The Felixstowe Magazine - December 2014

Felixstowe The

Magazine

“The little mag with a lot of heart” 277 585 see page 14

Wainwrights

Financial Peace UK

ESTATE AGENTS

275276 See back page

STOP WASTING MONEY

279636 see page 11 5

START SAVING NOW! see page 13

ON CORNER CAFETHE

THE

OPAL KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

“Homely food in our cozy corner of Felixstowe”

2 meals for £10 see page 9

December 2014 - FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS DIRECTORY AND COMMUNITY NEWS FOR FELIXSTOWE & VILLAGES

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Note from the Editor

Contents Page 5 Level Two Birthday Page 6 Coastside Fitness Page 7 BASIC Life Charity Page 9 Xmas Cooking Tips Page 10 Colneis Flower Club Page 11 Local Law Page 12 Barnless Dance Page 13 Reduce your Bills Page 14 Mystery Shopper Page 15 Local Lad: Dean Page 16 War Recollections Page 17 K W Autos Page 18 What’s On Page 19 Index of Advertisers

Welcome to December’s edition of The Felixstowe Magazine Hooray! December is finally here!!!

I’ve got to say that Christmas has to be one of my favourite holidays! With all that shopping to do, food to buy and presents to hide, I don’t think I’ve ever really grown up when it comes to Christmas and still get as equally ecstatic about presents and games as my two nephews.

My best wishes to you all to make your Christmas a joy and do try and use all our fantastic local businesses to supply you with what you need.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year!!!

The Editor - Mandeep Birdy

As part of the spirit of Halloween, we held a pumpkin carving competition online. Many of you sent us pictures of your brilliant sculptures, but the winner had to be Miss Holly Brookes!

Not only is she a great photographer, but check out the amazing wolf’s head that this sassy lady has created!

We picked out some more of our favourites, all of which you can see on on our facebook page. Well done to all who participated!

The winning pumpkin!

Cover by Steve and Bee Wiles.

Publisher: Birdy Publications Ltd, t/a The Felixstowe Magazine - 07929 979 073 - info@thefelixstowemagazine.com - www.thefelixstowemagazine.com Proofread by Katherine Kane. Delivered by Tony, Michelle, Elaine, Brian, Craig, Cameron, Ray and Jacqui The views expressed by individuals in any letter or article included at the discretion of the publishers are not necessarily the views of the Editor. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this magazine and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers of this publication will not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracies. Inclusion of advertisers in this magazine is not necessarily a recommendation but we do hope they give a good quality service. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publishers and contributors. We take complaints you make about our advertisers seriously. We have the following policy on this: first complaint about an advertiser is logged here in our offices, if we receive another complaint we write to the advertiser concerned and notify them we have had two complaints and if we receive another complaint we will no longer accept their adverts. If and when a third complaint arrives we will verify that all complaints received were genuine and inform the advertiser that we will no longer be promoting their business and inform them why.

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THE WHARF

Perfect gifts for loved ones...

Wishing all our customers a Very Merry Christmas!

48-50 Hamilton Rd Felixstowe IP11 7AJ 01394 671200

6 Thoroughfare Ipswich IP1 1BZ 01473 221151

www.thewharfgiftshop.co.uk 2-­‐for-­‐1

Please bring this voucher

Tuesday – Friday Evenings Tuesday – Evenings Wednesday – FSriday aturday Lunch Wednesday Sothers aturday Lunch Excludes celebratory days, ie Valentines Day, –M Day etc Please b ring trhis voucher with you Booking equired, T&C’s apply Excludes celebratory days ie, Valentines Day, Mothers Day etc Opening Times: Lunchtimes: Wed – Fri 12 noon – 3pm T&C’s apply Evenings: Tues – Fri 6pm – 11pm Weekends: Sat 12 noon – 11pm Sun 12 noon – 1030pm

The Bucklesham Shannon Main Road, Bucklesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0DR Tel: 01473 659512 www.thebuckleshamshannon.co.uk

VISIT OUR ALADIN’S CAVE FOR QUALITY LEATHER GOODS, LUGGAGE AND GIFTS

J. & C. Webb

24 ORWELL ROAD FELIXSTOWE IP11 7DB Tel: (01394) 283021

Ruby’s

KITCHEN

Felixstowe’s

PremierCafe

Open 7 days a week 9am-4pm Best breakfast in town served all day!

Roast dinners served daily.

07506 573301 - Top of Bent Hill, Felixstowe, IP11 7DG

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Flying Lady Wedding & Party Shop Striking Balloon Displays

John & Geraldine

79 Faulkeners Way, Trimley St Mary Felixstowe, IP11 0FE 01394 670077 flyingladywed@gmail.com www.flyingladyweddingandpartyshop Find us on facebook - Flying Lady Wedding & Party Shop

The Stables Coffee Shop & Sandwich Bar

Free cup of tea with any purchase

Delicious fresh food from locally sourced products Monday-Saturday 7:30am - 4:00pm

07513 832734

Brightwell Barns, Waldringfield Road, Ipswich, IP10 0BJ

ARTHUR’s BUILDING ALL BUILDING WORK & INSURANCE WORK UNDERTAKEN PLASTERING & ARTEXING A SPECIALITY HOUSE REPAIRS & GENERAL MAINTENANCE UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES FOR A FREE VISIT QUOTE & ADVICE PLEASE PHONE ARTHUR ON

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Community

5

Level Two Youth Project is Now Celebrating its Fourteenth Year Level Two Youth Project is now celebrating its fourteenth year. We are very proud of this achievement. Our youth hub is based in Felixstowe town centre (above Tesco). Level Two is committed to making a significant improvement in the life chances of young people aged ten to twenty-five in Felixstowe and the surrounding villages by: • Securing better outcomes for targeted vulnerable young people and, • Promoting the welfare of all young people through supportive relationships and positive experiences.

