Essential Suffolk November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

100 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE Suffolk’s role in The Great War commemorated in film

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Celebrating all that makes our county great

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N O VE MB E R 2 0 18 | WE L CO ME

Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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

Welcome November is a month that starts with bonfires and fireworks and ends with feverish list writing, shopping expeditions and social planning as Christmas is within sight. So this span of 30 days is likely to be hectic as there’s much to be done and a lot of culture to pack in along the way as well.

Alison Watson ACCOUNT MANAGER

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

This month’s festivals will take you to the seaside; for poetry and documentary films in Aldeburgh and for books and literature in Southwold. Meanwhile, in Ipswich, Spill, which straddles October and November will be coming to an end with its pyre parade where an effigy for bad news will be taken through the streets from Ipswich Waterfront to Christchurch Park where it will be burnt to “open space for a better future”.

But November offers more in the way of culture; English Touring Opera is at Snape and Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye is bringing his new show to the New Wolsey – Trial by Laughter.

This edition of Essential Suffolk also features an interview with broadcaster and journalist Bill Turnbull who talks about his new adopted home, his career and his battle with cancer.

Anne Gould EDITOR

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

We’ve also looked at a new film – Stanley’s War – which commemorates the remarkable stories of the 1914-18 War from Suffolk and is being premiered in Woodbridge this month.

On the charity front, we talk to Graham Denny of Felixstowe whose Basic Life organisation is providing an alternative to food banks in Suffolk and further afield.

Essential Suffolk as always has lots to read with our regular features – Fashion, Food & Drink, Gardening, Homes & Interiors and Property, so enjoy November!

Paul Newman DESIGNER

paul@newman-design.com

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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.

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Contents 08

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Stanley’s War

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Mini Previews

A Suffolk film to commemorate the end of World War I

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk during November

English Touring Opera, Dance East, Dad’s Army Radio Hour and Kate Denton & Friends

25 November Festivals Aldeburgh Documentary Festival, Southwold Literature Festival, Poetry in Aldeburgh

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Trial by Laughter

Bill Turnbull

Basic Life

Ian Hislop’s new play at the New Wolsey

On finding home in Suffolk

The charity offering an alternative to traditional food banks

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Fashion

Pub Walks with Darcy

Food & Drink

Homes & Interiors

Perfect pullovers for the winter ahead

The stunning River Deben at Ramsholt

The Venue at Fynn Valley, Infusions Lunch Bar, cheese from Slate and a gallery full of ideas for eating out

Luxurious bathrooms in the spotlight

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Gardening

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

Plant hunting with Catharine Howard

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

Belinda Gray, founder of Art for Cure

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This month a major drama-documentary film is being released in Woodbridge to commemorate the role Suffolk played in the First World War. Anne Gould finds out more

STANLEY’S WAR T

his November, like every November, we will remember – but this year when the world stops on Armistice Day it will be to remember the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. More than 16 million people died in the 1914-18 war; the war, they said, that would end all wars. Across the land, few towns or villages escaped unscathed with countless men and boys falling on the field of battle.

There were many heroes, many tragedies and a lot of sorrow and heartbreak but a major drama-documentary film based on true stories of Suffolk’s First World War has been made by Director Tim Curtis as a special way of remembering. Promoted by the community group, Peninsula2018.org, Stanley’s War receives its world premiere at a gala reception and screening at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge on November 4.

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S TAN LE Y ’S WA R

Stanley’s War dramatises stories of love and sacrifice, following the lives of Suffolk people during WW1. The film recounts the true lifechanging experiences at the Western Front of Stanley Banyard, a farm hand from Ramsholt and how he saved the lives of his comrades, lost in no man's land, using skills learnt as a boy from a Suffolk gamekeeper. It also portrays the WW1 experiences of the Pretty family, factory owners from Ipswich, including the forbidden romance between Major Frank Pretty, 4th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment and Edith Dempster (later Edith Pretty of Sutton Hoo fame).

Fanny Jacob, Creative Project Leader for The Peninsula 2018 Poppy Project said the aim of the group has been to bring together the 17 parishes of the Wilford Peninsula in a community-wide series of events and art projects to commemorate the end of the First World War.

“We hope to involve as many groups, individuals and businesses as possible in a celebration of the wealth of talent and creativity here on the Peninsula, with the aim of raising as much as we can for both the Royal British Legion and the Suffolk Punch Trust. The whole project will culminate in an Art show, hosted by The Suffolk Punch Trust and judged by celebrated artist and Peninsula resident Maggi Hambling.”

Fanny explained that the film came about very late in the day, after a conversation with Tim, who has been working on the Poppies Exhibition tour. “He said that he would like to make a film in Suffolk but that we would need some really strong stories and thanks to some great research and the help of Ipswich-based military historian, Taff Gillingham we found them.” ‰

Photographs: Stanley's War / Motion East ©2018

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S TAN LE Y ’S WA R

There’s the story of Stanley Banyard who worked on the land and was taught to navigate by the stars by the gamekeeper. “He was an ambitious man and he was working on furthering his education with evening classes when he joined the army. In battle, his unit was lost in no man’s land and were being led in one direction – into the arms of the enemy – until he realised by looking at the stars that they were going in the wrong direction.” The second story involves a horse, Polly Hopkins and a love story between Frank Pretty of Sutton Hoo and Edith Dempster.

She said that the film which features a mainly Suffolk cast and film crew has been funded by some private donations and a grant from Suffolk County Council and the Scarfe Trust.

The screenplay was written by Jonathan Ruffle, creator of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Tommies’.

Most of the ‘rural’ drama scenes were shot on the Wilford Peninsula and for authenticity, the battlefield scenes were shot at ‘Trench Farm’ near Ipswich where productions such as Journey’s End and Downton Abbey have also filmed WW1 scenes.

Author and broadcaster, John McCarthy, provides the narrative for the documentary parts of the film. Peninsula2018 has also organised other events as part of the commemoration – the Art exhibition at The Suffolk Punch Trust has various themes and will feature work submitted by local artists, the children from local Primary Schools and some work by HMPs Hollesley Bay and Warren Hill.

She said, in remembrance of the contribution made by the very many horses in World War 1, 36 Engineer Regiment stationed at Rock Barracks, will be building a life-sized wooden horse, adorned with poppies. Fanny, who is an artist has been working with prisoners of HMP Warren Hill to help make these poppies.

They have been created in all sorts of ways – some are knitted to solid ones made of dough and PVA. “We are hoping that community groups across the Peninsula will join in and help us create a Wall of Remembrance.” She added “After the event, we hope to be able to sell the poppies individually as a fundraising initiative for our charities.” Plus one further event is planned – a Poppy Walk through Tangham Forest – with poppies made from discarded plastic bottles.

INFORMATION www.peninsula2018.org and tickets can be purchased from www.theriverside.co.uk

Photographs: Stanley's War / Motion East ©2018

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B US I N ES S NE WS

S U F F O L K The East of England’s leading family charity, Ormiston Families, is inviting theatre enthusiasts to watch an adapted version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in a solo performance by world renowned actor and public speaker, John Bromley-Davenport.

Taking place on Sunday 9 December, 4.30pm at Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge, John Bromley-Davenport will use the power of language, humour, joy and pathos to delight the audience. Gavin Lamb, Fundraising Manager for Ormiston Families, said: “This special event is the perfect start to the Christmas season. With all funds raised going to families facing challenging times at Christmas, this unique solo dramatisation is sure to move and grip you to the bones.”

NovaLash, a prestige American beauty brand, has recently been taken over by a new sister-run distribution company, Sarah-Anne’s Beauty Distribution, based in Felixstowe, Suffolk. It provides award-winning eyelash extension products and training to salons, spas and independent therapists. Last year Sarah-Anne Barham won the Lash Off NovaLash Artist of the Year 2017. This competition was partly the reason NovaLash Inc. approached Sarah-Anne, who owns her own salon ‘Sarah-Anne’s Beauty’, and her sister Christina, an elected town Councillor for Felixstowe and successful business owner of E B Carpets & Flooring, the opportunity to become the UK & Ireland Distributors for NovaLash.

Suffolk’s newest estate agency, Suffolk Coastal, has come up with a novel way of transporting house-hunters around its properties. The company has purchased a traditional London Taxi which it uses to collect viewers from nearby railway stations.

It is then driven to the homes they wish to view, and back to the station again afterwards. Managing Director Tim Day said: “Here at Suffolk Coastal, we want to go the extra mile for our buyers and sellers. Many of our prospective purchasers come from the capital and owning a former London taxi means that we can pick them up, show them around properties of interest and then return them to the station once they have completed their viewings.” Tim is an estate agent with

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over 20 years’ experience of selling, letting and holiday-letting residential property across prime central London. Now living on the Suffolk coast, his London property connections enable him to sell coastal homes in the county to buyers from the capital.

The Alde & Ore Partnership is waiting for defined costs from the IDB for schemes for both the Upper and Lower Estuary. A public presentation of all finances and an update on fundraising is planned for early February 2019. Over the last year fundraising activities have produced over £1.2 million with additional pledges made of more than £1 million. Applications to The Heritage Lottery Fund and other foundations are currently underway. Donations are encouraged – from as little as £10. Visit www.aoetrust.org for more information.

The Bildeston Crown has been chosen as one of ten winners of the just published Good Hotel Guide 2019 and its Editor’s Choice 2019 awards for Pub-with-Rooms and it is the only winner for this category in Suffolk. The Review says: ‘In a peaceful village near Lavenham’, this 15th-century former merchant’s house and coaching inn is ‘full of character, warm, intimate, relaxed’. It is run as their own business by Hayley and Chris Lee, manager and head chef. Inspectors went on to describe the rooms as “characterful and colourful”, praising Chris Lee’s “interesting menus” adding “A light, fluffy banoffee pie was the highlight”.

In the same awards Tuddenham Mill, the three-rosette restaurant and boutique hotel between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, was also awarded the coveted Editor’s Choice as well as the ‘Notable Wine List’ award from the AA for the third year running.

Tuddenham Mill’s Chef Patron, Lee Bye, says: “Editor’s Choice in the Good Hotel Guide is an amazing honour. I’m so proud of the hard work my team has put in to building Tuddenham Mill’s reputation as a destination for discerning travellers and food-lovers.”

He adds: “We’ve built up a wine list that’s a real mix of traditional flavours, and we’re not afraid to throw in some modern flourishes.

It’s a reflection on how we run the hotel and restaurant really, so it’s great that we’re being

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

B R I E F recognised for it. After all, the ‘Notable Wine List’ award is one of the most prestigious in the restaurant industry.”

A new barber shop has opened its doors at 116 -118 High Street, Aldeburgh offering gentlemen’s haircuts and wet shaves. The aptly name Sir was officially opened by Liam Hamilton from Bluebeard’s Revenge, a leading voice in quality male grooming. Sir is the latest business venture to be launched by local entrepreneur and award-winning salon owner Janene Hawkins, who also owns Heavenly Hair & Amaya Spa in Saxmundham.

Janene explains: “We’re thrilled to join the thriving community of independent business owners in Aldeburgh. With male grooming and ‘full works’ wet shaves growing in popularity, we’re keen to give gentlemen a great haircut and the optional indulgence of a proper wet shave.” For more information visit www.sirbarbers.com

Milsom Business organised a lunch with award winning photographer Eamonn McCabe as the guest speaker. This was a fascinating presentation with a slideshow of various pictures Eamonn had taken over the decades – starting with an amazing picture of the legendary Who guitarist Pete Townshend leaping across the stage watched by an open mouthed Keith Moon on drums. Eamonn was mainly a sports photographer but in the past few years as a freelance photographer he has captured famous names such as Iris Murdock, Mel Brooks and Al Pacino; during his talk it was certainly true that ‘every picture tells a story’. Sue Tasker, Milsom Business said “Eamonn was my first choice of speaker for the business lunch in The Hangar. We were also pleased to support Ipswich based charity Families in Need (FIND) with a raffle and a huge thank you to BMW Colchester and Suffolk Food Hall for the prizes.”

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Y O U R S UF F OL K

Your Suffolk

Celebrating Suffolk with good news stories from around the county

Kitchen Love

Decade of Success Over 90 teams from ten clubs across East Anglia attended the tenth Woodbridge Rugby Club U7-U12 Rugby Festival. Now a regular fixture for local junior teams youth squads from as young as six years of age came from Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich YM, Southwold, Ipswich, Colchester, Hadleigh, Mersea, Felixstowe and Woodbridge to play.

Alex Brigginshaw, Junior Chairman commented “I would like to thank our sponsors Woodbridge School and all the volunteers, coaches, marshals, parents and supporters of WRUFC who have helped. I was approached by half a dozen Coaches from the other clubs to thank us for a fantastic festival.”

Epic Singing Spectacular Suffolk-based community choir Pop Chorus is set to perform its biggest concert yet at the Ipswich Regent on Saturday 1st December. Over 250 singers from the choir’s local groups will be performing arrangements of pop songs in glorious five-part harmony in the brand new show ‘Human’: a celebration of all of us. Pop Chorus Director, Yula Andrews, said “We’re positively buzzing to be playing Ipswich’s largest theatre at the end of such an exciting year. Singing is just so good for people and I can’t wait to show what our singers can do when over 250 hit the Regent stage!” For more information visit www.popchorus.org or www.ipswichregent.com

A new community kitchen has opened its doors for people to come together and share their love of food and cooking. Located at Leiston Community Centre the kitchen will provide opportunities for young and old to share skills and loved family recipes, build stronger bonds as well as spark a love of cooking in children. The kitchen is part of Kitchen Love, a new campaign by environmental charity Hubbub and cooking enthusiast brand NEFF. The scheme will see grandparent-grandchild pairs take part in a special six-week course during which grandparents will brush up on their own skills whilst their grandchildren will build their knowledge and learn to make some of the community’s favourite recipes but with a modern, healthy spin. To ensure these treasured family recipes are not lost, they will be collated in a digital recipe book available on the NEFF website www.neffkitchenlove.co.uk

Team Dedham Raises Over £5,000 After weeks of training, Team Dedham took to the Essex countryside to run in the annual 10k Dedham run. The team made up of employees, friends and colleagues from Milsom Hotels had one aim; to raise funds for the 2019 Club at the Colchester Cancer Centre of which Paul Milsom is the Patron.

Team Dedham reached their target of £5,000 with Milsom Hotels topping up the final few hundred pounds to reach this figure. The 2019 Club currently has 19 members from the local business community who have pledged to raise £2019 or more in support of this charity. These gifts will transform the care of cancer patients – to find out more and to join visit the Colchester & Ipswich Charity www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/ 2019-club

Barking Bake Off The employees at one local company have raised over £200 for a charity close to their hearts, after selling out of their delicious homemade baked goods. The cake sale took place at The Hearing Care Centre (Ipswich) and on the day the company raised £205.90 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. To celebrate their 20th year in business, The Hearing Care Centre has pledged to raise £20,000 in 2018 for the charity 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People'.

