July/August 2016 | Priceless
Essential SUFFOLK
SUMMER FESTIVALS Latitude, Folk East, Maverick and more Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Elite Properties
www.essentialsuffolk.com
CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT
MADE FOR LIFE DESIGN
|
MANUFACTURE
|
I N S TA L L
Please come and see our exciting new range of Vincent Sheppard chairs and Cole & Son wallpaper. In addition to our Davey and BTC lighting.
Halifax House | 497-499 Wherstead Road
VISIT US
Ipswich | Suffolk IP2 8LL | 01473 680091
Showroom, Design and Manufacturing all at the same Suffolk address.
AGA
●
APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS
●
www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk STONEMASONS
●
PAINT LIBRARY
●
ORIGINAL BTC LIGHTING
●
VINCENT SHEPPARD
FIN PENDANT
FP550N
CHESTER CHAIR
99/16064
VERSAILLES GRAND, FOLE
Beautifully handcrafted, bespoke kitchens, studies, bedrooms, dressing rooms & bathrooms.
T H E G L ASS WEL L S B IG
NOW ON!
Lista Sofa RRP £879
NOW £699.99 20% OFF
Bury St. Edmunds t: 01284 752804 | Ipswich t: 01473 253164 | glasswells.co.uk SOFAS & CHAIRS | DINING & COOKSHOP | BEDS & BEDROOM | LINENS & SOFT FURNISHINGS LIGHTING | CARPETS & RUGS | CURTAINS & BLINDS | GIFTS | RESTAURANT | FREE PARKING
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Lesley Rawlinson Director lesley@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07519 477583
Adrian Rawlinson Director adrian@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07718 149307
Alison Watson Account Manager alison@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07546 485204
Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010
Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com Cover image: Latitude Festival sheep
| Welcome
WELCOME Welcome to the Suffolk summer and two glorious months of holidaying in what, in our opinion, is certainly the best county in the country! No matter what the weather there’s something to see or do from festivals to the beach or open air theatre to one of our favourite outings, Suffolk Dog Day – without a doubt the best family canine event for many a mile. So it’s hardly surprising that this edition of Essential Suffolk is packed with suggestions of what to do and where to go with What’s On, our festival guide and previews plus Essential Explores the Coast. We also have some great features and with a bit of history theme too including a sneak preview at the historic Quay Place a new heritage and wellbeing centre that’s been developed at St Mary at the Quay at Ipswich Waterfront. It’s been shrouded in scaffolding on an island in the middle of the one-way system for some months but now it’s emerged from a £5million restoration project this beautiful building, which apparently was “Shut down by Hitler” has now gained a new lease of life. Plus – because it’s so incredibly close – just across the Stour estuary from Felixstowe by the new foot ferry, we’ve taken a day trip to historic Harwich to discover secrets you might have never known about the Pilgrim Fathers and the ship they sailed in – the Mayflower. Harwich also boasts an Ancient Monument in the moated Redoubt Fort, the oldest purpose built cinema in the country and the LV18 lightship and its pirate radio exhibition. Tying in with this if you want to make it into a short break we’ve also got a review of the newly refurbished Pier at Harwich. There’s much more to read too with our food, fashion, interiors, property and gardening pages. Have a great summer and don’t forget to keep in touch through social media – including Facebook, @EssentialSFK on Twitter or through our website.
Anne Gould Anne Gould Editor
See all our Social photos at essentialsuffolk.com @EssentialSFK
editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk
Essential Suffolk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Achieve More Media Limited. Reproduction in part or whole if forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to press and you are encouraged to contact the venue prior to booking. All expressions and opinions within the publication are those of the editor including contributors. Essential Suffolk is a trading name of Achieve More Media Limited.
Essential SUFFOLK is Suffolk’s most exclusive magazine delivered only to individually selected homes, businesses and venues. It is brought to you each month with the valued support of our commercial partners. Please let them know you saw them here. To subscribe either:
12 issues for £24 Single issues just £2.95 All delivered straight to your door
1. Visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/essential-shop 2. Send a cheque for £24 (for 12 issues) or £2.95 (for a single issue) to Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 2EP Prices include postage and packaging. Personal details will be used for subscription purposes only.
EssentialSUFFOLK
5
K I TC H E N S
|
B AT H R O O M S
|
BEDROOMS
h us t i w ect n n o edia C m l ocia on s
|
HOME OFFICES
|
HOME CINEMAS
|
LIBRARIES
01473 610 192 www.angliafactors.co.uk 34 GLOSTER ROAD, MARTLESHAM HEATH, IPSWICH IP5 3RD
Contents
24
28
21 62
33
39
FEATURES
08 24 26 28 30 39
90
Summer Festivals
My Suffolk Stephen Singleton, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation
Cultural celebrations for July and August
Suffolk Dog Day How to walk home with a winning rosette
REGULARS
13 14
News from around the county
21
Short Break We spend a night at the newly refurbished Pier at Harwich
Essential Explores the Coast Make the most of Suffolk this summer
33
56
Food & Drink
We walk a path less travelled for a gorgeous circular from the Eels Foot at Eastbridge
Chef profile from the Sibton White Horse, recipe from Woodhall Manor plus a gallery full of ideas for eating out
62
Homes & Interiors
65
Gardening
73
Property
85
Essential Faces
Make eating outdoors fun
What’s On Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this July and August
Historic Harwich A summer day out from Felixstowe
Pub Dog Walk
Suffolk in Brief
Quay Place New heritage and wellbeing centre in Ipswich
54
Mini Previews Move | Be Moved Festival, Southwold and Aldeburgh Summer Theatre, Theatre in the Forest – The Tempest and Seaview Gallery Walberswick
Fashion
Inspiration for seaside gardens
A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale
Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar
Summer holiday essentials
EssentialSUFFOLK
7
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Summer of
FESTIVALS
It’s time to polish that camper van, dust down your camping kit and fish out your wellies, waterproofs, sunscreen and sleeping bags – it’s summer and the sunshine festival season has arrived in Suffolk
C
ome rain or shine July and August are months that always really sparkle with culture and creativity in Suffolk. For a county that’s largely rural we’re lucky to have an incredible depth and breadth with our festivals – some of which really put our county on the map both nationally and internationally. There’s always something for everyone, no matter what your taste in music, theatre, comedy, film and more. Plus we’ve festivals that range in size from being some of the biggest in the land to something that’s got a real boutique and intimate feel.
Maverick Festival Easton Farm Park. July 1 – 3 The Maverick Festival, which showcases the best in Americana and Roots music, from both sides of the Atlantic, has been described as, “A Wild Western village in East Anglia”. Comparing the verdant Suffolk countryside at Easton Farm Park to America’s ‘frontier’ lands might have a hefty dose of artistic licence but Maverick showcases many musicians that you might otherwise have to travel to Nashville to see. This year the festival has five stages and as ever a great line-up including Sam Outlaw – a classic honky-tonk troubadour from Los Angeles whose latest album, Angeleno, has already hit many of the year’s top ten lists, including The Daily Telegraph.
8
essentialsuffolk.com
Festivals
Legendary songwriter Robyn Hitchcock, who has recently relocated to east Nashville following his successful collaboration with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, is also returning after a surprise appearance at the festival last year. Maverick is also welcoming Jon Langford to the 2016 bill, he’s a founding member of the legendary Mekons and Waco Brothers. He will be performing his own set as well as exhibiting the outsider-art for which he has more recently made his name. Hailing from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, the Hackensaw Boys are all about finger picking banjos, fiddles and baritone harmonies wrung through the punk rock blue-grass ringer. They have played the major US festivals, appeared at the iconic Ryman Auditorium and backed the legendary Charlie Louvin. Plus in 2012 they were nominated for Best Bluegrass Group in the Independent Country Awards. Also in the line-up is Luke Winslow King – a singer/slide guitarist from New Orleans who the New York Times describes as “seamlessly melding Delta blues, gospel and jazz themes with personal, simplified lyrics”. All this plus a Jimmie Rodgers Tribute as well.
Petta Fiesta Pettaugh. July 8 – 10
An exciting musical line-up has been announced for a three-day Suffolk music and arts festival, which raises money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Fast-emerging Swedish-Malawian band The Very Best will dash from their Hyde Park gig, where they are supporting Mumford and Sons to headline at Petta Fiesta – a multi-generation celebration of original live music, the arts, spoken word, theatre, film and comedy. Formed in a Hackney junk shop, The Very Best has developed its own brand of global pop which has spawned collaborations with names such as Mumford and Sons, MIA, Vampire Weekend and Baaba Maal, making them a favourite with fans and critics alike. Petta Fiesta brings a very rare opportunity to see them perform in an intimate setting in a beautiful moated garden in Suffolk. Also on the bill will be Dan Shears and the Velveteen Orkestra, who weave tales of love, heartache and fantasy with their dark, carnivalesque style and Italian/Scottish singer Laura Riganti with her sultry, smoky, soulful tones of the 1930s cigar clubs.
The festival features a spacious campsite, bell tent meadow and tipi village and a carefully selected range of delicious food stands. INFORMATION www.maverickfestival.co.uk
hop specialists BNCHMVRK are amongst the Suffolk rooted acts. More are to be confirmed for the Saturday line up while Sunday will see the return of the best of Charlie Law’s open mic, where local performers get a chance to win a day in the Laffitts Hall recording studio. Jane Dyball, who is hosting the festival with partner Andy Corrigan, said: “We are really excited by the standard of musical acts we have lined-up for 2016. We can’t quite believe we have managed to get The Very Best, who will be joining us just a day after supporting Mumford and Sons at Hyde Park.” Andy adds, “In true festival style we have purposely found acts of all styles and genres to suit all tastes and ages. As this is a local festival we like to give Suffolk bands an opportunity to play live gigs and we have personally selected some of the best original live acts from around the county.”
A number of local bands will complete the festival’s line-up over the three days including the Deben Collective headed up by Cyndi Lauper collaborator and former Thompson Twins keyboard player Jan Pulsford.
Renowned names from the literary, theatre and arts worlds will also be performing at the festival, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. Other attractions will include theatre shows, children’s activities, art workshops, motivational speakers, comedy, late night DJs and campfire films. The festival, held in Pettaugh village, between Stowmarket and Ipswich, is expected to attract up to 500 people a day.
Gaffa Tape Sandy – a garage band from Bury St Edmunds, alternative rock and roll outfit The Blue Kubricks and hip-
INFORMATION Tickets are now available from www.pettafiesta.com
EssentialSUFFOLK
9
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Latitude Henham Park. July 14 – 17
Latitude Festival, in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, is now in its 11th incarnation having grown in size and stature since its inception to become one of the leading music and arts festivals in the UK. The headliners include The Maccabees crowned at Best British Band at the NME Awards this year, The National and New Order. But Latitude is not just about music as its theatre, comedy, dance, film and poetry stage offer star performances and performers too. Melvin Benn, founder and creator of Latitude Festival commented, “Latitude 2016 is already simply unmissable. Following the incredible success of our tenth edition last year, we had set the bar high for this year’s festival; we have a debut headline performance from The Maccabees to look forward to, which I’m really excited about and as always, the arts offering is set to be incomparable.”
Away from the music, Latitude will be celebrating the biggest names in comedy, theatre, dance, film, cabaret, literature and performance. Latitude’s Curator of the Arts, Tania Harrison says: “Latitude celebrates all the art forms and never more so than in this year’s theatre and spoken word performances. We have a multitude of voices, collaborations, and cross art performances – from opera to spoken word to comedy to music to circus to straight plays, puppetry, physical theatre and acrobatics to one on one conversations and encounters. “There’s theatre in the Poetry Arena, Literary Arena, Pandora’s Playground, the Little House, the Theatre Arena and on the banks of the Waterfront. The theme for Latitude this year is ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ and I will be looking to explore what it really means to have an understanding and relate to others; those people next to us, on social media, in the present, across the table, across genders, across streets, across countries, across class and religion, politics and physicality. It's about breaking boundaries for the greater good.”
The Obelisk Arena will see performances by some of today’s most exciting and respected artists. French electro act M83 will be making their acclaimed return and Courtney Barnett will perform back to back with fellow BRIT nominee Father John Misty, in his only UK festival performance this year. Also taking to the Obelisk Arena Stage will be Denver folk rock trio The Lumineers, Glaswegian synth pop trio Chvrches, incomparable singer-songwriter John Grant and musical nomad Zach Condon’s Beirut.
Improbable, for instance will present an improvised puppetry performance like no other – Animo – where the characters will literally be constructed before your very eyes. With no script, no set, just a range of everyday materials and five improvisers; Animo will invent itself as it goes along.
Performances will come from national treasures British Sea Power, pioneering Arabic collective Alif, rock-soul revivalist Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, atmospheric London trio Daughter and 70s idols Squeeze.
Further thrills will be found in Berlinbased arts collective Gob Squad’s Super Night Shot, the second of the international theatre shows to explore the Latitude theme, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’. In Super Night Shot, the public will
10
essentialsuffolk.com
become co-stars in a movie that celebrates unplanned meetings with strangers and delights in the randomness of urban existence. In what is sure to be one of this year’s highlights, the Lyric Hammersmith return to the theatre tent for the first time in five years with an irreverent celebration of the genius of Oscar Wilde; a work-in-progress performance of their forthcoming production, The Importance of Being Earnest. Director, Sean Holmes, has The Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc and a dishevelled comedian, Ed Gaughan, to take on the extreme acting challenge of playing every character in Wilde’s masterpiece. In another musical spectacular, the Theatre Arena audience will be on their feet, singing along with the Graeae and their heart-warming performance of Paul Sirett’s acclaimed coming of age tale Reasons to be Cheerful, featuring Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ greatest hits. In the first of two Theatre Arena productions marking the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death, Fight in the Dog will present some of Latitude’s favourite comedians putting their own spin on one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies; Love’s Labour’s Lost, with Liam Williams infusing the words of The Bard with a unique freshness and fun. Plus the audience will need to have their hairbrushes at the ready to sing along with French company Airnadette – the world's greatest air-band – who are bringing their hit lip synching showcase to Latitude this year. Described by GQ as ‘part postmodern happening, part totally berserk’ and jam packed with ‰
Festivals
Folk East Glemham Hall. August 19 – 21 references to cult classics from Star Wars to Monty Python, it’s sure to blow everyone away! Meanwhile The Little House studio space will host an eclectic variety of extraordinary performances. Opera North will be bringing a real bandstand full of musicians playing the sound of long summer nights, with a performance of Parklife. Ferocious Transylvanian fiddling meets smoky Hungarian café songs; this whirl of European music from Bartók to Brahms will bring to life lost worlds and leave the audience spellbound. The Young Vic & Royal Court will present Cuttin’ It – the incredibly emotive play from award-winning playwright Charlene James, tackling the urgent issue of FGM in Britain and the price some girls pay to become a woman. Theatre and poetry will collide in an eclectic programme of events in the Poetry Arena, including awardwinning writer and performer Katie Bonna and her first full-length show – All The Things I Lied About. At the very heart of the festival’s mission to bring arts and music together, the Poetry Arena has always showcased the very best stand up, beat and performance poets, alongside literary legends. This year is no different, with a stellar line including self-taught poet Don Paterson. The famously eccentric and very funny John Hegley will also be delighting the crowds, along with prize-winning poet, novelist, playwright, biographer and translator, Elaine Feinstein.
Named by The Guardian in its Best Folk, World and Roots Festivals 2016 list as a festival that, “punches above its weight” Folk East is only five years old but already a popular fixture of Suffolk’s summer. Of course it’s location at the 300-acre Suffolk estate of 16th century Glemham Hall is nothing less than glorious and with Becky and John Marshall-Potter at the helm there’s always an inspired line-up that really delivers. This year it will include folk legend Peter Knight, whose presence has enriched the British music scene for more than four decades. Since his departure from folkrock’s iconic Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, Knight has turned his full attentions to his boundary blurring Gigspanner trio conjuring up a completely distinctive sound. Now living in south-west France, the London-born musician will be centre stage at FolkEast for An Audience with Peter Knight and will also be hosting a violin masterclass. Also joining the line-up will be the hugely popular John Spiers – one of the leading squeezebox players of his generation. With the final curtain falling on the mighty multiple award-winning band Bellowhead, as well as the duo Spiers & Boden, ‘Squeezy’ is pursuing a new solo route.
FolkEast will also host no less than three winners and four nominees from the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards including Andy Cutting, Best Emerging Act (Horizon Award): Sam Kelly and Best Group: FolkEast’s irrepressible patrons The Young ‘uns. Other nominees appearing at FolkEast are Eliza Carthy (Folk Singer of the Year); Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts (Best Duo) Dan Walsh (Musician of the Year) and Sam Carter (Best Album nomination for Salvor – his False Lights collaboration with Jim Moray) – an act whose first ever appearance was at FolkEast. The event boasts three powerhouse band headliners – the musical whirlwind that is Eliza Carthy’s Wayward Band, a rare appearance by seven-piece Blowzabella and an exclusive UK festival performance by Irish supergroup Usher’s Island. Other attractions are an instrument makers’ festival, the FolkEast Art Arcade, donkey rides, children’s activities, yoga, poetry, storytelling, foraging walks and talks, horse drawn carriage rides and tours of Glemham Hall by Major Philip Hope-Cobbold himself. INFORMATION www.folkeast.co.uk
Punk poet John Baine brings his radical-force-of-nature poet alter-ego Attila The Stockbroker, who has recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of his first gig with publication of his autobiography Arguments Yard. INFORMATION www.latitude.com
EssentialSUFFOLK
11
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM & WORKSHOP
MASTERS IN BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE
KITCHENS
n
BEDROOMS
Specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke handcrafted fitted furniture, personally designed to suit your individual requirements to an exceptional level of quality.
Visit our stunning showroom and onsite workshop to see the excellence of our design and outstanding craftsmanship.
n
B AT H R O O M S
n
STUDIES
OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 10am – 4pm
01394 421214 THE GRANARY, RENDLESHAM MEWS RENDLESHAM, WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 2SZ
For a free design contact us to book an appointment or visit us at the showroom.
www.debenvale.com
News
SUFFOLK in brief A new Florida-style adventure golf course, Congo Rapids Lost World, is now open to the general public. Situated within the grounds of Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge, the 18-hole course offers outdoor fun in a mystical setting for adults and children of all ages. There is ample car parking onsite and all players are welcome to visit the hotel’s drinking and dining areas before or after. Construction was managed by Adventure Golf experts Moore Adventure Ltd, which already operates a successful Adventure Golf course in Norwich, called Congo Rapids, but this is the first of its kind to be opened in Suffolk. Adventure Golf is different from mini golf or crazy golf as it offers more physical interaction at some of the course holes, and it also offers a more dramatic setting for the players to enjoy. Tarnia Robertson of Ufford Park Hotel said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Congo Rapids Lost World is ready for our guests and the general public to experience. It’s a genuinely unique new attraction for Suffolk and we look forward to welcoming players into the hotel for refreshments before or after they play.” To find out more visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/congo-rapids
Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s annual photographic competition is back with seven new categories and a share of £1500 worth of prizes for winning entries. The competition is open until 10am, Monday October 31 and category winners will be announced on Saturday November 5. A panel of judges, which includes awardwinning photographers Jamie Hall and Lee Acaster, will choose one winner and one highly commended from each category and these will go through to the public vote. For more details visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
From September 2016 Brandeston Hall will be known formally as Framlingham College Prep School. Paul Taylor, Headmaster of Framlingham College, tells us that “this name change is an obvious step in light of the increasing number of pupils who are choosing to come to Framlingham from outside the local area. The proposition of ‘Framlingham College 2–18’ is a much more coherent message to present, making it clear that pupils can join the College in Year 7 (with the first two years on our Brandeston site). As so many of our parents tell us, there is a unique synergy between our Prep and Senior Schools and we want to ensure that our message is not lost in translation and is spread as widely as is possible”. This is in many ways a case of ‘back to the future’ as the school was originally founded as ‘Framlingham College Junior School’ and only assumed the name Brandeston Hall relatively recently.