We provide a range of services for young people. The project provides after-school and evening youth club sessions, one-to-one mentoring and holiday activities for groups of young people. Our programme is responsive to locally-identified needs and feedback from young people.

The daytime provision supports young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). We are increasing our youth provision with sessions and support for young people with additional needs.

a look at our website www.leveltwo.org or pop in for a tour of our youth hub. In fact, this summer local artist, Mandeep Birdy came along to work with our youth to adorn all five flights of staircase walls with a fantastic new mural. Here is just one of the pictures. To see more photos have a look at the Facebook page, Art by Mandeep Birdy, or come and visit us to see for yourself.

Below is a photo of the young people with Mark Stennett, who completed his China Wall Bike Challenge and raised a magnificent amount of money for Level Two. We are extremely grateful to the local businesses and members of the community who supported Mark in his fundraising efforts for Level Two.

Since January this year, we have had 654 different young people access our youth facilities and provision, with a total number of contacts exceeding 5700.

We are currently visiting all the local junior schools to discuss with the Year 6s the ways that Level Two can provide support in their transition to High School. Sessions will be held at the youth hub on Thursdays after school (starting on 15th January 4 - 5.30p.m).

As a charity we rely heavily on support from within the local community, for which we are very grateful. If you would like to join our ‘Friends of Level Two’ scheme or for further information about our project, take

One of our new murals

Local Electrician

ELECTRICAL

New installations Modifications Inspection & Testing

Mobile: 07984 973848 Telephone: 01394 274325

This year we are one of the Mayor’s chosen charities (together with Felixstowe Citizens Advice Bureau). We have organised a Mayor’s Charity Christmas Concert at Trinity Methodist Church on Friday 5th December at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are priced at £5 adults, £3 child. Music will be provided by Felixstowe Academy Musicians, Something Different Brass Quartet, and Jane & Julie from Tyler Kemp Music. Tickets are available from Wendy at Level Two on 01394-272521.

Food Bank - Community Support Books Into Breakfasts & more...

Your Charity Helping Your Community See our news on page 7

e-mail: pah.electrical@btinternet.com

The

BASIC Life Charity

To advertise, please call

07929 979 073

Felixstowe - 01394 272618 Walton - 01394 279400 www.basic.org.uk

or email info@thefelixstowemagazine.com

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Special Feature

Local Business

Welcome to Coastside Fitness

Welcome to Coastside Fitness, the newest Fitness Club in town!

Many people in Felixstowe will know there has been a gym at the crossroads of Hamilton Road and Cobbold Road (above Boots) for some time but what most people may not know is that it has recently come under new ownership.

Greig ensures that each of the staff at the club provide a friendly and knowledgeable approach to all who visit, with Dan, the other full-timer currently serving his apprenticeship and becoming a qualified gym instructor, and Jake, Emma, Gemma and Laura making up the team as part-time staff and class instructors.

The Newest Fitness Club in Town

It not only has a new name - Coastside Fitness - new local ownership and new friendly staff - but has also had significant investment to provide a fresh environment in the middle of Felixstowe town centre where people can come Many people in Felixstowe will know there has been a gym at the in and enjoy exercising with a full range of quality equipment. crossroads of Hamilton Road and Cobbold Road (above Boots) for In addition to the best names in weight machines, treadmills and cross-but what most people may not know is that it has recently some time, trainers they have spinning bikes, kettlebells and much come more to under offer new ownership.

- whether you are thinking of returning to fitness or are a regular fitness club only user! does it have a new name, Coastside Fitness, Not Fitness member who shows their membership card a 10% new local ownership and new friendly staff, but it has also discount, it has become a fitness club for everyone. had significant investment to provide a fresh environment The team includes Greig as the new club manager, who With a new studio room providing group exercise classes for the first in the middle of Felixstowe town centre, where people comes from a career working in the leisure industry as time at the location - including pilates, spinning, "Golden Fitness" canand come in ladies and enjoy exercising with a services full range a fitness instructor and manager for a number of years various only classes - plus additional suchof as sport quality massage equipment. toa the best in weight and then in a bank as a local business manager - before therapy,Initaddition has become fitness clubnames for everyone. machines, treadmills and cross-trainers, they have spinning returning to the fitness world, which is his real passion! bikes, kettlebells and much, much more to offer – whether Greig ensures that each of the staff at the club provide a The are staff team includes as the new club manager, comes from a So if you'reand wanting to find a great location, with great andwith you thinking of Greig returning to fitness or arewho a regular friendly knowledgeable approach to allequipment who visit, career working in the leisure industry as a fitness instructor and manager for friendly staff where getting fit is fun then please pop in and see us - above fitness club user!

Dan and Kirsty, the other full-time staff, and Jake, Emma, a number of years - and then in a bank as a local business manager - before Boots on Cobbold Road!

With a new studio room providing group exercise classes Gemma and Michael making up the team as part-time staff returning to the fitness world which is his real passion!

