Essential Suffolk Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

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Essential SUFFOLK

SPRING Conservation, Community & Care

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Celebrating all that makes our county great

With over 30 years experience Orwells Furniture are able to design, manufacture and install for every room in the house. From period and traditional style properties to modern and contemporary, the team at Orwells Furniture can manage to completion.

Every room in this ‘Bright Brighton’ home featured Orwells Furniture.

KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • STUDIES BUILDING WORK • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Orwells Furniture continue to keep everyone safe

Halifax House | 497-499 Wherstead Road Ipswich | Suffolk IP2 8LL | 01473 680091

www.orwellsfurniture.com Following the latest government annoucement, from Monday 12th of April the showroom doors will re-open to new and existing clients.

Company protocol ensures staff and clients are recording temperatures, wearing appropriate PPE, sanitising and distancing.

Whether it be for a browse of our paint colours, to discuss a new and exciting project or to further existing designs Orwells Furniture are here to welcome you, with a coffee in hand!

S P RING 2021

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Welcome

Rubbish Walks One man’s crusade against litter

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Has spring ever been more welcome? After what has felt like a never ending winter we’re thrilled to be back with a Spring edition of Essential Suffolk.

Kicking off this time we’re talking rubbish! Have you noticed that more and more litter is plaguing your favourite local walks? Jason Alexander, founder of Rubbish Walks is leading the way in raising our social consciences. Campaigning for conservation over convenience, his organised litter picks are tacking a growing problem of discarded PPE, takeaway packaging and general rubbish.

Suffolk In Brief News from around the county

With so much focus on our own homes and gardens throughout the pandemic, we’re continuing the conservation theme as we look at ways to attract more wildlife into our gardens. Bees, butterflies and amphibians as well as migratory birds are all in our sights as we share expert advice about wildlife gardening for the summer ahead from the RSPB, starting on page 44.

We’ve also directed the spotlight on Ipswich and its recent ascent in popularity. Voted among the happiest places to live in the country and ranked among the world’s emerging destinations for tourists we’ve asked The Ipswich Society’s chairman, John Norman, to share his ideas about the town’s architectural and historical appeal.

While we’re all missing our favourite cafés, pubs and restaurants we’re keeping everything crossed that the staged reopening is just a few weeks away. Pub Walks with Darcy fans will be keen to get back out on the country’s tracks and trails so turn to page 37 for an update.

Finally, don’t miss the regular My Suffolk interview as we talk to TV actress and Home-Start in Suffolk Patron, Miranda Raison about her love of the county.

Rubbish Walks– page 10

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Essential

CONTENTS

37

48

Pub Walks with Darcy

Auctions & Antiques

How to help your favourite pubs get back on their feet

Welcome back to the sale room

38

49

Recipes

Property

A vegan lunch perfect for working from home and a twist on the ‘substantial’ Scotch egg

Some of the finest homes for sale in Suffolk

44

56

Gardening

My Suffolk

Making your plot a haven for wildlife

TV actress and charity patron Miranda Raison on life in Suffolk

My Suffolk – page 56

19 What’s On The latest listings for your events calendar

21 Mini Previews Tree of Art from Theronda Hoffman and looking ahead to Felixstowe Book Festival

24 Iconic Ipswich The architecture of Britain’s oldest continuously settled town

28 Faith & Hope The diary of a 20 something cancer fighter

35 The Essential Shopping List A shopping basket full of ideas inspired by the great outdoors

Gardening – page 44

Essential Suffolk

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Lovingly designed and carefully made kitchens and interiors Anglia Factors offers you beautiful cutting-edge design and traditional craftsmanship, with good old fashioned service.

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From kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and studies, we take time to get to know you and what you want to achieve. We believe in creating designs that are visually striking, yet also practical. Our team incorporates the latest trends and techniques to deliver both form and function.

Give us a call today to see how we can help on 01473 610192 or visit angliafactors.co.uk

RUBBISH WALKS

With little to do with our leisure time other than take local walks, the past year has seen more of us than ever exploring local green spaces.

But what impact has our daily walk had on the environment?

R U B B I S H WALKS

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magine how quickly we could turn the tide on single-use plastics and litter if we all worked together? That’s the message at the core of the award winning Suffolk based social enterprise Rubbish Walks.

Working tirelessly to raise awareness about the issues of single-use plastics, litter and waste in general, they’re not about quick fixes, the latest gimmick or lots of ‘likes’ on social media. “We’re about tackling the underlying issues, finding practical solutions and working towards meaningful long term change” says founder, Jason Alexander.

Known to many as the Wildlife Gadget Man, Jason has spent the last 15 years designing award winning wildlife camera systems for individuals, schools, conservation organisations and TV. But back in 2014 he set himself the challenge of watching and photographing one hundred sunrises in a year. “I loved the challenge. Being out in the fresh air, feeling the warm glow of the early morning sun on my face. Listening to the birds in the trees and watching the start of a brand new day. A day where anything was possible if I put my mind to it. You honestly can’t beat that feeling,” explained Jason.

“But there was something that increasingly bugged me”, he continued, “Litter. Lots and

lots of litter. Many of us have become blind to it, desensitised over time. But once you notice it and look for it, you see it everywhere”.

It’s a growing and complicated problem.

Around the world there are thousands of individuals, groups, businesses and governments all working, to varying degrees, to tackle the issue of litter including singleuse plastics and waste in general. But Jason believes that to truly address these problems it’s time to put egos, politics and profits to one side. “It’s time to acknowledge that we are all on the same team fighting for a common goal – to limit or reverse our impact on the environment for future generations – it’s simple; profit versus the planet”.

While social media can be a very strong tool for sharing and spreading news and information, Jason is very aware that the messaging can run the risk of only circulating to those already engaging with the subject.

“Followers of a particular subject or interest will then be exposed to other sources within that same subject area”, he explained “but that pool can be quite limited and doesn’t address the need to inform a new audience. ‰

So with the support of his wife Debbie, Jason has explored his passion to lead a united war on litter with his organisation, Rubbish Walks, working hard to change attitudes and build communities. “I’d like to see the Countryside Code relaunched. Part of the problem is that, as a society, too many of us have simply forgotten how to treat the planet.” Jason continued, “and it’s not just the countryside, we need to redefine an ‘Urban Open Space Code’ as well”.

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R U B B I S H WALKS

“I see myself as a part of a team in sales and marketing for the planet. If I’m posting on social media about a litter pick I need to make sure it’s far more than just showing bags full of litter. The post or story needs to actually make a reader question their own habits or persuade them to take action.”

And with our usual life habits challenged beyond recognition through the restrictions of lockdown, more and more of us have been turning to our local green open spaces.

In the first lockdown virtually everything was closed and Jason noted that littered fast food packaging, in particular, decreased significantly. As the restrictions lifted and restaurants and fast food chains were able to offer take away services things changed again, but for the worse, with far more littered fast food packaging appearing. “I’m choosing my words carefully here,” Jason explained, “because brands like MacDonald’s, Burger King and Costa don’t produce litter, they produce packaging. Yes they have a responsibility for an ethical approach but ultimately it’s the responsibility of the end user, the customer, to dispose of the packaging correctly”.

Plus there’s a new littler misery – Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. “So often masks are dropped accidentally, pulled from a pocket, dropped from a car door or lost from an open bag”. In short single use masks are non-recyclable so if they’re not being worn again they just need to go in a bin directly after use.

“Lockdown has highlighted the importance of the natural world for all of us,” Jason added. “Particularly as a resource for positive mental health and well-being. It’s very easy to destroy it but equally we can learn to nurture and protect our environment if we know where to look for help and what to do to make a difference”.

To that end he’s been working with East Suffolk Council to recruit a team of Plastic Action Champions. Currently there are around 80 champions taking part in the scheme, all of whom have been trained in how to educate and guide friends and family in caring for the environment; specifically in gaining confidence to answer challenging questions and knowing where to turn to for helpful and reliable information. Part of their role is to improve the quality of recycling, demystifying some of the misconceptions of the internet and perpetuating the positives. ‰

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R U B B I S H WALKS

Blitz the Butts Rubbish Walks’ mission against cigarette litter – the four ‘Es’

EDUCATION Education at all age levels and consistently shared over a sustained period is key to successfully changing smokers’ behaviour. Education delivered in targeted ways and in various formats, carefully crafted to resonate with each demographic of smoker.

EASY ACCESS Easy access to disposal is essential to tackling the issue of litter, particularly cigarette butts. More, clearly defined bins specifically designed for cigarette waste are needed at transition points (e.g. entrances to stores, pubs, restaurants, bus stops etc.) and other areas of high footfall. Emptied at the right time. Personal ashtrays can also play an important role.

EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR is the concept of brand owners and manufacturers taking environmental responsibility for their products and associated packaging when it becomes waste. This can be done in a number of ways including take back programmes, funding clean up and disposal schemes, developing/funding recycling and reuse programmes.

ENFORCEMENT It is impossible to truly tackle littering without proper enforcement of the law.

Enforcement should always be considered as the final option. If every effort has been made to provide easy access for disposal and awareness initiatives about what is acceptable both socially and legally are continually present then there is no excuse for littering. There must be seen to be consequences for actions that break the law.

Jason says, “A good example is that for many years it was difficult to recycle black food packaging trays – the sort of thing that meat or fish might be sealed in. Technology has improved so that we [in Suffolk] can now place these in our recycling bins with confidence and it’s this kind of message that our Plastic Action Champions can help to share”.

He’s also keen to work with holiday cottage companies in the county to ensure visitors understand how our local collections work.

“It’s always best to check regional differences in recycling – especially if you’re visiting for a period of time. In some counties the rules will differ over what can be added to the kerbside recycling collection so we need to make it easy for visitors to act responsibly while they’re away from home”.

One of Jason’s many projects during his lockdown walks has been to analyse what he’s collecting in his rubbish bags. Aside from fast food packaging and PPE there are some other key staples including cans, polystyrene, crisp packets, bottles and maybe the biggest misnomer of all litter

ignorance; cigarette butts. “Many smokers just don’t realise that they are littering. So often people think butts are biodegradable and don’t harm the environment. Sadly cigarette butts are an enormous problem worldwide,” says Jason. He continued “In the UK alone there are seven million smokers, each smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Around 65% of these end up flicked on the ground, and we’re drowning in them. Some have biodegradable tips but that just encourages littering and what’s not realised is that also in the tips are non-degradable plastics and toxins”. He’s been counting the butts as they’re collected and so far he and his fellow pickers have broken through the 800,000 mark. “Our planet is in trouble. Human beings are the problem, but we are also the solution. Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter on the planet so we need to take action”.

