Essential Suffolk May 2018

MAY 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

Dunwich Heath Celebrating 50 years of National Trust care

www.essentialsuffolk.com

Celebrating all that makes our county great

MADE FOR LIFE D E S I G N | M A N U F A C T U R E | I N S TA L L

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

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M AY 2 0 1 8 | WEL C OM E

Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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

Welcome Whatever way you look at it May is going to be a very busy month – because between two hectic bank holidays there’s also a myriad of festivals and events. It’s actually hard to pick out the highlights – clearly, the Suffolk Show at Trinity Park on May 30 and 31, is a must at the end of the month.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

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

PhotoEast, which runs into June, is returning for a second time and launches with a day of lectures and exhibitions at the University of Suffolk on Ipswich Waterfront on May 26th. For those who love the countryside, Suffolk Walking Festival offers dozens of opportunities, whatever your fitness level, to discover places and vistas new and once again Pulse at the New Wolsey will be showing us theatre like we have never seen it before.

Then there’s also a whole new festival – Beowulf in Woodbridge – which has been created by the Mayor, Clare Perkins who with the help of award-winning musician, Jan Pulsford has created a five-day community event in lieu of her Mayor’s Ball. This month Essential Suffolk also features Dunwich Heath – one of the most iconic spots on our coast and the work that the National Trust has done there since taking ownership of the land 50 years ago.

Anne Gould EDITOR

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

Paul Newman DESIGNER

paul@newman-design.com

Finally May is very much a month for art lovers as Art for Cure, the charity art sale and exhibition, is once again taking place at Glemham Hall to raise money for breast cancer.

Meanwhile, in Lavenham, the artist and sculptor Kate Denton is showing new works in her Burning Ambition exhibition, which has come about as a result of her remarkable reprieve from cancer six years ago, following last chance radical surgery.

Plus we have all the ‘usuals’ including Food & Drink, our Pub Dog Walk from the Butley Oyster, Fashion, new Kitchen trends and more.

To keep in touch with us during the month don’t forget we have a Facebook page, you can contact us on Twitter@EssentialSFK or through our website www.essentialsuffolk.com

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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Contents 10

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Burning Ambitions

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Mini Previews

Kate Denton’s new exhibition at Lavenham Hall

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this May

Put the Lights Out at Avenue Theatre and Daughter Daughter at Dance East

22 Art for Cure Raising funds for Breast Cancer

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Celebrating Suffolk

May Festivals

Dunwich Heath

Preview of the 2018 Suffolk Show

Beowulf Festival, PhotoEast, Suffolk Walking Festival and Pulse

Celebrating 50 years in the care of the National Trust

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Fashion

Pub Dog Walk

Food & Drink

Homes & Interiors

Dresses for Summer 2018

A new route from the Oyster Inn at Butley

Ideas for eating out plus Breakfast at The Maybush and Chef’s Recipe from The Randolph

Ideas for your new kitchen

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Gardening

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

The National Garden Scheme in Suffolk

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

David Falk, organiser of Suffolk Walking Festival

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BURNING AMBITIONS The Greek fable of Icarus, the man who flew too close to the sun and fell to earth, has long told about the frailty, ambition and failure of human dreams. For Suffolk artist Kate Denton this story has been an inspiration for her new exhibition. Anne Gould finds out why

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ix years ago Kate Denton stared into the abyss with overwhelming sadness that she would never witness another snowfall and the moment when its white cloak envelops the landscape bringing with it a special silence. She had been given a diagnosis of advanced cancer and had been told that she had just 12 weeks to live. “You experience a state of grace and then you need to start saying goodbye as you move towards the end of life. There was an overwhelming sense of grief.�

She had already been through gruelling treatment involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy for cervical cancer, diagnosed just six months after she and her husband, Anthony Faulkner, moved to their Suffolk home, Lavenham Hall.

Although she responded to the first bout of treatment and the tumour was eradicated, only weeks after getting home she started to feel unwell again. A scan revealed that the cancer had spread to other parts of her body and was growing quickly and she was told

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B UR N IN G AM B IT I ONS

“My unexpected, added lease of life seems a wonderful gift and perhaps the fact that I no longer know the time of my death, is perhaps the greatest gift of all...”

the heartbreaking news that her life was ending. It was Christmas and she said family and friends were able to visit and although she was in pain it was a “lovely time”.

“St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds were amazing because they gave me wonderful pain relief.”

Then in mid-January, she received a phone call from Robin Crawford – the clinical director of gynaecology at Addenbrookes Hospital – suggesting another option; radical surgery. Kate said that it’s a procedure not offered to many people, but because she was fit the doctors thought it was an option.

There was no guarantee that she’d make it through surgery because they would have to scrape away and remove anything that was diseased inside her.

Luckily, after 13 hours she survived, but it took a year for her to recover – there was a time when even walking one or two steps with help was incredibly difficult. But she persevered. “I owe everything to those doctors, they were prepared to take the risk and now I have had six more years thanks to them.” Her recovery has also brought a shift in her creative work and Burning Ambitions – which is dedicated to Robin Crawford and his colleagues at Addenbrookes – is a result.

“My unexpected, added lease of life seems a wonderful gift and perhaps the fact that I no longer know the time of my death, is perhaps the greatest gift of all. As I regained my strength I realised that I wanted to pull together all my experience of life and creativity into one single major project.”

And so she started creating a series of sculptures and paintings inspired by the Myth of Icarus that are being shown for the first time at Lavenham Hall this month. In appreciation of her recovery, one of the pictures is being raffled during the show to raise money for the hospital. “I made my first Icarus drawing 30 years ago and whether it was because I felt unable to create such a complex sculpture or fear of failure I never produced anything more from those original drawings.” Instead, she concentrated on her sculptures of animals which have earned her a reputation as one of the leading sculptors in the UK. As a result of her illness and recovery, she has spent a lot of time thinking about what makes us human; our frailties, strengths, ‰

All photoraphy by Bob Foyers

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B UR N IN G AM B IT I ONS

arrogance, carelessness, the beauty of our bodies and our innate spirit. “My first piece was of Icarus at the point where he is about to fly, where he has passed the point of no return, a moment of unbridled optimism and confidence. This figure gave huge challenges – in its largest version almost a ton of bronze it balanced on almost nothing more than the figure’s toes.”

Each sculpture has been based around key emotions and has provided technical issues that have led to Kate developing new techniques including casting real feathers, gold leafing some of the work and using innovative mountings. “During my recovery, I watched a BBC programme about the guitarist Wilko Johnson who underwent radical surgery at Addenbrooke’s after suffering the normally fatal pancreatic cancer.

He wanted to see the spring blossom in Japan and as he was talking he was standing in a temple and watching the petals fall.”

It was much like Kate’s own desire to experience the silence of the snowfall. “In a moment of clarity, I had a sense of how we, as a human race, are all connected, how we similarly try to survive the failures and celebrate our achievements together, how our likenesses and differences should be a reason to rejoice.”

INFORMATION Burning Ambitions is at Lavenham Hall Gallery from May 12-28. It then moves to Kate Denton Fine Art, High Street, Lavenham from May 31 to September 12. katedenton.com

All photoraphy by Bob Foyers

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S U F F O L K The New Wolsey Theatre has announced its Autumn Season for 2018. There are 14 shows and something for everyone. The programme includes the UK’s first regional tour of Once, the Tony Award winning musical, English Touring Theatre returns with Othello, there’s live music from legendary bands Shakatak and China Crisis, plus Wayne Hernandez in An Evening With Marvin Gaye.

Quality drama continues with Trial By Laughter in Nick Newman and Private Eye editor Ian Hislop’s witty new play about free speech; The Lovely Bones based on the Alice Sebold novel; The Return Of The Soldier, an intimate story of complex and powerful love, and The Habit Of Art by the legendary playwright Alan Bennett. Comedy gold is provided in Wisdom of a Fool, about the life of Norman Wisdom. Humorous insight into the three famous Brontë sisters in Withering Looks, plus mischievous sketches and improvisation in Still No Idea and the best of stand-up acts in Duke’s Comedy Club.

It’s open house at Aldeburgh Yacht Club (AYC) on Sunday 13 May and everyone is invited to come and enjoy some sailing. This is a nationwide Royal Yachting Association initiative to encourage people to try their hand in a boat, be it a dinghy, a yacht or a motor boat. At AYC experienced sailors will show you the ropes and take you out on the water for a short sailing session. There will be short river trips in a Club launch giving passengers views of the estuary from a different perspective, and light refreshments in the Clubhouse. Bring warm clothing, a spirit of adventure and discover a fun hobby, a great club and new friends. To find out more contact welcome@aldeburghyc.org.uk

House owners all over Suffolk are changing the appearance of their homes with coloured windows and doors; grey, green and black are currently the colours on trend. This increase in consumer demand has been welcomed by Suffolk’s leading UPVC and aluminium colouring specialist Colourchange UPVC.

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Owner of the business, Daryl Collins, has seen enquiries dramatically increase, “We have been specialists in colouring products for other window companies for many years, from coloured bi-fold doors to gutters. We have seen the demand from consumers increase steadily and are adapting to meet the demand.” Colourchange UPVC has been working with the team from the New Anglia Business Growth Programme and was successful in a grant application to install a new paint colouring booth. “This new booth represents a significant investment for the business and it will improve the quality and efficiency” said Daryl. If you are looking for a house makeover, or looking for windows, doors or a conservatory pop along to Colourchange UPVC and see what they have to offer.

The Ipswich Hospital Charity is excited to announce the Masquerade Charity Ball at The Venue at Kersey Mill on Friday, 22 June in aid of the Blossom Appeal. This glamorous evening will include a night of live entertainment with a drinks reception, a three course meal with wine in a beautiful location. Ticket price is £50 per person. J.S and The Lockerbillies will be the band for the night and have previously played at Glastonbury, so get your dancing shoes ready to ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’! Help build a new £2.5 million Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital where every breast care patient can have the best possible experience when they visit the hospital. To purchase tickets visit www.ipswichhospitalcharity.co.uk or contact 01473 702929 or charity@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk

Haverhill based Reach Community Projects has been named the winner of the inaugural Hopkins Homes Suffolk Charity of the Year public vote and will receive the top donation of £7,000. The campaign received more than 2,300 votes from Suffolk residents who chose their favourite charity from a shortlist of seven. A £10,000 donation from Hopkins

B R I E F Homes will be shared between the three charities receiving the most votes. The vote is part of the £500,000 Hopkins Charitable Fund launched last year. The fund will see the developer donate half a million pounds to charities and causes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire over the next five years. Reach Community Projects aims to tackle poverty in and around Haverhill, providing practical and emotional support to those struggling with debt, low income, homelessness or housing problems. The charity has recently embarked on an ambitious refurbishment project to provide more meeting rooms at its Resource Centre off Gloucester Road. The £7000 donation will be spent on furthering this project.

The organisers of Sax Music Fest have announced the acts performing at this year’s festival which runs from noon on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th July. This will be the first year this free music festival takes place at its new location in the grounds of Saxmundham Free School. Terry Barrow, organiser of the festival, confirmed the line up for 2018 will have a broad spectrum of music with everything from Folk to Rock and the headline act for Saturday is the sensational Tasha Leaper performing as Madonna. www.saxmusicfest.co.uk

28 year old Suffolk artist Ania Hobson has been shortlisted for one of the four prizes at the prestigious BP Portrait Award, held at the National Portrait Gallery, London. As a young artist, she has come through a selection of 2,650 international submissions, and is one of only 47 painters to be exhibiting. Ania has previously exhibited with the BP Portrait Awards (2017), the Society of Women Artists, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the Royal Society of British Artists. Ania schooled in Framingham at Thomas Mills High School and finished a degree in Fine Art at the University of Suffolk. She then studied at the Princes School Of Painting and also at the Florence Academy Of Painting in Italy. She will also be judging this year’s Suffolk Show art exhibition.

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

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What’s On MAY 1 – 24 Alde Valley Spring Festival White House Farm Great Glemham The festival continues with art and sculpture exhibition and workshop residencies. www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

Woodbridge Chamber Concerts St Mary’s Parish Church, Woodbridge, 7.30pm – 9.30pm Songs by First World War composers including Butterworth and Vaughan Williams All seats must be reserved.

Tickets: £12 – £18 Information: 01986 798324 www.woodbridgechamberconcerts.org.uk

MAY 1 – 5 Blood Brothers Ipswich Regent Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim.

Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Box Office: 01473 433100 ipswichregent.com

MAY 3 – 7

University of Essex Choir presents: Mozart: Mass in C Minor Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7pm The University of Essex Choir presents Mozart: Mass in C minor and Vaughan Williams: An Oxford Elegy.

Tickets £8 – £25 www.universityofessexchoir.org You Win Again – A Celebration of the Bee Gees Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe. 7.30pm Box Office: 01394 284962 www.felixstowespa.co.uk Farmers Markets Stowmarket Market Place, 9am – 1.30pm

Beowulf Festival Woodbridge

MAY 4 – 26

See Festivals pages 28 to 31 www.beowulffestival.co.uk

Our Blue Heaven New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

An unusual event for Dance Folkus as they usually promote English Folk Dance. This is a chance to try traditional French Dancing with our guest band Bof! Entry: £7 Information: Dancefolkus@aol.com or 01473 610951

With a hasty wedding, a first birth and missing tickets to contend with, will our madkeen Ipswich fans make it to the Final? Can the Town navigate the frozen pitch at Bristol Rovers, the rioting Millwall supporters at the Den, dodgy refereeing at Highbury and make it all the way to Wembley? Created from the heart-warming memories of super blues fans themselves, with a live soundtrack of chart hits from '78, join Bobby and his Blue Army on this nostalgic trip down Wembley Way. Tickets: £27 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Daughter, Daughter – Before I Met You DanceEast, Ipswich, 7.30pm

MAY 5

MAY 4 French ‘Bal’ with Bof! Woodbridge Community Hall, 7.30 – 10.30pm

See Mini Preview page 22 Tickets: £12 Box Office: 013473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

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

MAY 5 – 7 Clare Art Club Arts and Crafts Exhibition Town Hall, Market Hill, Clare,10am – 5pm The exhibition is home to a wide variety of original art, crafts, jewellery, prints and cards for sale, all produced by local artists. There will be art demonstrations going on throughout the weekend, so pop down and learn some tips from the artists themselves.