Karen Finch, MD of The Hearing Care Centre said, “We are so thrilled with the generosity of not only our patients but also passers-by. Our staff did a brilliant job making cakes, buns, biscuits, scones, cupcakes and so much more!”

STAR STORY

‘Fourth Leg’ of Triathlon The fourth annual ‘Aldeburgh Fun Relay Team Triathlon’ has raised an impressive £1000 each for the RNLI and East Anglian Air Ambulance. 105 teams competed in the entirely voluntary locally-run event. More than £10,000 has been raised for local charities in the four years the event has been running. The Rock Estate team were first to finish with an impressive time of 1hr 2mins and 20secs. A full list of the results from the triathlon, along with more information can be found via the website aldeburghtriathlon.co.uk

Share your story by emailing yoursuffolk@achievemoremedia.co.uk and don’t forget to send us your photos too

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N OVEMB ER 2018

What’s On OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 3

NOVEMBER 8

Lucky Stiff Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich

Pack Up Your Troubles Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 2.30pm

The award winning Gallery Players in the hilarious musical comedy about an unassuming shoe salesman from East Grinstead who inherits six million dollars from his American uncle. The only snag?

He must take his dead uncle to Monte Carlo!

Tickets: £15 (concessions £12) Box Office: 01473 211498 easternangles.co.uk

Following our hugely successful production The Magnificent Music Hall, we now bring you Pack Up Your Troubles, a truly heartwarming celebration in the centenary year of the end of World War I. Tickets: £24.50 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 3 Othello New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich One of Shakespeare’s most startling contemporary plays – a masterful depiction of a life torn apart by prejudice.

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

NOVEMBER 1 A Conversation with John Woolrich The Red House, Aldeburgh, 5pm Composer John Woolrich in a fascinating hour of conversation hosted by Lucy Walker.

John’s wide experience includes artistic direction of both the Aldeburgh Festival and the Dartington International Summer School, as well as close working relationships with numerous ensembles.

Tickets: £5 Information: 01728 451700 or info@brittenpears.org

NOVEMBER 2 Jerwood Opera Writing Foundation Open Session: The Raft Britten Studio, Snape Maltings, 5.30pm The Raft is a chamber opera in development and part of the Jerwood Opera Writing Programme Fellowships supported by Jerwood Charitable Foundation. This open session presents the work to date and provides an opportunity to talk to the creators.

Tickets: £6 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk 16

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The 545 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm Band showcase featuring five of the area’s most exciting up-and-coming bands.

Featuring: Connor Adams, Lost Lungs, Alter The Sky, Lunar Echoes and The Fifths Tickets: £5 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

NOVEMBER 3 Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Snape Maltings 9.30am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

NOVEMBER 4 China Crisis New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm They will be performing their classic album Flaunt The Imperfection in its entirety alongside hit singles like Wishful Thinking and Christian. Flaunt The Imperfection sold a million copies worldwide and included the successful songs Black Man Ray and King In A Catholic Style.

Tickets: £34 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Craft & Food Fair Town Hall & Guildhall complex, Hadleigh, Suffolk,10am to 4pm Organised by Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity. Stalls selling various foods, drinks, crafts and Christmas items. Refreshments available.

Entry: £1 adults (under 13s free) Information: 01473 823884 admin@hadleightowncouncil.co.uk www.hadleightownhall.co.uk

Festival Of Remembrance The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm With the The Royal British Legion, includes Honington Voluntary Band & Drumhead Service.

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

NOVEMBER 9 The Australian Pink Floyd Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The spectacular live show, features state of the art lighting effects, lasers, specially designed imagery and animation projected onto a huge round screen, coupled with inflatables and of course the ten piece band of superb musicians and vocalists themselves resulting in an evening which promises to be a must see event for Pink Floyd fans and lovers of music in general.

Tickets: £43 Box Office: 01473 433100

NOVEMBER 10 War & Peace Remembrance Concert The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Bury Bach Choir with Prometheus Orchestra.

Vaughan Williams epic cantata, ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ and Duruflé’s ‘Requiem’. The concert opens with Benjamin Britten’s complex and fascinating ‘Fanfare for St Edmundsbury’ written for the 1959 Pageant of Magna Carta.

Tickets: £25 – £15 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

WH AT’ S ON

Alvin Youngblood Hart Avenue Theatre, Ipswich

and brave young woman, but her greatest fear is losing Albert. Albert too is strong and brave, but now his greatest fear is the dark.

This is their story based on real life events in 1917 of a Suffolk farming family, written by their relatives 100 years later. Inspired by letters from a Gunnery Officer to his wife and enriched by poetry and song, this powerful and touching performance celebrates the extraordinary endurance of the human spirit.

Tickets: £5 Box Office: 0300 3033 211

Stephen Foster and Red Rose Chain proudly present a rare solo outing by Grammy Award-winning Alvin Youngblood Hart, who has been described as the cosmic American love child of Howlin Wolf and Link Wray.

Known as a ‘musician’s musician’, Alvin Youngblood Hart’s praises have been sung by everyone from Bob Dylan to guitar gods Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. Hart is known as one of the world’s foremost practitioners of country blues.

Box Office: 01473 603388 redrosechain.com

Ipswich School Remembers the Great War Exhibition Main entrance, Henley Road, 12noon – 2pm

NOVEMBER 11

Do visit Ipswich School after the Remembrance Service in Christchurch Park to see an exhibition about the school and the part its pupils and staff played in the Great War. You will also have an opportunity to visit the Memorial Artwork dedicated to those who fought in the conflict.

Entry: free

War: Some Women and Bits of Boys The Cut, Halesworth, 2pm

Benny Goodman’s Carnegie Hall Concert The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2.30pm

Sarah and Albert are tenant farmers in Suffolk, separated by war. Sarah is a strong

An 80th anniversary celebration recreated by Pete Long’s All-Star Goodmen Orchestra,

Farmers Markets Halesworth Produce Market, The Old Print Works 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

featuring all the repertoire from the famous concert, including One O’Clock Jump, Sing, Sing, Sing, Big John Special and other fabulous Fletcher Henderson, Mel Powell and Eddie Sauter arrangements. Ex Jools Holland arranger Pete Long is one of the finest clarinet players in the world and he has the cream of London’s big band players ready to provide all the passion and frenzy of the original concert, complete with American singer Joan Viskant, making a rare UK visit to replace the original Martha Tilton.

Tickets: £22 (£5 U25s) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Autumn Fayre in support of St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich & Suffolk Club, 12noon – 4pm A variety of stalls selling local food, jewellery, clothes and homewares. Serving teas, coffee and delicious homemade cakes.

Entry: free

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

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N OVEMB ER 2018

NOVEMBER 12

NOVEMBER 13 – 17

Oysterband The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Lovely Bones New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Alice Sebold’s Novel The Lovely Bones is a unique coming-of-age tale that captured the hearts of readers throughout the world.

Award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery has adapted it for this uplifting play about life after loss.

Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

they were acclaimed as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time by VH-1.

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

NOVEMBER 14 Celebrating four decades of a unique and fiercely independent career, Oysterband still plays with that old punk ceilidh spirit, but the growing depth and sensitivity of their songwriting, coupled with the strength of John Jones’ voice and their remarkable musicianship, have lifted their music into a richer, more acoustic era. Expect to hear Put Out The Lights, When I’m Up, Blood Wedding, Everywhere I Go and many others from their vast back catalogue.

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

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Arrested Development The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Championing colourful conscious sounds since 1991, Arrested Development are true trailblazers within hip-hop music. Hit songs Tennessee, Mr. Wendal and People Everyday exemplify their fusion of soul, blues, hip-hop and funk with political, socially conscious lyrics. Rolling Stone Magazine named them ‘Band of the Year’ in 1992, they have won two MTV Awards, two Grammy awards and

Ipswich School Lecture – our part in the Great War Ivry Street, 4.45pm – 6pm Hear the moving stories of the members of the 1913/14 football team among many others as told by Sixth Formers.

Entry: free

WH AT’ S ON

NOVEMBER 16 – 17 Jubilee Opera: The Happy Prince Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh Composer Malcolm Williamson based this beguiling forty-five minute opera on the story for children by Oscar Wilde. It tells of the golden statue of The Happy Prince, who persuades a migrating swallow to spread precious gifts over the poor and needy in his city, with tragic consequences. But from the tragedy comes a message of love, hope and redemption, which transcends the darkness of the world below. A fully staged production will be performed by members of Jubilee Opera joined by professional singers, small orchestra, production team and conductor.

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

NOVEMBER 17 Farmers Markets Aldeburgh Church Hall 9am – 12 noon Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Long Melford Village Memorial Hall 10am –1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

Suffolk Sinfonia The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

The Browning Version The Cut, Halesworth, 7.30pm

Bury St Edmunds’ very own orchestra celebrates its 20th birthday by sailing a mighty river with Smetana, strolling to the Paradise Garden with Delius, then going clubbing with Dvorak! Programme: Rossini: Overture to The Barber of Seville, Smetana: Vltava, Greig: Sirgurd Jorsalfar Suite, Delius: The walk to the Paradise Garden, Dvorak: Slavonic Dances Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Trapped in an unhappy marriage, the thwarted desires of Millie Crocker-Harris are released in the form of spite and betrayal as her ailing, humiliated schoolteacher husband, Andrew – also unloved by his pupils – faces academic and marital oblivion.

But could an unexpected gift from one student help restore some semblance of humanity? Rattigan’s finest play is full of moments of great compassion and heartache. A masterpiece.

Tickets: £11 Box Office: 0300 3033 211

Soul Legends The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm Bringing to life the hits of Barry White, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Wilson Pickett, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire and more, all in ‘soulsational’ style! Jump aboard the soul train as it takes you on an unforgettably smooth music journey from its sixties origins, to present day, via all the classic seventies and eighties floor fillers.

Tickets: £27.50 Box Office: 01394 284962

YouÊre guaranteed a warm welcome at our Inns this Christmas Two and three course menus from just £14.50 and special Christmas Day dining too Get the Deben Inns app for our latest news and offers. Simply search Deben Inns in the app store and follow the simple instructions.

www.debeninns.co.uk

We Are Handmade Christmas Craft Fair The Old School, Long Melford 10am – 4pm Taking place over four rooms in The Old School, this event will offer shoppers a wonderful choice of beautifully designed and handcrafted gifts for Christmas. Visitors can sit down and enjoy some delicious homemade cakes with a cup of tea, all served in lovely vintage style crockery, courtesy of Plum Fairy who will be running the tearoom.

Entry: free Information: 07824 888346 www.wearehandmade.co.uk

The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich, IP9 1JW 01473 780764

The Maybush Cliff Rd, Waldringfield, IP12 4QL 01473 736215

The Coach & Horses Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1PD 01394 384851

The Fox Inn The Street, Newbourne, IP12 4NY 01473 736307

The Swan Westerfield Road, Westerfield, IP6 9AJ 01473 251447

The Wilford Bridge Wilford Bridge Rd, Melton, IP12 2PA 01394 386141

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NOVEMBER 19

NOVEMBER 24

Skerryvore The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Aldeburgh Music Club: The Armed Man Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

Twice winners of Scotland’s Traditional Music Live Act of the Year Award (2016 & 2011), Skerryvore create a unique fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana, with blazing bagpipes, fiddle and accordions, electrically fused with funky rhythms and soul-gripping songs.

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

A commemoration of the armistice centenary with music inspired by the horror and pity of war, including Karl Jenkins: The Armed Man, A Mass for Peace. Collection in aid of SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Farmers Markets Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

NOVEMBER 21 The Illegal Eagles Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute returns in 2018 for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship.

Tickets: £25.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

Snow DanceEast, Ipswich, 2.30pm Local dance artist Holly Noble is at DanceEast for the first time with her new production Snow, which will take you through the familiar tale of Snow White with some not so familiar twists and turns.

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

MoRunning Chantry Park, Ipswich, 9.30am MoRunning is back this November and set to be the best ever year to be a MoRunner, with the inclusion of the 1.5km mini MoRun. www.mo-running.com/ipswich

NOVEMBER 24 TO APRIL 29 2019 Kiss & Tell Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Discover the tale behind the lovers in Auguste Rodin's life-size marble sculpture The Kiss and the work of literature that inspired it. This monumental artwork, on loan from the Tate, is a significant piece in the history of sculpture.

Entry: free

NOVEMBER 25 Farmers Markets Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

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For a free no obligation consultation call The Sleep Studio at Sycamore Farm today.

Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN T: 01473 831723/07477 090 745 E: ipswich@thewoolroom.com www.thewoolroom.com Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 4pm.

Call us to arrange a visit at any other time.

WH AT’ S ON

NOVEMBER 26 Britten Sinfonia The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Celebrated tenor Mark Padmore joins the brilliant Britten Sinfonia with a programme that features some of the most beautiful English music for voice and orchestra, including Benjamin Britten's magical Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.

Tickets: £24 (£5 U25s) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

NOVEMBER 27 Blazin’ Fiddles The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

One of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups, Blazin’ Fiddles are currently

celebrating their 20th year. With a Blazers performance comes the rare opportunity to hear the regional expressions, from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, and the individual style from each fiddler.

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

NOVEMBER 29 The Proclaimers Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm It has been 31 years since Scottish twins Craig & Charlie Reid aka The Proclaimers emerged. Since then, their enduring appeal across generations has carved a niche for themselves where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring has enlightened and entertained fans throughout the World.

Tickets: £35 Box Office: 01473 433100

One Night of Elvis – Lee Memphis King The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm In this latest production, Lee portrays Elvis Presley at his peak, celebrating the iconic ‘Vegas Years’ from 1969 – 1977, resplendent in the most authentic costumes from Elvis’s performance and a nine-piece band.

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

NOVEMBER 29 – FEBRUARY 2 Cinderella New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Written by Peter Rowe, the classic rock’n’roll panto, with a hint of soul, is back with another multi-talented cast of actormusicians. Rock, pop and soul classics include It's Raining Men, In the Midnight Hour, Try a Little Tenderness and more!

Tickets: £37 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.

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WH AT’ S ON

FIREWORKS NOVEMBER 3 Ipswich Fireworks Christchurch Park, Ipswich East Anglia’s premier musical fireworks display will be a sensational display brought to you by ‘Alchemy Fireworks’, accompanied by a chart-topping mega mix soundtrack.

