ISSUE 52 ... NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025
FREE ... PASS ME ON WHEN YOU HAVE READ ME!
SUFFOLK Crooked House ... meet the owners
Maggi Hambling ... happy 80th birthday! Suffolk Funk ... life with Shakatak
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ON THE COVER:
5 If you’ve got a heart-warming 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 New Year edition – our January/February 2026 issue – is January 5th 2026. l For advertising information or if you’d like to submit any collaboration ideas, email us at, info@livinginsuffolk.com
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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
LIVING IN Editor: Angela Hagan 07930 184773, info@livinginsuffolk.com Designer: Lewis Webb Writer: Charity Crewe charity@livinginsuffolk.com Media Sales: Ellie Rickard ellie@livinginsuffolk.com livinginsuffolk.com Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod!
YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours
@ James Davidson
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We adore this stunning jewellery Giclée print (40cm x 40cm) by Suffolk illustrator, Brie Harrison, who has exclusively documented some of her favourite pieces from the V&A jewellery collection. From a glass Phoenician pendant made in 600-500 BC to a 17th century English miniature case, Brie’s work captures the delight and intricate detail found in the jewellery gallery. l To buy, visit the online gift shop at V&A at, vam.ac.uk For more details on Brie’s work visit, brieharrison.com
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 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.
NEWS All the latest news from around Suffolk ... RISEN TO PERFECTION!
Acre Farm has just opened its first dedicated retail shop in Woodbridge - Acre Bakery - which has gone down a real storm! Situated on Market Hill, this warm and inviting bakery, complete with its very own roaring wood burner, has sold out most days it’s been open. Acre Farm’s micro-bakery is known for producing longfermented sourdough and locally inspired bakes. The micro-bakery was set up in 2022 by Emily and Alexander Aitchison, in a small converted potting shed beside their kitchen garden. What started with a few loaves quickly grew as local people discovered and loved their bread. Not long after opening, they took on the 270-acre family farm in Monewden, where they live, and also planted a ten-hectare vineyard
there. The farm has built quite a reputation in East Suffolk. Their pastures are home to Hereford cattle and their arable fields grow wheat, barley and herbal leys, supplying their own on-site bakery. They also grow for Wildfarmed, whilst supporting British agriculture. There, they began growing Miller’s Choice wheat using a soil- and nature-focused approach. Today they mill their own wheat on the farm and use it to bake every loaf. Emily’s family has been farming since 1640 - 14 generations of farmers, pioneers, and custodians of the land. Her grandfather once ploughed with a horse, and she continues that legacy today, deeply connected to farming and the stewardship of the land. Emily says of their first bakery opening in Woodbridge, “We’ve been genuinely overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm from the local community. It has definitely exceeded what we imagined when we opened the doors.” Emily, who says they are planning to expand their bakery range in the new year, reckons the family are now looking forward to a lovely Christmas break. “We like to slow down after the busy baking season and spend the day with our families, we both have three siblings!” she smiles. “There is lots of cooking, usually beef from our farm, music, and a walk to church in the morning. This year we’ll be baking croissants for breakfast as we have just introduced sourdough pastries to our range after investing in a pastry sheeter!” l Acre Bakery, 10 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LU. Visit, acrefarm.org
ON THE
MARKET The latest homes and property news from around Suffolk ...
BURKETT HOUSE COMES TO MARKET Tucked away in the heart of historic Woodbridge, just off the iconic Market Square, is one of our favourite properties. Burkett House is regarded as one of the finest Georgian town houses in the region. Listed Grade II* and dating from the early 18th Century, the property has been comprehensively refurbished and is today elegantly presented throughout. Displaying a wealth of timeless period features which, together with its atmospheric presentation, creates a wonderful ambience for a comfortable family home within walking
distance of all the amenities. The accommodation, elegantly presented throughout is set across four floors, extends to some 5,600 sq ft and includes three well- proportioned formal reception rooms. The lower ground floor accesses into the garden and includes a bespoke kitchen/ breakfast room, complete with a gas fired AGA, service rooms, a panelled study and impressive vaulted garden/sitting/dining room, which, together with the offset bar, media room and study, are ideal for entertaining as they open directly onto the
garden. On the first and second floors there are five comfortably sized double bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bath/shower rooms. The property benefits from a gas fire central heating system, offers superfast broadband and a modern security system. Sheltered by a variety of mature trees is an enchanting, part-walled formal garden, with manicured lawns and shaded glades and vistas. Twin gates open from the parking bay with a shingle drive running down to the cart lodge garaging with a flexible use studio annexe above. There is an attractive curve of brick garden stores fronting on to a secluded corner garden. In all, the property extends to about half an acre. POA l Contact Jackson-Stops on, 01473 218218. Visit, Jackson-stops.co.uk old house, whether you want to rent or to buy, we’ve got something for you between around £200,000 and £2 million.” Close to Southwold, Beccles and Bungay, Somerleyton is just 25 minutes from Norwich by car and rail or two-and-a-half hours to London’s Liverpool Street,. It’s well served for high schools too. Hugh adds, “If you’re looking for a change in this rather gloomy climate, we’d love to hear from you.” l Visit, somerleyton.co.uk
A SLICE OF HEAVEN The historic Somerleyton Estate is expanding its thriving community with many opportunities for those looking for something a little different. The 4th Baron Somerleyton, Hugh Crossley, who has been busy with wife Lara preserving the family estate for the last 20 years “also building some really, really great businesses,” explains more. “Perhaps what we are most proud of is Fritton Lake, our members club, which over the last five years has grown to a really diverse and interesting membership of around 1000 people,” he says. “We want to
now bring some of that across to Somerleyton which is a really well-preserved Victorian model village. It’s got a train station to Norwich, a great pub, the Duke’s Head and also a really good village school. We're now delighted to offer a range of accommodations and opportunities for hopefully the same type of exciting person that we’ve managed to draw to Fritton Lake. Maybe you want to build your own house or perhaps live on the water in our marina or renovate an
The Coach House, a fabulous lakeside plot, is on the market for £450,000 ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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OUR LITTLE CROOKED HOUSE! It’s one of the world’s most photographed homes and it couldn’t be in better hands ... Charity Crewe meets The Crooked Men! Pictures by: James Davidson
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veryone seems to love a wonky building - from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Amsterdam’s charming Dancing Houses. When the Crooked House pub in Staffordshire was set on fire a few years ago, the public was outraged. Here in Suffolk, we’re lucky to have our own lopsided treasure, The Crooked House in Lavenham. It has recently been lovingly restored by the self-styled “Crooked Men”, Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin.. Built in 1395, The Crooked House is thought to have inspired the nursery rhyme, There Was a Crooked Man, and the building’s newest chapter feels straight out of a fairytale romance. The story began in 2018, when Alex was living and working in London. He visited the house - then a tearoom - on a weekend away and it was love at first sight. Afterwards he says he, “dreamt of moving to Lavenham, living in The Crooked House and sharing its magic with the world.” When Alex saw the house for sale a few years later, he seriously considered buying it but realised he couldn’t leave his job in London. Then along came Covid, and during the first lockdown he met Oli online. After falling for Alex, Oli soon became equally smitten by The Crooked House and the two
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of them put in an offer. Early in 2021, the couple moved to Lavenham and set to work lovingly restoring The Crooked House. It had originally been part of a much bigger house, built by a rich wool merchant at a time when Lavenham was a thriving wool town. The merchant wanted a grand house sharpish and so used wood that wasn’t fully seasoned.
