Essential Suffolk November 2015 by Achieve More Media

November 2015 | Priceless

Essential SUFFOLK

FIREWORKS FUN A guide to our countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fireworks spectaculars Theatre | Food | Fashion | Homes & Interiors | Elite Properties

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CELEBRATING ALL THAT MAKES OUR COUNTY GREAT

MADE FOR LIFE DESIGN

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NOVEMBER 2015

Lesley Rawlinson Director lesley@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07519 477583

Adrian Rawlinson Director adrian@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07718 149307

Alison Watson Account Manager alison@achievemoremedia.co.uk T: 01473 809932 M: 07546 485204

Anne Gould Editor editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk M: 07411 701010

Paul Newman Designer paul@newman-design.com Cover image: Fireworks spectaculars listed on page 20

| Welcome

WELCOME November is always a busy month because once Bonfire Night has been and gone, like it or not you can no longer afford to ignore the festive season to come. For those who like to plan well ahead weekends and opportune moments are now spent thinking about gifts and catering. However, it’s also an excellent opportunity to start planning your festive wardrobe because if you leave it until the last minute invariably all the ‘good stuff’ has gone, no longer available in your size or worse – your friend already bought it! So this month it’s worth a strategic look at our fashion pages while time is on your side, before you’re wall-to-wall with social engagements. However as it turns out November has the potential to be really busy on the entertainment front – there are literature festivals in Southwold and Lavenham, Aldeburgh Poetry Festival is at Snape and there’s a film documentary festival too. So for those with a literary bent, we’ve talked to actor Hugh Fraser, who is appearing at Southwold’s Way With Words about his new book, Harm. We also met up with innovative children’s comedian, James Campbell, who is performing at the Avenue Theatre in Ipswich. Cycling seems to have become a new national pastime but there’s going out for a quick Lycra-clad jaunt into the Suffolk countryside on your eyewateringly expensive carbon-fibre number and taking on something that’s altogether much tougher. That’s just what the intrepid Maggie Scorer chose when she decided on a charity challenge that took her and her faithful Golden Retriever on a journey round the UK coastline. Now that she’s home in Snape and fully recovered we took the opportunity to talk to her about their adventure and find out what she’s going to do next. Plus, for those who prefer exercise that’s more manageable, check out this month’s pub dog walk around Hasketon, as we believe we’ve discovered one of the best routes yet! As ever Essential Suffolk has much in store so if you’d rather tuck up in the warm for a good read we’ve homes and interiors ideas, gardening and property for you to ponder from your armchair.

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

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Achieve More Media Limited. Reproduction in part or whole if forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of going to press and you are encouraged to contact the venue prior to booking. All expressions and opinions within the publication are those of the editor including contributors. Essential Suffolk is a trading name of Achieve More Media Limited.

Don’t forget to keep up to date with Essential Suffolk news and views on social media – on Twitter @EssentialSFK, on Facebook and on our website. Enjoy November!

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

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Contents

08 52

FEATURES

08 28 30

Dog on Tour Maggie Scorer on her charity cycle around the UK

Hugh Fraser The Suffolk actor talks about his new novel and Ways With Words festival in Southwold

Mini Previews A Christmas Carol at the Theatre Royal (Bury St Edmunds), Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, Protein at Dance East, The Only Way is Downton at the Colchester Mercury and The Silver Sword at the New Wolsey Theatre (Ipswich)

Fashion

Competition

Party looks for the festive season

James Campbell Children’s comedian on inspiring creativity and The Avenue Theatre in Ipswich

REGULARS

13 14

Suffolk in Brief

Win a half day spa package and lunch at the newly refurbished Seckford Spa

What’s On Where to go and what to see in Suffolk this November including organised fireworks displays across the county

58 67

Homes & Interiors Decorative accessories for a little wow factor!

Antiques & Auctions James Neal looks at sartorial elegance Eastern style

68 Gardening 71 Property

Using art in your garden

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

Highlights from Suffolk’s social calendar

Pub Dog Walk A stunning route from The Turks Head at Hasketon

News from around the county

Ellen McAteer, the new Director of The Poetry Trust

Food & Drink Dining at The Westleton Crown, Chef ’s Recipe from Snape Maltings plus a gallery full of ideas for eating out

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

MAGGIE & OSCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EPIC ADVENTURE If dogs could talk Oscar could tell more tales than most. Anne Gould talks to his remarkable and award-winning owner, Maggie Scorer, about their round Britain cycle ride

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Suffolk People | Maggie Scorer

Land’s End to John O’Groats and much much more

uch has been written about the bonds of friendship between dogs and their owners. But Oscar, a handsome eight-year-old Golden Retriever from Suffolk, has surely seen and done more than most canines. For starters, when he was a puppy he was taken half way round the world by yacht, visiting the Azores, Africa and beyond and spent much of his young life swimming. More famously perhaps, he has also just completed a 5,000-mile charity cycle tour of Britain – seeing every inch of our magnificent coastline from a trailer pulled by his owner Maggie. Not that Oscar had it easy every day – there were times, says Maggie Scorer, when the hills were so steep he had to get out and walk as she pushed the bike up the hill. Cycling through some towns and cities meant having to keep calm when the traffic roared and came perilously close to his pedal-powered trailer. The weather too was remarkably unkind – Maggie says she and Oscar had to battle through endless wind, rain and cold. However despite the challenges Maggie is thrilled that her efforts have so far raised £25,000 for her chosen charities – Leukemia & Lymphoma Research and Sands, helping parents who have lost a child before, during or shortly after birth. Since returning home to Snape Maggie has also continued to attract attention, having recently been

named as ITV East Regional Fundraiser of the Year. “People are saying that I ought to write a book too, but I need to think about that,” she said. “My journey started out when I was watching Sport Relief on television and I was seeing all these people pushing themselves to raise money for charity. I started to think of a challenge I could make my own. Originally I thought about walking around the UK but decided it would take too long so decided to cycle instead.” Clearly a venture not for the fainthearted but Maggie is fit and athletic, a lifelong sailor and a ferrywoman for the rowboat Butley Ferry, remarkable perhaps because Maggie is 66 – albeit one of those people who look ten or more years younger. Not that she sees it quite like that, “I have ten grandchildren and cycling round Britain is not the normal thing that grandmas do I suppose but age is just a number. You have to do these things while you can.” Obviously a big part of the adventure was getting everything planned. “I did my research and found a trailer from Holland that was suitable for Oscar and had a bike specially made by Thorn Bicycles in Somerset who specialise in long-distance touring.” There was then much pouring over maps but in the end she got a roadmap and plotted a route around the whole of the UK stopping off every 30 miles or so. Maggie decided to use a combination of dog friendly B&Bs, guest houses, hotels and the

hospitality of friends and relations for overnight accommodation because camping kit would have meant having to carry even more weight. She was also lucky to have sponsorship from DogFriendly which helped with accommodation and Salter’s Pet Nutrition which kept Oscar’s food supplies topped up. Planning and doing are two very different things and it wasn’t until day one when she realised the enormity of what she was doing. “I left in March on a very miserable day and got to Thorpeness and thought I can’t do this – I must have lost a brain cell. It was then that I decided to take each day as an individual adventure so I didn’t get lost in the challenge. By nature I am a very determined person and I was not giving up and I really wanted to raise money for my chosen charities.” Three weeks later she was in Edinburgh where she stopped for very poignant reasons. “I had a stillborn baby there back in 1977 and I was just told to go off and have another child. There were no photographs or mementoes so I stopped to get a bit of closure and I just wanted to raise awareness for Sands too.” Scotland, as she discovered when she moved on was a very big place. “I went up to John O’Groats and then to the islands and Outer Hebrides and back through Arran. There were some really, really lovely places but there were some really awful places too. Plus the ‰

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Suffolk People | Maggie Scorer

Maggie and Oscar at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, by Clifton Suspension Bridge and finishing at Aldeburgh

weather was against me – there was wind, rain and snow and I even had to go out and buy fleeces because I was freezing.” In fact it even rained so much that her waterproofs wore out and started letting in water and they had to be replaced – an added expense to her self-funded expedition. What really helped, says Maggie was having a routine. She aimed to be on the road by 9am with the intention of getting to her destination by 3pm so that Oscar could stretch his legs and have a walk – or a swim. It was always a matter of having to keep on going – sometimes, she said, when the weather was bad temptation came in the way of cafes and coffee shops, but she knew if she stopped getting going again would just be harder. There were also some huge hills where the road just kept going up and up for three or four miles, which meant pushing the bike and then gritting her teeth for some terrifying speedy descents on the other side. Breaks were planned along the way every five days but there was also an unscheduled stop for a week in May when she had to come south for family, as her son-in-law who suffers from the blood cancer disorder, Myelofibrosis, had been taken ill. Previously Maggie has sailed around the UK and it found really interesting to see the coast from a different perspective.

When you are on a boat you can see towns from a distance but cycling shows something more. “What I found was that as a small island we are incredibly diverse and not just the language, the culture, the people and the towns as well. There are a large number of towns that are just boarded up and run down, there was a huge divide between north and south and in some places you couldn’t even find a cafe.” Clearly Maggie is very fit but all the cycling meant that she was constantly hungry she and discovered regional variations in what she was able to eat too. “I had to eat out in the evenings and was surprised that in some places choice was very limited. I ended up eating things that I wouldn’t normally touch, like fish and chips.” As the weeks went by and she travelled through Wales, Devon, Cornwall and the south coast she said that one thing that kept her going was Friday afternoons when she had a regular slot with Lesley Dolphin on Radio Suffolk. And as she got ever closer to Suffolk she got more and more excited. “It was good to get home”. So has she any advice for those who might want to follow in her footsteps and take their dog too? “There is no question about it; you need to have a really well behaved adaptable dog. Oscar had to sit in the back while I cycled through traffic in cities which was noisy.

When I went into shops or cafes I could tie him by a lamppost and he wouldn’t want to run off. In the mornings he would sit patiently by my bicycle and wait while I packed everything.” She said he was also very happy meeting people on their way round – he’s not the sort of dog to growl or make a fuss either.

Now having fully recovered Maggie is wondering what to do next, “I’d like to cycle round Australia but my family probably wouldn’t allow me and I couldn’t take Oscar either, so I am thinking of going to Spain and doing a long walk like the Camino Trail”.

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News

SUFFOLK in brief Since winning the award for Customer Care at this year’s East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards, live-in care specialist, Christies Care, has been selected as a finalist for best Homecare Provider in the National Laing Buisson Awards 2015. The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner in November at the London Lancaster Hotel. Lin Barnes, Director at Christies Care, said: “I am extremely proud of the standard of care we provide and this is in large part down to the meticulous, engaging and practical training provided by our training team. It’s fantastic to be named as one of the finalists for this award and we will all be keeping everything crossed that we’ve demonstrated our expertise and commitment to our clients, our staff and the community as a whole.”

The team at Anglia Factors in Martlesham, have welcomed back owner Daniel Barr after he raised almost £5,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice by cycling from London to Paris. He was accompanied by his son Alex and a team of 49 other Suffolk riders for the 300-mile journey, all raising money for the Ipswich-based charity which improves the lives of local people with progressive illnesses. St Elizabeth Hospice needs to raise £9 million each year to provide its service. In total the London to Paris ride will raise £100,000 for the hospice and it is planned to organise another similar challenge in 2017.

Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The World at One, Martha Kearney, will speak at a lunch event being held in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) this month. Tickets are available now for the event, entitled ‘Lunch at One with Martha Kearney’ at The Hanger at Kesgrave Hall. The lunch will be held on Friday 6th November with an arrival time of 12.30pm for a 1pm start, and will include a two course luncheon followed by a talk from Martha.The event has been organised by the Woodbridge Friends of EACH – a group of volunteers who support the work of the charity

through events and promotion. Sarah Dodd, Chair of the Woodbridge Friends Committee, said: “We know this will be a very special event and we hope to see as many people there as possible. All proceeds from the event will go towards the vital work of EACH in providing care and support for children and families across Suffolk.” Tickets for the lunch are available now, priced at £28. For more information and to book contact the Suffolk Fundraising Team on: 01473 276196 or email: treehouse@each.org.uk

Award winning British furniture and accessory manufacturer Neptune has opened its largest store in Bury St. Edmunds. Neptune Head of Retail, Gary Temprell, formerly of Habitat and the White Company comments; “Right now is a really exciting time for Neptune. The original Bury St Edmunds store has been such a success that it has now outgrown the current premises and we’re pleased to announce that the new building near the high street will be the largest Neptune store to date. The construction of a flagship Neptune store is a testament to the growth of Neptune’s loyal customer base and also provides a number of new jobs for the local residents of Bury. Neptune’s whole home concept has been designed and crafted to ensure that it’s aspirational yet affordable”. www.neptune.com

Suffolk entrepreneurs Sarah and Paddy Bishopp have launched a new venture; Welcome Hampers ‘The box that rocks’. After struggling to find the perfect hamper to send to friends they have got together with other Suffolk foodies to create a gift option containing some of the county’s best known food and drink brands including Paddy & Scott’s , Hillfarm, Scarlett & Mustard, Munchy Seeds, Aspall and many others. The hampers come in three sizes including a Christmas option. www.welcomehampers.co.uk

Framlingham College 1st XI girls’ became U18 County Hockey Champions for the fourth consecutive year recently. The College team defeated Culford School, Ipswich School and Woodbridge School on the way to the title with Head Girl, Grace Trembath, giving the lead in the final. Captain

Freya Pelling sealed the county title with a short range finish after a baseline run from Jules Fleming. The girls will now advance to the regional finals in the hope of representing Suffolk in the National Finals for the second year running. Framlingham College Head of Hockey, Jamie Kingstone said, “We started superbly and despite strong pressure on the evening the girls’ performed admirably with wave after wave of attacks. It was a fitting moment that captain, Freya Pelling, sealed the victory in the final.”

A chance discussion at a lunch hosted by Lyn Knights of Denny of Southwold has led to a short film by documentary filmmaker Frances Harper. The film uncovers the fascinating story of Lyn’s late husband’s clothing factory in Great Yarmouth which in a very unlikely twist is very big in the fashion world of Japan! The film will appear on the BBC’s Inside Out programme. Further details of the story can be found at www.essentialsuffolk.com/yarmo

Staff from Savills Ipswich office stepped out in their walking boots to take part in a fundraising challenge for the charity Countryside Learning. Colleagues across the company’s rural business joined in the event, clocking up miles around the country by nonmotorised means. Between them they raised nearly £60,000. The Suffolk contingent walked from the Benacre Estate to Southwold, on to RSPB Minsmere and Sizewell, finishing their journey at The Brudenell in Aldeburgh. Michael Horton, head of Savills rural business in the east, comments: “Countryside Learning is a very important charity and it is great to be part of an event that not only helps to raise money, but means enjoying the beautiful East Anglian countryside along the way.” The charity aims to educate, inform and inspire children, parents and teachers so that they can enjoy and appreciate the countryside. Read more at www.essentialsuffolk.com/savills-walk

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 2 – 4

James Campbell's Comedy 4 Kids

The Silver Sword

The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

See Feature page 30 Tickets: £7.50 Box office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com

See mini preview page 25 Tickets: £10 – £25 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Kapa Haka Tale

Jerwood Dancehouse, Ipswich, 2.30pm

NOVEMBER 3 – 7 West Side Story

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

This Corey Baker Dance performance brings to life the enchanting New Zealand Maori folk tale, Hinemoa and Tutanekaiusing art, tribal footwork, weaponry, Poi Dance and chant. Tickets: £12 – £14 Box office: 01473 2955230 www.danceeast.co.uk

The Irving Stage Company is performing this masterful retelling of Romeo and Juliet. For lovers of musical theatre or dance, this story of two young lovers from rival street gangs, Tony and Maria, is a real gem with songs like Maria, Tonight and America it has become one of the greatest musicals ever and is not to be missed. Tickets: £10 – £20 Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

NOVEMBER 4 The Only Way is Downton

Suffolk Festival Gala Concert

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, 2pm The 2015 Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts culminates in this gala with perfromances by all award winners and presentations by one of the patrons. Tickets: £5 available on the door

Colchester Mercury, 7.30pm See mini preview page 25 Tickets: £10 – £19.50 Box office: 01206 563948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