Milsom Hotels & Restaurants has announced that Mike Gooding has been appointed to the position of Financial Director. Mike joined the company in October 2014 with the unenviable challenge of replacing Brian Davies who was with the company for over 30 years. Paul Milsom, Managing Director said ‘From the day he arrived, Mike has worked tirelessly, not just to maintain our existing accounting processes but also to modernise and improve them. Appointment to our Board of Directors is a rare and special achievement and the promotion is well deserved’
Aldeburgh Yacht Club recently unveiled its new building ‘the Lookout’ which will provide enhanced training facilities for the club. The building was made possible through £50,000 of Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund. It is a multi-functional room that will be used for training, meetings and as a junior club house. The opening was perfromed by two past Presidents and Commodores; Tom MillerJones and Elizabeth Roney.
Lee Bye, Head Chef at Tuddenham Mill has been awarded the prestigious Acorn Award. Each year the esteemed Acorn Awards recognise and cherry-pick 30 rising stars from every sector of the UK’s
hospitality industry. Every applicant has to be under 30 years old and nominated by their peers for demonstrating exceptional skills and accomplishments in their field. The winners are selected after a thorough evaluation of their achievements and impact on business by the judging panel. Previous Acorn Award winners include well known chefs as Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing and Michael Caines.
Paul Rous of Dennington Hall Farms has taken over as Chairman of the CLA’s Suffolk Branch Committee. Paul replaces Edward Vere Nicoll of the Benacre Estate who had held the role for the past two years. Assisting Paul during his two years in office will be Orwell Park Estate Manager Ben Crossman, who was confirmed as Vicechairman. Paul, a member of the CLA’s national committee for business and rural economy, said: “I’m passionate about rural business, tourism and improving training, skills and opportunity for younger generation, especially in rural areas. We need those who live and work in our countryside to have the same opportunities as anyone in our towns and cities.”
Suffolk-based technology company Digital Tomorrow Today has announced the purchase of the Twitter analytics tool, Tweetchup.com. Tweetchup is a free tool, used globally for instant commercial analysis of a Twitter user’s account. It provides quantitative statistics based on the most recent 3,200 tweets, together with some hashtag analysis for Twitter searches. The acquisition is a perfect fit for Digital Tomorrow Today, whose CEO, Jamie Riddell, first conceived the revolutionary BirdSong Analytics platform back in 2011. BirdSong has gone on to be highly acclaimed in the technology sphere throughout the world, and has been used by hundreds of bluechips for analysis of their social media activity. Speaking about the acquisition, Mr Riddell said: “We are delighted to be the new owners of Tweetchup and believe this tool will sit well alongside BirdSong Analytics, our pay as you go social media analytics platform.”
More news can always be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/content
EssentialSUFFOLK
13
JULY/AUGUST 2016
WHAT’S ON JULY 1
Suffolk Legion Day & County Rally 2016
JULY 4
Haughley Football Club, Haughley Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
Framlingham Castle, Gates open at 6pm, starts 7pm On the lonely wasteland of the desolate Devon moors, something evil is afoot. When death stalks the Baskerville family, legend and superstition collide with the most heinous of crimes. On the moor nobody is safe, not even the bravest of men. Join Chapterhouse to meet the world's most famous of detectives, Sherlock Holmes himself, as he is called upon to solve the greatest mystery of all time. Tickets: £16.50 Box Office: 0370 333 1183
JULY 1 – 9 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
New Wolsey Theatre Sir Trevor Nunn returns to his home town to direct William Shakespeare’s comedy of mismatched love. Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Be entertained by arena displays from local groups across Suffolk, craft stalls, classic games, car show, the Poppy games and much more. Entry: Free Information: acsargent48@Gmail.com www.Britishlegion.org.uk/Haughley
Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm Open Air Cinema
Ipswich Town Football Club Including Dirty Dancing, Pitch Perfect and children’s films earlier in the day. www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
14
essentialsuffolk.com
Local Designer and gardening coach Catharine Howard hosts a day of practical tips on how to get started with your own garden. Booking: catharinehowardgardens@gmail.com 07818 421203
JULY 4 – 9 Pop-Up Summer Market
Hackney Road Studio, Melton, 11am – 3pm Hand-made and vintage market. jewellery, collectables, pre-loved clothes, plants, and more. Information: 0770 4849305
Changing Faces, Hidden Lives
At Walton, Elmsett, Bucklesham and the New Wolsey Studio A new play about St Mary at The Quay and Ipswich Waterfront Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
JULY 3 The Rattler
JULY 7, 14, 21 & 28
Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, 3pm and 6pm The Rattler is an interactive reimagining of the traditional Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, created for a 21st-century audience, aimed at young people aged 7+ and their families. At each performance audience members take on the roles the villagers, singing choruses, cheering on the cast and taking on various roles as the story unfolds. Tickets: £10 (under 16 £5) Box Office: 01728 687110 www.jubileeopera.co.uk
Brass On The Grass
Orwell Hotel lawn, 2pm By popular demand Ipswich over 50s Brass Band will be performing to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, EACH and the band itself. Enjoy a good, old fashioned, English summer’s afternoon with excellent music. Entry: Free – donations welcome
JULY 9
Great Finborough Open Gardens
Farmers Markets
The Village Green,12.30pm – 5.30pm
Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm
Ipswich Music Day
Farmers Markets
Moat Farm, Dennington, 10am
JULY 2 AND 3
Village open gardens, teas and ice creams, a classic car display, plant stall and tombola. All in aid of St Andrew’s Church. Entry: £4 adult (children free) Information: john@abbeyclassics.co.uk 01449 674401 JULY 2
Want To Design Your Own Garden?
Christchurch Park Ipswich Music Day is the largest free one-day music event in the UK and this year it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary. Enjoy six stages of programmed live music from local unsigned artists, fairground rides, a range of caterers and a craft market. www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk
The Adventures of the Little Ghost
Dance East, Ipswich, 2pm and 4.30pm Based on the book The Little Ghost by Otfried Preussler, The Adventures of The Little Ghost transports the audience into a magical world that unfolds before their eyes. Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk Global Rhythm
Christchurch Park Global Rhythm is always a colourful and exciting celebration of worldwide culture.You are invited to enjoy an array of live music, art and food from across the world, in the perfect setting of Christchurch Park. www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
What’s On Fishathon 6 Family Day
The North German Connection
Suffolk Water Park, Bramford, 11am-5pm
St Michael’s Church Framlingham, 3pm
48 hour carp match, barbecue, music, Q & A session, rig clinics, raffles, games and an auction. Special guests from the carp fishing world include Alan Blair, Julian Cundiff, Dave Levy, Lee Jackson, Derek Ritchie and others. All in aid of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces. Entry: Free Information: mariners452@live.co.uk 01366 377428
Julian Larkin, Organ; the Link between Sweelinck, Bach and Mendelssohn Entry: £12 (school-age students free) Information: 01728 648571 mdblakeney@waitrose.com www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk
Farmers Market
The Barn Assington, 10am – 2pm Indian Summer Mele
Chistchurch Park, Ipswich The Ipswich & Suffolk Indian Association presents a rich and colourful celebration of South Asian culture. Highlights include stunning and vibrant performances of Indian dance, songs, music and poetry, as well as Bollywood workshops, a vibrant market and an Indian food village. www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
JULY 16 Farmers Markets
JULY 11 Much Ado About Nothing
Glemham Hall, Woodbridge, 7pm An atmospheric and utterly English evening of Shakespeare, performed in the gardens of Glemham Hall by the Castle Theatre Company. Gardens open for picnics from 6pm, performance at 7pm. Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01728 746704 www.glemhamhall.co.uk
JULY 10
Padmore, plus a new composition by Jordan Hunt with his own lyrics, to be sung by Katherine Broderick. Tickets: £18 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
JULY 12 Sacconi Quartet and Friends
Aldeburgh Church, 7.30pm The Michael Cuddigan Trust joins forces with The Sacconi Quartet to commission a new piece by Jonathan Dove, sung by Mark
Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Aldeburgh Church Hall, 9am – 12.30 Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Debenham Community Centre, 9am – 1pm
JULY 17 Woodbridge Book Fair
Woodbridge Community Centre, 10am to 4pm Sale of secondhand, out of print and collectable books. Also postcards and other paper related items. Wide choice of subjects. Refreshments available. Entry: £1 adult (children under 15 free) Information: missingbooks@madasafish.com 01245 361609 www.missingbookfairs.co.uk
Creating Beautiful Spaces R A D I A N T
beauty MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Look 10 years younger WITHOUT SURGERY
Introducing DermapenTM, revolutionary microneedling treatment iÊ iÃÊUÊ7À iÃÊUÊ-V>ÀÀ }Ê -ÌÀiÌV Ê >À ÃÊUÊ* } i Ì>Ì All treatments administered by highly qualified and experienced nurse practitioner Dr. Kathleen Walker
ÊUÊAnti wrinkle injections to relax muscles and dermal fillers to soften deep lines. ÊUÊMild and moderate chemical peels. ÊUÊTreatment for facial veins, sun damage and age spots. ÊUÊMicro dermabrasion. ÊUÊPermanent hair reduction.
Treatments offered at Radiant Beautiful Medical in Woodbridge. 9 Clements Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1SZ t: 01394 386887 e: kathy@drkathywalker.com www.drkathywalker.com
Gilman Earle Design offers a distinctive garden design and full landscape service. Each project is tailored to suit your individual requirements and is managed from start to finish with the option of follow up advice and aftercare service
T: 01473 722828 / 07970 849773 E: info@gilman-earledesign.com www.gilman-earledesign.com
EssentialSUFFOLK
15
JULY/AUGUST 2016
JULY 19
JULY 22
In – Nocentes
Amarea
Dance East, Ipswich, 7.30pm
The Cut, Halesworth
National Youth Dance Company returns with a new work by the critically acclaimed Salder’s Wells Associate Artist Guest Artistic Director Michael Keegan-Dolan. Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk
Heavily influenced by the work of Jobim, Barroso, Louis Bonfa and Marisa Monte, Amarea features Daida Carbonell singing songs from Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba, with Yuri Betancourt Garcia on guitar, Michael Baldwin on saxes and Kieffer Santander on congas and cahon. The band's fiery mix of Latin Jazz and African sounds, includes originals in Spanish and English. As well as passionate and romantic singing coupled with great dance rhythms, you will get joy, humour and elements of theatre. www.newcut.org
Ipswich Wheels
Chantry Park, 10am Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles whether powered, peddled or pushed. See the latest in car design, car classics, buses, vintage vehicles, cycles, trucks, stock cars, emergency services and radio cars. www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
JULY 23, 28, 31 AND AUGUST 6, 11 AND 14 Magic of the Musicals
Spa Pavilion Felixstowe A hugely talented West End cast, supported by local theatre schools, performs hits from all of your favourite musicals. Expect to hear excerpts from Les Mis, Westside Story, Annie, Jersey Boys, Phantom, Grease and many, many more. A Dennis Lowe Theatre Company Production, directed and produced by Suzie Lowe. www.thelittleboxoffice.com
JULY 24 Farmers Market
JULY 23
Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm
Farmers Market
Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm
JULY 21
Spring Awakening
After Dark in the Museum: Rendlesham
Ipswich Museum, 7pm
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich JULY 23 AND 24
An artist-led drawing tour of the museum to celebrate the new display of materials from the Anglo-Saxon palace at Rendlesham. Tickets: £6.60 Box Office: 01473 433100
Felixstowe Carnival
With a procession from Colneis Road, along the seafront at 1pm www.felixstowecarnival.org
Health & Spa
at Ufford Park Woodbridge
Whether you are looking for total relaxation, time out and pampering, or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ufford Park is the place to be.
Treat yourself, or someone else to a total ‘Relax, Revitalise and Restore’ experience with our half day or full day packages. Choose from one of our extensive range of treatments, from wraps and massages to detoxing and facials, along with a wealth of other treatments, all tailored to meet your exact needs. Spa breaks from only £93.50* per person.
t 0844 847 9467 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk
Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW
16
essentialsuffolk.com
JULY 27 – 30
The Gallery Players are proud to present a Regional Premiere of Spring Awakening. Based on Frank Wedekind’s ground-breaking and controversial play, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s brilliant rock score and
What’s On searingly emotional book take the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt, and selfdiscovery into a new century. Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
WWII – the first conflict to take place in the age of electronically mass distributed music. Tickets: £27 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
JULY 28 – 29
AUGUST 1
Wild Space
Dance East, Ipswich, 7.45pm DanceEast is proud to be supporting choreographer Robert Binet and playwright Rosamund Small in the creation of a ground-breaking and thought-provoking ballet, Terra Incognita. Tickets: £40 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Renowned for their performances of the glorious popular music of the 1920s and 30s, Michael Law and his Piccadilly Dance Orchestra return to the Snape Proms with songs and swing numbers popular during the
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm As charismatic pilot of the raucous folk group Bellowhead, Jon Boden has become a figurehead for English traditional music. He is not only a brilliant fiddle player and guitarist but also a distinguished songwriter and composer with theatre and film credits and two albums of original material under his belt. Tickets: £23 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
AUGUST 3 Suffolk Youth Orchestra
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm
JULY 29 Piccadilly Dance Orchestra
Jon Boden
The Giant’s Loo Roll
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11.30am ‘Fe Fi Fo Fum. What shall I do to wipe my … ..’ Fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical. Tickets: £12, Children £10, Family £38 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk
The county’s finest young musicians show their mettle in a dazzling array of orchestral showpieces. Gershwin’s shuffling Latin rhythms get the toes tapping and Saint-Saens’ dancing fiddler proves the devil really does have the best tunes. Tickets: £18 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
F;4>8FC84E8 F
7 – 11 YRS
Ϯϲ :h>z dK Ϯϴ h' d :/DDz͛^ & ZD ͞dŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ^ŚĂŬĞƐƉĞĂƌĞ͊͟
LS O O H C S R E M UM IDAY 5 AUGUST S MONDAY 1 – FR
12 – 18 YRS
dŚĞ /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ
DANCEEAST SUMMER SCHOOLS ARE A FUN PACKED, ENERGY FILLED WEEK OF DANCE.
Ky K&&/ ͗ Ϭϭϰϳϯ ϲϬϯϯϴϴ ͮ d, dZ /Ed, &KZ ^d͘ KD
The week consists of daily classes from specialist tutors in a range of styles, with a sharing for friends and family on the final day!
EssentialSUFFOLK
17
JULY/AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 5 The Importance of Being Earnest
The Cut, Halesworth Professional touring theatre company DOT Productions presents this year’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde billed his play as ‘a trivial comedy for serious people’, and its witty dialogue and fabulous characters are sure to delight both serious and flippant audiences alike. An unmissable show! www.newtcut.org The Big Chris Barber Band
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Chris Barber formed his band in 1949 and now in his seventh decade at the forefront of traditional jazz he shows no sign of slowing down. Tickets: £27 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
deeply-thought interpretations. Tickets: £25 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk Farmers Markets
Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm
Dan TDM on tour
Ipswich Regent, 1.30pm and 7pm For the first time ever, Dan TDM, one of the world’s biggest YouTubers is on tour. Featuring fun for all the family, however old, the tour will initially stop off at four venues across the UK and will see characters from Dan’s world live on stage. Tickets: £16.50 Box Office: 01473 433100
AUGUST 6 AND 7 Ipswich Waterfront Celebration
An exciting Waterfront Celebration will be taking place on the Ipswich Quayside as the 2016 summertime programme draws to a close – chef demonstrations, live music, fun fair rides, street entertainment, a mobile farm, circus skills workshops and three markets. This fantastic weekend closes with fireworks on the Sunday evening! www.ipswichentertains.co.uk
AUGUST 13 – 15 Aldeburgh Carnival
With a mini-marathon of 10k on the 14th, carnival fayre on the 15th with swimming race and lifeboat launch, followed by a seafront process and a military band and Chinese lantern procession in the evening. www.aldeburghcarnival.com
AUGUST 14 AUGUST 6 Ian Bostridge
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Ian Bostridge is one of this country’s great singers, combining a richly expressive and seemingly endlessly versatile voice with
18
essentialsuffolk.com
AUGUST 13 Farmers Markets
Halesworth Town Centre, 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm
Farmers Markets
The Barn Assington, 10am until 2pm
What’s On AUGUST 19 Elaine Paige
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Having recently celebrated 50 years on stage, Elaine Paige brings her band for a selection of songs from musical theatre and popular standards from some of the best-loved writers of our time. Tickets: £42 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
Farmers Markets
Black Dyke Brass Band
Harkstead Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Aldeburgh Church Hall, 9am – 12.30 Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Debenham Community Centre, 9am – 1pm
Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm
Mind-Body-Soul & Quality Crafts Fair
Woodbridge Community Hall, 10am – 4pm A joyful, relaxing, invigorating event and the perfect place to try a White Crystal Light healing taster from the Spirit Healing teams. Admission: £2.50
Formed more than 160 years ago, Black Dyke is one of the oldest and most illustrious brass bands in the world, with more competition success and more recordings than any other. Tickets: £20 www.aldeburgh.co.uk
AUGUST 28 Farmers Market
AUGUST 20
Lavenham Village Hall, 10am – 1.30pm
AUGUST 25 Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm
That’ll Be The Day
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm After an incredible three decades of touring, the UK’s No.1 Rock & Roll variety production features a fresh new line-up of sensational classic gold hits, spanning the 50s through to the 70s & 80s. Tickets: £24.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk
Wonderful memories of classic Las Vegas with songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr. Tickets £22.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk
AUGUST 27 Farmers Markets
Woodbridge Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm
For everything stylish and practical
AUGUST 31 Gerry Cross the Mersey
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm An evening with Gerry and the Pacemakers Tickets: £20.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk
To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online
Design & Construction of Natural Swimming Ponds
Swim in Life Sustaining Water and Connect with Nature 01379 688000 7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AA. Tel: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk
Carpe Diem Common Rd Bressingham Diss Norfolk IP22 2BD
●
No chemicals
●
Attractive to wildlife
●
Clear water
●
Show Swimming Pond
●
●
As featured on BBC See our website for next open day
www.theswimmingpondcompany.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
19
Whatever your summer day out we’re here for you Deben Inns – a group of individual Suffolk inns – have six fantastic pubs that are perfect stopping points for you whatever your summer day out may hold. Whether you’re looking for a quick stop for coffee and cake or a full blown celebration we’re here for you.
photograph © Anthony Cullen
photograph © Anthony Cullen
Child friendly, dog friendly, well basically just friendly whoever you are and whatever you need. All our pubs are open for all day dining so we are perfect for breakfast to fuel your day ahead or any point in between until you are ready to wind down at night.