Tea, coffee and homemade cakes are available for you to enjoy after browsing through the artwork.

Entry: Free Information: clarewaterer@gmail.com Art For Cure Glemham Hall See preview page 22 www.artforcure.org.uk

MAY 7 Kerry Ellis The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Kerry embarks on a UK tour to celebrate 20 years since her West End debut, singing songs from Bond, to Bareilles to Bacharach and more, and telling stories from her career to date.

Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Mendlesham Street Fayre Mendlesham, 10.30am – 5pm Stalls, craft fayre, live music, Morris men, children’s entertainer, clog dancers, samba band, hog roast, mini skate park, birds of prey, bygone farm machinery, refreshments, free car park.

Entry: Adults £3 (children free) Information: ctriscott@aol.com

WH AT’ S ON

MAY 8

MAY 8 – 27

Albums Show: Billy Joel Songbook The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Put Out The Lights Avenue Theatre, Ipswich See mini preview page 21 www.redrosechain.com

MAY 9

MAY 12

Kathleen Turner The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Elio Pace and his band are joined by David Brown, Billy Joel’s lead guitarist (1978-1991), to perform two classic Billy Joel albums ‘Glass Houses’ and ‘An Innocent Man’ in their entirety.

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

see his actual face on his brand new tour.

After selling out his entire Edinburgh Fringe run out in advance and adding shows due to extra public demand, the BAFTA winning comedian now hits the road.

Tickets: £23 Box Office: 01473 433100

Finding My Voice: The actress known for her starring roles in Romancing the Stone and Jewel of the Nile, lends her trademark husky alto to classic tunes from the American songbook.

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

MAY 11 Sincerely Yours – The Dame Vera Lynn Story – Tribute Show Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe. 2.30pm

Iain Stirling Grand Hall, Corn Exchange, Ipswich, 8pm

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

Iain Stirling is back after a summer narrating smash hit Love Island (ITV2) and now you can

Farmers markets Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm Nayland Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 1pm Wolsey Orchestra Ipswich Corn Exchange 7:30pm – 9:30pm For our final outing of the season, the Wolsey Orchestra has chosen to present an all-symphony concert; three very unique and very different works whose composition spans almost exactly 100 years and highlights the evolution of the symphonic form from the late-classical, through the romantic period and into the musical uncertainties of the 20th century.

Entry: £15 adults, £3 children Box Office: 01473 433100

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DAUGHTER, DAUGHTER – BEFORE I MET YOU FRIDAY 4 MAY, 7.30PM

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She is a shadow, she is a mirror.

Joseph Toonga shines a stark and honest light on the profound experience of fatherhood through his signature hip hop and contemporary style.

Tickets from £12, £9 concessions

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MAY 201 8

MAY 12 – JUNE 3

MAY 18

Suffolk Walking Festival

Ladysmith Black Mambazo The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Choreocracy DanceEast, Ipswich, 7.30pm

MAY 14

This innovative and joyful work is not only something you’ll watch, but something you’ll control.

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

Shappi Khorsandi The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

MAY 19

See Festivals pages 28 to 31 Suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

Star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Have I Got News for You and QI, Shappi’s new show, ‘Mistress and Misfit’ presents England's unsung heroine, Emma Hamilton in a whole new light. Shappi is effortlessly funny, with as she handles every subject with whip-crack jokes and a razor-sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously mischievous delivery and endless charm.

Tickets: £15 (£13 concession) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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For over fifty years Ladysmith Black Mambazo has sung powerful, uplifting songs that emote the struggles and passion of South Africa. The group sing a cappella in a joyously energetic performance that combines loud powerful choruses with softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously, and tightly-choreographed dance moves. Featured on Paul Simon’s Graceland album 25 years ago, they have toured the world since.

Tickets: £33 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Farmers Markets Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 1pm Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market, 9am – 1pm Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Aldeburgh Music Club Choir Orford Church Aldeburgh Music Club Choir with Prometheus Brass Ensemble celebrates the richly varied range of choral repertoire spanning the centuries from Purcell to the present day.

Box Office: 01728 687110 snapemaltings.co.uk

WH AT’ S ON

MAY 20

MAY 21

Songbook Sunday at The Athenaeum The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11.30am

The Tap Pack The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

The Chris Ingham Trio with special guest Jessica Radcliffe: The Billie Holiday Songbook.

Jessica is one of London’s most accomplished jazz singers, appearing at Ronnie Scott’s, St James Studio and other top venues.

Today she takes the rich, lovelorn repertoire made famous by the jazz vocal legend, Billie Holiday, and puts her own captivating spin on it.

Tickets: £12 in advance, (£15 on the door) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Farmers Market Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm

Inspired by the kings of swing: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr, The Tap Pack brings a new, exhilarating energy to a timeless style.

Coming straight from a run at Sadler’s Wells, with their slick suits, sharp wit and songs from Sinatra to Ed Sheeran, Australia’s finest tap dancing performers are a cocktail of pure entertainment.

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

Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 4pm

MAY 22

Glinka: Russlan and Ludmilla Overture.

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2.

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.5.

Tickets: £36 – £18 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

The Shires Ipswich Regent, 7pm The biggest selling UK country act of all time, The Shires, announce their highly anticipated third album ‘Accidentally on Purpose’. The

trailblazing duo will also be hitting the road this summer, performing their new music across the UK. Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

MAY 23 Benjamin Zephaniah The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm He befriended Nelson Mandela, fought in the 1980s race riots and recorded radical and relevant reggae music with Bob Marley’s former band. Benjamin Zephaniah was unable to read and write at school but became one of Britain’s most remarkable poets. And now he’s back with his first tour in eight years, to coincide with his autobiography, The Life And Rhymes Of Benjamin Zephaniah. In a compelling and inspiring show, Zephaniah will explain how he fought injustice and discrimination, while sharing a selection of favourite stories and poems.

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

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

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

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WH AT’ S ON

Simon Spillett: The Great Tenors The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 1pm

Sound the Trumpet St Michael’s Church, Framlingham, 7pm

Recent recipient of a UK Jazz Award for Services to British Jazz, renowned musician and author Simon Spillett salutes the legends of the tenor saxophone, including Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Lester Young and Stan Getz. With Chris Ingham (piano) and Arnie Somogyi (bass).

Tickets: £9 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Described as the world’s foremost exponent of the Baroque Trumpet by Continuo Magazine, Crispian Steele-Perkins will bring his legendary virtuosity to a programme of music for trumpet and organ.

Tickets: £12 Information: eastaglianacademy@gmail.com www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk

Photo East Festival Ipswich Waterfront and Suffolk University See Festivals pages 28 to 31 www.photoeast.co.uk

MAY 26 Farmers Market Sudbury St Peter’s Church, 9.30am – 2pm

Suffolk Show Trinity Park, Ipswich See pages 25 & 26 www.suffolkshow.co.uk

MAY 31 – JUNE 9 Pulse Festival New Wolsey Theatre

MAY 30 MAY 24 – JUNE 24

MAY 30 AND 31

Ask the Expert: Local and Social History Ipswich Museum, 10am – 3pm Have you ever found something interesting and wondered what it might be? Bring in your own treasured items, share your stories about them and ask questions to a variety of specialists at our Ask the Expert days! Local organisations will be on hand to chat with you about your discoveries, to offer advice about where to find out more, and to unlock the fascinating stories behind some of the Museum’s fabulous local and social history collections. Free drop-in.

Entry: Free Information: 01473 433551

See Festivals pages 28 to 31 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.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.

Wills month May 2018 What will you do today for the future?

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Start planning for your future and make an appointment to create a will with one of our friendly solicitors or will writers. They will write your will and invite you to make a suggested donation. All you have to do is choose from the list below and book an appointment between 1 and 31 May 2018.

Your gift could blossom into a vital legacy for the hospice, helping local people now and in the future.

Suggested donation

Making the most of your outdoors

Single will

£125

Mirror / Double will

£165

Codicil

£50

Choose your local solicitor or will writer from the list below and book direct

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For more information, please visit: stelizabethhospice.org.uk/willsmonth

M IN I P R E V IE WS

DAUGHTER, DAUGHTER Dance East May 4

PUT OUT THE LIGHTS Daughter, Daughter – Before I Met You – has been created by Joseph Toonga fusing a blend of hip hop and contemporary dance styles, to create an unusual movement vocabulary which documents the transformative experience of his life, before and after his daughter was born. This piece creates an emotive portrayal of parenthood which will leave the audience reflecting on their own values and questioning if they are the best version of themselves.

Prior to the performance Joseph Toonga and Ricardo Da Silva will perform a short duet titled ‘It’s Between Us’, which combines the rhythms and energy of hip hop to immerse the audience in an experience of friendship, love and belonging. Following on from receiving the Choreographic Development Fund in 2015 and with DanceEast commissioning both ‘To Be Felt’ in 2016 and ‘Daughter, Daughter’, DanceEast’s relationship with Joseph Toonga has blossomed.

Throughout May Joseph Toonga is embarking on his own creative exploration and is excited to have been given the chance to be part of the associateship with DanceEast for the next two years.

“I feel the scheme is an exciting opportunity to be nurtured and challenged by the team and will offer me a chance to really develop my choreographic voice and help build a solid foundation for the next step in my career.” DanceEast is proud to be working with Joseph Toonga throughout 2018 and his performance of Daughter, Daughter will be the first of many collaborations to come.

INFORMATION Tickets: £12 (£9 concessions) Box office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

Avenue Theatre, Ipswich May 8 – 27 Following on from the huge success of Fallen In Love at The Tower of London, Joanna Carrick’s exciting new history play, Put Out The Lights, is must-see drama for fans of Wolf Hall and The Crown.

The year is 1538. Ipswich is a place of dark secrets and divided loyalties. A preacher is dragged from his pulpit, arrested for protestant heresy, while Cromwell sends agents to dismantle the Town’s beloved Catholic Shrine and burn the statue of Our Lady.

Caught up in the midst of it all are Alice Driver and her two childhood friends, who can see from day to day that the world is changing and it’s hard to know what to believe, what to say and above all who to trust…

Put Out The Lights tells the story of Grundisburgh’s very own Alice Driver. The play follows Alice’s fascinating journey, from her humble beginnings growing up pulling the plough on her father’s farm, to watching her whole world change forever as the Reformation of Tudor England takes hold, to ultimately becoming one of the Ipswich Martyrs prepared to burn at the stake rather than renounce her beliefs.

This exciting new play by Joanna Carrick unravels the twists and turns of Alice’s life and loves that lead her to this incredible fate, and her everlasting legacy in Grundisburgh.

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com

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ART FOR CURE Glemham Hall, May 5 – 7 and Helen Riches. David’s love of the East Anglian landscape translates into his vibrant work and Helen's botanically based artwork is inspired by her career in horticulture as a garden designer. New too is British landscape artist Jane Human whose response to a sense of place is richly evoked in her land and seascapes.

Art for Cure – Suffolk’s unique arts charity made national headlines two years ago with its biennial art event at Glemham Hall. It is back this month with another incredible event bringing artwork from the UK’s leading artists and new talent for another show stopping exhibition and sale. In addition to creating an incredible sculpture park, a silent auction of canvases this year there are new features; for the first time Art for Cure will include photography and there’s a Blue Dot gallery for new and emerging talent.

Belinda Gray, the mastermind behind the charity said, “We set out to keep our exhibitions vibrant, diverse and exciting and this year Glemham 2018 is not going to disappoint. With nearly 100 exhibitors of paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and photography there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy. This year fifty percent of our exhibiting artists are going to be new.”

The last event raised £175,000 for breast cancer research and local projects for women with breast cancer and money raised from this exhibition will be shared too. “We have selected a research project that looks at the genetics behind a particular form of breast cancer and looking at specific drugs that might work, and in particular a new lung cancer drug that can be effective.”

Among some first time contributing artists are the Walberswick based couple David

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After the success of ‘She’ last year at the Peter Pears and Garage galleries in Aldeburgh, AFC’s first pop-up exhibition translating the female form by a group of 25 sculptors, ceramicists and painters, two very exciting figurative painters Sarah BaddonPrice, a Suffolk based artist and the Cornish contemporary artist Henrietta Dubrey return with new collections of work. Birds feature this year aptly to this part of the East Anglian coast and Jason Gathorne Hardy director of the Alde Valley festivals has very generously donated six stunning new pink seagull masterpieces to sell which will be hung with other ornithological works from Hannah Hann and Norfolk painter Nicola Hart.

Many favourite Suffolk artists will be returning too including Maggi Hambling, Jelly Green, Emma Green, Sara Johnson, Michael Flint, Sarah Poland, Theronda Hoffman and Natasha Newton. Photography will transform the dining room and is a new dimension for 2018 and AFC are thrilled to be working in partnership with Atlas Gallery, London showing some astonishing work from iconic Gered Mankowitz of rock legends Jimmy Hendrix and the young Rolling Stones.

Pictures of David Bowie will also be on show.

Rarely seen photographs will be on sale from Scott’s Antarctic trip by Herbert G Ponting.

The established London based travel photographer Claudia Legge reveals her stunning images from India and Africa alongside the 60's legend Brian Duffy who brings Bowie to Glemham.

Sculpture is a huge part of the exhibition, curated this year by Nick Crocker director of Suffolk based interiors Red House Textiles.