“We have our own ‘Crooked Christmas’ traditions here” As it dried, the timber-framed structure contorted, resulting in a strong, but very crooked house. When the English wool trade collapsed in the 16th century, thanks to among other things - competition from abroad and the fashion for lighter cloths, Lavenham’s fortunes plummeted. What followed was a 200-year period of impoverishment. Rich merchants’ houses were divided up into several small homes, The Crooked House being one of them. In a strange twist, it was the poverty of Lavenham that preserved the Tudor houses – no-one could afford to pull them down and replace them with, say, grand Georgian houses. The Crooked House was in pretty good condition when Oli and Alex moved in, so most of the work needed was purely cosmetic. “We did much of the decorating ourselves, with a bit of help from our parents,
who are far more confident when it comes to hanging heavy pictures!” says Alex. The couple have loved transforming this ancient house into a home, whilst carefully preserving its 600-year-old character. There are no disagreements over design choices either, because, as Oli says, “we’re practically the same person, which makes decision-making very easy. We’re always playing around and experimenting with the interiors.” They treat their house with complete reverence; faced with the challenge of protecting a 15th century painting on the bathroom ceiling, they decided against installing a shower. Instead, they simply “cross the road every morning to shower at the spa.” The Crooked House wouldn’t suit everyone. It’s a small one-bedroom home with an immense dining room - originally the weavers’ workshop - and a generous sitting room. It’s perfect, though, for Alex and Oli who love entertaining. “There’s not many one-bedroom cottages where you can host
dinner for 20,” beams Oli. This love of entertaining led to their regular pop-up dinners. The first one coincided with the Tudor New Year, so Alex and Oli prepared Tudor-inspired food. Their black-tie dinners are, “slightly wacky, theatrical immersive experiences and a fun way of bringing the
history of The Crooked House to life”, explains Alex. They sell out quickly, attracting a “wonderful mix of guests, who come from across Suffolk, the UK and all over the world.” They’ve had several Americans, who have flown in just for dinner and flown home again the next day! Oli does all the cooking - something he loves, having grown up in the kitchen with his parents and grandmother, and later completing a course at Leith’s. His menus are inspired by the past, but they’re not historical recreations. “The dishes are modern, fresh, and seasonal, with ideas borrowed from history,” explains Alex. “Our dinners are very much home-cooked, dinner-party style food. We’re not trying to be a restaurant - Lavenham already has plenty of wonderful ones.” Alongside their dinners, the pair also host theatrical house tours, complete with special effects and musical interludes - even Tudor hymns. Both are keen musicians: Oli plays the piano and double bass, while Alex is a classically trained singer. Their shared love of history runs deep, “particularly social history,” says Alex. “Oli studied Classics at Cambridge, so before we moved to The Crooked House his favourite period was ancient history. But since coming to Lavenham, we’ve both become obsessed with the medieval and Tudor periods.”
Christmas will be a busy time at The Crooked House. After hosting a series of candlelit tours and black-tie dinners, their families will descend on the house for Christmas Day. “We have our own ‘Crooked Christmas’ traditions here,” says Oli. “We got married at Christmas time in 2021 and asked our wedding guests to bring us a decoration for our (empty!) Christmas tree. Now, as the festivities begin, we decorate the Christmas tree with our wedding gifts. A perfect start to the festive season!” l Tours and black-tie dinners can be booked at, crookedhouselavenham.com Follow their story on Instagram, @crookedhouselavenham
RELISH!
The Suffolk foodies’ page ...
THE KING’S HEAD OR THE LOW HOUSE – A REVIEW BY CHARITY CREWE
The King’s Head, more widely known as the Low House - a reference to its low-lying position - is one of Suffolk’s greatest pubs. This is partly because its interior has hardly changed for the last 100 years and it’s full of atmosphere - all narrow passageways and snug rooms, floors covered in red and black quarry tiles, a blazing fire in winter and an enormous garden in the summer. It also has
one of the few remaining taprooms in the country, meaning you see your pint being poured straight from the barrels as there’s no bar. Their ales are all brewed locally. This 16th century thatched former farmhouse was bought by a group of regulars in 2018 to prevent it from being turned into a home. Today, it’s owned by experienced hospitality hands, Marie and Gareth Clarke. The couple, who live above the pub with their two children and a dog, bring a warm, family feel to this ancient gem. Step through the solid oak door of The Low House and you’ll pass the Settle, the Card Room and the Tap Table, before finding a separate wood panelled dining room. This room is beautifully understated, and the low lighting is fabulously flattering. Marie runs the pub while Gareth runs the kitchen, producing hearty, delicious and very reasonably priced food. My starter of salt and pepper squid, Asian slaw and dipping sauce (£6.75) was light and fresh, while my companion’s whitebait with lemon and paprika (£6.75) were
utterly moreish. For mains we had their chicken and leek pot pie (£14.50) and a slow cooked brisket with horseradish mashed potato, carrots, tenderstem and red wine jus (£17.50). We could have eaten any of their puddings – which included treacle and ginger tart and an apple tart tatin – but were so splendidly full, we only managed to share a sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice-cream (£7). I can’t think of a better pub for a cosy winter pint or a slap-up Sunday roast. l The Low House, Gorams Mill Lane, Laxfield 01986 798395; lowhouselaxfield.com Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm - 3pm and 6pm - late; Sunday 12pm - 6pm. Check the website for food service times.
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A WARM WELCOME TO ALL!
Maeve’s has evolved into so much more than just a great place to eat ...
