Essential Suffolk May 2014

May 2014 | Priceless

Essential CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

SUFFOLK

ON FOOT

The Suffolk Walking Festival Reaches its Seventh Year Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Elite Properties

www.essentialsuffolk.com

SUFFOLK

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MAY 2014

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@alanbrannandesign.co.uk Cover photograph by Adrian Rawlinson

| Welcome

WELCOME Suffolk is a glorious county and because we live in what’s considered rural bliss, outsiders might wrongly assume that we lack cultural diversity in the arts. But, over the last few weeks I’ve had conversations with some of the people who should know – theatre and dance directors, artists, filmmakers and performers, all of whom have to moved to Suffolk, from the capitals of the world, and have confirmed what all of us who live here have known all along. Quite simply we have the best of both worlds; access to national and world class music, theatre, dance and art plus our coast, pretty villages and big skies too.

The cultural diversity of our county is brilliantly illustrated this month as we feature the Red Rose Chain, Pulse, a festival that’s now well and truly on the national theatre calendar, plus an interview with the sparkly eyed star of The Great British Bake Off – Paul Hollywood. May of course is a huge month for the county because the biggest event on the county’s agenda – The Suffolk Show – falls in the school half term holiday and this year is admitting under 14s free of charge as well as dogs being welcomed back to the showground.

Essential Suffolk has always been keen to promote walking – our regular Pub Dog Walks with Darcy are extremely popular – but this month there’s a treat for really keen walkers as Suffolk hosts its own walking festival. Now in its seventh year it’s an extraordinary event with walks for people of all ages and for those who like a challenge the chance to walk along both the northern and southern county boundaries. Talking of exercise, we’ve also taken a look at Inspire Suffolk – a sports charity that’s education and training aims have been given a huge boost by its new premises in Ipswich.

As always Essential Suffolk is packed with great reading; food, fashion, gardening, property and plenty of ideas for your home. Look out too for our new series – Essential Explores, starting this month with Woodbridge.

Don’t forget to keep up to date with what’s going on by following us on Twitter @EssentialSFK

See all our Social photos at essentialsuffolk.com Follow us on twitter @EssentialSFK

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.

Anne Gould Anne Gould Editor

editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk

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.

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34 Gloster Road Martlesham Heath Ipswich IP5 3RD 01473 610 192 www.angliafactors.co.uk

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Contents

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FEATURES

PEOPLE

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30

25 28 32 38

2014 Suffolk Walking Festival Now in its seventh year and with over 80 walks we look at the festival that helps you discover Suffolk on foot

Red Rose Chain A childhood dream comes to fruition with the building of a new theatre for Ipswich

Inspire Suffolk We talk to Chief Executive Terry Baxter about the Suffolk charity providing sports for all

Essential Explores In the first of a new series of articles we take a look at what Woodbridge has to offer

Suffolk Show 2014 The highlight of the county’s event calendar with new strategies to help young people with skills and careers in agriculture

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21 47

Pub Dog Walk

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Food and Drink

65 66 74 77

Antiques & Auctions

90 93

Motoring

Along the Fynn Valley from the Swan at Westerfield

Paul Hollywood Master of the Great British Bake Off on tour at the Regent Theatre, Ipswich

My Suffolk Gary Avis, Ballet Master at The Royal Ballet

REGULARS

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Suffolk in Brief News from around the county

What’s On Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this May

Mini Previews Blood Brothers, opera from the Aldeburgh Music Club, the Pulse Festival and the 2014 Hadleigh Show

Fashion What to wear at the Suffolk Show plus the trend for Leather & Lace

Dining at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel and The Hadleigh Ram, a lobster recipe from The Galley, Adnams’ Rob Chase on wine plus our food gallery filled with ideas for eating out

Expecting the unexpected

Homes & Interiors Dining outdoors

Gardening Ponds and water features

Property A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

The Suzuki Grand Vitara

Essential Faces Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

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Fancy going for a walk this spring? Somewhere beautiful, somewhere different? Anne Gould looks at the Suffolk Walking Festival and two long distance walking routes featured in this year’s programme

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The Suffolk Walking Festival

DISCOVERING SUFFOLK ON FOOT S

ome say walking is the perfect exercise – it helps your heart, it’s good for your bones, boosts your mental health and doesn’t put too much impact on your joints. But health benefits aside if you live in Suffolk there’s really no excuse for not walking – we’ve got the footpaths, we’ve got the landscape, the wilderness and contrary to popular opinion, a few hills as well.

The Suffolk Walking Festival – now in its seventh year – celebrates and explores all aspects of our county and will take place between May 10 and June 1.With nearly 80 guided walks, strolls and rambles across the county it offers something for everyone, whether you are fit and active, have little ones or a four-footed companion in tow or would much simply rather go at a more sedate pace.

Some walks have themes – history, wildlife, food and drink and two aim to take you on voyages of discovery both physically and intellectually along long distance paths beside the county boundaries.

17 miles a day, will require stamina if you are to complete the full routes however one of the beauties of organised walks such as these is that participants can choose to walk the full length or dip in and out of days as suits.

To the north there’s the now annual Challenge Walk which takes place from May 17-22. This year it will be tackling the Angles Way following the River Waveney – all 90 miles of it from sea to source. In the south there’s the Stour Valley Path walk on six separate days between May 13-24. This route celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and takes you through a trail of discovery along the valley of the River Stour from the Cambridge border to Cattawade. Both walks are spectacular and both, covering between eight and

Without a doubt the Challenge Walk is the toughest of the two because the 90 miles is being completed in six consecutive days with the shortest daily distance on day one – a 13-mile stretch between Fritton Lake and Carlton Marshes. Organiser David Falk, says for those who complete the whole path there will also be medals and goody bags available. However that’s not necessarily what the walk is about – people can choose the challenge for either one or a number of days. ‰

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The Suffolk Walking Festival

“The way we’ve arranged it is that we meet at 9am every day and walk out to our destination and then get a bus back so people can drive home.” For those who wish to stay overnight en route however, he can provide tourist board information about accomodation along the way.

Each day will include a talk from an expert along the way – for instance on day one they will be learning about the re-introduction of the Fen Raft spider to Suffolk’s nature reserves and hopefully get to see this species too.

Further along the route there’s a guided tour of the Euston estate as well as visits to Beccles and Bungay and The Joy of All who Sorrow Russian Orthodox church in Mettingham. David says they will also be stopping off at some great pubs – the Locks Inn at Geldeston (just over the border in Norfolk) unusual because you can get to it on foot or by boat, St Peter’s Brewery at South Elmham and The Swan at Hoxne. There will also be some occasional treats in store – the odd cream tea, for instance!

“I decided to walk west from the sea to the source of the Waveney through to Knettishall Health joining Britain’s oldest road – The Ickneild Way – to end

up at the Elveden Estate.“I thought it would be great to walk with the sun on our backs and towards the quite extraordinary Brecklands.“We discover the source of the Waveney is at Redgrave and Lopham Fen with rivers either side of the road with one flowing east towards the North Sea at Great Yarmouth and the other, the Little Ouse going north to The Wash.”

Meanwhile the Stour Valley Path offers something different - the walk goes eastwards and although it too is done over six days the distances aren’t so great and it’s spread timewise over a couple of weeks. Starting at Devil’s Dyke - an ancient defensive barrier- it winds through an undulating river valley beloved by some of East Anglia’s most famous artists and writers. Immortalised by the likes of Constable, Gainsborough, Munnings and Nash the six walks included in this year’s festival have been devised so people can get public transport to where they have parked their cars at the start.

Besides some amazing views, sections through sunken lanes and gladed corridors there will be opportunities to take in some of Suffolk’s most charming chocolate box villages – at Clare and Cavendish and also discover the legend

of Wormingford’s dragon. Yes, apparently Suffolk did reportedly have a dragon - and he’s there resplendent in stained glass at the parish church, St Andrew’s in Wormingford. The dragon appeared at a ford on the River Stour in the 15th century and devoured many wayfarers. There are various accounts of how it met it’s demise – some say Sir Bertram de Haye killed it by felling a tree which fell on it – but another says Sir George Marney used his lance to slay it. However what appears most likely was that this was no mythical dragon but the escaped crocodile given to Richard 1. The route then meanders on backwards and forwards over the Essex border through unspoilt countryside – Nayland, Stoke by Nayland, Dedham, Constable Country and onwards to the sea at Cattawade.

More details of the Stour Valley Path, the Suffolk Challenge event or any of the other shorter walks can be found on the Suffolk Walking Festival website.

As the walks are becoming increasing popular it is advised to book your place as early as possible.

INFORMATION www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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News

SUFFOLK in brief with demonstrations of the very latest hearing aid technology. To book an appointment call Freephone 0800 096 2637.

Catherine Haddon Interiors are

Simon Robey, Chairman of the Council of Aldeburgh Music, has announced the appointment of Roger Wright to the position of Chief Executive. Roger Wright comes to Aldeburgh Music from the BBC where he is currently Controller, BBC Radio 3 and Director, BBC Proms. He will take up his position in early September. Commenting on the appointment, Simon Robey said “Roger knows and loves Aldeburgh Music and understands its particular place in the artistic and wider life of its region, as well as its national and international role. He will bring an exceptional breadth and depth of experience to all we do. I am confident that, building on the remarkable achievements of his predecessor, Jonathan Reekie, he will lead Aldeburgh Music to even greater heights.”

The Suffolk Coast Business Exhibition, organised by the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative (HCMTI), is on the move to Snape Maltings to allow room for expansion. This year’s show has received praise from visitors and exhibitors with many already booked for 25th March 2015.

Andy Smith, responsible for Economic Development at Suffolk Coastal District Council said “It is crucially important to bring businesses together to interact with each other, with funding partners, and with those of us who are in politics to promote business; and to get the public in.”

Businesses and individuals wishing to be involved should contact annette@hcmti.co.uk

The month of May is home to National Deaf Awareness Week, and therefore a chance to take a closer look at a neglected but vitally important issue in health care.

Local hearing specialists, The Hearing Care Centre are holding an Open Week at their Ipswich practice (Upper Brook Street) between 19-24 May. Free hearing tests and professional advice will be on offer, along

delighted to announce that they will be opening a shop in Framlingham within The Fireplace Shop on Crown and Anchor Lane. The shop (located upstairs within the building) will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and will showcase the range of wooden curtain poles, samples of curtains and blinds together with all the other things sold on the company’s website www.catheirnehaddon.co.uk

Hosted by The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Sir Edward Greenwell, inspirational local charities, community groups and volunteers have been celebrated at the annual High Sheriff Awards ceremony held at University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich on Wednesday 2nd April. The event was organised by Suffolk Community Foundation who manage the High Sheriff ’s Fund. Speaking about the awards, the High Sheriff said: “During my year as High Sheriff, I have travelled over a lot of this county, and come to realise just how much we rely on the work of Voluntary Organisations to keep our society going. In every town, in every village no matter how small, there exist admirable people, who give their time and effort to others, often for years on end and often unrecognised... we are here to honour them, and to thank them for making this wonderful county of Suffolk a safer and better place for us all.” Winners of the awards can be found at www.suffolkcf.org.uk A selection of pictures can be seen on page with more on our website www.essentialsuffolk.com/socialpages

The recent ‘Captain’s Drive In’ at Ufford Park Woodbridge raised over £200 for the Captains Charities. 2014 Club Captain Paul Jordan, Ladies Captain Pam Burgess and Junior Captain Will Smith were heavily supported by their fellow members of the club. In usual Ufford Park tradition, the Captains drove off from the Yellow tees and their yardage was recorded for the sweepstake. For 2014 Paul is supporting the East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group whilst Pam has chosen the Alzheimer’s Society as her selected for the year, both of which are charities personal to them.

Caroline Wiseman, Modern and Contemporary Art, is celebrating 25 years

in art dealing during which time she has been based in London, New York and now in Aldeburgh. Located opposite the iconic Lookout tower on Aldeburgh beach her new home has allowed her to further express her USP of displaying art in a home environment. The Lookout has under her watch become a unique place of artistic innovation with the revelations of artists in residence which include Britain’s most exciting emerging talents. Caroline has openings every Saturday lunchtime when you can just turn up or separate viewings can be arranged by emailing her at caroline@carolinewiseman.com

Adnams reputation within the world of

spirits continues to grow with medals received at this year’s prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards: Bronze for Single Malt No1 and Silver for Triple Grain.

Bronze medals were also awarded to Adnams Copper House Distilled Gin and Spirit of Broadside. Adnams Distiller John McCarthy is pleased with the acclaim that our Triple Grain whisky has achieved and explains why: “Our Triple Grain Whisky is stylistically closer to American whiskies than it is to its Scottish cousins.This is in part due to its mix of malted grains – East Anglian barley, wheat and Scottish oats – but mostly due to the use of toasted new American oak casks in its maturation. Scottish, Canadian and Irish whiskies tend to be matured in previously used oak casks – usually either ex-bourbon or sherry casks.”

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MAY 2014

WHAT’S ON APRIL 28 – MAY 3 Blood Brothers

Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 7.30pm See mini preview page 21 Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Benjamin Britten: War Requiem

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

Snape Maltings, 7pm

Wetheringsett

University of Essex Choir, Alwyn Mellor soprano, Benjamin Hulett tenor Benjamin Appl baritone, Essex Sinfonia, conductor Richard Cooke. This monumental work, full of musical emblems of conflict and resolution, for large orchestra, small chamber orchestra, three soloists, full chorus and boys’ choir is a fitting piece for the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Tickets: £24 – £12 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Re-enacting soldiers, sailors and airmen, military vehicles and displays plus real ale bar and steam train rides. www.mslr.org.uk

Farmers Markets

Beccles, Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Metfield, Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1pm Jimmy’s Farm, 10am – 2pm MAY 1 – 3 Gecko – Institute

Lunchtime Concert

St Mary-le-Tower Church, Ipswich, 1.10pm Lunchtime concert featuring Julian Empett (Baritone) and Ian Tindale (Piano).

Refreshments available from 12.30pm.

Entry: Free with retiring collection Information: stmaryletower@hotmail.com www.stmaryletower.org.uk Ballet Central

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds MAY 4

Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm As well as being visually captivating, Institute is an extremely intimate work, incisively dissecting the way we nurture and care for ourselves and each other.

Entry price: £10 (£7 concessions) Contact: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

MAY 6

Classic Vehicle Rally & Country Fayre

Earsham Hall, near Bungay, 10am – 5pm Classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and both commercial and military vehicles. Other attractions on the day will include food and craft stalls, licensed bar, trade stands, auto jumble, children's games, entertainers and workshops.

Tickets: £3 adults Information: 07599 935113

Fresh from a sell-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Ballet Central performs an exciting programme of ballet, contemporary and jazz dance. The varied repertoire includes a mixture of newly commissioned works and much-loved revivals.

Ticket Prices: £20 – £8.50 Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

Beccles Antiques Street Market

8am – 4.30pm

Jekyll & Hyde,The Musical

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds The Irving Stage Company performs the musical thriller based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This vibrant show

by Bricusse & Wildhorn is full of powerful musical numbers.

Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

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The market boasts a varied and interesting collection of general and specialist dealers selling a wide range of antiques and collectables including furniture, silver, china, linen, jewellery, books, clocks, retro and vintage design and decorative items. Many of the local shops and restaurants and bars are open that day and first class catering is incorporated into the market; including Big Sky Pies, hog roast and local ice cream.

Information: 01502 711174

MAY 4 – 5 The Magic Ear Exhibition

Bawdsey Radar, 12.30 – 4.30pm This unique exhibition, with its interactive displays, tells the story of the “Invention that Changed the World”. www.bawdseyradar.org.uk

MAY 9 Nuno Silva – A Darker Shade of Fado

Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm Known to DanceEast audiences for his muscular physicality and fine Fado singing, Silva returns to the Fado blues of Portugal in his own show.

Entry price: £10 (£7 concessions) Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

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What’s On from Harwich to Bury St Edmunds via Hadleigh, Lavenham and Stowmarket finishing at Angel Hill at around 12.50pm. www.womenstour.co.uk

Ipswich School Spring Concert

Snape Maltings, 7pm Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose by Alexander L'Estrange, conducted by Andrew Leach.

Performances by Ipswich School Choirs, Choral Society, Orchestras, Big Band, Ipswich Preparatory School musicians and members of years 7 & 8.

Tickets: £12 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

MAY 9 – 11 The Gondoliers

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 7.45pm Opera della Luna premieres a new production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s sparkling comic opera.

Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

MAY 9 – 10 Cosi fan tutte

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Sung in English by Opera UK 100th Anniversary WWI. An evening of fun, frivolity and heartache! A seeming soufflé of fun makes us question the definition of love, honesty and integrity. With Mozart’s sublime score plummeting and soaring, gloriously reflecting every change of mood, two men, encouraged by their friend deceive their girlfriends by telling them they have gone to war, only to return, disguised, and seduce them. With the deception revealed, life returns to normal, or does it? And with the First World War looming, can things ever be the same?

Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

MAY 9 AND 11 The Women’s Tour

This is Britain’s first international elite women’s cycle stage race featuring 16 teams and the very best riders in the world.

On May 9 the tour will start on Felixstowe Seafront at 11am and take in Ipswich en route to Clacton. The final stage on May 11 is

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MAY 2014

Ipswich High School Concert

MAY 9 – 24

MAY 11

Snape Maltings, 7pm Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

Mercury Theatre, Colchester Alan Sillitoe’s ground-breaking picture of 1950s Britain was immortalised in the awardwinning 1960 film starring Albert Finney.

Now Mercury favourite Tony Casement brings the tale raging back to life in a fastmoving new stage adaptation by critically acclaimed writer Amanda Whittington.

Box office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

A celebration of music through the ages: vibrant repertoire showcasing the incredible talents of the girls from Ipswich High School.

Junior and Senior School pupils will perform a selection of music from the Renaissance through to jazz and popular classics.

A fabulous, fun evening for all the family.

Tickets: £12 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

EACH Ride for Life

Santon Downham, Thetford Forest The Ride for Life is held in the Heart of Thetford Forest, in Santon Downham. There is a route for everyone to enjoy.

For more details of routes, entry fees and times and to register visit www.each.org.uk/events/ride_for_life.htm Farmers Market

Assington, The Barn, 10am – 2pm Wolsey Orchestra

Ipswich Corn Exchange 7.30pm

MAY 10 Farmers Markets

Halesworth, Town Centre, 9am –1pm Woodbridge, Community Centre, 9am –1pm Daniel Moult, Celebrity Organ Recital

Royal Hospital School, 7pm Daniel plays some of the most challenging works of the 20th century including Dupre and Messiaen.

Tickets: £10 Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

May 28 and 29

Conductor: Andrew Morley. Coates – The Dambusters March, Arnold – Little Suite No. 2, Bliss Suite: Things To Come, Walton Symphony No.1 in Bb. Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

To see more event listings for this month and beyond visit www.essentialsuffolk.com

MAY 13 The Ben Waters Band

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

MAY 10 – JUNE 1

One of the finest ‘boogie woogie’ pianists on the planet – a real showman with a blues set that includes covers and originals.

Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Suffolk Walking Festival 2014

See feature page 8

Delicious food and drin

Lovely goodies for home!

k!

Amazing showjump

ing...

Found a great outfit!

Just the best day out ever!

