason Alexander

| Welcome

WELCOME At this time of year we are all very much looking forward – eager to wipe the slate clean after the indulgences of December. However, come the start of January there will be many of us making resolutions that are the same resolutions as 12 months ago and possibly the previous year too! If that’s the case and you really want to actually make changes, perhaps you should make different resolutions – much like Karen Cannard whose environmental journey has literally changed her life. She decided to reduce her household waste, launched the Rubbish Diet Blog and as a result, her media adventures have taken her from Radio 4 to prime time TV shows.

Maybe, instead of spending a fortune on a gym membership you won’t use, you could do some community exercise by joining the hundreds of friendly Park runners who get up early on a Saturday mornings and run or jog or even walk 5k. Or if you prefer a quieter more contemplative start to the day – walk in the countryside, by the waterside or the seafront and watch the sunrise, described as ‘a light show’ by Love Suffolk Skies founder Jason Alexander, that offers rare treats for those of us living on the east coast.

This month Essential Suffolk also visits the largest artist’s paintbrush factory in the UK at Lowestoft. We’ve special sections on weddings, private education and if you are thinking of introducing water into your outside space check out Catharine Howard’s gardening column. Of course you may want to make some more fundamental changes to your life and where you live so our Property and Homes & Interiors pages have a lot to inspire.

Finally if you just want to ponder your options with some great views turn to page 54 and check out our dog walk in beautiful Orford. Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all Essential Suffolk news through our Facebook page, we are on Twitter @EssentialSFK or visit www.essentialsuffolk.com

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

Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk

Essential Suffolk

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

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

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

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

To subscribe either:

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

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

Personal details will be used for subscription purposes only.

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K I TC H E N S

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B AT H R O O M S

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BEDROOMS

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

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HOME OFFICES

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HOME CINEMAS

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LIBRARIES

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

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Contents

10

26

42

46

FEATURES

10

Meet the new day with Love Suffolk Skies

Put Your Best Foot Forward

30

The Rubbish Diet

37

46

56 Weddings Planning your Spring wedding menu

54

Dog Walk

56

Food & Drink

64

Homes & Interiors

71

Property

84

Essential Faces

90

My Suffolk

Discovering Orford from The King’s Head

Sunrise on Suffolk

26

34

34

Discover the Parkrun phenomenon

REGULARS

15

Suffolk in Brief

16

What’s On

24

Mini Previews

Karen Cannard’s war on waste

By Royal Command Master craftsmen at work in Lowestoft

Independent Education Making the right choice for your children

42

News from around the county

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

Night at the Theatre – Dance East, Bang Bang – Mercury Colchester, Constable at Gainsborough’s House exhibition and Pink Mist at the New Wolsey

Fashion It’s time for leisure and relaxation

Dining at the Coach & Horses in Melton and The Westleton Crown, a Short Break at Seckford Hall plus our food gallery full of ideas for eating out

Creating impact with accent colours

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Dr Dan Poulter, MP

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We’re a forward-thinking building services company that understands your vision for your property, and has the practical skills and innovative approach to bring it to life.

Based in Woodbridge, we work for domestic and commercial clients across Suffolk and beyond. Whether you’re keen to enhance or entirely refurbish your home, our dedicated, 50-strong team will work with you throughout your project to ensure you’re delighted with the results. We are experienced, professional, friendly and care about your building project as much as you do.

We share your vision We start every project with your end goal – the vision you have for your property. You may be a homeowner keen to extend or refurbish your house to create a stunning showpiece, or a commercial client wanting to refurbish or enhance a retail, industrial or office space. Whatever your needs, you can trust Samuel David Construction to create a breath-taking, yet practical, space with genuine ‘wow factor’.

We provide a complete, bespoke service Every job we do is different, but each starts with a complimentary visit to your home or site. We’ll discuss your ideas, draw up plans and provide a ball-park cost. Once you give us the go-ahead, you can leave the rest to us, from commissioning the architect to putting your project through planning – even organising the interior decoration.

We believe in quality with affordability We’re always available: all our team are in-house, from builders to plumbers and plasterers. We’re a close-knit team that works seamlessly together. We love what we do and we care about doing a great job. Because most of our team work for us full-time , we stay in control of quality, timescales and costs, making the best use of time and pulling out all the stops to complete your job quickly yet without cutting corners.

Call us today to get started

01394 780045 www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk

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MORNING HAS BROKEN

Fynn Valley by Jason Alexander

When it’s cold and frosty outside it is very easy to stay wrapped up and toasty inside – especially first thing in the morning.

But setting your alarm early in winter offers celestial surprises

Aldeburgh Sunrise by Anne Gould

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essentialsuffolk.com

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Suffolk Sunrises

W

inter in Suffolk is possibly one of the best times to take a walk on the beach. There are so many reasons – you won’t struggle to find a place to park, you’ll probably have the soaring wide skies, the bleak beauty and the endless shingle all to yourself. But, according to Suffolk sunrise watcher and wildlife expert Jason Alexander, the biggest benefit is that at this time of year the sun rises at a sensible time. “We are so lucky being on the east coast because we can see the sun rise over the sea and the winter months are the easiest time to witness and photograph daybreak.”

Framlingham Castle by Jason Alexander

At this time of year, although the days may be short, sunrise is around 8am at the start of January and gets earlier every day – it’s at 6.48am by the end of February. “You don’t always get the best sunrises in winter but in the summer you have to be prepared to get up at 3 or 4am, especially if there’s a drive up the coast involved too.”

Jason started being a regular ‘sunrise watcher’ about two years ago with a New Year resolution to see 100 sunrises. “It was about forcing myself to explore and discover new places and it became a bit of an obsession because every sunrise is different and you never know what you are going to see. Some of the sunrises are so beautiful, extraordinary and unexpected it takes your breath away.”

Of course he always takes his camera along but says that the photographs are very much a memento of the sunrise because it’s much more than a photo opportunity. “I discovered that it’s very much about the experience, walking in the early pink and violet light of the ‘blue hour’ before the sun comes over the horizon is very special. Then as the sun starts to rise all the colours change and the land becomes bathed in a golden glow. You can see some great wildlife in the early morning too and at this time of the year when it’s frosty and cold, you might find mist rising off the fields with deer or foxes about their business and in summer/autumn maybe even hedgehogs too. If you are really lucky you might even see some owls finishing their night hunting before they retreat into the trees or hollow somewhere.” ‰

East Lane, Bawdsey by Jason Alexander

River Deben by Jason Alexander

River Orwell by Jason Alexander

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OUR JA NUA RY SALE

W E BELIEV E In doing things differently Year-round discounts aren’t us. Our prices are what they are. We’ll never inf late them so that we can reduce them later.

So to honour the tradition of ‘the January sale’, we prefer to give you something instead. Call it a helping hand to do something big or small. It’s an approach that felt more like us.

Visit us online to explore our January sale, the Neptune way. And to explore our kitchen collections up-close, we’d love to see you at our Bury St Edmunds store.

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

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Suffolk Sunrises

Waldringfield by Jason Alexander

Jason says that early mornings on the river estuaries and coast also provide an excellent opportunity to see wild fowl and birds. In tandem with this whenever he visits the sea, he combines it with a beach clean, collecting litter, plastic flotsam and jetsam, bottles etc. “I always have gloves, a bin bag and litter picker in my car and often find myself walking two or three miles and spending hours collecting rubbish.” Sadly it’s not just plastic he finds – recently he came across a dead cormorant at East Street near Bawdsey, probably killed by the plastic balloon stopper that was wrapped around it.

Last year Jason’s sunrise watching took a step forward after joining forces with our editor Anne Gould which resulted in them setting up an online community – Love Suffolk Skies. The idea is to guide people to the best places to see the sunrise at a few chosen locations; Ipswich Waterfront, The Strand at Wherstead, Kyson Point in Woodbridge, Alton Water at Tattingstone, Aldeburgh and Iken Cliff.

“We want to encourage people towards better health and wellbeing and we want them to appreciate the beautiful natural environment. This year we hope to be launching a community website and are planning simple events which will include walks and if anyone is interested we can include tips on how to take better pictures with mobile phones and perhaps even organise a picnic breakfast on the beach.”

Essential Suffolk will continue to bring you up to date with the project but in the meantime keep in touch by following Jason and Anne on twitter @LoveSuffolkSky.

Kyson Point by Anne Gould

Essential tips for sunrise photography 1. Check online the time that the sun is due to rise – aim to be at your chosen location half an hour beforehand.

2. The sun rises in a different location according to the time of year – so don’t expect to get the same shot in January as you do in June.

3. Try and find a location that’s near water for added reflection. Look out for a subject in the foreground – like a boat, some trees or some ducks to give a sense of perspective. Try some shots from the water’s edge.

4. Obviously you can’t take pictures directly into the sun but if you are quick you may be able to get some shots just as it comes over the horizon.

5. Clear skies don’t always make for good sunrises. Clouds are good and you can even get some great shots when there’s mist and fog.

6. Look behind you. When the sun rises you might find that the light changes the way the landscape looks so things that have been in shadow are illuminated with a golden glow.

7. If it’s very still, especially before the sun rise you can sometimes find some great reflections and surprising colours.

8. Don’t spend your whole time taking pictures – enjoy the view too.

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News

SUFFOLK in brief After the huge success of last year’s Sing Up! Suffolk choral workshop, the Royal Hospital School recently invited 600 Year 5 and 6 primary school pupils for another energy-filled, fun-packed vocal day directed by the hugely charismatic National Youth Choir of Great Britain conductor – Dominic Peckham. With Motown to Mozart, African street-songs to Chart Mash-Ups there was something for everyone. Director of Music, William Saunders said, “Dominic’s workshop encouraged the young singers to listen to one another and learn to understand the many aspects of ensemble singing it was an incredible experience for all involved”.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust have announced that projects at two Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves have received a combined total of £20,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the second round of its Bags of Help funding initiative, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects. Following voting in Tesco stores across the county, a grant of £10,000 was awarded to projects at Knettishall Heath and £10,000 to the Sandlings. To read more about this donation and how you can propose projects for funding visit essentialsuffolk.com/swt-tesco

During December The Burgess Group raised funds for the charity Shelter – the charity dedicated to helping the homeless.

The company pledged a donation of £50 for every order during December with a minimum target of £1000 for this worthy cause. Edward Burgess the company director said “Each year we choose a different charity to support during our Christmas promotional campaign and this year we selected Shelter. We hope our efforts raise important funds for this excellent charity that helps provide those less fortunate than ourselves, in particular children, much needed support during a challenging time of year. ”

A recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection at Nuffield Health Hospital in Ipswich has rated the hospital overall as good, and the care provided to patients as outstanding, the highest rating given. Ian Milne, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital said of the result, “This rating is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team here in Ipswich, all of whom put the patient at the forefront of everything they do. This rating from the CQC recognises our outstanding quality of care given to all our patients of all ages.”

Work recently started on a new pavilion at Framlingham College. The new development will complement the existing pavilion and reflect the design of the new 6th Form Centre built in 2014 on the opposite side of the main cricket pitch. It will provide a multi-use function space and additional changing rooms and spectators will benefit from a new coffee bar and spectacular views from the inside and outside viewing areas. Funding for the project is largely due to a generous legacy from the estate of Yela Fowler, which she made through the Society of Old Framlinghamians, in memory of her late husband Derek Fowler DFM who attended the College from 1935 to 1940. Read more at essentialsuffolk.com/framlingham-pavilion

Pupils at Saint Felix, Southwold recently took part in their annual talent contest under the expert eye of guest judge Anthea Turner alongside Rebecca Knight, one half of the Opera Babes, who lives in Kelsale and is vocal coach at the school. Pupils from the senior school aged between 11 and 18 from each of the four houses performed individually, as ensembles in small groups, and in a whole-house choreographed singing performance. Points were awarded at each stage, with the prestigious trophy awarded to the house with most points at the end of the evening.

The winning house, Kay, triumphed in both the whole-house and the overall competitions with their energetic performance. Congratulating all of the participants, Anthea Turner said: “It’s been

fantastic to see the huge enthusiasm that all pupils brought to the stage, and I was really impressed with the high standards achieved – it’s been a great evening and I hope that all of these children continue to enjoy performing in the future.”

Glasswells home furnishing store held a gala dinner in celebration of 70 years of trading in East Anglia at its showroom in Bury St Edmunds, topped off with a standup performance by comedian Sean Lock. At the event, Paul Glasswell, Managing Director, spoke about the 70 year history of the family company and used archive photography and historical notes from the eras of both his grandfather and father, Jerry and Leslie Glasswell. Glasswells is wellknown for its long serving, loyal workforce and six awards were made to staff in recognition of their service to the business: Terry Glasswell and Roger Tricker, who had both achieved 50 years of service, Alison Tooke and Margaret Fletcher for 30 years and Linda Rogers and Carol Fordham who joined the 20 Year Club, which is currently made up of 75 members of Glasswells staff who have all been awarded a gold watch.

The evening concluded with a very special treat for staff and guests, the surprise appearance of comedian Sean Lock, who took time out of his sell-out UK Tour to perform at the anniversary event. Paul Glasswell said “Glasswells were delighted to host an evening of celebration for our staff and suppliers and it was wonderful to mark our 70th anniversary with such a prestigious event. We know how important it is to reward our staff for their hard work and excellent service and this party was our way of saying thank you everyone that has helped us reach this milestone. The long service awards are a tradition introduced by my father, Leslie Glasswell, which we are pleased to continue to this day and it is so very gratifying to see the list grow in numbers with every year that passes. We all enjoyed an excellent evening of delicious food and drinks, music and entertainment; it truly was a party befitting of 70 years of success.”

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

WHAT’S ON JANUARY 1–15

JANUARY 10 – 21

JANUARY 19

Beauty and the Beast

Stoat Hall

From the Jam

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

A traditional family pantomime written

by Chris Hannon and directed by Karen Simpson.

01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

The Eastern Angles on tour with their Christmas Show www.seckfordtheatre.org

‘From The Jam’ has gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary ‘live’ performances that sealed the reputation of The Jam all those years ago.

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

JANUARY 14 JANUARY 1 – 28

Farmers Markets

Sinbad

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

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Rock and Roll pantomime Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

JANUARY 5 – 7 Dick Whittington

Henley Community Centre Henley Players presents Dick Whittington, their sixth pantomime.

Tickets: Adults £8, concessions £5 Box Office: 01473 833226 Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com

Matthew Rose:Winterreise Mike Mclean

Ipswich Regent, 8pm Mike’s delighted to be back in Ipswich, performing his own stand-up show.

He played ‘Muddles’ in Sleeping Beauty at Christmas and hopes you’ll join him back at the Regent for lots more laughs in January 2017.

Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01473 433100

Farmers Markets

Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm Trianon on Screen

JANUARY 15

Assington, The Barn, 10am – 2pm

JANUARY 18 – 28 Jekyll & Hyde

JANUARY 8 Gippeswyk Singers with Martlesham Brass

St Michael’s Church, 7.30pm A joyful concert of choral and brass band music to celebrate the New Year including Bob Chilcott’s Little Jazz Mass and a delightful sing-along medley of songs from Oliver!

Musical Director Geoff Lavery.

Entry: £6 (at the door) 16

essentialsuffolk.com

Grammy-winning British Bass, Matthew Rose and pianist, Gary Matthewman perform Franz Schubert’s masterpiece, Winterreise, with projected artwork during the performance by Victoria Crowe.

Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Fleetwood Bac

They’ve been endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, raved about by Peter Green’s biographer and are the only Mac tribute band in the world to authentically replicate the classic Stevie / Lindsey / Christine / John / Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up.