The gardens will be brimming with exciting work in bronze, glass, willow, steel and stone pieces to enhance gardens with a wide spectrum of budget. Suffolk designer blacksmith Nigel Kaines, returns with his everpopular bulrushes alongside floral sculpture from Coleen du Pon and glass tulip heads from Lyn Baker. Outdoor human forms from

International sculptor John O'Connor who balances the physical with the emotional and new sculptor Jeremy Mousdale who's spirited figures evoke lightness and energy.

This year also sees the launch of an amazing selection of very generous pledges of experiences which were launched at Easter on-line. These include an accompanied visit to Tate Modern's Picasso exhibition, a pitchside match with a sports photographer at Old Trafford, sitting in on the Lesley Dolphin and Steve Foster shows or a wealth of work experience days with high fliers in their field – there is an experience for everyone and all monies raised will go directly to the charity.

INFORMATION www.artforcure.org.uk

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S U FFO LK SH OW

CELEBRATING ALL THINGS SUFFOLK

This year the Suffolk Show is looking back, commemorating 100 years since the end of the 1914-18 World War, and looking forward into the future with technology.

Essential Suffolk looks at what’s in store

T

he big countdown to the Suffolk Show has begun and with the 2018 county celebration looking to be bigger and better than ever, it’s certainly worth waiting for. This year’s Suffolk Show, on May 30 and 31, has lots of new attractions, unique shopping opportunities and free activities for the whole family to enjoy. Highlights include the incredible Bolddog Lings who will be wowing crowds with their thrilling, high-energy motorbike stunt show in the Grand Ring.

There’s also plenty of free have-a-go activities for all ages in the Military Discovery Zone, Sports Village and Suffolk Skills Zone. Plus, of course it will celebrate the county’s rich agricultural heritage. The Show is run and managed by the Suffolk Agricultural Association whose purpose is to promote the importance of food, farming and the countryside to the economy. However there are two themes; Looking Back… and Looking Forward.

The Suffolk Show will be commemorating 100 years since the end of World War One and the formation of the Royal Air Force with a new, interactive display area. Visitors will have a chance to step back in time and explore wartime life in Suffolk, with a focus on wartime

agriculture. The display area will have replica machinery, equipment, clothing and nostalgic recipes, with Tallulah Goodtimes producing sound tracks and music from the era.

Visitors can also research the stories behind their own family heroes with local war documents available to browse from Ipswich Records Office. Children can get involved by making bandages, learning about ration books and playing games that children would have played during the War. Around the Show there will be ‘Now and Then’ facts to discover, a chance to see wartime farm machinery at the Philip Liverton Ltd stand, and an opportunity to see the remembrancethemed School Model Gardens at the Flower and Garden Show.

Looking forward… the Suffolk Show will also be launching its first ever mobile Show App this year. The app will include lots of useful information and ideas to help visitors plan their day including a detailed map, ring timetables, information on individual trade stands, and public transport timetables to and from the showground. Using the new Show App, visitors can also take part in a fun Treasure Trail – another first for the Suffolk Show.

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Throughout the Showground will be seven locations where visitors can use a smartphone to learn and discover more about a specific display. The Treasure Trail will be themed around 'yesterday, today and tomorrow' and will aim to give visitors a greater insight and personal perspective behind some of the Show’s displays. A paper version of the Trail will be available for younger visitors or those without access to a smartphone.

Street. There’s fashion on Fifth Avenue, or give your home a makeover with bespoke furnishings in the Lifestyle Pavilion and unique local paintings in the Art Show. This year’s Suffolk Show is also a foodie heaven with the biggest ever Food Hall, packed with delicious artisan food and drink for visitors to try and buy. The Greene King Eat Street is a popular area to pick up a tasty treat, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand at the Adnams Beach Eats area.

The first ever BT Marquee at the Suffolk Show will focus on the future of agriculture and technology in our county, by showcasing innovative technologies alongside hands-on activities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computing.

Through interactive exhibits and displays, the BT Marquee aims to inspire young people across the county to explore the variety of opportunities in STEM subjects and how technology impacts everyday life. All around the BT Marquee will be a range of interactive technology displays, including 360 Virtual-Reality experiences, a multi-screen sport experience, and a small-scale Lego city showing the potential of how the internet can be integrated in our every-day life at home, school and work.

There will be even more attractions for animal-lovers at the Show this year, with opportunities to meet the Suffolk Punch horses and find out more about this critically endangered breed in the new Heavy Horse area. There’s also prize-winning Red Poll cattle, Suffolk sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, racing ferrets and pygmy goats (new for 2018) to look out for!

The Suffolk Show offers an unrivalled shopping experience with local brands and boutique designers that won’t be found on the High

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INFORMATION Tickets for this year’s Suffolk Show are on sale now – save £5 per ticket by purchasing in advance. Advanced tickets cost £23 while children aged under 15 will once again receive free entry. For more information and to book tickets visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01473 707117.

C OM P ET I T IO N

Essential Competition

Win a Gourmet Getaway To win answer the following question: Which anniversary will Maison Talbooth celebrate next year?

Email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to: competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or send a postcard to: Maison Talbooth Competition Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5 2EP.

Relax with a glass of Champagne on arrival at Maison Talbooth before being whisked to Le Talbooth, where you’ll enjoy a threecourse a la carte dinner before returning to the hotel.

After a great night’s rest in one of the 12 superb bedrooms, recharge with a full English breakfast, as well as making full use of the heated pool, hot-tub and tennis courts.

The closing date for entries to be received is Thursday 31 May 2018. Winners will be drawn from all correct entries by the closing date.

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A fabulously relaxed R E S TA U R A N T and B A R , open all day with no need to book. Pop in for B R E A K FA S T, B R U N C H , L U N C H , D I N N E R , A F T E R N O O N T E A , cocktails or coffee. www.milsomhotels.com

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MAY 201 8

MAY FESTIVALS The month of May brings with it new festivals, returning festivals and festivals that are perennial favourites

W

hatever you do this month the chances are you’ll be stepping out to one of Suffolk’s festivals and you’ll feel spoilt for choice. The Alde Valley Spring festival, which straddles April and May continues but new for this month is Pulse when the eyes of British theatre turn to Ipswich. There’s Suffolk’s Walking Festival for those who want to see the county in all its Spring glory plus the biennial PhotoEast returns and in Woodbridge the Beowulf Festival is on the calendar for the first time this year.

MAY 12 – JUNE 3

Suffolk Walking Festival It is the11th year of Suffolk Walking Festival and this year, with over 120 walks and events, it promises to be the biggest and most ambitious festival to date. Plus for the first time ever there’s a Walking Festival Fringe – a series of exciting and imaginative events that get you close to nature in the very heart of the countryside. So walkers can experience a Woodland Twilight Safari, capture iconic images on the photo assignments, take part in a drawing adventure at Snape and experience a Hedgerow Cream Tea where you gather your very own afternoon feast.

There are walks for everyone; you can kick start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk, try Nordic Walking, discover the amazing history of Suffolk's Wool Towns and have a go at GeoCaching. There are short strolls to long hikes and everything in between. For families there are 60 walks suitable for children, 60 that are dog friendly, and 24 that can be completed with a pushchair. For those who love meditation there are three mindfulness walks and for the brave souls made of sterner stuff there are four challenge walks which will take you from Southwold to Ipswich.

INFORMATION suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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FE ST I VAL S

MAY 24 – JUNE 24

PhotoEast we witness a girl becoming a woman.

The teenager’s struggle to find a sense of belonging within her family, within her group of friends and within herself, is laid movingly bare.

In her own response to the question of what it means to belong, Giulietta Verdon-Roe takes us coast-to-coast along the seemingly arbitrary line that divides England from Wales and Scotland, examining the physical landscape that plays a part in shaping who we are as individuals and as a ‘nation’.

Julian Germain returns to PhotoEast to curate an exhibition that explores the tribal allegiance of the football supporter. Drawing on photographs, memorabilia and testimony from Ipswich Town Football Club supporters old and young, ‘The People’s History’ celebrates the heritage of ITFC in the town, from the FA Cup Final win in 1978 to the present day. Award-winning photographer David Titlow also comes home to Ipswich for the launch of his exhibition ‘Eyeball’, featuring the calling cards and portraits of a pre-internet community – CB radio hands.

Exhibiting alongside global names in the world of photography will be the work from four teenagers from Suffolk and Norfolk, German Bight Sunday 27 August 1995 Northwesterly veering northerly, 5 to 7, decreasing 4 for a time in east. winners of the 2018 PhotoEast Young Squally showers. Good. © Mark Power/Magnum Photos Person’s Fellowship programme as selected from across the region’s colleges and PhotoEast, the month-long visual feast of exhibitions and events, is schools. Their prize is a bespoke professional mentoring programme back for the second time in Ipswich. The 2018 edition sees the work by photography professionals and the opportunity to do work of over 30 globally-renowned photographers, including those locallyexperience at London photography agency Panos Pictures. PhotoEast based or with a link to the region, exhibited in gallery space, shipping will include the work of the University of Suffolk’s final year containers, cafés and outdoor billboards along the Waterfront.

Photography students. Their end of year show will be on display throughout the Festival in the University’s Waterfront Building Produced by PhotoEast in association with the University of Suffolk, alongside work by photography graduates from UK-based courses, this year’s programme is curated by Financial Times Director of curated by Melissa Belton of Photograd.

Photography, Emma Bowkett around the festival theme of Belonging.

Adrian Evans, director of PhotoEast and Panos Pictures who are On May 26 there will also be talks by world-leading professional supporting the Festival said “We are thrilled to be returning to Ipswich photographers and industry experts, including Tom Hunter and Mark for a second time and are confident that PhotoEast 2018 has Power hosted by Eamonn McCabe, at the University’s Waterfront something for everyone with an interest in photography. It is a campus. A family trail kicks off from the Jerwood Dance House, which privilege to combine high calibre globally-recognised photography also plays host to a unique collaboration between choreographer Tim with the work of practitioners, students and enthusiasts from closer Casson and local photographic artist, Bill Jackson. to home. This year’s festival is bigger and better than the first in 2016 and is bringing us a step further towards our goal of establishing New for 2018 is PhotoEast’s Open Call Instagram competition putting Suffolk on the map for photography.” #ibelong18. Images uploaded on the festival theme will feature in a live gallery and a selection of lucky winners will have their work Topping the bill in the University’s Waterfront Gallery is Mark Power’s exhibited in the ‘On the Fence’ exhibition by Cult Café on the ‘Shipping Forecast’, an ode to the BBC’s eponymous radio broadcast Waterfront throughout the month-long festival. and a uniquely British institution. These haunting images take us to the places behind the familiar names – Biscay, Viking, German Bight – and serve as a physical reminder of our isolated, island existence. In INFORMATION Sian Davey’s beautifully tender portrait of her step-daughter, Martha, www.photoeast.co.uk

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The Mayor of Woodbridge, Clare Perkins, describes the new Beowulf Festival as her ‘gift to the town’. “It’s the end of my mayoral year and instead of a Mayor’s Ball I wanted to do something that the whole town could enjoy.

I came up with the idea of a free festival and with the help of musician and artist Jan Pulsford it’s gone from a dream to reality and it’s going to be fantastic.”

The Spirit of Beowulf will take place over five days and will include everything from music to history, there will be a walk and during an evening of dragons an opportunity to build Scruff the Plastic Dragon from discarded plastic. “Everyone is invited,” says Clare.

She said the theme came about because she has always loved dragons and the epic old Anglo Saxon poem of Beowulf, which some believe may have been composed in Rendlesham and have connections with Sutton Hoo. “The people of Woodbridge have historically worked with the River Deben and so this festival takes place on the banks of our beautiful river.” She says the festival started off really small but thanks to coproducer Jan Pulsford, who has spent her life in music and the arts, and writing award winning music, it’s now five days long.

Events include an evening of history and archaeology at the Shire Hall with Field Archeologist Dr. Emma Tetlow and special guest Charlie Haylock – an historian of spoken English, dialect specialist and authority on his native Suffolk. They will talk about the link between the story of Beowulf and Woodbridge, the River Deben and the Great Ship of Sutton Hoo will be discussed plus an exclusive look at Anglo Saxon treasures recently found in the area.

On May 5 there will be a bustling Beowulf Village and Anglo Saxon market on the waterfront with food and drink with Beowulf Baps from the Cake Shop and Simpers Oysters plus Beowulf Ale from the Angel. The Tide Mill Living Museum will open all day with a special talk, ‘What did Beowulf eat?’ from Dr. Debby Banham and author Kevin Crossley-Holland will be story telling on the replica ship Sae Wylfing with Norse Myths and in the afternoon retelling the epic story of Beowulf.

Plus there will be Music in the Shed throughout the day from Brian Eno's Bloom and Ambient Music World to accompany the Poetry and Painting Exhibitions. Plus there will be live music on the square and the Marie Boat Stage with Merlyn's Open Mic, Peter Hepworth, Girl in a Gale, DJs Freeland, Horner and Quinn, Oktoba, Caswell and Aartwork. The day ends with Beowulf Festival Lights on the Tide Mill with music from Jan Pulsford's Ambient Music World. On the Sunday there will be a family fun day at the Tea Hut with the Distressed Artist and on the Monday a walk to Sutton Hoo. INFORMATION www.beowulffestival.co.uk

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FE ST I VAL S

MAY 31 – JUNE 9

Pulse, New Wolsey Theatre The successful 10 day festival celebrates its 18th anniversary this year with an impressive showcase of contemporary performance from established and emerging artists. As ever Pulse promises the unexpected - not least a play about what happens to your digital legacy when you die and a love letter to the schools of the 1990s.

acclaimed magician and sleight-of-hand artist Vincent Gambini’s returns to the festival with a pre-Edinburgh preview of new show The Chore of Enchantment, one of the Scratch Day performances.