Discounted tickets on sale until May 25. Book now on 01473 70711 707117 7 or at www.suffolkshow.co.uk 16

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What’s On MAY 13 – 17

MAY 14

MAY 16

She Stoops To Conquer

The Ultimate Louis Armstrong Show

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Hofesh Shechter Company – In Good Company

With mayhem and merriment, this classic comedy by Oliver Goldsmith revels in the mistakes and misunderstandings that come together to create a heart-warming, hilarious evening. ‘The Rivals is not only tackled, but wrestled to the floor in a flurry of ruffled wigs, corsets and impeccable comic timing’ WhatsOnStage.com Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

Terry Dash Music presents a spectacular journey through the great man’s wonderful music. Featuring the award-winning Bateman Brothers Jazz Band.

Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm An exciting evening of work featuring new choreographies from the internationally renowned dancers of Hofesh Shechter Company. In the third edition of the acclaimed dance programme, In Good Company, the dancers become choreographer. In this intriguing mixed bill, each choreographer reveals a brand-new short piece of dance that showcases their creativity, outstanding performance skills and original talent.

Entry price: £10 (£7 concessions) Contact: Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk Barry Manilow

Ipswich Town FC MAY 14 – 17 Sparing Partners

Seckford Theatre, 7.30pm Presented by the Deben Players Tickets: Felixstowe Tourist Information Centre or call 01394 276770 on the performance nights www.debenplayers.net

With over 50 Top 40 Hits, Barry Manilow's unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of music. This pop icon has written hundreds of songs and performed around the globe thrilling millions of fans, winning a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award and an Oscar nomination along the way.

Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

GECKO PRESENTS

INSTITUTE 1 - 3 MAY

THEY GENERATE AN ENERGY THAT IS PRETTY MINDBLOWING THE TIMES

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MAY 2014

MAY 16 AND 17

MAY 16 – 18

Rime

Ipswich Waterfront Food & Drink Festival

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich A new circus show devised by Square Peg based on Coleridge’s epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Featuring acrobatics, song, dance, human towers and theatre.

Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

experience needed.

Tickets: £6 Information: 01473 225269 www.stpetersnythewaterfront.com

Orwell Quay, Ipswich Returning for its second year the Waterfront Food & Drink Festival promises to build on the popularity of last year’s event and will include cooking demonstrations, a beer festival, children’s activities and live music.

Information: kirsty@marketsquaregroup.com

Hadleigh Show

Holbecks Park, Hadleigh See mini preview page 23 'A night at the opera'

Snape Maltings Concert Hall. 7.30pm See mini preview page 21 Entry Price: £25 – £12 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburghmusicclub.org.uk

MAY 16 – 25 Bury Festival

10 days of great music, theatre, film and exhibitions in Bury St Edmunds. www.buryfestival.co.uk MAY 17

Farmers Markets

Harkstead, Village Hall, 9am – 12 noon Aldeburgh, Church Hall, 9am – 12.30 Beccles, Beccles Heliport, 9am – 1pm Debenham, Community Centre, 9am – 1pm

Funky Voices – modern choir in concert

St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm

MAY 17 AND 18

The award winning Funky Voices® was founded and launched in 2007 by Sandra Colston, to meet a need in the community for something fresh and new, a choir that sings modern music that can be enjoyed by everyone, no audition and no

Weird & Wonderful Wood

Haughley Park, Near Wetherden, Stowmarket. Sat 10.30am – 6pm, Sun 10.30am – 5pm A specialised art and craft event with a difference, dealing solely in wood. Fine

PULSE Picks "An essential date on the theatrical calendar" The Guardian

Saturday Saturday 7 June

Thursda Thursday y 29 Ma May y

Friday Friday 30 May May

World World Factory Factory y Presentation Presentation i

Love Project The Lo ve Pr oject

Near Gone

Following Following on from from a hugely hugely successful Edinburgh Edinburgh debut, Every Every Day Day present present their verbatim verbatim piece on the subject of of love. love.

Two Two performers, performers, ffour our hundred flo flowers wers and a heartfelt story o off surviv survival al - with ffantastic antastic gyps gypsy y music.

29 May - 7 June #pulse14 " @PulseIpswich !

/PulseIpswich

www.pulseipswich.co.uk Tickets: 01473 295900

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Come Come and hear from from specialists on the truth behind the textile textile industry today. today.

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What’s On furniture, sculpture, wood turning, chain-saw carving, hurdle making, chair making, den building, sign writing, fletchers and bowyers, garden furniture, workshops for all, musical instrument making, archery, monkey-do tree climbing, spontaneous happenings, stalls, local food & drink and much more.

Entry price: Adults £6, concessions £4, children under 12 £3 (under 3's free) Contact: 01359 240724 www.weirdandwonderfulwood.co.uk

Annette Jude and John Knowles. Money raised from this event will help to support the Theatre Royal’s Community and Education Programme (Registered Charity 242977) Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

MAY 22 Paul Hollywood; Get Your Bake On

Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm See feature page 30 Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

MAY 23 A Saucerful Of Floyd

Jerwood Dancehouse Ipswich, 7.30pm

MAY 18 Insane Mud Challenge!

Poplar Park, Woodbridge Take on the 5km or 10km mud-filled obstacle challenge for CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading charity for children and young people with cancer.

Contact: 01284 829090 or alison.ramsay@clicsargent.org.

Cowards In The Wings

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Two of the East Anglia’s brightest personalities Helen McDermott (Anglia TV) and Adrian Wright lift a glass to the genius of Noel Coward in this kaleidoscopically entertaining celebration of his songs, joined by pianist

Charity Quiz Night

Greshams Sports & Social Club, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, 7pm The Hearing Care Centre’s next Charity Quiz Night is in aid of Hearing Dogs For Deaf People and a school for deaf children in Rwanda. One of the biggest quiz events in Ipswich with a big screen, hot food and a fully stocked bar. Teams of 4 – 6 people.

Tickets: £4pp (incl. nibbles) 01473 230330 or buy online at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz

Stephen Foster Promotions and DanceEast proudly present an evening of the music of Pink Floyd, performed by A Saucerful Of Floyd. The Suffolk-based band features Stevie Doherty on lead vocals and guitar. Scottishborn Doherty filled the shoes of the late, great Alex Harvey when he fronted The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in the 1990s.

Tickets: £10 in advance/£12.50 on the night Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk Farmers Markets

Woodbridge, Community Centre 9am – 1pm

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What’s On

MAY 2014

MAY 24

MAY 26

MAY 29 – JUNE 7

Science Museum, Live

Craft Fair

The 14th Pulse Festival, Ipswich

Regent Theatre, Ipswich

Fynn Valley Golf Club, 10am – 3pm

Presented by the New Wolsey Theatre

The Energy Show: explosive family theatre for curious minds. Methane bubbles are set alight to make fireballs, hydrogen balloons explode and rockets are fired into the audience. Stand back and cover your ears – theatre just got dangerously exciting!

Produced by the world famous Science Museum in London.

Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Browse over twenty stalls selling beautiful things. Bar meals and drinks available. Raising funds for Ipswich Breast Cancer & the FVGC Defibrillator Fund.

Entry: £1 www.fynn-valley.co.uk

See mini preview page 24 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Cosi fan tutte

Opera in the Barn, Crow’s Hall

MAY 27 – 31 Rising Damp

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds MAY 25 Plant Heritage Plant Fair

Helmingham Hall, 10am – 4pm Plant Fair with specialist nurseries and garden accessories. Garden marquee with talks. An exciting day out for experienced and novice gardeners alike. Hundreds of rare and unusual plants, garden and lifestyle accessories as well as local food, drink and music. A day out for the whole family. www.helmingham.com Farmers Market

ITV’s top comedy of all time, Rising Damp, comes to the stage in a brand-new production from the Comedy Theatre Company.

Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

MAY 28 AND 29 The Suffolk Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich See Feature page 38

Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

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MAY 31

The opera is brought to you by London Festival Opera with a select chamber Ensemble. Established artists from the major British opera companies, including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne. Gates open at 4pm for tea, strawberries and Pimms on the lawn, (weather permitting).

Tickets: £55 To Book: events@crows-hall.com 01473 569568 www.aldeburgh.co.uk (for online booking)

To see more listings for this and coming months and to tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

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Mini Previews

BLOOD BROTHERS Regent Theatre, Ipswich. April 28 – May 3 Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited, by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax.

Voted the most popular British musical of all time, Bill Kenwright presents Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers at the Regent theatre this month. No less than The New York Times has declared, “You’ve never seen a musical like Blood Brothers.

Every night of the week audiences stand and cheer. See it for yourself and understand why.” So with the show in town as part of a sell-out national and international tour, this really is a production that should not be missed.

The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

This production directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright with designs by Andy Walmsley has a sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances.

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Snape Maltings. May 17 If you love opera, Aldeburgh Music Club’s next concert at Snape Maltings should not be missed. The club, founded by Benjamin Britten, together with the Promestheus Orchestra is presenting A Night at The Opera featuring popular arias and choruses from Leonard Bernstein, Donizetti, Dvorak, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Wagner.

Featuring the award-winning soprano Linda Richardson, a national and international performer and Essex-born tenor James Edwards, who was a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral and studied at The Royal Academy of Music, the evening will be narrated by BBC Radio 3’s Graeme Kay. Among the pieces being performed are sequences from Mozart’s Magic Flute, Verdi’s Nabucco, Verdi’s La boheme and the Triumphal Scene, from his Egyptian opera, Aida. The second half will start with the famous Bridal Chorus from Wagner’s Lohengrin and also include O Silver Moon from Dvorak’s fairytale opera, Rusalka.

A Night at the Opera also includes excerpts from The Tales of Hoffman by Offenback, Glitter and Be Gay by Berstein and Maria from West Side Story. The concert will conclude with the swirling Waltz Scene from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

INFORMATION Tickets: £12 | Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburghmusicclub.org.uk

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ESSENTIAL COMPETITION

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Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa have teamed up with Essential Suffolk to offer one lucky reader a fantastic prize. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland with an 18 hole par 71 golf course and in house spa – the child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more.

THE PRIZE Enjoy an overnight stay for two people with bed & breakfast and full access to our Health Club that includes the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and gym.

Plus you get to choose whether you would like your prize to include one round of 18 holes of golf or three hours access into the Thermal Suite Spa. TO ENTER For your chance to win simply answer this question: How many acres of historic parkland is Ufford Park set within?

Email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or send a postcard to Ufford Park Competition, Achieve More Media, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2EP. The closing date for all entries to be received is Saturday 31st May 2014. The winner will be drawn from all the correct entries received by the closing date.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This prize is available Sunday – Friday and must be pre-booked. Expires 1st December 2014 and is subject to availability.

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Mini Previews

HADLEIGH SHOW Holbecks Park, Hadleigh. May 17

This year the Hadleigh Show is celebrating its 175th anniversary making it one of the oldest one-day agricultural shows in the country. Set in the beautiful Holbecks Park and organised by the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association this year’s theme is, “How We Farm Today”. An ever popular event, the show has all the features you might expect from a traditional celebration of rural Suffolk but also a great deal more. Show Director Paul Gillies says this year that there will be lots of modern farm machinery on show and demonstrations in the ring too, allowing visitors to see it being put through its paces.

Alongside the modern technology traditional heritage will be represented by vintage tractors, the “Flying Fergies” and the county’s very own Suffolk Horses. To show that farming in the region is still very much about families, Paul’s son Angus is the star of this year’s advertising campaign proving that it is never too young to start. Angus and friends will also enjoy the Land Train, introduced last year, which will once again take children around the showground and stamp their “passports” at various stands to claim their prize.

Also returning is “The Sheep Show”, a humorous yet educational live stage show about sheep and wool with some surprisingly talented dancing sheep! The separately run, but always popular, Bert Stocks Fun Fair will also thrill adults and children alike. Ringside entertainment features the Welsh Axemen, the Young Farmers Tug-O-War, Cyril the Squirrel and the Racing Terriers and the ‘Dog and Duck’ show – with the dog rounding up ducks instead of sheep. There are more than 150 classes of cattle, sheep, goats and horses on show and over 120 trade stands exhibiting.

Launching 23rd May

Visitors can also enjoy the Art Exhibition and Sale, Rural Crafts and the popular Flower Tent. ‘Have a go’ areas include the Education Tent, featuring art from local schools and where you can mill wheat, make bread dough and test your skills in identifying seeds and vegetables. The Food Hall will as usual showcase the very best local food and drink producers, tempting you to sample and buy.

INFORMATION Tickets can be purchased online.

Early-Bird Discounts are available before May 16 with family tickets (2 Adults with up to 3 Children) £24, adults – £9 (£12 on day), child 5 to 16 – £5 (£7 on day) www.hadleighshow.co.uk

Book your table now brudenellhotel.co.uk/seafoodgrill

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Mini Previews

MAY 2014

PULSE 2014 Presented by The New Wolsey Theatre with China Plate. May 29 – June 7 For ten days at the end of May, as spring moves towards summer, Ipswich becomes the focus of anyone in the theatre world interested in new and innovative work. It’s been billed by The Guardian as, “an essential date in the theatre calendar and is testament to the New Wolsey’s reputation not just in Suffolk but nationally for contemporary theatre and embracing diversity in its widest possible sense”. The festival is part curated and part open application and includes work across a variety of genres, from comedy to dance and everything in between, in various forms from tour-ready work to rehearsed readings and works at an advanced stage of development.

This year Pulse includes a host of local and international artists and companies including Gecko, Talking Birds, Lucy Ellinson, Made in China, Caroline Horton, Victoria Melody, Chris Goode, Mark Thomas, Daniel Bye, Chris Thorpe, Action Hero and Ursula Martinez. Festival Directors, China Plate have created a programme that’s likely to appeal across the board.

On May 29 for example there’s the much lauded, Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, described as a protest against global attempts to sexualise and commodify childhood. Awardwinning artist Bryony Kimmings and her niece Taylor, nine, play the global tween machine at its own game by inventing dinosaur-loving, bike riding, tuna pasta-eating, alternative pop star Catherine Bennett.

INFORMATION www.pulseipswich.co.uk

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@PulseIpswich

Then on May 30 there’s Suitcase Day launched at last year’s festival. The Suitcase Prize is aimed at encouraging theatre makers to think in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. Ten work-in-progress performances will be presented that must able to travel on public transport in luggage carried by those taking part. At the end of the day a panel of industry professionals will award £1000 to the most bold and adventurous idea.

Then later in the festival – for people who’ve been wondering what’s been happening at Tower Ramarts Shopping centre over the last couple of months – Metis is presenting a work that’s all about the world textile industry. They’ve created an app for the World Factory Shirt (based on measurements from the men of Ipswich) with barcodes which can be scanned to trigger videos revealing the real story of how it’s made in the factories of Shanghai. Simon Cantrill from the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee will be joining METIS on June 7 to chat with the public about his relationship to sewing and his and his family’s experience of working in Bradford’s textile mills.

The family day on June 1 offers five performances to involve younger theatre goers with the intriguing Pirate and Parrot – where the worlds’s smallest pirate meets the world’s biggest parrot – part of the fun offering.

PulseIpswich | Box office: 01473 295900 | www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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Red Rose Chain

RED ROSE CHAIN a theatre is born When Joanna Carrick was a little girl she used to dream of having her own theatre. In July when the Avenue Theatre opens in Suffolk that dream will come true. Anne Gould finds out more Red Rose Chain, founded by actor, playwright Joanna Carrick (left), doesn’t even have the comfort of core funding but still it punches way beyond its weight with sheer creativity, both on and off the stage.

T

here can’t be many independent theatre companies with a full time staff of just six that get invited to transfer one of their own shows to the Tower of London.

Equally there can’t be many casts who are prepared to perform a season of Shakespeare outdoors in the middle of a forest through British summers that have, on occasion, brought rain, chill, thunder and storm instead of starspeckled moonlit skies.

That’s why Joanna’s productions have reached a national audience, her Theatre in the Forest has been listed by the Independent as one of the top events of Britain’s summer and why the broadcaster and cultural commentator, Emma Freud is now patron to the company. It’s also the reason why the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded Red Rose Chain £1million to transform the Tudor Gippeswyk Hall, in Ipswich into a studio theatre, which is due to open in July.

With plays to write, lines to learn, a venue that’s “got the builders in” and a myriad of other things in the pipeline, Joanna is also spearheading a £100,000

fund-raising campaign to help to ensure that the community and education projects they’ve planned for the Avenue Theatre can go ahead. “We work with people who have drug addictions, mental illness, a group for young disabled people and have a youth theatre too. Although we still need funds to finish the capital work we really need this money so our community projects have somewhere to create and perform too, which is really important.”

To help achieve this target a special fund-raiser, hosted by Emma Freud, is being held at The Anchor, in Walberswick on May 25. The event will include performances – excerpts from several of the plays produced by the company, a Q & A with Joanna but also personal stories from people whose lives have been helped and changed by Red Rose Chain. ‰

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MAY 2014

There will also be a raffle and an auction of special “mystery” prize that’s being donated by Emma.

Meanwhile the building work in Ipswich continues apace. Joanna says that when they took over the hall there was a really ‘nasty’ 60s extension at the back – a big room that they used for rehearsal space but it wasn’t fit for purpose. It’s this that’s being turned into a glass foyer, cafe and an indoor performance space that can seat 150 people.

The building has been designed to reflect some of the traditional ‘Suffolk’ barn features that would have existed from buildings that might have existed on the site. “It’s got a massive vaulted ceiling and doors at one end that we can open out at one end into the garden and overlooking Gippeswyk Park. Although it’s a very urban place – next to Chantry – it’s in an oasis of calm. It’s really nice and great for community work.”

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The space will also provide flexibility giving the company the option to change the seating arrangements too, which gives a different feel to the space and is ‘creatively’ really important.

“We do things a lot differently here,” she explained. The grant came about, she says, because the Heritage Lottery Fund had supported a number of the historical plays produced by Red Rose Chain. “They funded us with Fallen in Love, at The Tower of London, and 3,000 people came to see us – which is quite amazing for a debut in the capital.

So having built up a good relationship with them we approached them about Gippeswyk Hall and they said yes.

Although we are getting £1million, compared to other projects it’s small.

However we are getting a huge amount for our money” she added.

Obviously it’s great to have a home but it doesn’t mean Red Rose Chain will be retreating to the theatre for all its productions. Joanna says they will still be

doing Theatre in the Forest at Jimmy’s Farm because their outdoor auditorium there is bigger.

Already the cast, who are mostly freelancers, are in rehearsal and for good reason. This year for the first time the season includes two plays. They are kicking off with, The Comedy of Errors, which Jo says follows on nicely from last year’s Taming of the Shrew. Then they are moving away from Shakespeare to Wuthering Heights, an adaption by Joanna, of Emily Bronte’s novel. This will allow the community projects, to use the Avenue Theatre in tandum.

Come the autumn Joanna has another big project on the go – a new play about Queen Elizabeth I and her visit to Ipswich in 1561 at the age of 27.

“It’s all about how the town is waiting for the queen to arrive and I think it’s going to be a really interesting story about Ipswich.”

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Red Rose Chain

With broadcaster and commentator Emma Freud now patron to Red Rose Chain, and hosting an event in her Suffolk home village of Walberswick this month, Essential Suffolk spoke to her about the company and how she's supporting the fund raising effort How did you first become aware of Red Rose Chain?

I had followed their progress on Twitter until Jo asked me to come and see a show. About six times actually. In the end I was able to and went to their adaptation of a Dickens short story, The Magic Fishbone. It was astonishing. So inventive and creative and dynamic. Three amazing performers who made it feel like a cast of ten. In chatting to Jo I realised what an amazing mission she was on. Their dream to integrate really adventurous theatre productions while also running ambitious and holistic community projects. Working with people who need support – and crucially integrating the two parts of that mission seamlessly so they both enhance the other. It's very brilliant, wonderfully un-patronising and rooted in a real vision for artistic excellence and humanitarian compassion.

Why did you decided to become the patron?