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

Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 7.30pm Music for film and television, including scores

by Suffolk-based composer, Denis King. Join in with the songs in a line-up that brims over with hummable melodies.

Tickets: £10.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

Snape Maltings

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

Farmers Markets JANUARY 7

JANUARY 20

JANUARY 21 Farmers Markets

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, Jekyll and Hyde is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating ‘good’ from ‘evil’ in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc o n the city of London.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

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

Beyond the Wall, The Walled Garden, Thornham Magna, 12.30 -3pm Come along to the Wassail Ceremony.

Bring your drums, rattles, whistles etc. Live music, devilled sausages or chilli served with crusty bread (vegetarian option available by prior request).

Entry: Adults £6.50 (U 14s £4.50) Information: 01379 788799

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What’s On

JANUARY 22 Piano recital by Clare Hammond

The Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt. 4pm Acclaimed as a pianist of “amazing power and panache” (The Daily Telegraph), Clare is recognised for the virtuosity and authority of her performances. Clare returns to play at the Constable Hall after her last hugely successful concert at East Bergholt.

Entry: £14 (students £7, under 16s free with an adult) Information: 01206 298426 info@svam.org.uk www.svam.org.uk

Guys and Dolls

Farmers Markets

Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm

Eastern Edge Theatre Company are a hugely talented youth company and recently sold out the studio at the Wolsey Theatre with Bridge Over Oblivion, an original musical written, produced and directed by their team. The Spa has partnered with Eastern Edge to host this fund-raising run of Guys & Dolls, and all profits go towards their next original musical, currently in development.

Box Office: 01394 284962 www.littleboxoffice.com

JANUARY 28 Mavis Sparkle

JANUARY 26 – 28 Everyman Folk Club: Ninebarrow

The Riverside Centre, Stratford St Andrew Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere combine breathtaking vocal harmonies and melodies.

Ninebarrow take a wide-range of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own distinctive way.

Tickets: £5 (£6 on the door) Information: everyman@wheatstone.co.uk or 01449 615523

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.

11am & 1.30pm With a magician for a Dad and a stargazer for a Mum, no wonder there’s more to Mavis than meets the eye! Her cleaning trolley is full of secrets and surprises and Mavis is moving ever closer to making her dreams come true.

All she needs is a little help from an audience of enraptured children.

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

JANUARY 29 Farmers Market

Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm An Evening with Clare Presland

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The Angel Hotel and the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds present an intimate evening with Clare Presland, mezzo soprano, and her pianist. Winner of the Chilcott Award, Clare regularly performs with ENO, she made her Royal Opera House debut in 2014 returning earlier in the year for the world premiere of 4.48 Psychosis by Philip Venables.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

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

SPRING PERFORMANCES

CASSON & FRIENDS SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY SPRING SHOWCASE SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY U.DANCE EAST SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY SHOBANA JEYASINGH DANCE FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY THE INKWELL SATURDAY 11 MARCH SECOND HAND DANCE SATURDAY 18 - MONDAY 20 MARCH TAVAZIVA FRIDAY 31 MARCH NORTHERN BALLET SATURDAY 8 APRIL JOSÉ AGUDO FRIDAY 28 APRIL JAMES COUSINS COMPANY FRIDAY 5 MAY

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY 2 Black Is The Color Of My Voice

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk PULSE Presents: An Evening With An Immigrant

New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich, 7.45pm Littered with poems, stories and anecdotes, award-winning poet and playwright Inua Ellams will tell his ridiculous, fantastic, poignant immigrant-story. Tales of escaping fundamentalist Islam in Nigeria, performing solo shows at the National Theatre, and drinking wine with the Queen of England, all the while without a country to belong to.

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

Chinese New Year Variety Show

Night at the Theatre

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Dance East, Ipswich, 1.30pm & 4pm

Charity concert, with Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange, in aid of My WiSH & The Samaritans.

Tickets: £12 (£8 concession) Show & Chinese Buffet £20 (£16 concession) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

See mini preview page 24 Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

FEBRUARY 5 The MGM Story

FEBRUARY 3

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm

The Roy Orbison Story

The MGM Story traces the history of the golden age of song and dance and tells the tale of how the studio fostered the talent of stars including Judy Garland and Gene Kelly and composers such as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and many more.

Tickets: £29.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Barry Steele takes you from the early ‘60s right through to the late ‘80s and the Traveling Wilburys, backed by a big screen and phenomenally talented musicians.

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

Paolo Angeli & Derek Gripper

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm FEBRUARY 4 Farmers Markets

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

A double bill of solo guitars. Paolo Angeli, the Sardinian guitar sorcerer, extracts beautiful multi-layered music from his uniquely prepared guitar; a hybrid orchestra of an instrument with multi-directional

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What’s On strings, hammers, pedals and propellers which he bows, strikes, plucks and strums.

Tickets: £12.50 (£5 U25s) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk An Evening with Ipswich Town Football Club Legends

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The ITFC Legends return to the Theatre for another lively and unmissable evening of stories and anecdotes about the Club and their careers, to entertain fans of ITFC, both young and old! This time around we are joined again by Bryan Hamilton with special guests David Johnson and Eric Gates.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

FEBRUARY 6 Lord of the Dance

Ipswich Regent, 8pm Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is excited to announce a return to the UK in 2017.

Tickets: £38.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

FEBRUARY 7 – 9

FEBRUARY 10

Pink Mist

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich See mini preview page 24 Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

FEBRUARY 8 Rory Bremner

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Britain’s best-known satirical impressionist is back! With Trump, Boris and Brexit fresh in the memory, Rory’s on a mission to make sense (and nonsense) of it all. He will be joined by special surprise guests: some politicians, some comedians. Come and work out which is which!

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

Ruby Turner

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Ruby has sung with likes of Culture Club, Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Mick Jagger and is one of the main singers in Jools Holland's R&B Orchestra. Her own hits include hits ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ and ‘If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)’.

Tickets: £20.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Brendan Cole – All Night Long

FEBRUARY 10 – 12

Farmers Markets

The Bear

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

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm A brand new show for 2017, Brendan hosts another spectacular production featuring his guest dancers, singers and 14 piece band live on stage. Stunning lighting, amazing special effects and superb choreography.

Don’t miss it!

Tickets: £40.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 Lecture: The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice in Art and Music

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich A heart-warming and humorous wintry tale from the team that brought you the hugely successful Father Christmas. Pins and Needles are delighted to be bringing to life another of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved storybooks.

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

The Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt. 8pm

FEBRUARY 12 Farmers Markets

Assington, The Barn, 10am until 2pm

FEBRUARY 13 – 14 King Arthur

Dr Lois Oliver is a Visiting Lecturer at the Courtauld Institute, and Assistant Professor in History of Art at the University of Notre Dame in London. She often broadcasts on Radios 3 and 4 as well as appearing on television. She will explore the wealth of art and music on the theme of Orpheus, with a rich array of paintings and musical examples from Monteverdi, Gluck and Offenbach, even taking in the Can-Can! Entry: £10 (students £5) Information: 01206 298426 info@svam.org.uk www.svam.org.uk

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

FEBRUARY 11 Spring Showcase

Dance East, Ipswich, 4.30pm & 7.30pm Featuring DanceEast’s performance companies and Centre for Advanced Training, this showcase presents a variety of styles from all ages.

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

A thrilling tale of magic, heroism, love and betrayal adapted from the novel Arthur: High King of Britain, by Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse and Private Peaceful.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk The Wind in the Willows

The Cut, Halesworth In 2017 Circle 67, the Bramfield based drama group, is celebrating its 50th anniversary and to kick things off in style are staging Alan Bennett’s fun and humorous adaptation of

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What’s On the children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows

by Kenneth Grahame. www.newcut.org

FEBRUARY 16 Macca:The Concert

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm FEBRUARY 15 Dare Devil Rides to Jarmara

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 7.45pm Dare Devil Rides To Jarama, commemorates and celebrates the contribution and sacrifice of the volunteer International Brigades on the 80th anniversary of their creation.

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Miles Jupp: Songs of Freedom

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Miles Jupp, (Stand-up, actor, writer, thinker, father, husband, worrier, fool, star of BBC2’s Rev and host of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz) hits the road in a freshly-ironed shirt and some robust trousers and tries to make some bloody sense of it all.

Tickets: £18 Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

singer, pianist and entertainer presents his own original and stylish orchestrations of music from much-loved movies; from Hollywood’s golden age, to the classic films of the 80s, to the work of Tarantino, Tati, Paramount and Pixar.

Tickets: £20.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Marry Waterson and David A. Jaycock

St Peter’s at the Waterfront, Ipswich Celebrating the music of Paul McCartney, with all of his solo hits, a selection of Beatles favourites and a spectacular recreation of the ‘Wings Over America’ 1976 Concert Tour.

“Emanuele Angeletti has Paul McCartney’s mannerisms down to a T” - The Guardian.

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

After two hugely acclaimed albums with brother Olly Knight, Marry has teamed up with well-respected singer-songwriter/ guitarist David A.Jaycock and released critically acclaimed ‘Two Wolves’ on the One Little Indian label last year. Daughter of Lal Waterson (from legendary English Folk group The Watersons) Marry’s music is steeped in the English tradition, but it is all original and has attracted some incredible previous acclaim. www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com

FEBRUARY 17 Joe Stilgoe: Songs on Film

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm After two sell-out years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the internationally acclaimed

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

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What’s On Nutcracker

FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 25

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Farmers Markets

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

FEBRUARY 21 PULSE Presents: Letters To Winsor House

Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns for the UK Tour 2016 performed by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia, accompanied by a live orchestra The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet, this most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. Tickets: £41 Box Office: 01473 433100

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

Ipswich Regent, 2.30pm Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns for the UK Tour 2016 performed by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia, accompanied by a live orchestra The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet.

Tickets: £41 Box Office: 01473 433100 Shake The Chains

Snape Maltings

The multi award-winning duo follow up their smash-hit show Women’s Hour with their Fringe First award-winning and Total Theatre award-nominated Letters to Windsor House.

With songs, politics, dodgy landlords and detective work, this national housing crisis gets deeply personal in a ‘hilarious and heartbreaking’ (Sunday Times) show for Generation Rent.

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

FEBRUARY 23

Swan Lake

Songs of social change, resistance and protest. Some of this country’s most celebrated folk singer/songwriters come together to delve into the rich archive of protest songs and write and perform their own responses. www.snapemaltings.co.uk Farmers Markets

Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm

Material Men Redux

FEBRUARY 25 – JUNE 11

Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm PULSE Presents: 3 Stories From Radio 4

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm John Osborne has written and performed six half hour storytelling shows for Radio 4. They are funny, heart-warming and a masterclass in how to keep an audience captivated. For the next few months he’s going to be travelling around with a stage show where he tells three of these stories as well as performing new material he is developing for Radio 4.

The shows were all broadcast between 2011 and 2015.

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

FEBRUARY 24 Fairport Convention

Shobana Jeyasingh presents Material Men redux, performed by two dazzling dancers of Indian heritage, each choosing styles that couldn't be more different; classical Indian and hip hop.

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

Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury.

See mini preview page 25

FEBRUARY 26 Farmers Market

Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm Everyman Folk Club: Steve Tilston

The Riverside Centre, Stratford St Andrew, Saxmundham Steve is widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music for the poetry of his words, his distinctive voice, masterful arrangements, and superb guitar playing.

Tickets: £5 (6 on door) Email: everyman@wheatstone.co.uk

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm To mark its fiftieth year, Fairport has released a brand new CD titled 50:50@50. The band will play a selection of tracks from the album as well as long-established favourites from their extensive repertoire. Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Constable at Gainsborough’s House

FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 11 BANG BANG

FEBRUARY 28 PULSE Presents: Hip

The Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm Based around found objects, this semiautobiographical one woman show introduces you to a flat caught between two timelines and personalities: the home of Anne Clarke during 70s bohemian Brighton, and a squat established by Jolie in 2002.

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

See mini preview page 25 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.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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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

NIGHT AT THE THEATRE DanceEast, Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich. February 4 Under the direction of Tim Casson, Casson & Friends is a record breaking Dance Theatre Company that creates engaging interactive performances with a focus on collaboration, interaction and joy. Night at the Theatre provides a fantastic introduction to dance and theatre for young people with an accessible performance with just a hint of audience participation.

It combines a mixture of dance theatre, audio-description and imaginative storytelling. When three friends become trapped in an abandoned theatre, little do they know that they will soon become the stars of their own show…

The company works with a diverse range of collaborators from filmmakers and musicians to computer programmers and psychologists, but most often collaborates with the public, inviting them to engage with dance and performance in exciting and accessible ways.

PINK MIST New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.

February February 7 – 9 Pink Mist is what hangs in the air when a young soldier is blown up and according to What’s On Stage it’s one of the most important plays of the year. With numerous five star reviews from the critics it has been variously described as “heart-breaking”, “harrowing” and “deeply moving”.

With a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual contexts, Casson & Friends’ work to date has been presented in a range of settings including shopping centres, libraries, hotels, pubs, offices and football stadiums. Casson & Friends also explore the potential of digital technology to create new ways of enhancing and engaging with dance performance. The company has also presented its work across the UK and internationally including at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, Brighton Digital Festival, bOing International Family Festival, The Lyon Biennale and Downtown Dance Festival in New York.

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

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This play, written by Owen Sheers tells the story of three young men deployed to Afghanistan. As the physical and psychological aftershocks of war take their toll on the loved ones they left behind, Arthur, Hads and Taff find their journey home is their greatest battle.

Sheers’ Pink Mist was inspired by 30 interviews with returned servicemen and first staged at Bristol Old Vic in 2015. ‘Eye-opening and brilliantly vivid’ (The Times) this ‘beautifully performed’ (Guardian) production matches powerful words and thrilling movement. “What unfolds before the audience in Pink Mist isn’t just dance; it isn’t just theatre; it isn’t just performance poetry. It’s all of these things and more, far more than the sum of its parts. It’s a truly extraordinary experience.” British Theatre Guide.

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

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Mini Previews

BANG BANG Mercury Theatre, Colchester.

February 24 – March 11 “You know, some husbands pretend to love hunting, but when they leave home they set their sights on other prey”.

In a brand new adaption by John Cleese, Georges Feydeau’s hysterical farce BANG BANG erupts onto the stage in the first Made in Colchester production of 2017.

Leontine, a respectable lady of high society, is in danger of being hoodwinked by her husband Duchotel. When he goes hunting, his prey is not four-legged animals! While Duchotel is away (“bang bang!”), back at home his lifelong friend comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own?

Saucy secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, lover-hiding, balcony-climbing night of chaos set in the stylish apartments of Paris. John Cleese collaborates with the Mercury Theatre Colchester to bring this rarely performed comedy classic to the stage, directed by veteran of theatre, television and radio, Nicky Henson.

CONSTABLE AT GAINSBOROUGH’S HOUSE Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury.

February 25 – June 11 Born in East Bergholt, in the Dedham Vale, Constable was a great admirer of his Suffolk antecedent Thomas Gainsborough, and modelled much of his early work as a landscape painter on Gainsborough’s example. This special exhibition shows something more about the artist himself, including not just his art works but his painting materials and family memorabilia too.

These objects have descended directly through Constable’s heirs and although items from this collection have been lent to various exhibitions over the years, they have never before been loaned in their entirety to a museum. Some of Constable’s early drawings showing Gainsborough’s influence will be included, along with later landscape drawings and watercolours which show him developing his own, more mature and highly expressive style.

