Living in Martlesham & Kesgrave - Issue 4

LIVING IN ISSUE SUMMER 2016 ISSUE ONE… FOUR …

NOV/DEC 2018

martLesham Xmas Emporium … lovely local gifts

& kesGraVe

YOUR BRAND NEW Local home owners… throw open their doors I will survive … a mother’s courage FREE HOMES & Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! YOUR HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Coffee time ... meet the roaster LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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NOV/DEC

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IN MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE

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elcome to issue four – our Christmas edition. Since launching in May this year, we’ve loved bringing you local news and fantastic stories about all the interesting and inspiring folk that live amongst us.

A big thank you to Jen Evans (right), who invited us to feature her stunning Grange Farm home. Read all about Jen’s passion for anatomy on pages eight and nine, and how she’s grown her soft tissue therapy business from home.

With November here, everything’s gearing up for the festive season – including us! So, on pages 14 and 15 we’ve put together a fab emporium of things to buy, visit and enjoy this Christmas. But, as we’re passionate about keeping things local, everything featured can be bought close to home.

At Living In … we always love an entrepreneur.

On page seven, we tell Sam Jennings’ story of his love of coffee, which came from volunteering in the mountains of Uganda, and how this year he’s launched Edge Roasters, roasting his own coffee from his dad’s shed down the garden in Kesgrave.

With a focus on the grittier side of life, we also look at the issue of homelessness in our region (on pages 16–18), and the incredible work undertaken by the charity Selig, which is going that extra mile to help those in need.

We had a great time meeting up with PC Rachael Partridge on page 11. As one of Suffolk’s community engagement officers she shares details of a regular day in the force, as well as why she loves being a bobby.

With regular features including our round-up of the latest news, Out & About and Dog About Town, we hope you enjoy our last edition of 2018. And while it’s slightly on the early side, we wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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Angela & Lyn

LIVING IN martlesham & kesgrave ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Craig Drever, Lewis Webb & Mel Gibson info@livinginwoodbridge.co.uk www.livinginsuffolk.com Due East Media Ltd: 39 Seckford Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LY Registered in England number 10242873 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editor, nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Living In … Martlesham & Kesgrave does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, without prior permission of Due East Media Ltd.

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod!

Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

WHAT’S INSIDE 7 8 11 12 14 24

Anyone for coffee?

Fixing bodies May the force be with you Against the odds Christmas Emporium Dog About Town ON THE COVER

Getting festive with Farrow & Ball – designer paints available locally at Kent Blaxill’s Ipswich and Melton branches.

Farrow & Ball Rectory Red No.217 www.farrow-ball.com www.kentblaxill.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER ISSUE ONE… 2016SUMMER 2016

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LOCAL NEWS ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CRICKET’S COMING HOME!

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esgrave Cricket Club is not only celebrating its 25th anniversary this year but its huge achievements in the sporting world. Formed in 1993 by the club’s current president and treasurer Pat Mills and Mike Pratt, amongst others, it’s always had its base at the Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre.

On its inception, Pat Mills recalls; “After a great deal of pressure from my young teenage sons, I was eventually persuaded to start a cricket club in Kesgrave.

That was in 1993! Chairman for 21 years, it was high time to fade away and l let others pick up the baton.”

The club has come a long way since then.

“Kesgrave has just completed its most successful season ever and the town can enjoy good class cricket every Saturday afternoon next summer,” says Pat. “Well done to all who have made it possible to achieve our present standing in Suffolk, long may you continue.”

From initially playing friendly matches in its first year, the club progressed and joined local competitive leagues. In 2007, it joined the Two Counties League

(teams based within Suffolk and North Essex). Beginning at the bottom in Division 9, the first XI has enjoyed significant success since then.

A pivotal point came in 2015, when Mike Worne, formerly of the club’s talented Junior players, returned to captain the Saturday first team. Mike, who’d successfully led the Sunday team to multiple league victories in the top division, steered the team to become Division 5 Champions in 2016, Division 4 Champions in 2017 and Division 3 Champions in 2018. The club will compete in Division 2 next season which represents a very high standard of cricket, with qualified umpires officiating.

In addition, the club’s second XI were crowned Division 9 champions this year – their development plan is to progress another team within this league. Chairman and one of the junior coaches, Richard Bradley, says: “I was immensely proud to succeed Pat Mills as chairman five years ago, and this is without doubt the most successful season in the club’s history and a very exciting time. Having been involved with the coaching set-up since 2000,

it has given me great pride to watch some of the lads we have coached go on to play at such a high standard and take the club to where it is now. The team spirit and camaraderie within the club is at an all-time high.”

A recent club makeover included the installation of a new bar and TV within the pavilion. Over the past three years, more than £45,000 has been raised to install covers as well as a new outdoor practice net facility – recently opened by ex-England and Essex player Graham Napier.

Richard says: “2019 is going to be a big year for cricket in the UK, with the World Cup taking place over here and the Australians back for the next Ashes series. These events usually result in a spike in interest in the game and Kesgrave CC offers opportunities for players and volunteers of all ages.

‘There is no better time to get involved with this wonderful game which brings so much joy to those who participate and watch.”

Pictured above: Batsman Paul Budd in a match against Haverhill Cricket Club

● For more details, call Richard on 07824 368123 or go to www.kesgrave.play-cricket.com

KNIT ONE, PURL ONE

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f you have spare knitting wool, needles or patterns, Martlesham’s Knitting for Charity group would love to hear from you.

“We’re a U3A (University of the Third Age) group that meets monthly to knit items for the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild, a charity set up to help people and families in need,” says member Sue Pipe.

In the last two years, the group has donated over 290 hand-knitted items but is looking for donations of

wool that never quite got used, as well as knitting needles and patterns, in order that they can carry on their great work.

“All the items we knit are collected and taken to Kensington Palace, where they’re sorted into different charity groups and then distributed.” ● All donations are gratefully received. For more information, call Sue on 07832 712554.

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“IT’S ACTUAL PERFECTION, A DREAM,” SAYS EMMA SWAN OF HER NEW KBB KITCHEN. “I KNEW THE COLOUR SCHEME AND STYLE THAT I WANTED AND KBB HELPED CREATE IT. THEY BUILT A CUSTOM PIECE OUT OF THE UNITS THAT I WANTED TO MAKE A DRESSER, AS THERE WASN’T ALREADY ONE IN THAT STYLE. I’D GIVE THEM 10 OUT OF 10, ALWAYS.” This beautiful kitchen is from KBB’s Crown Imperial range. In Deep Blue Midsomer, with painted real oak shaker doors. A gorgeous kitchen really showcasing that blue is the colour of the moment when it comes to kitchens. If blue is not for you it’s also available in 17 other colours, clear oak or primed.

Crown Imperial Kitchens have been manufacturing it’s high quality furniture in Great Britain for over 70 years.

Custom panels are available to order for bespoke fitting and soft close doors and drawers are standard.

Renowned for their cutting edge manufacturing technology they have a vast and flexible range of cabinets, including medium and high wall options.

KBB are proud to boast a large range of Crown Kitchens on display in their showroom on Dales Road.