INFORMATION To find out more or to join an organised litter pick, river clean or beach clean visit: rubbishwalks.co.uk email: jason@rubbishwalks.co.uk

rubbishwalks.co.uk Essential Suffolk

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ESTABLISHED

2005 KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • BATHROOMS • STUDIES

Masters in Bespoke Fitted Furniture “We couldn’t be happier with our new kitchen, Debenvale were first class, from the initial design through to the completion. All of the tradesmen were excellent and their work was to the very highest of standards throughout. We have already recommended Debenvale to our friends and family.”

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SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm, Saturday: 10am – 4pm The Granary, Rendlesham Mews, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2SZ T: 01394 421214

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N E WS

SUFFOLK in brief Good news stories from around the county

LOCKED DOWN AND LONELY Older people’s charity Re-engage is offering friendship calls to older people who live alone in Suffolk to support them through the remaining phases of lockdown and beyond.

Call Companions, funded by Suffolk Community Foundation and East Suffolk Council, matches local older people to dedicated volunteers who enjoy a regular chat over the phone.

Around half of over-75s in Suffolk live alone, many in isolated rural areas.

Re-engage CEO Meryl Davies said, “We know that loneliness can be devastating for one’s sense of wellbeing and the impact of the lockdown has been brutal on older people, especially those living alone. A good chat with your call companion really can make all the difference.”

Suffolk resident, Sheila, who’s 85 and receives the service said, “My call companion has been wonderful. I lost my husband the October before the pandemic hit so I was already feeling very low and just trying to pick myself up again. Someone encouraged me to get a call companion and I’m so pleased I did. When it gets to the weekend, I’m just waiting for her call!” If you would like a call companion or know someone who could benefit from a regular friendly phone call, please visit reengage.org.uk or call 0800 716543 (calls are free).

CHARACTER CREATIONS COMPETITION Local family support charity, Home-Start in Suffolk is inviting Suffolk primary schools to join in its new activities fundraiser, which, alongside Suffolk author Vibeke Flatman, is being championed by patrons author Anthony Horowitz OBE and Suffolk based actress Miranda Raison. Supported by Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Embroidery and Print, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage children and to promote a love of reading.

Participating schools will also be invited to host a dress down day to help raise vital funds to support Suffolk families with the chance to win signed books for their library too!

Schools have until 30th April to sign up and the first 10 schools to sign up will receive specially designed book marks for every pupil in their school courtesy of Ipswich Embroidery and Print. To sign up your school or to find out more visit homestartinsuffolk.org or call 01473 621104

A TICKET FOR GOOD A new Suffolk start-up has raised over £1,500 for St Elizabeth Hospice following the successful launch of an online raffle platform.

In response to the COVID19 pandemic and recognising the challenges faced by many charities. Suffolk businessman and tech entrepreneur, Adrian Melrose, was quick to spot a gap in the market for frictionless, online fundraising tools. Bringing together a team of specialists to build an innovative new platform to support registered charities in England and Wales, Adrian orchestrated the launch of Lucky Ticket with over £9,000 having already been raised for a handful of predominantly Suffolk based charities.

Artist David Gillingwater, donated his artwork ‘Towards Iken’, valued at £495, to St Elizabeth Hospice. In less than two weeks over 350 raffle tickets were snapped up by supporters, raising £1,507. Emma Lloyd, Operations Director of Lucky Ticket said, “We think it’s particularly important in the current climate that the burden of fundraising responsibility is not on any one individual as is often the case with auctions. The beauty of a raffle is that its success comes from a lot of people giving a little.” luckyticket.org.uk

£25 MILLION FUNDING PACKAGE A £25 million funding package for Ipswich, to be spent on a range of improvement projects, focussed primarily within the town centre and in neighbourhood shopping parades, has been confirmed. In recent months Ipswich Central and All About Ipswich have been working hard with Town Deal partners to finalise a bold application to kick-start the revival of the town centre. The government has given its approval and plans include the creation of a digital town centre, regeneration of buildings around St Peter’s Port, opening of the old Post Office building as a bar/restaurant, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the waterfront, the creation of a maritime training academy, improvements to public spaces such as Arras Square and a new green trail.

FUTURE PROOF Glasswells Commercial Storage and Warehousing facility in Bury St Edmunds has doubled its pallet storage capacity. The family-run independent business, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, saw a rapid pick-up in demand over the autumn, with customers stockpiling ahead of the final Brexit negotiations. “Some of our biggest customers store things like packaging for food, grouting compound, grass seed and agricultural netting to protect soft fruits, and clearly these companies were building up stock prior to Brexit,” Paul Glasswell, Managing Director, explained.

He added, “Now that the new racks have been installed, we are fast filling them up with the products that are coming in to us from existing and new customers. We offer a simple and competitive solution for any business needing to store goods on pallets, from short-term storage, to a full pick, pack and distribution service from our purpose built warehouse.”

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

Essential Suffolk

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Walnut Tree Designs Handmade curtains & blinds from our Suffolk studios We work with interior designers & discerning clients either using your own materials or from our fabric books Complete made to measure and installation service For an initial discussion or to arrange a free design consultation in your home call Terri Oxley M: 07826 930011 E: walnuttreedesigns@gmailcom designswalnuttree h x 190mm w 15/03/2021 10:25 Page 1 2021 03 Essential Suffolk HP FOOD.qxp_136mm

Spring back the good times...

Al fresco dining returns to Ufford Park from Monday 12th April and we cannot wait to welcome you back. We have two large outside terraces available, both with fantastic views across our 120 acres of parkland.

We will be serving from our NEW seasonal bar snack menu, as well as seeing the return of our popular afternoon teas.

Our outside terraces are dog-friendly and we have a 2 mile trim trail around the edge of our golf course; perfect before or after a bite to eat.

EAT LOCALLY, DISTANCE SOCIALLY t 01394 383555 e restaurant@uffordpark.co.uk w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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W HAT ’ S O N

What’s On The Essential Suffolk entertainments and events guide

Farmers’ Markets BECCLES

IPSWICH

SUDBURY

April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15, 9am Old Heliport, Beccles, NR34 7XF

April 4, May 2, 10am The Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1DH

April 30, May 28, 9.30am St Peter’s, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA

Celebrating more than 20 years of bringing our community fresh produce direct from local farmers and artisans we know a thing or two about selling quality local produce.

We have around 30 stalls and meet twice a month making us one the biggest under cover rural markets in the UK. We’re firmly committed to ensuring our stallholders are based within a maximum of a 30 mile radius providing honest, local food. Parking facilities are spacious and free. Follow us on social media for our latest updates.

Our County Town now has a regular, top quality food offering where the very best local producers get the chance to showcase their amazing products. Discover locally reared, traditionally butchered pork, fresh fish and seafood, beautiful garden plants, freshly baked cakes and savouries, jams and preserves, a range of chilli sauces and condiments, handcrafted gins and beers, Suffolk honey and fresh fruit and vegetables. Plus we have a variety of scrummy street food.

BURY ST EDMUNDS

SNAPE

April 11, May 9, 10am The Traverse, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1BJ

April 3, May 1, 9.30am Snape Maltings, Snape Bridge, Snape IP17 1SP

Sudbury Farmers’ Market is one of the best town centre farmers’ markets in Suffolk, attracting hundreds of shoppers through the doors every month. It is held in the beautiful venue of St Peter’s on Market Hill, right in the centre of town, and it really is the perfect place to stock up on all your food shopping. A wonderful selection of traders selling a fantastic range of the very best, fresh, local produce and a small selection of the highest quality, hand produced crafts.

Produce on offer includes local venison, Suffolk pork, local beef, lamb, chicken and hoggett, freshly baked cakes from Great Waldingfield, local honey, freshly baked pies, breads and sourdoughs, jams and chutneys and an amazing selection of locally grown fresh vegetables.

This fantastic farmers’ market continues to go from strength to strength showcasing a truly wonderful selection of local food and drink producers. Delighting shoppers with freshly baked local bread, regional honey, homemade pies and savouries, delicious cakes and fudge, Suffolk pork and beef, fresh fruit and vegetables, vegan snacks, fresh and smoked fish and seafood, sauces and chutneys, craft ales, locally distilled gins and vodkas, local eggs plus street food stalls and a handful of beautiful, hand-made craft stalls. Everything that is sold at the market will be produced by the person who is selling.

This exciting array of fresh produce – from vegetables, fruits and juices to locally-reared meats and delicious artisan bakes and makes – is a wonderful start to the weekend.

Stalls do sell out so arrive early to avoid disappointment. A fantastic range of highquality local produce on offer in the open air with the market on the Henry Moore lawn and along the quay.

COVID ADVICE: While we have made every effort to bring you up to date information, guidance and restrictions are ever changing so please check before planning your visit.

WOODBRIDGE April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, 9am Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4AU Our stallholders are local producers who cook, blend, bake, roast, grow and rear their own goods to sell in small batches. High quality ingredients are used and high animal welfare standards are maintained. We sell a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, fresh and cured meats of various kinds, cheese, jam, chutney and honey, pies and pasties, cakes, chocolates and fudge.

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S P RING 2021

W H AT’ S O N

APRIL 4

APRIL 7

APRIL 25

Car Boot Sale Stonham Barns Every Sunday until November from 8am onwards

A Night In With Dave Goulson Ipswich Regent, LIVE STREAMED 6.30pm

Dallinghoo Plant & Cake Dallinghoo, Jubilee Hall, IP13 0JX, 1pm to 4pm

A hugely popular weekly event (weather and restrictions permitting) ideal for selling your unwanted goods or seeking out a bargain.

Dog friendly and disabled accessible.

ENTRY: Buyers free. Sellers £5 cars, £7.50 small vans, £7.50 cars with trailers, £10 large vans or pre-booked covered stalls.