Luke Wright's second verse play Frankie Vah deals with love, loss and belief, against a backdrop of grubby indie venues and 80s politics. Poet, broadcaster and festival curator Wright tours the world each year with his unique brand of poetry. His Channel 4 verse documentaries have been enjoyed by millions of viewers and his poems are often heard on BBC Radios 3 & 4.

By their own account, La Pelles Factory’s work is “weird theatre”, using dark humour, relatable stories and modest multimedia to entertain, tease and cause a bit of trouble. Their renegade telling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat is on Mon 4 June. Dante or Die’s USER NOT FOUND on June 6 is an interactive digital experience in which you will be handed a smartphone and a pair of headphones before the show starts. This intimate, fly-on-wall drama focuses on what happens to your digital legacy when you die.

On the opening day Shôn Dale-Jones performs Hoipolloi’s latest show, Me & Robin Hood, which questions the value of art and money over the power of story. Combining theatre and fundraising, Me & Robin Hood will raise money for Street Child United World Cup 2018. Last year his audiences raised £20k for the worthwhile charity, which uses sport to connect, protect and enable the children who live on the world’s streets to build better lives.

On the penultimate night of the festival, the Wardrobe Ensemble takes the main house back to May 1997 with Education, Education, Education. Tony Blair has won the election. Katrina and the Waves won Eurovision. Channel 5 is just one month old. No one knows who Harry Potter is. “Cool Britannia” rules. Education, Education, Education is a love letter to the schools of the 90s, asking big questions about an entire country in special measures. It explores what we are taught and why and where responsibility truly lies.

Using trademark inventive theatricality and irreverent humour, this show explores the stories that have shaped our recent political history, and what the future might look like.

This year’s Suitcase Prize Day will see the 2017 winner James McDermott return with his production of Rubber Ring. This is a laughout-loud coming of age comedy, about a teenage Morrissey fan’s struggle with his sexual identity and rural Norfolk heritage. Critically

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

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MAY 201 8

50 YEARS OF TRUST Where is the most iconic place in Suffolk? For many people it is Dunwich Heath, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the care of the National Trust this year

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D U N WI CH H E ATH

B

ritain’s beautiful coastline is much admired across the world and for more than 50 years the National Trust’s Enterprise Neptune Campaign has been helping to protect our unique shoreline for future generations. It’s a ‘people-powered’ campaign with hundreds of thousands of contributors and donations and as a result, it now owns 775 miles of coastline.

In Suffolk, the first stretch of land that came under the National Trust’s custodianship was Dunwich Heath, exactly 50 years ago, thanks to a donation by H.J. Heinz. And to celebrate the National Trust has launched a history project for the site and is looking for help from the public with potential stories.

“Initial research has uncovered some amazing stories about smugglers, war time activities and family memories of Dunwich Heath,” says Nick Collinson, East Suffolk General Manager for NT. “We get around 200,000 visitors every year and the Trust is hoping some of these people will share their special memories for an ongoing research project.”

Nestled on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath is a surviving fragment of precious lowland heath – one of the UK’s rarest habitats. Its sweeping slopes of heather and gorse, sandy soil and acid grassland support many insects, birds and animals which depend on this specialised heathland habitat.

Nick says,“Dunwich Heath is a wonderful iconic place and one of the most unique sites on the Suffolk coast. The tea room has the best location with its sweeping views of the coast and the heath. Research by the National Trust has previously shown that for many people, some of their happiest memories are of days spent visiting the coast.

Caring for such special places as Dunwich Heath means really getting to know what it is that makes them so loved by the people that visit here.

“From families taking part in pond-dipping events and bug hunts to those people who join us for beach cleans or are here early in the morning to spend quiet time spotting the array of birds and wildlife that call this ‰

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place home, Dunwich Heath means many different things to different people.” It’s these and many other memories of the site that the trust is eager to collect.

Fifty years ago, Dunwich Heath’s future seemed uncertain, he explained. During the Second World War, Dunwich Heath was requisitioned by the military as a training area.

After the war it was handed back to its owners, the Dunwich Town Estate, and became an increasingly popular destination for tourists. By 1968, there were concerns that unregulated camping was damaging the fragile landscape. In addition, the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, meant that if the Dunwich Town Estate wanted to continue allowing camping at the site, they would need to provide facilities, toilets and water points for visitors.

Unwilling to develop Dunwich Heath as a campsite, they decided that the National Trust would be the best organisation to secure the future of this special landscape.

So the site – about 250 acres in all and a mile of shingle beach – became the first property in Suffolk to be purchased through the National Trust Enterprise Neptune Campaign.

This purchase was made possible by a substantial bequest from H.J Heinz Co. Ltd. Their donation of £12,000 in 1968, is the equivalent of approximately £207,533 today! The Trust set about restoring areas of traditional heathland and maintaining the characteristic open landscape – ongoing conservation work which continues to the present day.

Dunwich Heath was once part of a large area of lowland heath, known as the Sandlings.

This rare habitat has declined nationally at a rate of 92% in the last 120 years threatening heathland wildlife and plant species. In the early 1970s, Dunwich Heath became part of Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and was further extended when 79 acres from Mount Pleasant Farm, north of the main site, was purchased with a donation from Pizza Express in 2002.

The former arable land is being restored to acid grassland and heather heath replacing lost habitat and providing new areas for rare breeding birds such as stone curlew and woodlark. In 2015, a community grant awarded by the WREN Land Acquisition Fund

A little piece of paradise on the Suffolk Heritage Coast…

Dingle Hill Tearooms is a family run business situated in the picturesque village of Dunwich. Dingle Hill values good quality, honest food sourced from local suppliers. All our scones, cakes, puddings & quiches are made on site by the very talented Amanda whilst our beautiful gardens are maintained by her husband, Nigel.

We truly are a ‘family’ business and welcome everyone including dogs, children and well behaved parents!

Open 7 days a week Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm (serving breakfast 9am – 11am) info@dinglehilltearooms.co.uk | www.dinglehilltearooms.co.uk | Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

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D U N WI CH H E ATH

and a further grant from the Enterprise Neptune Campaign enabled The National Trust to purchase a privately owned area of heathland which sat between the main heath and Mount Pleasant Farm.

The continued conservation work by staff and volunteers at Dunwich Heath has been richly rewarded with the success of some key species. After an absence of nearly 60 years, Dunwich Heath became the first site in East Anglia to record breeding Dartford warblers.

Around 35 pairs of these elusive little birds are now resident at Dunwich Heath all year round. Another major success has been the first successful breeding of stone-curlews in 2017, following failed attempts to breed in previous years. Dunwich Heath supports many other heathland species; birds such as woodlark and nightjar, and rare insects including antlion, silver-studded blue butterfly and green tiger beetle make their homes here.

With its gentle slopes of heather reaching to the sea, Dunwich Heath has an enduring charm. In the care of the National Trust, it will continue to provide both an important space for wildlife to thrive and a special place for everybody to enjoy for years to come.

INFORMATION Anyone who might have special memories of Dunwich Heath or archives of photos and historical documents can contact the team on dunwichheath@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01728 648022

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EssentialSUFFOLK

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M AY 2 0 1 8

H EA LT H

PIONEERING DUO WIDENING THE OPTIONS FOR BACK SURGERY

Mr Robert Lovell Consultant Spinal Surgeon (left)

Dr Hugo Boyce Consultant Anaesthetist (right)

This month we talk to two consultants at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital about how they are adapting anaesthesia for selected spinal operations to alleviate the need for general anaesthetic. Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr Robert Lovell and Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Hugo Boyce regularly work together at the private hospital performing spinal surgery and discuss here what their developments can mean for their patients.

“We have been using this technique for over a year now and the results have been absolutely fantastic,” says Mr Lovell.

“Patients have been really pleased. Some had been reluctant to undergo surgery because of previous bad experiences with general anaesthetics. When they heard about our method you could see the relief on their faces.”

with an intercalated degree in Psychology.

His junior doctor years were spent in London, Chichester, New Zealand and Northampton before rotating through the North West London hospital on the Imperial School of Anaesthesia specialist registrar training program. This rotation included a year as a research fellow at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital and time at Queen’s Square Hospital which specialises in spinal and neurosurgery.

Mr Lovell begins by explaining, “Although surgery to relieve the symptoms of sciatica and other painful or restricting conditions is commonplace, such procedures traditionally require a general anaesthetic. Whilst this has become much safer over the years, it can leave patients with side effects such as feeling sick, drowsy and slow to mobilise. For some, the after effects of the anaesthetic can be severe, even severe enough to put them off having surgery in the first place”.

What are the benefits?

He completed his training in 2010 and took a consultant post at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. He is currently the appointed College Tutor, supporting the needs of the anaesthetic trainees.

While regional anaesthetic techniques that only numb part of the body have been used successfully in other operations such as Caesarean sections or hip and knee replacements, this has not been an option for spinal surgery until recently.

What has changed?

Mr Lovell and Dr Boyce have pioneered a way of undertaking some of the more common spinal operations under regional anaesthesia.

This involves placing a very fine needle under local anaesthetic into the lower back which numbs the bottom half of the body leaving arms, head and chest unaffected. Patients are able to get themselves into a comfortable position and remain awake and alert throughout surgery and completely pain free.

It is even possible to listen to the gentle background music the consultants offer, although some sedation can be offered as an alternative if they wish.

As well as the benefits of avoiding traditional anaesthetic techniques, this new method dramatically reduces post operative pain and the need for strong medications such as morphine. Patients recover rapidly, can eat and drink immediately and can often return home more quickly. For some operations, such as microdiscectomy, this can even mean going home the same day. A spinal anaesthetic can give some patients previously not suitable for surgery, such as those with breathing difficulties, the chance to undergo life changing operations. It also lessens the risk of some potentially serious complications such as blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs.

Dr Boyce continues, "We have certainly had patients where, if it weren't for our technique, we would not have been able to help them. It is so rewarding to be able to offer these patients surgery now."

Many patients at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust have now been helped by this technique and Mr Lovell and Dr Boyce are gaining national recognition with patients travelling from around the country to get the benefit of their expertise. To date Dr Boyce and Mr Lovell remain the only team routinely able to perform spinal surgery with this technique.

Dr Hugo Boyce BSc, MBBS, FRCA, qualified from the Imperial School of Medicine in 2000

Mr Robert Lovell qualified from University College London Medical School in 1998 and, after basic surgical training at St.Mary’s & The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, joined the East Anglian Higher Surgical Training Programme in Orthopaedics. During this training he specialised in spinal surgery and, after gaining his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons, travelled to Australia for the prestigious year-long AO Spinal fellowship in Brisbane.

He was appointed as a consultant spinal surgeon in Ipswich in 2010. His practice involves all aspects of spinal surgery including trauma, deformity, infection, cancer and degenerative conditions such as back pain and sciatica. His particular subspeciality interest is cervical (neck) surgery and he has extensive experience in cervical disc replacement.

Mr Lovell consults privately at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital and Gilmour Piper & Associates. He also regularly undertakes spinal medico-legal work. For more information on how to book a private consultation with Mr Lovell, please get in touch on 01473 851 960.

At Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital you don’t need private medical insurance, you can pay for your own treatment, as and when you need it.

We offer a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services, and no waiting lists for access to experts in diagnostic and imaging services and physiotherapy for advice and treatment. Find out more at www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital.

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FI NA NCE

Grant Buchanan

IS BITCOIN WORTH THE RISK?

Financial Planning Partner

‘You shouldn’t be investing in Bitcoin if you don’t understand it’ says Grant Buchanan, Financial Planning Partner at Scrutton Bland.

although the theft of $534 million of cryptocurrency in Japan earlier this year may suggest otherwise.

Can you explain what Bitcoin is?

Bitcoin is a digital currency that was set up in 2009. It exists as a string of computer code rather than a tangible coin or note. It is bought from a Bitcoin crypto-currency exchange (there are many), and is then held in a digital wallet. The bitcoins can then be stored, exchanged or spent in online transactions.

Why have Bitcoin investments done so well?

Firstly, there are a finite number of Bitcoins which can be supplied. And a limited supply of a product which is perceived as desirable will generate demand. In 2010 one Bitcoin was worth $0.08, but since then the price has rocketed to a peak of $19,800 per coin at the end of 2017. Despite comparisons with the Dutch tulip mania of the 1630s, and the dotcom boom and bust in the 1990s, crowd mentality coupled with greed and the fear of missing out have generated unprecedented interest.

How does it work?

Bitcoin runs on open-source software known as blockchain, which enables digital property to be transferred between users. There is no one organisation such as a bank behind the transactions, but they are linked through a kind of public ledger which is updated by any Bitcoin user. This transparency is supposed to ensure that the transfer is safe and secure

Any other final words of warning?

I cannot stress this enough: Bitcoin is unregulated. There are no rules. You could

lose everything tomorrow and your financial adviser, bank and Her Majesty’s government will all be powerless to help you. Several countries where Bitcoin appeared to be gaining validity are now backtracking, and influential figures such as Warren Buffett have urged caution. ”In terms of cryptocurrencies generally, I can say with almost certainty that they will come to a bad ending,” he said recently.

For most people the proven technique of investing into a well-diversified portfolio is a better course of action. The range of investment options available is larger than ever and so are the risks. That is why seeking advice from a chartered financial planner and getting a deeper understanding of what you are buying has never been so important.