NOVEMBER 5 Bangalore Dreams

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm Jyotsna Srikanth's Bangalore Dreams is Indian Contemporary Music. She will be presenting a mixture of Indian contemporary music & Bollywood music. Srikanth has featured in many major global music events and venues like WOMAD, Red Violin Festival, BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall & The Music Academy, Chennai. Tickets: £10 – £24 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Jonathan Dimbleby

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Jonathan Dimbleby’s next book ‘The Battle of the Atlantic’ will tell the story of the longest campaign of WWII. In this illustrated talk Jonathan interweaves fascinating contemporary diaries and letters with a thrilling narrative that tells the epic story of the men and women who contributed to the final victory. Tickets: £18 (£16 concessions) Box office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Kingfisher Ensemble

Waldringfield Village Hall, 3pm Music for flute, oboe and string quartet. Wranitzky (1756 – 1808) sextet No.3 in E flat. Dvorak string quartet movement in F and Two Waltzes opus 54 Nos 1&4. Tickets: £10 at the door www.kingfishersinfonietta.co.uk 14

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acclaimed play celebrates the life of sporting legend Beryl Burton; the greatest woman on two wheels. When Beryl Charnock met keen cyclist Charlie Burton she was smitten, not only with Charlie but by the thrill and freedom found on her bike. She would outwork the men in the rhubarb fields, she could outclass the cyclists on the road and still find time to over-knit young Denise an enviable cycling jumper. With her husband, daughter and cycling club at her side she became five times world pursuit champion, 13 times national champion, twice roadracing world champion and made it home in time for dinner. Tickets: £10 – £25 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

NOVEMBER 5 – 7 Beryl

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm The Greatest Woman On Two Wheels Maxine Peake’s witty, charming and critically

NOVEMBER 5 – 9 Southwold Ways With Words Literature Festival

St Edmunds Hall, Southwold See feature pages 28 & 29 www.waywithwords.co.uk

NOVEMBER 5 – 21 Bully Boy

Colchester Mercury, 8pm You’re twenty years old, a soldier in the British Army, and everyone’s watching your every move – the locals, the enemy, your comrades, your commander. The pressure is constant. Private Edward Clark is every inch the hero to his mates in the Bully Boys, but he’s shattered inside, haunted by one particular battle on which his whole life has turned. When Major Oscar Handley is called to investigate the outcome of this chaotic firefight, his enquiry lifts the lid on Eddie’s fragile mental health. Sandi Toksvig is best known as a comedian, broadcaster and writer. In this intense and enthralling drama she digs deep into the ‘war on terror’ to explore two men in crisis. Tickets: £8.50 Box office: 01206 563948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

What’s On Farmers Markets

NOVEMBER 6

NOVEMBER 6 – 8

Who Killed Bambi? & Metropolis

Aldeburgh Poetry Festival

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Venues in Snape and Aldeburgh

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

See mini preview page 26 Box office: 01728 686110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

NOVEMBER 8 Requiem for a Renaissance King: A Concert for Remembrance Sunday

NOVEMBER 7

Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford, 7.30pm

Christmas Craft & Gift Fair

Tithe Barn, Sproughton, 10am – 4pm Raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice Gino D’Acampo’s Italian Escape

Ipswich Regent, 8pm A collaborative work between dance, theatre, music and stage design. Metropolis reflects on our complicated relationship with the city. A cast of exceptional performers builds or scatters a landscape of bricks and constantly redefines borders in their quest for comfort, security and happiness. Tickets: £12 – £14 Box office: 01473 2955230 www.danceeast.co.uk

Chef, TV personality and best-selling author Gino D’Acampo with a live stage show which will blend his love of Italy, some delicious signature dishes and audience participation, in a typically lively theatre show this autumn. Tickets: £27 Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Cambridge Renaissance Voices presents a programme of music from the courts of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, based around Eustache du Caurroy's famous Requiem. The singers will be joined by period instrumentalists Il Musici della Contessa. Tickets: £16 (£13 concessions) Box office: 01284 769505 www.theatreroyal.org

To see more event listings for this month and beyond visit

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1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...

THE PAPER DOLLS

PRESENTS OMPANY AN C H MK RA K A

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

16 – 20 DECEMBER £10, £7 CONCESSIONS £30 FAMILY TICKET

New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 9 – 14

NOVEMBER 11

NOVEMBER 13

Absent Friends

One Man Breaking Bad

Counteracts

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm

Colchester Mercury, 7.30pm

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich, 7.30pm

By Alan Ayckbourn, presented by London Classic Theatre Wealthy, unfulfilled housewife Diana arranges a gathering of old friends to cheer up bereaved Colin, whose fiancée drowned two months earlier. Preparations for the tea party spark tensions and open old wounds. First produced in 1974, Absent Friends explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy. In one of his finest plays, Ayckbourn’s craftsmanship and acute social observation have never been sharper or more biting. Tickets: £10 – £25 Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously accurate renditions of all the iconic characters. With over a million hits on YouTube and sellout runs at comedy festivals in Melbourne and Edinburgh, Allen’s incredible impersonations break all six seasons down into one exhilarating, uproarious tour-deforce parody performance. Tickets: £10 – £22.50 Box office: 01206 563948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Candoco Dance Company, the world’s leading contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled performers, has been creating acclaimed and cutting edge work for over twenty years. In this new double bill, Candoco presents commissions from two of the most exciting artistic talents working in the UK today. Tickets: £12 – £14 Box office: 01473 2955230 www.danceeast.co.uk Soma

New Cut, Halesworth, 7.30pm NOVEMBER 12 – 14 English Touring Opera

Snape Maltings With a new production of Massenet: Werther sung in English, Debussy’s Peleas and Melisande and Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

A highly creative quartet led by top local trumpeter Dan Friend, featuring Matt Hodges – piano, Owen Morgan – Bass, Jesse Barrett – Drums. All noted players and composers in their own right, they will be playing a choice selection of lesser-known jazz standards as well as some of their own tunes, influenced by Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, Hendrix and Bach among many others. Box office: 0845 673 2123 newcut.org

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What’s On NOVEMBER 13 – 15 Lavenham Literary Festival

Venues in Lavenham A celebration of the written word with talks by Sheila Hancock, Kate Mosse, Tom Holland and Peter Gutteridge. Box Office: 01284 769505 www.lavenhamliteraryfestival.co.uk Aldeburgh Documentary Festival

Aldeburgh Cinema Aldeburgh’s 21st Documentary Festival guests include Robert Peston, star journalist, now with ITV after many BBC years, Natasha Walter, writer, journalist and broadcaster and many more. Box Office: 01728 454884 www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk and www.aldeburghdocfest.com

NOVEMBER 14 Glorious Firsts

St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich, 7.30pm Ipswich Choral Society presents Poulenc – Gloria, Mozart – Laudate Dominum, Mendelssohn – Organ Sonata VI, Mendelssohn – Lauda Sion. Introducing

Robin Walker – Music Director, Julie Roberts – Soprano, John Cooper – Organ. Tickets: Adult £15, concession £13, child £5 Box Office: 01473 738324 Kingfisher Sinfonietta Orchestral Concert

St. Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, 7.30pm Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for violin & viola, Boccherini Symphony No.23 in D minor, Grieg Two Elegiac Melodies and finally Schubert Symphony No.5 in B flat. Tickets: £12, concession £10 at the door or from Woodbridge Violins 01394 383150 www.kingfishersinfonietta.org The Songs of the Waterlily – Martin Newell and The Hosepipe Band

NOVEMBER 15 EACH Annual Christmas Craft and Gift Fair

Greshams Sports and Social Club, 12 noon – 4.30pm Annual Christmas craft and gift fair supporting EACH, with over 50 amazing stalls all under one roof. Craft and gifts such as cakes, card, books, jewellery, handbags, handmade and personalised gifts. Free admission and parking. Farmers Market

Assington, The Barn 10am – 2pm

NOVEMBER 17

John Peel Centre, Stowmarket, 7.30pm A poetry and music show with Martin Newell reading his award winning poem about the building, launching and testing of a new sailing boat. Tickets: £10 Box office: 01449 774 678 www.johnpeelcentre.com

Will Young

Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The ‘Love Revolution Tour’, Will’s first tour in four years comes as his brilliant brand new album ‘85% Proof ’ goes straight into Number One on the Official UK Album Chart. Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Farmers Markets

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 19

NOVEMBER 19 – 21

Nancy Kerr

May Contain Food

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich, 7.30pm

BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015 Nancy Kerr embarks on her third eagerly anticipated solo tour. The influential singer-violinist will be accompanied by her Sweet Visitor Band: Tom Wright (Albion band, Park Bench Social Club, Eliza Carthy), Tim Yates (Blackbeard’s Tea Party, Albion Band) and Rowan Rheingans (Lady Maisery) and two-time folk award winner Greg Russell. Tickets: £12 Box office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

See mini preview page 26 Box office: 01473 2955230 www.danceeast.co.uk

need to bring a handkerchief though; while the stories may be sad, the music is uplifting: Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Schumann’s Piano Concerto and Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 ‘Tragic’. Tickets: £12, concessions £10 Box office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Farmers Markets

NOVEMBER 20 Mitch Benn: Don't Believe a Word

The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich, 7.30pm Here’s a show that will make you laugh a lot and think a bit as well as Mitch debunks myths, exposes nonsense and grapples with the very nature of knowledge itself extolling the virtues of an evidence-based approach to life... with amusing consequences and of course a few songs along the way. Tickets: £15 Box office: 01473 603388 www.redrosechain.com

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

Snape Maltings, 7pm Get in the Christmas spirit with Handel's Messiah performed by Aldeburgh Music Choir (founded by Benjamin Britten), conducted by Edmond Fivet with the Suffolk Baroque Players and soloists. Tickets: £12 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

NOVEMBER 21 Uncle Vanya Suffolk Sinfonia Concert

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Stories of sadness underlie the lively music of the Suffolk Sinfonia’s Autumn outing. No

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New Cut, Halesworth, 7.30pm Presented by Open Space Theatre. The arrival from the city of an elderly professor and his beautiful young wife to live on his

The Butt & Oyster Pin Mill, Ipswich, IP9 1JW 01473 780764

The Maybush Cliff Rd, Waldringfield, IP12 4QL 01473 736215

The Coach & Horses Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1PD 01394 384851

The Fox Inn The Street, Newbourne, IP12 4NY 01473 736307

The Swan Westerfield Road, Westerfield, IP6 9AJ 01473 251447

The Wilford Bridge Wilford Bridge Rd, Melton, IP12 2PA 01394 386141

What’s On favourite pantomimes. Tickets: £12.50 Box office: 01473 295900 www.felixstowemusicaltheatre.co.uk

family's rural estate provokes disharmony. Desire, jealousy, unrequited love and thwarted ambition are revealed in Chekhov's classic story of country life. Tickets: £10 Box office: 0845 673 2123 newcut.org

Farmers Market

Woodbridge, Community Centre, 9am – 12.30pm NOVEMBER 29

NOVEMBER 27 Beccles Christmas Lights Switch On

NOVEMBER 25 – 28 Season’s Greetings

Kesgrave Community Centre, 7.45pm The Masque Players presents a vintage piece of Ayckbourn theatre mixing comedy and tragedy. The plot involves nine adults and some unseen children meeting up for Christmas at Belinda and Neville's house. As the children lurk just out of sight, it's the adults who are letting the side down. Tickets: £9 (available for reservation through the website) www.masqueplayers.com

NOVEMBER 26 – 28 Dick Whittington and his Cat

Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, 7.30pm Felixstowe Musical Theatre gets into the festive spirit with one of the all-time

Beccles Business and Tourism Association (BBTA) is been proud to jointly run the Beccles Christmas Lights Switch-On with Beccles Town Council. Fun starts on stage from 5:30pm with the switch on at 6pm. www.beccleschristmaslights.co.uk

NOVEMBER 28 Ipswich Orchestral Society Celebrity Concert

Kingfisher Sinfonietta Orchestral Concert

Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, 4pm Includes Mozart Symphony No.31 in D ‘Paris’, Mozart Bassoon Concerto in B flat with Steven Lock, Schubert Overture in the Italian Style in D and Haydn Symphony No.104 in D 'London’. Tickets: £12, concessions £10 (£2 in full time education) available at the door or from Caramel Boutique, Aldeburgh 01728 452141 and Caramel Snape Maltings 01728 687467. www.kingfishersinfonietta.org Farmers Market

Ipswich Corn Exchange, 7.30pm

Lavenham, Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

The concert includes Tchaikovsky's Fantasy Overture Romeo and Juliet. Imogen Cooper one of the finest interpreters of the classical repertoire, performing regularly with the world's greatest orchestras will play Schumann's Piano Concerto. Tickets: £12 – £15.50 Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichcornexchange.com

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit

essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online

In aid of

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NOVEMBER 2015

FIREWORKS OCTOBER 31

NOVEMBER 6

Sproughton Bonfire, Fireworks & Barbecue

Spooky Fireworks in the Park

St John's Primary School Community Fireworks

Sproughton Millennium Green, 7pm

Sidegate Avenue, Ipswich, 6.15pm Family fireworks display with entertainment and refreshments. Tickets: In advance adult £4, child £3 (on the gate adult £5, child £4) Information: 01473 727554

Kesgrave Firework Display

Kesgrave High School, gates open at 6pm, display 7:30pm Free face painting and balloon art for the children with a samba band and fire jugglers. Hot food plus hot and cold drinks. Tickets: Adult £5, child £2 in advance only. Entry wristbands from The Bell 01473 622045

NOVEMBER 7

The Big Night Out

Stowlangtoft Grand Charity Bonfire and Fireworks Night

Melford Hall Park, 6pm

Kiln Lane, Stowlangtoft, 6pm

Giant bonfire, fireworks and fairground rides – fun for everyone. Tickets: In advance adult £5, child £3, (on the gate adult £7, child £5) Tickets available from The Bull Hotel, Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Landers Bookshop, Sheridans Estate Agents

Grand charity bonfire and fireworks night in support of St George’s Church and other charities. Tickets: Adults £5, child (6 – 16) £2.50 (under 5s free) Stratford St Mary Community Fireworks

Stratford St Mary Primary School, 6pm Family friendly fireworks display, bonfire and live music. Tickets: Adult £4, child (Under 14 yrs) £1 www.ssmfireworks.co.uk

NOVEMBER 5

Barbecue, bonfire and fireworks n aid of All Saints' Sproughton Church Funds Tickets: Adult £5, child £2 (Under 4's free)

Tribute Party Nights

Dance the night away to one of our fantastic live tribute acts at our party venue by the sea. Saturday 12th & 19th December, from 7pm £35 per person, includes a 3-course meal and disco.

Plus dance performances by Emma Dodd School of Performing Arts and Just Day Dance. Tickets: In advance adult £6, child £4 (on the gate adult £8 and children £6) www.ipswichfireworks.co.uk

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Other party night dates available.

Glitz & Glamour Ball £90pp #MerryThorpeness

To book call 01728 452176 or email events@thorpeness.co.uk www.thorpeness.co.uk/christmas

essentialsuffolk.com

We love festivities here at The White Lion and once again are looking forward to celebrating this special time of year with you. From live music nights and seven-course banquets, to Santa Sundays and afternoon teas by the sea, there is plenty for everyone in this magical part of Suffolk. If you fancy a longer stay and a real vacation this Christmas,we have some fantastic overnight packages, too!

3 3

New Year's Eve

19th December George Michael

12th December Jukebox Fury

What’s On

Framlingham Firework Spectacular

Pageant Field, Framlingham, 6pm Organised by the Town Council all profits go to enhancement projects on the Pageant Field. Tickets: In advance adult £5, child £2.50 (on the gate adults £6, child (age 3 – 16) £4). Advance tickets on sale until 6th November available from the Town Council office. Contact: Tel: 01728 720183 Heveningham Hall Bonfire & Fireworks

Heveningham Hall, gates open 5.30pm Charity bonfire and spectacular firework display with live music from The Counterfeit Stones. Vehicle ticket (includes all passengers) £20 in advance or £25 on the gate, adult £7, child (4 – 14) £5 on the gate only Information: 01986 798151

Bury St Edmunds Charity Fireworks Display

Abbey Gardens, 6pm Organised by Bury St Edmunds Round Table this is the main source of their income which is then distributed to local good causes and charities. Tickets: In advance adults £5, child £4, family ticket £15 (on the gate adult £6, child £5, family £20) available from Tesco & Sainsbury's stores in Bury St Edmunds and The Apex Box Office.