THE KBB CENTRE One of the largest independent kitchen and bathroom retailers in East Anglia, The KBB Centre is owned and managed by brothers, Roger and Patrick Peck. Its stunning showroom on Dales Road, Ipswich, provides over 5,000 square feet of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom displays, with an unrivalled choice of doors, work surfaces, appliances, tiles, bathroom accessories and fitted bedroom furniture.

“We are a family run business with family values and have been offering customers a first-class service for the last 15 years. Only using our own in-house plumbers, plasterers and electricians enables us to offer a unique fully managed service,” says Roger Peck.

L a rg e S h ow ro o m : 8 5 D a l e s Ro a d , I p sw i c h , S u f fo l k I P 1 4 J R www.t h e k b b ce n t re.co. u k Te l : 01 473 74 2 2 0 0

COFFEE entrepreneurs ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod!

Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Sam Jennings took his passion for coffee one step further – and became a coffee roaster

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From left: The beans that started a passion; Sam in Uganda; roasting away in his dad’s shed

hose light bulb moments often come when we least expect them. For Sam Jennings, it was back in 2014, whilst he cold brew industry. “And the recently opened was volunteering in Uganda during his shop, Artizan, based in Gobbitts Yard in summer break from university.

Woodbridge is also now stocking my coffee.”

Sam, aged 25, and who lives in Kesgrave, is Roasting between three to five kilos a week the man behind Edge Coffee Roasters, a coffee “Many of the farmers currently, Sam is very aware it’s early days, but roasting company he runs alongside his I met have since as he says: “Bearing in mind I haven’t been full-time job as a commercial analyst. roasting a year yet, I’m very pleased to see a Sam takes up the story: “Whilst become friends” monthly increase in demand.” volunteering, I instantly fell in love with the Buying ethically sourced green coffee beans coffee farms spread across Mt Elgon in Uganda. from a wholesaler in Bury St Edmunds, Sam’s plan is to grow the But, what struck me was how these hardworking people weren’t business sufficiently to enable him to return to Uganda and buy getting a fair price for their coffee, which was being bought by directly from the farmers he met back in 2014. “I’ve got some major companies and then exported around the world.” great connections still in Uganda, which will hopefully make the Finishing university, Sam still had coffee on his mind: “The UK’s export process slightly easier and many of the farmers I met have passion for coffee, which shows no signs of slowing, made me since become friends. If I can offer them a fair price for their even more determined to get my own coffee roasting business beans, the additional money can improve their standard of living up and running. There’s always going to be the big brands selling as well as be reinvested in their farms, resulting in better crops Fairtrade and ethical coffee, but my thinking was that there’s the following year.” lots of opportunity for small, niche roasters, offering a fantastic With four types of single origin coffee available, each roasting product.” comes from a single farm in the country of its origin. He So, at the end of last year Sam turned his idea says: “My coffees are often drunk black to ensure the full into reality; roasting ethically sourced beans from flavour of the coffee comes through. But, as coffees are his dad’s shed in Kesgrave. And, Edge Coffee seasonal, the range will change depending what beans Roasters was launched. are in harvest. I’m also planning to add some blends to “It’s all a bit hectic as I’m working full-time and the range as they give me the chance to be more creative then roasting in the evenings and at weekends, with the flavours and to appeal to a wider market.” but I love it.”

Looking to the future, Sam says: “Edge Roasters has Edge Roasters coffee is available directly from gone better than I’d ever hoped, but I’ve no plans to Sam’s website, at local farmers’ markets and he move my roasting operations from dad’s shed just yet. also delivers locally. He continues: “There’s even My aim is for Edge to become a favourite with coffee a couple of local B&Bs which buy Edge Roasters connoisseurs across the UK, as well as put Suffolk on the as they’re keen to offer their guests produce with map as a distinguished place for roasting coffee.” a local connection.”

Sam is also excited about collaborating with l www.edgecoffeeroasters.co.uk another start-up business that’s involved in the ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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HOME BODY Jen Evans’ passion for running and sports complements her growing home business in soft tissue massage ...

Pictures by John Ferguson

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en Evans has always been fascinated with anatomy. Even as a child she was interested in learning exactly how the body works and she’s always loved sports.

Indeed, her lovely Grange Farm home is bursting with medals and certificates of all she’s achieved in the world of sport – anything from swimming and track running to long distance events like the Marathon De Paris or a gruelling triathlon (in which she came first in her age category).

She divides her time between a part-time role as a teaching assistant at Kesgrave High School, and running her own soft tissue therapy business from home, having a Level 3 diploma in sports massage and nearing completion of her Level 4. She’s also the proud founder of Kesgrave parkrun which every Saturday morning hosts a healthy free 5k run for all ages and levels.

“Yeah, I am pretty busy,” laughs the mum of two teenagers as she makes a cuppa in her lovely kitchen, after showing us her relaxing treatment room adorned with books and intricate diagrams of all the muscles and bones making up the human body.

Sports massage, she insists, isn’t just about helping people who have been injured through sport. “It can be injuries caused by anything – bringing the shopping in from the

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car, overdoing the gardening or working on the house,” she says.

“Soft tissue massage is also a great way of preventing injury, through encouraging fresh blood to flow through soft tissue and improving the uptake of fluids and nutrients into muscles, keeping them healthy and strong. Although I don’t use aromatherapy oils, you will also get a great feeling of relaxation post-massage; I just had a client here this morning who came in very stressed and floated out feeling much better.”

Jen stumbled into her role around three years ago after she sustained an injury herself playing basketball with the staff at Kesgrave High School. “I badly twisted my knee and knew what I’d done straight away,” she says. “I researched treatment options and realised there was an opportunity for people to see soft tissue therapists alongside physiotherapists.

“I found a Level 3 diploma course and realised I didn’t need to take any time off work so, after family consultation, I signed up.”

She studied hard and never looked back. Now she has a constant flow of clients and loves helping people feel better.

Jen and husband Perry, a talent manager who works in recruitment, moved to their modern four-bed house 11 years ago, having decided

“Kesgrave is such a fit, healthy and safe place to live” to move from Stevenage in Herts back to her home county where her parents lived.

“We were driving around the estate with the kids both fast asleep in the back of the car,” she recalls.

“We went to look at the show plan and really it was just a field when we came. But we realised we could afford a four-bed detached here whereas in Stevenage we’d never have been able to afford something that big – it helped us make our minds up! Buying off-plan is a leap of faith though. When we put the

This page, clockwise from top left: By operating from her home, Jen’s soft tissue therapy business promises her clients a relaxed atmosphere; the treatment room; it’s easy to see why the family love the Grange Farm property

money down we hadn’t even seen a house, just a plot! But it was good being able to choose things like tiles and carpets and we made sure it was all children-friendly.”

Eleven years on and they still love their home and have never regretted their decision. “We have fabulous neighbours and it’s so friendly around here,” she says.

“Kesgrave is so safe and there are bus and cycle routes everywhere.

In fact, within this three-mile area there’s everything you could ever want if you like sports,” she smiles.