There’ll be all the fun of the fair, catering stalls, a bar, roaring bonfire and more familyfriendly entertainment. Chelsea Francis, professional female vocalist is returning for her second consecutive appearance, as well as local four-piece indie band ‘The Naked French’. Innovative street drummers ‘iDrum’ will be making their debut appearance at the park. ipswichfireworks.co.uk Heveningham Hall Fireworks With a traditional funfair, two bars and an array of musical performances including One Night Of Queen, The Noisettes, The Vagaband and Black Kat Boppers. The timings of the firework display are dependent on traffic but guests are advised they will be set off anytime between 7pm and 8pm.

Families travelling in a vehicle can purchase a group ticket for £25 in advance or £30 on the night. Pedestrians can purchase tickets on the night with adults charged £10 and children £5. www.suffolk-fireworks.co.uk Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket A spectacular firework display, roaring bonfire and family amusements will be staged in the grounds of the museum. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm to keep everyone toasty ahead of the firework display which starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets available in advance: adult £5, child £3.50, family ticket £15. On the night tickets: adult £6, child £4 (no family ticket available on the night). eastanglianlife.org.uk/events/bonfire-nightcelebrations

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Bury St Edmunds Firework Spectacular Abbey Gardens Enjoy the funfair, food and drink and then the main event – the fireworks. No dogs or sparklers will be allowed into the gardens.

The money raised from the stalls, fun fair and tickets will be distributed to local good causes and charities.

Ticket prices: £5 for adults in advance/£6 on gate. £4 for children in advance/£5 on the gate. £15 for a family ticket which includes access for two adults and two children/£20 on the gate.

Tickets will be available in advance from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Croasdales, Sheridans and the Apex.

Framlingham Firework Spectacular The Pageant Field New this year Shell Shock Fireworks will be providing a fireworks and close proximity pyrotechnics display complete with some unique effects and high quality fireworks suitable for all the family. There will be a designated area for sparklers brought on the night for the children to enjoy. You will even get the chance to warm up with a mulled wine, which is available during the display.

Tickets: £6 adults & £4 children (3- 16) on the night. Advance tickets on sale until close of business on 2nd November (make a saving and avoid the queues) £5 adults and £2.50 children. Advance tickets available now from the Town Council Office situated in The Old Court House, Bridge Street Framlingham. www.framlingham.com Hadleigh Fireworks The Mill Field, Hadleigh – Fireworks start at 8pm Hadleigh’s biggest Fireworks Display run by Hadleigh United Football Club helps raise funds for the club. Tickets are priced at £5 per adult, £4 for under 16s, with under 5s getting free admission.

NOVEMBER 4 Delphi Firework Display The Delphi Centre, Sudbury, 5.30pm The local Phoenix Community Marchers will give a fantastic performance to keep the crowd entertained before the display kicks off at 6.30pm. Hot and cold food, both sweet and savoury will be available and there will be a fully licensed bar and a coffee pod.

There will also be affordable Glow products and face painting to keep the little ones happy. Free parking is also available in the Delphi factory car park.

Entry: free Information: 01787 372331

NOVEMBER 9 The Long Melford Big Night Out Melford Hall Project Seven organises one of the largest bonfire and firework shows around with all of the proceeds going directly to local charities Usually more than 10,000 people attended the event in the grounds of Long Melford Hall. There’s a giant bonfire and a stunning pyrotechnic display, which is carefully choreographed and staged by Pains Fireworks. With its roots dating back to the 15th century, Pains is the UK's longest established firework display company with a long-standing association with the Big Night Out. The 30-minute firework spectacle goes off with a series of thunderous bangs as rockets soar into the darkness, delighting spectators young and old. The display also includes carousel fireworks – the current craze in the pyrotechnic industry. As well as the bonfire and fireworks the event is also host to a large fun fair with many rides and stalls. Lots food outlets (including a BBQ by Project Seven of course!) providing snacks and refreshments.

Project-seven.co.uk

M IN I P R E V IE WS

DAD’S ARMY RADIO HOUR Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds November 14 and 15

RADAMISTO AND DIDO & AENEAS English Touring Opera, Snape November 2 and 3 English Touring Opera returns to Snape this month with two performances – on November 2 with Handal’s Radamisto and Dido and Aeneas on the 3rd.

Seabright Productions are in Suffolk this month to the stage a new adaptation of a classic BBC sitcom Dad’s Army Radio Hour. The production features two actors mimicking twenty five characters from the show in three classic episodes, performed in the style of a radio recording.

It celebrates 50 years of Croft and Perry’s quintessential sitcom Dad’s Army, which was filmed in Suffolk and which won Gold’s Best One-Liner award with the immortal words “Don’t tell him, Pike”.

Starring double Fringe First Award winner David Benson (Think No Evil of Us: My Life With Kenneth Williams and Boris: World King) and Jack Lane (Wisdom Of A Fool) – the pair will seamlessly play twenty five characters in this new staging of three classic scripts based on favourite episodes from the TV series: ‘Mum’s Army’, ‘The Deadly Attachment’ and ‘Round and Round Went The Great Big Wheel’.

Dad’s Army was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, and broadcast on the BBC from 1968 to 1977. The sitcom ran for nine series and 80 episodes in total; there was also a radio version based on the television scripts as well as a feature film. The series regularly gained audiences of 18 million viewers, and is still repeated worldwide.

Radamisto is a dramatic story of a royal family in old Armenia locked in mortal conflict. Radamisto champions faithfulness and married love, but also has a fine gallery of moral depravity and intolerance.

It was one of Handel’s most popular operas in his lifetime, not least for its famous aria ‘Ombra cara’, which stunned audiences and was sung in drawing rooms for decades after.

The second evening features works by Purcell, Carissimi and Gesualdo. Best known is Dido and Aeneas. Director Seb Harcombe promises to conjure a Jacobean night-world, in which a great woman contemplates her ruin. The priest-composer Giacomo Carissimi made a series of short musical dramas for his Roman audience, depicting scenes from the Bible in which humans wrestle with God. One of the finest is Jonas, or Jonah, which depicts the story of Jonah and the whale.

Dancer/director Bernadette Iglich will make a new piece of drama on this story with Carissimi’s sensuous music. The third part of the evening showcases music of the prince-murderer-composer Carlo Gesualdo. Tortured by his mortal love affairs and by his intense love for an absent God, Gesualdo was a striking original.

Eight singers and eight players will perform some of his most intense madrigals in a landscape of shadows and candle-light. You will not have heard anything like this before.

INFORMATION Box Office: 01728 687110 Snapemaltings.co.uk

INFORMATION Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org/shows/dads-army-radio-hour

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10

Dance East November 16

Company Chameleon started when Anthony Missen and Kevin Edward Turner met at Trafford Youth Dance Theatre in the mid-1990s. Two ordinary lads from Manchester, they shared an ambition to dance professionally for a living. After developing their talent at Trafford, they trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and after graduating travelled extensively to work with some of the most innovative dance companies and choreographers in the world. They returned home to Manchester in 2007, to achieve their goal of setting up their own dance company, and Company Chameleon was born. Today, Company Chameleon tours internationally to wide acclaim. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Company Chameleon returns to DanceEast, presenting a triple bill of work that tackles human and personal issues.

‘10’ showcases Chameleon’s trademark style of creating socially relevant dance theatre that is both powerful and original. The first of the three works, Imprint, highlights themes of love, romance and relationships and their influence upon us. Trip, a solo performed by choreographer Anthony Missen, explores the dark arena of self-deception and the line between true and false identity. Finally, taking the audience on the journey from boyhood to manhood the third piece, Rites, focuses on masculinity and questions what it means to be a man. This piece launched Company Chameleon onto the dance scene in 2007, exploring intense and sensitive moments. Choreographer, Kevin Edward Turner says “10 is an opportunity for us to say this is where we came from, and this is where we are now. The production will give audiences the opportunity to see the best of past and current work by the company and explore the collective and individual choreographic voices of myself and Anthony, developed and presented within Chameleon’s visceral and physical signature style.”

INFORMATION Tickets: From £12 (£9 concessions) | Box Office: 01473 295230 | danceeast.co.uk

KATE DENTON & FRIENDS Denton Fine Art, Lavenham. November 16 – 25 In the Spring we previewed the Burning Ambition exhibition by Lavenham-based Kate Denton – a show inspired by her remarkable recovery from cancer. The exhibition inspired many and was highly successful. Almost all the sculptures were sold, as were all the original drawings.

Nick Orr’s carved feathers. Each depicts a wildlife scene cut from a single turkey feather. Nick carefully plans his works and then cuts individual strands of the feather to create his pictures. He works with jewellers’ magnifiers and the sharpest scalpels to produce stunning works which are then box-framed.

As sculptures are cast from a mould in limited editions the bronzes sold have now been recast, giving another opportunity to see these remarkable works, together with Kate’s earlier work on animals and figures. They will be in her forthcoming Kate Denton & Friends exhibition at her gallery, Denton Fine Art, on Lavenham High Street, next to The Swan.

The exhibition will also include works by: Alistair Crawford, who was the first Professor of Art appointed in Wales when teaching at Aberystwyth University; Roy Connelly whose landscape oils are almost all painted in Suffolk and are all painted in the open air and Georgie Mason, a young artist originally from Suffolk, who is making an increasingly strong name for herself in the London art scene.

The exhibition will also include works by some of the artists whose work Kate and her husband, Anthony, have collected themselves – most of who are based in East Anglia. Probably the most unusual are

INFORMATION www.katedenton.com

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FE ST I VAL S

The deckchairs, ice-cream and sun lotion may have been put away for 2018 but the seaside in Suffolk this month looks as if it’s going to be a hive of activity. November may be the last month of our festival season but there’s certainly some who would argue the best has been left till last

2018 FESTIVALS FINALE T

his month we feature three festivals by the seaside, two of which – the famous Documentary Film Festival at Aldeburgh Cinema and Poetry in Aldeburgh – are over the same weekend.

Meanwhile Ways with Words returns with Southwold Literature Festival the following weekend which has a bit of an Archers theme, with some great writers and an element of politics too.

NOVEMBER 2 – 4

Aldeburgh Documentary Festival Aldeburgh Cinema The 2018 Aldeburgh Documentary Festival plays host to some of the world’s most fascinating people talking about some of the world’s most intriguing documentaries. This year welcomes Nick Robinson, Paul Conroy, Rory Cellan-Jones, Kate Mosse, Nick Broomfield, Bill Jackson, Rupert Murrell and many more. In contrast to last year, Jill Green, Artistic Director, has chosen the work of many more UK filmmakers for the programme who will be sharing their thoughts about some of the best documentaries out this year.

Nick Broomfield

Highlights on Saturday afternoon include a discussion with war photographer Paul Conroy. He narrates the harrowing documentary Under The Wire which follows he and Marie Colvin through war in Syria and on what was to be her last journalistic assignment. On Saturday evening, there will be a subject that couldn’t be more current or more critical; Internet policing. The Cleaners is a fascinating and thought-provoking film on this topic.

On Sunday morning Nick Robinson will return to chair a Q&A. This time he interviews the filmmakers behind the gripping GUN NO 6, a story about the most wanted gun in Britain which questions what can be done to prevent gang crime. Another Suffolk local, Bill Jackson will bring photographical inspiration to the magical closing night film, Faces Places.

Finally, ground-breaking and highly influential film director Nick Broomfield will be flying in from sunny LA to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Documentary Award.

Paul Conroy – photograph by David Edwards

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NOVEMBER 2 – 4

Poetry in Aldeburgh Venues: Peter Pears Gallery, Garage Gallery, Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh Beach South Lookout, Aldeburgh Baptist Church Over 100 of today’s most exciting poets from across the UK will come to the Suffolk coast this month to celebrate all things poetry with a weekend of 45 workshops, events and performances. They take as themes climate change and identity, and move to radically reclaim labels applied to women, celebrate major anniversaries and fuse film with poetry and dance. All are part of Poetry in Aldeburgh’s third festival of poetry, film and art by the sea, co-curated by Poetry School and poet Paul Stephenson.

Highlights, include RSL Ondaatje Prize 2018 winner Pascale Petit; Forward Prize 2014 winner Liz Berry; T.S. Eliot Prize winners Philip Gross and George Szirtes; Young People's Laureate for London 2016-18 Caleb Femi; the award-winning Hugo Williams reflecting on his 50-year career as a poet; plus readings from Zaffar Kunial and Victoria Adukwei Bulley.

There will be workshops with the likes of Dom Bury, Glyn Maxwell, Helena Nelson and Jean Sprackland plus pop-up flash performances, exhibitions and poetry themed walks and swims.

Pascale Petit – photograph by Derek Adams

Mini Khalvati – photograph by Caroline Forbes

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On Friday evening the festival kicks off with Nathalie Teitler and Dancing Words in partnership with Poetry School, giving a series of film premieres featuring some of today's freshest voices.

On Saturday amongst 16 top class events, the headliner is Hugo Williams in conversation. In the evening Forward Prize 2018 shortlisted poet Richard Scott joins Mary Jean Chan and an ensemble of poets for Queer Studio whilst Jacqueline Saphra and others reclaim the labels too often applied to women.

Nature and environment are hot topics at many Festival events with eyes to the coast and to climate change. As Sunday’s headline the winner and runners up of the major international award the Ginkgo Prize for Ecopoetry will be announced in a special award ceremony with judges Mimi Khalvati and Alys Fowler. The festival will host Michael Laskey’s pick of the Garlic Press Poets as well as the Norwich Café Writers Committee.

INFORMATION www.poetryinaldeburgh.org

Caleb Femi

Dom Bury

Liz Berry

FE ST I VAL S

Helena Kennedy

Tim FitzHigham

NOVEMBER 8 – 12

Ways With Words St Edmund’s Arts Centre, Southwold This year Ways With Words features stories of high adventure on the seas courtesy of Robin Knox-Johnston charting his undertaking of the gruelling Golden Globe Race. You can investigate high intrigue within the walls of power with guardian political sketch writer John Crace and hear a fascinating re-examination of Margaret Thatcher in The Truth About the Iron Lady as we join her former private secretary Caroline Slocok. Contemporary concerns are dealt with by Baroness Kennedy QC who examines the ongoing #Metoo debacle.

The past is expertly explored by Dr Irving Finkel as he unveils the vanished worlds of ancient Mesopotamia and Lord Kenneth Baker examines the notion of the Seven Deadly Sins and how they have shaped history. Meanwhile Timothy Bentinck the voice of David Archer takes us behind the microphone of the longest running drama in the world.

Alan Johnson rolls back the years by exploring the musical passions of his youth; a world of Dansettes and jukeboxes. This year the festival brings its final event back to St. Edmund’s Church with a timely reminder on Reasons to Be Cheerful as Michael Buerk argues that we are, despite current world issues – living in the happiest period of human history.

