Essential Suffolk October 2018 by Achieve More Media

OCTOBER 2018 | PRICELESS

Essential SUFFOLK

KISS & TELL Rodinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic sculpture comes to Ipswich

www.essentialsuffolk.com

Celebrating all that makes our county great

MADE FOR LIFE D E S I G N | M A N U F A C T U R E | I N S TA L L

Please come and see our exciting range of Vincent Sheppard chairs and Cole & Son wallpaper. In addition to our Davey and BTC lighting.

VISIT US

Showroom, Design and Manufacturing all at the same Suffolk address.

Halifax House | 497-499 Wherstead Road Ipswich | Suffolk IP2 8LL | 01473 680091

www.orwellsfurniture.com

AGA • APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS • STONEMASONS • PAINT LIBRARY • ORIGINAL BTC LIGHTING • VINCENT SHEPPARD

SC HOOL L I G HT DP 7 2 0 0

ROYA L G A RDE N 9 8 / 1 0 0 4

JA C K OA K C HA I R

Beautifully handcrafted, bespoke kitchens, studies, bedrooms, dressing rooms & bathrooms.

Traditional craftsmanship, first class products – A love for wood and an eye for detail

For over 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence. For more information call 01206 735287 / 01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

O CT O BE R 2 0 18 | WE L C OME

Lesley Rawlinson DIRECTOR

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

Welcome October, when the clocks go back and the evenings start closing in around tea-time, often heralds wonderful autumn days suffused with golden and amber lights. Although the days are shorter, Suffolk often basks in glorious sunsets at this time of year and inevitably, with bonfires and fireworks around the corner, thoughts of Christmas baking are never too far away.

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: Auguste Rodin, The Kiss © Tate, London 2018

But don’t be too eager to batten down the hatches as this month it is positively hectic on the cultural scene with five festivals and full theatre programmes too. In this issue we have featured one of the more unusual plays – Everything Must Go – which has been based on real-life experiences of shopping, or how it used to be, in Ipswich. Playwright and director Jon Tavener visited care homes in the area collecting stories about times when Ipswich Town Centre was about shopping in Grimwades, Martin & Newby and the Co-op. The resulting play is being performed by Eastern Angles in Ipswich and across the region and then touring schools and care homes during the month. On the festival front, check out The Pyre parade, part of the Spill festival, where the public can add messages to a pyre icon on Ipswich Waterfront, posting bad news through a letterbox. On 3 November everyone is invited to march the Icon from Ipswich Waterfront to Christchurch Park, accompanied by noisy performers and a marching band. There it will be engulfed in flames, burning up the night sky and, say the organisers, hopefully opening space for a better future. Still on the theme of art, Essential Suffolk has also previewed an art show like no other coming to Ipswich in November. Thanks to a loan by The Tate, the Wolsey Gallery at Christchurch Mansion will be showing Rodin’s Kiss through till next spring. It’s an exhibition that is set to attract attention from far and wide and will also feature works loaned from across East Anglia, being shown in conjunction with works owned locally. Also check out our regular features and especially the Pub Dog Walks. It’s Darcy’s 10th birthday and so as well as a brand new route from The Bildeston Crown, we also have her Top Ten walks for you to re-discover. Don’t forget to contact us online, our website is www.essentialsuffolk.co.uk, or find us on Facebook.

Essential SUFFOLK Suffolk’s most exclusive magazine delivered only to individually selected homes, businesses and venues. It is brought to you each month with the valued support of our commercial partners. Please let them know you saw them here.

12 issues for £24 Single issues just £2.95. All delivered straight to your door

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.

To subscribe either: 1. Visit www.essentialsuffolk.com/essential-shop 2. Send a cheque for £24 (for 12 issues) or £2.95 (for a single issue) to Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 2EP Prices include postage and packaging. Personal details will be used for subscription purposes only.

EssentialSUFFOLK

K I TC H E N S

B AT H R O O M S

BEDROOMS

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

HOME OFFICES

HOME CINEMAS

LIBRARIES

C O NTE NT S

Contents 08

October Festivals

Suffolk in Brief

What’s On

Mini Previews

Theatre, music and visual arts all being celebrated in Suffolk

News from around the county

Where to go and what to see in Suffolk during October

Contagion, The Vortex, Madagascar, Lucky Stiff and Othello

26 Kiss & Tell Rodin’s Kiss comes to Suffolk

Everything Must Go

Hospice Volunteers

Fashion

Eastern Angles Once Upon A Lifetime project

Making a difference through volunteering

Subtle shades for Autumn

Pub Walks With Darcy

Darcy’s Top Ten Pub Walks

Christmas Celebrations

This month’s new route from The Bildeston Crown

Celebrate Darcy’s 10th birthday with her favourite Pub Walks

Helping you plan your Christmas outings

60 Homes & Interiors Snuggling up with blankets and throws

Gardening

Property

Essential Faces

My Suffolk

Catharine Howard looks at parterres

A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

Highlight’s from Suffolk’s social calendar

Jim Butler farmer and founder of Blythburgh Pork

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us but Suffolk has festivals aplenty during October and here’s the Essential Suffolk guide with all you need to know

AUTUMN FESTIVALS I

t’s going to be a busy month on the festival circuit this October, with five festivals taking place across the county. As ever the breadth of these festivals is astonishing ranging all the way from heritage crafts to jazz, literature to live art and performance.

OCTOBER 1 – 7

Cornucopia 2018 White House Farm, Great Glemham

and large-scale table making. Workshops will be open each weekend for visitors to explore and meet the makers – with work available for sale or made to commission. Some makers are also offering seasonal craft workshops at the farm – for instance, Jon Warnes is hosting workshops on Sheds and Log Stores and an introduction to Green Woodwork. Cornucopia also features weekend Open Studios alongside three Autumn Exhibitions and the farm’s ‘pop up’ Hedge Quarters Tea Rooms – all open daily from 10am – 6pm.

Celebrating heritage crafts, rural writing, seasonal foods and the visual arts, Cornucopia straddles September and October and is based at White House Farm in Great Glemham. For 2018 Cornucopia is hosting Open Studios for a large selection of artisan craft workers. Skills on display include bronze casting, stained glass, jewellery/ silversmith work, leather work and bag making, wood turning, chair making, knife making, wool work, basketry, drawing, tree surgery

essentialsuffolk.com

The Exhibitions include: ‘The Suffolk Chair Collection’ – with over 50 antique and contemporary chairs with pieces by some of the county’s leading chairmakers; ‘Pesta Nukenen’ – a celebration of the Spring Festival’s sister project in the Heart of Borneo, Sarawak, East Malaysia; and ‘Hefted – From Source to Sea’ looking at livestock farming landscapes in the river valleys of Cumbria and Suffolk, with new paintings of the North Sea by Maggi Hambling – as the sea into which all our eastern rivers flow. The final part of the autumn programme is a series of Writing Residencies with guests Sean Hewitt, Melissa Harrison, Tim Richardson and Louise Gray. INFORMATION www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk

FE ST I VAL S

OCTOBER 6

Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes – Festival for Women Suffolk University, Ipswich Waterfront The Women's Voices, Women’s Votes – 100 years on project, was launched last year by a group of Suffolk-based womens’ organisations. It was intended to mark the centenary of the first women to gain the vote in the UK and has culminated in a one-day festival for women on October 6 at the University of Suffolk. The theme of the festival day is Voices · Change · Power and will feature inspiring talks, empowerment workshops, a specially commissioned drama, performances by local female artists, panel discussions, exhibitions, voting, speed mentoring… and much more.

on the 12th. Next day The Jazz Night features Claire Martin and the David Newton Trio, and the vocal harmonies of The Gentleman of St John’s College, Cambridge will enthral audiences on October 15. In a first for the Ipswich School Festival, a percussion night on October 16, featuring former Ipswich School pupil Sam Wilson, and his group 4-Mality, will be sure to bring the week-long Festival to a close with a bang! Another ‘Festival first’ is the Come and Sing event (October 13) led by world-renowned composer and conductor John Rutter, providing an opportunity for people to improve their choral singing technique.

It is designed to lift up and amplify women’s voices, many of which might not otherwise be heard and encourage more women to become involved in all areas of civic life. The project is designed and delivered by women for women and activities are taking place in the run-up to the festival, including a series of EqualiTeas with local organisations to discuss the history of the suffrage movement and the question of equality in 2018 and workshops in local schools and youth groups. There will be a short story competition for women in Suffolk on the theme A Voice for Change and performances of a specially commissioned promenade play in the week leading up to the festival. Audiences will be invited to join reconstruction actors in a colourful procession as they move across historical locations in Ipswich town centre, charting the dramatic ways local Suffragettes fought to get the vote for women. Plus there will be a 1918 style polling booth in the town centre. In the 100-day countdown to the festival organisers have been sharing a story a day of a new Inspirational Suffolk Woman on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #InspirationalSuffolkWoman. INFORMATION womensvoiceswomensvotes.wordpress.com

OCTOBER 11 – 16

Ipswich School Festival of Music Ipswich School Music lovers will have plenty to choose from at this autumn’s Ipswich School Festival of Music with performances from a range of international musicians. Classical violin, jazz and sounds of the 20s and 30s will all feature on the stage of the Great School Concert Hall for the school’s ninth annual celebration of music.

The Ipswich School Festival of Music would not be complete without its exciting and innovative education programme, and this year is no exception. Festival education events include workshops for pupils from local primary and prep schools run by members of The Alex Mendham Orchestra and percussionist Sam Wilson.

International violinist Jennifer Pike will open the festival on October 11, with Alex Mendham and his Orchestra bringing their 1920s and 30s sounds, which epitomise Hollywood’s golden age, to the school

INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295900 www.ipswich.school/festivalofmusic

EssentialSUFFOLK

MULTI-AWARD WINNERS Craftsmanship Award Winners 2018 – Extensions & Alterations and New Build categories

Let’s talk about your build because we want to help make your project a reality

Birch Group Unit 25 Brightwell Barns Ipswich Road Brightwell Suﬀolk IP10 0BJ 01473 599150 | enquiry@thebirchgroup.co.uk | thebirchgroup.co.uk

FE ST I VAL S

OCTOBER 20 AND 21

OCTOBER 25 – NOVEMBER 4

Lavenham Children’s Book Festival

SPILL Festival

Lavenham Village Hall

Ipswich Marking its ninth edition SPILL Festival of Performance is an international festival of contemporary arts and activism based in Ipswich. SPILL presents the work of exceptional artists from around the globe, featuring live performance, sound, music, film and video, plus projects exploring heritage and place. The festival is for anyone interested in the arts, people that might not think they are, children and families – many events are free over the 11 days and you can expect the unexpected. Clarion Call, a major co-commission with 14-18 NOW marking the centenary of the end of World War One, alone is worth the trip – the world premiere of an ambitious large-scale soundscape across the town’s public spaces.

There’s an exciting line-up of well-loved authors and illustrators in the second Lavenham Children’s Book Festival on October 20 and 21. The programme is aimed at children aged from three to 12 and features tales about an angry dragon, Greek gods, a girl detective, East Anglian legends and an unusual uncle. There’s story-telling, how-to-draw sessions, creative writing workshops and the festival ends with a very special musical event. Among those taking part are Zeb Soanes the Radio 4 broadcaster with illustrator James Mayhew and their book Gaspard the Fox; the story of a real fox befriended by Zeb near his London flat. A.L. Kennedy, Costa Book Award winner and writer of adult fiction and non-fiction, tells the tale of eccentric Uncle Shawn and Bill. Bridget Holding, tutor in creative writing at Exeter University and founder of ‘Wild Words’ is running two half-day creative writing workshops for children aged 6-10 and 11-16. Kevin Crossley-Holland, translator of Beowulf from the Anglo-Saxon and a Patron of the Society for Storytelling, will be entrancing his audience with myths and legends of the Vikings in Between Worlds. The Festival ends with a very special experience for all the family. James Mayhew, who runs a series of concerts for children in venues including the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall, joins forces with local professional musicians Yalda Davis (cello) and James Recknell (pianist) to illustrate stories accompanied by live music. INFORMATION Box Office: www.theatreroyal.org www.lavenhamliteraryfestival.co.uk

Robert Pacitti, Artistic Director, explains, ‘It’s time to see Ipswich anew. SPILL is bringing a packed, bold and adventurous festival to town, with art from around the world for everyone to enjoy. Large-scale outdoor sound will sing out daily from the Waterfront, live performances will take place in unexpected locations, kids will reclaim an area of the town just for themselves, and there will be gigs and films and parties galore. Think the arts aren’t for you? Think again friend, SPILL Festival has been lovingly crafted right here in Ipswich, for us all to share together.” ‰

EssentialSUFFOLK

FE ST I VAL S

For instance ‘Imagined Touch’, an installation at DanceEast is a collaboration between artist Jodee Mundy and two deafblind women, Heather Lawson, a performer, and Michelle Stevens, a pianist. Audiences watch a short introductory film and are then provided with goggles and headphones to be guided through to an unseen promenade installation. With light and sound distorted and restricted, it is touch that becomes integral to connection ensuring this immersive event shares the humour, grief, beauty and profound isolation of stories as experienced by deafblind artists. Also at DanceEast ‘Diamond’ by David Hoyle is a bittersweet journey into LGBT liberation from 1957 to current day. At New Wolsey Theatre, Le Gateau Chocolat storms the stage with ‘Icons’, the first time this work has been performed with a seven-piece band. Walking the tightrope between public and private personas, Le Gateau Chocolat explores the people, the moments, the relationships, the art that has come to shape us.

Libertine and Penny Rimbaud (of Crass fame) joined by Charles Webber; English Heretic and more. There’s film too, ‘The Mirror’ a live audio-visual performance which splices together movie snippets with unique sample-based music, allowing the viewer to discover hidden stories through familiar images. This joins a film strand including works by David Lynch and Ai Wei Wei. Over nine days, internationally-celebrated theatre-makers Forced Entertainment condense every Shakespeare play ever written, one by one, into a series of 36 intimate and lovingly made miniatures, played out on a one-metre table-top using a collection of un-extraordinary everyday objects. Then sitting, brooding, on Ipswich Waterfront for 11 days the Pyre Parade bad news effigy will be waiting to receive the gripes, grumbles and genuine grievances of visitors, who can post notes into the structure.

There are events for children with ‘Block Magic’, a piece devised by young locals in partnership with local architectural practice EDRM which creates a constantly shifting playground structure made from coloured crates. ‘Eaten’ by Mamoru Iriguchi sees Lionel the Lion inviting children to the fascinating world of food chains and digestion. Lionel’s just eaten Mamoru for lunch but hasn’t chewed his food well, so Mamoru’s alive and well in his stomach, and now wants to say hello!

‘Pyre Parade’ invites everyone to a procession through the town to Christchurch Park holding aloft the effigy, which will be unveiled at the launch event, stuffed with the bad news of festival goers and Ipswich residents. Once there it will be set alight as part of the town’s Bonfire Night celebrations taking all the bad sentiment with it. This only gives a taste of the work you can see, feel, and take part in at SPILL in 2018, with over 120 different artworks across more than 20 venues, the hands of the festival sweep to the outskirts of the town and back again.

There’s music woven into the fabric of the festival, including a specially-created show by Carter Tutti (ex-Throbbing Gristle); Eve

INFORMATION www.spillfestival.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

ESTABLISHED

2005

BESPOKE DESIGN

KITCHENS

MANUFACTURE

BEDROOMS

INSTALLATION

BAT H R O O M S

STUDIES

SHOWROOM OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm, Saturday: 10am – 4pm

The Granary, Rendlesham Mews, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2SZ. T: 01394 421214

www.debenvale.com

NE WS

S U F F O L K Do you ever have your eye on a dessert when you are at a restaurant, but then go home disappointed because you don’t have the appetite? Imagine an evening where dessert is the main attraction! Local award winning hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre invite you to join them for a night of pudding paradise as their very popular ‘Pudding Club’ evening returns for a one off special at The Froize Inn, Chillesford, on Thursday 25th October (7pm). You’ll be encouraged to sample every dessert on the menu, at the same time helping to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. On the night guests will enjoy a selection of Suffolk tapas, followed by the array of homemade desserts. Entertainment will also be provided in the form of foodie competitions and a big prize draw. Tickets are priced at just £20pp. Tables are limited, so book as soon as you can on 01473 230330 or online at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/puddings

The East of England’s leading family charity, Ormiston Families, held its sixth annual Walk with a Fork event recently, raising more than £6,000 to support local children and young people facing complex life challenges. In doing so it has reached its £50,000 fundraising milestone for local children and young people. The eight-mile walk saw nearly 250 people explore the splendid location of Helmingham Hall, hosted by Ormiston Families’ president, Lady Tollemache. She says: “Walk with a Fork was a fantastic day out with a great turnout of people of all ages and abilities, even dogs. Walkers got to experience the beautiful views, architecture and hidden valleys not usually seen by the public whilst enjoying a delicious selection of local food en route.” To find out more about Ormiston Families, visit www.ormistonfamilies.org.uk

Adnams, the Suffolk-based brewer and distiller, is delighted to introduce its new Copper House Pink Gin. The new pink spirit will be available to buy at every one of Adnams’ 12 retail outlets, online from Adnams’ website, and served at Adnams managed inns. Copper House Pink Gin joins

I N

the Adnams range of award-winning spirits. One suggested way that gin drinkers can enjoy the new pink variety of Copper House is served on ice with tonic, fresh mint and raspberries.