Dine by the River Orwell at The Butt & Oyster
Dine by the River Deben at The Maybush Sailing Club
New Oak Tree Farm
7
10
11
Church Farm
White 6 Hall
12
5
13
14 PH 1 Street Farm 2 NEWBOURNE
Hemley Hall
Vill
Food served all day – every day Vegetarian and gluten free options
The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich IP9 1JW 01473 780764
The Coach & Horses Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1PD 01394 384851
Scenic circular walks around all pubs
The Maybush Cliff Rd, Waldringfield IP12 4QL 01473 736215
The Wilford Bridge Wilford Bridge Rd Melton, IP12 2PA 01394 386141
All inns open Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 11.00pm & Sunday 9.00am – 10.30pm
Get the Deben Inns app for our latest news and offers. Simply search Deben Inns in the app store and follow the simple instructions.
www.debeninns.co.uk
Dog friendly
Daily specials
The Fox Inn The Street Newbourne, IP12 4NY 01473 736307
The Swan Westerfield Road Westerfield, IP6 9AJ 01473 251447
Mini Previews
SOUTHWOLD & ALDEBURGH SUMMER THEATRE MOVE BE MOVED FESTIVAL Dance East July 1 – 6 Following last year’s popular Community Dance Festival, DanceEast is repeating the event in July. It involves a variety of performance groups, schools and artists and provides opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities in a professional theatre venue. Move|Be Moved kicks off with the fantastic ‘7 Schools, 1 Town’ screening, a collaboration between Gecko and DanceEast. It involves 12 groups of pupils aged 8 – 10 years who have been exploring what it is like to be a student in Ipswich today. Professional dancers have worked with seven schools in Ipswich, by running workshops using dance, physical theatre and film making to explore their ideas of place, identity and home.
St Edmund’s Hall, Southwold and The Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh July 6 – September 10 A holiday by the seaside in Suffolk is always glorious – no matter what the weather – and for many people this involves a trip to the theatre. If you happen to be in Southwold or Aldeburgh of course there’s fine tradition of entertainment right through the season – and this year is no exception. As ever there are various plays on offer with runs in both towns. The season kicks off with the comedy Don’t Dress For Dinner by Marc Camoletti. French cuisine is famous for the richness of its sauces but rich food is not on Bernard’s mind when he invites his mistress, Suzanne, to his maison de campagne for the weekend. It doesn’t interest his wife Jacqueline either who has amorous intentions of her own. Other productions include Murder By The Book by D. Greenwood & R. King, a fast paced comedy thriller which offers murder, mayhem and madcap machinations. Suave, sophisticated novelist, Selwyn Piper, has only one cloud in the silver lining of his life: his wife, Imogen. And, being a creator of thriller plots, there is only one way to get rid of her…
The festival will also include a celebratory performance to showcase the best local community groups from across the region. Taking part are Boyz United, Suffolk Juniors, Dance Unlimited, Suffolk Youth, Spin Off, DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training, Flux, Mosaic & Full Tilt, Connect and Unit Youth.
Cash On Delivery tells the story of erstwhile accounts manager Eric Swan who has, unbeknown to his wife, pocketed thousands of pounds that aren’t really his. He would have got away with it had not their lodger, Norman, let the inquisitive Mr Jenkins into the house.
Creative Heart: Raw on July 4, is an evening of new experimental work in progress from local artists involved in the DanceEast Creative Heart Network. It includes a group of artists working with movement practice who meet regularly to network, share ideas and collaborate. They will be sharing their work in its rawest form, presenting ideas and material at different stages of development.
Apapted from John Buchan’s famous novel, The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow features Richard Hannay who recently returned from the colonies. In need of something to do, he goes to the theatre! From this innocuous beginning, Hannay is plunged into adventure involving the stupendous Mr Memory, an exotic female spy, the sinister Professor Jordan and an array of heavies.
Then on July 5 HOST is a ground-breaking event about shifting attitudes to older people in dance performance contexts, focusing on the artistry of choreographing with older bodies. The day will include workshops, a facilitated panel discussion and guest speakers Sonia York-Pryce and Jennifer Jackson, who will be discussing issues and facilitating debates around older people in dance.
Finally there’s an Alan Bennett play; The Old Country. There is nothing that Civil Servant Hilary and his wife Bron wanted more than to have a house in the country where they could settle down to a comfortable retirement. But when the dream becomes reality, it isn’t quite what either of them expected or desired.
INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295230 | www.danceeast.co.uk
INFORMATION Box Office (both venues): 01502 722572 open 12pm – 4pm, Monday to Saturday | bookings@southwoldtheatre.org
EssentialSUFFOLK
21
Freshen up your home
Essential
carpet care New for 2016 Dust free Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration Service
Carpet Cleaning Oriental & Fine Rug cleaning Carpet Protection Upholstery Cleaning & Protection Stone & Tile Floor Cleaning Marble Restoration Spot Stain Removal Dust Mite Allergy Control
Our fully trained team use the latest technology and equipment to provide “The most thorough cleaning you’ve ever seen, or it’s FREE!”
Cleaning packages tailored to your needs...
01473 314178 01394 300491
or Call us on for a free no obligation assessment and quotation. Please quote ES1 www.carpetcleaningessentials.co.uk
Whatever your flooring need Suffolk Carpet Weavers can help you
Celebrating 30 years in business, that’s 30 years of transforming homes, caravans and even boats across Suffolk. Come and see our range of colours, weights and patterns – or create your own! Looking for something original? We can create whatever you want, wherever you want and in whatever quality you require. We have a library of pictures of bespoke carpets we have created for our customers and will be happy to show you. Hard flooring? Not a problem. We offer beautiful vinyl flooring, stunning designs in wood and stone finishes and a full preparation service available.
Workshop services and rug cleaning If you need a carpet binding, want to turn your waste into a beautiful rug or bring a loved rug back to a ‘just new’ finish we can help. Free carpet cleaning on new carpets* Just like your garments carpets need cleaning to keep the colours and pile vibrant. To help you achieve the very best from your new purchase until the end of August 2016 you will receive, totally free of charge, our service clean 12 months after installation of your beautiful new carpet. * On wool carpets over £25psqm. Minimum purchase £500.
East Anglia’s only complete flooring company bringing you the best value & service guaranteed.
Suffolk Carpet Weavers Unit 5 Bridge Business Park,Top Street Martlesham IP12 4RB
22
essentialsuffolk.com
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturdays 9am – 1pm (excluding bank holidays)
01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com
Mini Previews
SEAVIEW GALLERY The Street, Walberswick July 18 – August 29 Walberswick’s idyllic village, beach and marshlands have consistently attracted the great and the good from the arts, film and media since the end of the nineteenth century, right up to the present day. It influenced the leading Impressionist painter, Philip Wilson Steer (1860–1942) whose Walberswick scenes, The Bridge and Girls Running: Walberswick Pier, hang in Tate Britain and the renowned artist and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) who lived in the village from 1914-1915. In recent years summer visitors have been able to see and buy work from some of today’s local artists thanks to Seaview Gallery – a pop-up gallery with an annual exhibition in the village. This year it will include paintings, prints, sculpture and hand thrown porcelain tableware by eight noted and established contemporary artists from Suffolk and Norfolk. Their work celebrates the land and the light that characterizes East Anglia its huge skies and low horizons, marshes, coastlines and the animals that live here. Every artist has had a career spanning 30 years and has achieved critical recognition for their work. Exhibiting artists include the multi award-winning Suffolk sculptor Laurence Edwards, who was taught by sculptors Anthony Caro and John Gibbons at Canterbury College of Art before studying under Philip King, Eduardo Paolozzi and Tissa Ranasinghe at The Royal College of Art. Also exhibiting is Helen Napper whose paintings have been described as having “The intimacy and intensity of van Gogh’s Almond Blossom Branch in a Glass – at a fraction of the price." She is also known for her paintings of swimmers, the sea, the marshes and the creatures that wander through them, and the scenes she depicts are as often imbued with saturated colour as they are immersed in muted grey tones. Other artists this year include Tim Fargher, Jason GathorneHardy, Andrew Pringle, Karen Downing, Stuart Anderson, and Mark Pearce.
INFORMATION www.seaviewgallerywalberswick.com
THE TEMPEST Theatre in the Forest at Jimmy’s Farm July 26 – August 28 The Red Rose Chain’s summer Theatre in the Forest production has become as much an essential part of the Suffolk holiday season as fish and chips at Aldeburgh, a visit to the pier at Southwold and cold water swimming in the North Sea. So early booking is essential if you want to ensure your seat at Jimmy’s Farm for Shakespeare’s supernatural spectacular, The Tempest at Jimmy’s Farm. Offering shipwreck, murder and romance – this is one event on the cultural calendar not to be missed this summer. The cast includes Kirsty Thorpe, Lawrence Russell, Rachael McCormick, Jack Parker plus it will also feature the return of crowd-favourite, and Theatre in the Forest royalty (King Lear), Edward Day. Red Rose Chain promise that Joanna Carrick’s adaptation will make wizards of you all, whether you’re new to Shakespeare or a seasoned fan. Plus don’t forget Theatre in the Forest is suitable for all ages and Red Rose Chain’s brilliant productions entertain children and adults alike. It looks certain to be an unforgettable experience outdoors and under the stars and this year, for the first time ever, for those that dare, there will also be a Splash Zone!
INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 603388 or www.theatreintheforest.com
EssentialSUFFOLK
23
JULY/AUGUST 2016
IS YOUR DOG A WINNER? If you are a dog owner and you live in Suffolk it goes without question that your summer holiday will be scheduled around July 31, so you can attend the county’s top canine event. Anne Gould finds out how your pet can walk home with a winning rosette
24
essentialsuffolk.com
Suffolk Dog Day
S
uffolk Dog Day has raised more than £350,000 for the Suffolk Community Foundation to help local people and local charities in the last eight years. It’s become one of the most popular events of the summer because, let’s face it, who couldn’t resist a day out at Helmingham Hall with dogs of literally every shape, size and colour. And of course it’s the one event that everyone’s pet, whether they are a pedigree, a Cruft’s champion, a cross breed or boasts various and unspecified parentage, can come out on top. Woodbridge dog trainer, Steve Andrews is one of the judges and getting top points from him apparently will be just as much about you, the owner, as the dog. “It’s a great fun event, a really relaxed show with lots of classes and I’ve really loved being involved, not least because it does such good work for local charities. When I’m in the ring I’m the one that people are always trying to get to hurry up because I really like to talk to all the owners before making a decision. What happens is that I want to see something special about the dog and the way it’s being handled. Actually I tend to judge the owner and not the dog.” That’s perhaps not surprising, because Steve has a reputation that spreads far and wide from his home in Woodbridge for being something of a miracle worker when it comes to canine behaviour. In his line of work he has to deal with all sorts of ‘issues’ – dogs that jump up,
dogs that are nervous, dogs that are aggressive and so on. But by far the most common, he says, are dogs that won’t come back when their owners let them off the lead. Steve is a firm believer that all these habits can be cured – providing the owner is prepared to put in the work. It’s something that comes from personal experience – one of his dogs, Jonah, was a Class Champion at Cruft’s – at his first attempt – and Steve made such a name for himself that he was offered work in America. His two current dogs are Sala, another Doberman and Billy, a Boston Terrier and he trains and exercises them for two hours every day and because he puts it the work, he says, you can see the results. So what’s coming up at Suffolk Dog Day this year – Bill Mayne who is leading the volunteer organising committee says the first thing people will notice is that the event has a bit of a new look. “We thought, after eight years, it was time to give Bertie the Beagle a rest and so the search for the new face for Suffolk Dog Day began. There have been literally hundreds of entries but in the end there could only be one winner, Pembroke – a one-year-old Welsh Terrier and Schnauzer cross owned by Edward and Lois Bull, who live in Coddenham.” This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever – up to 10,000 people are expected to attend with many new
surprises to delight all those who attend. Bill says “there will be new doggie attractions, brand new demonstrations, fun dog agility activities including fly ball and dog scurry to retrieve a dummy from the lake as well as a very exciting interactive opportunity to be pictured with your four legged friend at the Beaphar VW Camper Van with a very special prize for the winner. We’ve got an emphasis on working and active dogs this year with demonstrations by police dogs and search and rescue teams too.” The Suffolk Dog Day committee are also keen for dog owners to be able to get involved – so in addition to the various show classes there will be two agility rings with different courses this year. “Last year agility was so popular that queues built up so we decided to introduce a second ring and for those who are really keen there’s the option for their dog to tackle both.” For those who really are fit – or who want to get fit – there’s also going to be a demonstration of the new emerging sport, Canni Cross, where owners run with their dogs. Bill says there have recently been a number of 4k and 10k Canni Cross events locally plus there’s a growing number of clubs in East Anglia so Dog Day is a perfect place to introduce this to a wider audience. It’s going to be a special day out for all the family, he added and in addition to all the canine activity and fun visitors can look forward to wonderful cuisine from around the world in the catering village and children’s entertainment too. Tim Holder, Development Director of Suffolk Community Foundation added, “Our thanks go to around 150 volunteers and the Suffolk Dog Day Committee who give up their time to ensure that it is a fantastic day out for everyone who attends. Thank you also to the organisers, sponsors and stallholders for supporting this event for the benefit of local causes through Suffolk Community Foundation.” INFORMATION For more information about the event and to purchase tickets for the day itself visit www.suffolkdogday.com Steve Andrews can be contacted at andrews66@btinternet.com
Steve Andrews in the Dog Day ring at last year’s show with compere Peter Purves
EssentialSUFFOLK
25
JULY/AUGUST 2016
QUAY PLACE It’s one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Ipswich and is about to re-open as a ground-breaking heritage and wellbeing centre. Anne Gould finds out about Quay Place
D
ating back to the 15th century St Mary-at-the-Quay once stood, amazingly, on the banks of the River Gipping and Ipswich’s Medieval Waterfront. Times change and almost 600 years later it’s been more familiar as the church shrouded in scaffolding and marooned on an island of one-way dockside traffic between Key Street and Star Lane. But this summer the church, which one writer claimed was “shut down by Hitler,” is reopening with a new name – Quay Place – and a new lease of life. Manager Ginny Idehen explained, “It’s going to be a place for people to meet, discover and connect with themselves and others. We’ll have a variety of heritage and wellbeing activities, a café
and event space too.” Quay Place is owned by the Churches Conservation Trust and is operated by Suffolk Mind as a commercial venture with all surpluses going towards the Suffolk Mind charity and the upkeep of the church. The whole project has cost £5 million and has been ground-breaking in many ways and not least that it’s the first project of its kind in the UK to combine heritage and wellbeing. Ginny says that there’s evidence that being involved in a place of historic importance gives people a sense of connection and can really help with wellbeing and mental health as well. Going forward there are all sorts of plans for Quay Place – it will be a place for yoga, Pilates and also for a range of
complimentary therapies including counselling, life coaching and acupuncture. It’s also hoped that it will be a centre for groups, including schools, interested in local history and heritage projects. There are meeting rooms for hire – for instance there’s a room under the bell tower that has a specially designed desk with bell ropes running down through the middle of it. The nave, says Ginny, is a flexible space that will have café facilities but will be used for private hire, banquets, concerts and even for wedding receptions. “Although it’s still a consecrated church we can’t have weddings in here because it’s not part of a parish.” All sorts of events are being planned – check out the website for details – but it’s going to be open to the public for the first time from August 6 for the Ipswich Waterfront Festival. Quay Place is regarded as of being of such importance that this summer the CEO of the Heritage Lottery Fund came to visit and other funders including the Department of Culture Media & Sport, the European Regional Development Fund, English Heritage and Ipswich Borough Council are paying close attention too. The church itself is steeped in history having been built at a time when Ipswich was a prosperous trading port. It is thought to have been developed on the site of Stella Maris (Our Lady, Star of the Sea) and was probably funded by a wealthy merchant, Ginny says a will, dating back to 1443 bequeathed the sum of 20 shillings to the fabric of the tower, so presumably by then the work building
© CCT 26
essentialsuffolk.com
Quay Place
Reinterment of skeletons from archaeological dig in footing of new build 2015 © Blue King
Lime plastering Technical event with Philip Poel of Anglian Lime Company © Blue King
However while work has been underway Bakers have also held workshops to pass on their skills to local craftsmen so these specialist building techniques don’t die out. The building itself has a number of unique features – it’s the first church to have a complete Double-Hammerbeam roof in the UK.
Open Day July 2015. Volunteer with research of excavation finds © Blue King
the church had begun. “The Church stands in Key Street and its vane displays a large key and it has often been called ‘the Key Church’. It was built on the north bank of the river so the foundations were sand and shell.” Before work proper got underway there was an archaeological dig on the site to ascertain how close to the church the water came – which revealed evidence of shoring up of riverbank. “They found all sorts of bones and tombs and also some special bottles that are peculiar to Suffolk. They were made in Bury St Edmunds and are among the first glass bottles ever made.” All the artefacts that were recovered have been taken away for restoration but will
be on display once Quay Place re-opens. A huge amount of care has gone into the restoration and the extension, as obviously the church is a listed building. So builders, Bakers of Banbury, who specialise in using original construction methods and working on period properties, were called in. It’s been a long painstaking process and every effort has been made to enhance every historic item and artefact left in situ. “The building was very damp thanks to some restorations in Victorian times. Also, it had last been used as a church during the Second World War but was closed in 1942 because it had been bombed, which was why a writer at the time said “it had been shut down by Hitler,” said Ginny.
On the heritage side Quay Place has held a number of open days to try to unravel some of the history of the church, both ancient and modern. Interestingly, at one of these days, an Ipswich woman visited saying she was the child of the last couple ever to be married at the church. Quay Place has also commissioned a play by Suzanne Hawkes called Changing Faces, Hidden Lives which is being performed by Black&White Productions at various venues around the county during the summer. “It will allow you to meet some of the characters that have shaped the history of St Mary at the Ipswich wharfs and wherries.” Quay Place is looking for volunteers to be involved in a whole range of activities including heritage, research, traditional crafts, family archaeology, singing, events and health. INFORMATION www.quayplace.co.uk Play Bookings: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
27
JULY/AUGUST 2016
HISTORIC HARWICH Living on a coast with lots of estuaries there’s always a fascination about what’s going on across the water. Sometimes that other riverbank seems a long way away but, thanks to a new ferry across the Stour, the historic town of Harwich is now just a short regular boat ride away. Anne Gould reports
H
arwich has always been the place where you set off for Holland, the ‘continent’ and beyond, and the place where the sun sets when you are at Languard viewing point. But voyage across the water on the Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry and there’s a real sense of travelling to somewhere completely new. A day out over the sea to Essex is the perfect destination for those looking for an alternative summer day trip offering a new county with new adventures and things to do. The team at Essential Suffolk has actually got a bit of a soft spot for Harwich and the area of Tendring, which borders the River Stour from Manningtree and Mistley, because it feels so very much like home. So if you haven’t been there before here’s the Essential Suffolk Guide.
How to get there: HARWICH / SHOTLEY / FELIXSTOWE FOOT FERRY
What to expect: Harwich has a very pretty old town – an ancient maritime centre with a heritage quayside, a rich history and beautiful narrow streets built on a 13th century grid pattern. The harbour is said to have been created by a storm surge in the 1100s, a quirk of fate that gave rise to the area’s long and fascinating seafaring history. It’s had connections with Henry VIII who granted the Royal Charter, which led to the setting up of Trinity House which over the centuries has helped ensure the safety of ships around the British coast. Famous seafarers Hawkins, Drake and Frobisher all sailed from Harwich during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I on various expeditions. It’s the home of the Pilgrim Fathers and the Mayflower and one Samuel Pepys, who was First Secretary to the Admiralty, just happened to be the town’s first MP. More recently – for baby boomers who wanted to listen to music, it has also had strong connections to offshore Pirate radio.