There will also be additional evening events at St Edmund’s hall. With Sunny Ormonde providing an evening of anecdotes and banter around the world of the Archers with the chance of winning a signed Archers script for the best question. Comedian Tim FitzHigham tells seemingly tall, but all assuredly true tales of bizarre adventures including his death defying 200 mile journey in an antique Thomas Crapper bath. He met the Queen as a result.

INFORMATION 01803 867373 | wayswithwords.co.uk

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TRIAL BY LAUGHTER

W

riters and Private Eye colleagues, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman are returning to Ipswich this month with their latest show, Trial By Laughter, which looks set to be as much of a triumph as their previous visit with The Wipers Times.

It’s been developed from a radio play and is now on tour. In this Q and A they describe their new show.

How would you sum up the premise of Trial By Laughter?

Nick: It’s a story about press freedom and free speech and a battle for freedom and free speech. It’s the story of a trial in 1817 – the trial of a man called William Hone, who was a sort of shy bookseller and publisher of cartoons and satirical pamphlets. He was taken to court by the Regency government to try and stifle jokes about the monarchy.

That’s essentially what it’s about.

Ian: It’s exactly that. It’s a courtroom thriller but it’s a historical courtroom thriller with jokes, which means it is three different genres in one for just one ticket price.

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New Wolsey, Ipswich November 5 – 10

What was the original inspiration for the radio play?

What changes have you made in preparing the play for the stage?

Nick: We’d just finished doing The Wipers Times and the head of BBC2, Janice Hadlow, sent us an email asking if we’d heard of William Hone. Janice is an expert on Regency history and has written books about it. We started doing research and out came this story about this amazing man – a complete nobody really but who took on the might of the government in a landmark case.

Ian: It’s completely different. The thing about radio is that it has to be very words-driven, which is fine because there are lots of bits about speeches and whatever, but to get it to the stage we have to make it more dramatic.

There’s a lot more about the role of his wife and we’ve set more of it in pubs.

Ian: It’s incredible. He had his moment when history beckoned and then fell into obscurity, to our shame really. I’m the editor of Private Eye and Nick’s a cartoonist yet we didn’t know about him, but again that makes for a much better story because you’re telling people something new.

What do you feel makes Hone’s story a great subject for a play?

From researching the tale what were you most surprised or interested to learn about Hone?

Ian: Hone’s tactic in the trial was to appeal to the jury so his whole way of winning was to make it accessible to an ordinary person.

Courtrooms are great theatre on the whole and Hone and Cruikshank, in devising the strategy, realised that playing to the gallery is not a bad thing in a big trial – it’s what you need to do because you need to get them on your side. That’s exactly what happens in the theatre.

Ian: Without giving spoilers, it’s incredible that they tried him three times in three days.

At the end of each day when the jury found him innocent they just tried him again the next morning until there were 20,000 people outside the Guildhall and they thought ‘We’re going to have a riot now’.

Nick: What was slightly unusual about their tactics is that they set out to make the jury laugh. The basic of their entire case was that Hone spoke for six-to-eight hours every day of the trials just producing more and more examples of stuff he thought would make people laugh – and they did.

TR IA L B Y L AUG H TE R

You’ve been writing together for a long time. How would you describe your collaborative process?

Ian: We write together, literally. We don’t send each other drafts and we physically work together in the same room. I suppose we try and make each other laugh; that’s the first thing. But we’ve known each other long enough to be able to say ‘That isn’t very good’ or ‘That’s a terrible suggestion’ and then just get on with it. There’s a sort of joint self-editing.

Nick: There’s always a lot of energy when it’s the two of us doing something, particularly because Ian’s time is so precious because he’s everywhere. When we get together we have to get on and do some writing. We tend to work quite fast. We both do stuff independently but to edit each other as we go is a sort of bonus.

Ian: Because Nick’s a cartoonist he’s always had a strong visual sense whereas I tend to be a bit more word-bound. So there’s always a point where Nick’s thinking ‘What would look great is this…’ which I usually haven’t thought of.

How hands-on are you with your touring productions?

Nick: They take on a life of their own really. If we go to do a Q&A we see the show and occasionally have some notes, which we pass on to our producer or to Caroline. But really by opening night it’s all pretty much there.

You are doing post-show Q&As again for Trial By Laughter.

What do like about the process?

Nick: The ones we have done for The Wipers Times are always very instructive because we meet people who’ve got their own stories to tell. We did a Q&A down in Chichester last year and a lady in the front row said “I have a little knowledge of this subject because my grandfather was Fred Roberts [who edited the paper]” so we said “Please come up on stage” and we just sat there asking her questions about him. It’s a great way of interacting with your audience.

Nick: We’ve become very energised by this subject matter and we’ve found it fascinating.

All we’re really trying to do is get other people as interested in it as we are. We happen to think Hone is one of the most brilliant men in history and we hope other people share our opinion.

You are returning to the New Wolsey in Ipswich. Does it have a special significance for you?

Nick: We were there with The Wipers Times and it was absolutely fantastic. We had a great time in Ipswich. It’s a very nice, modern theatre.

What do you hope to get out of the Trial By Laughter Q&As? Ian: We want to know what they think really, what bits they’re interested in and whether they think we should still be worried about this sort of thing. Hopefully they’ll think we very much should be.

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

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B ILL TUR NBUL L

Journalist and broadcaster Bill Turnbull always wanted to live in the countryside.

He talks to Anne Gould about discovering Suffolk and making his home here

AT HOME IN THE COUNTRY I

t’s one of those sunny, sparkly mornings in early autumn; the sky is blue, the leaves on the trees are just starting to change colour and it seems like there’s no better place to be than out in the big open spaces of the Suffolk countryside. At home in a rather beautiful property way off the road, Sesi, Bill Turnbull’s wife, opens the door and says with total delight that they have just returned from Sizewell beach and their morning walk with the dogs. Five minutes later when Bill appears, it’s his opening statement too – Suffolk’s magic has clearly woven its spell.

Certainly, it’s a far cry from the days when he’d be heading to the TV studios in the early hours – Bill was a presenter on BBC Breakfast for 15 years – or the unpredictability of being a news reporter being sent on location across the world at a moment’s notice. Of course, Bill has been a familiar face on our screens for many years – in addition to working on the breakfast show his credits include reporting live from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and various US elections.

He was the BBC’s Washington Correspondent for four years reporting on the O.J. Simpson trial and the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

For those who love Strictly Come Dancing – he’ll also be remembered as a contestant on the third series partnering Karen Hardy. “I do not miss getting up at quarter to four in the morning and, although it was great fun and I really enjoyed it, if you asked me to go back and do it there would have to be a very good reason.

“Before that, I was a reporter for 20 years and every time the phone rang you never knew where you were going to be sent at a moment’s notice.” So clearly being in the countryside and so close to the sea is ‰

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“We fell in love with the big skies and the lovely coast and the beautiful rural landscape and decided we wanted to live north of Woodbridge, south of Southwold and east of the A12”

a bonus. “We used to live in Buckinghamshire and when I was working in Salford we rented a house in the Peak District. We always wanted to live in the country and looked in all sorts of places; Shropshire, Devon and Dorset.

gifts for friends but I have focused on producing honeycomb and that seems to go down even better.”

“The funny thing is we were coming to Suffolk once or twice a year as my brother in law lives just outside Woodbridge. Then a friend bought a house near Blaxhall and we stayed with him for the weekend and the scales fell from our eyes. We fell in love with the big skies and the lovely coast and the beautiful rural landscape and decided we wanted to live north of Woodbridge, south of Southwold and east of the A12 and although we looked at other properties we found this house.” Suffolk also has easy access to London – which is a bonus – “but it does take ages to get anywhere else.”

Of course, recently Bill has made the news himself as he has been diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer and has been doing a lot of work to help raise awareness of the condition. “I have had nine rounds of chemotherapy and am being treated by the Royal Marsden and have back up treatment the Norfolk and Norwich. Now that I am off the chemotherapy I am feeling a lot better but I still have the disease and the treatment has not broken its back. Luckily I have a brilliant doctor and there are other treatment options available. There’s a long way to go.

However I do want to say that if you are a man and you feel something strange you should go and get tested. If I had discovered it earlier it might not have spread.”

With three black Labradors, Bill and Sesi have found that walking has been a great way to discover the county, especially the beach at Sizewell, around Kenton Hall, Aldeburgh, Shingle Street and he describes the walk from Snape to Iken as “fantastic”. Living in Suffolk has also given Bill time to devote to his hobby of beekeeping. He currently has four hives in his garden and has written books about bees too. “The honey they produce makes great

Despite his illness, he has continued working both in Suffolk and further afield. In September he hosted the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival Conference and he also hosted Flourish at Trinity Park – an alliance of Suffolk charities looking at deprivation in the county. Weekends are always busy – with his radio show at Classic FM which does require a trip to London but conveniently he is also able to use a studio in Norwich too.

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But Bill also does a lot of work for charity and is a patron of Bees for Development which aims to promote beekeeping as a means of alleviating poverty and promoting biodiversity. The charity works on community projects in the UK and all over the world building self-reliance. He is also a keen supporter of the Anne Robson Trust, which aims to provide one to one help for hospital patients who are nearing the end of their lives – particularly those who would otherwise be alone.

TH E B AS IC LI FE C HA RI T Y

If you live in Felixstowe the chances are you know might have heard of the Basic Life charity. Anne Gould talks to founder Graham Denny about his alternatives to food banks

PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE

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regular high street charity shops in Felixstowe and Walton. Proceeds from these shops are used exclusively to help people within the town.

But in 2013 it started a food bank which operates pop-up shops – at local churches – but this is a food bank with a difference.

As a result, Basic Life is run like a business – except there’s no profit and every penny goes to help people in need. The Christian-based charity initially set out to provide help in the community through its

Unlike other food banks, people don’t have to ‘qualify’ to use Basic Life’s food bank; they don’t have to fill out forms or be referred, explained Graham. “Any food bank operator will know that their users are probably just 10% of the people who suffer occasionally from ‘food insecurity’. There are lots of people who are hungry, they are ordinary people. Yes, people like you and me. They are often in full-time work with a partner working too. ‰

eople come to charity work from all different walks of life and for a myriad of different reasons. But when Graham Denny launched his Basic Life charity 20 years ago he brought with it a lifetime of business experience from his shipping company, Denny Price Agencies Ltd. “When I started out, my role was that of a trustee but then pretty soon I realised that I wanted to get more involved and make a difference full time so I now work as the charity administrator.”

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TH E B AS IC LI FE C HA RI T Y

It may be that the washing machine breaks, there’s the problem with the car and there’s just not enough money to go round. These people will never use a food bank – ever. There are many reasons ranging from pride to the idea that they ‘don’t qualify’.”

But Graham says he wants to help all hungry people, even if it’s just for a week or two and thinks he has found a solution with his Community Pop-Up shops. He has been working with major supermarkets like Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons and Lidl to collect the food that they would otherwise dispose of.

“This enables us to provide people with fresh food and vegetables that are sometimes not available from a more standard food bank.

What’s more the way that we work offers people a choice of what they want.”

Of course, all this requires a lot of work and effort – the charity employs six people but also relies on 25 volunteers too who help with food collections and driving.

Graham says that he’s keen for other people to use this model to feed people in need – and that’s how the Leytonstone Pop-Up came about.

“We had a visitor and he was so impressed that he went back to London and set up there. The model is very simple, we work with the supermarkets, we collect the food and take it to the church halls and we give it to those in need.”

INFORMATION www.basic.org.uk

He explained that they run pop-up shops in the community where the food available is laid out on tables and people are able to buy a £1 bag and fill it with whatever they want. And for those who need to, there’s the option to buy two bags a session. “We now have four of these pop-up shops – one in Felixstowe, one in Walton, one in Ipswich on the Chantry Estate and there’s another in Leytonstone in east London. In Felixstowe, we open three times a week and so that’s quite a lot of food that we are able to pass on.”

These pop-ups are so popular that people have to queue for one to two hours before they open but while they are there they are able to have free tea, coffee or cake and sit down and have a chat.

“Some people come along just for the company and the coffee – these are old or lonely people but what’s happened is that it has created a community. What we do is offer people the dignity of choice and the fact that they have to pay – even if it’s only £1 – seems to make a difference.”

Of course, he says, this might mean there are some who might try to play the system. “My view is that sometimes we might get the wrong people. But actually I don’t think people are going to queue for all that while to get something they should not have. What do we do with the all the money we collect from the shops? Well, we are fund-raising to be able to fund a parish nurse to attend the St Edmunds area pop-up”. This area, he explained is the most deprived in Felixstowe and the nurse would be able to help with low-level health problems.

“We need £20,000 to make sure this would be sustainable and we still have a long way to go but I think it would make a huge difference.”

In the meantime the charity also provides a Christmas meal at the pop-up shops, provides free breakfasts for children at Langer Primary and Causton Junior Schools, has a shoebox Christmas appeal and he’s about to launch another local pop-up in Old Felixstowe.

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KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE

All families have stories but often they are passed down through word of mouth and lost as older generations pass on. Elizabeth Aldridge aims to preserve these memories for posterity with special family books

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B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | FAM ILY ST O RI ES

W

hen you get to a certain age there’s a tendency to look back and think about what’s happened in your life and then where you came from.

It’s not just your own memories that are important but stories from the past – things that happened to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and generations before you.

That’s why researching family trees, genealogy and these days DNA history are so popular.

People, places, family stories... we all have so many memories to share. We have photos, letters and other treasures too – but all gathering dust in the attic. Who will remember those people, those places, those times? You want to save the memories for your children and grandchildren.

But what Suffolk businesswoman Elizabeth Aldridge does is something that’s unique and special in that she creates beautifully designed family books that preserve the past for the future. The idea is that these books become heirlooms and can be passed down from one generation to the next so that people can understand where they come from.

Based in Ipswich, Family Stories has worked with people all over Suffolk in the last three years. “We produce books that are very, very visual and they tell the reader the story of their family with words, pictures and photographs, often including newspaper cuttings or handwritten letters or postcards.

We add some background information about events or history relating to the story.”

These books are really a labour of love and all are designed and printed with exceptional care and attention to detail. Elizabeth says

the content can be created in various ways – there’s a choice – for some it works well if she conducts a series of interviews with the customer and collects old pictures. Some people like to prepare material to get the project started themselves and on occasion, she is asked to source the story from memoirs that have already been written.

Along the way she has uncovered some amazing stories; there was the story of Jack, one of only a dozen students to own a motor car in Oxford in 1908, whose passion for driving far exceeded his interest in his studies.

There was Fanny who wrote to her sister in 1822, describing her excitement and anxieties about her wedding preparations.

She became seriously ill and told her sister, ‘I had 12 large fat, shiny, lively-looking leeches, of whose size and appearance you can form but a faint idea, put on the back of my neck from ear to ear.’ There was Grandad George, whose wife, house-proud Agnes, insisted that he put newspaper under his plate when he ate his dinner in case he spilt the gravy.