Banish the winter blues and enjoy a sizzling summer evening in France! Based on a translation of Georges Feydeau’s Monsieur Chasse.

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

These will be exhibited beside examples of other subjects

by Constable, such as sketches of shipping, studies from plaster casts or from the life model which he made when a student at Royal Academy. There are designs for a local Suffolk altarpiece (at Brantham) and for an inn sign showing a mermaid, the paint box he used in his mid to late career which still contains a number of his paintbrushes and glass phials of dry pigment.

INFORMATION www.gainsborough.org

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

PARK LIFE Whenever a New Year dawns there’s a rush of good intentions to get fit, lose weight but instead of heading for the gym why not simply put on your running shoes.

Anne Gould looks at the Parkrun phenomenon

9

am every Saturday morning more than a million runners of all shapes, sizes, speeds and ages across the world gather for a 5k running race against the clock. It’s a global phenomenon that’s incredible in scale with more than 74,000 parks and open spaces involved, but also where participation is totally free and all the support teams are volunteers.

In Suffolk there are six such events – in Kesgrave, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Brandon, Lowestoft and Great Cornard with thousands of people taking part, many of whom have been inspired not just to get round the course but to take on challenges that are bigger, further and altogether more difficult. But what Parkrun has also done is help build international, national and local communities that are not just focused on the clock and personal bests but has helped bring people together raising money for charity, forging friendships and additional running groups too.

On a national level in the UK for instance, Parkrun has partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK encouraging members to fundraise for the charity through additional events. Locally, says, Jen Evans – event director at Kesgrave, they have been fundraising too through cake sales. Currently they are supporting a young disabled runner who wants to take part in the Special Olympics for Children.

Photographs: Adrian Rawlinson

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Parkrun

The ever first Parkrun was in Bushy Park, Teddington, where 13 intrepid runners got together in 2004 with a volunteer team that included Paul and Joanne SintonHewitt, Duncan Gaskell, Simon Hedger and Robin Drummond. It took nearly two years before Parkrun spread beyond Bushy. Wimbledon was the chosen venue and with race organisers having to prove to themselves that they could manage more than a single event at a time.

To begin with all results were collated on paper and the finish tokens were washers from the local hardware store! But eventually ramped up technology was introduced, and so the Parkrun registration and barcode result system was born.

Now many thousands of runners are processed, websites updated and emails sent each week. And although the Parkrun community is growing all the time it’s all still based on the simple, basic principles formed from the start: weekly, free, 5km, for everyone, forever.

The Kesgrave event, says Jen, breaks tradition with many other Parkruns in that a large proportion of the 300 runners who turn up every week are women in the 35-55 age range. ‰

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Parkrun

“It’s very much a family event though and of course men are welcome. Seventy percent of the runners are actually from Kesgrave and Martlesham so it’s helped build the community.”

Of course some people come from further afield – from Trimley, Woodbridge and Felixstowe and there are always the ‘Parkrun Tourists’ from other parts of the country who turn up, particularly in the holiday season. It’s also helped to cement friendships – there’s a group of women who used to walk the route each week but they have got to know each other and take part together now.

that’s achievable plus, as Jen explained it’s not a race as such. “If people turn up and are feeling not so great they can do the event at their own speed but if they are feeling good and want to go for it they can run faster.”

Another mixed group has become very keen and now meet up on Thursdays and go out on a one-hour run together.

It’s also very inclusive, “My father, Jim Pierce, who is nearly 70 comes along too. At the start he walked and jogged a bit but now he jogs and walks a bit.”

The Kesgrave event, which first started in 2014, has had a remarkable effect on those taking part – some have now done 10k races, half marathons and one regular has just signed up for her first marathon. So why set up an event in Kesgrave? “I used to be involved with the Ipswich Parkrun and passed the Millennium Playing Field in Kesgrave on the way into town. It occurred to me that why go all that way when I could have an event here”. So she set about funding the event with £3,000 from Parkrun HQ and with £1,500 each from Suffolk County Council and Kesgrave Town Council.

This has paid for all the kit needed for the event, with a start and finish point at the Jubilee Millennium Hall.

The event was also so popular with the children that there’s now a Junior Parkrun – on Sunday mornings for the four-14 age group, over half the distance.

Of course the beauty of Parkrun is that for people who are starting out on a fitness or running journey it’s a distance

“It’s not just the runners who support us but volunteers too – there are anywhere between 20 and 40 people who turn up to help on the day. For some people it’s a social occasion and we know that if they didn’t come here they might not have an opportunity to

talk to anyone over the weekend. It’s for that reason as well that we decided to hold an event on Christmas Day.” But it’s the New Year’s Day run that’s going to be the big event – as it’s the only time of year Parkrunners can do more than one event on the same day.

“The Ipswich event at Chantry Park will be at 8.30am and our event will be at 10.30am so it’s bound to be busy – we are expecting 500 people. It will be a great start to 2017.”

Plus, says Jen, Suffolk could do with one or two more Parkrun events – so if you don’t fancy running and know of a park or open land suitable to host an event maybe that’s your challenge for the New Year!

INFORMATION For more information or to sign up to Parkrun: www.parkrun.org.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

WATCHING YOUR WASTE

Not every revolutionary New Year resolution has to be about weight, fitness and personal concerns – as Karen Cannard of the rubbish diet explains

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Suffolk People | Karen Cannard

I

t was back in the dark days towards the end of 2007, says Suffolk woman Karen Cannard, that she drew up a long list of resolutions for the next twelve months. Little did she know at the time that most would be discarded early January but one of them was destined to change her life forever.

Her Rubbish Diet – aimed at reducing food and household waste – catapulted her into the media spotlight, on radio and television and establish her as one of the nation’s leading experts in recycling and waste. Next month, for instance, she will be giving the Kit Strange Memorial Lecture at the Palace of Westminster addressing the waste industry and MPs about household waste and recycling.

“I feel enormously privileged, it’s an enormous honour,” she said. Last year she joined Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in his BBC 1 War on Waste series, helping households in Prestwick reduce food waste and the rubbish in their bins.

She’s also been on Radio 4, a regular on Radio Suffolk and ITV’s This Morning and Dispatches.

a month – recent statistics reveal it’s now £700 plus a year. “The environmental impact of this is equivalent to taking one in four cars off our roads. This was something I recognized, as I was throwing away food left, right and centre and in particular melons. I realised that throwing melons in the compost heap was a very expensive way to produce compost.”

She then signed up to the Zero Waste Challenge week for St Edmundsbury council and started to blog about her efforts to slim her bin. One of the key things she did was gather her family and really listen about the sort of meals they liked to eat – to reduce the amount of food her three young boys left on their plates. “Then instead of plating food up, I served it in bowls so everyone could take what they wanted and anything left could be reused.”

Karen says that what really inspired her at the start was reading that the average family throws away £50 of food

In the process she has inspired other bloggers and campaigns and having sorted out her own waste is positively thrilled that thousands of people across the country have now done the same.

There are whole streets that have taken to recycling – with individual houses taking turns at doing trips to the council dump for example. Just as exiting though, is that the people who live on these streets have really got to know their neighbours and created a community, she adds.

Like a lot of things that have happened, getting involved with the War on Waste television series came out of the blue.

“I was invited to a production meeting in London and Hugh (FearnleyWhittingstall) said, ‘Who in their right mind has ever thrown away a chicken’.

I found myself putting my hand up.

Then I found myself actually working on the programme.”

Her Rubbish Diet website, started as a blog, has now become not just a ‘slimming club’ for bins, but stretches across the country as part of a not-forprofit partnership with the Welsh environmental social enterprise, Cwm Harry. And incredibly, although many people who’ve grown their blog into campaigns or something altogether bigger, Karen, from Bury St Edmunds says the vast majority of what she’s done has been entirely voluntary.

“I started off because I felt strongly as a family we had a responsibility to reduce our waste. If I had tried to turn it into an income generator I would not have felt the same way about it.” In fact she’s just started her ‘dream job’ at a new school, the Sybil Andrews Academy on the Morton Hall estate where she’s not only developing the library but is also sustainability co-coordinator. “I’m part time so it allows me to carry on with my Rubbish Diet as well,” she explained.

On one occasion she had to report, live on TV, from a landfill site in Suffolk and was overwhelmed by what she saw.

“I’d never seen that amount of rubbish before. There was a pair of half buried shoes sticking out of the ground, there were lots of clothes and discarded dolls and toys, all of which could have been recycled and taken to a charity shop.”

The Rubbish Diet has now moved on from a blog allowing people to sign up for free and make a three-week commitment to reduce waste and recycle. During that time they receive regular emails to help them on way.

Having now analysed many wheelie bins Karen says that everyone’s rubbish is different – so what applies to one family won’t apply to another.

She went through her wheelie bin – “it was a bit smelly” to carry out an audit of what the family was throwing away and she also went to the Waste Recycling Centre to see what could be re-used.

By zero waste week she had reduced what she threw away to one small bag but the ensuing media storm – Mark Murphy and Lesley Dolphin from BBC Radio Suffolk were keen supporters – obviously took her mission to a different level.

The results have been amazing – ‘dieters’ have saved 600,000 wheelie bins from landfill and saved themselves £260,000. Clearly the prospect for making savings all round could be immense. For instance, says Karen, there’s even the potential that wheelie bins might only be collected once a month! Now there’s a challenge for the post-Christmas season.

INFORMATION www.therubbishdiet.org.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

FIT FOR A QUEEN Artist paintbrushes are things of beauty, handcrafted with extraordinary precision and skill – as Anne Gould discovers at the Winsor & Newton factory in Lowestoft

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Suffolk People | Winsor & Newton

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he digital world has swept away many crafts, manufacturing industries and production processes but making the finest of brushes for artists can still only be created by hand. So discovering that Suffolk, with its global reputation for art and artists, is also among world leaders in manufacturing artist’s paintbrushes is like finding a real hidden jewel. Tucked away in the back streets of residential Lowestoft, behind a modest facade is the Winsor & Newton factory and stepping inside takes you back in time to a craft and skill that hasn’t changed in centuries.

Workers sitting at long benches sift, grade and measure individual filaments for every brush using hand tools that are no different to those used in generations past. Each brush is then hand tied

before being painstakingly examined for strands that might be out of place or are not quite the right length. Metal collars, called ferals, made of nickelplated brass so they don’t rust, are then attached. In early times these ferals would have been made from a bird’s quill, explains Richard Llewelyn, the Operations Business Development Director. Each brush head is then glued and baked before handles are attached and printed, with the whole process taking up to ten days.

With a staff of 50 the factory is one of the largest employers in Lowestoft so it’s perhaps surprising that not that many actually people know they are there. However, says Richard, “Our staff are highly skilled and our workforce has very little turnover – we

have quite a few people who have worked for us for thirty or forty years.”

The factory produces an incredible 900 plus different sorts of brushes of all shapes and sizes and materials. Some are made from natural fibres – like bristle, ox-hair and goat hair, which are by-products of the food industry. Others are made from synthetic filaments that are specially manufactured to different widths, lengths and ratios.

Handles too come in all shapes, sizes and colours – one range is even in a lime green – but all are ergonomically designed to accommodate the various needs of the artist. Raw materials are imported from right across the world – China, India, Taiwan and Thailand. ‰

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Suffolk People | Winsor & Newton

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

In all, the team produces between three to four million of the highest quality artist paintbrushes every year, which is quite some feat when you see just how painstaking and precise every step of the production process, is. “We send our own brushes right across the world with deliveries to the USA, France and beyond and also make brushes for a number of other brands too,” says Robert.

But it’s not just the brushes that make this factory special – this particular building has a unique contribution to Lowestoft’s history too. It turns out the premises, a former Victorian brewery, was built on the site of the famous Lowestoft Pottery, surviving items of which are now highly prized.

Of course Winsor & Newton actually originates from London – it was set up in 1832 and owes much of its success to

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the artisan practices at the heart of its workforce. Its best-known product is probably the Series 7 brush, which Queen Victoria pronounced as her favourite brush. It’s still renowned as the best watercolour brush in the world and to this day continues to be one of the most popular brushes produced in Lowestoft. Even now, each series 7 brush is delivered to its new owner along with a name-tag detailing one of the handful of people at Lowestoft who have made it.

Brush making production was moved to Lowestoft seventy years ago, Robert explained, because there was a difficulty in finding staff just after the war. At the time key employees with were transferred to Suffolk but Lowestoft was identified because it was thought there were transferrable skills identified between mending fishing nets and tying knots for brushes. However the

company’s link with the past and its roots prevails; the factory’s senior brush supervisor Robert Harrod started his 47 years of service with an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Percy Simms.

In his turn Percy had worked for the company for over 51 years, himself being trained by the brush makers to Queen Victoria upon joining the London premises in 1926. Aside from working with the Royal Family (the company has held a royal warrant since 1841), Winsor & Newton has also worked closely with Great British painters like Lowry, Lucian Freud and famously, JMW Turner. It also had strong connections with the Slade School of Art.

INFORMATION www.winsornewton.com

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Independent Education

ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The importance of choosing the right subjects to your children’s future Academic achievements and results may be just one of the reasons that parents choose to educate their children at private schools but with increasing number of employers seeking the best qualifications from the best universities, never before has choosing the right subjects at GCSE’s and A levels been so important. However, it’s in these core ‘strategic’ subjects – modern languages, sciences, classics, maths and music where public schools excel.

According to the Independent Schools Council ‘vulnerable’ but strategic subjects are still strongly favoured by students in the private sector. “In 2016, just 9,700 pupils studied French at A level across the UK, with 25.4% from independent schools. Both Spanish and German also showed low entry numbers, with independent school pupils providing nearly 25% in both.”

Figures from the Department of Education show that as well as modern foreign languages, other strategically important but

vulnerable (SIV) subjects such as maths, science, classics, economics and music show disproportionate numbers of independent pupils choosing them.

Achievement in these subjects is very positive in the independent sector with an average A* or A grade percentage across the SIV subjects of over 50%. The data also shows student numbers from independent schools studying the subjects less-valued by the top universities, like sociology, media/film studies or general studies remains low.

Julie Robinson, General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council, said: “It is encouraging to see independent schools continue to offer a broad range of subjects at A level, and that attainment remains high. It is a shame to see such small numbers taking these subjects nationally, however, especially French which has been a traditional mainstay within UK education yet had fewer than 10,000 entries for the first time ever according to this year’s figures.”

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OPPORTUNITY “At all levels of the school, pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. They have naturally enquiring minds, eagerly express their own perceptive opinions and question probingly.

They are enthusiastic and willing learners with a thirst for knowledge.”

ISI Report 2016

FORTHCOMING OPEN MORNINGS 2017

QUEEN’S HOUSE & THE ABBEY DROP-IN MORNING Friday 17 March 9.30am to 12 noon OPEN MORNING Saturday 6 May 10am to 12.30pm

SENIOR SCHOOL DROP-IN MORNING Friday 5 May 9.30am to 12 noon

For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team: 01394 615041 www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

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Independent Education | Woodbridge School

I want to be Andy Murray when I grow up There is a lovely account of a conversation that a father had with his 5 year old son, a day or so after starting school.

It is one of those discussions that one can only really have with a five year old:

“Daddy, I like school.”

“Great. It’s fun isn’t it?”

“Yes, but why do I have to go every day?”

“Because it will help you to learn stuff.”

“Why do I need to learn stuff?”

“Because it’s important and it’s fun.”

“Playing at home is fun.Why is it important?”

“Because it will help you to become clever.”

“But mummy says that I am already clever.

