Essential Suffolk March 2018

MARCH 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

SPRING Enjoying the best of Suffolk outdoors

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Celebrating all that makes our county great

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Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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

Welcome The days are getting longer, spring is very definitely on the horizon and a hop, skip and a jump and Easter is with us at the end of March. As the cherry blossoms burst into view and we leave the worst of the cold weather behind us it’s time to get out and about, enjoying some sunshine on Suffolk’s glorious beaches.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

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

If so, you’ll be interested to read about plastic pollution along our coastline (pages 8 to 11).

For some years now Jason Alexander has been carrying out solitary beach cleans every time he walked by the waterside but with growing national and international concerns about plastic he’s now taking this one step further and he’s looking for help. He's inviting people to join him on organised beach cleans and has even organised a beach clean marathon for later in the year.

Of course plastic – in its right place – does have its uses and this month it's being reused for a remarkable Lego Build event at Ipswich Museum. There’s going to be an attempt, over ten days, to rebuild Ipswich town centre out of Lego bricks as part of a community event that looks at Ipswich and its local history.

Anne Gould EDITOR

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

Paul Newman DESIGNER

paul@newman-design.com

This month we also include a profile of a remarkable Suffolk gardener – Kate Elliott – whose childhood passion for plants created a career at Columbine Hall and the opportunity to craft one of the most beautiful gardens in the county. Plus we’ve taken a look at the vital work Suffolk’s Cruse Bereavement Care does in the county, thanks to 60 dedicated volunteers who give their time to help others come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.

There’s lots of other reading too – check out our Essential Guide to Spring Days Out, Education, Property, Fashion and for those wanting to stretch their legs our dog walk is around Reydon from The Randolph.

Happy reading and enjoy spring!

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

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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.

To subscribe either: 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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C O NTE NT S

Contents 08

13

14

21

Plastic Pollution

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Mini Previews

Cleaning Suffolk’s beaches

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this March

The Aldeburgh Literary Festival, Rope at the New Wolsey, Young Art East and Beautiful at Dance East

25 Brick by Brick Rebuilding Ipswich from Lego

28 Cruse Bereavement Care Help for coping with loss

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48

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35

Spring Days Out

Fashion

Out and about in Suffolk this spring

Lightweight layers for Spring 2018

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57

Independent Schools

Pub Dog Walk

Food & Drink

Homes and Interiors

Investing in Private Education

Boss Creek from The Randolph Hotel, Reydon

Dining at Kesgrave Hall, a recipe from Ufford Park and a gallery full of eating out ideas

Choosing your new arm chair

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62

65

82

Auctions & Antiques

Gardening

Property

My Suffolk

A to Z of antiques part II

Talking to Kate Elliott at Columbine Hall

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Ania Hobson, artist and judge of Young Art East Anglia

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MA RCH 2018

PROTECTING PLANET SUFFOLK Plastic is blighting our planet, polluting our seas and it will never ever degrade or go away but in Suffolk, Jason Alexander has launched an innovative project to clean up our coast. He talks to Anne Gould

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PR O TE CT IN G P LA N E T S UF FO L K

“I started doing beach cleans in 2014 when I was on a photographic challenge to take pictures of 100 sunrises.

One day I spotted a piece of litter and picked it up and saw another and then another one...”

W

e all love a day by the seaside but when Jason Alexander goes to the coast he goes equipped with a litter picker and collection sack. For the last four years, he has been walking Suffolk’s beaches – in Felixstowe, Bawdsey, Shingle Street and beyond on a one-man-mission to collect the plastic rubbish that gets washed in by the tide. Now he’s taking it one stage further – he’s setting up community beach cleans and even has a beach clean marathon planned for the summer.

coffee cups, straws and balloons and lots of other odds and ends like plastic cutlery, food containers, polythene bags and even plastic toy soldiers. He has started a collection of Smarties tube tops – which have been sloshing around in the North Sea for at least 20 years.

Apparently, they were stopped when the packaging changed in the mid ‘90s but are still being washed up on the beach regularly.

“The oldest one dates from at least the mid ’70s – it was a different size to all the others and I wondered why. So I Iooked it up on the internet and discovered it’s a pre-metric size.”

Last month he organised a beach clean at Bawdsey for local businesses from the Suffolk 500 Facebook group, which was attended by 16 people and was a great success. “Since the last series of Blue Planet there has been growing interest in the plastic issue and what I am trying to do is build on that.” Jason, who is also known as Wildlife Gadgetman, says that plastic is being washed ashore every day with horrendous consequences for birds, fish and sea creatures but also the environment too.

“I started doing beach cleans in 2014 when I was on a photographic challenge to take pictures of 100 sunrises. One day I spotted a piece of litter and picked it up and saw another and then another one. Once you start picking up plastic it’s hard to ignore.

Then I saw the #2minutebeachclean on Twitter and it has grown from there and I could see other people around the country were equally concerned too. From when I started it certainly seems like the plastic problem has got worse but of course we are also more aware of it.”

Quantities of litter vary too according to the time of year; a winter storm always throws up more onto the beach. So what does he find on the beach – plastic bottles, fast food

Of course, you have to wonder if this has been in the sea for forty years – what else lies beneath the waves? However it’s the balloons that he finds really distressing and in particular, Helium filled balloons. “I have been told that latex balloons will eventually degrade but it’s the helium balloons that are often used as promotions for big companies that won’t. We went for a walk in Dunwich recently and not only found – yes more balloons – but a Marks & Spencer Centenary plastic bag and when I looked that up it was back in 1984!” ‰

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PR O TE CT IN G P LA N E T S UF FO L K

Of course, it’s not just waste that he finds on the beach, amid the balloons at Bawdsey he’s found items of genuine interest for his collection, like amber, fossilised sharks teeth and five or six bullet casings as well. Jason’s quest to protect the environment also now extends to river cleans – along the stretch under the Orwell Bridge at the Strand which needs a great deal of attention.

Taking this one step further he’s been talking to the Marine Conservation Trust, Anglian Water, the Mayor of Woodbridge and Suffolk ANOB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to help get them involved. There’s a joint venture in April with the social enterprise, I Roll Up My Sleeves – the business networking group which encourages entrepreneurs to work on farms, gardening projects and the like, instead of eating breakfast. As a result,

he’s had some help with litter pickers and waste bags but moving forward with his main event – the beach clean marathon in the first week of August – he hopes more help will be forthcoming.

The idea, he says is to run 26 beach cleans along 12 Suffolk beaches between Felixstowe and Lowestoft over the course of six days.

“I’m hoping that as it’s the summer holidays local people and the public will come forward and help us collect whatever is on the beach.

In addition, I am looking for five volunteers to help me every day with the project as we are going to log everything we have collected and put it on display on the 7th day at an event at the Froize Inn in Chillesford.”

Obviously, he has no idea what sort of mountain of plastic they will end up with as

a one day beach tidy by the Marine Conservation Society last year retrieved 360 plastic bottles. However, he’s also reaching out to Suffolk artists who might be interested in creating something from whatever is found.

He’s also hoping that the August Marathon will raise money too for the Brain Tumour Trust in support of folk musician Mat Bayfield, of the Broadside Boys, who has cancer and spent every day in January 2017 doing sponsored walks for the charity.

INFORMATION For more information about the next beach cleans and the beach clean marathon visit www.wildlifegadgetman.com

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DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is looking for children and young people aged 10 – 16 years who have what it takes to become a world-class dancer.

Talented youngsters from across the east of England are being invited to apply for September 2018 entry, and demonstrate their potential at auditions at the Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich, from Saturday 19 May – Sunday 10 June 2018. The DanceEast CAT has a 100% success rate of graduates being offered places into full-time training at conservatoire or university level to study for degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications in dance and performing arts.

Past students have gone on to study dance at Arts Educational School, Bird College, Central School of Ballet, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and Royal Ballet School to name just a few. To apply for an audition, fill in an application form online at danceeast.co.uk or to request a paper form please email cat@danceeast.co.uk or call 01473 295230. Application deadline is Sunday 29 April 2018, 5pm.

With the 50th anniversary of Maison Talbooth on the horizon in 2019, there’s a chance to win a house party at Maison Talbooth for one lucky recipient (and their 23 guests). The prize includes exclusive use of the hotel and the 12 bedrooms and all the facilities (outdoor pool, hot tub, pool house and tennis court) plus the Treatment Rooms for three hours with four therapists. On top of this the lucky winner will also receive the full house party package of afternoon tea on arrival, Champagne Taittinger and canapé

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reception, three course dinner, post dinner bar and overnight accommodation with full breakfast. Any guest who stays at Maison Talbooth during 2018 will automatically be entered into the draw – so the perfect excuse to stay at the hotel several times during the year. The prize must be taken in 2019 so a great way to celebrate a special anniversary, occasion or birthday or just as an excuse to get away with friends and family! The prize is worth in the region of £8,000 (depending on the chosen date) and will be drawn on Tuesday 1st January 2019 at Maison Talbooth.

See www.milsomhotels.com/stay-and-win

Finalists have been confirmed for the 2018 Suffolk Coastal Business & Community Awards. The winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 15th March at The Hangar, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.

Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Leisure at Suffolk Coastal District Council, said: “We were really pleased to receive so many entries this year from both established and new and upcoming businesses in Suffolk Coastal – so we’d like to thank everyone who’s nominated and voted so far. Our finalists reflect the hardworking businesses and people who are working to make our communities such fantastic places to live and work.”

Inside Out Community the Ipswich based arts in mental health charity is celebrating news of their successful Big Lottery bid.

The grant provides funding for three years enabling the charity to continue its arts & wellbeing workshop programmes, which take place throughout the year at the Avenue Theatre, Gippeswyk Hall. There is also funding to introduce new innovations.

These include taking Inside Out’s established programme ArtWorks on the road to other Suffolk towns and to introduce a Creative Mentoring programme for individuals who want to work on arts projects with one to one support. The grant is recognition of the effective therapeutic arts programmes Inside Out have provided over the past 15 years and of the charity’s ambition to continue growing this innovative service for people in Ipswich & East Suffolk. If you are interested in exploring how participating in the arts can work for you in overcoming mental health issues contact the charity via info@insideoutcommunity.com.

B R I E F New Wolsey Theatre, the lead organisation behind Ramps on the Moon, is one of nine arts organisations to receive funding as the Arts Council announces the successful applicants to Round 34 of its National Lottery funded Strategic Touring Programme. New Wolsey Theatre will receive £2.1 million to ensure it can continue to overcome the barriers deaf and disabled people face when engaging with theatre. With the support from the Arts Council, The New Wolsey Theatre and partners will continue their important work to transform mid-large scale mainstream touring theatre and break down barriers to participation. This latest funding will enable the seven partners to bring about lasting change by continuing the strong, collaborative touring circuit that engages more deaf and disabled audiences and participants.

StartEast has announced it has appointed a new Director to lead the successful and innovative project into its next phase of development and delivery.

Formerly Head of Communications and Development at DanceEast in Ipswich, Rachel Tarkenter has worked in the creative industries for 20 years and possesses a wealth of experience in management, development, planning and communications.

Rachel said “I am passionate about achieving the aims of both the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, to transform the regional economy into a global centre for talent and innovation, and StartEast, to make Norfolk and Suffolk places where more enterprising, creative people can start up and build sustainable cultural enterprises. I have worked with cultural organisations across East Anglia for 15 years and look forward to meeting many more talented creative people who have made Norfolk and Suffolk their home.” StartEast: building the cultural economy, is a major economic development initiative, led by the New Wolsey Theatre, funded by the Art’s Council England’s Creative Local Growth Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

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

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MA RCH 2018

What’s On MARCH 1 PULSE Presents: Then & Now New Wolsey Theatre, 7.45pm Many influential theatre makers and writers have identified as LGBT, and many important milestones in gay liberation first found their feet on a stage. Then & Now is an evening of rehearsed readings from some of British theatre’s finest gay voices from both past and present, as well as the chance to see some new short plays written especially for the night.

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

MARCH 1 – 4 Aldeburgh Literary Festival See mini preview page 21 www.aldeburghliteraryfestival.co.uk

MARCH 2 An Evening with Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek Urban Jungle Suffolk, Beccles, 6.30pm An evening with TV personality and horticultural extraordinaire ‘Mr Plant Geek’, Michael Perry, exclusively to Urban Jungle Suffolk at the start of his Weird and Wacky Plant Project world tour.

Tickets: £39 Email: rachel.bannon@urbanjungle.uk.com

Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm The Festival of Fabric Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe A one day celebration of vintage style clothes making with specialist traders, vintage fashion lectures, sewing and millinery workshops, vintage fashion exhibition from the 1930s to 1950s, afternoon tea and music supplied by a vintage swing DJ. Entry: £5 Information: 07787 981493 The Story of Bart Spa Pavilion Theatre, Undercliff Road, Felixstowe. 7:30pm

EACH Spring Craft Fair Greshams, Ipswich

MARCH 3

Kingfisher Sinfonietta Concert Framlingham College Theatre

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MARCH 5 Britten Sinfonia The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

MARCH 4

Farmers Markets Stowmarket Market Place, 9am – 1.30pm

The London Welsh Rugby Club Choir will sing a variety of pieces, from popular songs to haunting Welsh traditional songs.

Tickets: £21 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

With top favourites for all the family, the programme includes Dr. Who, Star Wars, Beauty and the Beast, The Planets, Wallace & Gromit, Star Trek and Finding Big Ben (make sure you have a mobile to contact outer space!). Dress up, try out musical instruments onstage!

Tickets: £7 – £10 www.ipswichcornexchange.com

This fast moving musical show is far more than a run-through of Bart’s evergreen hits as interweaved within them are all of the juicy yarns about Bart’s crazy millionaire-tobankrupt life. West End Star John Barr takes on the role of Lionel Bart, getting memorably into character as he tells you his story.

Tickets: £21 Box Office: 01394 284962 www.felixstowespa.co.uk

Over 50 stalls all selling amazing gifts ideal for Mother's Day or Easter. Cakes, cards, candles, jewellery, sweets, handmade gifts and much more. www.greshamsipswich.com

The Sound of Wales in Suffolk The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Time Travellers; Ipswich Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert Corn Exchange, Ipswich

The Kingfisher Orchestra returns to Framlingham with a programme that was cancelled last December because of the weather. Haydn Symphony no.63 La Roxelane and Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme. Lead cello Susanna Davis is the soloist. Orchestra Leader, Beth Spendlove, performs Beethoven Romance no.1 for Violin & Orchestra and the concert concludes with Schubert Symphony no.6 in C 'Little'.