Contact Grant on 01206 838436 or email grant.buchanan@scruttonbland.co.uk

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

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MAY 201 8

Peruzzi dress £99 Laura Jane Boutique

Lily and Me floral print dress £60 Caramel

say YES to the DRESS There are days when nothing else will do and the ultra-feminine statement – the dress – is called for. Don’t compromise on comfort, these stunning pieces from leading independent Suffolk retailers will keep you looking and feeling good all summer long

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FASH I ON

Taifun floral print dress £140 Holly Blue Boutique

Yest dress £59 Adams Apple Circus bicycle print dress £59 Holly Blue Boutique

Seafolly Peach Melba long summer dress £105 Sweet Dreams

Soaked in Luxury floral print dress £89 Laura Jane Boutique

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ADINI BIANCA LILY & ME LEBEK EMRECO YEST SIGNATURE MARBLE CAPRI IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI OLSEN

SPECIALISING IN JERSEY & KNITWEAR YAYA | PART TWO SOAKED IN LUXURY LUELLA ‘STAR’ COLLECTION TUTTI JEWELLERY PERUZZI | SUZY D

70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685

89/91 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AW 01394 386686 www.laurajaneboutique.co.uk

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55 Thoroughfare, IP12 1AH 01394 382300

Find your perfect fit at Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge | 01394 380306 Open 9.30 – 5 Monday to Saturday

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Hatley dress £70 Adams Apple

Lebek Ddress £72 Adams Apple

Hatley flower print dress £69 Adams Apple

Hatley navy dress £75 Adams Apple

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MAY 201 8

Animapop reversible dress £155 Holly Blue Boutique

Lily and Me flower dress £67 Adams Apple

Peruzzi green dress £89 Laura Jane Boutique

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Caroline Biss printed button dress £210, Caroline Biss printed dress £199 Holly Blue Boutique

FA SH IO N

Essential Competition

Win a Golf or Spa break for two at Ufford Park

Flower print dress available in a variety of colours £55 Ninni Noo Boutique

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa has teamed up with Essential Suffolk to offer one lucky reader a fantastic prize. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland with an 18 hole, par 71 golf course and in house spa – the 90 bedroom hotel offers you so much more.

Two colour lace dress £68 Ninni Noo Boutique

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LOCAL RETAILERS Circus pineapple print dress £59 Holly Blue Boutique

THE PRIZE Enjoy an overnight stay for two people with bed & breakfast and full access to our Health Club that includes the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and gym. Plus you get to choose whether you would like your prize to include one round of 18 holes of golf or three hours access in the Thermal Suite Spa.

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TO ENTER For your chance to win simply answer this question:

Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685

How many bedrooms does Ufford Park have?

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

Email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or send a postcard to Ufford Park Competition, Achieve More Media, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2EP. The closing date for all entries to be received is Wednesday 31st May 2018.

The winner will be drawn from all the correct entries received by the closing date.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This prize is available Sunday – Friday and must be pre-booked. Expires 1st December 2018 and is subject to availability. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted by Ufford Park.

EssentialSUFFOLK

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MAY 201 8

Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

It’s a year since the Oyster Inn at Butley reopened its doors and time for Darcy to find a new walking route from this welcoming, dog friendly pub This new route from the Oyster Inn at Butley is absolutely teeming with life. There are pigs, lots of pigs, in the first stretch, and we came across other domesticated beasts including horses and goats and were even treated to a family of deer as we reached Chillesford. Plus of course the constant back drop of birdsong.

And this variety was true for the landscape too. We do our best on these Pub Walks with Darcy to avoid roads where we can, but sometimes we must endure a short road walk to reap the rewards further along. This route is essentially a large triangle and initially we head along a quiet road towards Wantisden Hall Farm. Depending on the time and day of your visit traffic levels may vary but we encountered just a few cars and tractors and (please follow our advice for road walking opposite).

Dale Farm

3

CHILLESFORD 4

Once we leave the road and embark on side two of the triangle the track winds through farm land and alongside woodland and the views, even on a dull day, were absolutely stunning. The third and final leg takes us past Butley Mill with views across reed beds and more pretty countryside.

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Butley Mill 5

Wantisden Corner 2

BUTLEY 1

ane Mill L Path

6 PH

Neutral Farm

&H eath

Valley Farm

Suffo lk C o as t

Best of all we finish where we started at the Oyster Inn in Butley. The pub opened its doors after a lengthy closure and major refurbishment a year ago and has truly breathed new life into the village with creative ideas, great food and drink and of course a warm welcome for dogs and their owners.

Church Farm

Low Farm

the walk DISTANCE: Approx 4 miles TIME: Approx 1 hour 30 mins to 1 hour 45 mins TERRAIN: Roads, sandy paths, field edges, woodland paths STOPS: Oyster Inn, Butley OS MAP: Explorer 212 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 369 509 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.

Butley, near Woodbridge, Suffolk

Always check the map before setting off.

ADVICE FOR ROAD WALKING Photo: Pub is the Hub

• If there is no pavement or suitable verge walk on the right, into the oncoming traffic for best opportunity to see approaching vehicles • Ensure that you, and your dog, are visible by wearing suitable, high visibility clothing • Keep your dog under close control on a short lead and ensure they stop and sit while traffic passes

1. Leave the car park at the Butley Oyster and turn immediately left to the road junction. At the junction turn right. There is footpath on the right hand side of the road for a short stretch however after the junction with Mill Lane there is a short distance on a relatively busy road as far as the next junction in view ahead. Please follow our guidelines and take care to cross ahead of the sharp right hand bend.

2. At ‘Wantisden Corner’ take the road ahead, sign posted to Wantisden Hall Farms (do not head left to Wantisden Valley).

Continue up the road all the way to Staverton House where the Footpath (FP) is clearly marked to your right.

3. Follow the footpath. At the end of the first field there’s a slight ‘dog-leg’ but the path continues ahead and is clearly marked.

As you pass the heavily wooded area on your right, keep straight ahead once more, following the Sandlings FP sign. Eventually you reach a crossroads in the paths. Ignore the Sandlings sign this time and continue ahead into the tree lined corridor. The path eventually emerges between some residential properties in Peddlars lane in Chillesford.

4. At the road turn right and immediately left into Mill Lane. Walk along the raised bank on the left to make the most of views across the reed beds as far as Butley Mill.

5. At Butley Mill return to the road (cross and walk towards oncoming traffic although the lane is very quiet) and follow the lane all the way back to the main road at Butley.

6. When you reach the main road turn left and retrace your steps to The Oyster Inn, ahead.

400 years of warm welcome and real ale on the Suffolk Heritage Coast Children’s menu available and we aim to be veggie friendly.

Cinema is available for private hire and often shows the big matches on Sky Sports.

See Facebook or website for regular quiz nights, lm club, music, Stitch & Bitch and karaoke.

Traditional music nights on the rst Tuesday of every month.

Village shop is open during pub hours.

The Butley Brewhouse is available for private brewing days (please book in advance).

www.butleyoyster.com The Oyster Inn Butley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3NZ 01394 459722 bookings@butleyoyster.com butleyoyster

@butleyoyster Or

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Woodbridge Road

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The Oyster Inn

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BREAKFAST

BY THE RIVER Lesley Rawlinson heads to The Maybush at Waldringfield, flagship pub of the Deben Inns group

W

hen I was extolling the virtues of enjoying a well-earned ‘Brunch’ in our dining review last month, little did I imagine that I’d be entertaining the idea of ‘eating out’ even earlier in the day – and so soon! This is indeed becoming a world driven by re-writing rules and not just continuing with the norm, but changing our daily routines to meet our ever changing expectations, and tastes.

On my way to meet a colleague from the Essential Suffolk team, for a bite to eat while we talked over some new ideas, I mulled the concept of the ‘Business Breakfast’. It’s certainly a well known option for networking meetings – after all there’s benefit to gaining momentum early in the day – but I hadn’t previously given much credence to a one-toone breakfast meeting; maybe I’m just ‘behind the curve’ as they say. But perhaps too it’s because, until more recently, there were relatively few options; either book a table in a hotel where there’s the feeling that

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one might be encroaching on the territory of the residents, or opt for a café… and to my knowledge not too much in between.

I think the smoking ban has had an impact on the pace of change in our pubs and eateries. It’s been some time now since early morning duties in a pub saloon meant eradicating the staleness of the night before;

emptying the heaped ashtrays and trying to refresh the soft furnishings. Now ‘smoke free zones’, pubs are fresh and welcoming from the moment the doors open and as a result can offer a much needed alternative to enjoy informal, comfortable surroundings and keep village pubs alive through creative use of extended opening hours.

D I N IN G R E VI EW | T H E MAY BUSH

What’s not surprising is that Deben Inns – a family owned group of individual inns in some stunning Suffolk locations – is at the forefront of the movement. In a recent conversation with owner, Steve Lomas, he said that, in the simplest terms, he wants his customers to have “what they want, when they want it” and so at all six of his venues he offers food all day, every day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And of course the business community is only one sector to benefit. A beautiful morning walk along the River Deben at Waldringfield and then pop in to the Maybush, dogs in tow, for a Full English? Yes please! Out on the bike for a good weekend cycle with some friends and then all to the pub for a hearty breakfast before the final push home? Front of the queue! Not to mention meeting up with friends or family to make the very most of the day with an early get together – I think it’s a great option, especially when children are involved.

It’s with all of this in mind that the team at The Maybush has created its menu. Prices are very reasonable – with the top priced dish, the Full English, just £8.95 and offers great value. My colleague was quick to make this his order and wasn’t disappointed. The generous slices of local bacon in particular came in for high praise, along with the Proctor’s sausages. I was pleased to see a Full English vegetarian option too, complete with Quorn sausages and mushrooms, championed high on the list – not buried as some sort of alternative apology.

Mine was a split decision, did I go for smashed avocado or smoked salmon – both served with scrambled eggs. The choice was made easier by an order arriving at a neighbouring table (I try to be subtle but I can’t help having a nosey look at what others are eating) and so salmon it was. Another substantial plate, with the choice of white or granary toast and attractively garnished.

Other menu items include a bacon bap, a choice of styles of eggs on toast and a children’s breakfast – all excellent value and priced under £5. You could even just enjoy toast and a cup of coffee, they really are catering for every taste. And speaking of coffee I must mention the extensive list of beverages available too; maybe half a dozen styles of coffee plus green tea, mint tea, Earl Grey or breakfast tea, hot chocolate… they really have thought of everything.

The final verdict; a sublime location where you can watch the early light on the water, a well thought out good value menu, no limitations to who (including pooches) can enjoy the venue and with the Deben Inns app allowing you instant access to all of their exclusive offers and promotions you even enjoy a loyalty scheme and earn rewards – what’s not to like?

INFORMATION The Maybush Inn, Cliff Road, Waldringfield Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4QL 01473 736215 Open: Monday – Saturday 9am to 11.30pm Sunday 9am to 10.30pm. Food served all day, every day; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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MAY 201 8

Cromer Crab Custard Cromer crab is so iconic and this simple to make ‘custard’ is a creative way to serve a restaurant quality dish at home

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C H E F’ S R E CI P E | T HE R AND OL PH

Family man Head Chef Paul Buck began his career in the kitchen in 1996 with Adnams Hotels in Suffolk, working at both the Swan and the Crown in Southwold under Chris Coubrough. In 2006 he took the helm of the busy kitchen at the Randolph as Head Chef and has enjoyed a long successful career at the hotel. When former Adnams colleague Gareth Knights and his wife Jenny bought the Randolph in 2017, Paul was only too pleased to continue working in the busy hotels kitchen alongside his now Chef Patron and old friend Gareth. As a father of three boys and a local fireman since 2005, Paul is used to a busy, hectic life at home and in the kitchen but wouldn’t have it any other way. The Randolph’s Kitchen team ethos is to use local suppliers where possible to create seasonal menus from the highest quality ingredients. Combining this spirit with creativity and flavour The Randolph offers a delicious dining experience for everyone to enjoy.

Cromer crab custard, sea breeze asparagus, red pepper chutney, shallots, parmesan crisp INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1000ml cream 1 clove of garlic Pinch of nutmeg 300g picked white crab meat 2 eggs 4 yolks 1 red pepper 200ml white wine vinegar 300g sugar 1 shallot (diced) 1 shallot cut into rings 100ml white wine 100ml white wine vinegar 50g sugar 200g parmesan 1 bunch asparagus Frisée lettuce Baby basil Rape seed oil

1. Pick through the crab meat to make sure there is no shell, mix with the grated garlic, nutmeg, eggs and yolks. Boil the cream and pour onto the crab mixture, whisk and season to taste. Pour into a ramekin and cook at 120°C until set.

2. Finely dice the pepper, boil 300g sugar and 200ml white wine vinegar and let the mixture reduce by half. Add the diced shallot and red pepper and reduce until thick. Season to taste and leave to cool.

3. Boil 100ml white wine vinegar, 100ml white wine and 50g sugar, pour over the shallot rings and leave to cool.

4. Finely grate parmesan and put into a ring mould. Bake in the oven until golden, remove and leave to crisp up.

5. Put a pan of salted water on to boil and blanch the asparagus until al dente, refresh in some in some iced water. Cut tips to required length and slice stalks on the angle.

TO SERVE Put custard in centre of the plate, spoon red pepper chutney around, with some sliced asparagus. Mix the shallot rings with some of the frisée and dress with rape seed oil.

Place on top of the custard, arrange the asparagus tips around edge (see photograph) and place the parmesan crisp on top. Drizzle with a little more rapeseed oil and baby basil.

Located of of thethe peaceful village of Reydon, Locatedininthe theheart heart peaceful Whether you are just a 15of minute stroll from Britain’s quintessential village Reydon, just a 15 minutemost stroll looking for a seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the from Britain’s most quintessential seaside holiday, perfect base for exploring Suffolk Heritage Coast town of Southwold; Thethe Randolph a celebratory meal, and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

provides the perfect base for exploring

a venue for business

the Suffolk Coast offersa celebratory meetings, or simply Whether you Heritage are looking for aand holiday, a relaxed andfor friendly atmosphere. pint meal, a venue business meetings, or simply a apint ofof the local the local Adnams ale – whatever the occasion you can Adnams ale – be assured that the team will deliver excellent service, Afternoon teas now being excellent food and an excellent experience. served every Saturday and bank holiday Monday from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

Bookings only.