Another extraordinary story – from the Suffolk countryside near Henley – is the story of June who was born in a railway carriage.

June tells how her mother coped with childcare and getting her older children to school. Incredibly, she used to give the postman a currant bun and a cup of tea after his early morning round and in return, he would take two of her youngsters to school on his bicycle – a journey of two miles.

Of course, not all the books are family history – Elizabeth was commissioned to make a book to tell the story of Olympian Saskia Clarke from Essex who competed in the last three Olympics winning a sailing gold in Rio. She also made a book to celebrate the life of George Madgwick, one of the original people who moved to Suffolk with the Land Settlement Association.

Each book takes about five months to make and she says that although every project includes three copies clients normally have 10-20 copies. “Many people choose to give these books as a birthday or Christmas gift to

the younger members of their family.”

Having previously worked in tourism, producing high-quality books and brochures, Elizabeth says that she works with a specialist designer and printers that are able to produce top quality books. “They are produced as hardbacks with thick quality paper – and most are 52 pages but for an extra fee can include 150 pages or more.

“So many of us enjoy looking at our family portraits from days gone by but it’s a great shame when there’s no way to identify who’s who.

“Family Stories books allow you to show all your ancestors' photos in one place, so you can see them side by side with their stories: mum and her sister clutching buckets and spades; your grandparents’ 1920s wedding with all those guests in pudding-basin hats; and grandfather as a young lad in army uniform. People are often surprised at the number of pictures that we are able to include in the books and the quality of the finished pictures too.

“Modern technology allows old images that are dark and small to be enlarged and really brought to life”, she explained. “I am sometimes amazed at what can be done.

We had one picture that was just a very grainy photocopy and our designer worked wonders with it.”

Prices start at £900 for a compact book and from £1,900 for three copies of your 52-page book.

Creating lasting memories for generations to come with the help of Family Stories is easy: you tell them your stories, they will create your book, professionally written and packed with pictures. Your family will treasure it for ever.

INFORMATION Talk to Elizabeth on 01473 214853 www.myfamilystories.co.uk

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Bandtex Coastline jumper £67 Brandtex trousers £58 Adams Apple

FASH I ON

Yest striped jumper £56 Adams Apple

Brandtex Coastline stripe jumper £62 Adams Apple

Alice Collins knitwear £67 Adams Apple

JUMPERS FOR JOY We’re well into pullover season and the cosy comfort of this winter wardrobe staple. You may prefer a funnel neck to a crew or choose manmade over natural fibres, but make sure you take a good look at the latest looks from these independent Suffolk fashion retailers

In Town striped jumper £55 Adams Apple Part Two sweater available in stone, rust or baby blue £109.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Monari jumper £79 Adams Apple

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Monari two colour jumper £78 Adams Apple

In Town jumper £55 Adams Apple

Marble knitwear £56 Adams Apple

Soaked in Luxury short sleeved navy knit (also available in cobalt blue and yellow) £59.99 Laura Jane Boutique Monari jumper with sparkle detail sleeve £89 Adams Apple

Yest grey jumper £64 Adams Apple

Part Two sweater (baby blue) £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Brandtex Classic jumper £67 Adams Apple

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FASH I ON

Part Two striped jumper £69.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Olsen blue jumper £86 Adams Apple

Monari jumper £78 Adams Apple

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS Monari jumper £78 Adams Apple

Yest stars jumper £64 Adams Apple

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686

Distinctive, Contemporary, Enchanting Womenswear 1A Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AA. T: 01394 386399 Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm

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HE A LT H

Mr George Yardy

LIFESTYLE AND PROSTATE PROBLEMS In men who have difficulties with their waterworks, the problem is frequently due to benign enlargement of the prostate. On the other hand, the incidence of prostate cancer continues to rise – it is now the most commonly detected male cancer and about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime (prostatecancer.uk.org). Prostate cancer is now being given more prominence, with several men in the public eye talking about their treatment in recent months, and the government announcing increases in funding for research into new tests and treatments.

Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital’s Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr George Yardy is frequently asked if there are any alterations that men can make to their lifestyle to improve their urinary symptoms, decrease their risk of developing prostate cancer or improve their outlook if they have already been diagnosed with this condition. Here, he gives some advice on such questions.

Symptoms due to enlarged prostate “Some men who notice that they take longer to go to the toilet or go more frequently find that they can tolerate this if they can be checked over, given an explanation of the cause of their symptoms and reassured that the problem is not due to anything more serious. Others seek medication or surgery, but men often prefer to avoid, or at least delay these and there are various lifestyle changes which can help. Fluid intake can be reduced at specific times during the day with the aim of reducing urinary frequency when most inconvenient. A specialist physiotherapist can advise about “bladder training” to reduce urinary urgency as well as distraction techniques, double voiding and other manoeuvres to improve bladder emptying. For men who are on medication for other problems their treatment can be reviewed to change them onto drugs with fewer urinary effects. For example, men on water tablets can find that if they take them in the afternoon then they need to go to the toilet less often overnight”.

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Consultant Urological Surgeon

Exercise “We do not know whether physical activity can prevent prostate cancer, but some studies suggest that it lowers the risk. It is recommended to aim for a total of 150 minutes of moderate exercise spread over a week. This may decrease side effects from treatment and also improves mood”.

Red meat / animal fat “Although controversial, there are studies that indicate that a high intake of red meat, particularly cooked at high temperatures or processed meat, increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Animal fat may also be a risk factor”.

Milk “Earlier this year an American study of over 1,300 men with prostate cancer monitored for eight years observed that men consuming more than four servings per week of whole milk had a higher chance of recurrence than those consuming less than three servings per month. Previous studies have also highlighted an apparent link between high consumption of dairy foods and prostate cancer. There are theories about interplay between insulin resistance, saturated fat intake and inflammation affecting the behaviour of prostate cancer in overweight men. This supports the recommendation to swap to lower-fat dairy options, increase exercise and consume a Mediterranean-style diet”.

Wine “There is accumulating evidence over some years that polyphenols in red wine may have a protective effect. A meta-analysis (summary of multiple research studies) published this May indicated that moderate regular consumption of red wine decreased the risk of developing prostate cancer”.

Diet – vegetables “Brassicas, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and oilseed rape, contain various glucosinolates, which have antioxidant and cancer-preventive effects.

Researchers at the John Innes Institute in Norwich have been investigating the effect of “Super Broccoli” which has particularly high levels of the sulforaphane Glucoraphanin.

They are looking at the effect of such compounds on prostate cancer cells at the molecular level as well as assessing the benefits of consuming their broccoli in men affected by prostate cancer. One study required men to consume regular doses of liquidised broccoli although it is perhaps not essential to go to these lengths to derive benefit. Super Broccoli is available from supermarkets now – check the label!

Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene – another compound which appears to have a protective effect. However, it is absorbed into the bloodstream better when tomatoes are processed or prepared with oils, such as in ketchup, pizza or pasta sauces”.

In the simplest terms, Mr Yardy advises “most of the lifestyle factors such as dietary changes and exercise, which are known to be good for the heart, blood pressure, the bowel and so on, are also likely to be helpful for the prostate – with a little extra help (in moderation, we have to say) available to us men at the wine shop!”

Mr George Yardy is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with a private practice at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital. He works in the NHS at the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and Aldeburgh Community Hospital. Mr Yardy undertook research into prostate cancer at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, and trained in urology in Cambridge and Norwich. He has an established practice performing a wide range of urological procedures. His specialist interests are in testing for prostate cancer (including multiparametric MRI scanning and transperineal prostate biopsy), prostate surgery, microsurgical vasectomy reversal, and female bladder problems (including urinary infection and bladder Botox injections).

For more information on how to book a private appointment with Mr Yardy, call us now on 01473 851 960. www.nuffieldhealth.com

FI NA NCE

James Wright

CONSOLIDATING YOUR PENSION SCHEMES Most people have worked for a number of different employers over the years, which may mean that they have amassed several different pensions with various providers.

If you have forgotten where an older pension plan is kept, or need more information, the first place to contact is the Pension Tracing Service which is available through the www.gov.uk website. Note that they will not be able to tell you about the contents of the schemes, or give you any advice on pension transfers, it is merely a record of the pension schemes you have paid into.

Once you have tracked down the location of your old pension scheme(s) then the scheme provider may take some time to answer your queries. A typical turnaround time is twothree weeks, but some may take longer. The business that you used to work at may have gone out of business, or changed its name, so it can sometimes be difficult to track down the details of the pension schemes you hold.

Dip PFS IFA

Independent Financial Planner

If you want to consolidate your pensions into one pension pot, or move them around, then there are a number of points to bear in mind: Older pension plans are often associated with higher transfer penalties if you want to move the plan elsewhere, so make sure you are fully aware of those.

Similarly, older schemes may not have updated the death benefits part of the scheme, which affects deaths before 75 years of age. Modern schemes may allow the contents of the pension scheme to be transferred tax free to a nominated successor, whereas older schemes sometimes just offer a lump sum with no option to protect funds outside the estate of the deceased.

It is also worth checking how the funds in your pension schemes were invested – it may be that your attitude to investments has changed since the plan was first taken out.

You should also check the growth or annuity rate attached to your plan(s). These may still be beneficial, and you may be giving up guaranteed benefits or loyalty bonuses – so make sure that transferring to a different scheme will be advantageous for your current circumstances.

Like a number of areas of financial advice, pension transfers is an area where is pays to speak to an independent expert. A professional pension transfer specialist will know which questions to ask, and to be able to advise you on the potential benefits and penalties for staying or leaving a particular scheme, and will help to ensure that you get the investment that is right for you.

James Wright Dip PFS IFA is in independent financial planner with Scrutton Bland and a pension transfer specialist. For more information contact James on 0330 058 6559 or james.wright@scruttonbland.co.uk

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

on BO lin O en K ow

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The school of choice EssentialSUFFOLK

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Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

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Ramsholt made it into the top three of Darcy’s favourite Pub Walks last month, so she’s returned to discover a new route for more riverside relaxation It was a long, hot summer and we’ve had a dry, fine start to the autumn. On blue sky days, river walks really come into their own and this easy to navigate ‘out and back’ route along the Deben from the Ramsholt Arms is simply stunning.

beach right in front of the pub so again, an eye on tide tables is wise if you need to avoid scrambling along the top of the wall at high water.

Our start point, as always, is the pub. The Ramsholt Arms was reopened back in June 2013 by the same family behind the Michelin recommended Ufford Crown just fifteen minutes down the road. Being the only south facing pub on the river, it enjoys beautiful sunsets so at this time of year planning a late afternoon walk could work well, just be sure to check that sunset and pub opening times coincide!

With very few instructions to following this is an incredibly relaxing walk with plenty to see on both banks. There are two short stretches through wooded areas which add variety but mostly this is about drinking in the soul satisfying views and spotting the wildlife.

We chose an obvious turn point that gave us a total walk of approximately three miles (or an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half walking depending on your pace) however if you and your dog have the time and the energy there’s plenty more path beyond.

From the pub we head in the direction of Woodbridge following the river path. The first 50 yards or so is along the small sandy

Once you have enjoyed the fresh air there will be a warm welcome by the fire and a hearty winter menu to enjoy back at the pub.

S

Shottisham Hall

B1083

Hemley Hall

7 Sluice Cottage

Low Barn Wood

6

High House Farm

Church Farm

5

Ramsholt Lodge Farm

Princess Mary Wood Rowan Hill Wood

HEMLEY

4 3

Valley Farm

RAMSHOLT

2 Kirton Marshes

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PH 1

Come and see us at

The Ramsholt Arms this winter

the walk DISTANCE: Approx 3.25 miles TIME: Approx 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 30 mins TERRAIN: River path, woodland path, short stretch of beach, field edge.

STOPS: The Ramsholt Arms OS MAP: Explorer 197 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 307 415 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and more than 70 previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

Always check the map before setting off.

1. Park either at the pub or in the car park on the approach road (just before the pub on the left – see map). With the river in front of you turn right and follow the footpath sign along the beach in front of the pub.

2. At the end of the small beach follow the footpath sign up some steps to the river path and turn left.

3. After approximately half a mile you will pass a pool on your right.

The path bends and heads towards trees. This is the first of the woodland sections. Stay on the path, keeping the river roughly on your left.

4. The path emerges from the trees, continuing along the riverbank.

5. As you round the bend the path follows into some trees. Please take note of the signs as your dog must be on a lead at this point.

6. At the end of the wooded section you will be at a field edge with a pink house ahead. Keep left, following the signs.

7. The path returns to the riverbank and to the back of Sluice Cottage.

From here you can see up river to Waldringfield. We chose this as our turn point. Retrace your steps all the way back to The Ramsholt Arms taking care to stay on the path you have followed.

With spectacular views, glorious walks and our warming woodburner we are the perfect spot for lazy Sunday lunches, cosy evening dinners, Christmas parties and family gatherings.

Sample our winter menu including... ramsholt open fish pie, treacle braised shin of beef with roast garlic mash, double decker bbQ burger and traditional fish and chips.

Don’t miss curry night on thursdays throughout November and December.

We are very dog friendly and always have complimentary treats for our four legged friends.

We look forward to welcoming you.

For bookings please call: 01394 411209 For current opening times log onto www.theramsholtarms.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. the ramsholt arms, Dock road ramsholt, suffolk, iP12 3ab

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NOVEMBER 2018

FYNN VALLEY at its finest The incredible transformation from traditional dairy farm to Suffolk’s newest, must-visit venue or four generations the Tyrrell family farmed at Fynn Valley, in Witnesham just north of Ipswich. Set in the beautiful rolling Suffolk countryside, the 100-acre dairy farm served the local community for over 90 years.

F

Across the country however, times changed for dairy farming and nearly thirty years ago Tony had a vision for the farm. “We had to make changes, but I knew the unique quality we had was where we are situated – in the stunning Fynn Valley.”

Tony Tyrrell remembers all too well the early days – and early starts – to milk the herd, before delivering to nearby villages. “It was the local dairy and at our peak, we must have been delivering milk to every doorstep,” comments Tony.

Tony set out developing a golf course which opened in 1991 and became one of the best-known courses and golf facilities in the local area. His vision didn’t end there and – in many ways – it is only just the start for Fynn Valley.

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Stunning new venue Autumn 2018 saw the opening of their brand new, £2m venue. Set within the picturesque countryside, the stunning new, oak-beamed building features panoramic windows looking out to a south facing terrace. From inside and out, views can be enjoyed over the lawns and beyond to the beautiful golf course.

The venue incorporates the Café Terrace, which is open seven days a week, with

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in-house chefs serving the best local Suffolk fare for delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. There is also a lighter menu for those who simply want to meet up for coffee and homemade cakes.