Co-op Secure Response and Suffolk Police have come together to tackle anti-social behaviour in Ipswich with a simple game of football. Young people were invited by Co-op Secure Response, Suffolk Police, Chantry Academy and Suffolk County Council to take on members of the Suffolk Police and Co-op Secure Response at a game of football every Monday over the six-week school summer holiday. The main objective of the initiative was to break down barriers between young people and the local authorities, and to help reduce potential anti-social behaviour by providing a positive activity to take part in. The sessions combined education on the consequences anti-social behaviour can have on others, and encouraged those attending to learn from each other and build new friendships. PCSO Craig Gibbs, Suffolk Constabulary said: “The main reason for the initiative was to give the young people of Chantry something to do over the summer. It’s turned out to be a brilliantly effective multi-agency project, and the young people involved have really enjoyed it”.

Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre, offers award winning hearing care services from 25 centres across East Anglia. This year they are celebrating their 20th year in business and they hope to continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss, its effect on everyday life and the potential dangers of leaving hearing loss untreated. Audiologist Karen Finch and her team will be holding a free ‘Hearing Care Centre Open Day’ at their local hearing clinic at Needham Market Country Practice between 9am and 5pm on Saturday 27th October 2018. During the event they will be providing free hearing assessments (usually £20), along with complimentary professional advice about your hearing test results and discussing possible solutions that could help improve

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

B R I E F your hearing. All services are available by appointment only. To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk for more information.

It is another good year for The Bildeston Crown with a repeat cooking score of five in the recently launched Good Food Guide 2019. This means that the inn is considered by the inspectors to be in the top three restaurants in Suffolk. Congratulations to all the 17 Suffolk restaurants recognised but in particular Tuddenham Mill which has maintained its cooking score of six and remains the one to beat! This is the highest score for Suffolk but it closely followed by The Bildeston Crown and also Maison Bleue both receiving a score of five. Bildeston Crown Chef/Patron Chris Lee is very happy with the score: “I’m absolutely delighted to be recognised as a ‘Top Three’ Suffolk restaurant. Thank you to the team for all their hard work and support in keeping us at the top. Thank you also to everyone who sent in comments to the Guide. We could not do it without you.” The Good Food Guide is the annual guidebook to the best restaurants in the UK which has been going since 1951 and is now published by Waitrose.

Suffolk based charities have received £15,200 in small grants from the Hopkins Charitable Fund. The donations have been awarded by the Hopkins Homes grants panel, in partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation, and will provide help for a variety of charities and community groups across Suffolk. The Hopkins Charitable Fund launched in October 2017 and saw the award-winning housebuilder commit to donating £500,000 over five years to charities and good causes in Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. The charity tackles hardhitting issues within the community, offering support to groups working to bring people together and improve lives. Grants awarded include Bury Drop In, Porch Project, REACH, Selig (Suffolk) Trust, Suffolk Rape Crisis and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. For eligibility criteria and details about how to apply call 01473 602602.

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

What’s On OCTOBER 1 – 6

OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 6

The Return of the Soldier New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Marcus Brigstocke The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

The Return of the Soldier, by Charles Miller and Tim Sanders, is a musical adaptation of Rebecca West’s remarkable novella written at the end of World War One. Set in Harrow during the summer of 1916, The Return of the Soldier is an intensely bitter-sweet tale, dissecting the very different love of three women for one man. When Christopher returns from the front, shell-shocked and with memory loss, there are profound consequences for all three women and their love. In the end, only an extraordinary sacrifice will restore the fragile status quo. Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Devil May Care: Snowflake, Nazi, Remoaner, Trot, Libtard, Brextremist, Feminazi, Piers Morgan... As we divide each other up into more and more unpleasant categories of evil, it is time to establish, once and for all, what is good and what is bad. Who better to arbitrate in these challenging divisive times than Lucifer himself? ‘Sharpest one-liner merchant’ (Sunday Times). Support by Rob Rouse. Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

Farmers Markets Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Snape Maltings 9.30am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

OCTOBER 5 Russell Watson: Canzoni d’Amore Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

Leading authority on the song repertoire, Roger Vignoles assembles a team of tutors to explore the music, poetry and context of Hugo Wolf’s Lieder. The course focuses on the Mörike cycle – in its quality, breadth and beguiling beauty every bit as enthralling as the achievements of Schubert and Schumann. With guest artist Johannes Kammler, the course tutors also give lectures and a recital enriching our knowledge of both composer and poet. Tickets: £6 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

Having sold more than seven million albums worldwide, Russell Watson is firmly established as the UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time. To date, his illustrious career has included performances for Her Majesty The Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents. Following a series of sellout performances in 2015-16, ‘The People’s Tenor’ returns to the stage with his brandnew show Canzoni d’Amore. Tickets: £45 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

OCTOBER 3

Caro Emerald Ipswich, 7pm

Joanne Shaw Taylor The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Following performances on Later With Jools Holland, BBC’s Glastonbury coverage and outstanding reviews for her latest album ‘Wild’, Joanne Shaw Taylor has established herself as a star of the blues rock world. Tickets: £23.50 (standing) £26 (seated) Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

essentialsuffolk.com

Suffolk Singers will be providing an evening of music specially selected to complement the wonderful acoustics of lovely St. Michael’s Church. Entry: £10 from www.WeGotTickets.com or rjrcolneis@aol.com or on 01394 279907 Information: 01379 643206 www.suffolksingers.co.uk

OCTOBER 7 Lindisfarne The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

OCTOBER 2 – 6 Public Masterclass: Wolf Lieder Peter Pears Recital Room, Snape Maltings

Harvest Of Song Church of St Michael, Framlingham 7.30pm

Since the release of the 2010 multi-platinum debut album ‘Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor’ Caro Emerald and producers Grandmono have fashioned their own niche, blending retro jazz with sampling and modern pop, starring Caro’s exceptional vocals. The result is a truly unique signature sound. The vocalist is an original pop star with the look of a Hollywood icon of yesteryear and a voice that oozes warmth and vitality. Tickets: £28 - £52.50 Box Office: 01473 433100

Although the original band finally called it a day in 2003, Lindisfarne are back with a classic six-piece line up of long-time members, fronted by original foundermember Rod Clements and Alan Hull’s sonin-law Dave Hull-Denholm, and a repertoire of much-loved songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home. Tickets: £25 (£5 under25s) Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

OCTOBER 8 The ELO Experience Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01473 433100

OCTOBER 8 – 13 The Habit of Art New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich Alan Bennett is one our greatest and most celebrated playwrights, with a cavalcade of

WH AT’ S ON

stage and screen blockbusters including The History Boys, The Madness of King George and Talking Heads. He is applauded as a genius for his sharp character observations and treasured for the way he beautifully balances wit, wistfulness and compassion. Tickets: £28 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

both significant and poignant. Tickets: £26 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

Level 42 – Eternity Ipswich Regent, 7pm

OCTOBER 9 The Suffolk Gift Fair (In Aid Of East Anglian Air Ambulance) Seckford Hall, Woodbridge, 9am to 3pm Over 40 stalls from the across the UK selling beautiful homeware, clothes, jewellery, delicious food and drink, and lots more. Entry: £5 facebook.com/thesuffolkgiftfair

OCTOBER 10 Ralph McTell The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Known for his virtuoso guitar style, Ralph is a prolific and gifted songwriter who invites you into a unique world with a narrative that is

listen to – each other. Tickets: £18 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

OCTOBER 12 Gwyneth Herbert: Letters I Haven’t Written Britten Studio, Snape Maltings, 8pm Original songs are interwoven with film and live video to create a captivating story that takes audiences from a blank piece of paper to the joyful sharing of voice. An exceptional creative team working across contemporary music and theatre collaborate in this distinctive new show which, in a world of status updates and limited characters, seeks a more meaningful way to speak with – and

In a career spanning almost four decades, Level 42 have sold in excess of 30 million albums and their impressive back catalogue includes mega hits Lessons In Love, Something About You, Running In The Family and It’s Over. In 2016 the band completed a sold-out 37-date Sirens II Tour of the UK and Europe with critics praising the funk favourites for their ability to “light up the stage” (Birmingham Mail) and sound “as slick as ever” (Bournemouth Echo). Tickets: £38 Box Office: 01473 433100

OCTOBER 13 Suffolk Farmers’ Market Trinity Park, 10am – 4pm The Suffolk Agricultural Association is delighted to be working in collaboration with Suffolk Market Events and the East of England Co-op to deliver a top quality Food

JASMIN VARDIMON COMPANY PRESENTS

MEDUSA

THURSDAY 18 - SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER

This dance performance examines the gendered historical significance of Medusa; the myth, the symbolism and the philosophical idea of ‘reflection’.

Tickets from £12, £9 concessions Age suitability: 12+ years

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

and Artisan Market at Trinity Park, Ipswich. A fantastic range of the very best producers from our region will be together under one roof. Entry: Free Contact: 01473 707110 or info@suffolkshow.co.uk www.suffolkfarmersmarket.co.uk Entertaining Classics Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House, Ipswich, 7.30pm The Trianon Brass Ensemble and Singers are giving a concert of Entertaining Classics in aid of the Unitarian Meeting House Restoration Fund. Come and enjoy beautiful music in a beautiful setting. Entry: £8 – includes refreshments Tickets: 07763 668038 Contact: tessa@tessajordan.co.uk unitarianipswich.com Bildeston Indoor Market Chamberlin Hall, Bildeston Indoor market featuring local crafts, produce, jewellery, spices, pickles, jams, cards, gifts, cakes, homewares and more. Come along to find a perfect gift, sample some local produce or source a unique item for your home.

essentialsuffolk.com

Plenty of free on-site parking, and refreshments available all day. Entry: Free entry Contact: 01449 740375 Youth Symphony Orchestra Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm In the first concert of their UK tour, Zurich Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Swiss conductor David Bruchez-Lalli perform Dvorák’s much-loved Symphony No.9. This opportunity for Suffolk Youth Orchestra to join in this concert brings their exciting summer season to a close. Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Farmers Markets Halesworth Produce Market, The Old Print Works 9am – 1pm Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm

OCTOBER 13 AND 14 Beethoven & Schubert Concerts St. Mary’s Church Woodbridge (Sat) 7.30pm, Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, (Sun) 4pm

Schubert Symphony No 5; Beethoven Romance in F with Michael Dolan, Violin; Beethoven; Symphony No 2. Edmond Fivet, Conductor Entry: £15 (£5 under 18) www.prometheusorchestra.co.uk

OCTOBER 15 Sons of Pitches The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm

100 Number One hits! Expect fast-paced medleys and mind-bending mashups as The Sons of Pitches attempt to hit their target of 100 legendary tracks, from Michael Jackson to The Beatles, ABBA to Eminem, in just one evening. Tickets: £27 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

WH AT’ S ON

OCTOBER 15 – 17

OCTOBER 18 – 19

Isle Of Brimsker New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich

Medusa DanceEast, Ipswich

A lighthouse keeper lives on a desolate outcrop surrounded by stormy seas. Duty bound to maintain the light that guides boats away from danger, she lives a solitary existence. One day a runaway lands on the shore, together they face the inevitable. Change is on the horizon but not in the form she expects. Tickets: £8 Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Created on the coast of Barcelona and inspired by its marine life, Jasmin Vardimon presents her new work Medusa. Celebrating 20 years of the Jasmin Vardimon Company, this piece examines the gendered historical significance of Medusa; the myth, the symbolism and the philosophical idea of ‘reflection’. Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 19

Hal Cruttenden The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm

Britten & America: Transatlantic Encounters Britten Studio, 7.30pm

Chubster: Hal's literally filled our screens recently on Have I Got News For You, The Apprentice: You're Fired, Bake Off: Extra Slice, and Live at the Apollo. He’s now on a diet! Tickets: £18 Box Office: 01284 75000 E www.theapex.co.uk

compressed early quartet experiment, written on opposite sides of the Atlantic. John Woolrich’s new quartet provides another transatlantic connection, premiered earlier this year in New York and performed here by the American Tesla Quartet. Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

OCTOBER 20 Farmers Markets Aldeburgh Church Hall 9am – 12 noon Beccles Heliport 9am – 1pm Long Melford Memorial Hall 10am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm Art Festival And Big Draw Wickham Market Village Hall, All Saints Church and Village Square 10am to 4pm

Britten was to write his first official string quartet in America. Two years before leaving Britain, he produced a prototype; the charming Divertimenti, bristling with energy, panache and elegant melodic invention. There is lyricism aplenty in Korngold’s richly Romantic quintet and in Copland’s own

It’s back! The second Big Draw and Arts Festival will be a stage for a feast of art activity from drawing workshops to inspirational art exhibitions. The event promises an explosion of talent with fun and interest for all ages and abilities. Entry: Free Contact: 07799 432255 www.wmartsproject.co.uk

24 November 2018 - 28 April 2019 CHRISTCHURCH MANSION

Kiss and Tell: Rodin and Suﬀolk Sculpture

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss, ©Tate, London 2018

There is a story behind every kiss ...

IPSWICH MUSEUMS kissandtellipswich.co.uk FREE ADMISSION @IpswichMuseums

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

OCTOBER 21 Celebrity Organ Recital St Michael’s Church, Framlingham 3pm (Ends approximately 4.30pm) Framlingham’s historic Thamar organ will be the centre piece of a concert of music by Rameau, Buxtehude, Bach, Mendelssohn, Distler and Judith Bingham. Refreshments available. Entry: £12 (school-age students free) www.eastanglianacademy.org.uk

Joanna Lumley – It’s All About Me Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Joanna will take audiences through her hilarious and interesting adventures from her incredible career spanning more than four decades. She will also be joined on stage by friend and producer Clive Tulloh, who will put to Joanna questions from the audience that they’ve always wanted to ask. Tickets: £45 Box Office: 01473 433100

OCTOBER 26 Legend of a Band: A Tribute to The Moody Blues The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Impeccable performances of classic hits including Nights in White Satin, Go Now, Tuesday Afternoon, Forever Autumn and a show-stealing rendition of Eve of the War from Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds. Tickets: £25 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

OCTOBER 23 OCTOBER 22 Hocus Panto The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm The three witches you love to hate are back with magical illusions, pop songs and things that go bump in the night. This ghoulishly spooktacular Halloween panto will leave youngsters and adults spellbound. Tickets: £13 (£11 child, £41 family) Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

Neil Oliver The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The Story of The British Isles in 100 places. After 20 years travelling to every corner of the UK and filming BBC2’s Coast, Neil has a unique view and understanding of British history. Hear in his amusing and entertaining way what it all means to him. Tickets: £22.50 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

Merry Hell and the Rabble Chorus Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm Award-winning Merry Hell bring their superbly energetic and original folk-rock back to Suffolk, this time supported by the magnificent Rabble Chorus, one of the biggest community choirs in the country. Tickets: £18.50 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

The finest bespoke kitchens designed and built using traditional skills in our Suffolk workshop.

www.valedesigns.co.uk 01728 830581 Visit us at: The Workshop Forge Cottages Thorpe Road Aldringham Suffolk IP16 4QX

essentialsuffolk.com

WH AT’ S ON

OCTOBER 27

OCTOBER 28

OCTOBER 30

The Blind Boys of Alabama Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm

Farmers Markets Lavenham Village Hall 10am – 1.30pm

Slade & Mud II The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.45pm

The group has collaborated with everyone from Mavis Staples and Stevie Wonder to Prince and Lou Reed. The sound is a rich and lively breed of gospel music enriched with jazz, blues and rock. The band’s story is in many ways, America’s story, and that story is at the heart of their emotional latest album Almost Home. Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond will be accompanying Jools for the 2018 autumn/winter UK tour as a special guest. Also performing with Jools will be the supremely talented vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall as well as original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis on drums with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Tickets: £44 Box Office: 01473 433100

OCTOBER 29 Farmers Markets Woodbridge Community Centre 9am – 1pm Wyken Vineyard 9am – 1pm Tord Gustavsen Trio The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Norwegian pianist and composer brings an enchanting blend of memorable melody, subtle groove and musical space, which combines both gentleness and depth. Tickets: £22 (£5 under 25s) Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

To see more event listings and tell us about your event visit essentialsuffolk.com/ whats-on-in-suffolk We cannot guarantee inclusion in print but all suitable listings will be included online.