APRIL 6 A Night In With Michael Portillo Ipswich Regent, LIVE STREAMED 6.30pm

There are twenty-six different species of bumblebees to be found in the UK, of around 250 species worldwide. But with a decline in the populations of our wild bees, these beloved creatures need looking after more than ever. Professor Dave Goulson gives a practical guide to creating a paradise for pollinators. This is a live streamed event delivered by Fane Online.

TICKETS: £10.50 / £20.50 including book ipswichtheatres.co.uk APRIL 8

Dame Maggie Smith & Kathleen Turner Join veteran politician and ex-cabinet Ipswich Regent, LIVE STREAMED 6.30pm minister Michael Portillo to celebrate his top fifty journeys from the hundreds he has Kathleen Turner met Maggie Smith in 2000 covered in the beloved BBC series, compiled while they were performing in adjacent in a brand-new book: Greatest British Railway theatres in London’s West End. Their Journeys. In conversation for this exclusive friendship has endured the intervening 20 event, Portillo will observe how every corner years and yet, they have never performed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern together. This unique event, hosted by Gyles Ireland was opened up by the railway line Brandreth, brings Kathleen and Maggie as a result of the Industrial Revolution, thus together on screen for the first time, sharing giving fans a unique understanding of our stories of their unusual childhoods and their shared past of train travel. This is a live remarkable careers. This is a live streamed streamed event delivered by Fane Online. event delivered by Fane Online.

TICKETS: £10.50 (£23 including book) TICKETS: £20.50 Harpers ES Spring 2021.qxp_Layout 1 11/03/2021 10:58 Page 1 ipswichtheatres.co.uk ipswichtheatres.co.uk

Plants & cakes for sale in aid of the Dallinghoo Historic Church Appeal.

ENTRY: Free MAY 15 AND 16 Steam & Vintage Show Stonham Barns, 10am-4pm A gathering of historic traction engines, steam rollers and other historic exhibits.

There will be demonstrations in the show ring and during the weekend the vehicles will be parked up in an area for the public to view more closely giving you chance to examine them and talk to the owners.

Old-time funfair stalls and a vintage market selling retro and antique clothing and nostalgic items of interest.

ENTRY: £10 per person (under 12s free)

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

Spring

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M I N I P R E VIEWS

TREE of ART Kesgrave Arts (online) Until May 1 Artist Theronda Hoffman has unveiled her latest collection of stunning works of art all created within the picturesque grounds of the beautiful Playford Hall.

In November 2020, Theronda was thrilled to be invited by Playford Hall’s owners to be the artist in residence. She began her creative journey, visiting the Hall grounds each Monday of every week.

“It has been an incredible experience to be able to visit such a stunning location and paint in the peace and tranquillity of these grounds,” said Theronda. “To witness the landscape`s seasonal changes over the last few months has been inspiring, and as signs of new life emerge all around us, giving us all hope and more positive feelings after COVID and showing that the power of nature can renew.

“The weather has been challenging at times, and I have been painting in temperatures ranging from 18°C to -3°C as well as in the rain and snow, but it has all added to the adventure. The squirrels would often perform, what appears to me like acrobatic displays, putting on a show, jumping from one tree to another.”

And it was one of these squirrels that sparked the inspiration behind this exhibition. “On January 4th, it was raining, and I saw this one squirrel darting towards this huge tree,” explains Theronda. “As I was hanging my umbrella so I could work under its branches for shelter it dawned on me that this tree was a fantastic outdoor natural gallery to hang an art exhibition.”

The spectacular display of unique art was carefully displayed within the branches of the Caucasian Wing Nut tree to create the exhibition. All too aware that time was of the essence, and with spring just around the corner and new leaves soon budding it was essential that she complete the exhibition during the winter months, to ensure the best vantage and view of her artworks.

Each of the paintings in this unusual exhibition has a unique Tree of Art label branded on the back of each canvas. A percentage of proceeds will be supporting her chosen charity; Art For Cure.

INFORMATION Follow the exhibition online via kesgravearts.co.uk where you’ll find YouTube videos and the online shop.

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NO AVERAGE BED SHOP – a bed buying experience that’s worth the trip

Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN T: 01473 831723/07477 090 745 E: ipswich@thewoolroom.com www.thewoolroom.com Please contact us via phone or e-mail for an appointment; daytime, evening and weekend slots are available.

M I N I P R E VIEWS

FELIXSTOWE BOOK FESTIVAL 2021 Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe

Last year the festival had to be rearranged because of COVID and it became completely digital. Some of the authors who were booked to appear in 2020 have been keen to get involved this year and publishers have been very supportive in arranging for their authors to come in person to this ever-popular festival, or to take part in interviews online.

“We are excited to be live streaming two authors direct from their homes in New York, as well as having a full programme of exciting speakers. It will be a great opportunity for local, national and international audiences to join us in real life and online, as they did in 2020,” explained Festival Director, Meg Reid.

The Festival Patrons Esther Freud and Terry Waite will be speaking at The Orwell Hotel. Other speakers already booked to appear live include JoJo Moyes, Salley Vickers, Liz Trenow, Toby Faber and Iain Dale, as well as a panel of crime writers Harriet Tyce, Kate Rhodes and Louise Millar to be chaired by Felixstowe author Ruth Dugdall.

The events at the Orwell Hotel will follow any COVID restrictions and recommendations that are in place at that time and audiences will be socially distanced.

Joining in online will be at least fourteen authors including Carol Drinkwater, talking about her latest novel An Act of Love, Andrew Lownie who wrote the acclaimed biography The Mountbattens, Their Lives and Loves, Helen McCarthy Double Lives, The History of Working Motherhood, Christopher Tugendhat A History of Britain in Books and Richard Dawkins talking about his latest work, Books do Furnish a Life.

T

he 2021 Felixstowe Book Festival, on the weekend of 25-27 June, will run parallel programmes, with some authors coming to Felixstowe and others live-streamed from their homes.

During the festival weekend, the town of Felixstowe is buzzing with book-lovers who head to The Orwell Hotel to meet their favourite authors and to hear them speak about the inspiration for their work.

Many authors comment on the friendliness of the welcome they receive, find time for a walk on the promenade, a paddle or swim and, as it is often their first visit to the town, usually promise to return with their families.

The audience for the online authors may well be as large as they were in 2020.

Instead of speaking to an audience of up to 200, the authors involved found themselves being watched by people across the world, sending in their questions via Facebook. The final figures were in the thousands with George Alagiah and Carol Drinkwater reaching an audience of over 3,000 and Liz Trenow more than 5,000 viewers.

INFORMATION TICKETS: all events on sale from May 1 BOX OFFICE: 01473 211498 (Eastern Angles Theatre Company) felixstowebookfestival.co.uk

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ICONIC IPSWICH

In 2015 it was rated the third happiest place to live in the country, and in 2020 ranked among the world’s top emerging destinations for tourists. But what makes Suffolk’s county town so special? We ask chairman of The Ipswich Society, John Norman, for his thoughts on the bricks and mortar of Ipswich

John Norman’s hidden architecture of Ipswich

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Pykenham’s Gatehouse The gateway and lodge to the Archdeacon’s House, opposite the Central Library in Northgate Street, it was restored by the Ipswich Building Preservation Trust in 1983 and is used today by the Ipswich Society and other organisations as a meeting room.

St Mary at the Elms One of twelve medieval churches in Ipswich town centre and one of the six still used for worship. The Norman doorway in the south porch is probably the oldest standing structure in the town and in the churchyard is Ipswich’s oldest continually inhabited cottage.

Ancient House Probably the most visited property in Ipswich and possibly the most decorated house in the East of England. Currently in retail use, it is worth heading inside this 16th century marvel to see the wall painting on the stairs and decorated ceiling on the first floor.

Blackfriars Monastery Demolished soon after the suppression in 1538, the ruins of St Mary’s church - one the biggest in Ipswich at 177 feet long – are just off Foundation Street. It was originally constructed from septaria, found in the bed of the river Orwell, and if you look closely at the ruins you will find the holes of marine worms.

Isaac Lord A complex of remarkable listed buildings, situated between Fore Street and the quay. Some of the timbers of the Merchant’s House have been dated as felled before 1440 and the road surface under the archway entrance features two strips of timber blocks to ensure the cartwheels didn’t disturb the merchant’s family upstairs.

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T HE I P SW I C H SO C IET Y

S

ix years ago a survey carried out by the property website Rightmove, was full of praise for Ipswich and included factors like ‘feeling safe in the community’ and ‘friendliness of neighbours’ in its list of appealing attributes. And while it was pointed out that the inclusion of Ipswich in last year’s Trip Advisor Emerging Destinations survey was thanks possibly (in part) to Ed Sheeran and his decision to end his 2019 world tour in the town’s Chantry Park, as the UK's only entry in the top 25 travellers were assured they could ‘immerse themselves in English life with a visit to the town’.

“The truth is, Ipswich has always been a very special town,” says John Norman.

As Chairman of The Ipswich Society it is perhaps surprising that he isn’t originally from Ipswich, or even Suffolk. Born in the Cotswolds, he grew up in the Midlands with an idyllic childhood living in the Brewery Managers House of Marston’s Brewery.

“There was the brewery, cooperage, a sports field and this lovely house and garden that my parents had the good fortune to live in,” he explained.

John trained in the North West to further his chosen career in construction, ultimately teaching the ‘white collar’ building trades, with a move to Ipswich in 1979 to join Suffolk College. By 1987 he was head of the Construction Department and so when the College and University divided in 2001 he was the natural choice for Project Manager. “I had the choice of staying with the College or moving to the University, but the College part of the project was more complex and a more interesting building, so I decided to stay.”

There’s always been a very close association between Suffolk College and The Ipswich Society. As one of the many Civic Societies in the UK, and one of the largest, it was founded in 1960 and is a community of people who care about the appearance, character and well-being of the town, its past and its future. They seek to preserve the best of the town’s old buildings and to ensure that new building is of a high quality. “Getting involved with the society was an obvious step for me,” explained John, “not least because its annual series of winter lectures was a great way to encourage visitors to the College who wouldn’t otherwise necessarily have the opportunity to step through the doors”. ‰

Christchurch Mansion Built in 1548 by the Withypolls, Christchurch Mansion has the unusual distinction of only having been owned by three families. It passed by marriage in 1645 to Leicester Devereux and in 1735 the house and 70 acres were purchased by Claude Fonnereau. In 1894 Felix Cobbold purchased the house and immediately presented it to the people of Ipswich for use as a museum and art glallery.