She says that I’m her clever little boy.”

“You are darling, and if you work hard at school you will be able to get a good job when you are older.”

“Will they teach me to be Andy Murray then, because that’s what I’m going to be when I grow up!”

And so the conversation goes on. Young children learn through imitation, play and role play and the amazing thing is they grow to do it naturally: it is how they acquire language.

It is actually how they begin to make sense of the world around them. The power of a learning journey comes when a young person has a growing awareness of who they are and what they can do. The magic comes when our children grow to see that the skills they have and ones they are developing can make a positive difference to their world.

One of the most important and innovative early years educators of the 20th century, Maria Montessori, said that “the greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth.” She saw that children learn best by doing, and that happy, self-motivated learners form positive images of themselves as confident, successful people. She urged educators to foster independence and a love of learning from an early age. It is that love of learning, free from the worry of being wrong or making mistakes, that will truly empower our children today to become the best versions of themselves tomorrow.

Just ask Andy Murray.

By John Brett, Head of The Abbey & Queen’s House,Woodbridge School.

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Independent Education | Ipswich High School for Girls

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

WHY DO GIRLS ACHIEVE SPORTING SUCCESS IN SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION? where many (both boys and girls) can find it daunting to succeed.

There has been much recent debate on whether and why girls perform better in sport in a girls-only environment.

All of the staff in the Ipswich High School for Girls PE Department have worked in co-educational schools and have experience of the independent and state-funded sectors. In our experience, the presence of boys in schools brings about a competitive atmosphere and lots of ‘sporting chat!’. Whilst a handful of confident girls will cope with this, it can often cause an intimidating environment

In a girls’ school, our pupils are still competitive but are in general more empathetic and supportive towards their peers. This creates a sporting environment that enables confidence to develop and ultimately leads to higher participation levels and sustained involvement in sport in the long term.

In an independent research study, Key Stage 4 girls stated that they would prefer to be in a single-sex PE class because they felt uncomfortable around boys, found them judgemental and too competitive. This corresponds with literature produced by the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (2011), where they reported that many girls feel uncomfortable and self-conscious in PE and even more so in front of boys.

One thing that is clear is that girls don’t need boys in their PE class to learn how

to be competitive. Our sporting success at Ipswich High School (the only girls' school in Suffolk) is a testament to this.

Eight of our girls have just been selected to be involved in the prestigious Suffolk Netball Performance Academy, our Under 16 netball squad are County Champions, our hockey teams are performing fantastically well against local competition and our athletics, swimming, equestrian, rounders teams (and many more) all compete to an extremely high standard.

Sport can (and should) be both competitive and inclusive and being in a girls’ school allows us to strike this balance perfectly.

Ipswich High School for Girls Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ 01473 201058 admissions@ihs.gdst.net www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk

Find out more: Come to our whole school Open Morning on Wednesday 1st March 2017

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BOOK NOW: www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk/open-days

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Independent Education | Ipswich School

IPSWICH SCHOOL Discover our passion for education At Ipswich School teachers are passionate about learning, and about supporting pupils to discover their talents and shape their futures. At both the Senior School and the Prep School, class sizes are small, and there are plenty of opportunities for challenging and fun learning. Inside or outside the classroom, the school makes the most of an exciting range of co-curricular activities, including music, sport and drama.

Pupils also enjoy outstanding facilities, including a brand new Music School and state-of-the-art sports facilities at Ipswich School Sports Centre. Prep pupils benefit from a purpose built school with easy

access to specialist facilities at the Senior School. Perhaps more importantly, Ipswich School prides itself on having a caring school community with an exemplary approach to pastoral care.

The school offers a range of scholarships and bursaries. There are also late stay options available, and buses run to the school from many parts of Suffolk and North Essex.

Nicholas Weaver, Ipswich School Headmaster says: “At Ipswich School we truly believe that school should be an enjoyable place where pupils receive a broad education that fires their imagination and develops their personality. We encourage teachers to stretch students and we make sure the senior school provides pupils with an environment where they feel safe and brave in all they do.”

If you would like to visit us we would be delighted to show you what Ipswich School has to offer. Please call us to arrange a visit. To see the Senior School please contact Mrs Ruth Connor, the Headmaster’s PA on 01473 408300 and to see the Prep School Mrs Kate Frankland, Admissions Manager for the Preparatory School on 01473 282800. www.ipswich.school

COME AND JOIN US AT IPSWICH SCHOOL For girls and boys entering in September 2017

Prep School assessments ǩ Saturday 21 January 2017 Senior School entrance examinations Tuesday 24 January 2017 (Year 7 entry) Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March 2017 (Year 9 entry) Call for more information

01473 282800 (Prep School) ǩ 01473 408300 (Senior School) www.ipswich.school/entranceexams

Proud past, exciting future.

Be part of it.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Get active!

The New Year gives a great excuse for make more time for yourself.

You may have resolved to join the gym or it might be a simple daily walk to clear the cobwebs that’s on your wish list. Whatever your choice for getting more active in your leisure time we’ve some stylish choices from independent Suffolk retailers to ensure you’re looking your best

Healthy back pack (tablet size) £54 Caramel Snape Maltings

Part Two Elga two tone pullover £109.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Healthy back pack (small) £16 Caramel Snape Maltings

A large selection of colours available

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Fashion

Main picture left and above: Freya Active Hypa Epic sport bra B-H cup £40, Reflective Speed Carbon Fitted Short XS-XL £20 Sweet Dreams

Freya Active Hypa Epic sport bra B-H cup £40, Reflective Twist Carbon Legging XS-XL £46 Sweet Dreams

Top: Filling Pieces white twist £184 Middle: Filling Pieces ghost navy £144 Bottom: Filling Pieces maroon stripe £140 Marianna

Mudd & Water Bryony top £38 Caramel Snape Maltings

Alice Collins top with hood £47 Caramel Snape Maltings

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Intown brown gillet £57 Adams Apple

Normann All Seasons down fold away jacket (Blue or Burgundy) £116 Caramel Snape Maltings

Adini black & white stripe top £43 Adams Apple

Soaked in Luxury Tua O neck sweater £44.99 Laura Jane Boutique

Part Two Frankie grey knitted sweater – also available in camel £89.95 Laura Jane Boutique

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Fashion

Taifun long sleeved turtle neck £40 Holly Blue Boutique

Part Two Franca striped sweatshirt £74.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Taifun fitted body warmer £80 Holly Blue Boutique

Essential

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 Marianna 33a St Peters Street, Ipswich IP1 1XF. Tel: 01473 225666 Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306

SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Our entire collection is now under one roof at Snape Maltings !"#$$%$&'()*+',-'(+).#/+' 0#.%$+..')$*'!1+2%)3'422).%-$ !#%".5 0/%$&%$&')'!)6%3+'7-8'9#)3%":'"/)6+33%$& ")%3-/'.+/6%2+'"-'!#;;-3<')"')$');;-/*)=3+ 1/%2+5

Snape Maltings Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

SPRING WEDDING MENUS You’ve tried on the dress, chosen the wedding venue and your next big decision is the wedding breakfast. Wedding and event planner Brenda Syrett has some advice

C

atering for your wedding is one of those big decisions and often made more complex because today couples sometimes choose to provide more than a meal for their guests. The options are endless, some wedding meals these days are themed around a vintage afternoon tea, some brides have pop up stalls offering a range of different food styles but of course the simple and elegant solution is to have a formal sit down meal perhaps themed around seasonal foods.

So if you have a wedding planned for Spring when the weather is warmer and

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everything's in bloom it’s an idea to bring the best of the season to your reception menu. A signature cocktail is a great way to personalise your wedding any time of the year, and spring is no exception. With temperatures on the rise, drinks that are crisp, cool, and refreshing are definitely enticing and welcoming to your guests such as Limoncello or champagne cocktails like Bellinis which are perfect for Spring.

One idea is to create monogram frozen margaritas or blended daiquiris (or any drink with a thick, frothy top layer) with a mix of Chambord and honey and then

ask your bartender to create your initials in the froth! For non-alcoholic drinks, an option is a lemonade bar serving different flavoured lemonades such as raspberry, lavender, kiwi, strawberry etc. from a large glass with fresh fruit atop the glass.

You can start the meal with seasonal hors d’oeuvres. People associate eggs with Spring, but rather than creating an Easter-inspired feast, subtly bring them in with your appetizers. A great idea is to serve single poached quails eggs on demitasse spoons. Another idea is to try mini egg soufflés.

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Weddings

You can also evoke a springtime theme with your salad course. Eliminate the normal choice of an iceberg lettuce – instead, use mixed baby greens, which have more of a fresh, local produce appeal. To add a fruit element to enhance the Spring theme, use some berries or a fruit-infused vinaigrette.

For your main course, keep things on the lighter side by avoiding the heavier fare associated with the winter months. Use popular wedding staples, like chicken or fish, and give them a seasonal touch by choosing entrees that bring in fresh herbs, like rosemary and mint. Citrusy marinades are another scrumptious, seasonal appropriate option. Another way to bring a hint of Spring to any entree is to garnish your plate. Choose a selection of cooked baby vegetables or asparagus spears, which are at their peak, or add a seriously Spring-like touch with an edible flower.

There are so many wonderful sweet temptations that are ideal for a Spring menu. We love the idea of giving guests monogrammed petit fours or colourful macaroons. Strawberries dipped in white chocolate which are in season are another sweet idea. Whatever your choice, enhance the time of year by using lighter flavours such as vanilla, lemon, and berry creams.

An alternative delicious dessert option is pancakes which are perfect for an evening reception but also great for a day time reception too. Rather than having a full plate sized pancake, keep the fluffy creations mini size. Offer your guests a buffet where they can add toppings of their choice such as fresh whipped cream, berries, and melted chocolate for a treat that's guaranteed to please. ‰

R A D I A N T

beauty MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Look 10 years younger WITHOUT SURGERY

Introducing DermapenTM, revolutionary microneedling treatment iÊ iÃÊUÊ7À iÃÊUÊ-V>ÀÀ }Ê -ÌÀiÌV Ê >À ÃÊUÊ* } i Ì>Ì All treatments administered by highly qualified and experienced nurse practitioner Dr. Kathleen Walker

ÊUÊAnti wrinkle injections to relax muscles and dermal fillers to soften deep lines. ÊUÊMild and moderate chemical peels. ÊUÊTreatment for facial veins, sun damage and age spots. ÊUÊMicro dermabrasion. ÊUÊPermanent hair reduction.

Treatments offered at Radiant Beautiful Medical in Woodbridge.

9 Clements Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1SZ t: 01394 386887 e: kathy@drkathywalker.com www.drkathywalker.com

Wedding Belles Beauty Packages Your special day is as unique as you are so whatever your beauty needs for your wedding day you can be sure our therapists will give you all the personal attention you deserve.

Sirens Health & Beauty Retreat 154a Hamilton Road Felixstowe Telephone: 01394 282626

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Let us not forget the drinks choice to accompany the food. A selection of fine chilled white wines and very chilled champagne will perfectly complement these dishes. In addition a good chilled rosé wine will do very well with a lovely fruity flavour to enhance the Spring with the promise of the changing season and warmer days to come.

INFORMATION Brenda Syrett of Simply Elegant Events is a Suffolk-based specialist in wedding, party and corporate events. www.simplyelegantevents.co.uk

G IN AY 4pm D D – EDEN , 1pm W P ar y O nu 8t

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FOR WEDDINGS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE

WOODHALL MANOR BEAUTIFULLY DIFFERENT

Tel: 01394 411288 Email: info@woodhallmanor.com

www.woodhallmanor.co.uk

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Weddings

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

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

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

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

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

11 MONTHS before • Order Save The Date cards

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

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

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

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

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

• Book toastmaster

Featured venue

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

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

After THE WEDDING • Send thank you cards

M AI SON TALBO OTH Dedham, Essex

Surrounded by fabulous views of the Dedham Vale and rolling Essex countryside, Maison Talbooth is a stunning country house hotel perfect for creating the most picturesque, peaceful and intimate of weddings.

Call 01206 323150 or visit www.milsomweddings.com

THE

MILSOM WEDDING

SHOW

19th March 2017, 10am - 4pm The Hangar, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall

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Weddings Profile | Bruisyard Hall

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

BRUISYARD HALL A stunning country house ideal for weddings, events and country retreats

Photography by James Davidson

Bruisyard Hall is a 14th century manor house sitting in 700 acres of majestic Suffolk countryside. It offers an unforgettable backdrop for parties and gatherings. It is spilling over with history and period style. The adjacent charmingly-refurbished, 140 capacity Barn plays host to many a wedding and celebration party as well as conferencing and events.

Accommodation Bruisyard Hall and Barn have been lovingly refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The Hall can accommodate up to 24 people in its 12 bedrooms – perfect for the Bridal party – and there are two additional rooms in the Barn. With rustic open fires, an attic bar, and games room, the Hall itself offers plenty of choice for keeping guests entertained.

Wedding Open Day – Sunday 26th February The Rous family and Bruisyard Hall’s events team are hosting a Wedding Open day on Sunday 26th February from 11am to 4pm, the only available weekend to view the Hall for at least four months.

The Wedding Open Day is free to attend and there’s no need to book ahead. It gives couples the chance to tour the 14th Century Hall and Barn. The event provides a great opportunity to sample some canapés, enjoy a goodie bag and there is free prosecco for the first fifty guests through the door.

The Events Team will be on hand to check availability, talk through catering options and answer any questions that may arise. There will also be some exclusive special offers and an opportunity to speak to a number of Bruisyard Hall’s trusted suppliers.

Serena Beddoes, Weddings & Events Manager at Bruisyard Hall, explains: “Luxury, tranquillity and comfort are woven together to make Bruisyard Hall an idyllic countryside wedding venue. The tricky part is finding a weekend when it’s not booked to show people around. That’s why our Wedding Open Day really is an opportunity not to be missed. The team and I are looking forward to welcoming couples and their families to the Hall and Barn. Once they see the beauty of Bruisyard and feel the warmth of the buildings and the team, we’re sure we’ll win their hearts.”

The opulent Sir John Rous suite contains a magnificent four poster bed, en-suite bathroom – with his and hers sinks – and roll top bath. All suites in the hall have cosy and energy efficient heating to give guests modern comfort in a period setting.

The grounds themselves are a photographer’s dream, including a private lake and plenty of opportunities to catch a stunning sunset. Guests can even enjoy some country pursuits during their stay, such as fishing or shooting.

All food is freshly prepared from delicious locally sourced produce, with a range of options to suit your budget.

Your day, your way Bruisyard Hall is run by a friendly and flexible family-led team dedicated to making your stay as carefree and special as possible.

Robert Rous, Owner of Bruisyard Hall, added: “The special thing about a wedding at Bruisyard is that it becomes your home away from home for the duration of your stay. We provide privacy, comfort and independence. This, and the fact that it is a family business with the whole team working to ensure that the occasion is really special for each person, makes Bruisyard Hall a sound choice for couples looking for a stunning wedding experience from start to finish.”

For more information please visit www.bruisyardhall.com or contact Serena Beddoes on 01728 639 000 50

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Weddings Profile | Ufford Park

HAPPY EVER UFFORD...

A wedding day is a wonderful, joy-filled celebration, which a bride and groom can treasure forever as one of the best days of their lives. Having said that, it is also in the top ten of stressful life events.

It is the importance of the day that makes it such a stressful one – the importance of making a life-long commitment between two people, in front of closest family and friends – and it is one that requires a lot of planning.

managing your budget as there will be no unexpected costs. All our prices are per person and include the following: l

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Many people have an expectation of what their wedding day will look like, what will happen, who will be there and even what they might eat on the day.