Rock ‘n’ roll, outrageous flamboyance and great fun. Slade songs include Come On Feel The Noise, Coz I Luv You & Mama We’er All Crazy Now, while Mud bring Tiger Feet, Dyna-Mite & The Cat Crept In. Tickets: £34.50 Box Office: 01284 75000 www.theapex.co.uk

OCTOBER 31 Open Session: Like Flesh Blythburgh Church, 6pm A new opera in development by composer Sivan Eldar (IRCAM) and librettist Cordelia Lynn (Royal Court Theatre, Opera Comique, Paris). Like Flesh is a mosaic of entangled relationships between people and places, a modern love story set in a world that is layered, vulnerable, precarious and shifting. During their residency they investigate the Box Office: 01728 687110 www.snapemaltings.co.uk

Enjoy good food, warm hospitality and a peaceful location Set in the pretty village of Sibton beside the White Horse pub are five well appointed rooms providing the comforts expected of a 4 star Gold awarded inn, quietly situated with pretty outlooks onto the green. Comfy beds, crisp cotton linens, fluffy towels, modern power shower and a generous hospitality tray in every room along with a television with DVD player, Freeview channels and free wifi. Pop into the pub for breakfast and set yourself up for the day, there’s a fresh cold buffet followed by an extensive cooked menu featuring plenty of homemade stuff and served from 8.30am. Guests also have the option of dinner at this truly great dining pub. Fancy a short cosy break this winter then check out the website for some really great winter deals.

Halesworth Road, Sibton, Suﬀolk, IP17 2JJ | 01728 660337 | info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk | www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

M IN I P R E V IE WS

THE VORTEX Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich 11 to 20 October

CONTAGION Dance East, Jerwood Dance House October 5, 7.30pm

Paper Lantern Theatre Company, who achieved sell out success with their production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams and ‘The Graduate’ by Terry Johnson and now following on from the acclaimed The Crucible by Arthur Miller, present The Vortex by Noel Coward. This revolutionary play, the first to be written by Coward in 1924, made his name and firmly established him as both a playwright and an actor. 24 year old Coward had to use all his cunning, talent and charm to convince the Lord Chamberlain, who had the absolute powers of theatrical censorship, not to ban the piece. The Vortex, with its depiction of sex and drugs in the Jazz Age, stunned the critics and caused a sensation within the theatregoing public. Florence Lancaster is a glamorous socialite who has no intention of aging gracefully. Her son Nicky returns from Paris with both his fiancée Bunty… and a serious drug addiction. As both mother and son begin to reveal their vulnerability what starts as a frothy comedy moves towards darker territory.

Contagion is a dance installation set against the backdrop of the end of the First World War. Inspired by the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, Contagion explores how the virus mutated, spread and attacked one third of the world’s population. The flu killed up to 100 million people, the majority aged between 20 and 40 and was one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. Shobana Jeyasingh Dance emphasises the implications of the pandemic beyond the First World War, educating audiences of the physical and psychological impacts. Shobana Jeyasingh says: “The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 which reaches its centenary this year is beginning to assert itself in our collective memory as one of the most dramatic episodes of global proportions. I very much hope that Contagion will serve as act of commemoration and remembering.” The work of artist Egon Schiele, a victim of the pandemic, is a powerful cross-reference to the choreography. His use of twisted body shapes and expressive lines reflected early understandings of neuro-science and psychology. Set to an atmospheric soundscape, this dance installation with digital visuals echoes the scientific features of a virus – rapid, random and constantly shape-shifting. Eight female dancers contort and mutate, exploring both the resilience and the vulnerability of the human body. The audience is invited to sit, stand and move around the installation, while listening to a combination of music, effects and spoken word through headphones. INFORMATION Tickets: From £12 Box office: 01473 295230 danceeast.co.uk

In The Vortex, Coward explores the darker side of the Cocktail Party set. Emotional blackmail, drug abuse and shattered relationships are minutely observed in this disturbing, early piece from a playwright whose sharp eye was more turned towards a lighter persona. Now in a world where there is constant pressure to be perfect, The Vortex is as relevant today as it was 80 years ago. As pioneers of what has been termed ‘Filmic Theatre’, Paper Lantern promises to weave its signature theatrical stamp into this classic piece. Directed by Sally Broatch the cast includes Rosie Beattie as Florence (Blanche – A Streetcar named Desire, Mrs Robinson – The Graduate, Elizabeth – The Crucible) Charlotte Curtis as Helen, Tom Beattie as Nicky, Molly Scurrell as Bunty (Stella – A Streetcar named Desire, Elaine – The Graduate), Charlie Shepard as Tom and Darren Beattie as Pawnie (Mr Robinson – The Graduate, Hale – The Crucible). INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

F RE E

carpet fitting* WITHIN 7 DAYS AT THE LARGEST CARPET RETAILER IN SUFFOLK

– OVER 10,000 CARPET CHOICES IN STORE –

*Minimum 10sqm, excludes stairs and remnants. Fitting on stock carpets available within 7 days subject to availability.

M IN I P R E V IE WS

LUCKY STIFF Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich October 29 to November 3

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Lucky Stiff tells the story of Harry Witherspoon, an unassuming shoe salesman from East Grinstead, who inherits six million dollars from his recently deceased American Uncle. The only problem? Harry has to fulfil the terms of his Uncle’s will to the letter, and as this involves taking his Uncle’s dead body on a holiday to Monte Carlo in a wheelchair, things aren’t going to go well…

Ipswich Regent October 16 – 20 Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – The Musical featuring Matt Terry, the winner of XFactor 2016, will be at Ipswich Regent this month. The show follows a group of animal friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world. This wacky adventure for the whole family is brought to life by Selladoor Family, the producers behind James And The Giant Peach, Seussical and The Owl And The Pussycat and Hartshorn-Hook, producers of the Olivier Award winning Rotterdam, Murder Ballad, Urinetown and American Idiot. INFORMATION Tickets: From £15 | Box office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com | www.madagascarthemusical.co.uk

OTHELLO

To make things worse he is pursued to Monte Carlo by a representative of the Brooklyn Dog’s Home, his Uncle’s favourite charity, who stand to get the money if Harry doesn’t fulfil the terms of the will exactly. Add his Uncle’s myopic gun-toting ex-girlfriend, scenic train rides, smoky nightclubs, mysterious strangers, mistaken identities and a lot of dogs into the mix, and Lucky Stiff promises to be an evening of fantastic and witty songs in this hilarious musical theatre murdermystery farce from The Gallery Players! Jon Tavener, a former Gallery Players cast member, and now Theatre Manager for Eastern Angles, directs Lucky Stiff with a stalwart Gallery Players cast, including Stephanie Brown, Paul Stone, Martin Leigh and Phil Cory. INFORMATION Tickets: £15 (concessions £12) Box Office: 01473 211498 easternangles.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich October 30 to November 3

Othello is one of Shakespeare's most startlingly contemporary plays – a masterful depiction of a life torn apart by prejudice. Venice; a western colonial power employs the newly-married Othello, a Muslim general, to lead their army against the impending Turkish invasion. The strain of fitting into a society riven by discrimination and fear soon take their toll. Manipulated by Iago, Othello's life quickly unravels as he turns on everything he holds dear. Following a critically acclaimed tour and London run, Richard Twyman’s vital production of Othello is brought to the stage by UK Theatre Award winners English Touring Theatre in a co-production with Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory. Director, Richard Tywman says, “We have a really young Othello which is really exciting. Victor Oshin is just out of drama school and gives us an Othello who is full of passion and youth. It’s one of Shakespeare’s most contemporary feeling plays - it traces the ark of a love story from harmony and beauty to chaos and destruction. There’s something really crucial about taking this play on tour giving it a new lease of life and making it fresh and contemporary for audiences today.” INFORMATION Box Office: 01473 295900 | www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss, © Tate, London 2018

KISS & TELL Rodin’s Kiss is without doubt one of the most iconic and famous sculptures of all time – and next month it is coming to Suffolk. Anne Gould talks to Emma Roodhouse who has arranged the exhibition

essentialsuffolk.com

K IS S & TE L L

orld class art doesn’t get much better than The Kiss – it’s one of those sculptures that has really touched the public imagination. Thanks to Emma Roodhouse from Ipswich Museum it’s going to be on display at Christchurch Mansion from November 24 through to April next year.

the story of The Kiss goes back to the Renaissance and is based on the adulterous lovers Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini, who appear in Dante’s Inferno. Artists throughout the ages have responded to Dante’s story, and artwork by William Blake (on loan from Tate) will also be on display to compliment it.

Clearly, it’s something of a feat to have secured this loan – from The Tate in London – but it is something she has been working on for some time. Emma, the Collections and Learning Curator for Colchester and Ipswich Museums said borrowing a piece like this is obviously tied up with a lot of “loans red tape”.

She said that the exhibition would also allow Colchester and Ipswich Museums to highlight the Ipswich sculpture collection which has been “overlooked for many years”.

There are also a lot of technical aspects to moving a large marble artwork as well, so she is thrilled to have secured this piece for the Kiss & Tell: Rodin and Suffolk Sculpture exhibition. “It will be a chance for everyone to see this iconic artwork in Suffolk but also gives us an opportunity to show some of our own collection as well.” Previously she said Christchurch Mansion hosted John Constable’s Salisbury Cathedral from the Watermeadows – also loaned from The Tate – as the centrepiece of an exhibition in Ipswich. “Hosting such a major artwork had a huge impact on visitor numbers and we are expecting this exhibition will have the same effect.” This Kiss & Tell exhibition will have three themes; the story behind The Kiss; highlighting Suffolk sculpture to reveal artworks that have not been seen before and how artists throughout the world have interpreted the human form. The Kiss is one of three full-scale versions made in Rodin’s lifetime. Its blend of eroticism and idealism makes it one of the great images of sexual love. She said that

Emma added “There are very interesting and relevant stories to tell about the history of sculptors in Suffolk. The Ipswich Art Gallery was a former Art School, where sculpture was a key course and Christchurch Mansion has historic classical casts used over the years by art students.”

Left: World Cultures collection Below: Woolner's Housemaid

Ellen Mary Rope (1855-1934) known as Suffolk’s Poet Sculptor has connections to Rodin for example. She was taught by Alphonse Legros, Rodin’s good friend. Her work will be a key feature. The Thomas Woolner collection (1825-1892) shows work by the founding member of the famous Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Thomas came from Hadleigh, Emma explained, and was also connected with Legros. In addition to loans from The Tate, she has also arranged loaned art from other East Anglian galleries including the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge, the Red House in Aldeburgh and Norfolk Museums. The third theme of this exhibition will look at the human body. According to Rodin himself, “Man’s naked form belongs to no particular moment in history; it is eternal, and can be looked upon with joy by the people of all ages.” Emma says, “Rodin was very interested in depicting the human form in a natural way and Ipswich’s art collection can illustrate

artworks from around the world that depict the human body. So we’ll be showing African carvings showing male and female figures and Asian dancers depicted in wood and metal. “It will also allow us to exhibit John Constable’s early life drawings from his time as a student at the Royal Academy in full.” But she added this exhibition will enable Ipswich to display sculptures from across the breadth of the collection by unknown and very well-known names Elizabeth Frink, Eduardo Paolozzi, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. “We hope the resulting exhibition will have a lasting impact on raising the profile of Ipswich’s sculpture collection.” Plus there is a series of events being planned to coincide with Kiss & Tell, she said. This will include art workshops during the school holidays, family yoga and on February 15 the Mansion will be open for chocolate sculpture too. INFORMATION cimuseums.org.uk

John Constable life drawing

EssentialSUFFOLK

ittle children often ask their mum, their dad and their grandparents what it was like when they were young. But as they grow older and their own lives become richer and more vibrant the old stories of the past somehow become of less and less importance. Playwright and director Jon Tavener believes this is a huge loss because he says that family stories of our parents and grandparents are inextricably linked with who we are.

That’s why he created a project called Once Upon a Lifetime, which sources stories from older people in care homes and turns them into plays. His first play was about dance halls – he travelled around the East of England asking older people what the used to do to have fun and created a play with a love story. His latest project, which debuts at Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich in late September before touring in schools and care homes and venues in Suffolk and across East Anglia, is about shopping. Everything Must Go is based on a shared history around shops – whether its recollections of accompanying mum on daily shopping trips, memories of toy shops or sweetshops, Co-op dividends or GreenShield stamps. It covers the personal service and deliveries from grocers, butchers, ironmongers, the effects of rationing during the war, working behind the counter and the ever-changing face of our high streets and shopping centres. “I chose shopping because they say the British are a nation of shopkeepers and I felt that shopping is very much a shared experience.”

ONCE UPON A LIFETIME Family stories are precious but so easily lost if no-one bothers to listen to them. Anne Gould talks to playwright and director Jon Tavener who has used memories from the past as inspiration for a new play – Everything Must Go

essentialsuffolk.com

His research took him to care homes in Capel St Mary, Lavenham, Ipswich, Sudbury, Stowupland and Woodbridge where he spoke to residents about their memories and recorded what they said. “Everything was transcribed not just as material for the play but so that the people I interviewed could pass their memories on to their families so their experiences are preserved for future generations.” Jon also talked to owners of well-known shops in Ipswich; Grimwades, Does, Martin & Newby and the East of England Co-op. What emerged was a fascinating social history – about how shopping has changed and he says, how shelves and where they are placed started a revolution. “It used to be that shelves were behind the counter and someone served you but then the shelves moved into the shop and you served yourself.” This shopping style heralded the supermarket and a change to our high streets, says Jon, which of course are changing yet again with the internet.

E VE RY T H IN G MUST G O

the least over the course of time. “Of course back then there weren’t fridges but a meat safe and as the week went on it was important to sell the stock that they had. In fact, I heard one story about a shop having a vinegar soaked cloth which was used to wipe away maggots.” For the play, as much as possible, he has used the exact language that his interviewees used and he has constructed a story that allows him to use their words. “We have a grandson, played by Joe Leat who takes his frail grandmother played by Rosalind Burt to the shops for the last time and she remembers what used to be”.

“The interesting thing is that back then smaller shops used to differentiate themselves by offering home deliveries and internet shopping has now brought that about full circle. In the East of England ‘Divi’ from the Co-op used to be very popular because it was 5p in the pound and he was surprised while doing his research how important it was. “I talked to people with dementia, who couldn’t remember what they’d had for breakfast or what day of the week it was but astonishingly they could remember their Dividend Number. Decimalisation came up a lot, as it had a huge effect on shopping and in particular how some people just couldn’t cope.”

The play is touring and will be visiting local schools and care homes and what’s useful is that it encourages children to talk to their grandparents. “My interviews in care homes led to some amazing recollections - there was a 95-year-old who was on the D-Day landing beaches and who was a telephonist who in the 1960s listened in to a secret call that was at the centre of a political scandal.”

He recorded stories from a former butcher’s girl – unusual in itself because this delivery job was usually given to boys – and what’s emerged is that butcher shops have changed

Jon’s interest in these stories from the past is however based on his own experience with his father Patrick who he helped to care for in his later years. “As a child, I remember him as

a quiet reserved man who was always at work. But I started asking him questions about his life – what it was like on National Service, who was the first girl he kissed. It helped bring him out of a dark time and it enabled us to have a new relationship. When he died it felt like he was more like a brother. We are made up of the journey our parents and grandparents made –that’s why these family stories are so important. They are part of who we are.”

INFORMATION Everything Must Go www.easternangles.co.uk

New range of SMEG Kitchen appliances now in stock

Ask Elmers Enjoy your kitchen this autumn. “Whether you’re baking, making jams and pickles or updating your equipment we have a comprehensive range for you to choose from and friendly, knowledgeable staﬀ to help you

”

Says Sue, our Cookshop Specialist

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

GIVING BACK Looking for something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life-affirming, offers opportunities to meet new friends and a great sense of achievement? Anne Gould talks to Jemma Wood about volunteering for St Elizabeth Hospice

essentialsuffolk.com

S T E LI ZAB E TH HO SPIC E

ou might be an expert in coins, know all there is to know about antiquarian books or perhaps a dab hand at eBay or selling online. Alternatively, your expertise may be in admin, in retail or maybe you have even come from a medical background. If so you might be interested in becoming one of the 1,500 strong volunteer team at St Elizabeth Hospice. The charity has just launched a new campaign – Hands up for your Hospice – to encourage more people to help provide support in every area of its work. “We have around 1500 volunteers however it is vital that this number increases in order for the hospice to continue to grow and provide specialist palliative and end of life care to local people and its young adult patients,” explains volunteer team leader, Jemma Wood. It’s not until you realise the scale of the organisation and the £10.5 million it costs to run the charity plus the enormity of the annual fund-raising challenge, that it becomes clear just how vital volunteers are. Jemma says, “In addition to the administrative and clinical sides to the hospice we have 29 shops across east Suffolk and two large retail centres at Martlesham Heath and Holywells in Ipswich.” Every day there is a constant stream of donations, everything from furniture to house clearances but sometimes it’s just a carrier bag.

All of this has to be sorted and the hospice needs people to do it. “We get a plethora of donations and everything has to be organised. We have experts in antiques, and books and vinyl too.” Jemma, who used to work as a Retail Manager, said that being thorough to catalogue everything was essential. “I was working in a shop one day and we had a donation in a black plastic bag of various items. But at the bottom, in a box, was a real pearl necklace with a 24-carat gold clip which when sent for sale reached £300-£400.” Anyone aged from 14 upwards can volunteer, she says, and although many offer as a way of giving back after a loved one has died not everyone has that sort of connection. “Our oldest volunteer is 91 from Kesgrave and he helps sort the stamps for us. He has been doing this for 25 years or more and has been given a long service award from us.” Their longest serving volunteers are two ladies who have been helping for more than 30 years – before the hospice opened – and they are now firm friends. “There’s no such thing as a typical volunteer at the hospice or a typical volunteer role, we have over 50 different roles where we need support so there is certainly something for everyone. ‰

“We have around 1500 volunteers however it is vital that this number increases in order for the hospice to continue to grow and provide specialist palliative and end of life care to local people and its young adult patients.”