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his beloved local favourite has rebranded - dropping 'tea room' from its name - to reflect the vibrant, multifaceted offering it has become. Maeve’s is a thriving hub in Woodbridge
where great food, creativity and connection come together. Alongside its carefully crafted breakfast, lunch and weekend menus, Maeve’s continues to delight guests with freshly baked cakes, scones and pastries, all made on-site. It prides itself on serving some of the best coffee in town, using La Marzocco and the finest beans from Crude Coffee Roasters in Bury St Edmunds. Its teas are locally sourced too. In the warmer months its charming courtyard garden, perfect for al fresco dining, feels like a world away from the bustle of the busy Thoroughfare out front. Dog-friendly and full of character, this family-run business welcomes everyone, whether they’re stopping for brunch or a relaxed afternoon treat. But it’s not just the food that draws people in. Maeve’s has become a centre for community and culture, hosting an array of events throughout the year. Popular supper nights celebrate global flavours, while monthly children’s book clubs inspire young imaginations. Seasonal gatherings, live music afternoons and family-focused celebrations such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events add even more variety. It’s no surprise that Maeves, which is open
DISCOVER KIN KNIVES IN RENDLESHAM THIS CHRISTMAS
seven days a week, has carved out quite a name for itself in Woodbridge and beyond. Looking ahead, there’s much on offer kicking off with a new festive wreath-making evening on 4th December. Check out the website and socials for more details. So, while the name may be a bit shorter, their reputation has grown even further! l Visit, maevessuffolk.co.uk or find them @maevessuffolk Maeve's, 74 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1AL
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ucked away just outside Woodbridge, our Kin Knives showroom in Rendlesham is a hidden gem for anyone who loves cooking. We specialise in high-end Japanese kitchen knives – beautiful tools that combine centuries of tradition with modern craftsmanship. At Kin, we believe a good knife changes the way you cook. It makes preparation easier, quicker and more enjoyable, turning everyday chopping into something to savour. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or a professional chef, our knives are designed to last a lifetime and bring joy every time you step into the kitchen. Our showroom is more than just a shop. It’s a space where you
can hold and test our knives, feel the difference in balance and sharpness, and find the perfect fit for your style of cooking. We’re always on hand to offer friendly, knowledgeable advice - no jargon, just genuine enthusiasm for good food and good tools. With Christmas on the horizon, our knives make truly special gifts. They’re thoughtful, practical and beautiful - presents that will be used and loved for years to come. You can visit us in Rendlesham, or browse
and order our knives online from the comfort of home. At Kin, we’re proud to champion slow craft in a fast world. Every knife is made with care, precision and respect for materials, and we carry that ethos into everything we do here. If you’d like to see for yourself, come and visit us in Rendlesham – our opening times are listed on the Kin Knives website. l Kin Knives, Unit B14, Base Business Park, Rendlesham, IP12 2TZ www.kinknives.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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Christmas with
CAROLINE FOOKS
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his season interior designer Caroline Fooks is busy helping her clients get ready for a wonderful Christmas at home. Having recently celebrated 21 years of transforming spaces into elegant, comfortable and timeless interiors, Caroline has an incredible contacts book filled with skilled craftspeople and tradesmen. “I always work with local suppliers where possible and draw upon a workforce from my native Suffolk where I have completed many commissions,” says Caroline, who works between Woodbridge and Fulham. It’s no surprise that she has amassed some pretty famous clients along the way – some household, some royal names - see her website for testimonials. But she prides herself on offering a highly discreet and personal service and offers careful attention to detail to ensure that her
clients’ inspirations are met and often exceeded. “I have a down-toearth, flexible and practical approach to decorating and I am as happy to re-use and re-arrange favourite furnishings as I am to completely re-fitting a property; helping busy people see the transformation of an area into an elegant, usable and comfortable space,” she says. “My personal style could be described as timeless and classic with a modern twist but clients’ own wishes are always my priority and by working closely together, we can realize the vision.” Caroline’s vibrant portfolio includes a wide variety of projects including homes in East Anglia as well as country and town
houses, castles, chalets and holiday homes in the UK and abroad; also wedding venues, private member’s clubs and a premier league football club. Caroline Fooks Interior Design also style houses for photographic shoots, often working alongside architects, relocation agents and property management. If you want your home beautifully designed in time for Christmas, call Caroline and the team now. l Caroline Fooks Design, The Barn, Dock Lane, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1PE and Sulivan Enterprise Centre, Fulham, London SW6 3DJ. By appointment. Call, 07710 037591 / 01394 303826. Or visit, www.carolinefooksdesign.com
Winchester School of Art, specialising in woven and knitted textiles, she landed her first job for a fashion forecasting company designing knitwear for Marks & Spencer's menswear. "It was a good beginning, although after three years, I became restless. I wanted to see the world." As a teenager, a friend's mother - "very bohemian, with a loom and fabrics from Asia" inspired her life long passion. "That was the moment I knew," Molly says. "I came home and told my parents we should travel to India. They suggested Scotland instead," she laughs. “My first stop was Indonesia.” It was there,
Kashmiri shawls, Sindhi bridal head veils and bed covers to block print curtains, baskets and ceramics. One of her discoveries, she is most proud of, came by chance on a trip to Sri Lanka. "I instantly recognised a group of very rare chintz trade cloths from the 18th and 19th centuries, exquisite hand painted floral cottons traded from India to Ceylon. Beautiful tree of life palampores which are now in museums and private collections. These pieces later inspired contemporary reproductions to be sold as furnishing fabric. Finding them was a career high.” Her tales sound like Indiana Jones-type discoveries made in dusty markets in exotic locations. It is rare to find a specialist, such as Molly, with expertise and gravitas in this mostly maledominated world. As well as her private clients she sells to collectors, interior designers, museums such as the V&A, philanthropists and many textile enthusiasts. Selling mostly online, she still exhibits twice a year at the Antique Textiles and Tribal Art Fair in Kensington. Molly is now planning something new and very special for Suffolk : hosting workshops with lunch where guests can immerse themselves in this fascinating world. Having recently made the move full time from London to Suffolk, her magnificent, part Tudor part Georgian, house offers the perfect backdrop for her to showcase her extensive collection as she begins to enhance her new home, using pieces such as large African woven cloths, which make excellent curtains, Kelims to hang across drafty doors, stretchered fabrics to display as art.
surrounded by the hum of cloth traders and the scent of dyes, that she began buying. A few small pieces became the start of a burgeoning career. Returning home, she began selling at Covent Garden and Portobello Road markets before moving on to exhibit at Olympia and The Decorative Antiques fair. " Over the years, Molly continued to travel extensively - Morocco, India and Sri Lanka amongst others, finding fabrics which bridged cultures and centuries. “I found Asian and African textiles inspiring - the colours, the techniques, each one Owner Juliefrom unique." Her 'finds' could be anything antique Ceylonese ceremonialCatterall wall hangings,
"I also use fragments of embroidered textiles to create a collection of cushions for my private clients.” “It's all about sharing knowledge," she says. Her career is one built from threads - old and new, dyed and woven, hand-sewn and unrepeatable. "The joy, she says, is in finding a design of a fabric I've not seen before, a unique cloth reinterpreted, by a skilled hand." Mollys workshops will begin in the Spring of 2026. l To arrange to view available textiles and cushions, by prior appointment, Molly can be found on Instagram @mollyhogg_textiles Or email, mchogg@hotmail.com
@ Angela Hagan
CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH ... Antique textile dealer Molly Hogg on her incredible career and move to Suffolk, by Angela Hagan
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he autumn light glints through tall windows in Molly Hogg's fabulous studio, capturing vibrant textiles draping down from an enormous galleried landing. Oak drawers and cabinets ooze with sumptuous silks, cottons and indigo-dyed panels as she talks about their history. "This cloth is Indian," she says, studying an intricate hand-embroidered panel. "Almost certainly from either Rajasthan or Gujarat, I'll reference my library later to confirm the provenance." Her voice has the quiet certainty of someone who has spent a lifetime studying antique fabrics, deciphering their patterns and hidden messages, made mostly by unknown women from all around the world who lovingly created them. “Textiles are not just objects of beauty they are biographies. The pieces made for dowries are my favourites”, she says." They were made with such love and skill, make no mistake these are unsigned works of art." She handles each piece with the reverence of someone touching the past. Her fascination in fabric began young as she watched her mother knit and sew in the evenings. "It was constant - there was always a project on the go.” At 14, she won a national award for her knitwear design, and from there, her path seemed set. After studying at
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TRANSFORMING HOMES INSPIRING CUSTOMERS!