What to see: HARWICH MAYFLOWER, HARWICH TOWN STATION
There’s been a ferry service between Harwich and Felixstowe, in one shape or another for 104 years however this year a new 58-seater ferry has been introduced. It runs an hourly service from each of its three departure points in Shotley, Harwich and Felixstowe, which it will operate daily until September 30. The new timetable also allows passengers the option of a 55-minute round trip of Harwich Harbour for just £10, with its stunning close-up views of the biggest container ships in the world alongside one of Europe’s largest container terminals at Felixstowe. Bikes and dogs are both welcome and a new ferry makes it easy to get both on and off. INFORMATION harwichharbourferry.com 28
essentialsuffolk.com
We all know that America’s ‘Founding Fathers’ had their roots in the UK, but how many people know that they actually came from Essex? Despite popular belief the Mayflower didn’t make its voyage from Plymouth Sound – it actually sailed from Harwich in September 1620 – where it had been built and registered. It just so happens that Cornwall was the last port of call for the 102 pilgrims on board, who had said goodbye to Essex looking to find a new life in the New World some weeks before. So to celebrate this momentous 400th anniversary The Harwich Mayflower Project is currently building a full-size replica of the ship, which will sail to the US in 2020, emulating one of the greatest voyages in history. The project is based at Harwich Town station and the vessel is being built in the adjacent rail yard and due to be completed in 2019. For those who want to find out more there’s a fascinating new visitor centre which not only explains the stories of the Mayflower, its crew and passengers, but also the very rich
Historic Harwich
maritime history of Harwich. Visitors can also learn about the construction of the new ship, which is being built using traditional skills and is also providing a training opportunity for scores of young apprentices. The ship is being made from 200 tons of Cornish green oak and any off-cuts, not required for the ship build, are turned into artefacts or furniture.
ELECTRIC PALACE CINEMA, KING’S QUAYSIDE
INFORMATION www.HawichMayflower.com
Built in 1911 in just 18 weeks and at a cost of £1,500 this building is a precious part of the UK’s cinema history. It’s the oldest unaltered purpose built cinema in Britain and still has its original silent screen and projection room and even the ornamental frontage intact. Other interesting features include an open plan entrance lobby complete with paybox, and a small stage and a former gas powered generator engine with a seven-foot flywheel situated in the basement. LV18 LIGHTSHIP, HARWICH QUAYSIDE If you go to Harwich on the ferry you can’t miss the LV18 – it’s the big red and white boat on the quayside. Step on board and you’ll very likely meet Tony O’Neil, curator and trustee of the Pharos Trust whose life mission has been the restoration of this unique historic vessel to its former glory. He explained that it is the only surviving lightship not to have been stripped of its accommodation and is fast becoming a must-see for tourists to the town.
It’s owned by a charitable trust, run on a club basis and continues to show films thanks to band of dedicated enthusiasts and volunteers. INFORMATION www.electricpalace.com
THE REDOUBT FORT, MAIN ROAD
The LV18 still contains the original crew quarters, galley, mess room and six Gardner diesel generators to power the lantern, foghorns and ship's equipment. Earlier this year for the opening of the Harwich Festival, said Tony, they relit the lantern for the first time in 20 years and had a brass band playing on the helicopter pad. Other events include a festival this summer to celebrate 50 years of offshore broadcasting and pirate radio off the coast of Essex. As part of this event, Radio Mi Amigo, will be returning to the airwaves between July 30 and August 7 and transmitting from the LV18 with a line-up of DJs that could well evoke memories. For those who spent their teenage years tucked up late at night listening to Radio Caroline the LV18 is home to a permanent exhibition of Pirate Radio memorabilia. The National Vintage Wireless and Television Museum is also housed in the LV18. Both museums are curated by Tony who is also a local musician and broadcast historian.
Built in 1808 as a large circular fort to protect the harbour from a Napoleonic invasion it’s now listed as an Ancient Monument. The fort has ten guns sitting on the battlements with 18 casements below and would house 300 troops in siege conditions. Part of the fort is now used as a military museum. Battle re-enactments and other events are held during the summer months.
INFORMATION www.lv18.org
INFORMATION www.harwich-society.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
29
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Nestled on the harbour front at Harwich, The Pier is probably the best kept secret of the Milsom Hotels and Restaurants group. Lesley Rawlinson visits the historic port and recently relaunched hotel
ROOM with a VIEW I
t’s less than an hour from Ipswich by car and just a fifteen minute hop from Felixstowe on the foot ferry, yet Harwich rarely reached the top of our priority list for local day trips – let alone an overnight stay. However I can confidently say that we’re already planning multiple return visits to discover more about this charming historic port and not least to enjoy the hospitality of The Pier. There’s a date in the diary for lunch with friends via the ferry from Felixstowe and we’ve already used the same route for a cycling excursion through the Tendring countryside.
30
essentialsuffolk.com
I realise that it may not be up everyone’s street but I love taking the foot ferry from Felixstowe. In the past the limited 12 person capacity made booking pretty much essential however, with a year of ownership under his belt Christian Zemann, who purchased the Harwich Harbour Ferry operation in 2015, launched the new Harbour Ferry which is licensed to carry up to 58 passengers in May this year. The upgraded craft has significantly more space for passengers and bicycles as well as being much easier to climb on and off. The hourly service takes just fifteen minutes from Felixstowe to Harwich and operates in
good weather from May to September. It’s a pretty awesome sight to pass alongside the gargantuan container ships – some of the biggest in the world – docked at Felixstowe. In complete contrast there are also views across the water to the pretty Shotley peninsular and of course all the river craft travelling the Stour and Orwell including yachts and sailing dinghies. Alighting at the Ha’penny pier on a sunny June afternoon there was already a buzz at The Pier – directly opposite on The Quay. Stylishly bordered by a planted wall of begonias and vines, the
Short Break | The Pier street-side tables on the terrace are perfectly positioned for watching the hustle and bustle of Harwich life as it goes by. It’s a sunny position too – when the British weather obliges – and the west facing frontage was drenched in sun as we made our way through to the welcoming reception. The hotel is formed from neighbouring historic buildings with 14 individually styled bedrooms across the two sites. Most have estuary views and we were booked into The Mayflower – on the first floor of the former Angel Inn – with magnificent views across the river. The hotel was relaunched in May this year and completely redefined with interior design by director, Geraldine Milsom. There’s an elegant calm to her styling and the Mayflower Suite is a breathtaking space. The juxtaposition of ancient artefacts – like the ship’s figurehead and brass telescope – contrasted skilfully with the oversized mirrors, super-kingsized bed and other 21st century twists. In fact with comfy arm chairs, complementary tea, coffee and soft drinks – not to mention Sky TV – had the weather not been so inviting I could have happily donned the fluffy gown and slippers provided and indulged an afternoon of sheer rest and relaxation. After a short stroll to enjoy the late afternoon sun we returned to The Pier and made our way to the first floor restaurant where the balcony also overlooks the harbour. It was time for glass of something cool and a few nibbles while watching the various comings and goings on the water. As part of the recent works the balcony has been extended and now easily accommodates half a
dozen or more tables with perfect views of the sun setting over the Stour. However, if your tipple of choice is gin you might want to bypass the stairs and head straight for the ground-floor NAVYÄRD Bar. Continentally inspired – reflecting Harwich’s position as the gateway to Europe for many – its Gin Library offers four levels of gin, across no less than four shelves, as well as craft, cask and artisan beers and ales plus a Nordic inspired small plate menu. We had booked a table in the main restaurant where seafood remains the overriding theme – although there’s plenty of choice if fish isn’t what you fancy. Having basked in the glorious sunshine for much of the afternoon we were feeling really rather Mediterranean and our menu choices were definitely influenced by the rekindling of summer holiday memories. I decided to start with salt & pepper squid with black garlic aioli and my husband needed to look no further than the grilled south coast sardines with salsa verde. Both dishes are reminiscent of lazy holiday lunches for us and we agreed that the generous portions could have easily satisfied as a light midday bite. Local crab is offered in three different guises, as is Harwich lobster. In addition there are Colchester rock oysters, cockles, mussels and whelks on the menu as well as Dover sole, cod, salmon, bass, hake and plaice and even a deluxe fish pie. While Adrian plumped for another holiday favourite – half a roast chicken – I was easily tempted by the ‘special’ for the day; skate wing with clams and capers. Skate is such a meaty fish and its relatively delicate flavour is wonderfully enhanced by the sharp capers and juicy clams.
It’s not often that my husband raves about a dessert however The Pier’s Belgian chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream and brittle has gone straight to the top of his list. Simply sensational was the verdict and he was in pudding heaven. My choice of Ardleigh strawberry Eton mess with raspberry sorbet was like summer in a sundae. Sweet and sharp, creamy, crunchy just absolutely delicious! It was time to retire and after a restful night I’m pleased to report that our yard-stick for many a successful overnight stay – the power of the shower – got a resounding 10 out of 10. The redesigned en-suite, complete with walk in rainfall shower, was certainly perfectly functional as well as aesthetically pleasing; another clever blend of modern and antique styling. A full Suffolk breakfast with Dingley Dell sausages and other delicious local produce was the perfect way to round off our stay at The Pier before heading back across the water to Felixstowe. INFORMATION The Pier, The Quay Harwich. CO12 3HH 01255 241212 www.milsomhotels.com/the-pier
EssentialSUFFOLK
31
Fashion
Pranella £95 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors
Watercult crochet beach dress £76 Sweet Dreams
FUN in the SUN If you’re planning a break in the sun, home or abroad, here’s some inspiration for looking your very best at the beach, by the pool or taking in the sights
Victor Josselyn 50s style dress £58 Vintage Angels
Pomodora blue flower print dress £78 Adams Apple
Lepel ‘Summer Days’ kaftan £32 Sweet Dreams
EssentialSUFFOLK
33
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Eva Tralala Sacco jacket in navy £53 Denny of Southwold
GANT Florida flowered shirt £95 O&C Butcher
34
Capri top £57 Adams Apple
Goubi Sally dress £38 Caramel Snape Maltings
Armani high top shoes £149 Chattertons
Sonia By Sonia Rykiel pink shirt £120 Marianna
APC pink belted dress £215 Homespun
Great Plains apricot combo dress £70 Holly Blue Boutique
essentialsuffolk.com
Fashion
Part Two Danelle top £74.95 Laura Jane Boutique
Capri trousers £69, vest top £25 Adams Apple
Badoo maxi dress £159 Holly Blue Boutique
Billi star top £36 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors
Watercult one piece swimsuit £99 Sweet Dreams
Printed dress £45 Ninni Noo Boutique
Masscob Stone floral print dress £335 Homespun
EssentialSUFFOLK
35
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Moda cotton dress £29 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors
Kristensen Du Nord puffball skirt £295 Marianna Pranella grey & white top £68 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors
Kapalua dress £105 Holly Blue Boutique
NEW COLLECTIONS IN STORE NOW NEVER KNOWINGLY UNDERDRESSED
Onelife Ocean knit rye stripe top £78, Onelife Essie rye trousers £49 Caramel Snape Maltings
STUART CLAY TRAPS Country sports, fishing and clothing specialists We stock most makes of: • Shotgun, rifles and air rifles • Men’s, ladies and children’s clothing and boots • Sporting guns • Fishing tackle and equipment • Full range of fishing accessories and fresh bait Stockists of: • LE CHAMEAU • LAKSEN • HOGGS • AIGLE • DEER HUNTER • MUSTO • HUCKLECOTE
Stuart Clay Traps Ltd 3a & 3b Wilford Bridge Road Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1RB
33a St Peters Street Ipswich IP1 1XF
36
01473 225666 mariannaboutique.co.uk
essentialsuffolk.com
01394 385567 sales@stuartsgunsandtackle.com www.stuartsgunandtackle.com
Fashion
Filling Pieces yellow Wavy Low Top £170 Marianna
Pia Rossini ‘Denver’ sun hat £23 Sweet Dreams
Pia Rossini ‘Nirvana’ beach sandal £25.50 Sweet Dreams
Green pumps £56 Ninni Noo Boutique
STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chattertons 80 High Street, Southwold & 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold. T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Essential Homespun 1 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 383834 www.homespuncashmere.com SUFFOLK Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 always proud Marianna 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 225666 www.mariannaboutique.co.uk ~ to feature ~ Moose Lifestyle & Interiors 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382691 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 RETAILERS O&C Butcher 129 – 131 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 01728 452229 www.ocbutcher.co.uk Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 380306 Vintage Angels Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh. T: 07879 630461
LOCAL
BARBOUR SAINT JAMES POMODORO ARMOR LUX GARDEUR MICHELE SCHNEIDERS PIECE OF BLUE
Our entire collection is now under one roof at Snape Maltings
CELEBRATING 165 YEARS
Snape Maltings Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP
01728 687467 11 Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6EA | 01502 722372 info@dennyofsouthwold.co.uk | Open everyday Denny of Southwold
www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk
@DennySouthwold
EssentialSUFFOLK
37
Make yourself at ome You know how some rooms just make you feel instantly at ease? Our Chichester kitchen painted by hand in Shingle: from £10,000, Suffolk chopping block: from £895, and Ashcroft small basket: from £40.
Create your own designs at neptune.com Neptune Bury St Edmunds, St Andrews Street South, IP33 3PH, info@neptuneburystedmunds.com
Essential Explores | The Suffolk Coast
Essential explores...
THE SUFFOLK COAST Summer is here and what better way to spend the holidays than at home here in Suffolk. Essential Suffolk has once again taken a look at some of our favourite destinations on the Suffolk coast and ways to make the most of your time with our guide to Essential summer fun If we were all to pick our perfect summer day doubtless they would all be somewhat different. Many of us would choose to be out in or on the water, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, swimming or paddling on the shore. Buckets and spades may loom large for some while others might choose pursuits which are perhaps more cultural, artistic or food orientated. Whatever your preference we’ve looked at some of the options on our coast and beyond.
Aldeburgh A Suffolk summer isn’t complete until you’ve taken a trip to Aldeburgh. A town that lives beside its beach, the sea is always only a stone’s throw away and with it fresh fish, seagulls and a picture postcard boating lake. A cultural hub for the county – plus a destination for must have fish & chips – there is always something going on in the town with music and art at its heart. Aldeburgh offers a great choice of independent retailers, restaurants and cafés so whether you’re looking for fashion, food or relaxed pavement café culture you will find it here. If shopping is your thing retail therapy isn’t just confined to the high street with the ‘hidden secrets’ of Aldeburgh at Hall Farm Road, just off Saxmundham Road, another shopping destination. With vintage clothing, garden centre, pet food shop, café, furniture/curios and now even computer support it is well worth an investigation.
EssentialSUFFOLK
39
10
OF BRINGING GUESTS TO EXPLORE THE SUFFOLK COAST IN THE BEST SELECTION OF STYLISH HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Contact us now to book your perfect Suffolk coastal break!
01728 553085 bestofsuffolk.co.uk
Essential Explores | The Suffolk Coast
Dunwich A favoured destination for the Essential Suffolk team (we have three circular dog walk routes from here*) in Anglo Saxon times Dunwich was the capital of the ‘Kingdom of the Eastern Angles’. It was an international port equivalent in size to London of the 14th century, but relentless coastal erosion means that today, in size, it is no more than small village. However don’t let size deceive you; Dunwich has plenty to offer. It is a great base for walking, the historic Greyfriars ruins – the remains of a Franciscan priory, Dingle Tea Rooms
and Nursery, the Dunwich Museum and it can also lay claim to being the home to England’s oldest fig tree in the magnificent pub garden of The Ship Inn. Dunwich is also the destination for the ‘Dunwich Dynamo’ – a 120 mile night cycle ride from London which takes place on the evening of July 16 so if you see hundreds of weary Lycra clad ladies and gentlemen in its vicinity in the early hours of July 17, you will now know why.
The historic Jill Anne fishing boat at The Ship in Dunwich
Dingle Hill Team Rooms is a family run business in the picturesque village of Dunwich offering cream teas, freshly made cakes, puddings and light lunches.
Felixstowe Felixstowe is a town of many contrasts. At its northern tip Felixstowe Ferry is a pretty hamlet of café, pub, sailing club, foot ferry to Bawdsey and fresh fish and at its most southern point Languard Fort, the awesome Port of Felixstowe and a foot ferry to Harwich and the Shotley Peninsula (see page 28).
For those wanting the traditional slots and amusements or a stroll along the prom and a candy floss the Sea Front in central Felixstowe is the ideal destination. Regular live entertainment has now also returned to the town with the recent re-opening of the Spa Pavilion Theatre.
EssentialSUFFOLK
41
Essential Explores | The Suffolk Coast
Thorpeness There can be few more recognisable images of Suffolk than the ‘House in the Clouds’ and the colourful rowing boats on Thorpeness Meare, both of which can be found in this delightful village. The village fete this year is on August 6; a perfect opportunity to visit and then enjoy one of our two circular walks* starting here.
Southwold Southwold, like Aldeburgh, is a mecca for many visitors to the county. The home of sandy beaches, a vibrant harbour selling fresh fish, the unique pier – featuring restaurant, shops and the the quirky inventions of artist Tim Hunkin – historic naval battles and iconic beach huts all combine to make it a perfect seaside town. Quality retailers and food and drink are at the heart of Southwold with a host of award winning pubs, restaurants and cafes. It is also the home of one of Suffolk’s best known brands, Adnams, with daily brewery tours available.
Walberswick Sandy beaches, riverside walks, a picturesque village green with cafés and shops – Walberswick never disappoints. Once the home of the national crabbing championship, there are few nicer ways to while away the hours than to dangle a fishing line off a footbridge before heading off for something excellent to eat at the village’s renowned ‘foodie’ pubs. Walberswick is also home for the summer to the pop up art gallery Seaview which this year will include paintings, prints, sculpture and hand thrown porcelain tableware by eight noted and established contemporary artists from Suffolk and Norfolk (see page 23 for more details).The village fete this year will be on August 26 between 11am and 4pm. *Walking routes can be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks
EssentialSUFFOLK
43
JULY/AUGUST 2016
WAVES OF FLAVOUR Aldeburgh has long been a destination for those who like dining out with a great selection of excellent restaurants. The latest venture from the TA Hotel Collection, Sea Spice – situated in The White Lion Hotel – adds something new bringing quality Indian cuisine to the town. Adrian Rawlinson visited to see for himself
I
’ve long been a fan of Indian food being introduced to it as a very young child. I recall for my twelfth birthday I requested a trip to my favourite restaurant and astounded the owners with my passion for, and capability to eat, some of the hottest dishes on the menu. As I have matured I am pleased to say so has my palate and while I am still, on occasion, partial to a ‘warm one’ I now am more interested to try new dishes and flavours. I have never been to India but am consistently told from those who have that what we consider ‘Indian’ food in this country bares, at best, only a passing resemblance to authentic Indian cuisine. 44
essentialsuffolk.com
Most popular dishes are in fact creations developed to cater for British tastes and also the majority of early Indian restaurants, on which the ‘Indian’ experience and expectation was based, were in fact of Bangladeshi origin. This in no way detracts from the excellent food we have come to love but does explain in part why there is some confusion about authenticity. I was very excited therefore to learn that Pratap Singh Rawat the Head Chef at, and the driving force behind, Sea Spice, is Goan and coming from a family of chefs his knowledge and passion for true Indian flavours is deep routed. He has worked at some of London’s leading
Indian restaurants including Tamarind and Atul Kochhar’s Benares, both of which have since been awarded Michelin Stars and now has brought that heritage and knowledge to Aldeburgh.