EssentialSUFFOLK

Volunteer for

you care Help us to care for our patients and their families by volunteering for St Elizabeth Hospice

stelizabethhospice.org.uk/volunteer

S T E LI ZAB E TH HO SPIC E

We welcome work experience students, young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh award, corporate teams who are often spotted sorting donations in the shops, and we have a fantastic team of regular volunteers who work with patients providing all kinds of support. We have many staff who started their journey with us as a volunteer. It sometimes also helps people to get work experience before finding a job.” For teenagers volunteering for Zest, a new concept in charity retail aimed at young people, might be of interest. She explained that Zest has two shops, one in Ipswich and another in Colchester aimed at supporting young adults across East Anglia who need care. Zest not only looks to support young adults but also to engage other young adults in helping them provide that support either through donations, volunteering or shopping, she explained. Helen Finlinson, young adult care and transition lead for St Elizabeth said, “It is not widely known but St Elizabeth Hospice already offers care for young adults in Suffolk from the age of 14. Through Zest, we are looking to expand our care options to include, in the first instance, supported weekend breaks – a service that is not currently widely available in our region.” The benefits of volunteering are many and varied, from gaining new skills and experience to making new friends, not to mention the positive effect on mental health and wellbeing.” Jason Rudderham, head of retail, says, “There is a real community feel within the shops and volunteers are embedded in the teams. If you think of charity shops as fusty, musty places then think again. Many of the hospice’s shops have a very different feel to the traditional image of charity retail. Even if people can only give an hour a week, the difference this can make is huge. It’s a fantastic way for people to put their skills to good use and support the vital work of the hospice,” he said.

VOLUNTEER CASE STUDY:

Ros Goodchild Holywells Retail Centre When Ros Goodchild left her office-based role last year, she decided to enquire about volunteering. Having worked in administrative positions for over 30 years she was ready for an exciting new challenge and wanted to support her local hospice. As Ros explains: “I was tired of being stuck in an office and was keen to find a role that was more physical and that would get me out working with the community. On a more personal level, my Mum and Grandad both stayed at St Elizabeth Hospice before they died, so I wanted to give something back for the wonderful care they received. When I discovered that there is a desperate need for volunteers at the hospice’s Holywells retail centre I jumped at the chance.” Ros has a degree in English Literature and enjoys being surrounded by books, so when Jason Smith, retail manager at Holywells found out, he offered Ros the job of sorting the book donations. “I love taking care of the many boxes of books that come into Holywells. If they are in good condition I sort them ready for the shops and anything that is not sellable gets recycled. Hardly anything goes to waste and I get to discover so many different titles – I feel like I am learning every day.” One book in particular recently caught Ros’s eye: “I was going through a box of donations and I saw an interesting children’s book. It featured pencil drawings and inside the cover it said it was a first edition so I passed it on to Terry York, our e-commerce manager, to be put up for sale on eBay. We couldn’t believe it when it sold for £145!” Ros comes to help at Holywells most afternoons and loves how flexible her volunteer role is, “I’m not one to sit and do nothing so I try to come in every afternoon, but there’s never any pressure. Some people work one day a week and others work five, it just depends on how much time you are able to commit.”

INFORMATION If you think you can help all the current volunteer roles can be found on their website stelizabethhospice.org.uk/volunteer or for further information contact the volunteer team on 01473 707939 or volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

And to anyone thinking of volunteering at Holywells, Ros says: “Go for it! I’ve gained so much from volunteering here. The social aspect is wonderful and I’ve made lots of new friends that I would never have met otherwise. When you look back on your day at Holywells it gives you a massive sense of achievement and it’s great to know you’ve done something to support St Elizabeth Hospice.”

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC T OBER 2018

Undertaking bespoke furniture design for worldwide clients REH Kennedy might be one of Ipswich – and Suffolk’s – best kept secrets. Essential Suffolk discovers more as it celebrates its 70th birthday

70 YEARS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

“However, we have a splendid team here and the current 20 strong workforce have between them over 540 years of service with the company.

“Very sadly my friend and business partner passed away back in 2010” explained Russell.

“In this high tech age we are certainly different, specialising in crafting high quality furniture using traditional methods and materials and also embracing modern finishing techniques when required. It is widely recognised that British skills are unmatched in furniture production, and we are proud to be a part of this industry and perpetuate our expertise. By moving with the times with our range and skill set enables us

hen Robert Edgar Helm Kennedy created his bespoke furniture making business back in 1948 he chose a site on the Wherstead Road on the banks of the river Orwell, and it was in 1986 the company moved to the current impressive site on the Whitehouse Road. In 2004 Russell Langham and his fellow director Mike Ruffles took the chance to buy the business from the holding company backing their long experience of furniture design together with manufacturing expertise.

essentialsuffolk.com

to offer our clients a very wide choice of styles and finishes.” It is clear that Kennedy’s furniture appeals to the most discerning buyers with the highest expectations confirmed by the fact that they are the longest serving furniture suppliers to Harrods dating back to 1958. Russell added “We have had some very interesting orders during this time including Mr Al-Fayed’s personal desk, the current Harrods boardroom table, bespoke chairs and other items for the director’s offices. Last year as a result of the Princess Diana collection

B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | RE H K E NNED Y

Photograph by courtesy of The Cotton Tree

exhibition in Buckingham Palace we were delighted to discover that she had a Kennedy desk amongst her possessions.”

coming and going and we have seen this with the unfashionable brown (darker) furniture now beginning to show a revival”.

It is their ability to supply bespoke items that appeals to Harrods customers and the other worldwide stockists as well as interior designers they continue to work with. Kennedy’s client list includes many well know names from the world of entertainment and sport.

Because of the high quality service offered, whether it is for small individual pieces or large scale projects, clients keep coming back and also regularly recommend the company to friends and family. A restoration service is also offered returning damaged items to their original appearance or giving them a new look by design alterations or finish.

“We recently made a stunning bespoke banqueting table in oak measuring an impressive eight metres in length for a hunting lodge in Scotland. Due to access difficulties it had to be cleverly designed in three sections that seamlessly fitted together to give the illusion of a single solid piece.” Central to the quality of all Kennedy’s furniture is the meticulous design process and selection of materials. Russell explains that “traditionally we have used Oak, Cherry, Mahogany and Walnut but with changing trends and tastes we now work with whatever the client desires, and have seen a variety of different materials and finishes used on recent projects”. Russell is the sole designer and has been not only designing but making furniture for just over 48 years. “With the design process I will often carry out a site visit to really get the feel for how the new piece of furniture will fit in with its surroundings. I might take inspiration from the style of the building as well as the current décor or even other pieces that will be living alongside the design. The final product must be perfectly suited to the setting.” In this ‘disposable age’ how does a company like REH Kennedy not just survive but clearly thrive? The answer is to listen carefully to customers and to commit to moving with the times. “Furniture is a fashion item with trends

“We have been working with local clients from Chelsworth over the last couple of years designing and making items for their home in both traditional and contemporary designs. We are currently making a drinks cabinet as well as having further items at the design stage. It is very satisfying when a client is so clearly pleased with our work.” Russell’s passion for the business and the products they are creating is incredibly infectious and a tour around the factory, seeing the exquisite Craftsmanship at work, left me in no doubt that every drop of his enthusiasm is echoed by every member of his team.

traditional, military, rustic, art deco or contemporary there is plenty to inspire. One such item on display that catches the imagination is the Crump Oak table, an inspiring piece of furniture, the tree was felled in Herefordshire during the great storm of 1987 and purchased by its current owner who contacted Kennedy. Rather than cut the tree in the more traditional way, slices were cut horizontally through the Trunk to reveal the growth rings, then using Dendrochronology through Nottingham University a time line was produced dating back just over 300 years. The table top has been inlayed with 72 circular brass discs, each one positioned on a growth ring and representing the coming to office of all the British Prime Ministers during its life, from Sir Robert Walpole to Margaret Thatcher, a truly unique and beautiful piece, and made in Ipswich.

To ensure that visitors can see the Kennedy’s range displayed at its very best, and to celebrate their 70th anniversary, a newly created showroom is now open with viewings available by appointment. “Although we have taken on some exciting and extraordinary projects, like the refit of a tea and coffee emporium in Stockholm which included a Chinese themed tea tasting room, we want our customers to be able to visualise a home setting so we have poured our hallmark attention to detail into creating a stunning showcase for our furniture". The New Showroom does not disappoint, with room sets to reflect the various styles;

INFORMATION To view REH Kennedy’s furniture visit their website at www.rehkennedy.co.uk To make an appointment to visit REH Kennedy’s new showroom or to discuss either one of the standard pieces of furniture or a bespoke design please call 01473 240044 or email enquiries@rehkennedy.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

Ya Ya long jersey cardigan with shawl collar and side slits £79.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Caroline Biss dress £215 Holly Blue Boutique

Monari mustard sweater £78 Adams Apple

Ya Ya satin smoking blazer with front flap pockets £149.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Shades of Autumn With the onset of autumn, muted and dusky shades of olive, mustard and wine are creeping into our wardrobes. Our local independent fashion retailers are showcasing their new autumn and winter collections so it’s time to go shopping Mustard scarf £25 Ninni Noo Boutique

Lilly & Me hoodie £57 Adams Apple

essentialsuffolk.com

Forest green dress with gold print £59.99 Ninni Noo Boutique Cosmic Love pullover £48 Ninni Noo Boutique

Caroline Biss black and white dress £225 Holly Blue Boutique

FASH I ON

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~

LOCAL RETAILERS

Flower print dress £65 Ninni Noo Boutique

Plum dress £58 Ninni Noo Boutique

Pomodoro velvet dress £79 Adams Apple

Lilly & Me tunic £52 Adams Apple

Pink and print jumper £47 Ninni Noo Boutique

Ya Ya grey tropical print tee £59.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Ya Ya printed kimono dress (also available in khaki) £89.95 Laura Jane Boutique

Mustard skirt £42 Ninni Noo Boutique

In Town pink cord trousers £62 Adams Apple

EssentialSUFFOLK

SPECIALISING IN JERSEY & KNITWEAR

New Autumn collections have arrived

YAYA | PART TWO SOAKED IN LUXURY LUELLA ‘STAR’ COLLECTION TUTTI JEWELLERY PERUZZI | SUZY D 89/91 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AW 01394 386686 www.laurajaneboutique.co.uk

AUTUMN & WINTER COLLECTIONS NOW IN

Situated at the end of the Thoroughfare, just over the traffic lights.

See It... Love It... Want It... 55 Thoroughfare P12 1AH 01394 382300

Collections can also be found at Inspirations, Wickham Market.

THE HEART OF

A great place for retail therapy all on one street

ADINI GARDEUR LILY & ME TONI EMRECO YEST SIGNATURE MARBLE CAPRI ALICE COLLINS IN TOWN POMODORO MONARI OLSEN BRANDTEX

NEW AUTUMN COLLECTIONS NOW IN STORE 70 Thoroughfare Woodbridge 01394 384685

Find your perfect fit at Sweet Dreams 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge | 01394 380306 Open 9.30 – 5 Monday to Saturday

FASH I ON

Knitted sweater £48 Ninni Noo Boutique

Thought Quella organic cotton pocket tunic £49 Joli

Thought Delfy check hemp dress in slate grey £70 Joli

Fringed poncho cape £42 Ninni Noo Boutique

Adore pullover £48 Ninni Noo Boutique

Lilly & Me tunic £52 Adams Apple

Marble tunic £90 Adams Apple Monari red jumper £80 Adams Apple

STOCKISTS Adams Apple 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 384685 Holly Blue Boutique 55 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 382300 Laura Jane Boutique 89/91 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 386686 Ninni Noo Boutique 57 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: 01394 388655

www.jolisuffolk.com 158 H I GH S TRE ET A L DE BUR GH I P15 5AQ 07771 623408

Joli 158 High St, Aldeburgh. T: 07771 623408

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC T OBER 2018

Suffolk-based therapist and healer Melissa Day is this autumn extending her Niroshini business with new luxury and transformative holistic retreats for women who want to focus on empowerment and wellness

Retreat to the Suffolk Countryside Melissa Day, of “Niroshini Transformative Retreats”, has launched a series of spiritual, grounding 3 night retreats, in luxurious surroundings, in the heart of Suffolk. Melissa started her journey to this point in 2007. Her spiritual development, evolved though intensive professional skills training, in disciplines, such as her signature Niroshini Cosmetic Acupuncture and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (past life regression with healing), among other energy-based therapies. The all-women retreats focus on enabling personal empowerment and balanced wellbeing. With tailor-made treatments and time for each small group of 5-7 women to bond, a Niroshini Transformative Retreat, offers the chance to focus on developing that deep core within each of us; that intuitive and “knowing” place. The retreats will encourage the sharing of knowledge and personal development. Melissa’s teacher, from whom she gained her healing knowledge as the basis for her facial and cosmetic acupuncture discipline, is acknowledged as a “Taita” amongst the indigenous people that he works with in Peru and Ecuador. Taita is a Quechua word, meaning “spiritual leader”, “guide” or “Father” of a community. Melissa’s ongoing learning and interest in such spiritual personal learning probably originates from her own experiences of two very different cultures; Sri Lanka and Britain. Born in Sri Lanka, Melissa’s birth mother lived in poverty and had no choice other than to allow her to be adopted at just eight weeks old. Growing up in the UK, meant that Melissa, was given the gift of a

essentialsuffolk.com

first rate education so that she could head off into the world full of hope. She had no idea then, how very different her life would have been, if her birth mother had not been brave enough to let her go. After an incredible series of coincidences, a friend visiting Sri Lanka in 2009, found Melissa’s birth mother. She was located on a tea plantation, living in poverty with Melissa’s two brothers – who she never even knew she had! Amazingly, Melissa had given that friend the single photograph of her birth mother cuddling her as a newborn and Melissa’s mother also had a copy of that same picture and that is how the connection was first made. For 25 years, they had both treasured this same image, both wondering about each other and now it had brought them together. Niroshini treatments reference some ancient traditional spiritual healing practices from Sri Lanka, some Indian philosophies (Melissa’s heritage is Indian Tamil) – with a little Peruvian and Ecuadorian magic included too! Niroshini Retreats, offer holistic treatments so you’ll discover glorious ways to indulge yourself on all levels, with your body, mind and spirit reaping the benefits. The most natural products are used. As well as Melissa offering the treatments, she has a dedicated team joining each Retreat to look after you well during your stay. You’ll experience excellent care in a luxurious environment, with service and hospitality that is warm and professional. You will experience your own private chef and a menu based on Ayurvedic knowledge (an Indian wellness system dating back 5,000 years).

B US I N ES S PR O FIL E | N I ROSH I NI

Giving Back

When Melissa discovered that she had a family, as soon as she could, she travelled to Sri Lanka. The reunion was emotional and even with the language barrier, there was no doubting the love that Melissa, her mother and brothers felt for one another. Feelings of happiness during that trip were tempered, however, with the realisation that for Melissa’s family, daily life and work on a tea plantation meant a very hard life. Money was scarce, the work was backbreaking and living conditions awful. She was shocked to discover the many inequalities in life for the children of Tamil tea plantation workers, extending even to the education system. Worse still, was the revelation that suicide rates are very high among these children.

Melissa says, “There will be other delights and treats offered during our guests’ stay”. Melissa has named her retreats as “transformative”, saying “The person who arrives invariably is not the person who leaves; they are offered a chance to feel transformed. Transformation allows each person to bloom and flourish in reaching their potential”. Melissa has chosen special venues that are magical, whether it’s from their pure beauty, grandeur or location in the depths of nature. Many have featured in luxurious glossy magazines such as Vogue – they are utterly unique and enchanting. Melissa purposely runs retreats with a maximum of 7 spaces so that guests can be completely looked after, from the moment they walk through the doors and get offered their Niroshini “chakra mocktails”, to when they leave – feeling refreshed, ready for their next step in life with balance, calmness and full of passion. Melissa can tailor dates to suit groups of friends and also has some present dates. Reserve your space now to join a tribe of like minded souls and become part of this unique experience. Melissa is based in Ipswich – she delivers her treatments in both Suffolk and central Mayfair. For contact information about either her treatments or retreats, please email: info@niroshini.com

She is now involved with project Tea Leaf Vision, run via charity Tea Leaf Trust which has education centres based in Maskeliya and Nuwara Eliya, providing English Diploma programmes to young people from the poorest tea estate communities. To date, Melissa has helped to raise £58K to support their incredible work. Melissa is now developing a 6 week programme for both young men and women (aged 18 – 24 years) at those two Tea Leaf Vision centres, focusing on understanding “respect for women” and the issue of “consent”. Melissa’s brothers were both lucky enough to be accepted onto Tea Leaf Vision’s Diploma programme and her eldest brother, Ashok, is now working on a tea plantation but with a happy twist. That plantation supplies Direct Trade tea. With them as supplier, Melissa has now launched her own tea brand, “Niroshini Direct Trade Tea”. It’s so important to her that all the workers are paid a living wage; Direct Trade allows the farmer a higher percentage of the profit margin. A percentage of all sale profits is being given by Melissa to support Tea Leaf Vision’s vital work. Melissa has named her first hand-rolled tea “Flowering Black Velvet”; its texture is as smooth as velvet and is infused with white tea flowers. Once warm water is added to the loose tea leaves, the flowers will open, producing fragrant, delicate overtones of jasmine and honey. It’s a beautiful ritual as well as a deliciously unusual cup of tea. For more information about either Tea Leaf Vision or Niroshini’s Direct Trade Tea, please contact: info@niroshini.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

H EA LT H

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Summer and Autumn are wonderful times to get out and about and enjoy the Suffolk countryside but sometimes being more active can lead to pain and discomfort in your feet Heel pain is a common complaint which can be caused by various conditions. One of the most common of these is Plantar Fasciitis (pronounced Plant-ar fash–ee–i-tis). This month the Physiotherapy team at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital talk about causes, symptoms and treatment.