Directors Daniel Donnelly and Scott Watson
Carpet and flooring specialists, Donnelly Watson, make sure every step counts ...
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e believe no two homes, businesses or customer tastes are the same," says Scott Watson, co-director of carpets and flooring specialists, Donnelly Watson. “That’s why we offer every customer our individual attention to ensure we are delivering a personal service tailored to each person’s needs.” Scott and his co-director, Daniel Donnelly, bring 30 years’ experience from the carpet and flooring industry, and are fast becoming the go-to flooring experts in Suffolk. Known for their super friendly and professional service, it’s no surprise that, among other major projects, they
recently landed the flooring contract at the newly refurbished Regent Theatre in Ipswich. It goes without saying if they can deliver in a major venue, your living room is well within their comfort zone. Their knowledgeable staff include a premier team of 11 expert fitters as well as instore manager, Louis Dawson and sales adviser Kirsty Burns (pictured left). They all share a real passion for their subject and work hard to help you achieve your dream home or workspace. “We even provide a free quote and measuring service as well as flooring samples and we cover the whole of East
Anglia,” says Scott. Whether you have children, pets or a specific budget and space requirements, the team will deliver a personal service, tailored to your needs. From new-build homes, Grade II listed properties to a wide range of commercial properties, they can help transform any type of space. “We also work in partnership with many local interior designers as well as provide a professional fitting service, which is done efficiently and with minimal disruption,” says Daniel. The story of Donnelly Watson started during a recession. It may sound like a risky move, but for Scott and Daniel, it was one worth taking. “We decided to strike out on own own in 2008, having worked together at a carpet shop for a number of years,” says Daniel. “We just became good friends, and Scott has the same work ethic as me. We realised there weren’t many companies in the area that specialised in supplying and fitting high-quality flooring,” he adds. Their cosy store on Foxhall Road in Ipswich is well-stocked with samples and offers a warm welcome. It even has its own car park. The team are always on hand to support you with your flooring requirements offering genuine advice rather than an impersonal warehouse experience. Their range of flooring includes carpets, Luxury Floor Vinyl (LVT), Karndean and Amtico, wood flooring, laminate, tradtitional vinyl and much more. Pop in and see for yourself! l Donnelly Watson, 413 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8LJ. Call, 01473 717171. Visit, donnellywatson.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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WINTERING IN WITH NEW STREET MARKET! From banging breakfasts, lazy lunches, art workshops, book clubs to live music and queer nights - it’s ALL happening at New Street Market ... IN THE BEGINNING ... It all started as a bold idea to create a cultural and culinary hub for the Suffolk coast. Properly independent, we describe New Street Market (NSM) as a Café-Shop-Bar-Art-Events venue – we have something for everyone. Our signature weekend brunches make the most of long, slow Saturdays and Sundays in Woodbridge and for evening dinner, we offer a knockout lineup of Mediterranean-inspired small plates paired with the best wines in town. WHO’D HAVE THUNK IT? New Street Market owners, Tim Wilson We love a collaboration here at NSM; and Sam walker that’s why we have a round-theclock roster of activities from live "Christmas parties, music, art classes, exotic stitching workshops, DJ’s, mum-and-baby drop weddings, wakes, birthday ins (see our Events Calendar, right). And celebrations - we do it all!" all at prices everyone can afford. Who would have thought this was even PRIVATE HIRE possible in a small river town like Our spaces are available for one-off shebangs, Woodbridge! Everyone’s got room for more longer exhibition programmes, parties and fun and more being-in-a-community. It’s special events. Our private hire a la carte always a good place to hang out.
festive menus for the Christmas party brigade have been a spectacular hit. The vibe is pretty broad - an average week for us might cover a big birthday party, an art exhibition, a wake, a wedding... all in different parts of the building! Our flexible menus range from Canapes, Sharer style to the full A La Carte monty. Come in and check it out! THE CAFÉ: SLOW, SEASONAL AND LOCAL At NSM’s heart is our café - a showcase of Suffolk’s best producers. Partnering with Acre Farm, Lane Farm, Pump Street, and Salter & King, the menu changes weekly and also
features veggie and vegan options. For Christmas, you can expect festive plates with flair such as our Celeriac and Truffle soup with artisan bread. Or our Mulled Apple Compote Pancakes or Roast-beet Salad with Walnuts and Suffolk Cheese. FESTIVE SHOPPING – IT’S A WRAP! Our sprawling shop which encourages daydreamers offers some amazing festive gifts this season including vintage homeware and ceramics, rugs from Mexico and cushions from Morocco. We hand select each piece to ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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EVENTS CALENDAR THE HIGHLIGHTS!
November
l TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER: Supper Club: Oxlip Table club with a Rosie Thomas and Jess Lupson cook up a storm at their first monthly supper French-inspired menu l WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER: Unhurried Conversation speaks, Hosted by unhurried enthusiasts online and in person – when one person event. free fabulous this in listens e everyon l THURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER: Demystifying the Menopause to exercise and Part one of two talks, featuring practical lifestyle strategies, from nutrition alternative remedies. l FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER: DJ Rivershark DnB. DJ Rivershark returns with another night of deep soul, house, electro and l SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER: DJ Issy B - Dance Party and ending Get ready to dance to some interesting grooves and beats. Starting off slow energetically. l WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER: The Third Space: Literary Salon to this Weighed down by the global scene? Lighten the mood by coming along novels. comic of tutor-led exploration l THURSDAY 27TH NOVEMBER: Dream Baby Dream DJs some From Post Punk, New Wave, Dub Reggae to Shoegaze. Rock up and enjoy delicious small plates to share. SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER: Festive Wreath-Making Workshop wreath with Floral designer Victoria Uff guides you through crafting your own seasonal us. fresh pine and eucalypt
offer a vibrant selection of pieces for your living spaces featuring brands like Aery, Austin Austin, Dark Room Chocolate, Glaze, Nona Wear, The Basket Room and Yonder. OUR WINE CAVE AND PANTRY Well stocked with wines, beers and crisps as well as local cider from Cydefx, pasta sauces from Famiglia Crispino, authentic curry sauces from Swaadish Curry and the best chilli oils you’ve ever had from White Mausu. You can also take home our coffee from Dark Arts in London. l New Street Market, 70 New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DX. Email, info@newstreetprojects.com
December
l THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER: Live Music - The Cabin Band and easy This four-piece band from Sax offer an entrancing style of folk, country rock listening Americana. l FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER: Golden Hour: The Christmas Hour come and House band Ramsholt Church invite some of their most talented friends to share their music. l WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER: Christmas Movie Marathon glow of An all-evening screening of festive favourites. Blankets, mulled wine and the fairy lights. l WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER: The Third Space: Xmas & Hanukkah
Decorating & Dance Party
ming joy. Inclusive celebration of creativity and culture. Expect music, art, and tree-trim l THURSDAY 11TH DECEMBER: Blues, Ballads & Stories with Ewan D.