“We noticed at the school that we have lots of success with our football and basketball teams but that’s because of all the clubs and infrastructure that has evolved locally.” She points out of her window. “If you look that way you’ve got cycle speedway, cricket, football, badminton, tennis and keep-fit classes and the other way we have got parkrun. It’s a very fit and healthy place which suits me perfectly.”

Jen set up the multi-awardwinning Kesgrave parkrun in the nearby Millennium Field after being a member of the Ipswich parkrun Core Team which meets at Chantry Park. She managed a small team of people to raise the funds, assembled a team and now is bursting with pride that more than 300 people meet every Saturday at

9am to run the 5km route – her dad has taken part and has seen his running time drastically decrease over time. “We’ve had all ages running it, from four to 84, and everyone’s welcome,” she smiles.

She insists that despite all her juggling and hard work, the one thing she loves about Kesgrave is the slower pace of life it offers.

“My husband’s a Brummie and he’s used to a much faster pace,” she laughs. “It’s taken him a long time to adapt – even now he’ll run into the little Tesco and it’s all very

laid back and he’s like: Come on, chop chop, I’m in a hurry!

I’m often saying: ‘Slow down, what’s the rush?’”

But there is a real energy about Jen Evans too. She’s a woman on a mission, and somehow you can’t imagine her slowing down just yet. l For more information on Jen’s business go to www.softtissue therapybyjenevans.co.uk. Find out more about Kesgrave parkrun at www.parkrun.org.uk/kesgrave

This page, clockwise from top: The Evans’ chic, modern kitchen; the household is completed by husband Perry and the couple’s two teenage children; Jen enjoys mental challenges as well as physical ones ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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LocaL LIVES ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

A day in the life of …

PC Rachael Partridge explains all about the role she loves

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ocal community engagement officer, PC Rachael Partridge, is one busy lady. “But, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” laughs Rachael, who has served in the force for the last seventeen years.

Working as part of the Safer Neighbourhoods team covering East Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge, alongside the local police team and PCSO’s (police community support officers), the role was established earlier this year and sees Rachael out and about helping and supporting residents.

“This is the perfect job for me.

I mostly work on my own, and it’s all about meeting people and keeping everyone informed about what we’re doing to support their local communities. So, one day I can be doing a presentation at a school, such as the one I did in October at Martlesham Primary. They were doing a project about superheroes and I was invited in to talk about the role of the police. And then on other days, I may be called to diffuse an anti-social behaviour incident in the subway at Ropes Drive in Kesgrave, or at other times it may be a domestic dispute I’m called to.”

With violent crimes, such as knife attacks currently not extending out from Ipswich to Martlesham and Kesgrave, Rachel says: “Thankfully we don’t see really violent crimes in either area and hope it stays that way.”

Drugs, however, are an issue across the region, and initiatives such as ‘county lines’ have now

reached Suffolk, with youngsters often outside mainstream education and susceptible people recruited into drug gangs and their homes taken over as venues for dealers to sell from. “These are hugely complex situations and those involved prey on those that can’t always help themselves. In these instances, a multi-agency approach, involving education, health and housing, ourselves and others is required.”

Rachael says much of her work involves managing people’s expectations: “With limited police resources on the ground, we’re not able to help in every parking dispute, but we’re always mindful of residents’ anxieties and frustrations. We’ve also improved our signposting – making it easier for people to find support, along with providing alternative ways to contact us over and above making a 999 or 101 call.”

Increasingly social media plays its role in twenty-first century policing.

“We’ve an Ipswich East police Facebook page and Twitter site, enabling us to engage immediately with communities, whether that’s reporting news on initiatives or appealing for information, such as a missing person alert.”

Rachel also promotes First Principles whilst undertaking all her local community visits. “This is a helpful A-Z of crime prevention top tips that can be found on our main website, and to which we’re adding information all the time.

For example, it tells you how to

keep your caravan safe, or there’s a fact-sheet all about e-crime, or fraud prevention advice, so it’s definitely worth a look.”

Passionate about her job, Ipswich born and bred Rachael says: “I always knew I wanted to join the force right from when I was at high school. I can remember filling out the application form and mum asking if it’s what I really wanted to do.”

“If I see something that’s wrong, or a person in need of assistance, I’m there” Working on the frontline before having children, Rachael continues: “In those days it was all very exciting with lots of flashing blue lights, but with children the time was right to tone things down slightly. I love my role in the Safer Neighbourhood team but I’m still a regular police officer. If I see something that’s wrong, or a person in need of assistance, I’m there.

“At the end of a shift and heading home, of course you think about what’s happened during the day and worry about the people you’ve supported. I just hope I’ve done the best I can for them.” l www.suffolk.police.uk l Email Rachael at CEOipeast felixwood@suffolk.pnn.police.uk l Facebook: www.facebook.com/ IpswichEastPolice

Clockwise from top left: In Ipswich town; the police work with local people to identify areas of concern in the neighbourhood; PC Rachael Partridge

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

kesGraVe LIVES

It’s a

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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This young mum-of-three was given the news we’d all dread to hear but no one, least of all her, had bargained on her incredible strength and resilience …

his Christmas Kayleigh Gardiner will pinch herself as her and husband Chris watch their three beautiful children excitedly open their presents at their Kesgrave home.

Four years ago, Kayleigh faced a very different Christmas after she’d been diagnosed – completely out of the blue – with the lifelong condition, chronic myeloid leukaemia.

“I’d been feeling very tired but, to be honest, being a mum of three little kids is exhausting,” recalls Kayleigh. “I then found a long lump under my left rib and Chris thought I should check it out at the doctors, so I went and had some blood tests.”

The lump was actually her spleen which was swollen and distended as her body was clearly under huge strain. Within a matter of days, Kayleigh was urgently called in to hospital for the results and went along with her husband and mum, Tina, for moral support. She knew it wasn’t going to be good news.

“I was in a real state and was hysterical by the time we got there,” she recalls. “I kept thinking about the kids – they were so innocent and happily unaware of what was unfolding. I just couldn’t believe this was happening to us. The hospital receptionist assumed I’d already been told something and said; ‘are you here for your bone marrow test?’ She then got upset as she realised I’d hadn’t been told anything yet. We were hastily shown into a room and when the consultant opened the door and walked in, I just

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blurted out: ‘Have I got cancer?’ and she replied: ‘Yes, you have.’

There were no airs and graces and no messing around. They were pretty sure it was chronic myeloid leukaemia – I remember turning to Chris and saying: ‘The kids aren’t going to remember me.’ But the consultant said that of all the leukaemias to have, this one was manageable and – if the treatment worked well – that I’d have a normal life expectancy. But to be honest I didn’t believe her. I didn’t think I’d make it.

I was distraught and so was my mum and family and friends. Nothing can prepare you for being told you have cancer.”

The bone marrow test a few days later confirmed the diagnosis and Kayleigh was soon given her care plan, which initially involved chemotherapy in tablet form to bring her white cell count down. She was also told she would need targeted chemotherapy to contain the leukaemia, which she’ll be on for life.