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS? Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of a tough band of fibrous tissue under the heel and it can be very debilitating. When this tension is excessive (often due to poor foot biomechanics such as flat feet) or if it is too repetitive or forceful, inflammation to the plantar fascia can occur and can affect one or both feet. Active men and women between the ages of 40 and 70 are at the highest risk for developing plantar fasciitis. It’s also slightly more common in women than men. People with very high or very low arches are vulnerable to plantar fasciitis, because both foot types stretch the plantar fascia away from the heel bone. Other causes are extreme pronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or supination (excessive outward rolling of the foot). Tight hip muscles, weak core muscles and a history of lower back pain can also contribute. There are also certain factors which may mean an individual is more likely to experience heel pain such as higher body weight, diabetes and jobs with prolonged standing, tight hip muscles, weak core muscles and a history of lower back pain.

HOW DOES IT FEEL? Some people describe the pain caused by plantar fasciitis as dull, while others experience a sharp pain, or a burning or ache on the bottom of the foot extending outward from the heel. It is most notably sore first thing in the morning when you take your first steps out of bed and after sitting or periods of inactivity. The heel can be tender to touch and sometimes feel swollen. Long periods of

essentialsuffolk.com

standing, walking or running can aggravate it, making it difficult to put your full weight through the foot comfortably and the heel maybe throb into the evening once relaxed.

SO HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCE THIS PAIN? As Physiotherapists, we recommend wearing good shock absorbing footwear such as trainers or shoes with foam or rubber soles. Try to temporarily avoid prolonged periods of weight bearing or walking bare foot around the house. Gel heel cups can take the pressure off the heel and make it more comfortable to walk. You can usually find items like this in your local chemist or online. Orthoses (commonly called insoles) can be effective in redistributing the pressure under the foot. However, is important to get orthoses fitted correctly by a Physiotherapist or other qualified health practitioner as they need to support your foot type correctly. Incorrectly fitted orthoses could aggravate symptoms. Kinesiotape, a type of stretchy rehabilitation tape can also be applied to help offload the sore tissues. In recent years research has shown that steroid injections into the heel are no longer suitable but certain types of prescribed exercises to strengthen the plantar fascia can be very effective in not only reducing pain but helping avoid recurrence. These help to improve your ability to load the soft tissue under the foot without overstressing it.

HOW DO YOU KEEP ACTIVE WHILE YOU HAVE HEEL PAIN? Consider swimming and other non-weight bearing activities which can be useful when you have foot pain. We don’t recommend

high impact activities such as running or prolonged walking until the pain begins to subside. If your heel pain is affecting your activity and is persisting, it would be useful to see a Physiotherapist who could fully assess your foot and lower limb to establish the reason for your foot pain. Physiotherapists can help you to manage your pain and improve your strength and flexibility. They can also provide a variety of treatments, help you understand your problem and get you back to your normal activities by devising a return to activity plan. The team of Physiotherapists at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital can normally offer appointments within 48 hours. Contact us now on 01473 279 136 for further information or to book online visit our website https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/ physiotherapy/ipswich

DON’T WAIT… COME AND MEET OUR EXPERTS. SPACES ARE LIMITED, SO DON’T MISS OUT – BOOK TODAY. Join us at our FREE upcoming events and have all your questions answered. Thursday 18th October – Let’s Talk Foot & Ankle Pain free open event with Mr Shafic Al-Nammari, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Dr Campbell Wareham, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, and a Senior Physiotherapist. Following presentations from the speakers, there will be an opportunity for a five-minute mini advice session where you can talk through treatment options and you are welcome to talk to the clinical and non-clinical staff if you have any questions about prices, interest free loans, and next steps. Book your place by calling 01473 851 960.

FI NA NCE

RELIGHT MY FIRE As the nights draw in, many people welcome the chance to get a real fire burning in their homes. The sight, smell and warmth of logs crackling in the hearth appeals to the most primeval of our instincts, but there are risks associated with having a real fire, and your insurer will need to know that you have your chimney swept on a regular basis. Why are coal and log fires such a risk? Burning organic matter like coal and wood causes a build-up of ash and creosote deposits in the chimney. If left untreated these accumulations of soot and tar will start to obstruct the flue, which in turn will lower the volume of smoke drawn up into the chimney. You may notice your room becoming smokier, the fireplace becoming blackened and furnishings getting grubby as the downdraught smoke dirties the room.

Natasha Root Private Client Insurance Executive

The sooty deposits stuck to the inside of the chimney will warm up whenever there is a fire burning, and can eventually ignite, causing flames to appear from the chimney pot. Chimney fires can damage your chimney and crack or break the chimney pots, or in the worst case can spread to engulf other parts of the property and cause more widespread destruction. More serious still is where the flue becomes blocked, so that carbon monoxide fumes from solid fuel fires cannot escape from the chimney and come back into the room. If these fumes are inhaled they can cause serious damage to your health, and can even kill. If you have a real fire: Get your chimney swept regularly. Your insurance company will expect you to sweep

it at least annually, and more often for wood burning stoves or bituminous coal. You should also notify your insurance company if you’re installing a real fire for the first time, because you’re adding to the risk and that may alter your policy – you might not be covered for it. You are strongly advised to use a professional chimney sweep. The NACS is the registered professional body and will provide you with a sweeping certificate which you will need for your insurance company in the event of a claim. For more information on insurance for properties with real fires, contact Natasha Root on 01206 838400, natasha.root@scruttonbland.co.uk or visit www.scruttonbland.co.uk

Scrutton Bland Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

St Mary’s care home in Holbrook

Celebrating 50 years of happy living Proudly n -for-pro t. Personally tailored residential and dementia care in beautiful surroundings. Fantastic food comes as standard. St Mary’s Woodlands Road, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2PS To order a brochure or arrange a visit call 0808 102 4440 or visit www.anchor.org.uk/StMarys

Rated Jan 2018

Good

EssentialSUFFOLK

S E PTEMB ER 2018

Pub Walks

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

We’re in the heart of the Suffolk countryside for an autumn walk around Bildeston from The Crown The Bildeston Crown is the perfect place to unwind, indulge and relax and what’s even better is that your well behaved four legged friend will be made just as welcome as you are. One of Suffolk’s famous Wool Towns, Bildeston itself is hardly more than a village but it’s packed with historic architecture and is ideally positioned for enjoying walks in the stunning countryside – like this one. Following this route you’ll venture through the village, taking the path out to the church before crossing agricultural land into neighbouring Chelsworth with its chocolate box cottages. It’s a relatively easy walk, with a little bit of a climb and descent in both directions, as a result of which we’re afforded some stunning open views. There’s also plenty of opportunity for your dog to have a good run off the lead. And what could be better than returning to the Crown for some refreshments? Hayley, Chris and their team, always offer a warm Suffolk welcome in the stylish but relaxed surroundings.

Church Farm

4/9

BILDESTON

2 PH H i g h Stre et

Old Barn

Chelsworth Hall

essentialsuffolk.com

Bridge Farm

B 15 11

CHELSWORTH

Autumn/Winter 2018 EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS Friday 19th October – Wine Dinner (featuring Lismore Wines from South Africa) Monday 12th November – Wine Dinner – Chefs of Bury (Six Suffolk Chefs: one good cause)

December – Christmas Parties

the walk DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles TIME: Approx 1.5 hours TERRAIN: Generally easy, pavement, path and field edges. STOPS: The Bildeston Crown OS MAP: 196 START POINT OS REFERENCE: 993 495 As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs. For a printable version of this and more than 70 previous walks go to: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walks where you will also find more pictures of each walk route.

Monday – Thursday, lunch or dinner, £22 pp Friday – Saturday, lunch or dinner, £28 pp

Christmas Day £110 pp – 4 courses with mince pies and coffee

New Year’s Eve “Steak & Lobster”, fireworks & Fizz – £75 pp

Rooms “Inn” Between Christmas and New Year break (Thurs 27th – Sunday 30th Dec) TWO nights Bed & Breakfast, bottle of fizz on arrival, eating 3 courses on one night (£30 per person allowance), 2 people sharing: Classic Room – £270, Executive Room – £320, Luxury Room – £355.

Always check the map before setting off. 1. Exit the car park at the Bildeston Crown and turn right along High Street. After a very short distance you will see the village square and clock tower ahead of you. 2. Before you reach the tower turn left in to Chapel Street (sign posted to church). 3. At the end of Chapel Street turn left in to Church Road – following the sign for the church. 4. Just past the church take the footpath sign on your left, following the field edge (to the right of the fenced area). Continue straight along this path, do not veer left into the adjoining field. The path eventually meets the tree line directly ahead of you. 5. At the tree line continue straight ahead until you meet the main road. 6. At the road turn right. Please take particular caution as there is no footpath for part of this section however there is a soft verge on the opposite side of the road. Continue through the village, as the road bends to the right continue to Ivy House (opposite the village sign). 7. Leave the road where the track leads off the bend at Ivy House and head north on to agricultural land. Head straight up this path, ignoring the footpath sign to your left. You’ll be able to see Bildeston Church on the horizon to your right. 8. At the way marker turn right towards the church and follow the path along the field. At the field boundary a small bridge takes you into the next field, follow the right hand boundary of this field until you reach a ‘T’ junction of paths. 9. Turn right and follow the path to the church from where you can retrace your route (points 1 to 4 in reverse) back the The Bildeston Crown.

REGULAR EAT SPECIALS MIDWEEK SET LUNCH: Monday – Thursday lunchtime, 2 Courses £15 and 3 Courses £20.

FISH & FIZZ FRIDAYS: Every Friday, lunch and dinner, only £15 per person.

TASTING MENU: £80 pp or £110 pp with a flight of wine. A seven course tasting menu, chosen by Chef Chris Lee, to be taken by the whole table. See website for further details or sign up for our eNewsletter via the website.

104 High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk IP7 7EB 01449 740510 reception@thebildestoncrown.co.uk thebildestoncrown.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018 Sponsored by

TOP10

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

Pub Walks with Darcy As Darcy celebrates her 10th birthday we thought we’d share her top ten favourite pub walks

t’s hard to believe that in the eight years that we’ve been publishing these routes we’ve built a library of more than 70 walks and it’s been equally difficult to help Darcy choose her favourites. For the past four years she’s been sharing these outings her ‘little sister’ Holly, so you’re not seeing double – there are sometimes two dogs in the photographs. We’ve based our choices on year-round access, variety of landscapes and, of course, a dog friendly welcome at the pub. If your favourite didn’t make the list please don’t despair – this is like choosing your favourite child (or dog) – we love them all! Our thanks Christchurch Veterinary Referrals and to all of the generous dog friendly Suffolk pubs who have supported Pub Walks With Darcy, enabling us to bring you this perpetually popular series.

The Oyster Inn, Butley Just making it on to the list in 10th place is The Oyster Inn walk around Butley. It warms our hearts to see a pub like The Oyster thriving and breathing new life into the community. This is one our ‘Big Skies’ walks with plenty of agricultural landscape to enjoy and at approximately 3.5 miles it’s a good length for an autumn walk. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walk-butley

essentialsuffolk.com

9 The Westleton Crown Lace up your boots and enjoy a good two to three hours of walking with this stunning route around Westleton. We just love walking in this very special landscape – especially when there’s a chill in the air. The autumn colours really bring this walk to life and with heath and woods to enjoy it offers a variety of landscapes and wildlife. If there are ground-nesting birds around make sure you keep your dog under very close control. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/ dog-walk-westleton-1

TO P 1 0 PU B WAL K S

8 The Lavenham Greyhound Lavenham is such a pretty town but until we investigated this route we hadn’t thought of heading there for dog walking. This 3.5 mile walk follows much of ‘Lavenham Walk’ along a disused railway cutting which provides some rather beneficial shelter. This was the first ‘official’ pub walk for Holly so we couldn’t resist sharing the rather cute photo of the two of them enjoying the early spring sunshine. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walk-lavenham

6 The Maybush, Waldringfield There’s something about walking along the water’s edge that completely feeds the soul. In our list you’ll find the chance to enjoy both banks of the Deben – firstly from the south/west side at Waldringfield. This is a relatively short loop but can easily be added to the other Waldringfield walk on our website if you’re looking to venture further. On a fine day there are few better places to enjoy a well-earned pint, while Darcy has a quick snooze on the patio and we watch the boats pass by; absolute bliss. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/ dog-walk-waldringfield-2

7 Sibton White Horse Inn Regular readers will know that we recently shared all three of the Sibton routes, so choosing just one for this list was tricky, but we’ve decided on the first which – at five miles – builds up a good appetite for enjoying some refreshments at The White Horse. The multi-award winning pub allows dogs to enjoy the bar area but not the restaurant, so if you’re planning to eat it’s probably best to book your table ahead of your walk and bag one of the dogfriendly tables. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/ dog-walk-sibton-1

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

The Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill We couldn’t complete this list without including this walk along the Orwell from Pin Mill. When Darcy recently featured on TV (Anglia News) this was the walk she’d been enjoying. Pin Mill isn’t just a pretty riverside village – it has an air of history and mystery about it, with tales of smugglers from centuries past. The Butt & Oyster is the second of the Deben Inns group to feature in the Top 10 and well deserved. If your dog likes to swim, double check the tide times before setting out as there’s the chance at high water for a paddle right near the pub without getting too muddy. www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walk-pin-mill-1

The Eels Foot Inn, Eastbridge We’re back to the Heritage Coast for walk number five. If you’ve never been to Eastbridge you’re in for a treat. Circling Minsmere Nature Reserve this walk combines forest, heath, meadow and beach and is an absolute beauty. It’s about 5.5 miles in all but if you time it right you can make a stop at the National Trust Tearooms at the half way point before continuing round the loop returning to the Eels Foot – a welcoming and quirky pub with an award winning beer garden. For full instructions, more photographs and a map visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/ dog-walk-eastbridge

3 48

essentialsuffolk.com

4 The Turks Head, Hasketon We’re in to the top three and taking up the bronze medal is The Turks Head at Hasketon. We’ve published three routes to date from this rejuvenated village pub just outside Woodbridge and selected ‘Route 2’ as Darcy’s favourite, however with the knowledge that there are always gravy bones on offer at the bar she’ll hop straight in the car for the promise of any of these walks – their faces say it all! The pub’s mantra that ‘dogs, muddy boots and muddy children’ are always welcome makes this 2.25 mile walk a perfect family outing. www.essentialsuffolk.com/ dog-walk-hasketon-route-2

TO P 1 0 P U B WA L KS

1 2 The Ramsholt Arms Back to the River Deben and the opposing bank to The Maybush, but with equally glorious views. The pub, standing pretty much alone at the end of a long lane that leads to the river, can be very busy in the summer months with day trippers eager to enjoy the little sandy beach and water sports – but Ramsholt isn’t just for the summer. Make sure you’ve double checked the pub opening hours and head out for an autumn or winter walk that will afford you breath-taking stretches of the Deben and surrounding farmland, all teeming with wildlife. There’s a very warm dog friendly welcome waiting at The Ramsholt Arms and with a wood burner to warm up beside you might find yourselves setting in! www.essentialsuffolk.com/dog-walk-ramsholt

The Ship Inn, Dunwich

INFORMATION We know that many of you are avid fans of Pub Walks With Darcy – our website measures the thousands of readers who look at these walks following every issue. Keep enjoying and discovering the walks, say hello when you see us walking with Darcy and Holly and support these welcoming Suffolk pubs that we all enjoy visiting. For the full library of walks, maps to download and complete instructions please visit: www.essentialsuffolk.com/pub-walks-with-darcy

The top slot goes to the first of our four published routes from The Ship at Dunwich. Possibly Darcy’s most walked route she’s been stopped numerous times on Dunwich Heath by walkers, complete with their downloaded map in hand. Our friends at The Ship Inn even confessed to us that some visitors had arrived and asked to take Darcy for a walk… they didn’t quite understand that she wasn’t actually at the pub and available for accompanied walks, but what a fun compliment! Darcy’s beautiful portrait, that we use at the start of every Pub Walk, was taken while she played in the heather on Dunwich Heath and she always has an extra spring in her step – even at the age of 10 – for the stunning four mile circuit from The Ship. Take a good look at the Dunwich routes on the website as they could easily be linked for a full day of walking, but make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy the warmth of the fire and the delicious fish and chips on offer at The Ship, which you’ll have easily earned. www.essentialsuffolk.com/dunwich-dog-walk-1

EssentialSUFFOLK

It feels as though the children are barely back at school but before we know it Christmas and all its many and various festivities will be upon us. So while you compile your card list, start collecting pine cones and force feeding the fruit cake with brandy, why not also get organised for your Christmas outing? Planning a Christmas party is a great way to round off the year with your work colleagues, friends from clubs and societies and, of course, your family. Make sure you plan ahead as those allimportant Friday and Saturday dates will be quickly snapped up, but this doesn’t have to be an arduous task. Just take a look through the following pages, draw up your short list and make a few phone calls – it really can be that easy with teams on hand ready to make your party a night to remember.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

If you’re looking to free yourselves from the stove and the washing up on Christmas Day itself now is the time to get your table booked. Take inspiration from our suggestions and plan a stress-free day with all the fetching and carrying taken care of. There are even options for overnight stays so why not take the chance for a short break away? However you decide to celebrate enjoy the next few pages and get planning!