The Sleep Studio

Specialising in natural, beautiful wool bedding made from the finest British wool, there are many reasons to sleep in wool. Warm in Winter, cool in Summer, Hypo-allergenic, naturally flame retardant, it's also sustainable, renewable and biodegradable – all this naturally! At the Sleep Studio we're passionate about great quality products helping you get great quality sleep. We treat every customer as an individual and use our expertise to try and find a perfect tailored solution. We want you to feel looked after and comfortable about your purchase, we offer a relaxed environment in a unique setting and time for you to look, try and choose. Everyone deserves a good night's sleep...

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Jingle Bells, Presents, Bubbles & Squeeks Now taking bookings for the Christmas period

Please call: 01394 384242 www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk

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Mini Previews

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. November 14 Earlier this autumn classic British actor Clive Francis took part in a Suffolk Community Foundation gala at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. In between rehearsals he granted Essential Suffolk an exclusive interview to talk about why he loves performing in Bury with his unique one-man adaptation of Dickens’ classic novel and a new film series on the Queen’s life being recorded for Netflix.

Clive, who lives in London, has appeared in any number of TV series and stage productions. His films of note have been Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and he also appeared in Mike Leigh’s Mr Turner, where he played the part of the President of The Royal Academy. “It was great fun working with Mike, his improvisation techniques are really exciting and actually it was a joy to do.”

Clive says he was inspired to create this theatre version of a Christmas Carol by Dickens’ first reading and performance of the novel on 27 December 1853 at the Birmingham Town Hall. In it he brings to life a whole host of Dickensian characters, from the spectral Jacob Marley to the warm and loving Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim. Not forgetting, of course, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Most recently he has been involved with a Netflix’s extravaganza, called The Crown, which is bound to dominate UK and American TV screens for years to come. It’s being created by Peter Morgan who directed the Oscar-winning film, The Queen but this time there is a mini-series being dedicated to each year of her reign.

What he particularly likes is that the show appeals to young and old. “Some people think Dickens is too hard for children, but they always seem to enjoy it.” In fact his Christmas Carol is so popular in Bury St Edmunds that this is actually a return visit. “I love this stage and the Theatre Royal too. I fell in love with it when I saw its transformation. It’s a piece of history and after all it’s the only National Trust theatre in the country.”

Clive says its being currently being edited and is due to be launched in February. Clair Foy is Princess Elizabeth and Matt Smith is Prince Philip. There’s been no expense spared apparently – the Queen’s wedding was recreated for instance in Ely Cathedral and there was also a full re-creation of the Coronation. “I play the role of Lord Salisbury who played a key role in the Queen’s early life,” he said.

INFORMATION Box office: 01284 769505 | www.theatreroyal.org

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Mini Previews

THE SILVER SWORD

THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTON

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. November 2 – 4

Mercury Theatre, Colchester. November 4 As fans wait on tenterhooks for the last ever episode of Downton Abbey at Christmas here’s a show that is bound to lift the nation’s spirits. The Only Way is Downton comes to the Mercury direct from a West End season that’s earned plaudits from critics and cast alike. Actor, Elizabeth McGovern who plays Lady Cora in the TV series for instance says, “Really good impressions of everybody.” But then this is Downton Abbey as you’ve never seen it before! Luke Kempner’s tour-de-force impressions comedy returns to the UK, in an updated version featuring new material. As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody, which takes in many other popular TV shows and familiar modern voices to help the cast of Downton save the estate from financial ruin – again!

The Silver Sword was recently named as one of the top 50 children’s books of all time and this new musical production has been touring the country to much acclaim. Originally written in 1956, by Ian Seraillier it is a heart-warming tale of three children whose determination to become a family again, takes them on an incredible adventure to find their father against all the odds.

Having made his name with YouTube hit Downstairs At Downton, and appearances in musicals including Les Mis and Avenue Q, Kempner’s debut solo show won critical acclaim and sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe in both 2013 and 2014.

Set in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, The Silver Sword follows the Polish Balicki children’s search for safety as Europe is divided up and displaced people return to their homelands. Along the way, Ruth, Edek and Bronia meet Jan – a boy who, years before, had met their father by chance and been given the family’s precious paper knife, affectionately known as the Silver Sword. Jan’s instructions are to show it to the children, should their paths cross, with the message that their father is still alive and headed for Switzerland. During their adventures they cross paths with people from every nation as well as animals such as Jimpy the cockerel, Bistro the chimpanzee and Ludwig the dog. Producer, David Hutchinson said: “We are thrilled to be working on this exciting new adaptation at a timely moment during the First World War centenary years. The Silver Sword brings joy, truth, adventure and heart to the stage with an ensemble of top performers and creatives – it really will be a treat for all the family”.

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

INFORMATION Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

Mini Previews

NOVEMBER 2015

ALDEBURGH

POETRY FESTIVAL

PROTEIN: MAY CONTAIN FOOD

Snape Maltings and various venues in Aldeburgh. November 6 – 8

Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich. November 19 – 21

John Burnside

Richard Mabey

Poems are the voice of freedom. Poetry breaks rules. It can be a code for truth-telling, a tool for the oppressed, says Ellen McAteer the Director of the Halesworth-based Poetry Trust. Language, dialect and form all have boundaries to transgress. Poetry itself can spill into visual art, drama and music, as it does in the 27th Aldeburgh Poetry Festival this month where there’s a chance to hear 30 very different voices from across the UK and beyond. Ellen, organising her first festival has been keen to bring some events back to Aldeburgh, “Community is very important to me. Aldeburgh is where the Poetry Festival began and it should continue to be a living part of it.” One of those venues is the atmospheric Baptist Chapel in Aldeburgh for three Talks on Poetry and Nature on November 7. Taking part is Scottish poet John Burnside who has won both the Forward and the T.S. Eliot prizes for poetry. He will be discussing Birds in Poetry & Song with his talk A Parlement of Foules on the techniques poets use to suggest the freedom of flight, migration and the vivid beauty found in the avian world. Jeremy Noel-Todd will be talking about local prize-winning poet R.F. Langley, who wrote about the churches and wildlife of Suffolk. Then broadcaster, writer and naturalist Richard Mabey will discuss the poet John Clare. In addition the line-up includes top American blues poet Kim Addonizio, ‘roof raising’ Jamaican-born Kei Miller and Mexican poet Pedro Serrano.

Performers and dancers have long pushed the boundaries of their art for creative purposes but who would have thought that a dance performance involves food? Award-winning Protein returns to DanceEast this month with its most playful collaboration to date as four vocalists and four dancers all sing for their supper in a dining setting that may contain food... According to The Guardian, “Luca Silvestrini is the sharpest of comic choreographers” and May Contain Food is no exception. It’s a witty piece of dance and music theatre, curated by choreographer Luca Silvestrini and renowned composer Orlando Gough and is inspired by social occasions and life at mealtimes. The performers will invite you to sit at a table, offer a tasting menu and then serve you a show that explores our relationship with food: the pop of a cherry tomato, or the way we just can’t help devouring another person’s leftovers. Be prepared for a unique, visceral experience of indulgence, nostalgia and mischief and if you want a taste of what’s in store checkout Protein’s video at proteindance.co.uk.

With ‘poetry and freedom’, as one of its major themes others taking part include Cuban-born writer on memory and exile Jane Duran and Kurdish poet Choman Hardi to the conversation. Plus there’s the annual Suffolk Young Poets Competition which this year has seen an overwhelming 1695 entries from school age children from across the county.

“May Contain Food [is] a social occasion as much as a performance. Humour, sadness, nostalgia and some deliberate misbehaviour – what more could one want?” Eckhard Thiemann.

INFORMATION www.aldeburgh.co.uk Box Office: 01728 687110

INFORMATION Box office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

essentialsuffolk.com

Education Profile | Alexanders College

AN ENGLISHMAN ABROAD? September of 2015 was an unusual month at Alexanders College in many respects. We welcomed a record number of pupils, opened our Sixth Form Centre in the historic manor, and launched a groundbreaking new academic programme. One of the smaller changes is, perhaps, the most significant; for the first time in the College’s history, we opened our doors to Cameron, a British Sixth Form pupil. Our reasons for this decision were simple. We have the resources to educate children in a beautiful and welcoming environment, rich with culture and tradition, and decided it was time to share this experience with pupils a little closer to home. The more interesting question is surely what makes a young man of 16 wish to study at a College formerly known for being purely International? We thought it best that he told you himself.

Coming up, I’m really looking forward to the Duke of Edinburgh. I’m going to do my Silver Award – I’ve always wanted to do, it but it wasn’t offered at my last secondary school, so I felt like I was missing an opportunity. I like the outdoors, it makes me calm, so the expedition bit will be really fun. I think the ideal person to come here would be someone who’s academic but also enjoys lots of activities, maybe a bit competitive, and definitely open-minded.”

Graham Gamble Headmaster Alexanders College Bawdsey Manor Suffolk IP12 3AZ

To enquire about a place at Alexanders College In the first instance, please contact Headmaster, Graham Gamble, direct tel: 01394 412 393 or by email: headmaster@alexanderscollege.co.uk Graham Gamble insists on a personal approach to the admission of students to Alexanders College and he will be delighted to meet parents and their children to discuss possibilities.

Cameron pictured with the Alexanders College prefects

“I came to this school because there was just something about it that appealed to me. I stayed for two ‘test’ nights last year and I really liked the learning environment. People listen in classes, everybody gets on with their work, no complaining, and I think the teachers explain things very well. People here want to learn, they’re not just here because they have to be at school until they’re 18, and so it encourages you to learn as well. It’s an opportunity, not an obligation. I thought that if I was in this kind of environment, then I would be able to study more easily, which would enable me to aim for higher grades. Being here is something different. I didn’t want to go to just another boring school. It’s eye-opening to see how people from all over the world think and do stuff. For instance, some people here really didn’t understand sarcasm and my sense of humour, but they’re learning – my roommate says ‘banter’ a lot now! I’d probably say the best thing is being around people.You never feel like you’re alone, there’s always someone to talk to.You all get really connected because you’re with each other all the time. Everyone’s friendly because they’re all in the same position as you.You wouldn’t get that atmosphere somewhere else. I also really love biology. My teacher is great, and his biology classes are really good. We recently went on a trip to Minsmere, an RSPB Reserve, and we used quadrats to do sampling and statistics. It was insightful and it was good to be outside, interacting, rather than just in a classroom.

Alexanders College Independent Day and Boarding School for Boys and Girls aged 11–18 01394 412 393 | www.alexanderscollege.co.uk

OPEN DAY Saturday 5 December, 10.00am – 12.30pm For further information or to request a personal visit to our College please contact: admissions@alexanderscollege.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

A LIFE OF CRIME Southwoldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way With Words Literature Festival once again has a glittering line-up including a talk by actor Hugh Fraser. Anne Gould chats to him about his new book, the Crime Thriller, Harm

Celebrity Interview | Hugh Fraser

ugh Fraser has just returned from the Asian Steppes, the mysterious and exotic landlocked world of Genghis Khan, where he has been working on a new film. He’s been playing the role of a political biographer in an independent foreign language movie about The President of Kazakhstan. Clearly it’s been something of an adventure – he was the only Englishman amid the Kazakhstan and Russian crew and, as far as he could tell, the country. “There was only me and the interpreter who could speak English, we encountered wild horses and one day out of the mist an audience of children on horseback arrived silently and suddenly to watch what we were doing.” Safely back in Woodbridge it all seemed a long way off, but as a vegetarian getting home was something he was very relieved about – the diet on set seemed to consist almost entirely of either horse or goat meat.

Hugh is well-known for his work with the much-loved Agatha Christie series Poirot as the detective’s sidekick Captain Arthur Hastings (above), appearing alongside David Suchet. He’s also appeared in several TV series including Sharpe and Edge of Darkness and many feature film credits including 101 Dalmatians, The Draughtsman’s Contract and Curse of the Pink Panther, to name a few. He’s also a musician and as a bass guitarist also once appeared in a David Hare rock musical in the ‘70s alongside Helen Mirren. His passion for music playing remains undiminished as today he still backs the singer-songwriter Kimberly Moore.

The last five years – since he moved from London to Suffolk – has seen him working in a different field; as a writer. “I have always been interested in writing. Some years ago I wrote some plays and very nearly got them onto the radio but I also had the idea that I wanted to write a full-length book too. As an actor you tend to have a lot of time on your hands between jobs so that’s how I started. Three years ago I did a creative writing course, a Guardian Masterclass with UEA and I showed the start of my novel to the tutor and she encouraged me to keep going.” The end result is a crime thriller called Harm – a story about a contract killer named Rina, set in the murky world of drug cartels in ‘70s Mexico. But this is a story that’s about as far removed from Agatha Christie’s gentile upper-middle class drawing rooms and Received Pronunciation as you can get. It opens with Rina waking to find the severed head of her employer on her bedside table. She then finds herself embroiled in an underground world where she is hired to kill a member of the government. Then, says Hugh, there’s a flashback to her teenage years in the slums of pre-gentrification Notting Hill where she lives with a dysfunctional alcoholic mother, a situation that forced her into looking after her siblings. “When a local gangster attacks them she wreaks revenge and kills him – launching her into a life of crime,” he explains. Apart from working on Poirot, he says that crime has always been a genre that’s interested him and having lived in Notting Hill in the ‘60s as a young actor it’s an area he is very familiar with. “You were aware of the criminality and the tensions that existed.” Hugh has also been inspired by his photographic collection from the era too; particularly work by Roger Mayne and Burt Hardy who documented the lives of inner city street children in ‘40s and ‘50s London and Glasgow’s Gorbals district. Harm, which is published by Urbane Publications, has been well received he says with some delight, “It’s had some good reviews too, particularly on Amazon from some good writers.” Already he has appeared at Chiswick Book Festival to talk about it with

Hollywood screenwriter Bonnie McBird and actor Rula Lenska – so who knows what might happen next. This month of course audiences in Suffolk will also be able to hear him first hand at Ways With Words in Southwold on November 7. The success of his debut novel has been such that in between acting commitments and gigs, he’s now working on a sequel – so watch this space. Hugh says that when he’s writing there’s a very definite routine – he works from 9am – 1pm and he doesn’t get up from his desk until the time is up. “It means I can see how much I have written but I don’t aim for a specific word count because some of that time is spent on researching and looking things up.” While in Suffolk another thing that takes up his time is his commitment to the charity Lapwing, which provides individual programmes for young people who have complex barriers to learning. “It came about because I started volunteering on a project involving music and then I was asked to be its patron.” He says that it does amazing work and was thrilled the other day to have met a young man who had been excluded from education, but thanks to the work of the charity was now going on to university.

INFORMATION Ways With Words runs from November 5 – 9 in Southwold Speakers include Melvyn Bragg, Penelope Lively, Maggi Hambling, Michael Buerk, Paul Heiney, Giles Radice, Polly Toynbee, David Walker, Peter Hennessy & Terry Waite. Tickets for all events (except the literary dinner) are £12 Most events take place in St Edmund’s Church Hall in Southwold except for November 9 when Shirley Williams will close the festival in St Edmund’s Church, Southwold at 10.30am. Baroness Williams sits as a Liberal Democrat in the House of Lords and will talk about the Liberal Democrats severe defeat in the General Election in May and the political scene today. Tickets are available to book online at wayswithwords.co.uk, or by phone on 01803 867 373.

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

BOYFACED COMEDY Not many people decide to do some volunteer work and end up launching an entertainment career that will take them round the world and back again. But then, as Anne Gould discovers, not many people are James Campbell

he cafe at Tesco in Martlesham makes a somewhat unusual interview venue for a performer who has done one man shows in the West End, at The Royal Albert Hall and on Broadway. It was the place that seemed most convenient however, as children’s comedian James Campbell had just been on the school run and was headed home from Woodridge to Ringshall, after a morning in a primary

essentialsuffolk.com

school in Norfolk. Much to his credit, his inspirational work with children has clearly rubbed off on his young nineyear-old son Joe, who spent the interview quietly writing and sipping his drink. Enthusing the younger generation with the power of words and storytelling is clearly something that has always made James tick. And for those who want to witness some of his magic he’s

appearing on November 1 at the Red Rose Chain’s Avenue Theatre in Ipswich with a show for children aged six plus, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. It’s a show, he says, which might, or might not discuss lollipop ladies, quantum chromatic disruption machines and tartan badgers. The content can also vary depending on the night and the response from the audience.