Tickets: £12 available from Framlingham Stationers 01728 724244 or at the door

Rhapsody in Blue: Jeremy Denk and Jacqueline Shave join Britten Sinfonia for a programme of jazz and dance inspired music by Gershwin and Stravinsky.

Tickets: £26 – £19 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

MARCH 5 – 10 Sunset Boulevard Ipswich Regent Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece Sunset Boulevard stars Ria Jones, who received standing ovations every night when performing at the London Coliseum, as Norma Desmond and Strictly Come Dancing’s Danny Mac as Joe Gillis.

Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

WH AT’ S ON

MARCH 6 – 7

MARCH 8

Tim Vine: Sunset Milk Idiot Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 8pm

Turin Brakes The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm

It’s Tim Vine back on tour, telling lots of silly new jokes, showing off new homemade props, singing some new daft ditties, and all with the appearance of confidence. The following subjects will be touched upon briefly: pixie football, ice cream and nibble feeders. Come along, sit down and laugh.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01473 433100

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

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

MARCH 7 Jacqui Dankworth: Butterfly’s Wing The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Grammy Award winning singer Jacqui Dankworth is joined by award winning composer and jazz pianist David Gordon; Ben Davis, whose group Basquiat Strings have been Mercury-nominated; and Christian Garrick, widely recognised as the country's leading jazz violinist, for seductive rhythms, cutting-edge improvisation and lyrics, at turns heart-rending, joyous and surreal.

Steve Knightly The Cut, Halesworth

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

MARCH 7 – 17 Rope New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich See mini preview page 21 Tickets: £27 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Hollyoake Landscapes

In his highly anticipated 2018 solo tour Songs & Stories, multi-award-winning songwriter Steve Knightley invites his audience on a musical journey, charting the winding roads of his unrivalled career. The Show of Hands frontman (“One of the great English bands” – Peter Gabriel) showcases a set list peppered with classic gems such as Cousin Jack, AIG and Country Life with his inimitable passion and flair. And in a rare glimpse into the personal playlist of a songwriting legend, Knightley also pays tribute to some of his influences along the way, from Dylan to Radiohead. www.newcut.org

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BEAUTiFUL FRIDAY 9 MARCH, 7.30PM

Making the most of your outdoors

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

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Using movement and text, this performance will be a passionate, vivid journey into women’s experiences of sex, love, desire and power.

Tickets from £12, £9 concessions Age suitability: 16+ years, contains sexual content

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MA RCH 2018

MARCH 9

MARCH 10

Beautiful Dance East, Ipswich

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

See mini preview page 23 www.danceeast.co.uk The Frank Weatherley Jazz Trio Avenue Theatre, Ipswich. 7.30pm Led by Frank Weatherley, performing a collection of compositions written over many years that form a diary of events and musical reflections on places visited in England, Scandinavia and the European Continent.

Jose Canha will be on double bass and Elmer van der Hoek on drums. The three have developed their own fresh take on the compositions, with lyrical saxophone, punchy drumming and a rich, double bass sound.

Entry: £8 www.redrosechain.com

MARCH 9 – 11 Young Art East Anglia See mini preview page 23 www.youngarteastanglia.co.uk

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MARCH 11 Farmers Markets The Barn Assington, 10am – 2pm So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs?

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 3pm Dr Ben Garrod (from Attenborough’s Giant Dinosaur) tells everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs in this interactive, educational and entertaining show, using footage from BBC's Planet Dinosaur.

Tickets: £13.50 ( £11 children, £44 family) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Cordis String Quartet New Cut, Halesworth Beethoven String Quartet No.11 Op. 95; Mozart String Quartet No. 15 K421; Bartok String Quartet No. 4 Sz.91. The Cordis String Quartet was formed in autumn 2016 by four musicians from the Royal Academy of Music in London. www.newcut.org

MARCH 12 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Ipswich Regent, 8pm The world’s ultimate homage to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the Regent Theatre in 2018.

Encompassing nearly five decades of legendary music and channelling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, their latest show offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved bands of all time.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01473 433100

WH AT’ S ON

MARCH 14 Freak Power The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

The 1990’s love child of Norman Cook’s Beats International (‘Dub Be Good To Me’) and Ashley Slater’s seminal cult band Microgroove; a mix of acid jazz, funk, soul and trip hop they had a massive hit with ‘Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out’ Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Guesthouse Eastern Angles Theatre Company, Gateacre Road, Ipswich (on tour until May 26) A grandmother, mother and a daughter have to set aside differences as they decide the fate of their family-run guesthouse. Battling family demons and the crashing waves of a troubled past, tensions are high in Clactonon-Sea. Exploring the lives of three generations of women, Guesthouse asks what’s it like when the town you were proud to grow up in becomes impoverished? What does it take to keep going? And what does it take to face the truth? Written by Essex playwright Nicola Werenowska and directed

by Tony Casement this new show will tour across the East of England. www.easternangles.co.uk

MARCH 15 Mark Padmore & Friends Britten Studio, Snape, 7.30pm

concert given by an outstanding trio of collaborators. Mixing music for voice and instruments by Schubert (Auf dem Strom and other Lieder) with English song, it’s a combination of artists and music guaranteed to charm, move and entertain us – a handpicked garland of melody to decorate a special birthday.

Box Office: 01728 687110

MARCH 16 Folk on the Boat: Silbury Hill Sailing Barge Victor, Ipswich, 8pm The popular Folk on the Boat concerts return to the historic Sailing Barge Victor. Set in the barge’s warm and cosy wooden saloon, experience some of the best folk musicians from East Anglia in an intimate, atmospheric and unique music venue, complete with a well-stocked and fully licenced bar.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01473 433100

A ‘hansel’ – the traditional gift given to bring good luck – is perfectly encapsulated in this

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

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TALENTS OF BRITAIN SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2018 FIVE ACTS, INCLUDING STARS FROM STAGE AND SCREEN, A GLASS OF FIZZ, THREE COURSE DINNER AND DANCING TO DREAMWAVE EVENTS DJ. £95.00 PER PERSON. £15 PER TICKET GOES TO EAST ANGLIA’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICES. Book online www.milsomhotels.com/talents-of-britain Call 01473 333741 or email reception@kesgravehall.com

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MA RCH 2018

MARCH 17 Farmers markets Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Needham Market Alder Carr Farm, 9am – 1pm

four-part chorus and unison children’s choir.

Mass of the Children by John Rutter is sung in Latin and accompanied on the piano by William Baldry.

Tickets: £19 – £11 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Suffolk Sinfonia Spring Concert The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Sacconi Quartet with Michael Collins St Mary the Virgin Church, East Bergholt, 4pm

Rimsky-Korsakov; Overture Russian Folk Songs. Shostakovich; Piano Concerto No 2.

Tchaikovsky; Symphony No 3.

Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Glazunov, Oriental Reverie Op.14; Brahms, Clarinet Quintet in B minor Op.115; Mozart, Clarinet Quintet in A K581.

Entry: £14, students £7, children (under 16) free with adult Information: 01206 298426 Email: svamtickets@btinternet.com www.ticketsource.co.uk/svam www.svam.org.uk

and recorded many highly acclaimed albums in their thirty years together.

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

MARCH 21

Natyapriya New Cut, Halesworth When the evil demon Mahisha wreaks havoc on the world, the Gods are in a quandary about what to do next. Since Mahisha cannot be killed by a man or an animal, they decide to create a woman goddess, Durga, to slay the evil demon. Vanquishing Mahisha is easy work for the delicate goddess, who not content with slaying demons, also decides to teach the local king, a lesson in treating her devotees with respect! Natyapriya Dance Company tell this exciting story, with its trademark beautiful dancing, mesmerising music, vibrant costumes and great humour. www.newcut.org

MARCH 19 Beth Nielsen Chapman The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Ipswich Remembers Grand Hall, Corn Exchange Ipswich Remembers is an exciting collaborative project between Ipswich Choral Society and independent Dance Artist Mary Davies, featuring Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light: a Requiem and new music commissioned and supported by Arts Council England and DanceEast. It will bring together a local cast of 200 dancers, singers, musicians and digital artists to commemorate the First World War and celebrate Ipswich's history, the local people and their stories.

Tickets: £15 (under 16's and students £6) Box office: 1473 43100 www.ipswichcornexchange.com

The twice Grammy-nominated Nashville based singer-songwriter has penned numerous hits and written songs for many top artists including Emmylou Harris, Bette Midler, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Roberta Flack, Willie Nelson and many more. Her music has been heard on ER & Dawson’s Creek, and in movie soundtracks, including The Prince of Egypt, Message In A Bottle, The Rookie and Practical Magic.

Tickets: £27.50 – £23.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

MARCH 20

Stowmarket Chorale perform Zimbe!

Accompanied by the composer Alexander L’Estrange and his Jazz Quintet. This celebration of African music combines traditional songs with jazz, Western choral and pop influences, and is sung by an adult

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Liza Pulman, acclaimed singer, comedienne and member of the satirical and much loved comedy trio Fascinating Aida, celebrates the songs of Barbra Streisand. Enjoy glorious new arrangements and orchestrations of legendary songs such as Evergreen, The Way We Were, New York State Of Mind, Second Hand Rose and many more.

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

MARCH 21 – 30

MARCH 18 Zimbe! And Mass of the Children The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 4pm

Liza Sings Streisand The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Witty and humorous banter sits alongside joyous reels and melodies and tunes that tug the heartstrings. The fiddler and accordion player have won numerous awards, including Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards,

Wolf Hall Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich Gallery Players present this Hilary mantel classic, adapted for stage by Mike Poulton. England in 1527. Henry VIII has been King for almost 20 years but his wife, Katherine of Aragon has failed to deliver him a male heir. Chief advisor, Cardinal Wolsey, is unable to persuade the Pope to grant Henry the divorce he needs in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Yet for a man with the right talents this crisis proves to be an opportunity. Thomas Cromwell is a commoner who has risen in Wolsey’s household – and he will stop at nothing to please the King and advance his own ambitions.

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

WH AT’ S ON

MARCH 22 – 31

MARCH 24

Woyzeck New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich

Farmers Market Sudbury St Peter's Church, 9.30am – 2pm

Inspired by real events, Büchner’s unfinished masterpiece remains one of western drama’s most profound and moving explorations of class and morality. Written shortly before his death at the age of twenty three, Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck is often described as the first ‘modern’ play.

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

Farmers Market Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

MARCH 28 Hallelujah! Easter offerings from the Ipswich Bach Choir Ipswich School, Ivry St, Ipswich. 7.30pm

MARCH 23 – 24

Easter-focussed music with full choir and orchestra. Includes Wondrous Cross: the Seven last words by Alan Bullard; Messiah, Part II (Handel); and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by JS Bach.

Tickets: £13 (£5 for students) Information: 01394 271538 or ipswichbachchoir@yahoo.co.uk www.ipswichbachchoir.org.uk

Macbeth Dance East, Ipswich

MARCH 25

The multi-award winning Mark Bruce Company presents a striking dance theatre adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a tragic descent into the darkest sides of human nature. www.danceeast.co.uk

Dara O’Briain – Voice of Reason Ipswich Regent, 8pm One of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Robotwars and Go8Bit. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today.

Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01473 433100

MARCH 29 Beethoven’s Quartet Journey The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm

Behn String Quartet The Cut, Halesworth Dvorak String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 American Jack Body Three Transcriptions for String Quartet, Shostakovich String Quartet No. 3 in F major, Op. 73. www.newcut.org

A journey through Beethoven’s musical and personal life, with Beethoven's three Razumovsky Quartets, and a narrative drawn from original sources and letters.

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

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M ARC H 2 0 1 8

MARCH 30 Chantel McGregor The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Rock-blues with effortless virtuosity, flights of incendiary guitar and moments of poise, grace and fluidity. After years of touring and festival appearances, Chantel not only salutes contemporary rock, but shows a gradual transition from conventional Blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive influences.

Tickets: £14 in advance (£16 on the door) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

WH AT’ S ON

St John Passion – Gippeswyk Singers and the Classic Chamber Orchestra St John’s Church, Felixstowe A beautifully expressive and dramatic oratorio for Good Friday by JS Bach, featuring young professional soloists and conducted by Geoff Lavery. Classic Chamber Orchestra is comprised of the finest musicians in East Anglia. Soloists: Sarah Rebecca Gallop (soprano), Chloe Pardoe (mezzo), Micheal Collins (Christ), Michael Collins (Evangelist) and Brian Latchem (Pilate). This concert is supporting local charities: Bipolar UK (Ipswich) and Sound On Talking Newspaper.

Tickets: £15 available from Stillwater Books, Felixstowe Box Office: 01394 670633 Email: paulgalley@btinternet.com

MARCH 31 Me and my Bee High Street Exhibition Gallery, Ipswich Multi award-winning theatre company, ThisEgg, invites you to save the world – one bee at a time. A new comedy for children and adults alike. Plant the seed for change,

Save the date

Sunday 18th March 2018 10.00am - 3.30pm

In The Hangar at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall visit www.milsomweddings.com email weddings@milsomhotels.com

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join the Bee Party. Before it’s too late…

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

MARCH 31 – APRIL 21 Pastel Society Exhibition Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh The exhibition of contemporary artists will show abstract and experimental works by such artists as Angela A’Court, Joanne Last and Keith Roper alongside the traditional representation of John Tookey, Cheryl Culver, Marchgaret Glass and Peter Vincent, to name but a few.

Information: 01728 453743 Email: camilla@thompsonsongallery.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.

M IN I P R E V IE WS

ALDEBURGH LITERARY FESTIVAL March 1 – 4 The first of Suffolk’s many festivals launches at the start of March and this year the Aldeburgh Literary Festival promises a veritable feast.

Speakers include Claire Armitstead, William Blacker, Craig Brown, Nick Crane, Dave Goulson, Jeremy Greenstock, James Hamilton, Natalie Haynes, Lucy Hughes-Hallett, Penelope Lively, Margaret MacMillan and photographer Eamonn McCabe. Also on the programme are Patrick McGuinness, Ann Pettifor, Alex Preston, Nick Robinson, Julia Samuel, Roger Scruton, Jenny Uglow and A.N.Wilson.

As ever it’s a packed agenda and tickets for some events sold out fast but this year the festival includes the book launch at Aldeburgh Bookshop on March 3 of Henrietta Inman’s Natural Baker, a New Way to Bake. Henrietta is a pastry chef and has worked in award-winning kitchens including the Lanesborough Hotel and the Michelin-starred Apsleys. She now lives and works in London and Suffolk and this book is a celebration of the variety and diversity of natural ingredients. In her 80 easy-to-follow sweet and savoury recipes, Henrietta balances the flavour, quality and texture of classic patisserie with the natural goodness of simple wholefoods, with outstanding results. Using wholegrain flours, fewer sweeteners and good fats combined with vibrant fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds, she creates delicious unique bakes that will make you smile.