Christmas Party Nights 2018 at Ufford Park Woodbridge

Welcome to the

MOULIN ROUGE Bring your party to our party and enjoy an evening packed with twinkling lights, sparkling sequins and big feathers as we transform our Deben Suite into a night of Parisian glamour! Prices from just £37.50 per person Includes a 3 course meal & disco

Selected dates available in November, December 2018 and January 2019. t 01394 383555 ext. 325 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

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

essentialsuffolk.com

Make a night of it for as little as £79* per room per night * T&c’s apply. Book direct only

C H RI S TM AS CE L EB RAT IO NS

Christmas at the Randolph Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a 15 minute stroll from Britain’s most quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the Suffolk Heritage Coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for all the family. Whether you are looking for a holiday, a celebratory meal, a venue for business meetings, or simply a pint of the local Adnams ale – whatever the occasion you can be assured that we and the team will deliver excellent service, excellent food and an excellent experience. Why not celebrate this Christmas in style at the Randolph Hotel in Reydon. The Reydon Christmas Lights switch on takes place on 1st December at Reydon Corner. Enjoy an evening of Christmas carols with the British Legion band followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights as well as a glimpse of the man himself, Father Christmas waving to the children as he passes through on the Southwold Fire Engine. Everyone is welcome back to The Randolph following the switch on, which is just a short walk away, where food and drink is served with festive music playing to keep everyone in the Christmas spirit. Book for one of our fabulous Christmas Party Nights and enjoy delicious festive food whilst enjoying the musical talents of Gary Winter – Jazz and swing singer. Christmas parties & Festive Food are on a bookings only basis (pre-orders required). Book early to avoid disappointment. Join us for New Years Eve celebrations and indulge in five courses and two glasses of Prosecco whilst you enjoy the live entertainment. The perfect way to see in 2019.

Christmas Festive Menu 2018 STARTERS • Cream of cauliflower soup, blue cheese, croutons • Duck liver parfait, fig, apple, toasted brioche • Smoked haddock rarebit, leek, bacon, quails egg and mustard dressing • Baron Bigod and cranberry tart, pear, rocket and walnut salad MAINS • Traditional roast turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy • Braised Emmerdale farm beef short rib, horseradish dauphinoise, roast carrot, kale and red wine jus • Pan fried mackerel, confit potato, beetroot, celeriac, apple and hazelnut pesto • Potato gnocchi, parsnip and cavelo nero gratin, gruyere cheese, wild mushrooms and truffle oil PUDDINGS • Homemade Christmas pudding, brandy sauce and vanilla ice cream • Chocolate and orange brownie, confit clementine, ganache, orange puree and cocoa nib granola • Iced praline parfait, caramelised banana, coffee syrup and macaron • Selection of cheese

EssentialSUFFOLK

R E S E RVAT I O N S : 0 1 7 8 7 4 6 4 5 4 5

W W W. L O N G M E L F O R D S WA N . C O. U K Hall Street | Long Melford | Suffolk | CO10 9JQ

AA Restaurant With Rooms of the Year 2018-19

H o u s e Pa r t y A perfect celebration with 8 friends. Dine with friends at the chef’s table in our private dining room & enjoy an indulgent six course tasting menu with canapés & wine ight. You’ll receive an introduction & explanation of the dishes from the Chef & your own personal waiting staff. Then enjoy a restful nights sleep in a 5-star boutique room in a kingsize Hypnos bed. Wake up to an award winning breakfast served in the tranquil surroundings of The Garden Room. £320 per room

C h ri s t m a s G i f t W r a p p i n g Wo r ks h o p F r i d ay 1 6 N o ve m b e r, 1 0 a m Kate Nicole from Oyster Bridge & Co. will host this exclusive workshop. Beautifully wrap with French linen & Indian cotton paper, accessorise with ribbons, ties & seasonal foliage and create your own handmade gift labels.

£24 per person Includes Coffee + Pastries

C a n a p é M a s t e rc l a s s F r i d ay 3 0 N o ve m b e r, 1 0 a m

Impress your guests this Christmas. We will be demonstrating the preparation of a range of popular canapés perfect for entertaining during the festive season.

£25 per person Including Brunch

Party Menus start from

£14.50

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS AT DEBEN INNS Are you thinking about Christmas? Are you looking for ideas to eat out with friends, family or colleagues or just a chance to leave the kids at home and enjoy an evening with your nearest and dearest? Whatever you’re looking to do Deben Inns can help. With six popular inns famed for their food and hospitality it is our job and pleasure to make

sure you have a memorable Christmas meal. Although under the banner of Deben Inns we are not a pub ‘chain’. Each inn is individually run, each offers its own menu and each has its own style. What we do hope you will notice that each pub has in common though is the welcome you will receive. Our Christmas menus, offering both two and three course options, range from just £14.50 and full details can be found on our website.

If you’re looking for the ultimate stress free Christmas day with no preparation, no cooking and no washing up then we can help here too. This year four of our pubs – The Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill, The Maybush at Waldringfield and The Coach & Horses at Melton will be open on Christmas day each offering an individual Christmas Day menu. Again full details can be found on our website or call us today for more information.

YouÊre guaranteed a warm welcome at our Inns this Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.debeninns.co.uk EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

A Cosy Country Pub Christmas Come and enjoy our traditional bar, open fires and elegant restaurant for a fabulous festive get together. Whether it is for family or your company Christmas meal we would love to welcome you. Our head chef works with the finest local and seasonal ingredients to create delicious menus. Our festive menu, which starts from 1st December, features our infamous ‘Three Bird Roast’, using bronze turkey, Gressingham duck and Sutton Hoo chicken and our homemade Christmas pudding. As always there are lots of other options including vegetarian and vegan dishes. Our festive menu is £24 for two courses or £27 for three. There will be crackers, sparkling Christmas decorations and of course a tree to help you get into the festive spirit. The Turk’s Head is an award winning proper country pub serving perfectly kept real ales. We are also well known for our extensive gin selection. We have a large wine list with plenty available by the glass and also a fine wine list of exceptional wines. On Christmas day we are only open for drinks from 12pm to 3pm. Boxing Day is always a very busy day for us and there will be roast beef, for those who still have room, Tandoori Sutton Hoo Chicken, vegan Indian thali or grilled sea bream fillet with purple gnocchi, to name but a few of the choices. On New Year’s Eve there will be jazz in the bar from 8pm until after midnight and the restaurant is taking bookings from 6pm until 9.30pm. There is a delicious menu of specials, alongside our a la carte, including oysters, scallops and beef wellington.

Christmas Festive Menu 2018 STARTERS • Sweetcorn chowder, Navara chickpea dumpling, coriander oil (V) • Smoked mackeral tartar, texture of shallots, gherkin fritters • Mille-feuille of roasted beetroot, tappioca crisp, foraged chestnuts (vegan) • Pressed local game terrine, madeira jelly, caperberries, sautéed girolles MAINS • Traditional three bird roast (bronze turkey, Gressingham duck, Sutton Hoo chicken) all the trimmings • Slow cooked Suffolk beef Jacob’s ladder, pomme puree, organic carrots, red wine sauce • Wild mushroom suet pudding, roast vegetable jus, wilted covelo nero (vegan) • Spicy steamed hake fillet, deep fried sushi, warm Thai style vinaigrette PUDDINGS • Turks Head Christmas pudding, brandy cream • Rhubarb and apple crumble, almond milk custard (vegan) • Dark chocolate Yule log, boozy cherries in kirsch, pouring cream • Selection of British cheeses from Hamish Johnston

GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT Celebrate this Christmas with friends and family at The Turks Head, an award winning proper country pub serving perfectly kept real ales, an extensive collection of gins, an excellent wine list and a delicious festive menu. Pull the crackers, enjoy the sparkling Christmas decorations and beautiful tree in traditional bar and elegant restaurant.

GREAT FOOD, GREAT BEER AND FABULOUS WINES DOGS, MUDDY BOOTS AND MUDDY CHILDREN WELCOME Christmas day open for drinks from 12pm to 3pm. Boxing Day special menu available. New Year’s Eve celebrations with jazz in the bar from 8pm until after midnight and dine in the restaurant with bookings from 6pm until 9.30pm. OPENING TIMES: Monday to Thursday 11am – 11pm, Friday 11am – 12 midnight Saturday 10am – 12 midnight and Sunday 11am – 8pm

essentialsuffolk.com

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

C H RI S TM AS CE L EB RAT IO NS

The most exciting party venue in Suffolk! We know that Milsom Hotels and Restaurants are great places to eat, drink and stay and they can also be the perfect party venue too. Whether you are looking for an option for a small number of partygoers or a large group of up to 250 people, choosing a Christmas Party Night at The Hangar, Kesgrave Hall promises a festive night to remember. Available on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, Wednesday 19th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December (2018) your evening will include a sparkling wine reception, a delicious three course dinner with coffee followed by dancing to Dreamwave Events DJ, supported by Sister Sax. Tickets for these very special party nights are £68 per person (Fri/Sat) and £63 per person (midweek). On Tuesday, 18th December why not pack up from work early and join us for what promises to be an entertaining afternoon. The Christmas Comedy Lunch in The Hangar, with

impressionist Mike Osman and comedian Nick Page starts with a glass of fizz on arrival and is followed by a three course lunch with coffee. At just £55 per person this is a Yuletide treat not to be missed.

includes Champagne and canapés, a fabulous four course dinner with coffee and chocolates followed by dancing to Dreamwave Events DJ and Sister Sax and tickets are available at £115 per person.

There’s also the chance to see out the old year and ‘ring in the new’ in style at The Hangar. Your New Year’s Eve Party Night ticket

For more details or to book please call 01473 333741 or visit www.milsomhotels.com/christmas-2018

MAKE THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PARTY ONE TO REMEMBER

Call 01473 333741 or email reception@kesgravehall.com Suffolk’s great party and event venue TM

www.thegreatpartyvenue.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

S E PTEMB ER 2018

The Fountain

The Maybush

The Middleton Bell

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

The Maybush Inn sits on the banks of the Deben in Waldringfield. The busy riverside pub and restaurant affords panoramic views across the river and beyond. The Maybush has become famous for its excellent food offering with a wide range and varied menu including local game, meats and fresh seafood. Vegetarian options and children’s menu available. Food offers are available throughout the week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details.

Set in the beautiful village of Middleton the Bell Inn offers top quality food using the best local produce. Now under new ownership by the successful team from The Eels Foot Inn. Dine in the garden, traditional bar area or beamed restaurant and enjoy home cooked food and ales directly from the cask. The Bell is the perfect venue to meet friends and family.

Open: Monday to Friday, 12 noon – 2pm and 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, 12 noon – 2pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. Sunday, 12pm – 7pm

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

Open: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 9pm, Sunday (Food served 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 5pm, Sunday). Booking advised.

The Fountain, The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, Suffolk, IP6 9BT

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

The Bell Inn, The Street, Middleton, Suffolk, IP17 3NN

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

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

01728 648286

Sibton White Horse

The Eels Foot

Butt & Oyster

Situated in the pretty Suffolk Village of Sibton, this beautiful 16th-century pub has a wealth of charm and an abundance of character. Enjoy delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere in the bar or restaurant areas or indulge in some of the finest alfresco food in the picturesque courtyard. Recently awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the food at the Sibton White Horse is freshly prepared using the local fresh and seasonal ingredients from Suffolk producers and from the pubs very own kitchen garden.

Enjoy delicious food and drink in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere at the award winning Eels Foot inn located in the pretty hamlet of Eastbridge. The extensive beer garden offers a children’s play area and a wood fired pizza oven available Sat – Sun 12:00 – 20:00. The Inn has six rooms and is a certified location with The Caravan and Motorhome Club. With freshwater marshes and scenic countryside leading directly to the sea The Eels Foot is a great place to stay.

The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known public houses in Suffolk renowned for its good beer, good food and great views. As you eat watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details of our menus.

Open: Food served lunchtimes 12 – 2pm each day (2.30 on Sunday). Evenings 6.30 – 9pm Mon to Sat, 7.00 – 8.30pm Sunday

Open: Monday to Thursday 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Friday to Sunday 11:30am – 11:30pm (Food served Monday to Thursday 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.pm Friday to Sunday 12pm – 9pm)

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

Eels Foot Inn, Eastbridge, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4SN

Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 1JW

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

01728 830154 theeelsfootinn@hotmail.co.uk theeelsfootinn.co.uk

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

essentialsuffolk.com

Open: 7 days a week 9am – 11pm Food served 9am – 9.30pm daily

FO O D G A LL E RY

The Randolph

Ufford Park

The Coach & Horses

Located in the heart of the peaceful village of Reydon, just a 15 minute stroll from Britain’s quintessential seaside town of Southwold; The Randolph provides the perfect base for exploring the heritage coast and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Open every day, The Park Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, local produce and a seasonally-changing menu. You can enjoy Sunday Lunch in both the restaurant and bar and this is priced accordingly. Afternoon Tea is served throughout the year and this is priced at just £16.95 per person. Looking for somewhere to hold a special occasion? Book your birthday celebrations, baby shower, christening or anniversary with us – all party sizes can be accommodated. Open to all; non-members welcome.

The Coach & Horses located just outside of Woodbridge, has extremely good access to the A12 with ample parking. Originally a staging inn or coach house, it’s historical role is equally well served today providing great family food. We offer a great combination of quality, value and atmosphere that the Deben Inns are renowned for. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 9am. See our website for details of our menus.

NEW! Week Day Warmer: Every Monday to Friday Lunch 12 noon – 2pm 2 courses and a drink* – £15 per person 3 courses and a drink* – £17.50 per person (*Soft drink, 125ml house wine or ½ pint draught beer. Menu options change weekly)

Open: 7 days a week 9am – 11pm Food served 9am – 9.30pm daily

Open: 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week. Food served 12pm – 2pm and 6.30pm – 9pm.

Open: Monday to Sunday 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Sunday Lunch in The Park Restaurant served 12 noon – 4pm

The Randolph, 41 Wangford Road, Reydon, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18 6PZ

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

The Coach & Horses, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PD

01502 723603 reception@therandolph.co.uk www.therandolph.co.uk

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

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

Seckford Hall

Fynn Valley

The Artisan Smokehouse

1530 Restaurant

Satisfy your appetite for all things foodie with a visit to 1530 at Seckford Hall. Far from humdrum, the menu is an exciting mix of the finest seasonal flavours. Hearty yet elegant, nibbles can be enjoyed alongside perfectly matched tipples, with views over gorgeous gardens. The seamless fusion of old and new offers the perfect setting for intimate dining with a modern, eclectic twist. Open: Lunch from 12pm – 6pm, Afternoon Tea from 3pm – 5pm, Dinner from 6.30pm – 9.30pm (10pm Friday and Saturday).

Fynn Valley is changing… This Autumn sees the opening of The Venue, a brand new home for Fynn Valley overlooking the fairways of the golf course. Of oak and glass construction, The Venue is the perfect destination for the local community to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea in stunning surroundings just a 5 minute drive from Ipswich town centre. A warm welcome awaits everyone… Parties, group bookings and wedding enquiries welcome. Contact us today to book your date or a no-obligation show round.