Wolsey’s Gate This was the watergate to the college Thomas Wolsey founded in 1528 – back in the 16th century the river was much wider and shallower with the majority of visitors arriving by boat. The quay was close to what became College Street.

Unitarian Meeting House Dating from 1700, possibly the finest non-conformist meeting house in the country. The four columns holding up the roof are reputed to be ships’ masts. The east door has a spy hole such that worshipers could keep an eye out for unwelcome visitors.

Custom House Designed by architect John Medland Clark and opened in 1845 to provide offices for the Dock Commissioners as well as Customs and Excise. In addition to the bonded warehouse on the ground floor there was a police station, a lock-up and a gentlemen’s toilet.

Willis Building Today it’s the headquarters of Willis Towers Watson. Built in 1975 and designed by Michal Hopkins it was listed Grade I in 1991. Between the black glass building and the Unitarian Meeting House stands the Willis Column, etched on each of its four sides with anniversaries commemorated in the year 2000.

Coach & Horses Located on Upper Brook Street, this coaching inn from circa 1732 closed in 1975. Today the building is home to a charity shop. Inside the lobby is a sample of the linen-fold panelling and other features including the original stairs.

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Martlesham

T HE I P SW I C H SO C IET Y

Allowing the public access to otherwise private buildings is one of the many ways the Society works for the community. The annual Heritage Open Days, usually held each September, combine guided walks, tours and the chance to take in views from iconic spots like the top of the Willis building.

So does the architecture of the town hold the key to its allure? Ipswich is England’s oldest continuously settled town, with a rich history since as early as the 7th century and has retained much of its central Anglo Saxon street layout. “There are some 600 listed buildings, a dozen medieval churches and the brilliant Waterfront at the head of the most beautiful commercial river in the country,” John enthused. “There’s so much history to share with visitors to our town, including some stunning architectural gems.

But it’s not just old buildings. We take pride in our role to ensure that the future of Ipswich is just as attractive as its past”.

As part of the team responsible for overseeing the development of the Waterfront in the 1990s, John explained that every care was taken to ensure that the entire area would be a vibrant hub for Ipswich and not just a housing estate, “There are some developments, notably Lime House Basin in London, where the development centred on retail for the residents who aren’t there for most of the day. In contrast Ipswich waterfront has variety on offer for students, their parents and other visitors, plus office workers as well as the local residents”.

welcomes others”. The way a town looks and functions is a reflection of the people living there and how the population behaves in relation to their environment is therefore of direct interest to the Society.

“While we easily see the evidence today of a culturally diverse population, this is nothing new for Ipswich,” John explains. “While carrying out a pre-contract dig prior to the construction of flats at Stoke Quay a team from Oxford Archaeology discovered the foundations of St Augustine’s Church”.

Although long lost, the is included and named in Samuel and Nathaniel Buck’s 1741 ‘Prospect of Ipswich’ – part of a significant series of landscape sketches they created of many towns across England and Wales.

He continued, “They discovered evidence that the church was in use between the 9th and 15th centuries and when the graveyard was excavated the bodies of some 1100 souls were unearthed. What was even more incredible was that by using extensive

modern laboratory testing they found the remains of a young woman of sub Saharan African origins, who had also enjoyed a European diet. More evidence that our population has always been diverse and the trademark of a stable and important trading port”.

But the question remains; why, with such a long history, is it only recently the town is in vogue? “I think the answer to that is really simple”, says John, “we just haven’t told anyone about it until now! We’ve a rich cultural hub attracting new visitors and audiences and when they find themselves in striking picturesque settings like the Waterfront or Christchurch Park they can’t help but share fabulous images via social media, perpetuating the attractiveness.”

INFORMATION To find out more about The Ipswich Society or to become a member visit ipswichsociety.org.uk

Of course the pandemic restrictions of the past year have meant finding new ways for The Ipswich Society to keep in touch with its members with tours, lectures and visits all on hold. “Instead we’ve produced additional newsletters for our members and a special publication ‘Ipswich – A town to be proud of’ packed with information about the town in the 21st century.”

Perhaps just as interesting as the long history of the architecture of Ipswich is the story of its ever friendly population. John says, “Ipswich has always been a town that

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S P RING 2021

FAITH & HOPE

When Mike Ginn’s world was completely rocked with a leukaemia diagnosis, he decided to keep a diary. Now his wife, Fiona, has published Diary Of A 20 Something Cancer Fighter, his hard-hitting yet humorous account of the chaos and uncertainty they faced with strength, courage and faith

I

n July 2016 Mike Ginn was in the prime of his life. At 28 years old he had a wife he loved, a good career and was a dedicated sportsman. What’s more, he and Fiona had a three month old baby, their ‘miracle’ daughter, Hope. It hadn’t been an easy road – a battle with depression and then several years of trying IVF – but they were finally living their dream.

“We’d had a round of IVF in May and we were due to have another round of treatment on the day Mike started a new job, teaching at Hillside Primary School in September 2015. But we found we had actually conceived naturally and we were so happy,” explained Fiona, who works in Community Fundraising for St Elizabeth Hospice.

When the couple met six years earlier it had been a whirlwind romance. She was a Design Management graduate, working in local government but making a career change to teaching, while he was just embarking on his teacher training too. “Although we hadn’t been together more than a few months we already knew that we wanted to be married. Then we learned the devastating news that my Dad had a brain tumour and was terminally ill. Mike really wanted to ask his permission to marry me and so in December 2009 we were engaged and we sadly lost Dad the following February”.

The enormity of the loss gave Fiona cause to rethink her career and while Mike was clearly a naturally gifted teacher, she decided it wasn’t the right path for her. She had returned to the private sector in a role as an account manager in communications and client relationship support when she saw an opening at St Elizabeth Hospice. “I stepped through the door and I just loved it,” she enthused. “I was using all my skills but at the same time I was giving something back. In Community Fundraising we work closely with schools which tied in perfectly with my skills and interests, as well as giving talks and organising events”.

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DIARY OF A 20 SOMETHING CANCER FIGHTER

Leap forward again to March 2016 and 32 weeks into a very stressful pregnancy. The Ginns were out at a restaurant, enjoying a family meal, when Mike realised he had a lump on his neck. After eventually managing to see a doctor, the lump was diagnosed as a neuroma “annoying but nothing to worry about” seemed a palatable outcome for the busy soon-to-be dad.

A few weeks later, at the beginning of May, their happy and healthy baby Hope was born. Then in early June, new dad Mike was taking a shower after his regular football training when he noticed a lump in his groin. He called the out of hours phone service and, as the advisor suspected a hernia, it was recommended that he should see a doctor as soon as possible. A week later he was in hospital as there was concern the hernia may have ruptured. But, while being surgically assessed, the doctors realised that it wasn’t a hernia but a very inflamed lymph node.

A CT scan and more tests followed, plus a biopsy on another lump that had appeared on his neck. A week later test results were ready.

Part way through his first diary entry Mike writes, “Today I got a call requesting that I come to the hospital to get my results. As soon as I was asked to do this my heart sank, there surely could only be one explanation. My consultant confirmed my fears as he told me I had a form of leukaemia called acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. I had a bone marrow sample taken and was admitted to hospital.”

On the day of diagnosis Mike decided to write a diary. Enabling him to express his emotions, openly discuss his faith and document his treatment, it also became a first-hand account of how cancer was impacting the daily lives of this new family. Two weeks later, summing up day one of chemo treatment he wrote, “To quote the great philosopher Mr E Blackadder, ‘It started badly, tailed off in the middle and the less said about the end the better,’ I think that pretty much ‰

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DIARY OF A 20 SOMETHING CANCER FIGHTER

sums up my morning”. This dry humour coupled with his unshakable faith would become the foundations of his battleground.

“Sharing the blog online was a way of making things easier,” Fiona recalls, “At first it was really just a way to keep friends informed but very soon he had around 2,000 followers and for many it became part of their daily routine – checking in on what was happening with Mike.”

Readers of Mike’s often hard-hitting blog will have felt his Christian faith shining through. On September 26, 2016 Mike closes the diary entry for the day saying, “I’m not about to go up to people and start bible bashing them, but I have to say what’s important to me and the whole point of this [diary] is to vocalise my thoughts and help me bring each day into perspective for myself”.

A shared sense of faith was one of the many connections between Mike and Fiona. “When we met we realised we’d both grown up in Christian households. I don’t think I really had an understanding of my faith until my early 20s but throughout our marriage we always prayed together and also served at our church” explained Fiona.

“When Mike was diagnosed he was given just a 20% chance of surviving past five years. He wanted to use that diagnosis for good, to shape positive outcomes. He wanted to bring courage, hope and strength – for us and for others – and found it really helpful to be open and honest whilst asking for prayers and telling our friends what he most needed prayed for from day to day”.

But is it possible to watch the person you love suffer through terminal illness and still believe in God? “I’ve never questioned my faith,” says Fiona, “and for me, everything that has happened has only made it even stronger. That said, just because something is God’s plan doesn’t mean it was a smooth ride. We learned to count our blessings. Mike felt very blessed that he probably spent more time with Hope in her first year than most fathers could ever dream of. And because I was on maternity leave, some of the logistics that could have made our chaotic lives even more complicated were easier than they might have been, another absolute blessing”.

very suddenly deteriorated and with the help of our friend and the enormous reassurance and guidance of the hospice’s One Call service we were able to get him home safely”.

Fiona recalls the peace of his passing and has no doubt where he is now. “His journey was important and now mine is too. It’s helped me feel more than ever that I can walk beside others and be of some help”. Before this life changing experience she was already passionate about her work at the Hospice but now the empathy she feels and being able to share (when appropriate) her experience, has deepened this further.

Their daughter, Hope, has recently started primary school and Fiona has always been honest with her. “She knows that Daddy is in heaven. She thinks she has memories of him but of course it’s her piecing together what she’s been told and we have lovely photographs of her with her Daddy that help her form that framework in her mind.