Rodgers &
Dan Sedgwick
Acoustic soul meets storytelling in an intimate live-music night.
THE REGULARS
Check out our weekly events too ... le and l MONDAYS: Warrior Movement - rooted in Ancient Qigong, bringing accessib inclusive movement and restoration l TUESDAYS: Pilates - gentle core and stretch, all levels welcome. need of a l WEDNESDAYS: Feelgood Flow Yoga - perfect for beginners or those in midweek reset. l THURSDAYS: Life Drawing - creative unwind session with local models. l THURSDAYS: Pasta Night - fresh pasta cooked in-house! l FRIDAYS: Deutsch - adult beginners’ drop-in German class ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
TRAVEL
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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latest research and holistic practices. The first takes a deep dive into thyroid health. “Thyroid issues affect one in 20 of us,” says Sally. She says this retreat offers cutting-edge Bio-Well energy assessments give insight into your unique energetic imbalances. Personalised workshops and discussion labs help uncover the physical and emotional root causes of thyroid dysfunction. Tai Chi and meditation are part of the package. “You come away with personalised diet and supplement plans
PURE HEALTH ZANZIBAR!
iving with chronic illness is frustrating. “Getting to the root cause, finding the right treatments, there never seems to be time to discover the latest in research or holistic therapies,” says health journalist Sally Beck on a whistle-stop trip to Suffolk to promote her latest venture. Sally has launched the first in a series of fabulous full board, in-person retreats on the exotic island of Zanzibar and run by leading experts who offer carefully designed programmes grounded in the
and a true understanding of your condition, whether it’s hypo or hyperthyroidism or an autoimmune condition,” she says. The second retreat looks at the four nervous system responses - fight, flight, freeze, and fawn - which often lie beneath acute and chronic stress, anxiety, peoplepleasing, depression and feeling emotionally overwhelmed or easily triggered. “Through group and individual hypnotherapy sessions, you’ll begin to rewire the subconscious patterns that keep you stuck,” says Sally. Included in the carefully curated programme is yoga, massage, and an introduction to homeopathy - brilliant for supporting emotional healing. There is also time to relax and explore the island. Your base is the beautiful Zen Boutique hotel in Jambiani, Zanzibar, East Africa. l Thyroid Wellness Retreat, ten days, £2875 - by Gunar Bodhisattva who runs the Wings to Awakening Retreat Centre in Croatia l Deep Reset and Restore Retreat, seven days, £2195 - by Zoë Clews, featured in the Evening Standard as one of London’s top ten hypnotherapists l For full details, go to purehealthzanzibar.com or email, healthcarefuture@proton.me
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HI-FI FOR GROWN-UPS!
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f you like to not only hear your music but feel it too, then read on. Tucked away in a gently modified former church in Trimley St Mary is the best kept secret in the world of specialist audio retail. From the outside, Signals might look like a relatively low-key operation, but it enjoys an astonishingly high profile throughout East Anglia, thanks to that all-powerful word of mouth. Set up in 1993 by Alastair Gardner, he runs it with wife Rhea and since 2003, with co-director, Andy Heavens. Andy is an
engineer and part-time DJ who "brought two useful ears and very welcome technical skills,” says Alastair. "We moved into St Cecilia's in 2017. Mick Dann joined the team in late 2019 and is our networks and systems (amongst other things) expert. Most recent arrival is Kevin Fulcher, who has extensive experience with loudspeaker manufacture.” The team are never happier than when they demonstrate their incredible music systems from a wide range of price points in this warm and cosy domestic setting. And they don’t take themselves too seriously. “We like to think of St Cecilia’s as Craggy Island,” says Alastair. “I’m Ted with occasional bursts of Father Jack and Andy is Dougal but with brains. It’s tempting to cast my wife Rhea in the role of Mrs Doyle. Tempting, but ill advised,” he smiles. There are no sales pitches here. This expert line-up takes time to understand a client’s space, their listening habits and budget before recommending the perfect audio system - whether it’s a simple streaming setup or a high-end turntable and
SWITCHED ON!
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atheson Electrical was founded in 2020 by bright spark Dan Matheson whose goal was to achieve a work-life balance. “I wanted to spend more quality time with my young son whilst working full time," says Dan, who had extensive experience in major tunnelling and treatment plant projects across the UK and abroad. “Establishing my own electrical contracting business was the ideal way to create a family-friendly atmosphere to benefit both myself and my team,” he says. In the last five years Dan’s company has grown – he now has four electricians working for him including an apprentice – and the company enjoys an excellent reputation in
amplifier combination. Their dedicated demonstration rooms mean you hear exactly how different systems perform, letting your ears decide rather than a product spec sheet. It helps that the team are all music enthusiasts themselves. Signals partners with some of the most respected names in audio - Naim, Linn, Rega, Dynaudio and more – and offer an exceptional aftercare service including home installation with expert advice long after your purchase. This Christmas you might want to treat yourself or the music buff of the family to a real treat with an audio system upgrade. "We are one of just two dealers in the entire UK to have the Naim Statement S1 pre and power amplifiers on permanent demonstration,” adds Alastair, “but don’t worry, we also cater for far more modest tastes too!” l Call, 01394 672464 / 5. Email, enq@signals.uk.com Visit, www.signals.uk.com Signals UK Ltd, St Cecilia's House, 188 High Road, Trimley St Mary, Felixstowe, IP11 0SS.
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East Suffolk and beyond, not least because family is at the very heart of all they do. “We aim to foster a positive and forwardthinking workforce whilst providing the flexibility necessary for all employees to maintain a healthy work life balance,” says Dan, who is a Qualified Supervisor Electrician meaning he oversees the compliance of installations with regulations, sign-off on certifications like Electrical Installation Condition Reports and provides technical guidance to other electricians. Matheson Electrical offers a whole host of services to landlords and homeowners. "We cater for industrial, commercial and domestic needs,” he says. “Our team of qualified electricians are also committed to training apprentices to uphold the high standards we set for ourselves.”