Telling her three children – Lilli, now aged 11, and Alfie, eight, and Chloe, seven – was, she says, one of the darkest moments of her life. It was the summer holidays and whilst other children were playing happily outside in the sun without a care in the world, Kayleigh sat her children around in a little circle on the floor and broke the news as gently as she could. “Lilli had a lot of questions but the other two were a little bit too young so probably took it more in their stride,” she says.

In the run up to that Christmas, Kayleigh’s

devastation and shock remained. “Chris was great, so supportive, and all my friends and family really rallied around, but I couldn’t shrug off the despair. And by then the drugs were making me feel ill. The doctors remained positive and told me that as long as the treatment went well and I responded well to it, then there was no reason why I wouldn’t live to see all my kids graduate and beyond. I was given a normal life expectancy but it took a long time for me to believe that. That first Christmas was really tough. I always used to write little quotes from Christmas songs on everyone’s presents and as I was wrapping them I called my husband Chris in to see how I did it, just so that he would know all the Christmas traditions if I wasn’t there; it was the first time I saw him cry during the whole thing. On Christmas Day I just sat there and watched the kids opening their presents and having fun and it was almost too hard to watch.

They didn’t have a care in the world but I was thinking: This is the end for me. I’ve always been an over-thinker and a worrier. Without realising it, I was becoming depressed …”

It was several things which helped Kayleigh climb back into the driving seat of her life. The first was undergoing six months of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), a powerful talking therapy which helped her to change her mindset. Another real help has been the unswerving loyalty of her husband Chris’s customers – he runs his own business, Handy Man Plasterer – who have always accommodated the couple’s needs to make hospital appointments during Kayleigh’s treatment or last minute days off if she’s feeling poorly.

Also, she says, having been referred through the Ipswich Hospital, she joined the Children’s Swimming Group in the town, which offered the children of cancer victims some fun swimming time. It gave her and the children (pictured below, fundraising) the chance to meet other families in the same boat.

“I’m so proud of my kids now,” she smiles. “I watched them recently welcoming a new child into the group and I marvelled at how far they’d come on this journey and how they’d learned to accept my

“It has certainly made me appreciate all the little things in life” illness as a part of life – it helped me to accept it too.”

Kayleigh, who works part-time at the Pavilion Cafe in Woodbridge as well as supporting Chris in his business, says her kind-hearted boss at the cafe, Jeremy Nears, and his wife Kate, supported her on full pay while she had the first eight months off work.

“They didn’t have to do that and they never put me under any pressure to go back to work, but it really helped because money is tight when you’re undergoing something like this,” she says. “They were so lovely, I can’t begin to thank them enough.”

Her family and friends also rallied around, offering endless love, help and support. Kayleigh says possibly her proudest moment was organising a coffee morning in Kesgrave to raise funds for Macmillan Nurses as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

“We raised £2,500 and the event was packed,” she says. “I looked at all these people who’d come to offer their support, all my friends and family and complete strangers even – cancer happens to everyone, not just the one person. My illness didn’t just happen to me.

I wasn’t as alone as I’d first thought.”

She had that same moment again at her recent 30th birthday: “A birthday I once thought I’d never see,” she smiles.

Now Kayleigh is looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with her family. Her outlook is so much more positive even though she still has bad days or “sofa days” as they’re now known, where Chris will take over the school run allowing her to rest until the sickness and other side effects of her medication subside.

“I can’t say cancer has changed my life for the better but it has certainly made me appreciate all the little things in life so much more,” she smiles.

Here’s wishing Kayleigh and her lovely family a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. l If you’re interested in the services of the Handy Man Plasterer, call 07551 652404.

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Shop local, shop Glasswells

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Ipswich home furnishing superstore, Glasswells is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping and get your home ready for the festivities. Bursting with inspiring home décor and gift ideas, this Ipswich store has it all – from furniture and flooring to cookware, toys and games, soft furnishings and more. Plus, its highly popular Place to Eat restaurant provides the perfect pitstop for a well-earned lite bite or lunch.

At a time when shopping locally has never been so important, Paul Glasswell says: “We’ve always prided ourselves on our reputation and the fact we’re familyrun and local.” So, this year, keep it local and take a trip to Glasswells. www.glasswells.co.uk

CHRISTMAS For your Christmas gifts this year, why not keep it local?

Here's our top pick of some fab presents and places to shop

Festive Workshops

Chop Chop

Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for the foodie in your life? Look no further! Treat your loved one to a beautiful Japanese kitchen knife from the local family-run business, Kin Knives.

Order online or make an appointment to visit them in Rendlesham! www.kinknives.com or call 01394 461075

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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With festive workshops running throughout December ,create your own stunning decorations for your table or home, with help from local florist Kaye Souter.

Offering workshops for door wreaths, table centres and swags and garlands, each session lasts an hour and a half, with all materials you’ll need supplied.

Workshops run throughout the day and evening, so here’s your chance to come along with some friends and create your own unique piece of Christmas cheer.

Door wreath and table centre workshops can accommodate up to 12 guests, but for the garland workshops spaces are limited to four. Kaye offers discounts for group bookings. www.kayesouterflowers.co.uk or call 01473 723372

adVertIsemeNt FEATURE ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Christmas starts at Marlesford Mill

With over 10,000 sq. ft of beautiful things for your home and garden, Marlesford Mill is the perfect place to buy gifts for your loved ones this Christmas.

Situated on the A12 between Wickham Market and Saxmundham and spread over two floors, Marlesford Mill offers over 30 independent retailers selling a treasure trove of eclectic and unique goods from homewares, mid-century pieces, vintage accessories and more. So, if you’re looking for something a little bit special this year, pop along and see what’s in store. A professional delivery service is also available for larger items purchased.

Open every day from 10am – 5pm www.marlesfordmill.co.uk

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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Ideally located to accommodate Christmas shoppers between Woodbridge and Martlesham, there’s oodles of parking and a fabulous team to look after you. Using Matrix hair products that have up to 97% natural ingredients, the Cloud 9 team is looking forward to welcoming new and old clients in the run up to the festive season, whether they’re after a quick trim, a total makeover or a restyle for a fab night out.

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

15

STREET LIFE

Julia Hancock, business manager of Selig, the charity which runs the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter project and Hope Into Action, talks frankly about homelessness and what we can ALL do to help …

A lot of people think they are helping the homeless when they give money, but it’s not necessarily the case is it?

Sadly no. The first thing people need to know is that homelessness is a much broader issue than just rough sleeping. And rough sleeping is a very different issue to begging, and a lot of public perception is that begging and rough sleeping and homelessness are all the same and they’re really not …

In my job I very quickly learnt to separate those three things. I realised that some people who beg are not homeless and very few people who are homeless beg and, in my firsthand experience of working with the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter over two winters now, most people who beg are using that money to fund substance abuse. And that’s come from what they’ve told me and from what I have seen; that is not me being cynical.

It’s a complicated issue …

Yes, but I try, wherever possible, to bust these myths about begging because it’s a big problem. When I say: ‘Please don’t give money to people begging,’ they might think that I’m being hard-nosed or that I’ve somehow ‘turned’ and that the system has brainwashed me. We see the effect of begging – when guests come back to the night shelter after they’ve blown the lot on drugs, it’s utterly heartbreaking. If I could stand by beggars on the street and plead with people not to give them money, then I would. It’s destroying their lives.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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What sort of drugs?