Celebrity Interview | James Campbell James, who clearly has creativity running in his veins, says, “It was at the age of seven that I decided that I wanted to be a writer but at 19 I won a playwriting competition which gave me confidence that I must have some authority. It was about that time that I went to do some voluntary work at a primary school in Cambridgeshire doing stuff like tying shoelaces and reading at story time. After a while I started making changes so we’d have stories like Goldilocks and the five bears. I also discovered the difference between reading and telling stories.”

to it. “I got work in the West End and then in the States. It was the first time I had ever been to America and I did three days in an elementary school in the Bronx just to get their sense of humour before Broadway.” It became immediately apparent that was necessary, he explained to remove any cultural references that audiences in the USA might not understand. “If an Amercian performer is in the UK and said something an audience didn’t understand they’d just move on to the next thing, but American’s want everything explained to them.”

Eventually James started making up his own stories and was fascinated to see the class responding and watch the children listen. “Through one of the teachers I was asked to do something similar at the school down the road and then word started to grow with storytelling jobs at other schools and venues.” He said that people told him what he was doing was comedy which encouraged him to have a go at standup with an act, which he describes as being, “Dave Allen for kids”. At the time no-one was doing ‘Comedy for Kids’, he says, so with a new genre of show at the Edinburgh Festival it’s maybe not surprising that his career took off.

From there he’s toured the world being much in demand in English speaking countries. From this vast experience he says that adults in no way match the children when it comes to his show – “the kids have much better attention spans than their parents.” Despite all this globe-trotting Suffolk is very much his home and that’s why he’s maintained schoolwork across the region encouraging children with literacy, to write and find their own stories – because it’s what he loves. Young people, who are perhaps not as enthusiastic about everyday classes, respond particularly well.

From here his path progressed incrementally and whenever he did something new there was an extra kick

“I encourage them to find their own stories from their own experience. They usually want to do something about whatever they are watching – stuff like

zombies and space ships. What I get them to do is something that’s real for them about their dog or their pet perhaps. Even if they don’t like reading or writing they are telling a story.” Of course amid all this James has kept on writing himself – with books based around ‘Boyface’ a stripe-monger who uses animal stripes and puts them in unusual places. He’s made audio books of his live shows, appeared on TV, at numerous literature festivals and hosted the Red House Children’s Festival for the last seven years. James has also got plans to host a special holiday writing workshop at the Museum for East Anglian Life for young people who are passionate about putting pen to paper. “When I visit schools there are always one or two children who come along with their notebooks of ideas and stories that they have already written. It would be marvellous to get all these young people together and maybe introduce them to some writers who could help them further their creative efforts. Who knows what could happen.”

INFORMATION www.redrosechain.com www.thejamescampbell.com

take a seat... The award-winning Red Rose Chain with its Avenue Theatre in Ipswich has many strings to its bow. Many people are aware of its professional activities with its renowned Theatre in the Forest performances and historical productions. However community work is also very much at the heart of Red Rose Chain and its community theatre aims to help vulnerable adults and young people with disabilities and additional needs to enjoy and take part in a sociable and creative activity. Red Rose Chain is a not-for-profit organisation and it’s thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund supported studio theatre, The Avenue, that this community work has grown and developed. However to further support its work a Seat Appeal has been launched to fund the 110 seats in the venue. Each seat costs £230 and 18 have been claimed to date. Proud sponsors so far are Emma Freud, Steve Curzon, Paddy & Sarah Bishopp, the Bell family, the Norman family,

John Newborn, Simon Commercial, Inga Lockington, Lattice Lodge, Ipswich Town & Waterfront, the Carey family, DP Agency Ltd. (timber & timber products), Rory Burrow and John & Anne Pickering. With Christmas just around the corner it’s the perfect time to think about giving in this way and if you would like to buy a seat, please contact Red Rose Chain’s Box Office – either by phone 01473 603388 or by email info@redrosechain.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

Qualit y Building ServiceS at Samuel david construction our mission is simple; to oﬀer a bespoke building service, with total satisfaction for our customer at the heart of everything we do. We’ll make a complimentary visit to your home, discuss your plans and ideas and then help and advise you every step of the way until you’re happy that our plans are right for you.

also, the team at Samuel david construction are working to create a wonderful new showroom so you can come and view some examples of their crasmanship and experience for yourself the quality and style that can become the reality of your home. e new showroom is set to open this autumn at Quayside, Woodbridge. We look forward to seeing you there!

“e service we received throughout was very professional and the attention to detail surpassed all expectations.” HHHHH

New Showroom coming soon

a complete building service from planning to completion. Our work is always completed to the highest possible standard. Whatever your project, talk to us... call 01394 766837

visit our website www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk

Spinal Problem? We have the team to help

Marc Rapkin BSc, Partner at Gilmour Piper, qualified as a physiotherapist in 1992. He has a post graduate diploma in manipulation and is a qualified acupuncturist. Marc also works and manages our physiotherpy clinic in the Needham Market Country Practice GP surgery. Uniquely, in Suffolk, under one roof our team of specialists offer the following solutions: Osteopathy s Physiotherapy s Spinal Surgery s Upper & Lower Limb Surgery s Chirpody/Podiatry s Pilates s Acupuncture & Hypnotherapy s Cognitive Behavioural Therapy s Health Screening s Diagnostic Imaging s Massage Contact us today and let your recovery begin. 10 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JP (01473) 217592 www.gilmourpiper.co.uk practice@gilmourpiper.co.uk

Excellence in musculoskeletal healthcare Glebe House Residential Retirement Home, Hollesley, Woodbridge Glebe House is a fine Victorian former rectory situated in the heart of the Suffolk Heritage Coast – offering a unique and caring environment for the care of the elderly in their retirement.

We offer: • Long term care • Early stage of dementia care • Short term care • NVQ trained dedicated staff • Respite holiday care

ENHANCE YOUR SMILE Specialist orthodontic care for all ages Call 01473 255399 to arrange a consultation

• Individual care planning • Day care • Activities & outings • Convalescent stay • Traditional home cooking

• Adults & children treated • Tooth coloured ceramic fixed braces • Invisible braces • Teeth whitening • Interest free payments • Free onsite parking Please contact us for further information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit. Glebe House Retirement Home Rectory Road, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3SJ

72 Berners Street, Ipswich IP1 3LU www.ipswich-orthodontics.co.uk 34

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t:01394 410298 www.glebehouseretirement.co.uk

Health

LOOKING INTO COSMETIC SURGERY? Having cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentation, a facelift or rhinoplasty is a big decision. In the vast majority of cases surgery can have a lasting positive change that can uniquely deliver on a physical and psychological level It's important however to understand your motivation for wanting surgery, and whether this is something surgery can achieve. There really is only one expert on your appearance and what really matters – that person is you. It is very important to get as much information regarding the considered procedure as possible – and make sure you are fully informed about the limitations and possible risks of any procedure. It is also vital that you feel completely comfortable with the surgeon who is going to treat you.

FACELIFTS Facelifts are an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure and can be an effective way to reverse signs of ageing such as sagging and certain wrinkles. There is no perfect age to undergo a facelift, as ageing is such an individual process dependent on genetics, sun exposure, smoking and other factors. Patients who are slim but have saggy skin tend to see the best results from a facelift as it is harder to achieve a significant lift where there is a lot of facial fat. A facelift is primarily to improve the appearance of the lower face, very good for dealing with the neckline, jawline and jowls; it can also improve large creases in the lower face,

such as nose to mouth lines. It is not designed to rejuvenate the eyes and brows, or to treat fine lines such as those around the mouth, and these may require separate cosmetic treatments which you should discuss with your surgeon.

gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) to tummy tucks to facelifts and nose surgery. You will receive the individual attention you need and see the same expert consultant throughout your treatment journey from the initial consultation, right through to the surgery itself and the recovery period.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE WOMEN!

For your safety and to ensure a result that you’ll be happy with, it is vital that you seek out a fully qualified, trained, experienced and insured surgeon and anaesthetist, who are both on the specialist register of the General Medical Council. All Nuffield Health surgeons and anaesthetists are on this register.

What’s interesting is that for many years cosmetic surgery has been heavily promoted and associated more with women than men. However cosmetic surgery for men is rising and there’s been a shift in attitudes towards male cosmetic enhancement. Better information, better access and more predictable results are factors contributing to the increase in men looking into cosmetic surgery. The fact that a number of male celebrities have spoken out about their own surgery has perhaps also gone some way to remove any stigma attached to the male makeover. At Nuffield Health we have been helping our patients to look and feel better for over 50 years. We are experienced in all types of cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments, from breast augmentation, reduction and

COME AND MEET OUR TEAM Find out more from our Consultant Plastic Surgeons at an open event on Thursday 19th November at 7pm. This event is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the range of cosmetic treatments available at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital, and get information on what to consider if you are thinking about treatment. Places are limited and must be booked. Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment by calling 01473 852574.

Get in touch and get on with your life If you have any questions, or would like further information on how to book a private consultation with one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeons, call us on 01473 852574 or email ipswich.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

Legal

NOVEMBER 2015

PROPOSED REFORMS TO ENCOURAGE SMALL HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Nick Marshall

The provision of badly needed additional housing, particularly in the South East and East Anglia has, in recent years, become a major concern for government and local planning authorities. This month, a new Housing and Planning Bill has been drafted which is designed to encourage suitable development in various ways. There has been a certain amount of media attention to the impact of new towns and major schemes on the green belt, and measures to stimulate development of brown-field sites. However the Bill is not just concerned with large-scale developments. For example support is proposed for those who wish to build their own home on a new site – Local Planning Authorities will be required to make provision of enough fully serviced land to meet demand for those wanting to build their own homes, and not necessarily just through the familiar in-filling process. Provision of further development land in this way is likely to benefit those concerned by making such plots more affordable. This will potentially lead to environmental benefits, helping provision of one-off green homes which are carbon neutral or even carbon positive – such homes may not be economically viable on larger developments. The design and construction of eco buildings is growing, but is still a relatively niche area and the planned changes may provide a welcome boost to the industry.

Other provisions are proposed by the Bill enable existing office premises to be changed to residential use without the need to obtain planning permission. This was introduced two years ago on a temporary basis, which expires in May 2016. The initiative has been successful, with some 4000 such conversions nationwide being allowed under a simplified and streamlined system in the 14 months to June 2015. If the Bill is enacted in the form proposed this relaxation will become permanent. There are still many under-used or redundant offices which could be given a new lease of life in this way – we have clients in Woodbridge who have been considering making this change before the cut off date next May, and if enacted this will be welcomed by them and many others. These initiatives could make a small but valuable contribution towards alleviating the housing crisis, without significant adverse environmental impact.

With offices in Woodbridge, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and London, Marshall Hatchick Solicitors focuses on providing the very best legal support and care for local people and businesses. If you have any concerns of a legal nature we are here to assist, and deal with initial enquiries on a no-obligation or cost basis. For contact details visit www.marshallhatchick.co.uk

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

www.rendallandwright.com 36

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Finance

PENSION TAX RELIEF IS REDUCING

Graham Doubtfire

are you affected? Many people are aware of the new legislation surrounding pension freedoms allowing the withdrawal of their pension savings. Probably not so many know about the changes that are coming in April 2016, which will affect individuals putting money into their pension plans. The government estimates that there will be approximately 300,000 pension savers affected, and from these changes they aim to save well over £1 billion that is presently being claimed in tax relief. So – are you one of them? The changes will apply to anyone earning over £110,000, even if their employer makes pension contributions on their behalf. Examples of individuals likely to be affected include business owners and professionals and Public Sector employees such as head teachers, senior police officers, university professors and anyone in a final salary scheme where their total annual income is £110,000 and above. The effect of the changes will mean that anyone with an income of above £110,000 can potentially be restricted to contributions of only £10,000 per annum to their pension fund at full tax relief (tax relief presently available being at 40% or in some instances as high as 60%). Equally, and perhaps less understood, is that if the employer makes pension

provision on behalf of their employees, the employee could face a personal tax liability on the provision of the pension benefit, even though they may not be able to access the funds for many years, and will pay further income tax when the pension income is taken. There will also be some additional burdens for pension schemes and employers to provide information and guidance to individuals, to update their systems to reflect the changes and in some cases to do an extra end-of-year calculation. There is however a window of opportunity between now and 5th April 2016 to capture any 40% tax relief that you may otherwise lose through these changes. Scrutton Bland are already assisting clients through these forthcoming changes, working with our Independent Financial Advisers. Our specialist tax and financial planning team can assist individuals and businesses to make the most of their existing pension funds and benefit from the generous tax reliefs still available. If you would like to discuss ways to review and improve your pensions contributions as part of a tax-efficient strategy please contact me at graham.doubtfire@scruttonbland.co.uk or on 01206 838400. Scrutton Bland Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ENTRANCE EXAMS Senior School Entrance Exams 11+, 12+,13+ Friday 29 January 2016 The Abbey Entrance Test Years 3-6 Saturday 30 January 2016

01394 615041 www.woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk admissions@woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk

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Business Profile | Wren Kitchens

Wren Kitchens is exceptionally proud to present an exclusive range of Linda Barker kitchens, which incorporates the thoughtful finishing touches you'd expect from experienced interior design specialist Linda Barker Director’. They soon began working on an exclusive kitchen collection which would provide consumers with the biggest choice of kitchen door styles and colours in the UK. And all manufactured here in the UK at Wren’s own factories in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. This Collection was a year in the making, and was launched to the UK-wide market at the end of 2013.

The collaboration began back in 2012 when Wren Kitchens donated a kitchen to a family of flood victims, which was shown on a programme that Linda was presenting. Wren started talking to Linda and it soon became clear that they shared the same values; Wren are proud to be a family-owned business, with roots in Yorkshire where Linda herself is also from. Linda admired Wren’s ambition to completely transform the UK kitchen market, and the collaboration blossomed from there, with Linda becoming Wren’s ‘Creative

There are eight door styles to explore and 40 sumptuous shades chosen exclusively by Linda herself for her Collection – each available in a gloss, eggshell or matt finish. Traditional dovetail jointing on solid oak drawer boxes reflects the level of quality: another opulent feature unique to the Linda Barker collection, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Last year Linda had her own Wren kitchen installed in her beautiful Yorkshire home. Linda wanted to make the most of her space, while creating a social environment where she could entertain her family and friends, incorporating the panoramic views through her floor-to-ceiling windows of the Yorkshire countryside. She chose the Sculptured door style with

complementary colour palette, combining Gullwing, Royal Purple and Damson to great effect. “All the internal fittings are beautifully lined in oak, which means I never worry about my cupboard doors being left open. The design maximises the space available and although no structural changes were made I feel as if I have a much bigger, more efficient kitchen with infinitely more storage space.” Linda is now heavily involved with Wren’s Kitchen Designer training at their head office, ‘The Nest’ in North Lincolnshire. At the end of the designers’ 2-week induction, Linda provides a specialist interior design session, encouraging them to experiment with colour and offering advice on everything from kitchen layouts to the latest appliances and trends. Linda has become a part of the Wren family, and she is more than just the ‘face’ of Wren, it’s a synergy that is cemented in her passion for interiors and love of the brand. INFORMATION To view the entire range and book a design appointment, visit wrenkitchens.com

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Fashion

NOVEMBER 2015

The Christmas party season is upon us and you’ll be the belle of the ball with these stunning party pieces from leading independent Suffolk retailers

oh come,let them adore you! Black jumpsuit with brocade detail £79.99 Ninni Noo Boutique

Lace and bead detail bag £25 Samphire

Body Frock green sequin dress £265 Chattertons

Last True Angel flower necklace £25, matching bracelet £28 Samphire

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Ana Alcazar dress £145 Holly Blue Boutique

Custommade Jacket (limited edition) £320 Marianna

Save the Queen black dress £159 Darcy B

Save the Queen leopard print dress £159 Darcy B

Pomodoro print top £72 Adams Apple

NEVER KNOWINGLY UNDERDRESSED NEW COLLECTIONS IN STORE NOW

share your favourite purchases using our tag

CARAMEL® 140 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk IP15 5AQ

CARAMEL® Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk IP17 1SP

01728 452141

01728 687467

www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

mariannaboutique.co.uk 33a St Peters Street, Ipswich IP1 1XF under new ownership

R A D I A N T

beauty MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Look 10 years younger WITHOUT SURGERY Gift the Gift of Rejuvenation with RADIANT BEAUTY GIFT VOUCHERS, a perfect Christmas Gift

Come and see our new shop with clothes for men and women and lashings of lovely cashmere 1 Market Hill Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LP 01394 383834 | www.homespuncashmere.com

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All treatments administered by highly qualified and experienced nurse practitioner Dr. Kathleen Walker

U UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ

Anti wrinkle injections to relax muscles and dermal fillers to soften deep lines. Mild and moderate chemical peels. Treatment for facial veins, sun damage and age spots. Micro dermabrasion. Permanent hair reduction.

