Living in Suffolk Coastal - Issue 29

ISSUE SUMMER 2016 ISSUE ONE… 29 ... September / october 2021

LIVING IN

SUFFOLK Black Suffolk … home Local home owners… throwmatters open their doors Peek-a-Boo … the artist withinwith the Parent Pod! Child free zones?… meet the couple Is grey just so last year?…

Jojo&Humes Brown on colours Thorpeness … faith, trust pixie dust

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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ISSUE SUMMER 2016 ISSUE ONE… 29 ... September / october 2021

LIVING IN

8

Peek-a-Boo … the artist withinwith the Parent Pod! Child free zones?… meet the couple Is grey just so last year?…

Jojo&Humes Brown on colours Thorpeness … faith, trust pixie dust

Here at Living In … we feel privileged to be able to meet and feature our incredible artistic community in this part of the world. We simply love Boo Compton’s work and are lucky to feature her painting Nudge on the front cover. See pages eight and nine to get to know Boo properly. Or go to www.boocomptonart.com HavE you got an amazing pHoto oR painting WE migHt likE? Send a hi-res version to us at info@livinginsuffolk.com

SUFFOLK Black Suffolk … home Local home owners… throwmatters open their doors

on tHE CovER

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

gEt involvED? If you’ve got a heartwarming or topical story to tell, an inspiring home or business to show off, or an event you’re planning, we’d love to hear from you! The copy deadline for our lovely winter edition of Living In Suffolk Coastal is mid-October. Do get in touch with those ideas! l For advertising info and to tell us your stories, email info@livinginsuffolk.com

29

LIVING IN Editor: Angela Hagan 07930 184773, info@livinginsuffolk.com Designers: Craig Drever and Lewis Webb Writer: Abygail Fossett abygail@livinginsuffolk.com www.livinginsuffolk.com Due East Media Ltd: Soane House, 4 Soane Street, Ipswich IP4 2BG. 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 … Suffolk Coastal 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

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COASTAL

nEWS REaDing RounD

Last year witnessed a surge in book sales, with over 200 million print books being sold in the UK alone. Indeed, Nigel Newton, chief executive of publishing giant Bloomsbury, said people have “craved intellectual stimulus and comfort”.

With that in mind, a new reading group is heading to Melton near Woodbridge, led by local author and former Royal Literary Fellow at Essex University, Louise Millar.

Reading Round is a network of reading groups for book lovers in search of stimulating discussion and a fresh perspective on the written word, established by the Royal Successful crime author Louise Millar will lead Literary Fund. a new reading group in Melton. Pictured right, Indeed, during these troubled a selection of her novels

times, this might be the perfect antidote – the chance to immerse yourself in something creative.

Starting Friday, 17th September, Melton’s Reading Round will meet every week during the school term from 1.45pm – 3.15pm.

Louise explains that the group differs from a traditional book club, in that a short text, such as a poem or story, will be read aloud and discussed in-session, rather than an entire novel being regularly assigned.

The group is not run by members, rather by a professional author – in this case Louise – from whom a lot may be learnt.

Formerly senior editor at Marie Claire, and a freelance writer for publications including Psychologies and The Guardian, Louise has written four crime novels including The Playdate, City of Strangers and Accidents Happen and is currently working on her fifth.

“The fun of Reading Round is that every week is different,” she says. “Our discussions will be based on our live responses to each piece of writing, regardless of whether we know the author’s work or not. It’s a fantastic opportunity to understand more about the technical process of writing.”

Reading Round is free to join for anyone with an interest in reading and writing, though spaces must be booked.

See the advert opposite for details.

REliEving tHE pRESSuRE

Chiara Saunders of Citizens Advice wants to help people manage their outgoings

As of last month (August), all major energy suppliers have raised their prices by an average of around £96 per year. From next month (October), they will be able to reportedly increase them again by another 12%.

If you’re concerned about this, the Citizens Advice Leiston, Saxmundham and District, says help is on hand. Chief officer Chiara Saunders advises checking you’re on the best tariff for you.

“Our website has a host of information and a price comparison tool,” she says. “If you find this whole area daunting then do get in touch and we can guide you through the process.”

Chiara says they are starting to see more cases of mounting debt, bearing in mind that “it looks like the £20 per week Covid supplement for Universal Credit is about to go.”

The branch is now offering face-to-face appointments although Chiara adds: “We know the challenge of Covid is not over.”

She suggests the first point of contact for advice should be by email, phone and post on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am – 2pm, alongside the new appointment service. l Find out more at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy, call 01728 832193 or freephone 0808 278 7868.

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

prOperty

ON THE

maRkEt

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

Your latest local property news from around the region … tHiRD timE luCky! Ann and Bernard Burley could be forgiven for deciding it’s time to take a well-earned break.

The couple, both in their 80s, took over the popular Village Shop in Campsea Ashe back in 1987 and have tried to retire at least twice in the past!

“We first retired in 2006 after letting it out,” smiles Ann, who lives with Bernard in the bungalow next door. “We then refitted the shop in 2009 and re-let it until 2018. We refitted the shop again in October 2019 with the intention of running it for a few months to get back the trade as it had been shut for a while, but then Covid struck …”

The couple said it was a combined effort to keep the shop open during the ensuing lockdowns. “It was extremely hard work for us but we got through it – we did our best for everyone as, we are sure, other small shops did too.

“Villagers helped us with deliveries to people who were isolating or unable to get out … we still deliver to most of them today.

The lockdowns proved how valuable a local shop could be to a village.

“The shop is still providing the same service today and we still have a good customer base from here and the surrounding villages.”

The couple, who have two children, bought the shop in 1987 the day after the Great Storm – a violent extratropical cyclone with nEW to maRkEt Newly launched estate agents Moss & Eve says it’s ready to bring a “fresh, full-service-led approach” to homeowners along Suffolk’s heritage coast.

Director and founder Kirsty Holloway tells us she has 20 years’ local property experience, combined with a vast and intricate knowledge of our beautiful towns and villages.

“Our extensive digital experience allows us to be far more adaptive

gusts of up to 100mph, which caused mass disruption in the UK, leaving many homes without power.

Ann had moved with Bernard from Tamworth in Staffordshire after he’d been made redundant from Reliant Motors.

She says: “I remember sitting in the lounge the first night here wondering: What have we done?

Then there was a knock at the door and a neighbour stood there with a tray of tea, as she knew we had no way of making it.

“That one kind gesture made all the difference to us. The lady was Maria Martin. She is still a supporter of the shop and we consider her a friend today.”

The couple have since weathered many other storms, both literally and figuratively speaking, but they have always provided a vital lifeline to the local village.

The shop serves up a superb

selection of fresh coffee, bread, fruit and veg, snacks, freshly-made sandwiches, fresh flowers and groceries. They are helped by their “very capable” assistant, Liz Potkins, and the place is a hive of activity.

The shop is now on the market to rent as Ann and Bernard plan their retirement for a third time.

“During our first retirement we visited Italy, Cuba and China – all with the comfort of starting out from the little railway station here in Campsea Ashe. Now we would like to revisit Scotland and see more of England.”

We wish this dynamic duo a great retirement!

Lease of life: The Village Shop in Campsea Ashe is up for rent, as Ann Burley (inset) and her husband Bernard are set to retire

l if you’re interested in taking on the lease of the village Shop in Campsea ashe, contact business transfer agent Humberstones on 01603 616010 or email anglia@ humberstones-norwich.co.uk

for sellers,” she says. “If it works for you to have agent viewings in the evenings, then it’s about making your life and house sale easier.”

Named after the middle names of her daughters, Moss & Eve is run as a satellite office, so will be online.

“This means we offer very competitive fees,” adds Kirsty. l go to www.mossandeve.co.uk, email enquiries@mossandeve.co.uk or call 01394 386130.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON! Contemporary abstract artist Boo Compton says her life in Suffolk has inspired her greatest work …

Peek-a-boo: Boo’s amazing art, in acrylics and mixed media, is bold

L

ike many artists, Boo Compton is quite shy when you meet her, and yet you see in her distinctive work such strength and drama in its vibrant visual dynamics. The colour and texture speak volumes. That’s why we chose her eye-catching piece Nudge to grace the front cover of this issue.

Boo is no stranger to success. Having once run her own highly successful graphic design business, with clients including Soul II Soul, the Southbank Centre and the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), her branding was all over 1990s club flyers throughout London as well as lots of other publicity material.

Her work on display at Snape Maltings

Born in south London and christened Rebecca, it was actually her brother who started calling her Boo as a baby.

“And it stuck! No one calls me Rebecca now,” she smiles.

The family moved a few times throughout her childhood, though between the ages of eight and 18, she grew up in Bournemouth.

She then moved back to London to study graphics at Kingston, and a successful career in graphic design then beckoned.

Her graphics studio, Nucleus, based in West Hampstead, was a hub of activity.

She says her favourite job at that time was working on the poster campaign for

this picture: She works from her 15th-century Suffolk home Right: Fathom II, a mixed media piece on a deep canvas

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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the ICA featuring Turner Prize winning sculptor Rachel Whiteread.

“I loved walking down The Mall for meetings at the ICA,” she says.

It seems ironic that Boo was working right at the heart of the country’s contemporary art scene and yet her own career as an artist didn’t really take off until she quit the capital and headed to Suffolk.

“We left London in need of a quieter life after my daughter Lily was born,” says Boo, who lives in a beautiful 15th-century thatched cottage in the Waveney Valley.