Predominantly class A and illegal prescription drugs. I’m yet to meet a drug user who only uses one drug. In my experience they use whatever they can get and the more money they can get, the more dangerous stuff they can buy.

Begging is tough because it provides them with an economy they can manage and whilst managing that they don’t tackle anything else. With our guests who beg, the minute they wake up they are out of the door like whippets on a starter line – they want the best spot to beg from in town, they feel dreadful and they want their fix. If they’re doing well they then don’t come back to the shelter as they would rather beg and get more money and more gear rather than come and have dinner and be out of the cold. And that is just awful. So they’ll be telling people who walk past that they need money to stay in a hostel but the reality is that it’s doing the exact opposite – it’s keeping them out of accommodation and more importantly their day becomes entirely about the business of begging and (drug) using rather than attending vital medical or housing appointments. One guest recently told me that at the height of his use, he was getting enough money to be injecting nine times a day. That is utterly horrific.

This might make people feel bad who have given money in the past …

I know, but the average lifespan of someone with that lifestyle is mid-40s.

Even in Ipswich, people in that world are dying that young. And begging is funding it so it’s a really difficult message to deliver. Also, I know how believable beggars are. I have learnt to try very hard

to remember all of this in my work.

Another myth to bust is that people who beg are not entitled to benefits.

Nearly everyone I know who is begging are entitled to benefits, so this perception that they need money to live – they don’t.

Actually, they don’t have any overheads, their benefits are going further than someone who is trying to, say, pay their rent and bills. Life on the streets is also brutal. There’s a huge amount of violence associated in the local drug world.

Should we give them food and drink?

From what I’ve been told by people who beg, they often stockpile food to eat later – they hide it behind them so they don’t look like they’ve been given anything. The danger is that a warm burger and chips or sausage roll might be being eaten four hours later or more and it could upset their stomach. My advice would be to give them something which keeps, so a cheese sandwich would be far better than a hot meal.

Begging seems to be an ever-growing problem in Ipswich …

Compassion is a great quality and I don’t want to discourage anyone here but there’s a lot of help out there (see below).

We do hear reports of people kindly donating items like clothes, shoes and duvets. It’s hard to understand, I know, but believe me, that stuff will be sold to get cash. We had a night shelter guest last winter who was a drug user and her feet were in a very bad way – we do have lovely volunteer podiatrists who come in and help. But we knew she needed decent shoes so I went to a charity shop and found a new pair which fitted her perfectly … she’d sold them by the following night. Everything comes behind their addiction. I learnt a huge amount from her.

We have focused on begging so far, what sort of people arrive at the night shelter as rough sleepers?

Anyone, literally anyone. Very often you will walk into the shelter and it’s hard to differentiate between the guests and volunteers, it’s alarming. There are common themes to homelessness – often

a relationship might break down and it will be the male partner who leaves the house so that the female and children can stay. It might be the death of a partner or parents that lead to people being without a home. We have some guests with a cash flow blip and fall into arrears with a private landlord who shows very little mercy and before they know it, they’re out. There’s the ‘hidden homeless’, where people are sleeping in their cars or on other people’s sofas. Universal Credit is really tough and is impacting a lot of households and pushing people into debt that’s very hard to get out of. The introduction of zero hours contracts hasn’t helped, nor the bedroom tax. An important thing to consider is that, for most of us, if any of these things happened then our friends and family would step in and help and it wouldn’t take long for us to get back on the right track. For the people who end up coming to us, it will be that they haven’t got that support network.

It’s very sad …

Yes, it is. If they’re arriving here saying nobody will put them up and they’ve no help, then there’s often something much more complicated there.

and say you want to report them to Street Link – you have to register online, you can’t phone now, but I think it only takes a minute, and then be aware that there are countless professionals to help these people and my experience of them is that they all go that extra mile. It’s a sector full of compassionate people – even if you’re being told that nobody’s doing anything for them. Go to www.streetlink.org.uk Also, tell them about the housing option team at their local library and maybe ask them if they have reported

“If I could stand by beggars on the street and plead with people not to give them money, I would; it’s destroying lives” Substance abuse, mental health and behavioural issues are all interlinked and are the main reasons why a support network might have stepped away or given up. And there’s no quick fix. The problems are complex and often go back years and years and it will take a lot of trust and support to start to unpick that.

So what is the help out there for them?

There is a team of outreach workers in Ipswich who make sure these people get the support they need. So these are paid professionals who want to find these people and work with them. Mrs Miggins, who might be walking past, really doesn’t have to take the problem on herself. In Ipswich, the borough council’s housing options team work tirelessly to support those who are homeless. They can be reached on 01473 433033. There is also a homeless centre providing hot lunches, shower facilities, laundry facilities, internet access, phone access, activities and advice.

This is all delivered by the Chapman Centre on Black Horse Lane – which is open seven days a week.

So what else can we do to help?

The first thing to do is to consider the implication of your response to a beggar and I would really recommend talking to them and asking first if you can get them a drink or something to eat – but not if you feel, in any way, that your personal safety is at risk. Maybe ask their name

themselves as homeless to the local council? Fascinatingly, a lot of homeless people haven’t. Though another myth is that everybody has a right to be housed. If you or I became homeless I doubt we’d be considered as priority unless we had children or were vulnerable health-wise.

Can people give money another way?

Yes, supporting charities and organisations already working in the field is vital. Hope Into Action is a charity set up to fight homelessness by finding homes rather than just a bed for the night. We have got two houses locally – one in Woodbridge and the other in Ipswich – though excitingly, we hope to have another two in the next year. We want our tenants to have a fresh start, they’re just guys or girls renting a house. People can invest in the house and they will get a return for their money – not the going rental rate but they’ll also know that their investment is doing a lot of good. We have turned lives around (read James’s story overleaf).

Being homeless is traumatic for people, it’s like they’ve fallen off the conveyor belt of life and they feel like they’re never going to get back on again. We can help them get back on again. l Do you want to help? The Ipswich Night Shelter is currently recruiting volunteers.

For more information on that and the work of Hope Into Action go to www.selig.org.uk Continued ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

17

BREATHTAKING

Yarmouth Road, Melton

REBUILDING LIVES …

Homeless father James Owen tells Living In … that Hope Into Action helped turn his life around.

J

ames (whose name has been changed to protect his identity) has lived for a few months now in a local Hope Into Action house which offers homeless people the chance of supported accommodation within the community.

There are two such houses in Ipswich and Woodbridge and two more on their way.

James says his life spiralled when he went to prison and lost his children but his new home has enabled him to “meet new people and make a new start.”

Selig’s business manager, Julia Hancock,

says: “James is one of our newest tenants.

He moved in with just one bag of belongings but by the end of the first week he had new clothes, a bicycle and a cupboard full of food. All thanks to our supporters. James has found a part-time job and has started a course. We are incredibly proud of his determination to rebuild his life.”