Then on March 4 there’s an extra event at Aldeburgh’s Jubilee Hall featuring Andy Kershaw, the Legendary Broadcaster and Foreign Correspondent. Already he’s lived ten lives to everybody’s one. As a teenager, he was promoting major rock gigs at Leeds University. He was Billy Bragg’s driver and roadie one day and presenting Whistle Test and Live Aid the next. A passionate music enthusiast, he is a man with an obsessive curiosity about the world. He has worked for the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen and has amassed a record collection that weighs more than seven tons. A fearless adventurer, he has visited 97 countries and, as a rock and roll war correspondent (for Radio 4 and the broadsheets) he has reported from some of the world’s most perilous places including Iraq, Sierra Leone, North Korea, Angola and Haiti. Andy was one of very few journalists to be an eyewitness to the Rwanda genocide. He has won more Sony Radio awards than any other broadcaster. Andy will be presenting his one-man show and he will be signing his autobiography, No Off Switch, afterwards.

INFORMATION 01728 452587 www.aldeburghliteraryfestival.co.uk

ROPE New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich March 7 – 17 Based on a 1920s real-life case, this dark classic was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and remains to this day one of the most tightly coiled of thrillers. It’s brilliant, intense and atmospheric – so expect to be sitting on the edge of your seat during this co-production of Patrick Hamilton’s Rope from the New Wolsey and Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch.

Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor James Sutton will star as Charles Granillo in this chilling play. Rope will be directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul who also directed James in As You Like It and in last year’s acclaimed revival of The Crucible.

Rope is the story of two well-bred young men who murder a fellow Oxford student just for the fun of it. Placing the corpse in a wooden box, they invite a group of friends over to their Mayfair apartment – including the loving mother of the boy they’ve just killed. Supper is served on the chest holding the gruesome contents. But one of their guests is starting to become suspicious…

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

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M IN I P R E V IE WS

YOUNG ART EAST ANGLIA Peter Pears Gallery, Aldeburgh March 9 – 11 What better way to encourage school age children to pursue their artistic endeavours that to see their work on display as part of a proper exhibition. This is just what Young Art East Anglia has been doing for the last 16 years and this year’s event in Aldeburgh promises to be as good as ever.

The competition, for the 5-11year old age group, recognises the remarkable range of talents of primary school children in Suffolk and it also raises money for Cancer Research UK. Thousands of children from schools across the county enter every year, their task is to create a picture on a specific theme, this year it was Nature’s Delights.

BEAUTIFUL Dance East, Ipswich March 9 As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, award-winning choreographer and dancer, Sally Marie will be hosting a talk at the Jerwood DanceHouse. She’s in Ipswich with a performance from her Sweetshop Revolution dance theatre company but as part of that she’s inviting discussion on women’s experience and relationships across the last 300 years. Audiences are invited for a free glass of wine and a chance to hear some of Sally Marie’s discoveries from her research on women and sexuality, with the opportunity for audience questions.

The Sweetshop Revolution is returning to DanceEast with new dance theatre production, Beautiful, following a sell-out performance of I Loved You and I Loved You in 2016. With five female dancers, Beautiful explores love and sexuality from the point of view of women; what is fantasised about, desired and permissible within the complex web of social structures, expectations and social history.

However only around 300 of the best entries are selected to be framed and then go on show at the Peter Pear’s Gallery in Aldeburgh.

This year’s judge is Ania Hobson, a portrait and landscape artist based in Suffolk said she was really impressed and thrilled by the quality of the entries.

Claire Harrington, one of the organisers, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the young artists who are chosen to see their work displayed in a professional gallery.” Prizes are awarded by age categories and every exhibitor receives a certificate and the exhibition also enables children to raise charitable donations for Cancer Research UK while celebrating their artistic output.

INFORMATION www.youngarteastanglia.co.uk

With issues of female inequality and sexual harassment at the forefront of the public consciousness Beautiful will celebrate the solidarity of women and look past the pressure to conform. As Sally Marie says, ‘More than ever I believe that it’s vital for women to communicate “the female gaze” creatively. The five extraordinary performers in this show plunge us into their private worlds, slicing through the tissued layers of elusive truths and false assumptions by which many of us live. “We’re driven to look seriously and humorously – but always closely – at how women are objectified on stage and in the wider world. Our collective purpose? To generate outrageous pleasure, inspire insight and provoke debate.’

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

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TH E M AK IN G OF I PSWI C H

ONE BRICK AT A TIME Rome wasn’t built in a day but brickologist Brian Hewitt intends to rebuild Ipswich in seven. Anne Gould finds out how

F

or many people construction toys are a very fond and formative part of their childhood. They remember building airports, railway stations, spaceships with friends, their parents or even at school. But Brian Hewitt hadn’t picked up a block of Lego until about four years ago and now he’s a noted,’brickologist’ as they are called, with a growing national following and ever-growing popularity locally too with parents looking for alternative and educational entertainment for their children.

However this month he’s embarking on something new, in collaboration with Ipswich Museum he’s planning an ambitious Lego build that he says has never been done before. As part of British Science Week, Brian – helped by teams of children and adults – will be recreating Ipswich town centre to scale at the Museum's Art Gallery in High Street.

Melanie Hollis, the Collections and Learning Curator for Colchester and Ipswich Museum explained the event was being staged as part of a wider major exhibition. “You are here! The Making of Ipswich, is about local history and we will be showing parts of our collection that are not usually on show. This includes various prehistoric artefacts including some of the oldest existing hand axes and the Anglo Saxon Boss Hall brooch which was discovered on an excavation near Morrison’s.”

The Legget Collection – a number of Victorian paintings of Ipswich – will be shown in its entirety for the first time among a range of other things. The idea, says Melanie is to trigger conversations and memories of Ipswich within the community and doing something creative – like the Lego build – could get people working together and talking. ‰

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Trouble Sleeping?

“The tickets for the Lego event sold out very fast, we knew it would be popular and luckily we have been able to release a few more tickets to get more people along.”

For Brian it’s meant some preparation, he’s been working on key buildings for some weeks now and has already completed a Lego version of the Willis Building. Now he’s embarking on an even more complicated build; Christchurch Mansion. The plan is that they will be in place for the Big Lego Ipswich Build which runs from March 10-17. “I make the scale buildings by using photographs. The Willis building took me a couple of weeks on and off. It’s made entirely with Lego black glass and after the build will go on display in the Willis building itself. I anticipate reconstructing Christchurch Mansion is going to be rather more complicated because I have to get the bricks right.”

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Brian, who lives in Stowmarket, said his passion for Lego was sparked a few years ago just after he retired. He got involved in exhibitions of Lego builds – first in Newport in Wales and then at Sandown Park racecourse. “These were just big shows and children were not allowed to touch anything at all, so at the second event I suggested they run a children’s build area and it was incredibly popular.” From there he’s been asked to involve children in various of his builds across East Anglia, at Swaffham School, for instance, there was a reconstruction of the Swaffham Tower.

Then along came Colchester and Ipswich Museums, with a request to rebuild Ipswich. For some people this might seem a daunting prospect but for Brian, a lifelong serial entrepreneur, it’s been something to get his teeth into. Before retirement he created a

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Easter is a perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family for a delicious lunch or indulgent afternoon tea.

Easter Sunday 12pm – 8pm 3-Course menu - £25 pp Children’s set menu - £7.95 pp Easter themed afternoon tea £18 pp £9 per child (under the age of 12) 2nd April to 14th April Easter hunt for children available on 2nd April George Michael & Elton John Tribute Evening with welcome drink & 3-Course Dinner on 6th April £39.50 pp Please call: 01394 385 678 or email: reception@seckford.co.uk Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU | www.seckford.co.uk

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TH E M AK IN G OF I PSWI C H

“I make the scale buildings by using photographs. The Willis building took me a couple of weeks on and off. It’s made entirely with Lego black glass and after the build will go on display in the Willis building itself.”

business – Driver Transport Training – which became a PLC but, he says, after a couple of years as Chief Executive he decided to step down and let them get on with it. Then the Lego thing started to happen and as his builds became ever more well known and he started to become famous, he started to acquire more and more bricks. “People from across the country would call me up and ask me if I wanted their bricks, some were donated and some were purchased.”

Clearly rebuilding Ipswich is going to require more than just a couple of kits but luckily Brian has “millions” of Lego pieces stashed away in storage. “I do have bricks at home – I have seven grandchildren – and we build but you couldn’t take on a project like this if you didn’t have enough bricks.” Will they run out – Ipswich is a big place? “We’ll have to see how we progress and what happens during the event.”

But of course, Brian won’t be on his own at the Museum Art Gallery, he’s going to have a lot of help from a lot of people. “Sessions with the public have been split up into children/family sessions and adult sessions and when they went on sale they were unbelievably popular and were all but sold out in two days. “The only sessions left are for adults only and I have no idea who will be coming along because I have followers from all over the country and I don’t think anything like this, and on this scale, has ever been done before.”

There isn’t a plan, he explained, it’s not like a kit where there’s a guide with all the parts included in a box. “This is going to be what’s known as a free build and anyone who turns up will have to search to find the right parts. Who knows what the end result will be – we’ll have to see what happens during the event and how far we get. I don’t expect every building to be finished, however…

“Of course for the children, there’s no need for them to build to scale – it’s about fun and enjoying the creativity involved in doing something like this.” Plus educators say Lego helps in a multitude of ways – building fine motor skills, it encourages teamwork, communication, problem solving and mathematical skills and lateral thinking and planning.

For those who haven’t been able to book a place the finished result can be viewed free of charge at the Art Gallery.

INFORMATION cimuseums.org.uk

MA RCH 2018

Living with bereavement Death is very much part of our collective human experience – but bereavement can sometimes feel almost too much to bear. Anne Gould talks to Cruse Bereavement Care in Suffolk which offers help

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ometimes it’s an accident, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, sometimes death is swift and sudden but at other times illness can see a long slow decline. Whatever the circumstances losing a loved one can feel like a personal tragedy; overwhelming, the grief and the shock can shake your being to the very core.

Everyone grieves differently and although friends and family will be there for you at the start – they will often be grieving too – it also helps to talk to someone who is not emotionally connected. That’s where Suffolk’s Cruse Bereavement Care can help, explains Elizabeth Murphy, the Chairman of the Ipswich Branch.

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“We will be involved offering support in some way with about one in ten deaths in Suffolk and on occasions we will end up helping a number of individuals involved in a single death. There is no ‘normal’ or ‘right’ way to grieve. How we react is influenced by many different things; our age and personality, our cultural background and religious beliefs, our previous experiences of bereavement, our circumstances and how we cope with a loss.”

Cruse was established in the ‘80s and offers a range of support from practical advice, bereavement support groups, leaflets and publications as well as one-to-one bereavement support for adults, children and

young people. Elizabeth explained that bereavement support volunteers either visit people in their own homes or offer a safe and comfortable environment in an easily accessible location for sessions.

“They are all ready to listen in a compassionate and non-judgemental way.

Although there are some general patterns that grief can follow, it is a complex process and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. We ensure that each person’s individual needs are understood and we work together to deliver the most appropriate form of help and support at the time. Bereavement can leave people in a very dark place and although it’s a natural process it can leave

C RU S E B E RE AVE ME NT C A RE

often feel so left out when it comes to grieving but we give them the space to express what they are feeling. We use lots of games and artwork. When they are really young it needs to be practical but as they get older and with teenagers, there’s the option for our sessions to be more about talking.”

people feeling isolated and alone. Within families, it can make individuals feel like they are on another planet.”

Grieving doesn’t always happen in the immediate aftermath of a death either.

Sometimes, she explained that people’s lives are too busy and so it may be many years later – maybe even 30 years on when the grieving process begins. “We recognise that people still need to talk about their loved one even though a lot of time has passed. It might have been that they were a child at the time, perhaps they had a stillbirth there are all sorts of reasons.”

Cruse also offers help with children and teenagers who have been bereaved and Elizabeth is a specialist in this area. “Children

Having said that, Elizabeth added that Cruse believes that all help that is offered should be client-led and client-centred so if adults feel they need to be creative there are options available. Remarkably there is no charge for what Cruse does – so perhaps unsurprising that there’s a waiting list for one-to-one help.

There’s also no fixed time limit for this kind of support, although most people find that around six sessions helps them to feel significantly better.

More remarkable is that this charity operates almost entirely on volunteer help alone.

Elizabeth says that the team is composed of 60 volunteers and only two part-time paid staff. “We have four branches, in Ipswich, East Suffolk, North Suffolk and Bury St Edmunds so we can normally reach anyone who asks for help. We are trying to work as a whole county in Suffolk so that anyone who needs support can get it. Other areas in the

UK don’t operate in the same way and access is limited to urban areas.”

Suffolk Cruse also operates on a shoestring – all volunteers are required to pay for their intensive training courses and once fully trained undergo regular supervision and inservice training to update their skills. The service is often recommended by doctors or people can self-refer too so there is a waiting list. However, only two of their branches have offices – in east and north Suffolk volunteers have to work at home.

“In Ipswich, we have a small office in St Helen’s Street – rooms that have been gifted to us by East of England Co-op and we also have an office in Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds.” This year, she said that they were trying to raise their profile and be more visible in terms of fund-raising. Of course, although there are 60 volunteers new recruits are always needed too so if you would like to get involved, either to help with fund-raising or becoming a counsellor, please get in touch through the website.

INFORMATION www.suffolkcruse.co.uk

FREE SEMIn InvITAT AR Ion

INHERITANCE TAX A VOLUNTARY TAX?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) and planning for later life are important considerations when making nancial decisions for you and the people you care about. Early planning now can help you reduce Inheritance Tax liabilities in the future.

Scrutton Bland have teamed up with Gotelee Solicitors and invite you to a seminar designed to help you prepare for the future. In this seminar, we will guide you through: Inheritance Tax, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney,Trusts and the Financial Planning solutions available to you.