Treatments offered at Radiant Beautiful Medical in Woodbridge. Nether Haugh, 6 North Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1HH t: 01394 386887 e: kathy@drkathywalker.com www.drkathywalker.com

Fashion Soaked in Luxury black pleated back blazer £85 Laura Jane Boutique Necklace and earrings £28 Maud's Attic

ChloBo Love Revolution white agate with rose quartz charm bracelet £90 Marianna

Suzie Blue necklace £23 Denny of Southwold

Lily & Me plum lace dress £46.50, Tilly & Grace black leather bag £34 Caramel Snape Maltings

Villaret bead detail black velvet dress £135 Samphire Orange pleated dress £195 Homespun

Red clutch bag £20 Adams Apple

Denny soft gold leather bag £99.95 Denny of Southwold

Ana Alcaza dress £165 Holly Blue Boutique

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

Q’Neel top £148 Q’Neel Trousers £82.50 Dante necklace £38.50 Caramel Aldeburgh

Oui off white blouse £89 Oui black trousers £99 Sence necklance £45 O&C Butcher Zeitlos top £137 Q’Neel trousers £82.50 Caramel Aldeburgh

Monari black trousers £80 Pomodoro sparkle cross over top £62 Denny of Southwold

Stunning new pieces Carefully selected modern and contemporary finishing touches that we know you’ll love for you and your home.

h eac

Made for you and your home 25 St Peters Street, Ipswich | Open: 10am - 5:30pm | Closed some Sundays and Mondays | 01473 221057

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Fashion

Dress with faux leather and chiffon sleeves £125 Holly Blue Boutique

Suzie Blue necklace in bronze and purple £27 Denny of Southwold

Body Frock sapphire blue lace dress £225, matching jacket £225 Chattertons

Kapre wool scarf shawl £59 Denny of Southwold Markus Lupfer Ice Shine trousers £295 Marianna

Black lace dress £75 Ninni Noo Boutique

Blue and green necklace £15 Adams Apple

Sargossa purple Inspire £220 Marianna

Chunky necklace £15 Adams Apple

Markus Lupfer daisy print skirt in pink and silver on navy base £299 Marianna

EssentialSUFFOLK

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FROM DENNY

Saint James Alveole scarf rouge pompom available in 12 colours £29

Gianni Conti Italian leather bag in brown £189

Dents suede gloves with touch screen technology pictured in berry, available in three colours £34

Gianni Conti leather organiser travel purse pictured in red, available in 6 colours £69.95

John Hanly mohairwool scarves in assorted colours £25 each

Mywalit leather elephant keyring in assorted colours £13.95

Dalaco novelty cufflinks wellingtons £21.50

Viyella, boxed wool cashmere scarf £49 Ashwood leather man bag £119

Denny braces £32, matching Denny bow tie £17.50

Stucco white cotton handkerchiefs, box of three £6.60, Stucco hand rolled edge cotton handkerchiefs, box of three £20

Ashwood leather wash bag £55

11 Market Place, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6EA | 01502 722372 info@dennyofsouthwold.co.uk | www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk | Open everyday Denny of Southwold

@DennySouthwold

Fashion

Black and white faces bag £30 Ninni Noo Boutique

ChloBo Love Revolution earrings £70 Marianna

Grey dress with bow detail £95 Ninni Noo Boutique

Soaked in Luxury black lace back dress £59 Laura Jane Boutique Soaked in Luxury silver lace dress £85 Laura Jane Boutique

Roccola evening shirts £58 each Denny of Southwold

Stunning statement necklace £20 Maud’s Attic

Vanert ready tied silk bow tie £21 Denny of Southwold

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Caramel 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings. T: 01728 452141 www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk Chattertons 80 High Street, Southwold & 18 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 385757 www.chattertonshop.co.uk Darcy B Market Hill Framlingham & Woodbridge. T: 01728 720052 www.darcy-b.co.uk Denny of Southwold 11 Market Place, Southwold. T: 01502 722372 www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk Essential Holly Blue Boutique 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 SUFFOLK Homespun 1 Market Hill, Woodbridge. T: 01394 383834 www.homespuncashmere.com always proud ~ to feature ~ Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Marianna 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 225666 www.mariannaboutique.co.uk Maud’s Attic 25 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 221057 RETAILERS Ninni Noo Boutique 12 Quay Street, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655 O&C Butcher 129 –131 High Street, Aldeburgh. T: 01728 452229 www.ocbutcher.co.uk Samphire Clothes & Accessories Snape Maltings. T: 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

LOCAL EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

The Seckford Spa, situated in the grounds of Seckford Hall Hotel has been extended and refurbished and is under the direction of Sarah Gregory of Flawless Image Beauty. Lesley Rawlinson reports

FLAWLESS EXPERIENCE

thought I knew Seckford Hall. The magnificent Tudor mansion on the A12 just outside Woodbridge, steeped in history it has been a renowned hotel since it was acquired by the Bunn family in the early 1950s. ‘Classic’ and ‘traditional’ were descriptions I’d have used to describe previous visits; always warm and charming experiences. However in 2012 Seckford Hall was purchased by the current private owners and has since been undergoing a series of refurbishment projects to move the business firmly into the 21st century.

sheer voiles and etched glass doors allow light to stream through. Next to the reception area the spa café has been completely revitalised too with chic new furnishings and lighting, contrasting with the exposed beams and brick, giving it a far more youthful feel. As I enjoyed a cup of fresh coffee while completing my registration form it struck me as a perfect meeting place for like-minded friends, keen to relax with a little indulgence too – after all, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the facilities.

There’s no need to panic though. There are elements that they won’t even dream of changing; who would? The historic fabric of the building – in part dating back as far as 1489 – will continue to be celebrated and echoed in the choices the new owners are making. However this has also been a great opportunity from some much needed updating of facilities and one of the phases – refurbishment of the spa – has just been completed.

Beyond the café is the heated indoor swimming pool along with spa pool, steam room and sauna. There’s also a compact gymnasium for more energetic visitors but as I had a bit of muchneeded unwinding in mind, I headed straight for the loungers in my wonderfully fluffy robe and complementary slippers. Some like a formal regime while others prefer a more fluid spa experience and the lovely reality at Seckford is that, whatever your preference, you’ll have exactly what you would like. There’s no conveyor-belt style treatment here, no need to watch the clock; you’ll be subtly and ever so gently taken care of.

In stark contrast to my memory of the spa prior to work, the overwhelming impression on arrival was one of a light, bright and contemporary space. The red-brick walls have been softened with

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The space on the upper floor has been completely redesigned and while sympathetically reflecting the ground floor styling there’s a warm, cosy and indulgent atmosphere in the three treatment rooms. Two of the rooms are doubles – perfect for a joined up spa experience for close friends or partners. According to director, Sarah Gregory, the arrangement is very popular with mothers and daughters in particular; “It’s a great way for mums to spend quality time with their daughters. Relaxing together, enjoying a treatment together, it’s so popular. We also find husbands and wives like the idea too”. There are a vast number of treatments available in the Flawless Image suite at Seckford Spa. It had been a difficult decision – but after much consideration I’d chosen to indulge in the Repose Aromatherapy Facial. With a full 75 minutes of relaxation ahead (yes – more than an hour, just for my face) a rather marvellous angel, by the name of Laura, alighted beside me at my lounger to invite me upstairs for my treatment. Now that might sound a bit over the top but I can assure you that if you spend an hour in this lady’s wondrous care you too will refer to her with celestial superlatives.

Seckford Hall Spa

Competition

Win a Half Day Spa Package & Lunch at the newly refurbished Seckford Spa, value £80!

Nestled beneath warm towels and a blanket, the lights dimmed and soft music playing the treatment started, as all apparently all of the Flawless Image facials and massages do, with an unexpected and refreshing foot cleanse. From there a few deep inhalations of essential oils and I could already feel the weight of daily life easing its hold. The series of facial cleansing and massaging that followed was just sublime. Every pore of my face felt purified. Thereafter an eye massage, scalp massage, exfoliation treatment – I’d selected the Breakfast Smoothie, a less abrasive option to suit my sensitive skin – and all interspersed with rounds of hot towels enveloping and then wiping away the deliciously scented products. Once well and truly cleansed a ‘Be Calm’ mask – again one selected specifically for my skin type – was applied and while it worked its wonder my arms and hands were meticulously massaged. I don’t think I’d realised just how much tension can be stored in ones arms and hands until Laura carefully manipulated each carpal and metacarpal into a state of relaxation.

applied I think I’d have been easing out the zeds for the rest of my allotted time. ‘Windows of the Soul’ eye cream, ‘Be Clear’ serum and ‘Exalt’ neck cream completed the moisturising phase and then we finished with more of the ‘Breath of Life’ inhalations. With no rush to exit I remained horizontal for a wee while, enjoying the total feeling of wellbeing that was flooding through me.

THE PRIZE You’ll arrive at 10.30am and enjoy a half day of bliss, including tea and coffee. Choose from a Power Breakfast Facial or Media Vespers Back Massage followed by an OPI Manicure or Pedicure with gel varnish. Your treat will also include an allocation of £13.50 for lunch in the spa café. TO ENTER For your chance to win answer this question:

Which treatment did our reporter experience? Email your answer along with your name, address and phone number to: competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk Or send a postcard to: Seckford Hall Spa Competition, Achieve More Media 25 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave Suffolk, IP5 2EP.

Upright, back in my robe and with my soul fully nourished it was time for some sustenance for the rest of the body and a bite of lunch. There are the expected healthy choices such as salads and a range of filled Paninis but the spa café menu also includes a cake of the day, cream tea or full afternoon tea – complete with a glass of fizz if you fancy – so it’s entirely up to you which option best suits your mood. Next time I think I might book the Ultimate Spa package and lunch and start the pampering with a glass of Prosecco!

The closing date for entries to be received is Monday 30th November 2015. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries received by the closing date.

I almost dozed off at this point. In fact if it hadn’t been for the contrastingly refreshing zing of the toner being

INFORMATION Seckford Hall & Flawless Image at Seckford Spa, Great Bealings Woodbridge IP13 6NU 01394 385606 | spa@seckford.co.uk www.seckford.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS The prize must be taken before the end of March 2016 and is subject to availability. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted by Seckford Hall & Spa.

@SeckfordHall

Seckford Hall Hotel and

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy This month Darcy visits Hasketon getting a sneak preview of The Turks Head which re-opens in November

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

To Boulge Church 8 7

Whitehouse Farm

Rose Cottage 6

5 Oaktree Farm

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Ro a d

Fir Tree Cottages

Kennel Farm

A thriving village pub is high on many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list when moving to a new country home so the re-opening this month of The Turks Head, after its extensive refurbishment, is being eagerly awaited. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more the new owners, keen to establish their dog friendly credentials, invited Darcy to devise a Hasketon walk that starts and ends at the pub and the result lead us into some truly beautiful countryside. The walk is very varied combining field paths, quiet roads, woodland and magnificent open vistas before heading back into the village via the very pretty St Andrews church. All stiles encountered on the route are dog friendly with gaps for your pooch to walk through rather than having to climb. We would however advise good boots/shoes as the longer grass in parts could leave you with soggy feet! For those wanting a slightly longer outing there is the opportunity to walk up to (and back from) Boulge church turning left at point eight rather than right. It would add approximately a further 30 minutes but is a pleasant diversion as you approach Boulge Park.

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Grove Cottage

Gull Farm

10 PH

Home Farm

HASKETON

12 11

14 13

THE WALK Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles Time: Approx.1hour 15 minutes Terrain: Varied. Paths, quiet country lanes, tracks, field edges, woodland. Some dog friendly stiles Stops: The Turks Head Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 Start Point OS reference: 247 507 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route. 1. From the pub turn left and walk up the road for approx. 110 yds until you reach the footpath (FP) sign. 2. Turn left and follow path passing by/through two metal gates. 3. At the wooden gate with the yellow FP marker turn right and walk up the track. 4. When you reach the road cross straight over and walk beside the hedge for approx. 275yds until you reach a gap.Turn right over the wooden bridge and then immediately left.The path enters a wooded area and emerges by a wooden fence. Follow the path to the left and then the right and back through some trees until you meet a stile. 5. Cross the stile and turn right waking along the road for approx.140yds. 6. At the FP sign turn left and then immediately left. Follow the path until you meet and cross two stiles. 7. After the second stile cross the wooden bridge and turn right walking beside the trees on the right for approx. 550 yds after which you will come to a track on your right. (This track can easily be missed. If you find yourself heading left with a clear path ahead of you through the centre of a meadow you have gone too far. ) 8. Turn right onto the track and then right onto the road passing Red Lodge. After approx. 5 minutes you will pass a turning on your right. Keep left passing Highfield House and continue for a further approx. 5 minutes until you reach a grass triangle ‘junction’ on your left. (There is a log with Kennel Farm written on it). 9. At the triangle turn left and continue until you meet an FP sign. At the sign turn right and follow the track. As you emerge from the trees continue straight ahead keeping to the right of the field and to the metal gate ahead. 10. Go through the metal gate and turn immediately right and then through the next metal gate. Continue straight ahead down a concrete track until you meet the road. 11. At the road turn right and walk for approx. 70 yds until you meet an FP sign on the left. 12. Turn left at FP sign follow the path until you meet a path on your right where you will see the church directly ahead of you. 13. At the path turn right and walk towards the church. Go down the wooden steps turn right and then almost immediately left and continue through the church yard. 14. Exit the church yard by the lych gate and turn right walking up the road (approx. 75 yds) until you meet the junction. 15. At the junction turn left and after approx. 140 yds turn left in to Top Road returning to the Turks Head which is ahead of you to the right.

OPENING 4 NOVEMBER 2015 Sunday to Thursday, 10am –11pm Friday to Saturday, 10am – 12 midnight

GREAT FOOD GREAT BEER AND FABULOUS WINES DOGS MUDDY BOOTS AND MUDDY CHILDREN WELCOME

The Turks Head Low Road, Hasketon Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG 01394 610343 info@theturksheadhasketon.co.uk www.theturksheadhasketon.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

Adrian Rawlinson visits The Westleton Crown and speaks to head chef James Finch

AN INN FOR ALL SEASONS S

eptember and October have been very kind to us with regard to the weather – an Indian summer some may say – so it was quite ironic that on the evening we headed to Westleton autumn arrived with a vengeance. As we drove up the A12 my windscreen wipers were doing ten to the dozen, leaves were blowing across the road and a deep almost impenetrable darkness had descended, putting an instant end to last vestiges of the warm late summer evening light we had been enjoying just days earlier. The irony is that this always seems to happen when we head to The Westleton Crown to sample their autumn menu, it was also perfect because I knew that I would be greeted with an open fire and a relaxed cosiness that The Crown slips effortlessly into as the seasons change. I wasn’t disappointed.

Finch, and see what he is planning to bring to The Westleton Crown. Regular readers of Essential Suffolk will be familiar with James’ name, and hopefully his cooking, as he has spent the last four years at the award winning Sibton White Horse. However his move back to The Crown, earlier this year was really a home coming for him as he had previously spent, he tells us, “a very enjoyable six and a half years” there working up from a commis chef to sous chef. James describes his cooking as “traditional, where quality local ingredients are always at the front of the queue “however traditional doesn’t mean that James doesn’t love to innovate – he does – and again describes his food as “classic flavours with a modern influence”. Regular visitors to The Crown needn’t worry though as James is not planning a revolution. He told us “The Crown has an excellent reputation and I aim to build on that. I am fortunate to have built great relationships with local suppliers and, because in returning to The Crown I have only moved a few miles, I am able to retain those relationships”.