The planning, design and build was down to a team, led by Andy Coe and Julian Pennington, and with a new management team in place who bring a wealth of experience to Fynn Valley, a whole host of events are being held at the new venue.

“We wanted Fynn Valley to be open and enjoyed by all,” comments Julian Pennington.

“So, on a visit today you are as likely to bump into a bride-to-be making her plans, as you are to see cyclists on a stop for a coffee and bacon roll. To see walkers, golfers or guests, who are staying at one of the beautiful onsite lodges at Fynn Valley Holidays, making the most of the venue. As well as those who simply want a great meal in a fantastic location or to catch up with friends over a drink.”

“The attention to detail and flexibility in the design has ensured that the venue works incredibly well in a number of ways,” adds Jenny Holmes, Fynn Valley Sales Director. “In addition to the Café Terrace, for larger social events the Oak Room has a capacity to host 120 and is perfect for weddings, as well as Christmas events, private parties and charity events. For smaller parties the Acorn Room accommodates up to 34 seated, making it ideal for more intimate celebrations.”

Business and corporate events are also catered for, with the additional bonus of the on-site activities provided by the 18-hole parkland golf course, the 9-hole par 3 course and the golf driving range.

With so much scope it is easy to see why the diary is filling up fast.

Location, location, location As well as the new venue, Andy and Julian are also developing four stunning new-build properties which look out over the Fynn Valley.

“The first home is now complete and occupied and we are well underway with the next two,” says Andy. “Our next phase is the redevelopment of the old clubhouse into ten high spec luxury cottages, ready for Spring 2019 and we are now taking enquiries on the sale of these.”

Fynn Valley feels like a lifestyle destination – a million miles away, but on the very same site as the Tyrrell dairy farm. For Tony it is with some mixed feelings, as he is now stepping down from the helm but with new management in place, is very excited about what the future holds.

“I am pleased what hasn’t changed is the stunning backdrop we have at Fynn Valley,” says Tony. “But I am so proud of the changes we’ve made. There is a new life with the fantastic facilities and it has been exciting to be part of it. It is great to have so many events going on, being enjoyed by so many and the café is incredibly popular with our fabulous local dishes. It always makes me smile though when I see something is marked as ‘dairy-free’ on the menu, as it reminds me of how far we’ve come, in what feels like such a short time.”

OFFER Mention Essential Suffolk at the Café Terrace before 30th November 2018 and get a 2 for 1 voucher on brunch and lunchtime meals (conditions apply) INFORMATION Fynn Valley, Witnesham, Ipswich, IP6 9JA www.fynnvalleyterrace.co.uk

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THE INTERACTIVE DINING EXPERIENCE It’s the hottest meal ticket in Suffolk – a culinary theatre and a lunch date that attracts diners from across the UK and the world. Anne Gould visits Infusions and talks to John Jackaman, the man who created ICE and The Lunch Bar

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TH E IN T E RA CT IV E D IN IN G E XP E RI ENC E

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n a small unassuming industrial unit, close to what was once Rougham Airfield, is a unique restaurant the likes of which you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK. It’s a dining experience that simply has no comparison – which probably explains why there are waiting lists that are months long, and in some cases stretch into next year and the year after that.

Created by John Jackaman, a former chef at a string of top kitchens including The Dorchester and The Ritz, its anonymity and lack of exterior showiness is something he clearly finds somewhat amusing. “People arrive and they look around the car in confusion because they think they are in the wrong place.” But once they have crossed the ICE threshold and eaten in the dining ‘theatre’ they realise they have stepped into the sort of world that probably equates to “chef’s heaven”.

The Lunch Bar, Date Night and Seasons – part of the Infusions Culinary Experience (ICE) take place in a large airy, light, lime green and white kitchen that is dominated by a giant curved table – seating up to 12 diners on one side and with the kitchen and chef’s area on the other.

You arrive at midday and then for two hours or more become part of what is nothing less than culinary performance art. As a restaurant goer, you’ll be stunned by the location, the cooking methods, the food, the sensations, the surprises, the beautiful crockery and probably the people you sit next to as well.

You won’t know what you are going to eat – which is part of its beauty, there’s just one menu – but food tolerances and diets are accommodated too. On the day I visited I was sitting next to a couple from Surrey who had driven up for the day just for lunch and on the other side were diners from Kent.

However at the far end of the table were a couple from New England who had been told about this Suffolk secret and were determined to come to the UK to try it out.

And unlike other restaurants where there can be some embarrassment about posting pictures to Instagram – live tweeting, photographs and video are actively encouraged. In fact, says John, all the chefs have been trained in food photography so every course they prepare gets photographed and posted online too. ‰

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From the chef’s point of view what the Lunch Bar does is offer time – masses of it – to create food that tastes exceptional, looks amazing and has a real element of surprise.

Released from the pressures of ‘service’ there’s the opportunity for chefs (two of whom are Masterchefs of Great Britain) to be inventive, do what they love, be creative and to be able to change the menu and try out new things every single week.

“We came up with the idea originally because we were inspired by the legendary Bar Pinotxo in Barcelona created by Juanito Bayen. It’s a tribute to him really,” says John.

Not too surprising then that Lunch Bar is booked up months in advance, however their premier private dining event, Seasons, which caters for just ten people at a sitting is booked up for a year.

Seasons, John explains, is only held four times a year in the evenings, it lasts four hours and has ten courses. “We really go to town, there are no holds barred, we give it everything and it takes five chefs to create the event.” There’s a waiting list of 100 people wanting to attend so getting a place is something really special.

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Date night gives couples the opportunity to cook for themselves, with the help from a chef, in competition with other couples. “As part of the evening, we give them a ‘golden ticket’ to use a specialist ingredient, which we stock on site as part of our Infusions business, supplying dry goods to all the top restaurants in the UK.” It has turned out to be amazingly popular and gets very competitive, and says John, there are some people who are very able cooks out there.

ICE also runs a Cook School offering classes in all sorts of skills for all ages and abilities – from specialist training for chefs and at other times for children. And you can be sure that you’ll learn something that will impress your guests – these chefs are so far ahead on technique that TV shows like Saturday Kitchen and Master Chef call up for advice and demonstrations! For example - making spaghetti with strawberries, jelly that will not melt, spheres from liquids and instant ice cream to name a few!

INFORMATION www.icecookschool.co.uk

Five of the best

ROOMS AT THE INN November is the perfect time to take a short break and recharge the batteries. But getting away from it all doesn’t have to mean hours of travelling when you choose these top Suffolk hotels and pubs with rooms

Enjoy good food, warm hospitality and a peaceful location Set in the pretty picturesque village of Sibton beside the White Horse pub are five well-appointed rooms quietly situated with pretty outlooks onto the green. Luxuriate in comfy beds with crisp cotton linens, indulge in a modern power shower and fluffy towels, along with a generous hospitality tray, television with DVD player and Freeview channels in every room and free wifi. Fresh air and peace make for a good night’s sleep.

Halesworth Road, Sibton Suffolk, IP17 2JJ. 01728 660337 www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

The Black Lion

A warm welcome awaits you

A place to eat, drink, sleep and relax. It features roaring log fires in the bar, the 40 cover restaurant and the warm and cosy drawing room. The new conservatory is the perfect space for private dinner parties, business meetings or cocktail parties – it leads onto the large terrace perfect for al fresco dining. The 10 bedrooms include snug, luxury, grand luxury and family rooms all with a flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities, free superfast Wi-Fi and Noble Isle bath and body products.

The Eels Foot is a delightful village inn, in the pretty hamlet of Eastbridge, boasting six spacious, bright and modern en-suite rooms overlooking the beautiful surrounding marshes, with powerful showers and full-sized baths, flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary toiletries plus free wifi. Offering a comprehensive breakfast menu comprising of locally smoked bacon and tasty sausages, free range eggs, smoked salmon and so much more all cooked to order by one of our chef.

The Green, Long Melford Suffolk, CO10 9DN 01787 312356 info@theblacklionhotel.com

Eastbridge, Leiston Suffolk, IP16 4SN 01728 830154 www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk

Four Star Luxury

Editor’s Choice

Set in beautiful Suffolk countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a luxurious boutique hotel and restaurant just outside Ipswich. This charming four star Suffolk hotel boasts 23 en-suite bedrooms with plenty of wow factor – some even have bathtubs in the rooms and fabulous walk-in showers. Whichever room you choose, you can be sure of a delightful, comfortable stay, not to mention the complimentary wifi, soft drinks and snacks, and full Sky HD TV package thanks to Sky In-Room.

SUPER SUNDAY: Stay on a Sunday night starting from just £55 per person, see website for details and conditions.

The Bildeston Crown is one of the country’s best ‘Pub-with-Rooms’ as recognised by the Good Hotel Guide, Editor’s Choice Awards 2019.

Described as ‘full of character, warm, intimate, relaxed’, this Suffolk inn is also famed for chef Chris Lee’s imaginative use of fresh local produce.

SPECIAL: ‘Taste of Suffolk Gourmet Break’* – 2 nights’ accommodation B&B with a seven course tasting menu chosen by Chef Chris Lee with a flight of wine on one night – only £395 for two.

Kesgrave Hall, Hall Road, Kesgrave Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2PU Tel: 01473 333741 reception@kesgravehall.com

High Street, Bildeston Suffolk, IP7 7EB 01449 740510 reception@thebildestoncrown.co.uk

*See website for details and other offers

Ample free car parking is available on site

THE EEL’S FOOT INN

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Say cheese Slate, the specialist cheese and provisions shop in Aldeburgh and Southwold, is celebrating a year in business. Founder Clare Jackson talks about the family venture and plans for the future

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lare Jackson and her father John Ormerod have always had a special interest in cheese. So perhaps it is not altogether surprising that with their business and finance backgrounds and lifelong connections to Suffolk – the family home is in Walberswick – that they should decide to combine the two with a new venture, Slate.

provisions and this month they are celebrating their first birthday. Clare said, “We are passionate about artisan cheese and the fantastic array of food and drink produced here in Suffolk. Quality cheese is at the heart of what we offer, alongside our prepared meals and salads, bread, charcuterie, olives, chutneys and preserves.”

A year ago they opened two shops – in Southwold and in Aldeburgh – selling cheese and a wide range of accompanying

Little wonder then that Slate has a growing reputation for excellence. It has become a regular shopping spot for those who need

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to stock up for picnics and outings on the Suffolk coast or for discerning customers wanting to serve really good cheese for dinner guests.

Clare says that they stock 40 kinds of cheese and go to a great deal of effort to care for them so they are in perfect condition.

“We have a carefully curated and cared for selection of cheese with a focus on British artisan cheese. You will find all the classics like Westcombe Cheddar, Cropwell Bishop

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Stilton, Cornish Yarg and Lincolnshire Poacher. We also profile small cheesemakers like Village Maid producers of Wigmore, Waterloo and Spenwood.

sent to your home on a monthly basis.

“We started this earlier in the year and it has proved very popular as a gift, ideal for Christmas. A three-month subscription starts at £75.”

“We are particularly interested in celebrating cheese produced in East Anglia including Fen Farm Dairy’s Baron Bigod; Julie Cheyney’s St Jude; Mrs Temple's cheeses from North Norfolk; and Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses’ Suffolk Gold and Suffolk Blue.” However, they also stock a number of French, Dutch and Italian cheeses and their most popular cheese is a Gorgonzola Dolce – it’s very creamy and “scoopable” explained Clare and ideal to serve in pots.

“We love to share our enthusiasm for cheese so welcome people to come and explore our range, taste some new cheeses, and get suggestions for putting together the perfect cheeseboard.” In addition to cheese and its companions, the Slate shops offer freshly made soups, salads and sandwiches made in Slate’s own kitchen.

They also make pre-prepared home-made meals including traditional family favourites like beef lasagne and a classic fish pie; as well as Thai green chicken curry and Moroccan lamb tagine.

They are also expanding into the wedding business – creating bespoke cheese ‘cakes’ for couples who love their cheese! These celebration stacks can be designed to suit any wedding theme, budget and number of guests. They create an eye-catching as well as tasty centrepiece.

Now, with year one under their belt, Clare and John are expanding the Slate empire. A new website is under development which will offer cheese, hampers and accompaniments for delivery nationwide. For cheese lovers, there’s the option of joining the Slate Cheese Club – where a cheese box including three hand-picked cheeses and a box of crackers is

Clare and John are also keen to share their knowledge about cheese with customers who are curious. “When we started out we were passionate about cheese but since we embarked on this venture we have learnt so much more about it and now we would like to pass this on.” For those who want to discover more check out the tasting notes on the Slate website, which also features information about the cheese of the month.

INFORMATION slatecheese.co.uk or visit the shops on Aldeburgh High Street and Victoria Street, Southwold.

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Sibton White Horse

The Fountain

The Maybush

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Eels Foot

Butt & Oyster

The Middleton Bell

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

01728 648286

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)

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FO O D G A LL E RY

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).

The Randolph

Ufford Park

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

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. Join us on Sunday 18th November and sit back and relax with local saxophonist playing between 12 noon & 2pm. Our Festive Afternoon Tea launches on Monday 26th November through to 7th January and is priced at £18.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated.

Open to all; non-members welcome.

NEW! Week Day Warmer: Every Monday to Friday Lunch 12 noon – 2pm 2 courses and a drink* – £15 per person 3 courses and a drink* – £17.50 per person (*Soft drink, 125ml house wine or ½ pint draught beer. Menu options change weekly) Open: 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week. Food served 12pm – 2pm and 6.30pm – 9pm.

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

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

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

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

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

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

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

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

Fynn Valley

The Artisan Smokehouse

The Coach & Horses

This Autumn saw the opening of The Venue, a brand new home for Fynn Valley overlooking the fairways of the golf course. Of oak and glass construction, The Venue is the perfect destination for the local community to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea in stunning surroundings just a 5 minute drive from Ipswich town centre. A warm welcome awaits everyone… Parties, group bookings and wedding enquiries welcome. Contact us today to book your date or a no-obligation show round. See pages 46 & 47 for more information.

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

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.

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

Fynn Valley, Witnesham, Ipswich Suffolk, IP6 9JA

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

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

01473 785267 events@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

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

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

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BATH TIME Sleek lines, cool colours and plenty of storage options – twenty first century bathrooms leave their avocado ancestors way behind. Take a look at these stunning designs and clever ways to make your bathroom practical as well as beautiful from leading independent Suffolk retailers

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Dansani handleless bathroom furniture, for smooth clean lines Woodbridge Interiors

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

These tiles combine four natural tones to imitate the appearance of calm waters, providing a peaceful, tranquil environment Just Tiles

Mimicing Scandinavian wood, this range of tiles brings warmth, light and simplicity to any room Just Tiles

Tiled slate flooring, with a contrast cream porcelain tile within the walk-in shower. Bespoke, handmade shaker style cupboards and painted units Anglia Factors

Dansani slim under cupboard lights and LED lighting under the basin can give a stunning effect Woodbridge Interiors

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New range of SMEG Kitchen appliances now in stock

Ask Elmers Enjoy your kitchen this autumn.

