Living in Felixstowe - Issue 4

ISSUE SUMMER 20162018 ISSUE ONE… FOUR …

NEW YEAR

LIVING IN

FELIXSTOWE Veg out … eating healthily 2018their doors Local home owners… throwinopen At home with Lesley Child free … zones?… meetDolphin the couple with the Parent Pod! Shop makesJojo sense Is greylocal just … sowhy lastityear?…

Humes Brown on colours

YOURBRAND FABULOUS YOUR NEW FREE HOMES AND FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE

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NEW YEAR IN FELIXSTOWE

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ur new year edition is bursting with inspirational stories reminding us of how great a place Felixstowe is to live and work.

In this issue, relative newcomer to town Lesley Dolphin, presenter of BBC Radio Suffolk’s fabulous afternoon show, kindly opened her home to us (see pages 12 and 13). We have to say, after many an afternoon spent listening to her in our homes, it was great to spend time in hers and to hear how happy she and husband, Mark Murphy, are living by the sea.

A new year edition wouldn’t be complete without a nod to those well-intentioned resolutions. So, we’ve got a great article from Stephen Rampley, Felixstowe and Landguard marketing and events coordinator, on page nine who urges us all to resolve to shop locally in 2018, and to support our wonderful town centre. Then, on page 17, Maggie Franks imparts some great nuggets of advice about the benefits of embracing our winter veggies.

We also caught up with the town’s Geoffrey Middup, who happily shared with us his passion for a charity that brings hope to millions in Africa, all by getting creative with a pillow slip.

In his eighties, Geoffrey’s determination to help children in Africa was nothing short of inspirational. Find out more on page six.

Don’t forget, copies of Living In … Felixstowe are available to pick up from the library from our posh new dump bin (pictured right) situated near the front doors. Copies are also available to pick up from many other outlets throughout town, including the town hall.

Here’s wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

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Angela & Lyn ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

FELIXSTOWE

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Craig Drever and Lewis Webb info@livinginfelixstowe.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 editors, 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 us in this publication. Living In … Felixstowe 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

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WHAT’S INSIDE 7 9 11 17 19 21

Master plans unveiled Shop Locally Lesley Dolphin at home New Year, New You? Out & About!

Dog About Town ON THE COVER

Firestone by Solus. We’re loving this decorative fire stone which is specially manufactured to be placed into a firepit. For more details go to www.solusdecor.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL NEWS

favour of the green charge amid “the harsh realities” of the current financial situation.

Suffolk Coastal’s Leader Councillor Ray Herring explains: “One of the key factors is the dwindling financial support we are receiving from central Government, which is really biting home. So we need to re-examine any options we have open to us to raise money, in order to keep council tax increases down and maintain our services.

“The reduction in the Recycling Performance Payment support from the county council to Suffolk Coastal equated to an annual shortfall of £150,000, rising to over £200,000 in 2018/19, which has been funded through existing budgets.”

But another resident of Suffolk Coastal, Phil Taylor, does not accept that. “This smacks of bad financial management – Ipswich Borough Council have not imposed this charge, so why have we?” he says.

Councillor Ray Herring adds: “Collecting garden waste separately is a discretionary service, which the council is not required to provide. Not everyone has an organic waste bin or uses the service, but we have been subsidising the service from the council tax paid by everyone in the district.”

A timetable for introducing the charge for garden waste collection is currently being drawn up, including details of how and when people can join and pay.

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

WHAT A WASTE

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uffolk Coastal’s plan to introduce a charge for garden waste has been met with a green fingered thumbs down.

It was announced recently that the garden waste charge will be taken from homes during this next financial year 2018/19.

Residents will have the option of paying an annual charge of £43 per garden waste bin - the equivalent of paying about £1.65 for every fortnightly collection. They will also be given the choice of receiving a replacement free larger (240litre) bin for

their garden waste, during the first year of the scheme.

One elderly resident and keen gardener, who asked not to be named, said she was fuming about it. “It’s not right,” she says.

“What on earth are we paying a fortune on council tax for, if not for the collection of waste? We hardly see police on our streets nowadays and lights are switched off at nights, so where’s our money going to?”

A statement from Suffolk Coastal District Council reveals members of the council’s cabinet reluctantly voted in

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

l For further details go to: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk

HARRY POTTER COMES TO TOWN!

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elixstowe Library is one of 21 libraries in the country handpicked to host Harry Potter: A History of Magic. This joint British Library and Living Knowledge Network venture is the first project celebrating and exploring historical, folkloric and mythological origins which author JK Rowling drew upon to pen her series of fantasy novels loved by millions.

Paul Howarth, Suffolk Libraries stock and content manager, says: “J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books are steeped in real magical folklore and books on this subject are always popular in Suffolk, so this was a fantastic opportunity to gather together titles into a collection which will be traveling with the exhibition.” l For further details see our Out & About section on page 19.

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

FELIXSTOWE LIVES

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

A PILLOW SLIP OF HOPE

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Bringing joy and dignity to children across Africa, town resident Geoffrey Middup explains more about the charity, Little Dresses for Africa

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s a member of Felixstowe Lions I was flicking through my copy of the Lion magazine when I became gripped by one particular article, which really became a light bulb moment for me.

The story that had me transfixed was all about the charity, Little Dresses for Africa (LDFA).

LDFA is an international organisation where people across the world make dresses out of pillow slips for children in Africa. What struck me was the simplicity and ingenuity of this programme. By simply turning a pillow slip upside down and cutting the top corners off for armholes, and a middle hole for the head, you have a dress! Some volunteers let their artistic talents flow and do far more, creating britches for boys from tops.

Volunteers also make washable sanipads for teenage girls, enabling them to go to school with dignity and not have to endure monthly gaps in their education.