“In the first lockdown Hope was still at home as she hadn’t started school and the time together was such a blessing. We spent time exploring the countryside and it was lovely to enjoy so much time with her. Now that she’s at school I feel, like so many other parents, that she’s missing out on the every day activities – the clubs, the play dates – in many ways the isolation feels similar to the times when Mike was in Addenbrooks, when the risk of infection was too great for us to visit him”.

Living back in the village where she grew up and close to her mum, they support each other. “Your inner strength and resilience builds through circumstance. I take each day as it comes and every day is a blessing. We must all hold on to precious moments. I try to make each day count in small ways and enjoy my life with Hope. I knew she was named Hope for a reason and her name reflects so much for the future and for now”.

In August 2017, when Hope was just 15 months old and a little over a year after he’d been diagnosed, Mike sadly passed away. While being cared for at St Elizabeth Hospice one of his dying wishes was to have his blog published as a book. “Now feels like the right time,” says Fiona, “the original blog was 1,500 pages so obviously I’ve had to do some serious editing. It’s been on my mind for some time, but this feels like a good time to fulfil his wishes. The community has been shining through in lockdown, it’s a time to walk alongside people and some of the struggles and feelings of isolation are echoed in Mike’s words and experiences. At this time for our society, I hope it helps to see that in times of trial we can find a way through.”

And by sharing Mike’s story, Fiona hope’s it’s also a way of thanking St Elizabeth Hospice. “The NHS is superb but it’s a clinical environment. There’s a lack of space and a lack of privacy which we all need. Working together they really do ease the situation.”

In November 2016, awaiting news of whether he’d need a bone marrow transplant at Addenbrookes Hospital and the weeks of uncertainty and separation from his family it would involve Mike wrote, “It feels like I’m approaching the edge of a precipice. I spent time chatting through this with my nurse consultant from the Hospice. These visits are becoming increasingly helpful as I have the opportunity to talk to someone with knowledge of what is going on, an understanding of what’s involved and yet isn’t directly involved in my treatment at the hospital. It gives me another forum and an opportunity to ask questions that prey on my mind and yet with which I don’t want to trouble my consultant.”

Months later the support of the Hospice really came into its own when Fiona needed urgent help. “By a small miracle we’d managed to take a short break away to Wales for just a few days. It was something that we really wanted and needed. But Mike’s condition

INFORMATION Diary Of A 20 Something Cancer Fighter is available from Amazon.

St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people in east Suffolk living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. The hospice’s work is centred on an individual's needs whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

To find out more information about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

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S P RING 2021

We’ve all felt the impact of social isolation over the past year, but what’s it like to live with something that, if ignored, can make all social situations feel isolating? Hearing loss affects one in six people across the UK and it’s a growing situation

SOUND ADVICE T

he ability to hear is such an intricate part of our existence and fundamental for our overall well-being, yet most people with good hearing don’t even think twice about what it means to be able to hear well. Whether it’s chatting with loved ones, listening to the sounds of nature, enjoying music or hearing warning signals – if we can hear well, we can take it for granted.

Photograph: Otikon UK

With the end of lockdown in sight we’re all look forward to getting back to socialising with friends, visiting family, eating out at restaurants, enjoying live entertainment – but these are all situations where someone with hearing loss could find it difficult. But hearing loss doesn’t have to be a defining part of life, and the experts at The Hearing Care Centre have more than 20 years of experience in helping to overcome these problems.

“We want people to be ready and enjoy life to the fullest once we are able to again” says Clinical Lead Audiologist, Simon Myhill RHAD FdSc FSHAA. He continues, “Lockdown has been hard on us all but if you have hearing loss it’s easy to become even more isolated.”

Some stumbling blocks are obvious, like the physical impediment a mask causes those who rely on lip-reading, however struggling to hear conversations using technology like Zoom calls is also a significant factor. Simon added, “it is hard enough with good hearing, imagine what it’s like if you’re struggling with hearing loss,” and he’s right – the thought isn’t at all appealing.

At The Hearing Care Centre they’re determined not to allow hearing loss to prolong people’s lockdown isolation and their belief that no one should have to live with untreated hearing loss is fundamental to their approach. It’s a fact that one in six of us has hearing loss but the World Health Organisation has recently reported that this ratio will increase to one in four by 2050.

Photograph: Otikon UK

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B U SI N E SS P R OF I L E | HE A R I N G C A R E C E N TR E

The work of The Hearing Care Centre is so important that it’s classed as an essential service and so they have remained open throughout the pandemic. With many people continuing to need the help and support their clinics can provide, they’ve implemented a very strict infection control policy which includes thoroughly cleaning down after every appointment, all of the clinicians wearing professional personal protective equipment and staggered appointment times to ensure there is minimal cross over of patients at their centres.

It’s not uncommon to be wary of seeking help for fear of the need for unsightly or uncomfortable hearing aids but this is truly a myth. Twenty first century hearing aids are tiny, near invisible marvels that can do some incredible things like connecting wirelessly to all your devices (your mobile phone, tablet etc) which means streaming music or sending phone calls straight into your ears. They can be adjusted using an app on your phone and many hearing aids have directional microphones that can pin point

the sound you want to hear and reduce the background noise that you don’t. If you’re not hearing as well as you used to, you’re going to be amazed by the positive impact the right solution will have on your quality of life.

INFORMATION Freephone Customer Care Line: 0800 096 2637. Local: 01473 230330.

Visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk to find your local branch.

Reconnecting with the soundscape around you starts with a hearing assessment. It helps to determine the state of your hearing health and if any hearing solutions are needed.

This visit with an audiologist costs just £30 and takes around an hour. You don’t have to visit the main centre in Ipswich, there are 27 Hearing Care Centre clinics spread across Suffolk and Norfolk, so finding one near you shouldn’t be too difficult.

As well as helping people improve their hearing, another service offered by the company is earwax removal. Using state of the art equipment the procedure is carried out by fully qualified Ear Care Practitioners, using irrigation and microsuction methods.

Essential Suffolk

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F I N ANCE

James Tucker Business Advisory Partner

RUNNING A COMMUNITY PUB Many people dream of getting a group together to run their village pub.

Scrutton Bland’s Business Advisory Partner James Tucker did just that – and three years later it’s still going strong

O

ne of the less publicised announcements of the recent Budget (indeed the Chancellor did not even mention it in his speech) was the launch of a new Community Ownership Fund which will allow community groups to bid for match funding of up to £250,000 to help them buy local assets to run as communityowned businesses.

I was particularly interested in this proposal, having been closely involved in the purchase of my own village pub by the community back in 2017, and will look forward to seeing the detail when published in June.

In September 2016 the landlords of the King’s Head in Pebmarsh had to shut the pub due to ill health. It was a sad chapter in the history of a pub that had been closed more than it had been open in recent years, but really was the heart of this small community.

Not long afterwards, one member of our community with knowledge of commercial property organised a village meeting at which he proposed the idea of raising enough money from the local community to buy the pub. Many of us at the time (me included) felt that this was a bit of a far-

fetched idea, even for a tight-knit community such as Pebmarsh. Foolishly – having contributed a couple of ideas on the finance and tax front – I found myself co-opted onto the steering group of around 15 villagers trying to put something together.

for those just wanting to socialise. Being owned by the community within a very financially secure Community Benefit Society means there are no eye-watering rents, and I am sure this situation will continue to be the case long after I have hung up my calculator.

Approximately 6 months later in a very fast turnaround, we had secured investment of over £300,000 from the community, including generous contributions from those who still had a connection to the village despite now living in the USA, Australia and other far flung destinations. In addition, we had obtained a vital grant of £40,000 from the Plunkett Foundation who support similar community projects across the country and further funding from Essex County Council.

We made the decision at a very early stage to follow an investment model whereby the community owns the building and lets the pub to tenants. Whilst this model denied us various tax reliefs available to those actually running a pub (and may preclude a claim to the new fund – we shall have to see in June) this was the best decision we made, and allows us to ensure the building and grounds are maintained and improved, whilst leaving the business of running a pub, employing staff, turning out first rate food and maintaining good beer to the experts.

Another 6 months later, having stripped the 15th century drovers inn back (after wrestling with the Listed Building regulations) the building and gardens were in better condition than they had been for generations and in October 2017 it opened its doors once again.

Aside from the obvious restrictions that have been placed on the pub over the last year, it has traded very successfully, providing excellent food and dining, as well as space

For more information on start-ups, business regulations or financial advice please contact James Tucker on 0330 058 6559 or email hello@scruttonbland.co.uk 34

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So, as I sit here, eagerly anticipating the first draught pint of Ghost Ship in a very long time, I hope the new fund will help more communities to do what we have done and secure a community hub for generations to come. I would encourage those who are thinking about it to register with the Plunkett Foundation https://plunkett.co.uk who have all kinds of resources to help you get started.

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Tel. 01394 386666

Tel. 01284 760222

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Pub Walks with Darcy update; as lockdown eases, how can we best help our favourite dog friendly pubs to get back on their feet?

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t the time of going to press (midMarch) most children have returned to school, but as a nation we stay firmly ‘locked down’, reminded daily that coronavirus remains a serious threat and that it’s illegal to leave home for anything other than essential activities. While taking exercise is essential, it has to happen in your immediate local area.

But now there’s light at the end of what has seemed like a very long tunnel. By April 12 there is every hope that hospitality businesses will resume service outdoors, plus the planned introduction of wider social contact rules. A further five weeks ahead, on May 17, there’s every hope that those same venues will also open their doors and once again we can pop to the pub!

For Pub Walks with Darcy fans this means a green light to get back out on our countless routes and visiting our favourite wateringholes, but how soon can we expect business

as usual? Deben Inns Managing Director, Steve Lomas and his team are working really hard to make sure that their pubs will be ready. “We can’t wait to see everyone again, including your four legged friends! It’s been an incredibly difficult time for our industry but we’re doing everything we can behind the scenes to be sure that we’re ready to deliver our trademark quality and service as soon as we can reopen the doors”.

staff numbers for the ever changing Great British weather isn’t straight forward! If you can plan your visit and be patient if we’re stretched we’ll be very grateful,” he added.