The Westleton Crown is a favoured destination for the Rawlinson household throughout the year. In the summer the garden room opens to the courtyard creating a truly special space to enjoy dining, and the terraced garden beyond creates an ever changing but tranquil spot to relax whatever the season. Autumn and winter however, as I know I have shared before, is my favourite time to visit, dine or even stay at this particular venue. It is a place that invites you to hunker down. The reason for our visit on this occasion was to meet up with head chef James

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James sees his relationship with suppliers as key as his menus and in particular specials will be driven in a great part by the local ingredients that they can supply. James explained “the menu will change quite regularly and will reflect the season but I’m not into having a set four or five menus a year, I think a fluid menu that can change whenever something unexpected or extra special comes in is the way forward. Specials, especially in the case of fish, really are determined by what is in the back of the van on the day, using Simpers to do this works really well.

Normally on the specials menu I will look to offer two starters, two to three mains and a dessert, but this is not cast in stone – flexibility to offer the best for our diners is key. I am passionate about Suffolk food and am really looking forward to sharing that enthusiasm with visitors to The Westleton Crown”. As I wanted to take some photographs of our dishes on this visit we chose not to sit in the main garden room dining area but instead in the ‘parlour’ beyond the main bar area. That, again, is one of the things that I like about The Crown with three distinct – and different – areas to dine the experience can change depending on where you sit. Always relaxed but you can feel comfortable whether arriving straight from a bracing dog walk or ready for an elegant more ‘formal’ meal. The menu, as James had promised, was very recognisable and packed with local ingredients. For our starters we opted for one from the specials menu – a homemade Scotch egg with pear and celeriac slaw and honey mustard dressing, and one from the main menu – crab linguini, spring onion, lemon and crème fraîche. Both dishes were excellent however the choice wasn’t easy as the roast garlic king prawns, slow cooked pork shoulder terrine and vodka curd gravlax were all options that nearly made the cut. My wife often plays the ‘answer in a sealed envelope’ game with me as she is very good at guessing what I am likely to favour on a menu. I don’t like to think it is about being predictable or set in my ways but instead an appreciation of great ingredients and taking advantage of them when the opportunity arises. Whatever the reason she was spot on once again as no other option stood a

Dining Review | The Westleton Crown chance once I spotted the roasted tenderloin and slow cooked cheek of Blythburgh pork, fondant potato, celeriac purée, savoy cabbage and Aspall Cyder jus. Lesley took longer to ponder. Grilled fillet of sea bass and honey glazed pork sausages were the specials offering, Adnams Ghost Ship battered fish and chips was sorely tempting as was the confit duck leg, oven baked salmon fillet and wild mushroom and tarragon risotto however in the end she enthusiastically opted for the fillet of gilt head bream with sauté chorizo, potato, green beans, spinach and herb oil. The combination of ingredients and flavours in both dishes was perfect. The succulence and intense pork flavour of the slow cooked cheek will linger long in my memory and I actually found myself mopping the last delicious pools of the cyder jus with a piece of bread such was my reluctance to waste a drop – I know you can’t take me anywhere… The bream was equally well received. Flavoursome fish and chorizo is a match made in heaven and when combined with perfectly cooked green beans it is a dish that will rarely disappoint. As I was nominated driver for the evening I wasn’t drinking however Lesley, guided by our waiter enjoyed a glass of Gavi with her fish. Again a great combination. For dessert she chose the excellent cheese selection made up of Norfolk Mardler, Wild Garlic Yarg, Binham Blue and Copy’s Cloud and I went for the sticky toffee pudding, with caramelised bananas, candied peanuts, toffee sauce and banana ice cream which was without question the best version I have ever eaten. The sponge was light, the candied nuts a revelation and toffee sauce delicious. It may have taken me over my sugar ‘allowance’ for the whole year but it was worth it! In all we couldn’t have been happier with our visit. While constantly developing and evolving The Westleton Crown has a consistency that will keep us coming back. INFORMATION The Westleton Crown The Street, Westleton, Suffolk IP17 3AD 01728 648777 www.westletoncrown.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

naughty BUT NICE! This wonderfully indulgent cheesecake from Snape Maltings head chef Daniel Bunce is the perfect dinner party dessert, just in time for the festive season

essentialsuffolk.com

Chef’s Recipe | Café 1885 at Snape Maltings

The team at Snape Maltings are really pleased to welcome Daniel Bunce to the role of Head Chef in Café 1885. Dan worked in London for many years, before deciding that the countryside would be a desirable option so he moved to Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. He spent six years in the Cotswolds gaining many awards and then the opportunity to work at Snape Maltings arrived. Daniel enjoys creating menus that make the most of the wonderful array of meat, fruit and vegetables here in Suffolk throughout the year. He likes a challenge so not only does he provide the lovely range of dishes for Café 1885 but also a choice of soups for the Granary Teashop too.

White chocolate and vanilla cheesecake with raspberry coulis INGREDIENTS Serves 10 – 12 For the cheesecake: 200g oatcake biscuits 85g melted butter 450g melted white chocolate 280ml double cream 400g full fat soft cheese 4 medium eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence For the raspberry coulis: 800g raspberries 3 tbsp icing sugar Juice of one lemon Optional: Extra thick double cream and mint for the topping Icing sugar to dust

METHOD FOR THE CHEESECAKE: 1. Heat the oven to 190°C (180°C fan) and line an 8 inch spring-form tin with baking parchment. Whizz the biscuits in a food processor and add the melted butter. Mix together and then tip the mixture into the tin. Press down making sure the base is completely covered. 2. Blend the cream cheese, eggs and vanilla essence together with the melted chocolate and cream until smooth. Pour into the tin and give a gentle shake to make sure that any air bubbles are removed. Bake for 45 – 60 minutes. Once cooked leave to cool then refrigerate overnight.

METHOD FOR THE RASPBERRY COULIS: 1. Put all of the ingredients into a frying pan and heat until the raspberries start to break down. Transfer to a food blender and whizz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove all the pips. Set aside until ready and either add to the plate or serve in a small jug. 2. Decorate the cheesecake with a spoonful of extra thick double cream and a sprig of mint.

Situated in the heart of the award-winning Snape Maltings, Cafe 1885 serves a fresh seasonal menu throughout the year. come and enjoy the relaxed, contemporary atmosphere within the victorian Maltings where our team of chefs prepare brunch, lunch and aernoon tea using the very best of Suﬀolk ingredients. treat yourself and a friend to our traditional aernoon tea, our three tier cake stand is brimming with handmade pastries, scrumptious scones with local jam and a selection of tasty finger sandwiches, a choice of blended teas served in a silver antique teapot. Whilst at the Maltings enjoy wandering around our collection of shops and galleries.

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am, Sunday from 10.30am. café 1885 Snape Maltings Snape, nr aldeburgh iP17 1Sr. telephone: 01728 688303

www.snapemaltings.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

The Maybush

Arlingtons

The Angel

The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. See our website for details.

Buzzing brasserie style restaurant with café bar set within the building converted from Arlingtons Ballroom. The perfect venue to catch up with friends, celebrate special occasions or talk business; taking advantage of free WiFi, air-printing and charging sockets at gallery tables. French style menu served in typical informal Brasserie manner offering a large selection of freshly prepared Suffolk reared meat dishes and vegetarian choices, plus fish and shellfish from sustainable sources. Takeaway deli, breakfast from 8am, light meals and homemade cakes throughout the day.

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

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

Open: Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm to close. Open all day at weekends Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1HE

Theatre Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4NE (Just off the Market Hill)

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

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

01394 383808 mail@theangelwoodbridge.co.uk www.theangelwoodbridge.co.uk

The Fountain

Sibton White Horse

Ufford Park

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. Book now for Christmas menu from November 30. All Christmas menus now available on our website.

A 16th century unspoilt destination inn set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. A memorable experience is waiting at The Good Pub Guide’s Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year 2016.’ Relax with a pint of local cask beer or a glass of wine beside the log burner and absorb the atmosphere and charm of such a wonderful building. Indulge in our delicious thoughtfully crafted menu. Built upon local, seasonal ingredients we offer an easy and unpretentious service, grounded in the tradition of the English inn.

Open every day, The Park Restaurant provides a choice of three-course meals. We offer a relaxed atmosphere and have a seasonally-changing menu. Our new Autumn Afternoon Tea will be available from the end of October and is priced at £14.95 per person. You can enjoy Sunday lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly – Sunday 8th November being our ‘Jazz Sunday’ with local saxophonist playing from 12pm until 2pm. All party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non–members welcome.

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

The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT

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

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

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

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

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

essentialsuffolk.com

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Food Gallery

The Turks Head

The Froize

The Peacock Inn

Following major refurbishment, The Turks Head has reopened. We serve local ales, fantastic wines by the glass & bottle and above all delicious food. Using the best local suppliers sourcing the freshest ingredients, the menus range from a quick bar snack to beautifully executed meals, reflecting seasonal changes ensuring the finest local produce is always on the menu. We look forward to welcoming you to The Turks Head.

David Grimwood’s lovely Freehouse Restaurant The Froize, is all about the food and the people who eat it! Top quality, seasonal fresh food, sourced locally, cooked with love and passion and served with a smile! Christmas is approaching and at this special time of year the Froize welcomes you to celebrate with them and taste the magical yuletide food from their party menu! Decked with an enormous Christmas tree, flickering fires, mistletoe and holly, you can enjoy the festive frivolities and the warm hospitality for just £25 pp!

Situated opposite the picturesque bridge in the village of Chelsworth, The Peacock is a traditional half-timbered 14th century Inn, with cosy log fires and three rosette silver accommodation. Perfectly positioned for touring, walking and cycling in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Offering a selection of real ales and seasonal homemade food. Try our Sunday roast in a relaxed atmosphere, bookings advisable, dogs welcome.

Open: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 11pm, Friday to Saturday 10am to 12 midnight

Open: Lunch every day except Monday and for supper on Friday and Saturday. Booking advised

Open: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. Sunday, 12pm to 6pm (Food served 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm daily)

Chillesford, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3PU

37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU

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

01394 450282 dine@thefrozie.co.uk www.froize.co.uk

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

The Middleton Bell

Fynn Valley

The Swan Inn

Set in the beautiful village of Middleton the award winning Value Pub of the Year 2012 Bell Inn offers top quality food using the best local produce at prices that ensure you will want to return again and again. Dine in the garden, traditional bar area or the beamed restaurant and enjoy home cooked food and ales directly from the cask. The Bell is the perfect venue to meet friends and family.

Open to everyone, not just golfers, this is the place you bring your family and friends for a wide range of tempting meals prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy a home made bar meal or daily special in the cosy Courtyard Bar, utilising great local produce. Al fresco dining in the sheltered Courtyard is a popular option. Sunday Lunches are served in The Terrace overlooking the golf course, all freshly roasted on the day and children eat free! The spacious Valley Room is perfect for large family celebrations. Full details of our menus and offers can be found on our website.

The Swan is a beautiful thatched pub serving quality food always offering a great selection of regional cask ales coupled with quality ‘new world’ wines. Acquired by family-owned pub group Exclusive Inns in March 2014, it has undergone a sympathetic refurbishment, transforming it into a modern village pub with a relaxing bar area and a warm and welcoming restaurant overlooking the village green. On the menu you’ll find classic dishes served with a modern edge.

Open: Open every lunchtime and Tuesday – Saturday evenings.

Open: Every day for lunch and dinner including Bank Holidays and may also be hired exclusively for your private occasion.

Low Road, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 6JG

Open: Bar: Monday 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Friday – Lunch, 12 noon to 3pm, Evening, 6pm to 11pm, Saturday: 12 noon – midnight. Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm Food served Tuesday – Sunday Booking advisable please call for details The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN 01728 648286

Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA

The Street, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk, IP7 7AU.

01473 785202 restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

01449 763163 info@swaninnmonkseleigh.co.uk www.swaninnmonkseleigh.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

Shocking pink steer head (65 x 75 x 43cm) £148 House In Town

Large dial black clock £115 House & Garden

Electric blue hanging moose head (80 x 61 x 42cm) £165 House In Town

WALL to WALL CHARACTER Complete your scheme, create focus or turn heads with these classic, contemporary and quirky decorative homes accessories from leading local independent retailers

Bronze effect skull table decoration £30 House In Town

Clifton clock available in two sizes from £52 Barretts of Woodbridge 58

essentialsuffolk.com

Haitian wall art Birds in Tree £50 House & Garden

Large silver stag head £85 House In Town

Silver flying pig £37 House In Town

Lime green multi-dial clock (available in red, light blue, yellow, orange and black) £78 Merchant House Interiors

Homes & Interiors

Umbrella stand (88cm tall) £48 Maud’s Attic

Large red lips mosaic wall decoration £358 House In Town

Carnival lights available in a variety of styles including an arrow, A to Z letters, stars and hearts, £55 each Happiness Store

Meath links round mirror £110 House & Garden

Prosecco candle from Vineyard Candles £19.50 Happiness Store

Ornamental Dacshund (20cm x 12cm) £16 Maud’s Attic

Oriental style jewellery box £85 Maud’s Attic

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015 Golden Light picture £175 Happiness Store

50's Electric Wall Clock available in a variety of colours £65 House & Garden

Sandpiper ceramic jug large £19.50, small £12 Barretts of Woodbridge

Blyton pillar candles (mist shown – also available in calico, juniper and mahogany) from £6, Highbury candlesticks from £22 Neptune

essentialsuffolk.com

Fish ceramic jug, small £12, large £21.50, Rope door stop £13.50 Barretts of Woodbridge

Suthfield artichoke stem from £9, Hanley candlestick from £25, Corinium medium jug £10 Neptune

Now open in Ipswich Britain’s fastest growing

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50% OFF FABULOUS CARPETS

CARPETS • VINYL • LAMINATE • LUXURY VINYL Futura Retail Park Ipswich IP3 9SR Tel: 01473 351670 tapi.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2015

Wooden Portman Road sign (15 x 112 x 2.5cm) £40 House In Town

Rose Gold Alarm clock £35 Barretts of Woodbridge

Baroque picture frame £20 Maud’s Attic

Red apple core table decoration 56 x 30cm (also available in green) £78 Merchant House Interiors

• Large kitchen and bathroom showroom

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS

• Villeroy & Boch, Matki Aqata & Hans Grohe

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

• German kitchen furniture, Corian & Neff • Full installation service • Free design

01394 386390 www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

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

essentialsuffolk.com

Homes & Interiors

Octopus three section server £70 Merchant House Interiors

Octopus marble cheeseboard with knife £48 Merchant House Interiors

Large decorative leopard £48 Maud’s Attic

Black bear side table £120 House In Town

Barretts of Woodbridge Christmas has come to Barretts Come and see our extensive Christmas range, including tree and room decorations, wreaths & garlands, gifts, stockings, church and scented candles, tree fairies, Christmas ornaments & lights, Advent Calendars, Christmas tableware and crackers, and the ever popular German Musical Snow Globes!

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

Illumens room fragrance reed diffusers £22.50 each House & Garden

Snape Maltings fragranced candles £12.50 each House & Garden

Alderney medium vase £50, Charlton large vase £80, Newington large vase £57, willow twig £9, lilac stem £12 Neptune

Whatever your flooring need Suffolk Carpet Weavers can help you

With over 60 years of professionalism and expertise in carpet making and fitting we can transform your home using quality carpets and flooring. We have hundreds of colours, weights and patterns to choose from including a bespoke service. Looking for something original? We can create whatever you want, wherever you want and in whatever quality you require. We have a library of pictures of bespoke carpets we have created for our customers and will be happy to show you. Hard flooring? Not a problem. We offer beautiful vinyl flooring, stunning designs in wood and stone finishes and a full preparation service available.

Workshop services and rug cleaning If you need a carpet binding, want to turn your waste into a beautiful rug or bring a loved rug back to a ‘just new’ finish we can help. Free carpet cleaning on new carpets* Just like your garments carpets need cleaning to keep the colours and pile vibrant. To help you achieve the very best from your new purchase until the end of November you will receive, totally free of charge, our service clean 12 months after installation of your beautiful new carpet. * On wool carpets over £25psqm. Minimum purchase £500.

East Anglia’s only complete flooring company bringing you the best value & service guaranteed.