“Whether you’re baking, making jams and pickles or updating your equipment we have a comprehensive range for you to choose from and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you

”

Says Sue, our Cookshop specialist

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

Kitchens

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Dekton | Miele | Neff

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

2 A1 A12 A12

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01394 386390 WOO MELTON DS L N

www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk wooDBriDGe interiors

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

Kitchen & Bathroom showroom SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

An overhead and a hand shower used together in a shower enclosure are becoming a popular option from Hansgrohe Woodbridge Interiors

Wet room completed in porcelain tiles throughout, his and hers Vitra basins, with bespoke, handmade units in shaker style Anglia Factors

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS A minimalist and functional range of tiles designed to suit any project Just Tiles

A contemporary twist on a classic theme with Villeroy and Boch Memento basin and black taps Woodbridge Interiors

Dansani drawer organisers help to use space effectively Woodbridge Interiors

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NO VE M B E R 2 0 1 8

Oak, handmade bespoke units and shelving fitted with mains powered LED lights, creating a soft glow, perfect for during the night Anglia Factors

H O ME S & I N TE RI OR S

Bisque Hot Spring vertical radiator in chrome; creates a modern effect Anglia Factors

STOCKISTS Anglia Factors 34 Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich. T: 01473 610192 www.angliafactors.co.uk Just Tiles Smithfield, Melton Road, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382067 www.justtileswoodbridge.co.uk Woodbridge Interiors Smithfield, Melton Road, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.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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G ARD E NING

Garden designer and plantswoman Catharine Howard takes a tour around Hillier Gardens and Helmingham Hall in search of inspiration

Plant hunting T

The first pages give a brief history of plant hunting (as it concerns woody plants): “In 1873 Phileas Fogg created a sensation by travelling round the world in 80 days. Today it is possible to achieve the same feat in less than 80 minutes. All that one needs is a garden and a good book”.

nomenclature for leaf shapes. It is devoted to bringing alive and explaining a massive range of woody plants. Prose is sparing but enough to paint a picture and bring a plant alive. Take Taxodium distichum, the ‘swamp cypress’: “A strikingly beautiful tree and the most suitable conifer for wet soils. A large tree with fibrous, reddish-brown bark and strongly buttressed trunk. Leaves linear and flattened, turning bronze-yellow in autumn. When grown by water, large specimens produce peculiar ‘kneelike’ growths from the roots, which project above ground. Native of wet places, rivers and swamps in the southern United States”.

We are whisked back to a pre computer age with levels of literacy that have crumbled in our image-rich times. There are no pictures, apart from three sides devoted to the correct

Or Cyclocarya paliurus, a single family native of central China and a member of the walnut family. A tree which can grow to 30 metres has long female catkins bearing small circular

he Hilliers Manual of Trees and Shrubs is a bit hefty, hard backed, packed with information and published in 1971. It was round about then that I took up an interest in gardening. I’ve just reclaimed my copy from a low dusty shelf.

rings round the fruits or nuts. In China a sweet tea is made of the leaves. This is used to treat obesity and diabetes.

Just recently a group of us stood beneath the Cyclocarya, its green flowers staring down at us like a string of fairy lights flung skywards.

We were in the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire and being taken on a galloping plant tour by Roy Lancaster – plant hunter and author of the aforementioned manual.

He showed us plants that stretched our plant palettes, trotting out their botanical names, the date of the their germination, where they were collected and planted by whom. His memory is Encyclopaedic but he has that magic way of imparting knowledge as if the hearer is on board already. ‰

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G ARD E NING

Roy introduced us to many plants including Clematis terniflora which is a gently, lovely scrambling scented plant for autumn. Plant it where it can have room – manual warns that it can get up to 10m in size. It is worth being on red alert that so many climbers, adapted to scrambling up through mature trees to reach sunlight are overweeningly big.

generations cannot afford to keep up the exacting maintenance that the traditional garden requires. Here are groves of new trees and swathes of perennials and grasses including a bed that is studded with a repeat planting of the perennial Gaura. This is a native of Louisiana and Texas and prefers a sandy loamy well drained soil. No surprise that Gaura lindheimeri and other cultivars have become fashionable lodgers in the late summer border. Make sure that the soil is not too rich or they will flop. They are short-lived plants but if they like you they will reseed.

We are in the realms of gardening with passion – rather like eating the most excellent ice cream. If Hilliers, with Mr Lancaster is to be the caramel salted cream then a visit in the same month to Helmingham Hall in the company of Xa Tollemache, is a top quality Gelateria mango sorbet.

Xa led us round her garden on the very busy Plant Heritage day when people come from far and wide to hear lectures on mulch and to pick the perfect rare aster for their plant collections. The estate has been made over to her oldest son but her involvement in the garden still looms large.

The onlooker always takes away a bit of a garden, first as a memory but also for inspiration. For me, every time it is the gourd tunnel. I’ve visited the gardens over the past ten or so years and always desired this really

Both Lady T and Mr L like plants but equally they are fabulous with people too. A tour with a plant enthusiast is the ice-cream triple scooper: I’ve returned home with a page to cut out and glue in my Hillers annual: “Happy Days Roy Lancaster. So pleased to have met you.” amusing way of livening up the kitchen garden. The camera captures it practically at the moment of exhaustion. I’m pretty sure too that I have seen runner beans grown up the metal trusses as well.

There is an outlying area to the famous walled garden where Xa has created a new garden which she hopes will endure if future

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a designer, gardener and plantswoman with many years’ of creating and renovating gardens. For a consultation or garden design contact her at: www.catharinehoward.co.uk

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Hand-crafted timber windows and doors Discover our award-winning product range, including aluminium and PVCu, at our local showrooms

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burgess-group.com Woodbridge Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF

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01394 386666

01284 760222

Beautiful windows and doors

N OVEMB ER 2018

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

A WHISKER OVER £200 PER TROY OUNCE! While trawling the web the other day, I stumbled across an interesting object which I would like to share with you.

My search criteria were for items associated with those who sport a moustache. Having done so myself for more years than I care to remember the concept of using a moustache cup in my dotage had a certain appeal.

Assuming both were possible the drycleaning bill might be reduced plus the fact that the cup in isolation, with its shaped panel protruding from the inside of the rim, would have been an interesting conversation piece. The object I came across was however even more unusual and indeed was appropriately described as being rare on the antique dealers’ website.

There would be hurdles to overcome when using such a devise such as the ability to hold the cup steadily enough not to spill the contents. Then there was the need to be able to differentiate between the side of the cup with and without the guard and choose the right one to drink from.

For this was a moustache spoon, in silver.

It bore the date letter B contained within a shield shaped surround, denoting 1877 as the year the item was assayed. The spoon, complete with a monogrammed and crested fiddle pattern handle, had an ingenious attachment to the elongated oval bowl.

James Neal

This comprised a shaped silver panel with an upturned rim on one side which pivoted from a point where the handle met the bowl and then slid under a retaining clip at the pointed end of the bowl. The effect was to partially cover an area of the bowl of the spoon and thus protect the moustache from drooping into the liquid.

Ingenious, practical, functional, of great quality but sadly listed as sold against a price of £530 which represented a figure of £217 per troy ounce.

If I were you I would keep an eye out for another one!

Moving Home?

Move in with us REVELLS REMOVALS & STORAGE UK – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE Eastlands Industrial Estate, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL 01728 830849 | info@revells-removals.co.uk

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P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 75

Jackson-Stops Savills Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Mortimers 70 Hadleigh

72 Playford

74 Rushmere St Andrew

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dEbENHAm

HAdLEiGH

● 3 bed contemporary barn conversion ● Swimming pool

● 2 reception rooms ● 4 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● Outbuilding

● Enjoying a wonderfully tranquil oasis setting ● 4 bed farmhouse ● Tennis court ● Garaging ● 2 acres of stunning mature grounds

● Handsome period house in a stunning valley setting

● Timber barn ● Paddock ● Formal & informal gardens ● About 18 acres

GuidE £1,250,000

GuidE £975,000

LowER uffoRd

NR LAvENHAm

● Detached 1 bedroom annexe ● Traditional barn ● Sheltered gardens

● 3 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bath/shower rooms ● Annexe

● Tucked away setting ● 2 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms

● Meadow ● About 1.8 acres ● Fine views across the countryside

● Beautifully presented ● Substantial accommodation ● Fine views

● Tennis court ● Triple Cartlodge ● Gardens & grounds ● About 9 acres

GuidE £975,000

GuidE £1,150,000

bRAmfoRd

STRAdbRoKE

● 2 bath/showers ● Garage ● Mature gardens ● About 0.3 of an acre

● 4 bath/showers ● Unconverted coach house with potential

● A well-appointed village house ● 2 reception rooms ● 4 bedrooms ● Close to the church and River Gipping

GuidE £550,000

● Substantial village house ● 4 reception rooms ● Study ● 5 bedrooms ● Mature garden ● About 0.75 of an acre ● No onward chain

GuidE £760,000

ipSwicH 01473 218218

Tim Dansie

Jonathan Penn

James Squirrell

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

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Orchard End Facts Location: Hadleigh Price: ÂŁ795,000 Agent: Jackson-Stops

Hadleigh Living Orchard End is a beautifully presented fourbedroomed period house with a pretty partwalled garden within an easy walking distance of Hadleigh High Street. The property, which is arranged over three floors, is in an enviable position in one of the most sought after streets in this pretty town and is presented beautifully throughout.

Steps from the street lead up to the panelled front door into the elegant reception hall, off

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which are the stunning drawing rooms and sitting room/study. At the back of the house is the breakfast room which opens into the conservatory and adjoining kitchen area.

On the first floor are three bedrooms and a family bathroom with a fourth bedroom on the top floor.

useful range of brick and slate outbuildings housing the utility room and a potential home office. The conservatory and drawing room open onto a lawned area with further shrubs and bushes. The adjoining driveway leads off Benton Street to a parking area.Â

Outside the kitchen door leads out into a walled garden area, fringed with trees and parterre. It is bordered on one side by a

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops: 01473 218218

Framlingham £675,000

Benhall, Nr Saxmundham £565,000

An impressive house extending to approx 3,000 sq ft, located on Millers Way. Hallway, cloakroom, drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room, garden room, dining room, utility room, family room, study & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite dressing room & bathroom.

Bedroom 2 with en-suite shower room. 2 further first floor double bedrooms & bathroom.

Second floor bedroom & shower room. Parking & double garage. West facing garden of 50' x 45'. EPC = B Ref: 5827

A well presented property, forming part of the Beeches development. Entrance hall, 19' sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room & utility room. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms & bathroom. Driveway & double garage. Landscaped gardens. EPC = D Ref: 5993

Windmill Gate, Framlingham £409,950

Blaxhall, Nr Woodbridge £399,500

A contemporary new house situated within a bespoke development of 4 new houses.

Hallway, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/dining room & downstairs bedroom/snug.

3 first floor bedrooms, en-suite shower room & bathroom. Parking. 34’ x 32’ rear garden.

EPC = B Ref: 5815/2

A detached cottage situated in the heart of Blaxhall, within walking distance of the village pub.

Hallway, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/dining room & utility room. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room. 2 further bedrooms & bathroom. Side garden & patio area adjacent to fields. Ample parking. EPC = D Ref: 6037

Little Glemham, Nr Wickham Market £365,000

Monewden, Nr Framlingham £350,000

A detached cottage with garden & parking, situated in the centre of the village. Hallway, cloakroom, dining room, sitting room, kitchen, utility room & study. 5 first floor bedrooms, bathroom & shower room. Ample off-road parking. Large garage & store/office building.

EPC = E Ref: 6039

A Suffolk barn with Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent to be converted to a single dwelling, standing in a lovely position & with grounds of 3 acres. Approximately 2,500 sq ft. Ref: 6045

Campsea Ashe, Nr Woodbridge £299,500

Nightingale Meadows, Leiston From £199,995

Last Two Remaining. Located on Ashe Coppice, a boutique development of 8 family homes, Plots 6 & 8 each comprise hallway, kitchen, living/dining room, downstairs cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite, 2 further bedrooms & family bathroom. Single garage & garden.

Ref: 5724

A superb collection of homes perfectly positioned for the best of countryside & coastal living, built by award-winning house builders Hopkins Homes. Nightingale Meadows sits in the Suffolk countryside between Aldeburgh & Southwold. This is a comprehensive range of stylish family homes, boasting from 2 to 4 bedrooms & spacious open-plan living accommodation.

Ref: 6046

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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Badgers Bank Facts Location: Playford Price: £749,950 Agent: Mortimers

Countryside Views This recently constructed four bedroom detached house is situated in an elevated spot with far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside to the north east of Ipswich. Badgers Bank is presented in immaculate condition and offers spacious family accommodation with the added benefit of a detached studio over the double garage.

The front door leads to an entrance hall featuring full-height windows to the front and access to the main downstairs rooms the sitting room, dining room and kitchen/ breakfast room. With a range of wallmounted units and matching cupboards and

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drawers under the kitchen/breakfast room is something of a feature of the house with granite work surfaces, an integrated sink and drainer, built-in Neff double oven, built-in fridge and large island worktops incorporating a breakfast bar and the Neff hob. Downstairs there’s also a cloakroom and utility.

The first floor landing has a full height glazed window to the front and provides access to the master bedroom. This suite of rooms has a part-vaulted ceiling and double doors leading to a Juliet balcony with countryside views. There’s also a dressing room and en suite. The second bedroom also features an en suite shower room, while

bedrooms three and four and the family bathroom are beyond.

Outside the property is approached via a shared driveway which then leads to a private driveway with decent sized parking area and access to the detached double garage with large built-in storage area and a staircase leading to the heated first floor office. The rear garden is laid to lawn with a large patio area while the large front garden is laid to lawn with mature trees and hedging offering a good degree of seclusion.

INFORMATION Mortimers: 01394 386688

fennwright.co.uk signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

Martlesham

Ipswich

This individual five double bedroom family home offers around 2,600 sq ft of accommodation which has been beautifully extended and renovated throughout featuring a fabulous contemporary openplan kitchen/dining/family room.

Built to our vendor’s specification in 2006, we are delighted to offer for sale this superb four bedroom detached family home with a delightful garden. The property is within easy reach of Woodbridge with internal viewing being essential.