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

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MAY 201 8

The Artisan Smokehouse Café & Deli

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

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

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

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

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

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

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

Seckford Hall 1530 Restaurant

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

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

Open: Open daily.

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

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

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

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

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

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

Butt & Oyster

Ufford Park

The Randolph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FO O D G A LL E RY

The Coach & Horses

The Eels Foot

Sibton White Horse

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Middleton Bell

The Fox

The Fountain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01728 648286

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

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

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.

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MAY 2 0 1 8

B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | U FFO RD PAR K HO TEL , G O L F A ND SPA

UFFORD PARK U IS THE PLACE TO PLAY!

fford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa near Woodbridge, Suffolk, is set in 120 acres of historic parkland. It boasts 90 en suite bedrooms; an 18-hole awardwinning par 71 golf course with a two-tier floodlit driving range; a modern, wellequipped health club with a spacious gym and indoor swimming pool; contemporary thermal suite spa and beauty salon; and The Park Bar and Restaurant.

For local residents and hotel guests alike, the golfing facilities at Ufford Park are outstanding, with something for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner in search of a lesson from The DoctorGolf Academy or new equipment from the AmericanGolf superstore, a family looking for a fun afternoon, or an experienced golfer looking for good facilities to practise regularly.

Our Congo Rapids Adventure Golf is excellent for friends and family to spend a fun afternoon outdoors. Modelled on Florida-style Adventure Golf courses, the journey begins by crossing a water lagoon on a self-propelled boat, which sets the tone for the rest of the game!

For more serious golfers, our pay and play starts at just £9 per person for a round of nine holes and we have different levels of membership, including junior membership for under 18s. We also host many societies and corporate golf days and will customise a bespoke golf day to your exact requirements.

Our one-night golf break is proving immensely popular. From only £98 per person (Thursday or Sunday night), including a round of golf each day, it’s easy to see why. For more information, please see our website www.uffordpark.co.uk or contact us on 01394 383555 and ask about our golf offers and facilities.

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

James Neal

A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF SUCTION I was recently asked to go and have a look at a quantity of pictures and curios which had been amassed by a local family. One item which caught my eye was a stained wooden box with metal mounts applied to the corners. It looked as though it might contain something interesting.

When lifting the lid I was confronted by a Vactric cylinder vacuum cleaner which came complete with a variety of accessories. The accompanying advertising material suggested the accessories made the thorough cleaning of carpets, curtains, picture rails, bookcases, lino and even wicker furniture ‘a rapid, easy task’. It went on to extoll the virtues of the special disinfecting pad which ‘charges the air with fragrant germicide’.

Complete in this handmade storage unit the item had been purchased for the princely sum of ten guineas; that’s £10.10s 0d in old money and rather a lot of it too!

I particularly liked a further piece of (sexist) advertising which had the heading “He deserves the best! – give him a Vactric”.

The advert copy showed a man in a pinny on his knees complete with brush and a dustpan and a somewhat sweaty, furrowed brow. As if to emphasize the point even further an image of two of the Company’s upright cleaners bore the strapline “The Finest Maid”.

While today’s competition Dyson, (other cleaners are available) talks of ultra-

Kitchens

lightweight machines with powerful Dyson suction you can be forgiven for thinking that the company might have been given a run for its money from Vactric back in the day.

The manufacturers made the claim the Vactric machine had a greater suction power than any other vacuum cleaner on the market – “wherever you go – whatever you pay”!

I am sure it wouldn’t be a good idea to say that to Mr Dyson now as it could end in tears in front of a judge but I must stress the claims

by Vactric refer to a machine that was acquired in June 1939! However, the most disappointing aspect of all was to have to explain to our esteemed client that prices achieved in recent years for the sale of similar machines had hardly scaled the heights!

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neiff

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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KITCHENS forLIVING Much is made of the kitchen being the very heart of the home; a central hub where twenty-first century families can work and play as well as cook and dine.

Essential Suffolk explores the current trends and bespoke offerings from leading independent Suffolk kitchen specialists

Vale Designs From the smallest cottage to the grandest country house Vale Designs kitchens are designed and handmade specifically for you using traditional skills in their Suffolk workshop. The end result is a beautiful kitchen which will stand the test of time and still look elegant and functional.

The kitchen above features distinctive rounded corners and cornice moulding and the elegant over-mantle, hand painted in subtle cream, defines the Aga area creating a stunning feature. The warm curved oak island with sophisticated under lighting provides a striking centre piece in a kitchen which is traditional with a contemporary edge.

Inspired by a 1920s wall painting of the house, uncovered during the restoration of the adjacent coach house this kitchen featuring an impressive island which houses a hob, huge butchers block and a prep sink, all inset into exquisite pearl granite. Extensive work tops, practical storage, state of the art Wolf ovens, Sub Zero refrigeration and a glazed cupboard in rich cherry make this kitchen functional, efficient and beautiful.

INFORMATION Vale Designs, The Workshop, Forge Cottages Thorpe Road, Aldringham, Suffolk, IP16 4QX 01728 830581 | www.valedesigns.co.uk

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This handmade kitchen and pantry features open shelves and an island with a maple worktop. The other worktop is Silestone Yukon quartz engineered stone. The furniture is hand painted in Zoffany double empire grey.

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Anglia Factors

Based in Martlesham, Anglia Factors specialises in custom-built fitted kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices and this year is celebrating 50 years of working with both private and commercial clients across Suffolk and East Anglia.

This very modern, gloss white kitchen is in a dramatic setting with a large open atrium above it cascading daylight onto the shiny bright surfaces. Handle-less cupboards enhance the almost minimalist smooth finish which disguises the fact that all the cupboard carcasses are made from walnut.

This hand-painted, powder blue, shaker style kitchen reflects the growing trend to push kitchens out into the garden or outside space.

This project, which also involved a hobby room, cloakroom and home cinema area is a classic among others in that it at least doubles the kitchen space by using a conservatory to bring a large dining room sized outside plot indoors. The resulting well lit room is both a place to prepare meals and a family room for socialising.

INFORMATION Anglia Factors, Head Office, Factory & Showroom 34 Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RD 01473 610192 | www.angliafactors.co.uk

This modern, deluxe, indoor-outdoor L shaped kitchen is another testament to the trend towards kitchens becoming large recreational spaces often linking with the garden. In this case large bi-fold doors effectively remove the glass wall with the garden and make the corner of the room an outside area. The kitchen contains modern handmade handle-less cabinets, an island unit, sinks and appliances – everything necessary for the contemporary chef.

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Woodbridge Interiors Whether you are looking for a dream kitchen or the bathroom in which you can indulge yourself, Woodbridge Interiors offers the experience and specialist knowledge required to get the best use from your available space.

There are plenty of space saving ideas and clever solutions including this ‘function corner’ storage unit with electronically controlled trays to make the most of awkward corners.

And the ‘Move Boxes’ in these drawers allow you ultimate control over your interior organisation.

Stamp your own personal style on your kitchen with a Marrakesh effect glass splashback.

Make the most of a slim space with pull out units like this tall store cupboard.

INFORMATION Woodbridge Interiors, Smithfield, Melton, Suffolk, IP12 1NG 01394 386390 | www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

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Whatever your chosen style we‘ll make sure it works sympathetically with your home to make the very most of your room.

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Debenvale Debenvale offers a truly bespoke product, with no set ranges and they are passionate about creating unique yet functional designs and producing beautiful custom built furniture tailored for your home and lifestyle. Projects are fully managed from start to finish and include the highest quality fittings, appliances, accessories and surfaces.

Essential SUFFOLK

Handmade bespoke shaker style kitchen with quartz surfaces.

Inset: Close up reverse angle of central island.

A contemporary bespoke white and walnut open plan kitchen.

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Handmade shaker style kitchen with island and oak seating area.

INFORMATION Debenvale, The Granary, Rendlesham Mews, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2SZ 01394 421214 | www.debenvale.com

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Orwells Furniture “We constantly strive to ensure that our customers receive unsurpassed service, and a product that will give them joy and pride to last a lifetime.”

Orwells Furniture was originally a small cabinet making firm, restoring and manufacturing mainly wooden furniture for clients of discerning taste. Over 25 years the company has grown but still takes pride that the workshop is inspired by tradition and dedicated to quality.

“We like to think that anything is possible and we encourage our customers to think the same way. We begin by thinking about your needs and then we apply all our creative energies to working out how we are going to achieve it.”

INFORMATION Orwells Furniture, Halifax House 497-499 Wherstead Rd, Ipswich, IP2 8LL 01473 680091 | www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

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H O ME S & I N TE RI OR S

B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | WR E N K IT C H ENS

Spring is in the air Wren Kitchens shows you how to bring the season’s freshest colours into your home

W

inter is behind us and spring is here at last. As the days begin to get brighter, it’s the perfect time to freshen up the interior of your home.

Spring 2018 brings with it an exciting and varied palette of trending colours so there’s something to suit every taste and style.

Bringing colour into your home If you’re thinking about introducing more colour into your home, the kitchen is a great place to start. It’s the centre of the home, the room where family members will spend the most time, cooking, socialising or relaxing.

Adding a splash of colour can be inspiring and uplifting, brightening up the gloomiest of days.

There are many ways to bring colour into your kitchen. You can find colourful accessories and appliances which add a bright pop of colour to a crisp white kitchen, choose paint or tiles to highlight chosen kitchen units or you can introduce it through the units themselves.

Sarah, Creative Director at Wren Kitchens, said: “On the catwalk for spring we’re seeing a mixture of pretty, feminine colours and more deep or vibrant colours – and this is reflected in the trends for interiors. If you’re planning a new kitchen, take time to think about what colours you could bring in.

Try experimenting with a bright yellow like Lemon Curd or a delicate pink like Rose from our new Macaroon Collection. If you’re not sure about an entire kitchen in one colour, you could bring together two complementary colours to create a beautiful and bespoke kitchen for your home.”

Rose Bring the delicate essence of a rose garden in full bloom into the heart of your home. Rose has a quiet charm which makes this pretty pink a clean and friendly choice.

It’s a stylish alternative to a pure white kitchen, creating the same seamless minimalist finish.

Piña Colada From pale to bright, yellow is hot right now. Our Piña Colada shade is a tropical fusion of pastel orange with mid yellow undertones which injects the warmth of the tropics into your home.

This light and airy hue makes every day feel like a holiday and is perfect for kitchens with a sunny disposition.

Blueberry Inspired by the summery superfruit, Blueberry is a luxuriously rich hue with a warm depth of colour. Create an oasis of classic elegance or give a cold room a regal lift with a blast of berry bliss. Choose Blueberry to give your kitchen a sophisticated finish with a definite wow factor.

Must-have metallics Also trending this season are gold accents and metal finishes.

Wren’s Milano kitchen is defined by its sleek lines and the gleam of colour that comes from its exclusive profiles. Profiles add an extra dimension to your kitchen and you can choose from Gold, Copper or Chrome metaleffect options to block colours such as crisp Bianco or sultry Nero. Milano kitchens come in more than 60 colours including on trend pastels and blues, and are also available with a Shaker door and soft, tactile Ermine finish.

New colours available at Wren Kitchens To coincide with the new season, Wren Kitchens has released a new collection of colours – the Macaroon Collection.

This new colour collection is inspired by the pretty pastel shades found in the patisseries of Paris. There are 12 delectable colours that make up our new collection which is just as irresistible as the delicate, sweet macaroons themselves. Available with a sophisticated matt finish, the colours range from a delicate Rose to zesty Lemon Curd, Jelly Bean, Spearmint, Apple Fizz, Piña Colada, Bubble Gum, Blueberry, Lavender, Marshmallow, Gummy Bear and Cotton Candy and give customers even more options to help them create a kitchen that’s unique.

And – as customers have come to expect from Wren – the Macaroon Collection is mouthwatering affordable.

To see our beautiful Macaroon Collection kitchens in all their glory – and the rest of our extensive kitchen collection – please visit your nearest Wren Kitchens Showroom.

There are 70 Wren Kitchens Showrooms across the country – to discover your nearest one, visit www.wrenkitchens.com for details.

The colours of the moment If you want the latest shades for your kitchen, here are Sarah’s top colours for this season.

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Five of the best

FOR YOUR GARDEN Inspiration for your garden can come from all sorts of places. Perhaps you’ll visit a garden trail and take a good look at how other folk have made the most of their plot, or seek expert advice from a garden centre or specialist supplier. Have fun this spring getting green fingered

Bourne Garden Centre With over 30 years’ experience we’re the local independent garden centre where the best possible service, value and choice are our aim.

We have an excellent reputation for quality and selection of plants, pots and garden accessories. Our seasonal displays will inspire all to make their gardens look at their best year round.

• Quality Plants • Planting & Advice Service • Pots, containers & Hanging Baskets • Garden Supplies • Sheds & Summer Houses • Furniture & Gifts Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm 578 Wherstead Rd, Ipswich, IP2 8LS. 01473 691567 www.bournegardencentre.co.uk

Kiln Farm Nursery

Elmers Hardware

We are a family business and our passion is plants!

We love growing our own shrubs, perennials and trees here on site.

We have a comprehensive stock of plants ranging from more unusual specimens through to the firm favourites. These include summer flowers for pots and baskets and vegetable plants for the allotment.

We are all involved in growing these plants and enjoy sharing our gardening experience. We usually find that if people visit us once they come back time and time again!