The company serves its local community by actively sponsoring local youth initiatives, schools, scouting groups and music events in Snape. They even put up the Christmas lights in Woodbridge town centre. “Whilst we are based near the River Deben we primarily operate in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, but are willing to travel further as required,” says Dan. The company’s fleet of vehicles with their distinctive orange and black signage can be spotted near and far. From rewiring to electrical inspections, the company offers so much more. “Whether you need a simple lighting upgrade, a full rewiring, or inspection for an EICR, our experienced NICEIC approved team is here to provide a high-quality standard of service and personal touch.” says. Dan. Safe, reliable and efficient service is just a call away! “Don’t wait for electrical issues to become an emergency,” adds Dan. “Contact us today for a quote for all your electrical requirements, whether domestic, commercial or industrial." l Matheson Electrical, experienced NICEIC approved electricians. Unit 3, East Bank House, 9 Tidemill Way, Woodbridge, IP12 1BY. Call, 01394 831132. Visit, mathesonelectrical.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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@ Suffolk Archives
DYNAMIC COMBINATION
@ Britten Pears Arts
Maggi Hambling’s dramatic painting and sound installation, exhibited to coincide with Remembrance Sunday, has been wowing visitors. This solo installation, inspired by Britten’s War Requiem, of painting and music and depicting war victims and battlefields, opened recently on Hambling’s 80th Maggi at 80 birthday. “As a student I heard a recording of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem,” she says. “The piece’s dynamic combination of strangeness, horror, lament, fear, strife, tenderness, chilling authority and grandeur was unlike anything I had previously experienced.” This free exhibition is held at the Dovecote Studio, Snape Maltings, daily from 10am – 5pm (Sunday 4.30pm) until 23rd November. l In other news, Gallery 21 at Snape will be showing Jelly Green, Emma Green, Laurence Edwards and Kaori Homma. l Visit, brittenpearsarts.org
PRE-LOVED GEMS AT BARGAIN PRICES
Ciara Elliott
Calling all fashion addicts! If you love clothes, car boot sales and Vinted, then you’re in the perfect place. Stylist and magazine editor, Ciara Elliott, is staging her popular Fashion Reboot in Ipswich at the end of November where you can buy, sell and gather. “It’s like a high-end fashion car boot without the car,” says Ciara. “Whether sustainably buying or selling your wardrobe, or simply getting together for a chat and a giggle, the next event will be at Ipswich High School, in Woolverstone on Sunday 30th November from 10am-2pm. Check it out on socials @fash_reboot for news of this and the Framlingham event to be held in December. l Tickets, eventbrite.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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l For more information visit, suffolkarchives.co.uk
@ Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service copy
By Angela Hagan
@ The State Library of New South Wales
BEHIND BARS
Was Margaret Catchpole a criminal or a woman charting her own path? Decide for yourself when her personal letters written to friends and family during her Australian exile go on show in the UK for the first time. On loan from the National Library of Australia and the State Library of New South Wales, these fascinating letters form the centrepiece of Suffolk Archives’ latest exhibition Behind Bars - Suffolk’s Criminal Past. Servant girl turned notorious horse thief, Margaret’s daring escape from Ipswich jail in 1800, her capture and eventual transportation to Australia turned her into a Suffolk legend. The letters give a unique insight into how much she missed her home and family, and how she was establishing a new life for herself despite the challenging circumstances. In one she writes, “Pray go to Mrs Cobbold and tell her that I hope she will send me word on how all the good family do for I long to hear from them all. She had no doubt that I was worthy of all the favours that was shown to me as I behaved myself so well since I came here. But if I could but once return to my own native land what a happy woman should I be.” As well as telling Margaret’s story, Behind Bars lifts the lid on Suffolk’s lawless past. Discover gripping true crimes from the infamous Red Barn Murder which shocked the nation, to the curious case of the Acton Dumpling Murderess. Step inside the world of historic investigations and harsh punishments, including Suffolk’s last public execution. Explore how justice has evolved, from dealing with riots and social unrest to the development of prisons and rehabilitation, supported by HMP Hollesley Bay. In partnership with Suffolk Constabulary, the exhibition also traces the history of policing in the county and how officers continue to keep Suffolk safe today. Behind Bars is a free exhibition running until 17th January 2026 at The Hold in Ipswich - the home of Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service. It’s accompanied by a series of talks, walks and workshops.
l Visit, suffolkshort.co.uk and riverside.co.uk
SUFFOLK THROUGH A LENS
Leiston resident James Cecil has taken the term 'home movies' to a whole new level. Over the past three decades, the former builder has run his garage as a cinema and film archive, devoted to rescuing endangered titles, many capturing the life and landscape of East Anglia. Inspired by childhood trips to the Saxmundham Playhouse (which closed in 1962), James has filled his garage from floor to ceiling with reels of history, each can a fragment of a vanished past. He has lost count of how many films he actually owns, though he knows some are true rarities, a few dating back beyond the First World War. His most treasured discovery is a 1960s reel titled The Deben Valley, presented by Robert Dougall. Once discarded in a BBC clear-out and destined for a Norwich tip, the film was tracked down and saved by James, ensuring this piece of Suffolk’s story would not fade to black. This short film is a charming black-and-white slice of Suffolk life and this December, audiences will have a rare chance to see The Deben Valley on the big screen. It will be shown alongside Life on the Deben (2017, Dir. Tim Curtis), presented by John McCarthy. After the films, James Cecil will join Riverside Cinema manager, Neil McGlone and filmmaker Tim Curtis, for a Q&A about his passion for East Anglian cinema and his remarkable celluloid rescues. The screening launches Suffolk Through a Lens, a series of documentaries curated by Neil McGlone and largely directed by Tim Curtis over the last decade. @ Video East
SUFFOLK SHORTS
This female-founded one-day festival has just announced that 38 short films will be screening at the Riverside Cinema in Woodbridge on Saturday 29th November. The films are all short-listed for awards, with winners to be announced on the day. The festival focuses on bringing the best International and British short films to Suffolk, whilst promoting and supporting local filmmakers. Founders Rachel Aldridge and Claire Whittenbury (pictured) work in close partnership with Neil McGlone, manager at the Riverside. Claire says, “Short films are often made with little or no budget, but they are always made with passion, a vision and sheer determination.”