Essential Explores Dining Review | Sea Spice The concept for Sea Spice, as they describe themselves, is to combine Suffolk’s finest produce with classic and contemporary Indian dishes. Also, in celebration of Suffolk’s flourishing craft beer scene, they aim to offer a curated selection of locally brewed beers and ales chosen specifically to complement the menu. As we arrived at the restaurant early on a Sunday evening we were immediately struck by the décor. Deep rich sea inspired colour tones, dark woods and rattan chairs give a colonial feel and, as we later discovered, during the restoration care has been taken to restore original features such as the beautiful stone fireplace and oak floor. Having a penchant for nice tableware I was taken by the fresh colourful crockery that was already in place at each setting and the beautiful beaten copper drinking vessels. So to the menu. It is split into Starters, From the Tandoor Charcoal Oven, Signature Dishes, Biryanis, Curry Dishes and Sides. As you browse you will see some familiar names such as jalfrezi, bhuna and vindaloo but what is most apparent is the abundance of local produce; day boat landed lobster, braised Suffolk lamb shank, free range (Sutton Hoo) chicken and east Suffolk muntjac to name a few. After the obligatory papadums with homemade relishes we investigated the starters menu. My wife Lesley went for the day boat lobster which was described as lightly spiced and scrambled with duck egg and I chose hand dived pepper scallops, although I had been very
tempted by the Jhinga dakshini – tiger prawns in crunch chickpea flour. Both dishes were superb. Lesley declared it as the dish she would like for breakfast for the rest of her life. Perfect scrambled egg with generous chunks of lobster and fresh herbs and having stolen a mouthful I had to agree with her praise. My scallops – a very generous serving – were equally delicious served with spicy rustic tomato and peppers. Both our starters came with a light folded and truly delicious butter naan from the tandoor oven which was without question the best I have ever had. Also with my starter came a selection of pickled vegetables, a whole green chilli, carrot, and cauliflower which were amazing. These, I was told by our waiter, are a passion for Pratap; if I were Sea Spice, I would be having jars of them for sale to take away. The choice of main course was much more tricky with so many dishes we would like to have tried. The biriyanis looked very interesting. There were three on offer, free range chicken, east Anglian lamb and seasonal vegetables. The curry dishes were also too good to pass by without thorough consideration. The Goan fish curry prepared using locally landed varieties and simmered in an authentic (that word again) sauce of coconut, ginger and spices is a house speciality and although not chosen on this occasion will certainly be one for a future visit. Likewise the tandoor selection with options such as lamb chops, monk fish and even cauliflower flower and broccoli will have to be re-visited. In the end we both selected from the signature dishes. For me the east Suffolk muntjac
vindaloo was just too intriguing to ignore and the braised Suffolk lamb shank was Lesley’s final choice after nearly opting for either the whole day boat landed lobster or sea bass. I also added sides of Bombay aloo and tadka daal.
I had chosen the muntjac on the recommendation of our waiter who assured me that although it had a kick of spice this dish was about depth of flavour rather than fiery hotness as can be associated with traditional vindaloos. He wasn’t wrong. The deep rich brown sauce delivered wave after wave of taste and the perfectly cooked muntjac was succulent and flavoursome. As the dish came with pilau rice and another butter naan in reality I most probably didn’t need my sides but as they both too were delicious I was glad I did. Lesley’s lamb shank also showed why Sea Spice is offering something new. It is a cut that she often favours but prepared in a totally new and exciting fashion. One of life’s great pleasures I think is finding different ways to enjoy your favourite foods and this was definitely one. Like the vindaloo this dish, cooked with brown garlic and freshly ground spices, was about depth of flavour and we would both happily choose it again. With our appetites thoroughly exhausted I finished my meal with a bowl of pistachio kulfi – there’s always room for ice cream – while my wife continued the colonial theme with a pot of fine tea. As I have indicated there are too many choices to be made to do this fine menu justice in one visit so we will definitely be returning and I am already thinking about my next trip.
INFORMATION Sea Spice, White Lion Hotel Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh 01728 451800 www.seaspice.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
45
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Essential Summer Fun... Ideas for days out and things to do…
Visit a beach That most British of activities – a visit to the beach. Rain or shine families will be found sitting by the sea with windbreak, rug and picnic. If this is your idea of a great day out too Suffolk has some ideal locations to visit. Characteristically many of them, including Aldeburgh and Dunwich are shingle beaches and in many ways they are all the more beautiful for it. But if you’ve got little, ones who are up for making sandcastles,
Walberswick, Southwold, Thorpeness, Sizewell and Felixstowe are good options. If you fancy something a little different (and get the tide right) there are some beautiful spots by our rivers too with Nacton foreshore, Iken cliff – near Snape – Ramsholt and Waldringfield by the Maybush Inn all regular haunts for the Essential Suffolk team.
Animals and wildlife
The Dolphin Inn
and Village store
Thorpeness 01728 454994 www.thorpenessdolphin.com 46
essentialsuffolk.com
Children love animals so a trip to Easton Farm Park, Baylam House Rare Breeds Farm, the Owl Sactury at Stonham Barns or the Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley, where amazing work is being done to preserve a breed that was once seen on every farm in the county, is bound to be a popular choice. If you’ve only seen the Minsmere RSPB Reserve on Springwatch then make it a summer ‘must do’ to visit. Undoubtedly a jewel in Suffolk’s wildlife crown, the reserve is internationally renowned for bird watching and summer is a great time to look for insects, listen for nightjars and spot the first returning wading birds on their way back from the Arctic.
Essential Explores | Summer Fun
Go for a walk Suffolk is criss-crossed with numerous footpaths and for those who want to stride out further there’s the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Walk which encompasses much of the Heritage Coast. As regular readers know, walking around our beautiful county is our passion and we have now created over 50 circular walks that all start and end at a dog friendly pub. Visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks for printable versions and picture galleries of each walk.
Congo Rapids Lost World Suffolk’s newest attraction Congo Rapids Lost World is a Florida-style adventure golf course and can be found within the grounds of Ufford Park Hotel near Woodbridge (IP12 1QW). No hitting balls through a clowns mouth here, players cross ‘rivers’ on rafts while volcanos, dinosaurs and jungle animals form a dramatic backdrop. Excellent family fun that we’re sure will prove to be a big hit. Details can be found at www.congorapids.co.uk/woodbridge
All day dining at The Ship at Dunwich On Saturdays and Sundays and every day during school holidays. Enjoy our home-cooked food from 12.00 to 21.00.
www.shipatdunwich.co.uk info@shipatdunwich.co.uk | 01728 648219 St James Street, Dunwich, Suffolk, IP17 3DT
EssentialSUFFOLK
47
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Theatre in the Forest Now in its third year at Jimmy’s Farm, Red Rose Chain’s Theatre in the Forest is one of the county’s cultural highlights. This summer, prepare to be spellbound by Shakespeare’s supernatural spectacular, The Tempest! Joanna Carrick has a knack for creating productions that make Shakespeare
48
completely accessible, so this really is a family outing. Bring your own chair or picnic rug for a front ‘stalls’ view or make the most of the temporary theatre seating raked for a great view wherever you’re seated. (See page 25 for more details)
" QVC XJ U I S PPNT PWFSM PPLJ OH U IF TFB TFSWJ OH IPNF DPPLFE M PDBM M Z TPVS DFE G PPE ţOF BM FT XJ OFT XIJ TLJ FT
" QVC PWFSM PPLJ OH BOE TPNFU J NFT J O
5IF 3J WFS #M ZU I TFSWJ OH U IF ţOFTU G S FTIFTU M PDBM TFBG PPE
'FSSZ 3PBE 8BM CFSTXJ DL 4VÅ¢PM L * 1 5/ XXX CFM M J OOXBM CFSTXJ DL DP VL J OG P!CFM M J OOXBM CFSTXJ DL DP VL
#M BDLTIPSF 4PVUIXPM E 4VÅ¢PM L * 1 5" XXX IBSCPVSJ OOTPVUIXPM E DP VL J OG P!IBSCPVSJ OOTPVUIXPM E DP VL
essentialsuffolk.com
Essential Explores | Summer Fun
Eating and drinking Suffolk is blessed with great produce and even more blessed that we now have so many talented chefs who can do it justice. Options to eat out well in our county are endless but you will find some of our favoured options in the pages of this magazine. If cooking for yourself is your passion there can be few greater pleasures than buying freshly caught fish and as a coastal county we are again very fortunate to have so many opportunities to do so whether at Southwold, Aldeburgh, Orford or Felixstowe Ferry to name a few.
Essential SUFFOLK
always proud ~ to feature ~
LOCAL RETAILERS Shop local One of Suffolk’s great assets is the number of independent retailers on our high streets. In an age of increasing internet shopping it can be easy to lose sight of how vital these businesses are to the vibrancy and diversity of our county. Sadly it is a case of if we don’t use them we may well lose them so wherever your travels take you this summer remember the simple pleasure of taking the time to browse and shop local.
Situated in the heart of Aldeburgh High Street, we are an independent family owned and run restaurant. ALL OUR FOOD IS MADE ON SITE WITH NO ADDITIVES FISH DISHES A SPECIALITY
We are keen supporters of the local economy sourcing as many ingredients as we can from local suppliers including fish, meat, ducks, chicken, lamb and vegetables
THE COUNTRY HOUSE BY THE SEA e Wentworth Hotel and Restaurant is an ideal venue for lunches, aernoon tea and candlelit dinners. Bar food available 12.00 – 2.30 Restaurant available for bookings from 12.00 – 2.00 and 6.30 – 9.00 Sunday lunches three courses for £23.50 Amazing value Sunday dinners three courses for just £16.90 Available for private functions, club lunches and family celebrations. 35 bedrooms with 14 with sea facing rooms. Open to non-residents Wentworth Rd, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BD 01728 452312 | stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk
We are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner 12 – 2pm for lunch and 6 – till late for dinner.
www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com
171 High Street Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AN 01728 452011
EssentialSUFFOLK
49
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Suffolk Summer
ON A PLATE The Crown at Westleton has a reputation that seems to spread far and wide with countless people recommending it as their favourite, or one of their favourite places to eat. Anne Gould drops by for supper
I
t’s at that time of year when the evenings are light and because it’s hot and the sun is blazing time seems to just slip through your fingers. Or in other words – you are so absorbed in what you are doing, whether that’s work or play, you realise that if you are going to make supper yourself it’s going to be very, very late. The spontaneous and delicious alternative of course, is heading off in the direction of the coast and eating out – and for me that’s one of the real joys of summer. So after a hard day in front of a laptop with the Essential Suffolk deadline looming the time was very much right to check out The Crown at Westleton, take in its amazing garden and soak up the atmosphere of an establishment that has seamlessly blended the architectural
50
essentialsuffolk.com
beauty of an old Suffolk pub and its beams and inglenooks, with the needs of contemporary dining. To tell the truth my heart was already starting to be won over in the car park because I simply loved looking at the building, which dates back to the 12th century, and it’s various roof levels all sloping at different angles drawing you in to see inside. Further marks too for the simple but wonderful natural flower posy on our table that screamed “Instagram Picture”, before I’d even sat down. So what to eat? The maitre’d was on hand to advise about the specials menu and the soups – tomato and basil or pea and mint. Decisions, decisions chicken liver pâté, tea smoked duck breast, smoked haddock and cockle chowder or
salmon and cod fishcakes to start. For mains fish and chips, 28 day hung steak, pork belly, Barnsley chop, sea bass, cod loin all looked tempting and there were also great vegetarian options to choose from. The menu, for those who are gluten and diary intolerant, also helpfully indicates with a G or a D what people on a special diet can and can’t eat. In the end I chose Bruschetta with olive tapenade, wild mushrooms, Somerset brie and wild rocket while my friend had crispy lamb breast with cous cous, which arrived in an orange red tagine sauce and was garnished with slivers of radish. The visual delights continued, but luckily the chef, James Finch, isn’t one of those flash kitchen artists who prioritise style over content. Every mouthful of my starter really delivered a great combination of
Essential Explores Dining Review | The Westleton Crown
flavours and surprises. For instance there were a variety of different mushrooms on the Bruschetta and I was impressed how the brie was a great foil to tapenade, which on its own can sometimes be strong and overpowering. Sticking to the specials menu my main course, seared sesame seed tuna steak with wasabi mash, garlic ginger vegetables with miso sauce and pickled ginger, was an absolute show stopper. Served on a rectangular slate it was topped off by a spectacular tempura spring onion and got a gasp of approval by fellow diners as it was brought to the table. Of course this combination of Oriental flavours has become increasingly popular in recent years and is sometimes
served with a heavy hand but the chef manged to balance the dish with great subtlety. I particularly liked the vegetables cut into superfine batons and served in a separate bowl (with spoon) in the miso broth. The sesame studded tuna was highly memorable, cooked just enough retaining a tender pink interior and tasting quite beautiful. Over the other side of the table my friend was sticking to much more traditional flavours; roasted breast of chicken, fondant potato, sauté Savoy cabbage, bacon, peppers and Madeira cream sauce. Her verdict was simply, “amazing.” Now at this point we could have both looked at the dessert menu and decided we had probably better not
have any more. But... having avoided pudding, and regretted it, on a number of occasions it was clear that ‘the diet’ was, as ever, going to start on Monday. Caroline went for her all-time favourite – sticky toffee pudding, which was served with banana, ice-cream and an artful sprinkling of nuts. Meanwhile I had a whipped orange posset with raspberry and lime compote – mainly because I had never eaten a posset but read about them in novels and historic cookbooks. I can report it’s like a citrus fool or syllabub, and wonderfully textured with just about the right amount of zest. The raspberry topping was sharp and a brilliant way to cut through the rich creamy pudding beneath. So did The Westleton Crown live up to its reputation? Well the answer is undoubtedly yes – there’s clearly a real passion for excellence at this establishment, not just with the superb food that comes from the kitchen but the clear attention to every detail from the team, the decor to the flowers on the table. If you haven’t been yet I would highly recommend going. On a perfect summer’s day The Crown’s beautiful gardens I can imagine are the perfect setting for a lazy lunch before heading to the coast for the afternoon or in the evening as an excellent destination to round off your day. INFORMATION The Westleton Crown The Street, Westleton, IP17 3AD 01728 648777 | info@westletoncrown.co.uk www.westletoncrown.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
51
The Suffolk Staycation:
summer’s hottest must-have book yours before it’s too late!
The Suffolk Staycation is this summer’s hottest must have, and for good reason. Beautiful beaches, stunning countryside and plenty to see and do await in this charming and easily accessible county. With a choice of over 400 VisitEngland assessed holiday homes, Suffolk Secrets is the best port of call to grab your staycation before it’s too late. To browse our collection simply visit suffolk-secrets.co.uk or phone our friendly team on 01502 722717
COASTAL DESTINATIONS
Aldeburgh Café Owner and chef Melanie Davenport has transformed the café with a bright, colourful décor, original artworks and outdoor seating with views across the estuary for a child and dog friendly café experience. Mel’s home cooked seasonal menu, featuring artisan Suffolk produce, includes daily luncheon specials, cakes, savouries and the famous Aldeburgh Café breakfast. Now licensed for wines and beers. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm. Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5JD Find us at facebook/aldeburghcafe 01728 454891
Aldeburgh Computers Aldeburgh Computers offers premier computer sales, servicing and support, new & refurbished PCs & Macs, laptop, PC & Apple repairs, virus & spyware removal, data recovery, back-up & security, network setup & remote support, IT consultancy – home & business Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh IP15 5JD aldeburghcomputers.com @Aldeburgh_IT 01728 454697 07555 123241
Best of Suffolk Suffolk's award winning holiday cottage agency, specialising in stylish holiday cottages in Suffolk with over 300 carefully selected holiday properties across the county. Lime Tree Farm, Badingham www.bestofsuffolk.co.uk 01728 638962
Brudenell The 4 star Brudenell is a privately owned hotel, Seafood & Grill restaurant and bar situated in a wonderful seafront setting with panoramic sea views, just a step away from Aldeburgh’s shingle beach. The Parade, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5BU 01728 452071 www.brudenellhotel.co.uk
The Dolphin Inn Situated in the heart of the unique seaside village of Thorpeness is the Dolphin Inn, one of the most popular and well known destinations with its relaxed, friendly service and delicious seasonal food, award winning real ales and fine wine list. Peace Place, Thorpeness Suffolk IP16 4NA 01728 454994 info@thorpenessdolphin.com www.thorpenessdolphin.com
Exotic GardEn company & planEt pot Exotic Garden Company & Planet Pot Visit the Exotic Garden Company, a nursery with a difference where personal service is paramount. Full range of unusual shrubs, perennials, bedding and of course tree ferns, bouganvilleas and hardy bananas. Planet Pot are importers selling directly to the public. We have the largest selection of garden pots in Suffolk starting at just £1. Also stocking chimneas, firebowls and associated garden ornaments. Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5JD 01728 454456
Fleur Contemporary ladieswear selling collections from Sandwich, Jackpot, Part Two, Seasalt & more. 166 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AQ 01728 454822 www.fleuraldeburgh.co.uk
Hall Farm Pet Supplies Hall Farm Pet Supplies Covering a large range of pet foods, wild bird feed and feeders, large selection of dog food including full range of Salters. Comprehensive selection of pet care products plus our ‘Doggy Treat Store’ with pick’n’mix selection. We also deliver local seasonal logs. Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5JD 01728 453666 (Pet Store) 07872 916363 (Log sales only. October – April) Also see our farm machinery website www.hallfarmmachinery.com
Denny of Southwold Southwold’s original & best clothing emporium for colourful, high quality men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Stockists of Saint James, Mat de Misaine, Eva Tralala, Armor Lux, Pomodoro, Men of All Nations, Sebago, Barbour and many more 11 Market Place, Southwold Suffolk IP18 6EA 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk
Dingle Hill Tearooms Delicious homemade scones, cakes, duddings & lunches served 7 days a week, 10am -5pm in our beautiful gardens and tearooms. Serving breakfast Saturdays & Sundays, 9am – 11am Dunwich, Suffolk IP17 3DZ 01728 648872 info@dinglehilltearooms.co.uk www.dinglehilltearooms.co.uk
The Regatta Serving Aldeburgh for 20 years we are specialists in seafood and local fish. Our main menu is varied and changes regularly and in addition we offer daily specials on the black boards. Follow us on Facebook for offers and events www.facebook.com/RegattaRestaurant 171 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AN 01728 452011 www.regattaaldeburgh.com
The Lighthouse Restaurant Open every day, lunchtime and evening. Pop in and enjoy fabulous local seasonal produce cooked by Guy Welsh and served by Sam and the team. 77 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AU 01728 453377 info@lighthouserestaurant.co.uk www.lighthouserestaurant.co.uk
O&C Butcher Menswear, ladieswear & footwear from Olsen, Oui, NYDJ, Barbour, Gant, Timberland, Sebago & more. 129-131 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5AS 01728 452229 www.ocbutcher.co.uk
Salter & King Salter & King has developed an excellent reputation across the Suffolk area, based on their commitment to great meat with provenance, excellent service and traditional values. They also stock their own pies, traditional breed ham, home cured salt beef and wonderful potted beef. 107-109 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AR 01728 452758 www.salterandking.co.uk
The Ship at Dunwich Once a haunt of smugglers,The Ship at Dunwich, isn’t just a great place to eat, drink, relax and get away from it all – it’s also part of a great story. Visit and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome. St James Street, Dunwich Suffolk IP17 3DT 01728 648219 www.shipatdunwich.co.uk email:info@shipatdunwich.co.uk '+() ) /
Suffolk Cottage Holidays Friendly local agency, letting lovely properties throughout Suffolk. Quaint and traditional or contemporary and funky, we have charming holiday cottages to suit your every need! 152 High Street, Aldeburgh IP15 5AQ. 01394 389189 info@suffolkcottageholidays.com www.suffolkcottageholidays.com
Suffolk Secrets With over 350 cottages in Suffolk, we’re sure to be able to offer you a holiday that’s just right for you. Each of our lovely Suffolk cottages has been inspected by VisitEngland – the country’s official tourism board. holidays@suffolk-secrets.co.uk 01502 722717 www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk
Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club Award-winning 18 hole James Braid golf course in Suffolk with clubhouse, pro shop and relaxing 36 room hotel. See our website for offers and events. Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness Suffolk IP16 4NH 01728 452176 www.thorpeness.co.uk
Vintage Angels Vintage Angels Beautiful vintage clothes for men and women. From Victorian, Edwardian, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. Also designer brands and specialists in vintage fur coats. We can also sell designer and unwanted quality clothes for you. Open: Wed – Sun 10 – 5 Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5JD 07879 630461 www.vintageangelsclothing.co.uk
The Wentworth Aldeburgh's only truly independent hotel, owned by the same family since 1920. A blend of the traditional and modern, with spacious lounges, a 2 rosette restaurant and beautiful garden areas. All a stone's throw from the beach. Wentworth Road, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5BD 01728 452312 www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com
The Westleton Crown The Westleton Crown is a friendly hotel, pub & restaurant on the Suffolk Heritage coast near Southwold. Dog friendly & with family rooms our locally sourced, delicious main menu offers a wide selection. The Street, Westleton Nr Southwold IP17 3AD Tel: 01728 648777 www.westletoncrown.co.uk
The White Lion A relaxed hotel, bar and brassiere situated on the beachfront in Aldeburgh. Passionate about creating imaginative menus using the abundance of fresh, local seasonal produce. Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5BJ 01728 452720 www.whitelion.co.uk
Exotic Garden Company Visit a nursery with a difference where personal service is paramount. We have a full range of unusual shrubs, perenials, bedding and of course tree ferns, palms, bouganvilleas and hardy bananas. Follow us on twitter @Exoticgardenco
01728 454456
Open Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm Sun 10am – 4pm
Hall Farm, Samundham Road, Aldeburgh – Sat Nav IP15 5JD
JULY/AUGUST 2016
PUB WALKS
Sponsored by
with Darcy This month Darcy returns to Eastbridge for a beautiful circular walk from The Eels Foot
www.christchurchvets.co.uk
rd
Westleton Common
n eL ie c
Ha
4 Mi
oa
Slo ug h
ll R
ck Bla
d
Water Works
5 6
3
MIDDLETON m ins M
2
e er ld O r ve Ri
For our return visit we have definitely found a path less travelled as the final section of the walk follows the Minsmere New Cut. From our experience of mapping the walk it is clear that this path is not heavily used which has both pros and cons. The big ‘pro’ is that it is a truly stunning setting. Walking beside the cut carpeted by flowering water lillies we were accompanied by squadrons of dragon flies glistening like air born jewels, butterflies too numerous to count as well as enough birdlife to keep even the most ardent twitcher busy for hours. Add to this the relative isolation and open vistas and you will be pleased you have discovered this less seen part of our county. The ‘con’ is that as the path is not heavily walked the grass – and yes occasional nettles- mean that it is best not walked in shorts (I can vouch for the error of that choice) and therefore most probably isn’t suitable for small children. This warning isn’t intended to deter but certainly is advice to prepare to ensure you can appreciate this special place.
p
Long before Springwatch brought the nation’s attention to Minsmere, Eastbridge – a small hamlet on the edge of the reserve – was a favoured destination for a dog walk and a visit to the award winning pub The Eels Foot. Our previous ‘Pub Walks with Darcy’ route, published in July 2011, has proved to be an ongoing favourite with our readers and appears regularly in the top ten most visited walks on our website – if you haven’t visited the site do so as we now have over 50 Suffolk walks all ending at a dog friendly pub!