“Suffolk gave us space, big skies and air to breathe. It felt beautiful, slower paced and people had time for each other. I have always painted, but did so more and more after the move to Suffolk. Echoes of my former graphic design life can be found in my paintings.”

Boo says it took a while to get used to the Suffolk pace.

“The peace was a shock to my London senses at first, but 17 years on we couldn’t be happier. Our favourite place is still Walberswick, for walking, talking,

swimming and sunbathing.”

“Lily has loved growing up in Suffolk.

She’s about to start her final year in sixth form at Thomas Mills in Framlingham, which is a superb school with an excellent art department where she’s flourished.”

Now Boo’s own work commands attention. Working out of her pretty garden studio from which she paints full time, she’s in demand – a collectors’ favourite.

“I am genuinely thrilled with the response my work has received. I exhibit in Suffolk and London.

“I was most recently guest artist in the Concert Hall gallery at Snape Maltings, my paintings hanging next to incredible works by Maggi Hambling. Thank you to the gallery’s Michelle Clover for giving me that opportunity.”

It seems Boo couldn’t be busier.

“Art has given me so many incredible connections and wonderful friendships,” she says. “I have exhibitions planned over the next couple of years. I’m very grateful to do what I do. It’s still the best feeling when your work is chosen to live with a collector.

“The Suffolk chapter is the happiest of my life so far,” she adds.

The garden studio

l Boo’s next exhibition will be at the Carousel gallery in Framlingham, Wednesday, 6th – tuesday, 12th october. you can also check out her work online at www.boocomptonart.com and on instagram @boocomptonart

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movERS & SHakERS The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Edward Creasy, works from an office in his windmill in Burgh … tell us about the role of a high sheriff.

It was founded in the eighth century and is second only to that of the monarchy in its longevity. That’s where the comparison ends. The Queen and her predecessors have maintained their authority and influence over the centuries (with the odd hiccough here and there) – the role of high sheriff has diminished much more significantly.

Once, a high sheriff’s responsibilities were widely drawn and his authority allembracing: the sheriff sat in council alongside ealdormen and bishops; he was responsible for shire courts, the power to arrest criminals, the collection of taxes and the maintenance of bridges; and he raised the equivalent of the National Guard in his county when the kingdom came under attack.

The current role is now focused on being the Queen’s representative for the judiciary and the judicial system in Suffolk; over the centuries, those other extensive powers have been incorporated into other parts of our government. The high sheriff’s main responsibilities are to support the justice system, do his or her best to make sure the community spirit in the county is as good as it can be, and work with the law and order institutions in Suffolk to reduce and avoid crime. And, in that spirit, to raise the profile of everything that’s good in Suffolk and share the related good news that this engenders throughout our community.

How did it come about for you?

I was nominated by the shrieval nomination committee three and a half years ago as a potential candidate for the position, and formally appointed for my annual term in March this year. The position has many wonderful benefits, but it is unpaid – in essence, a high sheriff works as a volunteer for the county.

How’s it going?

In a ‘normal’ year, most high sheriffs identify themes on which they want to focus. This year, however, is far from normal and I have concentrated hard on playing my part to help the county recover from the impact the pandemic had on us all over the last 18 months;

helping our communities, our institutions, and our charities look up and forwards as we seek to recover a better rhythm to all our lives, and focusing on those for whom the pandemic has been problematic. In particular, this includes young people seeking jobs and job training after the truncated and traumatic experience they have experienced as they left school or college.

During the second half of my term, I will also be working on an initiative to bring charities and businesses more closely together, so that both can benefit mutually from individual and corporate experience and expertise and become stronger, more resilient and more effective organisations, as well as giving business experts and leaders more insight and understanding of the charity sector.

What have you learnt from your role so far?

From a personal point of view, I have learnt a huge amount over the last four months, particularly about the work done behind the scenes by the judiciary, the police, and the fire and rescue service, to ensure the legal and associated systems are healthy and vibrant enough for us all

to have confidence in our legal system.

I have also been overwhelmed by the charitable work done by so many people across Suffolk to look after those in our county who suffer deprivation of every sort, and the determination, enthusiasm, passion and sense of humour that all these wonderful people have.

What do you love about Suffolk?

Above all, the experience has made me realise once again how privileged I am to live in and be part of the Suffolk community: a community that confronts issues and deals with them in a nononsense way, and a community that works hard to appreciate who a person is, rather than where they came from and what their views are. tell us something not many people know about you.

The one thing I miss is my long walks along the sea wall on the east coast, watching and appreciating the wonderful bird life that exists on our doorstep. The privilege of being a high sheriff more than compensates for this, and I will have plenty of time in the years to come to enjoy those wonderful walks again.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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10 M AM ON TO SA T 4P : M

CAROLINE GLADWELL WOMENSWEAR

3 Elmhurst Walk, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DB

“THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE!” Coastal business owner Caroline gladwell on why she’s still smiling despite all she’s been through …

M

“

y story begins about four years ago, when I left a longterm family business following a breakdown in the family and business relationships. I had been a partner, and decided that I wanted to make changes to my life.

I began to look at different opportunities but soon realised what I wanted was my own clothing shop.

I sold my house and started to look for premises that also had living accommodation. My search came to an abrupt stop when, a year later in August 2018, out of the blue, I was diagnosed with a rare and malignant cancer. I was very frightened and the surgery I had to undertake was very daunting.

Things moved quite quickly following the diagnosis and within six to seven weeks I had my operation and was beginning my recovery, physically and emotionally.

Recovery from cancer is tough physically and chock-full of emotion. I worked hard to get my body and mind in a good place and now, nearly three years later, I’d say I feel better than I have done for many, many years.

However, I count myself very lucky – my cancer was at an early stage and my treatment was curative. Now I like to think of it as one of life’s battles that I won, and I wear my scars like a badge of honour!

A few months after my surgery, I started looking for premises again. I had a couple of false starts and began to wonder whether I would find anything suitable. In August 2019, I was desperate to get started, so I decided I would take a chance that I would find a shop, and foolhardily placed my orders for the spring/summer 2020 season.

Fortunately, fate was on my side and in October, I found and agreed the purchase of my new premises at 3 Elmhurst Walk, Woodbridge. The building didn’t have the living accommodation

I was initially looking for, but I liked it and saw its potential. The purchase completed in November and I began renovations in January 2020, with the intention of opening in early March …

Due to a period of self-isolation and then the national lockdown, I didn’t get to open in March but opened Caroline Gladwell Womenswear on 15th June 2020 – at the first possible opportunity following the lifting of the lockdown. I couldn’t have a launch party or anything like that, but decided just to go with the flow.

Good friends and customers came in and supported me well, and soon I had completed my first week, first month, first quarter and first year!

The clothes I have chosen are from brands with ethical and sustainable credentials and feature unique fabrics/knits and artisan techniques in combination with timeless, understated style and design. I think they are the kind of clothes that enhance our personal uniqueness, giving enduring pleasure and texture to our lives.

I am really looking forward to many happy years of selling lovely garments to like-minded women who enjoy clothes the way I do!

While opening a new shop during a pandemic could never be described as ideal, I don’t regret it for a moment. It may sound strange, I know, but this last year or so has been one of the best periods of my life. I have thoroughly enjoyed designing the premises and bringing my business to life.” l Caroline gladwell Womenswear, 3 Elmhurst Walk, Woodbridge.

Call 01394 383030. l Have you got an inspirational story about your business? Email us now on info@livinginsuffolk.com The main shop – a curated selection of distinctive and timeless clothing

Gladwell Womenswear in Upstaris, before and after: Caroline for its eponymous owner central Woodbridge is a labour of love

Sizewell C …

oR

“more jobs, net zero?”

its plans with only limited success, we felt compelled to oppose Sizewell C outright, becoming Stop Sizewell C in early 2020.

Not only will Sizewell C affect everyone in this area, it will affect everyone in the country. A QC speaking for Suffolk County Council at a recent hearing in the Sizewell C planning process said it was a case of “national gain, Suffolk’s pain”.

We fully agree with the sentiment of “Suffolk’s pain”. Sizewell C would be built on a fragile coastline, wholly within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and next to the protected habitats of Minsmere and Sizewell marshes. East Suffolk’s lack of a construction workforce and infrastructure would mean an influx of 6,000 construction workers, up to 12,000 extra vehicles on the A12 every day, plus new roads, park and rides, and freight management facilities. EDF has

only just realised it cannot get the millions of litres of drinkable water it needs until 2026, so is now proposing to tanker it in during the first year while building a controversial water desalination plant.

Local businesses will be affected and surveys have shown that tourists will stay away in significant numbers. The fear of light, noise and air pollution, the disruption, and loss of amenity that come with the biggest construction site in Europe are causing a lot of anxiety among the local population.

So there is no doubt about Suffolk’s pain, but we dispute that there will be a justifiable “national gain”. Sizewell C is too slow and expensive to be the solution to our climate emergency. It will take 12 years or more to build, at a cost of at least £20 billion and the climate simply doesn’t have that long. There is increasing evidence from expert studies by National

“national gain, Suffolk’s pain?” alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C on why the group opposes the controversial plans for a new and bigger nuclear power station …

I

“

’ve lived in East Suffolk since I met my resident husband nearly 20 years ago, and we are raising two children in this beautiful place. My involvement with Sizewell dates back a further decade, when I worked for Greenpeace UK. Having moved here – and moved jobs – I chose to adopt a ‘live and let live’ attitude to Sizewell B, but that became impossible to extend to Sizewell C once it was proposed.