l Suffolk Through A Lens will be shown at the Riverside Cinema in Woodbridge, on Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm. Visit, the riverside.co.uk
s a m t s i r Ch
GIFT EMPORIUM Tully Boots
Earrings
By Merry people l Caroline Gladwell Womenswear
By Seascape Jewellery l ruthlyne.com
Double link loop gold earrings
Chenevix Jewellery l chenevixjewellery.co.uk
Falke socks
Annabel Bag
l Alexander's of Woodbridge
Disco ball diffuser
Chaffinch l @chaffinchwoodbridge
Kalkhoff Image 3 Excite BLX
From Lord's Fragrances l Barretts, Thoroughfare, Woodbridge
Virtue Electric Bikes l virtueelectricbikes.com
Rudolph The Reindeer Huus l huus.co.uk
Doggie Sudoku By Steven James Will l themerchantstable.co.uk
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@ Tilt Shift Creative
Porcelain Dinner Candlesticks
Haus of Dog l hausofdog.co.uk
Recycled Wool Fingerless Gloves
Snape Maltings l shop.snapemaltings.co.uk
Hand & Body Lotion
The Kinder Petty 120mm and the Kinder Gyuto 180mm
Caroline Fooks l carolinefooksdesign.com
Kin Knives l kinknives.com
Christmas Crackers Partridge in a Pear Tree by Annabel James l annabeljames.co.uk
Hand decorated Oyster and Scallop Shells
Harriet Highland Cow
l @prettyusefulssuffolk
Woodbridge-made face / body creams l louisa@herbsaregood.com 07752 206434
By Donna Wilson. l pocketkids.co.uk @pocket_kids_
Woven Scarves
Moose Clothing & Lifestyle l 01394 834816
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HAUS OF DOG
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pened in June 2024, Haus of Dog has got tails wagging across Suffolk. The brainchild of self-confessed “crazy dog lady” Louise Merton, she says she decided to follow her dream when the opportunity presented itself in Woodbridge’s Church Street. Haus Of Dog delivers the very best standards of dog grooming and customer service, as well as offering a range of carefully curated and environmentally conscious products for your dog, supporting UK manufacturers where possible. The Grooming Spa is open TuesdaySaturday between 8.30am and 6pm. Louise says, “all our dogs receive 1 : 1 treatment in our calm, quiet, air-conditioned salon, where we use only cruelty-free, vegan and natural grooming products. Our Groomers are kind and caring and are fully qualified to City & Guilds Level 3 in Professional Dog Grooming. We offer 25% off your dog’s first full groom, and we also run a
Loyalty Scheme where full grooms booked within 8 weeks of each other receive a continuous discount of 10%. For more information and to book a groom, please use our online booking system, available on our website below.” The Lifestyle Store is open TuesdaySaturday between 10am and 5pm. “We stock a selection of high quality, natural, environmentally conscious, unique and design-led items for all your dog’s play, treat, walk, food, sleep and holistic needs,” says Louise. “All humans and their dogs are very welcome to visit, browse, shop and ask for advice on all things dog-related!” Haus Of Dog is proudly a Real Living Wage Employer. l Visit, hausofdog.co.uk.
DOG ABOUT
M ”
y name is Bonnie and I’m a very mischievous 18-month-old German Wirehaired Pointer x Labrador. I love running, hanging out with my hoomans and ... anything edible! My owner works part-time in the grooming store at Haus of Dog on Church Street in Woodbridge which is, quite frankly, the best place in the world! I’m so lucky that I get to go to work where I say hello to all the customers and their dogs. My tail never stops wagging. I must admit I’m not quite so keen when it’s time for my own grooming appointment! If you are passing some time, pop in and say hello. l If you’d like to give your dog their 15 minutes of fame, send in a hi res photo(s) and description to, info@livinginsuffolk.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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AND BREATHE ...
All your health and beauty news from around Suffolk ... SOME LIKE IT HOT!
The Sauna Box in Dunwich is in new hands and has undergone a rebrand. Now known as the Suffolk Sauna, it is run by Tina and Pete Newman. Tina says, “We are good friends with Tom, the founder of Sauna Box, and have worked for him over the past 18 months; myself supporting on the admin and marketing side, and Pete getting stuck in with the builds team, converting horseboxes into saunas. Tom has built something really special with Sauna Box, and as the business has grown, his focus has naturally shifted more towards the creative build side.” “When the opportunity came up to take on the Dunwich sauna, it felt like the right next step,” says Tina. “We’ve loved being part of the journey so far, and now we’re putting our own spin on things, keeping that strong foundation, but slowly shaping it into something that reflects who we are, and the beautiful county we live in and love.”
Tina, a published children’s author, and Pete, a builder by trade, say they love the mental and physical benefits which come from using their handcrafted sauna which offers a unique way to experience the elements. “Whether you've just braved a dip in the North Sea or wandered the heather-strewn cliffs, this is your place to pause, sweat, and glow. We totally understand how and why they have been used for centuries to help people,” she adds. “In this fast-paced world where PSST! It's the everyone is super busy all the time, it’s such countdown for a great way to switch off and slow down. The Happy Movement’s We both love how relaxed you feel after fabulously reviving four-day a sauna session and that post-sauna retreat this month to glow that leaves your skin feeling so “connect with your playful smooth. As well as Dunwich, the couple say spirit” in Suffolk. Visit, they might even have their eyes on a few the-happy-movement.com more locations in the new year. Watch this space! l Visit, thesuffolksauna.uk
STILL GROOVING ... STILL GRATEFUL! Bill Sharpe, one of the founding members of legendary jazz funk band, Shakatak, talks to Angela Hagan ...
C
onsidering his meteoric rise to success, keyboard extraordinaire Bill Sharpe, is reassuringly down-toearth. We’re chatting about the good ole days of analogue (BT are pressing him to switch to a new digital phone). “I don’t believe any of this has made life easier,” he says. “If the power goes down, what are we left with? Nothing!” Bill (pictured above, front middle) is one of the key figures behind Shakatak - the supremely slick jazz-funk outfit who showered their silky synth-driven sophistication over the music scene of the early 80s. They were the new kids on the block - playing Top Of The Pops as hit after hit (music written by BIll and lyrics by drummer Roger Odell) became the backing track for an entire generation. Indeed, even today their
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distinct sound continues to echo through samples, dance floors and retro playlists. “We had a request last week from some young rappers in Vietnam wanting to sample us for their new video,” he smiles, “we think it’s great!” Talking from his pink cottage in the Suffolk wilds near Lavenham, Bill, now in his early
“If Keith Richards is still doing it, then so can we!” seventies, reveals the band is celebrating 45 years in the music business. They still enjoy a busy jet-setting schedule which many young bands would kill for. They release a new album every few years and are big in Japan as they say, as well as many other countries
around the globe. He has many a story to tell, from their wilder, early days “we out drunk a few rock and roll bands!” to the more relaxed outfit you see today. “We’re all a bit more mellow,” he says. “A lot of people look forward to retirement but I think when you’re in a band or a musician generally, you kind of just keep going - until you can’t. Besides if Keith Richards is still doing it, so can we!” In 2023, the band’s guitarist Alan Wormald unexpectedly passed away. Alan had replaced original founder member and guitarist, Keith Winter, 25 years earlier after Keith had to stop playing due to a rare nerve disease. “It’s an incredible story,” says Bill. “But Keith has kept himself fit and he made an incredible recovery and is back playing with us just like old times!”