When: Wednesday 15 March Time: 4.30pm - 6.00pm Where: Hintlesham Golf Club, George Street, Hintlesham, Ipswich IP8 3JG To book your free place, please email events@scruttonbland.co.uk, or call 01473 267000

bland Gotelee Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, no. 50012

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

0187/02/2018/CB

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MA R CH 2018

SPRING in the great outdoors As the clocks move forward and the days feel longer it’s time to get out and about in Suffolk and really enjoy our county as it bursts with spring life. There are endless opportunities for all ages and interests so take a look through our Essential Guide for some seasonal inspiration

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S PR IN G DAY S O UT

On your bike

Walk the walk

Whether you’re already a regular in Lycra or simply looking to get out and about on two wheels, Suffolk is a cycling friendly county.

Regular readers will be familiar with our passion for walking; especially our Pub Walks with Darcy series. So if you’ve yet to embark on any of the routes now is the time.

Although every route is planned to start and end at a dog friendly pub it doesn’t mean that you have to have a dog to take part.

Visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks and you’ll find more than 60 routes, all with

The terrain is generally flat however anyone who’s cycled in Suffolk will tell you it’s far from it! There are a myriad of routes through heath, forest and along the long coastline and a quick Google search throws up a variety of cycle maps and reliable websites including www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org which gives plenty of useful information and links.

downloadable pdf maps and instructions.

Favourites include Dunwich Heath, Dedham, Newbourne & Waldringfield and Sibton but there are so many to choose from you’re bound to find one that suits. Remember there’s no such thing as the wrong weather only the wrong clothes so check the forecast before you leave, don your comfy walking shoes and look out for Darcy en route!

But going out on a bike doesn’t mean staying local to your home – why not hop on a train and take your bicycle for an adventure in another part of the county? Make sure to check bike space availability before you travel and choose one of the country stations you’ve only ever passed before; maybe Darsham in the north of the county or Needham Market heading west? Grab your helmet, pump up your tyres and enjoy the fresh air.

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EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH

Ufford Park Woodbridge

Sunday 1st April Celebrate Easter with a delicious 2 or 3 course meal in our Park Restaurant, accompanied by Mr Tim & his Saxophone.

£17.95 for 2 courses £19.95 for 3 courses Served from 12 noon Pre-booking is essential

t 0844 847 9467 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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S PR IN G D AY S OU T

Blooming marvellous

COMPETITION

If you prefer to wander through more formal surroundings why not head to one of our county’s impressive stately homes? Though not all of the houses are open to visitors until the Easter Holidays many have grounds that are immaculately tended year-round and can be accessed for a leisurely stroll with spring bulbs in abundance. High on our list to visit are Nowton Park, Ickworth House, Wyken Hall and Kentwell Hall with snowdrops and daffodils aplenty. Don’t forget the town parks too; Ipswich in particular has some stunning public parks including Christchurch, Holywells, Chantry and Bourne Park and some have tearooms, so plan a tasty treat to follow your explorations.

Ten family tickets to Easton Farm Park to be won!

Each ticket will allow free access for two adults and two children to Easton Farm Park near Wickham Market. Perfect for young families, children can learn all about the animals; there is something very exciting about getting really close to animals, touching them, feeding them and hearing them.

There’s a mixture of animal experiences and indoor heated play areas. In the peak seasons there is an extensive programme of events to entertain the family throughout the day including The Barrel Bug ride around the farm, Pony Rides, Family Train Ride, Hug a Bunny and Meet the Animals.

With an outdoor adventure area and indoor soft play area, Victorian Dairy and a Green Trail too your family will enjoy hours of fun.

Seaside special There’s about 50 miles of coast to discover in Suffolk and if family fun is what you’re looking for a day at the seaside doesn’t have to wait for summer. In the ‘seaside towns to visit league’ there are the firm favourites like Southwold and Aldeburgh – where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to good food & drink and independent shopping. Then there are quieter spots like Orford and Shingle Street where you’ll enjoy bracing air and expansive views. Or why not try the ‘old-but-new-kid on the block’ – Felixstowe? With millions of pounds worth of regeneration the seafront has had a distinct facelift including the charming Spa gardens and the smart new pier with a great café and bar on the (generally) leeward side. At the port end of the town there’s the foot ferry too for a great adventure across Orwell estuary with jawdropping views of ocean going container ships.

Talk to the animals Is there anything as cute as a new born lamb? Taking a trip to the farm could be the best way to enjoy Suffolk this spring and for your children to gain some close-up experience with farm animals. At the heart of our agricultural community there are a number of good choices with Hollow Trees (Semer near Hadleigh), Baylham Rare Breeds (between Ipswich and Needham Market) and Easton Farm Park (near Wickham Market) all designed with families and young children in mind. Enjoy farm trails, outdoor activities and, of course, those baby animals too. The Suffolk Punch Trust reopens to visitors for the season from March 23rd and with demonstrations and trailer rides among the attractions a day out supporting these magnificent beasts will be great family fun.

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For your chance to win answer this question: Which animal can you ‘hug’ at Easton Farm Park? is it A. LAMB B. BUNNY C. PONY Email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to: competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or send a postcard to Easton Farm Park Competition, Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5 2EP. The closing date for entries to be received is Friday 30th March 2018.

Winners will be drawn from all correct entries by the closing date.

Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted by Easton Farm Park. Easton Farm Park will use the information provided to them to send out details of events and offers and will not pass your information on to any third party.

Five of the best

Mother’s Day Treats Whether you’re choosing a special gift or planning an outing, we have plenty of inspiration for you

Enjoy Tudor Splendour at Seckford Hall Seckford Hall is a historic treasure in Suffolk. Together with listed gardens, meandering walks and a beautiful lake, it is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day. With a host of special Mother’s Day packages this March, you can be sure to give your mum an experience to remember. A real moment that matters.

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

A Gift with a View…

Gorgeous Gifts for Mum

Why not make this mother’s day gift something special and unique?

Cake & Catwalk is filled with gorgeous and desirable things for little girls and big girls making it the perfect place to shop for a gift wrapped present for Mother’s Day. Packed with fashion and accessories we’ve clothing, jewellery, scarfs, belts and bags priced from £5 to £150 so there’s something for everyone’s pocket.

Mum can experience the joy of flight with one of our Mothers Day Treat flights – 30m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £59 inc VAT, 60m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £99 inc VAT – plus a special gift for mum on the day! Fly with experienced pilots who have a passion for flight and a background in private and commercial aviation. Join us and experience the ultimate flight adventure.

Call in for some friendly help and advice to choose something really special for your Mum.

Beccles Airsports 07512 078189 www.becclesairsports.com

15 St Peters Street Ipswich, IP1 1XF info@cakeandcatwalk.co.uk www.cakeandcatwalk.co.uk

Mother’s Day Treats

Family Fun for Everyone

Make your Mum feel special this Mother’s Day by treating her to a delicious 3 course lunch in The Park Restaurant. Lunch is priced at just £23.50 per person and booking is essential. Local pianist, Nick Raison, will be playing between 12pm and 4pm. Children welcome. All Mums that join us for lunch will be entered into a FREE prize draw.

After lunch, why not take a stroll around our 2-mile trim trail?

Gift vouchers are also available to treat your Mum to a Spa Day or Spa Treatment.

Planning a Mother’s Day outing with young children? Most mums hope for nothing more than happy children so why not visit Easton Farm Park where your youngsters can enjoy everything from meeting the animals to taking a pony ride and even some soft play too.

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

At this time of year there’s plenty of farmyard activity including seeing the lambs, hug a bunny and following the Green Trail – all rounded off with a treat in the Barmy Barn Café!

Easton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ info@eastonfarmpark.co.uk 01728 746475

Five of the best

BEAUTY GIFTS

for Mother’s Day

There’s no better way to indulge your Mum than with some pampering time. Whether you pre-book a pamper package or buy Gift Vouchers leaving her to choose her favourite treatments, she’ll enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation

Look 10 Years Younger without Surgery Age lines, Wrinkle Relaxing Injections, Dermal Fillers Erase age lines with a range of non-surgical Medical aesthetics. Fine lines and wrinkles diminish with wrinkle relaxing injections. Restore a youthful looking face with volume and form quickly with dermals fillers. All treatments administered by highly qualified and experienced nurse practitioner Dr. Kathleen Walker – Experience plus empathy.

You are in safe hands! Mothers Day gift vouchers available.

6 North Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 1HH 01394 386887 drkathleenwalker@gmail.com www.drkathleenwalker.com

Making Mum Feel Fabulous!

The Perfect Pamper Package

Through expert care and attention our professional therapists want to ensure every moment of your mums experience with us leaves them feeling and looking their very best. Book one of our special mother’s day pamper packages as the perfect gift for mum this Mother’s Day. • Dermalogica 30 minute ProSkin customised treatment for £30 (normally £35) and receive a FREE Dermalogica skin kit worth £30.

• Luxury OPI Mani Pedi – taking care of mum’s hands and feet £55.

With over 50 treatments available there’s something for everyone.

Come and spend a pampering day with us. Choose 4 treatments for £99. Ideal for brides, pre-holiday or pure self indulgence. Slip in to a large fluffy dressing gown and forget the outside world.

No. 7 Clements Road, Melton Park Woodbridge, IP12 1SZ 01394 548734 www.thebeautyroommelton.com

The Beauty Room Melton Park

Choose any of the 4 specially selected treatments including: ● Manicure ● Pedicure ● Back ● Neck & Shoulder Massage ● Sirens Skin Boost Facial ● Sirens Salt Scrub ● Indian Head Massage Available as a gift voucher, making the ideal luxury treat for your Mum 154a Hamilton Road, Felixstowe 01394 282626 www.sirensfelixstowe.co.uk

Treat Mum to a Sensory Body Wrap

The Gift of Beautiful Skin

One of Ufford Park’s most popular treatments. This 30-minute treatment will nourish and sooth the skin, cocoons the body and leaves you looking and feeling fantastic. Intensive moisturising body cream is applied head to toe. As you relax, your therapist will treat you to an indulgent foot or scalp massage, allowing time for the rich ingredients to take effect. Prices start from as little as £33 per person.

Whether you’re looking for a massage, an affordable spa session or a hotel with a spa, we’ve got it covered.

Crystal Rose Skin and Laser Clinic, medically led by Rosy Boulton offers tailor-made treatments and provides the most up to date, innovative non-invasive skin therapies – CACI Synergy Treatments, IPL Hair Removal, IPL Photorejuvenation, Facial & Leg Thread/Spider Veins, Sun Damage, Acne, Rosacea, AlumierMD Facials, AlumierMD Facial skin care products and Radiant Skin Peels.

Why not treat mum this mother’s day? Gift vouchers available.

To find out more about us or to book your perfect spa experience call us on 01394 386871 or visit www.uffordparkspa.co.uk

Valley Farm, Strugglers Lane Witnesham, Ipswich, IP6 9HS 07497 655293 crystalrosesc@gmail.com (New address from mid-March: Encore Wellness, High Street, Needham Market)

FASH I ON

Keep it Light Lightweight knits are key for spring. Team with a lighter layer for ultimate versatility and you’ll never let the Great British weather catch you out

Bianca green jumper £69 Adams Apple

Part Two Kasmira pink striped sweater £89.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Yaya scarf £49.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Cable knit jumper £49.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

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Yaya knitted asymmetric poncho with tassels in grey £59 Laura Jane Boutique

Printed T shirt £39.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Part Two Kristy stripped cardigan £79.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Soaked in Luxury Alba pullover £59.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Lily & Me blue T shirt £21 Alice Collins Beth jacket £60 Sahara white trousers £99 Caramel

French Connection knitwear £75 Soya Concept trousers £42 Holly Blue Boutique

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FASH I ON

Yest long length lightweight cardigan £44 Adams Apple

Gardeur floral print trousers £120 Adams Apple

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Lily & Me pink knitted jumper £52 teal lightweight cardigan £52 Adams Apple

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M ARC H 2 0 1 8

FASH IO N

This spring make it your mission to find the shape and style of bra to suit both your body and your wardrobe

Flawless Foundations

Wacoal Halo Lace £39 Sweet Dreams

Wacoal Lace Affair £46 Sweet Dreams

Prima Donna Mystic Fields bra £78.95 Sweet Dreams

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

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Snape Maltings Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

IN D E P EN D E N T E D UC AT I ON

INVESTING IN INDEPENDENT EDUCATION Every parent wants what is best for their child but even so, an investment in their future through private education is always a big decision

T

here’s the question of cost – for day pupils the average fees are around £13,194 per year and its £30,000 plus for boarders. It’s also a matter of finding the right school for your child, the one that will nurture a future sports star, an actor, artist or musician. Or perhaps your child is more academic so you want to ensure that they reach their full potential and ultimately the right university too.

A further advantage of private schooling is that independent school pupils often have access to better and more diverse facilities.

Many private schools have high-quality sports facilities and providing opportunities for excellence seems to have a direct relationship with achievement on the ultimate sports field. Statistics show that 40 per cent of UK athletes who won medals in the London 2012 Olympics had attended independent schools.

A major advantage of private schooling is smaller class sizes, which means that teachers have more time to aid the educational development of each individual child. This focus on the individual means that private schools are better able to tailor a learning system that works for your child, giving them exam and extracurricular options that might not be available in the state sector.

When it comes to the creative side, schools in the independent sector also offer high-quality facilities like purpose-built concert halls, drama studios and theatres with high tech equipment. But beyond facilities and the classroom, it is personal development and that of self-confidence that the private school system seeks to engender. This is achieved through the emphasis on extra-curricular activities, which encourage life-skills such as leadership and teamwork.

Academically private schools have achieved great successes for pupils seeking to study at top universities, such as Oxford or Cambridge or a Russell Group institution. A study of university entrants in 2013, found that 60 per cent of independently educated students went to university, in comparison to 48 percent in the state sector.

Finally, it would seem the advantages of a private education can last a lifetime. A recent study showed that by the age of 42, men who had been privately educated were earning up to 34 percent more than their state-educated contemporaries. The gap was slightly closer in the case of women, with those who were independently educated earning 21 per cent more than state school attendees.

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OPEN MORNING THE ABBEY & QUEEN’S HOUSE (ages 4 -11) Saturday 28 April 10am - 12.30pm

Woodland & Wonder Come and experience Learning@Woodbridge at our woodland themed, interactive Open Morning.

Pre-booking essential. To book a place, or for more information, please contact Mrs Karen Virr.

Email: kvirr@woodbridgeschool.org.uk Phone: 01394 382673 www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

IN D E P EN D E N T E D U CAT IO N | WO O D B RI DG E SC HO OL

Valuing the immeasurable?

By Nicola Mitchell, Head of Queen’s House & The Abbey additional needs, encourage independence, promote collaboration, celebrate success, develop individuality, advance academics and advocate teamwork.