Supplied by Coastside Fitness for the first time at the location – including pilates, spinning, and class instructors. So if you want to find a great location, “Golden Fitness” and various ladies only classes – plus with great equipment and friendly staff where getting fit additional services, such as sport massage therapy, and is fun then please pop in and see us at our studio above a recently agreed deal with Costa to give every Coastside Boots on Cobbold Road!

Tel: 01394 277007

info@coastsidefitness.co.uk www.coastsidefitness.co.uk

● Fully equipped gym ● Studio classes ● Personal training For details about our membership and classes please call us on 01394 277007 to BOOK your FREE TRIAL PASS

New membership available

Opening hours

Monday - Thursday from 7.30am to 9pm Friday from 7.30am to 8pm Saturday from 9am to 5pm Sunday from 10am to 2pm

Classes include

Legs, Bums & Tums

Studio Cycling/Spinning

Golden Fitness Circuits

Pilates

£3 for members / £5 for non members

Located above Boots 47 Cobbold Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7EN Please mention

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Local Charity & Their News

7

BASIC Life Charity

From the initial idea in 1997, through our acceptance as a registered Charitable Trust in 2000, Felixstowe based BASIC, an independant Charitable Trust, has been able to assist many groups, organisations and individuals with financial, practical and general support. We are a ‘people’ charity and believe our mission is to support those in need and to provide assistance for those who are otherwise prevented from realising their own charitable goals.

As we enter December focus switches, of course, to Christmas. We have all witnessed the ever-growing amount of seasonal items that have appeared in our shops.

Sometimes it seems that they appear earlier and earlier each year! For BASIC, November was a mixed month – we were very saddened by the burglary at our Walton shop, but greatly encouraged as we offered our first ‘everything half price’ sale, almost immediately after.

The sale day was a massive success and proved yet again what a wonderful community we have. We were also touched by the donations we received from people visiting our shops to donate money to make up for that stolen.

We will be having more of these sales in the future and we hope people had lots of fun and found loads of really cheap bargains!

In addition to our sales both of our shops, we are running a raffle with the proceeds being used to purchase a lightweight wheelchair for the use of visitors and residents.

The wheelchair will be based at our Felixstowe shop.

November also saw a further increase in referrals for supplies from our food banks. We feel it is positive that

more people are seeking referrals as we continue to work hard to break previous stigmas related to food provision.

We are actively promoting an attitude of acceptance and inclusiveness within our community.

We were delighted to receive donations of food from many local churches and organisations over the last month.

These included a fantastic hamper as collected by the children and parents at Felixstowe Opportunities Group under the direction of Sharon Iannuzzi (see picture).

As a Christian charity, Christmas is, of course, a very important time for us and we hope the original message of peace and goodwill will dominate the festive period.

For many, this will be a time when we get together with family, friends and distant relations. But for others, it will be a more difficult time.

May this be a time when any darkness in your life turns to light, where those who are vulnerable, alone or afraid find comfort in knowing they are not alone and when we all, as a community, celebrate the fact that we live together in such a wonderful part of the world.

Merry Christmas!

Specialists in central heating and boiler installations • Central Heating Installations • Boiler Repairs & Replacements • Landlord Gas Safety Checks • Unvented Registered

• Boiler Servicing • Bathroom Installations • Guttering, Soil Stacks and Down Pipes

Peter: 07971 583495 Jamie: 07722 510757 jamie1975mcc@gmail.com

bpec No. 154994

Donation of food by Felixstowe Opportunities Group

217618

Champagne Strings Specialises in a repertoire of sparkling music.

Available in any combination to suit your pocket.

Includes a singer at no extra cost!

Make your event truly memorable. www.champagnestrings.co.uk 01394 670633

To advertise, please call

07929 979 073

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning

“ Izabela is reliable, incredibly professional, funny and gives a top quality service!”

Call Izabela 07548 892530

moretime4you@yahoo.com

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DANDY DOGS

Trinity Tyres

Jane & Sarah wish all their customers a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!

MOTs Repairs Servicing Brakes Tyres Batteries Exhausts 01394 276167

GROOMERS IN FELIXSTOWE SINCE 1982

Dandy Dogs Look Good, Smell Sweet & Feel Swell Tel: 01394 270030 7a Cobbold Road, Felixstowe Mon-Fri: 8am - 3.30pm (Weds times vary)

Unit 4-7 Langer Park Industrial Estate, Holland Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2DB

Plumbrite Plumbing & Heating Engineers Contact Les Careless 01394 279017 07801747574 les.c@plumbrite.uk.com

We would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas, and a warm and prosperous New Year BENT HILL POST OFFICE

Thank you for supporting us through the year...

Have a Happy Xmas and New Year!

Cycle

Come and visit us for; Fast/friendly/efficient service. Full on demand bureau Car tax/passport check and send. All postal services

Now open on Saturdays 9am-5.30pm please mention The Felixstowe

Alford Bros

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Felixstowe’s Cultural Food Corner

9

Useful Tips for a Great Christmas Dinner Avoid getting a stomach bug at Christmas, and enjoy a truly wonderful feast... here are some dos and don’ts for you: Tips for Cooking Shop-Bought Turkey and Chicken

After removing pre-packed poultry from its wrapper, DO NOT wash it; the bird is already prepared for the oven.