Suffolk Carpet Weavers Unit 5 Bridge Business Park,Top Street Martlesham IP12 4RB

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Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Saturdays 9am – 1pm (excluding bank holidays)

01394 610202 www.suffolkcarpetweavers.com

Homes & Interiors

Badminton prints £68, Veeto prints £125, Organic architecture prints £58 Neptune

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Homes & Interiors

NOVEMBER 2015

White-wash round paned mirror £250 House & Garden

Pimlico clock £52 Barretts of Woodbridge Grey carved top mirror £175 House & Garden Essential SUFFOLK

STOCKISTS

always proud ~ to feature ~

Barretts of Woodbridge 40 – 42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384300 www.barretts.co.uk Happiness Store 6a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 548815 RETAILERS House & Garden Snape Maltings, Snape, Nr Aldeburgh. T: 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Maud’s Attic 25 St Peters Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 221057 Merchant House Interiors 27 – 29 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 221054 Neptune Design Centre Ltd Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds. T: 01284 731025 www.neptuneburystedmunds.com and London Road, Colchester. T: 01206 212650 www.neptunecolchester.com The House in Town 23 St Peters Street, Ipswich. T: 01473 211145 / 07867 544653 www.houseintown.co.uk

LOCAL

Home Interiors with WOW! A stunning collection of furnishings and home accessories for every room

Lime green multi-dial clock (also available in red, light blue, yellow, orange and black)

£78

Set of 10 stag shot glasses in presentation box

£154

Octopus three section server

Set of four wine glasses

£70

£32 Poison pewter tumbler

Red apple core table decoration 56x30cm (also available in green)

£24

£78

MERCHANT HOUSE INTERIORS 27 – 29 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. 01473 221054. Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

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Antiques & Auctions

DO YOU KNOW YOUR INRO FROM YOUR NETSUKE? It almost certainly goes without saying that anyone could possibly imagine this columnist writing about items associated with fashion. Sartorial elegance is not one of my strong points, not that I have too many of those either I hear you say! Well, let us take a journey to the Orient and Japan in particular where flamboyant, beautifully decorated, embroidered brocade becomes transformed into a lavish kimono, rich in style and dazzling colour. But this wonderful garment has one or two issues as far as wear ability is concerned. Essentially it lacks any form of closure to avoid one of those Marilyn moments. No buttons, no fastenings, just a loose garment ready to reveal all. Step forward the fashionista police to ensure no acts of overexposure. The result was a broad and rather long sash, used to some extent like a dressing gown

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cord or fabric belt from which delicate items could be suspended. With no pockets in a kimono it lacked any form of storage or carrying capabilities and so the sash might support articles such as a vessel to carry snuff, possibly some form of purse and for those needing their nicotine fix it was quite likely that a tobacco pouch would adorn the sash. But how about something to contain the all-important medicinal items, your seal or even some soothing selection of herbs of an aromatic nature?

rounded rectangular form, the shape and smoothness designed to avoid abrading the material of the kimono. The netsuke was the wonderful adornment found at the top and bottom of the cords running through the inro and which were looped around the sash. The netsuke, often carved as mythological characters, figures or animals including those from the signs of the zodiac, have two distinctive holes for the cords as well as a groove or channel which is in the shape of a V.

This is where the inro came in for this was, usually, a beautifully decorated shallow box or container made of interlocking layers through which ran cords to keep the sections together. Often lacquered and beautifully decorated with landscapes or exotic birds, these objects were usually of

Netsuke too usually have a smooth finish and a back which is flattened, again the prevent damage to the fabric of the kimono. The quality of the piece was determined, not only by the skill and imagination of the carver, but also the quality of the ivory from which they are formed.

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EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

ART in the GARDEN Classical garden designers have long used art to enhance their work. Catharine Howard went looking for sculpture that fits the modern-day outdoor space

Gardening But this is not normally how it works. Richardson is famous round Ipswich for installations but the brief is normally extremely tight. Art in the public domain comes with many strictures and the inevitable committee mulling and changing of ideas. Go and have a look at 52 degrees North at the old Ravenswood airfield, redeveloped for domestic housing as Latitude Park. Paul’s tendency for humour – the perfect medium for conveying the serious – was reined in here. Pegasus has wings inscribed with the relevant (and sometimes very obscure) names of towns round the globe on the appropriate latitude.

recently spent a week in a quest for site specific art. I have long been a fan of Richard Long and what I was looking for was his sort of art, set lightly in the appropriate site. He takes long walks in remote and wild landscapes and makes sculptures, often in lines or circles from the materials that surround him; rocks, stones and wood. They are his intervention in the emptiness and are photographed and left to moulder back into the elements.

energy – a passion for movement that I share in plant varieties – such as the tall shivering heads of Stipa gigantea in summer months or Molinia caerulea ‘Sky Racer’ under black winter skies. Cary’s degree art show included an installation of coiled copper curls, spiked on bamboo canes in the tidal mud of the Stour estuary. Exposed and trembling at low water, garnering tresses of seaweed and then submerged on the tide’s turn.

This relationship with the specific place can also be seen with Gormley’s Angel of the North or Hambling’s Shell on the beach at Aldeburgh. A rush of naivety swept over me. I regularly drive past Paul Richardson’s fly swatting policeman on the public lavatories in Ipswich. I also remember his life size cowboy and Indian at Manningtree Station and assumed he had put them there because he wanted to. It turns out to be not quite like that. So, I called on three Suffolk artists and along the way picked up a further clutch of sculptors, installation artists, their websites and a cascade of thoughtprovoking philosophies. The curb of time and place gives a further Grail to follow at a later date – I feel a book on Suffolk artists coming upon me. Another day, perhaps. Meanwhile, my three. First up Cary Norman who lectures in art and design at Suffolk New College, Ipswich. She works in metal and has a love of the different weather effects – snow, frost, sharp sunlight on copper, corten steel (that type that rusts up blood red) and steel coils. Her interest is in kinetic

Next, Middleton village to see Paul and Catherine Richardson. Swatted flies on lavatory buildings apart, Paul’s work Icarus stands on a mound in a field at Little Glemham. Icarus’s owner is a friend. “How did it come about?” I asked. “Well, he was really meant to be St Francis, in socks and sandals with hand raised in benediction” added Paul. The mound and backdrop of grazed fields and woodland beyond had Paul proposing Icarus as the man in keeping with the site. A true collaboration between patron and creator.

Last port of call, James Maberly; animal artist extraordinaire. Raised in Africa, he has an affinity with wildlife. A glance at his portfolio shows an observation of skeleton, form and mood. Fighting horses, an elephant on the stampede, a wildebeest in flight – so real that the observer gets a feel for the emotions of each beast in the moment captured. As for site specific commissions, James gave a recent example of a doe commissioned for a Wiltshire garden. He visited, absorbed the feel of the site and sculpted the animal shy and ready for flight as would be the case for a doe without a herd. It became obvious that commissions, unfettered by public tender do not fall off trees very readily. Customers for garden art are conservative, shy to spend and much more inclined to choose an object that has function – obelisks, gazebos, gates. This is puzzling. Any visitor to the Chelsea Flower Show is exposed to objects in the worst possible taste with hefty price tags. Giant snails, dinosaurs, even a life-size skeleton dragging a garden roller. These sell but are not art. If I had a large garden, it would be my dream to call in a local artist and ask them to feel, breath and absorb the site and come up with a proposal of something unique to place there.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a designer, writer, gardening coach with many years experience. For a consultation contact her at www.thegardeningcoach.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

Energy

NOVEMBER 2015

WHY SOLAR ENERGY STILL MAKES SENSE Solar PV continues to be in the news, with some positive headlines and some less so. The cold calling has become a nuisance for many and the proposed reduction in the government Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments is of concern to some.

Linda Grave

This comes into its own to keep appliances running during power cuts, or to use at night to supplement electricity usage.

However, there is still a very positive story to tell. The good news is the impending launch of battery backup systems – absolutely ideal for those of us in the countryside used to regular winter power cuts. Tesla has already launched their battery storage system and many Solar PV companies have systems ready to launch in 2016. If you installed a Solar PV system and are considering adding battery storage, check that the inverter will be compatible – most modern inverters are. Then, once storage systems become available, these can be added with ease and minimum disruption. Battery storage systems are small and compact, mainly 7kWh or 10kWh. These are not designed to enable one to live ‘off-grid’, but to ensure that there is always some backup available.

If you already have an electric car, or may go down this route, then installing Solar PV along with a storage system will not only keep your car charging costs down, but will also ensure your car will be charged by the sun and running on very ‘green’ energy. Another means of storage is to install a ‘switching device’ such as an Immersun, which diverts excess electricity to your hot water cylinder, heating the water via the immersion element. This makes significant savings to energy bills. Whether the proposed FiT rate cuts in January are large or small, Solar PV is still a good option especially for those with high electricity usage. Adding storage systems, switching devices or electric cars then only enhances this. Energy savings and the related reduction in CO2 output will always be there and should be our ultimate aim when considering Solar energy.

If you would like more information on Solar PV or Biomass for your home, farm or business East Green Energy offer free non obligatory site surveys. Please visit our website www.eastgreenenergy.co.uk or call our offices on 01394 380557 and we will be happy to help you.

Enduringly beautiful windows and doors Keep your home warm and cosy this winter whilst still retaining its character and charm with our beautiful timber windows and doors. Sympathetically designed to enhance the architectural integrity and value of your home. Discover our exciting product range at our stunning showrooms. We look forward to meeting you.

www.burgess-group.com SHOWROOMS Woodbridge Notcutts Garden Centre, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AF. 01394 386666

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

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

Property

Essential

PROPERTY 72 73 75 77 78 81 82 84

Clarke & Simpson Jackson-Stops & Staff Jennie Jones Fenn Wright Gipping Homes Castle Estates Savills Best Estates

74 Orford

76 Broke Hall Park

80 Yoxford EssentialSUFFOLK

Campsea Ashe, Nr Wickham Market £835,000

Brundish, Nr Framlingham £750,000

An impressive, standalone, modern house comprising 5 bedrooms, built in a period style, offering over 3,000 sq ft of accommodation & situated in a rural yet convenient position. 4 bay garage with mezzanine store above. Lawned garden with meadow area, mature trees & hedgerows with grounds extending to 2 acres. EPC = D Ref: 5406

A beautifully renovated 17th century former farmhouse with impressive contemporary extension & traditional Suffolk barn, situated in a delightful rural location with outbuildings & grounds extending to over 2 acres. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, lobby area, utility room & cloakroom. 5 bedrooms, bathroom & separate shower room. EPC = C Ref: 5372

Easton, Nr Framlingham £725,000

Otley, North of Ipswich £725,000

A highly attractive farmhouse offering spacious accommodation & beautiful gardens extending to over three quarters of an acre. 4 reception rooms, sunroom, kitchen, utility room, boot room & cloakroom. 3 first floor bedrooms, dressing room, bathroom & shower room. 2 attic bedrooms, study & cloakroom. Outbuildings & double garage with superb wine cellar. Ref: 5341

A spacious 5 bedroom house set in grounds of over 1½ acres, which includes a copse & pretty gardens. Hallway, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room & cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. 4 further bedrooms & bathroom. Enclosed swimming pool. Gym/games room. Workshop & garaging. EPC = E Ref: 5323

Clopton £465,000

Bruisyard £465,000

Saxtead £445,000

Southwold £425,000

An extremely well maintained, detached house with 4 double bedrooms & views over farmland at the rear. Ample parking, 2 bay cart lodge & good-sized gardens on a plot of approximately 0.18 acres. EPC = D Ref: 5407

A spacious 3/4 bedroom family home situated in a wonderful rural setting with amazing views to the front over the Alde Valley. Single detached garage & ample parking. Large gardens to front & rear. EPC = E Ref: 5361

A 4 bedroom house with lovely gardens of approximately 0.35 acres, enjoying superb views over Saxtead Green towards the old Post Mill. Excellent outbuildings including double garage & 29’ workshop. EPC = C Ref: 5056

An exclusive contemporary development of just three 2 bedroom properties with courtyard style gardens & car parking, located in the very heart of Southwold, just a short distance from the sea. Ref: 5342

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

jackson-stops.co.uk

Monks Eleigh A beautifully presented historic village house understood to date from the 15th Century, with exceptional gardens & extensive frontage to the River Brett. 4 reception rooms. Neptune kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms. 5 bath/shower rooms. Roof terrace. Office building comprising games room, office, store & garaging. Tennis court. In all about 5.3 acres.

Guide ÂŁ1,350,000

Middleton A traditional Suffolk farmhouse, with an artistic charm, set within delightful part wooded grounds, close to Minsmere bird reserve. Large gallery/sitting room. 2 further reception rooms. AGA kitchen. 5 bedrooms. 2 bath/shower rooms. Mature gardens. Open meadow & mixed woodland belt. Pillbox. In all about 2.85 acres. EPC = F

Guide ÂŁ725,000

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

People Property Places

NOVEMBER 2015

MAGNIFICENT FAMILY HOME WITH RIVER VIEWS HIGH HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: ORFORD GUIDE PRICE: ÂŁ2,750,000 AGENT: CASTLE ESTATES

High House is a truly rare property. Nestled in the heart of Orford its elevated position gives unspoilt views of the river, Orfordness and vast seascapes beyond. Set in two acres of land, an acre of which is managed as a rambling wilderness, the property enjoys peace and tranquillity despite being only 400 yards from the church and village centre.

with a significant extension. Tall windows and high ceilings bathe the inside of the house with light and spacious reception rooms make this a perfect family home. With up to ten bedrooms, the property certainly has scale; there are four bedrooms and fifth bedroom/dressing room on the first floor and three bedrooms in the attic floor.

The Grade II listed building dates back to circa 16th Century but was much altered in the 19th and 20th centuries

As the two further bedrooms and a further bathroom are above the garaging and accessed by a separate staircase,

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there is the opportunity to create a selfcontained annexe ideal for ageing parents, extended family or guests. Downstairs the property has a dining room, drawing room, study, sitting room, utility room and breakfast room, which joins with the bespoke hand built kitchen, again a perfect hub for modern family life. Attached to the drawing room High House also has a magnificent glass conservatory with chequered quarry tile floor in all measuring just over 19 x 14 feet.

For those with an eye to establishing, or housing a current wine collection the property also has a sizeable cellar. As well as being notably the oldest part of the property itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also, with the house having been built on compacted sand, very dry and the ideal environment for storing valued vintages. Outside the property has front and rear access by electric double gates, a gravel drive and ample parking, two garages, lawned front gardens with a west facing rear garden with more lawns, walkways, large patio and outdoor swimming pool with pool room. High House is a delightful warren of a property with potential for further development and must be viewed to be totally appreciated.

INFORMATION Castle Estates 01394 450527 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

NOVEMBER 2015

ORCHARD MEADOW HOUSE FACTS LOCATION: BROKE HALL PARK GUIDE PRICE: £1,750,000 AGENT: JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF

OVERLOOKING THE ORWELL In many ways Orchard Meadow House, a unique six-bedroom property on the banks of the River Orwell offers the best of all worlds. Built in the 1980s it boasts magnificent grounds, it’s spacious, convenient for rail services to London, Nacton and Levington shores and local marinas. It’s also tucked away in beautiful seclusion within Broke Hall Park. The property has been newly refurbished and has two impressively proportioned principal reception rooms with high ceilings and full height windows. There’s a wonderfully light, modern fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room by John Lewis, an amazing at home cinema and function bar and plans for creation of a swimming pool, a leisure complex and further extensions. In all the property extends to 1.3 acres but there’s also joint ownership

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of a delightful 16 acre meadow between the park and foreshore. Orchard Meadow House has a sheltered entrance hall with a double set of twin doors opening into a central dining hall with high ceiling, exposed timbers and an oak floor. Wide openings in either direction lead into an impressive well-proportioned twin aspect drawing room complete with an open fireplace, high ceiling and a further full height picture window. In the other direction, the dining room leads into a light open plan kitchen/breakfast room, with a pair of full height windows offering views to the gardens and meadows towards the River Orwell. Also downstairs is the at-home cinema with a full width screen and ceiling projector with surround sound speakers and cinema lighting. Upstairs the principal bedroom suite includes a dressing area by John Lewis,

beyond which is a fabulous en suite bath/shower room. There is also a wellproportioned guest bedroom with further fitted cupboards and a luxury en suite bathroom in the south wing. The north wing, beyond the cinema room, which can also be independently accessed, has a flexible use ground floor bedroom, with an en suite bathroom, which can easily be used as a further reception room if preferred. Above, there are three further bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and two further bath/shower rooms (one en suite) – taking the total number of bath/shower rooms to five.