Having a dream and then turning it into a reality is never as straightforward as it sounds so getting some professional guidance can really help.

If you are in a position to choose Ufford Park as your wedding venue, we can offer you all the support and guidance you might need. Our unique wedding packages allow you peace of mind in

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A designated Wedding Coordinator to help plan your day Informal hosting on your wedding day All white table linen, crockery and cutlery Red carpet on arrival Silver cake stand and cake knife Attractive grounds and backdrop for your wedding photographs Complimentary Premier room and breakfast on the night of your wedding* Discounted accommodation rates for guests* – including use of our Health Club.

Ample complimentary on-site parking

*Terms and conditions apply.

Subject to availability.

Ufford Park is also a great venue for those all-important pre-wedding

celebrations – the hen and stag parties.

We have our all-weather driving range and the new adventure golf course, Congo Rapids Lost World, which is open 364 days a year for families and groups of all ages.

If that’s not what you fancy, then consider our Half Day or Full Day Spa Experiences. With a wide range of beauty treatments available, given by highly trained beauty therapists, a visit to Ufford Park’s Spa can be an integral part of your wedding preparations.

Your wedding is a truly special day.

So sit back, relax and enjoy it. With Ufford Park, you can have your day under control, and with your guidance, our Wedding Coordinator can help you create the best day of your life.

For more information, please contact our Wedding Coordinator on 01394 383555 ext.302 or email weddings@uffordpark.co.uk

Wedding Show

AT U F F O R D PA R K W O O D B R I D G E

Sunday 22nd January 10:30am - 3:00pm

FREE ENTRY

ALL WELCOME

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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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

THE PENSIONS MERRY-GO-ROUND KEEPS ON TURNING

James Wright Independent Financial Adviser

James Wright, Independent Financial Adviser at Scrutton Bland looks at some of the most recent changes to pensions.

The world of pensions is ever-changing, and the most recent modifications relate to contribution limits. The current contribution annual allowance is £40,000 but this reduces to £10,000 in cases where the pension holder has begun drawing down income (as opposed to tax-free cash) from a ‘money purchase’ pension. This £10,000 limit is now to be reduced to £4,000, the aim being to reduce the impact on the Treasury of people recycling pension money and claiming tax relief on the same money twice.

It has been suggested that this may be a half-way house to a complete bar on recycling, by reducing the limit to nil.

Looking further ahead, more significant pension changes seem likely. Mr Hammond commented that Pension Tax Relief is one of the most expensive of all reliefs and two-thirds of the benefit goes to higher and additional-rate taxpayers. This is at variance with the Government’s aim to focus resources where there is most need.

A reduction in the availability of higher-rate tax relief may therefore be on the cards in the longer term and, as ever, best advice must be to take advantage of current levels of tax relief while they are available.

E

Quality Carpets & Flooring Excellent Service Highly Competitive Prices

JANUARY SALE At EB Carpets we only have one sale a year.

This is your opportunity to make real savings on all our stock throughout the month of January.

• All stock up to 50% off • 15% off Special Orders • 10% deposit will secure any carpet for later fitting

SALE STARTS JANUARY 3rd

EB Carpets & Flooring 246 -248 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe T: (01394)282538 email: ebcarpets@gmail.com

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Transferring pension benefits Based on low interest rates, current transfer values may appear to make it attractive for members of company ‘defined benefit’ pension schemes to transfer into some form of personal pension and thus become able to exercise the ‘pension freedoms’, enjoying greater flexibility in accessing funds and potential savings in Inheritance Tax. But there are complex issues involved, on which specialist technical advice is needed.

One main factor which makes staying in an occupational scheme a favourable option is that the level of pension provided will be predictable, for life, and will escalate with inflation. Whereas the value of a personal pension fund will fluctuate according to the value of the underlying investments and this may affect the income which can be drawn.

If you are planning to increase your savings by adding contributions to your pension fund then it is vital that you get sound advice from an Independent Financial Adviser. Scrutton Bland have helped many investors maximise their pension contributions and provided advice regarding the underlying investments held within the pension. If you would like a chat about ways to invest your pension fund please email james.wright@scruttonbland.co.uk or tel 01473 267000. Scrutton Bland Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Health

MEET THE FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALIST This month we met with Mr Al-Nammari, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Foot & Ankle surgery. He has recently joined Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital to boost the Foot & Ankle service.

It is however important to get an accurate diagnosis from a Foot & Ankle professional at the outset so that you don’t waste time undergoing inappropriate treatments that are unlikely to help. I have a particular interest in:

Tell us about your training and what attracted you to Suffolk?

• Hallux valgus (bunions) • Hallux rigidus (big toe arthritis) • Lesser toe deformity – hammer, mallet and claw toes • Sports injuries including ankle sprains and instability • Arthroscopic surgery • Plantar fasciitis • Morton’s neuroma • Metatarsalgia • Ingrown toenails • Achilles tendinopathy • Soft tissue lumps & bumps (ganglions, lipomas etc.)

• Foot & Ankle arthritis • All Foot & Ankle trauma • Minimally invasive surgery of the Foot & Ankle in high risk patients • Deformity correction and complex cases

I went to medical school in Edinburgh and following that won a scholarship to the University of Oxford where I was awarded a distinction for my final dissertation. My general surgical training, of four years, was in Edinburgh and London. After this I undertook Orthopaedic training for six further years on the Royal London Rotation and during this time specialised in Foot & Ankle surgery. I was fortunate enough to train at many of the country’s best hospitals including the Royal London, St Bartholomew’s, Guy’s & St Thomas’, King’s College, St George’s and The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospitals.

I subsequently received competitive awards from the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle society (Gold medal), European Foot & Ankle Society and the Royal College of Surgeons- these allowed me to gain two further of years of advanced Fellowship training in Foot & Ankle surgery at centres of excellence across the UK, Europe and the USA. I enjoyed the ten years that I spent in London but with a young family was keen to escape! The job in Ipswich was appealing as it is a very progressive department and it provided the opportunity to set up an essentially new adult Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle service at the hospital. My wife and I very quickly realised that Suffolk itself is a fantastic place to be.

What are your interests outside of clinical practice?

My main professional interests outside of clinical practice are research and medical education. I have always enjoyed research and have published book chapters, over forty peer reviewed scientific papers. I also regularly lecture and present scientific work at national and international meetings. My current research interests include minimally invasive surgery in high risk patients, novel surgical treatments for hallux valgus, ankle instability and cartilage regeneration.

I enjoy surgical innovation and have published on several new surgical techniques – including for the treatment of bunions, joint preservation techniques in ankle arthritis and for complex ankle fractures.

On the medical education side I am a scientific reviewer for several Orthopaedic and Foot & Ankle surgery specific journals.

I also continue to be involved in the training of undergraduate and postgraduate trainees from the University of Cambridge and across the east of England.

What conditions do you treat?

I treat all adult musculoskeletal conditions affecting the Foot & Ankle. I work with a team of physiotherapists, podiatrists and osteopaths. This allows me to offer a truly comprehensive approach to the care of foot and ankle conditions- both simple and complex. Not all Foot & Ankle problems need an operation!

Why are foot and ankle problems so common?

The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles and over 100 ligaments and tendons that all need to work in harmony.

Over the day each foot takes forces equating to over a hundred tons and we walk over 100,000 miles in an average lifetime.

This all puts our feet and ankles at high risk of running into problems at some point.

Overall I think high heeled shoes get too much bad press.

They are blamed not just for causing foot problems but also for lower back, neck and shoulder pain! I would definitely not encourage their use on a day to day basis and there are certainly many common foot problems that can be made worse by illfitting shoes such as bunions and hammer toes. However these often have a strong familial tendency and can occur with the use of any closed shoe and not just high heeled shoes.

What do you do to relax outside of work?

I am lucky in that I am passionate about the job itself and I work with a great team – this means that while my working week is busy it is invariably interesting and enjoyable. The majority of my time outside of work is spent with my young family. I am also learning Italian and when time permits enjoy the great outdoors with interests in sailing, snowboarding, fishing and travel.

Mr Al-Nammari is a new consultant at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital. For more information on how to book a private consultation with Mr Al-Nammari contact 01473 852 574.

For details of all consultants and services visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhspital.

Are your feet or ankles stopping you from doing the things you love? If you are experiencing foot or ankle problems and it is affecting your mobility, whether mildly or severely, our team can help get you back in motion and find a rapid solution.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy This month Darcy returns to Orford with a walk from the very dog friendly Kings Head

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

SUDBOURNE High House Farm 10

Crag Farm

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A new year is an opportunity to try new things and perhaps even do old things in a different way and so it is with this month’s pub walk with Darcy. The ‘old thing’ for us is to visit Orford. It’s something we do regularly and is always high on our ‘go to’ destinations. Walking down toward the quay on a crisp clear winter’s night with star filled sky and the smell of wood smoke is perhaps one of my favourite things to do but in saying this I give away what I always tend to do – that is walk toward and then around the quay.

Lodge Farm

ne Hall 4

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Raydon Hall

Newton Farm

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Thanks to Ian Ballantine, the landlord of The Kings Head in Orford, we have been introduced to a different route which gives a totally new – to us at least – aspect to the village. Ian, his wife Suzanne and their dog Benji are keen followers of the pub walks with Darcy series and estimate they have so far walked at least 70% of our routes so who was I to argue when they suggested this new diversion.

Instead of the familiar river walks for which Orford is perhaps more known, this route heads north out of the village heading for the intriguing and beautiful All Saints church near Sudbourne and then a section of Tunstall Forest where deer and barn owls, we are assured, can regularly be spotted.

A mixture of path, field edges and quiet roads it makes for easy walking but as always in winter we would recommend sturdy footwear to keep your grip assured and your feet warm and dry.

Of course when you have finished make sure you drop into the Kings Head where I’m sure Ian will Ian will be happy to recommend others walks from our library while serving you with quality food and drink!

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ORFORD

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THE WALK Distance: Approx. 4.25 miles Time: Approx.1 hour 45 minutes Terrain: Varied. Paths, quiet country lanes, grass tracks, field edges, woodland.

Stops: The Kings Head Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 Start Point OS reference: 422 500 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

1. With your back to the pub entrance turn left then immediately left into the church yard. Once in the churchyard take the path to the left that leads behind the church.Turn left across the grass until you reach the perimeter wall. Once at the wall follow it around to the right until you come to a gap and a wooden gate with ‘The Old Hall’ on it.Turn left down the path.

2. When you come to the road cross over and follow the footpath (FP) sign then cross the field.

3. At the road turn right and walk along the road until you meet an electricity substation on your left and then a green metal gate.

Opposite the gate is a Bridleway (BW) sign.

4. Turn right at the BW sign and follow the path across the field. When you reach a wooden gate go through it, turn right and then immediately left passing a metal gate following a grassy track.

5. Just before a red brick building (which you will be approaching on your right) turn left onto the track. As you reach another brick building and a barn keep right and continue to the road.

6. At the road turn right and walk for approx. 350 yds until you meet a FP sign on your left.

7. Turn left at the sign and walk across the field heading directly for the church. Keep left of the wooden fence and then the church wall.

8. At the end of the church wall turn right, cross the road where you will see a sign reading ‘Sudbourne Wood’. Continue along the track ahead of you after walking for five minutes or so you will come to a cross road with a wooden four way sign on your right.

9. At this sign post turn left through the trees and walk for approx. 2-3 minutes until you reach a turning on your left.

10. Turn left and follow the grass track again for approx. 5 minutes, until you come to a field edge where you will see the church at the end of a path directly on your left.

11. Turn left and return toward the church.

12. As you reach the road cross over and walk in front of the church.

Continue straight ahead (passing on your left the path that you came out of in point 8). After a few minutes you will reach a small road.

Cross straight over following the BW sign. After about ten minutes you will come to some houses on your right and then meet the road.

13. Cross over the road and follow the FP sign directly opposite. Follow this track for approx. 250 yds. until you meet a path on your left (opposite a house called ‘Orford Lodge’ which is on your right).

14. Turn left and follow the path to its end where you will emerge by the Orford village school.

15. Cross the road by the village sign, walk along the road toward the garage and return directly back to the pub.

Ian, Suzanne & Benji welcome you to e King’s Head A warm and welcoming 13th century pub, nestled next to the church, the midst of the village. Full of character and charm. A perfect base to unwind and explore the beautiful Suffolk coast and countryside.

TrAdITIonAl Home cooKIng SelecTIon oF AdnAmS AleS And wIne wood BurnerS ouTSIde SeATIng AreAS 4 en-SuITe leTTIng roomS dogS very welcome occASIonAl lIve muSIc And THeme nIgHTS Opening HOurs monday to ursday Friday & Saturday Sunday

Bar 12.00 – 15.00 17.30 – 23.00 12.00 – 23.30 18.00 – 21.00 12.00 – 22.30

Food 12.00 – 14.30 18.00 – 21.00 12.00 – 14.30 12.00 – 15.00

e King’s Head Front Street, orford, Suffolk, IP12 2lw 01394 450271 thekingsheadorford@gmail.com

www.thekingsheadorford.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

MANY APPY RETURNS

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t’s now becoming hard to remember the time before Deben Inns took over the Coach & Horses at Melton. What was once at best a ‘curious’ establishment, with battlement like metal barriers strewn across the entrance to the car park, has now been transformed in to a welcoming, popular and consistently good venue to eat and drink. Whatever the season and whatever the time of day the Coach & Horses has a gentle buzz of conviviality and relaxation. In spring, summer and this year autumn too, the flower festooned patio area is a great place to soak up the sun but in winter it has a special charm.

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It is a cosy pub made up of four distinct areas, two areas are large enough to cope comfortably with big parties but all are small enough to be ideal for an intimate meal for two. On our recent visit we fell into the latter category and myself and my wife, on a cold winters night, found ourselves perfectly positioned next to the large open fireplace and log fire.

Deben Inns has the tag-line ‘A group of individual Inns’ and while this is true – each pub does have its own identity in terms of decor, style and food offering – there is a reassuring familiarity between all of them with regard to quality,

Adrian Rawlinson visits the Coach & Horses in Melton and discovers how Deben Inns rewards loyal customers

comfort and an important element for us of a good evening out; relaxed service.

To be honest that was what both of us needed after a particularly busy few weeks when our state of ‘frazzled’ came with a capital F! As we settled at our table our drink orders were taken – a nice touch when pub dining – and we perused the menu.

Deben Inns have no pretention to offer ‘fine dining’ but I find that the choices are varied and often imaginative but always with the re-assurance that you will be able to find the staple ‘comfort’ options and I was in comfort mode.

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Dining Review | Coach & Horses The Coach & Horses there are three money saving offers, and with the post-Christmas fiscal focus that most of us attempt, who isn’t up for a New Year bargain!

For our starters we hovered briefly over the warm chicken and bacon salad and mushroom filo pastry parcels but settled on the Orford smoked fish platter from the specials board for Lesley and filo wrapped tiger prawns for me. It was interesting to see that most of the starter options could also be ordered as main courses offering even more choice on what is already a comprehensive menu.

When our dishes arrived we were both very happy with our choices, they were very tasty and generous. Lesley’s platter contained trout, mackerel and salmon and at just £6 I thought was very good value.

The choice of my main meal was an easy one. As previously stated I was in the mood for comfort and often when in this mode I head straight for a steak. I find a well-cooked steak extremely satisfying but it also one of those dishes that defines a restaurants capability. In the same way as a good cooked breakfast shapes my overall impression of a hotel overnight stay and the quality of a house wine to me indicates the expectation for the rest of a wine list, a steak is a similar measure.