Today, Shakatak comprises the original line-up – Bill on keyboards, Jill Saward on lead vocals, Roger Odell on drums, George Anderson on bass guitar and Keith on lead guitar/backing vocals. With hits such as Easier Said Than Done, Night Birds and Down on the Street, the band could have easily been mistaken for a soulful American group when they first hit the music scene. “Joan Collins was a big fan of our music,” says Bill. “We met her once on Pebble Mill and she was so surprised we weren’t American. But music travels ... most of our influences came from black American music, like The Crusaders and Stevie Wonder, that whole jazz-soul scene. We just found our voice.” Shakatak has played some incredible gigs - in 1989, they performed on the German border the night the Berlin Wall came down. And in 1993 in South Africa, becoming the first international band to perform there after apartheid. “That was powerful,” recalls Bill. “People told us how they used to play our records during the worst years, just to escape for a moment.” Brought up in Bishop’s Stortford his father played jazz piano by ear and his mother and
Back in the day - Bill is pictured to the right
“I have a real affinity with the Suffolk landscape” sister also played piano. “When I was seven or eight, between my mother, who used to bribe me to practise scales, and my piano teacher who used to rap me over the knuckles, they found I had this talent!” His mum wanted him to pursue a classical career but after leaving uni and working as a sound engineer at the BBC (he even worked alongside another Suffolk legend, the late DJ John Peel), before fame struck. Sadly his father didn’t live to see his success with Shakatak (he’s also recorded as a solo artist with Gary Numan, Jah Wobble and others) but his mother did. “She was so proud.” Music has clearly been his everything. “I’m the only one in the band who didn’t have children,” he says. “It just didn’t happen for me, I think maybe I’ve locked myself away a bit always working on new music.” Shakatak’s unique sound has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of dance, soul, and smooth jazz. They have released numerous
albums and singles and have maintained a huge fan base. Next month (December), they will play in Bill’s home county (lead singer Jill lives locally too) in Ipswich at Venue 16 and also in his favourite town of Bury St Edmunds. “I love it there and The Apex is such a lovely venue to play at.” His affection for Suffolk runs deep. Though raised in Hertfordshire, he attended Old Buckenham Hall boarding school in Brettenham in the 1960s, and moved back to the area around a decade ago. “I didn’t realise until I bought the place that I was just five minutes from where I went to school,” he says. “I have a real affinity with the landscape here. I love that Suffolk is still a bit of a well-kept secret.” He’s captivated by the starkness and expanse of the coastline. And as a keen golfer enjoys visiting Thorpeness, Aldeburgh and Southwold. Bill says the festive season is his favourite time of year. “We may even play a Christmas song or two at The Apex gig,” he smiles. He plans to spend Christmas Day with family where they love a family sing-song around the piano. “I think all of us in Shakatak feel very lucky that we’re still doing what we love, still playing music and still meeting people after gigs who tell us what our music has meant to them,” he adds. “To be honest, we all just feel very lucky to be here full stop!” l Shakatak perform at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Monday 1st December at 7.30pm. For tickets visit, theapex.co.uk and at Venue 16 in Tuddenham Road, Ipswich on December 7th. Tickets, venue16.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016
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OUT AND ABOUT! Top things to do around Suffolk by Charity Crewe
Cloak, Staverton Thicks by Lara Cobden
LOOKING INTO STAVERTON THICKS WITH THE ARBOREALISTS, PLUS GUEST ARTISTS Friday, 14th November - Saturday, 20th December at Gallery East, Church Street, Woodbridge This unique exhibition features works inspired by the ancient Suffolk woodland, Staverton Thicks - famous for its mass of ancient oaks. The acclaimed Arborealist group of tree painters, among them Lara Coden, Blaze Cyan, Jane Human and Tom Genders, as well as a selection of Gallery East artists, including Caroline Poole and Ian Sedge, have found inspiration among these marvellous trees and created some extraordinary works. Not to be missed! l For further details, galleryeast.co.uk
LOVE & LANDSCAPE: STANLEY SPENCER IN SUFFOLK Saturday, 15 November – Sunday, 22 March 2026, Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury (gainsborough.org) An ambitious exhibition dedicated to the enigmatic 20th century artist, Stanley Spencer, is opening in Suffolk before transferring to his native Berkshire. The show will feature major loans from public collections, including the Tate. Spencer got married in Wangford and spent time painting in this east Suffolk village and other spots in our fabulous county. l For more information, gainsborough.org
FATHER CHRISTMAS SAILS INTO SNAPE At 2.30pm on Saturday, 6th December at Snape Maltings, Snape Bring the little people to marvel at Father Christmas as he sails up the winding River Alde and disembarks at Snape Maltings Quay. There’s another chance to catch the great gift giver at Breakfast with Father Christmas at the River View Café at Snape Maltings on Sunday, 7th & Saturday, 13th December. The Café is also offering Christmas Afternoon Tea, which comprises a smorgasbord of delicious festive treats, both sweet and savoury, on selected days from Friday, 5th December to Sunday 21st December. l Breakfast with Father Christmas, 9am-12pm, £18 for adults and children. Adult’s Afternoon Tea, £32.50; Children’s, £12, Book online at, brittenpearsarts.org
Self Portrait Stanley Spencer
CHRISTMAS EXHIBITIONS AT WHITE HOUSE FARM 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 13th + Sunday, 14th December and Saturday, 20th + Sunday, 21st December, The Barns, White House Farm, Great Glemham Expect to be welcomed by a roaring fire and mulled apple juice at the Christmas Exhibitions curated by Jason Gathorne-Hardy. The two shows, Ian Sedge’s Sea Roads, Saints & a Soft Land and Claudia Silva’s Gardens of Great Glemham are new collections by two of White House Farm’s resident artists. Ian’s “very special and rather spectacular” new paintings “are inspired by finding faith, hope and light in the darkness of winter”, explains Jason. While Claudia’s enchanting flower paintings are leading towards a larger solo exhibition next summer. l For further details, aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk; For launch invite + catalogues email, enquiries@aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk
By artist Ian Sedge
© John Ferguson
WINGFIELD BARNS CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday, 6th- Sunday, 7th December, Church Road, Wingfield After a year’s break, Wingfield Barns Christmas market is back to bring Christmas cheer to all ages. The stunning 16th-century barn and surrounding studios will be home to 22 stall holders, including Quinton + Chadwick knitwear and Peter Grant’s beautifully crafted chairs, bowls and chopping boards, as well as natural makeup and decorations. Christmas shoppers will find woodfired pizza, cake and mulled wine, and a local choir will be singing carols. On Saturday there will be craft workshops and on Sunday you can sign up to wreath making with Gabriel’s Garden (book on the website). l Dog friendly; free admission and parking. 10am– 4pm (Saturday) 10am – 3pm (Sunday) For further details, wingfieldbarns.com
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