The educational environment should be all things to all pupils. Schools should be unashamedly all-encompassing and concerned with developing every aspect.

School life should go beyond the basics of academic rigour and, if that is the single most important focus of a school, I would argue the point is being missed. We should be educating the mind, the body and the spirit.

Supporting children to know themselves, recognising their strengths and weaknesses in order that they may continue to grow and develop in all areas. At the end of their time in school our children should emerge as happy, confident and well-rounded young adults; equipped with the examination results to open doors and the skills to ensure the paths that lead from them can be followed.

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ecoming a parent is an exciting time.

Our first thoughts as parents are that we want our children to be healthy, fulfilled & happy; ready to enjoy their journey, embracing challenges along the way.

At what point does this change? Parents in the past have informed me that they have decided that Kate (not her real name) is destined for Oxford and will have a career in Medicine. Kate was 3 at the time and struggling with the concept of sharing her tractor.

All parents want the best for their children (and if they don’t, we should be questioning; why not?). Sending a child to school should enable the team behind the child; the parents, grandparents, friends, extended family and school staff, to work together to ensure that each individual is supported in the best way possible.

Schools should be about developing the whole child. They should have breadth and balance in the curriculum, value the Arts, enable the gifted, support those with

A good education should be a happy one, filled with positive memories (box-cart racing, productions, recitals, achievement, matches, friendship; not just tutoring and exam prep) and the chance to feel fulfilled, challenged and engaged. If this is achieved then the adults of the future will have been educated beyond the basics and have the transferable skills to cope with the everchanging workplace.

If you are a parent and you are reading this, do pause for a moment and ask yourself – What do I want for my children?

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Royal Hospital School Set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour, the Royal Hospital School provides a full and broad education enriched by its naval heritage and fit for the modern world

The Headmaster, Mr Simon Lockyer, explains the aims and ethos of the School: “We inspire our pupils to have the courage and commitment to be ambitious for their futures, whichever path they choose.

Everyone can achieve the most exceptional things but we are all different. That is why we focus on the individual, getting to know every one of our pupils and finding out what motivates them.

We challenge pupils of all academic abilities, steering them to look beyond the moment, and beyond the confines of the classroom, and to approach life with an open and receptive mind. It is through thinking creativity and taking initiative that they learn to establish, and work towards, their own personal goals. By understanding a young person’s strengths we can help them to make the right choices at the right time, navigating them through their critical, formative years and ensuring that their education becomes the foundation for happiness and success.”

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IN D E P EN D E N T E D U CAT IO N | RO YA L H OS P ITA L SC HO OL

As well as its balance and enriched academic curriculum, the School has an established reputation for musical excellence, outstanding sports facilities including an RYA Sailing Academy and the Graham Napier Cricket Academy, a large and committed CCF contingent and the opportunity to pursue a huge range of interests and activities. The strong house system and emphasis on outstanding pastoral care and pupil well-being means there is a real sense of purpose and community where every child feels nurtured, supported and encouraged.

KEY FACTS • • • •

750 pupils (450 boarders and 300 day pupils) 11 – 18 years co-educational Full, Weekly and 3 Night Boarding Extensive daily transport network across Essex and Suffolk and the option for day pupils to board on an ad hoc basis

Open Morning: Saturday 12 May, 9am – 12noon

CONTACT Registrar: Mrs Kate Evers 01473 326136 admissions@royalhospitalschool.org www.royalhospitalschool.org

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FINA NC E

Faye Howard

HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR INHERITANCE

Tax Director

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often referred to as a ‘voluntary tax’, but with IHT receipts in the South East now being on a par with those for London, which previously topped the table on its own, there is a good case to say that a large number of Estates in this region are paying too much tax. According to HMRC, total IHT receipts for the South East for the 2014/15 tax year (the most recently published information available) totalled £1,032,000,000.

Exactly the same figure as for London.

When looking at IHT planning, it’s often the most simple actions which have the biggest impact, for example making sure that your Wills are written effectively and in such a way that they allow your Estate to benefit from the new Residential Nil Rate Band, ensuring that your investments are structured in a manner which meets your needs during your lifetime, and ensuring that your affairs are as tax efficient as they can be both in life and on death.

IHT has hit the headlines again recently with the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, having called for an overhaul of the system which he recognises as ‘particularly complex’. Whilst this is welcome news to taxpayers and tax professionals alike, any changes are likely to take a considerable amount of time to find their way into the legalisation, and those with exposure to IHT currently are unlikely to find their position significantly changed.

There are many perceptions about IHT, but as acknowledged by the Chancellor, it is a very complex subject which is full of traps for the unwary. There are also a number of professionals who give IHT advice, and it can often be difficult to know who to ask and where to start. With this in mind, our tax advisers and independent financial advisers at Scrutton Bland have teamed up with Gotelees solicitors to bring you a free seminar

to help demystify IHT, explain some of the more common IHT problems and pose a number of solutions to these issues.

Our joined up approach will highlight things that you need to be thinking about, and demonstrate how we, as professionals, can work together to help you navigate the minefield that is IHT and to preserve as much as possible of your Estate for your Beneficiaries.

If you would like to book a place on this no cost, no obligation seminar then please see the details below: IHT Seminar, Hintlesham Golf Club, George Street, Hintlesham IP8 3JG Wednesday 14th March, 4.30 – 6.00pm To book your space call 01473 267000 or email events@scruttonbland.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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H EA LT H

HELP FOR HIP PAIN Joint pain and, in particular, hip pain can be very restrictive. Damage or wear and tear to any of the elements in your hip joint can result in severe limitations to your mobility or your ability to bear weight on your hip.

Here, Nuffield Health, Ipswich Hospital looks at its causes and symptoms As one of the largest joints in the body, your hip joint supports your upper body as you walk, stand, run, bend and stretch, providing the mobility needed to go about daily life. It bears the body’s weight and the force of the strong muscles of the hip and leg.Yet the hip joint is also one of the most flexible and allows a greater range of motion than all other joints in the body except for the shoulder.

Sometimes called the ‘ball and socket’ joint, your hip joint includes a rounded head of the femur (thighbone) that fits into a round, cup-shaped structure on the bone called the acetabulum (a socket in your pelvis).

Your femur and acetabulum bones are connected by strong bands of tissue called ligaments. These ligaments are lubricated with fluid to reduce friction. The muscles around the joint help to stabilise your hip.

A layer of thin tissue cushions the ends of the bones allowing for smooth movement in the joint which is cartilage, designed to help support the joints and prevent bones from rubbing against each other.

Cartilage can however be damaged during your lifetime by accidents, injury or degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis can damage cartilage causing significant swelling, pain and an impact on mobility.

Why do hips become damaged?

Problems can happen over time, or from an injury. Joint damage that develops gradually can be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease and is

often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ of a joint as you get older. It is painful, as joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth cartilage lining the joints gets damaged.

Without the protection of cartilage, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move, causing the pain that is all too common for sufferers. Simple, everyday things like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it can get worse with time.

However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease. Your immune system usually fights any infection. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the cells in your joints making them stiff and swollen. In time joints can be damaged.

Osteoporosis is a fairly common condition caused by loss of bone density which weakens the bones, making the fragile and more likely to break, and a hip fracture is one of the most common types of breaks that affect sufferers.

Hip trauma (fracture or broken hip) caused by an accident or fall.

The free movement of joints is essential to staying active, but injury, wear and tear or arthritis can cause significant pain and quickly limit your activities. If one (or both) of your hip joints becomes damaged and causes you persistent discomfort or problems with everyday activities such as walking, driving and getting dressed, it could be time to speak to your GP about a referral to an orthopaedic consultant and further treatment options.

They may recommend a conservative course of treatment such as medication, physiotherapy or injection therapy. If the damage is severe, it is possible the joint can be successfully replaced.

Hip replacement A hip replacement is a very common type of surgery where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis).

Since its introduction in the 1960s, hip replacement surgery has proved to be one of the most effective types of surgery in modern medical history (source NHS). Most people experience a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in their range of movement.

Many of the conditions treated with a hip replacement are age-related so the procedure is usually carried out in older adults aged between 60 and 80. However, it is performed in younger people, depending on the nature of the damage. The purpose of a new hip and, indeed with all joint replacements, is to relieve pain, improve the functionality, improve ability and to improve quality of life.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital offers a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services including hip replacements, extensive diagnostic and imaging facilities, and onsite physiotherapy.

With pay as you go treatment built around you, at Nuffield Health you can feel better faster with no need for insurance and interest-free loans to help spread the cost.

Visit nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital for details.

To find out more about Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital for details of our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons and how you can pay for your treatment,or telephone 01473 851960 for information on how to book an appointment.

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B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | BE C C LES AIR SPORT S

SUFFOLK from the sky

With its big skies and wide open spaces have you ever wondered what Suffolk looks like from the air? Wonder no longer, Beccles Airsports has the answer

A

ccording to Sue and Rob Ward, their friends are always amazed when they have taken them up into the skies over Suffolk and seen the county from above. “They always say they didn’t realise just how green it is and are very surprised by the number of homes with swimming pools as well.” Now the couple, who are well known throughout the commercial aviation industry for their engineering, safety and training expertise, are launching a new venture, Beccles Airsports, so that everyone can enjoy the view…

Sue explained that they really wanted to offer affordable “flying experiences” and with prices starting from £59, this is exactly what they have done. They are offering two sorts of air adventures – for those who love fresh air and adventure, there’s the option of jumping aboard one of their two-seater Quik R Flexwing microlights, which are the best of their kind in the world. Or – for those who prefer a more enclosed space there are options to fly in a light aircraft – a Pipistrel Virus, which also seats two people.

“Flying is seen very much as something you can only do if you are wealthy enough to afford your own plane and have the time to learn to fly,” says Sue. “We are really passionate about aviation of all kinds

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and want to be able to make this experience affordable and accessible to everyone.” Based at Shipmeadow Airfield near Beccles, on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, this will allow passengers flights across to the east coast and the surrounding countryside.

“We can get to places like Southwold – it’s amazing to see the town and the lighthouse from a different angle, or we can go over Broadland or take a trip over a historic property like Heveninghham Hall – that’s always of interest as well. It can be an incredible opportunity to see wildlife too and not just on the ground – on occasion we have even had buzzards flying with us.

Other options might include a flight to see your home from the air and sunrise and sunset flights are also very special. It’s something like you have never experienced before – it’s like flying like a bird.”

Generally, says Rob who is a qualified pilot and engineer, they fly at about 2,000 feet although these craft can be operated at anything from 500 to 5,000 feet. There’s also the option, as they have three pilots available, for two people to share an adventure on the same route as well.

Obviously, as these craft aren’t pressurised and temperature controlled – in the way a commercial airline is – flying suits and helmets are provided. Communication throughout the flight is necessary at all times because at first passengers can feel a little exposed. “We talk to people to tell them what’s happening throughout so we can point out things of interest and put their mind at ease if they are at all nervous,” he said.

Take to the skies

Unlike a commercial jet, flying in a microlight or small aircraft is apparently very smooth. This really is a one-off adventure too – there’s no-one else providing anything like this in Suffolk or East Anglia at the moment and, says Rob, there are only a handful of companies nationwide that do something similar. It also gives Beccles Airsports the opportunity to give something back – they plan to work with Suffolk Lowland Rescue Service, when possible, on their searches for people who have gone missing.

Clearly flying in a microlight and a light aircraft needs to be subject to weather conditions – and Sue and Rob have access to special forecasting that can predict what conditions will be like at altitude.

“Sometimes at ground level, the weather can seem fine but it can be very different when you are 2,000 feet up in a microlight.”

And with an international reputation in safety – their other business Skywards Aviation works with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Lufthansa – looking after their customer’s safety is always going to be their first concern. There are restrictions on who they can take on board – there’s a weight limit of 16 stone and they don’t take anyone under the age of 12 either.

Disabled passengers are welcome and access is easy as parking, toilets and a waiting room are available at the airfield. Flight times are either 30 or 60 minutes and weather permitting can take place any time of the year from dawn until dusk.

Experience the joy of flight

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

Why not fulfil that lifetime ambition to fly?

Join us and experience the ultimate flight adventure.

Why fly with us?

INFORMATION For more information and booking: 07512 078189 www.becclesairsports.com

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

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

COST SHARING AIR ADVENTURES FLIGHT TRAINING | GIFT VOUCHERS 30m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £59 inc VAT 60m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £99 inc VAT Call today and find out how you can fly.

07512 078189 www.becclesairsports.com

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Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

Spring’s arrived and Darcy has headed to the coast for a pretty walk along Buss Creek It’s great to find a walk that can be easily expanded upon and this circular around Reydon, just outside Southwold, is exactly that. Starting and ending at the inviting and dog friendly Randolph Hotel, we take the path that runs alongside the grounds of St Felix School, down towards Buss Creek affording us terrific views across the marshes.

6 B112

Laurel Farm

School

REYDON Halesworth Road

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B1 12 7

If you’re looking for a longer walk there are plenty of opportunities; instead of heading left at point 8 keep going and you’ll reach the banks of the Blyth or alternatively turn along the southern side of the creek and join up with the myriad of paths across Southwold Common. If you’re really looking to stretch your legs your circuit could pick up the Suffolk Coast path before making your way back through Southwold to Reydon for some well-earned refreshments.

or d

Ro ad

School 10

This is definitely a walk for the binoculars too. Once we reach the marshes the views really open up and assuming your four legged friend doesn’t scare off the wildlife there should be plenty to see. A cautionary note – after heavy rain the path along the creek can be pretty muddy so sturdy shoes are advisable.

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the walk DISTANCE: Approx 2.5 miles TIME: Approx 45 mins to 1 hour TERRAIN: Generally easy; pavements and footpaths.

Can be muddy after heavy rain.

STOPS: The Randoph Hotel OS MAP: 231 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 498 774 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and more than 60 previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

Always check the map before setting off.

1. Exit the Randolph Hotel car park, and turn left along Wangford Road (you’ll need to cross as there’s only pavement on the north side of the road).

2. As you reach the junction with Jermyns Road turn left into Keens Lane (Private Road). Continue straight, the track becomes a narrow path behind residential properties and then widens to an unmade road.

3. At the end of the lane (gates marked Laurel Farm appear to be permanently open at the end of the houses on the right) turn left into another unmade road passing Hourglass House on your left.

4. At the main road (Halesworth Road) turn right. Take care at this junction to ensure you have a clear view from both directions before crossing to use the pavement on the south side of the road.

5. Take the second turning on your left marked as ‘No Entry to St Felix XC Course’ and follow the Public Footpath (FP) sign.