How it works is that a church and/or investors will provide the funds for Hope Into Action to acquire a house. The rent or housing benefit received will pay a return

This charming period property boasts an abundance of distinctive features including turrets, a stunning open fireplace, original doors, flooring and even an original fitted dresser in the kitchen. With rooms overlooking established trees, the Church and beyond, it is also perfectly placed for good access to the railway station, River Deben and the shops and facilities within Woodbridge.

Arranged over four floors with the further addition of the tower, there is a multitude of adaptable space on offer here. The fireplace in the formal lounge is the striking focal point of the room. Ideally tucked away from the main living area, the lower ground floor has a superb laundry room and leading off is another reception room ideal for a cosy family room/snug.

Walking through the hall to the dining kitchen, there is a real feeling of country estate living with a recess for a range cooker as well as a Belfast sink. French doors from here lead outside, where the flagged patio, flower

onCall the investment.

Into Action willday us 8am Hope - 10pm every provide the tenants with professional support in the form of referrals, needs assessments, key working, sign-posting, tenancy, benefits, rent collection etc. And the church will provide tenants with a sense of community through befriending, GUIDE PRICE mentoring, practical support and prayer.

- £900,000 Julia says: £800,000 “Being able to help someone build their way back to independent living is a real privilege. During the last few months, two of our tenants have moved from one of our Hope into Action homes into their own one-bedroom flats. We helped them move and continued to work with them for a few weeks to make sure they were settling in. They know that they can contact us at any time in the future if they need us – but they are both now able to maintain a tenancy, thanks to lots of loving support from our volunteers and staff.” l If you’d like to invest in a house or for further details, go to www.selig.org.uk, call 01473 487010 or email office@selig.org.uk

beds and lawn are a beautiful setting for summer gatherings. The grounds have an air of a garden pantry to them, with sleeper borders ideal for vegetables, herbs or flowers and the trellis with established clematis climber produces vanilla scented flowers twice a year.

At first floor there is a split level landing leading to the main bedroom and two further bedrooms and bathroom. The elegant touches in the main bedroom are once again another example of how sympathetically maintained this home is. The main bathroom has a walk in shower with modern vintage tiling, which is perfectly in keeping with its period and with the further addition of a clawfoot bath, it feels like stepping back in time.

The second floor landing has double curtains opening into the guest suite. Steps lead to sitting area and then a dressing area and en suite bathroom. Leading from the landing are steps leading up to the tower where five windows give stunning elevated views of Woodbridge and beyond.

Call Jo at the Woodbridge office

01394 382 244

8am - 10pm every day haart.co.uk

of WOODBRIDGE

adVertIsemeNt FEATURE ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

The Midas Touch!

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

As Tilley & Grace opens up in Woodbridge, owner Sally Hicks tells all about this ever-evolving chain of shops…

A

s with most success stories, it all started with an acorn of an idea.

Sally Hicks had been busy bringing up her four children and supporting her husband in his business ventures when she decided – in her mid-50s – to do something just for her. Always immaculately turned out with a lifelong love of fashion Sally stumbled, quite by chance, across an outlet in Spain selling the most exquisite jewellery and decided to sell it at a local charity event at home.

“I remember some ladies from a nearby stand loving the jewellery and asked if I could supply them with some pieces.

It appeared I had an eye for spotting products that would sell very well at a competitive price and unwittingly stumbled into the world of wholesale!”

It soon became apparent that Sally could no longer run the business from home and moved into a small office and employed her first member of staff.

Five years on and business is booming.

Sally’s husband has joined the business and daughter Sarah (pictured below modelling a Tilley and Grace outfit) has also come on board to help streamline it.

And it’s all paid off. The family have just opened their fifth shop on Woodbridge’s Thoroughfare and now have a 30-strong team working for them. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved” explains Sally.

“I have never worked for anyone before.

I had no idea how to run a business and had to learn on the job!”

Tilley & Grace is now synonymous with affordable jewellery and women’s clothing and accessories. Pop into any of their shops – they also have stores in Aldeburgh, Southwold and Holt – and we promise you will be very pleasantly surprised. Take their

“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved. I had no idea how to run a business and had to learn on the job!”

100% pure silk scarves… showcased in a glorious range of vibrant colours and ravishing prints for just £35, yes you did read that right – just thirty-five pounds!

Or their luscious Kellie cashmere scarf at £69 and the sumptuously soft Grace Cashmere Poncho at £75. Their opulent jewellery collection is a must particularly in the run-up to Christmas – their Adele ring is just £10. These prices are, frankly, unbeatable and yet their products are

Top: The new Woodbridge shop is bursting with colour Below: The softest leather purses; daughter Sarah modelling a Tilley and Grace outfit

such great quality. Like their lovely range of soft leather handbags and wallets – their Maddox wallet is possibly the cutest, softest purse you might ever see. Available in lots of colours and very reasonably priced at just £35.

As an added incentive, their loyalty scheme is proving very popular – for every £10 you spend you get a stamp, collect 12 stamps and you’ll receive a 10% discount.

Once you’ve shopped at Tilley & Grace it’s almost certain you’ll return. Indeed, one of their most loyal returning customers actually ended up working for them and now manages one of their stores!

“We have grown quickly but couldn’t have achieved what we have without a very loyal team of staff” says Sally.

“The girls look after the shops as if they were their own and our customer service is second to none! The only problem is they can’t resist buying a new outfit every week!” l Pop into any Tilley & Grace store in Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Southwold or Holt for your chance to win a beautiful leather handbag of your choice to the value of £65. The winner will be picked at random on November 25th. For more details go to www.tilleyandgrace.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

19

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Our pick of the latest news from around and about

FIVE-STAR PRIDE

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Samantha Webb, branch manager of Kesgrave’s haart office is a firm believer that if you care about your clients you will always want to do the best job possible on their behalf.

She says: “We pride ourselves on our five-star Google reviews.

In the current market, to sell your home you need an agent who isn’t just going to sit back and wait for the phone to ring.

Here at haart, we go out and

DEMENTIA FRIENDLY

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SOJUS LD T

BUSINESS AS USUAL

From Colchester Town Centre

Gotelee Solicitors has boosted the services it offers to those who suffer from dementia by working with the Alzheimer’s Society on its Dementia Friends Champions initiative.

Two of the firm’s lawyers – Nicola Weldon and Rachel Dawson – have completed the charity’s Dementia Friends Champion training, which provides valuable insights into the illness and how it affects people, and the practical actions that Dementia Friends can take to help sufferers living in their community.

Nicola, who is an expert in trusts, wills and probate and

find the right buyer and know that communication is key.

We also make sure our clients know we’re on hand to support them through every aspect of the moving process.”

Here at Living In … we’re delighted to announce that Kesgrave’s haart office is taking our coveted back page cover slot.

Samantha continues: “Our colleagues at haart Woodbridge lasting power of attorney, says: “The training has helped to develop our knowledge of dementia.

As a firm, we are committed to supporting and helping those living with the condition, and their families, so this insight will make a real difference to so many of our clients.” l www.gotelee.co.uk

have been working with Living In … for some time now and have been delighted with the profile the magazine gives them. We know it’s the only publication that’s read by everyone in town and that residents retain.