Elmers Hardware in Kesgrave you’ll find thousands of lines in stock at very competitive prices. For your garden there’s everything you will need including top branded garden tools and machinery, bird tables and feeders, gloves and wellies, plant feed, lawn treatments, composts, pest control, hose and pond essentials, pots and ornaments, plants and much more. Our expert staff are always on hand to help and advise you. Open: Mon to Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 5.30pm (Sunday closed).

Main Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1BJ. www.kilnfarm.com

59-61 Edmonton Road Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1EQ. 01473 623 381 www.elmershardware.co.uk

Laurel Farm Garden Centre & Café

The Great Garden Trail

We are overflowing with beautiful plants for your garden, hanging baskets and containers. Plus ‘Grow Your Own’ tomatoes, fruit and vegetables, and a range of composts and feed to ensure a bumper harvest. Garden furniture, statues, pots and ornaments that will add elegance to any patio. Also Clara Bowe vintage shop, with jewellery, clothing, furniture and restored treasures, is a pleasure to explore.

And don’t forget our extremely popular Café, serving great coffee and lovely homemade food.

The Great Garden Trail, sponsored by Bedfords, returns this year with a variety of gardens to explore. In aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, this summer, gardens will be opening their gates across Suffolk including Elizabethan mansion Glemham Hall; Priors Oak, a ten acre wildlife and butterfly garden in Aldeburgh, and a garden behind the Sweffling White Horse which features rustic pathways and ecofriendly accommodation.

Open seven days a week Laurel Farm, Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 6TE. 01473 215984 www.laurelfarmgardencentre.co.uk

Details of all the open gardens can be found at stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ greatgardentrail

G ARD E NING

By May, garden visiting across the UK with the National Garden Scheme charity has really got into full swing. Anne Gould talks to county organiser Jenny Reeve and garden owner Rebecca Shelley

Suffolk gardens open for charity D

manager of the locally famous Barcocks Nurseries. As a result, there were already some really interesting plants and some specimen trees on their land, says Rebecca.

The couple have always been very keen gardeners but when they moved to Drinkstone, three years ago, inherited a garden that had once belonged to the

Then, she said, the previous owners also further invested in creating the beautiful garden that exists today, when they rebuilt the whole property. However, when they moved in there was still work to be done because there were rabbits in the garden – and so their first job was fencing the fouracre property. “Through spring and summer, we found there were gaps in the garden because of the rabbits, which meant that we also had to do a lot of refill planting.” This

rinkstone couple Rebecca and Phil Shelley have always had a dream of taking part in the National Garden Scheme. “We were always very shy about opening our garden but last year we applied and when the NGS organiser came around and just said, ‘Wow’, it made us feel very proud,” said Rebecca. As a result, they opened up Holm House once last year but are doing two dates for 2018 – on May 28 and then later for the August bank holiday.

has been done with a view to providing yearround colour and interest, she says.

There are various sections to the garden there’s a formal area with parterre near the house, there’s a woodland walk with rhododendrons, camellias, bluebells and hellebores. Rebecca says she loves cut flowers, so their flower garden was designed with this in mind and is planted with delphiniums, lupins, peonies, lilies and so on.

Beyond is a kitchen garden, with a heated greenhouse, which has benefitted from a huge amount of work and now provides them with literally every sort of fruit and vegetable that you could possibly imagine. ‰

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“We also purchased a field next door, which was a little neglected, and have created a lake with an island. We are currently developing woodland around it and planting a wildflower area too.” It’s a huge amount of work but it is Rebecca and Phil’s weekend passion plus they have additional garden help during the week. This year, tea and cakes at Holm House are being provided by the village with all funds going to Drinkstone Church, she added.

Jenny Reeve, County Organiser for the NGS said that this year 52 properties in Suffolk are opening for the charity. “Last year the county raised £71,868 for NGS, which was a record and the money goes to a number of worthwhile causes. People seem to be genuinely interested in garden visits. Last weekend we were out at one of our gardens

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and although the weather wasn’t so good, people came equipped with their umbrellas and lots were sitting down for tea as well.”

She said that they were keen to find new gardens that were prepared to open for the charity. “We always come and look at a garden first to see if it's suitable. Sometimes with new gardens, they have to wait a year so that they are more mature.” Also, people need to be aware that it does involve a lot of work for the garden owner just to make sure it’s in top shape for opening day.

“Providing tea is also an integral part, which means that people have to gather friends or local people to help cake baking and serving. What happens is that it becomes a community thing, which is lovely.” Jenny said that the aim is that a visitor should get 40

minutes of interest from looking around – so sometimes gardens might be too small.

“However if there is a neighbour or a property nearby that fits the bill that can work too.”

The National Garden Scheme raises money for a range of charities and this year donated a total of £3.1 million to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospice UK, The Carers’ Trust, Queen’s Nursing Institute, Parkinsons U.K., MS Society among others. In addition, it made grants totalling £184,030 with different organisations to train Gardeners for the future.

INFORMATION www.ngs.org.uk

G ARD E NING

NGS Gardens open in Suffolk this month MAY 6 Mulberry House, Darsham Road, Westleton, Saxmundham IP17 3AH, 12 noon – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free) Rosedale, Colchester Road, Bures CO8 5AE, 12 noon – 5.30pm Homemade teas Entry: £3 (children free) MAY 13 Cumberland House, 17 Cumberland Street, Woodbridge IP12 4AH, 12 noon – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free)

Horsecroft Hall, Horsecroft, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5NY, 11am – 5pm Entry: £5 (combined with Hawstead Place)

Freston House, The Street, Freston, Suffolk IP9 1AF, 12 noon – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £5 (children free)

Street Farm, North Street, Freckenham IP28 8HY, 11am – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free)

MAY 28

41 Westmorland Road, Felixstowe IP11 9TJ 11am – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free) MAY 20 The Priory, Stoke-by-Nayland CO6 4RL 2 pm – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £5 (children free)

Fullers Mill, West Stow IP28 6HD, 10am – 5pm Homemade teas and light refreshments Entry: £4.50 (children free)

MAY 27

Hawstead Place, Bull Lane, Pinford End, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5NU, 11am – 5pm Homemade Teas Entry: £5 (combined with Horsecroft Hall)

Berghersh Place, Berghersh Drive, Witnesham IP6 9EZ, 12 noon – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free)

Holm House, Garden House Lane, Drinkstone IP30 9FJ, 11.30am – 4.30pm Homemade teas and light refreshments Entry: £5 (children free) Leaven Hall, Nayland Road, Leavenheath, Colchester CO6 4PU, 2pm – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £4 (children free) Woodwards, Blacksmiths Lane, Coddenham IP6 9TX, 10.30am – 5pm Homemade teas Entry: £3.50 (children free)

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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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Handelsbanken:

Modern banking, traditional values You may have heard the name and now you can find out a little more about this Swedish bank with an office based in Ipswich for the last 7 years. Essential Suffolk caught up with recently appointed Corporate Banking Manager, Ian Johnson.

Who are Handelsbanken?

Handelsbanken is a local relationship bank founded in Sweden in 1871. Since opening in Ipswich in 2011 it has steadily made a name for itself amongst local customers looking for a more personal long-term relationship with their bank. Our distinctive approach is based on the belief that experienced local bankers are best placed to understand the customers that live, work and trade in their community.

Where are your customers based?

With over 200 branches in the UK, each Handelsbanken branch is responsible for an area in which their customers live and operate. The Ipswich branch looks after clients from Halesworth to Haughley to Felixstowe and all the villages and towns in between. We call this local focus the ‘Church Spire’ principle, which originally came from the idea that each local branch would aim to service those whom we could see from the top of the town’s church spire. By taking care of customers who are in the local community we can provide tailored banking solutions and a personal customer service to suit individual requirements.

typically find that the owners and directors of our business customers also enjoy our personal banking service.

Customers can also do their banking in a way that suits them, whether through online and mobile banking or with our Handelsbanken 24/7 telephone support. *Global Finance Magazine, November 2017 **Customer satisfaction survey conducted independently by EPSI Rating, October 2017.

If you would like to find out more about Handelsbanken’s different way of doing banking, any of the team would be delighted to meet you over a coffee.

What is Handelsbanken’s appeal?

At Handelsbanken, relationship banking still lives up to its name.

You deal with people you know by name and decisions are made locally by us at the branch. Our simple aim is to provide the best possible service to our customers.

How is Handelsbanken different?

We are free from sales targets, mass marketing campaigns and bonus incentives – everything we do stems from our core values, to build long-term customer relationships. For customers, their branch is their bank. Not only are employees empowered to make credit decisions and create tailored solutions locally, but they are also available to handle a customer’s day to day banking requirements in person.

At a time when financial strength and stability remain crucial to customers, Handelsbanken has been judged one of the safest commercial banks* in the world with over 800 branches in 20 countries worldwide. This reflects the Bank’s long-term focus and prudent approach to banking throughout all economic conditions.

Local relationship banking We aim to deliver a personal service, with a dedicated account manager taking the time to understand you, your needs and objectives, then giving sound advice and support. We provide a wide range of services for both personal and business customers, providing tailored solutions to match your individual needs.

Ian Johnson - Corporate Banking Manager T: 01473 213453, E: iajo01@handelsbanken.co.uk

handelsbanken.co.uk/ipswich How satisfied are your customers?

In 2017 Handelsbanken was rated top for customer satisfaction and loyalty for the ninth year running, in an independent survey** of British banks’ personal and business customers.

What type of business banking services do you offer?

We cater for all the needs of trading and property companies, not just current accounts and loan funding but also comprehensive asset finance, invoice finance and trade finance solutions. We

Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ).

Registered Office: Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY. Registered in England and Wales No. BR 000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No. 502007-7862. Head Office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 74 75 76

Neals Jackson-Stops Savills Clarke & Simpson Jennie Jones Fenn Wright Mortimers 70 Little Bealings

72 Offton

74 Aldeburgh

EssentialSUFFOLK

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NR diSS

● A classic Grade II listed former rectory ● Situated in the heart of Hopton ● Accommodation extending to over 4,900 sq ft

● 3 reception rooms ● Kitchen/breakfast room ● 5 bedrooms ● 2 attic rooms ● 4 bath/shower rooms ● Double garage & workshop ● Annexe/games barn with office above ● Beautifully maintained & mature part-walled gardens & grounds ● About 1.1 acres

guidE PRicE £1,100,000

WoodbRidgE

● A striking contemporary property ● Within walking distance of Market Hill, Thoroughfare & the station ● High spec & finish ● Open plan living/kitchen/dining room ● Bespoke kitchen by Neptune ● Study ● Office ● 4 bedrooms ● 3 bath/shower rooms ● Detached studio/gym ● Large garage & ample parking ● Lawned, terraced & decked south facing gardens

guidE PRicE £1,500,000

iPSWicH 01473 218218

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

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices P Ro PERTY E XPERTS S iN cE 1910

MAY 201 8

Playford Road Facts Location: Little Bealings Price: £995,000 Agent: Mortimers

Fynn Valley living Located in one of the most desirable villages in the beautiful Fynn Valley between Woodbridge and Ipswich this five bedroomed property really has to be seen to appreciate its size and quality. With five bedrooms, a cart lodge with office and an outdoor swimming pool, it’s a perfect family home.

Downstairs there’s a reception hall, dining room, drawing room, sitting room and study offering accommodation that’s light and spacious. The fully fitted kitchen has a range of light cream Shaker style base and wall units with solid oak worktop, double Butler style sink with chrome mixer tap, and a freestanding Belling range style electric

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cooker with five-ring electric hob. There’s also a breakfast room and utility. Upstairs there’s a galleried landing leading to the L-shaped master bedroom which benefits from an en suite. There are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom too.

To the front of the property is a large gravel driveway which provides ample parking for a number of cars. The front garden is enclosed by post and rail fencing and a five bar gate to the front with mature trees and hedging to either side of the neighbouring boundaries.

The cart lodge provides spacious parking for two cars and upstairs is large office which

offers potential for additional annexe accommodation. At the rear of the property is a heated swimming pool, a patio area from the sitting room and a substantial garden which is mainly laid to lawn with mature trees. There is a large timber work shop/ boat store and beyond the post and rail fencing is another large area of garden which would be suitable for grazing a horse.

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

MAY 201 8

Meadow House Facts Location: Offton Price: ÂŁ795,000 Agent: Savills

Family home in the country Meadow House occupies a wonderful position on the edge of the small village of Offton and at the end of a development consisting of five highly individual houses.

Built in 2000 in a Georgian style, it occupies a commanding position at the end of a private shared driveway, set well back from the road.

The house is extremely well presented throughout with an excellent layout, benefiting from a spacious reception hall on the ground floor and a large landing on the first floor. The current owners have updated and improved the house with the addition of a spacious conservatory which opens onto a decked terrace overlooking the garden.

With five bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms (two en suite), a reception hall, drawing room,

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dining room, study/room and kitchen/ breakfast room the house benefits from good ceiling heights throughout and is also enhanced by features including solid oak floors and an open fireplace. Due to the nature of the hipped roof and second floor dormer windows there is considerable scope to create further accommodation within the loft space subject to the necessary planning permissions.

The house further benefits from solar panels, generating a significant annual income which will continue for a further 20 years.

Meadow House is approached at the end of a block paved driveway which serves the other four properties and leads through a five bar timber gate culminating in a wide block paved parking area to the front of the property. The front of the house and parking

sweep are flanked by well stocked flower beds with numerous mature trees and shrubs.

A further five bar gate leads through to the gardens which lie predominately to the south and west of the house and are mainly laid to lawn centred by a spectacular cedar tree with floodlighting.

The gardens are enclosed by part post and rail and hedgerows and back onto particularly attractive and gently undulating hedged farmland which, unusually, has several cedar trees in amongst the fields.