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

Suffolk, based in Ipswich

01473 358 400 Specialists in the sale of town, village and country houses. Experts in equestrian property.

Witnesham

Raydon •• No onward chainfeatures Stunning period •• Renovated period cottage Hand-crafted kitchen •• Period detail/modern attributes 4 bedrooms, 3 receptions •• Good sized&plot, double garage Bathroom cloakroom •• 4Large bedrooms, 3 receptions garage/workshop •• New kitchen/breakfast room Victorian style glasshouse • Utility room, cloakroom •Guide Shower room, en-suite Price £595,000 Guide Price £495,000 Chelmondiston • • • • • • •

Set on an overall plot of approximately 5.5 acres, is this impressively presented five bedroom detached character cottage that is set in a semi-rural location in a sought after village to the North of Ipswich.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 3 reception rooms Kitchen/breakfast room Double garage & outbuildings Rural location, yet not isolated Grounds totalling 2.5 acres EPC Rating E

Guide Price £575,000 Polstead

• 5 bedrooms • Impressive kitchen/ breakfast room • Sitting room & dining room with wood burners • Family room & study • 4.4 acre paddock • Ample off-road parking • Outbuilding • Internal inspection advised • EPC Rating E Guide Price £675,000 Bramford

This Grade II Listed period cottage is set in landscaped grounds which approach an acre and boasts stunning period detail and character.

• • • • • •

Stunning period features Hand-crafted kitchen 4 bedrooms, 3 receptions Bathroom & cloakroom Large garage/workshop Victorian style glasshouse

Guide Price £595,000

suffolk@fennwright.co.uk Associated London office: Park Lane, Mayfair: 020 7409 8438

An attractive Grade II listed 15th century cottage set in grounds and paddocks of approximately 1.5 acres with views over farmland.

• • • • • •

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Kitchen/breakfast room, utility 2 reception rooms 30' x 16' outbuilding Countryside views Ample parking

Guide Price £525,000

fennwright.co.uk

F E L I X S T O W E IP11 7SN

Prices from ÂŁ329,950 leasehold

MerrY christmas from everYoNe AT

GippiNg homes

The Bartlet is a breathtakingly beautiful beachside development set in and around a unique Grade II* listed building. Each of the contemporary 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments has been meticulously designed to encompass a host of magnificent architectural features boasting historical significance. Overlooking a stretch of white sand, rock groynes and multi-coloured beach huts on a four-mile promenade this is a superb opportunity to snap up a piece of paradise on the Suffolk coast. Show Home Now Open: 11am till 3pm every Saturday and Sunday. Gipping Homes Ltd Lower Street, Baylham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8JP

01473 834945

www.thebartletfelixstowe.co.uk

Property Profile | Gipping Homes

WINTER WONDERLAND Sand, sea…. snow? That’s right. The British seaside is the perfect spot to enjoy the very best of winter. Here, Heather Blemings of Gipping Homes talks through the perks of having a coastal retreat off-season

Don’t get me wrong, I love a summer getaway as much as the next person. Tanned bodies, sangria in the sun, ice creams, salty skin and a dip in the surf get the endorphins buzzing and make you feel alive. But when the leaves change colour and start to crunch under my feet I am not the type to go into hibernation and shiver until the start of spring. Instead I head to the very place most frequented in summer months – the beach.

COASTAL CHRISTMAS CHEER

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

It’s true that when most people think of Santa, they do not think of the seaside. But actually Christmas provides a wealth of festive fun wherever you are. In Felixstowe, there is the annual light switch on, a craft market and a children’s candlelit parade. The pubs serve mulled wine, the beach huts get festooned with lights and baubles – there is even the annual Christmas morning dip in the North Sea if you are brave enough.

The Bartlet is a impressive development of one, two and three bedroom apartments set in and around a unique Grade II * listed building. The three floors of the magnificent red-brick building have been meticulously designed around original architecture, which dates back to the 1920s and incorporates the foundations of a Martello Tower which protected England from invasion during the time of Napoleon.

WINTER WONDERLAND It’s the nation’s favourite ice-breaker isn’t it? So much so that a recent study found that the average Brit whines about the weather for four months of their life. It’s too cold. Too dark. Dismal. Drizzly. And yet the winter is possibly the most beautiful of all the seasons – especially for those lucky enough to live on the coast. After all, nature is big and bold and can't always be a perfect wavelapped paradise. Here in East Anglia, the colder months bring with them high winds, high waves and high drama. Wrapped up in an Arctic coat and sheepskin-lined boots you can blow away the cobwebs on a blustery walk, take in the dramatic scenery and the retreat to one of many pubs off the promenade to enjoy a pint and a roaring log fire. In short, the Suffolk coast is a wild, untamed landscape off-season and its deserted beaches are a frosty delight to refresh the spirits.

BE PART OF IT Of course, the seaside always attracts tourists. But there are an increasing number of people choosing to move lock, stock and barrel to the coast to enjoy its delights rain or shine. One of the most popular developments on offer – providing a sea view and a short hop and a skip to the surf – is the The Bartlet in Felixstowe. Founded in 1926 as a convalescent home using a bequest of £250,000 from Dr John Bartlet, a local surgeon, the building overlooks the beach and its rows of brightly coloured beach huts. It was closed in 2006 and then lay derelict for some time but it has now been given a new lease of life, developed into prestigious apartments and town houses. This is providing many with a wonderful opportunity to embrace the idea of living beside the sea.

The historical significance of the building has not been lost on Gipping Homes, which has developed the scheme, who have retained and restored everything from beautiful tiles, cornicing and fireplaces to bay windows, original flooring and intricate brickwork.

MOVE IN FOR CHRISTMAS This exclusive landmark development is attracting plenty of interest from those who want to indulge in the fresh air, beautiful views and the sights and sounds of the water. But if you get a wriggle on, you too could be moving into a dream home just before Santa arrives on his sleigh. Ho, ho, hope you love it as much as I do.

INFORMATION For more information about The Bartlet visit the website at www.thebartletfelixstowe.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

NOVEMBER 2015

GEORGIAN INVESTMENT

BEAUBELLE FACTS LOCATION: YOXFORD GUIDE PRICE: £550,000 AGENT: JENNIE JONES

Yoxford is one of those perfectly located Suffolk villages that straddles the A12 offering easy striking distance of the heritage coast and all it offers with unspoiled and often unexplored countryside inland.

addition to the delightful open plan living room/dining room/kitchen. The kitchen has been fitted with bespoke handcrafted units in a Shaker style beneath an Iroca worktop with views to the countryside beyond.

This pretty Georgian property too offers a double opportunity – not just as a home/holiday let but as investment, as there’s land here with outline consent for a pair of detached dwellings.

The house has a small utility lobby and a useful ground floor shower room plus a dressing room which is between bedroom one and the en-suite bathroom. In addition there is a former single garage and a substantial garden studio/office which was designed as a music studio by a previous owner and soundproofed.

Beaubelle has been sympathetically modernised and retains many original period features. It includes three double bedrooms on the first floor and two formal receptions rooms downstairs in

essentialsuffolk.com

Outside the property is approached via a driveway which offers good parking

with a hardstanding to the side, perfect for a boat trailer etc. The rear garden, which would be divided into three lots to create the new building plots, is laid to lawn and flanked by established hedging and interspersed with mature fruit trees. There is also a paved patio and raised sun terrace plus an outside boiler house and oil storage tank.

INFORMATION Jennie Jones 01728 605511 To see more pictures of this property visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/property

01728 452727 bestestates.co.uk

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Essential Faces

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

Suffolk Community Foundation Arts and Culture Fund Launch Suffolk Community Foundation launched its new Arts and Culture Fund at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds with the High Sheriff’s Command Performance. The evening was the perfect opportunity to see fund-raising patron Timothy West, along with stars like the Royal Ballet’s Gary Avis and Mara Galeazzi. The Arts and Culture Fund will allow the Foundation to extend the grants it gives to local arts based charities and groups in the county. Lewis Lawson, Naomi & Alex Tarry, Matthew Piercy

Judith Shallow, Annette Page,Tim Holder

Mark Murphy, Lesley Dolphin

Miranda Kemball, Philly Collett

Prunella Scales, Michael Shallow

Paul & Fiona Glasswell

Diana & Richard Martineau

Lord & Lady Howes

Nicholas & Fiona Pearson

Mandy Abdel Aziz, Elizabeth Stephenson

0844 499 1630

(local rate)

www.uffordpark.co.uk

Festive Lunch available from 12 noon on Thursday 10th & 17th December / Friday 11th & 18th December 2 courses £14.95 / 3 courses £16.95

Essential Faces

Men United Charity Ball An evening of fun and entertainment in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and the ITFC academy, in recognition of their assistance with the organisation and publicity of the London to Amsterdam cycle ride, was held at The Hangar at Kesgrave Hall. An Alchemy Wines drinks reception preceded the Gressingham Dinner which was followed by dancing to live music. David & Anna-Marie Rowledge, Caroline & Julian Pennington, Emma & Ollie Magnus

Martin & Jo Kelleway, Denys & Martin Lyne

Kate & Daniel Moreton

Anthony & Alice Bull, Sarah & Darren Bear

Chris & Wendy Compson

Mark & Marion Carter

Chris Cumberbatch, Keira Andrews, Karen & Geoff Hazlewood

Peter Hill, Ann-Marie Bridges, Susie & Julian Kingston-Smith

Afternoon Tea, only ÂŁ14.95 per person. Served daily between 2pm and 5pm.

0844 499 1630

(local rate)

www.uffordpark.co.uk

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

Inside Out A fund raising art and sculpture exhibition for the charity Inside Out was held at the new Avenue Theatre in Ipswich. Sponsored by Red Rose Chain and Toppesfield the evening was an opportunity to but interesting art while enjoying a glass of fizz and live music.

Ken Nichols

Gemma Watkins, Maggi Digby

Hannah Stowe, Linda Page-Mullett

Anna Peachey

Cherry Beesley

Sonia Lewington, Katherine Joyson, Mary-Kate Ingram, Roger Owen

Colin & Bronwen Tilley

0844 499 1630

The Inside Out Team

David Newborn, Joanna Carrick

(local rate)

www.uffordpark.co.uk

Richard &Teresa Booth

Christmas Day & Boxing Day Lunch Served between 12pm and 2pm, Children under 5 years old FREE

Essential Faces

LETs Gala Dinner Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa proudly hosted the WPGA International Challenge for a third successive year. The Suffolk course saw another strong field of Ladies European Tour hopefuls chasing a â&#x201A;Ź30,000 prize fund at the season climaxing tournament. The gala dinner was also attended by celebrity golfers Naga Muchetty (BBC News) and Neil Innes (Monty Python). Neil & Yvonne Innes, Naga Munchetty,Tamara Unwin, Susanna Rendall, Stewart White

Lisa Skelton, Naga Munchetty

Tony Achinelli, Mike Beagley, Graham McManus

Paul Sullivan, Jeremy Scowsill, Ariane Provot, Peter Basford

Rebecca Henbrough, Lauren Spray

Stewart & Jane White

Tamara Unwin, George Wale, Susanna Rendall, Melissa Eccles

Maria Palacios, Krista Bakker

Ladies Charity Shopping Night in aid of Marie Curie ÂŁ6 per person

Thursday 26th November 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Robert Barrell, Jim Clark

0844 499 1630

(local rate)

www.uffordpark.co.uk

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

Seckford Hall Spa Guests were invited to the launch of the new facilities at The Seckford Spa, situated in the grounds of Seckford Hall Hotel. The Spa has been extended and refurbished and is under the direction of Sarah Gregory of Flawless Image Beauty.

The Flawless Image team

Sally Anne McCoy,Viv Edwards

Sarah Sauntson, Sarah Gregory, Arabella Brown

Vilma White, Hannah Gregory, Robert White

Emma Lloyd, Belinda Gray

Rachel Townshend, Emma Lloyd, Clare & Eddie Burgess

Debbie Coulson, Laura Mather

0844 499 1630

(local rate)

www.uffordpark.co.uk

Martin Pike, Cherry Beesley

Lisa Cherryman, Jenny Loyd

New Years Eve Gala Dinner £89pp (over 18’s) New Years Eve Family Disco £29.50pp (12 years & under FREE)

My Suffolk

NOVEMBER 2015

supportive. I cycle, walk and swim, and this is a gorgeous county to do all of those in. I also write, of course, and this place is a dream for writers, and artists, and musicians which is why so many settle here. I have been amazed, as a big city kid, with the high quality of the classical and folk music, art exhibitions, theatre, film, dance and of course literature in East Anglia. To say nothing of the food!

Ellen McAteer is the director of The Poetry Trust and this month will be presiding over her first Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. She talks about her life in Suffolk

Have you always lived in Suffolk? No, in fact I only moved to Suffolk nine months ago when I took up the job of Director of the Poetry Trust, which runs the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. I moved down from Glasgow. I had never even been to the county before I came down last summer for the interview. It was like a little piece of heaven. It was January, the height of winter – but it was still beautiful and wild and mysterious. I fell in love basically. My husband and kids took six months to follow me down, but now they love it too. What makes the county special? The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of its people, and the incredible variety and quality of its culture. I have never felt so welcomed to a place as I do here. The people are incredibly

essentialsuffolk.com

As you like to walk are there any paths you could recommend? Indeed! I discovered Wilfred George’s magical hand-drawn walking maps of Suffolk through the Halesworth Bookshop, and I love the ones around Halesworth up to Chediston, Wissett and Rumburgh, and along the Blyth river to Millennium Green and on to Wenhaston. I usually favour walks that end at pubs! There’s a great one between the The Ship at Dunwich to The Westleton Crown Inn that takes in the cliffs and the wild North Sea that eats whole towns. Walking along Aldeburgh Beach to Thorpeness is always soothing too. Do you have any hobbies? Hobbies, passions, reasons to live, it’s a fine line. Poetry of course. Reading in general. Writing, walking, cycling, swimming – all solitary pursuits, I’m afraid. But one of my more social hobbies is singing. I love to sing folk songs and have had a go at writing some. I’m just discovering the rich Suffolk folk song archive through brilliant institutions like the Rumburgh Buck and the Blaxhall Ship, and Halesworth’s own folk club at the Triple Plea. A bit of singing in harmony with friends or strangers will bring peace to your soul. I recommend it. Where do you like to eat out? Are there any pubs or restaurants that you would particularly suggest? I have twin boys of nine, so it doesn’t happen often! But I love the St Peter’s Brewery near Bungay which is an old church in the middle of nowhere which serves beer and curry in splendid surroundings of wood carvings and tapestry – you can pretend you live in a great hall! The Angel here in Halesworth has a lovely restaurant, and there is,

surprisingly, an authentic Thai Restaurant on London Rd which has beautiful, delicate dishes with real subtlety of flavour. The Rumburgh Buck is good for real cider and music, the Wenhaston Star for its food and The Poacher, Cratfield, for its welcome! Just prepare yourself for the real Suffolk accent, which is music and poetry rolled into one. Is there one picture you’d suggest to sum up the county? Christopher Newson’s picture of Maggi Hambling’s Scallop sculpture on Aldeburgh Beach. Controversial I know, but it represents to me both the wildness of the sea – which Maggi also captures vividly in her paintings – and the way the people here embrace culture; such a radical contemporary structure in such a wild spot! The kids love it too – they climb on it and sit under it – you really can hear the sea inside it, just like a real shell. What do you think of Suffolk and its arts provision? I think I’ve made my feelings clear on the quality and wealth of culture on offer in such a rural location. We just need the investment to match – and the public transport to bring people here to experience it fully. Where would you take newcomers on their first Suffolk tour? I love showing Halesworth off! It’s richer than you think, with the Cut Arts Centre, all the independent shops, the church, the pubs, and the walks. A drive to Dunwich wows people, as does a visit to the stunning Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh. Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings are also perfect for a day out: Aldeburgh Music and the South Lookout Tower always have something interesting on. Recent trips with the kids have included Orford Castle, which is amazing, and I love the woods round Orford Ness. Adnams, Aspall or Greene King? Adnams is all I’ve seen in pubs within cycling distance, so I’ve still to do the taste test! But I’m not a bitter drinker, I’m more a lager lass, though converted to scrumpy!