“Already on issue four of Living In … Martlesham & Kesgrave, it’s great to see how the magazine is gaining real momentum in both areas, and we’re looking forward to being part of its ongoing success.”

Based in the haart Kesgrave office on Ropes Drive, Samantha adds: “Currently we’ve lots of eager first-time buyers looking for their dream home. So, if you’ve got a two-

or three-bedroom home and are considering selling, we’d love to hear from you, so pop in and say hello.” l Call 01473 610033 or go to www.haart.co.uk

Clockwise from top left: Samantha Webb, manager of the Kesgrave branch of lettings and estate agent haart; a property on Spindler Close; the Kesgrave team

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK!

Granite Transformations has introduced two lovely new worktops to its collection, which are bang on-trend for 2019.

A company spokesman says: “Greys and whites continue to be key colours in interior design choices. Titan Grey is the latest addition

to our fabulous selection of greys. A granite that’s quarried in the northwest of Italy, this fine-to-medium grained grey granite provides a wonderful canvas, pairing beautifully with nearly any of our backsplash and cabinet combinations.”

Composed of all quartz, the Warm White is a beautiful and eco-friendly engineered stone, perfect for kitchen worktops, bathroom vanity tops, showers, bath surrounds or even on the floor. l Call in to the Ipswich showroom at Unit 3, Alstons Court on Leslie Road. Or go to the website, www.granite transformations.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

adVertIsemeNt FEATURE

FORWARD PLANNING

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Now’s the time to be thinking about how you’d like your garden to look for 2019, says Justin Bewick

the design is finalised and approved, we then deliver a garden you’ll be proud of.”

Ensuring every element of a client’s vision is incorporated is key for Justin and his team. “It’s important to get Snipe Landscaping & Construction the fullest brief possible to ensure no elements are overlooked, and in years to come the conversation is all 0 7 ith 7 4summer 7 8 0garden 5 5 9colours 9 about the dream garden having been a distant memory, now’s created, rather than what was left out.” www.snipelandscaping.co.uk Info@snipelawns.co.uk the time to think ahead Appreciating that everyone needs to and start planning for the work within a budget, a full quotation garden you want to enjoy in 2019. is always provided prior to commencing “This time of year, it’s easy to turn our a project. “We don’t like to surprise backs on everything that’s happening customers with any hidden extras, so outside. But, in fact it’s the perfect time our quotations break down every aspect to start planning any changes and of the job including materials, labour getting inspiration for new groundwork and the hire of any plant equipment projects or considering new planting we may need. themes,” says Justin We also include Bewick of Snipe quotes for a “We don’t like to Landscaping and range of different Construction. material options. surprise customers “Increasingly Revamping a clients come to us in garden can with any hidden the autumn, keen to require extras” progress garden compromise, design projects which is often during the winter months, so that achieved through the choice of materials everything is planted up, growing and selected, for example treated softwood ready to be enjoyed next spring. rather than oak hardwood, or composite “Perhaps your garden is classically pavers versus natural stone.” themed, and you’ve always have always Requesting an initial deposit prior hankered for a more contemporary feel. to the commencement of works, and Or, you’re keen to add a cart lodge or phased payments during the period garden studio in which to pursue your of the project, Justin and the Snipe artistic hobbies or start a new business team pride themselves on doing a job from. But,” adds Justin, “a new look well. As he says: “Once we’ve started doesn’t necessarily mean a total revamp. working for a client, we’re frequently “Sometimes the addition of a new asked to return to do other jobs for interesting feature or the introduction them, or they recommend us to family of new textures is all that’s needed to and friends.” transform an outdoor living space. This With its new website just launched, could be in the form of on-trend gabions, Snipe Landscaping and Construction metal cages filled with natural stones; is going from strength to strength. introducing a slate pathway; or investing “Sometimes I have to pinch myself to in a modern hardwood pergola. And remember how far we’ve come since don’t forget maintenance-free lawns founding the company back in 2015 and could be the perfect answer if you’re not how great it is to be doing something keen on mowing the grass.” you love. And now, like many of our Working with Snipe Landscaping clients, I’m looking forward to planning means there’s no need to hire multiple and creating some new garden spaces, contractors to complete your garden all ready to be enjoyed in 2019.” transformation project. As Justin says: “With an expert team to hand, skilled in l To get in touch with Justin, call 07747 805 599 taking on all aspects of garden design l For more information, go to and planting, we work with you, www.snipelandscaping.com interpreting the brief and once

W

From top: A classic pergola enhances a paved area; a covered area is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day; elegant planting brightens up the smallest of spaces; horizontal fencing adds on-trend look and feel; a contemporary pergola ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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LocaL LIVES ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Local artist Claudia Myatt’s nautical artwork appeals to all – even the landlubbers amongst us Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod!

Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

W

orking from her studio tucked away at Hall Farm, just past Martlesham church, local artist and illustrator Claudia Myatt’s work is all about the boats, the river and sea. “When you see my work it’s easy to see I’m fairly obsessed with the boats and the sea. I even live on an elderly tug boat.”

In addition to selling her art, Claudia’s work can often be found in books and sailing magazines.

She was also commissioned by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) to write and illustrate a series of sailing handbooks for children.

Always looking to get the most from life, Claudia

has found the perfect solution to escaping East Anglia’s winter cold and the leaner months following Christmas.

“It can be very chilly mid-winter at home, so in recent years I’ve been taking off and working as an art tutor on cruise liners destined for sunnier climes.

Last year, I spent a fabulous nine weeks around South America, met some great guests and my only expenditure was an evening cocktail.”

Claudia is hosting an open studio over two consecutive weekends in November. It’s the perfect chance to get creative with your Christmas shopping – cards, gifts and paintings and prints are all available

featuring her fab stylised local and nautical themes; works from fellow local artists Susie Hammond and Adrian Mills will also be available. It’s ppen 3pm-6pm on Friday 9th, 10am-5pm on Saturday 10th and 17th November and noon-4pm on Sunday 11th and 18th November.

Also, if you’ve ever hankered to pick up a paintbrush, check out Claudia’s website for details of her watercolour and sketching workshops for beginners and improvers. l Claudia’s studio can be found at Unit 7 Hall Farm, Martlesham IP12 4PQ. You can find out more about her work by going to www.claudiamyatt.co.uk

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The Galley Restaurant 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LX 01394 380055 www.galley.uk.com

DOG

ABOUT TOWN

“My name’s Jensen and, being a Newfoundland, I weigh a stonking 95kg – though, it’s got to be said, I’m actually as soft as a snowflake. I’m probably the only water rescue dog in East Anglia who is afraid of waves! It’s true; show me a wave and I’ll run in the opposite direction.

“I love snow however, and so does Stitch, the super confident Jack Russell who I share my home with locally.

We both love our walks on Martlesham Heath. I’m more laid back than Stitch and he sometimes puts me in my place, especially when I forget my weight and get all playful. Hard to believe, I know, but he’s definitely the boss. I don’t mind as life’s pretty cool.”