INFORMATION Savills 01473 234800 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk

Laxfield £850,000

Cransford, Nr Framlingham £685,000

A Grade II listed farmhouse, together with a range of traditional Victorian farm buildings & grounds approaching 2 acres, in a delightful location on the outskirts of Laxfield. Entrance porch, entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, study, kitchen, breakfast room, farm office/utility room & cloakroom.

Master bedroom with en-suite shower room & dressing area, guest bedroom with en-suite cloakroom, 3 further bedrooms & family bathroom. Additional unconverted first floor accommodation. Ref: 5887

A most impressive house, partially built using the timbers of a former Suffolk barn, situated in grounds of 0.82 acres in a lovely location within the village of Cransford, 3 miles from Framlingham. Hallway, reception hall, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & 2 cloakrooms. Highly impressive 18'4 x 18' first floor drawing room, 5 first floor bedrooms, en-suite shower room & family bathroom. Integral double garage. EPC = E Ref: 5903

Snape, Nr Heritage Coast £425,000

Ashfield, Nr Debenham £425,000

Hacheston, Nr Wickham Market £299,500

A superbly renovated & extended single-storey cottage located on a country lane, 1.5 miles from the Maltings & 5 miles from Aldeburgh. 39' x 19' open plan kitchen/dining room/sitting room.

Utility room & cloakroom. 3 double bedrooms with part vaulted ceilings, an en-suite shower room & bathroom. Low maintenance courtyard garden & off-road parking. EPC = D Ref: 5759

A stunning cottage that has been refurbished in recent years.

Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen & breakfast room with walk-in pantry, garden room, bedroom 3/study, bathroom & cloakroom. 2 double bedrooms. Garage & parking area.

Summerhouse, greenhouse, storage shed & gardens to the front & rear extending to approx 0.3 acres in all. EPC = E Ref: 5894

A most enchanting semi-detached Grade II Listed cottage situated in the village of Hacheston. Garden room/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room & sitting room. 2 double bedrooms & bathroom. Garden with pond. Double cartlodge & parking.

Views to farmland at the rear. Ref: 5890

Sweffling, Nr Framlingham £280,000

Halesworth £265,000

Wickham Market £225,000

A sympathetically modernised detached cottage located in the very heart of the pretty village of Sweffling. Front porch, open plan sitting/dining room, kitchen, 2 first floor double bedrooms & shower room. Low maintenance courtyard garden. EPC = E Ref: 5895

A semi-detached period property located in the popular town of Halesworth. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility/boot room & bathroom. 3 first floor bedrooms. Single garage & off-road parking. Gardens to the front & side. EPC = D Ref: 5908

An extremely pretty end-of-terrace cottage, which has been the subject of a full renovation project & is presented to a high standard. Sitting room, kitchen/dining room & bathroom.

2 bedrooms, 1 with en-suite shower room. Pretty garden with brick outbuilding at the rear. On-road parking. EPC = D Ref: 5888

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

MAY 201 8

Modern home by the sea

Leiston Road Facts

Location: Aldeburgh Price: £679,000 Agent: Jennie Jones

On the edge of Aldeburgh town centre this modern property would make an ideal family home within walking distance of the beach.

The property, which has five bedrooms, was converted and extended about two years ago by the present owners. It offers a spacious and versatile range of accommodation which includes a first floor sitting room that opens out onto a sheltered balcony, and a large open plan, ground floor, living room/dining room and kitchen. This is a fabulous open plan space with double glazed sliding patio doors which open to the timber deck at the front and the large patio at the back.

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There’s a double height ceiling with skylight above the galleried landing and over the dining area plus an open fireplace with oak mantelpiece and surround. The master bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom and dressing room, is located on the first floor together with the study which could be used as a child’s bedroom. There are four bedrooms on the ground floor, three of which are double rooms and two of which have en suite bathrooms. Plus there is a family shower room and a useful utility room.

The house is heated by gas fired radiators and is double glazed.

Outside there is a generous sized sunny rear garden which is laid to lawn with a large patio and water feature. The property also has a purpose built timber workshop and a spacious integral garage. Meanwhile the driveway affords good off street parking with space for a boat trailer etc.

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

old Felixstowe

tattingstone

This Grade II Listed Georgian Rectory is set in mature grounds of approximately 1.6 acres in the beautiful village of Tattingstone and offers versatile accommodation with superb potential to develop.

Previously used as part of the Felixstowe's Ladies College, before being sympathetically converted to a residential property, is this five bedroom townhouse with stunning sea views in an enviable position.

• • • • • •

14 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms 4 reception rooms, utility room Manningtree station nearby Beautiful walks & cycle route Exempt from EPC rating

Guide Price £1,350,000

stonham aspal

Grade II Listed property Impressive coastal location Easy reach of town centre Gated access to promenade Close to the Fludyers Hotel EPC rating D

Guide Price £775,000

christchurch Park Set in a rural position, in grounds of approximately 3.1 acres, is this extended and beautifully restored part thatched cottage, offering spacious family accommodation with a wealth of character.

Located in one of Ipswich’s most prestigious roads, this stunning family home benefits from a highly-detailed Victorian façade which blends in with the surrounding area and complements the high specification, contemporary living space.

• • • • •

• • • • •

Beautifully appointed rooms Open plan kitchen/living space Handcrafted kitchen Built-in marine fish tank Secure parking with electric gates • EPC rating C

Guide Price £725,000

signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

• • • • •

4 double bedrooms Kitchen/breakfast room Study, utility room 2 x en-suites and bathroom ‘In & out’ driveway, double cart lodge • EPC rating D

Guide Price £640,000

1%

InC VAT

FREE VALUATIOnS

Guide Price £895,000

Woodbridge

An attractive five bedroom semi-detached Edwardian house providing spacious family accommodation set in grounds of approximately 0.42 of an acre with a detached double garage. EPC: TBC

Woodbridge

Guide Price £435,000

A four bedroom detached family home on the popular Melton Grange development. Double detached garage. EPC: D

Wickham Market

Guide Price £495,000

A well presented 5 bedroom detached house with a luxury fitted kitchen, en-suite and dressing room, double garage. EPC: TBC

Bredfield

Guide Price £435,000

An attractive period cottage presented in immaculate condition. ree double bedrooms and a good sized garden. EPC: TBC

Woodbridge, Town Centre

Guide Price £535,000

A beautiful two bedroom attached cottage in the centre of Woodbridge with outside studio and 3 parking spaces. EPC: TBC

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

M O TO RI NG

Award-winning new

VOLVO XC40 What Car?’s overall 2018 Car of the Year, the new Volvo XC40 premium compact SUV, is now available for test drives at M. R. King & Sons The car, which was recently launched by M. R. King & Sons, breaks new ground for Volvo as its first ever compact SUV.

smartwatch, while the Sensus nine-inch touch screen works in tandem with the sophisticated voice-activated control system.

Every XC40 is exceptionally well equipped.

Even the entry-level Momentum version has a nine-inch touch screen control system, satellite navigation, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with a sophisticated interior air-quality system, and 18-inch alloy wheels – all as standard.

Three petrol engines – the 156hp T3, 190hp T4 and 247hp T5 – are available, along with two diesels – the 150hp D3 and 190hp D4.

Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes allows you to choose the precise car to suit your individual needs.

The XC40 comes with lots of exciting technology, too. This includes the Volvo On Call app, which allows you to control various car functions from your smartphone or

The What Car? judges said: “The XC40 mixes style, space and comfort with cutting-edge safety and relative affordability so ably that we named it our 2018 What Car? Car of the

Year. Amid a year of great cars, it stands out as the most impressive by far.”

Julian King said: “The stunning new XC40 competes in a new sector of the market for Volvo and is already attracting new people into our showroom. We welcome all local drivers to come in to experience the awardwinning car for themselves.”

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.

Experience the New XC40 for yourself BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY From convenience to performance, from smart storage to smart technology, the New Volvo XC40 was designed for simplicity. And you now have the opportunity to experience it for yourself.

TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE, CALL 01986 874464 EMAIL SALES@MRKING.CO.UK

M. R. King & Sons

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

Official fuel consumption for the New Volvo XC40 range in MPG (l/100km): Urban 31.0 (9.1) – 49.6 (5.7), Extra Urban 47.1 (6.0) – 61.4 (4.6), Combined 39.8 (7.1) – 56.5 (5.0). CO2 emissions 166 – 127g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. Preliminary data. Please contact us for the latest information.

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Essential FACES

Alde and Ore Estuary Trust Orford Town Hall was the venue for the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust wine tasting evening. Hosted by Derek Smedley MW, the theme was ‘Over the Andes’. The Alde and Ore Estuary Partnership (AOEP) was formed in 2012 and has coordinated the approach for upgrading and maintaining the flood defences in the Alde and Ore Estuary.

Sue Knight, Hilary Heseltine, Linda Orford

Doris Fulford, Kate Redmond

Gilly Beddard, Chris Gill

Michael Pearce, Ben Johnston, Mike Redmond, Nick Edgerton

Dreenagh Forrestier Walker, Anne Newman 78

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Mike Redmond, Andrew Curtis

Clare Spencer, Jill Robinson, Angie Gardiner

Sue McAdam, Tony Hasting

Dizzy Spinney, Victoria Briggs

Essential FACES

Jill Standen, Susanne Hasting, Warwick Faville

Anne Smeed, Pauline Caswell, Gill Turner

Joanne Muir, Derek Smedley

Frances Barnwell, Stephen Barnard, Jane Maxim

Peregrine Hunt, Colin Barry

Mike & Polly Sharkey

Caroline Gill, Nick & Zoe Curtis

Daphne Gardner, Nick Edgerton, Ben Johnston, Elizabeth Cooper

Chris Heseltine, Robert Orford

David Howell, John Fulford

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Essential Directory DESIGN SERVICES

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

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

01394 279353/07957 519872 for a free analysis & quotation

GIFTS

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

&

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

Rendall Wright

HOMES & INTERIORS

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

CACI Synergy Treatments IPL Hair Removal

www.angliafactors.co.uk

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

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

AlumierMD Facials Radiant Skin Peels

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

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

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

LEISURE

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

Conquer hills and headwind without breaking a sweat

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

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

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

www.antiques.eu.com

Wide range of e-bikes to suit any age or ability, from hybrids to folders to xtreme downhill, we have it all on display. e-Vélo, 7a Blyth Road Ind. Est. Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8EN 0800 246 5306 www.evelobicycles.uk

MOTORING

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

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

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

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

Ask for details.

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Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

10% off all chemical orders over £50

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

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

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

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MAY 201 8

M Y S U FF OL K

My Suffolk Where do you like to eat out?

We eat out about twice a week and I used to be a hotel inspector so I am always interested in what I see. One of my favourite places is the Cult Bar on Ipswich Waterfront. It’s really clever what they do with their menu; they offer food that is different and is good value.

Other places I like are The Marquis at Layham, Bills in Bury St Edmunds and Cafe Bencotto in Felixstowe which has the best Italian pizza in Suffolk.

Adnams, Aspalls or Greene King?

Aspalls – they do those really nice flavoured ciders.

Have you got any hobbies?

Besides photography, I like to make short films. In addition to travelling to the location to shoot the film I love the editing part of it.

David Falk is Suffolk’s Green Access Manager and the organiser of the Suffolk Walking Festival

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

I grew up in London and went to Newcastle for university. After that, I worked in the USA for a couple of years but arrived in Suffolk in 2001 and have been here for 17 years. I can’t see myself ever leaving. There is something about this county, it might be the pace of life, or the landscape but I'm just happy here.

What makes the county special?

For me, it’s the variety. I think if you’re not familiar with Suffolk you might think it’s very flat and sleepy. It’s actually vibrant. You’ve got world-class music and an amazing concert hall at Snape and there are places like Dance East too. But also the landscape has so much variety. There is the coastal strip but inland you have places like Lackford Lakes and villages like Kersey – and you can’t get more ‘picture postcard’ than that. Then there is The Brecks, with its own fantastic landscape.

Suffolk also doesn’t stand still and the quality of what we’ve got, including everything from pubs, places to eat out and complexes like Suffolk Food Hall are incredible.

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How do you like to relax?

I like to go to places like Ipswich Film Theatre.

I read, love photography and like going to places to take pictures.

Have you got a favourite walk?

That's a difficult one because there are so many wonderful places to walk in Suffolk.

So here are my top five walks.

1. From Southwold to Dunwich, through the marshes to the south of Walberswick.

There is nowhere quite like it especially walking through the reedbeds with the Bitterns booming and Marsh Harriers calling overhead.

2. From Felixstowe Ferry along the River Deben.

3. Hadleigh railway walk. I know this is a linear walk but there’s so much variety; one moment you are in cutting and the next you’re looking out over open countryside 4. The Brecks. Walking along the River Lark path from Bury St Edmunds to Mildenhall offers such a variety of landscape.

5. Flatford to Dedham, with the National Trust property at one end and the busy village of Dedham at the other.

Is there one picture that represents Suffolk for you?

The most iconic view of Suffolk is from Dunwich Cliff looking out across Minsmere and down the coast to Sizewell. For me though, I’m going to say Cavenham Heath in the west when the heather is in bloom.

Where do you take guests visiting the county?

If someone has never been here before we’d go to Pin Mill – and take them to dinner and you have to have to get the window seat looking out over the water. There’s nothing better than sitting there and watching the sun go down over the water. Other places we take people are Kersey and Lavenham because people just can’t believe how wonderful the buildings are. Recently we went to Newmarket to the new museum there and we were really impressed. Next time we will go back in the morning though so we can see the horses being exercised.

Summer is coming up – where would you recommend to get away from the crowds?

The seaside can sometimes get busy during the summer months but if you are looking to escape to the coast – Shingle Street is great and the walk up to Butley Ferry is well worth it. In Felixstowe we’d head for Trimley Marshes – oh and Cavenham Heath is good too.

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PROPERTIES ALREADY UNDER MANAGEMENT

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