7
M i n sm
1 PH
ere N
ew C ut
EASTBRIDGE 54
essentialsuffolk.com
EELS FOOT e Eel’s Foot nestles in the pretty hamlet of Eastbridge in the heart of the Heritage Coast
THE WALK Distance: Approx. 4 miles Time: Approx.1 hour 45 minutes depending on your pace Terrain: Varied. Small section of quiet road walking, mainly paths and forest tracks. See note about section 6 below * Stops: The Eels Foot Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 & 231 Start Point OS reference: 452 662 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.
1. From the pub car park turn right and walk down the road for approx. 10 minutes until you reach a house on your left called ‘Four Winds’. 2. At ‘Four Winds’ follow the track directly ahead of you (not the road to the right) and walk for approx. a further 10 minutes until you come to a wooden kissing gate and a footpath (FP) sign on your left. 3. Walk through the gate. After a few minutes walking along a straight path there is a short steep climb. Pass through another gate and follow the path which emerges to more open scenery. Keep left and follow the path until it meets up with the road (shortly after passing through some more gorse bushes). 4. Once at the road walk a few yards then turn immediately left down the grass track. Pass by the water works and follow the track ahead of you which, after a further 300yds, will emerge at the road. 5. At this point you need to turn left to reach point 6. Rather than walking on the road we strongly suggest that you turn left and walk on the field side of the hedge line. After 4 telegraph poles there is an exit from the field. With caution walk on the road for approx. 20 yds until you meet and cross a bridge and come to a FP sign on your left. 6. Turn left at the FP sign and follow the path. At one point early on in this stretch you meet a section with two wooden gates. Pass straight through and continue until you reach the road.* 7. At the road turn right and return to The Eels Foot * As mentioned in the introduction the path from point 6 to point 7 appears seldom walked and therefore although the path is – in our experience – always clearly visible, at times you will be passing through tall grass with possible nettles. We would therefore suggest that long trousers are worn and that this section may not be suitable for small children. Should you not want to attempt this final stretch a ‘there and back’ walk from points 1 to 4 on the map would also make a very attractive and enjoyable route.
Perfectly situated for birdwatching, walking and cycling a warm welcome is guaranteed. Recently featured in e Telegraph’s top 10 Best UK beer gardens, winner of Adnams best presented pub and voted for by EADT readers as Suffolk’s pub of the year 2016 Serving a wide range of Adnams beers, spirits and wines with a traditional pub menu and modern European influenced daily specials. ere are plenty of options for customers with specific dietary requirements, not forgetting children and of course plenty of treats for dogs! OPEnIng HOURS
12.00pm till 3.00pm, 6.00pm till 11.00pm Monday – ursday 11.30am till 11.30pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Food served all day Friday – Sunday)
01728 830 154 theeeelsfootinn@hotmail.co.uk | www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
55
JULY/AUGUST 2016
living the dream The award-winning Sibton White Horse is the very essence of a destination Suffolk Country Pub offering superb food and accommodation in beautiful surroundings
I
ts owners Neil and Gill Mason have spent ten years creating their “dream business” carefully planning their every move and their most recent appointment of new head chef, Gareth Knights, at the back end of last year was no exception. Neil explained, “Our last head chef went at the beginning of last summer and we could have replaced him straight away but we waited four months until we found the right person. It meant that my wife Gill, who is also a chef, had to spend a lot of time in the kitchen instead of working on our business but we are so delighted to have taken our time and found Gareth. We’ve had some
56
essentialsuffolk.com
very good chefs work with us in the past, right now it feels a privilege to have Gareth on board, he’s inspirational and talented, he’s brought something extra to the kitchen,” Neil added. It’s clearly something of an added bonus too – for a pub that really prides itself on supporting local suppliers – that Gareth grew up in Wilby, which is just 20 minutes away from the White Horse. He said “Actually it was my ambition to be a chef from the time I was in primary school. Everyone else wanted to be a train driver, a footballer or join the army but I wanted to cook.”
So after attending Stradbroke High School, he started his chef training at Suffolk College and also took year out travelling to Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and America. “Although I went round the world I still came back to Suffolk because it seemed silly to work anywhere else because it’s a lovely area and the produce is so good.” His career has taken him to various establishments in Southwold – The Swan, The Blue Lighthouse and Sutherland House but he has also worked for Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Hotels too. “I have a pastry background and really
Business Profile | Sibton White Horse like working on desserts because you can present them so prettily and you need to have an eye for detail. The other reason is that you can be really creative with your ingredients too – something like an apple for instance has so many possible uses. I also like introducing a savoury element into a dessert for instance using balsamic with strawberries.”
supplier comes and has something really different I can use it for one of our daily specials.” It’s also a big bonus that sometimes local people just arrive with produce – the other day for instance a man popped in and offered some fresh trout and all he wanted in return was a couple of pints of beer. At other times they have been offered quinces and vegetables too when people have gluts that they can’t use and all these things can be a great addition, he said. “In a bigger establishment you just wouldn’t be able to accommodate these ingredients on the menu.”
Obviously though, like all chefs who’ve worked in big busy kitchens, he’s well able to work in other sections too and he believes it’s this versatility that makes a huge difference, especially as a head chef. He’s clearly loves the move to Sibton not least because it gives him the opportunity to be very hands on and because at the White Horse they really do source ingredients locally. “We buy our fish on a daily basis from a supplier from Lowestoft, our beef comes from Clarkes Butchers, pork from Blythburgh and it’s amazing to be able to go into the garden here and pick the salad leaves fresh every day.”
So does he have a particular style of cooking? “I just cook what I want to eat using the very best local ingredients.” So for the Essential Suffolk photo shoot he created three magnificent looking dishes – home smoked Gressingham Duck breast, oven roasted Lowestoft cod loin with a broad bean, pea and asparagus fricassee and a strawberry lime and basil mousse.
The wonderful thing about being a smaller kitchen is that he’s able to be really creative and isn’t tied to the sort of prescriptive menu you might find in a bigger establishment. “If our fish
“As the White Horse is a pub there are always some things you have on the menu in some shape or form – like fish and chips and steak but we change the menu constantly.” Gareth explained
that over a course of three weeks all the dishes would change, not only to make the most of whatever seasonal produce is available but also to offer diners real variety. The kitchen has three full time and two part time chefs, and now Gareth has had time to settle in he felt the team was working well together and the pub was in good stead not just to maintain its current high standards but to improve them further, echoed by a recent AA inspection. Moving forward he says that next year he really wants to be more involved in the kitchen garden – growing produce specifically to compliment the menu, he also wants to take full advantage of the great alfresco potential on offer at the White Horse. With a young family of three children and a wife who is a hotel manager life for Gareth is clearly full on, but like Neil And Gill, the White Horse is really helping him live a dream. INFORMATION The Sibton White Horse Halesworth Road, Sibton Nr Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2JJ 01728 660337 info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
57
SUMMER SALSA Light tempura batter is the key to this tempting prawn dish. The crisp, featherweight coating is a great partner with the fruity, spicy salsa making juicy tiger prawns a must this summer
Chef’s Recipe | Woodhall Manor
Tom Plant is an experienced chef with over 15 years commercial and event experience. From the start of his career he has progressed quickly through the ranks becoming head chef of the first kitchen he worked in. While studying for his all important qualifications, Tom went on to experience working in the high pressure environment of a 1 rosette hotel where his main passion was as a pâtissier, skilled in the making of pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods. Tom quickly became in demand with the company’s two sister hotels, each featuring 2 rosette restaurants. He progressed to the role of Senior Sous Chef at another restaurant and ultimately achieved the position of Senior Pastry Chef there. In 2012 he was approached to join Woodhall Manor to join as their dedicated Sous Chef, and just 12 months later was promoted to Head Chef of their busy kitchen which caters regularly for wedding parties of up to 130 guests.
Black onion seed tempura prawns with fresh mango salsa and burnt lime INGREDIENTS Serves 4 ¼ ripe mango (firm to touch) ¼ red pepper ½ red onion 1 tbsp white wine vinegar ½ tbsp sugar ½ red chilli (deseeded) 1 spring onion ½ tsp Cajun spice 1 tbsp fresh coriander 160g cornflower and dusting 1 tsp black onion seeds Pinch of salt 140g soda water (ice cold) 1 lime 20 black tiger prawns (butterflied and deveined) 1 x little gem lettuce
METHOD 1. Finely dice the red onion and red chilli and place in the bowl. 2. Pour over the vinegar, sugar, Cajun spice and leave to one side. 3. Finely dice the mango, pepper, spring onion and coriander. Add to the bowl and mix. 4. Wash the lettuce leaves and shake dry. 5. In a separate bowl mix cornflower, onion seeds, salt and soda water until it forms a loose batter. 6. Cut the lime into four and place in a hot dry pan until it starts to burn. 7. Drag the prawns through the cornflower and then through the tempura mix and fry for 1½ minutes at 180°C. Once cooked remove from oil and drain. 8. Place two gem leaves into a bowl and spoon a good spoonful of salsa just off the gem. Place the prawns on the leaves and add the burnt lime and serve.
Woodhall Manor - Suffolk’s Hidden Gem! Dating back to 1566 and set in 9 acres of beautiful gardens, Woodhall Manor is a splendid example of a luxurious Elizabethan country house. Located in the idyllic countryside the Manor is one of Suffolk’s most exclusive hidden gems. Catering for weddings, corporate events, celebrations and Christmas parties the venue’s food is second to none and with 14 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and suites your event can roll through into the early hours followed by a fabulous full English breakfast in the morning. Woodhall Drive Sutton Woodbridge Suffolk IP1 3EG Tel: 01394 411 288 www.woodhallmanor.com info@woodhallmanor.com
EssentialSUFFOLK
59
JULY/AUGUST 2016
The Peacock Inn
The Middleton Bell
Fynn Valley
Situated opposite the picturesque bridge in the village of Chelsworth, The Peacock is a traditional half-timbered 14th century Inn, with cosy log fires and three rosette silver accommodation. Perfectly positioned for touring, walking and cycling in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Offering a selection of real ales and seasonal homemade food. Try our Sunday roast in a relaxed atmosphere, bookings advisable, dogs welcome.
Set in the beautiful village of Middleton the award winning Value Pub of the Year 2012 Bell Inn offers top quality food using the best local produce at prices that ensure you will want to return again and again. Dine in the garden, traditional bar area or the beamed restaurant and enjoy home cooked food and ales directly from the cask. The Bell is the perfect venue to meet friends and family.
Open: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. Sunday, 12pm to 6pm (Food served 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm daily)
Open: Bar: Monday 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday – Lunch, 12 noon to 3pm, Evening, 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon – midnight. Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served Tuesday – Sunday Booking advisable please call for details
Open to everyone, not just golfers, this is the place you bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a home made bar meal or daily special in the cosy Courtyard Bar, utilising great local produce. Al fresco dining in the sheltered Courtyard is a popular option. Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day and children eat free! The spacious Valley Room is perfect for large family celebrations. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.
37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU
Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings. Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA
01449 743952 wilcri@aol.com www.thepeacockchelsworth.com
01728 648286
01473 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk
Butt & Oyster
The Turks Head
The Angel Inn
The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known public houses in Suffolk renowned for its good beer, good food and great views. As you eat watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you. Food offers are available throughout the week. See our website for details of our menus.
At The Turks Head we serve local ales, fantastic wines & locally sourced, beautifully executed food. We have beautiful gardens and lots of seating outside. We welcome dogs, muddy boots and muddy children. Chef Mauli is fast earning a great reputation for his exciting and ever changing seasonal menus, especially the Sunday roast, featuring all the wonderful produce that Suffolk has to offer.
Nestled in the heart of Constable Country, The Angel Inn is a traditional 16th Century Suffolk coaching inn with open fires and oak beams. A rosette fine dining restaurant showcasing modern British cuisine, six beautifully styled bedrooms and a cosy bar area make the Angel perfect for a country break.
Open: Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 12 midnight, Sunday 11am to 8pm
Open: Every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Angel is also available for private dining.
Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW
Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG
Polstead Street, Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk, CO6 4SA.
01473 780764 buttandoyster@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk
01394 610343 info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk
01206 263245 info@angelinnsuffolk.co.uk www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk
Open: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm. Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week
60
essentialsuffolk.com
The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN
Food Gallery
The Fox
The Fountain
Sibton White Horse
Imagine a chocolate box style village pub, beaming with pinkness, beautiful tranquil gardens and flowers around the door. Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered seven days a week, all day at weekends and this is complimented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. Food offers are available throughout the week.
Located in the lovely old village of Tuddenham St Martin, three miles north of Ipswich, informal bistro style restaurant set in an oldie worldy 16th century country pub with great food, great service and great value. Full A La Carte menu plus set price menus; two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95. Current specials always included on the website. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 7pm. Covered heated patio and spacious beer garden.
The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT
A 16th century unspoilt destination inn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Into our tenth year and our passion for providing a wonderful dining experience goes on. Relax with a local pint of ale or glass of wine whist absorbing the character of such a charming building or spill out into the sheltered courtyard and indulge in some of the finest alfresco. With an AA Rosette our menu is thoughtfully crafted and built upon local and seasonal ingredients. We offer an easy and relaxed service, grounded in the tradition of the English inn. Open: 12pm to 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm, 6.45pm to 10.30pm Sunday Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2JJ
01473 736307 fox@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk
01473 785377 fountainpub@btconnect.com www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk
01728 660337 info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk
Ufford Park
The Maybush
Arlingtons
Open every day, The Park Restaurant provides a choice of three-course meals. We offer a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and have a seasonally-changing menu. Enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea in The Aldous Lounge, The Park Bar, or al fresco overlooking our large terrace and beautifully landscaped golf course. Afternoon Tea is priced at £15.95 per person and served daily between 2pm and 5pm. All party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.
The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. See our website for details.
Buzzing brasserie style restaurant with café bar set within the building converted from Arlingtons Ballroom. The perfect venue to catch up with friends, celebrate special occasions or talk business; taking advantage of free WiFi, air-printing and charging sockets at gallery tables. French style menu served in typical informal Brasserie manner offering a large selection of freshly prepared Suffolk reared meat dishes and vegetarian choices, plus fish and shellfish from sustainable sources. Takeaway deli, breakfast from 8am, light meals and homemade cakes throughout the day.