The quality of the steak shows an establishment’s commitment to the sourcing of good ingredients and the execution of its preparation the skill in the kitchen. On this occasion I ordered mine topped with melted stilton and though visually this combination may not be one you would paint the taste combination was excellent as was my steak.

The main course choice for my wife took a little longer. I calculated that, including the specials board but excluding the starter options that could also be mains, there were over 17 main course options available that evening. As you would expect these covered the staples to which I earlier alluded such as traditional fish and chips, Five Winds Suffolk beef burger, gammon steak etc. but also options such as prawn and chorizo linguine, baked fillet of sea bass and spinach and ricotta ravioli.

In the end she went for Beef kofta kebab – in part because it was something she hadn’t tried before but also because it came with sweet potato chips and the sweet potato has in recent months become a great favourite. Again she was very happy with her choice the kofta were spicy, moist and flavoursome and again generous – so generous in fact that when it came to the dessert menu “I just couldn’t” was her response.

There was no such lightweight behaviour on my part though. At the recommendation of Karl, the pub’s manager, I went for the dark chocolate brownie sundae. I really didn’t need to, most probably shouldn’t have done so, but was pleased that I did as it was gorgeous. Sheer indulgence with most probably enough calories to sustain a small family but I don’t do it every day so will feel no guilt. In all we had a great evening and will return and it is the prospect of returning that leads me to the final element of this review.

Due to its ongoing popularity the Coach & Horses isn’t a pub that has to entice customers with special offers and happy hours, ongoing value is a core principle.

However we recently discovered the Deben Inns App and found that those who download it become privy to special offers across the group. In the case of

The offer that caught my eye, and will definitely make me return, was the two steaks for £20 option available on Sunday and Monday nights. The Chargrilled Suffolk 10oz Sirloin steak that I enjoyed on this visit is normally on the menu at £18.50, with additional add on options for melted stilton or creamy pepper sauce toppings, so this offer really does represent good value. What is also good is that you don’t have to identify that you are using the App offer until you pay your bill so you know you are getting exactly the same dish as those paying full price. I don’t know about you but I sometimes feel a little cheated when it is clear on some special offer menus that the dish has clearly been tweaked to make it hit a new price point. The other two offers are for dining between 12pm and 6pm Monday to Saturday and a money saving offer for eating on a Monday or Tuesday evening – both well worth a look. Finally for those who regularly visit any of the five Deben Inn pubs a loyalty bonus in the form of a £10 voucher after just six visits when you dine is on offer. Just scan your phone when you pay your bill and those loyalty points mount up. To download the App visit the App store for your device and search for Deben Inns.

INFORMATION The Coach & Horses Melton Road, Melton, Suffolk IP12 1PD 01394 384851 www.debeninns.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

HALL OF FAME History with a modern twist – Lesley Rawlinson discovers the many faces of Seckford Hall

T

he turning of a New Year is often a time for a fresh start. We make – and sometimes even stick to – resolutions that we hope will have a positive impact on our day to day lives and in my book it’s as important to adopt a new habit as it is to break an old one. That’s why in 2017 I’m challenging myself to question my routines and that includes my tendency to spend precious ‘down time’ in my regular haunts. That’s not to say I’ll be abandoning my favourite venues – but instead making more time to discover what’s new, what’s unique and well worth investigating in our ever evolving county.

With this noble resolution barely out of its wrapper the chance to take a short but deluxe break at Seckford Hall seemed the perfect starting point.

I must drive past the hotel at least once a week, if not more, but nestled in 34 acres of grounds the historic Hall is carefully hidden from the easily accessible A12 (at Woodbridge) and quickly envelopes its guests in a luxurious bubble.

And of all the reasons to visit and stay, which there are many, I think in its current configuration Seckford Hall is a

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truly unique hotel. I’ll explain; if I’m interested in history – after all this building is more than 500 years old with many original Tudor features intact and home to a four poster bed that Elizabeth I famously once slept in – I can stay in one of the classically styled feature rooms and even sleep in that very bed.

Small though the furniture may have been in the 1500s I’m still afforded a luxurious modern bathroom and all the added extras of a Four Star stay.

However if there’s enough history for me in the Great Hall and I prefer to indulge in more modern accommodation, then the former stable block conversion housing the Courtyard Suites won’t disappoint. With king-sized four poster bed, double Jacuzzi bath and even TV while you soak the space and contemporary chic of the interior design feel very boutique indeed. But then there’s also the chance to stay in the main building, in sympathetically updated rooms, where the best of both can be enjoyed.

It’s this clever combining of history and luxury that makes its mark all over the hotel. We arrived on a gloomy winter afternoon, wrapped up against the cold and ready for a much needed break

from the daily madness of 21st century living. Having acquainted ourselves with our stunning Courtyard Suite it was more a matter of ‘where to start’ than ‘what to do’. The Spa was beckoning.

Situated in the grounds, it has been recently refurbished and boasts sauna and steam room together with a gym and swimming pool. There’s a bright and airy food and drink area too along with cosy treatment rooms on the first floor, where the exposed red brick walls of the old building are a real feature of the interior design.

If your stay is more food and drink than activity orientated, you could always indulge in afternoon tea and push back the dinner reservation. There’s no shortage of choices for where enjoy it with the Library, Spa or Garden Room all jockeying for position with my favourite – the Great Hall. Resplendent oak panelling and original beams flank the enormous fireplace and a chance to unwind in front of the crackling fire was all I needed to get my personal equilibrium back on track.

It’s in these valuable moments of repose that talented staff comes to the fore. Just enough attention but not too much fuss

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Short Break | Seckford Hall

was the order of the day and we felt cocooned in a metaphorical blanket of calm and courtesy.

We had reserved a table in the restaurant for our evening meal. 1530 at Seckford is a two AA Rosette restaurant and we decided to peruse the menu while enjoying an aperitif in the comfortable bar. It’s the kind of ‘white table-clothed’ experience you want from a hotel of this calibre and there were some absolute highlights that must be mentioned – after all, who knew that pan fried scallops and white chocolate risotto would be perfect bed-fellows? Topped with parmesan and black truffle this truly indulgent starter was an absolute hit. And while I’m usually all about the main course – succulent monk fish tail and an inventive lamb ensemble both regaling our table in style – the unashamed star of the show was a classic glazed lemon tart dessert with candied fennel and chocolate truffle; absolutely divine.

Regular readers will know that we’ve often reported on the impact that the morning shower and breakfast have on

one’s enjoyment of a short break – and again Seckford scored highly on both counts. The bathroom in our suite had been thoughtfully designed with couples in mind and the ‘his & hers’ basins together with the rainfall shower and Jacuzzi bath meant the morning continued in the luxury theme of the day before.

I was really excited to learn that enjoying a special Seckford Hall Breakfast isn’t just for overnight guests. The inviting spread of continental styled choices including cheese and cold meats along with the full ‘cooked to order’ menu is available to all and I’ll certainly be finding an excuse to return as my choice – Eggs Florentine – once again scored full marks. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his full English; packed with hearty local ingredients, we’ll be finding an excuse to return for brunch in the coming months.

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

SAVE OVER 40% ON A LUXURY STAY Enjoy two nights’ dinner, B&B and an indulgent spa treatment at Seckford Hall, for just £279 per couple.

With this offer, enjoy two nights’ accommodation, a three-course a la carte dinner each evening, full English breakfast each morning and a one hour Temple Spa ‘Signature’ massage saving over 40% on the standard rate of £492 per couple.

To book, simply call 01394 385678 and quote ‘Essential Suffolk Offer’ This offer is based on two people sharing a standard double/twin room and is valid until April 30th 2017, excluding 10th to 14th February and 14th to 17th April, subject to availability of allocated rooms. Dinner based on a £32 per person allowance. A £30 supplement applies on Saturday nights. Upgrade to a Superior room for £25 per night. Visit seckford.co.uk for hotel details.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Butt & Oyster

The Bell Inn

The Fox

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

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

Open: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week The Street, Newbourne, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NY

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

01473 823229 www.kerseybell.co.uk

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

The Fountain

Sibton White Horse

Ufford Park

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

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

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

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

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

Open every day, The Park Restaurant provides a choice of three-course meals. We offer a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and have a seasonally-changing menu. You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly with Sunday 6th January being our first ‘Jazz Sunday’ of 2017 with local saxophonist playing from 12 noon until 2pm. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £15.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated.

Open to all; non-members welcome.

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

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

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

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

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

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Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 2pm Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW 0844 847 9467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk

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Food Gallery

Seckford Hall

The Turks Head

The Angel Inn

At The Turk’s Head we serve local ales, fantastic wines & beautifully executed food using the abundance of local produce Suffolk has to offer. We are open on Christmas Day for drinks from 12 – 3pm and we will be hosting a fabulous party on NYE. We are very proud to be in the final three for ‘Top 50 Gastropub – Best Newcomer’. Dogs, muddy boots and muddy children Welcome.

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

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

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

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG

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

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

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

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.You will find many of the herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown in the hotel garden. Visit this spring to enjoy a memorable meal and experience the tradition, history and good taste at 1530.

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

The Middleton Bell

Fynn Valley

The Coach & Horses

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

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

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

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

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

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

Open: Bar: Monday 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday – Lunch, 12 noon to 3pm, Evening, 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon – midnight. Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served Tuesday – Sunday Booking advisable please call for details The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN 01728 648286

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

1530 Restaurant

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD 01394 384851 coachandhorses@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Set on the Suffolk Heritage Coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh with much of the building dating back to the 12th century, The Westleston Crown has all the benefits of a genuine local pub and a first class eatery too. Lesley Rawlinson reports

A WINTER’S TALE

M

y checklist for a winter excursion will often look something like this: (1) Find a cosy pub (2) Stay there. I know, simple things – but sometimes when all the shopping and the visiting and the festive shenanigans are over it’s the peace and comfort of a country pub that calls.

Throw in a walk first, to blow away the cobwebs and build up an appetite, and I’m rarely happier. There are few better destinations for exactly this purpose than The Westleton Crown.

clever destinations that seems to mould and meld to become what you need it to be, depending on your mood or reason for calling by. In the warmer months the terraced garden is the perfect spot for some quiet contemplation (not one of those pub gardens where you’re cheek by jowl with the next table but more a case of your only little private garden within the garden) and the Garden Room with its enormous wall of bi-fold doors and glass atrium roof gives an indoor – cum – outdoor dining experience all year round.

2016 was a busy year for our household and not nearly enough time was made for jumping in the car and heading to the coast – so the chance to start this year with such a trip was very welcome indeed. The Crown is also one of those

However in winter I head for either the cosiness of the bar or the Parlour. Both have welcoming open fires and we tend to stay in the bar if we have our dogs in tow so, as we were pooch-free on this evening visit, it was a chance to enjoy

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the Parlour’s intimate ambience. One glance at the menu and I was reminded too that a visit to The Crown generally means a night off from the diet. Head Chef, James Finch has an indulgent style and there were plenty of ‘naughty but nice’ options leaping off the menu, begging to be chosen.

The menu is heavily influenced by the proximity to the coast and the wealth of good local ingredients available and there’s a good choice of vegetarian dishes as both starters and main courses too. The fact that everything, from the bread to the ice cream – and all in between – is made from scratch on the premises means that any dietary requirements are easily and affably met, including vegan options.

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Dining Review | The Westleton Crown

I started my meal with a beautifully rich fishcake served in horseradish cream.

The bite from the horseradish and the accompanying watercress balanced the deep salmon and cod flavours perfectly and the dish would have made an ample light supper by itself. My husband was tempted by slow-cooked Blythburgh pork shoulder terrine served with apple purée and puffed crackling in an artistic flourish.

Main courses weren’t quite such an easy pick. With both seabass and hake on the menu, as well as beer battered cod plus skate on the ‘daily specials’ I was almost lured into a full on fish feast. But there’s something so warm and inviting about lamb that I chose to wrap myself in the familiarity of a favourite but with an interesting twist. Crowned with a delicious lamb cutlet the dish was based on a deep and rich tomato-y melt-inthe-mouth chick pea and butter bean cassoulet with chunky braised fennel and lamb shoulder ‘fritters’. With tarragon oil added to serve, the flavours were reminiscent of Moroccan rather than French cuisine but worked like a dream. I teamed it up with a glass of full bodied Argentinian Malbec that complemented well.

Across the table a decadent dish arrived of roasted breast and smoked chicken thigh with chorizo, alongside an incredibly creamy sun blushed tomato risotto. Topped off with green peppers, roasted baby onions and chorizo oil this was another flavour packed plateful.

We were almost beaten but couldn’t resist sharing a dessert of chocolate fondant that oozed from its dark heart as a flawless round off to our meal and as thoughts turned to the drive home I was reminded that there are often winter deals to be found via The Crown’s website that makes staying over in one of the comfortably appointed rooms very tempting indeed!

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

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

interesting

ACCENTS Make your colour scheme come to life with a dash of daring

A carefully crafted neutral palette neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel flat. Multi-tonal shades will help define your scheme, but the real character will be created when you add a vibrant zing or deep rich layer. A designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye will help you choose but often the answer will be drawn from the space around you; a colourful crescendo in a piece of artwork, a pop on the landscape through the window or favourite accessory like a clock or a fame. Whatever the inspiration the message is to be bold and use colour to make your room your own.

Anglia Factors

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PAINT YOUR SWAG-ON Choosing one wall, or maybe a chimney breast or alcove, to get the colour treatment will give you a really broad choice of accent colours. This deep blue bathroom wall shown below echoes the watery theme.

Painted furniture can also create impact. One painted element in your kitchen design will draw focus towards the pretty and away from the functional.

Neptune

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Homes & Interiors Rendall & Wright

LIFT WITH UPHOLSTERY Mixing and matching upholstery shades has become surprisingly common place in recent years; plains with patterns, varying shades of the same colour or a stand-out piece among neutral companions will all work well. This striking blue arm chair brings the bedroom to life.

The autumnal shades in the fabric range from Neptune make this lounge space feel cosy and inviting and make perfect contrast with the soft shades of the setting.

Neptune

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Homes & Interiors

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

ACCENT WITH ACCESSORIES By far the simplest way to mix it up or add interest is with colourful accessories. Throws, cushions, lamps and rugs are all prime candidates and can also be easily re-deployed elsewhere when the next urge ring the changes to grabs you. This mustard throw echoes more subtle shades in the bedroom while these cushions from Neptune all add plenty of choice.

Neptune

Barretts of Woodbridge

STOCKISTS Anglia Factors 34 Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich. T: 01473 610192 www.angliafactors.co.uk Barretts of Woodbridge 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Neptune 43 – 45 St Andrew’s St South, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com Rendall & Wright T: 01787 375076 www.rendallandwright.co.uk

Kitchens

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neiff

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

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

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D NR LTO ME

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

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WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

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Antiques & Auctions

TO DECANT OR NOT TO DECANT? As I write this article 2016 is drawing to a close and it seems an appropriate time to reflect and remember those who have passed away over the last twelve months. Woodbridge certainly lost two well known characters in 2016. One, Arthur Buller, at the age of 95. He spent fifty-four years working for this firm meticulously maintaining our books and accounting (manually) at our Auctions.

If he could have been thought of as a human calculator then Tony Voss, a well known local Antiques Dealer, was affectionately known by some as ‘the decanter man’.

As stock from Tony’s shops arrives in the Saleroom there is a plethora of decanters in the glass section and despite having held two sales, supplies may well not have been exhausted!