Guide Price £650,000

• Master bedroom with dressing room, en-suite & bi-fold doors to a Juliet balcony • 2 sets of bi-fold doors into the garden • Dressing room & en-suite to bedroom two • South facing garden • Garage and off road parking • EPC rating D

Hasketon

• Bespoke 4 bedroom family home • Stunning open-plan kitchen/breakfast area • Separate utility room • Sitting room, dining room, study • Master bedroom with en-suite • En-suite to bedroom two • External games room • Off road parking • EPC rating D Guide Price £595,000

Ipswich This substantial, Grade II listed former farmhouse is set in approximately 0.94 acres, having been sympathetically restored by the current owners bringing the property up-to-date but without detracting from the original character.

This individual six double bedroom family home is set on a substantial plot in excess of a quarter of an acre and features a fabulous contemporary 30ft open-plan kitchen/dining room with a feature roof lantern and bi-fold doors into the garden.

• Approximately 3,000 sq ft of accommodation • Family room and sitting room • 2 x en-suites, bathroom & shower room • Parking for multiple vehicles • Close to train station • Fabulous built-in BBQ • EPC rating F

Guide Price £725,000

Buttermarket, Ipswich

01473 232 700

• • • • • • • •

Wealth of character Bespoke kitchen Inglenook fireplace Well-maintained garden Orchard Hard tennis court Close to Woodbridge Exempt from EPC rating as listed

Guide Price £850,000

Main Road, Kesgrave

01473 358 400

Quayside, Woodbridge

01394 333 346

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The Street, Rushmere St Andrew facts Location: Rushmere St Andrew Price: ÂŁ870,000 Agent: Fenn Wright

Generous Family Home With wonderful grounds, an impressive driveway and five bedrooms this property in Rushmere St Andrew has all the ingredients of a perfect family home. From the spectacular entrance hall with a galleried landing this property benefits from fabulous space and light throughout.

The sitting room is to the rear and features a wood burner, which really adds to the character of the property, with a window and double doors overlooking and leading into the stunning garden. Also to the rear is the well-proportioned kitchen/breakfast room, again with double doors overlooking and leading into the garden.

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To the front is the spacious dining room with a coved ceiling and a window to the front.

suite. There are four further good size bedrooms with bedroom five currently being used by the vendors as a second study.

The property has the additional benefit of a good size study, with built-in storage and a window to the rear overlooking the garden. Also off the entrance hall is an inner lobby which gives access to a storage cupboard, under stairs storage and a door into the triple garage.

Outside the grounds feature delightful gardens with a wide range of established plants, shrubs and trees, including a rose and clematis arbor, with the additional benefit of a well-maintained tennis court.

The galleried landing gives access to all bedrooms and the family bathroom. The master bedroom is to the rear of the property and has four built-in wardrobes and is en

INFORMATION Fenn Wright: 01473 358400

Family run Business With Over 30 years experience

Orford

Guide Price £700,000

An immaculate and spacious three bedroom detached house with three receptions, luxury fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, delightful gardens, double garage and within walking distance of the river, castle and market square. EPC:E

Grundisburgh

Guide Price £280,000

A superb 3 bedroom semi-detached house with cloakroom, en-suite, outside studio/office and parking. e property is located in the sought-aer village of Grundisburgh which is well served with a wide range of facilities and is only 7 miles from Woodbridge. EPC: C

Bawdsey

Guide Price £335,000

An attractive three bedroom detached period property which occupies a very generous plot and benefits from Oil fired central heating to radiators, garage and parking. Located along the heritage coast. EPC: TBC

Guide price £525,000

Woodbridge

A well presented four bedroom detached house with double detached garage located in a highly desirable area and within walking distance of Woodbridge town centre. EPC: D.

Guide Price £399,000

Woodbridge

A four bedroom town house right in the centre of Woodbridge. UPVC d/g, Gas c/h, cloakroom and en-suite, garden and single garage with parking.

Located just a few yards from the thoroughfare. EPC: C

Guide Price £450,000

Woodbridge

A very spacious three bedroom semi-detached house which benefits from UPVC d/g, gas c/h, large garden and ample off-road parking all within easy reach of Woodbridge town centre. EPC: D

mOrtimers terms & cOnDitiOns 1% Inc VAT of the sale price. (minimum fee will apply to properties below £250,000).

THERE IS NO TIE IN PERIOD IN OUR CONTRACT. Energy Performance Certificates £70 NO VAT. FREE honest and realistic valuations by qualified staff.

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

linda mortimer MNAEA

Dale mortimer MNAEA Dip DEA

omas mortimer

patricia masson

rosemary Barnard

Call 01394 386688 or email info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk

N OVEMB ER 2018

Anglia Factors 50th Birthday Celebrations Anglia Factors, experts in handcrafted bespoke kitchens and interiors, celebrated its 50th birthday in style with a cooking demonstration showing off the latest NEFF appliances. The event was designed to provide support to anyone looking into buying a NEFF oven or hob – and indeed those who already own one – by demonstrating the features including selfcleaning, steam cooking and much more. It was free to attend and there was a raffle with some fabulous prizes in aid of Art for Cure for whom Anglia Factors' owners Daniel & Claire Barr are undertaking a gruelling bike ride across Asia later this month.

Dan & Claire Barr

Tonia Whatling

Ray & Lynne Gilbert

Jacquie & Martyn Woodland 76

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Robin Gilbert

Michelle Bruce

Patricia & Neville Lincoln

Jan Ballard, Hana Dickinson

Dawn & Katie Elsom

Adam Kerrison, Simon Ballard

Essential FACES

Ipswich & Suffolk Club Charity Fashion Show A fundraising charity dinner and fashion show was held at the Ipswich & Suffolk Club with Coast at Debenhams and Cake & Catwalk presenting their Autumn/Winter collections. Organisers extended their grateful thanks to local businesses, members and guests as the event raised more than ÂŁ1,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, providing support for people living with progressive and terminal illness.

Kay Salmon, Kim Bere, Carmen Kornjaca

Barbara Spraggons, Lynn Turner

Karen Wattleworth, Ann Fosker, Karen McLeod

Mackie Ryan, Carole Booth

Sarah Nicholl, Rosemary Holley

Ruth Shelley, Karen Cottee

Jane Clark, Kath More, Jo Stock, Janet Maidment

Trish Ishac, Michelle Moreton

Teresa McLellan, Sandra Eley

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A Night With ITFC Legends Hosted by Alan Brazil and in the company of John Wark and George Burley guests enjoyed a very special evening at The Marquis (Layham) raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity – The Cancer Centre Campaign.

The drinks reception, sponsored by Heineken, was followed by a stunning meal prepared by Tom Bushell and his team, plus entertainment from The Legends.

George Burley, Alan Brazil, John Wark

Kevin & Jan Farrow

Trevor Scarlett, Jamie Holliday

David Moat, Simon Milton, Graham Wright

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Christine & Richard White

Brian Harris, Eddie Edwards, Paul Harris, Laurie Stigant

Jill Brazil, Jill Burley

Adam Tozer, Stuart Freeman

Essential FACES

La Femme and Milli Dressmaker Studio Launch To celebrate the launch of the La Femme Portraits and Milli Dressmaker’s new studio in Martlesham, guests were treated to champagne and canapes along with hair styling demonstrations and a spot of retail therapy as well as a generous raffle supporting the Eva Tucker Brighter Future Fund.

Michael Michalak, Sandra Karolak, Milli Nowicka, John Symes

Sarah Holmes, Daniel Elias

Mary Nixon, Yvonne Maynard, Lesley Hartley

Sue Ridout, Nicola Swirles

Mal Jones, Julie Copsey

Sophia Woodward, Kayleigh Richardson

Laura Lemke, Annabelle Field, Louise Field

Melissa Holmes, Jenny Allan

Danielle Tucker, Maria Banks

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Essential Directory CARE

GIFTS

Would you like

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Personalised affordable care at home Ipswich and east Suffolk 01473 707900 Homecare@stelizcare.co.uk

DESIGN SERVICES

including Christmas Day?

Prime Farm Fresh Poultry EST 1960

LOCALLY PRODUCED PRIME FARM FRESH TURKEYS AND CHICKENS FOR CHRISTMAS FREE RANGE OR BARN REARED

info@pressi.co.uk | www.pressi.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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The Beauty Room

Specialising in Christmas Poultry for 50 years

Melton Park

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We supply retail farm gate sales and local businesses, butchers and local farm shops

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

For more details PJ Turnbull & Son Gosbeck Hall, Gosbeck, Ipswich

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

turnbullturkeys@btinternet.com www.turnbullturkeys.co.uk 01473 890210

GARDENING

HOMES & INTERIORS

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH

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

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.

FOOD & DRINK

Tree Surgery No 138 HIGH STREET ALDEBURGH No 6 HIGH STREET SOUTHWOLD SLATECHEESE.CO.UK •

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@SLATECHEESE

Need some help or advice?

Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

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

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

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10% off all chemical orders over £50

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

MOTORING

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Sales, Service & Repair

Complimentary Courtesy Cars

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

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

LEISURE

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

01728 745055 info@suffolksportscars.com www.suffolksportscars.com

Pettistree Woodbridge IP13 OHP

The perfect tiles for all the family JAGUAR SERVICE & REPAIR

Supplying Suffolk with beautiful exclusive tiles since 1998

Just Tiles TILE SHOWROOM

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

Service and repair for Jaguar Cars up to 2010 plus Classic cars of all varieties Skilled craftsman and technicians providing professional quality and service in repair and maintenance for your cherished car.

Conquer hills and headwind without breaking a sweat Wide range of e-bikes to suit any age or ability, from hybrids to folders to xtreme downhill, we have it all on display.

Our skilled team can manufacture unavailable parts and make bespoke upgrades to suit your needs.

In house fabrication and trimming.

Collection and delivery can be arranged nationwide by our own fleet.

Competitive hourly rate of £58 + VAT.

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

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M Y S U FF OL K

My Suffolk Belinda Gray is the founder of Art for Cure, a charity which raises money to help fund research into Breast Cancer and support Suffolk women recovering from the disease. This month she is undertaking a 450km cycle ride from Vietnam to Cambodia to raise more money for the cause views, meet young up-coming artists and have the privilege of seeing artists at work in their studios. The people of Suffolk are pretty special too – we have over 200 volunteers helping stage our large exhibitions at Glemham Hall, they absolutely make the event possible and I receive so many letters saying how special they made it.

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

I grew up in the West Country although school holidays were often spent in Southwold where my grandparents lived.

We loved coming to Suffolk, the excitement of breakfast in their beach hut after an early morning swim, trips to the boating lake and putting green in Southwold, an Agatha Christie thriller at the summer theatre and having the great sense of freedom as children on our bikes or on the beach. We later bought their house as a holiday home when our children Sam and Millie were young, escaping London at weekends up the A12 – it wasn’t long before we upped sticks. Alex, my husband, became a patient commuter and the rest of us reaped the daily joys of living in this beautiful, unspoilt county.

What makes the county special?

There are so many great qualities to Suffolk which I appreciate so much – the landscape, the coast, the foodie epicentre it has become but primarily for me the strength of arts here is quite amazing. Roger Wright has enlivened Snape beyond belief and it is astonishing the breadth of culture so close to home and accessible. Through meeting so many artists and sculptors I am lucky to discover more and more amazing studios, be invited to private

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How do you like to relax?

Otto, my loyal Labrador, has ceaseless energy so a day starts with an early morning romp across the fields. With the Art For Cure bike ride looming now mid-November, where 45 of us will be cycling 450kms from Vietnam – Cambodia to raise money for the charity, I am a converted cyclist! Now training 3-4 times a week I am totting up 30 mile rides. I ran a fruit and vegetable gardening school here at my home for five years before falling ill so my kitchen garden is my sanctuary where fruit and vegetables grow all year.

Where do you like to eat out?

Alex and I are real foodies, both loving cooking and enjoying having friends over, I have over 100 cook books! Treats out are at the fabulous Unruly Pig or The Table and Anchor in Woodbridge. Particularly special is eating outside in the Table’s courtyard in summer and the Crown and Castle at Orford has to round up our favourites for a very special family get-together.

What is the latest news on Art for Cure?

We are delighted to have shared the £225,000 raised at Glemham this May; £100,000 is going to the Blossom Appeal towards the proposed new breast care unit at Ipswich Hospital, £100,000 to a specific national research project looking at targeted treatments for breast cancer (a rapidly successful area for improved treatments) we are providing chemotherapy comfort boxes for those facing chemotherapy for primary breast cancer via the charity Littlelifts at Ipswich Hospital and James Paget and we are funding the training of sports trainers in caring for breast cancer patients in gyms in the area. We have raised now over half a

million pounds in four years which we are very proud of. Exhibition wise there is lots in planning ahead for Art For Cure with a solo show from the soaringly successful painter Jelly Green at Somerleyton Hall next June 14th and 15th.

Do you have any hobbies?

I am learning to paint having been inspired by so many artists and so many Suffolk scenes that I dream of recreating. I have been having lessons with artists in the area Christopher Humphries and Sarah BaddonPrice and cannot believe how absorbing and relaxing sketching and painting can be – I am hooked and dream one day of selling a piece of my own art. They tell me I am obviously going to be an abstract painter which I am not sure is a compliment or not! Looking after myself attempts to be top of my list so I try and do a daily yoga routine, 10 minutes of meditation and feeling very grateful for the life I have.

Where do you like to shop?

Is my husband going to read this? Sam Denny-Hodson’s Homespun in Woodbridge is a dream with their Margaret Howell collection, soft Mongolian cashmere jumpers and stylish clothes. Food shopping is top priority and fish from the Woodbridge stall or at the harbour at Southwold is a regular stop.

My bike bag gets filled to the brim if I head Orford way with smoked fish from Pinney’s and sour dough from Pump Street Bakery.

Is there one picture you’d take to sum up our county?

Most definitely the view at the back of Snape overlooking the marshes. It is beautiful and always poignant for me as a dear friend died a few years ago and a white dove was released at her funeral out into the marshes. I am always humbled by the beauty of Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture ‘Family of Man’ at the rear – often with children scrambling over it. Time seems to stand still with this view and the rushes sway in the breeze, it is really one of the most peaceful places I have ever experienced.

We market your property on the four main property portals: *

*

*

• We conduct viewings 7 days a week • We accompany all viewings • Rapid response to email enquires • Phone calls taken 7 days a week • We go the extra mile to achieve the highest possible selling price • We have an in-house professional photographer (the talented Lucy Halpin) • Pick up & drop o service for buyers arriving by train (in our London cab!)

• We have a holiday let company (Air Manage Su olk) • We have a sister estate agency in London (Cutler & Bond – Kensington) • We advertise your property in London & Su olk *Marketed on these portals by our London agency

multi-aWarD WiNNers Craftsmanship Award Winners 2018 – extensions & alterations and New build categories

let’s talk about your build because we want to help make your project a reality

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