Open: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week The Street, Newbourne, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NY
Open: Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. Sunday, 12pm to 7pm
Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday Lunch in The Park 12 noon – 2pm
Open: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week
Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW
Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4QL
0844 847 9467 reception@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk
01473 736215 maybush@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk
Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1HE 01473 230293 enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk www.arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
61
JULY/AUGUST 2016
Make eating outdoors fun this summer with bright and beautiful barbecues and accessories from leading independent Suffolk retailers
GARDEN PARTY The ‘Cube’ barbecue is available in three colours, these are enormously sturdy and ready for all sorts of action. With a grill surface of 31x31cm you’re going to be ready steady and cook for good numbers. With the removable grill and carry handle you’re cooking as soon as the charcoal has gone white! £60 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Coloured cups from the Rice outdoor dining range from £2.50 – £4.50 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Colourful jar mugs with straw £3.50 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Woodbridge OS Map deckchair was £189 NOW £160.65 Barretts of Woodbridge
62
essentialsuffolk.com
Let the evening beGin coasters £3.50 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
The ‘Crystal’ Mini-Kettles come in a range of fantastic colours and will brighten up every garden, beach or campsite. They can be put together in 10 minutes flat and each has a carry handle, clips and legs to make them fully portable. £27.99 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Homes & Interiors
The Arlington bucket barbecues available in a variety of bright colours, £15 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company Summerhouse by Navigate outdoor dining plates £5.50 each, bowls £5.50 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Essential SUFFOLK
always proud ~ to feature ~
LOCAL RETAILERS
Sophie Allport ‘What a Catch!’ portable barbecue – was £18, now £15.30 Barretts of Woodbridge
Sophie Allport ‘Pheasant’ oilcloth picnic bag was £32, now £27.20 Barretts of Woodbridge
Small bowls £6.50 each, bowls £8.99 each, plates £6 each, cutlery £1.50 each, wicker tray £12.50 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Rebu bamboo collection salad bowls £18.50 each, salad servers £8.99, bowls £8.99 each The Woodbridge Kitchen Company
STOCKISTS Barretts of Woodbridge 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk The Woodbridge Kitchen Company 5 – 7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
63
Gardening
Visiting other people’s gardens is an essential part of creating your own special space and when better than when you’ve got time on your hands in the summer holidays. Catharine Howard reports
SEASIDE GARDENS
EssentialSUFFOLK
65
Gardening
JULY/AUGUST 2016
G
ardening often seems to go hand in hand with art and sculpture and learning about how to incorporate these sort of strong features into your outdoor space requires a study of artists’ gardens. Barbara Hepworth might have lived on another coastline but there’s much that gardeners on the east coast can glean from her expertise. The hill down to St Ives is thronged with genteel boarding houses, netcurtained and jostling for business with inviting signs outside. Small front gardens are brimful of pots of geraniums and petunias with benches positioned to catch every sliver of sunshine. Gull shriek is loud and sparkling reflections bounce off the sea. Carefree holiday makers abound. In the cemetery, tumbling down towards the shorefront with stone crosses in rows, a family have taken over some hummocks to enjoy the sea view and their picnic. Below, Tate St Ives dominates the town, white and bright and looking out into the bay. The summer exhibition for the Beach Boys leaves a memory of canned music and deconstructed designer wet suits – beautiful space but not much within it. The studio of the late Barbara Hepworth is tucked away just off a tea shoppe and ice cream cobbled way and with its famous garden, is an oasis away from tourist bustle and road rage over parking spaces. The house is emptied of its furnishings and has her life in biography through photographs downstairs and upstairs a range of sculptures in stone and wood – so sensuous that you want to reach out
66
essentialsuffolk.com
and caress them. Stepping outside the garden has been left as something of a shrine – Hepworth worked here for 24 years and all her major works were created in this small space. The workshop is flanked by stone ready to be carved, dusty overalls hang on pegs inside and pieces of marble waiting on the production line. Aged 74 she died tragically in a fire one night in 1975. Her tools are ready for her to step out of the little white summer house in the garden and get on with it. The garden space is intimate and introverted – tower of St Ives church apart – the view is not allowed into the garden. Jungle planting brings the eye in to complement some very large works, mainly executed in metal. So what can be learnt from visiting an outdoor space filled with priceless works of art? The first, is the knowledge that Hepworth made this garden not be a public sculpture park, but for her own enjoyment. The plants have been selected with great care to be a foil to her works. Shrubs, trees, bamboos, perennials and palms have been chosen for foliage effects. Copy this when you think up a planting scheme: look beyond the brief moment of flowering colour of any plant and give marks for silhouettes in winter, shadows cast, movement and noise in the breeze. Consider the size of leaves and contrast with other plants chosen. A starting point for plant selection will be to decide on a style for the garden and then select the plants that will fit in:
Trewyn Studio is a seaside jungle and the mood is set by large cordylines which have their lower branches removed to show up their trunks and turn them into mini palm trees. They dominate the skyline and send down sharp shadows. Then there are a range of other plants which earn their place as ‘architectural’: Fatsia japonica is one – a brilliant plant for a shady garden with its hand-sized and shaped shiny leaves which have the added plus of being evergreen. Then there is tender, cut leaved Melianthus and whorl-leaved Euphorbia characias which throws up acid green flower spikes in late spring. Phormiums with their large evergreen sword bladed leaves appear round the garden and resonate with the sculptures. ‘Conversation with Magic Stones’ was the last placing of works by Hepworth in her garden. This gaunt collection of bronzes is surrounded in by clumps of a bamboo – Phyllostachys ‘Henonis’ which emphasise the height of the assembled pieces and makes a perfect stage setting – with their close straight shiny stems and their bend and rustle in the breeze. Take a visit to Trewyn at a leisurely pace: sit and absorb the tranquillity of this small space and think about placing even one sculpture in your own garden. INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a gardener, garden writer and gardening coach with many years’ experience in creating and renovating gardens. For a consultation or garden design contact her at www.thegardeningcoach.co.uk
Planning & Design New Build & Extensions Renovations & Restorations Project Management
1 Quayside, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1FA www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk 01394 780045
sdc_essential_suffolk_advert_3.indd 1
24/06/2016 21:43:30
Planning & Design New Build & Extensions Renovations & Restorations Project Management
1 Quayside, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1FA www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk 01394 780045
sdc_essential_suffolk_advert_3.indd 2
24/06/2016 21:43:59
Antiques & Auctions
IS IT THE WEATHER FOR BOATING? Some of us are blessed with a love of the water and the endless opportunities that arise to sail in both rough and calm waters. To others it is utter purgatory to contemplate the notion of being stuck in a boat heeling over at alarming angles in inclement weather, getting soaked to the skin and all the while being fearful of capsizing. For those in the latter category I can calm your nerves and hopefully give comfort with the thought that there is one kind of boat which you can enjoy. I bring you the humble gravy or sauce boat! This practical object came to greater prominence in the late 17th and early 18th centuries with some early designs incorporating twin handles and spouts in contrast to their more sleekly designed ‘cousins’ sporting just a single spout and handle. The fashion for these items inspired their production by a number of important porcelain producers including
Kitchens
James Neal
Worcester, Bow, Chelsea and the like. Some were intricately and imaginatively decorated, adding to their appeal. Sauce boats were also made in silver as well as the more upmarket silver gilt. Their shapely appearance could be made more decorative by the introduction of a wavy rim, cast enrichment, flying scroll handles as well as shell decoration to the feet fashioned in a variety of ways. Design detailing was thus immensely varied. The fact that this kind of boat had no oars or sails was countered by the use of a ladle to transfer the contents to a plate when pouring, was not the ideal solution. Stability is obviously an issue with both forms of boat. But whereas a sailing dinghy may benefit from a keel certain sauce boats have the advantage of a fixed or separate base. Not only does this assist in keeping the sauce boat upright it also helps to collect any drips from the spout and provide a surface to rest the ladle. Now that’s the sort of boat I prefer!
Bathrooms
German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neiff
Villeroy & Boch bathrooms | Hansgrohe | Matki | Aqata | Keuco
2 A1 A12 A12
WOODBRIDGE
D NR LTO ME
LD FIE ITH SM
A1152
A1 15 2
01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk
WOO MELTON DS L N
wooDBriDGe interiors Kitchen & Bathroom specialists
Kitchen & Bathroom showroom SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG
EssentialSUFFOLK
67
Hidden treasure for all to enjoy at Ufford Park Woodbridge
It doesn’t matter if you play off scratch, or have just decided to take up golf, you will receive a warm welcome at Ufford Park Woodbridge.
Open to all, members and non-members can practice their swing on our 2 storey floodlit driving range before setting out on our award-winning 18 hole, par 71 course. Due to excellent drainage it is playable no matter what the weather. Add a twist to your day and try the new Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf Course opening soon. Perfect for all ages to enjoy together.
Golf breaks from only £93.50* per person.
t 0844 847 9467 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW
Enduringly beautiful windows and doors
Showrooms
Notcutts Garden Centre Ipswich Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF Tel. 01394 386666 8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL Tel. 01284 760222 The Old Forge 53 High Street Ingatestone Essex CM4 0AT Tel. 01277 350950
burgess-group.com
Enhance your home with attractive windows and doors. Pop in to one of our showrooms to discover our exciting product range. We look forward to meeting you.
SASH WINDOWS | FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOWS | ENTRANCE DOORS | FRENCH DOORS | SLIDING DOORS 68
essentialsuffolk.com
Health
SUMMER SKIN Summer is a season where extreme environmental factors such as dry humid air conditions and the sun can take a toll on your skin. Here, Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, looks at how to keep your skin in good shape for summer Atmospheric conditions such as high temperature, humidity and intense UV radiation can play havoc with your skin and believe it or not your skin can become oilier due to greater sebum secretion in the summer months, causing breakouts. Skin can also become dry and dehydrated due to too much sun and of course there is UV related damage to contend with!
So how can you look after your skin in the summer months? Always keep your skin well moisturised Summer calls for lighter, fast penetrating, antioxidant-rich moisturisers that lock in moisture and prevent Transepidermal Water Loss which is a measure of the amount of water that passes from inside your body to the outside via the epidermis, the skin’s topmost layer. Sunscreen A healthy appearance of the skin throughout the summer is dependent upon sun protection. To minimize UV rays-related damage, you should seek shelter during the peak hours (from 10am to 4pm); wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the delicate skin of your face as well as your eyes. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreens that provide a minimum SPF 20 (or higher if the skin is very fair). Do not skimp on sunscreen; make sure you cover your entire body (including your lips). Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day During the summer our bodies are more likely to sweating; drinking more water can prevent dehydration. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables The water they provide is more easily absorbed by our cells than drinking water and they are also a rich source of nutrients, which keep the skin supple. Cut down on alcohol and caffeinated beverages Over consumption can lead to dehydration, especially during summer. Always drink an extra glass of water for every glass of alcohol/cup of coffee you take.
Increase your intake of selenium, zinc, vitamin C and E rich foods They shield your skin from UV rays-produced free radicals. Check your skin You should regularly examine your skin, at least once a month, to check for any signs or symptoms of skin cancer. People with fair skin, or who burn easily, and those with lots of moles should take particular care as they have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. There are some skin conditions that love the sun and improve during the summer months, for example psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as a pathogen – a virus that can cause a disease and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Most people who have psoriasis find that the sun helps to improve their skin’s appearance. For some the change is dramatic, with red scaly patches almost disappearing altogether during summer months. In order to help clear psoriasis, sun exposure needs to be spread over time. A week on a sunny holiday may help but rarely completely clears psoriasis, and if the skin is exposed too soon for too long, sunburn can result, which could cause injury to the skin. In some people with psoriasis such injury can start a new plaque of psoriasis at the site of the injury. Therefore it is important to increase exposure to the sun gradually, to allow your skin to adapt to the sun without burning. The key message is to enjoy the sun safely and take care of your skin, aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Don’t delay, get in touch For more information on how to access our services and how to book a private appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist please get in touch on 01473 852 574. www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital
EssentialSUFFOLK
69
Legal
JULY/AUGUST 2016
INHERITANCE TAX RELIEF ON BUSINESSES AND FARMS This article is aimed at those who own land and property which are used in qualifying businesses and in farming whereby Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) from Inheritance Tax (IHT) may be available by reducing the value transferred by a transfer of value. As it is a large and complex subject, I will confine most of my remarks in general form to BPR. There are a number of occasions on which a charge to IHT arises but for the purposes of BPR there is a deemed transfer of value on death and if BPR or APR arises there may be a relief of 50% or 100% from tax which is an important consideration.
Richard Keane
For BPR to apply the business must be a trading business (and not e.g. an investment business) and carried on in the exercise of a profession or vocation for gain. If you are running a business which you think may qualify for APR or BPR you should consider your future plans for the business and its succession as if you leave everything to your spouse no IHT will be payable because transfers of value between spouses are exempt and therefore you will fail to use the reliefs although it is possible for a spouse to execute a deed of variation within two years of death in favour of say the children. However, it is better to consider whether your children or other non-exempt beneficiaries are to directly benefit from the business and take advantage of the reliefs.
The legislation is complex and is governed by the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (IHTA1984) and explained in numerous cases usually relating to occupation and ownership and the type of business run on the property.
APR and BPR are large subjects and in another article I will concentrate on APR and further tax planning issues.
To claim BPR or APR there must be a minimum period of ownership of the business; for BPR it is two years and for APR it is two years when the owner is farming the property himself and seven years when occupied by himself or another e.g. if it is let.
If you would like to speak to us about any of these areas, please get in touch with me at our Aldeburgh Office on 01728 453595 or visit our website at www.marshallhatchick.co.uk
Quality Qualit y Carpets & F Flooring looring Excellent Ex cellent Servic Service e Highly C Competitive ompetitive P Prices rices from the Lar from Largest gest Independent St Stockists ockists in the area area Established in 1981 EB Carpets ha have ve over over 30 years years of successful successful trading trading in which time we we have have built a reputation reputation for for supplying quality quality products products with servic servicee tto o mat match. ch. A family family firm we we are are the area’s area’s lar largest gest independent st stockist ockist of all types types of floor coverings coverings and our fully trained trained team team can advise on the ideal solutions for for both domestic and commercial commercial use. Wee rrecognise customers want qualityy and vvalue W ecognise our cust omers w ant both qualit alue ffor or moneyy and pride our ourselves delivering mone selves on cconsistently onsistently deliv ering both. Wee ar aree happ happyy tto offer free estimates aree W o off er fr ee estimat es so whatever whatever yyou ou ar givee us a call. W Wee look forward looking ffor or please giv forward to to helping you. you.
ROLL RUGS AND R OLL END OFFERS
SPECIAL OFFERS SPECIAL EACH EACH MONTH
CHOICE OF OVER O VER 150 ROLLS R OLLS IN STOCK S TOCK Wee will beat any quotee fr from anyy rretail W any genuine genuine written written quot om an etail outlet
EB Carpets & F Flooring looring 246-248 2 46-248 High Str Street, eet, Walton, Walton, FFelixstowe elixstowe T:: (0 T (01394) 1394) 28 282538 2538 email:inf email:info@ebcarpetsandflooring.co.uk o@ebcarpetsandflooring.co.uk
• EXPER T PERS ONAL SER VICE EXPERT PERSONAL SERVICE 70
essentialsuffolk.com
• FFAMILY AMILLY RUN RUN BUSINES BUSINESS S • UPLIFT OF EXISTING EXISTING CARPETS CARPETS
• ALL FL FLOOR OOR PREPARATION PREPARATION • DOMESTIC DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
• FREE LLOCAL OCAL DELIVER DELIVERY Y • FREE ES ESTIMATES TIMATES
Finance
THE NEW £1,000,000 INHERITANCE TAX BAND Does it really mean less tax? Inheritance Tax, once considered a tax on the rich, is now increasingly commonplace and is an important consideration when planning what to pass on to your heirs. Gary Riches, Independent Financial Adviser at Scrutton Bland, untangles some of the complexities. Back in 2009 the government promised to raise the Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowance to £1m, and following this, last summer’s Budget saw the announcement of what is now called the ‘Main Residence Nil Rate Band’ (MR-NRB). But does it provide a £1m allowance and will less tax be payable? Firstly it is worth noting that only married couples or civil partners will benefit from the MR-NRB, so unmarried couples, divorcees or those with no children will not fully benefit. Secondly, it requires a property to be in existence or previously sold and downsized (after 8 July 2015) and it has to pass to ‘direct descendants’ such as children, grandchildren, as well as step, adopted and foster children. For estates over £2m the band is reduced gradually down to nil. Finally, the new MR-NRB is only available from 6th April 2017 at £100,000 initially and will not be available in full for five years from tax year 2020/21 at £175,000. So, on further investigation, it is very unlikely to reduce tax significantly as not everyone will benefit.
COLOUR F E N C E
Gary L Riches ACII, APFS, AIFP, CFPCM
Independent Financial Adviser/ Director Scrutton Bland Limited
However – with careful planning there are ways to ensure that tax can be saved, such as making gifts prior to death to reduce the estate value to below £2m. It is also worth considering depleting non-pension assets to maximise pension assets, and using specific products such as Discounted Gift Trust plans. These are just some of the possibilities which sit alongside a range of IHT planning options. Some have immediate tax savings, others save tax after just a two year period and other solutions may require a seven year period for tax to be saved in full. In the rapidly developing world of IHT planning, some solutions enable access to capital and income to be retained without the compromises that may have previously existed. Scrutton Bland has thirteen different document solutions for reducing Inheritance Tax payable which ultimately means passing on more to your beneficiaries. A number of our recent case experiences have resulted in no tax liability being payable, despite relatively large estate values on death. If you are acting as an attorney or you are interested in paying less inheritance tax, Scrutton Bland’s Independent Financial Advisers offer a ‘no obligation’ meeting to new clients to talk through possible options. Please contact me at gary.riches@scruttonbland.co.uk or 01206 838400. Scrutton Bland Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Colourfence the smart choice for long lasting, low maintenance fencing
Attractive steel garden fencing, railings and gates professionally installed with up to a 25 year guarantee* C O LO U R
C O LO U R
F E N C E
R A I L
DITED ACCRE
ANCE INTEN LOW MA
PROFESSIONAL
INSTALLATION
Learn more about the innovative and long-lasting Colourfence range of products including satisfied customer video testimonials at www.colourfence.co.uk
Contact Charles Simpson now for a FREE no-obligation quote
The Limes Farmhouse, Saxtead Green, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9QH Tel: 01728 685019 www.colourfence.co.uk email: charles.simpson@colourfence.co.uk
*full details available upon request
EssentialSUFFOLK
71
Property
Essential
PROPERTY 74 75 77 79 80 81 83 84 92
Fenn Wright Flick & Son ECR Properties Neals Clarke & Simpson Castle Estates Jackson-Stops & Staff Savills Hopkins Homes
76 Earl Soham
78 Cretingham
82 Southwold EssentialSUFFOLK
73
christchurch Park
Bromeswell
A substantial family home situated in the popular village of Bromeswell to the outskirts of Woodbridge benefiting from two self-contained annexes. This individual architect-designed family home has accommodation on three floors extending to approximately 2,400 sq. ft. and has westerly-facing landscaped gardens.
Guide Price £650,000
hintlesham
• Sitting room, dining room & family room • Extended kitchen • Master & two guest bedrooms with en-suites • Three further bedrooms • Family bathroom, ground floor cloakroom • Gas central heating, double-glazing • Double garage • 70 ft. landscaped garden • EPC Rating D Guide Price £650,000
witnesham An established cottage occupying a stunning position with views across the valley and the undulating countryside beyond, occupying grounds of approximately 7 acres.
A well-presented, five bedroom, detached family home in a cul-desac position with views over the Fynn Valley, occupying established gardens extending to approximately half an acre.
Guide Price £650,000
• • • • •
Five bedrooms Balcony to master bedroom Three reception rooms Three bath/shower rooms Kitchen/breakfast room, boot & utility room • Gated entrance, double garage & ample parking • Stunning views over open fields • EPC Rating E
• • • • • •
Three bedrooms Three reception rooms Kitchen/breakfast room Double garage Further garage & cart lodge Elevated position with stunning countryside views • Gardens & grounds extending to approx. 7 acres
Guide Price £600,000
• • • • • • • •
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 3 reception rooms Underfloor heating Period features Views over meadowland Just under a third of an acre In and out driveway EPC Rating E
JUNE 2016
TUDOR MANOR
EARL SOHAM LODGE FACTS LOCATION: EARL SOHAM GUIDE PRICE: £2,500,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF
By anyone’s standards Earl Soham Lodge is a superior property. In an elevated setting at the end of a tree lined driveway it is Grade II listed and understood to date from Tudor times. The original manor, built on the site of a medieval hunting lodge, formed part of both the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk’s estates for many centuries. The moated lodge, a registered national monument, is approached over a twin arched bridge and is surrounded by part-walled formal gardens. Inside the accommodation, which includes three reception rooms and six bedrooms is elegant and beautifully presented.
76
essentialsuffolk.com
It features a stunning Tudor Hall drawing room with a high ceiling, exposed fluted timbers, wall panelling and a wide inglenook fireplace.
Set off the former service hall is a panelled morning room with French doors onto the gardens, a good sized study and a laundry room/cloakroom.
There are two classically proportioned Georgian reception rooms which stand either side of the galleried reception hall and there’s also an impressive 33’ long kitchen/breakfast room which features bespoke units with walnut and granite work surfaces.
Upstairs is a spacious central library landing, which overlooks the rear courtyard and six principal bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms including a well-proportioned master bedroom.
Property On the second floor are a further eight former staff rooms, which have the potential to be refurbished. Outside there’s a range of buildings, which have been converted to create a selfcontained flexible use annexe/office, with a sitting room, bedroom, shower room and large kitchen. To one side is a range of domestic stores and to the other the former coach house provides garaging beyond which is a multipurpose studio/gym/games room. The stunning moat with its Georgian bridge encompasses part walled formal lawned gardens and beyond are gardens and parkland grounds which include a series of recently rejuvenated medieval fishponds. In all the property extends to about 7.6 acres.