I now act as a ‘gofer’ for the charity doing whatever I can, whenever I can, in terms of helping and promoting the amazing work of this charity locally.

Since being founded in 2008 by American Rachel O’Neil and her husband Michael, Little Dresses for Africa has distributed over 8 million garments, with little dresses and britches currently being distributed to 84 countries in and around the continent.

Garments made locally are sent to the UK ambassador of LDFA, who happens to live in Essex, where they are checked and sent abroad when sufficient funds accrue.

They are then delivered directly to the children.

Our pillowslip dresses get a lot of wear, and do wear out so there’s always a need for more kind-hearted people to get involved. But help can take many forms.

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Here, I’d like to say a very big thank you to Felixstowe Lions for its £90 donation to assist with freighting costs.

Getting involved with the charity has been life changing for me, almost as much as a new dress or britches is for the children who receive them. I’m in my eighties and it’s nice to put a bit back. I love seeing the delighted look on the children’s’ faces when they wear their new clothes.

As LDFA says; ‘we’re not just sending dresses, we’re sending hope.’ So, next time you’re thinking of throwing away a pillowslip, spare a thought for its potential.

“I couldn’t believe the simplicity and ingenuity of the programme”

l For more information about Little Dresses for Africa, and pillow slip dress patterns visit: www.littledressesforafrica.org l If you have a sewing machine and would like to help Geoffrey, write in to us at info@livinginfelixstowe.co.uk and we’ll put you in touch with him.

Top: “Our pillow slip dresses get a lot of wear” Left: Geoffrey with a new shipment of clothes

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL ISSUE

CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES! 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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Whether we like it or not, changes are afoot as Suffolk Coastal District Council unveils its ‘masterplan’ for the town … member with responsibility for economic development, says: “The Felixstowe Leisure Vision document demonstrates the potential for a multi-million pound sports and leisure development and highlights the opportunity to continue with the current re-vitalisation of Felixstowe. However, this is just the start of a long conversation with local people about what they want and how we maximise the potential of this area.

“There is already a major development planned for the area and other landowners have been actively promoting their land for possible development. So,

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ore than 100 acres of countryside in north Felixstowe could be scrapped to make way for new homes, jobs, a school and state-of-the art sports and leisure facilities.

According to the Felixstowe Leisure Vision submission, the farmland under question is on the north of Felixstowe between Gulpher Road and the edge of the town. It stretches from the A14 dock spur to Ferry Road in Old Felixstowe and is being pinpointed as a new ‘gateway’ for the town. Currently the land is owned by Cambridge’s Trinity College, the Adams and Stennett families and it includes the Council’s Eastward Ho sports pitches.

Charlie Manning, who co-owns the Mannings amusement empire and Copas Bar in the town with brother Jonny, says: “It is very sad to lose our beautiful countryside and rolling vistas.

But at the same time there is huge demand for affordable housing and more facilities such as schools, healthcare and community services. We are always in favour of local investment into the local infrastructure, business, community and tourism, as long as it preserves the town’s beauty and charm. Hopefully the planners for the town will ensure this as well as allow the town to improve and develop.”

The masterplan would include the demolition of the resort’s current leisure centre and Brackenbury Sports Centre to allow for the creation of the new sports complex, which council chiefs believe would also pull in visitors from much further afield.

It could include such facilities as swimming pools, health facilities, sauna, gym, high diving complex, climbing walls, restaurant, indoor bowls, mini cinema, sports pitches and more.

Councillor Geoff Holdcroft, Suffolk Coastal’s deputy leader and cabinet

a wider consultation process and there is a long way to go before anything becomes a reality.”

The document is published on Suffolk Coastal’s website and provides ‘evidence and suggestions’ from landowners and other stakeholders to the Local Plan Review for the district as a whole.

In responses to the Issues and Options consultation, one particular comment made by a Mrs Judith Hedges summed up many people’s fears in the town: “Gulpher Road is our last country lane and is very popular with cyclists and walkers,” she wrote. “Do not spoil what little we have

“Gulpher Road is our last country lane and is very popular with cyclists and walkers” create developments that benefit local people and visitors to the area.

“We accept this is a bold vision for the future but the ideas contained within the document have been submitted as part of

left. Felixstowe has reached its realistic geographical limit.” l For more details go to: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk

Top Left: “Our last country lane” Left: Potential Concept Framework Above Left: Land ownership and existing housing sites Above: Charlie Manning ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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113 Hamilton Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7BL

Tel 01394 275111 Email info@vikings.uk.net Web www.vikings.uk.net

Over 30 years’ local knowledge & experience

RESIDENTIAL SALES & LETTINGS AGENTS

RESOLVE TO SHOP LOCALLY IN 2018 Stephen Rampley, Felixstowe and Landguard Marketing and Events Coordinator explains more about how shopping locally helps our town to thrive

D

id you know… Hamilton Road in Felixstowe was named as one of Britain’s best high streets in the Great British High Street Competition? Placed in the top five of the ‘rising star’ category, this accolade recognises areas that are turning fortunes around.

Felixstowe’s attractive, relaxed and laid-back town centre offers a variety of High Street names, alongside speciality shops, boutiques and independents. From three bookshops (a rarity in most UK towns), the Aladdin’s cave of Underwood Hardware and DIY Limited founded in 1946, and the established names of Hills Jewellers and Pierrot Stationers to Felixstowe’s newer ‘chic’ offerings such as Ruby & Scarlet, Adnams Felixstowe and Tea and Kate.

Together with low cost car parking and easy access by train it’s this retail mix that continues to attract both the local resident population and those from further afield.

The town centre currently provides 208 retail and leisure units, with no long-term vacancy problems. The low level of vacant units at just 3% (UK average is 11%) shows that Felixstowe is doing exceptionally well with the demand for units good. Whilst we have seven major retailers in town, including M&S, Boots and Tesco, the majority, 52 of the 208 units are independents. Our focus is to attract more

independent shops to develop the town centre further with its unique and distinct flavour.

Recent years has seen many existing independents upgrading to larger premises, such as the wine-boutique,

Livia’s Boutique and Vintage by the Sea, showing a confidence and the willingness to invest in the town. The upcoming offering of a new Wetherspoons public house and restaurant will be a great boost to the area around Great Eastern Square.

Recent studies show the main reasons to visit is for non-food shopping (50%), with one of the main ‘likes’ being the proximity to the seafront and its additional attractions; providing a complete great day out for all ages and interests. Felixstowe is also perceived to be

Left: our thriving town centre Above: Adnams on Hamilton Road Below: independent store, Tea & Kate

safe with a good environmental quality.

Year-round floral displays decorate the area around the Triangle, perceived as the heart of the town centre, and the focus of regular displays and entertainment from local community groups and charities.

The current Town Centre Partnership was formed in late 2016 by a group of retailers and Felixstowe Forward who were keen to raise footfall and promote Felixstowe’s retail offering. Their first aim was to re-introduce Christmas Late Night Shopping back into the town, and the last two festive periods have now seen between 50 to 60 shops open on Friday evenings until 7pm, combined with entertainment and special offers.

Felixstowe is also recognised as a dementia friendly community with 29 organisations - banks, opticians, shops, The Orwell Hotel and others completing their dementia friends information awareness session and committed to undertaking three actions to be more dementia friendly. These actions can include staff attending a dementia friendly talk, wearing a dementia friendly badge and displaying the Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance sign in their shop or branch.

So, if you make just one resolution this New Year then make it to shop local in your High Street and support our local businesses throughout 2018. l For further information on shopping in Felixstowe, please visit www. visitfelixstowe.org.uk/great-days/shop Stats provided from the Ipswich Borough and Suffolk Coastal District Retail and Commercial Leisure Town Centre Study of October 2017.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISMENT FEATURE

Style

CELEBRATE IN 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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If you’re planning an event in 2018, Ufford Park Hotel has a team on hand to meet your every need

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From the top: One of seven air-conditioned, flexible function rooms on offer at the hotel; Clients can create their own custom menu and drinks selection; The exciting 18-hole adventure golf course Congo Rapids Lost World is great for children’s parties

“Clients often say it’s only when they start talking with us that they realise what they want from their event” TARNIA ROBERTSON, MD OF UFFORD PARK HOTEL

TO PLAN YOUR EVENT Call 01394 383555 and ask to speak to the events team, or visit www.uffordpark.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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f you’re planning to celebrate a special event in 2018, Ufford Park Hotel is the place to head to. With a five-strong dedicated events team and rooms available to suit every occasion, from small intimate gathering lunches to full-on birthday bashes, the focus is always on making a guest’s celebration one to remember.

Tarnia Robertson, managing director of Ufford Park Hotel, says: “As a family-run independent hotel, doing the best for our guests is our priority. We’ve experience of hosting all types of events including birthdays, baby showers, prom parties, hen and stag dos and end of life celebrations. Whatever the event, nothing is too much trouble.”

With rooms available to cater for large events up to 250 people (the Deben Suite), or more intimate spaces such as The Aldous Room, renamed after Tarnia’s parents when they retired from the business, every customer has their own dedicated coordinator, taking care of every aspect of their event.

“Guests often say it’s only when they start talking with us that they realise what they want from their event. Our little black book of contacts means that we’ve got a direct line to tried and tested suppliers, whether that’s floristry, room decorations such as chair covers, or a disco. For example, we’ve worked with Gareth Ambrose of Flame Entertainment in Ipswich for many years and he is our go-to DJ,” continues Tarnia.

The growing popularity of school proms has seen a rise in after-prom parties at the hotel. “This year, for 16-year-old proms we’re offering a package that includes delicious mocktails, a DJ, and security to ensure the party is for guests only.”

Modelled on Florida-style adventure golf courses, Congo Rapids Lost World is located in the grounds of the hotel and is open to all ages, but makes a great birthday party treat with a difference.

Tarnia continues: “These parties are proving hugely popular and are

perfect for 5–12-year olds.”

Catering for between six and 20 guests, the £12.50-per-head party lasts approximately three hours and includes a round of adventure golf before returning to the hotel to continue the celebrations with a children’s meal.

“Locally, we’re one of the only venues able to offer such a diverse range of event rooms, combined with accommodation for those coming from further afield,” continues Tarnia. “We’re also often recommended by other local venues, who aren’t able to offer overnight accommodation for their guests.”

The first-class service offered by staff is what sets the hotel apart.

“We get so many lovely comments about our staff from event clients and guests on TripAdvisor, and whilst we’re a three-star hotel, money can’t buy the service we’re able to offer,” laughs Tarnia.

As head of operations, Max Moussa is responsible for ensuring everything runs to plan. “On average we host over 10 events a week, which also includes business training and conferences, so things can get very busy. Our focus is always on ensuring there is no overlap, and that everything comes together seamlessly on the day.”

The events team is also very experienced in arranging end of life celebrations, as Tarnia explains: “These extremely individual events are always handled with respect and sensitivity. Requests on these occasions can be varied but we work closely with clients to ensure their every need is met. Also, because of the range of event rooms we have, we’re often able to accommodate such celebrations at short notice.”

But, you don’t need a big celebration to come and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer.