Of his seven award winning pubs, three will be ready to reopen on April 12 for outdoor dining and takeaways, just as soon as they’re given the go ahead. “We’ll be phasing our reopening with The Maybush, The Fox and The Butt & Oyster planned for April 12. Seeing happy customers enjoying our iconic riverside locations again is going to be just brilliant.

“Whether you’re visiting one of my pubs or any other pub, restaurant or café please remember that we’re not making the rules but we do need to follow and enforce them.

We want to make sure that everyone feels safe and can relax and enjoy their precious leisure time.”

“However, we’re really hoping that our lovely, loyal patrons will be patient while we make the transition back to full opening. Planning

This need for a reality check is being echoed across the sector. COVID guidelines are in place to keep us all safe and it’s important to Steve that visitors understand the need to follow the rules.

INFORMATION For more than 60 circular walks from dog-friendly Suffolk pubs visit essentialsuffolk.com/pub-walk

S P RING 2021

Flavour First Here’s a vegcentric, super speedy recipe that can be pulled together in the time it takes to boil pasta

Suffolk based Joey O’Hare and Katy Taylor are a dynamic culinary couple who specialise in seasonal, vegcentric cooking.

Joey took part in Masterchef the Professionals and has since led the development team of Europe’s fastest growing vegan startup. Katy is the well-travelled flavour queen with all the ideas behind the recipes. Together they encapsulate the chef's voice of authority and the home cook's insight and approach; their recipes are speedy, accessible and always put flavour first.

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R E C IP E S

Faster-than-your-fusilli broccoli & blue cheese pasta Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Serves two

The style of sauce here is one of our absolute favourites… is it a light sauce, or hot dressing though? We debate this at length each time. Either way this style of sauce is light, quick and jammed-packed with flavour – what could be more perfect for a seasonal working from home lunch?

Purple sprouting broccoli – or ‘PSB’ – comes into season in the UK in late February and stays with us until the end of April; we put it on a pedestal much like asparagus which also is very “short-seasoned” and a true delicacy. In our eyes PSB is every bit as special. It has a faintly bitter, iron-rich flavour which we love and find to be very versatile… blanched, roasted, thrown into bowls of pasta, or mixed with grains and doused with tahini, you name it!

We’ve used hazelnuts here as they were what we had to hand, but any nut will work perfectly. Walnuts would be extra delicious and a very classic addition to this rather British ‘broccoli & Stilton’ flavour profile.

Equally, any blue cheese will work well; we use Binham Blue as it is local to us here in Suffolk.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Pasta sufficient for 2 10-12 spears purple sprouting broccoli 1 clove garlic, minced ½-1 red chilli, depending on heat preference 4 stalks rosemary 30g (⅓ cup) hazelnuts, toasted 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp red wine vinegar Pinch of salt & pepper 60g blue cheese

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over a high heat. Keeping the lid on will speed things up.

2. Meanwhile, trim the base of the stalks of the purple sprouting broccoli if they seem tough or woody. Chop into 2.5 cm lengths. Do not discard any part of the broccoli – all the leaves and stalks are equally delicious!

3. Mince or finely grate the garlic clove; finely dice the red chilli; strip the rosemary leaves from their stalks and finely chop; and roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts – we like leaving these chunky and so aim to halve each hazelnut, but there’s no need to be too precious.

And that’s all the ‘prep’ done!

4. Throw your pasta into the boiling water; cook as per the packet’s instructions.

5. Meanwhile, gently heat 4 tbsp of olive oil in a small frying pan or saucepan. Once warm, but by no means hot, add the garlic, chilli, rosemary, and hazelnuts. Keep the heat low/medium and fry these very gently for 2-4 mins. This short cooking time will take the raw edge off of these ingredients and allow their flavours to infuse into the oil, but keep them tasting fresh and pungent.

6. Add 4 tbsp of red wine vinegar and continue cooking for 1 minute. This provides the all important acidic high note to this hot dressing.

7. 3 minutes before your pasta is cooked, throw in the chopped purple sprouting broccoli; if you’ve reduced the heat you may want to turn it back up to keep things simmering.

INFORMATION www.joeyandkatycook.co.uk

8. After 3 minutes drain your pasta and purple sprouting broccoli and return these to the saucepan. Pour over your dressing and be sure to use a rubber spatula to scrape in every last drop of that flavoursome oil. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper and crumble in the blue cheese. Give everything a good stir before serving in warmed bowls and tucking in right away.

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From the smalle cottage to the grande country house

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

The Workshop · Forge Cottages Thorpe Road · Aldringham · Suffolk IP16 4QX

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S T U DI E S

R E C IP E S

Starter, picnic favourite or ‘substantial meal’ – the humble Scotch egg is given a spicy chorizo upgrade

Substantial Meal

Chorizo Scotch eggs Makes six

There was much fuss last year over whether the Scotch egg constituted a substantial meal when visiting a pub. A perpetual favourite on many menus, this is one of the delicious recipes that Deben Inns have shared with their social media followers during lockdown. Their recipes are simple and easy to follow versions of some of the most popular dishes from their menus. The collection includes soups, snacks, mains and desserts so, if you’re missing your pub favourites, why not try recreating them at home?

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

500g sausage meat 250g chorizo meat Panko (enough for coating) Half a white onion Flour (enough for coating) 1 tbsp paprika Salt and pepper 7 eggs

1. Soften the onions in a pan, then add the paprika.

2. Dice the chorizo meat in to small cubes and add it to the sausage meat. Add the softened onions to the meat and season with salt and pepper.

3. Weigh out your meat mixture into 125-130g balls.

4. Boil a pan of water then add 6 of your eggs. They will need to be cooked for 5 min 20 seconds for soft boiled. When cooked place the eggs straight into iced water and let them cool down.

5. Once cool, peel the eggs. Place each egg in the centre of a ball of the meat mixture and roll the meat around the egg.

6. Crack the remaining raw egg into a ball and beat with a fork. Roll each covered egg in flour and then into the beaten egg. Finally roll each egg in the panko crumbs.

7. In a pan shallow fry the balls in oil until gold all round then finish in the oven at 180°C for 8 minutes.

INFORMATION debeninns.co.uk

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S P RING 2021

It’s probably not surprising to learn that the past 12 months have been among the most challenging since Lindsey Rendall and Helen Wright formed their dynamic interior design partnership in 2006. However, true to form, they’ve emerged from a year of worldwide uncertainty with a positive story of new awards and business growth

Inspiring designs with T

he end of 2019 was truly celebratory for Rendall & Wright as they welcomed clients and associates to their new design studio, just outside Hadleigh. But just a few short weeks later the country was in lockdown and just like every other business the juggling began. “We had to overcome the difficulties of homeschooling, broken supply chains and long lead times on product availability,” explained Lindsey, “at times it’s been quite testing but we've managed to keep everything rolling and have used periods of building site closures to get ahead, producing drawings and detailed specifications.”

Despite the restrictions they’ve been able to hold design meetings via Zoom which has enabled clients to make progress without the need for face to face contact, but Lindsey added “we are looking forward to being able to invite our client's back into our beautiful studio once lockdown is lifted and especially to get our team back together in the office”.

Lindsey Rendall’s extraordinary talent for interior design, teamed with Helen Wright’s sensitive and seamless project management skills have ensured they are continually in high demand. In 2018 designer Rachel Morley joined the team, complementing Lindsey’s expertise and bringing a wealth of commercial design experience and just two years on they’ve strengthened the team further.

“In February this year we’ve welcomed Neil Robertson,” says Helen, “and it’s going to be great having Neil on hand in our office.” No stranger to the current set up, Neil has been working closely with Rendall & Wright on some of the largescale, full-house renovations they’ve taken on since 2017.

Commenting on his recruitment Lindsey said, “It was clear from the outset that our professionalism, working style, expectations of quality and our attitude towards our clients complimented each other.

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I’m thrilled that Neil has joined us and brings with him a new skill set and technical knowledge to enhance our growing business.”

Starting out as a draughtsman designing office interiors and then transitioning to designing kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, Neil joined Cubitt Theobald when he was ready to expand his career.

“I was designing and overseeing all aspects of their in-house handmade kitchens as well as fitted cabinetry, joinery and bathrooms,” explained Neil. “I’m proud to say that my product knowledge and attention to detail resulted in beautiful end products.

I believe my understanding of the technical and practical particulars, the bits that many people just wouldn’t notice, meant we always met our clients exacting requirements.”

Most recently Neil has worked alongside Rendall & Wright on their award winning renovation of Latimer House in Felixstowe. “Lindsey

B U SI N E SS P R OF I L E | R E N DA L L & WR IGHT

award winning results and I worked together to produce designs for all the joinery including a large bespoke kitchen and several bathrooms, plus the lighting and electrical designs for the whole house,” said Neil.

This latest award, the five star award for the renovation and design of Latimer House at the 2020 United Kingdom Property Awards, saw the team competing against the best property professionals across the European region. The awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts and judging focuses on design, quality, service, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability.

Latimer House was historically used as a girls’ boarding house and its original floor plan didn’t lend itself to modern family living. Lindsey worked alongside Wincer Kievenaar Architects and Cubitt Theobald Ltd building contractors to reconfigure of the building which involved redesigning the ground floor, extending the first floor to create a new bedroom suite and converting the loft to create two bedrooms with dressing rooms and ensuite bathrooms.

A new heating system, full electrical installation, a new roof and beautifully landscaped gardens where the owners can enjoy the uninterrupted views of the sea all completed the project.

Perched on the cliff just beyond Cobbolds Point, the property holds an enviable position. During the investigation stage of the building works, hidden fireplaces and beautiful stained glass windows were discovered. Lindsey took inspiration from these while choosing the bold colours, warm textures and quirky patterns that she would use to create a homely scheme befitting such an imposing seafront property; “It’s always exciting to find beautiful hidden features and bring them to the forefront of my design. Each building tells a story

of its history; celebrating this adds authenticity and heritage to the finished property,” enthused Lindsey.

Rendall & Wright have always been about offering a comprehensive, bespoke interior design and soft furnishing service for their clients. “Developing a property can be an extremely stressful experience” says Lindsey, “we carefully guide our clients to ensure the process is an enjoyable one and that the finished project exceeds expectations”.