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

HOT

pets

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Steve Andrews tells all about his common-sense approach to dog training Pictures by Adrian Green

W

ith a reputation that spreads beyond the local area, Steve Andrews can regularly be seen around town with his beloved dogs, Ruga, a Russian-born Doberman and Billy, his super cute Boston terrier.

Operating as a balanced dog trainer, 95% of the one-to-one work Steve undertakes with dogs and owners is all about positive reinforcement and 5% about correction; allowing the dog to know there is a consequence to unwanted behaviours.

As Steve says: “For some, my approach is contentious, as they follow the purely positive concept of training, but I believe that a positive only approach, with no corrections, regardless of the behaviour is why the dog world is in such a turmoil.”

Keen to distance himself from labels such as dog whisperer, Steve is very matter of fact about the work he does. “There’s nothing mystical about it. My training philosophy is based on good old common sense; reinforcing that whilst we love our dogs unconditionally, they are not humans and need a blueprint of taught behaviours to follow. In fact, much of my work is all about teaching the human and training the dog.”

Steve’s love of dogs stems from when he was a youngster. “I remember when I was ten or 11 and going to the Watts, a little shop that used to be on Bredfield Street at the back of Woodbridge School.

There was a pack of cards, like the old-fashioned tea cards, featuring different breeds and that was that – I saw those and was obsessed. Dad then gave me the money to go back and buy them and I’ve still got them today.”

Aged 18 Steve got his first Doberman,

a breed he has been pasionate about for over 30 years. “Zane was my world. But looking back, I did pretty much everything wrong when buying him. We bought him impulsively, without having undertaken enough research into his background, and my understanding of training and behaviours was almost non-existent.”

“Much of my work is all about teaching the human and training the dog” Running a painting and decorating business alongside his dog training for many years, Steve has now hung up his painting overalls and works exclusively with dogs and their owners, many from Kesgrave and Martlesham. “The business is doing really well and the decision to take on the training paddock next to the Tea Hut in Woodbridge means I have the most perfect ‘office’ in town.”

Offering one-to-one training, Steve explains: “Training needs to start when a puppy is young, but obedience training shouldn’t be the starting point.

Initially it needs to be about working on healthy socialisation behaviours, teaching a dog to behave neutrally in all environments. We then move on to building confidence between the handler and the dog and it’s my job to find out

Top left and right: Steve with Ruga and Billy Below: The cards that ignited Steve’s passion for dogs

what motivates the dog to want to behave well.

“The more you can teach your puppy in the first year, the better-behaved adolescent dog you will have. This training then becomes the behavioural blueprint for both the dog and the handler.”

Never tiring of going to work, Steve says: “These days I’m working with clients from Norwich to Surrey and am often referred by vets. I’ve also started working with local charity Suffolk Animal Rescue.

But what I enjoy most is when it all comes together for both dog and the handler.

Juno is a great example. A 13-month-old Doberman owned by a local family, dad wasn’t initially keen to get a dog, but the rest of the family finally swayed him into agreement. Having sought my advice on breeds, we’ve been working together since Juno joined the family and dad is now one of the most aware and capable dog handlers I’ve seen.” l Steve is a member of ARDO (Association of Responsible Dog Owners), ABDT (Association of Balanced Dog Trainers) and IACP (International asocciation of Canine Professionals) www.steveandrewsdogtrainer.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Lightbulb Moment

Kesgrave Friday, 30th November Make sure you’re there to see Kesgrave turning on its Christmas tree lights at the Rupert Fison Square, near the Tesco Metro. Festivities get underway at 6pm with a local choir and the lights will be switched on at 6.30pm. There’s a chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto, and the scouts of Kesgrave will be running the Christmas Fair in the Scout Hall next to the square. With refreshments available, here’s the perfect chance to start those festive vibes.

For more information, call Kesgrave Town Council on 01473 625179

OUT &

ABOUT

Here’s our round-up of some fab things to get out and enjoy in the run-up to Christmas

Christmas at the Mansion

Christchurch Mansion Ipswich Saturday, 15th December – Sunday, 16th December Create your own handmade cards and presents. Ideal for children aged 5+ there’s lots of fun activities to get involved in, ranging from free to £1, so come along and join in the festive cheer.

There’s also a chance to meet Father Christmas! Join him in his grotto and take part in craft activities. Cost is £5.50 per child and booking online in advance is essential due to high demand.

Book online at www.ipswichregent.com (entrance to Christchurch Mansion is free).

Fundraiser Quiz Night

Birchwood Primary School Martlesham Heath Friday, 16th November Raising funds to buy new books for the school, Martlesham Heath’s Birchwood Primary school is inviting everyone to put a team together and attend its November quiz night.

Organised by the schools PTFA, the evening kicks off at 7pm and the quiz gets underway at 7.30pm, with a £5 fee per person and teams can include up to six expert brains. Everyone’s also invited to bring their own drinks and nibbles – but no nuts please! Also bring your purse as a raffle is planned with some fab prizes.

Tickets are available by emailing Teresa at ptfa@birchwood.suffolk.sch.uk

© Ian Clarke

Kiss & Tell

Otter Tracking

MoRun

Saturday, 24th November Chantry Park, Ipswich Sign up for this year’s MoRun and help raise awareness and vital funds for men’s health through supporting event organiser’s charity partner, the Movember Foundation. This is the first time Chantry Park will play host to a MoRun event which includes 5k and 10k routes, as well as a 1.5k mini MoRun to encourage more kids and families to get involved.

Now in its ninth year, 20,000 male and female runners are expected to take part in the MoRuns taking place up and down the country. MoRun is all about having fun, high fives, fancy dress and funny moustaches, so sign up and make a difference. www.mo-running.com/ipswich

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RSPB Minsmere Thursday, 8th November/ Thursday, 13th December/ Tuesday, 8th January 2019 Join David at 7.30am as he carries out his regular otter surveys at Minsmere. He’ll take you off the beaten track to look for spraints (droppings) and footprints and explain how we monitor these elusive mammals through their tracks and signs.

You’ll also be able to check our trail camera footage. Will you be lucky enough to spot an otter? After the walk you’ll meet the Suffolk Mammal Group volunteers to learn more about Minsmere’s otters.

Maximum group size is six people and booking is essential.

Go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/d and search for ‘otter’

Christchurch Mansion Ipswich From Saturday, 24th November Discover the tale behind the lovers in Auguste Rodin’s iconic marble sculpture The Kiss through the work of literature that inspired it.

This monumental artwork, on loan from the Tate, along with several of Rodin’s other sculptures will be displayed in this major exhibition, which also includes sculptures and life drawings from the Ipswich collection, including works by Pre-Raphaelite sculptor Thomas Woolner, Ellen Mary Rope, Henry Moore, Maggi Hambling and Elisabeth Frink. An exhibition not to be missed, Kiss & Tell: Rodin and Suffolk Sculpture runs through to the end of April 2019 – free admission. www.cimuseums.org.uk

Town or Country?

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Call us today on 01394 380 289 or visit www.woodbridgelodge.care

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Call us today on 01728 747 095 or visit allonsfieldhouse.care

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Respite care