With great Spa and Golf breaks available for as little as £98 per person per night, there’s no excuse not to come and sample some great Ufford Park hospitality.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

FELIXSTOWE LIVES

VIVA LA VIDA!

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

From the small acorn of an idea to a budding orchestra bursting with talent, we meet Felixstowe Community Strings …

Pictures by Jemma White

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hen Nicky O’Brien’s daughter decided to take up the violin at school little did she realise that it would rekindle her own musical interests and draw her into the creation of a new local orchestra in Felixstowe.

“My daughter’s teacher was Diane Fedida, who had taught many generations of violinists in Suffolk,” says Nicky. “She suggested that I dust down my violin and have lessons again so that I could play along with my daughter to make her learning more fun. Diane was an inspiration.”

Over the following weeks, Diane shared a dream of hers of bringing adult musicians of all abilities together to play in a local string orchestra for fun.

“Many cups of coffee and chats later, a group of us agreed to help Diane form a local string group, with the aim of having an ensemble playing opportunity for adult performers from grade three to four and above,” says Nicky.

In 2012 a fledgling group of nervous performers got together for the very first concert of the Felixstowe Community Strings at the library in Felixstowe. One of those players who has been with the group from the start was violinist Karen Wilkes.

“We were terrified!” recalls Karen with a smile. “Many of us hadn’t performed in public. We were new to each other and the pieces we played. Will we ever forget Coldplay’s Viva La Vida which was probably unrecognizable to the select few in our audience!”

From humble beginnings the string orchestra has grown in size and ability.

First nurtured by Diane until she sadly passed away, and then by Kaye Exstance who stepped in as conductor to ably lead them forward. Kaye thoroughly enjoys being part of Felixstowe Community Strings as well as the improvements she has overseen over the last few years.

“We have gone from strength to strength,” says Kaye. “Our repertoire ranges from Brandenburg, to film scores to musicals. Each term brings a new challenge which helps the orchestra and individual players develop and grow. Our rehearsals build up to a number of

concerts held each year, often in collaboration with local choirs and performers.”

This passion is shared equally by the players.

“I really enjoy playing in the orchestra,” says Lorraine Cook, who plays the violin. “It has done wonders for my playing ability and my confidence. I know that anything is possible and I look forward to the challenges the orchestra brings. All the hard work and rehearsals pay off at our concerts when we can perform in front of family, friends and supporters,” adds Lorraine.

The Felixstowe Community Strings now stage two or three concerts a year. The most recent being their Christmas Concert in early December. They were joined by the Orwell Connection Choir and the Felixstowe Childrens Choir as well as violin and cello soloists Richard Armitage and Peter Strulo. As with most of their concerts, their festive programme included a range of classical and contemporary music, including the theme tune to Polar Express, Bach’s Ave Maria and extracts from Handel’s Messiah.

“We were terrified! Many of us hadn’t performed in public” Karen Wilkes The orchestra always welcomes new members.

“Felixstowe Community Strings is a friendly orchestra keen to develop adult string players,” says Nicky. “We have players of all abilities from Grade 3-4 upwards. There is no audition required to join. We rehearse on Monday evenings during term time. If anyone is interested in joining they can contact me via email or follow what we are doing via our Facebook page.

“Looking back on all we have achieved over these last five years, Diane would be delighted by how Felixstowe Community Strings has grown and developed since that brave start back in 2012.” l Email Nicky on nicola.obrien3@btinternet.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Oh we do like to be

BESIDE THE

SEASIDE!

BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin invites us in for a cuppa and a peak around her lovely new home …

Pictures by John Ferguson

R Above Right: Lesley loves cooking from scratch Above: The couple tied the knot in Las Vegas Below: The dining room leads out onto the garden

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adio star Lesley Dolphin reckons moving to Felixstowe has been one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

Lesley, who moved last summer with husband and fellow Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy, says she still can’t believe her luck that she’s living in such a wonderful town.

“It all came about when Mark and I came here for a walk last year on New Year’s Day and it was a really foul day, all cold and blowy, and we were walking along the prom when we said; ‘wouldn’t it be lovely to live near enough to the prom to be able to walk up and down whenever you want?’ At the time our two grown-up boys, Tom and John, were living with us as well as John’s girlfriend and we were all pretty

cramped in our small semi in Ipswich, so there was little chance we could do anything. But Mark being Mark started looking at houses for sale straight away!”

Lesley says that as luck would have it a house then came on the market for sale just a few doors away from her great friend Steph and the rest, as they say, is history!

“It all happened so fast,” she smiles.

“And the boys were moving out anyway, so we went from having no plans to move to living here! It’s the best thing we ever did. We haven’t had a moment of regret. We’d been in Ipswich for 20 years – Mark for longer - and we’d got lots of friends who we still see regularly but it’s only ten minutes drive away. And now everyone tells us Felixstowe is up and coming!

We’ve also got friends who have bought a holiday home here and it’s a great community.”

Now Lesley gets up at 6.30am on weekdays to run along the prom before going into work on her popular daily afternoon show listened to by thousands all over the county.

“I try to do 2km she says. “I walk for two lamp posts and then run for two lamp posts, it takes about 27 minutes.

I’ve got a Fitbit to check my heart rate is where it should be. It might be cold and dark at that time of day but I see other people walking their dogs and it’s so exhilarating! I step out of my front door and hear the waves and think; ‘I live by the sea!’ We can even see it from our bedroom window.”

When the couple first moved in to the 1930s five-bed property they set

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL HOMES

about brightening up the spectacular kitchen which boasts a lovely range cooker.

“The kitchen didn’t need too much doing to it, which was lucky, we just painted it and lightened it up,” she says. “I’d always wanted a farmhousestyle kitchen and it’s great because when we’re entertaining, people can sit at the island unit and have a glass of wine and chat to me while I cook.”

Downstairs they’ve installed blinds throughout, tailor-made by local firm

we’d get people parking right outside the house all summer. In fact, it’s not that bad at all and we can’t hear a thing in this road. It’s so quiet; you could be anywhere.

“I’d love to know more about this house, the previous owner was here for 20 years and there were Yale locks before on all the bedroom doors plus sinks in them, so we’re not sure whether it was a B&B or a boarding house.”

Downstairs in the first reception room you walk into, which doubles up as a hall, the couple have designed a lovely cosy reading area featuring old books all about the history of the town.

“We also turned the second living room into a dining room as we hadn’t had one before and it’s great for dinner parties,” says Lesley.

Double doors leading off the dining room open out onto a terrace and a surprisingly wide garden which, Lesley says, Mark loves to tend.

“We’ve got a lot to do here but we’ll do it slowly over time, there’s no rush,” she says.

The couple, who met at work, have been together for 20 years and were married in a private ceremony in Las Vegas back in 2002. Both divorced, it seems incredible they’re so close considering they first met at BBC Radio Suffolk in Ipswich and still sit opposite each other!

Lesley laughs; “I was once chatting to someone in charge of HR at work, she’d been with us for a year, and I was telling her about a forthcoming holiday to France, when she said; ‘Are you going anywhere near that Mark

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

Above: Lesley’s beloved kitchen Left: The house has sea views Below: A snug area to read Bottom: The lightfilled hall

“Everyone tells us Felixstowe is up and coming!”

Abacus Blinds, which allow the light to flood through the property.

Upstairs they’ve reconfigured the space with a lovely new contemporary bathroom as well as a shower room to accommodate their steady flow of guests.

“Next year for the carnival we’re going to get all our friends to stay between us and Steph’s house down the road, that’s why we need two bathrooms up there,” she smiles. “It’s so lovely to have the space after our last house.

“And there’s so much to do here.

When friends come and visit we can walk to Landguard Fort and take them on the ferry over to Harwich. And since the pier’s been refurbished we can walk up there for a drink in the evening or go to the Alex; we take friends there for breakfast when they stay. It’s fantastic.

“Some people warned it might be too busy living on this road and that

Murphy?’ She couldn’t believe it when I said we were going together; she had no idea!”

Lesley admits that the couple do tend to talk shop at home, which used to drive their boys mad in the past.

“But it’s not just a job to us,” she insists. “It’s our passion.”

Norfolk-born Lesley reckons she’s loved working in local radio ever since the first day she visited studios in Leeds back in the Seventies, as a student. She says she still can’t believe that she actually gets paid for meeting and chatting with fascinating people with subjects ranging from farming, food, gardening, local history and always featuring a sofa guest.

“Every day holds something new and interesting,” she adds. l Catch Lesley’s afternoon show All About Suffolk between 1 and 4pm on weekdays on 103.9FM. ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

Exciting changes at

HACHETTE BISTRO! Already dazzling the town with mouth-watering dishes served up in sumptuous surroundings, this elegant sea front bistro goes from strength to strength …

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Top left: New front of house manager and resident whirlwind Eleanor Clifford Above: Former Seckford Hall chef Norman Ball Bottom left: Room with a view Right: Norman’s glazed salsify, hazelnut, cranberry and goats curd salad is a work of art Bottom Right: Delicious herb and cheddar crusted cod, new crushed potato and spiced roast cauliflower

achette Bistro is delighted to as sous chef and acting head chef at welcome new front of house Woodbridge’s Seckford Hall amassing ten restaurant manager, Eleanor years of first class experience there. Before Clifford, bringing that, Norman enjoyed a with her a wealth of stint at the “The food here two-year talent. Eleanor has now highly acclaimed Jimmy’s taken charge of all aspects Farm first as sous chef and is absolutely of the job and owner, Jay then as acting head chef. stunning and Poole, says she’s breathed Jay says: “Norman new life into the busy role. finally agreed to join I’d put it right Jay says: “We’d been Hachette after many searching for a new months of persuasion! up there with manager for quite some He’s been on our radar for some of the time and although we’d a very long time and truth received many best restaurants be known, we’d been applications, Eleanor stood trying to poach him in Suffolk” out from the crowd with months before we even her exceptional opened! He’s no stranger employment history. She’s worked at some to creating 2 star rosette standard food big restaurants in Ipswich at management and his food speaks for itself.” level and upon meeting her, I knew straight away she was what we’d been l To book a table at the restaurant call looking for. She’s come in at 100 miles an in to 129 Undercliff Road West, hour and has already starting call: 01394 547257 or go to: implementing big changes at the Bistro! www.hachette-bistro.co.uk Since we opened back in August 2016 our food has always stood out from our competitors and now we’re delivering our service in line with that, thanks to Eleanor.”

Indeed Eleanor herself says: “My first impression when entering Hachette was how gorgeous the setting was! After meeting with Jay I knew instantly I wanted to be part of this project and help to grow an already growing business, there are exciting plans in place for the future in terms of expansion and further growth.

Jay has been very supportive and given me full control of the overall running of the restaurant which has enabled me to get stuck right in!

“The food here is absolutely stunning and I’d put it right up there with some of the best restaurants in Suffolk.”

New Head Chef Super talented Norman Ball has now taken full reign of the kitchen at Hachette.

Joining the Bistro back in January 2017 as sous chef, Norman had previously worked

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BUSINESS AS USUAL

Bringing you all the latest business news from around the local area

CARAVAN OF LOVE

TV MAKEOVER Granite Transformations in Ipswich really lived up to their name when TV star Sarah Beeny featured the company’s handiwork in her second series of Beeny’s Restorations Nightmare on C4.

And thanks to the telly makeover, the once-faded Rise Hall in Yorkshire is now enjoying its renaissance as one of the UK’s leading wedding and events venues.

Property expert Sarah rescued Rise Hall from the brink of dereliction and invited Granite Transformations in to transform bathrooms within the 97-room mansion. A company spokesperson said: “A total of four bathrooms in all were kitted out with our materials, to add to the four bathrooms we previously helped to

make over.

“Granite Transformations provided wall cladding, flooring and splashbacks for the four bathrooms, all installed by our top team of fitters.”

As part of a fabulous new year’s deal the company is offering a whopping £500 appliance contribution to every customer who purchases door replacements and worktops together by the end of January 2018. l If you would like your bathroom or kitchen transforming, call in to Granite Transformations at Unit 3, Alstons Court, Leslie Rd, Ipswich, call: 01473 851908 or check out their new-look website at: www.gt-ipswich.co.uk

SELL, SELL, SELL!

Now is a great time to sell, according to Nicholas Estates. Stamp duty has been abolished for first time buyers purchasing properties up to £300,000. Branch manager, Mark White, believes the property market is looking rosy in the new year.

“It’s good news for the town,” he says. “According to figures on the online property website Rightmove the average price of a semi-detached property in Felixstowe is £232,090 which means first time buyers wouldn’t pay stamp duty at all on those figures.”

The Chancellor announced the new ruling in last autumn’s Budget and the Treasury now estimates the move will take 80% of first-time buyers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland out of paying stamp duty altogether. l For more details on selling your home, contact Nicholas Estates at 173 Hamilton Road on: 01394 282828.

Oaks Caravans is giving Living In ... Felixstowe readers a new year’s present in the form of 15% off all servicing.

“That includes all makes and models, even brand new models,” says owner Lee Brown. “All servicing carried out by our company is AWS approved, it’s a condition of your warranty to make sure whoever services your caravan is AWS approved, or you risk voiding your warranty.” l For more details drop in to Oaks Caravan Sales in Foxburrow Farm, Waldringfield Road, Brightwell.

Email: caravanrepairs@googlemail.com or call: 01394 448609.

WINE O’CLOCK ON HAMILTON ROAD

The wine-boutique may have just moved across the street, but its new Hamilton Road premises are full of surprise and delight.

As store manager, Jason Wellham, explains: “The biggest change is that we’re now so much more than just a wine shop. Open from 11am – 9pm Wednesday to Saturday people can come in, enjoy a glass of wine with us and some posh nibbles. We’ve always got over 30 bottles open to try and it’s great to see customers being slightly more adventurous and trying wines they might not ordinarily consider.”

The wine-boutique is also available on Tuesday evenings to hire for corporate functions, or private wine tastings and there’s an informal wine tasting on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7.30pm.

As Jason adds: “It’s early days yet but it’s all going fantastically well. We’ve been planning this for the last two to three years, so we’ve still got lots of ideas to put in place.” l For further information go to: www.wineboutique.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL FOOD

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

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

Town nutritionist Maggie Franks advises us to ease into 2018 gently and to embrace our winter veggies

This time of year, my consumption of raw foods drops from 90% to 20% in favour of cooked. It’s a time when raw foods such as salads, juicing and smoothies can be challenging, particularly if you feel the cold.

So, maybe consider delaying that all out “my body is a temple” approach until spring when we feel fresh surges of energy and motivation. Meanwhile, make friends with those winter veg that are so often overlooked. Parsnips make a great rice alternative, or how about adding them to fter the excesses over Christmas, a breakfast muffin? Winter squashes are many of us start the new year delicious in risottos, lasagnes, soups and with promises of eating healthier curries. Often viewed as a pain to prepare, and increasing fitness. The reality squashes are packed full of is so often a few weeks vitamins and minerals to achieving this, then come “Maybe support immunity, balance February, the good blood sugars and lower intentions blur into a distant consider blood pressure; making memory.

This isn’t always to do delaying that their preparation well worth effort. with willpower, but more all out ‘my body theDid you know that that we’re part of nature, beetroot is a fantastic liver where hibernation, slower is a temple’ cleanser? A particularly growth and lower energy approach until helpful ingredient post levels are normal. party season, my rosti recipe Traditionally, we would eat spring” here has converted the most foods for enduring warmth, hardened hater of this including winter squashes, wonderful vegetable, and parsnips, turnips, cabbage, it’s vegan. Enjoy! oats, pulses, butter and wild meat to combat the cold. l If you’re planning to eat well in 2018, Yes, it’s easy to wrap up to keep warm, visit Maggie’s website but the food we eat also impacts on our for inspiration: body temperature and when eating www.deliciousseasonally, we’re more likely to be nutritious.co.uk/courses providing our cells with the appropriate or call her on nourishment. Central heating, heated cars 07887 792763 and all-year produce confuses our bodies!

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YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

BEETROOT ROSTI l 400g grated beetroot l 2 medium onions l ½ fennel bulb l 1 chilli l 2 ½ teaspoons cumin seeds l 2 ½ teaspoons ground coriander l Handful fresh coriander l 300g green pea/yellow pea/fava bean flour (or other gluten free flour) l 2 teaspoons baking powder l salt to taste l 600 – 800ml water l coconut oil for frying 1. G rate the beetroot by hand or in the food processor.

2. Finely chop the onion and fennel.

3. P lace all other ingredients except the water in a bowl and and stir thoroughly.

4. A dd the water gradually, mixing all the time until you have a batterlike consistency.

5. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and depending on required size, put dollops in, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Flip over after 3-4 minutes and fry for a further 3-4 minutes.

6. Drain on kitchen paper.

Makes approx. 35 rosti – enough for 12 people at least. I always make large batches of these as they freeze well, and are great as a snack, in packed lunches, and for general munching!

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Harry Potter at the Library

Romantic start to Valentines

The Orwell Hotel Wednesday 14th February What better way to get Valentine’s Day off to a good start than a romantic concert in the morning? As part of Felixstowe Music’s Wednesday Winter Warmer series, The Quartetto Familia (which includes Nicholas Ward and Rebecca Scott on violins, Robert Smissen and Graeme Scott on viola, and Harriet Bennett on the cello) will be playing Mozart’s Quintet in C minor and Borodin’s String Quartet no.2.

Hosted in His Lordship’s Library at the Orwell Hotel, tickets are £10 and children are free of charge.

Advance booking is recommended, and tickets are available from Stillwater Books on 01394 670633 www.felixstowemusic.com

OUT &

ABOUT Here’s a taster of some of the great things going on in town and further afield as we start the new year.

Felixstowe Library Friday 5th January – Monday 5th February If you have a houseful of Harry Potter fans they’re in for a treat as Harry Potter: A History of Magic display is coming to Felixstowe Library. On show from 5th January the display takes visitors on a journey to where the magic and myth began back in history and folklore, and from where J K Rowling drew her inspiration.

Visiting only three libraries in Suffolk, the display is in town for a whole month and is a selection from the British Library’s larger Harry Potter exhibition of the same name. So, if you’ve ever wanted to delve into divination, ponder the peculiarities of potions and discover magical creatures – here’s your chance.

“We’re very excited that Harry Potter is coming to us and it’s great to be hosting a display that will have people of all ages keen to come and enjoy everything the library has to offer,” says library manager, Steph Merrett. A magical finale is also planned for Friday 2nd February. Starting at 6pm, the library will host a quiz about all things Harry Potter. Suitable for everyone aged seven upwards, you can dress up as your favourite character if you fancy and the Rapscallion Theatre Company will be on hand to join in the fun.

Come as a team of six, or join up with others to make a team.

Tickets, available from the library, are £5 each (for both children and adults) and as places are limited need to be booked in advance. Tickets on sale from 2nd January.

Harry’s Bar #9 – Hitch Meets Hammer

The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe 26th February – 3rd March Come join the party for a few ‘frights and bites’ in the best possible taste, and get up close and personal with some classic gothic writers and iconic film makers. Written and devised by last year’s performance Suzanne Hawkes of Black & White Productions this is a show not to be missed.

As The Hammer Horror Studios rise from the ashes, and its new owners try and recreate its golden age, the show takes you back in time to meet the first horror film innovators who reinvented the genre for the British screen, the writers whose work they were attempting to portray - and the film maker they particularly inspired with his classic thriller that in turn broke the mould.

Join Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Will Hammer, Alfred Hitchcock and a host of weird and wonderful characters that only they could have brought to life.

Tickets £14/£12 will be available from Abbeygate Lighting or 01394 279613 from Monday 15th January.

Shed Life © Ian Clarke

Otter Tracking

RSPB Minsmere Wednesday 17th January, Sunday 28th January, Tuesday 13th February If you love nature, why not sign up and head out to RSPB Minsmere and go out with one of the volunteers as they carry out their regular otter surveys? Starting at 7.30am this two-hour adventure will take you off the beaten track to look for spraints (droppings) and footprints. You’ll learn how otters are monitored through their tracks and signs, as well as check the trail camera footage. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive mammals.

Maximum group of six and pre-booking essential. www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-datesand-inspiration/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-447419

Felixstowe Library Saturday 20th January If you’re a chap who fancies hanging out, meeting new friends, drinking tea, having a chat, and doing some activities like woodwork, metalwork, model making, photography, or whatever takes your fancy, Men’s Sheds may just be for you. But, the most important benefit of a Shed is simply men getting together on a regular basis – without pressure.

A local group of community members are starting a Men’s Shed in Felixstowe, with a launch at the library on 20th January so pop along anytime from 10.30 am to

4pm to find out more.

Springing up across the UK (there’s already over 400), Men’s Sheds began more than a decade ago in Australia, where the benefits of community sheds for positive mental health were quickly recognised.

For more information please contact Rod Dennis 01394 283467

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and Storage

• STORAGE Our wooden containerised storage warehouse at Bentwaters Park is the perfect way to store, whether it be short term te or long term.

All items are packed away by us with a full inventory of effects and condition.

• COMMERCIAL STORAGE

Our commercial storage can be in wooden containers or we also offer palletised storage for commercial goods, where we charge per pallet per week, it really is that simple. We have a large mobile container ramp allowing us to load and unload shipping containers at our warehouse, either by hand or by forklift. If you require a large area, we can charge per square feet.

• REMOVALS

With a selection of different sized vehicles, no removal is too large or small for our team of experienced removal experts.

• SHIPPING

We may be a local family run removal firm, but we cover the world.

Let us arrange your move, whether it be to Europe, the USA or Australia.

www.pooleyremovals.com Tel: 01394 460498 Left: If you don’t have your own boat, the club can arrange for someone to take you skiing to the standard you need Below: Megan Algar’s family has been involved with the ESWSC since its inception

“There are exciting plans ahead for 2018, including the reinstatement of the slalom course and an open day for those who are interested” YOUR TURN

Want your club to be featured in a future issue? Write to us at info@livinginfelixstowe.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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AWAKENINGS! Meet the East Suffolk Wakeboard and Water Ski Club, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary

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n the early 1970s a threat to introduce a speed limit on our local rivers initiated the formation of the East Suffolk Wakeboard and Water Ski Club, to represent the local interest in the sport. Years of hard work from the five founding members – Colin Wilkins, Basil Algar, John Biddle, Mike Lister and Pete Aldous – saw the ban lifted in designated areas on all three of the rivers: the Deben, the Orwell and the Alde, all of which are still used today.

The club’s popularity rose significantly during the 1980s after the positioning of a floating jetty, a ski jump and a slalom course on the Felixstowe side of the Deben in the only stretch of water without a speed limit. This area has become known as the skiing area. As a result, membership figures shot up.

Megan Algar (pictured Left) is the third generation of her family to be involved with the club. Her grandfather, Basil, was a founding

member while her father Malcolm continued the family tradition and was a slalom ski competitor and committee member up until the early 1990s.

Megan says: “I feel honoured to be able to keep the legacy of my grandfather’s and his friends’ hard work alive by becoming involved in the club and helping to boost a new enthusiasm. I’m looking forward to another 40 years of fun on the water!”

The club is affiliated with British Water Ski, which is the UK governing body for the sport, and the standard of members ranges from beginners through to experienced slalom, barefoot skiers and wakeboarders.

There are exciting plans ahead for 2018, including the reinstatement of the slalom course and an open day for those who are interested in trying out the sport. l Go to www.eswsc.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

DOG

ABOUT TOWN

“My name is Flo and I’m a 13-month-old sprocker, which is a cross between a springer and a cocker spaniel. My parents, Kathryn and Phil, got me from a friend who lives in Gloucestershire. They’d tell you that I’m incredibly affectionate, absolutely love my walks on the beach, and am a rather clever girl.

I’m also quite mischievous; jumping up at the washing line and grabbing socks down is one of my favourite games. Along with bringing the post in – like this copy of Living In … Felixstowe magazine. I take each item posted through the front door separately to Mum and Dad as it makes me feel rather important and I get a lot of praise! Saying that, if they don’t take it off me within 10 minutes I might start chewing it.

They’d probably tell you I’m a bit of a chewer generally; they’ve only got one chair left from a three-piece suite which I had a good munch on. But I know they didn’t mind too much as I overheard them saying it was an old suite, so it was fair game!”

Left: Young sprocker Flo enjoys playing around on the sand Right: Living In … Felixstowe – a great read and a tasty snack

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

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISMENT FEATURE

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

HEAR HEAR

Award-winning hearing care is available right here in Felixstowe. We met audiologist Karen Finch of The Hearing Care Centre to find out how they are changing people’s lives and enabling them to hear again …

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ncredibly, it takes an average of 10 years from the onset of hearing loss to addressing the condition,” says founder, manging director and head audiologist of The Hearing Care Centre, Karen Finch. “Our aim is to make it easy to get friendly, professional advice and then provide ongoing support to patients needing hearing aids. One of the best bits about my job is how many patients tell me that coming to see us has changed their life.”

Operating 25 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, The Hearing Care Centre is the region’s leading privately owned and independent audiology practice.

“One in six people over 50 in the UK have some degree of hearing loss, and it increases to 90 per cent in those aged over 81. We’re also seeing an increase in customers in their 30s and 40s whose hearing has been diminished through noisy work environments or listening to very loud music,” continues Karen.

With appointments available to local patients every Monday at Felixstowe’s Grove Medical Centre, it’s simply a case of calling the customer service team and booking an appointment with Karen. “The fact patients can come along to their local

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surgery, which may be very familiar to them, and park easily, makes a huge difference to the whole experience.”

Digital technology introduced about 15 years ago revolutionised the hearing aid market and is also responsible for destigmatising the wearing of hearing devices.

“Long gone are those pale brown bulky devices that sat above your ear,” smiles Karen. “These days it’s often more noticeable when people aren’t wearing a hearing aid and are having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves.

“Geared up for 21st century living, today’s hearing aids can be connected via an app on your phone and enable wearers to stream music, stream their phone calls and even track down their hearing aid if it’s been mislaid. Available in an infinite range of colours, including those to match skin types and hair colours, and in hundreds of designs, there’s a style or design to suit everyone.”

Proud of its independence, The Hearing Care Centre offers more than 400 hearing aids, and stocks all major manufacturers, so customers are always confident they

Top Left: Hearing assessment in action Above: Grove Medical Centre, Felixstowe Left: Hearing aid fitting Below: Newly released rechargeable hearing aids

are being fitted with the best device to meet their specific needs.

It’s also very much a family business.

Founded by Karen in 1998, the 24-strong team includes audiologist husband Melvyn, sons Matthew and Nathan who are responsible for marketing, and auntie Denise and niece Natasha, both of whom work in customer care. “We put a lot of our effort into this aspect of the business,” says Karen. “Whether it’s a new customer who has finally found the courage to call to make their first appointment, or an existing customer with some questions, we’re here to help. It’s this ongoing support that sets us apart.”

With a plethora of customer care awards to its name, The Hearing Care Centre is all about doing the best for its patients. Karen adds: “I truly love my job and consider myself a very lucky person.

My team and I help to change and improve the lives of hundreds of people every year. That’s a very good feeling.”

HALF-PRICE HEARING TESTS Karen and her team are encouraging anyone struggling with their hearing to make a New Year’s resolution to book a hearing test.

Throughout January, The Hearing Care Centre is offering hearing assessments with its award-winning team for just £10 (half price).

Appointments must be pre-booked by calling 01473 230330 and quoting ‘Living in … Felixstowe magazine’. l Grove Medical Centre, Grove Road, Felixstowe IP11 9GA www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk 01473 230330

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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

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Is 2018 your year to move?

Call us for all your property needs

156-158 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DS 01394 275276 | www.wainwrights.co.uk