Neil added, “I’m looking forward to bringing over 20 years’ experience designing kitchens and bathrooms, producing CAD drawings and 3D renders to the impressive services offered by Rendall & Wright. My skills will ensure it's easier for clients to visualise the end product.”

And despite COVID it looks as though 2021 holds plenty in store for Rendall & Wright. The year ahead sees Lindsey taking up the position of President of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) after being voted as the President Elect last June. “It’s slightly daunting but supported by the talented Council of Directors and with Lester Bennett as Vice President I’m looking forward to stepping into the role and challenging myself.”

“And we’re also excited to be working once again with Cubitt Theobald Ltd as we embark on the renovation of a beautiful large Hall near Halstead,” added Helen.

INFORMATION For more information and images of past projects please visit www.rendallandwright.com 01473 829388

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S P RING 2021

SUMMER IN OUR SIGHTS Suffolk residents are urged to garden with wildlife in mind

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s the spring and summer ahead begin to take shape, so do Suffolk gardens as they become havens for all creatures great and small. The RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, is sharing its top five gardening tips for attracting a whole host of wildlife to your doorstep as we pick up our tools and head outside.

Less work means more for nature

According to the wildlife charity, by June our gardens are set to be brimming with wildlife as birds forage for invertebrates to feed their chicks, while bees, butterflies and other pollinators make the most of flowering plants and sunshine.

Don’t forget that at this time of year nesting birds like house sparrows are likely to be making use of hedges and shrubs in your gardens too, and so it’s important to put down your hedge trimmers. It’s also illegal to disturb birds during nesting season (April to September) so the RSPB advise against trimming hedges or shrubs during this time. ‰

Whether you own a large garden or a balcony, the RSPB has plenty of inspiring ideas for inviting nature to your greenspace.

Plant wildflowers for bees, butterflies and more According to the RSPB, wildflower meadows, or ‘unimproved grasslands’ have been in sharp decline since the 1930s, with the UK having lost 99% of this precious habitat. Planting wildflowers such as cornflowers, birds-foot trefoil and field poppies in your garden or window boxes can therefore benefit a range of wildlife including birds, bees and butterflies as well as bats this summer.

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Leave your lawn long for longer to spot wildflowers such as ox-eye daisies, white clover and selfheal. The nectar produced by flowers like these is estimated to support around 400 bees a day so your lawn could fast become a hive of activity.

GARDENING

Essential Suffolk

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GARDENING

Keep an eye out for fledglings Garden favourites like blue tits certainly benefit from nest boxes and other cosy spots in hedges and shrubs. Keep your eyes on your nest boxes or nearby sheltered areas as fledglings start to emerge for the first time – they’ll no doubt look a little less coordinated to start with but they soon master the art of flying!

Leave out mud for house martins As the house martins return to our shores from Africa they’ll be looking to build or repair their nests. In dry summers, leaving out a dish of mud (simply soil and water) can really give these special birds a helping hand, as they make their intricate mud-built nests. Remaining faithful to the same nest site each year, it is also important to ensure that their nest is accessible for the birds to return to.

Keeping it cool for amphibians Meanwhile, this year’s amphibians will be leaving garden ponds for the first time, seeking cool, damp shelter. Creating a suitable spot for amphibians to take shelter in is simple – half bury a pile of logs and fill any gaps with fallen leaves and moss to give frogs and other amphibians the perfect spot to hide in.

As well as these five top tips, the RSPB has a whole host of other activities for green fingered gardeners and families alike to get involved with.

As Shirley Sampson, Head Gardener at nearby RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden, describes: “Looking after our greenspaces and having nature on our doorsteps can bring us valuable places to unwind and find solace. Summer sees a hive of activity in the natural world, and your garden, balcony or window box can act as a precious mini-nature reserve for the wildlife that needs it most.”

INFORMATION Head to the RSPB’s website to find out more and to build your own personalised gardening for wildlife plan today: rspb.org.uk

Essential Suffolk

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AUC TIO NS & ANTIQU E S

Hayden Foster Partner

WELCOME BACK! As I write this at the very beginning of Spring 2021 and as the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel begins to burn more brightly, it is interesting to reflect on January and February as well as to look forward to a much fuller summer calendar.

Whilst the name is the same, this has not been a lockdown like the one early in 2020 where everything was closed for a prolonged period. Property transactions have been permitted and even encouraged to continue, and much greater emphasis has been placed on continuation of some business. This has meant that those clearing houses and those downsizing or upsizing their lives continued to move and generate the goods that we sell on a weekly basis. If we had ceased auctions as before, by the time we reopened our doors every room would have been so full we could not have got through them! Equally accepting no deliveries would have caused significant problems for those we work so closely with throughout the year.

We made the conscious decision to hold fire on hosting most special sales until viewing was possible, but we decided that we would continue with online general sales on a fortnightly basis. I reflect with pride on both the flexibility of the Auction Centre team and on the resilience and adaptability of our buyers who adjusted to the changes with ease and decided to work with a “new normal” at a challenging time. It is astounding to me that our most recent online general sale had some 600 registered bidders (this is close to

double the number of online bidders we might have expected on a normal Monday pre COVID) all of whom coped admirably with the click and collect arrangements and collection by couriers allowed under the current rules. Who knows which if any of the changes we have seen in recent months will remain – but I think it likely that some will. If nothing else, we are reaching an even wider audience which can only be good for our vendors.

With the ever-improving statistics of the vaccine rollout (a number of our staff have now had at least their first dose) we are more than excited to look forward to the arrangements for reopening on what we hope will be an uninterrupted basis from mid-April. We are busily looking at our Auction calendar for the rest of the year and planning dates for Antiques & Fine Art, Art Deco, 20th Century Design and Retro and Agricultural Machinery and we hope to kick things off (Boris and the virus willing) on 17th April with some 900 lots of Domestic and Rural Bygones and Collectors Vehicles. This sale was pretty much ready pre lockdown and we cannot wait to welcome you all to join us at the Auction centre – there is nothing like the atmosphere and banter that comes with a live auction.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson Auction Centre, Campsea Ashe Nr Wickham Market, IP13 0PS. T: 01728 746323 www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk/auction-centre

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 O P E RTY

Essential

PROPERTY 51 53 55 60

Grier & Partners Jackson-Stops Clarke & Simpson Hopkins Homes

50 KELSALE-CUM-CARLTON

52 EAST BERGHOLT

54 SAXMUNDHAM

Essential Suffolk

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S P RING 2021

CARLTON ROOKERY FACTS LOCATION: Kelsale–cum-Carlton, Saxmundham GUIDE PRICE: £1,350,000 Freehold AGENT: Clarke & Simpson

Impressive & Substantial Home Carlton Rookery is a fabulous Grade II Listed period property which is believed to date from the 16th Century but with large and highly impressive Georgian extensions. This wonderful family home comes to the market for the first time in 75 years. Of particular note is the drawing room and principal bedroom above with its curved elevations, which have southerly views over the gardens and grounds beyond.

The house itself is substantial extending to nearly 6,000 sq ft.

There are five main bedrooms, three of which have sizeable dressing rooms, which some may choose to use as further bedrooms. In addition are two attic rooms/ bedrooms currently with three single beds in each. Therefore, whilst many may use the house as a superb five bedroom dwelling, there is the option of having it as a ten bedroom house.

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In addition are four shower/ bathrooms. On the ground floor there is not only the magnificent drawing room but also an impressive garden room, dining room, study, reception hall, kitchen with Aga, scullery, utility room and studio. There are also two cellars.

The property stands in grounds of 4.75 acres which include formal walled gardens, lawn, mature trees and a tennis court. Beyond is a meadow. Within the grounds is Carlton Rookery Cottage which has its own access and is attached to garages serving the house. This two bedroom cottage has for many years been let under Assured Shorthold Tenancies by the vendor.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200

APPLETREE COTTAGE, EAST BERGHOLT £875,000

DEDHAM MILL, DEDHAM £335,000

This family orientated, flexible country cottage brings together the character and charm of a traditional village home with practical open plan living space. Well thought out gardens and a desirable, convenient yet quiet position within the centre of the village of East Bergholt. Four Bedrooms including master bedroom suite, sitting room, family snug and L shaped kitchen diner.

Positioned on the ground floor of this stunning converted former mill, within the charming village of Dedham, views from the waterfront balcony and windows over the Mill Pond and further out across the Dedham Vale. Two Bedrooms, open plan living space and usage of private parkland fronting the river Stour. Two Parking spaces and the great benefit of ground floor access.

HADLEIGH ROAD, RAYDON £545,000

MILL RISE, HOLBROOK £345,000

Available with No-Onward Chain this period property offers a wealth of attractive features alongside a layout ideally suited to family life, rooms flow easily into the next while giving options for separate work/study space. En-Suites to the main and one other bedroom and a ground floor shower room, extensive workshop/garage with parking to the front.

This four bedroom recently extended family home within the popular village of Holbrook, provides a exceptionally flexible layout with a ground floor bedroom, separate home office, open plan kitchen/dining room and a bright, light garden room to the rear. We highly recommend a viewing of this property.

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

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

S P RING 2021

APPLETREE COTTAGE FACTS LOCATION: East Bergholt GUIDE PRICE: £875,000 AGENT: Grier & Partners

Pretty Family Cottage This family orientated, flexible country cottage brings together the character and charm of a traditional village home with practical open plan living space. It has well thought out gardens and enjoys a desirable, convenient yet quiet position within the centre of the village of East Bergholt.

The open plan, family friendly ‘L’ shaped kitchen dining room has a vaulted ceiling which amplifies the feeling of space, plus a glazed wall to the side, with bi-fold doors opening onto the terrace and garden. The kitchen space has granite work surfaces to the side with inset butler sink, a gas oven and hob combination, dishwasher and fridge freezer. In addition there are separate utility and boot rooms for a truly functional home.

As well as the open plan space there’s a welcoming sitting room with feature fireplace and a family snug. A shower room completes the ground floor accommodation. Upstairs the four good sized bedrooms include a master bedroom suite comprising en suite shower room and dressing room. There is also a family bathroom.

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The garden has been designed to make the very best of the available space, with a terrace extending around the front, side and rear of the property providing extensive outdoor seating options. There’s also an area of artificial grass in the rear garden ideal for exercise. A feature orchard wall has apple trees trained to wood panelling.