Decanters, which come in varying shapes and sizes, were used to make the serving of wines and other liquids significantly easier. Wine might have been transferred from a large amphora or purely from bottles.

The effects of this action were beneficial in several ways.

While making the transfer the liquid would be allowed to

James Neal

‘breathe’ or in more fancy terms be aerated. Any sediment built up in the bottle would remain there when the contents were poured into the decanter – or at least they should!

The use of a funnel with a pierced strainer would assist, although a piece of muslin or in extremis a pair of tights (if available!) could do the same job.

We think of decanters today as being made of glass but in the past they were produced in metals such as gold and silver for those in high places. Examples in earthenware and bronze are recorded too.

One of the fascinations of the glass decanter is the ability of makers to produce differing designs with cut, etched, engraved and moulded details and with stoppers ranging from the delicate to ones of a more robust and substantial appearance.

One final naughty thought and certainly one which would not have crossed either Tony’s or Arthur’s minds. Decanters will more normally be used to dispense fine wines but for those not so willing to display the label of wines, of, say a more inferior quality, then a decanter might just be the answer for you too!

prhome Cross floor lamp £164

Barretts of Woodbridge

prhome Kinsale 40cm wide table (available in six colours) £99

Contemporary Furniture & Lighting at Barretts Wild & Wolf Task table Lamp (available in five colours) £69

prhome Tenby console table (available in two colours) £199 Wild & Wolf LED globe lamp (available in 3 colours) £75

Wild & Wolf Retro telephone (available in three colours) £49

www.barretts.co.uk 40 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AL 01394 384300 | sales@barretts.co.uk Free customer car park

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

BRIMMING WITH IDEAS Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple pond, a lake or something rather more structural and architecturally designed a water feature is always a positive addition to your garden.

Catharine Howard looks at some options

T

he short dark days of January are tailored to armchair gardening, plotting and researching future schemes.

Musings in our house have turned to the magical quality of water, to where to put it in the garden and what the influences and inspiration might be. I will walk you round the history and psychology of water in the landscape, but for starters I am giving rosettes for my three favourites.

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The first goes to Tom Stuart Smith for his understated and covetable weathering steel (Cor-ten) bowls shown in one of his Chelsea show gardens. Cor-ten has a stable rusty appearance and has become a fashionable hard landscaping material. He used the colour to show up interesting bare stems and a plethora of plants from a pale blue and white palette.

The point about the bowls is that they were brimful, water held in a meniscus by surface tension. The surface wobbled like a jelly. I could look at this all day.

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Gardening

Second rosette to Anne Wareham of ‘Bad Tempered Gardener’ fame. Veddw, her garden in Wales, is carved out of a hill, has views out and rooms within curvaceous clipped hedges. The focal point at the centre, a rectangular reflecting pond, pared down in simplicity and throwing the view back at the surrounding trees. She keeps the water tinged with quantities of black ink.

Third to local garden designer Amelia Singleton for this lovely composition of Schoenbrunn yellow walls with awesome lead planter. Again I think the allure is in the brimming bubbled appearance and the planting too, of course. This is the one I want here because it suits my old house and also, I have just spoken to Amelia and it is faux lead which will be less heavy to carry and pay for.

To history; the first great gardens were made by the Persians. From oases with date palms to the Mughul gardens of Kashmir all centred on water. The apogee of these early havens from a harsh climate is the Alhambra, Granada with its cloisters, pools and cooling arcs of water. This sublime Muslim garden, built in 1370 for the Nasrid rulers of Spain was not eclipsed for two centuries. Then the wealth of Rome, kept in the family by ‘nephews’ of popes saw an outbreak of serious showing off on the horticultural front.

Take Cardinal Ippolito D’este, son of Lucrezia Borgia and a bishop by the age of ten. Ippolito was made governor of Tivoli. He plundered Hadrian’s Villa in the valley below.

Statues were relocated and fountains installed. The hydraulics were sensational; jets of water shot high into the air and a musical organ was powered by water. ‰

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Other cardinals followed suit and pleasure gardens were built at Villas Lante and Farnese as summer retreats from the heat and smell of Rome. Both have staircases with water coursing down them. Villa Lante has a vast stone table with its centre hollowed out as a cool, wet well for the wine bottles.

The making of sophisticated allegorical gardens and love affair with hydraulics was taken up by the French. The most famous example is Versailles, designed by Le Notre for Louis XIV. Alas the lack of gradient meant the gardeners had to sneak ahead of the king strolling in his gardens, turning on the taps as he processed. Greater success was to be had in England at Chatsworth where Le Notre’s pupil Grillet installed the Cascade of steps that riffled water down the hill, a musical tune given by the uneven surface of the submerged stone.

Gardening

excavated out on the original footprint, an inner square in each appears to go down to base rock. Water cascades down the sides, masking the noise of traffic, sending up beads that weep on the copper rail, engraved with the names of the dead. In autumn, leaves float off surrounding trees and get whipped down into the void. For the use of water you will never see anything so mesmeric and poignant as this. Nothing to do with gardens, I know, but a reminder of the potency and psychological impact of this raw element.

The Cascade was installed in 1696, with further fine-tuning in 1703 and by now fashion was turning from the Baroque style to the natural landscape. This interpretation was perpetuated

by Capability Brown. His lovely landscapes, a lake in every one to drain the marshy land round the house, have defined our countryside. It’s interesting to remember that economics and jingoism shaped the designer’s mindset. We are lucky in Suffolk, we just need to take the road through Heveningham, to see a pristine restored Brownian landscape.

From the Suffolk lanes I am now swerving off to New York and Ground Zero. It is an extraordinary memorial ground, designed by Daniel Libeskind. Both towers have been

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INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a Suffolk-based gardening writer and designer wwwcatharinehoward.co.uk

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Property

Essential

PROPERTY 72 73 75 77 78 79 81 82 83

Neals Flick & Son Jackson-Stops & Staff Grier & Partners Clarke & Simpson Mortimers Fenn Wright Jennie Jones Best Estates

74 Kelsale

76 Aldeburgh

80 Monk Soham

82 Aldeburgh EssentialSUFFOLK

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

ALDERTON - IN THE VILLAGE CENTRE AND OVERLOOKING THE CHURCHYARD

An attractive detached house in the centre of the village with views at the rear over the churchyard and fields beyond. The property provides Sitting Room, Dining Room, Offers Offe Off Offer f aroun around arou aaro ar £ £395,00 £395,000 £395, £395,0 £39 £395 £3 Kitchen, Utility Room, Study or Music Room, 3 Bedrooms 1 En-Suite plus a Bath & Shower Room. Parking. Mature garden. EPC Band D. O

MELTON - WITH A SINGLE BEDROOM ANNEXE

WOODBRIDGE - OVERLOOKING THE MARKET HILL

A distinctive end of terrace house located in the centre of the village with a separate single bedroom Annexe, Garage and enclosed garden. The house provides well balanced accommodation comprising Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen-Dining Room, 4 Bedrooms, Bath/Shower Room. The Annexe with a ground floor Living Room, Shower Room and Off Offe Offer around aro aroun arou aar £ Of £330,000 £33 £330, £330,0 £330 £330,00 £3 mezzanine bedroom. EPC Band D. Offers

A particularly charming Grade II listed period property in an enviable position overlooking The Market Hill. The accommodation is full of character and currently provides a Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Room, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. Separate Utility Room.

Pretty courtyard garden. The cottage would be equally suitable as a permanent or holiday Offers Off Offer Offe f aroun around aaro arou ar £ £295 £295, £295,0 £295,000 £295,00 £29 £2 home. EPC n/a O

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

MALLARD MOAT FARM FACTS LOCATION: KELSALE GUIDE PRICE: £750,000 AGENT: FENN WRIGHT

NEW YEAR PROJECT? This five bedroomed 18th century house might need refurbishment, but it’s a unique property with masses of potential, set in a stunning countryside location.

With 16 acres of partly moated grounds the farmhouse is situated down its own private driveway and was purchased by the current owner as a renovation project and is yet to be finished. The house retains many fine features typically associated with its period, including attractive red brick fireplaces and a wealth of exposed beams.

On entering there’s a good size entrance hall leading to an impressive drawing room with exposed beams, an attractive red brick fireplace with oak bressemer

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and French doors onto the formal gardens. A further door gives access to the sitting/dining room while to the left of the hall is the kitchen/breakfast room boasting another attractive fireplace.

Upstairs is a central landing providing access to five bedrooms all of which enjoy stunning views across the gardens and grounds. From the landing there is a ladder leading up to two good size attic rooms both with windows to side aspects which offer scope for further accommodation, subject to the necessary building regulations for access.

The property is approached through a gated entrance and a drive which sweeps round the front of the property and

continues round to three barns and a small concrete yard. There are partly moated formal gardens surrounding the house which are bordered by a variety of mature trees and shrubs. A particular feature to the west of the house is an avenue of trees which runs beside the moat and to the south of the property a natural pond. In addition there are currently four fields under cultivation having been ploughed, as well as two and a half acre grass paddock.

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

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jackson-stops.co.uk The Country Property and Fine Town House Specialists

Tuddenham, Nr Ipswich A handsome Georgian style modern house with potential for annexe accommodation, overlooking delightful gardens and surrounding farmland. ● Income producing specialist indoor pool complex ● Impressive kitchen/breakfast room ● 3 reception rooms ● Study ● 5 double bedrooms ● Dressing room ● 3 bath/shower rooms ● Cat 5 & surround sound wiring ● Underfloor heating ● Integral double garage ● Annexe ● Enclosed gardens ● In all about 1.3 acres

Offers in region of £1,150,000

Dallinghoo, Nr Woodbridge A picturesque and beautifully presented Grade II Listed house, complete with guest annexe, sitting amidst delightfully mature gardens and grounds. ● Edge of village setting close to Woodbridge ● 2 reception rooms ● Snug ● Impressive bespoke conservatory ● Kitchen & utility room ● 4/5 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● Self-contained barn annexe ● Double cart lodge & log store ● Potting sheds & stores ● Landscaped gardens ● In all about 1 acre

Offers in region of £865,000

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

People Property Places

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

ALDEBURGH’S ‘MANE’ ATTRACTION THE BLACK HORSE FACTS LOCATION: ALDEBURGH | GUIDE PRICE: £1,250,000 | AGENT: BEST ESTATES

The Black Horse, one of Aldeburgh’s truly iconic buildings, has been transformed and is now on the market creating a very desirable residence on Aldeburgh’s High Street.

The former pub has been derelict for many years and was believed to be the centre for local smugglers on the edge of the marsh. The 1904 Woodbridge licensing records show that the Black Horse’s beer-house license was issued in 1843, and got its full license on February 6th 1961.

The Black Horse has been under construction for most of 2016, and stands at the southern end of Aldeburgh’s High Street on the junction of the exclusive Park Road. This highly contemporary, architect designed family home has been built to an exceptionally high quality with the ground floor being completely open plan with east facing windows overlooking the High Street and west facing windows overlooking the landscaped rear gardens. This creates an extremely light living space, complete with modern kitchen furniture.

Planning permission was approved to demolish the existing building and replace with a substantial, architect designed family home with landscaped gardens, parking for a number of cars and to renovate the detached single story brick outbuilding into a studio.

Stairs lead to a first floor landing with door opening to a west facing balcony, enjoying stunning views across the marshes toward the River Alde. The east facing master bedroom has two sets of sliding doors opening to a balcony, offering northerly views along the High

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Street. The Ensuite enjoys a large shower cubicle, deep curved bath and twin wash basins. Bedrooms two and three again benefit from sliding doors to an east facing balcony, offering similar High Street views.

Outside the property is approached through large timber gates, and leads to a shingle drive providing parking for three cars. The remaining west facing rear garden has been beautifully landscaped and features raised flower beds. To the side is the detached single story studio, which again has been fully renovated and refurbished. The studio has a large open plan living/kitchen/dining area, double bedroom and bathroom.

INFORMATION Best Estates 01728 4527727 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LAND & NEW HOMES SPECIALISTS

Assisting landowners realise the full potential of their land assets. Whether it is a garden plot surplus to requirements or larger land parcels suitable for development, we focus on expertly guiding owners through each step of the process from planning to sale in order to achieve the best financial outcome. l

Bespoke one off projects

l

3, 4 or 24 units

T: (01206) 299222 E: enquiries@grierandpartners.co.uk www.grierandpartners.co.uk

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CS11 Schemes

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Barn Conversions and restoration projects

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

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Eye £575,000 A single-storey country home with character, standing in hidden grounds of an acre in a rural position on the outskirts of Eye. Hall, kitchen, garden room, dining hall and 29’ x 16’ drawing room. Three double bedrooms, en-suite bathroom and further bathroom. Annexe with substantial main room, shower room and store. Studio, workshop and store. EPC = E Ref: 5658

Walpole, Nr Halesworth £297,000

Laxfield £265,000

A detached cottage presented in a beautiful yet rustic style, situated on the edge of the village of Walpole, just a few minutes from Halesworth. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room and downstairs shower room. Four first floor bedrooms and bathroom. Off-road parking. Impressive former forge, now used as a store/workshop. Rear garden. EPC = D Ref: 5608

An attached Grade II Listed cottage requiring some updating, situated in the heart of the attractive and sought after village of Laxfield. Living room and kitchen/breakfast room. Three double bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor.

Lovely, good-sized garden to the rear. On street parking. Ref: 5648

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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morTImerS estate Agents, valuers and Auctioneers (formerly Hamilton Smith of woodbridge) is a new and exciting estate agency designed to offer high quality marketing to everyone. linda mortimer mnAeA (former partner of Hamilton Smith, woodbridge) is now the sole owner of morTImerS and is trading under the family name. we might have a nice new shiny brand and benefit from the latest technology, but we are still the same friendly and professional team. linda is supported by experienced staff Patricia masson and rosemary Barnard. collectively we have 90 years experience and as members of e national Association of estate Agents we are qualified to deal with all aspects of selling residential property. our knowledge and experience is imperative when valuing your home. our aim is to provide our clients with the highest level of customer service and the very best in property presentation at a price which is affordable.

All of our properties will benefit from a front window display until sold. we will advertise your property on all the major websites including rightmove.co.uk, zoopla.co.uk, primelocation.co.uk, guildproperty.co.uk and our own website www.mortimersestateagents.co.uk.

our clients will benefit from london marketing through our associated Park lane, london office where people can use touch screen technology to browse properties 24/7. we will also be holding regular london Property exhibitions (first one in march) where members of our staff will be at the london office to promote your Suffolk property to the lucrative london and investor markets. every six weeks we produce a glossy lifestyle magazine which will be delivered to homes, businesses and venues in and around woodbridge. we will also promote your property in the essential Suffolk magazine and the community news to maximise your coverage locally. As members of e guild our customers will benefit from a national network of 800 other guild members who can offer your property to their clients. we also offer open Houses which are included in our standard Sole Agency fee and we accompany all of our viewings (unless you prefer to do your own).