Café & Deli

Set in the lovely village of Falkenham, near Felixstowe, with wonderful countryside views. Join us in our licensed café, where all the smoked foods are hand-made on site. Enjoy breakfast, coffee & cake, and light meals including smoked meat and fish platters, cheese boards, sandwiches and salads. While you’re here why not grab something to take home from our deli, which stocks a wide range of products, including our own award-winning smoked foods. Open: Thursday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm. Please see website for variations in opening. Food served all day – breakfast until 11.30am

Seckford Hall Hotel, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP13 6NU

Fynn Valley, Witnesham, Ipswich Suffolk, IP6 9JA

The Artisan Smokehouse, Goose Barn, Back Road, Falkenham, Suffolk, IP10 0QR

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

01473 785267 events@fynn-valley.co.uk www.fynn-valley.co.uk

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

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC T OBER 2018

EXPANDING & REBRANDING The Woolroom Sleep Studio!

Our newly opened and fully refurbished Sleep Studio at Sycamore Farm has been born! Not a shop but a unique destination to experience the wonderful world of wool beds and bedding

essentialsuffolk.com

B US I N ES S P RO FI LE | TH E S L EEP ST UD I O

hree years ago Bob & Niki Wilden launched a new and different business at their home near Ipswich, The Woolroom Sleep Studio. As agents for Woolroom, offering British wool bedding and beds, it was the first showroom in Suffolk (and beyond) dedicated to this type of bedding. Living on a sheep farm, the wool bedding business seemed a natural way to diversify and use the knowledge and experience of wool that they had gained over their forty years of sheep farming. It has proved to be such a success that they are expanding the showroom and refreshing the branding for the studio at Sycamore Farm near Bramford. The new ‘Sleep Studio’ now has a larger, wonderful space to show off all eight wool and pocket sprung mattresses that Woolroom have on offer, as well as divans, bedsteads and headboards. A complete range of wool and organic cotton bedding is also available for you to feel and try before you buy. Wool is a fantastic bedding material, scientifically proven to deliver better sleep because it allows your body to breathe and, of course, it’s completely natural, sustainable and chemical free.

But that’s not all – when you visit the Sleep Studio you will be sure to get excellent, personal service, providing the help and advice you need to make sure your sleep is improved. “We offer something a little bit different here at the Sleep Studio,” explains Bob, “as we give a bespoke service about sleep related issues as well as guiding our customers to the ideal option for them”.

buying a mattress”, says Niki, “Sleep is so crucial to good health and wellbeing that an investment in wool bedding is well worth taking time over.” An appointment, made at the Sleep Studio, is an opportunity to experience how wool can improve your life in an informal and discreet environment. With a personal consultation with either Niki or Bob you will learn how wool can really improve your sleep, and therefore your health and wellbeing.

The Sleep Studio has a new logo too. Look out for the ‘sleeping sheep’ as you drive down the Somersham Road. “We will be launching our new website and social media coverage in the next few weeks,” Bob tells us, “and we will be offering talks about wool bedding, as well as sheep farming and other related issues.” Details of these events will be on the new website, thesleepstudio.co

The Sleep Studio is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 4pm, for call in customers, but you can phone or email at any time to arrange a consultation, to discover the wonderful world of wool beds and bedding.

Visiting the Sleep Studio at Sycamore Farm is a unique experience. Set in the Suffolk countryside on the outskirts of Ipswich, the farm is home to sheep and sheepdogs, (of course!), chickens, geese and ducks, many of which you will meet as you drive down to The Sleep Studio. A warm welcome from Bob and Niki is guaranteed and there will be no rush while you discover the wonderful benefits of wool bedding. “It’s important for people to take their time, especially when

Sycamore Farm, Somersham Rd, Bramford, Ipswich IP8 4NN. T: 01473 831723 thesleepstudioea@gmail.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

Going Undercover

Joules Harvest Garden throw £84.99 Glasswells

As the autumn evenings draw in it’s the perfect excuse to snuggle up with your favourite blankets and throws. Adding a colour coordinating layer to your furniture will give texture to your sofa or armchair but make sure that what you choose is functional too. Whether your idea of a cosy night in involves a good book or the latest episode of Strictly, take a look at these sumptuous choices available from independent Suffolk retailers Joules Chinoise throw £84.99 Glasswells

essentialsuffolk.com

H O ME S & I N T ER IO RS

Beige rainbow spot sofa throw was £79.99 now £63.99 Sleep Studio

Helena Springfield Oceanic fleece throw £44.99 Glasswells

Grey rainbow spot sofa throw was £79.99 now £63.99 Sleep Studio

Helena Springfield Safari fleece throw £44.99 Glasswells

Houndstooth Merino wool throw (gold) was £79.99 now £63.99 Sleep Studio

Helena Springfield Tropical fleece throw £44.99 Glasswells

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

A FANTASTIC 20% OFF EVERY FLOORING RANGE THIS OCTOBER WITH OUR NO VAT EVENT!

GET A WONDERFUL NEW LOOK THIS AUTUMN WITH OUR GREAT SAVINGS ON FLOORING FROM TRUSTED BRANDS SUCH AS WESTEX, WOODPECKER, CORMAR AND CAMARO.

You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

www.prettys.co.uk

01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

Melbourne wool throw (thistle) was £59.99 now £47.99 Sleep Studio

H O ME S & I N TE RI OR S

Herlquin Merino wool throw (aqua) was £79.99 now £63.99 Sleep Studio

Essential SUFFOLK

always proud ~ to feature ~ Sanderson Magnolia & Blossom mohair blanket £113.99 Glasswells

LOCAL RETAILERS

STOCKISTS Glasswells Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road Bury St Edmunds. T: 01473 253164 www.glasswells.co.uk Sleep Studio Sycamore Farm, Somersham Road, Bramford, Ipswich. T: 01473 831723 www.thewoolroom.com

essentialsuffolk.com

AN T IQ U E S & AU C TI O NS

MAKE DO AND MEND! I was recently visiting a lovely cottage in the centre of Woodbridge. At the end of the inspection the owner passed me a key to enable viewings to take place. It came complete with a key ring with a bold red tag declaring ‘Make do and Mend’. It was in the same style as the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ posters but it led me to reminisce. My recollection of making do and mending involved a mushroom. This was not of the Oyster, Portabello, White Button, Enokitake, or even the Shiitake variety. It was more of the magic variety but not the same as the hallucinogenic type. I appreciate I may appear to be taking some time to get to the point but I can declare the humble darning mushroom is the focus of this article.

James Neal

I am not sure how many of you may have encountered one but they were usually made of wood, frequently in beech, and had at the top the domed appearance of a mushroom supported on a turned shaft by which the person darning an item would hold the object. In the days when fabrics were much less hard wearing and could not be easily replaced, sheets, socks, jumpers etc would be darned to mend a hole or thinning material. Such was the popularity of the need to make do and mend that The Board of Trade issued Chart Leaflet No.5 entitled ‘How to Darn Holes and Tears’ aptly dedicated to Mrs Sew-and-Sew!

Kitchens

Helpfully, diagrams were incorporated in the pamphlet and instructions printed alongside. The first instruction in particular caught my eye; ‘Make the darn the shape of the hole’. This was followed by ‘Darn up and down the hole first; work on the wrong side’. At this point I wondered which would have been the wrong side of a hole and felt it best not to read on. You too may have reached the same conclusion but I hope I might have inspired a few of you to search out your own darning mushroom from the sewing box you inherited from your parents and undertake a little practice to while away the hours!

Bathrooms

German kitchen furniture | Corian | Dekton | Miele | Neff

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

2 A1 A12 A12

WOODBRIDGE

D NR LTO ME

LD FIE ITH SM

A1152

A1 15 2

01394 386390 WOO MELTON DS L N

www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk wooDBriDGe interiors

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

Kitchen & Bathroom showroom SMITHFIELD, MELTON RD, WOODBRIDGE IP12 1NG

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

FRAME YOUR VIEW

As a nation we have a shared obsession with our homes and how they look, and as recent trends demonstrate one of the major ways of putting our personal stamp upon those homes is by choosing windows that enhance and differentiate them “In the 1980s and early 90s people replacing their old single-glazed windows often chose not very sympathetic windows for their lowmaintenance properties without considering the aesthetics, or how they matched a building’s heritage,” says Simon James, Head of Marketing at VEKA, “but now they’re being done for the second time – as more than 70 per cent of such purchases are – very often it is a much more considered decision. People want to make their homes look better, not just fit a window.” For the last 20 years VEKA has worked closely with a group of over 100 professional fabricators and installers, across the UK, known as Independent Network: “It was

essentialsuffolk.com

established with our help as a membership organisation to promote quality and responsibility within an industry which at the time was too often regarded as dodgy,” says Simon. With Independent Network the product guarantee flows from VEKA through an Independent Network fabricator and installer to the end customer, who is provided with a unique 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee. The company and its partners see two overarching aesthetic trends in the market: “Some customers are focused on the heritage aspect, looking for a faithful recreation of original materials and vertical sliding windows and so on; while others

want a very contemporary look – big windows, bi-fold doors, larger patio doors – we’ve just launched a product called Imagine Lift and Slide and recently exhibited a five metre wide two-door version. People are inspired by programmes like Grand Designs where you’ll see huge units shipped in from Germany, costing tens of thousands of pounds. Ours are rather more accessible!” For the heritage side of things, VEKA, via Independent Network installers such as Suffolk’s Frames Conservatories Direct offer windows with foil coatings that match traditional wood and paint finishes, like subtle creams and rosewood or oak woodgrains. “It’s difficult to tell some of our

B US I N ES S P RO FI LE | FR AME S CO N S ERVAT OR IE S D I RE CT

The Major Trends • Massive growth in coloured window units • Rise in bespoke look through detailing • Creating a contemporary look with units that open up space • Phenomenal rise in customers specifying greys • Statement heritage windows using woodgrain finishes • Sales of flush sash casement windows almost doubled last year

vertical sliding sash windows apart from timber. Some have even been installed into conservation areas, obviously on a case-bycase basis, where authorities have taken the approach of asking if it looks right, not if it’s the same materials,” explained Julie Coles, Marketing Manager of Frames Conservatories Direct. For those seeking a contemporary architectural style one element dominates: “Using colour now is the big trend. Over the last three years sales of coloured units has risen by 45 per cent, and the standouts there are greys and blacks – pretty much all the top movers in recent months have been shades of grey. Linked to that same sleek modern look is the amazing rise in sales of products that open up space and offer more light for the householder – the sales of bi-fold doors has gone up six-fold over the last 10 years, and larger sash windows are increasingly popular,” says Julie. What is common to both the heritage and contemporary markets, however, is a desire to source a bespoke product: “It’s all about the details, people want windows that are personal to them and their home in the same way as they want to have a kitchen that’s right for their property and lifestyle,” he adds, “That can mean instead of the usual welded mitre-jointed corners opting for mechanical butt-jointed ones, mimicking traditional mortise and tenon joints; or, say, specifying handmade accessories, like cast iron monkey-tail handles – they may add to the cost of a window, but more than repay that in the overall look, making it really special, something unique to that home.”

Independent Network members are proud to supply and install VEKA windows, three of the reasons why VEKA windows have been popular in the UK since their Lancashire plant opened in 1986 remain important to purchasers: “Thermal performance for energy savings, and the benefits of lowmaintenance, are pretty much taken as read now,” adds Simon James of VEKA, “but the security the products can offer is something that we continue to develop, and is still often of significance in the buying decision.” Many of the ranges offered meet Secured by Design, a Police initiative to test a products resistance to attempted entry. Simon concludes that while the range of options available to customers has expanded hugely, glazing isn’t about fashion: “Attention to details, bespoke elements and sympathetic designs yes, but disposable fashion statement no. Glazing is a long term investment.”

INFORMATION To find the installer local to you visit www.inveka.co.uk/fcd or call 0330 013 0549. Lines are open between 8.30am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am – 2.30pm on Friday. Calls are charged at your local rate.

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC TOB ER 2018

THINKING PARTERRES

Want to add something different to your garden? Catharine Howard, garden designer and plantswoman, looks at parterres 1

parterre is a small area given over to a rigorous pattern of planting in box or another plant that can be kept clipped and low. The areas within these low hedges may be planted or kept scrupulously tidy with coloured gravel. The idea behind such a regimented pattern is that it can be seen from upstairs in a building.

The fashion reached Britain in the early 16th century and subtly altered to become the knot garden, inspired by interwoven initials or carpet motifs. These have since gone in out of fashion and travelled sideways into other areas of garden making. Take hedges and see how the formality of sharp cut evergreen plants is used to give distinct edges to informal modern plantings. As a backdrop, it saves plantings of wild plants from looking random and chaotic. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at a clutch of ten to see how different an atmosphere or mood can be engendered. Our first (1) is at the museum Willet-Holthuysen in Amsterdam. A totally classic arrangement where the coloured gravels colour up the weed-free and immaculate voids between the hedges. Maintenance, if you are not shy of chemicals will be a pretty easy affair. Then (2) at another merchantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in the same town, the design is complicated with no ornaments or plantings within the hedges.

essentialsuffolk.com

In Seville, the rhythm of interlocking boxes take to the paving round the city and in the courtyard of the Museum of Fine Art (3) the Moorish influence has borrowed the box and made it into solid blocks. And so to northern Europe and Le Jardin Plume in Normandy, home of Patrick and Sylvie Quibel and their perennial nursery. The garden is a showcase for the plants they grow and is particularly good for the bold way that they use grasses. It might be a grid of unmown strips but also as giant screens that the visitor brushes through to reach secret rooms and compartments in the garden. On the way in to the garden the clipping has mutated the box into writhing organic compelling shapes (4). The visitor will pass through various rooms that are dedicated to seasonal planting. The late summer garden (5) is restricted to hot colours - oranges and reds and the writhing exuberance is kept tidy by the tallish evergreen hedge framing them. Bury Court (6) is famous for the fact that it is the first garden in the UK that Piet Oudolf provided planting plans for. Here is a serious deconstruction of the parterre idea. The clipped evergreens have extended their domain, coiling through the planting with an undulating wave. Large balls are used too to ground the informality

G ARD E NING

of a spangled patch of ornamental grasses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sporobolus herterolepsis and Dianthus cruentus. The ball theme appears again at East Rushton Gardens, Happisburgh in Norfolk which is our modern equivalent of Sissinghrust, in that it is gardened energetically and with continual experiment by Alan Gray. It is really a series of different gardens with different moods and concepts. The balls of box within a corralling frame of clipped berberis is a small detail in a very large garden (7). I would happily copy this.

In contrast Drummond Castle (8) in Perthshire is a wonderful time warp of a garden and the whole four acres are on giant parterre. The visitor approaches the castle via several miles of drive along a levee under a tunnel of mature beeches. Both ancient tower house and a 16th century castle that looks as if it had escaped from the company of the Loire chateaux, gaze over a terraced cliff with the splendid layout of topiary below. It is very much an Edwardian affair and keeps four gardeners pretty busy maintaining order over all the clipped shapes. â&#x20AC;°

EssentialSUFFOLK

G AR DE NI NG

At Lowther castle near Penrith, Dan Pearson has been employed to plant a garden of a ruined building in a site that had been planted for timber crops and otherwise covered in chicken and pig units. His take has been to take the feeling of abandon and dereliction and to work with this. He has been influenced by the beautiful abandoned plague village of La Ninfa, Lazio, Italy which is one of the most romantic gardens I have ever visited. At Lowther, he has taken the shell of the facade as a backdrop and created a parterre that for its concept takes the memory of a damaged or frail tapestry. The solid planting is provided by blocks of panicum grass and yew (9), infilled with great swatches of perennials with an emphasis on black and white. To round up, here is the garden that won best in show at Chelsea last year (10). The designer James Basson had brought stone and plants from Malta. While this might score very low on the carbon footprint point, I love the fact that the tenuous unwieldy wild plants are totally grounded by blocks of Maltese limestone, in effect a stone parterre.

INFORMATION Catharine Howard is a designer, gardener and plantswoman with many years of creating and renovating gardens. For a consultation or garden design contact her at www.catharinehoward.co.uk

Moving Home?

Move in with us REVELLS REMOVALS & STORAGE UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EUROPE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WORLDWIDE Eastlands Industrial Estate, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL 01728 830849 | info@revells-removals.co.uk 68

essentialsuffolk.com

P R OPE RT Y

Essential

PROPERTY 70 71 73 75 77 84

Fenn Wright Jackson-Stops Savills Clarke & Simpson Mortimers Hopkins Homes

72 Hoxne

74 Bromeswell

76 Forward Green

EssentialSUFFOLK

fennwright.co.uk signaturesuffolk@fennwright.co.uk

Woodbridge

Martlesham

A unique opportunity to purchase this fantastic five bedroom family home offering versatile accommodation within easy reach of Woodbridge. An impressive Georgian style family home in grounds of approximately half an acre. This well-presented family home offers spacious accommodation over two floors and is within walking distance of both Farlingaye and Woodbridge schools.

• Delightful design with a stunning interior • Open-plan kitchen/family room • En-suite and dressing area to master • Generous garden • Off road parking • EPC rating C

Guide Price £680,000

Martlesham

• 5 good sized bedrooms • Kitchen/breakfast room and utility room • Large sitting room with bay window • Feature log burner in family room • Backs onto woodland • Double garage and off road parking • EPC rating D Guide Price £850,000

Woodbridge Simply stunning. A unique opportunity to acquire this amazing seven bedroom, three storey house, close to Woodbridge. The property benefits from spacious family accommodation, a swimming pool, triple garage and an office.