Give frozen meat plenty of time to defrost: for a small sized turkey at least 24 hours, a medium sized turkey at least 36 hours and a large sized turkey at least 40 hours.

If you buy a pre-packed bird, follow the cooking times and instructions on the wrapper. However, if you stuff the bird then add 20 minutes for a meat-free filling, and 35 minutes if the stuffing contains meat, i.e. sausage meat.

Tips When Cooking Meat Fresh from a Butcher

Poultry (no stuffing) 25 minutes to every pound in weight (I kilo = 2lbs 2oz). So a 6 kilo bird = 13lbs less 2oz. Poultry with stuffing needs to be cooked 40 minutes to each pound in weight and in all add a further 20 minutes for the whole bird. Also place your meat in a pre-heated oven.

Pork joints, bone in or stuffed, should be cooked for 35 minutes to the pound in weight, plus 20 minutes for the joint. If the bone has been taken out then it’s just 25 minutes to the pound, plus 20 minutes for the joint.

Medium-rare beef should be cooked for 20 minutes to the pound, with no extra time. For well-done beef, it should be

THE

CAFE CORNER ON THE

“Join us for some homely food in our cozy corner of Felixstowe” Bring in this cut-out for a free cuppa with any purchase

Mon-Thurs: 9am-4pm Fri and Sat: 8am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

01394 671010

16 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7AU

Williams Family Butchers Source all meats locally We use Free Range Blyburgh pork Mobs Free Range turkeys Lamb and beef Check out our website for Christmas Offers:

www.williamsfamilybutchers.co.uk

cooked for 35 minute to every pound.

It is easy to check if your bird is cooked by tipping it up rear end down. If the juices run clear then it is done. If the bird has been stuffed then pull one of its legs away from the breast and any liquid should be clear.

Buying Game

Make sure that the pheasant/partridge has been hung for at least 10 days. Use the same cooking times as for turkey.

Finally, a lot of fruit comes from abroad at Yuletide so make sure you wash it before eating.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER HANDLING RAW MEAT. Have a very Happy Christmas and enjoy your meals.

Retired chef, Brian A. Blackmore.

Gemma’s Crafty Cakes 111b High Road East, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9PS t. 07967 216225 t. 01394 672296 e. gemmarattle82@hotmail.co.uk f. Gemmas Crafty Cakes

Gemma Rattle

FAVORITE

CHICKEN & RIBS Special Offer

2 pieces of Favorite Chicken with Regular Fries & Can of Drink

£2.99

NOW ALSO SELLING ALCOHOL WITH FOOD!

FREE DELIVERY (min £10 order) - 01394 283383 Open 11am - 11.30pm. 164 Hamilton Road, IP11 7DU

297 Walton High Street, IP11 9DZ, (01394) 279093

to advertise, please call

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This voucher is for collection only. Offer expires December 31st 2014

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Local Group

Colneis Flower Club

If you like flowers, enjoy meeting people and having some fun, Colneis Flower Club is the place for you. We are now thirty years old and thriving but, as our members will tell you, you do not need an ’ology’ or City & Guilds certificate in Flower Arranging to belong. Members cover the whole spectrum of ages and come from near and far.

Each month, apart from August and December, we have a demonstrator entertain us with their innovative, colourful flower arrangements. They talk to us about their time as a demonstrator, their homes and families, but always with a humorous twist. They also give tips on how to look after plant material and which containers to use for maximum effect.

At the end of the evening we have a raffle for the arrangements on the stage and tea, coffee and biscuits are available while you chat to friends. If you are feeling

inspired by the demonstrator, there are always flower arranging items on sale to tempt you to ‘have a go’. We meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road, IP11 9NB. Our members usually leave our meetings with a smile on their faces, remembering one of the stories told during the evening. I hope you will soon be one of them.

The welcome, like the hall, will be warm and the seats comfortable. For further information, please telephone 01394 282 468 and ask for Margaret.

Advertise with us

With a total of six years’ experience in local publications, we know the needs of readers and businesses.

We are proud to promote well-established and respected business in our town.

Promote your business with us.

Call us now on 07929 979 073...

B.M Electric Bikes NEW PRICES: Freedom Folding £849 Romer Step Through £995 Explorer £995 Explorer Off-Road £1195

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All bikes come with new state of the art long range life p04 battery.

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As sole UK importer of BM Electric Bikes we are in a position to offer top quality electric bikes at affordable prices. We offer test rides on all our ranges. All bikes come with full warranty and full after-sale servicing with spare parts in stock.

35 Cobbold Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7EN 01394 670144 - 07952 653 916 - www.power-bikes.co.uk

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• Carpets, Vinyls, LVT, Wood & Laminate • Superb selection of Rugs & Mats • First Floor Bed Showroom • Official Stockist of Silentnight and • Rest Assured Beds • Large Stock of Bed Frames & Mattresses • Same day delivery service often available • Old Bed Removal

01394 279803

info@greyfriarsflooring.com www.greyfriarsflooring.com 13-15 HAMILTON ROAD

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Local Law

11 More news from Jackamans’ budding solicitor...

A Day in the Life of a Trainee Solicitor

As Christmas will soon be upon us I thought I’d make this month’s update all about gifts, but not necessarily the kind found under the tree.