Our sTAnDArD sOLe AgenCY Fee – 1% OF THe sALe priCe nO sALe, nO Fee AnD nO Tie in periOD in Our AgreeMenT If you would like to know more about morTImerS and how we can help get you moving this year call one of our friendly team today on 01394 386688

new InSTrucTIonS

Melton park

£495,000

A superb 3 / 4 bedroom detached property offering flexible living accommodation with large garden and lovely views over farmland. early viewing advised. ePc: c

Martlesham Heath

£295,000

An immaculate 3 bedroom semi-detached house which has been modernised and extended. e property benefits from a good sized garden and outside office/studio. ePc: c

01394 386688 | info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk www.mortimersestateagents.co.uk

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

OAKWOOD FARM FACTS LOCATION: MONK SOHAM GUIDE PRICE: £675,000 AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON

COUNTRY LIVING Oakwood Farm is a good size relatively modern country house offering flexible family accommodation. The main house has four bedrooms but as there’s an adjoining two bedroomed annexe which means there’s the potential for the whole property to be used as one substantial home or potentially part could be used as a first rate holiday let.

One of the features of the main house is its particularly large rooms – there’s a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with a north-west facing window overlooking the rear garden. It’s been fitted with a range of high and low level wall units with space and plumbing for a

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dishwasher and range cooker with bottled gas connection for the hob.

In addition there’s a study, a snug, sitting room and dining room all of which are light, airy and offering views to the exterior.

Meanwhile upstairs the master bedroom has an impressive vaulted ceiling with windows taking full advantage of the views. In total, including the annexe, there are six bedrooms, two bathrooms and an en-suite shower room.

Externally, the property sits in over an acre of lawn and meadow including outbuildings with two stables.

The property is approached off the lane via two gateways and has a substantial area for parking. The garden to the front of the house is laid to lawn and a pedestrian path bordered by lavender leads to the front door. From here, there is access to the meadow, which the vendors have used for the keeping of sheep and a pony. There’s also a decked area to the back of the house which leads to a workshop and store shed, along with a greenhouse.

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

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Debenham

Whatfield

A fine period farmhouse believed to date back to the 13th Century, retaining some stunning period features. The property is situated in this popular village and set in mature gardens of half an acre.

A former public house which has been cleverly redesigned to create a spacious family home. The property benefits from being situated in the centre of the popular and historic village of Debenham which has a range of local amenities.

Guide Price £650,000

Monewden, Woodbridge

• Grade II Listed period village home • Wealth of character • 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms • 4 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room & cellar • Double garage • Popular location

Guide Price £500,000

Northern outskirts of Ipswich Two stunning new houses built in an enviable position with stunning countryside views.

Underfloor heating throughout using energy efficient ‘air source’ heat pumps, kitchen from Neptunes and a 10 year warranty.

Requiring modernisation and in a beautiful setting is this attractive 5 bedroom detached family home situated in mature grounds of approximately 3/4 of an acre.

Guide Price £750,000

• Master bedroom with vaulted ceiling • 2 ensuites & 2 shower rooms • Kitchen/breakfast/family room • 3 reception rooms • Redundant pool room • Double bay cart lodge, ample parking • Games room & workshop • EPC Rating C

• • • • • • •

4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Kitchen/breakfast room Utility & cloakroom 3 reception rooms Cartlodge and ample parking EPC Rating TBC

Prices From £675,000

• • • • • • • •

Master bedroom with ensuite 4 further bedrooms Family bathroom Ground floor cloakroom Kitchen/breakfast room Garaging & workshop BT Superfast broadband EPC Rating F

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

WYNDHAM HOUSE FACTS

ONE OF ALDEBURGH’S FINEST RESIDENCES

LOCATION: ALDEBURGH GUIDE PRICE: £2,750,000 AGENT: FLICK & SON

Wyndham House stands near the heart of the town as a fine example of Aldeburgh’s revival in the 18th and 19th centuries. This Grade II Listed building was designed in the Regency style of the late Georgian period, offering finely proportioned accommodation in an enviable position. The house retains its graceful three bay stuccoed east elevation and the curved full height bay to its south corner – the principal features of its handsome architecture.

The house is attached to, but disassociated from, its former rear wing and features three outstanding reception rooms, seven bedrooms on both first and second floors as well as three bathrooms. There are four floors of space in all offering a wide selection of rooms for almost any need; from a vaulted wine cellar in the basement to a roof terrace leading from one of the second floor bedrooms.

Harry Wass from agents Flick & Son said: “This is a great opportunity to own one of Aldeburgh’s primary residences.

Wyndham House has been a key part of Aldeburgh’s history but it is much more than that. It is a very versatile and well maintained property and we are

really excited to be tasked with finding its next owner.”

INFORMATION Flick & Son 01728 452469 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

SOUTHWOLD

SOUTHWOLD

SAXMUNDHAM

THEBERTON

SAXMUNDHAM

£625,000

Beautiful former 5 bed rectory dating from the 1920s, extended and sympathetically modernised in its recent lifetime. 3 receptions, L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room, cloaks, boiler and laundry rooms, 2 ensuites, family shower room, large garden studio, double garage, lovely garden. EPC-D

SAXMUNDHAM £265,000 A smart modern 4 bed link detached family house. 3 receptions, cloaks, kitchen/diner, en suite, bathroom, garage garden. EPC-D

ALDEBURGH £275,000

CRATFIELD NEAR HALESWORTH

£500,000

A brand new 4 bed detached house occupying a generous sized plot abutting fields on an exclusive development of bespoke homes built by Jordan Developments. Reception hall, cloaks, large open plan reception room, beautiful kitchen/breakfast room, family room, utility, ensuite, garage, garden. EPC –tbc

Pretty one bedroom end of row house in a secret location. Sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, bedroom, shower room, garden former privy.

Close to beach and shops. EPC-F

TUNSTALL

£199,995

A most appealing period 2 bed semi-detached cottage. Sitting room with fireplace, kitchen/diner, shower room, LPG fired radiators, courtyard garden.

EPC-F

THEBERTON

SUDBOURNE £339,000

A beautifully present 3 bed mid row cottage in secluded position. Hall, shower room, sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom, parking, enclosed rear garden. Heated by an air source pump. EPC-C

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

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£525,000

A detached 4 bed house thought to date from the 19th Century with later extensions, occupying a plot believed to extend to 2.8 acres (sts). Reception hall, study, cloaks, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, double garage, paddock, brick and timber barn, utility room, 2 loose boxes. EPC-F

YOXFORD GUIDE PRICE £240,00 Charming 2 bed detached house built in traditional style using many reclaimed materials. Sitting/dining room, cloaks, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, 2 parking spaces, enclosed garden. EPC-D

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Essential Faces

Best Estates Sudbury Opening Award winning estate agents Best Estates opened its new Sudbury office with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Town Mayor Sue Ayres. Owner and Director Alex Tarry welcomed guests and local business owners with a glass of bubbly to celebrate the latest milestone for the successful business.

Alex & Naomi Tarry

Chloe Tilby, Lucy Green, Sue Ayres, April Macaskill

Sarah-Jane Money, Laura Josselyn

Pat Smith, Rhonda Pryke, Penny Hurrell

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Julia Lindsey, Angela & Simon James

April Macaskill, Alex Tarry,Tristan Desmarais, Matthew Piercy

Stuart Steinbery, Matthew Peircy

Mike Richards,Tristan Desmarais, Naomi Tarry

Janice Cadge, Jane Macaskill, Hilary Gaskin, Linda Gregory

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

Stars of Suffolk The 2016 Stars of Suffolk celebrated the unsung heroes who have shown extreme bravery, overcome diversity or worked tirelessly to improve their community.

Finalists enjoyed a glittering event at Trinity Park hosted

by BBC Radio Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stephen Foster.

Stephen Foster, Mick Parker

Sam Coppolo, Bailey Fleming, Conner Leeks

Tracey Butcher, Darren & Connie Gibbs

Ali, Shelagh & Alec Livingstone

Steve Flood, Rachael Jackson, Nadia Cenci, Georgina Newson, Ian Davidson

Steven & Emily Grimwood

Lesley & Adrian Rawlinson, Joanne Rodger

Lucy, Frank & Karen Turner

Philip Pearce, Alistair Nichol

Linda Harvey, Sheila Gauld, Alison Taylor

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Faces

Shine a Light on Suffolk The Suffolk Community Foundation Annual Review 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shine A Light On Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; saw more than 400 people gathered at Trinity Park to hear illuminating and inspiring stories of Suffolk charities, their needs and their accomplishments with a very special musical finale from the Gallery Players.

Jon & Jan Garfield

James Lightfoot, Caroline Rutherford, Clare Perkins

Mark Millar, Roger Fern

Elizabeth Stephenson, Nicholas & Dee Wingfield Digby, John Devaux

Mary Graham, Hayley Field

Frances Ward, Judith Grandi,Tina Hickey, Annie Munson, Maureen Byrne

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Sir Christopher Howes, Lady Clare Howes,Tim Holder

Paddy Bishopp, Iain Jamie

Celia Davies, Ann Merrigan, Bernadette Smith, Lesley Ashford-Smith, Henry Wilson

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

Diane Porter, David Hockley, Phil Bigley, Patsy Johnson Cisse

Phanuel & Shirley Mutimburi, Richard Vass

Philip Riley,Terry Ward, Emma Hunt-Toovey, Sharon Martin

Craig Hutton, John Devaux, Zack Corrie

Nicki Emberson, Peter & Ilva Maxey, Peter Emberson

Gareth Wilson,Tim Passmore

Jonathan Agar, James Buckle, Martyn Levett

Janey Goodearl, Phillip & Amanda Ainsworth,Toby Sellers

Hilary Neeves, Sylvia Baker

Nick Crocker, Matthew Hubbard, Peter Basford

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Essential Faces

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

Fine Cell Work Hosted by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, William Kendall, a reception and sale of works by Fine Cell Work was held to raise funds for the charity. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a unique organisation that trains prisoners in skilled, paid and creative needlework helping to foster hope, discipline and selfbelief. Fine Cell Work aims to reduce re-offending and increase the employability of ex-prisoners.

Anne Christian, Judi Hallett

Amanda Roman, Mary Axon

Sarah Leach, Ditte Fahie

Ian Jacob, William Kendall

Hilary Lightfoot, Cary Norman

Lady Marlesford, April Astley Birtwistle, Jonathan Aitken, Victoria Gillies, Miranda Kendall

Amelia Chadd,Tessa Barne 88

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Jenny Quitter, Ursi Hobart, Emma Craggs, Dee Dee Faulkner

Fionnuala Walsh, Sandra McCarthy

Rima Young, Maida Campbell

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Directory

Essential

DIRECTORY HOMES AND GARDENS

A superb collection of furniture, homeware, antiques, art, gifts and cards

Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture

Grange Barns, Grundisburgh Road Woodbridge IP13 6HN 01473 735491

www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

www.antiques.eu.com

www.angliafactors.co.uk

KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING B E D R O O M | B AT H R O O M Visit our beautiful showroom 43 – 45 St Andrew’s Street South Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PH Tel 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com

Quality Bespoke Fitted Kitchens at Affordable Prices

SUFFOLK HOT TUBS Prepare your hot tub for spring with a start of season service for £149.

10% off all chemical orders over £20.

Spas in stock for quick delivery. Splasher pools.

Hot tub chemicals in stock.

01473 890122 www.woodfarmkitchens.co.uk MOTORING

PRINTING

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

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

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

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

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

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My Suffolk

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Dr Dan Poulter is the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich – we asked him to talk about his life in Suffolk The life of an MP is always hectic. Is there somewhere in Suffolk you like to escape to for ‘thinking time’?

Life as an MP is, as you say, is always hectic and the schedule can be unrelenting. When I’m back home in Suffolk, I enjoy walks by the coast near Sizewell and sometimes in Felixstowe.

I also really enjoy walking with my dogs and there are some fantastic, undiscovered routes in central Suffolk which allow me time to think and escape the pressures of the working week.

How did you come to live in Suffolk?

I moved to live and work in Suffolk in 2009, a few months after being selected as the prospective Parliamentary candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. Probably one of the best parts of my working week is when I return home to Suffolk on a Thursday evening.

What do you think makes the county so attractive?

For me, the rurality of Suffolk has got to be one of the most attractive features.

After a very busy week in Westminster, it is refreshing to retreat to rural Suffolk and to take time to appreciate the big open skies, which reveal a blanket of stars at night thanks to the lack of light pollution. Equally special are the stunning sunrises and sunset which we are blessed with here in Suffolk. We are incredibly lucky to be surrounded with such a wealth of unique historical market towns and villages across the county.

For me, the fact the county is not overdeveloped and maintains a distinct rural character is a big plus factor.

Do you have any favourite restaurants?

Absolutely. The Dog at Grundisburgh, has to be up there as a personal favourite. Earlier this year, I nominated Milan Hukal in the British Beer and Pub Association’s Parliamentary Pub Chef of the Year and I am delighted that Suffolk is now home to the winner of that deserving accolade. Other favourites include the Fox and Goose at Fressingfield and the Greyhound at Pettistree but the Farm Café at Marlesford and the Common Room in Framlingham are also excellent places to go for lighter meals.

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Do you have any hobbies?

Again, when my schedule permits I very much enjoy playing and watching rugby. I also enjoy watching cricket.

The rural nature of the county lends itself perfectly to a relaxing Sunday afternoon watching cricket on any number of village greens. I also enjoy going to the cinema and watching films or bad TV at home, but absolutely no reality television!

Do you walk, run or cycle?

I very much enjoy running and try to run as often as possible. As a general rule of thumb, I would say that I run at least three times per week. With my two dogs, I am duty bound to walk as they require lots of exercise and thankfully I do enjoy walking. The last time I was on a bike, some 10 years or so ago, unfortunately ended badly with a trip to hospital so I haven’t been on a bike since.

As a doctor, if you had one piece of health advice for 2017, what would it be?

It would be to try and take time out for exercise. My working days are often in excess of 12 hours and if I can find the time to exercise with my own hectic schedule as an MP and a practicing NHS doctor, I’d like to think that others can do the same. I’m sure that most people can find a few minutes here and there to do some exercise on most days of the week, even if it is just going for a walk. Physical exercise and activity is so important, but the associated rewards for mental wellbeing are also key. Taking some time to enjoy the fresh air, even if it means wrapping up against the elements, can work wonders in blowing away the cobwebs and making all the difference to brightening up the shorter winter days. Even if I’d like to stop and

relax at the weekend, my dogs make sure I have to go out for a walk and I always feel much better after the exercise.

Where would you take people on a tour of Suffolk?

Many towns in Suffolk are the perfect destination for a short break, but I think I would probably concentrate on central and eastern Suffolk. I would start off in Ipswich, perhaps by The Waterfront and looking at the town’s docks and I would then venture off towards the historic market town of Eye. From there I would travel out towards the coast, but taking in Debenham and Framlingham on the way. They are some of the most picturesque towns in Suffolk and it’s also worth popping past Wickham Market which recently finished 5th in the village category for the Great British High Street of the Year awards. I would then weave my across to the coast and most likely, I would take time to visit Southwold before concluding the tour in the historical fishing town of Lowestoft.

If you had one picture that illustrates Suffolk, where would it be?

For me, it has to be looking at Framlingham Castle from the Mere.

Apart from the coast, what are Suffolk’s highlights?

There are so many highlights and reasons to visit Suffolk, but I do feel that the historic town of Framlingham, with its excellent food and drink offering and independent shops is a particular highlight. Suffolk must be one of the best places to visit in the UK for a holiday or short break. The people are naturally very friendly and welcoming and there’s just so much on offer – I know it’s a well-used cliché but there truly is something for everyone. From the locally farmed produce, vineyards and breweries to the rich cultural and historic offering in our unique wool towns like Lavenham and Long Melford I think we are incredibly lucky to have so much right here on our own doorstep.

I particularly like the fact that some of the shops and businesses in our rural villages and market towns still close for a half day midweek; for me, the more relaxed pace of life and community spirit are the best things about Suffolk.

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