Continue straight, eventually passing a cross roads of paths with white railings. After a further 75 yards there’s a footpath to the left.

6. Take the path to the left following the yellow way marker.

Continue to follow the path round, ignoring the path to your right that heads towards Walberswick Church in the distance.

7. Keep ahead (ignore path to the left through gorse). After a further 125 yards you will see a grass path to your left.

8. Turn left along the grass path (there is a footpath sign but it’s not at the junction, it’s a few yards ahead) and follow Buss Creek through the marsh to the white bridge.

9. At the bridge turn left along the main road.

10. At Bridge Foot Corner ignore the right hand turn into Lowestoft Road and instead fork right into Wangford Road (sign posted to Reydon Chrurch). Continue along the road until you reach The Randolph Hotel (on your left) where we started.

Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a 15 minute stroll from Britain’s most quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Mother’s Day Lunch – Sunday 11th March An ideal opportunity for some quality family time and to treat Mum! Lunch served from 12noon – 2pm. 2 courses £25, 3 courses £30 Plus a gift for Mum

Whether you are looking for a holiday, a celebratory meal, a venue for business meetings, or simply a pint of the local Adnams ale – whatever the occasion you can be assured that we and the team will deliver excellent service, excellent food and an excellent experience and now we welcome your four legged friends too in our bar area.

The Randolph, 41 Wangford Road Reydon, Southwold IP18 6PZ 01502 723603 | www.therandolph.co.uk

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Celebrating its tenth birthday this year, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, the luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant just outside Ipswich, has an enviable reputation.

Lesley Rawlinson reports

PERFECT 10 W

andering through the chic lounge and bar at Kesgrave Hall it’s hard to imagine some of this building’s past lives. Throughout its 200 year history the impressive country house, set in pretty woodlands, has had a variety of uses including no less than five boarding schools.

During the war the Hall was even used by the RAF, and by the pilots of the USAF 359th Fighter Squadron who were involved in aerial operations over Europe from nearby RAF Martlesham Heath.

But ten years ago Hills Building Group and the Milsom Hotel Group bought the Hall and with considerable investment and a vision that would see further developments in the ensuing decade, the utterly charming Milsoms Kesgrave Hall was created.

I use the word ‘chic’ reservedly. Not because the entire building doesn’t ooze with luxurious touches and plenty of ‘wow’ factor because, of course, it does – but there’s no dress code here. No untold set of slightly uptight rules that must be followed, no preset agenda for guests…simply arrive, relax and enjoy in whatever way you prefer.

Part of this very flexible approach is that there’s absolutely no need to book in advance – in fact the restaurant doesn’t take bookings. Was that a sharp intake of breath?

Fear not – what’s the worst that could happen? At a very busy time there might be

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an opportunity to enjoy a cocktail in the bar or comfy lounge first – what a bonus! Of course the reality is that with all day dining (breakfast service is followed by brunch and then a full brasserie menu from noon to 9.30pm) and the addition of the sunny terrace as soon as the clocks change, I’ve yet to wait for a table.

And I particularly like this dining room – there’s always a ‘buzz’. Even at quieter times the open layout with view through to the kitchen (or ‘Engine Room’) gives us a window into a world that we don’t always get to see, but one that Milsom’s has the confidence to allow to shine.

I was tempted to start with a Kesgrave Sloejito while considering the menu… sloe gin with mint, lime and Sicilian lemonade… then reminded myself it was midweek! The starters were equally tempting – a very broad selection with around half a dozen of the choices available as ‘generous’ or main course sized portions if preferred – and one dish in particular leapt out at me; barbecue sweetheart cabbage, caraway, goats curd, radish and fine bean dressing. Yes, I’m a cabbage lover. Whether that’s an extra helping of sprouts with my Christmas dinner, heaps of coleslaw, cauliflower or kale I love them all. And what a refreshing change to see this creative starter choice. The cabbage was sweet with just enough crunch and an expertly charred face. The mild goat’s curd

made a perfect partner and I’d certainly choose this again; delicious.

My husband chose an altogether richer and more filling dish of smoked haddock fishcake, soft boiled egg, spinach, mussels and white wine cream. The latter part, on reflection, was surprisingly light but with intense flavours – another winner.

D I NI N G R E VIE W | MI LS O MS KES G RAV E H AL L

It was time to consider dessert and for these we switched to the day’s Specials menu.

Across the table there was no holding back and a very broad smile as croissant and butter pudding served with run raisins and crème anglaise arrived. It was a generous portion, carefully layered and bursting with flavour I have a feeling there will be some croissant experimentation going on in our kitchen very soon.

I’d chosen a far lighter looking but equally indulgent pudding of blood orange panna cotta with orange jelly and chocolate ganache.

Chocolate and orange is such a classic pairing and this feather light panna cotta with the rich chocolate ganache had me scraping my plate to the very last mouthful – the perfect end to a thoroughly enjoyable dinner.

Mains were a more difficult choice. There’s always an inviting selection of seafood and I found myself drawn to fish dish after fish dish; whole tandoori roasted bream, pan fried fillet of cod, butter roasted supreme of halibut to name a few but I eventually settled on pan fried chalk stream trout, roasted cauliflower risotto, mussels and samphire – yes, more from the cabbage family! The earthy, pink trout with its crispy skin teamed well with the soft, creamy risotto and the addition of the mussels and samphire added a further layer of deliciousness and texture with every mouthful.

Balancing the books for the meat lovers Adrian decided to try the smoked Dingley Dell pork burger with smoked apple wood cheddar, red onion, cos lettuce, gherkin and paprika mayonnaise in a caraway brioche bun and served with fries. Wow – not for the faint hearted, this is a burger that packs a punch!

The smoked, herb infused pork is intensely flavoured and the caraway seeds in the brioche bun are a great twist on the traditional too. With more smokiness from the cheese too he were glad he’d chosen tomato and shallot salad as his optional side dish – a harmonious partnership.

What I’m really looking forward to now are the lighter evenings. The covered terrace at Kesgrave Hall, overlooking the sweeping lawns is possibly my most favourite spot for an early evening glass of fizz. Roll on the longer days and even more excuses to call in at Milsoms.

INFORMATION Kesgrave Hall, Hall Road, Kesgrave Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2PU. 01473 333741 reception@kesgravehall.com www.milsomhotels.com

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Try a little tenderness Pork tenderloin medallions are relatively quick and easy to cook and become a special supper when served with cream mustard sauce, a flavoursome fondant potato and seasonal vegetables

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C H E F’ S R E CI P E | U FF OR D PAR K H OT E L

In the world of catering, chefs traditionally don’t tend to stay long in one place but Paul Flowerdew, the Head Chef at Ufford Park Hotel is an exception.

He trained and worked in pub and restaurant kitchens in Norfolk before a move across the border and the challenge of being Head Chef at a hotel in charge of a team of more than a dozen staff. He has been at Ufford for 18 years, during which the hotel has doubled in size and is clearly happy there.

“I love the variety you get – the different food we prepare and the challenges. I helped to design the hotel’s kitchen and you can never stop learning about food. Having said that my first love is traditional simply cooked food – my perfect meal would be a really good prawn cocktail followed by roast beef!”

Away from work, Paul and his partner Sharon live at Rendlesham and have two dogs (a collie and a spaniel) and one cat and Paul loves to go walking.

CHAR-GRILLED PORK MEDALLIONS SERVED WITH MUSTARD CREAM SAUCE, CARROTS AND FONDANT POTATO

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Peel the potato and cut the sides flat so the potato can lay flat in a pan. Add the vegetable stock, cover with foil and cook in the oven for approx. 30 – 35 minutes.

3. Peel and cut the carrot into batons and leave to one side to cook later.

4. When the fondant has 8-10 minutes left put your pork medallions onto the char-grill (alternatively in to a hot frying pan) to start cooking; four minutes each side. Leave to rest.

5. Sweat down the diced onion in the olive oil and add your mustard. Put carrots on to boil.

6. Take the fondant out of the oven and place on a serving plate. Take the vegetable stock and add to the onions and mustard. Add cream and let the sauce reduce.

7. Assemble the dish as shown and enjoy.

LET’S EAT...

CELEBRATING

YEARS 7

2x 3oz pork medallions 1 carrot 1 medium size potato 1 medium onion (diced) 1tsp whole grain mustard 140ml of vegetable stock 100ml double cream 1tsp of olive oil

METHOD

1

INGREDIENTS Per serving

1992-2

0

The Park Restaurant is the perfect choice for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with breath taking views across the 120 acre golf course.

Our chef's are looking to satisfy your tastes with a seasonally-changing menu using the very best, locally-sourced ingredients.

We offer a great selection of local ales and an extensive wine list.

All party sizes can be accommodated.

Families welcome.

Yarmouth Road|Melton|Woodbridge|Suffolk|IP12 1QW t 0844 847 9467| w www.uffordpark.co.uk

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Butt & Oyster

The Randolph

The Eels Foot

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

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

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

Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a 15 minute stroll from Britain’s quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the heritage coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fynn Valley

The Artisan Smokehouse

Ufford Park

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

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

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

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

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

Open to all; non-members welcome.

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Café & Deli

Open: Open daily.

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FO O D G A LL E RY

Sibton White Horse

The Fountain

The Middleton Bell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Booking advised.

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

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

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

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

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

01728 648286

The Coach & Horses

The Maybush

The Fox

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

The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details.

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

Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am and this is complemented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. See our website for details of our menus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Relax in comfort and style...

The Anglia Recliners showrooms offer a huge selection of recliners showcasing almost every recliner model from five of the leading manufacturers, from the sleek swivel recliners made in Europe by Himolla and Stressless to the more traditional fully upholstered Sherborne and Celebrity ranges and not forgetting the ever popular La-z-boy collection.

Sofas and chairs are available in a wide range of sizes and heights to suit everyone and in a wonderful variety of fabrics and real leather so that you can find the perfect seating arrangement and style for your home.

The team at the showroom know how important it is to find what’s right for you.

With such an extensive range of styles and sizes on show it’s important to try any recliner before purchasing and the experienced team are always happy to help – whether you are looking for a single recliner chair, a full recliner suite or a recliner chair with matching fixed sofas.

Visit Anglia Recliners to experience comfort at its best!

Unit 5 & 6,Wilford Bridge Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1RJ T: 01394 386290 www.angliarecliners.co.uk Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.00am – 4.00pm

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Essential

Are you sitting comfortably?

SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

If you’re attached to an old favourite choosing a new arm chair, sofa or entire lounge suite can be a daunting prospect. Essential Suffolk has consulted the experts at Anglia Recliners for some top tips

Shona wing chair was £739.99 now £489.99 Glasswells

Parker Knoll Edward chair was £1035 now £769.99 Glasswells Revival Hangertown X Frame was £899 now £589.99 Glasswells

1. Take time in choosing your furniture

and base your decision on comfort first – how it looks is important but your comfort should be your first concern.

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H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

2.

Sherborne Keswick recliner with catch action in Queensbury toast leather Anglia Recliners

If you choose a recliner make sure it’s one that you can operate – consider how your future needs might change within the lifetime of the chair.

La-z-boy Sheridan powered recliner in Mezzo Olive leather Anglia Recliners

Himolla Chester suite, curved reclining 3 seater and swivel recliner Anglia Recliners

Stressless consul chair and footstool – promotional chair starting price £899 Anglia Recliners

3.

Parker Knoll Hampton reclining chair from £1,426 Barretts of Woodbridge

Next consider how you like to use your chair; would you like your feet on the floor when you’re in a sitting position?

Do you require back support? Should your legs be elevated for good blood flow? Do you need assistance getting up?

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H O ME S & I N TE RI OR S

Alstons Oslo swivel chair from £741 Barretts of Woodbridge

Parker Knoll Westbury two seat sofa from £1,600 Barretts of Woodbridge

4. Next make sure your choice fits your room. Not only how much

space you require within the room but access for moving your suite into the house too. It’s worth measuring up against your existing furniture and drawing comparisons before you make your final choice.

5.

Borrow swatches to view in your own home as the appearance of the fabrics, colours and finishes can vary in different lights. You’re going to live with this furniture for some time so take your time to get it right.

6.

Fashions come and go and we all have different tastes and opinions so most importantly choose furniture that you love.

Alstons Stockholm two seat sofa from £907 Barretts of Woodbridge

STOCKISTS Anglia Recliners 5 – 6 Wilford Bridge Spur, Woodbridge. T: 0800 998 1211 www.angliarecliners.co.uk Barretts of Woodbridge Barretts of Woodbridge, 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Glasswells Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road Bury St Edmunds. T: 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk

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

James Neal

AN A-Z OF ANTIQUES PART II Well I am pleased to report that the car described in the last issue is still performing well and exceeding the mpg figures which we were promised. How very British!

But now we need to get back to the plot, having reached ‘L’ in our run through the alphabet of antiques.

Would you have known that a ‘Loo Table’, usually with a circular tip-up top supported by a central column, took its name from the game of Loo? ‘Majolica’ which some of you may have come across is an Italian pottery notable in the period of 14C to 16C. ‘Netsuke’ on the other hand is primarily a Japanese small object often carved from wood, bone or ivory. It is drilled or pierced to allow cords to pass through enabling it to operate as a button.

And now for something not so readily understandable! Think arms and armour and rack your brain for the Greek name of a shin guard. Not coming to you? Well, I am not unduly surprised but to put you out of your misery the answer is ‘Ocrea’!

I will be a little more gentle after that one.

Try ‘Patina’, this is the finish of, say furniture, created by handling, general wear and polishing over the years. ‘Q’ is slightly limited but a Scottish drinking vessel, with a shallow bowl, comes to the rescue in the guise of a ‘Quaich’.

Despite the vote for Brexit, can we still mention ‘Repoussé’? This is the French name given to richly embossed decoration. A ‘Signet’, not to be confused with a cygnet, is the seal used in lieu of a signature and now more widely recognised as in a signet ring.

Kitchens

How about ‘Tatting’? This is the name used to describe a type of knotted lace in the Victorian era. ‘Urbino Ware,’ it is believed, was first produced in 1475 and is regarded as the most famous of the majolica ware.

Well, we are nearing the end now! ‘Vitrine’ is the name given to an elaborately decorated French display cabinet, while ‘Weesp’ is the location where the production of porcelain began in Holland in 1764 and continued until the sale of the factory some seven years later.

‘X’ I find very tricky so I resort to the letter which represents ten in Roman Numerals, while ‘Y’ is for ‘York Half-Crown’ minted during the reign of Charles I and yes, you guessed it, in that famous City. Any finally ‘Z’ is for ‘Zircon’ a clear transparent mineral used in place of a gem stone. I do hope your curiosity has been raised to new levels!