Inheritance Tax is payable at a rate of 40% on the amount by which an estate exceeds what is called the ‘nil-rate band’, currently £325,000. For those who are likely to leave more than this, and for whom tax is a worry, it may be prudent to start thinking about how to reduce your estate now. This is where gifts can come in handy.

benefitting some great causes, as these are exempt from Inheritance Tax entirely. Leaving 10% or more of your taxable estate to such charities will also reduce the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the rest to 36%.

A word of caution, however; when making lifetime gifts the Care Act 2014, and other rules concerning the deprivation of capital, need to be borne in mind. Also, be sure to leave yourself with enough funds to maintain your lifestyle! It is of course a question of balance but, if used wisely, a gift can be very tax efficient and rewarding for both the person making the gift and the person who receives it.

Everyone can make a gift of up to £3,000 each tax year without this being taken into account for Inheritance Tax purposes. Any higher value gifts will be ‘Potentially Exempt Transfers’ and, if the maker of the gift then lives for 7 years, these are also exempt. There is also a small gifts allowance, whereby £250 can be given to as many different people as you like, and wedding or civil ceremony gift exemptions to be made the most of.

This article provides only a general summary and is not intended to be comprehensive. Special legal advice should be taken in any individual situation.

For further information, do contact our Felixstowe office at 167/171 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DR or call 01394 279636. Fiona Sturgeon

Gifts to qualifying charities made during your lifetime or in your Will can also be a useful tool, with the bonus of

Our expert team of lawyers is here to help • Accident Claims • Clinical Negligence • Commercial • Debt Recovery • Dispute Resolution • Employment

• Family • Landlord and Tenant • Powers of Attorney • Property • Wills, Trusts & Probate

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Felixstowe 01394 279636 Harleston 01379 854455 www.jackamans.co.uk

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Local Community

Peewit’s Barnless Dance

Christmas is a time for giving, but all year round Felixstowe is well-known for carrying that spirit forward, and so we wanted to tell you of the fabulous efforts of a small but powerful community within our little town: A few months ago, the wonderful staff at Peewit Caravan Park hosted a Barnless Dance, which marked the end of their Fun Day. They raised a grand total of £800.57 towards their chosen charities for this year. The four local charities were: Mission to Seafarers Community First Responders Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Service Felixstowe Town Pastors So far this year, Peewit customers have raised over £4000

through raffles, quiz nights, table top sales and donations!!!

Goes to show what magic a close-knit community can create.

Well done to the Peewit family!! We love you!

Touring & Caravan Holiday Homes 01394 284511 PeewitPark@aol.com www.peewitcaravanpark.co.uk

Thai Hut Eastcliff Carpets

Eat in or takeaway, functions and catering

BRING YOUR OWN WINE Fresh ingredients cooked to order

Opening Times: Wed - Sat 6 -10pm

Sun 6 - 9pm

65 Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe

For flooring... consult the experts Gareth Cook

01394 283518

01394 549126

109 High Road West Felixstowe

thaihuttakeaway@gmail.com

www.eastcliffcarpets.co.uk

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Local Business

13 With winter truly setting in, here’s Andrew Chenery from Financial Peace UK showing us how to reduce household bills with his friendly services.

Why Pay Over the Odds for your Utilities...

...and waste your hard-earned money, when you could very easily switch and save money with the help of this local company? Appointments are FREE (except for maybe a cup of tea) and last about an hour.

If you are someone like I used to be, who finds it difficult to navigate your way through the complex process of changing utility supplier or worried about making a decision on which company to go with to save money, then worry no more.

allow budget control, so children cannot run up expensive bills and also calls from landlines are free to mobiles.

By bundling utilities together (that’s gas, electric, landline, broadband and mobiles) onto one fully itemised bill, meaning one direct debit each month, you are guaranteed to save money, typically 25% each month. This makes for easier budgeting and simpler for yourselves. The energy prices are guaranteed to be cheaper than The Big Six, the mobile tariffs

At Financial Peace UK we are committed to providing a reliable, trustworthy service - backed by Which?

Magazines awarded recommendation on all the services that we offer.

Felixstowe-based Financial Peace UK was founded in April 2013 and was set up purely to help households and businesses do exactly that and save money.

We come and visit you and complete a personal or business assessment, then we provide you with a price comparison. Then it’s entirely up to you if you wish to proceed with those savings. If you do, we will then take care of all the changes for you, keeping you notified as each change-over is due to take place.

Call today to arrange a free appointment on 01394 549364 or 07930 464461. www.FPUK.co.

Reduce your bills... NOW!!!

Do you want to save money and stop wasting it away on unecessarily excessive bills?

Now is the time to make a change for your home or your business. Here’s how...

Felixstowe based, Financial Peace UK can come and show you how you can start to save money on the utilities you already use.

Despite contracts with other utility providers, YOU CAN STILL SAVE MONEY and we will show you HOW. Your consultation to find out how much you can save is free and if you like the look of those savings, we can also make the changes needed free of charge! to advertise, please call

07929 979 073

CALL NOW TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE ON YOUR BILLS

01394 549 364 07930 464461 financialpeaceuk@gmail.com

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14

Mystery Shopper

The Little Ice Cream Company It’s winter, Christmas is almost here; time to forge some new traditions that will make you a little warmer in the colder months and create memories that will trail in your child’s memories like elf dust.

Here’s my new tradition… ice cream in winter! And I know just the place – The Little Ice Cream Company. This is a lovely place for grown-ups to sip their espressos whilst watching their children tuck into the most incredible threescoop sundaes with all the fixings. Who am I kidding? I can’t tackle a big sundae, but an ice cream float ‘floats my boat’. Made with Australian Bundaberg Root Beer and ‘Vanilla Bean’ Vanilla – this makes the most exceptional, grown-up treat! Or you can always pour your espresso over a scoop of your favourite flavour; it’s called affogato, that’s Italian for ‘drowned in coffee’. At The Little Ice Cream Company, there is almost too much choice of flavours, which change seasonally, but I am willing to suffer my indecision to experience ice cream of this high quality; creamy, chewy and not at all sickly. Consider the advantages of eating ice cream in December; you can eat your ice cream cone walking along the prom without fear of it melting. Another possibility – eat ice cream for charity. An

ice cream cone eaten on the prom in a gale force wind has got to be a more pleasurable experience than summer’s ‘ice bucket challenge’.

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L A C O L T R O P SUP BUSINESS Quality Italian & Spanish Tiles

Free Quotations Free Measuring Service Tile Fitting Service Underfloor Heating Adhesive, Grout & Trims

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Local Lad

Ooh…It’s Just What I Wanted!

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I’m quite select when it comes to electing chums, all my friends are intellectuals (edit: actually two or three aren’t), every one of my buddies is elegant (edit: errm, okay there’s quite a few who really are not, actually) and every single one has exquisite taste (edit: on second thoughts, it’s probably best not to even mention that third point).

So what happens during the Yuletide period?

Let me explain. You see, whenever my dear partner and I dine out with the aforementioned companions, we painstakingly sweat over the choice of venue to ensure the cuisine is as near as possible to being Michelin Star rated; I mean, who doesn’t adore Nandos? When we partake in the arts with close acquaintances, it can be nothing less than Keats, Harold Pinter, Chaucer and Pam Ayres; anything low-brow just won’t suffice.

So, what comes over them when choosing festive gifts?

With my Norwegian genes, I have to confess that I may be a tad hirsute, but a set of Christmas Carol-playing, ‘noneed-to-aim’ nose clippers went down like a fart in church, I can tell you.

I love pugs, I really do. They’re brimming with E.T-style

cuteness and possess simply wonderful personalities, but the pair of pug slippers I received one year are, I’m afraid, still hanging up in the cupboard beneath the stairs. What’s wrong with them? Well, it’s where you stick your feet that rendered them positively tasteless.

And as for the Bogeyman egg separator jug! Simply break an egg into his head, tip the jug and only the egg white is deposited…from his nostrils. I’ve not been able to look at an Italian meringue since without retching.

So, to return the Christmas gift offerings to items of taste and style, I’ve decided to give generously this year; every one of my friends will receive a delightful snow globe containing a photo of yours truly. (See above photo).

Gorgeous, huh?

Yours Truly, Dean Wales.

Bombay Nite 285 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe, IP11 9DZ

Proud Winner of Tripadvisers Certificate of Excellence 2014.

Book Your Christmas Party Now With a Uniquely Tailored Party Menu and Sign Up for Our Christmas Card to Receive A Gift of A Bottle of Wine.

Join us for New Years Eve, Five-Course Meal of Your Choice with Champagne for Only £29.95pp. Seating at 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Book Now to Avoid Disappointment.

Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

(01394) 272 131 - (01394) 270 136 www.bombaynite.co.uk 15% off All Takeaways

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16

War Recollections

Christmas a Few Miles South of Cassino Should you ever go to Italy and travel by road towards Naples on either Route 6 or the A1 motorway, a few miles south of Cassino you will pass the town of Mignano. It stood at the centre of the German Bernhardt (or Winter) Line, better known to the combatants as The Mignano Gap.

On the right you will see the Camino Massive, a 3158ft mountain. Salute it and whisper ‘well done lads,’ because it is sacred ground where the 1st London Irish regiment, the Scots Guards, the Queen’s, the Grenadiers, the Royal Fusiliers, the Cheshire and the Ox and Bucks regiments all suffered enormous casualties in its capture. The Queen’s and the Grenadier Guards suffered 50% casualties and for them it was the most terrible battle of the whole Italian Campaign.

To the east of the gap is Mount Sammucro, which the Americans tackled, and between the two is Mount Lungo, which the Italians attacked. It took the allied forces two months of fierce fighting to advance six miles and reach Cassino. Military historians always refer to the four Cassino battles, but in fact there were six. The first, the prologue, being the Mignano Gap and the sixth, the postscript, being the Senger Line, for obvious reasons changed in name from the Hitler Line, seldom mentioned.

When the battle for the Bernhardt line was raging, we were in German territory. The mountains were silhouetted against a constantly red sky made so by the battle, whose noise we could also hear. And we knew that we would soon be in the midst of it. Christmas Eve, 1943, my family, aunty and uncle and young cousins were sheltering in a stable. It felt so strange sheltering in a stable that holy night. There was neither ox nor ass, but the straw kept us warm. The stable was attached to a farmhouse in which German troops were billeted. We heard them sing ‘Stille Nacht’, And the night was still. The roar of battle had paused so that

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Christian combatants could stop killing each other for a while and celebrate the birth of Christ, the King of Peace.

Every evening a German soldier would come to spend some time with us. He was missing his family desperately.

On Boxing Day evening, he brought his mess tin with him, which contained chicken soup and some pieces of chicken. It was his ration, but he brought it for my young cousins. I often think of him and hope that he returned safely to his family.

The following year, 1944, was another memorable Christmas for me. Most of December we, the 23rd NZ Battalion, were in the front line, but on the 21st of December we were relieved by the 21st NZ Battalion.

Whereas we felt sorry for them, we were glad; we could think about Christmas and make the necessary preparations. The choir could practise and the cooks think of something special, and they both excelled themselves.

The choir sang with feeling at both church parades in the morning, and the cooks gave us a wonderful meal of tomato soup, turkey, pork, fresh potatoes, green peas, Christmas pudding and sweets and chocolate received from New Zealand. The officers served the men, but there was sadness to that because one noticed the officers who were missing. I guess that is one reason why all drank their four bottles of beer.

On 29th of December we were back in the line, relieving the 21st who could celebrate the New Year.

By local veteran Antony Pittaccio.

The Felixstowe Magazine

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Local Business

Local Seaside Garage with a Personal Friendly Service - K W Autos

K W Autos was first established in Thetford, Norfolk in 2005 and relocated to Felixstowe in February 2008. It has since built a large customer base in Felixstowe and surrounding areas.

K W Autos is proud to be a member of both The Good Garage Scheme and The Motor Industry Code of Practice, which are audited by the AA and supported by Trading Standards, who check us at regular intervals to ensure quality standards are met and all staff are fully trained.

Ken Wells, our proprietor, supports local charities and events, recently supporting Mencap with the very successful Music Extravaganza to raise funds for a new minibus to further the great work they do for people with learning difficulties. K W Autos also recently supported the McMillan coffee morning, raising over ÂŁ200 with the help of customers, friends, staff and local radio station Fresh Gold.

All help was greatly appreciated and made the day a great success. Alive and Dubbin and Fab fest, which stage local club car events were also supported by our garage, as well as supporting the Felixstowe Carnival this year carrying the Queen and her Princesses.

At K W Autos, we are able to repair all types of vehicles from your 50s classic to your modern-day commuter in our fully equipped workshop. We offer tyres, exhausts, batteries, servicing, MOTs, vehicle diagnostics, air conditioning,

Our team and friends at our Macmillan Coffee Morning

welding and a full package of vehicle requirements including recovery. Having recently installed our latest ramp, we are able to accommodate long wheel based, high-top vehicles to class 7 size for service and repairs.

In these difficult times, it is important to offer a high quality, value for money service and with winter rapidly approaching, you must keep your vehicle at its best, making sure tyres have good tread and lights and wipers are all fully working.

Come in and visit us to see what we can do for you.

K W AUTOS

Fantastic home grown and local produce always available!

Garden CafĂŠ opening soon

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER MOT preparation Air conditioning Servicing all makes of vehicles Collection and delivery Servicing and repairs Diagnostics CALL US NOW ON

01394 273361

www.goslingfarm.co.uk Mon - Sat: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm and Sun: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Goslings Farm, High Road, Trimley St.Martin, Felixstowe, IP11 0SG

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or email info@thefelixstowemagazine.com

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What’s On Listings We try and ensure the listings are correct BUT please check with the organisers of activities when attending for the first time

Wednesday 3rd December

Christmas Meeting of the FRMS @ 7.30pm United Reformed Church Hall, Tomline Rd, Felixstowe A programme of seasonal music chosen by committee members plus seasonal refreshments.Visitors £2.50 Contact Eileen Waugh on 275052.

Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of December

‘Stardust’ the play @ 7pm every night and a matinee on the Saturday at 2pm.

Felixstowe Academy. £7 Adults, £4.50 concessions, £20 Family ticket (2 adults 3 concessions). A play based on the book and film ‘Stardust’ by Neil Gaiman; in aid of Ruby Lambert’s fundraising for a trip to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan 2015.

Tickets available from: Felixstowe Tourist information Centre 91 Undercliff Road West IP11 2AF. 276770

Saturday 6th December

Victorian Christmas Market @ 10am - 12 noon St. John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstowe. Entrance 20p.Great variety of stalls, refreshments and an organ recital.

Christmas Bazaar @ 2 - 4pm Seaton Road Methodist Church A fundraising event with a variety of stalls including homemade cakes, books, bric a brac, raffle, chocolate tombola and refreshments. FREE darylr10@tiscali.co.uk

Kirton Church Christmas Bazaar @ 2pm - 4pm Kirton Church Hall. Father Christmas will be there, plus many games and stalls for all ages.

Sunday 7th December

Music in Felixstowe @ 3.00pm St Andrew’s Church. Christmas Concert. Grace Ward harp, Wendy Poulston flute, Caroline Ball and Emily Bennett violins, Harriet Bennett cello, with the Felixstowe Youth and Children’s Choirs. £12, children free Tickets from Stillwater Books and on 670633 www.felixstowemusic.com

Tuesday 9th December Felixstowe Art Group @ 7.30 pm

Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe. Chris Cushing presenting a talk with slides on Abstract Art and why we should love it! Members free, guests £2. 276975. www.felixstoweartgroup.org

‘Evening of Song’ by Tutti Frutti Voices @ 7.30pm Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club Songs include numbers by recording artists Queen, ABBA, Muse, Enya and composer John Rutter. £5.00 from Wendy Smith on 210010 or on the door. Raffle and bar drinks available. Proceeds donated to the Felixstowe Opportunity Group.

Concert in aid of the Cancer Information Centre @ 7.30 pm Trinity Methodist Church, Orwell Road (junction with Hamilton Road).