People like Jo Carrick don't come along very often. I am so proud she asked me.

Why did you choose to support an organisation based in Ipswich – rather than something closer to home?

Ipswich is close to my real home. It's a forty minute drive from Walberswick which has been my home all my life, as it was my Dad's. London is just where the work is.

Are you looking forward to the fund-raiser and what’s the special ‘prize’ you are putting forward in the raffle?

I certainly am looking forward to the evening. It will be a great opportunity to see some the company’s work as well as hear about how it transforms lives. It is also a lovely venue. As for the prize I’m not sure yet what it will be. I am working on a couple of ideas and whatever it is it will involve me slightly overstepping the mark in terms of favours I ask of the people I work with. Those are the best prizes.

Tickets: for the Walberswick event and Theatre in the Forest are available from Red Rose Chain, 01473 603388 or www.redrosechain.com

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MAY 2014

SPORTING INSPIRATION It’s got a new look, a new name and a new home. Anne Gould visits Inspire Suffolk, the charity which aims to use sport to change people’s lives

T

erry Baxter, Chief Executive of Inspire Suffolk, has big ambitions for the young people of our county. This year the charity already has two young people from its Futsal educational programme who have secured scholarships from American Universities to play football. It’s really something of a coup for these lads Ryan Flynn and Jake Mazur, who’ve been working towards an NVQ Level 3 extended diploma in sport, because Futsal is an indoor five-a-side game that concentrates on football skills rather than the conventional 11-a-side game.

Another member of the programme,

Terry Baxter

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Kieran Perez, has also achieved success heading off to Camp America this summer. Terry is clearly thrilled about this recognition but also has high hopes that thanks to new facilities on Linberg Road, on the site of the former Holywells School, they will be producing more potential stars for the future and over a whole range of sports too.

However it’s not just about the elite – Terry has seen that sport can have a very positive transformative effect and not just on the playing field because it teaches many vital life skills that make a long term difference in the home and the

workplace. “It helps young people learn about teamwork, commitment, positive attitudes, perseverance and respect.”

Formerly the ITFC Charitable Trust, the charity changed its name to co-incide with the move to Linberg Road last November. The facilities are excellent – there’s room for four football pitches, four tarmac tennis courts and more significantly a sports dome too, he explained. “We can now offer a wider range of sports to try and encourage and motivate more young people – it’s an exciting time.” Inspire Suffolk also now has a big permanent building with classrooms for its education programmes, office space and a function room too. In addition to football, which the charity has always been known for, it’s developing cricket leagues for the summer, rugby for the winter, handball and there could even be cheerleading classes on the premises too in the near future. What’s more Terry, who’s been a keen tennis player in his time, harbours the notion that somewhere on one of the estates nearby are young people with ambition, talent and hunger to achieve like the Williams sisters. “We are going to be working with Suffolk LTA to work out what sort of programme we are going to offer and how to encourage young people to come along,” Last year, he says, the charity provided 60,000 sports sessions to young people throughout the county – it also has outposts in Lowestoft and Haverhill, but with these new facilities the opportunity to do more has increased considerably.

On the education front its scope is wide ranging – the coaching staff already visit primary schools in the county to help

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Inspire Suffolk

with sports provision. “These schools often have difficulty with this part of the curriculum but now with these new facilities we can offer more and schools can come to us as well. We recently hosted the county basketball event and it was great to see the car park full of mini buses with young people from across the county. But we also want to work towards offering this facility to other sports as well as the facilities will be available for private rental.”

The charity has always been committed to providing sports for everyone and it’s well known for the quality of its football provision for the disabled. Care is taken to make sure that every course is tailored to the needs of those taking part so it offers the chance not just to improve football skills but help with agility, balance, co-ordination, self-confidence and social skills too. Another area they are hoping to develop further is children’s holiday courses in football

and multi-sports for various age groups.

These will include specialist courses for goalkeepers and ‘girls only football’.

Inspire Suffolk has another highly successful string to its bow – the Team Programme – devised for ‘NEEts’, young people who are ‘Not in Education or Employment’, says Terry. It started in January 2008 working in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, Lowestoft and West Suffolk Colleges. Through Inspire Suffolk , ITFC became the first football club in the country to become a direct delivery partner of this programme.

It’s a 12-week course and includes a variety of activities to help those taking part to achieve their ultimate goal – whether that’s gaining experience in a working environment, confidence, self-esteem or eventually getting back into education. It involves a four day residential trip, fundraising, helping charities and the local community, work

and interview experience and writing a CV. Already 450 young people have been on the programme and the outcomes are very positive, says Terry, with eight out of ten getting work or going on to further training courses.

From talking to Terry it is clear that he is man who believes passionately in what he is doing. “It’s captured in the name” he tells me – Inspire – that’s what we want to do; inspire people to get involved because sport, fitness and good health go hand in hand.”

INFORMATION www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk

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MAY 2014

Star of the ever-popular Great British Bake Off, Paul Hollywood, is on tour and bringing his live show to Suffolk this month.

Essential Suffolk finds out more

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO IPSWICH B

etween them Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry have inspired a baking revolution in this country.

Homemade cakes, bread, pies and puddings are now as much of an essential kitchen skill for any selfrespecting home cook as being able to quickly dash off a decent roast, bacon and eggs or even an exotic curry.

Thanks to the Great British Bake Off they’ve also found fame far beyond the world of food and become household names. Now Paul is on a 23-date nationwide tour and will be at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich on May 20 with an evening of baking, comedy and fun.

It promises to be the hottest ticket in town – not least for the four members of the audience who are going to be picked at random to join Paul on stage for a cooking demonstration. So why do a tour now? Paul explains in this Get Your Bake On Live Q&A.

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Why did you decide to do a one-man tour?

I really wanted to do something different. People have one image of me from The Great British Bake Off, as the stern judge who gives out criticism and I’ve got another image on shows like Pies & Puds which show the real me, which is basically a bit of a joker! So by going on a one man tour the public will get to see the cheekier side of my persona and learn a bit about my life.

What will the audience see on the tour?

Basically I am taking baking on the road and the premise is the story of my life in baking; how my Dad persuaded me to ditch my path of being a trained sculptor and join the family business.

Tales from my time as a head baker at some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and of course anecdotes from my time filming The Great British Bake Off. I’ll also be answering all those baking questions people ask me on Twitter or in the street.

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Celebrity Interview | Paul Hollywood

We hear that you sometimes get fits of giggles during filming the Bake Off, are you worried about doing that on the tour?

Mary, Mel, Sue and I are always laughing and messing about on set, I’m not sure what sets it off half the time, it can sometimes be something as small as the way Mel or Sue look at me! I have been known to succumb to an attack of the giggles during demonstrations, there was one demonstration I did when I just lost it on stage and ended up with a huge attack of the giggles which just wouldn’t stop!

Is there a new series of The Great British Bake Off this year?

Yes, I’ll actually start filming for the new series during the tour so it’s going to be a full on couple of months. The show has been given a new home on BBC One this year which will be a great new platform for it. I just can’t believe how successful it has been, I thought it would just last two series but each year it just gets bigger and bigger, more people watched last year’s final than X Factor which is just amazing. Although we are moving channels the show will stay the same, after all if it’s not broken why change it?

How is it working with Mary Berry?

What you see with Mary is what you get, she really is such a lovely woman, an absolute breath of fresh air and we’ve become really good friends.

When we are working all the time I have to admit I can get a bit tired but Mary is like a Duracell bunny, she just keeps going and never stops! Whenever I pass her house I’ll always pop in for a cup of tea and she’ll always have a slice of cake available!

Are you nervous to be doing a one man show?

Yes! The idea of a live show is a bit daunting, especially as I’ll be going to some venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo which to me feels like being a rock and roll star! But I have done a lot of demonstrations over the years sometimes to an audience of thousands at shows like BBC Good Food so I have some confidence when it comes to talking to a large audience.

Will there be any surprises on the tour?

Yes, we’ll be inviting a selected number of people up from the audience who will get a little Master-class from me and be able to test out their own skills. It should be really good fun, I always see teaching as part of my job.

What else have you got coming up Paul?

I am working on a new book and a new series to follow Pies & Puds, it can be hard fitting it all in as there is always something going on, but I like it that way especially when it’s all so much fun to work on.

INFORMATION Paul Hollywood’s Get Your Bake On Live Tour is at the Regent Theatre, Ipswich on May 20. Tickets: £31. Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com | www.paulhollywood.com

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MAY 2014

Essential explores...

WOODBRIDGE W

e are blessed in Suffolk to have many market towns that to date have avoided falling victim to the ‘clone town’ syndrome and Woodbridge, many would argue, is a prize jewel in the county’s crown.

Independent businesses, although still working against a challenging economic background, continue to flourish with fine examples of fashion boutiques, homes & interiors destinations and leisure at the fore. The mantra to ‘shop local’ is one we often hear and Woodbridge provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Set beside the beautiful River Deben the town splits neatly into two main retail areas. The Thoroughfare, a pedestrianfriendly collection of local and national names and Market Hill – the site of the iconic Shire Hall and more independent retailers, cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Conveniently both areas are easily joined by a short walk up Church Street, itself the home to a variety of independents well worth a visit.

The river, as well as a perfect destination for a stroll, is the home of the town’s world famous working Tide Mill and a draw for artists of all ages and mediums.

If art is your passion, either creating or collecting, then Woodbridge offers both inspiration and opportunity and the RE+new Gallery on The Thoroughfare is always worth a visit hosting exhibitions and works from a variety of local artists throughout the year.

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Woodbridge is also quite rightly proud of its reputation for excellent food and drink. The Crown Hotel and The Galley have both established loyal followings and The Angel on Theatre Street, just off Market Hill, reputedly has more gins on offer than any other pub in the UK. Market Hill, during 2013, also became the location for two seasonal ‘What’s Tasty?’ food fairs which, owing to their huge popularity, are both scheduled to be repeated this year with the first happening on May 24 and the second September 20. The food fairs are not the only events planned to encourage more visitors to the town.

Last month the town’s first dog show ‘The Bark in the Park’ was another great success and was scheduled to underline WOOFbridge’s (sorry) credentials as a dog friendly town and there’s much more to come throughout 2014.

The events are being driven by the Choose Woodbridge team under the leadership of its chairman, Chris Harrold. Chris commented “Choose Woodbridge exists to promote Woodbridge and the surrounding area – and all it has to offer – to visitors and residents alike. This, in turn, encourages more people into the town which stimulates the local economy.

Woodbridge is a great place to visit at any time but having a planned programme of events that have captured the public imagination is good for focus.”

As well as the food fairs and the ‘Bark in Park’ event, Choose Woodbridge has also brought free family ice skating to the town this year and has introduced a novel twist to the Carnival Queen contest for the town carnival which takes place on July 5. Chris explained “This year the Woodbridge Carnival is supporting local charities, groups and organisations by making the Carnival Queen an elaborate fancy dress contest.

The decision means that men and women, boys and girls of all ages can participate and have fun getting dressed up to raise money for their chosen charities. In a move similar to the London Marathon, we are inviting entrants to raise sponsorship for their chosen charity or club by dressing up as a queen for the Carnival. It will be a fantastic day with I’m sure some very amusing entries.”

A list of events planned for the town can be found on page 36 but to make sure you don’t miss out why don’t you make sure you get regular updates visiting the Choose Woodbridge website at www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk Over the next few pages we bring you some of the highlights of the town.

We hope whether you are a regular visitor or yet to sample the delights you will find some inspiration to Explore Woodbridge!

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Essential Explores | Woodbridge

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1. Also Home, Bird & Flower Bowl from £10.95 & Mug £8.95, Happiness Store 2. Seven Gauge Designs square cushion cover £60, Barretts of Woodbridge 3. Dine out in Woodbridge and enjoy the A La Carte menu and daily specials available or taste the Turkish Delights of the Mezze selection from The Galley 4. Jamm Scoot retro ride-on toy in aqua £55, The Little Clothes House 5. Swedish brand Ceannis, Villa Stripe weekend beach bag. Canvas fabric with leather strap, £135, available in orange, pink and blue, Vanil

Woodbridge Jewellery Workshop

Bespoke Craftsman Jeweller All jewellery handmade in our workshop in Woodbridge Restorations and repair to quality fine jewellery Jewellery courses Make your own wedding ring with our expert tuition Open Thursday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm and by appointment 80 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL | 01394 647117 jewellery@woodbridgejewelleryworkshop.co.uk www.woodbridgejewelleryworkshop.co.uk

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7 The Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AA 01394 382091 | woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk

10 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE

A NT I Q U E S - I NT E R I O R S - G I FT S

www.10churchstreet.com | 01394 384949

Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AD.

01394 384242

6+23 21/, 1( # ::: &+$77(57216+23 &2 8.

info@thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

STUART STUART CLAY CLAY TRAPS TRAPS

Country sports, fishing and clothing Country sports, specialists ½WLMRK ERH GPSXLMRK WTIGMEPMWXW ;I WXSGO QSWX QEOIW SJ ø 7LSXKYR VM¾IW ERH EMV VM¾IW We stock most makes of: ø 1 PEHMIW ERH GLMPHVIR´W • IR´W Shotgun, rifles and air rifles GPSXLMRK ERH FSSXW • Mens, ladies, children’s ø 7TSVXMRK KYRW clothing and boots • Sporting guns ø *MWLMRK XEGOPI ERH IUYMTQIRX • Fishing tackle and equipment ø *YPP VERKI SJ ½WLMRK EGGIWWSVMIW • Full range of fishing accessories ERH JVIWL FEMX and fresh bait 7XSGOMWXW SJ · LE CHAMEAU Stockists of: · LAKSEN • LE CHAMEAU · HOGGS • LAKSEN · AIGLE • HOGGS · BERETTA • AIGLE · DEER HUNTER • BERETTA · MUSTO • DEER HUNTER • MUSTO · TOP GUN • TOP GUN · STAG • STAG · HUCKLECOTE

• HUCKLECOTE 7XYEVX 'PE] 8VETW 0XH E F ;MPJSVH &VMHKI 6SEH Stuart Clay Traps Ltd 1IPXSR 3a & 3b ;SSHFVMHKI Wilford Bridge Road 7YJJSPO -4 (+ Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DG

01394 385567 WEPIW$WXYEVXWKYRWERHXEGOPI GSQ sales@stuartsgunsandtackle.com [[[ WXYEVXWKYRWERHXEGOPI GSQ www.stuartsgunandtackle.com

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Essential Explores | Woodbridge

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Part Two Sheeva dip-dyed shirt in coral £74.95 (also available in black), Laura Jane Boutique Silvian Heach bag £55, Holly Blue Boutique Ariana blue and gold print dress £140, Holly Blue Boutique Bronte linen dress £118, Passigatti scarf £24, Louise Sant antique Chinese engraved mother of pearl counters & fresh water pearls necklace £240, Sant Studio Nicole Farhi Honeycomb print dress, Darcy B Corvette blue and white stripe dress by Saint James £135, Blue Bay Prima Donna Divine bra £75.95, Sweet Dreams Paul & Joe Sister dress £175, Jennyfer Long

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MAY 2014

Some 2014 Woodbridge dates for your diary

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MAY 24 JUNE 15 JULY 5 & 6 AUGUST (date TBC) SEPTEMBER 13 & 14 SEPTEMBER 20 OCTOBER (date TBC) NOVEMBER 5 DECEMBER 5

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DECEMBER 7 14. Pre-Loved Christian Louboutin Tan Sandals £150, Woodbridge Dress Agency 15. Five stone Aquamarine & Diamond Dress ring; an octagonal faceted mixed cut Aquamarine, with two baguette cut & two trilliant cut diamonds in 18 carat gold £7,775, Chenevix Jewellery 16. Enjoy the excitement of a live auction each month at Neals Theatre Street saleroom

What’s Tasty Market Woodbridge Regatta Woodbridge Carnival Music Day Elmhurst Park Maritime Woodbridge What’s Tasty Market Shuck fest Fireworks Festive Friday with Christmas lights switch on Christmas Market

Woodbridge Dress Agency

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Visit our boutique style dress agency where you’ll discover an amazing selection of pre-owned quality ladies clothing, shoes, bags and hats We stock high end high street through to top designer labels Opening times: Mon-Sat 10.30am-5.00pm 07771 512380 www.woodbridgedressagency.co.uk mail@woodbridgedressagency.co.uk 1 Quay St, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1BX

Hidden Treasure... ...for all to enjoy

UFFORD PARK WOODBRIDGE

Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa is open to all for delicious food using the finest local produce.

Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace overlooking the beautiful golf course, or visit the restaurant, perfect for romantic dinners and family occasions.

Free Wi-Fi and open to all - why not pop in for a coffee...

• • • • •

All Day Food Afternoon Tea - £16.95 for 2 Thursday Night - Curry Night Sunday Lunch Function Rooms

• • • • •

t 0844 847 9467 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk

15 metre Swimming Pool 18 hole par 71 Golf Course 2 storey Driving Range Luxury Thermal Suite Spa Open to Non Members

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

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Essential Explores | Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE DESTINATIONS

The Angel Winner of 'Spirits Pub of 2013 for East Anglia & East Midlands’ and home of the £5 lunch, our menu reflects a great balance between local & sustainable sourcing and the price to you.

2 Theatre Street (off Market Hill), Woodbridge, IP12 4NE. 01394 382660 www.theangelwoodbridge.co.uk

Barretts of Woodbridge A friendly, independent department store specialising in high quality, beautiful home furnishings and offering fantastic customer service. We have departments in linens, carpets, soft furnishings, beds, furniture and sofas, and we deliver free to Woodbridge and Ipswich.

40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1LA. 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk

Blue Bay Clothing A ladies clothing store offering a classic smart and casual collection with a coastal theme of nautical stripes, denims, knitwear, linens and more.

Stocking St James, Mat de Misaine, Blue Willis, Amour-Lux and Original Blues.

40a Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU. 01394 610325 Chattertons 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU. 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk

Chenevix Jewellery Qualified gemmologist and designer, Susannah Chenevix-Trench specialises in bespoke and remodelling work creating unique pieces of jewellery using both well-known and unusual gemstones and pearls from her pretty Market Hill shop.

40 Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU. 01394 384053 www.chenevixjewellery.co.uk The Coach & Horses Located just outside of Woodbridge we offer a great combination of quality, value and atmosphere that the Deben Inns are renowned for. We will be delighted to welcome you Melton Road, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1PD. 01394 384851 www.debeninns.co.uk/coachandhorses The Crown A boutique townhouse inn-hotel where you can kick back and relax.

A combination of stylish drinking, destination dining and luxury designer bedrooms with award-winning cuisine and great local ingredients.

Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AD. 01394 384242 www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

Darcy B A stylish boutique stocking Joseph Ribkoff, Just Cavalli, Class, Marilyn Moore, Sandwich, Save the Queen, Luis Civit, Nicole Farhi, Farhi by Nicole Farhi, Penny Black, Versace, Desigual, Guess by Marciano and many more.

23 Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU. 01394 388880 www.darcy-b.com

The Galley The Galley offers a vibrant dining experience, using local, seasonal food with delicious and unusual flavours.

Private dining is available upstairs or in the unique cellar dining room making any occasion memorable.

21 Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LX. 01394 380055 www.galley.uk.com

Happiness Store Now we’ve more Happiness in Store for Woodbridge – Happiness has recently moved to a fabulous new store in the Thoroughfare where you will find a fantastic range of gifts, home wares and accessories.

6a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AG. 01394 548815 joannah@happinessstore.co.uk

Holly Blue Boutique See it, love it, want it. This popular boutique in the heart of Woodbridge will have you spoilt for choice with lovely collections different from the high street and at realistic prices.

72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL. 01394 382300

jennyfer lon g Jennyfer Long A unique boutique situated on the beautiful Market Hill stocking labels such as Ash, Goat, Hoss, Intropia, Lily and Lionel, Modula, Maja Lauf, Nougat, Paul and Joe Sister and Set. 28 Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU 01394 548215

Laura Jane Boutique Chic and stylish clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices.

Stocking labels such as YaYa, Peruzzi, Dranella, Part Two, Lauren Vidal, Soaked in Luxury, Moda In Pelle and many more.

89-91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AW. 01394 386686 www.laurajaneboutique.co.uk

The Little Clothes House A collection of beautiful children’s clothes, gifts and toys in the only shop in Woodbridge dedicated to designer children’s clothing such as Frugi, Emma Levine, Lilly and Sid, Belle and Boo, Ragtale toys and more.

20a Market Hill, Woodbridge, IP12 4LU. 01394 389517

Neals Furniture & Fine Art Sales are held regularly at the historic Theatre Street saleroom, Woodbridge, with monthly sales including Victorian, Edwardian & reproduction furniture, china, glass, plated ware, pictures, books, household items and garden equipment.

26 Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DP. 01394 382263 www.nsf.co.uk

RE+new Gallery With contemporary art from some forty local artists and regular exhibitions, RE+new gallery has a growing following. Add design furniture and bespoke stationery and you can appreciate this unique offering.

63a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AH. 01394 386314 www.replusnew.com

The Sandwich Shop & Coffee Bar Established in 1996 in the heart of The Thoroughfare, we sell freshly made sandwiches, baps, baguettes, panini, potatoes, smoothies, juices , shakes, coffee, homemade cake, and buffets for any occasion.

17 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AA. 01394 384941 sandwich.woodbridge@hotmail.co.uk

Sant Studio An eclectic collection of jewellery, fashion and home-wares, brought together by three sisters, Claire, Louise and Georgina Sant. After pursuing independent careers they have come together using their individual talents to bring you this wonderful boutique.

64 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL. 01394 382346 www.santstudio.co.uk Stuart Clay Traps 3a – 3b Wilford Bridge Road, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1DG. 01394 385567 www.stuartsgunsandtackle.com

Sweet Dreams An edited selection of the world's finest lingerie, swimwear and loungewear combined with expert advice and 19 years of fitting experience – Sweet Dreams – the better lingerie shop.

45a Throughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AH. 01394 380306 www.sweetdreams-lingerie.co.uk 10 Church Street Antiques - Interiors - Art - Gifts.

At 10 Church Street we love all things beautifully made and well designed and we offer an eclectic mix of everchanging things – old and new – sourced from Europe and beyond.

10 Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH. 01394 384949. www.10churchstreet.com

Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa Situated in 120 acres of Suffolk’s beautiful countryside and located just off the A12, Ufford Park Woodbridge offers a fantastic choice of facilities for ALL to enjoy.

Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1QW. 0844 847 9467 (local rate) www.uffordpark.co.uk

Vanil Bringing a touch of Scandinavia to Woodbridge. Bursting with beautiful home wares including vintage furniture, bags, jewellery, stationery and accessories from leading Swedish brands including: Ceannis, Pappelina, Sagen and Rie Elise Larsen.

17 Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1SD. 01394 380808 www.vanil.co.uk Woodbridge Dress Agency 1 Quay Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1BX. 07771 512380 www.woodbridgedressagency.co.uk Woodbridge Interiors Specialists in creating that dream kitchen or bathroom to enhance the space in your home.

Smithfield, Woodbridge, IP12 1NG. 01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk Woodbridge Kitchen Company 7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AA. 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk Woodbridge Jewellery Workshop 80 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL. 01394 647117 www.woodbridgejewelleryworkshop .co.uk

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MAY 2014

This year the Suffolk Show, celebrating all that’s good about our beautiful county, is on May 28 and 29. Anne Gould speaks to Chris Bushby about its new strategic theme

SHOW BUSINESS F

or most of us visiting Trinity Park during May half term the Suffolk Show will appear, at first glance, very much about what we know and love. There will be horses, cattle, sheep and pigs, marvellous entertainment including the thrill of some of the very best international show jumping in the grand ring. We’ll be showing off Suffolk’s growing reputation as one of the best food producing counties in Britain.

There will be an opportunity to meet and socialise with friends, family, business contacts and hopefully meet new people too. Depending on the weather we’ll be buying either wellies or sunhats and fingers crossed, after an absence of two years, there will be a Royal visitor as well.

This year, after a strategic review, there are some big changes which really should make a positive difference – not just for show-goers on the day but on the long term future of farming in our county. The headlines of course have all been about the decision to allow children aged 14 and under to enter for free and reducing tickets for teenagers aged 15-18 (just £5 if they buy tickets by May 25).

Of course this huge change makes the show even more family friendly and an excellent value holiday day out too but, says Suffolk Agricultural Association Chief Executive Chris Busby (pictured above), this is all part of a greater plan that was initiated 18 months ago.

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Suffolk Show 2014

“We reviewed our position as an agricultural association and our role in supporting our position with education in relation to the food and farming industry. So this year we have decided to create ‘Discovery Zones’ around farming, sports and skills where young people can visit with their parents and learn about career and vocational opportunities for the future.” The agricultural industry in the county, if you include everything from production to processing and retail, he says, is worth about £9.6 billion and employs 81,000 people. “If that industry is buoyant it needs a lot of young people with the right skills both now and in the future.”

Research has shown that young people with vocational qualifications are most often employed locally whereas those who go on to higher education don’t always return. “We want to make sure that our agricultural and food industry has what it needs and so will show young people the sorts of rewarding careers they can aim towards.” The Farm Discovery Zone, for example, includes a journey

through every aspect of food production from the ground to the plate, all laid out in different themes. Families will be able to cook together with cereal crops like wheat and oats with Cook With Me Kids, see the beginnings of the poultry lifecycle with the new Easton Farm Park hatchery, hold a new-born chick, stroke a sheep, milk a cow and even discover where sausages come from. Anglia Pea Growers and representatives from the Potato Council and local vegetable farmers will be on hand with a display of threshing machines and combines and will show how cereal crops are planted and harvested. This sort of ‘education’ for the future is vital for the whole community, says Chris, for instance only last month the local building industry found itself short of 200 bricklayers because there weren’t people with the skill. Already, says Chris, excellent work is being done in schools and colleges but the SAA want to raise the bar. “We want to make sure our young people are learning the right skills for our local industries so they have the opportunity to find work and long term employment.” ‰

01206 323150 | www.milsomhotels.com/milsomcatering

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MAY 2014

Another change this year – and one that is likely to be approved by the canine community – is that dogs have been allowed back in to the Show. Chris said that the decision came about because they’d looked at feedback after the show and it was something that the public were really in favour of. Of course the show will also feature the increasingly popular Greene King Eat Street with new vendors with amazing food to go.

Among them, Aspalls will bring its famous cider barn, Eleveden Estate its tea tent, choose from foods from the Waffle Works, Flippin’ Pancakes and find out what’s jumping at Bonni’s Reggae Hut! The Adnams Food and Drink Experience will showcase more than 42 regionally produced new tastes and offer the opportunity to sample and buy local favourites to take home, cook with and enjoy. At the time of going to press news of the leading celebrity chefs appearing in this year’s new Cookery Theatre had yet to be announced so keep checking the website for details.

More than 1000 large and small livestock will appear in the show rings and there are more than 700 livestock and equine classes. Among them is a new Retrained

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Racehorse challenge for thoroughbreds that have raced. There’s also to be a ladies two-wheeled cart race with heavy horses, as well as a picture of grace with the Concours D’Elegance side saddle afternoon on Wednesday. The equine competitions have always been a feature of the Suffolk Show and their reputation and popularity have improved year on year. So look out for Royal International Horse Show qualifiers and Horse of the Year Show qualifiers in Mountain and Moorland and Working Hunter Ponies.

This year the Show is only one of two shows selected for the first time as an Olympia Direct Qualifier across in-hand and ridden classes. The overall winner will go forward into one champion qualifier.

International show jumping will feature the prestigious International Stairway, Speed Derby, Ride and Drive and Accumulator as well as the Open Championship which are likely to attract some top European riders. Meanwhile the Equine Village will feature a demonstration by the East Anglian Savvy Team of Parelli Instructors whose goal is to raise the level of horsemanship throughout the UK by helping people understand their horses. The practical

demonstration includes helping normal horse riders to play with their horses, developing a better relationship that can lead to playing at liberty and riding bridleless with the most amazing levels of subtle communication between horse and rider.

All around the avenues are various entertainments, musicians and acts.

Popular jitterbug dancers will get people dancing in the avenues, the living statues will amuse and for Thursday there is the giant animatronic T-Rex dinosaur, which organisers hope will not encounter the new Parrot Roadshow – the only travelling one of its type featuring rescue birds. The Military Zone will represent all the armed forces and not only feature an Apache, but also a special Apache simulator not usually seen outside the base. If shopping until you drop is a must for a great day out there is plenty to choose from – more than 700 trade stands, including 72 new ones, with unusual and different products for every age and choice. Fifth Avenue, the fashion destination is in the pink with a giant bright fuchsia carpet announcing its presence, framed by topiary and picket fencing.

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Suffolk Show 2014

As ever, the Show has plenty of different activities to entertain and amuse for all the family. Suffolk Sport will showcase more than 20 sports to have a try at, completely free of charge. Suffolk Skills will showcase practical skills from students from the region’s colleges and give you a chance to talk about future careers and further education in the Careers Discovery Zone. The magnificent Flower and Garden Experience marquee provides inspiration for gardens large and small or ideas for growing on allotments and gives handy hints on growing fruit and vegetables.

There will be at least five model gardens, among them one especially designed for children by a 15-year-old.

INFORMATION Entry if booked by May 25: Adults £20, concessions £18, 15-18 yrs £5, under 14s free, car parking £4 www.suffolkshow.co.uk

Award winning interior design, creating beautiful, elegant and timeless interiors in the heart of Suffolk

www.rendallandwright.com EssentialSUFFOLK

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Bed Linen, Duvets, Towels, Homeware & Gifts

Barretts B a r r e t tt t s off Woodbridge Woodbridge

Beds, Mattresses, Headboards & Bedroom Furniture

Carpets, Rugs & Floor Coverings

Curtains, Blinds, Shutters, Fabric, Wallpaper & Paint

We are a friendly, independent department store in the heart of Woodbridge specialising in high quality and beautiful home furnishings, and fantastic customer service. Visit our website to find out more, or even better, pop in and see what a lovely shop Barretts is!

COME AND SEE US IN THE LIFESTYLE PAVILION AT THE SUFFOLK SHOW AND 29TH MAY) AND ENTER OUR FREE PRIZE DRAW S HOW ((28TH 9TH M AY ) A ND E UR F REE P RIZE D RAW 28TH A ND 2 NTER O FOR STUNNING F OR A S TUNNING VOYAGE VOYAGE FLOOR FLOOR CUSHION CUSHION www.barretts.co.uk T: 01394 384300 40 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AL E: sales@barretts.co.uk Free customer car park

Jill Barrett

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Suffolk Show 2014 | Luxurious Lifestyle Pavilion

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LUXURY The House and Garden Zone at this year’s Suffolk Show has products that will transform your house into a home. In particular there are stunning room displays and accessories in the Hopkins Homes Luxurious Lifestyle Pavilion to give eager shoppers plenty of inspiration

One of the great things about spending time at the Suffolk Show is having the opportunity to gain ideas and inspiration and if interior décor floats your metaphorical boat then the Luxurious Lifestyle Pavilion has to be on your list of stopping points.

Sponsored by award winning luxury home builders Hopkins Homes, the pavilion brings together leading independent designers and retailers with a variety of room settings and stands all created with shoppers in mind.

This year among the displays you’ll see impressive room sets from Barretts of Woodbridge, Rendall & Wright, The Persian Carpet Studio and Catherine Haddon; four very different treatments of the available space for displays yet equally inviting for the interior design minded shopper.

Housed in one of the permanent buildings at Trinity Park the Lifestyle Pavilion is one area in which the weather definitely won’t play any part in determining just how elaborate the displays can be. Confident that they’re completely out of reach of any inclement offerings – or indeed the fading powers of the sun - the stand holders are free to let their creative juices run riot with complete room sets including sumptuous fabrics and furniture giving you a very accurate idea of the services and products they’re able to provide.

So when you’re planning your schedule around the showground make plenty of time for the Lifestyle Pavilion as there’s always the option to pick up your purchases at the end of the day.

2014 EXHIBITORS Sponsor: HOPKINS HOMES AURINA BARRETTS OF WOODBRIDGE BLACK POPPY BROMLEY & FITCH TILE MERCHANTS CATHERINE HADDON INTERIORS COTTON TREE INTERIOR DESIGNERS PERSIAN CARPET STUDIO POMEGRANATE RENDALL & WRIGHT ROSIE HUNTER INTERIORS RUBY TYGER RUNAWAY COAST LTD TRIPTYCH

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THE

PERSIAN CARPET STUDIO

The

BIG Spring Clean

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Up to half price reductions on all stock Friday 2 until Saturday 17 May 2014 (including Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May)

To make room for our exciting Summer collections we are offering up to 50% off rugs, runners and large carpets in traditional and contemporary designs, kelims, cushions, stools, lamps, pottery and much more. Our products are beautiful, unique and handmade.

Bring your rugs in for a spring clean and receive a 10% CLEANING DISCOUNT and a free assessment for cleaning, moth check and repairs. Offer valid until 31 May 2014.

Win a case of Champagne Visit www.persiancarpetstudio.co.uk for all the details

OPENING TIMES Monday – Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm. Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May –10am until 4pm. Closed Sunday 11 May. The Persian Carpet Studio, The Old White Hart, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9HX 01787 882214 | www.persiancarpetstudio.co.uk | Car Park

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FOR HOMES OF DISTINCTION hopkinshomes.co.uk

DESIRABLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SUFFOLK, NORFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & ESSEX

Visit all of our developments at:

hopkinshomes.co.uk 01394 446860 sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk Images of Hopkins Homes developments. Help to Buy is subject to terms and conditions.

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Suffolk Show 2014 | Fashion

With the Suffolk Show this month and the International Polo not too far ahead on the calendar here’s our Essential Guide to what to wear on these splendid occasions

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Wedges are the perfect footwear when on a grass surface as they combine the leg lengthening properties of heels without the tricky business that comes when heels sink into the lawn.

Emma Lloyd Marianna Boutique, Ipswich 5

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1. Fynch Hatton shirt (berry) £65, Santinelli jacket (navy & red) £275, O&C Butcher 2. Santinelli jacket (corn) £275, O&C Butcher 3. Penelope Chilvers wedges £149, Marianna 4. Laurel dot dress £345 and matching jacket £345, Collen & Clare 5. Pomodoro white with floral print dress £65, Pomodoro coral ring scarf £18, Adams Apple 6. Maxmara abetone wrap waist dress £299, Collen & Clare

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CARAMEL速 140 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AQ

CARAMEL速 Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

01728 452141

01728 687467

www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

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OF WALSHAM LIMITED The Street,Walsham-le-Willows, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3BA T: 01359 259 259 clarkesofwalsham.co.uk

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Suffolk Show 2014 | Fashion

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FASHION FIND Look what we found – the perfect handbag sized foldaway jacket for days when the weather looks unpredictable.

This lightweight down jacket by Brax ‘Feel Good’ is the essential accessory for days out and cool summer evenings.With lapel collar, press stud fastening and two flap pockets the jacket neatly fits into its small carry bag which is included. It’s also machine washable for ultimate ease.

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Brax foldaway jacket £150 (pictured with Brax Janine scarf £49.95) available from Caramel (Aldeburgh & Snape)

7. Set dusky pink dress £109, Marianna 8. People Tree Alison hand woven dress £125, Caramel 9. Set embellished dress £185, Marianna 10. Joseph Ribkoff black and white jacket £199, Darcy B 11. Ariana zebra dress £140, Holly Blue Boutique

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings.

T: 01728 452141 | www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Collen & Clare 25 Market Place, Southwold & 164 High Street, Aldeburgh.

T: 01502 724823 | www.collenandclare.com Darcy B Market Hill Framlingham & Woodbridge.

T: 01728 720052 | www.darcy-b.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Marianna 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich.

T: 01473 225666 | www.mariannaboutique.co.uk O&C Butcher 129-131 High Street, Aldeburgh.

T: 01728 452229 | www.ocbutcher.co.uk

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MAY 2014

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LEATHER & lace A strong theme for this spring and summer the combination of pretty, feminine lace with robust leather is one that has had many incarnations. Stretch lace is perfect for dresses and T-shirts whereas the more structured laces make for more architectural designs.

In a variety of weights and colours leather is ideal for edgy jackets and trousers

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1. Green leather jacket by Muubaa £349, Chattertons 2. Black lace dress by Diane von Furstenberg £330, Chattertons 3. Part Two shirt with lace detail £99.95, Laura Jane Boutique 4. Yest white lace detail dress £50, Adams Apple 5. Navy lace top by High £195, Chattertons 6. Custommade navy leather trousers £290, Marianna 7. Save the Queen red and blue dress £225, Darcy B 8. Urban Code Pheonix biker jacket £265, Holly Blue Boutique 9. Great Plains lace detail dress £65, Samphire at Snape Maltings 10. Hofmann Copenhagen blue dress £205, Marianna 11. Sandwich lace dress £89, Fleur 12. Pauporte lace T shirt (navy or cream) £75, Caramel 13. Rosemunde lace dress £179, Marianna

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Fashion

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Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings.

T: 01728 452141 | www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chattertons 18 Market Hill, Town Centre, Woodbridge.

T: 01394 385757 | www.chattertonshop.co.uk Darcy B Market Hill, Framlingham & Woodbridge.

T: 01728 720052 | www.darcy-b.co.uk Fleur 166 High Street, Aldeburgh.

T: 01728 454822 | www.fleuraldeburgh.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Marianna 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich.

T: 01473 225666 | www.mariannaboutique.co.uk Samphire Clothes & Accessories Snape Maltings.

T: 01728 688303 | www.snapemaltings.co.uk

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MAY 2014

PUB WALKS with Darcy

Sponsored by

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

With spring upon us, and increasing daylight hours available to walk, this month we offer you a slightly longer route passing along a beautiful stretch of the Fynn Valley, starting and ending at the dog friendly Westerfield Swan

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Fynn Valley Golf Club

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Starting and ending at the dog friendly Westerfield Swan we head out of the village and over fields towards Tuddenham. On this route I found myself walking from between hedgerows and past footpath signs that I had seen a hundred times from my car without ever really thinking where one path had come from or where the next one may emerge. There is something about travelling on foot that allows you to really appreciate where you live. The highlight for me is a stretch along a section of the Fynn Valley Walk from Tuddenham, and behind the golf course, eventually emerging at the edge of Witnesham before heading back to the start. As with our previous Westerfield walk the end stage does involve a short stretch of walking along the main road out of the village but with verges wide enough to easily accommodate dog and party this should not put anyone off.

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Regular readers of Darcy’s pub walks will know I enjoy looking at maps, searching for new routes where we can take her, and as always ending a dog friendly pub to quench the thirst we may have generated. I was particularly pleased with devising this walk as it ticks so many of the boxes we look to achieve. Beautiful views, places for Darcy to run free stretching her legs and where roads are encountered, as from time to time they will be, for the most part they are quiet lanes. It also is unique in Darcy’s walks to date as you will visit three villages.

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THE WALK Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles Time: Approx. 1hr 40 minutes Terrain: Generally easy. Fields, paths, lanes. Some road crossing Stops: The Westerfield Swan Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 197 Start Point OS reference: 176 478 (The Swan Car Park) 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 Swan car park turn left and pass in front of the pub.

Keep walking until you have passed all the houses and reached the village 30 mph speed sign.

2. After approx. 150 yds beyond the speed sign take the footpath (FP) on the right and cross the field. At the end of the first field the path follows a track across the middle of the next field. At the end of the next field continue with the hedge to your left and the farm building ahead of you.

3. At the barn turn left and walk down the road. After approx. 600 yds the road meets another. Continue straight ahead keeping on the pavement on your left.

4. Before you reach the Tuddenham Fountain pub take the bridleway sign on your left. Follow the track for approx. 600 yds until you reach a metal gate quickly followed by a latched metal gate with a yellow and blue bridleway disc on the post. Pass through the gate and keep to the left of the field. After a short while the path passes behind some trees on the left by a wire fence.

5. The path passes by some homes. Continue to follow the track (which turns to tarmac) straight ahead.The 30 mph sign that you soon see ahead marks where this track meets the main road.

6. At road turn left and cross over walking on the road for approx.100yds 7. Straight after Wells Farm, on your right, take the FP sign going up some steps.The path follows the edge of the field.

8. ATTENTION NEEDED HERE. After a short while you pass a telegraph pole and stile on your right. Walk past the stile, ignore the turning to the right (a path to Cockfield Hall –see map) continue straight ahead following FP sign.The path turns to the right and after approx. 50 yds passes through a gap in a hedge and across another field.You will see buildings ahead.The path passes to right of these.

9. Pass beside a metal gate and turn left. Walk down this quiet lane until you meet the main road.This will take 10-15 minutes depending on your pace.

10. At the main road turn right. Initially there is no pavement but a substantial grass verge that will keep you out of the path of the oncoming traffic. After approx. 5 minutes you will reach the Westerfield village sign and pavement. Retrace your steps back to the Swan.

The Swan at Westerfield on the outskirts of Ipswich is the ideal location to enjoy our excellent range of wines, ales and delicious food in a great atmosphere with or without your dog.

Whether you choose to relax inside our recently refurbished interior or take advantage of our extensive outdoor seating you’ll find us the ideal place to take the weight off your feet after your walk.

Our menu offers a wonderful selection of dishes prepared with love from the best local ingredients where practical. The menu include honest ‘pub grub’ alongside more contemporary dishes, all freshly prepared and presented by friendly, efficient staff.

There will always be seasonal specials which you can discover on our blackboards on the day.

You’re now able to make an online reservation request.

We’ll get back to you either by email or phone to confirm your booking or to arrange an available time.

Westerfield Road, Westerfield Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 9AJ 01473 251447 debeninns.co.uk/swan EssentialSUFFOLK

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MAY 2014

CITY CHIC The Salthouse Harbour Hotel occupies an enviable position on Ipswich Waterfront.

Lesley Rawlinson discovers more about this ‘contemporary boutique hotel of curiosity’

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leepy Suffolk – now there’s an overused term that we find our county dubbed with time and time again. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially when the peace and quiet of rural life is high on one’s agenda but let’s not go assuming that in every corner of our sometimes somnolent patch we’re all living at a less than energetic pace.

Suffice to say that in Ipswich there’s a thriving cultural hub and at its heart is the recently developed Neptune Quay.

Over the past fifteen years the once utilitarian dock has been transformed into an attractive waterfront. There may still be some developments in hand but on the whole the renovations and newly created buildings have an air of enterprise. By day University students, tourists and business people rub shoulders among the bars and cafes as they admire the various crafts moored in the marina and as evening takes over the illuminated facades are reflected in the waters of the harbour giving any European city a run for its money.

It’s not so surprising then that at the heart of the developments is the highly creative and unashamedly quirky Salthouse Harbour Hotel. It’s Ipswich’s only four star hotel and just as it’s partly historic and partly 21st century exterior is reflected in the harbour waters of the Orwell at night, its opulent interior reflects the personality and luxury of a

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top London boutique hotel. It’s difficult to understand, or indeed believe, the vision that owner Robert Gough must have had when purchasing the then neglected Victorian warehouse back in 2003. But while many businesses have had to severely ‘take stock’ through the recession years Robert has extended the Salthouse to the dazzling waterfront centrepiece that it has become.

There’s a fabulous juxtaposition between the traditional red-brick exterior of the original building and the, verging on eccentric, interior designs of the Salthouse and I think for me it’s this idiosyncratic style that I find very inviting. Sometimes luxury comes with an under-current of pomp (you know – that feeling that if you skew a cushion there’ll be an inquest in the end of the day report) but there’s an ease, an air of informality about this hotel that challenges any preconceptions one may have. In fact the rich, modern interiors adorned with vintage furniture, sculptures and eclectic art are such a talking point that it’s not surprising just how popular this rather cosmopolitan corner of Ipswich has become.

Our chance to enjoy an evening at the Salthouse came one Saturday not long after the clocks had changed and so, although we weren’t dining particularly early it was still light when we were

shown through to our table in the ‘Eaterie’ restaurant. Along the dockside wall there are tall windows that afford superb views across the marina and as twilight descended the vista morphed to one of twinkling harbour lights. The window recesses themselves are home to a cornucopia of curiosities – from perching (stuffed) budgies to an ornamental lamp base in the shape of a Pug – and much between. Of particular note is the variety of art on display.

There’s a unique and eclectic collection of contemporary urban paintings, art house photography and pop art sculpture – quite simply something beautiful or interesting to catch your eye at every turn.

In addition to the visual environment the ‘Eaterie’ also has a reassuring friendly buzz. Even though it was busy when we arrived, as you would expect for a venue as popular as this, the high ceilings mean that the background chatter is never obtrusive but adds to the overall atmosphere.

Still in the season of Lent I had ‘vowed’, along with a friend, not to partake in alcohol until Easter so had also offered to be our designated driver for the night.

‘So what’ I hear you ask – well I only mention it because on this evening I discovered the perfect replacement nonalcoholic beverage for when the urge for

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Dining Review | Salthouse Harbour Hotel

a glass of something a little stronger must, and will, be kept at bay; the virgin mojito! When I’d ordered it (and knowing I was driving) my husband double checked with me whether I thought our waitress had heard the ‘nonalcoholic’ bit of the order. Rather than call her back I decided it would be very easy to tell when it arrived, after all I’d taste the rum, wouldn’t I? Well I tasted it, and then he tasted it and then we still had to check with the bar staff. Yes indeed the order was correct, no alcohol in sight but, crikey, it was good. Enough to make me consider a life of sobriety… well, almost!

We took our time pondering the menu.

Always a good sign, while some dishes will jump out as obvious choices I enjoy a menu that challenges my usual trains of thought. There were three very appealing seafood options on the specials board but I eventually decided that I would order the Pan fried hake with cauliflower, new potatoes, spinach and curried prawns from the menu as my main course and work back from there to pair the dish with a suitable starter. Casting aside a close runner up of rabbit and prosciutto terrine with pickled quail eggs I decided instead to go for arancini with paramsan and wild mushrooms. This light and attractively presented starter ticked every box – flavour, texture, quantity – very good indeed. Followed by the hake, an equally well executed dish, with the fish at its heart able to sing through the other subtle flavours, I felt I’d made some more than pleasing choices.

Perhaps it was the subconscious pull of the river but my husband also veered to seafood with his starter choice of cured sea-trout with pickled beets, dill and fennel seeds. The finely sliced fillets of

trout were artistically arranged in a roselike fashion but this was in no way a case of style over substance, far from it.

When flavours like these blend so well it’s a wonder we’re not a more creative nation, generally, with food. He followed with a hearty dish of roasted poussin with confit legs, sweetcorn, peas and fondant potato – another winner that left him wishing that restaurant etiquette allowed for manual picking of the bones!

During my abstinence from alcohol puddings have climbed my list of priorities so a slice of lemon cheesecake with blood orange granita and espuma was duly ordered. Zingy and creamy; a perfect delight. Adrian decided to try the dark chocolate fondant with cherry sorbet, pistachios and amaretti and although, due to the popularity of the dish, the cherry sorbet was replaced with a pistachio ice-cream, it was another fabulous combination and the perfect way to round off the meal.

I’ll be making a return visit, not least to make the most of perusing the well rounded wine menu with intent to consume. Not to have imbibed did in some way feel rude as selecting great wines is a passion for Robert and his head chef who make regular road trips to the continent to sample the choices that will ultimately appear. There is however a perfect opportunity on Thursday May 22 when the hotel will be

hosting another of its fantastic dining and wine matching experiences. On this occasion it’s a Lestrille Bordeaux Night with Toby Hope from Hallgarten Druitt and wine producer Estelle Letrille from Chateau Lestrille Bordeaux. The evening consists of a four course meal and diners get to sample this fantastic selection of French wines. All in all, I’ll certainly be recommending that friends and family take the opportunity, should it arise, to soak up a little ‘city chic’ in our county town.

INFORMATION WINE NIGHTS – To reserve places for the Lestrille Bordeaux Night contact the Salthouse Reception team on 01473 226789. £42 per person, arrival by 7pm to start at 7.30pm. Why not stay overnight in a Salthouse room from just £99 per room including breakfast.

Just call Salthouse Reservations on 01284 714014 and quote ‘Wine Nights’ to book your room.

Examples of the current menu plus all future events can be found on the hotel’s website.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1AX Tel: 01473 226789 Reservations: 01284 714014 Email: staying@salthouseharbour.co.uk www.salthouseharbour.co.uk

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MAY 2014

HEY PESTO! Famous for his ‘Lobster Weeks’ Ugur Vata of The Galley in Woodbridge shares a recipe for rocket pesto so simple that it, almost magically, lifts this dish to a level that will be sure to impress your family and friends

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Recipe | The Galley

Restaurateur Ugur Vata, originally from Turkey, was lucky to grow up around people who appreciated good food. His mother was trained by a professional chef and his father was an exporter who dealt in dried fruits and travelled all over the world. Long before such foods arrived in shops in Izmir, Turkey, he introduced his family to European cheeses, salamis, chocolate and even pork.

Ugur first came to Suffolk in 1983 with the Scouts and again the following year.

He came back again when he was 20 speaking no English and with no experience of restaurants but decided to stay. He studied English at Suffolk College and furthered his education in Catering and Business at the Colchester

Institute and City College Norwich.

Then he decided to take the plunge and The Galley in Ipswich opened back in 1994 followed by Woodbridge ten years later. In 2008 he took The Galley back home and opened a restaurant in Port Göcek, Fethiye, Turkey. Food is Ugur’s lifelong passion and the good habits he learned from his family, shopping seasonally and sourcing locally, have stayed with him. It is Ugur’s belief that virtually every acclaimed and successful restaurant shares these values; they are undoubtedly the hallmark of good food.

The Galley’s emphasis is on good ingredients that are well-cooked and beautifully and simply presented and Ugur and his team will not compromise on quality.

Lobster & Creamy Rocket Pesto INGREDIENTS Serves 2

METHOD

700-800g Whole Lobster 400g rocket leaves 500ml extra-virgin olive oil 200g Parmesan cheese 50g pine nuts 50g pumpkin seeds 50g sunflower seeds 4 cloves garlic, peeled Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper Juice of half a lemon

1. Cook the lobster for 10-12 minutes in boiling water with sea salt. Remove and allow to cool, shell out and set aside.

2. Dry-roast the pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds in a frying pan or in a low oven for approximately five to seven minutes.

3. Place rocket, parmesan, garlic plus cooled pines nuts and seeds into a liquidiser or food processor and gently blend the ingredients at medium speed whilst pouring in olive oil in a steady stream until smooth.

4. Place the lobster on the serving plate and drizzle the pesto over as desired. Serve with new potatoes, fresh samphire and few rocket leaves.

NB: The pesto will store in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. To do so place in a clean jar and cover with a small amount of oil.

CHEF’S TIP Preparing a lobster isn’t as daunting as it may seem.You will need a heavy knife, chopping board and solid surface. First place the lobster belly down on the board. Put the point of the knife in the centre of its head –with the sharp edge facing the tail end – push the point through the head until it meets the board and then with firm pressure cut down the ridge of the lobster and through the tail. Once done turn the lobster round and cut through the remaining section of the head.To cut the lobster lever the knife against the board pushing down firmly on the shell – do not saw. Once cut in half remove the stomach (a small gritty sack behind the mouth) and the gills.To extract the meat from the claws remove them from the body by twisting and then with a few confident taps of the back of your large knife, or using claw crackers, crack the shell.

21 Market Hill Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LX 01394 380055

Hear of the latest news and events at www.galley.uk.com

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MAY 2014

RETURN TO With the Hadleigh Show taking place on May 17 we know many Essential Suffolk readers will be heading to the town and looking for some pre or post show dining inspiration. We thought this was a great excuse to re-visit the increasingly popular Hadleigh Ram to sample their latest menu.

Adrian Rawlinson reports

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e first visited the Hadleigh Ram last September and had an excellent evening so the prospect of a return visit – this time for lunch – was one I was looking forward to. 2013 saw a change of ownership for the Ram and a major refurbishment by the family run group Stuart Inns who also run the Long Melford Swan. The result was, based on our last visit, the creation of a relaxed yet stylish bistro with an innovative and flavoursome menu backed with great service.

So how would the team fare this time?

Lunchtime services often have a very different feel to evening meals. The ambience that can be created when the lights go down, and diners are relaxing at the end of a day, is quite different to the energy that is created when daylight is the constant and others around you may be talking business or under time pressure.

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Add to this that we were visiting on a dull grey drizzle laden Monday lunch time, not necessarily the busiest point in any restaurants booking diary, and we knew we were most probably visiting at a time when we could potentially see the venue at its barest.

As we arrived we were enthusiastically greeted by a member of the front of house team and shown to our table. We certainly were not alone. A group of ladies were lunching, a mother and daughter surrounded by the prizes of a morning’s serious shopping were refuelling before the next assault, and a lady encircled by magazines, swatches, pencils and paper was obviously in the middle of some master plan for the beautification of someone’s home.

Throughout our meal new parties drifted in and out families, sole diners, friends grabbing a snack and a beer at the bar. Certainly not quiet and certainly not low energy.

As we settled at our table I noted the décor, that had seemed warm and cosy in our previous visit, appeared fresh and clean in the daylight. I particularly like the glass entrance. Although perhaps a strange thing to highlight I also noted how comfortable my chair was a reminder that the refurbishment has been conducted with both style and substance in mind.

So to the menu. The Hadleigh Ram offers three main menus. The lunch/ dinner menu, the ‘Get Set’ Menu – a fixed offer of two courses for £15.95 or three for £17.95, and a Sunday lunch menu.

The ‘Get Set’ menu was very tempting with two options for each course.

The asparagus, toasted brioche and pink grapefruit dressing starter caught my eye, as did the piri piri pousin. With a spot of restaurant voyeurism I became aware that this was exactly the choice of a lady on a neighbouring table and she seemed delighted.

The main menu offers both ‘nibbles’ and a selection of starters to begin your meal. The nibbles - four choices offered at just £3.05 per dish - are a lighter alternative to a full starter and a great idea, especially for lunchtime dining.

It was one of these ‘nibbles’ that drew me away from the set menu and into the full main. I have a penchant for black pudding, not one shared by my wife, so when the opportunity to indulge arises it is a fairly safe bet in which direction I will head. I recall that on my last visit I was drawn to my main dish by its inclusion of hollowed fondant potatoes filled with a black pudding crumble which were gorgeous. This time the temptress was Stornaway black pudding and ham hock croquettes. My good

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Dining Review | The Hadleigh Ram

THE RAM

lady opted for the starter sized Shetland mussels which were offered in two styles Thai- or Saffron Sofrito, a mixture of tomatoes, red peppers, eschalots and red chilli – she chose the latter. Both dishes were excellent. The mussels were plump, steaming and packed with flavour. My croquettes- moist - moreish and delicious. Also for a dish advertised as a nibble substantial with five or six offered. Apologies for my vagueness I tucked in rather than counted…

My starter arrived on a slate and I am still undecided on the whole slate and board option versus a plate however what was noted that the slates used for this, and as it happens my main course, had been warmed. Again good attention to detail – it doesn’t in my experience always happen.

With starters gratefully consumed we eagerly awaited our mains. I had chosen, it was lunch after all, the Muntjac burger with Welsh rarebit, onion seeded bun, red cabbage, khol rabbi & mooli radish, coleslaw and chunky chips. I had spied one arriving at a nearby table as we ordered and it looked almost architectural in its execution and very impressive. My wife chose herb crusted roast cannon of hogget (a juvenile sheep older than one year in case you were unsure – I was), verde cannelloni of neck, roasted Jerusalem artichokes, pea

purée, peas & tomato liaison, rosemary & olive split jus.

When we review meals we will, in most cases, give the other a taste of our chosen dish. A second opinion is often good and in some cases we may both, if we weren’t reviewing, have chosen the same thing so it’s good to know, in the nicest possible sense, what you’re missing. The fact that on this occasion I didn’t even get a sniff of Mrs R’s lunch was testament to how delicious she found it. “Was there a noticeable difference between lamb and hogget?” I asked “ Yes, definitely, beautiful. Sorry didn’t I offer you any?” was her reply. Enough said. The accompanying thyme roasted cauliflower with garlic butter was also a revelation and a recipe I will be stealing.

I always feel that choosing a burger is somehow a culinary cop out. When faced with so many ‘proper’ dishes why would you opt for a meal that has been tagged ‘the meal of convenience’.

I doubt very much when the government has looked at the health of the nation that seared stone bass, or mead infused dingley dell pork has ever worried an official, I do however always we feel that somewhere ‘burger and chips’ is on a list and that in the shadows each one consumed is being secretly noted. Well no more shall I feel ashamed because this burger was exquisite. It’s

never going to be classed as health food with its creamy Welsh rarebit topping but the khol rabbi, mooli radish and coleslaw felt almost virtuous. All flavours working perfectly together. The Muntjac burger itself was sweet, gently spiced and perfectly cooked. Definitely one I will be having again.

I have only one complaint from this meal and that was that our waitress accepted “no thanks” as an answer from me when it came to desserts - something I was soon to regret as my wife’s choice arrived. She had gone for the raspberry and chocolate textures of chocolate with white chocolate panna cotta, dark chocolate ganache, liquid milk chocolate, iced raspberry, raspberry leather and raspberry fluid gel. It looked beautiful, and as I was soon to discover – no standing on ceremony waiting to be asked this time – tasted divine.

In summary this visit had been equally as enjoyable as our first. Day or night the Hadleigh Ram is a lovely setting confident in its offering and well worth a trip.

INFORMATION Full details and menus can be found at www.thehadlieghram.co.uk

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MAY 2014

The Peacock Inn

The Middleton Bell

Ufford Park

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.

The Park Restaurant, situated at Ufford Park Woodbridge is set in 120 acres of historic parklands. We offer a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and have a seasonally-changing menu offering lots of locally produced food and fresh vegetables. Sunday Lunch has made a welcome return to the restaurant, choose from a delicious three course menu and enjoy beautiful views across the golf course. A bar snack menu is also served all day in our Bar. Non-members welcome.

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

37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU

Open: Monday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 9.30pm Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

01449 743952 wilcri@aol.com www.thepeacockchelsworth.com

01473 230293

0844 847 9467 enquiries@uffordpark.co.uk www.uffordpark.co.uk

The Dog

The Galley

Fynn Valley

Award Winning Public House, Restaurant & Bar. Our menu constantly evolves to reflect the changing seasons and celebrates the very best of locally sourced produce. Our ‘Specials Board’ is inspired by the prime seasonal ingredients available each day and the entire menu is complemented by a carefully selected wine list. New guest beer every week. Real ales and rustic ciders. Save 20% off food orders everyday between 5.30 and 6.30pm. Set price menu one course £7.50, two courses £10 or three courses £13.

The Galley in Woodbridge is a family run restaurant offering vibrant and exciting menus, using fresh local produce, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. For those wishing to hold a celebration or business lunch, there are private dining rooms available. New spring menu – Light lunch, two course £11, three course £14. The team at the Galley are introducing a new special event on the second Sunday of every month – an extra delicious Sunday Roast! Next available on 11th May and 8th June. Lobster Week 12-18th May and 16-22nd June.

Open to everyone, not just golfers, we are the place you bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Meals can be eaten in our cosy Courtyard Bar, The Terrace overlooking the golf course or utilising the entire spacious Valley Room on busier occasions. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.

Open: Monday – Closed. Tuesday to Thursday 12 noon to 2.30pm and 5.30 to 11pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday – open all day. Food Served 12 noon to 2pm (2.30 Sunday) and 5.30pm to 9pm daily The Green, Grundisburgh, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6TA 01473 735267 www.grundisburghdog.co.uk 60

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The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

Open: 7 days a week, lunch 12noon to 2.15pm, dinner 6pm to late (early bird diner 6 – 7pm) 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4LX 01394 380055 www.thegalley.uk.com

Open: Open lunch and evening except closed all day Monday and Sunday evenings.

Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA 01473 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

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Food Gallery

The Plough & Sail

Butt & Oyster

The Fountain

After two years at the helm of the Plough & Sail located at Snape Maltings, local twins Alex and Oliver Burnside’s passion for creating a quality dining pub serving a seasonallychanging menu is ever stronger. Enjoy ‘traditional’ pub food for lunch and in the evenings a modern ‘restaurant style’ menu alongside an extensive selection of ales, spirits and quality wines. Pre and post concert dining is available and booking is advised.

“We look forward to welcoming you soon.”

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.

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.

Parties welcome from two to 45 people. Full A La Carte menu and a set two or three course menu. Current specials always included on the website. Covered heated patio and spacious beer garden.

Open: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm Sunday, 12 noon to 10.30pm

Open: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm.

Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week

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

Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

01728 688413 alexburnside@hotmail.com www.theploughandsailsnape.co.uk

01473 780764 buttandoyster@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

01473 785377 fountainpub@btconnect.com www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk

The Angel

The Coach & Horses

Arlingtons

Using the best local ingredients from the excellent producers on our doorstep, we prepare great tasty food here on the premises and aim sell it to you at a reasonable price. Mon-Fri we offer a choice of tasty home cooked lunches for £5, in addition to our full menu. Sunday roasts and our homemade burgers are a speciality. We are equally proud of our drinks offering with 6 real ales (listed in the 2013 CAMRA Good Beer Guide), draught Suffolk Cyder & lagers, and East Anglia’s widest range of spirits with over 220 gins.

The Coach & Horses located just outside of Woodbridge, has extremely good access to the A12 with ample parking. Originally a staging inn or coach house, it’s historical role is equally well served today providing great family food. We offer a great combination of quality, value and atmosphere that the Deben Inns are renowned for. 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 the Arlingtons Ballroom. The perfect venue to catch up with friends, talk business, celebrate special occasions. French style menu served in typical informal Brasserie manner offering a large selection of freshly prepared Suffolk reared meat dishes and vegetarian choices as well as fish & shellfish from sustainable sources. Plus takeaway deli, breakfast from 8am, light meals and homemade cakes throughout the day.

Open: Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm to close. Open all day at weekends

Open: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11pm Sunday, 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week

Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1HE

01394 384851 coachandhorses@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

01473 230293 enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk www.arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk

Snape Maltings, Snape Bridge, Snape, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1SR

Theatre Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NE (Just off the Market Hill) 01473 230293 mail@theangelwoodbridge.co.uk www.theangelwoodbridge.co.uk

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Food Gallery

MAY 2014

Shepherd & Dog

Sibton White Horse

The White Horse

Set amongst the fields of Forward Green the pub boasts a modern interior with a relaxing atmosphere. Our menus showcase seasonal ingredients at their best. We bake our own bread and make all our own ice creams. Bar food is served all day. We have a children's menu available and dogs are welcome in the bar. Booking is advised for the Eaterie.

A 16th century unspoilt destination inn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

Now into our ninth year and our craving for providing a memorable dining experience shows no waning. Relax with a pint of local cask ale or a glass of wine whilst lazing away to the sound of birdsong on the sunny terrace. Indulge in our delicious thoughtfully crafted menu. Built upon local, seasonal ingredients we offer an easy and unpretentious service, grounded in the tradition of the English inn.

You’re always sure of a warm welcome at The White Horse. A fabulous little spot in Old Felixstowe, where you’ll find a range of fine guest ales and delicious personally selected wines. The menu is made up of fresh, locally sourced produce, including daily seasonal specials and a wonderful traditional Sunday roast – all prepared by a talented team of AA Rosette winning chefs. Please see website for details of forthcoming events, including the next beer festival to be held in the beautifully converted stable block.

Open: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Food in the pub served 12 noon to 9pm (Wednesday – Sunday). Eaterie is open 12 noon to 3pm and 6.30 to 9.30pm (Wednesday – Saturday).

Open: 12pm to 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 11pm. Monday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm, 6.45pm to 10.30pm Sunday

Open: All day every day. Food served 12 until 2.30pm weekdays and all day at weekends

Forward Green, Earl Stonham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5HN

Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2JJ

TThe White Horse, Church Road, Old Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9NF

01449 711685 info@theshepherdanddog.com www.theshepherdanddog.com

01728 660337 info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

01394 277496 bookings@thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk www.thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk

The Bildeston Crown

Seckford Hall

The Maybush

In the heart of Suffolk’s picturesque countryside, The Bildeston Crown is a 15th century coaching inn, imaginatively renovated and refurbished in 2003.Their passion for good food means quality produce, sourced locally whenever possible, and used when in season to get the best results. ‘Ingrams’ is the 30-seater dining room which showcases the creativity of Head Chef Zack Deakins while ‘Classics’ is the more casual dining option bringing traditional British dishes up to date with modern twists.

1530 at Seckford Hall Hotel is Suffolk’s newest fine dining destination. Ideal for business and pleasure the talented team of chefs turn local produce into mouth-watering dishes, with seasonally changing menus.

Relaxed, stylish and comfortable, full of character but unpretentious the new classical design has stunning statement lighting and an eclectic mix of colours, mirroring the Tudor charm of the hotel. See what everyone is talking about and experience the tradition, history and good taste at 1530.

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.

Open: Food service is from 12 noon to 2.45pm and 7pm to 9.45pm daily (9pm Sundays)

Open: Lunch and dinner 7 days a week Light snacks served all day

Open: Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week

High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk, IP7 7EB

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU

Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4QL

01449 740510 reception@thebildestoncrown.co.uk www.thebildestoncrown.com

01394 385678 reception@seckford.co.uk www.seckford.co.uk

01473 736215 maybush@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

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Wine

SPEARS AT THE READY Rob Chase

I am currently in the throes of planning an asparagus-and-wine-matching event in early May and – in a bid to avoid being left with egg rather than asparagus on my face – I have checked with a couple of growers when they think their crops will be ready to cut. In theory, this could be anywhere between mid-April and mid-May, but taking into consideration that – as I write – primroses, daffodils and snowdrops in our garden are blooming simultaneously, I am assuming that a date in early May is a safe bet. My next conundrum is the menu. I used to assume that asparagus was – well – just asparagus but having leafed through a few recipe books and with long experience of the skilful chef involved, I realise there is more to this venture than meets the eye. Thus, while my virtual palate suggests Sauvignon, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Albariño, Riesling and Gewürztraminer with as many different asparagus dishes as possible, I now feel the need to branch out and experiment further: a Sauternes, maybe, with roast asparagus, bacon and Stilton.

Or perhaps Champagne with grilled asparagus and smoked salmon. And what about a red or a rosé? I foresee not only a fascinating ‘Asparafest’ but also weeks of happy research at home, pairing any number of random grape varieties with this quintessential Suffolk gem.

As Puy does its lentils, Grenoble its walnuts and even Portugal its sardines, so we in Suffolk should embrace our ‘home’ grown asparagus. We sometimes forget how privileged we are to have this early-summer treat (calling it a vegetable seems a little dismissive) harvested on our very doorsteps. I for one can’t wait, and am polishing the food and-winematching lexicon in eager anticipation.

For many years, the wine list at The

Crown Hotel in Southwold was a veritable catalogue of unexplored delights – with old and new, current and historic lurking in its cellar. This spring, however, we decided it was time to revamp the whole shooting-match, tear up the old list and start again from scratch. It was always deemed necessary to be relatively universal in our wine offer here, but we now realise that a more focused and dynamic selection, geared to the seasons, would put less strain on our restricted cellar space.

It would also avoid the occurrence of incorrect vintages or out-of-stock lines extremely annoying for customers and staff alike. Besides, what we considered to be a fairly comprehensive coverage of the world of wine even as recently as a decade ago, dwindles by comparison to what is available today. These days, Adnams is shipping new wines ever more frequently – both to maintain the originality of our quarterly ‘seasonal cellar’ cases and to add spice to our shelves. So it seemed only fair that the restaurant wine list should also benefit from our latest discoveries and enthusiasms: to this end, we have now pared it down to around fifty wines of which we are particularly proud and which we think you will enjoy drinking this summer. We haven’t started work on The Crown’s Autumn/Winter list yet but its contents are already more than a twinkle in our mind’s eye. And - if this flurry of change isn’t enough - the daily menus will include a couple of additional wines that we couldn’t wait to bring you and which will also reflect any seasonal fare – and of course the weather!

There are many amongst us who have bought wine En Primeur – i.e. prior to the wine being bottled or shipped. This allows enthusiast and investor alike – in a

good or great vintage – to put their name down for their desired wine – usually from Burgundy, Bordeaux or the Douro (Port). At Adnams, we have expanded the category of wines thus available and have for many years included wines from lesser regions of France, Germany, California , Argentina and New Zealand – anywhere where the wine in question was often available in very limited quantities and probably in need of a few years’ cellaring before it was ready to drink. When, however, Mother Nature dictates otherwise and the conditions prove unfavourable for the making of classic wines, the demand will vanish, prices may drop and what was an icon of a wine in a good vintage, suddenly becomes an ‘also-ran’.

The good news for enthusiastic quaffers of claret is that Bordeaux 2013 – thanks to lacklustre weather conditions - has produced plenty of decent wines which, although not deemed suitable for investment, will come on to the market early and will prove excellent in the short to medium-term and eminently more suited to everyday drinking. The only fly in the ointment that I can see is that the poor weather during flowering has meant a much reduced crop – by up to 40% on the Right Bank (St Emilion/Pomerol) – which may well have an impact on prices. But for those wine-makers who have interpreted the vintage for what it is, we should all be the beneficiaries of decent, drinking clarets. 2013 has turned out to be a ‘restaurant vintage’ – in other words, not for laying down as a 21st birthday investment but perfect for drinking early: in the lifespan of the wine, that is, rather than in the morning.

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Finance

MAY 2014

PENSIONS BOMBSHELL When George Osborne presented the budget to the house I don’t think anyone expected him to announce the ability to access money purchase pension funds in full from April 2015.

The detailed rules are awaited but for 2014/15 there have also been some changes.

It is important to remember that pensions are there to provide an income in retirement which for many is becoming longer.

Withdrawal of the full pension fund therefore seems an extreme step unless one has other income sources available. An annuity is therefore something that should still be considered by many as this will provide a guaranteed income for life. Death benefits can be included for a guaranteed period and spouse’s protection built in.

When pension benefits are taken a tax free Pension Commencement Lump Sum is still available of up to 25% in most circumstances.

The new rules for 2014/15 increase the maximum income level available from a Capped Drawdown arrangement. For existing arrangements this can only occur at the policy anniversary. In addition the secured pension income per annum required to enter into a Flexible Drawdown arrangement has reduced to £12,000pa. Secured pension income includes the State Pension, annuities, final salary pensions and scheme pensions.

James Wright

In a Flexible Drawdown arrangement once the £12,000 of secured income is established the remaining pot can be taken as required with no minimum or maximum each year. Any income taken is taxed at an individual’s marginal rate.

With Capped Drawdown there is no requirement for other sources of income. The budget increased the level of income which could be drawn each year. In order to maintain the income drawn each year the underlying fund may need to be invested; otherwise the fund is likely to run out. Capped Drawdown income levels are reviewed and take into account the fund value which will deplete as withdrawals are made if there is no growth from the fund.

Investing the underlying fund should be in line with an individual’s attitude to risk. This will determine the asset allocation exposure to the different equity, fixed interest and commercial property sectors. Reviewing capacity for loss is also very important as pension income is often the main source of income in retirement.

Independent financial advice should be taken before any arrangement is entered into. If you would like to review the retirement options available to you please contact me on 01473 259201 or email me at james.wright@scruttonbland.co.uk. Scrutton Bland Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 10TH MAY, 9.00AM12.15PM FOLLOWED BY THE PTA MAY FAYRE, 1.00PM We are delighted to invite prospective students and parents to visit Saint Felix School and Nursery to meet our staff and pupils. For students aged 2-18 Saint Felix School in Southwold offers an outstanding education in an inspirational environment.

saint felix pupils learn for life

FOR MORE INFORMATION TELEPHONE: 01502 727048 EMAIL: MBRIDGMANSTFELIX.CO.UK OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.STFELIX.CO.UK 64

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Antiques & Auctions

James Neal

KEEPING AN EYE ON A SOVEREIGN ESTATE! Imagine the scenario. Some thirty plus years ago, having been fascinated by antiques and curios the need arises for an owner’s treasures to be packed away.

Using newspapers from the time – bubble wrap and polystyrene ‘wotsits’ were certainly not around then – all those objects were put into store to be revealed at some unspecified future time.

there seemed to be no particular methodology for the packing.

than unusual appearance of an urn containing the ashes of someone unknown.

Spotting an interesting article on the wrapping paper slowed progress but treasures were revealed; indeed all that glitters turned out in some cases to be gold, as sovereigns and half sovereigns appeared from well concealed hiding places amongst other goodies.

It was hoped that the glass eye and set of dentures located in separate boxes were not connected with the individual in the urn, although if they were it might have narrowed down the search for the person’s identity.

Well, that time arrived a couple of years ago as the items were carefully transferred into banana boxes and parts of the hoard began to make their way from the far side of the country to a garage located in a Suffolk village. There was no room for the car anymore!

Expect the unexpected became the order of the day, as the volume of boxes awaiting investigation gradually diminished and the intensity of checking for the smallest of items escalated. But what other than gold were the chief finds?

The new owners were then faced with a dilemma. Each box needed to be scrutinised carefully as there was no inventory of the contents. It was an emotional task as some very personal items were mixed in with the curios and

A pretty grizzly apparition from the crumpled and yellowed pages of newsprint was a tiger’s head which presumably had become detached from a ‘trophy rug’ created from the poor animal’s skin.

However this was surpassed by the more

I am happy to report there are further boxes awaiting collection from the West Country. Once unpacked it is hoped that the car may be back in the garage before the winter.

In the meantime we look forward to offering further little gems from the Estate which also contained an array of interesting teapots. However, they failed to rival the quantity of those amassed by the late Mr Rushbrook, whose premises many local residents will remember with fondness, was located opposite our office.

Perfectly crafted timber windows and doors Visit one of our showrooms to view our extensive range of high performance windows and doors.

Bury St Edmunds 8 Fornham Business Court, Hall Farm, Bury Drift Fornham St Martin, Suffolk IP31 1SL. 01284 760222

Ingatestone The Old Forge, 53 High Street, Ingatestone Essex CM4 0AT. 01277 350950

Woodbridge Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP12 4AF. 01394 386666

Spring offer 10% discount off all products

www.burgess-group.com

Offer ends May 31st 2014* *Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Pesaro 175cm table with eight pesaro chairs & cushions and Roma black aluminium 3.5m parasol (natural) £2,730, Neptune Design Centre

EATING OUT A bite of breakfast on the patio, morning coffee on your favourite garden bench or a full blown family bar-be-cue, we all enjoy eating outdoors as soon as the weather allows. But an English summer can bring as many inclement days as good ones so when we’re considering buying garden furniture its weather resistance, ease of storage and all round durability can be as important to consider as style. Here’s our Essential Guide to some beautiful designs and accessories from independent Suffolk retailers

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Homes & Interiors

Bristol Premier six seater set (cushions and parasol available in two colours) £2,670, Neptune Design Centre

Paris Bistro set was £299.99 now £224.99, Glasswells

Seattle table, four carver chairs and Roma 2.5m parasol £1,070 Neptune Design Centre

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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 o over ver 30 yyears ears of suc successful cessful trading trading in which time we we have have built a rreputation eputation ffor or 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 tr trained ained tteam eam can advise on the ideal solutions for for both domestic and ccommercial ommercial 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 whatever aree W o off er fr ee estimat es so what ever yyou ou ar givee us a call. W Wee look fforward looking ffor or please giv orward tto o helping yyou. ou.

SPECIAL OFFERS SPECIAL EACH EACH MONTH

RUGS AND ROLL ROLL END OFFERS

CHOICE OF OVER 150 OVER ROLLS IN ROLLS STOCK STOCK We We will beat any any genuine genuine written written quote quote from from any any retail retail outlet

EB Carpets & F Flooring looring 246-248 2 46-248 High Str Street, eet, Walton, Walton, FFelixstowe elixstowe T:: (0 T (01394) 1394) 282538 282538 email:info@ebcarpetsandflooring.co.uk email:info@ebcarpetsandflooring.co.uk

• EXPERT EXPERT PERSONAL PERSONAL SERVICE SERVICE

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• FFAMILY AMILLY RUN RUN BUSINESS BUSINESS • UPLIFT OF EXIS EXISTING TING C CARPETS ARPETS

• ALL FL FLOOR OOR PREP PREPARATION ARATION • DOMES DOMESTIC TIC & C COMMERCIAL OMMERCIAL

• FREE LLOCAL OCAL DELIVER DELIVERY Y • FREE ES ESTIMATES TIMATES

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Homes & Interiors

Mediterranean glamour for your garden with Alexander Rose' elegant, woven Monte Carlo range, set ÂŁ1140, Clarkes of Walsham

Portland table with ten Pesaro chairs with cushions ÂŁ3,850, Neptune design Centre

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Homes & Interiors

MAY 2014

Athens dining set was £819.99 now £649.99, Glasswells

STOCKISTS

Weber Fireplace RRP £149.99, now £111.99, Glasswells

Clarkes of Walsham The Street, Walsham-le-Willows Nr Bury St Edmunds.

T: 01359 259259 www.clarkesofwalsham.co.uk Glasswells Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds.

T: 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk

Weber Smokey Joe Premium Bar-be-cue RRP £69.99 now £62.99, Glasswells

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Neptune Design Centre Ltd Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds.

T: 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com

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WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

• Large kitchen and bathroom showroom • Villeroy & Boch, Matki Aqata & Hans Grohe • German kitchen furniture, Corian & Neff • Full installation service • Free design

Kitchen and Bathroom showroom Smithfield, Melton Road, Melton, nr. Woodbridge, IP12 1NG

Tel: 01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

From the sublime to the most unusual we can create it 100’s of colours, weights and patterns to choose from including a bespoke service With over 60 years of professionalism and expertise in carpet making and fitting we can transform your home using quality carpets and flooring. With old fashioned personal service and an eye on your budgets and timescales it’s no wonder our clients recommend us.

Suffolk Carpet Weavers Unit 5 Bridge Business Park Top Street Martlesham IP12 4RB 01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com

Visit our showrooms or check us out on Facebook.

Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturdays 9am – 1pm

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MAY 2014

Business Profile | Neptune Design Centre

Known for exquisite handmade kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and upholstery Neptune Design Centre in Bury St Edmunds now offers a stunning range of garden furniture

STUNNING HANDMADE GARDEN FURNITURE

W

hen Neptune was started back in 1996 it was in a small farm workshop in Wiltshire with a very small team of dedicated individuals. Now the team numbers more than 100 designers, carpenters and painters so with all that passion and expertise in hand it’s not surprising that the range of flawless designs keeps growing. “We feel very lucky to have such a talented group of designers, carpenters, hand painters and finishers who are willing to take on every bold new design, and ensure every detail, material and finish is perfect” says John Sims-Hilditch, one of the cofounders. “Because we have such confidence in them we are able to dream up some fabulous details that make Neptune furniture a real delight to use”.

Function and form are considered in equal measure. Not only do the designs require exceptional joinery, but Neptune’s high standards demand exhaustive researching, adjusting, sampling and testing. As a result the incredible All-Weather Willow, hydraulic backrests, toughened glass table tops and steel reinforced legs make the garden furniture range a real pleasure to use. It is this attention to detail that

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makes each piece of Neptune furniture so special. The team say they owe much of their garden design inspiration to chic, outdoor Mediterranean living, to the elegance of New England style and the classical beauty of English country gardens. Authentic materials, original designs and clever construction ensure each piece of furniture unique, beautiful and of the highest quality.

Martin King, owner of the Neptune Design Centre in Bury St Edmunds explained “We start by sourcing and selecting the finest timber. Teak, eucalyptus and oak are used for our Garden Furniture. These timbers are wonderfully stable, very weather proof and beautiful to work with. They are also sourced from entirely sustainable forests. Our metal products are galvanised and powder coated, and our All-Weather Wicker is designed to withstand the long term damaging effect of sun, temperature and water. Solid natural granite has been used in many of our ranges, a perfect natural material that could outlive the garden!”

Of course every piece in the collection is crafted by hand. For the strongest most stable build Neptune uses traditional

mortise and tenon joints, epoxy glued together and physically locked with a dowel. When it comes to the All-Weather Willow it’s sculpted over a robust aluminium frame whereas the new sunloungers feature a smooth hydraulic backrest and stainless steel rods reinforce the legs in the timber tables.

During construction each piece goes through a complex finishing program.

Painted furniture is hand sprayed, this is followed by a further mid coat, further sanding, two top coats and a final hand finish; whilst the timber furniture is treated with Neptune’s revolutionary Isoguard finish to ensure it looks beautiful year after year. Once are ready for assembly and after an extensive quality control inspection to check that the function and finish satisfy in every way, each piece is hand packed ready for hand delivery to your door.

INFORMATION View the Neptune Garden Furniture range in store at: Neptune Design Centre, Barton Road Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7BE 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com

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Have you heard...

“What excellent service! We are so thrilled and will be ordering more items soon” Janice, Chorleywood - March 2014

neptuneburystedmunds.com AVAILABLE AT:

Neptune Design Centre Bury St Edmunds Barton Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BE | 01284 731025

PICTURED:

Monaco 10 Seater Set £2,895

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MAY 2014

POND LIFE Last month we looked at some rather impressive swimming ponds but of course for most a more traditional water feature is more suitable.

Catharine Howard looks at some practicalities every pond owner should know

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Gardening

Caveat emptor (buyer beware) A list of invasive exotic plants has just been published – sale is now illegal from any nursery but it is worth learning them by heart and checking on pictures – just in case a well-meaning friend gives you any freebies. The ‘Infamous Five’ as listed by the charity Plantlife are all aquatics. Beware the following: Floating Pennywort, Water Primrose, Water Fern, New Zealand Pygmy Weed, Parrots Feather. These spread unimpeded and being immigrants they have no natural predators. Take a look at www.plantlife.org.uk for a full plant identification and some pretty alarming images of choked up waterways.

This month, a flit west to Cornwall had a group of us visiting cathedral alleys of rhododendrons in harlequin colour.

One head gardener told us of the full horror Rhodendron ponticum is as a host for Sudden Oak Death. It is also an unstoppable coloniser inhibiting other plants by poisoning their seed. A far cry from Suffolk gardens. We do not have the Gulf Stream or ravines twisting down to the foreshore. We are intensely agricultural. So what is our thing?

Digging of the pond Great depth is not necessary but a series of ridges and dips to suit different plants is. Most important is a good wide margin to the pond. This should be a shallow shelf where plants that are happy to keep their roots wet, can get established easily. Sibirican and ensata irises are the most showy of these marginal species. You can hide the pond liner under them and make sure that it gets tucked into the sides.

Choose your selection of plants with care Healthy water needs to have oxygen in order to make sure that there is not a build-up of carbon dioxide. A series of small free floating and rather unglamorous oyxgenators will help do this job. Incorporate plants with free floating leaves – water lilies are perfect for this.

With farm ponds disappearing at the rate of knots, there is a good opportunity to introduce a wildlife habitat into your garden and attract dragonflies, damsel flies, newts and toads in. I thought some basic tips would be useful for the establishment and upkeep of your own oasis.

Win the battle against algae All algaes thrive in sunlight and easily the worst nuisance is blanket weed. The right balance of plants will deter this from a full scale invasion. There is a product called Green Lightening available on the internet. It is dried out bacteria that once rehydrated competes with blanket weed for the same food and starves it out. Barley Straw is another remedy but the blanket weed can develop an immunity to it.

Site your pond with care Full sunshine is not perfect but neither do you want the place to be overhung by mature trees. The right nutrient balance of water is critical and dead leaves and rotting organic matter will make the pond much too rich in nutrients. If you can net the pond in winter, all well and good but this is a laborious business.

Avoid tap water It is really another nutrient matter but tap water is not good for the pond – tap water is nitrate rich. If you can, collect rain-water in a butt for any topping up of levels. By the same token be very careful about using any herbicides or other chemicals in the pond area as you do not want to poison your sensitive eco-system.

Ducks, dogs and fish I would recommend that you discourage all three.You don’t want the water filling up with organic matter and as for the dog, well it might puncture your expensive butyl liner. Should you find that the pond is losing water, the remedy is a late autumn job. Empty out the plants and pond occupants on to the side and then hire an electric pump to do the draining.

Butyl liners can be mended with a two sided adhesive tape and patches. Concrete cracks will need to be filled with mortar and painted with a sealant.

Buy local We are very lucky that we have a good grower of aquatic plants in Suffolk www.puddleplants.co.uk. All their plants are propagated by buying seeds, cuttings or division of stock from reputable suppliers.

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Health

MAY 2014

HERE COMES THE SUN!

Dr Virginia Hubbard

Time to get out your shades and sun tan lotion for a summer of safe sun As we approach Sun Awareness Week, which will be taking place from 5th – 11th May 2014, we caught up with Dr Virginia Hubbard, Consultant Dermatologist at the Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital.

Organised by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD, www.bad.org.uk), the week aims to raise awareness of skin cancer and exposure to the sun.

Virginia qualified as a doctor in 1995 from Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals in London. She completed her specialist training in dermatology at St Thomas’s, the Royal Free and Barts’ and the London Hospitals. She was then appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist in 2005 at Barts’ and Homerton Hospitals. She has a particular interest in medical education and works as a senior lecturer at Barts’ and the London Medical School, where she directs an international diploma in dermatology for doctors. She has travelled on several occasions to teach and help set up dermatology services in Nepal, India and Mozambique.

“In 2010, around 12,800 cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer (cancerous moles) were diagnosed in the UK, making it the fifth most common cancer and it is estimated that at least 100,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year,” explained Virginia. “Whilst nonmelanoma skin cancers are generally easy to treat and cure, melanomas have the potential to cause serious health problems if not treated early. However, despite the elevated health implications, three out of every four people diagnosed with melanoma have no further problems once the mole is removed, highlighting the importance or spotting the signs and placing getting checked out as a priority.”

“Most cases of skin cancer are caused by exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, therefore protecting your skin when outside, especially whilst on holiday or during the summer, is the most significant

way of reducing the risk of developing both melanoma and non-melanoma cancers.” l

l

l

l

Avoid sunburn – use a sunscreen of at least SPF30 with UVA and UVB protection.

Use twice as much sunscreen as you think you need: most people apply it far too thinly. Make sure you reapply every hour or so, especially if sweating or after swimming, to ensure continued protection.

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the UV rays are at their strongest.

Keep babies and children out of the sun.

Use UV protective suits and hats with brims and keep them in the shade whenever possible.

“Alongside these tips, people should regularly examine their skin, at least once a month, to check for any signs or symptoms of skin cancer,” recommends Virginia. “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.”

The first thing people should look for when examining their skin is any new moles that have developed and secondly, any changes that may have developed in existing moles. It is worth remembering the changes to look for with the ABCD-E rule: A – Asymmetry – If the shape of the mole is not even in the two halves, this could be a sign of melanoma.

B – Border – The edge of the mole is irregular.

C – Colour – There may be different colours within a mole – pink, brown, black or white. In general, if a mole consists of three or more colours, then it needs to be assessed by an expert. Any change in colour should also trigger a visit to the doctor.

D – Diameter – Cancerous moles are

usually bigger than 6mm in diameter.

Also, any increase in size should be noted.

E – Expert – If in any doubt, seek advice from your doctor. If your GP is concerned, you will be referred to a dermatologist.

Taking digital photographs of the skin can be a useful aid in monitoring any changes in existing moles or the development of new moles. Ideally photos of all the body areas should be recorded i.e. chest, abdomen, the front and back of the upper and lower legs, back, arms, face and scalp.

Having a friend, partner or family member to help look for any changes can make things easier too, especially for areas such as the back and scalp. Sometimes skin cancer can present with a new bleeding or crusted lump on the skin, or as an ulcer or break in the skin. With all forms of skin cancer, the earlier they are detected, the better the prognosis.

Virginia started seeing patients at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital in 2012 and moved her NHS practice to the Ipswich NHS Trust in January of this year. She is a general dermatologist for both adults and children with skin disease. A large amount of the work as a dermatologist involves the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and other skin lesions. Since moving to Suffolk, Virginia has noticed the huge number of patients coming to see her with sun-related skin problems and in particular early skin cancers. The outdoor lifestyle in Suffolk with sailing, golf, the coast and long country walks can take its toll on the skin.

Virginia is from a local Woodbridge family and was educated at Ipswich School. The idea of returning to Suffolk became reality when she married Chris, another doctor who also has family in the area. Although she still works part of the time in London, she and her husband are loving being back in Suffolk and in particular the outdoor lifestyle with their two children.

For more information on how to book a private consultation with Dr Virginia Hubbard, Consultant Dermatologist, please contact Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital on 01473 279179. www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital 76

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Property

Essential

PROPERTY 78 81 82 83 85 88 89

Clarke & Simpson Fenn Wright Neals Hamilton Smith Jackson-Stops & Staff Grier & Partners Castle Estates

80 Campsea Ashe

84 Copdock

86 Worlingworth EssentialSUFFOLK

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Bawdsey Guide Price £750,000

Theberton Guide Price £725,000

A four bedroom detached rural house designed by one of Britain's best modern architects, John Penn, located in grounds of 6.5 acres and with substantial outbuildings, within the coastal village of Bawdsey. EPC – F

A Grade II Listed manor house with four reception rooms and six bedrooms set in mature gardens and grounds of just over an acre with garaging/barn, with potential to be converted to a holiday let, in the Ref: 5072 popular village of Theberton.

Ref: 5066

Brandeston Guide Price £525,000

Stonham Aspal Guide Price £480,000

A fully modernised and extended three bedroom property in an elevated position with far reaching views over the gently undulating surrounding countryside and gardens extending to a quarter of an acre.

Ref: 4921 EPC = E

A substantial four bedroom Grade II Listed Georgian fronted family house with good-sized gardens and useful outbuildings, including studio and workshop, in the centre of this popular and accessible village.

Saxtead Guide Price £465,000

Grundisburgh Guide Price £410,000

A detached four bedroom family home with 0.35 acres and excellent outbuildings, including 29’ workshop, situated in a lovely location in this attractive village overlooking the historic Saxtead Green Post Mill.

EPC = C

An extremely well proportioned four/five bedroom bungalow with ample off-road parking and gardens to front and rear with superb decking area, situated in the popular village of Grundisburgh. EPC = D

Earl Soham Guide Price £365,000

Marlesford Guide Price £140,000

An impressive, beautifully presented three bedroom village house, located off a small lane in the heart of the ever popular village of Earl Soham, within walking distance of the butcher’s, primary school and doctors’ Ref: 5067 surgery. EPC = D

A charming two bedroom mid terrace cottage, ideal as a weekend retreat/holiday home in the pretty village of Marlesford.

EPC = E

Clarke and Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU

Ref: 5056 5050

Ref: 5062

Ref: 5073

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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Worlingworth, nr Framlingham Guide Price £1,475,000 An award-winning part moated farmhouse with stunning contemporary extensions and impressive linked converted barn, situated in an idyllic rural standalone position with over 15 acres, including a renowned wildflower meadow.

• Dining Room • Drawing Room • Snug • Garden Room • Barn/Function Room • Library • Yoga Room • Farmhouse Kitchen/ Breakfast Room • Pantry • Utility Room • Cloakroom and Bootroom • Master Bedroom Suite with Dressing Area and En-Suite Bathroom • 6 Further Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms • 15 acres of Ground and Gardens including a Courtyard Garden and a 3.6 acre Wildflower Meadow • Substantial Barn with Offices and WC, previously used for commercial purposes JSA Strutt & Parker

Clarke and Simpson, Well Close Square, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DU

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

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MAY 2014

A SLICE OF CLASSIC ENGLAND

THE OLD RECTORY FACTS LOCATION: CAMPSEA ASHE GUIDE PRICE: £1,750,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF

Imagining your perfect home? Then how does a classic Georgian Rectory nestling alongside the parish church sound? Well this is exactly the setting for The Old Rectory at Campsea Ashe.

The first mention of the rectory was in 1751 when the Reverend Thomas Bishop was instituted to the Parish Church of Campsea Ashe. It was subject to a complete refurbishment/rebuild in 1826, when it broadly took on its current shape. In 1942 it was passed over to the Women’s Land Army, to accommodate up to 40 girls and when they left in 1947 the house was sold by the church authorities into private ownership where it has remained until this day. In recent years The Old Rectory has been run as a well reputed and very well reviewed Boutique Country Hotel business. An option for any future owner as the business reports a healthy turnover, with the current vendors suggesting that this has potential to be further maximised.

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The Grade II Old Rectory stands adjacent to the impressive church of St John the Baptist in the heart of the rural hamlet of Campsea Ashe. With a classically handsome Georgian façade the home sits idyllically amidst delightful mature gardens and grounds. The house features well laid out accommodation with a series of light and wellproportioned and beautifully presented principal reception rooms and bedrooms. These include a fine drawing room, with views and access to the gardens, an impressive dining room, plus a sitting room and snug. There is also an impressive 32ft L-shaped orangery, with flagstone flooring and opening on to a ‘sun trap’ terrace and gardens. There is a large modern family kitchen/breakfast room, complete with Aga and custommade fittings, the service rooms include a laundry, service kitchen, utility room/boot room, office and an extensive wine racked cellarage. On the first floor there are eight principal bedrooms, all of which enjoy views across the gardens or

church, together with seven en suite bath/shower rooms.

Outside the property has the benefit of two drives, the first sweeps between ornate wrought iron gates and through an evergreen arch to a wide parking sweep in front of the house whilst the service drive, leads to the coach house, garaging and wood stores, beyond which is further parking and access to the gardener’s stores.

The gardens and grounds which create a wonderful setting for the house are situated mainly to the south of The Old Rectory and extend to approximately two and a half acres. A croquet lawn and discreetly hidden away tennis court all add to the picture of the quintessential English idyll.

INFORMATION Jackson-Stops & Staff | 01473 218218 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

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Property experts since

Main Road | Kesgrave

01473 358 400 CULPHO, NEAR WOODBRIDGE

CREETING ST MARY

CHRISTCHURCH PARK

A charming period detached farmhouse set in delightful gardens extending to approx 3/4 of an acre with farmland views

A well-presented, five bedroom detached family house situated within the Northgate School catchment

Reception hall | 3 receptions | kitchen/breakfast room | utility | cellar | shower room | 4/5 bedrooms | bathroom | Energy Rating TBC

Reception hall | 3 receptions | kitchen/breakfast room | garden room | utility | 5 bedrooms | en-suite | bathroom | Energy Rating D

ELMSETT

A recent barn conversion completed in March 2012 and has been finished to a high standard and situated in an idyllic position with views over surrounding farmland Reception hall | cloakroom | drawing room | kitchen/ breakfast/family room | utility room | master bedroom with dressing area & en-suite | 4 further bedrooms | family bathroom | field views | paddock | double bay cart lodge | Energy Rating TBC

fennwright.co.uk

An attractive detached family home set in this popular village with gardens and grounds approaching one acre Reception hall | 2 receptions | kitchen | conservatory | 4 bedrooms | en-suite | bathroom | garage | parking | paddock | abuts farmland | Energy Rating C

Specialists in the sale of town, village and country houses | Experts in equestrian property

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01394 382263 enquiries@nsf.co.uk www.nsf.co.uk 26 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1DP

On the outskirts of Woodbridge - Offers around £670,000

A spacious detached single storey property on the southern edge of Woodbridge and set in grounds of just over ½ an acre subject to survey.

Hall, Drawing Room, Conservatory, Kitchen-Breakfast Room, Cloakroom, Utility Room, Four Bedrooms, En Suite and Family Bathrooms. Double Garage. EPC Band D

Martlesham - Offers around £525,000

Great Bealings - Offers around £580,000

A well planned detached bungalow, occupying a lovely mature garden of about ½ an acre sts., and providing well proportioned accommodation Hall, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Utility Room, Three Bedrooms, Shower Room and Bathroom. Double garage. Landscaped Garden. EPC Band D

A five bedroom family house located in a popular village between Ipswich and Woodbridge and set in a mature garden Hall, Cloakroom, Four Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Utility Room, Five Bedrooms, En Suite Shower Room and Family Bathroom. Double Garage. EPC Band E

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DEBACH £325,000 A charming three bedroom period cottage which benefits from a large garden and uninterrupted views, garages and a studio/office. EPC: D

WOODBRIDGE, TOWN CENTRE £350,000 A three bedroom period cottage offering good sized accommodation and lovely secluded courtyard gardens. A short walk from the town centre. EPC:E

WICKHAM MARKET £169,950 A well presented two bedroom period cottage located a short distance from the market square. Gardens front & rear. EPC:D

RUSHMERE ST. ANDREW £279,950 A superb brand new three bedroom bungalow offering good sized accommodation. Garage and enclosed gardens. Gas c/h, UPVC d/g.

Lovely location.

WICKHAM MARKET £170,000 A charming two/three bedroom period cottage located in the centre of Wickham Market. Early viewing advised. EPC:G

CAMPSEA ASHE £480,000 An attractive five bedroom detached house which offers good sized accommodation, lovely gardens and double garage. EPC: D

FRAMLINGHAM £250,000 EACH A small development of 4 brand new houses tucked away down a private lane. The properties offer good sized accommodation, gardens and off-road parking.

MARTLESHAM £595,000 A large 4/5 bedroom brand new detached house which benefits from Anglia Factors kitchen, luxury bathrooms. Part Exchange considered.

DEVELOPMENT LAND REQUIRED TOP PRICES PAID Do you have a large garden or parcel of land that you think might be suitable for development?

UFFORD £575,000 A superb brand new 5 bedroom detached house with a Green Energy heating system. Enclosed gardens and detached garage, ample parking.

BROMESWELL £650,000 A lovely period cottage comprising 4 bedrooms as well as 2 detached annexes which is ideal for B&B. backing onto meadows. EPC:E

We are currently looking for development sites in and around the Woodbridge area, with or without planning permission.

Call Linda Mortimer for more details on 01394 386688 or 07584 322293 .

Hamilton Smith Woodbridge woodbridge@hamilton-smith.com 01394 386688

www.rightmove.co.uk

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MAY 2014

MEADOW BARN FACTS LOCATION: COPDOCK GUIDE PRICE: £535,000 AGENT: GRIER & PARTNERS

BEAUTIFUL BARN Meadow Barn in Copdock was converted in the late 1980’s to create an individual five bedroom family home with many exposed timbers of the original barn clearly visible. The current vendors have further enhanced the property with the addition of a bespoke garden room built by local specialist Roger Gladwell, with oak timber frame and vaulted ceiling. The property also has further development potential as it also incorporates Swallow Barn which although is in original order could be converted to create an ideal work from home office or annex to the main house (subject to planning).

On the ground floor Meadow Barn has a hall, study, dining hall, utility,

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cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room – in two defined areas – drawing and gardens rooms. The garden room has underfloor heating and the whole property benefits from a newly installed Worcester gas fired boiler with radiators throughout. There is also a drawing room with brick fire place, oak beam over and inset log burning stove.

Upstairs there is a spacious T-shaped landing, galleried to the returning stairs, and a family bathroom. The master bedroom has an en-suite with shower and door to a tiled covered balcony.

Bedrooms two, three and four all have views to the rear over the garden and paddocks beyond, the fifth bedroom is at the front of the property.

The property is approached via a gravel drive with five bar gate with T-shaped parking and access to the garage.

The gardens to the side and rear are a particular feature of the property.

Laid to lawn with mature hedge-fenced clearly defined boundaries backing onto paddocks. There are two private paved terraces with a paved path leading from front to rear. In all approximately half an acre.

INFORMATION Grier & Partners 01206 299222 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

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jackson-stops.co.uk

Central Woodbridge

Campsea Ashe

With the feel of a country property in the heart of the riverside town of Woodbridge.

An impressive recently refurbished Grade II Listed town house. 3 reception rooms.

5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms. Landscaped gardens. Garage & ample parking.

About 0.33 of an acre.

A classic Georgian Old Rectory amidst delightfully mature gardens & grounds.

4 reception rooms, impressive orangery. 10 bedrooms, 10 bath/shower rooms.

2 studio annexes. Tennis court & garaging. About 2.5 acres. Boutique B&B business opportunity.

Guide Price £1,750,000

Guide Price £1,750,000

G EW N N TTI LO

Charsfield

Kettleburgh

For sale as a whole or in 2 lots. An impressive & beautifully presented 16th century hall tucked away, amidst the picturesque countryside. 3 reception rooms.

6 bedrooms, 5 bath/shower rooms. 2 bedroom self-contained annexe wing.

Tennis court & swimming pool. Garaging & barn. About 14 acres.

Tucked away next to the parish church, a picturesque Grade II Listed cottage, with far reaching views across the Deben Valley. 2 reception rooms. 3-4 bedrooms.

Meadow. About 2.5 acres.

Guide Price £550,000

New Lotting Guide Price LOT 1 £1,650,000

Contact Jonathan Penn or Tim Dansie 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

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MAY 2014

BARTON GRANGE FACTS LOCATION: WORLINGWORTH GUIDE PRICE: £1,475,000 AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON

WILD ABOUT THE GRANGE From time to time special properties come to the market and Barton Grange is one.

A substantial part moated Grade II Listed house, the original farmhouse dates from the 16th century and has been home to the current owners for the last ten years.

During this time they have performed a sympathetic but stylish and imaginative transformation that in 2007 won the contractor, Robert Norman Associates, The Suffolk Association of Architects’ Craftmanship Award

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Property

Barton Grange is a combination of stunning contemporary extensions and an impressive linked converted barn.

It has an excellent array of reception rooms, including a south facing drawing room, formal dining room, snug with inglenook fireplace and garden room. There is an extensive kitchen, which is the hub of the house, as well as a pantry and spacious utility room.

The master bedroom suite, accessed via its own staircase, enjoys views from its balcony towards the courtyard and garden beyond. It has a dressing area and en-suite bathroom, again with lovely views. The main house contains four double bedrooms on the first floor with two impressively fitted bathrooms. On the second floor are two further double bedrooms and a bathroom. With its own barn/function room, library and yoga room this is truly an impressive residence.

While whoever buys this property will unquestionably have a home with the most desirable of interiors is it what has

been done outside that also sets Barton Grange apart. The property enjoys the enviable position of no near neighbours and sits well within its own idyllic grounds, which extend to more than 15 acres. Within these are formal gardens bordered by a moat, paddock and meadows including a beautiful 3.6 acre wildflower meadow.

In 2011 we interviewed the current owner Nick Cook about the development of his wild flower meadow at the property and he told us that as soon as he moved in he bought the piece of land from a neighbouring farmer who was going to put it to grass and graze sheep. Nick, a farmer’s son, had another vision and immediately, after taking advice on seeking out the right flower mix suited to his clay soil, planted a combination of wild flowers and grasses; in total 15 different flower varieties and nine grasses. A true delight in the spring and summer months it attracts a huge variety of insects and birds and in the

years since planting the meadow it has gained great repute – this spring featuring in the BBC Three programme, ‘The Wonder of Bees’, presented by Martha Kearney.

Despite the property’s ‘splendid isolation’ it is situated just seven miles from Framlingham and six miles from Eye. For commuters, the main railway station at Diss provides direct services to London’s Liverpool Street Station, Ipswich and Norwich and is located approximately 11.5 miles from the property.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200 To see more pictures of this property visit www.esseentialsuffolk.com/property

EssentialSUFFOLK

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essential may 2014 100pp master_layout 1 17/04/2014 13:50 page 90

Motoring

MAY 2014

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

ESSENTIAL FACTS

Chunky and relatively kind to the bank account, the Grand Vitara is a viable 4x4 choice for motorists who aren’t mud-plugger purists. Motoring Journalist Tim Barnes-Clay gives his verdict

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The Suzuki Grand Vitara, particularly in 1.9 DDiS SZ5 guise, drives nicely enough and, aesthetically, it’s far more desirable these days.

It was given a fresh look a year ago in a bid to boost the Grand Vitara’s appeal in the mid-sized Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) sector. At the front, the bumper and grille have been reshaped with a more angular design, and the fog-lamp styling has been revised. Other changes include inner headlight black accents and new design alloy wheels.

Furthermore, Suzuki has listened to its customers and has brought back a spare wheel. A temporary use 16 inch wheel is now included as standard, meaning the irritating puncture repair kit of old is no more. As the spare is mounted on the rear door the Grand Vitara has also

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grown in length by 200mm. This is fine, but makes the side-opening tailgate more challenging. You need a lot of space behind you to open it up fully. A lift up hatch would be simpler – but I suspect the spare wheel makes things too heavy for an ‘up and over’ mechanism.

Under the bonnet, 1.9 DDiS models have had the emissions control system reworked, resulting in a CO2 decrease from 179 g/km to 174 g/km – which, in turn, means road tax has been reduced slightly. An additional benefit of this is an improvement in combined fuel economy to 42.8mpg from 41.5mpg.

Moving inside, the SZ5 five door model is now equipped with a touch screen colour navigation system. The technology is powered by Garmin and includes European mapping with downloadable

Max speed: 106 mph 0-62 mph: 13.2 secs Combined mpg: 42.8 Engine: 1870cc 4 cylinder 8 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 127 at 4000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 221 at 1750-2500 rpm CO2: 174 g/km Price: £23,875

updates and content. What’s more, the sat-nav forms part of the infotainment centre – allowing a number of music options; CD, radio, SD card, media player (including iPod® and iPhone®) connected via the USB port, as well as via Bluetooth® music streaming and phone connectivity.

At 13.2 seconds from 0-62mph it is not the sprightliest vehicle on the road but speed is unlikely to be the key motivator for anyone considering this model. The 1.9 DDiS SZ5 Grand Vitara is generally pleasing. It’s an SUV that’s attractive, versatile and has decent on-road grip, with some off-tarmac talent when required.

INFORMATION John Banks Suzuki 01473 654550

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essential may 2014 100pp master_layout 1 17/04/2014 13:50 page 92

DEFENDER THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO DRIVE AN ICON

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The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.

We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Land Rover Financial Services. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) subject to the vehicle being in good condition, return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payment (if the vehicle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge for excess mileage will apply - in this example 14p per mile for any excess mileage up to 4,999 miles and 28p per mile for any excess mileage exceeding 4,999 miles), (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. †Finance is subject to status and only available to applicants aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. Indemnities may be required. This finance offer is available from Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. This offer is available on new Defender models only, registered between 1st April and 30th June 2014 at participating dealers only. Promotions are not available on used cars.

essential may 2014 100pp master_layout 1 17/04/2014 13:51 page 93

Essential Faces

To view more, or purchase, photographs from this event visit essentialsuffolk.com

Mayor’s Ball, IpswichTown Hall East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), Fresh Start New Beginnings and the Dame Vera Lynn Trust will all benefit from £8,000 raised at the recent Mayor’s Charity Ball. Councillor Hamil Clarke MBE hosted an evening with plenty of music and a mouth-watering Caribbean menu.

Andy & Cathy Frost, Catherine & Dominic Barratt

Daisy Weekes, Hamil Clarke

Sharon Goddard, Peter Funnell, Terry & Tracy Baxter

Phanuel & Shirley Mutumburi

0808 168 7068 www.burgess-group.com

Per & Christine Christensen

Sarah Adams, Steve & Bryony Rudkin

Lydia Tse, Tony Cheung, Natalie Chu, Joyce Wong

Chris Bushby, Cecilia Nowack

From contemporary oak doors to traditional box sash windows

John & Joanne Dugmore

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Essential Faces

Caramel Fashion Show Fashion boutique Caramel, of Snape Maltings & Aldeburgh, hosted a spring fashion show at Aldeburgh Community Centre raising in excess of ÂŁ1200 in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice. Labels on show included People Tree, Brax and Masai.

Dean Musfelt, Sue Fletcher

Joy Day, Hazel Searle, Ellie Hart, Di Holmes

Pat Trimmer, Margaret Armstrong

Claire Gawthrop, Rosemary Ewing-Gay

Judy Gane, Evelyn Rumsey

Marian Wilton, Bernadette Eklid

Judy Morton, Sarah Capon

Elaine Warmingham, Denise Ward, Mary Hill

Barbara McKenzie, Ann Lloyd

Susan Craig, Eva Alston

Period or contemporary windows and doors designed to complement your home

0808 168 7068 www.burgess-group.com

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To view more, or purchase, photographs from this event visit essentialsuffolk.com

High Sheriff ’s Awards Ceremony Sir Edward Greenwell, High Sheriff of Suffolk hosted an awards ceremony, supported by the Suffolk Community Foundation, recognising people who strive to make their communities a better place to live and work. The evening was held in the Waterfront Auditorium at Universtiy Campus Suffolk.

Stephen Singleton, Sir Edward Greenwell, Tim Passmore, James Buckle

Paul Winter, Sonia Jackson

Philip Hope-Cobbold, Judi Newman

Alice Bennett, Ella Kirsson, Elizabeth Thomas, Hoi Ting Wong

Canon Graham & Sue Hedger

0808 168 7068 www.burgess-group.com

Betty & Max Milburn

Sir John Kemball, Lady Val Kemball, Peggy & John Thurlow

Sue Hughes, Graham Smith

Visit our new showroom in Notcutts Garden Centre

Elizabeth Stephenson, Lesley Dolphin

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Essential Faces

To view more, or purchase, photographs from this event visit essentialsuffolk.com

Best Estates Opening Adnams Fizz and piping hot fresh Aldeburgh fish and chips were the perfect way to launch the opening of new Aldeburgh estate agency Best Estates.

After eight successful years with their Best of Suffolk brand and the addition to the team of Matthew Piercy – well known in the local property market – Alex Tarry, director, says that he saw Best Estates as a logical and exciting development.

Hannah Mortimer, Claire Pegg, Rachel Pope, Naomi & Alex Tarry, Matthew Piercy, Jon McGraine

Paul Rosher, Sarah Roberts

Ruth & Richard Ince

Sarah Whitelock, Matthew Piercy

Tim Rowan-Robinson, Naomi Terry

Tony & Shirley Graham-Enock

Caroline Wiseman, Francis Carnwath

Martin Sutor, Rob Mabey

Virginia French, Mark Fairweather

Harry Young, Gerard King

Enhance your home with beautifully designed, energy effficent windows and doors from The Burgess Group

0808 168 7068 www.burgess-group.com

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Directory

Essential

DIRECTORY HOMES AND GARDENS

3

KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING B E D R O O M | B AT H R O O M Visit our beautiful showroom Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds 01284 731025

www.angliafactors.co.uk

Kitchen & Bathroom specialists Designing rooms to relax and enjoy at the heart of your home Woodbridge interiors smithfield.melton.suffolk.ip12 1nG 01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

Smithfield Melton Woodbridge IP12 1NH Telephone 01394 382067

justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

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Creating beautiful spaces for home and garden

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Whatever your project, call us for a free estimate

Give us a call for more details Tel: 01394 382839 Mob: 07970 849773 info@gilman-earledesign.com www.gilman-earledesign.com

T: 01394 766837 E: sdconstruction@ btinternet.com M: 07889 129746 samueldavidconstruction.co.uk

MOTORING

DECK WORLD RE L A X W I T H N AT U RE

ROGER GLADWELL

HOT TUBS FROM YOUR LOCAL IPSWICH SUPPLIER

Specialising in garden designs for the distinctive landscaping and architecture of East Anglia

Start of season deals – visit our showroom Entry level inflatable spa from £599.00. Fantastic range in stock for quick delivery. Garden buildings, composite decking, artificial grass, landscape and design specialists.

Splasher pools • Hot tub chemicals in stock

LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION LTD

Telephone: 01728 638 372 www.rogergladwell.co.uk INTRODUCTIONS

BORED? LONELY? Do you still feel 45?

CALL FOR INFORMATION Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 ODE (Opposite the Shepherd and Dog) Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk

Join us for a wide variety of social events in East Suffolk

IN GOOD COMPANY 01394 459459 www.in-good-company.co.uk jean@in-good-company.co.uk

To advertise call 01473 809932, we’ll be happy to help and advise you

Sales, Service & Repair The Woodlands, Badley, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8RS Tel: 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com

PRINTING

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We can help you turn your idea into a reality

Gipping G ipping td Press Press LLtd www.gippingpress.co.uk Tel: 01449 721599 enquiries@gippingpress.co.uk

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My Suffolk

Photograph by Gavin King

MAY 2014

the fabulous scenery to be had there, but there is also much to be said for the big skies and enormous views across mid Suffolk too. Right across through Diss, Eye, Yaxley, Gislingham and over to the beautiful town of Bury St Edmunds. Suffolk has everything you could wish for really doesn’t it, bar a mountain or two.

Gary Avis is the Principal Character Artist and Ballet Master for the Royal Ballet.

He grew up in and around Ipswich and this is how he describes his Suffolk

Growing up in Suffolk, what do you remember about your childhood?

I spent much of the late 1970s with my brother bombing around the country lanes on the northern outskirts of Ipswich on my bicycle. Of course once my dancing became the serious hobby, I mostly saw Suffolk via the rounds of the various dance festivals and competitions that were held at the time.

From The Suffolk Music and Dance Festival in Ipswich to Sudbury and Clare Festival my poor dad spent so much of his life ferrying me around.

I don't think I really stopped and took Suffolk in properly until later on in my life...and neither did he!

What makes the county special?

I have travelled several times around the world in my twenty five year dancing career and I’ve experienced so many different landscapes and cultures, but my heart tells me that Suffolk is home.

My breath is still constantly being taken away by the diverse beauty of our county. Of course there are the more obvious places to visit on the coast, and

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Do you enjoy walking?

Oh yes, very much. Sunday is the usual day with a pub lunch somewhere along the way. Aldeburgh to Thorpeness, Dunwich, Orfordness or a lovely ramble along the banks of the Stour or Orwell.

The only ‘people’ that enjoy it more than me are my Schnauzer’s Ella & Louis, their tales go up and they are off!

Where do you like to eat out? Are there any pubs you’d recommend?

I really enjoy a good Suffolk pub with a view. I do enjoy more complex and exotic cuisine, but give me a well cooked Sunday roast or bangers and mash and I'm happy. We often stop off for a coffee or breakfast at The Maybush in Waldringfield, The Sorrell Horse is a great community run pub in Shottisham or there's The Crown in Ufford or The Ramsholt Arms is great for a lovely walk after a meal. Have you ever eaten on board The Lady Florence at Orfordness? It’s wonderful!

Adnams or Greene King?

I'm more of a red wine drinker with the odd pint of lager in the summer.

However the other member of the family is very partial to a pint of Ghostship, so I'll go with Adnams for now.

Where do you like to shop?

Anywhere that has ‘Independents’ on the High Street and somewhere homely for a coffee half way round. Woodbridge is my most regular haunt, but Bury St Edmunds, Aldeburgh, Framlingham, Eye. I’ll do Ipswich sometimes when it’s quiet on a Sunday morning. Oh and I do love a good Farm Shop or a thumb along the shelves of a musty second hand bookshop.

Do you support a local organisation or charity?

I'm a personal supporter of Mencap and all the work they do, not least because of all the incredible help they have given to

my sister and her friends over the years.

I'm also just guest judging a ‘Strictly’ ballroom competition this month for Inspire Suffolk...they do wonderful work with young people.

Why is Suffolk a great place for the arts?

I defy anyone to say that there isn't something for everyone in Suffolk on the arts front. Not simply as a member of the audience, but also to get involved with. Choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, brass bands, dance troupes, painting, sculpture and pottery classes and courses that encourage people to turn their cooking into an art form too! The whole of Suffolk seems to be brimming with just about every kind of creativity there is. I do love a good village hall or library notice board. Great sources if information. I stopped off in a relatively small village in north Suffolk the other week only to discover they have their own brass band and are putting on a production of Guys and Dolls in the village hall! I was very impressed!

If you had to take newcomers on a tour of Suffolk where would you go?

It depends on the weather and what we fancy. It could be a trip to take in the view from the top of Orford Castle followed by Fish ‘n’ Chips or a tasty sandwich from Munchies in Aldeburgh... their crayfish is eyewateringly delicious... a walk along the Orwell Estuary or the seafront at Felixstowe Ferry, Lavenham, Sudbury, Kersey, Long Melford, we’re really not stuck for beautiful options are we?

And don't get me started on the architecture and history!

Is there one picture that perfectly illustrates the county?

Oh that's really difficult, it could be a painting of a stormy sea, a heavily beamed Tudor village street, boats on the river or a big Suffolk sunset. I think I'll just go for a view from my favourite spot from the top of the crumbling cliffs at Nacton Shores, just alongside Broke Hall House. The view from there across the Orwell Estuary to Pin Mill is different every time I go. It could be bleak, shimmering in the sunlight or dramatically coloured by a sunset.

It’s nearly always quiet and peaceful.

A hidden Suffolk gem. Sshh!

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