When EDF began public consultations at the end of 2012, the parish of Theberton and Eastbridge abruptly woke up to the fact it was on the frontline of Sizewell C, with a campus for thousands of workers very close to Eastbridge and all the related traffic passing through Theberton.

“Sizewell C is too slow and expensive to be the solution to our climate emergency” Residents formed a campaign group to give the community a voice, and in early 2013, Theberton and Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell was born. After seven years of campaigning for EDF to change ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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above: How the twin-unit nuclear reactor, Sizewell C, is intended to look this picture: Sizewell B – recently offline for four months for maintenance and refuelling – and its surroundings

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

hOt TOPIC

Grid, the Climate Change Committee and Imperial College among others that there are credible, cost-effective ways of decarbonising our future energy supplies without any new nuclear power once Hinkley Point C in Somerset is finished, using high levels of renewables.

In the debate about how and who will pay for net zero, Sizewell C is easily the most controversial element. Few people realise that EDF’s financing plan would require every electricity bill payer in the country to contribute up front to the cost of constructing Sizewell C. If EDF gets its way, we will all pay a levy – or nuclear tax – on our bills while it is being built, for at least a decade before we get any electricity from it.

There is no doubt that many difficult choices lie ahead as we race to net zero, but Sizewell C is the wrong choice.”

WHat you Can Do: aliSon ExplainS l If you want to join the fight against Sizewell C, take part in the peaceful protest on Sunday, 19th September at Sizewell beach, at 10am. For details, go to www.stopsizewellc.org/sos l Outraged about paying upfront for Sizewell C on your energy bills? Sign here: actions.sumofus.org/a/noenergy-bill-surcharge-for-new-nuclear

this picture: Marine studies for Sizewell C Below: A bat survey at the site

a StatEmEnt FRom EDF EnERgy: “Sizewell C will be good for the environment and provide a boost in local skills, education and jobs for generations to come.

Suffolk has been home to nuclear generation since the 1960s. Sizewell B has saved millions of tonnes of Co2 since it started operating in 1995 and has provided longterm rewarding careers for local families.

Like Sizewell B, the new power station will be located within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Nuclear power and wildlife have co-existed in this area of Suffolk since the 1960s. We understand how precious this part of the coastline is and we have a great track record in looking after our 600-hectare estate. That, together with the fact that the greatest risk to nature is climate change, which Sizewell C will help mitigate is why Sizewell C will not be built at the expense of nature. While we will use some SSSI land for construction, we have identified up to ten times more land elsewhere which could be used to create replacement habitats which Natural England will determine whether some of that mitigation land could be designated as SSSI. Other measures we are taking to protect and enhance the local environment are predicted to lead to a 19% increase in biodiversity.

Nuclear power stations have a small footprint, particularly compared to other low carbon generation – enabling net zero with room for nature. Once Sizewell C is constructed, the nuclear licensed area of the operational power station will be 33 hectares out of the 800 hectares we will be responsible for – the power station will occupy less than 0.2% of the total area of the 156 square miles of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. The station will generate enough power for 6million homes and save 9million tonnes of Co2 every year of its 60 year operation.

We take our responsibility for limiting the impacts of construction seriously, whilst making the most of the huge opportunities the project offers Suffolk. A project of this scale will bring huge social and economic benefits to East Suffolk creating thousands of jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships and contracts for local businesses.

We are determined to ensure that local people can access these opportunities which is why we have already launched a jobs service and are creating clear pathways for people into training for Sizewell C and other projects in the region.

Sizewell C will be a vital catalyst for levelling up the region and will enable jobs and opportunities to reach areas designated as deprived. Suffolk Community Foundation has carried out thorough research in this area and the latest report finds that: 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

“In 2019, in Suffolk’s most deprived neighbourhoods, 25% of people on average lived in households experiencing employment deprivation, and 31% experienced income deprivation.

“Across Suffolk, 18,000 children experienced income deprivation – around 13% of all children in the county.

“Average wages in the county have persistently fallen below those in England.

Average pay in Suffolk in 2019 was £543 a week, compared with £580 in England.

In Waveney, East Suffolk, the average weekly wage in 2017 was £115 less than the average for Suffolk, and £151 less than the average for England.”

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

pictures except byline picture © Sizewell B & C for EDF Energy

Sizewell C will need a diverse range of skills from construction and engineering through to hospitality and project management and the Sizewell C Consortium of over 200 companies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Anglia LEP and FE Colleges to underline this commitment.

Some of those apprenticeships have already started with us and young people from Lowestoft are working at Hinkley Point C, where we are four years into construction, and will come back to Sizewell C fully qualified.

When the power station is operational, it will deliver 900 skilled well-paid roles to people living within a 25-mile radius of Sizewell. This is in addition to the 800 roles at Sizewell B where many of the managers studied at Alde Valley Academy (then Leiston High School) joining as apprentices and progressing through the organisation to become leaders of the power station.

Sizewell C will provide opportunities for all. The project is already funding courses for those furthest from the job market and will fund enhanced facilities and resources for colleges and training providers too. This is in addition to a bursary to help young people and pre-employment training and outreach initiatives for those economically disadvantaged.

Reaching net zero will mean changes in the way we live, and it will need investment. The Government is looking at the funding mechanism for Sizewell C as is used for lots of our other infrastructure, such as electricity transmission and distribution lines, and water pipes, because this approach will help bring down the costs of net zero for consumers.

If you would like to find out more about Sizewell C and the environment or our jobs service please visit sizewellc.com”

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Bringing homes to life!

Giles Electrical combines a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide clients with an all-round first-rate electrical service …

I

t was the Italian philosopher Dante who once said: “From a little spark may burst a flame.” And no one knows how true his statement is more than Luke Giles and Tom Canham.

Friends for years, their paths kept crossing both personally and professionally, so it seemed only natural for them to pool their talent and knowledge to launch Giles Electrical.

The company comes under the banner of Giles Group and is sister company to Luke’s highly successful Giles Plumbing & Heating Ltd. As fully accredited NICEIC domestic installers, Giles Electrical now offers a premium service across the board, from installation to service, through to electrical condition reports (EICR) and all aspects of maintenance.

“From a replacement light switch to a fully automated Loxone smart home, the company’s ethos is to offer the best advice,

products and services, carried out to the very highest of standards,” says co-director Tom, a qualified electrician himself. “We also offer a full design service and layout service.”

His business partner Luke explains: “With Giles Plumbing and Heating, I had always wanted to start a separate electrical business; the plumbing and electrical side go hand in hand and really complement each other. Customers were often asking who I’d recommend, so it seemed like a natural next step.

“Tom and I knew each other before, and he has his own company which is well established, focusing more on the commercial side of things. So we agreed we would merge the domestic side to form Giles Electrical – and it’s worked out really well.”

Giles Group has a team of eight engineers throughout its plumbing, heating and electrical divisions, as well

as three office staff at the company’s HQ at Bentwaters Park near Woodbridge. They cover the whole Suffolk Coastal area and you may already have noticed their fleet of vans – black for the plumbing and heating side and white for electrical.

As you can see from these lovely photos of finished projects, the guys offer a very high standard of finish – no wonder they have so much repeat business.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a delighted Woodbridge client said recently: “Giles Electrical have just completed all the electrics for our new kitchen. We are very pleased with the work they have done for us. A truly professional service from start to finish. Well done everyone involved.”

Indeed, Tom, who is currently building his own house in Shotley Gate, says: “We’ve got the energy and drive to dedicate ourselves to this. It’s an exciting time for us.”

“the company’s ethos is to offer the best advice, products and services, carried out to the very highest of standards” Tom Canham, co-director of Giles Electrical ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Luke (left) and Tom

mEEt tHE DiRECtoRS oF gilES ElECtRiCal lukE gilES Married to his childhood sweetheart, Lauren, the couple live in Woodbridge with their three children.

“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” smiles Luke, who enjoys playing golf at Ufford Park in his spare time.

“The schools are really good here and there’s a fantastic community spirit.” tom CanHam Originally from Kesgrave, Tom is now putting the final touches to the new house he’s building in Shotley Gate for him and his wife Fiona, who is expecting their first baby in October.

“The new house overlooks the river, so it’s all very cool,” he says.

“i wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. the schools are really good here and there’s a fantastic community spirit” Luke Giles, co-director of Giles Electrical, on life in Woodbridge

gilES ElECtRiCal l giles group, Building 62, Bentwaters park, Rendlesham ip12 2tW l Call 01394 421321 l Email info@gileselectrical.co.uk l visit www.giles-group.co.uk opposite page: Imaginative lighting can truly help elevate any room this page, top to bottom: A bespoke solution from Giles Electrical; some of its distinctive fleet of vans; directors Tom (left) and Luke ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

17

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN … THORPENESS

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

THE MAKING OF THE MEARE Living In … writer abygail Fossett delves into the history records for this spotlight on Thorpeness … picture by Daniel ian photography

T

here are so many places in coastal Suffolk and we’re hard-pressed to find a favourite. That being said, Thorpeness is definitely up there with the best.

With its vast stretches of gorgeous coastline, quirky aesthetic touches like its House in the Clouds and the mesmerising swan-strewn Meare which attracts many visitors every year, what more could you possibly ask for?

However, if you were to rewind the clock some hundred years, it would be a different story. The tiny village used to be a somewhat unremarkable fishing hamlet surrounded by farming fields. As is sometimes the case, the turning point arrived in the shape of a very wealthy man: Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie.