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neff

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

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

D NR LTO ME

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

A1 15 2

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

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

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Columbine Hall is a beautiful moated manor house and one of the most romantic historic properties in Suffolk but it is also noted, just as well, for its grounds.

Anne Gould talks to Head Gardiner Kate Elliott

MAKING A SUFFOLK GARDEN Today, thanks to decades of her dedication and the vision of the owners Hew Stevenson and Leslie Geddes-Brown, Stowupland and Columbine Hall is very much on the international gardening map. The summer brings coach tours of gardening enthusiasts from Germany and Europe, there are always Americans wanting to visit the 600-year-old timbered manor, plus having achieved a Star in the Good Garden Guide there are lots of home-grown visitors too.

S

he was born and brought up in Stowupland and, as a child, her route to school used to include cycling past the entrance to Columbine Hall. “When I was little it was just a farm and as I got older it became derelict. In all that time I’d never seen what was here or been past the gates,” says Kate Elliott.

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In many ways hers has been the ultimate dream job, she calls it ‘her baby’ and it’s made more remarkable because there have been no lengthy horticultural training courses – she started this work when she left school at the age of 16, two decades ago. “I am entirely self-taught. It was my grandparents who inspired me when I was a small child – I used to help them in their garden in the village and I became hooked.

In the early days, I used to read as many books and magazines about gardening as I could while travelling about and working in different gardens for the day, learning what I could from the head gardener.”

So when the opportunity to work at Columbine Hall came up she obviously jumped at the chance. “At the time the garden was bare, there was nothing but old trees and an Iceberg rosebush.” She also discovered that her family had other connections to the property and her other grandfather – Douglas Elliott – had carried out building work on the property in the 1960s and created a pontoon on the moat.

“The designer George Carter created the current garden plan with its pleached lime trees walk, hornbeam rooms and yew hedges around the house to ensure the vistas worked from inside and out.” Since then Kate has

G ARD E NING

created a walled vegetable garden with a red bed, a green bed, a rusty bed and a blueish one – inspired from Chateau de Bosmelet in Normandy. It was for this work that she was one of the three shortlisted in Horticulture Week’s Professional Gardener of the Year Awards – something that she modestly mentioned as an afterthought, along with her membership of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild and the Institute of Horticulture. Of course being a woman and Head Gardener is unusual too, but says Kate it’s not as rare as it was when she started.

Other parts of the garden that have been developed by Kate include the bog garden, filled with ferns and garlic and moistureloving plants which winds its way along an old ditch that has been turned into a running stream. There’s a Mediterranean garden of drought-tolerant plants like lavender, cistus, eucalyptus and ivy. There’s also rosemary, thyme, bay and a fig tree too.

Visiting in spring there’s the opportunity to see many, many bulbs – thousands of them; bluebells plus 4,000-5,000 tulips, alliums and little iris too. Kate is also thrilled that Columbine Hall is now the joint national ‰

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

LaWnmoWeRS

Competitive Prices SHReDDeRS

Ask Elmers SCaRIfIeRS/ LaWnRakeRS

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

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

”

Says Justin, Elmers Garden Machinery Expert

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

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M ARC H 2 0 1 8

G AR DE NING

Columbine Hall – The Walled Kitchen Garden in spring

collection holder for rare daffodils – the Englehart. “We have the whole collection of 35 varieties so we are looking forward to spring.”

Everything about the planting aims to look very natural so in spring the many tulips – she favours Spring Green and Dark Queen of the Night – grow amid cow parsley and grape hyacinths. “We try to keep to traditional varieties in our planting schemes using heirloom seeds, particularly for sweet peas and tomatoes. We are also organic.”

It’s a huge amount of work, the grounds stretch to 29 acres and Kate also has a large greenhouse and polytunnel to manage – but these days she is helped by three part-time gardeners too. “Digging out ditches can be physically hard work but then there’s the

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lovely planting side of it too, and potting up in the greenhouse. The great thing about it is that there’s such variety,” she says.

Sometimes that even involves moat management – but they have built a raft out of old oil drums so they can use it as a pontoon to maintain the flag iris and bulrushes.

One of the benefits of her work is that it's brought wildlife to the garden. “You will be on the other side of the moat and there will be flashes of blue which are the Kingfishers and we have owls here too.” Sadly – as the moat is well stocked with fish – there are visits from a heron as well.

So what’s in store for the future? In her spare time Kate enjoys visiting other gardens for

inspiration – places like Wyken Vineyards, Fullers Mill, Glemham Hall and Helmingham.

A couple of weeks back she went to Anglesea Abbey to take a look at the winter walk and picked up a few tips there. She also has plans to create a fern and host garden and develop a perennial wildflower meadow.

What of her own garden at home? “Well I have flower beds at the front but I love kitchen gardens, so I grow vegetables at the back. But I love it here at Columbine Hall so I’m often here even at weekends.”

INFORMATION For information about garden or house visits or open days www.columbinehall.co.uk

P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 66 67 69 71 72 73 75 76 78 84

Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Neals Jackson Stops Mortimers Grier & Partners Savills Bennett Homes Jennie Jones Hopkins Homes

68 Woodbridge

70 Brantham

74 Woodbridge

78 East Bergholt

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Earl Soham, Nr Framlingham £645,000

Saxmundham, Nr Heritage Coast £625,000

An elegant & deceptively spacious, beautifully presented, detached village house in the centre of one of Suffolk’s most desirable villages. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast family room, utility room, shower room, ground floor bedroom & en-suite wet room.

Master bedroom with dressing room/en-suite bathroom, separate WC, second bedroom & family bathroom on the first floor. 2 second floor bedrooms. Garden room. Workshop.

Parking & garden. EPC = E Ref: 5876

A spacious detached bungalow situated in mature gardens & grounds of half an acre, in a secluded setting within the heart of Saxmundham, close to Waitrose & with delightful views of the adjacent countryside. Hallway, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, dining room, sitting room/library, drawing room & study. 4 bedrooms & 3 bath/shower rooms. Large parking area & double garage. EPC = D Ref: 5306

Framlingham £450,000

Earl Soham, Nr Framlingham £357,500

A deceptively spacious & well presented detached modern property situated within walking distance of the centre of Framlingham. Hallway, cloakroom, study, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room & utility room. 4 first floor bedrooms & bathroom. Off-road parking, double garage, extensive rear garden of approximately 65' by 50'. No forward chain. EPC = C Ref: 5076

A most attractive Grade II Listed detached village house situated in the heart of Earl Soham & within walking distance of the pub & shop. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bespoke conservatory, utility/cloakroom. 3 first floor bedrooms & bathroom.

Off-road parking. Courtyard garden. Ref: 5818

Bawdsey, Heritage Coast £250,000

Gosbeck, Nr Ipswich £215,000

A detached holiday home in the most delightful location, with use of tennis court & swimming pool & with excellent views towards the River Deben. 3 bedrooms, en-suite shower room & family bathroom on the ground floor. Sitting room & kitchen/dining room on the first floor. Balcony with stunning views. Garage & parking. EPC = D Ref: 5881

A terraced cottage situated in a rural location, overlooking open farmland to the front & with easy access to the A14 & A12. Sitting room, kitchen, conservatory/utility room, inner lobby & bathroom. 2 first floor bedrooms. Small front garden & 80' rear garden. EPC = D Ref: 5879

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

North East Ipswich

Christchurch Park

Walking distance of Christchurch Park and Ipswich School this handsome three storey, five bedroom Victorian residence offers stunning family accommodation.

Retaining many original features, it has later additions creating a contemporary open-plan kitchen/ dining space with bi-folding doors.

Guide Price £695,000

Stunning family home located on highly sought-after road. Originally dating from the 1960s, the property has been extensively remodelled and extended creating a contemporary living space finished to a high standard. It is set well back from the road within grounds extending to a quarter of an acre.

North Ipswich

• Contemporary open-plan living space • Master with ensuite and dressing room • Guest bedroom with ensuite • Underfloor heating to ground floor • Integral garage and parking for many vehicles • EPC rating – C Guide Price £635,000

East Ipswich On the outskirts of Ipswich, approached via a gated entrance and in a beautiful setting, is this attractive five bedroom family home. The property is in need of some improvement, but offers a fantastic opportunity and versatile accommodation.

An attractive detached family home situated on the eastern outskirts of Ipswich, close to Purdis Heath golf club. This delightful property is set in grounds approaching half an acre with plenty of scope for additions if required.

• Highly sought after residential location • Impressive open plan kitchen/ dining room • Sitting room • 4 bedrooms • Excellent access to A12/A14 • EPC rating – D

Offers in excess of £800,000

signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

• Grounds of approximately three quarters of an acre • Impressive, individual home • Open plan kitchen/breakfast/ family room • 4 reception rooms • Mature gardens and ponds • Double bay cart lodge and workshop • EPC rating – C Fixed Price £650,000

• • • • • •

Sitting room Family room Separate utility room 3 bathrooms Garage and parking EPC rating – C

MA RCH 2018

12 Cherry Tree Road Facts Location: Woodbridge Price £795,000 Agent: Mortimers

Charming family home This Woodbridge home – a four bedroom detached property located close to Kingston Playing Fields – has been completely transformed by the current owner. It’s beautifully presented and boasts bright open-plan living spaces, stylish kitchen and bathroom fittings and with four bedrooms is ideal for a growing family.

Downstairs, the kitchen / dining room features a newly fitted kitchen an integrated CDA dishwasher, bin store and fridge-freezer.

The dining area has a wooden double-glazed window to the front aspect and further UPVC double-glazed window to the side aspect.

Meanwhile the living room is spacious and bright with bi-folding doors leading out to the garden as well as aluminium French doors.

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The garden room, which can be accessed from the hall, also offers French doors open to the rear garden. The master bedroom has built-in wardrobes with an en suite and there are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom too.

Outside the front garden is predominantly laid to shingle providing ample off-road parking for several cars. The driveway continues through a wooden gate to the covered car port with outside tap, outside light, side door to the utility room and access to the gas and electric meters. With double doors, the garage is 19’3 x 10’, with concrete floor, power and light connected, window to the far end and part-glazed door to the rear garden.

To the side of the property a wooden gate leads down a passageway which continues to south west facing rear garden. It has been fully landscaped, included a decked area and a section which is laid to lawn with numerous shrubs to the boundaries.

INFORMATION Mortimers 01394 386688 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

MA RCH 2018

Brantham Glebe Facts Location: Brantham, Manningtree Price ÂŁ2,750,000 Agent: Savills

Stour Valley living Brantham Glebe is an outstanding five bedroom country house standing within grounds of 18 acres and within an hour of central London on the train. The house is believed to have been built during the Regency period and has a handsome facade, parkland setting, elegant reception rooms and an impressive tree lined approach leading to a sweeping gravel drive.

With many original features the light reception rooms are graceful and elegant, typical of the Regency period, with many having full height multi-paned sash windows enjoying the views over the gardens and river beyond. Of particular note is the light and airy double drawing room which benefits from two open fireplaces with marble surrounds and two charming bay windows.

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The dining room has been extended and has double doors directly through to the kitchen.

Off the kitchen is the cloakroom, utility and boot room. The study, sitting room and garden room are along the west elevation.

The first floor accommodation is spacious.

The master bedroom has stunning views over the Ha Ha, paddock, river and fields beyond as well as having a dressing room and en suite bathroom. The guest suite also has a bedroom, dressing room and en suite bathroom.

Brantham Glebe extends to approximately 18 acres and incorporates a fully restored coach house and stable block. Next to the main house the coach house consists of a triple garage, swimming pool changing rooms,

shower and drinks/reception room. Upstairs has been converted into a flat offering a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, sitting/dining room.

The formal gardens offer a large terrace running with a large open area of well tended lawn leading to the front field with a Ha Ha. The swimming pool is situated in a part walled Italian parterre garden which in turn leads through to the Astroturf tennis court and tennis pavilion.

INFORMATION Savills 01473 234816 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

WOOLVERSTONE

● Exceptional Grade II Listed house ● Within walking distance of the River Orwell ● 4 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms ● 3 bath/shower rooms

● Heated indoor pool ● 3 car garage with games room above ● Self-contained office annexe ● Parkland grounds & woodland ● In all about 3 acres

GUIDE PRICE £1,350,000

BENHALL

● Picturesque period house ● Idyllic rural setting within the Alde Valley ● 3 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms ● Amdega conservatory

● 4 bath/shower rooms ● Garaging & stores ● Delightfully mature gardens and grounds ● Secluded yet accessible location ● In all about 1.25 acres

GUIDE PRICE £750,000

IPSWICH 01473 218218

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

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PR OPERTY EXPERTS SIN CE 19 10

1%

INC VAT

AG SA RE LE ED

FREE VALUATIONS

Martlesham

Guide Price £425,000

An individual brand new three bedroom detached house which has been built to a high standard by a local company and offers good sized family accommodation, UPVC double glazing, gas fired central heating, en-suite to master bedroom, detached garage and parking, views over paddocks to front.

Woodbridge

Guide Price £400,000

An individual 2/3 bedroom detached bungalow which occupies a good sized plot. e property is within walking distance of the town centre and benefits from UPVC double glazing, conservatory, gas central heating, carport and parking. EPC: E

Guide Price £350,000

Little Bealings

A charming three bedroom stone cottage in this highly desirable village which benefits from many period features, oak flooring, conservatory, lovely views over Fynn Valley, attractive garden, ample off-road parking.

EPC: E

Wickham Market

Guide Price £395,000

An excellent opportunity to acquire one of these two brand new three bedroom link-detached bungalows which benefit from Gas central heating, UPVC double glazing, private gardens, garage and off-road parking.

Linda Mortimer MNAEA

Dale Mortimer MNAEA

Patricia Masson

Rosemary Barnard

Specialising in land and development

Grundisburgh

Guide Price £560,000

A recently built four bedroom detached house which offers spacious family accommodation and benefits from a wood burner, oak flooring, large kitchen/dining room, 2 en-suites. Double garage and ample parking.

Presented in immaculate condition. EPC: B

MORTIMERS is a family run licensed Estate Agency located in the centre of Woodbridge offering an extensive marketing package at a competitive price.

If you are thinking of moving call one of our friendly and professional team for a FREE valuation with no obligation.