The Orwell Connection will sing. No admission charge but donation at close of concert. Contact Brenda Shelley 277140.

Fri 12th-Sun 14th December

Christmas Craft Fair @ 10am - 4pm At Gosling Farm. A wonderful array of various arts and crafts. Contact Sharon 07859 015311

Wednesday December 17th

Music in Felixstowe @ 11.30am His Lordship’s Library, Orwell Hotel Bob Bennett – cocktail pianist Ring Bob on 670633 for special requests. www.felixstowemusic.com

Wednesdays

Story Time @ 1.30 and 2pm Felixstowe Library. Sessions for children.

Thursdays

Drama Club for 6-13yrs and Adult Latinasize St. Edmund’s Hall, Langer Road 07757 217456.

Felixstowe Twinsclub Time: 10am - 12.00noon Grounds of Felixstowe Academy (old site), Maidstone Rd, IP11 9EF www.felixstowetwinsclub.co.uk

Felixstowe Job Club @ 10am – 12noon At Felixstowe Library. Friendly advice, guidance and support for those looking for work or a new job.

Internet access and support on using computers for on-line job search and applications. Contact Charlie Hill, Project4, 0771 559 6487 Felixstowe Opportunity Group @ 1pm - 3pm A group for children aged from birth who have additional needs and also for their siblings. Parents/ carers can enjoy respite in the parents room for part of the session.

Session fees are £1.50. Maidstone Campus of the Academy. 286399 or https://www.facebook.com/ FelixstoweOpportunityGroupFog

The Felixstowe Area “N” Gauge Model Railway Group @ 7.30pm at Great St. Farm, High Road, Trimley St. Mary. 277211 www.felixstowengauge.org.uk Photographic Society @ 7.30pm Broadway House, Orwell Road. All welcome to attend/join the group. FREE. Kirton and Falkenham Parent and Toddler Group @1pm to 3pm Kirton Church Hall. £1.50 per family.

07742 227877.

Fridays

Felixstowe Country Market @ 10:00-11:00am The Trades and Labour Club in High Road West. Range of preserves, eggs, garden produce and crafts. All goods are home made. 272003. www.country-markets.co.uk

Saturdays

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club @ 8am - 8pm (Sat & Sun) Felixstowe Leisure Centre. 694600.

Sundays

Jazz East at The Fludyers @ 7.30 - 10.30pm Jazz Club at the Fludyers, Undercliff Road East. Some of the UK’s greatest jazz artists with the region’s best musicians. Great music, great venue and great atmosphere! FREE.

Mondays

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club Monday - Friday @7am - 10pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre. 694600.

Tuesdays

Dance Lessons St. Edmund’s Hall, Langer Road Children’s and adult beginners and intermediate. 07757 217456.

Felixstowe Opportunity Group @ 9.30am - 12pm For children aged from birth who have additional needs and also for their siblings. Parents/carers can enjoy respite in the parents’ room for part of the session. £1.50. Maidstone Campus of the Academy. 286399 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ FelixstoweOpportunityGroupFog

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Do you need more exposure of your business? Would you like to be seen to be part of this new publication for Felixstowe and its villages?

Contact us: 07929 979 073 info@thefelixstowemagazine.com

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The winners of the family tickets for the Felixstowe Firework Spectacular competition were: Malcolm Haskell & Alison Mayes. Congratulations to you both! Here’s a photo by Antony Perkins on the day.

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Index

19

Accountant CHASE Accountants Limited..............4 Beautician Jennifer Louise Beauty.....................19 Bikes B.M. Electric Bikes...........................10 Alford Bros.........................................8 Builders Arthur’s Building.................................4 Butchers William Family Butchers.....................9 Cafe Cafe on the Corner................cover & 9 Ruby’s Kitchen....................................4 The Stables........................................4 Cakes Gemma’s Crafty Cakes.......................9 Carpets & Flooring Greyfriars.........................................10 Eastcliff Carpets...............................12 Charity BASIC Life Charity..............................5 Cleaning Services More Time 4 You.................................7 Electrician P.A.H. Electrical..................................5

Estate Agent Wainwrights....................cover & back Financial Care Financial Peace UK.............cover &13 Funeral Services Gordon Rodwell Funeral Services...18 Garage Services KW Autos........................................17 Trinity Tyres........................................8 Gifts The Wharf..........................................4 J & C Webb........................................4 Green Grocers Gosling Farm...................................17 Gym Coastside Fitness...............................6 Hearing Care Hearing Care Centre........................16 Legal Jackamans..........................cover & 11 Kitchens & Bathrooms Opal Kitchens & Bathrooms..cover & 14 Mortgage Advice Needham Mortgage Centre Ltd.........3

Music Champagne Strings...........................7 Party Goods Flying Lady Wedding & Party Shop....4 Pet Services Dandy Dogs......................................8 Plumbing Coastal Plumbing & Heating .............7 Plumbrite...........................................8 Post Office Bent Hill Post Office...........................8 Restaurant The Bucklesham Shannon.................4 Favorite Chicken................................9 Thai Hut...........................................12 Bombay Nite....................................15 Recruitment Agency A & S Recruitment.............................2 Taxi Helpful Cabs......................................3 Tiles Suffolk Tiles Ltd...............................14 Wool and Yarn Specialists Bags of Wool...................................18

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Let your home light up the Town this Christmas!