To the rear of the property there is a gated, gravelled parking area for a number of vehicles and extensive storage sheds. The pretty cottage garden at the front is laid to lawn with curving block pave pathway from the gate in the picket fence to the front door, maturing flower beds and box hedging complete the space.

INFORMATION Grier & Partners 01206 299222

CARLTON

CAPEL ST MARY

● Listed Grade II ● 3 reception rooms ● Study ● Kitchen & scullery

● 3 receptions ● Study ● Conservatory ● Kitchen/breakfast ● 5 bedrooms

● 7 bedrooms ● 4 bathrooms ● Separate 2 bed cottage ● Tennis court

● 2 bathrooms ● Outbuildings ● Garage range ● Stable block

● Formal walled garden ● Meadow ● About 4.75 acres

● Mature gardens ● Stunning west facing terrace ● About 2.6 acres

GUIDE £1,350,000

GUIDE £1,250,000

BROKE HALL PARK

SHOTLEY MARINA

● Banks of the River Orwell ● Open plan sitting/dining room

● Final phase currently under construction ● Available to reserve

● Kitchen/breakfast ● Study ● Office ● 4 bedrooms ● 4 en suites

● Breathtaking water views ● Meticulously designed

● Double garage ● Workshop ● Jointly owned 16 acre meadow

● Extensive balconies ● Courtyard gardens ● Direct marina access

GUIDE £1,200,000

PRICES FROM £625,000

IPSWICH 01473 218218

Tim Dansie

Jonathan Penn

James Squirrell

Sarah Walsh

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

S P RING 2021

WINGFIELD HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: Saxmundham GUIDE PRICE: £650,000 AGENT: Jackson-Stops

Historic Town House This award winning and meticulously restored Grade II listed town house is thought to be one of the oldest residences in Saxmundham.

The sympathetic and complete rebuild was carried out to an exacting standard and has preserved and displayed all of the original character and features of the building, making it the winner in the Conservation category for the East Suffolk Quality of Places Awards, 2020.

Situated in the very heart of Saxmundham, Wingfield House is an important and historic house. Thought to date from the 15th century, the property had sadly fallen into a state of dereliction until acquired four years ago by the present vendors.

The rebuild has used as many of the original materials as possible while preserving period features including oak beams, original oak plank floors overlaid over levelled and insulated floors, together with bespoke oak internal and external doors with handmade locks and door furniture. Pewter light fittings have been used discreetly and modern media points have been installed together with Victorian style column radiators.

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The property benefits from a mains gas fired central heating, features a high quality fitted kitchen with contemporary cabinets, plus an impressive wine cellar with a glass hatch recessed into the flooring with the capacity to store over 200 bottles.

The accommodation offers two main reception rooms and open plan kitchen/dining room with tall south facing French doors opening into a suntrap courtyard garden.

A first-floor office benefits from its own separate staircase from the reception hall, creating a separate client access and as it is also accessible from the first floor landing can therefore be used as a fifth bedroom. The four other, well proportioned, bedrooms are served by a beautifully appointed family bathroom and two en suite shower rooms.

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops 01473 218218

Aldeburgh, Heritage Coast £600,000

An impressive & substantial house, along with separate cottage, located in grounds of nearly 5 acres, within walking distance of Saxmundham & just 7 miles from the Heritage Coast. Main house comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room, drawing room, garden room, study, kitchen, scullery, utility room, laundry & cellars. 5 first floor double bedrooms, three with en-suite dressing rooms or single bedrooms, 4 shower/bathrooms & a cloakroom. 2 large attic rooms. EPC = D. Ref: 6513

A 4-bedroom detached house with spacious accommodation, in the popular & desirable coastal town of Aldeburgh. Entrance porch, entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room & conservatory. Principal bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms & bathroom. Landscaped gardens to front & rear. Garage & off-road parking. EPC = D Ref: 6496

Marlesford, Nr Framlingham £450,000

Spexhall, Nr Halesworth £395,000

A very pretty, predominantly detached village cottage set within Marlesford. Cloakroom, utility room, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, study & garden room. Bedroom 1 with en-suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms & bathroom. Pretty south-west facing garden, carport & stores. EPC = G Ref: 6583

A residential development site of 1 acre with planning permission for the demolition of agricultural buildings & the construction of three substantial contemporary detached houses of 300m², 275m² & 250m², set in a stunning rural location, just 2.5 miles from Halesworth. Ref: 5750

Hacheston, Nr Framlingham £395,000

Framlingham £390,000

A single-storey 1930s dwelling located in the centre of the village of Hacheston. Entrance hall, sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, lean-to conservatory, cloakroom, inner hall/bedroom 4, 3 further bedrooms & family bathroom. Enclosed garden to rear. Off-road parking for several vehicles.

EPC = E Ref: 6501

A well-presented detached bungalow situated on the popular Castle Brooks development, a short distance from the centre of Framlingham. Entrance hall, sitting room & kitchen/breakfast room.

Master bedroom with en-suite shower room. 2 further bedrooms & family bathroom. Single garage & driveway. Gardens to front & rear. EPC = C Ref: 6568

IN MO N VE O W

Kelsale-cum-Carlton, Nr Saxmundham £1,350,000

Halesworth £300,000

Debenham £250,000

Plot 151, The Walpole, is a 3-bedroom mid link-attached house with freestanding appliances, upgraded flooring, turfed rear garden, garage, carport & parking, located at Blyth Vale, an outstanding collection of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom stylish new homes, by the award-winning Hopkins Homes. EPC = TBC Ref: 6446/151

A charming semi-detached period cottage situated on the outskirts of the village, with views over the countryside to the front. Entrance hall, sitting room, snug, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, cloakroom, 2 bedrooms & third walk-through bedroom/office. Range of outbuildings. Enclosed garden to rear.

Off-road parking. EPC = F Ref: 6579

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

S P RING 2021

My Suffolk Well known for her role as Jo Portman in the TV series Spooks, actress Miranda Raison is patron for the county’s largest family support charity, Home-Start in Suffolk

How long have you lived in Suffolk?

I grew up in a village in North Norfolk but when my parents separated my father moved to the Suffolk coast so my brother and I spent alternate weekends and half of our holidays here. We were only five and three when they separated so Suffolk has always been a big part of our lives. My father grew up in Theberton, near Leiston, so for him coming back to Suffolk was really coming home.

What do you love about Suffolk?

I find both Norfolk and Suffolk incredibly beautiful but to me Suffolk was always the ‘cosier’ of the two. We sailed a lot as children and as my father ran a shop in Aldeburgh from Monday to Saturday we were pretty much left to our own devices and there was always lots to do. It was sort of a ’see you at supper time’ sort of deal which wasn’t untypical for children growing up in the 80s and early 90s, but everyone knew everyone in the village so there was always someone who would tell Dad if the Raison children were up to no good. I still love the coast, the woods, the people and the old Suffolk architecture a great deal.

Tell us about how you became involved with Home-Start in Suffolk.

A family friend who is an ambassador for the charity asked me to be involved at the beginning of last year. It was a great privilege to be asked to be a patron and the HomeStart in Suffolk gang have been a pleasure to work with.

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M Y S UFFO LK

How can the local community help HomeStart in Suffolk in the months ahead?

There has been a big campaign recently to recruit more volunteers to ensure that the charity can continue to cope with the level of need across the county. This has generated a great deal of interest but there is always a need for more volunteers. Full training is provided so if anyone is interested in joining the amazing team of 270 volunteers then they can get in touch with Home-Start in Suffolk to find out more. Of course if anyone wishes to support the charity in other ways, whether making a donation, booking to attend one of their events or taking part in their online auctions and raffles, then I know the team would be grateful of any support.

The website has all the details of how you can get involved! homestartinsuffolk.org

Have you managed to get out in the Suffolk countryside in recent months?

Where do you most enjoy exploring?

We have been very fortunate in having so many places on our doorstep to explore and visit. We are both on the coast and very near woods and forest so we haven’t had to look far to find things to entertain our daughter and to keep us all well exercised. It’s amazing how much entertainment finding some woodlouse under a bit of bark can provide!

Have you had any lockdown projects?

We speak both French and English at home and have raised our daughter in a bilingual household which has given us a lot of pleasure. Having discovered the joy that fluency in another language at home brings I have been working hard to become a fluent rather than ’school girl’ Spanish speaker… I’m getting there! Work has also been consistently busy throughout the pandemic for which I am very grateful. Both the filming and voiceover sectors of my industry have adapted incredibly quickly.

It’s been an extraordinary year for many organisations, how has COVID affected the charity?

Like many charities, Home-Start in Suffolk has had a challenging year as a result of the pandemic but they have done an amazing job rising to the challenge. Face to face home visiting support had to be paused overnight and a new support model using telephone and video calls was introduced to ensure families still had access to the support they needed from the incredible volunteers.

The pandemic has also seen a rise in the number of referrals coming through with even more families needing the support of Home-Start.

Sadly, fundraising activity has been impacted heavily too. The popular Moonlight Ball had to be cancelled as well as a lot of smaller events which meant the team had to create online events to help raise funds. There was an online art auction and online cocktail party which are both set to return in the summer this year and they are currently working with a number of Suffolk Primary Schools on the Character Creations Competition.

This is a Primary School literacy project aimed at promoting a love of reading and encouraging children to engage with books and be creative. I was delighted to be involved in it alongside fellow Home-Start in Suffolk Patron, author Anthony Horowitz.

Are you looking forward to eating out again? If so where will you be heading?

Our favourite restaurant in Suffolk is the Butley Orford Oysterage but we have completely ruined it for ourselves by going vegan in the last year! Hopefully we’ll discover some vegan places soon.

If you could choose one picture to sum up Suffolk for you, what would it be?

I have a wonderful painting of a marriage proposal on Aldeburgh Beach painted by my late aunt Jen Raison. She painted the Suffolk Coast a lot, usually with her wonderfully badly behaved dog, Rusty, featured somewhere in the picture and her paintings fill me with joy and childhood memories.

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From the smalle cottage to the grande country house

Hythe Cons. Directory Nov & Dec 2020 (55x58mm).qx

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