To book call 01394 386688 or email info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk www.mortimersestateagents.co.uk

LINK LANE, BENTLEY £595,000

LOWER STREET, STRATFORD ST MARY £495,950

GASTON STREET, EAST BERGHOLT £1,995 PCM

FIDDLERS LANE, EAST BERGHOLT £850 PCM

A particularly well presented four bedroom extended bungalow in the village of Bentley, situated on a quiet no through lane. The Property has been fully refurbished throughout and re-modelled to create the 31ft open plan kitchen/dining area overlooking the rear garden and main bedroom suite with double doors to the rear garden. With no onward chain, we recommend an early viewing.

This substantial five bedroom family house in the centre of East Bergholt within easy reach of village facilities and highly commutable to local towns and further afield. Offered for rent on a long term basis. Recently decorated and presented to a good standard throughout with two newly fitted bathrooms. Available immediately, contact the office for viewings.

Gardening and Pool maintenance included within rental figure.

An opportunity to acquire an individual four bedroom detached family house situated in a unique location overlooking the River Stour and with delightful views over Dedham Vale. Extensively planted and landscaped rear garden. Shingle drive to the front leading to an integral double garage, extra parking for Caravan/Boat.

An opportunity to rent an unfurnished two bedroom period cottage which has been refurbished and re-furbished in recent years. Garden and off road parking. Non-estate location and walking distance of the village centre.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LAND REQUIRED GARDEN PLOTS TO LARGER LAND PARCELS

We offer a personal and professional service to landowners who wish to realise the full potential of their land assets, whether garden plots surplus to requirements or larger land parcels suitable for development, expertly guiding owners through each step of the process from planning to sale in order to achieve the best financial outcome. Please contact John Radford for further assistance on 01206 299222 or john@grierandpartners.co.uk

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

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

MA RCH 2018

Athenrye Court Facts Location: Woodbridge Price £1,250,000 Agent: Neals

Woodbridge town house Athenrye Court is one of Woodbridge’s best kept secrets along a drive leading off Cumberland Street.

The properties at Athenrye Court, which are Grade II listed, were adapted and improved

by Landlink to a scheme devised by the highly regarded Architect, Patrick Allen.

Number 6 Athenrye Court was the jewel in the crown of the development and is a handsome red brick building enjoying a southerly orientation and well-proportioned accommodation. Now requiring some general refurbishment to bring it in line with present day standards, the house provides very well balanced accommodation including four bedrooms.

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The entrance is through a panelled front door which opens into a porch with traditional red and black tiling to the floor and a further glazed door opening into the substantial reception hall. There’s an elegant drawing room, with moulded panelling, three tall sash windows and a Victorian fireplace to one end which has a southerly outlook.

The dining room adjoins and beyond that there is a kitchen and a conservatory which has direct access to the garden. Also on the ground floor is a cloak/shower room and utility.

On the first floor there are four bedrooms, one of which is en suite and on the top floor there is a studio room which has access on

to an area of flat roof and enjoys views along Cumberland Street and in the winter oblique views through the trees to the River Deben.

Unusually for a house right in the heart of the town there is a garage and additional space to park as well as a mature garden enclosed by brick walls and fencing. The garden has been attractively landscaped with well established planting around the perimeter of the lawn and an area of paving outside the conservatory.

INFORMATION Neals 01394 382263 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

Enjoy a new lifestyle in the heart of Framlingham Aw a r d - w i n n i n g h o u s e b u i l d e r B e n n e t t H o m e s i s o f f e r i n g t r a d i t i o n a l l y - b u i l t two and three bedroom homes, located right in the heart of the historic m a r k e t t o w n o f Fr a m l i n g h a m .

Already nearly 40% of the plots at Tudor Gardens have been reserved by buyers keen to live in the architectdesigned properties which enjoy views across The Mere to the Castle.

The16 highly-specified two and three bedroom houses, are all for private sale and each has a private garden and paved terrace. Spacious interiors include downstairs cloakrooms and two double bedrooms. The three bedroom properties also incorporate an en-suite shower room.

Dawn Urry, Sales & Marketing Manager at Bennett Homes said: “We have been delighted by the positive feedback from buyers. Location is clearly a very important factor – whilst there are other developments around Framlingham, Tudor Gardens is situated within the town. Many customers are looking for a home within walking distance of this attractive town centre with its independent shops, pavement cafes, and weekly markets.

“They also like the style of the properties which are energy-efficient and come with a range of features included as standard such as contemporary kitchens with fitted Bosch appliances, bathrooms with rainfall showers and built-in storage.”

Tudor Gardens is served by a parking court with allocated spaces and additional visitor spaces. The development has a spacious feel with a landscaped green area and mature trees at the rear.

Tudor Gardens is served by a parking court with allocated spaces and additional visitor spaces. The development has a spacious feel with a landscaped green area and mature trees at the rear.

Framlingham has a rich history and an excellent range of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, delicatessen, library, post office and medical centre, dentist and pharmacy. Nearby is Saxmundham, the coastal destinations of Southwold, Dunwich, Thorpeness and Orford are just 12 miles away and 18 miles to the south-west is the county town of Ipswich with The Ipswich Hospital and a wider range of shopping and cultural activities.

Prices start from £239,995 for a two bedroom home. www.bennett-homes.co.uk Telephone 01284 766057

A new home, a new lifestyle Tu d o r G a r d e n s i s a n a t t r a c t i v e d e v e l o p m e n t o f 1 6 a r c h i t e c tdesigned, two and three bedroom homes close to the heart o f t h e h i s t o r i c m a r k e t t o w n o f Fr a m l i n g h a m .

Located in a landscaped, private cul de sac with vie ws across T h e M e r e t o Fr a m l i n g h a m C a s t l e , t h e s e h i g h l y - s p e c i f i e d h o m e s have contemporar y kitchens with fitte d B osch appliances and bathrooms with rainfall showers. All proper ties have a private garden with terrace and allocated space in the parking court .

OPEN DAY Saturday 3 March 10am-4pm

Prices from ÂŁ239,995 For more information, to arrange a visit on another day or for a brochure, call Bennett Homes on 01284 766057 and speak to a Home Adviser. bennett-homes.co.uk Quote ref ESM 0318 Terms and conditions apply.

Details correct at time of going to press.

Computer-generated illustration of an exterior view.

Interiors of Woodlands show home.

MA RCH 2018

A home in the Dedham Vale

The Meadows Facts

Location: East Bertgholt Price Offers in excess of £1,500,000 Agent: Grier and Partners

Set in 1.7 acres of beautiful grounds over looking Constable’s Dedham Vale, the Meadows is in a quiet and private location within walking distance of East Bergholt village centre.

This property is a unique detached 1953 built four bedroom house within a conservation area and enjoys a stunning location with extensive southerly views. It offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a family home with potential for further improvement and extension.

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A fantastic project for those seeking to create their own Grand Design, The Meadows is of cavity brick construction under a plain tiled roof. Internally little updating has taken place since construction, the bathrooms are mainly the original suites and so too is the kitchen.

Decoratively the house is in a sound basic condition throughout. Windows are the originally installed ‘Crittall’ metal framed with mainly secondary glazing. There is an attached garage with carport and the beautiful woodland grounds extend to approx. 1.7acres (sts).

From the property and village there are numerous footpaths giving direct access into this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

East Bergholt has a good range of local facilities and there’s easy access to the mainline railway station in Manningtree, with journey times to London of about an hour.

INFORMATION Grier & Partners 01206 299222 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

M O TO RI NG

The new XC60 has been voted Best Medium Crossover by leading UK journalists and praised for its style, practicality, comfort and space offering class-leading technology, connectivity and safety

VOLVO XC60

Crowned Best Medium Crossover The Volvo XC60 has been voted Best Medium Crossover in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2018. Launched in the summer of 2017, the new premium XC60 won praise from the judges for its style, comfort and versatility.

The UK Car of the Year Awards are judged by a panel of 27 motoring journalists, who write for influential titles such as The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Telegraph, Top Gear, Auto Express, CAR, HonestJohn.co.uk, Auto Trader and Motoring.co.uk.

Judge Matt Robinson said “Volvo shrinks the class-leading XC90 seven-seat SUV into the

five-seat XC60 and comes up with another winner,” while fellow panellist Al Suttie praised the XC60 for its “magnificent quality, comfort and space”.

The Volvo XC60 offers class-leading technology, connectivity and safety.

Luxuriously equipped as standard, even the entry-level Momentum version has a nineinch touch screen control system, satellitenavigation, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo Car UK managing director Jon Wakefield said: “Winning an award decided by some of the automotive world’s toughest judges is something to be extremely proud of. This award reflects the quality and desirability of our products, which helped us achieve our second-highest UK sales for a quarter of a century in 2017.”

INFORMATION M.R. King & Sons and all the Volvo range can be found at Quay Street, Halesworth or online at www.volvocarshalesworth.co.uk and can be contacted by email on enquire@mrking.co.uk or call 01986 874464.

INTRODUCING THE NEW XC60 Everything we do is designed around people. Which is why the Volvo XC60 has 9” interactive touchscreen connecting you and your car in the most intuitive way possible. It’s easy to navigate by voice or touch and works seamlessly with your digital life. Just one of the many features designed to simplify and improve your life.

The New Volvo XC60.

Human Made.

£379 a month* On Personal Contract Hire.

The XC60 D4 R-Design Manual. Initial rental £2,274, 10,000 miles per annum, 48-month agreement.

Excess mileage charges apply.

FIND OUT MORE AT M.R.King & Sons Car technology brand of the year.

M. R. King & Sons

46 Quay St, Halesworth IP19 8EY volvocarshalesworth.co.uk 01986 874464

Official fuel consumption for the XC60 range, in MPG (l/100km): Urban 30.1 (9.4) – 44.8 (6.3), Extra Urban 44.8 (6.3) – 60.1 (4.7), Combined 38.2 (7.4) – 53.3 (5.3), CO2 emissions 169 – 49g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Important information: M.R.King & Sons Ltd trading as M.R.King & Sons are a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. Contract hire provided by Santander Consumer Finance, trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR. 18s & over, subject to status. You will not own the vehicle and it must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage will be charged at 7.56p per mile for the first 5,000 excess miles. After 5,000 excess miles, excess mileage will be charged at 10.08p per mile. Subject to availability at participating dealers. Offer ends 31/03/2018. Guarantee may be required. Not available with other promotions.

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Essential Directory DESIGN SERVICES

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

AFFORDABLE LAWN TREATMENTS CHEAPER THAN DIY PRICES FROM £15 Call ashley on

01394 279353/07957 519872 for a free analysis & quotation

GIFTS

Newman Design

Supplying Suffolk with beautiful exclusive tiles since 1998

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

TILE SHOWROOM

Smithfield, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1NH

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01394 382067 justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

HOMES & INTERIORS

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Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

Rendall Wright

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

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

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

www.antiques.eu.com

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

LEISURE

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH E L E C T R I C B I C YC L E S Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

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

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

Ask for details.

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

10% off all chemical orders over £50

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

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

Sales | Servicing | Accessories e-Vélo, 7a Blyth Road Ind. Est. Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8EN 0800 246 5306 www.evelobicycles.uk

Visit us at jumpinyourhottub.com

MOTORING

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

www.burgess-group.com

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

Truly bespoke English kitchens and furniture

Showroom & Workshop Swallow Barn Bridge Farm, Friday Street Brandeston, Woodbridge, IP13 7BP 01728 685890 showroom@luxmooreandco.co.uk www.luxmooreandco.co.uk

Complimentary Courtesy Cars

Traditional craftsmanship, first-class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail For more information call 01206 298746/01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

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

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MA RCH 2018

M Y S U FF OL K

My Suffolk Artist Ania Hobson is this year’s judge of the Young Art East Anglia competition. She is currently working towards exhibitions in Suffolk and London and has recently achieved her ambition of having a painting in the National Portrait Gallery

London and the Academy of Art in Florence.

Suffolk though has been a big inspiration especially when I first started painting. I based all my paintings on the world around me at the time, and Suffolk gave that to me.

How did you come to live in Suffolk?

I was born in Wyre Forest, Worcstershire where my father worked for the Forestry Commission. I was brought up in a little house right in the middle of the forest, and I spent literally all of my early life surrounded by tall romantic trees and deep dark forest.

Then we moved to Suffolk and it has been a great place to grow up, although very different in many ways – but what stayed with me is a wonder of nature. Our house here in Rendham used to be a smallholding so I have grown up being surrounded by animals and nature. With both my parents are zoologists so I have been taught from a very young age to respect nature and the land that we are living on, which makes it a very special place to me. I went to school at Thomas Mills in Framlingham and then studied at Suffolk College and the University of Suffolk before doing further training in

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Tell us about your involvement with Young Art East Anglia I feel very flattered to have been asked to Judge for the Young Art East Anglia, also knowing that money raised is all going towards Cancer Research. When looking at all the beautiful artwork created by the children from East Anglian schools I saw that their inspiration had all very much been gathered from their surroundings. It shows great awareness of their land and its nature.

Art can be a fantastic way of educating a child, creating a rounded and engaged young person. I think it’s also brilliant that the organisers of Young Art East Anglia have been able to create an event which celebrates a new generation of Suffolk artists. As we all know Suffolk is an incredibly arty county with almost every village having its own exciting upcoming artists. This event is so lovely for the families, and an amazing opportunity for the children to showcase their work.

What inspired you to become an artist?

We are a very arty family – my brother Thom is a painter and like me also works from Asylum Art Studios at Bentwaters. His work is exhibited and shown in America now. My younger sister Kasia is also an artist and had her first exhibition at Framlingham over Christmas. That’s the thing about Suffolk – it’s a very arty place and its really inspiring to live in a county that has so much art.

Where do you like to walk?

I love to walk and spend time with my border collie, Dala. I often walk through Tunstall Forest which is near my studio. It’s a beautiful place especially when the sun is setting through the rows of pine trees. Snape is a wonderful place to walk too, especially in the summer when it’s hot. The other place I really love walking is Aldeburgh.

Where do you like to eat out?

Near my studio there is a great pub called the Unruly Pig which does great food and always has a really nice collection of Suffolk art work hanging on the walls. I have never been disappointed when I have gone there to eat.

The other place I really like is Mariner’s Restaurant at Ipswich Waterfront.

Do you have any hobbies?

For me everything is very art focussed – although I like spending time with friends and going to the cinema. Apart from that I paint full time in my studio working towards various exhibitions in London and in Suffolk.

I presently have a painting hanging in the National Portrait Gallery/Scottish National Portrait Gallery. This has always been a goal of mine and I was certainly helped initially by getting huge support from my family and friends, and this is why I am so delighted to also have a part in encouraging and giving confidence to a new generation of Suffolk artists.

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