INFORMATION Jackson-Stops & Staff 01473 218218 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property
Guide £1,175,000 PIXEY GREEN, NEAR STRADBROKE • 4 bedroom • annexe potential • Grade II listed • stand-alone location • excellent purpose-built equestrian facilities • 40m x 20m manège • modern barn • loose boxes • post and rail paddocks • around 20 ACRES (stms)
Guide £800,000 BROCKDISH, NEAR DISS • 4 bedroom • Grade II • period features . detached annexe (potential holiday let) • excellent equestrian facilities • stable block • kennels • wildlife pond • woodland • excess of 8 ACRES (stms)
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK ... www.ecrproperties.com 01449 711727 / 07767 327327 @ECRproperties for all the lastest property news
EssentialSUFFOLK
77
JUNE 2016
TEN POTS FACTS LOCATION: CRETINGHAM GUIDE PRICE: ÂŁ600,000 AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON
LIVING THE COUNTRY DREAM Ten Pots sits in one of the most lovely, standalone, rural yet convenient locations and is as close to dream country living as you can get. It has four bedrooms and sits in an acre of land and has been one property for many years, although it is believed originally to have been a pair of Victorian red brick cottages. The current owners have carried out a superb and sympathetic renovation project both inside and out and that includes rebuilding the chimney and adding ten new chimney pots. Inside all the windows have been replaced with hand-built double glazed timber units. In the dining room, beautiful gothicstyle French doors and windows have been added.
78
essentialsuffolk.com
There’s a bespoke kitchen built by a local craftsman, Jim Baldry with a mixture of granite work surfaces and solid maple work surfaces. The cottage now offers stylish and comfortable accommodation over two floors, with the ground floor having a kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and dining room, family room, sitting room and study. On the first floor are four bedrooms and a bathroom.
and shrub bed. The lawn contains and is bordered by mature trees and shrubs, as well as fox proof fencing. Within this part of the garden are four timber sheds used as wood stores, a mower store and workshop with fitted benches and electricity. From the main garden is access via gates to an orchard/pet area, which contains chicken huts, and also to the vegetable garden area, which has raised vegetable beds, a greenhouse and a former Felixstowe beach hut.
Outside a patio sits next to the house and enjoys fantastic views over the gardens. These contain outbuildings, a vegetable area, orchard and fully fenced pet area. The rear garden is idyllic. Beyond the patio is a rose
INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property
01394 382263 enquiries@nsf.co.uk www.nsf.co.uk 26 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1DP
FALKENHAM - A SYMPATHETICALLY EXTENDED GRADE II LISTED PROPERTY
This delightful property is set in a lovely mature garden and has the advantage of a Garage, Workshop, Summer House, Greenhouse, Home Office etc. It is set back from the road leading through the village and it is thought to date from the early 16th century, with later additions. The property provides accommodation with a great deal of character with ample evidence of the timber framing. Hall, Cloakroom, Sitting Room, Study, Kitchen-Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Shower Room, Bedroom with En-Suite Dressing Room, 2 further Bedrooms and a Bathroom. EPC Not applicable. Offers around £475,000
WALDRINGFIELD - A POPULAR RIVERSIDE VILLAGE
WOODBRIDGE - SURPRISINGLY SPACIOUS PERIOD HOUSE
This well built detached family house enjoys views over the neighbouring fields. The accommodation comprises Hall, Cloak-Shower Room, Sitting Room, Study, Conservatory, Kitchen-Dining Room and Utility Room, 4 first floor Bedrooms 1 En-Suite and Family Bathroom. Loft. Car Port with electric roller doors. Garden by Gilman-Earle Design. Workshop and lead capped Pagoda. EPC Band C. Offers around £695,000
A Period property within walking distance of Kingston Field, The River Deben and The Thoroughfare. There is ample evidence of the timber frame inside the house which provides surprisingly spacious accommodation comprising Hall, Cloak-Shower Room, Study, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Conservatory, Kitchen, Utility, 3 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. Parking. Mature Garden. EPC Band E Offers around £425,000
Mickfield, Nr Debenham £795,000
Ubbeston, between Framlingham & Halesworth £750,000
An impressive period farmhouse that now requires modernising, with range of outbuildings and delightful gardens of approximately 1.25 acres, close to the centre of the village. Entrance porch, entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, annexe with kitchenette and shower room, kitchen/breakfast room, pantry, study, back kitchen, utility room, shower room and cloakroom. Six bedrooms and bathroom. Attic rooms. Workshop and garage. Potting shed. EPC = F Ref: 5541
A residential farm standing in a lovely position with period house, substantial range of historic and modern barns, along with gardens and meadows of 10 acres. House comprising sitting room, dining room, kitchen, study and cloakroom. 2 first floor bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. 2 second floor bedrooms, 1 with an en-suite shower room and the other with an en-suite cloakroom. Substantial parking and yard. Studio, historic party barn, large workshop, Dutch barn, Nissen huts, store barns and stables. Ref: 5531
Bedfield, Nr Framlingham £410,000
Aldeburgh £395,000
Grundisburgh, Nr Woodbridge £350,000
A well maintained detached house located within the centre of the village. Hallway, kitchen, utility room, dining room, sitting room and cloakroom. Three double bedrooms, en-suite shower room and bathroom. Ample off-road parking. Double garage. Gardens extending, in all, to 0.17 acres. EPC = E Ref: 5535
A charming cottage set along King Street in the heart of Aldeburgh, only a short distance from the beach. Two bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor. Sitting/dining room on the first floor with kitchen, study/playroom and cloakroom. Courtyard garden. EPC = C Ref: 5512
A Grade II Listed cottage requiring renovation and refurbishment, close to the centre of the village. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and rear hall. Three bedrooms (one walkthrough). Former scullery. Gardens extending to approximately 0.44 acres. Ref: 5544
Westleton, Nr Heritage Coast £325,000
Kettleburgh, Nr Framlingham £250,000
Cransford, Nr Framlingham £230,000
A rare opportunity to purchase a pretty, detached cottage located adjacent to the RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve. Porch, sitting/dining room, kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom. Mature grounds of over quarter of an acre. Ref: 5516
An attractive terraced cottage in the village of Kettleburgh. Entrance hall, open plan sitting room/dining room/kitchen and cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Second bedroom and shower room. 2 parking spaces. Courtyard garden with timber shed. EPC = C Ref: 5564
A charming semi-detached cottage situated within the village of Cransford. Porch, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room and bathroom. Two first floor bedrooms. Off-road parking and low maintenance front and rear gardens. No forward chain. Ref: 5540
Clarke and Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU
T: 01728 724200
www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk
JUNE 2016
SEA VIEWS FROM SOUTHWOLD
HILL HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: SOUTHWOLD GUIDE PRICE: £1,750,000 AGENT: SAVILLS
Situated on Constitution Hill, probably the best location in Southwold, Hill House is a fine building offering stunning sea and marshland views. With five bedrooms and a large garden it is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well situated with easy access to all of Southwold facilities and the heritage coast beyond.
82
essentialsuffolk.com
The house itself has been constructed from Suffolk White Brick under pitched slate roofs and has enormous character. There are numerous period features throughout the house that include deep, full height sash and bay windows, decorative cornice work, open fireplaces, exposed wooden floors, French windows and bi-fold doors. The house, which requires modernisation, offers a great opportunity to buyers for many reasons and has a particularly impressive drawing room, set on the first floor with a large bay window to take advantage of the far reaching sea views.
However these views really are a feature of this property and having large windows on all three floors the outdoors is very much of the essence of this building. The garden – which is part walled – is spacious, lawned and runs through to provide access to the common. The house further benefits from off road parking for two cars as well as an integral spacious garage/workshop.
INFORMATION Savills 01473 234830 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property
jackson-stops.co.uk
Mendlesham
Holbrook
A beautifully presented country house in a private setting. 4 recepts. Kitchen/breakfast. 4 beds. 3 bath/showers. 2 bed annexe. Double cart lodge. Former stables. Workshop. 16 acres. Epc-D
A handsome Grade II listed Georgian former rectory in a secluded village setting. 3 recepts. 45’ kitchen/diner. 6 beds. 3 bath/showers. Garaging. Extensive cellarage. Large Function room. 2.25 acres.
Guide Price £1,500,000
Guide Price £1,650,000
Layham
Clopton
A classic Grade II Listed Georgian mill house with an historic Victorian working watermill, mill race and mill pool. 4 recepts. Sun room. Kitch/break. 5 beds. 2 bath/showers. Outbuildings. Fishing rights. About 12.5 acres.
A handsome Grade II listed former rectory set amidst mature gardens. 4 recepts. Study. AGA kitchen. 6 beds. 2 baths. Former coach house and original stables with annexe potential. 1.4 acres.
Guide Price £1,250,000
Guide Price £875,000
Westerfield
Ipswich
A picturesque Grade II Listed 16th Century farmhouse amidst mature gardens and grounds. 3 recepts. 5 beds. 2 baths. Flexible use annexe buildings. Garaging. Swimming pool. 1 acre paddock. 2.5 acres.
A restored and well-presented three storey Victorian townhouse with private, mature garden. 2 recepts. Breakfast room. Study. 6 beds. 2 bath/showers. Cellar. Utility & stores. Double garage & parking.
Guide Price £850,000
Guide Price £775,000
Contact Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn or James Squirrell 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices
People Property Places
Essential Faces
To view more, or purchase, photographs from this event visit essentialsuffolk.com
The Pier Part of the Milsom Hotels group, The Pier at Harwich has been recently refurbished and was re-launched with guests enjoying cocktails and some early summer sunshine on the balcony of the first floor restaurant over-looking the harbour. Tendring Brass Band provided entertainment from the deck of LV18, the last manned Trinity Light vessel. Paul & Geraldine Milsom, Stas Anastasiades
Martin English, Amanda & Matthew Kincaid, Joanne Ainger, Andrew & Julie Grey
Lucy & Christian Zemann
Ivan Henderson, Fiona & Charlie Powell
Pam & Andy Mear
Kate Stevens,Tom Daly, Matthew Vincent
Emma Beasley, Claire Carran, Louise Lord, Michelle Baracliffe
Robert Leeds, Julie Smart
Lydia & Jamie Lammond, Sue Tasker
EssentialSUFFOLK
85
Essential Faces
Suffolk Show The Suffolk Show is the biggest and the best two-day celebration of everything that makes our county great. This year’s Show at Trinity Park was no exception with livestock and farming, Suffolk heritage, commerce and living all showcased with vibrant competitions, stands and exhibits.
Olivia Huntingford, Hilary Lightfoot, Jess Mawson
Theresa Wilding,Verity MacMahon, Heaven Sochon, Jill Bryce
Lindsey Rendall, Helen Wright
Michael Bedford, Clare Fairs, Andrew Wheeler
86
essentialsuffolk.com
Paddy Bishopp, Iain Jamie
Wendy Quantrill, Dr Martin Hine, Vicky Fox and pupils of St Joseph’s College Prep School
Graham Gamble, Jack Abbott
Laura Milldown, Mona Sheepshanks
Michelle Wootton, Sue Philips
Emma Pratt, Jill Barrett, Michael Grist
To view more, or purchase, photographs from these events visit essentialsuffolk.com
Flick & Son Anniversary Celebration Peter Watson and Chris Burrell-Saward celebrated the 21st anniversary of their ownership of Flick and Son with a summer drinks party at Aldeburgh Yacht Club. The pair took over the firm from William H Brown in 1995, returning Flick & Son to its independent roots stretching back to 1833. Around 100 people attended including the Mayors of Aldeburgh and Southwold. Chris & Pauline Burrell-Saward, Jane Reiss-Watson, Peter Watson
Jean Flick, Frances Paul
Mark Stewart,Trevor Salmon
Martin Brown, Lynn Middleton, Philip & Jackie Attwood, Sam Brown
John Digby, Melanie Tucker
Mark & Ruth Crisp
James Robbins, Nigel Farthing
Sue Potter, Margaret Butcher, Rosa Ackland-Snow, Grace Young, Lara Balls
Christopher Clarke, Mike Tilbrook
Kerry Kirby, Richard Brown
EssentialSUFFOLK
87
Essential Faces
Charity Dog Walk Dog owners and their four legged friends put their best paws forward, along with the team from The Hearing Care Centre, to help raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The morning stroll started in Chillesford with a delicious breakfast being provided by David Grimwood at The Froize Inn. Over a four mile stretch, the walk made the most of the beautiful scenery around Chillesford and Tunstall Forest.
Julie Fisk, Jackie Abbott
Lesley Rawlinson
Julie Mark, Katherine & Clifford Merlo
88
essentialsuffolk.com
Jean Maxwell
The charity walkers raising funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Sandrine Delaporte, Alan Grimwood
Tina, Gemma & David Cook
Eric Reeve
Jenna & Linda Greening
Tara & Charlie Godsmith, Lindsay Basketh, Jane Lenihan
To view more, or purchase, photographs from these events visit essentialsuffolk.com
Ufford Park Corporate Golf Day 17 teams of four, all inclusive of a representative from Ufford Park Woodbridge turned out to their Annual Corporate Day. Despite the rather bleak conditions the course looked stunning, played absolutely superbly and the day, inclusive of both breakfast and dinner was enjoyed by all. Kurt Scheepers, Mark Groves, Alan Cowie
Richard Maclean, Stuart Robertson, Bob Baker
Nick Holdsworth, Tarnia Robertson
Kurt Hedgley, Bob Baker
Edward Burgess, Lee Dinmore, Reg Beardsley
Luke Cleland, Tom Wake
Adrian Kersey, Steve Alabaster, Mark Bartram, Colin Aldous
Barry Heaney, Dianne Clarke
Derek Rothwell, Ian Joyce, Nick Holdsworth, John Clark
EssentialSUFFOLK
89
My Suffolk
JULY/AUGUST 2016
What do you think makes the county so attractive to people? For me, it’s the way that people from all walks of life get on and have time for one another; there really is a strong sense of community and belonging which I guess is increasingly precious in this modern world. And then there’s the natural timeless beauty, great art and culture, history underneath our feet, wonderful food and drink.
Suffolk Dog Day, raising money for Suffolk Community Foundation and the thousands of small local charities it supports, is always a highlight of the summer. The Chief Executive of the Foundation, Stephen Singleton, talks about his life in Suffolk How did you come to live in Suffolk? I came to school here over 40 years ago and from the first moment I arrived I fell in love with the big skies, the estuaries and the gently undulating landscape – it’s not flat! My father first discovered Suffolk though. Following his demob from the RAF in 1947, he recommissioned a 1935 Rudge Ulster motorcycle, added a sidecar, put his young Belgian wife on the pillion in a flying suit with leather flying helmet, placed his young son in the sidecar with a tent for company and filled the petrol tank with fuel. As a romantic, he told my mother that wherever the Rudge ran out of fuel, would be the place of their first camp. Entering Suffolk and heading to the coast, the bike stuttered to a halt in Stutton to be rescued by a passing motorist who, recognising that my father was a returning serviceman from the war, offered a safe haven in the village. There began our Suffolk odyssey. 90
essentialsuffolk.com
Do you have any favourite restaurants? Well, we really are spoilt for choice. I was first taken to the Butley Orford Oysterage as a young boy in short trousers and I’m still using it, so it must be a favourite! I love fish and with my wife, Faye, we have discovered the Sole Bay Fish Co in Southwold harbour, a real find. Closer to home, we are enjoying The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell and are very lucky that our local, The Turks Head in Hasketon has lovely new owners, a magnificent refurbishment, friendly staff and a talented chef. Where’s the best place to go for a pint? In our late teens, my school friends and I discovered the Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill. In those days, it used to serve Tolly Cobbold straight from the barrel, which we nicknamed ‘Wash’. It was frequented by old bargeman and the late Giles, the Daily Express’ leading cartoonist, and according to local rumour, was a secret rendezvous point for Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson. It was joyous in our youth and remains so today. It is still hard to better with that view across the Orwell, a pint of wash (now Adnams but still excellent), and time spent laughing with those lifelong friends. Are you a supporter of the Arts? If so where do you like to go? I enjoy all the arts and again, think we are incredibly lucky in Suffolk to have such a huge opportunity to enjoy so much locally. You don’t even have to leave Suffolk to experience pretty much any art form, at world-class level. Over the years, I have also seen directly, through the work of the Foundation, how people who are facing challenging times can be really helped through the arts. It is for this reason that we have launched our arts and culture fund, which I’m honoured to say, is being supported during September with a very special visit to Suffolk by the Royal Ballet.
Is there somewhere you like to escape to for ‘thinking’ time? I think I’m a reasonably sociable person but I do enjoy solitude and time for thinking. I’m also an early bird whose brain is working at its best first thing in the morning and so, I often take myself off before Suffolk has woken up and when I can have it to myself. Inevitably, my destination will offer me a view of water, ideally with a few bobbing boats on it. Do you have any hobbies? Faye tells me that I have too many hobbies and believes that I will never be bored when retirement looms. I think however, that I would bore you if I listed them all, so as an overview, I love music, have a ‘collecting’ nature and enjoy anything that involves motion via a combustion engine, a sail or two long pieces of wood strapped to the feet. Do you enjoy walking? Yes, over the past twenty years, I have walked the whole length of the Suffolk coastline twice, walked the course of the River Stour from the sea to its source near Newmarket and covered the North Norfolk Coastal Path. Where would you take people on a tour of Suffolk? One of my colleagues at the Foundation is cycling the Dunwich Dynamo, an annual cycling event starting from Victoria Park in London and finishing at Dunwich, in all, 130 miles. When I studied the route, I saw that it crossed the Suffolk/Essex border at Sudbury and travelled right through the middle of the county, diagonally, finishing at Dunwich. It takes in beautiful wool towns, villages, farm and heath land, and coastline – a perfect route that I would like to borrow. If you had one picture that illustrates Suffolk where would it be? I don’t think I could choose just one. Those big Suffolk skies create such a very special light that has attracted artists, musicians, writers and thinkers throughout the centuries. Maybe I would borrow from their inspirations and choose Benjamin Britten’s coastline, John Constable’s Stour Valley and Edward Seago’s barges tacking on the River Orwell – wonderful.
Directory
Essential
DIRECTORY HOMES AND GARDENS
MOTORING
Just Tiles 3 Sales, Service & Repair The Woodlands, Badley, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8RS Tel: 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com
"
The perfect tiles for all the family
"
# #!"" !$
www.angliafactors.co.uk
#
PRINTING
Quality Bespoke Fitted Kitchens at Affordable Prices Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture
01473 890122
www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk
www.woodfarmkitchens.co.uk
SUFFOLK HOT TUBS Kitchen & Bathroom specialists Designing rooms to relax and enjoy at the heart of your home
KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING B E D R O O M | B AT H R O O M
Woodbridge interiors smithfield.melton.suffolk.ip12 1nG 01394 386390
Visit our beautiful showroom 43 – 45 St Andrew’s Street South Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PH Tel 01284 731025
www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk
www.neptuneburystedmunds.com
&
Rendall Wright
VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM Rentals now available – ask for details
Spas in stock for quick delivery. Garden buildings, composite decking, artificial grass, landscape and design specialists. Splasher pools. Hot tub chemicals in stock
Award winning interior design, creating beautiful, elegant and timeless interiors in the heart of Suffolk 01787 375076 info@rendallandwright.com www.rendallandwright.com
Make the most of your hot tub this summer. Summer service just £149. 10% off all chemical orders over £25.
DO YOU HAVE CHICKENS? KEEP THEM SAFE WITH ‘CLUCK ‘N’ SHUT’ FROM JUST £115. CALL FOR DETAILS. www.foxwoodceramics.co.uk
Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 ODE (Opposite the Shepherd and Dog)
Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk
To advertise call 01473 809932, we’ll be happy to help and advise you EssentialSUFFOLK
91
Inspired by tradition
TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you're searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins & Moore. We are East Anglia's leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.
hopkinshomes.co.uk • 01394 446860 Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex