Essential Suffolk May 2017

May 2017 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

SUFFOLK PUNCH Heavy Horses at the Suffolk Show Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Property

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CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

MADE FOR LIFE DESIGN

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MAY 2017

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

| Welcome

WELCOME There are always so many highlights at the Suffolk Show; the animals, the entertainment, show jumping, the flower show, crafts, food and shopping but this year, if you get a chance, take a stroll and check out the agricultural machinery. You may well be amazed at its sheer size and your eyes might water at the price tag. Then wander over to the other side of Trinity Park to see the Suffolk Punch horses and ponder how times have changed. There was a time not so long ago, before tractors and combine harvesters, when heavy horses would have been a common feature of our county.

Every farm would have had horses and as George Paul, a Suffolk Punch breeder, recalls his grandfather owned four stallions that were led around the county by liveried groomsmen to cover the mares in the area. Today these magnificent horses are only really seen on special occasions but despite all the other attractions, they remain a treasured part of Suffolk’s heritage – real stars of the show.

In addition to our Suffolk Show preview, this month we have also looked at another aspect of our environment that’s changing; the number of swifts visiting our skies. Changes to house building and renovations to older properties has meant that there is nowhere for these to birds nest. However the Save Our Suffolk Swifts project is campaigning to protect this species.

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com Cover: Samford Tourmaline by Adrian Rawlinson

In light of National Deaf Awareness Week we’ve taken a look at lip reading, and also Art for Action – a charity art event raising money to help save the lives of sick children.

Make sure you check out our regular features including Fashion, Homes & Interiors, Gardening, Food, What’s On and Property. Remember Essential Suffolk is not just a magazine. You can visit our website, www.essentialsuffolk.com, for news, fresh stories and archives of past content plus follow us on Twitter @EssentialSFK or on Facebook.

See all our social event photographs at essentialsuffolk.com @EssentialSFK

Essential Suffolk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Achieve More Media Limited.

Reproduction in part or whole if forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to press and you are encouraged to contact the venue prior to booking.

All expressions and opinions within the publication are those of the editor including contributors. Essential Suffolk is a trading name of Achieve More Media Limited.

Anne Gould Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk

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K I TC H E N S

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BEDROOMS

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HOME OFFICES

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LIBRARIES

01473 610 192 www.angliafactors.co.uk 34 GLOSTER ROAD, MARTLESHAM HEATH, IPSWICH IP5 3RD

Contents

31

25

28 36

58

50

FEATURES

11 28

18

What’s On

25

Mini Previews

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this May

58

Homes & Interiors

62 64

Antiques & Auctions

67

Property

77

Essential Faces

82

My Suffolk

Making the most of eating outdoors

Suffolk Show Suffolk Punch preparations for the big day

Save Our Suffolk Swifts Helping Suffolk’s birdlife under threat

Bring on the Bollywood at the New Wolsey, Suffolk Walking Festival, Secret Spaces Musical Pilgrimage by Seraphim and Suites Curieuses at Dance East

34

Competition

36

Fashion

REGULARS

48

Dog Walk

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50

Food & Drink

31

Art for Action

42

Deaf Awareness

Raising money for Action Medical Research

Why lip reading matters

Suffolk in Brief News from around the county

Win a golf or spa break for two at Ufford Park

Flattering formal dresses and some cool blues

Butley byways via The Oyster Inn

Raising funds for the future

Gardening Turning to nature for inspiration

Some of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Mark Millar, Chief Executive of St Elizabeth Hospice

Dining at the Sibton White Horse, a recipe from The Wentworth Hotel plus a gallery full of ideas for eating out

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We start every project focussed on the end goal; realising the vision you have for your property. You may be a homeowner keen to extend or refresh your home to create a stunning showpiece or a commercial client wanting to refurbish or enhance a retail, industrial or office space. Whatever your needs, you can trust Samuel David Construction to create a breath-taking, yet practical space with genuine ‘wow-factor’

We provide a complete, bespoke service Every job we do is different, but each starts with a complimentary visit to your home or site. We’ll discuss your ideas, draw up plans and provide a ball-park cost. Once you give us the go-ahead, you can leave the rest to us, from commissioning the architect to putting your project through planning – even organising the interior decoration.

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Suffolk Show

PLEASED AS PUNCH Much loved and always appreciated the Suffolk Punch breed is a star of the Suffolk Show. Anne Gould finds out just what it takes to get these heavy horses ready for show day

I

t’s mid-April and George Paul of Bluegates Farm, Wherstead and groom Cate Last admit that they’d spent most of the spring on tenterhooks. They’d been waiting for their Suffolk Punch horse Tilly – otherwise known as Samford Tourmaline – to foal and she’d taken her time, actually a month longer than is normal. When the phone call from The Suffolk Punch Trust came to announce the arrival of a filly foal, Samford Emerald, there was much delight and relief.

George, twice president of the Suffolk Show and a respected judge and authority on the Suffolk Punch explained that Tourmaline and foal had been entered for the Suffolk Show for some while now. “If the foal is younger than six weeks it can be difficult to show them and as the weeks went by we were worried that Tourmaline wouldn’t give birth in time.” ‰

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Suffolk Show

Luckily Tilly eventually did the business and George couldn’t be happier. “I really wanted a filly foal so that in good time I could breed from her too. We named her Emerald because all our female Suffolk’s take the name of a jewel.”

Clearly May 31 and June 1, show dates for this year, have been in the calendar for some months now but it’s when Tilly and her foal return that the hard work will start. “We have already been taking much care to make sure she’s been eating properly and that will continue, as we don’t want her to be too fat in the ring,” he says.

Of course it depends on the foal but colts tend to be more of a handful than fillies.”

To get the horses looking in tip-top condition there will be a lot of grooming and Tilly herself will have two baths in preparation for the show. The last one is the day before the show and after that she won’t be allowed in the field until ‰

When they return home to the farm in Wherstead Tilly and her foal will be trained to walk together around the ring.

However, the competition also requires that the mother runs alone, in front of the judges and that’s something the foal needs to get used to. “The foal needs to be able to stand and watch and if you don’t train them they can go ballistic.

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MAY 2017

after the event. Because they live so close to the showground the horses will be taken to Trinity Park very early in the morning on the day of the show – something of a bonus for Cate as other grooms will have to sleep close to their charges at the showground.

On the day itself, says Cate it’s a fine balance sorting the foal out because when they are very young they can get tired.

There’s also the job of braiding Tilly’s mane with what are known as ‘flights’ using the Samford colours; blue and pale blue. Meanwhile Emerald will be brushed to look fluffy with a flight added to her tail. “It is hard work because once all that is done I have to get myself ready – but it’s a great day out and I am looking forward to it,” she said.

SUFFOLK SHOW 2017 This year’s show is on May 31 and June 1 at Trinity Park in Ipswich. As Suffolk’s largest two-day visitor experience it will be showcasing the best of Suffolk’s food and drink and agricultural heritage, coupled with being a great day out for families. This year the Suffolk Agricultural Association has an action-packed programme across the two-day event.

Highlights include dog agility, a new horse and country ring, a new sculpture garden and an exciting performance from the Atkinsons Action Horses; the equine stars of the BBC’s Poldark.

George has been breeding Suffolk’s since the 1960s and has won numerous prizes and championships with his horses but his family heritage with the breed goes back a lot further.

“My grandfather, Stuart Paul, was a major breeder and had about 50 of these horses in all, including four stallions. These horses were led by grooms around the county on a 21 day rotation covering mares at a wide range of farms. The grooms would be dressed in leather gaiters and a uniform and they had to walk a long way every day – although sometimes they rode the horses.”

Show Director, Bee Kemball, said: “There are thousands of things to see and do at the Suffolk Show and each year we make sure that there’s something new for visitors to enjoy.

We are all looking forward to this year’s show and we are excited to welcome visitors from across Suffolk and further afield for the county’s biggest day out.”

If you would like to see the Suffolk Punch breed in action at the Suffolk Show – judging of Suffolk Horses will start at 8.30am on May 31 in the President’s Ring.

The Flower and Garden experience is being redesigned for 2017 with the outside display, for the second year, designed by landscape specialist Roger Gladwell. There is also a new

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Suffolk Show

sculpture garden for visitors to enjoy will be located near the Hopkins Homes Art Show. There will also be an impressive collection of vintage tractors, showcasing farming through the years, as well as traditional fairground rides and an unrivalled shopping experience that can’t be found on the high street.

Many animal attractions are also set to draw in the crowds this year. As well as international show jumping, the traditional livestock competitions will allow show goers to see some of the county’s best rare breeds – including Red Poll Cattle, Suffolk

Sheep and Suffolk Horses – and hundreds of other pigs, cattle, horses, rabbits and goats, up close.

INFORMATION Tickets for this year’s Suffolk Show are now on sale – save £5 per ticket by purchasing in advance. Advanced tickets cost £22 while children aged under 15 will once again receive free entry.

For more information and to book tickets call the ticket hotline on 01473 707117 or visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk

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News

SUFFOLK in brief Staff behind a popular roadside café are celebrating after receiving an ‘Eat Out, Eat Well’ award for the wide variety of healthier food choices they offer their customers.

The Farm Café and Shop in Marlesford was recently recognised for its hard work in promoting healthier options such as introducing lower sugar breakfasts, eggs cooked all ways, all their pies and pastries are now made with 50:50 wholemeal and white flour, salads without dressings and their offer of wholemeal and granary breads. The awards comes after the café took part in rigorous assessments looking in detail at the choices people are offered, ways in which food is cooked and how healthier options are promoted.

Cllr Steve Gallant, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member for Community Health, said: “Staff here pride themselves on offering their customers fresh and local produce, so this is well-deserved recognition for their hard work”.

Pupils, staff and the school community at Ipswich School raised £3,891 for Macmillan Cancer Support during the autumn, and were delighted to present this amount to the charity. Nicholas Weaver, Ipswich School Headmaster, said: “Care is one of the core values of an Ipswich School education, not just for ourselves and each other, but also for others outside Ipswich School. We are delighted that we have been able to raise so much money to support Macmillan, which we understand will go towards the Macmillan Woolverstone Centre at Ipswich Hospital. ” Helen Glenholmes, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Suffolk and Waveney, added: “Pupils at Ipswich School should feel incredibly proud of this fantastic donation which will go a long way in supporting Macmillan’s cancer services here in Ipswich.” For more information on Ipswich School’s work in the community, go to www.ipswich.school/ community

Helmingham Hall in Suffolk has been crowned the winner of the 2017 Historic Houses Association (HHA) Garden of the Year Award, sponsored by Christie’s.This prestigious national award, presented annually since 1984, is designed to recognise the importance of some of the country’s most spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal. The Award is voted for by HHA Friends who judge the gardens purely based on their enjoyment.

The Grade I listed gardens at Helmingham

are owned by the Tollemache family who have lived in this beautiful house since it was built in 1490. Currently the house is inhabited

by Timothy and his wife Xa, a landscape designer and gardener. Xa Tollemache commented: “We were so excited to hear the wonderful news that Helmingham has won the Garden of the Year Award. We have worked so hard to create a beautiful garden and to keep on, every year, with new improvements. We want our visitors to be constantly stimulated and inspired in what we do and to have a fabulous day in this very unexplored part of Suffolk. Russell Page said that the garden must curtsey to the house. I would like to add to this that a historic house such as Helmingham deserves and indeed should have a garden worthy of its stature, beauty and historic importance. Helmingham has taught me so much and so for that and to Roy Balaam (Head Gardener), I am deeply grateful.”

Read more at www.essentialsuffolk.com/ helmingham-gardens

© Marcus Harper

Support for breast cancer patients at Ipswich Hospital has been given a boost thanks to a £12,000 donation, which will fund special exercise classes for two years, helping people continue their rehabilitation after treatment. The John Le Vay Cancer Support & Information Centre has been given the money by the Art For Cure, a Suffolk based charitable organisation that raises funds specifically to support the care and cure of breast cancer. It will be used to fund exercise classes in Ipswich and Felixstowe for the next two years, as well as the reorder of special exercise DVDs so that patients can continue their rehabilitation at home. Both initiatives are currently paid for with charitable funds, which will now be spent providing other forms of support to cancer patients. Art For Cure was set up by Belinda Gray and Sally Ball in 2014 after they both received treatment at Ipswich Hospital for breast cancer. Since then, Art For Cure has raised over £275,000 by holding art and sculpture exhibitions. £200,000 of this has been donated to Breast Cancer Now, the

UK’s largest breast cancer charity to help fund a research into this devastating disease.

Read more at www.essentialsuffolk.com/ john-le-vay

Recently over 150 pupils from the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook took to the stage for the annual Gala Concert raising £2,500 for local charities the Suffolk Community Foundation, Bikeactive, Mencap, The Woolverstone Project and the Riding for the Disabled Association. The audience were treated to a wide variety of musical pieces covering many styles including Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick’s beautiful new arrangement of Thomas Tallis’ Sixteenth Century Canon, a big band version of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, arranged by Jools Holland’s saxophonist and friend of RHS Derek Nash and the classic Glenn Miller crowd pleaser In the Mood. The evening’s Grand Finale was exactly that, with the schools 50 piece concert band and grand organ joining forces for the Finale from Camille Saint-Saen’s epic Organ Symphony. For full details of the evening’s programme visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/rhs-gala

This June, Suffolk Wildlife Trust is urging everyone, everywhere to spend time in nature every day! As part of The Wildlife Trust’s annual 30 Days Wild challenge, people are being encouraged to enjoy both the nature on their doorstep, as well as the great outdoors, with inspiring ‘Random Acts of Wildness’: practical, fun and quirky ideas for connecting with the wild around us. The impact of taking part in 30 Days Wild has been tracked by academics and found that people who did something ‘wild’ each day for a month, felt happier, healthier and more connected to nature. To apply for a free 30 Days Wild pack visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/ 30DaysWild2017

The team at The Sibton White Horse are delighted to have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes – an accolade awarded to the best local restaurants for their culinary excellence and based on anonymous inspections. Neil and Gill Mason, the team behind the success, have been striving to gain the extra rosette and have worked hard to take their offering to the next level by even greater emphasis on precision cooking, flavour combinations, sympathetic use of fresh, high quality produce plus creative and imaginative presentation.

More news can always be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/content

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MAY 2017

WHAT’S ON MAY 1 The Mid and West Suffolk Show

Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, 10am – 4pm Headlining this year is Xtreme Stunt Team with their motorcycle verses man on a cycle display. Also come and see the Lowestoft Dog Display Team, birds of prey flying displays, trade stands, craft stalls, children’s activities, free face painting, classic vehicles, farm machinery and steam engines and more.

Tickets: Adult £7.50, child £4, concessions £5 and family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £20 Booking: 01449 711111 or 01449 710191 Mendlesham Annual Street Fayre & Craft Show

Old Station Road, Mendlesham, 10am Procession at 12noon.

Entry: Free

MAY 2 Peatbog Faeries

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Hailing from the Isle of Skye, the Peatbog Faeries are the figurehead trailblazers of the Celtic Dance Music renaissance.

Tickets: £17 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

eventually resolved and, as in all the best Jane Austen novels, the young heroine finally gets her man.

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

MAY 6 Farmers Markets

Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Metfield Village Hall 9am – 12 noon Snape Maltings 9.30am – 1pm Talons –The Best of Eagles

MAY 3 Born to be a Heroine?

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 12.30pm Austen wrote Northanger Abbey in her early 20s but never saw it published in her lifetime. Her novel is shot through with satirical – even bitter? - comments on the relationship of the sexes and the misuse of language. Was the young Jane Austen a secret rebel?

Tickets: £5 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

MAY 3 – MAY 6 Cyrano

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Set in the golden age of musketeers, Deborah McAndrew’s lively new adaptation brings fresh vigour to this swashbuckling tale of unrequited love.

Tickets: £21.50 Box Office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Over the last two decades Talons have risen from humble beginnings to one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and the ‘20th Anniversary Tour’ will once again feature all those classic Eagles greatest hits from their timeless back catalogue.

Tickets: £24.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 Halesworth Brocante Antique & Vintage Market

The Old Print Works, Middle Car Park, Halesworth, 9am – 3pm Being completely under cover with free admission the market has a real buzz to it with up to 40 Brocanteurs offering for sale an eclectic mix of antique furniture, vintage fabrics and clothes, jewellery, china, vintage tools, pictures, taxidermy, kitchenalia and much more.

Entry: Free

MAY 7 Lakme

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm MAY 5 Rosalind

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich

MAY 2 – MAY 6 Northanger Abbey

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich At 17, she is taken by her aunt to Bath where she encounters the social whirl denied her at home. When Catherine accepts an invitation to the Tilney’s country seat at Northanger Abbey, lurid images from her favourite gothic novel Mysteries of Udolpho threaten to overwhelm her.

However, all misunderstandings are 18

essentialsuffolk.com

James Cousins’ latest work is inspired by one of Shakespeare’s most headstrong and independent heroines: Rosalind. Set in a modern city – conservative by day, wonderland by night – the curious, courageous heroine Rosalind embarks on a journey of self-discovery, fuelled by love and oppression.

Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk Raise the Roof

Britten Studio, Snape Maltings, 7pm A gala benefit concert in aid of Benhall Church with live music, readings and more.

Tickets: £5-£10 Box Office: 01728 687110

This jewel of an opera is best known for the famous ‘Flower Duet’ which has become one of the most familiar pieces any composer, in any genre, has ever written, even used by our national airline on TV ads as the peaceful accompaniment to a jetliner floating through wispy clouds!

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Spoken Word Music Day

The Cut, Halesworth An eclectic treat of spoken word and music with a special evening performance by one of the UK’s best cutting-edge performance poets, Attila the Stockbroker. First on is John’s Ward’s magical, narrative poem ‘The Iron Bridge’, the tale of an East Coast town, whose characters and history interweave backwards and forwards through the centuries, read by renowned storyteller,

What’s On Andy Jennings. Poet and musician, Martin Newell, follows with his epic ‘The Song of the Waterlily’. www.newcut.org

includes double Fringe First Award winner and original One Man, Two Guv'nors cast member David Benson.

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

Secret Spaces – In the Steps of St. Edmund

St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds See mini preview page 25 Box Office: 07763 527239

MAY 8 – 13 Waiting for God

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M’Lord) and Nichola McAuliffe (Surgical Spirit, Victoria) star in this premiere stage production of the BAFTA Best Comedy Series nominated Waiting For God, which delighted TV audiences across several BBC series in the 1990s. This all-new script is penned by the sitcom's creator Michael Aitkens, whose other credits include Midsomer Murders, and directed by Tony Award winner David Grindley (Journey’s End, Sideways). The cast of nine, led by Holland and Olivier Award winner McAuliffe, also

double bill features a rich mix of dance and movement styles, intimate solos, emotive duets and powerful ensembles. Touching, sad, funny and absurd, this is relevant and up-tothe-minute dance theatre at its best.

Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

MAY 11 Storyteller of the Year Entertains

MAY 13

Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay, 7.30pm The Bard of Windmill Hill turns the absurd, bewildering and frequently frustrating aspects of modern life into laughter fodder. Witty, ironic and waspish, this is social comment and cerebral stand-up at its best. He has been praised by the BBC's Dr Phil Hammond for the range and depth of his work. This could be just the prescription you need.

Tickets: £8 Information: info@fishertheatre.org or 01986 897130

Woodbridge Chamber Concerts

St Mary’s Parish Church, Market Hill, Woodbridge, 7.30pm The Artesian Quartet will be playing: Haydn, String Quartet Op. 76 No. 6; Beethoven, String Quartet Op. 18 No.6; Smetana, Quartet No.1 ‘From my Life’.

Tickets: All reserved £16 centre aisle, £11 side aisle Box Office: 01986 798324 www.woodbridgechamberconcerts.org.uk Farmers Markets

MAY 12 Witness

Halesworth Town Centre 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 12.30pm

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich Turning the spotlight on mental health and the things we choose to hide, this captivating

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MAY 2017

Celebration of an English Country Churchyard

MAY 13 – JUNE 4

St Mary’s Church, Burstall. 10.30 am to 3pm

The Suffolk Walking Festival

Come and explore the history and ecology of this classic English country church and churchyard. Enjoy coffee and cake and take part in a fun quiz and other activities. There will also be plants, books, cakes and bric-abrac for sale.

Entry: Free Information: 01473 652725

See mini preview page 25 www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

MAY 14 Farmers Markets

Assington, The Barn 10am – 2pm

MAY 13 – 14

MAY 16 – 20

Weird and Wonderful Wood Festival

Bring on the Bollywood

Haughley Park, Nr Wetherden, Stowmarket

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Over 120 artists and crafts from all over the country gather to celebrate ‘wood’. This family friendly event features demonstrations, wonderful workshops for all ages, exciting activities such as archery, den building and willow weaving, there will even be a working mobile sawmill on site. Plus local food and drink and music.

Entry: Adults £8, concessions £6, children under 12 £4 (under 3s free)

See mini preview page 27 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

& Karen Carpenter. Acclaimed international star Claire Furley remains unsurpassed in her uncanny representation of Karen Carpenter.

Tickets: £24 Box Office: 01473 433100

MAY 19 – 20 Lord of The Flies

Mercury Theatre, Colchester A plane crashes on a deserted island. The only survivors are a group of students. They live in a land of bright exotic birds and dark blue seas, but at night their dreams are inhabited by a terrifying beast. Performed by Mercury Youth Theatre, Lord of the Flies is a tale of isolation, power, identity and violence.

Tickets: £9 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

MAY 18

Suites Curieuses

The Carpenters Story

See mini preview page 27 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The award-winning Carpenters Story celebrates the music of one of the most successful pop duos in music history; Richard

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich

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What’s On

MAY 19 – 28

MAY 20

Bury Festival

Clare Teal’s Mini Big Band

Now in its 32nd year, Bury Festival has grown into one of the region’s best-loved music and arts festivals and this year will be featuring 59 events over ten days. Flautist Sir James Galway, guitarist John Williams, musician Rick Wakeman and actor and writer Tim BrookeTaylor are just some of the star names who are taking part.

Booking: Box Office: 01284 758000 www.buryfestival.co.uk

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm An eclectic song list celebrating the first ladies of swing – Ella, Peggy, Doris – and more.

Tickets: £24 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Farmers Markets

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

writers of the Golden Age. Tickets: £10 (in advance) £12 (on the door) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk The Lyrical Talents

St Michael’s Church, Church Road, Framlingham, 3pm Music for Gamba and Mezzo-Soprano from 18th century France; Quinn Patrick Ankrum (mezzo-soprano), Emily Ashton (viola da gamba), Andrew Cantrill (harpsichord).

Entry: £12 (school-age students free) Information: 01728 648571 www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk Push The Boat Out

Aldeburgh Yacht Club, 10am to 4pm MAY 21 Songbook Sundays @ The Athenaeum: Joanna Eden – Embraceable Ella

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11.30am In Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary year, acclaimed chanteuse Joanna Eden and the Chris Ingham Trio present a musical entertainment of anecdote, insight and classic songs associated with the legendary First Lady of Song.

Compositions by Gershwin, Rodgers, Porter, Arlen, Ellington, Van Heusen and other

It’s open house at Aldeburgh Yacht Club and everyone is invited to come and enjoy some sailing. This is a nationwide RYA initiative to encourage people to try their hand in a boat; be it a dinghy, a yacht or a motor boat. Short river trips in a Club launch, giving passengers views of the estuary and light refreshments in the Clubhouse.

Entry: Free Information: 01728 452562 or training@aldeburghyc.org.uk www.aldeburghyc.org.uk

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MAY 2017

MAY 23 – 27

MAY 25

MAY 26 - JUNE 1

One Man in Havana

Not Lady Chatterely’s Lover

Tim Hall Exhibition

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Red Rose Chain, Ipswich

The Quay Gallery, Snape

Cuba 1958. Meet Jim Wormold – a hapless vacuum cleaner salesman who gets sucked in to a dirty world of espionage and double agents when the chance of helping out MI6 with a job or two proves too good an offer to resist.

Tickets: £26.50 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Following the story-line of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, but with some twists along the way; there will be long contemplative looks into the middle distance, moments of touching drama, plenty of farce and a gentle stroke of innuendo.

Expect high drama, high comedy and highly raised eyebrows in what will be a fantastic show for those who know the novel as well as those who are coming to it for the first time.

Tickets: £8 www.redrosechain.com

Tim is very much looking forward to being back at the Maltings in May where on show in the Quay Gallery shall be his latest originals, giclee framed prints and cards.

MAY 24 Brahms 1 – from Memory

MAY 26

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68.

Aurora Orchestra with what is thought to be the first performance of a Brahms symphony by memory in Europe since the composer himself enjoyed the memorised playing of the Meiningen Court Orchestra in the 1880s. Introduced by Tom Service.

Tickets: £24, £20 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

The Lark Ascending

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra, Savitri Grier on violin and John Anderson on oboe for a programme of mainly English music.

Tickets: £16 – £34 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

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MAY 27 Somewhere in Time

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe will deliver a night you will remember forever… Strictly’s favourite couple are back with a bang after their first successful UK Tour. Ian and Natalie have developed a whole new show with newly choreographed routines of their favourite Ballroom and Latin dances.

Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01473 433100 The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart

The Cut, Halesworth Part live folk-gig, part folk tale, part barnstorming comedy – David Greig’s modern play will thrill and haunt in equal measure.

What’s On Follow Prudencia – an academic on her way to attend a conference in Kelso. As snow starts to fall, she begins a mystical adventure of self-discovery accompanied by plenty of folky musical moments. www.newcut.org See www.easternangles.co.uk for other tour dates and venues.

Farmers Markets

Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 12.30pm

MAY 27 – MAY 28 LeeStock Festival

Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury.

Music from midday

The tenth year of LeeStock Festival, including headliners Newton Faulkner, Toploader and Wheatus plus many more and a beer and cider festival. LeeStock has raised over £100,000 for the Willow Foundation.

Entry: Day tickets from £12 + booking fee. www.leestock.org

MAY 28

MAY 31

EACH Ipswich Colour Dash

Rachel Tucker

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

A 5km fun run – the ‘fun’ is that participants are showered with clouds of coloured powder paint as they run! There’s no competitive aspect, so you can run, jog or walk the five kilometres – just be prepared to get covered in coloured powder paint. It creates truly impressive multi-coloured results! Sign up and raise much needed funds for East Anglian Children’s Hospice.

Information: 01473 276193 www.each.org.uk/colour-dashes Flute Fantasia with Sir James & Lady Galway

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm ‘The Man with the Golden Flute’ with a programme of popular flute repertoire, including works by Debussy, Kreisler and Marais.

Tickets: £38 to £45 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Following a triumphant run as Elphaba in Wicked the Musical, Rachel Tucker hits the road for her first UK solo tour. Rachel holds the title of longest consecutive running Elphaba and won the 2011 WhatsOnStage award for Best Takeover in a Role. Expect all of the best Wicked songs, mixed in with some jazz, soul and classic musical theatre numbers.

Tickets: £20 (front rows £26) Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk

Farmers Market

Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

The best of riverside dining Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner by the beautiful Rivers Orwell & Deben Food served daily from 9.00am to 9.30pm

The Maybush

The Butt & Oyster

Get the Deben Inns app for our latest news and offers. Simply search Deben Inns in the app store and follow the simple instructions.

www.debeninns.co.uk The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich IP9 1JW 01473 780764

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Mini Previews

SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL May 13 – June 4

SECRET SPACES MUSICAL PILGRIMAGE: IN THE STEPS OF ST. EDMUND May 7 Imagine a day touring Suffolk visiting some of its most spectacular churches, hearing exquisitely sung music and enjoying specially created meals along the way. For music lovers it’s the stuff of dreams but Vetta Wise and Seraphim, an all-female invitation only vocal ensemble, are planning such a day with what they call a Musical Pilgrimage around the county. On May 7, the group will be taking its audience by coach around Suffolk to six hand-picked locations following the story of St Edmund. The journey will start at two tiny remote churches in the Waveney Valley; St Margaret’s Syleham and St Mary’s in Thornham Parva and then on to St Mary’s in Bury St Edmunds and St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

Vetta, who founded the group says they will be performing a selection of a cappella and accompanied works from early medieval chants to the haunting melodic shapes of Hildegard to the ethereal tones of St Edmunds carol and works by modern composers. She explained that this is third pilgrimage

by Seraphim and every venue has been visited already to make sure the acoustics for the performances are just right. “It’s going to be a remarkable experience, encompassing music and history” she says.

There will be various pick up points for the coach at the start of the day and all meals are provided as part of the ticket – including lunch at the White Horse Inn at Stoke Ash and a cream tea will be available at St Mary’s in Bury St Edmunds.

Seraphim is made up of nine hand-picked singers all of whom are experienced performers – as soloists or as members of leading choirs and eminent groups throughout East Anglia.

The group has quickly established an outstanding reputation, enjoying four sell-out concerts and performing as part of two local music festivals in their first year.

INFORMATION Tickets: £65 per person Box office: 07763 527239 or tickets@seraphimvoices.uk

This year the Suffolk Walking Festival is celebrating its tenth birthday with more than 100 walks on offer. The launch is at Sutton Hoo where you can discover the Anglo-Saxon burial mounds and choose from up to 11 routes including a two-hour route guided by National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainwright or a night-time stroll to hear the song of the nightingale.

This year’s festival aims to offer something for all providing above all the opportunity to explore the wonderful and diverse Suffolk countryside. You can stroll around medieval towns, amble along the coast or wander through our stunning countryside and enjoy the landscapes of our two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Classic and Mega Challenge walks return, offering walkers the opportunity to explore the Stour Valley; a 63-mile route crossing the Suffolk countryside and dipping into Essex. Choose either to complete the route over a leisurely four days or if you really want to push yourself why not try it in 30 hours.

For those with dogs who would like to do their bit for charity, the Hearing Care Centre has a walk and breakfast on May 20.

It’s a four to five mile route from the Newbourne Fox stopping for breakfast at the Maybush in Waldringfield. Four-legged friends are welcome, although not essential, but taking part will help to raise money for hearing dogs and deaf people. Other themed walks include Duelling Dragons in Sudbury, bird watching as you stroll around Westleton Heath or speed dating where you could meet new friends or even a partner. There’s sure to be a walk in the programme to take your fancy.

For families there are a selection of walks around the half term period from golden mile walks between parks and museums in Lowestoft to activity routes in Ipswich and Sudbury and even a trail or two at Jimmy’s Farm.

INFORMATION www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

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CREATING ROOMS FROM CONSERVATORIES Is your conservatory too cold in winter?... too hot in summer?... too noisy when it rains?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions we have the solution and can help you create the year round room you always hoped your conservatory would be. Most conservatories in the past were built

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Changing your roof to a glass option or a warm roof will transform your conservatory.

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Glass roofs Use of new ‘Activ’ glass means that you can have a glass roof without feeling like you are being cooked by the suns rays. Available in a bronze or blue finish the glass has a built-in material that helps reflect the sun. The U-value (insulation properties) is better than polycarbonate but does not really compare to a warm roof system. Glass roofs are about 50% better than Polycarbonate roofs, but warm roofs are 5 times better than glass. It is this difference in insulation which changes the use of the room.

interior you are transforming the conservatory into a room. A very bright room, one that you can use all year round. Although the investment is considerably less than an extension you are effectively creating an additional reception room in your house.

If you enjoy your conservatory sitting back looking up at the sky or seeing the stars at night there is always an options of adding a lantern roof. Our show room has a number of examples, please feel free to come and have a look. Our customers welcome the fact that they are not sold to, we are happy to explain the different options and show you what they look like.

Warm roof it’s not a roof you’re getting it’s a room This is a highly insulated roof system that fits on top of your existing conservatory. With a solid, tiled roof on the exterior, plastered with lighting on the

For more details you can visit Colourchange UPVC’s website www.colourchangeupvc.co.uk or contact Daryl on 01394 420774

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Colourchange UPVC are a member of an organisation called Network VEKA, one of the world's biggest and most forward-thinking window system suppliers who also provide the industry’s leading 10 year insurance backed guarantee. Network VEKA members are committed exacting standards and achieve around a 97% customer satisfaction rating, compared to the industry's average of just 83%.

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Mini Previews

BRING ON THE BOLLYWOOD

SUITES CURIEUSES

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.

May 16 – 20

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich.

May 19 – 20 Cas Public presents a stunning dance theatre show for children aged two or more and their families. Inspired by one of the best-loved fairy tales and featuring famous characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Suites Curieuses mischievously plays in the shadows of a magical world where animation comes to life. This 45-minute playful work is the perfect length for children aged 2+ years. It features stunning theatrical staging and beautiful interaction between dancers and projections; don’t forget to keep an eye out for the toy train!

Created by Samir Bhamra, the master of authentic Bollywood inspired work, Bring on the Bollywood is a brand new Bollywood dance-theatre extravaganza. Bringing a festival of colour and Bollywood magic in a major new nationwide tour, Bring on the Bollywood brings audiences new and old together for this delightfully romantic riot of Anglo-Indian exuberance.

Three men and woman come and go, mischievously embodying and breathing life into the famous characters from Little Red Riding Hood. With attention to detail and Cas Public’s trademark elegance and refinement, the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood wrestle with a host of objects that lend an unusual vitality to this timeless classic.

Having lived in London for 14 years, Dr. Katrina Pawar is summoned to her ancestral home, the shabby and un-chic Lakshman Villa, for her younger brother’s wedding. Sensing an opportunity to finally make a match for their last unmarried child during the festivities, Katrina’s parents search for a potential suitor for their quick-witted and resolute daughter. As the good-looking Bollywood film director Amit arrives at Lakshman Villa, along with his newly eligible British personal assistant Ronny, Katrina must navigate the true course of love between East and West.

Inspired by classic Indian cinema, Bring on the Bollywood also revels in the shared dramatic heritage between the UK and India, as well as contemporary British Asian influences.

Samir Bhamra says: “‘Bollywood’ is widely perceived to be a low-brow art-form that requires no skill. Not only is it – in my experience – the hardest art form to crack, but it shares more than people realise with the classical Western arts.

Bollywood would not exist if it were not for Shakespeare being presented in British India, and soon adapted into local languages for the wider communities. Both traditions teach us valuable lessons about people and life, and that's why they continue to connect so well.”

Cas Public is a Canadian dance company celebrating 25 years of creativity, humour and dance theatre. Suites Curieuses will be sure to capture the imagination of adults and children alike, making it an experience the whole family can enjoy together. “We are so lucky to have this amazing company performing in Ipswich - DanceEast is one of only a few UK dates this year so don’t miss your chance to see this magical show” Brendan Keaney, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, DanceEast.

INFORMATION Tickets: £10 – £26.50 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

INFORMATION Tickets: £10 (£7 concessions, £30 family) Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

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MAY 2017

SAVING AN ICON OF SUFFOLK SKIES In the last 25 years the swift population in Suffolk and the UK has halved and is at risk of becoming endangered. Anne Gould talks to Edward Jackson of Save Our Suffolk Swifts

O

ne of the joys of summer is having the time to sit outside on a sunny day look skywards and witness the amazing aerial displays of swifts, swallows and house martins swooping around the rooftops. Yet, unless we do something to help, one of these species – the swift – might become increasingly absent from our summer skies.

Edward Jackson, one of a 12-strong team of volunteers, wildlife experts and ornithologists in Suffolk who are campaigning on behalf of this species, says there are a number of reasons for the decline but the big issue is a problem with nesting.

Quite simply the number of locations for them to breed has seriously diminished thanks to a combination of modern house building methods and people improving their houses for

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insulation purposes. He explained, “More than 99 per cent of swifts nest under the eaves in older properties built before 1945 but as they are modernised potential nest sites for swifts disappear.

The installation of new fascia boards and soffits prevents swifts having access to potential nests with the result that less birds are being born.” On top of this, modern properties are built in a different way, which prevents the birds nesting.

Swifts, he explained are quite remarkable birds and with a lifespan of seven years are long-lived compared to other garden birds like blue tits or blackbirds. Apart from when they are nesting, they spend their whole lives in flight – sleeping, eating and mating on the wing. In fact if they are grounded they are more often than not doomed because, with exception of a few strong adult birds, they cannot take off from a flat surface.

Swifts start arriving in Suffolk from the first week of May and will leave again from mid to late August. “We have tagged birds with geo locators so we know that they fly from Suffolk to the west coast of Africa to central Africa and the east coast and then they repeat the route and return to Suffolk.” Their flight is amazing too – often cruising at 3,000 feet – reaching average speeds of 45mph. However, says Edward, they can reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

So birds hatched this year in Suffolk might stay aloft for two or more years but they probably won’t mate and nest until their fourth year of life. However they will form pair bonds at the age of about one and will meet up again every year in spring. When they are aged three they will scout out a nest banging their wings on potential sites but usually won’t produce young until the following year. They live on airborne insects, like

Save Our Suffolk Swifts

Photographs by Bill Baston

midges and small spiders and drink by catching raindrops in the air or by skimming over water.

Save Our Suffolk Swifts, a project supported by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Ornithologists Group has been working for the last three years on a variety of fronts to help raise awareness of the demise of the swift population.

Edward says they have been doing talks with a wide variety of people and organisations that could help including architects, house builders and the group also took part in the Suffolk and Norfolk Planning and Biodiversity Conference.

They are also trying to get the message out to homeowners and provide solutions and alternatives too. On the corporate front the campaign, says Edward, “we’re just celebrating the first success as the house builders, Hopkins Homes, have just installed integral swift boxes in a development of new

properties in Framlingham.” These boxes, he explained have been specially designed for new houses and sit in the cavity wall. Clearly he’s hoping other house builders will follow suit but there’s a swift box for properties of all shapes, sizes and ages.

Eddie Bathgate of Hopkins Homes

For everyone in an older house the option is to have a specially designed swift box just below the roof. The project can supply these boxes starting

at around the £20 mark. Extras include taped swift calls, known as screaming, which help attract birds to the nest.

Unlike house martins the swift is a very clean bird so householders won’t find any mess, he added.

These boxes are very successful in urban areas – with towns and villages equally suitable. Evidence that these boxes work says Edward, comes from the village of Worlingham which installed swift boxes at various locations around the village including the church back in 2009. “Last year they had 40 boxes, 29 of which were occupied and 60 birds were fledged. From a standing start they now have 60 birds that will return to the village and that number will now increase.”

INFORMATION www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/swifts

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Art for Action

ART FOR ACTION If you are an art lover, support charity and live in Suffolk, May 18 is a day you need to put in your diary. Anne Gould finds out about Art for Action and its unique fund-raising sale

here aren’t many places where you can buy a painting by one the UK’s leading artists for just £30 but this month that’s just what Art for Action is offering, at a special event in Ipswich raising money to help save and change children’s lives.

T

The event, at Tudor Barn Belstead, has been organised by a team of local fundraisers; Karen Last, Virginia French, Diana Johnson, Helen Armstrong Bland and Jeanette Brierley for Action Medical Research and follows a similar and very successful event held two years ago.

On sale will be work by artists and celebrities including Maggi Hambling, Julian Bell, Jody Cundy, Dale Devereux Barker, Jason Gathorne-Hardy, Dermot Murnaghan, Tory Lawrence, Peter James, Mary Gundry, Jackie Cotton, Peter McCarthy and Charlie Simpson among others. There will also be opportunities to bid for additional works including ceramics by Ryan Barrett, the Suffolk-born model and winner of the BBC’s Great Pottery Throwdown 2017.

Lucy Hynes, Community Fundraising Manager for the charity says the previous event was sold out and raised £11,000 for the charity and they were hoping that this month’s event will make even more. “So far more than 135 pieces of art have been donated to us from top artists, celebrities and local artists too and the response has been so good that this year we hope to have 200 pieces of work to sell.” ‰

EssentialSUFFOLK

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Hidden treasure... ...for all to enjoy

Ufford Park Woodbridge

A warm welcome and fantastic views await you at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa.

Our family owned and run hotel is in the ideal location to relax and unwind after a long day; pop in for a coffee or enjoy a delicious meal on your way home.

Everyone is welcome, even your four legged best friend. Why not take a stroll round our 2 mile perimeter walk / jogging track after enjoying a delicious afternoon tea or Sunday lunch?

Home-cooked and locally sourced food is served all day.

There really shouldn't have to be a reason to get together with friends and family.

For that special occasion, from a baby shower to the biggest of birthdays, our dedicated team at Ufford Park would love to help you make it everything you want it to be.

CELEBRATING

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Art for Action

She explained the contributing artists were asked to produce an original work on the theme of Childhood Dreams and Wishes on a piece of card measuring 5”x8”. What happens on the evening is that guests are able to buy a sticker for £30 and they then go and put their sticker by the artwork of their choice – but the catch is they don’t know who it was created by until the end of the evening.

Lucy explained that Action Medical Research has spent £110 million since 1952 on research, which has saved thousands of children’s lives. It was thanks to its groundbreaking work that the first polio vaccines were introduced into the UK, it discovered the importance of folic acid in spina bifida prevention, it developed the use of ultrasound technology in pregnancy and helped a unique portable foetal heart rate monitor to help save babies lives.

Attending the event on the 18th will be toddler Aiden Mitchell, from Witham, whose life was saved because of money contributed by Action Medical Research and who, with his family, are helping the charity with its fund-raising efforts. The evening has been supported by local businesses including Handelsbanken, Classic Stoves, Clayden Finanical, Clarke & Simpson, Whites Catering, Ryans, Barker-Gotelee and Ensors.

INFORMATION Tickets cost £20 and are on sale now. If you would like to donate a prize or art for the exhibition or would like to consider being a sponsor for the event, please contact Karen Last on 07766 543498. www.action.org.uk/art

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MAY 2017

Essential Competition HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY UFFORD PARK – WIN A GOLF OR SPA BREAK FOR TWO 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 in the Thermal Suite Spa.

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa has 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.

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Rendall Wright

TO ENTER For your chance to win simply answer this question: Ufford Park are celebrating how many years this year?

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 Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 2EP. The closing date for all entries to be received is Wednesday 31st May 2017. 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 2017 and is subject to availability. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted by Ufford Park.

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Finance

FINE ART RESTORATION – WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PAINTING IS DAMAGED Damage to works of art makes for a great news story. Readers may remember the unfortunate incident in March when the Gainsborough painting ‘The Morning Walk’ in The National Gallery was attacked by a man with a screwdriver who gouged the surface with two long scratches during the assault. The painting has since been restored and reinstalled.

More serious damage occurred in 2012 at the Tate Modern when a Rothko painting was vandalised by an art blogger who scrawled graffiti on its bottom corner. The quick-drying black paint quickly soaked through the layers of the artwork, in some places staining through to the canvas. Removing and restoring the multi-million pound work of art took eighteen months and cost £200,000, and the blogger was jailed for two years.

These are extreme examples of damage to works of art in the public domain. But there are many thousands of artworks which are vulnerable to damage whilst kept in private houses.

Air conditioning, heating, dust, grease, and tobacco smoke all take their toll whilst there is always the danger of accidents occurring as part of day-to-day life.

Professional fine art restorers are used to dealing with damaged works of art, and can

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often restore a work of art to a condition where to the naked eye there is no indication that the painting has been damaged.

Moreover, restoration costs are often less than you might expect: in one recent case the valuation of a painting in 2015 was £7,500.00, and after being damaged when the owner tore the painting whilst vacuuming, the expert repair work cost £1,680.00. Restoration rather than replacement may help keep the costs of future insurance premiums down in future, which is good news for owners of works of art.

At Scrutton Bland an insurance executive explains: “A finearts insurance policy generally will cover the entire cost of restoration and, if there is, for example, a 25% loss of value because of the damage, the insurer may pay the policyholder up to 25% of the insured value.

Your fine art insurance can be arranged as a separate policy or combined with your main home and contents policy. We have extensive experience in choosing the most appropriate cover for your assets, and will take into account your personal circumstances to help arrange expert insurance valuations to match your needs with the most appropriate cover.”

For an initial consultation, in complete confidence, contact natasha.sadler@scruttonbland.co.uk or jason.harden@scruttonbland.co.uk or call 01206 838400. Scrutton Bland Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

get ready for Summer with our pamper package

• PediCure • ManiCure • Body SCruB • 1/2 Leg Wax • SPray Tan • eyeLaSh TinT

Showroom: 36 –38 Woodbridge Road (A1214) Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich. T: 01473 617050 www.foxwoodceramics.co.uk

Choose any combination: 2 for £40 3 for £50 4 for £60 5 for £70 6 for £80

Sirens Health & Beauty Retreat 154a Hamilton Road Felixstowe Telephone: 01394 282626 www.sirensfelixstowe.co.uk

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MAY 2017

dress up!

The diary is filling up with special occasions so it’s time to go shopping.You’ll look great while keeping cool in these stunning styles from leading independent Suffolk retailers

Bianca flower print dress £112 Adams Apple

Sandwich animal print dress £79 Holly Blue Boutique

Sahara dress £165 Caramel Snape Maltings

Bianca jungle palm print dress £102 Adams Apple

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Fashion

Micha spot dress £62 Adams Apple

Lace dress by Ottodame £139 Chattertons

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Suede patchwork dress by Rino & Pelle £239 Chattertons

Micha linen dress £85 Caramel Snape Maltings Michaela Louisa floral dress £110 Caramel Snape Maltings

James Lakeland zip neck dress £169 Holly Blue Boutique

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MAY 2017

Part two blue poncho top £89.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Part Two Gility striped top £59.95 Laura Jane Boutique

true blue Casual and cool from spring through to early summer Denim embellished tunic £45 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

Pin stripe skirt £42 Ninni Noo Boutique

Pale blue shirt £42 Ninni Noo Boutique Yest long coat jacket £57 Adams Apple

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Fashion Part two print scarf 29.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Orientique gull print top £49.99 Holly Blue Boutique

Lebek reversible gilet £75 Caramel Snape Maltings

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel Snape Maltings. T: 01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chattertons 80 High Street, Southwold & 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge.

T: 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors 20a Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394382691 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655

Blue espadrilles £35 Moose Lifestyle & Interiors

360 SWEATER AG JEANS AMERICAN VINTAGE AQUASCUTUM CANDICE COOPER DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DUFFY EUROPEAN CULTURE HEIDI KLEIN HIGH JBRAND KEEPSAKE LNDR MATCHLESS NOT SHY NOTES DU NORD PAIGE POM RALPH LAUREN ROSSO SUNDRY VELVET WILDFOX YERSE ZOE JORDAN

18 Market Hill Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LU 01394 385757

Snape Maltings Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

01728 687467 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

80 High Street Southwold Suffolk IP18 6DP 01502 725197

www.chattertonshop.co.uk EssentialSUFFOLK

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MAY 2017

CELEBRATING SUCCESS As esteemed Suffolk business The Burgess Group comes of age, its founder explains his journey from rebellious teenager to managing director of an enduringly successful firm

I

t was at the tender age of 16 that Edward Burgess decided that school was not for him. As the majority of his friends were preparing to study for their A levels and go on to university, he had different plans in mind; plans to get out into the big wide world and make his mark in his own particular way.

Edward explains: “I set about negotiating with my parents about leaving school and becoming selfemployed in the double glazing industry.

At that time, they were less than enamoured with my proposal, understandable given the sacrifices they had made to send me to good schools.

As it happened, the choice was made for me as my GCSE results weren’t good enough to enter sixth form.”

He adds: “When I left school, I was determined to prove a point both to my parents and to my headmaster, and so I was hugely motivated to succeed in my career. I have since grown out of this rebellious streak but the desire to do well has never left me.”

Edward’s first job was working on a commission basis as a canvasser for a large window business, generating leads for the sales team. It wasn’t long before he was known as Fast Eddie due to his unerring ability to create business. “My job entailed knocking on doors, a challenge not many people would wish to undertake, as well as running exhibition stands at various locations,” he says. “By the time I was 18, I had built up a vast database of potential customers and asked my manager if I could become a salesman.”

With his request turned down on account of his young age, Edward’s rebellious streak came to the fore once

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Business Profile | The Burgess Group

Ingatestone showroom

more, and he quietly liberated some order forms and a sample window from his employer. He spent the next week visiting prospects and winning a large number of orders, securing a coveted sales position as a result.

In characteristic ambitious style, Edward struck out on his own at the age of just 23. Countryside Home Improvements was founded in 1996, providing quality bespoke windows and doors from a small showroom in Felixstowe. This business expanded over time to include premises in Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds and Ingatestone, undergoing a major rebrand in 2015. It now trades as The Burgess Group, with more than 20 employees and over 1,000 customers.

Edward, who lives in Melton with his wife Clare and their dog Olive, says: “Over the years, The Burgess Group has carved out a niche in the industry, offering something different from our competitors.

This is not something that has happened overnight. My colleagues and I have worked extremely hard to form exclusive trading arrangements with bespoke manufacturers of timber, aluminium and PVCU windows and doors.

Fornham St Martin showroom

“We are involved in ongoing design and product development with these partners and have an extensive training programme for our staff.”

survey and installation of windows and doors. Edward explains: “Out of over 12,000 companies in this sector, less than 50 have achieved this accolade.”

Edward says that the customer service offered by The Burgess Group is a key reason for its success over the last 21 years. “Our range of high end windows and doors represents a big investment for our customers,” he says. “As a result, it is vital that we provide an excellent product and seamless installation process to meet their expectations. This starts in our showrooms, which are a comfortable environment for them to peruse the various options available.”

So what of the future of The Burgess Group? The 21st anniversary will be marked with a staff party and special deals for existing customers, while longer-term plans include expansion into Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Elsewhere, employee numbers are set to increase to 25 by the end of next year.

He adds: “No two jobs are ever the same. Once, we were asked to produce windows in the same colour as the customer’s handbag! Another project included creating a beautiful stained glass window in a windmill design.

We always make every effort to meet our customers’ individual needs and requirements.”

Meanwhile, the company’s commitment to quality is evidenced by its BSI Kitemark licence, awarded for the

Whatever the future holds, it is likely that Edward will relish every moment.

“I absolutely love what I do,” he says.

“There’s nothing better than seeing a project through from start to finish and watching the customer’s eyes light up. It’s more of a vocation than a job for me.”

Visit www.burgess-group.com or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Alternatively, call the Woodbridge showroom on 01394 386666.

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READ MY LIPS It’s a hidden disability and one which can leave people feeling misunderstood and isolated. To coincide with Deaf Awareness Week’s ‘Connect and Communicate’ theme, Anne Gould joins a lip-reading class

Deaf Awareness Week

L

osing your hearing, the sounds of the world and everyday life, music, speech, conversation, laughter, the lapping of the sea on the sand, wind in the trees even traffic noise… can have a devastating effect.

Yet, although one in six people in this country suffers from hearing loss it’s often misunderstood because people can’t see that you have a problem.

“I was in Marks and Spencer’s looking at skirts and suddenly I was hit on the back quite hard. I turned round and there was this angry woman shouting at me to move,” says Joan. “I didn’t realise I was in the way. She then said, ‘Are you bloody stupid’? I just stood there with tears in my eyes. Even with the best hearing aid in the world I cannot hear anything from behind. It’s such a hidden disability. No one can see that you have hearing issues and they treat you as if you are thick.”

Joan’s experience was unpleasant and, says Maria Waller, Lip Reading Teacher from Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service, it’s not uncommon for people with hearing loss to suffer misunderstanding and increasing isolation. For the last 17 years she has been teaching people who are hard of hearing to lip read and loves her work because it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. “Our charity offers free lessons, funded through Sensing Change, at centres across the county and they are always full with waiting lists.”

It’s a skill, she explains that can really make a difference to people’s lives, especially those who have lost a great deal of hearing. “Lip-reading can help bring confidence back, it can help people cope at work or cope in crowds.”

Lessons are open to people of all ages, although the majority of students are older and there’s the option to attend for up to three years. “Learning to lip-read can take anything from weeks to years depending on the individual and how hard and how long they want to study.”

She explained that when people lose their hearing the higher frequencies go first and most consonants fall within this range. It’s these letters and sounds

which makes sentences intelligible.

“We teach people to recognise vowel shapes but they also learn consonant groups because a lot of them look the same. You can only lip-read about 30 per cent of words but if you know the context it’s enough to communicate.

We particularly help people with numbers because that’s important at the shops, at the supermarket or when you have to pay the milkman.”

So what’s a class like? Well there’s some theory – the class I attended in Bury St Edmunds was looking at vowels and in particular the short and long e sounds. We talked about consonant confusion groups – ‘sh’, ‘ch’, ‘j’ and ‘zk’ can all look the same apparently and a ‘schwa’, which in phonetics is an unstressed vowel.

The next exercise was some practical lip-reading – unsounded sentences on a seasonal theme. Being thrown in at the deep end reveals that you have to observe very closely to see what’s being said, and you realise just how challenging it can be. We knew the sentences were about Easter but some of us failed to recognise chocolate and for me whole sentences went by when I could only recognise the odd word.

Class members said though that it actually gets easier – and it’s a lot of fun too. “We always have a laugh but it’s made such a difference to my confidence. People have said that I even look different now after being at classes, which is amazing,” said one woman.

Maria added that her lessons also include strategies to help people when they are out and about. “We teach them to ask closed questions that have a yes or no answer for example. There’s also a lot to learn about places to sit if you are going out for a meal. Restaurants with wooden floors and tables can be very noisy so we advise people to sit next to a wall or a cubicle to make the most of their hearing.”

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK Deaf Awareness Week from May 15-21 is promoted by the UK Council on Deafness. This year’s theme is Connect and Communicate and it aims to not only raise awareness about deafness but also improve access to education and employment.

The campaign is also all about informing the government and public about deafness and hearing loss and supporting the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness. On the education front the council wants to inform people about the importance of preventing hearing loss and improve the quality of services for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Karen Finch, of The Hearing Care Centre says that maintaining communication is key for people with hearing loss. “It’s never too late to learn a new skill and I urge my patients that have severe hearing loss to armour themselves and add this one extra tool into their communication box. Lip reading can play a significant part of the understanding process and provide some 30% extra information, which in addition to amplification from their hearing system, can be the difference between hearing and understanding and not! The partnership between our local lip reading partners and The Hearing Care Centre is a strong one and one not to be undervalued.”

INFORMATION For more information on Lip Reading in Suffolk visit www.hhas.org.uk

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HELPING THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS IN SUFFOLK

If you are reading this article it is because you suspect that someone you care about might have a hearing loss.

And you want to help. Hearing is an easy thing to take for granted.

Initially, you may have a giggle at their misunderstanding of words or the bizarre interpretations they come up with, but after a while the daily miscommunication will lead to concern and frustration of having to repeat yourself. Age-related hearing loss generally occurs gradually and as a result, it is often family and friends who are the first to notice the problem.

Things are not nearly as easy with a hearing loss. It is diffcult to converse in a crowded room or over the phone.

It is not that things are not always loud enough, but that they are not clear enough. People often claim that there would not be a problem if others would just stop mumbling. Sounds fade so gradually that they can disappear unnoticed, for example when the birds stop chirping.

Hearing loss affects one in six of us in the UK and when you do the math this equates to over 120,000 people here in Suffolk! This is a worrying statistic,

Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA

Managing Director

which is only set to rise with a recent report suggesting the figure will be one in five by 2035.

and Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service, who both have their headquarters in Ipswich.

Unfortunately too many people simply ignore their hearing loss and do nothing and for those that choose to do something, it can take them up to ten years to make that decision.

So how do I convince my loved one to have their hearing checked I hear you ask? Talk to them about the things they are missing out on, such as social occasions or physical activities. Discuss the dangers of undiagnosed hearing loss – for instance, not being able to hear properly while driving, or the simple fact that leaving it untreated will only make it worsen quicker. I would also recommend that you attend the hearing test appointment with them, as reassurance to them that they are not in this alone.

Left untreated, hearing loss can affect relationships between the person affected and their family and friends, quietly eroding their quality of life. That is why it is important to motivate your loved one to get their hearing tested and to take the necessary action, and to learn how you can help with any communication diffculties.

May marks the return of Deaf Awareness Week (15th – 21st May) and is a special event designed to raise awareness about hearing loss and the support that is available to help those affected. Organised by the UK Council of Deafness based locally in Colchester, the awareness week is a fine example of many organisations collaborating and working together in a joint campaign.

At my company The Hearing Care Centre, we are getting involved by trying to break down the barriers that stop people seeking help. People worry that hearing aids are big and cumbersome and that their friends will know they are wearing one. Truth is though they couldn’t be more wrong. Hearing aids today are small, discreet, almost invisible when worn and are packed full with some amazing features.

Hearing aids alone however are not the whole solution and here in Suffolk there are many organisations that organise hard of hearing clubs, lip reading classes, hearing aid maintenance clinics and assistive listening device. These organisation include; Sensing Change

One of the latest invisible hearing aids

If you need any further advice or guidance I would be delighted to hear from you. Do email me at karenfinch@hearingcarecentre.co.uk Have your hearing tested for free Throughout Deaf Awareness Week my team and I are encouraging people to come for a free hearing assessment in a relaxed atmosphere, have a piece of cake and a coffee with us and simply see what help there is available. Join us at our Ipswich practice (11 Upper Brook Street) between 15th and 20th May and save yourself £20 off our normal consultation fee. Appointments are essential and can be booked by calling 01473 230330.

Further information: Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre.

The independent, family-run company has 23 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk and has won multiple awards for the outstanding customer service it provides for its customers. For more information visit www.hearingarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.

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Health

TENNIS ELBOW BUT NEVER PICKED UP A RACKET? With summer just around the corner, tennis enthusiasts will be flocking to the courts once more to improve their game and with those lovely lighter summer evenings, golfers will once again be trying to get that extra round of golf in.

With this however, comes the increase of two very common medical complaints; elbow and shoulder pain. Here, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, Mr Chris Roberts, offers some advice.

Tennis Elbow As the name suggests, tennis elbow is sometimes caused by playing sport but is only thought to be the cause in about 5 in 100 cases (source: NHS). Tennis elbow was first given its name from a medical paper published in 18831, which called the injury ‘lawn-tennis elbow’.

The name has stuck with the condition, but it is not truly descriptive of the majority of people who get the injury.

The condition is often caused by other activities that place repeated stress on the elbow joint and in most people, affects the arm that you write with (your dominant arm).

So who gets tennis elbow?

About 5 in 1000 people each year have tennis elbow and it mainly affects people between the ages of 40 and 50 (source: NHS). Women and men are affected equally. Tennis elbow is more likely to occur if you do a lot of unaccustomed strenuous activities. For example, if you suddenly play a lot of tennis whilst on holiday, do a lot of gardening or DIY. People whose work involves repeated twisting and gripping actions, such as carpenters and plasterers, are also prone to getting tennis elbow. It can, however, sometimes be difficult to pinpoint an exact event that triggered the condition.

In some people, it can develop for no apparent reason without any prior overuse or injury to the arm.

Mr Chris Roberts Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

The elbow joint is surrounded by muscles that move your elbow, wrist and fingers. The tendons in your elbow join the bones and muscles together and control the muscles of your forearm.

Overusing the muscles attached to your elbow and those used to straighten your wrist usually causes tennis elbow. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. The condition, tennis elbow is often due to damage to a specific forearm tendon. The extensor carpi radials brevis (ECRB) is the tendon which helps stabilise the wrist when the elbow is straight and is used during a tennis groundstroke, for example. When the ECRB is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the outside of the elbow. This can cause gradual wear and tear of the tendon over time. In most cases of tennis elbow, the pain begins mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months.

The good news is that there are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach. Doctors, physiotherapists and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care. Visit your GP in the first instance to discuss any pain you are experiencing and for a referral to an orthopaedic specialist if necessary.

“If you develop pain in the outside of the elbow there are some simple selfhelp measures you can try,” explained Mr Roberts. “You should certainly avoid activities that make the pain worse. You should do some stretching exercises: with the elbow straight you should stretch the wrist palm down and twist the thumb away from the body.

When your pain is a bit better you can start some light strengthening by repetitively rolling a towel up with your arms out straight. Most pharmacists and

sports shops can supply a tennis elbow brace to be worn when doing any strenuous activities.”

Shoulder Pain Shoulder pain is most often from the tendons of the shoulder (the rotator cuff). These are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.

There are three common conditions that can affect the rotator cuff: rotator cuff tears, subacromial impingement and calcific tendonitis.

Rotator cuff disorders are extremely common and can happen to anyone.

Sometimes they are caused by an injury such as falling on to the affected arm; this is more likely to be the cause if you are aged under 40. Overuse, either through sport or profession, may be a cause but they can occur without any obvious cause. The main symptoms are pain in and around the shoulder joint and painful movement of the shoulder.

If there has been an injury, the pain may come on suddenly.

Most people with rotator cuff problems can be successfully treated by a combination of exercises (avoiding overhead activities), painkillers, physiotherapy and occasionally steroid injections. Surgery is sometimes necessary if the tear is the result of a sudden injury or other treatment options fail to improve the situation.

Your GP will be able to advise on the best course of action and refer you to an orthopaedic specialist in upper limb conditions.

If you are suffering from upper limb pain, there is a range of treatments available at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital to get you back in motion.

Our team can help you make the most of this summer doing the things you love. Don't delay, get in touch.

1. Major HP. “Lawn-tennis elbow”. BMJ. 1883;2:557.

We have several public open events coming up over the next few months. Mr Roberts will be speaking at “Don’t let shoulder and knee pain sideline you” on Tuesday 18th July. Please contact us to book a free place and to find out more. Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital offers a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services, and extensive diagnostic and imaging facilities. Get in touch on 01473 851960 for details of how to access our services and information on how to book a private consultation with one of our Orthopaedic Consultants specialising in conditions of the upper limbs. www.nuffieldhealth.com/ipswichhospital

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Life is too short to let medical issues that can be solved mar your day to day life. Whatever your problem, from head to toe, the medical experts at Gilmour Piper can help

DOCTORS IN THE HOUSE Mr Shafic Al-Nammari CONSULTANT FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEON

E

stablished for over 35 years, initially as an Osteopathic Practice and developing and growing into one of the largest Multidisciplinary Practices of its kind in the country, Gilmour Piper has the experience, knowledge and expertise to deliver the best possible healthcare for you and your family.

Shafic Al-Nammari is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising purely in surgery of the foot and ankle. This high degree of subspecialisation allows him to stay at the forefront of advances in the field.

His undergraduate medical training was in Edinburgh and he was subsequently awarded a scholarship to the University of Oxford. His Orthopaedic training was on the renowned Royal London Orthopaedic Surgery Training Programme. He was then fortunate enough to receive highly competitive awards from the European Foot & Ankle Society, The Royal College of Surgeons and finally the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society gold medal – these facilitated advanced Fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at centres of excellence across the UK, Europe and the USA. Mr Al-Nammari maintains a strong research interest and has published over thirty scientific papers.

Dr Warren Davis Our practice comprises Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Podiatrists, Massage therapists, Cognitive Behavioural therapists, a hypnotherapist, a lymph oedema specialist, acupuncturists, ultrasound scanning, bespoke 1:1 pilates and coming very soon, a neurological and respiratory physiotherapy service. All of our specialists in the practice are exactly that, specialists in their respective chosen field, offering cutting edge honest and reliable treatment and advice.

We know that no one discipline has the answer to every problem presenting in our clinic, therefore, we communicate effectively together to find the best treatment for you and return you to full fitness as soon as we can. To this end we often have multidisciplinary meetings to discuss complex cases. These meetings are attended by the osteopaths, physiotherapists and medical doctors in the practice.

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CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST Dr Warren Davis is a Consultant General and Musculoskeletal Radiologist who under took Radiology Training at University College Hospital in London and a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at the Royal London Hospital. His specialist interest is ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal system and image guided interventions to treat common problems and injuries including shoulder pain, trochanteric bursitis, plantar fasciitis and morton’s neuroma, he works closely with the team at Gilmour to smooth the transition from diagnosis to treatment. He is a member of the Royal College of Radiologists and the British Society of Skeletal Radiology.

Business Profile | Gilmour Piper

Dr Simon Harley

Mr Chris Roberts

MUSCULOSKELATAL PHYSICIAN

CONSULTANT UPPER LIMB SURGEON

Dr Simon Harley helps patients recover from their problems as rapidly as possible using injection techniques when appropriate as an aid to the other types of treatment. His experience stems from decades of work in both general practice and musculoskeletal medicine and has worked in teams with Osteopaths, Physios, Surgeons and other doctors all through this time. His wider professional work includes teaching and examining other doctors in training. Simon will carefully listen to you, examine you, and advise on the most appropriate treatments and investigations needed.

Chris Roberts specialises in treating problems of the upper limb. He gained a degree in medicine from Guy’s Hospital in London before completing his Orthopaedic training in East Anglia. He undertook Fellowship training in Brisbane, Australia and Cape Town, South Africa. He has a particular interest in disorders of the shoulder. Most shoulder conditions are related to tendon problems or dislocations and he undertakes arthroscopic (key-hole) surgery for these problems.

He also specialises in shoulder replacements for arthritis. He is keen to emphasise that treating disorders of the upper limb is a team approach. Most disorders don't require surgery but may need an opinion from a specialist to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. He attends regular multidisciplinary meetings with the physiotherapists and osteopaths at Gilmour-Piper to facilitate this.

Mr Robert Lovell CONSULTANT SPINAL SURGEON Robert Lovell is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon. He offers a complete and comprehensive spinal service involving all aspects of spinal diagnosis and treatment including MRI scanning, injections and surgery.

As well as his clinic at Gilmour Piper, he meets weekly with our multidisciplinary spinal team to discuss cases and plan targeted patientspecific treatments. His a particular expertise is in cervical disc replacements and non-operative treatments of sciatica and back pain. Robert also has a growing practice of spinal surgery under regional anaesthesia. This uses similar techniques to those used in, for example, Caesarian sections, to dramatically reduce post-operative pain and ensure rapid recovery from surgery.

Mr Graham Myers CONSULTANT HIP AND KNEE SURGEON Graham Myers’ areas of expertise are in surgery of the hip and knee.

The majority of his practice is in joint replacement of the hip and knee, he operates at the Ipswich Nuffield Hospital and at the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. He was worked as a consultant in Ipswich for almost a decade and throughout this time has found it highly beneficial to work within the team structure of Gilmour Piper. A significant proportion of patients with hip and knee arthritis also have disorders affecting other joints. The collaborative working at Gilmour Piper allows for a joined up approach to the management of these conditions and discussion between specialists. Prior to moving to Suffolk Mr Myers had trained with specialist teams at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and had undertaken fellowship training in Australia.

Dr Simon Rudland SPECIALIST GP Dr Simon Rudland is an experienced and committed GP who provides an extensive specialist range of private services. He set up his practice at Gilmour Piper when he returned to Suffolk from Australia realising he wanted to have an opportunity to practice more holistically. He enjoys integrating his experience as a senior GP, with his interests in Nutrition, Gut Function and Wellness. Simon sees a wide range of patients from sports participants wanting to improve performance, through to patients with fatigue symptoms and individuals with complex problems who simply want to spend more time with an experienced doctor to complement what their NHS doctors are doing. Simon carries out employment and HGV medicals alongside specialist diving medicals.

Contact us today and let our team help start your road to recovery

10 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JP T: 01473 217592 www.gilmourpiper.co.uk

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MAY 2017

PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy This month Darcy travels to Butley with a walk from the newly re-opened Oyster Inn

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

The Oyster Inn at Butley is a pub I pass every month while delivering copies of Essential Suffolk and it was one of our chosen delivery venues until it sadly closed its doors four years ago. As time passed it was looking more and more likely that it would never re-open until a couple from Woodbridge, Andrew and Judi Newman, took it upon themselves to save this iconic landmark on the road to Orford, and with it breathe new life back into the community. With plans this summer to open a village shop and a micro-brewery we wish the new owners every success and hope it is well supported.

The walk is one of big skies and open views. It takes you through an agricultural landscape that will change with the seasons and reminds you that as well as beautiful county Suffolk is a working county; and that the two sit very well side by side. I was very conscious of a wide variety of bird life from points 4 through 5 so the bird watchers among you may well want to make sure you have your binoculars at the ready. At around an hour it is not a long walk but with some stretches on sandy paths – which I feel can be akin to walking on shingle – it is a route best suited to the sure footed.

Wantisden Corner Butley 7 Mills Path &H eath

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BUTLEY

Suffo lk C o as t

8

PH

ane Mill L

Neutral Farm

Low Farm

Sparrowhill Covert 6

3

2 5

Coulton Farm 4

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THE WALK Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles Time: Approx. 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes Terrain: Moderate. Grass paths, field edges, sandy tracks, quiet road walking.

Stops: The Oyster Inn Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 Start Point OS reference: 368 509 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. To begin the walk face the front of The Oyster Inn and take the Footpath (FP) that runs alongside the right hand side of the pub.

Continue walking straight ahead passing through two concrete gate posts. Walk straight ahead across a path between the fields. After approx. ten minutes you will reach a post with a yellow arrow public footpath marker on it.

2. At the marker turn right. After approx. 150 yds you will reach another marker pointing straight ahead this will require you to drop slightly to your left then continue ahead.

3. At the next marker turn left on grass path at field edge. After approx.

75 yds then make your way to the right into the pines and following the path through the trees. (There appears to be a lot of rabbit activity in this stretch so be aware of warren entrances under foot) 4. At the end of the pines you will reach an opening with a line of tress and a sandy track leading to the left. Turn left here and walk until you reach the road.

5. At the road cross over and follow the FP sign which is opposite and slightly to your left. Follow the track, which passes the side of St John the Baptist Church, for approx. ten minutes until you reach a hedge and tree line where you will see a wooden post with a Suffolk Coast Path marker in it (a blue disc with yellow arrow).

6. At the post turn left, pass the farm, and continue until you reach the road.

7. At the road turn left and follow it back into Butley.

8. When you reach a junction turn left and return to The Oyster Inn which will be directly in front of you.

Butley, near Woodbridge, Suffolk

400 years of warm welcomes and real ale on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.

A traditional village pub serving real ale and home-style pub food on the edge of Rendlesham Forest, in-between Woodbridge and Orford. Ideal for cyclists and walkers, we welcome dogs and families. Famous for its folk nights, music is returning to the Butley Oyster after a complete restoration and new landlords in 2017. Plenty of parking and a beer garden to enjoy the Suffolk sunshine. www.butleyoyster.com

Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday: 11am to 11.30pm

Serving Food: Monday to Thursday: 12noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12noon to 9pm

The Oyster Inn, Butley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1LW

01394 459722 bookings@butleyoyster.com

facebook.com/butleyoyster

twitter/instagram: @butleyoyster

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The Sibton White Horse has recently been awarded two rosettes for its food, marking it out as one of the best places to eat out in Suffolk.

Anne Gould dropped by for dinner to check out its new status

RHUBARB AND OTHER VEGETABLES R

hubarb, yes rhubarb that extraordinary vegetable that’s often eaten as a dessert and is not on everyone’s list of favourite foods. As a child it was one of those pudding punishments, along with gooseberries, that I used to dread. Yet in the hands head chef Gareth Knights and his team at the Sibton White Horse, rhubarb is transformed into one of the best puddings I have eaten in my life… but more of that later.

For those who haven’t yet been there The White Horse is one of Suffolk’s much-famed former alehouses – all timbered beams, inglenooks and ancient exposed brick. Over the last ten years, in the hands of the owners Neil and Gill Mason whose dream business was to run a ‘country inn’, it’s been transformed into a destination pub with rooms, offering food that’s increasingly strived for excellence and with the award of two AA rosettes it’s clearly on the up.

According to Neil the other restaurants in the county at the moment with this accolade are mainly the big hotels, clearly he was delighted for his small pub and its team’s achievement. With this in mind we had high hopes of the menu – starters included a cumin spiced chickpea falafel, I was sorely tempted by the goat’s cheese panna cotta; there was pigeon breast with poached rhubarb and a duck salad with raisin puree.

However with both my companion and I being partial to fish and seafood I chose smoked salmon with pickled fennel, radish, orange and basil aioli and my friend selected pan seared scallop.

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Dining Review | Sibton White Horse

mango and basil, which was nothing, less than a visual delight. The pastry was thin and beautifully crisp and the orange filling was creamy smooth and had a deep citrus flavour.

So it comes to the rhubarb or should I say rhubarb cheesecake served with a stem ginger salad and crème fraiche icecream. Actually we’d pondered on the colour of the cheesecake thinking it might be pink, as is so much early rhubarb, but as it turned out it was a creamy colour. It was also like no other cheesecake I have ever tasted. It was light, mousse-like with none of the cloying heaviness or sweetness that you expect from this dessert. were notable for absolutely beautiful presentation but my salmon and salad decked in the colours of spring looked delicate and beautiful. It was a generous portion and the flavours were robust but finely balanced and made me very happy.

On the other side of the table the seared scallop came with chorizo, pea puree, quail egg and herb oil and was described as “delicious, like a mini-meal in itself”.

The main course offered some difficult choices – with two tempting vegetarian meals, roast saddle of lamb with beetroot, turnip and caper berry, chicken supreme with smoked Cheddar dauphinoise and purple sprouting broccoli, pork fillet with asparagus and mushroom and traditional favourites cod and chips and steak and chips on the menu.

crispy skin, there was a toothsome crunch from the potatoes and mussels are always a favourite.

So when it comes to puddings you’ll be spoilt for choice – clearly there’s a pastry chef in the kitchen with a touch of genius. No surprises perhaps to see sticky toffee pudding on the menu, there was also a white chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and pistachio ice cream and as they had been ordered by a neighbouring table I can report that they looked very tempting as they passed by.

There was also a banana bavarois with coffee meringue and peanut ice-cream that had an interesting and winning combination of flavours.

However, my friend ordered the orange and passion fruit tart with mascarpone,

Yes it was sweet but there was a sharpness about it, which I loved. The biscuit base too was quite remarkable having a slight crunch like a crumble and a great juxtaposition to the creamy top. The revelation, for someone who normally chooses cheese over pudding, doesn’t particularly like sweet things and has avoided rhubarb for decades longer than I care to admit, is that maybe I’ve been missing out all these years.

The service as ever was excellent.

So if you have yet to eat at the White Horse – maybe the time to do so is now.

INFORMATION Sibton White Horse, Halesworth Road Sibton, Nr Saxmundham IP17 2J J 01728 660337 www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

Caroline had cauliflower and truffle risotto with a Baron Bigod fritter, wild mushrooms, crispy kale and roast cauliflower. “I’m particularly fond of risotto and cook it at home quite often but it’s nowhere near as good as this. It’s creamy, has a combination of beautiful flavours and the mushrooms are very, very tasty.”

For mains I had fillet of sea bass, crispy potato noodle, coconut, chilli, ginger mussel, pak choi, and coriander (chilli, ginger and mussel are all cooked in the coconut milk) – another very prettily presented plate. Combining Oriental flavours, a bit of heat and fish is a winner in my book and if I could eat something like this every evening I would. To begin with the heat took me by surprise but by no means in a bad way. The fish was firm and beautifully cooked with a delicious

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MAY 2017

Supper’s in the bag!

With the prospect of fine summer days ahead none of us want to spend hours in the kitchen so this simple recipe from Tim Keeble, Head Chef at The Wentworth Hotel in Aldeburgh, is a perfect solution. Without sacrificing taste or quality you can prepare it in advance and get on with your day knowing your meal is basically only ten minutes away!

Photograph by Adrian Rawlinson

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Chef’s Recipe | The Wentworth Hotel Tim told us “I enjoy eating, I am just as happy eating my mums roast dinner or cheese scones as I am dining out in award winning restaurants. In my opinion good food is a good mood.”

Tim Keeble has been Head Chef at The Wentworth hotel in Aldeburgh for the last year. It is his second spell there having previously worked at the Hotel for a further three years. A local man, who hails from Ipswich, Tim says that after 20 years as a chef he still finds the job endlessly surprising with new challenges presenting themselves everyday.

His training began with three years at college before getting himself a full time chef job, and quickly realising the real world was so much different to a college environment. Tim said “I really had to apply myself and focus on my goals.

I worked in hotels in Bury St. Edmunds, Lavenham and Southwold, always looking to learn whatever I could. I returned to Bury St. Edmunds as Sous chef at The Angel Hotel, and then switched over to the new sister hotel The Salthouse in my first head chef role. After leaving The Salthouse I joined The Wentworth for three years, and then after a short break, last year was offered the chance to return as Head Chef. Like so many people The Wentworth has always been a very special place to me with great memories and I had no hesitation in returning to the kitchen and starting the process of rebuilding the kitchen team and creating delicious food for our customers.”

Salmon en papillote with tenderstem broccoli, asparagus, lemon and new potatoes INGREDIENTS Serves 4 4 pieces of salmon fillet (approx 5 – 6oz) 8 spears asparagus (trimmed and lightly blanched) 8 pieces tenderstem broccoli (lightly blanched) 12 new potatoes (cooked until tender, refreshed under cold water and cut in half) 4 slices lemon 4 tsp butter Splash of white wine

METHOD 1. Prepare four pieces of baking parchment or greaseproof paper approx. 30cm square.

2. Lay the salmon fillets on each of the pieces of paper and top with a slice of lemon and some butter.

3. Put two pieces of asparagus, tenderstem and three new potatoes cut into halves on and around the fish.

4. Add a splash of white wine, a twist of pepper and pinch of salt and then bring the sides of the paper in to form a parcel or ‘cracker’.

5. Transfer to a baking tray and cook in a pre-heated oven for about 10 – 12 minutes, remove from the oven and put the ‘bag’ onto warmed plates.

6. Serve with a wedge of lemon, some watercress salad and a nice glass of wine.

The Hotel for all seasons

The Wentworth Hotel is Aldeburgh’s only truly independent hotel. Open to residents and non-residents alike you can be assured of a warm welcome and traditional values.

Enjoy our light lunch bar menu on our bar terrace or Tiffany Garden, lunch in our Restaurant with our two course menu from £14.50, afternoon tea in our Garden Lounge or evening dinner with our two course menu from just £21.50.

The restaurant is now open every day from 12.00 for lunch and 6.30 for dinner. For reservations please call 01728 452312.

Wentworth Rd, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BD | 01728 452312 | stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk | www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com

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MAY 2017

Seckford Hall

The Fox

Ufford Park

Imagine a chocolate box style village pub, beaming with pinkness, beautiful tranquil gardens and flowers around the door.

Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered seven days a week, all day at weekends and this is complimented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. See our website for details of our menus.

Open every day, The Park Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and a seasonally-changing menu. You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly. Join us on Sunday 14th or 28th May and sit back and relax with local saxophonist playing between 12noon until 2pm. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. All party sizes can be accommodated.

Open to all; non-members welcome.

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

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 2pm

The Street, Newbourne, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NY

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

01473 736307 fox@debeninns.co.uk www.debeninns.co.uk

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

Fynn Valley

The Turks Head

The Artisan Smokehouse

Winner of the ‘Most Welcoming Golf Club’ in England award this is the place to bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a home made bar meal or daily special in the cosy Courtyard Bar, utilising great local produce. Al fresco dining in the sheltered Courtyard is a popular option.

Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day and children eat free!

The spacious Valley Room is perfect for large family celebrations. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

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

At The Turk’s Head we serve local ales, fantastic wines & beautifully executed food using the abundance of local produce Suffolk has to offer. On 18th May we have an ‘Old Versus New World’ guided wine tasting supper. We are hosting our next ‘Supper and Quiz Night’ on 24th May. Come and enjoy our fabulous garden and play boule on our petanque pistes. Dogs, muddy boots and muddy children welcome.

1530 Restaurant Perfect for business or pleasure, the talented team of chefs at Seckford Hall turn local produce into mouth-watering dishes, with seasonally changing menus. The philosophy of 1530 is to offer the freshest food, cooked simply and beautifully presented, in a classic style at reasonable prices. Quote ‘Essential Suffolk magazine’ when ordering a main course in our 1530 restaurant and receive a complimentary glass of house red or white wine. Offer available until 31.5.17.

Open: Lunch: A la carte 12pm – 2pm daily.

Afternoon Tea: served 3pm – 5pm daily.

Bar: Tudor Bar menu served 12pm – 6pm daily. Dinner: A la carte Sun to Thurs 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Fri and Sat 6.30pm –10pm Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6NU 01394 385678 reception@seckford.co.uk www.seckford.co.uk

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Café & Deli Set in the lovely village of Falkenham, near Felixstowe, with wonderful countryside views. Join us in our licensed café, where all the smoked foods are hand-made on site.

Enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, and light meals including smoked meat and fish platters, cheese boards, sandwiches and salads.

While you’re here why not grab something to take home from our deli, which stocks a wide range of products, including our own award-winning smoked foods.

Open: Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to 12am, Sunday 11am to 8pm

Open: Thursday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

Please see website for variations in opening.

Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG

Goose Barn, Back Road, Falkenham, IP10 0QR

01394 610343 info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

01394 448414 info@artisansmokehouse.co.uk www.artisansmokehouse.co.uk

Food Gallery

The Fountain

The Maybush

The Oyster Inn

Located in the lovely old village of Tuddenham St Martin, three miles north of Ipswich, informal bistro style restaurant set in an oldie worldy 16th century country pub with great food, great service and great value. Full A La Carte menu plus set price menus; two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95. Current specials always included on the website. Sunday lunch served 12 noon to 7pm. Covered heated patio and spacious beer garden.

The 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.

Recently renovated, The Oyster Inn is a 17th century pub in the village of Butley between Woodbridge and Orford. It has reopened as a traditional village pub, serving real ale and home-style pub food. The pub is open for simple lunches and dinner daily, and welcomes cyclists and weary walkers.

Situated next to Rendlesham Forest, the pub is dog-friendly and has a landscaped beer garden and plenty of parking.

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

Open: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm.

Friday and Saturday, 11am to 11.30pm.

Food served: Monday to Thursday, 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm. Friday to Sunday, all day.

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

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

The Street, Butley, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 3NZ

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

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

01394 459722 contact@butleyoyster.com www.butleyoyster.com

Sibton White Horse

Butt & Oyster

The Coach & Horses

Step through the door of this unassuming pub and prepare for a surprise. The heart of this thriving village local is 16th-century and steeped in history. Relax with a drink, enjoy lunch or dinner and you can expect easy relaxed service whilst absorbing the pubs immense character or spill out into the impressive courtyard and indulge in some of the finest alfresco. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the ever changing menu is thoughtfully created and built upon fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, with produce from the pub’s kitchen garden.

Open: 12pm to 2.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 11pm. Monday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm, 6.45pm to 10.30pm Sunday Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2JJ

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. See our website for details of our menus.

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. See our website for details of our menus.

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

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

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

Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

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

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

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

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

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Professional Property Developers Omega Property Services are experienced professionals in both residential construction and project management. As a well-established family run business, we offer you a full range of services and project management experience, managing a variety of different construction projects. Whether you are looking for something as simple as new gates or a garden wall, an extension or loft conversion, a full house build or a commercial development we have the experience, knowledge and team to deliver it for you.

Working with you to create your dreams 07850 470631 | sales@omega-property.co.uk | www.omega-property.co.uk

Business Profile | Omega Property Services

IN SAFE HANDS WITH YOUR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT? Having reached the point where you have decided to add an extension, build your own property or any other form of construction, finding someone to deliver your project can be a daunting process How do you go about appointing a developer that you can trust to build something that matches your aspirations?

We all know there are a lot of cowboy builders! What can you do to protect yourself? How do you know you have appointed a qualified firm of tradesmen?

Be assured there are many great construction companies in Suffolk, superb tradesmen and women, delivering 100% satisfaction time after time. Most of these businesses know each other very well, having developed side by side through generations just like Omega Property Services.

When choosing who to place your investment in, first check that they are members of the Federation of Master Builders. As members of the largest trade association for the construction industry the members are independently inspected and vetted for quality. The job of the FMB is to provide homeowners with independent assurance that its members are the right people to work with.

All building work should be guaranteed, this is normally covered by an independent insurance policy. As we all know there are huge differences in insurance cover so look out for a business that supports their work with a reputable company, such as AXA, the choice of Omega Property Services.

Another great assurance is to seek external accreditation and association, a good example is where a business is working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The CITB partner in the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales. It's their job to work alongside the industry to encourage training, which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce.

The support provided helps companies to improve skills, increase their competitiveness and respond to challenges such as the low carbon agenda, reducing costs on site and recruiting the best talent for their sector.

All of which is beneficial to the customer. Omega Property Services are proud of their association with the CITB and delighted with their apprenticeship partnership.

The last element and potentially most significant is the reputation; good builders and developers are proud of their work and will have a long line of satisfied customers who will happily recommend them.

Omega Property Services (Anglia) Ltd has evolved from generations of highly recommended builders. Wayne Clarke, owner of Omega Property Services developed his knowledge and experience alongside his father. A great many houses along Bucklesham Road, Rushmere Road in Ipswich and many more throughout East Anglia have employed their services over the years, this is a great example of a business being recognised for outstanding work.

Wayne takes great pride in the work they have completed: “We have always worked on the basis of providing the very best standards at competitive prices. The quality of our work is unquestionable, the service we provide, the finish we deliver is something that sets us apart. This doesn’t mean that our prices are not competitive, whether building a garden wall or completing an industrial estate we deliver to the brief and to the budget.

Without compromising on quality�

Omega Property Services offers a full range of services, whether you are looking for something as simple as new gates or a garden wall, something like an extension or loft conversion, a full house build or a commercial development they have the experience, knowledge and team to deliver it for you. www.omega-property.co.uk

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Dorset sofa set with lid on firepit

Dorset sofa firepit table and four chairs was ÂŁ1375 now ÂŁ1235.99 Glasswells

ROOM OUTSIDE Making the most of our outside space is a key part of the great British summer.

Taking meals outside whenever possible and squeezing the last ray of sun from each glorious day is the ideal, so plan ahead with these stylish options from leading independent Suffolk retailers

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Homes & Interiors If you don’t have much time on your hands this great value, maintenance free, smooth and silky steel set is perfect for smaller patios and gardens. It’s ready and waiting for a tea-break in the sunshine or an end of the day glass of wine.

Dishes & Deco terracotta range in a variety of patterns and style from £3.99 Woodbridge Kitchen Company Brittany square table & four chairs was £499.99 now £399.99 Glasswells

Eating outdoors always calls for a bright splash of colour and these beautiful pieces from the Dishes & Deco range are ideal for barbecues and salads. They team perfectly with kitchen Craft’s ‘We Love Summer’ range of melamine terracotta so there’s no need to choose between practicality and style.

This little bit of Provencal sunshine is a perfect marriage of French style, chic curves and delicate metal frames. The soft, waterproof cushions come in a natural linen colour and are extremely practical and comfortable. The distinctive design is perfect for any cosmopolitan setting or country retreat.

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

The Kitchen Craft ‘We Love Summer’ terracotta style melamine collection. Small bowls £3.50 each, side plate £4.50 each, dinner plate £5.99 each, serving platters £7.50 each, pitcher £15.99, large tumblers £5.50 each, large wine glasses £6.50 each Woodbridge Kitchen Company Provence Tea for Two set £457 Neptune

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Ipswich Carpet Care Professional carpet, rug, fabric and hard floor cleaning, protection and maintenance services

For everything stylish and practical

scotchgard protection safe for pets & children – non-toxic most thorough results guaranteed

FOR A FREE QUOTE

call us today to start the process

we move furniture no rapid re-soiling no shrinkage guaranteed

01473 396706

odour & stain removal dry cleaning and fast drying methods pet & flea treatments

7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AA www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk 01394 382091

www.ipswichcarpetcare.co.uk

0800 955 4015

Quality Carpets & Flooring Excellent Service Highly Competitive Prices from the Largest Independent Stockists in the area Established in 1981 EB Carpets have over 30 years of successful trading in which time we have built a reputation for supplying quality products with service to match.

A family firm we are the area’s largest independent stockist of all types of floor coverings and our fully trained team can advise on the ideal solutions for both domestic and commercial use.

We recognise our customers want both quality and value for money and pride ourselves on consistently delivering both.

We are happy to offer free estimates so whatever you are looking for please give us a call. We look forward to helping you.

SPECIAL OFFERS EACH MONTH

RUGS AND ROLL END OFFERS

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

EB Carpets & Flooring 246-248 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe T: (01394) 282538 email:info@ebcarpetsandflooring.co.uk

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• FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • UPLIFT OF EXISTING CARPETS

• ALL FLOOR PREPARATION • DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

• FREE LOCAL DELIVERY • FREE ESTIMATES

Specialist Insurance for your home and property from Ryan’s

• • • • •

Listed & Thatched Holiday Homes Overseas Properties Fine Art & Antiques Self Build Projects

• • • • •

Prestige Vehicles Family Fleet Beach Huts Travel Boats & Yachts

contact us today 01473 343 508 ryans.co.uk Ryan’s is a trading name of Ryan Insurance Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Homes & Interiors The Monaco Garden Set is unashamedly glamorous. The stunning washed granite table tops have a deep roman edge and sit astride bases with extravagant curves. The refined seats with soft comfortable cushions are the perfect combination of classical detailing and contemporary craftsmanship.

Monaco six seater dining set £2386 Neptune

Essential SUFFOLK

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LOCAL RETAILERS Neptune’s beautiful Bordeaux rectangular tables are hewn from large sections of solid timber. Combined with their clever all-weather wicker chairs that can be left outside all year round, you have an extremely sophisticated look.

The elegant pedestal design gives generous seating space and legroom for six armchairs and the fresh, lightly greencoloured teak will weather to an elegant silver grey over time.

Bordeaux rectangular six seater set £3689 Neptune

STOCKISTS Glasswells Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road Bury St Edmunds T: 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk Neptune 43 – 45 St Andrew’s St South, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com The Woodbridge Kitchen Company 5 – 7 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382091 www.woodbridgekitchencompany.co.uk

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Antiques & Auctions

MAY 2017

James Neal

FINE ART...

Something for everyone I recently conducted an Auction at The University of Suffolk to raise funds for the Fine Art Students Degree Show and what a variety of work there was!

The art was contributed not only by the students but also by established artists, some of whom were previously connected with the University.

Ryan Barrett, the winner of ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’, sadly couldn’t attend due to a commitment in the U.S.A. A former student and, for those with an eye for such things a male fashion model, he contributed two framed and glazed screen prints on fabric demonstrating his artistic flair.

Maggi Hambling, a previous contributor when David Baldry was Head of Faculty, did not enter this year but Tory Lawrence produced a piece titled Six Butterflies, which flew quite well.

Norman Ackroyd CBE, a Royal Academician, produced an etching on paper ‘Gerium Mor’, which was certainly not the strangest or most imaginative title. ‘He was in lust with her (outtake)’ perhaps outscored him.

Kitchens

In addition to what might be described as conventional or mainstream art, there were other surprises a plenty. These included Ryan Gander OBE entering a self-assembly money box constructed from laser cut acrylic which was promoted as being equally suitable for displaying a lemon.

Folded paper within hard backed books, also took the eye for style and invention, while a photo luminescent clear cast polyester resin paperweight caused the lights to be dimmed in the Auction Room to show off the luminous effect.

Chicken wire forming a backing for a picture was a first for me and highly effective too, while meticulous laser cut MDF, heightened with colour, created a striking circular image.

Not to be outdone, dripped and varnished wax, fabric, collages, crayons, typewriter ink, hand cut atlas pages, gold leaf and lino cuts were all on offer as well as a digital video DVD and in one lot, plaster, wood and underwear.

This is clearly an event catering for all tastes, so keep an eye out for next year’s Auction.

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Caesarstone | Miele | Neff

Villeroy & Boch bathrooms | Hansgrohe | Matki | Aqata | Keuco

2 A1 A12 A12

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01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

WOO MELTON DS L N

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A1152

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WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG

FIVE OF THE BEST GARDEN CENTRES BOURNE GARDEN CENTRE With over 30 years’ experience we’re the local independent garden centre where the best possible service, value and choice are our aim.

Excellent reputation for quality and selection of plants, pots and garden accessories. Our seasonal displays will inspire all to make their gardens look at their best year round. l

Quality Plants l Planting & Advice Service l Pots, containers & Hanging Baskets l Garden Supplies l Sheds & Summer Houses l Furniture & Gifts

578 Wherstead Rd Ipswich IP2 8LS Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm 01473 691567 www.bournegardencentre.co.uk

VISIT THE NURSERY WITH A DIFFERENCE Where personal service is paramount We stock a full range of shrubs, perennials, bedding plants and of course tree ferns along with bougainvilleas, palms, hardy bananas and the largest selection of box topiary in Suffolk.

We also stock the largest selection of garden pots in Suffolk along with steel chimineas, garden gifts and sundries.

Follow us on twitter @ExoticGardenCo

Open seven days a week Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 10am – 4pm Hall Farm, Saxmundham Road Aldeburgh, Suffolk (Sat Nav IP15 5JD) 01728 454456

LAUREL FARM Garden Centre & Café We are overflowing with beautiful plants for your garden, hanging baskets and containers. Plus ‘Grow Your Own’ tomatoes, fruit and vegetables, and a range of composts and feed to ensure a bumper harvest. Garden furniture, statues, pots and barbecue’s that will add elegance to any patio.

Clara Bowe vintage shop, with jewellery, clothing, furniture and restored treasures, is a pleasure to explore.

And not forgetting our extremely popular café, serving great coffee and lovely homemade food.

Laurel Farm, Henley Road Ipswich IP1 6TE Open seven days a week 01473 215984 www.laurelfarmgardencentre.co.uk

120 YEARS OF EXPERTISE Notcutts Woodbridge has been inspiring local gardeners since 1897 with its great choice of plants, friendly customer service and expert horticulture advice.

Founded by Roger Crompton Notcutt, the Woodbridge garden centre sits on the same site as the original Notcutts nursery and family home. At Notcutts Woodbridge today, customers can shop for a wide variety of plants and gardening accessories as well as seasonal homeware and garden furniture. There’s also a restaurant where visitors can grab a cup of tea or a homecooked lunch.

Notcutts Woodbridge Ipswich Road, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF 01394 445400 woodbridge@notcutts.co.uk

KILN FARM NURSERY We are a family business and our passion is plants!

We love growing our own shrubs, perennials and trees here on site. We have a comprehensive stock of plants ranging from more unusual specimens through to the firm favourites such as summer flowers for pots and baskets and vegetable plants for the allotment. We are all involved in growing these plants and enjoy sharing our gardening experience.

We usually find that if people visit us once they come back time and time again!

Main Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1BJ www.kilnfarm.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @kilnfarm

MAY 2017

NATURAL INSPIRATION If you are looking for something new for your garden why not take a walk in the countryside and look at the natural order, says Catharine Howard

Iris Sibirica

Gardening

Sea Holly

rrest yourself on a country walk by drinking in the surroundings: shimmering leaves, whispering grasses, exuberant colour of stems or twisted torso of bare tree. Nature throws out high design. Take Framlingham; this month the cold clay dries and the watery walk round the Mere becomes manageable without waders. The starry quantities of buttercups shine with visual perfection. It gets even better when these give way to the ragged Robin and flag irises, with shy orchids hidden at their ankles. Or how about peering into the flat rosette of the sea holly below the louring skyline of Sizewell B to find it decorated by an exquisite insect?

A

The next thing to do is to take a mental note of things like these which can be used as future influences in a planting plan.

The white irises are a form of Sibirica iris called ‘Whirling Butterflies’. They add a feel of wildness to a large border. As for that ragged Robin, I once bought one at the Suffolk Show but it didn’t survive in the dry soil in my last garden.

The gravel garden pictured is part of a dry gulch at Hyde Hall in Essex and the sea holly – or eryngium looks fantastic with the sprawl of the sea lavender. This makes a fantastic front of border plant. It looks particularly good with white sedums which are a foil to the lax flowers. Nature is the perfect source for planting ideas. If we learn to look carefully it helps us to make harmonious associations in the plants we choose.

Sea Lavender and Sea Holly

Towards this boundary area I would banish Clematis montana and most types of climbing honeysuckles. Both are lovely plants but their wild birds nest habit of growth means they are unwieldy giants too near to the house. If you have a woodland area, make sure that there is an understory of planting below the larger timber trees. Our English woodlands are rich in holly, yew and hazel. I would plant these in abundance and let woodland perennials run through them. I would choose English bluebells, spurge and common ferns along with snowdrops and aconites.

Copying the work of one of my favourite designers, Mein Ruys, I would thread a sinuous dead hedge through my wood to add nesting places for birds. This dead hedge is made by driving in stakes at intervals to hold long branched prunings in place.

‘Meadows’ I hear you cry. The more I look at, read about or experiment with these the less keen I become. Why not leave patches of grass un-mowed and achieve the buttercup sea by letting the sward grow up? You might find it handy to go on a scything course as you will need to cut and clear the vegetation later in the year.

When I was at college one of the best pieces of advice was to ask what look was wanted from the planting. That is to say, what mood was to be pinned down? Jungle, natural, restrained or formal? Which plants can really do that job? If the one you have chosen won’t work in your soil, then look around for one that resembles it and works with the strictures.

For a more ‘natural’ look in your garden here are a few suggestions that might be useful. Gardening fashions have changed in the last 20 years and what I say below is really long-hand for being more relaxed and embracing a sense of place.

First, go wild towards your boundaries. Be as exotic as you like near the house but do not plant a banana grove as a boundary hedge. Look through the list of native hedging plants – hawthorn, dog rose and field maple amongst them and make the choice of a mixed country hedge. The birds will thank you as native trees are much richer in insect life and food.

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Gardening

MAY 2017

The choice of plants in the garden can be a huge influence.

I love the trick of looking at a wild flower and choosing their cultivated cousin. My top five favourites at the moment are: l l l l l

Cirsium rivulare atropurpureum – a blood red thistle Geranium pratense ‘flore pleno’ – this is a blue flowered double form of the meadow cranesbill Succisa pratensis – a member of the scabious family with strong blue flowers on straight stems Knautia macedonica – also a scabious but is dark maroon with wiry stems which it weaves lightly through other plants.

Anthricus sylvestnis Ravenswing – black cow parsley.

Lastly, stay your secateurs come the autumn. The colours will drain from your perennial flowers but there is no need to hack them back to ground level. Leaving the ghostly silhouettes of tall and stately plants may do three things: provide birds with seed and an armature for frost and a subject for movement to boot. All you have to do is control yourself from being too much in control. Let nature be.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a Suffolk based gardener, plantswoman and designer with many years’ experience in creating and renovating gardens. Contact her at www.thegardeningcoach.co.uk Flag Iris and Ragged Robin

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Elmers Hardware | 59-61 Edmonton Road | Kesgrave | Suffolk | 01473 623381 | www.elmershardware.co.uk 66

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Property

Essential

PROPERTY 68 69 71 73 75 76 84

Savills Flick & Son Fenn Wright Jackson-Stops & Staff Clarke & Simpson ECR Properties Bedfords

70 Framlingham

72 Southwold

74 Saxtead

76 Kirby Cane EssentialSUFFOLK

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MAY 2017

MOAT FARM FACTS LOCATION: FRAMLINGHAM GUIDE PRICE: THE WHOLE – £1.9 MILLION (ALSO AVAILABLE AS LOTS) AGENT: CLARKE & SIMPSON

FARM AND BARN OPPORTUNITY Moat Farm in Framlingham has been owned by the same family for many decades and is now to be sold as a whole or in lots. The residential farm, in total, extends to approximately 85.7 acres and contains a most impressive Grade II Listed house with its domestic outbuildings, along with barns, which have planning permission to be used as a house with annexe and two holiday lets.

Lot one includes a timbered farmhouse, which boasts many traditional features including inglenooks and exposed studwork. The accommodation includes a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and study. Upstairs are

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five good sized bedrooms, a shower room and bathroom. There are a number of domestic outbuildings, delightful gardens, a meadow and tennis court and 6.3 acres of land.

Lot two includes the range of historic barns for conversion. These barns have their own access from the highway and stand in lovely meadows/paddocks of 10.1 acres. The remaining land extends to 69.3 acres of productive arable land, which includes 5.1 acres of woodland.

It has been farmed under a white straw rotation for many years on a contracting basis. The contract farmer has indicated

that they will be prepared to continue farming the land for a purchaser should they wish it, however vacant possession can be given after harvest 2017.

Lots 1 & 2 £1.2 million Lot 1 £750,000 Lot 2 £450,000

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

Christchurch Park

nacton

Offering nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of impeccably presented accommodation, is this bespoke designed property that forms part of the Broke Hall estate which is set on the banks of the River Orwell.

An imposing Grade II Listed residence boasting many period features and well-planned accommodation over three floors plus cellars and extends to over 4,000 sq. ft incorporating a two bedroom self-contained apartment.

Guide Price £600,000

Chattisham

• 6 bedrooms, 4 bath/ shower rooms • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • 2 bedroom annexe • Double garage • Ample parking • Approximately half an acre • Walking distance of Christchurch Park Guide Price £850,000

north ipswich / Christchurch Park An impressive detached family home situated in a semi-rural position with views over open farmland to both front and rear.

The property is conveniently located some five miles west of Ipswich.

This substantial detached bungalow occupies a generous south-facing plot and has solar panels generating an income of approximately £2,000 per annum over the next 20 years.

Guide Price £625,000

• • • • •

3 bedrooms, bathroom 3 reception rooms Kitchen/breakfast room & utility Double garage & parking Additional area for caravan or boat • 85 ft. south facing garden • No onward chain • EPC Rating C

• • • • • • • • •

Well-presented throughout 5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3 reception rooms Kitchen/breakfast/family room Larger than average garage Carport and ample parking Field views to front and rear EPC Rating C

Guide Price £699,950

• Beautifully presented throughout • Hand-crafted kitchen/diner • Sitting room with feature fireplaces • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom • Spacious guest bedroom • Grade II Listed • Parking & garage • EPC Rating E

MAY 2017

STONE HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: SOUTHWOLD GUIDE PRICE: OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £2,750,000 AGENT: FLICK & SON

REGENCY VILLA IN A PRIME COASTAL LOCATION Stone House offers potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a property in one of Suffolk’s most sought after locations. This Grade II Listed Regency marine villa is one of the key residences of Gun Hill in Southwold, perfectly situated in an elevated position to offer outstanding views of the sea, coastline and valley.

This is a substantial property built in the early 19th Century and later remodelled and extended in the early 20th Century.

Stone House has a cool elegance with its shallow bow fronts, which are followed in the line of the roof and bridged with an attractive wrought iron balcony between the bays.

The accommodation is suitably impressive with a great reception hall

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leading to a shallow rising staircase.

There are four well-proportioned reception rooms in total on the ground floor, all enjoying sea and coastline views away to the south and east. A kitchen breakfast room is to the rear as well as further living and ancillary rooms.

A first floor galleried landing leads to seven bedrooms, two of them with en-suite bathrooms and a further family bathroom also on the same floor.

There is also a three-bedroom cottage attached to the property at the rear within the grounds of Stone House, which extend to around three-quarters of an acre. Fine terraced gardens face south and west with a raised west facing paved terrace. The property is approached via a private driveway.

Richard Brown from agents Flick & Son said: “Southwold has many enviable properties but this one arguably is the premier location in the town with the premier house within it. Just a few steps from the beach but with fine private gardens, ample accommodation and unrivalled views from east to west over sea, dunes, marshes, Southwold harbour and Blyth estuary. Stone House is unlikely to have been sold many times in the past two centuries so this really is a golden opportunity.”

INFORMATION Flick & Son 01502 722253 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

jackson-stops.co.uk Specialists in prime residential property

Dedham

Ipswich

a handsome ‘raymond erith’ house comprehensively renovated and refurbished and set on the edge of the playing field.

a beautifully restored and elegantly presented classic Grade ii Listed Victorian town house in a prime location close to christchurch Park.

Guide £975,000

Guide £1,025,000

● Stunning kitchen/breakfast room ● Utility room ● 2 reception rooms ● cloakroom ● 4 bedrooms ● 4 en-suite bathrooms ● mature garden ● kitchen garden ● easy walking distance to the village centre ● epc-d

● 3 reception rooms ● kitchen/breakfast room ● 5 first floor bedrooms ● 3 second floor bedrooms ● 5 bathrooms ● off street parking ● walled garden ● walkable to park, school & town centre

Waldringfield

Middleton

a contemporary and environmentally friendly modern house tucked away in the popular riverside village of waldringfield.

Traditional Suffolk farmhouse enjoying far reaching views over the surrounding countryside located close to the Suffolk coast.

Guide £650,000

Guide £695,000

● Sitting room ● Study ● open plan kitchen/dining/living room ● 4 bedrooms ● 3 bath/shower rooms ● air source heat pump ● Underfloor heating throughout ● Garage & parking ● epc-d

● 2 reception rooms ● Study ● conservatory ● aGa kitchen ● 5 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● delightful gardens ● Garage ● Panoramic rural views ● in all about 0.65 of an acre

Thinking of selling? Contact us for a FREE market appraisal Call Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn or James Squirrell 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

MAY 2017

SCHOOL FARM FACTS LOCATION: SAXTEAD GUIDE PRICE: £1,150,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF

FARMHOUSE LIVING Listed Grade II and dating from the late 16th Century, School Farm is a classic timber framed Suffolk farmhouse in ten acres, which has been sympathetically extended to offer a well laid out sixbedroom family home.

The property has great character and features a heavily timbered drawing room, with an inglenook fireplace and impressive 29ft x 16ft open plan family kitchen/breakfast room. Beyond the atmospheric dining hall, which also has access on to the terrace, is an ‘every day’ family sitting room.

Upstairs is a stunning master bedroom, vaulted to the roof apex and displaying fine timbers and posts, and which

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includes an open plan bathroom with a roll top bath, plus a separate W.C. and spacious dressing room beyond. The second well-proportioned bedroom is also twin aspect, with an en-suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms and family bathroom set off the rear landing, with a return staircase to the sitting room. The second floor accommodates bedroom six, and a study.

Outside there’s a traditional timber framed barn, which currently provides utility storage and for which plans are available for its conversion to a selfcontained annexe. East of the house, is a triple bay cartlodge, and behind which is a greenhouse and an area of enclosed kitchen garden. The stable yard has a

pair of loose boxes, each with adjoining tack rooms, and a multi-purpose openfronted tractor and equipment barn, plus a large chicken run and hay store.

School Farm sits in mature and colourful gardens with a south-facing terrace. The ten acres of grounds also feature a delightful island garden, with a moat and pond overhung by a fine oak tree.

There’s also a second large pond with a fishing deck, beyond which is an area of open garden, ideal for a variety of games.

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

Framlingham Whole £1.9 million

Great Glemham, Nr Framlingham £675,000

Available as a whole or in lots

A charming Grade II Listed former farmhouse, with annexe & traditional Suffolk barn, set in a delightful rural position with grounds of over half an acre. House comprising entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, study, pantry, utility room & shower room. 3 bedrooms & bathroom on the first floor.

2 attic bedrooms on the second floor. Annexe (The Dairy) comprising living area, kitchen area, wet room & mezzanine bedroom. Traditional Suffolk barn & cart lodge. Established gardens & grounds extending to approximately 0.65 acres in all.

Ref: 5704

A fabulous residential farm available as a whole or in lots, comprising period farmhouse, range of barns with Planning Permission for a residential & holiday use, along with gardens, grounds, agricultural land & woodland extending, in total to 85 acres. Lots 1 & 2 – House, barns & 16 acres £1.2 million; Lot 1 – House & 6 acres £750,000; Lot 2 – Barns & 10 acres £450,000. Ref: 5695

Great Glemham, Nr Framlingham £450,000

Fressingfield, Nr Harleston £395,000

Wickham Market £395,000

An architect designed, 1970s built, detached family home, situated in a lovely location with approximately 0.5 acres (sts). Entrance hall, 19' sitting room, 21' kitchen/dining room, study, lean-to conservatory, shower room & boiler room. 4 bedrooms & bathroom. Double garage with ample parking. Large gardens with lovely farmland views. EPC = E Ref: 5716

A superbly presented house forming part of the popular Carpenters Yard development. 17' sitting room, 14' dining room, kitchen/breakfast room & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 3 further double bedrooms & bathroom.

Driveway & garage. Gardens to side & rear. EPC = B Ref: 5675

A detached period house requiring refurbishment, with adjoining annexe. House comprising drawing room, sitting room, dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & cloakroom. 3 bedrooms, bedroom four/box room, bathroom & cloakroom. Annexe with sitting room, kitchen, bedroom & bathroom. Driveway & gardens. EPC = E JSA Neals Ref: 5706

Framlingham £375,000

Huntingfield, Nr Halesworth £295,000

Blaxhall, Nr Snape £210,000

A well maintained 4 bedroom detached house on the popular Mowbrays development, with views over farmland. Entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room, study, sitting room, kitchen & utility room. 4 bedrooms, family bathroom & en-suite bathroom.

Double garage. Gardens backing onto farmland. EPC = C Ref: 5714

A delightful 2 bedroom end-of-terrace cottage situated in the very pretty village of Huntingfield. Conservatory, sitting/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & cloakroom.

2 bedrooms & bathroom. Ample parking. Garage. Gardens of 0.27 acres. No forward chain. EPC = E Ref: 5701

A pretty, mid-terraced, period cottage located on a small lane within the Parish of Blaxhall. Sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 2 first floor bedrooms & shower room. Off-road parking.

Front & rear gardens. EPC = E Ref: 5296

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

MAY 2017

SUFFOLK/NORFOLK BORDER THE RED HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: KIRBY CANE GUIDE PRICE: £1.2 MILLION AGENT: ECR PROPERTIES

The Red House is an upstanding five bedroom farmhouse with a Georgian façade and a lime tree lined driveway.

It is set in an idyllic position in the village of Kirby Cane which is located on the north side of the picturesque Waveney Valley and is linked with the village of Ellingham.

workshops/garages with office and grounds of around 6.52 acres (stms).

There are a range of traditional outbuildings with potential for a number of alternative uses (subject to planning), equestrian facilities including a 20m x 50m manège, two extensive

On the first floor there is the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, shower room, four further bedrooms and a bathroom.

E S TAT E

A G E N C Y

The ground floor comprises of entrance hall, library/study, living room, dining room, family room, breakfast room, kitchen, utility/boot room/cloakroom and rear hall with steps down to cellar.

F O R

E Q U E S T R I A N

&

The impressive formal gardens were designed by Tessa Hobbs and featured in ‘The English Garden’. There is a vegetable garden with raised beds and polytunnel, with an area for chickens and pigs suitable for the hobby farmer.

INFORMATION ECR Properties 01449 711727 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

L I F E S T Y L E

P R O P E R T I E S

Established equestrian and lifestyle estate agent covering East Anglia Offering a knowledgeable and personal service with a straightforward and realistic approach. Discreet marketing service for those wishing to sell without publicity. Properties wanted for waiting buyers.

Emily Cooper-Reade MNAEA

Excess £1,650,000

Guide £1,175,000

WHEPSTEAD, NEAR BURY ST EDMUNDS • 4 bedroom period farmhouse • set away from neighbours • not listed • holiday let • impressive equestrian facilities • barn with 10 monarch boxes • 5 horse covered horsewalker • further modern farm buildings • traditional barn • around 35 ACRES (stms) of paddocks/ grounds • further 55 ACRES (stms) arable/woodland • EER E

PIXEY GREEN, NEAR STRADBROKE • 4 bedroom • beautifully presented • annexe potential • Grade II listed • stand-alone location • excellent purpose-built equestrian facilities • 40m x 20m manège • modern barn • loose boxes • traditional barn • post and rail paddocks • around 20 ACRES (stms)

www.ecrproperties.com 01449 711727 / 07767 327327 76

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@ECRproperties for all the lastest property news

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

High Sheriff ’s Awards 2016 – 2017 The Hoffman Building at Snape Maltings was the venue for this year’s High Sheriff’s awards. The Suffolk High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Suffolk Community Foundation, provides financial support to organisations addressing crime and social problems in their communities in the form of grants. The High Sheriff depends on charitable donations to be able to make these awards. To find out more visit www.suffolkcf.org.uk

Jenny & John Mullan

Steve Fordham,Tonia Baker

William Kendall, Gareth Wilson

Julian Milsom, Keith Norgan, Louise Williamson, Sophie Mathew

Miranda Kendall, George Vestey

Terry Hunt, Graham & Sue Hedger

Nicky Corbett, Rachael Murray, Alex Casey

Naomi Tarry, Matthew Piercy

Kelly Cole, Harriet Songer, Amy Laidler, Hannah Cooke

Stephen Singleton, Roger Wright

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Essential Faces

The Oyster Inn Work to restore and re-open The Oyster Inn at Butley, near Woodbridge, has been completed and new owners Judi & Andrew Newman – along with landlords Tracy & Rob Butcher – welcomed the first guests with a celebratory evening.

There are plans to convert barns to the rear of the pub into a micro-brewery, holiday let and village shop – all headed for completion this summer.

Piers Marson, Mel Waterer

Rachel & Andrew Stowe

Bill & Jane Kemball

Andrew & Judi Newman,Tracy & Rob Butcher

Simon Dorling, Alexandra Carter

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Roz Eminson, Judith Shallow, Jacqui Mayne

Judi Newman, Sally Ball

Cindy de la Rue, Zoe Newman, Jessie Banks

Emma Nesling, Abigail Lea, Ed Rix

Alison & Gary Banks

To view more, or purchase, photographs from these events visit essentialsuffolk.com

Park Restaurant Launch As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations and the latest phase of refurbishment, Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa recently launched the new look Park Restaurant. With stunning views of the golf course guests enjoyed a Champagne reception and sample menu.

Luke and Emily Broadley

Una Mitchell, Stephen Attwell

Samantha Meadows, Jo Fox

Tanya Ruffles,Tarnia Robertson, Martin and Yvonne Sylvester

Nicky Yeo, Margaret Lury

Simon and Jan Ballard, Stuart Robertson

Tim and Viv Sadler

Maggi Digby, Alison Watson, Mark Groves, Richard Bryson

Tricia Cornhill, Gill Johnson, Shirley Aldous

Colin Aldous, Hilary Bidewell

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Essential Directory DESIGN SERVICES

HOMES & INTERIORS

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The perfect tiles for all the family Supplying Suffolk with beautiful exclusive tiles since 1998

Newman Design

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TILE SHOWROOM

Smithfield, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1NH

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01394 382067 justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

GARDENING

Make light work of your lawn this Spring

Ask Elmers For expert advice on Garden Machinery Elmers Hardware 59-61 Edmonton Road Kesgrave Suolk 01473 623381 www.elmershardware.co.uk

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A superb collection of furniture, homeware, antiques, art, gifts and cards Grange Barns, Grundisburgh Road Woodbridge IP13 6HN 01473 735491

www.antiques.eu.com

40 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AL 01394 384300 | shop@barretts.co.uk www.barretts.co.uk

To advertise from just £25 per month call 01473 809932 we’ll be happy to help and advise you

MOTORING

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

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF. 01394 386666

www.burgess-group.com

Sales, Service & Repair

Complimentary Courtesy Cars KITCHEN | DINING | LIVING B E D R O O M | B AT H R O O M Visit our beautiful showroom 43 – 45 St Andrew’s Street South Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3PH Tel 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com

The Woodlands, Badley Needham Market, IP6 8RS 01449 774222 service@derrickwells.com www.derrickwells.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

SUFFOLK HOT TUBS Prepare your hot tub for spring with a start of season service for £149.

10% off all chemical orders over £20.

Spas in stock for quick delivery. Splasher pools. Hot tub chemicals in stock.

NOW HERE The exclusive Deckworld Deben six seat hot tub – just £6250.

Ask for details.

Providing a complete, bespoke service We share your vision!

01394 780045

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Hourly, half day and full day rates available

Wide range of high quality eBikes available to view and demo in our Halesworth Showroom.

Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk

FOOD INTERIORS EVENTS CORPORATE / PR

LEISURE

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Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 ODE (Opposite Miller & Carter)

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Essential PHOTOGRAPHY Call today for an informal chat Ask for Adrian

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My Suffolk

MAY 2017

On May 20 over 2000 people will come together for the ever popular St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk around the streets of Ipswich. We talk to Mark Millar, the Chief Executive of the Hospice about his life in Suffolk

How did you come to live in Suffolk or were you born here?

I was born in North Lincolnshire, but my wife, Jane, is from Suffolk, though we met in Oxford. The arrival of twins 26 years ago (in addition to an elder daughter) and the job as Finance Director at Ipswich Hospital, came together so moving close to Jane’s extended family seemed a great idea.

Where’s the best place to go for a pint?

Being a resident of Woodbridge, we are pretty spoilt for choice. The Cherry Tree takes some beating, but basically anywhere that keeps a good Adnams and Aspalls will do for me. When our children come home they always comment that you cannot beat an Aspalls in Suffolk.

What do you think makes the county so attractive?

The people. Suffolk people are just so generous. As a charity, we rely on donations so we can continue to help support local people and their families.

We need to raise a lot of money. Almost £10 million a year and every year I’m astounded that the public opens their purses to support us. It’s not just money either. It always amazes me how much time people are willing to give up and volunteer at the hospice, in our shops and at our events. They also do some crazy things to help raise money for us.

Suffolk people really are the best. It is also just the Suffolk way of life. It really is a great place to bring up children. It is welcoming and feels very safe, has such a variety of landscapes and activities and of course the wonderful coastline is just a blessed bonus. I often ask friends who visit not to enthuse too much about Suffolk for fear that everyone will want to come and that would just spoil it. We are really lucky to live here.

Are you a supporter of the arts?

If so where do you like to go?

Does watching ITFC count as the arts?

Seriously, we enjoy supporting the Wolsey and make the occasional visit to Snape Maltings.

Do you have any favourite restaurants?

We tend to move around quite a lot, and prefer the informal style. Currently Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall, Fludyers Arms in Felixstowe and The White Lion in Aldburgh are popular with us.

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Is there somewhere you like to escape to for ‘thinking’ time?

Apart from the garden, either the riverside walk in Woodbridge or the walks around Snape.

Do you have any hobbies?

Do you walk, run or cycle?

I play golf badly and support ITFC. That is enough suffering for anyone!

No running or cycling. My golf is a good walk and voyage of exploration.

Otherwise the walks I mentioned and the prom at Felixstowe.

What do you think are the highlights of the Suffolk coast?

I am tempted to say all of it, from the sandy beaches of Lowestoft southwards.

I think it is the variety that gives it the edge and that most of it remains largely undeveloped and not commercialised.

We particularly like the Aldeburgh and Thorpeness area where we spent many happy family days as the children were growing up. We have a beach hut at Old Felixstowe which is a great place to see the boats and the kitesurfing!

Where would you take people on a tour of Suffolk?

Actually, we did this last year. I am on the Council of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and we hosted colleagues from South Africa, Jamaica and Romania for few days. I have to say that we concentrated on the Heritage Coast. Fish and chips on the seawall at Aldeburgh was a must, supplemented by tea and cakes on the pier at Southwold. Our group was fascinated by the story of Thorpeness and surprised to find such a high quality concert venue at Snape Maltings. In addition though, they loved the history of Lavenham and the splendour of Bury St Edmunds Cathedral. Of course we also explained to them the working of the Woodbridge Tide Mill, visited the excellent visitor centre at Sutton Hoo and the castles at Orford and Framlingham.

If you had one picture or view that illustrates Suffolk where would it be?

Given where I live, it is probably no surprise to say the River Deben at Woodbridge, whether that be of the Tide Mill or across the river to Sutton Hoo. Apart from the coast what are Suffolk’s highlights?

All the places I have already mentioned, but the highlights are really the people, the countryside as it changes through the seasons and the more gentle pace of life.

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