An architect, barrister and aspiring playwright, Glencairn had inherited land and the family holiday home of Sizewell House (now Sizewell Hall) from his father, Alexander. By the time Alexander died in 1908, the Ogilvies had amassed some 6,000 acres of land, and settled into the village as one of the wealthiest families around – and it was lucky for Thorpeness they did, for in November of 1910, the heavens opened and the whole village was badly flooded. Now, if the Ogilvies had purchased a holiday home in some other seaside town, the plight suffered by the people of Thorpeness would have been

horrendous. However, legend has it the Lord of the Manor, Glencairn Ogilvie, wandered down to inspect the damage, and, surveying the boggy, puddly mess, spoke those fateful words: “Let’s keep it and build a holiday village around it.”

With that, Glencairn set the wheels in motion to shape Thorpeness into the wonderfully weird and wacky place we know today. Up went the golf course, the country club, the tennis courts, the holiday cottages, the water tower concealed by the floating House in the Clouds and, the jewel in the crown, the boating Meare.

Glencairn ensured that the vast 60 acres of water was never more than 3ft deep, determined from the get-go to create a haven for children of all ages to run wild in comparative safety.

“let’s keep it and build a holiday village around it” Glencairn Ogilvie on Thorpeness after the 1910 floods

A close friend of Glencairn’s, who often visited his home, was the author and playwright JM Barrie, the creator of one of childhood’s best-loved figures – Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. Peter had sprung to life in Barrie’s 1902 novel The Little White Bird, and proved so full of life that Barrie wrote him into his own play two years later – Peter Pan; or The

Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. While Peter’s tales of adventures and high jinks, accompanied by the everfaithful Tinkerbell, captured the hearts and imaginations of countless children, he remained a bittersweet figure for Barrie himself. Aged just six, he had lost his elder brother, David (the undisguised favourite of their mother) in an ice skating accident the day before the boy turned 14. This left the young Barrie trying desperately to fill the gaping hole left by David for their grief-stricken mother. With this sad story in mind, it is easy to imagine the appeal the figure of Peter Pan would have for someone like Barrie, his memories of David frozen in time – truly the boy who never got to grow up.

In Glencairn’s hands, however, the tale is exactly as it should be; carefree and full of childish delight, and the Meare is speckled with ports and islands bearing Barrie’s influence – the Blue Lagoon, Wendy’s Home and Peter Pan’s Property.

Glencairn died in 1932. Sadly, he did not live to see the project he began unfold into the fantastical dreamscape it is today, a landmark in the sea of childhood memories for so many Suffolk residents.

However, we know he would have been thrilled and rightly proud.

If you’ve yet to visit Thorpeness, we can highly recommend it – it’s the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning!

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HE Ross, writer and poet “I was a sailor who writes and now I am a writer who sails,” says San Franciscoborn HE Ross, a marine activist and professional sailor.

Following a move to London, he and his wife sailed to Woodbridge a decade ago and they now live a simple life with their children.

He plans to finish writing his second novel soon.

‘BlaCk SuFFolk’ SHinES a long-ovERDuE ligHt H

Living In … photographer John Ferguson has hit the headlines with his incredible work capturing the lives of black residents in the county

Shona van Hassen, performer and jewellery designer Shona says she has experienced prejudiced opinions and been “hated” for her skin colour, sexuality and mental health. “We have a right to live, and not just to survive,” says Shona, who has channelled her energy into campaigning for LGBTQ+ and racial equality.

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e’s photographed many famous stars from Mohammed Ali to David Bowie throughout his award-winning career but some could argue John Ferguson’s best work to date focuses on Suffolk’s African-Caribbean community.

His Black Suffolk exhibition, which ran at Ipswich’s Cornhill and is destined for other parts of the county, features the lives and times of 16 people, including a wedding celebrant, an ex-Premier League footballer and a ballet dancer.

“It creatively expresses and explores people’s experiences and interpretation of what exactly is home,” says John, who has been hailed as one of Britain’s most talented black photographers.

“The idea is to connect with the notion that we are home, both metaphorically and physically. Our lives are inextricably attached to where we live, our homes, and Suffolk. Home can be a feeling, a physical space or a geographical place. It can be a memory, metaphor or experience.”

For John himself, home is also in Suffolk with wife, Julie, and their teenagers, Will and Georgia.

John is no stranger to shining a light where others haven’t … his 2007 Black Britannia exhibition – showcasing black people from all walks of life – toured the UK to high acclaim and won accolades from the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Following the Black Lives Matter movement, John hopes audiences will be receptive to these positive images and that his photographs will encourage young members of the AfroCaribbean community to follow their dreams.

Black Suffolk is part of the Aspire Black Suffolk cultural programme, which is the community arm of Power of Stories – a pioneering exhibition at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, which exclusively features three original costumes from Marvel’s Black Panther film alongside community-driven stories, and that runs until 24th October.

kanika Carr, professional ballet dancer and dance teacher Kanika says she felt blessed growing up in Suffolk with the support she received from the community for her burgeoning career. She now hopes to bring the joy of ballet to others. “I hope to celebrate the uniqueness and beauty in everyone.”

“our lives are inextricably attached to where we live, our homes, and Suffolk.

Home can be a feeling, a physical space or a geographical place”

Photographer John Ferguson’s latest show is Black Suffolk

Ruel Fox, former premier league footballer and personal trainer Ruel spent almost two decades variously playing for Newcastle United, Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion. Now a personal fitness and sports conditioning trainer and a local ambassador for Whitton United Football Club, Ruel is committed to being a positive role model in his community.

“I’m proud to be Suffolk born and bred,” he says.

Eldridge marrott, retired Born and raised in Suffolk, Eldridge still lives on the plot of land that has been in his family since 1919. His dad, a black American serviceman, met his mum at a local dance during the second world war. “I feel proud to be a black man in Suffolk,” he says.

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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

Dog aBout

toWn!

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

“My name is Dudley and I’m a four-year-old Irish red setter. I live with my fellow red setter Rowan, who is almost 11 (I’m on the left). We’re a pair of champs, not only achieving our Kennel Club’s Good Citizen awards in bronze, silver and gold but we’ve cleaned up in rosettes in quite a few other shows too. I was rather proud recently when I landed the Hollesley Fete’s Best in Show rosette. I also achieved Reserve Best of Breed at the Kennel Club’s Open Show many dog years ago now.

Rowan and I love our walks – he likes to lie in any puddle he can find and doesn’t mind being cleaned by our humans, Shirley and Dick, at our Woodbridge home.

I’m partial to squirrel chasing. I’ve got so much energy I like to burn it off at my local agility club.

Our two favourite things in life are visitors coming to our house – we love meet and greets – and discovering new walks. We went to the Yorkshire Dales not long ago and it was heaven.” l Have you got a lovely dog and would like to give him or her their 15 minutes of fame? Write to the team at info@livinginsuffolk.com and send us your best photos.

CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES WANTED! Top Prices Paid Instant payout Finance Settled Nationwide Collection

Foxburrow Farm, Waldringfield Road, Brightwell IP10 0BJ

Divorce in a time of Covid

main picture: Divorce enquiries to legal firms soared in the wake of the pandemic, figures show top: Christchurch Solicitors offers first-class family law action and advice left: Clare Barlow, partner at the Ipswich-based firm

For many couples, the pandemic has brought their marriage problems to a head. Living In … investigates

I

t’s a sad fact that many divorces are filed on the first working day in January – or Divorce Day, as it is often nicknamed.

After enduring extended periods of time together with gritted teeth over Christmas, many couples choose to end their marriage once the festive season is safely over.

Little wonder, then, that the past year of self-isolating and successive lockdowns has produced the same effect.

“The pandemic appears to have highlighted a lot of issues in relationships, and we have seen a clear increase in people wishing to finalise their matrimonial matters,” explains Clare Barlow, partner at Christchurch Solicitors in Ipswich.

“the threat of violence hung over us for a year” ‘Debbie’

This trend has been echoed all over the country, with some national law firms reporting a staggering 122% upswing in divorce enquiries between September and December 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, as six months of their ‘new normal’ became too much for many people to bear.

While Covid-19 may have been the final push some needed to leave unfulfilling relationships, others have truly suffered

during this isolating time.

“We have sadly seen an increase in domestic violence and child abuse cases,” nods Clare, alluding to the fact that domestic abuse offences, so often a hidden crime, have been steadily on the rise.

One Suffolk resident, Debbie Smith (name changed to protect her identity), has told Living In … of her nightmare ordeal being trapped in an abusive relationship with an unpredictable husband during the worst of the lockdowns. Fearful for her and her son’s safety, Debbie says life became like “walking on eggshells,” until she could safely get out of the situation.

“Everything I did was geared around not upsetting him too much or he would lose his temper. He never actually hit us, but would punch walls and throw things around. The threat of violence hung over us for a year.

“The pandemic made everything worse as he was suddenly working from home in our cramped house; we had no way of escaping it.”

Luckily, Debbie is now out of the suffocating marriage and is building a new life for her and her son. “I feel like we had a very lucky escape,” she adds.

The women’s aid centre, Lighthouse, in Ipswich has been doing all it can to support women and children through this challenging time, which has hit those

already in desperate circumstances particularly hard. Predictably, lockdown restrictions complicated its work; as described in its June 2021 newsletter, it experienced a drop-off in referrals and a simultaneous slowing down of the process for those ready to move out of the refuge and begin their lives afresh.

Despite these hurdles, it has continued to support abuse survivors and their families, while the law courts begin the task of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The team at Christchurch Solicitors also remain focused on all the good they are able to do – paving a way forward for many stuck in a difficult situation.

“We have seen clients who are able to work through their issues in a positive way, and then be able to move forward with their lives,” smiles Clare. l Contact the team at Christchurch Solicitors by calling 01473 355160, or email info@christchurchlaw.co.uk.

Find them at Soane House, 4 Soane Street, ipswich, Suffolk, ip4 2pg. l For support and information regarding domestic abuse, call lighthouse on 01473 228 270, or the national Domestic abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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DESign FoR FOR liFE! liFE! Kim Elliott has worked at the top of the fashion industry – now she’s teaching youngsters a more sustainable way …

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hances are you have seen Kim Elliott’s eye30 years ago. catching designs; better still, you might have “When I left, there were no jobs, so I moved even worn them! At the top of her game for to London and worked for a supplier, which more than two decades, Kim worked her way means you design for all different high street up to become head of design at Monsoon and design shops. You have to be very flexible and design director at Coast. for very different customers.”

She says she was living in London’s Crouch End when “My whole career has been amazing – I travel she had that lightbulb moment and decided to teach all over the world. I am so lucky, I have literally her craft to children. been everywhere.”

“I wanted to protect the dying art of traditional Kim says her favourite place is India, where skills, and to inspire kids to love sewing and fashion.” she worked closely with her manufacturers.

My Fashion Club was born – Kim then transferred “The people are lovely, they are so skilled and it to Woodbridge, having moved here recently with talented,” she says. “The colours are incredible husband David Black, a graphic and the history is so rich.” designer and filmmaker, and their says the design highlight “Why does a coffee of She teenage son, Ollie. her career came when she “We love fashion, we just don’t cost £4 and yet a tee worked at Monsoon, designing think it should cost the earth,” she a sustainable collection which shirt costs just £2?” ended up being featured at says. “We create without waste, inspiring and teaching future London Fashion Week. generations about craft, fashion, recycling, repairing, “To have your designs shown there, as a customising and sharing sustainable ideas.” commercial designer, was just incredible.”

Kim, who is originally from the North East, runs the Kim now runs her own fashion brand, Vintage six-week sessions (after school and during holidays) Sister, which she set up with her friend Andrea from Stitchworks in Gobbits Yard in the town.

Hickman. “We both worked together and were “When I was working, I always wanted to talk about made redundant at the same time,” says Kim. doing things in a better way, like renting the clothes “So we decided to set up something together. out, but nobody really talked about it,” she says.“So “Andrea was a buyer and, with my design skills, I set out to teach kids about sustainable fashion, we wanted to make fashion affordable. We asking questions like: ‘Why does a coffee cost £4 and believe wearing vintage clothing is the perfect yet a tee shirt costs just £2?’ way to be sustainable and stylish at the same “We talk about fashion in a fun way, but we also time. We treasure-hunt around the country talk about how producing clothes affects the planet looking for beautiful vintage pieces.” and the people who make our clothes.

The result is a beautifully curated collection of “And then everything we make is from recycled timeless pieces available to buy. or donated fabric. People have donated a lot to us.

It seems Kim may well have left her commercial Archive Vintage donated a lot of denim shorts which roots behind, but her passion for sustainable the kids unpick, bleach, customise and sew back fashion goes from strength to strength. together again. They just love it. One young designer is making a 1980s style denim jacket which is looking l For more details on vintage Sister, go to really good.” www.vintagesister.co.uk and to find out more Fashion clearly runs in Kim’s veins – she started out about kim’s workshops for budding designers, on her design journey at Newcastle University around go to www.myfashionclub.co.uk

From top: Last day at the summer club, How to be a Fashion Designer; the young designers present their collections; Customising Week – the theme, Planet Earth Below: Kim in Jaipur, India working with woodblock printers

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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What’s new in our lively local arts scene? abygail Fossett has the lowdown … on a kniFE EDgE Sparrows, starlings, thrushes. Common companions from our back gardens they may be, but they were also all recently placed on the RSPB’s Red List, meaning they are now endangered.

The Lettering Arts Trust knows this feeling well – the heritage craft of hand letter cutting is a declining art form, but one it is determined to keep alive. This natural alliance has given rise to an exciting exhibition at Snape Maltings, On a Knife Edge. It features lettering art from over 30 artists – such as Harry Brockway’s Sea Fan Coral, right – who have worked on stone, wood and paper to highlight the resources, habitats and species we are in danger of losing.

Curator Lynne Alexander says: “We see this as a ‘call to action’, with art as the vehicle to bring home to visitors that it’s not too late to change our habits and live in synergy with nature.” l on a knife Edge is on at the lettering arts Centre, Snape maltings until Sunday, 7th november. Entry is free, and all artwork is for sale.

For more information, go to www.letteringartstrust.org.uk EaRtHWoRkS …

We are loving the work of talented Suffolk photographer Amy Gladding, who exhibits nationally and locally. Earthworks, she tells us, is a collection of film, Polaroid and mixed media pieces all intrinsically linked to the land.

“It’s a celebration of the deeply embedded creative energy in the county of Suffolk,” says Amy. “My world is explored through alternative and expired films, Polaroids and traditional camera-less techniques such as cyanotypes and anthotypes as well as altering processes, such as burying negatives and film soup. Collage, drawing, painting and printmaking techniques also feature in my work.”

Can’t See l See amy’s creations at the Woods www.helloladyeee.com or by amy follow her on social media: gladding @my_faraway ClaSSiC Duo, SoutHWolD aRtS CEntRE Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 was a bleak time all over the country as we all miserably spent the grey, drizzly day preparing to enter lockdown 2.0.

Meanwhile, shoppers in the city of Norwich were being serenaded by two buskers with incredible, soaring voices. The pair quickly went viral – but who were they? Together, Hayley Moss and Ben Lake make up Classic Duo, and they are set to perform at Southwold Arts Centre, with classical pieces and showstopping songs from the musicals. They’ve bravely crossed the Norfolk-Suffolk border, so let’s show them some Suffolk love! l to book your tickets for the show on Friday, 10th September at 7.30pm, visit www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk or call 01502 722572.

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Local girl Laura Such (left) is up for a National Sculpture Prize for Plane Sight

planE SigHt This issue, we’re offering our heartfelt congratulations to Southwold sculptor Laura Such, who has been shortlisted for the National Sculpture Prize (NSP) 2021. Her creation, Plane Sight, is made from mixed materials, typical of her witty, satirical style. It might seem all fun and games on the surface but take a closer look and we’re in for a crash landing …

The sculpture is on display in the NSP exhibition in Barnstaple, North Devon until 31st October. Prize winners will be announced the following day.

Good luck to Laura! l Find out more at www.broomhill-estate.com/nsp paStEl poRtRaituRE “Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist.” It was Oscar Wilde who wrote these words many years ago, and they come to mind as we examine the portraits of Michele Ashby, A Distant Memory

by Michele Ashby whose pastel creations are soulful and contemplative yet alert and watchful.

“I am fascinated with portraiture,” she explains.

“In my opinion, capturing a likeness is one of the most difficult challenges there is.”

An Essex girl for many years, Michele is a recent addition to our county.

“I’ve relocated to be near the beautiful Suffolk coast, and cannot wait to see what fascinating opportunities and treasures I will find here!” l Check out her work at www.micheleashby.co.uk

JUBILANT TIMES AT ALDEBURGH JUBILEE HALL

I

f there was one thing that lockdown taught us it was to never take live theatre for granted again. So we are delighted that Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall is set to welcome the Charles Court Opera to perform one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best-loved comic operettas, The Mikado.

To the uninitiated, The Mikado was first performed in 1885 and the drama and hilarity traditionally revolves around the fictitious Japanese town of Titipu, where the Mikado (Emperor of Japan) has decreed that flirting is an utterly repugnant offence, punishable by death. Yikes – what’s a love-struck young minstrel to do?!

In this updated production directed by John Savournin, the chaos takes place behind the closed doors of the stuffy British consulate, where typical English prudery and resolutely stiff upper lips are ridiculed to their fullest.

For those of us looking to dip our toes into the weird and wonderful world that is opera, this may be the perfect place to

Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado comes to Aldeburgh in October

start – jokes abound, absurdity is king, and this wickedly talented cast of powerhouse baritones and soaring sopranos are ready to raise the roof. Seasoned opera-lovers among us will recognise many iconic tunes, from A Wandering Minstrel to I’ve Got a Little List, and (of course!) Three Little Maids From School Are We. As What’s On Stage’s review so rightly says: “From the opening explosion of energy this is a show that knows where it’s heading, and that’s to five-star heaven!”

This production really brings a message of hope and recovery to the performing arts and allows theatre and musical lovers of all ages to come together in Aldeburgh and enjoy a very special production, not least because The Mikado sees the reopening of Jubilee Hall’s original

ALDEBURGH JUBILEE HALL THE 20TH ALDEBURGH LITERARY FESTIVAL

orchestra pit, used by Benjamin Britten, for the first time in three years.

It certainly seems that Jubilee Hall is set to have a spectacular autumn 2021 season. Other highlights include the 20th Aldeburgh Literary Festival (Friday, 10th – Sunday, 12th September), a trip down memory lane with Imagine … The Beatles (Saturday, 25th September) and wonderful performances by the Prometheus Orchestra (Saturday, 2nd October). l the mikado is running on Saturday, 23rd october, 7.30pm and again on Sunday, 24th october, 3pm. Book tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/aldeburghjubilee-hall. alternatively, buy your tickets in person from the Jubilee Hall corner office on tuesday or thursday mornings.

AUTUMN 2021 SEASON

Box Office: www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk or in person on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the AJH corner box office.

CELEBRATING HOAGY!

ALDEBURGH JUBILEE HALL

FRIDAY 15TH OCTOBER 7.30PM ALDEBURGH TICKETS: £18

FRIDAY 10TH TO SUNDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER

JUBILEE HALL

IMAGINE… THE BEATLES

ABBA TRIBUTE

SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER 7.30PM TICKETS: £15

SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 7PM DOORS - 8.00PM TICKETS: £18/£15 £12 (U14)

GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S THE MIKADO S AT U R D AY 1 0 T H O F J U LY

SEPTEMBER 25TH, 7PM DOORS - 8.00PM START Tickets: £18/£15

PROMETHEUS ORCHESTRA

or in person on Tuesday and Friday 10-12pm at the AJH corner office

or in person on Tuesday and Friday 10-12pm at the AJH corner office AldeburghJubileeHall

AldeJubileeHall

AldeburghJubileeHall

aldeburghjubileehall_

SUNDAY 10TH OCTOBER 11.30AM TICKETS: £15 aldeburghjubileehall_

AldeJubileeHall

AldeJubileeHall

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SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER 7.30PM SUNDAY 24TH OCTOBER 3.00PM TICKETS: £25/£18 (U16)

SATURDAY 2ND OCTOBER 3PM AND 5.30PM TICKETS: £15

ALDEBURGH JUBILEE HALL ENSEMBLE

7.30PM

Tickets: £15.00

Box Office: www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk

Box Office: www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk

COMMON GROUND THE DREAM OF A RIDICULOUS MAN THURSDAY 28TH OCTOBER 7.30PM TICKETS: £12 AldeburghJubileeHall

OPEN OPENDAY DAY 25 September 2021

OPENS IDAY XTH FORM OPEN EVENING 12 October 2021

Book your place online at woodbridgeschool.org.uk

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FRESH loCal SEaFooD

AND A SMASHING WINE LIST!

If you haven’t yet eaten at the superb Sorrel Horse, you are in for a treat!

R

unning a pub or wine bar had always been a dream of Clement Sigaut – and on May 1st 2021 that dream came true! Clement and his partner Rebecca, who also run local wine merchants, Smashing Wines, took over the Sorrel Horse in Shottisham. ‘’We had been supplying the pub with wine for many years and when the opportunity to take it on came up, I couldn’t turn it down’’ says Clement. ‘’Most people would say we were crazy - we took over a pub in a pandemic and the chef was leaving the following week! So we had a pub, hardly any staff and no chef!

Within a few weeks we had revamped the place with a coat of paint and some small interior changes, hired a manager, hired a chef and written a menu. We have to thank our great friend Sammy Jo, a TV food stylist and home economist from Birmingham, who left filming with the Hairy Bikers and came straight to Suffolk to help write the menu! Together, we researched our suppliers, all agreeing that we wanted to use local where we could, and over a few weeks we had a menu we were all very happy with.”

Talented Edwige Wella was then hired as head chef, who’d trained and worked in Spain before moving to Suffolk where she was head chef at the Swan in Alderton. After securing a kitchen team, Rebecca and Clement employed Cameron Blackwood-Pugh (pictured with them on our contents page), former assistant manager at the Easton White Horse, as general manager.

The menu features pub classics with a twist, such as their Wild Garlic Cod Kiev and Chips and the Suffolk Black Ham, Crispy Duck Egg and Chips. However

the main focus on the menu is their fresh local seafood. “We wanted to create a pub that serves fresh seafood daily paired with some smashing wine, of course!” says Rebecca.

“We are so lucky to get fresh local lobsters delivered daily, the kitchen love it when Mike from A Passion For Seafood turns up as you never know what daily catch he will have.”

Clement agrees. “Using local suppliers was something we were really passionate about. All of our meat comes from Salter & King who source their meat from free-range, organic and small scale famers and sell the best pasture-fed and additivefree meat.”

The couple are also proud of their wine list – offering a large selection of organic and natural wines, provided to the pub by their other business, Smashing Wines.

The change of hands has breathed new life into this quaint thatched-roof village pub, with a warm welcome, a fantastic new menu and extensive drinks list. Booking is advised if you want to experience some lovely local seafood. l For more information, go to: www.thesorrelhorse.co.uk l to book a table, call 01394 411617 or email info@thesorrelhorse.co.uk

top left: Head chef Edwige Wella top middle: The Sorrel Horse in picturesque Shottisham top right: Maldon Oysters above left: Rebecca and Clement above right: Mike Warner from A Passion For Seafood with Clement above: Grilled lobster with garlic butter, green salad & house fries ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

29

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

“A gentle helping hand” “

S

ometimes I get referred to as ‘the man with the dog!’” laughs Neil Cawthorn when we meet to chat about the incredible work of the Professional Deputy Service (PDS).

Set up in 2011 by solicitor Neil, initially PDS was created to help people with learning disabilities in long-stay hospitals find suitable housing for their needs.

In the last decade it has grown into so much more.

“We are first and foremost a support service,” he explains. “We support vulnerable people with their finances – anything from making sure they have claimed all the benefits they’re entitled to and supporting them through legal issues to simply managing their daily living expenses. It’s the everyday aspects of life for which some people require a gentle helping hand.”

PDS now has a flourishing team of 12 and Neil clearly remains committed and driven. He says: “I’m always looking for ways to make ‘the system’ better and for it to work for those it serves.”

He says he’s forever pushing boundaries, finding ways to make things happen, and

the whole team make sure their clients are right at the heart of all they do.

“We take the time to build a relationship with them and their families, and to understand their needs,” he says. “Some of them are elderly people, who want to stay in their own home for as long as they can.

Others have learning difficulties and need guidance and sensible advice from somebody who knows them, helping them to be as independent as possible.

That is the most rewarding thing of all – seeing someone blossom and hearing them say: ‘You changed my life.’”

His dog, Bonnie, is a much-loved member of the team.

“I’ve always taken her along to meet clients,” smiles Neil. “Talking about your finances can feel daunting, and Bonnie does her best to help them relax.

“I remember one of my clients, a lovely lady with dementia who could never remember who I was – but Bonnie always got a good fussing.

“I visited her in her final days in hospital, and produced a photograph of Bonnie – and her eyes lit up. She said: ‘You’re the man with the dog!’”

The Professional Deputy Service Protecting the financial independence of the vulnerable

Based in Woodbridge, we assist vulnerable people to manage their finances and to live as independently as possible.

Please contact our friendly team to see how we can help you.

Telephone 01473 736296 Email hello@thepds.net Website www.thepds.net

Neil Cawthorn, MD of Professional Deputy Service, which assists vulnerable people. His dog, Bonnie, helps put clients at ease

l For more about the professional Deputy Service, call 01473 736296 or go to www.thepds.net l pDS is now hiring. it’s on the lookout for a client case manager.

Send your Cv to admin@thepds.net

BUSINESS BULLETIN All the latest from around coastal Suffolk …

GLAMP IT UP!

THE PAIN OF WORKING FROM HOME With a huge swathe of the population now working from home, it has become a real burden for some.

Sports massage therapist and pilates instructor Lara Pepper, whose pilates, nutrition and massage studio is based in Melton, says they are starting to see how people have been affected.

“Working from home has impacted people’s mental health,” says Lara, pictured above. “Many clients who have returned to classes have expressed how nice it is to be able to socialise again, while feeling safe in the studio environment.

“We have seen a number of people with back and shoulder issues, both in pilates classes and our sports massage and dry needling clinic. We believe this is linked to working from home at unsuitable desks – or from sofas!

“We have also recognised a number of clients whose stress levels have increased

picture © St Elizabeth Hospice

THINKING OF YOU …

At St Elizabeth Hospice, memory bears can be made as reminders of loved ones who have passed away. Abigail Read’s aunt, Sonia, is honoured here

due to the worry of Covid, and they have reported feeling relieved to get back to some normalcy in classes.”

And that’s not forgetting the dreaded lockdown weight gain!

“It is easy to see how this has come about with the changes in routine, and restrictions on gyms and classes,” says Lara. “We need to respect our bodies both nutritionally and physically in order to support a healthy immune system.

Heathy eating and exercise not only helps your physical well-being, but can support your mental well-being as well.”

With that in mind, Lara’s studio is this month (September) launching new healthy lifestyle courses incorporating nutrition and fitness sessions, alongside group support. l go to www.larapepper.com/healthylifestyle-weight-loss-and-fitness “I’d say the best part about making these bears is when I turn the face out, and there he is, looking up at me,” says Sue Marshall.

For the past three years, Sue has been working with St Elizabeth Hospice to bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones, using her artistic flair and keen eye for detail to produce memory bears.

These are hand-stitched keepsakes that she makes from items of clothing, serving as precious, highly personal reminders of those no longer with us. Sue has worked tirelessly, and recently created her 250th bear for Abigail and Avril Read, who had three bears made in memory of Sonia Mortimer, their aunt and sister respectively.

Abigail explains: “Having our memory bears is so special to us.

It means we can keep Sonia’s

With campsite bookings up by a staggering 233% year on year, it’s no wonder owners of large homes are deciding to use part of their land to offer camping.

One such couple are Paul and Janene Bush, who have just launched the fabulous Sunset and Stars Campsite in the leafy grounds of their period property near Saxmundham.

Just eight miles from Aldeburgh and 12 from Southwold, this intimate glampsite offers a relaxing, off-grid break complete with its own bell tent and those allimportant posh showers and loos! And there’s even a walkable pub just minutes away in the nearby village of Middleton.

It’s an intimate affair with just three pitches on offer – ideal for larger groups or families.

So what prompted them to do it?

“We love where we live and wanted people to enjoy it as much as we do,” smiles Janene, who co-runs three hair salons in the region, including Quay Street Collective in Woodbridge.

“It’s such a beautiful setting, and we love to look after people. We were also prompted to set it up as another form of revenue stream to help carry out work on our property. Also, it’s a future career path for my husband that can take us into retirement.” l See www.sunsetandstarscampsite.co.uk memory alive.”

These bears are particularly special, as they incorporate pieces of Abigail’s wedding dress, a first for Sue. “I’m so pleased with the result,” she smiles.

“The beautiful lace panel makes the bear look so special.”

Now, one sits in Avril’s bedroom, the other in Abigail’s, while the third is making his way across the Atlantic to Sonia’s sister, Judy, in California.

“This will mean the world to Judy,” says Avril.

Abigail nods: “Sue has helped us create a memory that will last a lifetime.” l Would you like a bear to remember a loved one? Find the online form at www. stelizabethhospice.org.uk. all proceeds go to St Elizabeth Hospice, to help it continue supporting those living with progressive and life-limiting illnesses.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

31

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

8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm, Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL

Tel. 01394 386666

Tel. 01284 760222

25 years of award-winning windows and doors

intERioR

livES Homely inspiration from around the coastal region …

a StitCH in timE …

We love this stunning peacock kantha throw, which features the centuries-old kantha running stitch, one of the oldest and most cherished forms of Indian embroidery.

Made from 100% cotton, it’s perfect for spicing up a sofa or as a bedspread, measures 150cm x 230cm, and is very reasonable at £65.

If you want to add a vibrant burst of colour to your home, head to Snape Maltings. l or find it online at shop.snapemaltings.co.uk

FlooRED! Pappelina’s autumn/winter collection includes the gorgeous new Olle design. Offering different colours and sizes, and starting from £40, the design is a nod to the 80s pattern styling and colourways we so love. These highly durable plastic rugs, which are sustainable, practical pSSt! and machine washable, are Congratulations to the Burgess available from Scandi-inspired Group which is celebrating its Vanil in Woodbridge.

25th anniversary. With showrooms Designed for indoor and at the Notcutts Garden Centre outdoor use, they are in Woodbridge, and Fornham St made in Sweden from Martin, it states its wonderful certified phthalate-free windows and door range continues PVC ribbon, woven on to evolve but its “fundamental value traditional looms using remains the same: superior customer wooden shuttles. service”. See advert opposite or go to www.burgess-group.com l See www.vanil.co.uk

Discover shopping, music, walks and more snapemaltings.co.uk Every purchase you make supports the work of its parent charity, Britten Pears Arts

Town or Country Your Choice?

5 Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4JJ

Church Farm, Campsea Ashe, Woodbridge IP13 0PX

01473 851 957

01728 885 634

We are safely welcoming new residents. No isolation required. www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk

Inspected and rated

Part of the Kingsley Healthcare Group

l y vDiin n o i t c a r st ckley

By Carl Sti

R

ing, ring, goes the bell! Back to school.

As summer’s rays fade away, so too, hopefully, will the madness of the last year. Let there be rock! Coming to Ipswich soon: Nick Cave, Robyn Hitchcock, The Waterboys, Paloma Faith, Johnny Rotten, and, er, Jason Donovan. Things are looking positive as the live music sector picks up. in tHE City …

October sees Sound City Ipswich explode into life. The lineup features over 50 acts from across the UK and beyond, including a strong showing of regional artists. Marcus Neal helps run The Smokehouse, owns Hex Records, and has helped curate Sound City since its inception. “[We’re] very excited to be putting on Sound City Ipswich after a fallow year in 2020, when we were forced to take the event online,” he says. “Thankfully, loads of artists are raring to get out and perform again, so we have an unbelievable programme of live music across two days and five stages.”

The weekend will provide a smorgasbord of tuneage, rocking beats and general face-melting live music fun. The big voice of BC Camplight, the stroppiness of Billy Nomates, twisted indie from Working Men’s Club, demented disco from Warmduscher, dreamy pop from Porridge Radio, festival faves Bdrmm, the electro pulse of PVA, The Velvets bounce of Big Joanie, Antipodean pop from The Goon Sax, the scatter rhythms of Los Bitchos. There really is something for everybody.

With so many acts, it will be impossible to see everything. For maximum enjoyment don’t try to follow the scheduled rundown.

Drift from venue to venue and stumble upon the music.

The festival sees the opening of two new town centre venues; one a legendary 1960s and 70s touring venue for the likes of Led Zeppelin (pictured above in November 1971) , Rod Stewart and others. The Baths on Civic Drive had a dual use as a swimming pool and, with the placing of boards over the pool, a music and functions venue. Thanks to a new stage, bar, and sound and light systems, there are hopes it will become a regular setting. The other is the atmospheric fifth century St Stephen’s Church in the town’s Arras Square.

Real humans listening to others playing music. What a gift!

tHE ClaSH, ‘lonDon Calling’, 1979 The difficult third album.

For younger readers, third album syndrome is when a band makes a great debut album (their stage set honed to perfection from countless gigs). The second album – not so good as they used all the good songs for the first one. Thus, the third album is make or break: you’ve got a fanbase, but you can’t just do same old, same old. London Calling is a masterclass. Recorded three years after their debut, they sound like evolved beings.

The title song is the one everyone knows, so that’s a given. I usually skip it. The rest of the album has everything else: roots reggae, funk, lovers rock, anthems, Springsteenesque rock, Spanish tinges, ska, old school rock ‘n’ roll, Stax horns – all done with punky energy. Joe Strummer’s on fire with his lyrics. Paul’s bass a million miles from his debutalbum playing. Mick Jones a guitar hero. Mickey Gallagher’s piano fleshing it out. And Topper. You can listen to the whole album just following the drums. Topper is Ingredient X. No Topper, no Clash.

And THAT cover. Plus, they insisted it sold for a fiver: a double LP for the cost of one. The band pretty much lost money on every copy sold back then. Just think about that for a moment. If you haven’t heard it for a while, do. It’s probably even better than you remember. The only band that mattered, still. A classic.

Los Bitchos (left) and Big Joanie (below) play Sound City Ipswich in October

l got a musical story or event? Email carl@livinginsuffolk.com

CHivE talking Stephen Kendall is my new hero. He runs Onion Vinyl, a groovy vinyl emporium in Felixstowe. An independent record shop, it buys and sells “new and used records, CDs, tapes, DVDs and stuff.” For a Mojo Dad like me, it’s a ‘proper’ record shop: a treasure trove of goodies from AC/DC to Zappa. give it a whirl: www.onionvinyl.wixsite.com/onionvinyl

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

35

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, KYSON! Kyson Primary School today and, right, as documented its inaugural logbook from 1970

“

K

yson Primary School opened today with 116 on roll,” reads the first entry into the handwritten autumn term logbook on Thursday, 3rd September, 1970. It’s hard to believe staff at the beloved school are celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding.

“We had hoped to celebrate in 2020, but that wasn’t possible,” explains headmaster Tom Gunson. “I’m sure I don’t have to explain why! But this year, we’re starting the autumn term off with a party for the staff and students.”

Knowing our love of local history, Tom let us take a peek into the archives, where the school’s original logbook was found.

The headmistress eagerly details the school’s first week in neat, loopy writing (how we marvel that anything used to get done without computers!).

Feeling an affinity with the local press, our favourite entry is on 7th September, when: “A representative from the Woodbridge Reporter called, with a view to writing a short article on the beginnings of our school.”

Since then, Kyson has achieved much to be proud of, from fabulous Ofsted ratings to ambitious new ventures to star pupils (young actor Milo Parker attended Kyson until 2014, best known for his roles in Mr Holmes, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar

Children and ITV’s The Durrells). There is a lot to celebrate – and Mr Gunson certainly agrees!

“We’ve got so much to be excited about,” he beams. “Our summer concert and production were both fantastic. Our extracurricular clubs have been a roaring success – there are now 29 clubs running every week, fully funded by us.

“Now, we’re looking forward to our brand new early-years outdoor learning area being completed in September. It’s got a racetrack, slide, sandpit, a water wall, the full works. I can imagine the pupils from 1970 would be pretty jealous!

“Here’s to another fantastic 50 years!”

SUFFOLK COASTAL CROSSWORD 1

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Crossword kindly supplied by peter turner

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anSWERS Will BE pRintED in ouR nExt iSSuE anSWERS FoR CRoSSWoRD in iSSuE 28. aCRoSS: 1 DEAD DUCKS 6 RUSTS 9 OPEN WATER 10 FJORD 11 ITALICS 12 HALYARD 13 ALLIGATOR 16 SNAFU 17 DONUT 19 EXERCISES 21 EGO TRIP 22 TOM FOOL 25 ISSUE 26 AMPLENESS 27 ENEMY 28 SURRENDER DoWn: 1 DHOBI 2 AKELA 3 DOWSING 4 CETUS 5 SURCHARGE 6 RAFFLES 7 STOWAWAYS 8 SIDE DRUMS 13 ANDRE GIDE 14 LANGOUSTE 15 THESPIANS 18 TERSELY 20 COMPETE 22 TOPER 23 OREAD 24 LOSER ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

36

aCRoSS 1 Woodbridge family – longtime owners of The Abbey (7) 5 Possibly stoat in here would be untrained (7) 9 Maybe glean protection from her/him (5) 10 On visitors’ essential reading lists (9) 11 Knapsack chassis (4,6) 12 Pre-1066 English militia (4) 14 Icon of Woodbridge (4,4) 15 No robot any time includes this (6) 18 How Cpt. Kirk went ‘where no man has gone before’ (6) 19 Elizabethan Woodbridge philanthropist (8) 22 What we always need but rarely welcome (4) 24 Woodbridge-born poet/ writer, b 1809. (10) 26 Where Rædwald rests (6,3) 27 Olea europaea (5) 28 Shorten a card game? (7) 29 Tag for local type (7)

DoWn 1 Wicker trap for decapods (4,3) 2 Adjective for killing kings (9) 3 One up from the Royal Family, some say (4,6) 4 Metacilla alba yarelli (8) 5 What 29 Across did (6) 6 On the sheltered side (4) 7 Now illegal piano key (5) 8 It is advisable not to swim thus in the Deben (7) 13 Satire genre of heroism, of someone who is not (4,6) 16 One without moral sense (9) 17 A tenth of a groszy, in Poland (3,5) 18 Essential ‘ingredient’ in a good coffee shop (7) 20 What I hope heavy traffic will do when I cross (5,2) 21 Johann Gottlieb … (1762 – 1814) German philosopher (6) 23 Commit into a grave situation, with rites. (5) 25 North American bonnet (4)

Our website boasts digital versions of our past issues – including the previous crosswords:

www.livinginsuffolk.com

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

eVeNtS

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

oktoberfest, ipswich

Saturday, 16th october, 1pm – 10pm Guten Tag! It’s almost that time of year when Christchurch Park in Ipswich is transformed into a traditional Bavarian biergarten for the annual Oktoberfest. So, schnell! Buy your tickets (£25 each) to partake in an evening of live entertainment, traditional street food and the best beer this side of Munich! See you there – there’s a currywurst with our name on it! l Buy tickets at www.skiddle.com/e/35813840

out

aNd abOUt! The Living In … guide to the fun activities on your doorstep this autumn … By Abygail Fossett

Fun2Farm, trimley St martin

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids this half-term, then Trimley Rural Activities Centre may be just the place!

“Some would say we’re a petting farm, but we offer so much more than that!” beams owner, Roger Cosgrove. “This is a hands-on experience – kids can climb in amongst the animals, feed them, get to know them, have their hands licked and sniffed. They love it – there’s nothing quite like forming a bond

with animals! We have friendly pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and our rabbits and guinea pigs love a cuddle!

We also offer arts and crafts, ‘messy little farmer’ sessions for the little ones, and sensory activities aimed at children with SEND.” Access Fun2Farm through the Goslings Farm Shop in Trimley St Martin. l there are more details on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ fun2farmwithfarm2form

Coffee at St John’s Church, Felixstowe

Saturdays, 11th September and 16th october, 10am – 12pm As restrictions ease, it’s wonderful to see the return of all those small events that remind us that, in this gorgeous corner of the world, community spirit is still very much alive and kicking.

With that in mind, St John’s Church in Felixstowe is throwing open its doors for two coffee mornings: on September 11th, it will be open all day for Suffolk Historic Churches Ride & Stride, and on October 16th, supporters will be busy fundraising for Felixstowe Sea Cadets.

Why not pop along for tea, coffee, homemade cakes, preserves, and a browse of the various stalls? l go to www.facebook.com/felixparish

gippeswyck pagan gathering, martlesham village Hall Saturday, 23rd october, 10.30am – 6pm

While we’re overjoyed life seems to be slowly getting back to normal, lockdown has left many of us feeling a little restless. I need a change, we often hear: a new perspective. Well, we were intrigued to learn about the annual Gippeswyck Gathering, where a group of self-confessed friendly pagans from Ipswich who gather each year to meet likeminded people, share ideas and, most importantly, have fun!

With a bar, dancing, vegan food and fascinating talks by guest speakers, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about what the Gippeswyck Pagans stand for.

They’re a welcoming bunch, so don’t be shy! l tickets are £10 each and can be bought at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ booking/t-nrjglm or from the Sacred Earth shop on upper orwell Street, ipswich.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

37

america!

letter

Felixstowe’s angie muldoon faces unexpected language barriers stateside

I

“

’d like to get one thing very clear. I am small. I am ginger. I am reasonably-toamply proportioned. I am in possession of most of my body parts in most of the right places. Occasionally, and on my very, very best days, I might even be considered passably attractive. But I have never, and I repeat never – ever – in any way, been considered cute.

Until we moved to Los Angeles.

Citizens on the West Coast of the US are much more likely to make a passing remark than those on the east coast of the UK, and it’s a proper culture shock. In the grocery store, I was looked up and down by some statuesque Amazon of a woman – both arms folded – who took me in from head to toe and declared: “Well, aren’t you as cute as a button?”

I’m 54.

I am not cute.

I sometimes have a bit of – clears throat – an eccentric dress sense (I can feel my smallest daughter vigorously nodding her head from two continents away) but I don’t think this woman was being unkind. Or sarcastic.

Also – I don’t know how to respond.

“Why yes I am!” is: a) Untrue, and b) Horribly self-congratulatory, while: “Do you want to arm wrestle and we’ll see who’s cute then?” feels a little aggressive.

My grandmother was the very last word in good manners, and apparently my feeling that making personal comments is on a par with licking a stranger, is

something, it turns out, that’s engraved on my bones.

Last week, I was queuing in Walmart and the man next to me said: “Nice paradox.”

Awesome conversation starter. I was the poster child for gormless as I stared at him for at least a minute with my mouth open, ticking off mental answers. (Incidentally, ‘mental’ in the US means hushed and tragic, not a friend of bonkers, as I’ve learned to my cost. I don’t think we’ll be invited back there. Likewise, ‘mad’ is only angry. Sigh.)

The man in the queue took pity on me, and pointed at my flowery footwear. Dr Martens. Pair of Docs. I managed to say thank you between gusts of giggles, but he still socially distanced quite a bit more.

I had a similar experience in Amazon Fresh which has opened down the road.

It’s a bit grown up and serious, all dark and moody and full of buttock-clenchingly trendy types, of which I am not one. I had a $5 off coupon. The aisles are a one-way system designed by a spider on acid, and I had one of those “after you, no after you” moments that is our universal shopping experience right now.

Putting the groceries in the car, I found

Shopping in present day LA poses unexpected problems for the Brit abroad

Angie and her distinctive car both attract lots of attention stateside

my after-you-no-you friend was parked beside me.

His very well groomed and trendy face lit up.

“I knew this was your car!” he said. “It had to be. Look at you!”

I am small and round and ginger. The car is small and orange and covered in daisies.

I smiled warily.

“I’m a cosmetologist” he said, as if that explained everything. Ooh! Just as I was about to ask him about the length of his telescope, he waxed lyrical on the rarity of ginger people in California, and the importance of sunscreen.

Ah. Cosmetics, not the cosmos.

Thankbloodyhell I kept my mouth shut.

And then the killer line.

“It had to be your car: you’re both so cute.”

NEXT ISSUE: Angie gets to grips with the extreme weather as she eagerly awaits news on when she can fly home …

Family run business Qualified estate agents, valuers & auctioneers

Melton

guide Price £350,000

trimley St. Mary

guide Price £225,000

Melton

guide Price £325,000

eyke

guide Price £365,000

A spacious three-bedroom semi-detached house, comprising: entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting/dining room, three bedrooms and bathroom, gardens, garage and driveway, which provides further parking for two cars. Spacious and bright inside. The front garden is screened off from road by an attractive and mature hedge, and the back garden is fully enclosed. EPC: C

A two-bed retirement flat located on the first floor and offering spacious accommodation that enjoys a south-facing aspect with balcony. Master bedroom has a built-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, and there is a further shower room. Communal facilities include lounge with kitchenette, cinema room, gymnasium, and fully landscaped gardens with barbecue and seating.

land wanted toP PriceS Paid

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sale agreed above the guide price. more period properties in Woodbridge wanted. Buyers waiting.

A delightful 1920s three-bedroom cottage with accommodation over two floors, plus gardens and a large outbuilding. Main house comprised of: sitting room with open fireplace, kitchen, breakfast room, bathroom, en-suite shower room, plus the three bedrooms. Also front porch and laundry room. Soughtafter location within walking distance of Rendlesham Forest. EPC: E

M

le d ed Sa ee uir r q ag re e or

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woodbridge guide Price £435,000

An immaculate two-bedroom mid-terrace house which comprises: sitting room, kitchen/dining room, rear lobby, cloakroom, two double bedrooms and bathroom, garden and two off-road parking spaces. The property benefits from gas-fired central heating to radiators, and uPVC double glazing throughout. Early viewing advised. Ideal first home. EPC: B

With or without planning permission.

Anything considered, from a small piece of garden land to large arable sites and woodland. We can also help you with planning permission (subject to suitability) at no cost to you within a 30-mile radius of Woodbridge. For free and confidential advice on land, contact Linda Mortimer MNAEA on 01394 386688.

Hasketon guide Price £650,000 more detached properties with land required. Buyers waiting.

FREE VALUATIONS! CALL: 01394 386688 EMAIL: INFO@MORTIMERSESTATEAGENTS.CO.UK

Linda Mortimer MNAEA

Dale Mortimer MNAEA, DipDEA

Thomas Mortimer

Pat Masson

Rosemary Barnard

oUr Fee is 1% inc Vat. no tie in Period in oUr contract

Abi Coomber