This individual detached house is of traditional design, yet with up-to-date refinements, with a magnificent drawing room and being fantastically located within walking distance of the town centre.

Guide Price £1,125,000

Buttermarket, Ipswich

• Beautifully proportioned accommodation • Hand built kitchen by Ashford and Brooks • 5 bedrooms, two en-suite shower rooms • Delightful large conservatory • Double garage and gravel drive • Fine mature setting • EPC rating C

01473 232 700

• Magnificent family home • Modern light and airy accommodation • 4 reception rooms plus conservatory • Kitchen and separate utility room • En-suite and dressing area to master bedroom • Fantastic grounds with excellent off road parking • EPC rating C Guide Price £850,000

Main Road, Kesgrave

01473 358 400

Quayside, Woodbridge

01394 333 346

CopDoCK

HaSKEToN

● 3 bath/showers ● Garaging ● Studio outbuilding ● Gardens

● 3 bath/showers ● Garage ● Swimming pool ● Tennis court

● Handsome Suffolk manor house ● 4 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms ● Attics with potential for conversion ● About 2 acres in all

● Former mill granary conversion ● 4 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms ● Mature gardens & meadow grounds ● About 4 acres in all

GUIDE £1,350,000

GUIDE £1,200,000

HaSKEToN

WaSHbRooK

● Garden room ● Bespoke Neptune kitchen ● 4 bedrooms

● Lubina kitchen ● 2 reception rooms ● 3 bedrooms ● 2 bath/showers

● High quality village house constructed in 2016 ● 2 reception rooms ● 3 bath/showers ● Double garage & parking

● New build property ● Finished to high standard throughout ● Double cart lodge garage ● Large gardens ● Tranquil setting

GUIDE £795,000

GUIDE £675,000

WooDbRIDGE

HaSKEToN

● 5 bedrooms ● 4 bath/showers ● Private & secure courtyard garden

● Garaging ● 4 bedroom coach house ● Garden & paddock land

● Imposing Georgian townhouse ● 3 reception rooms

● 2 parking spaces ● Central town position ● No onward chain

GUIDE £1,250,000

IpSWICH 01473 218218

● Georgian manor house ● 4 reception rooms ● 7 bedrooms ● About 3.5 acres ● Edge of village position

GUIDE £1,750,000

15 Tower St, Ipswich IP1 3BE ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices p Ro pERTY EX pERTS SI NCE 19 10

OC TOB ER 2018

The Red House Facts Location: Hoxne Price: £725,000 Agent: Clarke & Simpson

Picturesque Hoxne The Red House is an elegant five bedroomed property in the beautiful village of Hoxne. It is Grade II Listed and the earliest part of the house is believed to date from the seventeenth century, but was rebuilt in the mid to late eighteenth century giving it a highly impressive Georgian front. It is understood to have been the agent’s house for Oakley Park Estate, and the principal reception rooms and bedrooms are all well proportioned, with ceiling heights on the ground floor of approximately eight feet. The majority of these reception rooms have sash windows, with the drawing room and dining room having their original shutters. In addition the downstairs accommodation includes a kitchen, breakfast room, sitting

essentialsuffolk.com

room, study, utility/cloakroom and boot room. The sitting room has an impressive inglenook and the study features beautiful exposed beams. Upstairs are five first floor bedrooms and three shower/bathrooms. Outside the house has the most lovely west facing walled garden, which has a substantial area of lawn, mature trees and beds. There is ample parking, as well as a triple bay cart lodge and studio. At one end of the cart lodge is a studio room/office measuring 18’1 x 10’8. This has a window to the north and west facing French doors. From the parking area, access can be gained to the main garden where there is a substantial block-built store, which is

18’7 x 14’1. Next to the house is a brick patio area, where there is a raised pond and, beyond this, an extremely attractive area of lawn, which is interspersed by flower and shrub beds, and bordered by brick and flint walls. Within the garden are mature trees, including cherry, oak, apple and newly planted acer. Beyond the walled garden to the rear is a neighbouring copse and the garden has a wonderful feeling of privacy. The grounds extend to just under half an acre.

INFORMATION Clarke & Simpson 01728 724200

OC TOB ER 2018

Church View Lodge Facts Location: Bromeswell Price: £965,000 Agent: Mortimers

Beautiful Bromeswell Set in grounds of about an acre, Church View Lodge is an intriguingly designed four bedroom house with detached double garage and cabin. The property comprises two separately designed buildings that are connected to one another by an impressive entrance hall to form an exceptional house that boasts the characteristics of both a modern bungalow and that of a Suffolk barn conversion. It’s beautifully located down a quiet lane and surrounded by heath and woodland. The entrance hall is on two levels with doors from both the north and south with windows to either side. Steps to the lower level lead to the sitting room which has an inglenook fireplace with a brick hearth and surround

essentialsuffolk.com

and an oak bressummer, wood burning stove inset. The dining room is also accessed from the hall and has windows to the far end overlooking the rear garden with French doors set within. Next door there is a bespoke hand-made kitchen with granite worktops above cream fronted drawers and cupboards. A staircase leads up from the entrance hall to a landing with a tall vaulted ceiling and the master bedroom and en suite. The other three bedrooms are accessed from the dining room – one is en suite and there’s also a family bathroom. Outside is a double detached garage and The Cabin, which is currently used as an office and has a vaulted ceiling and a ladder up to a mezzanine storage area.

Church View Lodge is approached via a shared driveway which leads off School Lane up to the gated entrance. The rear garden has a patio with access from the dining room, bedroom two and the utility. There’s also a sunken gravelled area with sleepers and mature planting surrounding a hot tub. The remainder of the garden is laid to lawn, dotted with numerous mature trees. To the middle of the garden is a decked seating area alongside a French boules rink with a hammock stand alongside.

INFORMATION Mortimers 01394 386688

Woodbridge £635,000

Stradbroke £535,000

An extremely spacious detached family home situated within walking distance of the popular town of Woodbridge. Entrance hall, living/dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room & cloakroom. Four double bedrooms, en-suite shower room & family bathroom. Single garage & parking for several vehicles. Lovely large garden to the rear. In all 0.17 acres. EPC = D Ref: 6016

A delightful four bedroom cottage, that has been refurbished in recent years, in a rural location and occupying a site of over half an acre. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, snug/TV room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility/cloak room and study/oﬃce. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, three further bedrooms and bathroom. Generous shingle driveway. Storage shed. Gardens and grounds of nearly 0.6 acres. EPC = E Ref: 6008

Framlingham £389,500

Snape £360,000

Easton, Nr Framlingham £350,000

A recently built, beautifully presented four bedroom family home with studio situated in the popular market town of Framlingham. Entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility area and cloakroom. Four bedrooms, ensuite shower room and bathroom. Studio/garden room. Landscaped garden at the rear. Car port and parking for two vehicles. EPC = B Ref: 5991

A delightful refurbished cottage located opposite Snape Maltings in this sought-after village. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory & cloakroom. Two first floor bedrooms & bathroom. Second floor bedroom. Large driveway, ample parking & large garden with summerhouse of approx 0.25 acre (STS). EPC = C Ref: 5959

A detached bungalow in private grounds of approximately a third of an acre, located within this desirable village. Entrance lobby, sitting room, 23' dining room/kitchen, utility room & cloakroom. Three double bedrooms & bathroom. Double garage. Front & rear gardens of approx 0.3 acres. EPC = E Ref: 6014

Framlingham £325,000

Blaxhall £325,000

Sweﬄing £245,000

A beautifully presented three bedroom town house, built by Hopkins Homes, on a popular development in Framlingham. Accommodation over three floors. Open plan dining/ family room/ kitchen. Master bedroom with en-suite shower room. Enclosed courtyard garden. Garage & parking. EPC = B Ref: 5972

An enchanting detached red brick cottage, tucked away oﬀ Rectory Road in the pretty rural village of Blaxhall. Entrance porch, 19' sitting room, 19' kitchen/dining room and 19' ground floor bedroom one with wet room. First floor bedroom two with en-suite shower facilities. Delightful gardens. Garage and car port. EPC = D Ref: 6015

An idyllic and rustic two bedroom cottage lying in the heart of the pretty Suﬀolk village of Sweﬄing. Sitting room, kitchen, dining room/study. Downstairs shower room. Two first floor double bedrooms. Courtyard gardens to front and rear. EPC = G Ref: 6021

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

OC TOB ER 2018

Bays Farm Facts Location: Forward Green, Stowmarket Price: ÂŁ1,150,000 Agent: Savills

Restored Suffolk Farmhouse Set in four acres Bays Farm is a spacious five bedroomed, restored moated farmhouse believed to date from around the 1640s. The property has numerous period features including exposed beams and studwork and open fireplaces and the accommodation is well laid out and finished to a high specification throughout. The ground floor features large, spacious rooms with the entrance hall giving access to a dining room and drawing room, with the sitting room situated in the older part of the house. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a downstairs office with a wood burner and French doors out to the garden. The Aga kitchen has bespoke

essentialsuffolk.com

wooden units with granite worktops and a walk-in pantry. It leads into a breakfast room which benefits from underfloor heating and is light, bright and has lovely garden views. Upstairs are five bedrooms, a dressing room and four bath/shower rooms. There are three attic rooms on the second floor. The Hayloft, in the grounds was built in 2010 and now provides further accommodation including a bedroom, sitting area and bathroom as well as a balcony. The laundry room is on the ground floor with the double cart lodge alongside. Other outbuildings include a barn and wood store.

Bays Farm is approached through wooden gates across a gravel drive. The gardens are a particular feature having been re-modelled in 2007 when the extensive kitchen gardens, with two Gabriel Ash greenhouses, were laid out and the orchard offers in excess of 40 fruit trees. The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn and has a charming Crown Pavilion with both heating and lighting. There are also fantastic views across the moat of the delightful Gipping Valley.

INFORMATION Savills 01473 234800

Family run business WiTh over 30 years experienCe

Woodbridge

Guide Price £450,000

A spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached house with a generous size garden and ample oﬀ-road parking. EPC: TBC

Woodbridge

Guide Price £530,000

A spacious 3 bedroom detached bungalow in a highly sought-aer area with double garage and private garden. EPC: TBC

Woodbridge

Guide Price £750,000

An immaculate 4 bedroom town house in the heart of Woodbridge with southfacing garden, garage and parking. EPC: C

Guide price £675,000

Woodbridge Town Centre

An excellent opportunity to acquire this superb 3 bedroom detached house tucked away just oﬀ Church Street with parking. EPC: D

Guide Price £575,000

Grundisburgh

A beautiful four bedroom detached house oﬀering good sized family accommodation with double garage and a westerly facing garden. EPC: B

Guide Price £295,000

Woodbridge

A charming period cottage which has been well maintained throughout, gas central heating to radiators, south-facing garden and brick outbuilding. EPC: D

morTimers Terms & ConDiTions 1% Inc VAT of the sale price. (minimum fee will apply to properties below £250,000). THERE IS NO TIE IN PERIOD IN OUR CONTRACT. Energy Performance Certificates £70 NO VAT. FREE honest and realistic valuations by qualified staﬀ. FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

linda mortimer MNAEA

Dale mortimer MNAEA Dip DEA

omas mortimer

patricia masson

rosemary barnard

Call 01394 386688 or email info@mortimersestateagents.co.uk

OC TOB ER 2018

Sleep Studio Triple Celebration Celebrating three years of success the Sleep Studio Ipswich, agents for The Woolroom, held its anniversary drinks reception at its showroom in Bramford with guests enjoying a glass of fizz and canapĂŠs. The recently expanded showroom and the new exciting branding for the Sleep Studio were unveiled for the first time.

Niki & Bob Wilden

Nick & Zsa-Zsa Sparrow

Stuart Girling, Jane Rostance

Chris Tattershall, Judith Reeve 78

essentialsuffolk.com

Rob Reeve, Darrell Smith

Martin Garrod, Angela Chaplin

Anna Pettit, Barry & Christine Wells, Bob More

Penny & Les Johnston

Katie & Barry Hilton

Essential FACES

Ufford Arts Festival The inaugural Ufford Arts Festival officially opened with a private viewing of the art exhibition and sale, followed by a screening of Life on the Deben. Over the festival weekend a host villagers came together with designers, artists, musicians, writers, craftmakers, photographers, gardeners and more all showing their extraordinary talents.

John Mann, Jenny Barnes, Giles Slaughter

Phillippa Lyne, Jenny Groom

Shouwen Tang, Steve & Dawn Schollar

Canda Atkinson, Leann Giovnilli

Belinda Foskett, Josie Hogg

Bill Parker, Fran Crow

Nick Crocker, Jim Bidwell, Jane Cochrane

Annette Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, David Beard

Neena & William Atkinson

EssentialSUFFOLK

Essential Directory GARDENING

CARE

HOMES & INTERIORS

HOT TUBS IN IPSWICH Personalised affordable care at home Ipswich and east Suffolk 01473 707900 Homecare@stelizcare.co.uk Spas in stock for quick delivery. Splasher pools / hot tub chemicals in stock.

NOW HERE The exclusive Deckworld Deben six seat hot tub – just £6795. Ask for details.

DESIGN SERVICES

Clear graphic design in print and online We are a team of friendly, hardworking, no-nonsense designers creating distinctive brands and concise communications across a range of sectors

Tree Surgery Need some help or advice? Call us on 07507 660 533 suffolktreescape@gmail.com

10% off all chemical orders over £50

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

Tel: (01473) 655777 www.deckworld.co.uk Visit us at jumpinyourhottub.com

GIFTS

Newman Design 8 Brightwell Barns Ipswich Road Brightwell IP10 0BJ 01473 811728 info@newman-design.com www.newman-design.com

Purchase instant ‘e’ gift vouchers via www.pressi.co.uk FOOD & DRINK

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Beauty Room Melton Park At the Beauty Room we pride ourselves on oﬀering professional treatments with top brands in a warm and friendly environment.

No 138 HIGH STREET ALDEBURGH No 6 HIGH STREET ALDEBURGH SLATECHEESE.CO.UK •

•

@SLATECHEESE

essentialsuffolk.com

No7 Clements Road, Melton Park, IP12 1SZ 01394 548734 www.thebeautyroommelton.com

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

www.burgess-group.com

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

LEISURE

WOODBRIDGE INTERIORS KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS

MOTORING

E L E C T R I C B I C YC L E S

SMITHFIELD, MELTON ROAD WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK, IP12 1NG

01394 386390

www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz Independent Specialist Conquer hills and headwind without breaking a sweat Wide range of e-bikes to suit any age or ability, from hybrids to folders to xtreme downhill, we have it all on display. e-Vélo, 7a Blyth Road Ind. Est. Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8EN 0800 246 5306 www.e-velo.uk

www.angliafactors.co.uk

Sales, Service & Repair

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

Take to the skies Experience the joy of flight

The perfect tiles for all the family

Beccles Airsports offer a range of flight adventures as well as other opportunities to discover aviation.

Supplying Suffolk with beautiful exclusive tiles since 1998

Why not fulfil that lifetime ambition to fly and join us to experience the ultimate flight adventure. 30m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT £59 inc VAT

Just Tiles

60m MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHT

£99 inc VAT Fly with experienced pilots who have a passion for flight and a background in private and commercial aviation. Join us and experience the ultimate flight adventure.

TILE SHOWROOM

Smithfield, Melton, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1NH 01394 382067 justtileswoodbridge.co.uk

07512 078189 www.becclesairsports.com

EssentialSUFFOLK

OC T OBER 2018

M Y S UF FO LK

My Suffolk Jimmy Butler, the founder of Blythburgh Pork has been named as one of Suffolk’s Food Heroes, he’s won many industry national awards and worked with numerous household names and celebrity chefs Where do you like to eat out? First of all, I have to say is that my wife is a really excellent cook, that’s why when I got married I was a certain weight and now I am double that. Where do we go to eat out – The Froize at Chillesford, Snape Crown and the Fox & Goose at Fressingfield. The Wentworth in Aldeburgh is good for Sunday lunch, locally I like The Boarding House in Halesworth, Bramfield Queen’s Head, The Queens Head at Blyford and Haddiscoe Priory. Where do you like to walk? There are so many good walks especially in the Dunwich and Westleton area and the beaches are so good too – my son recommends a five mile run between Walberswick and Dunwich too – which he does every Saturday.

How did you come to live in Suffolk Well actually I was born at Shelfanger near Diss, just over the border – and I worked managing farms in Snetterton and at Easton near Norfolk until 1978 when my wife and I moved to Mells near Halesworth. We decided that we wanted a place of our own and made the move after some encouragement from friends. In my previous job I had been managing 14 people on a 2,500-acre estate so it was a bit of a shock when we arrived as it was just Pauline and me, and one man. At the start, I had 200 sows inside and Pauline reared calves and now we supply top restaurants and through a wholesaler two Royal households as well. But it was not easy as we had no mains water and no central heating and we had to get water from a well – but thanks to an inheritance from Pauline’s aunt we managed to get this sorted. That was 40 years ago and we love living here – the sea is just five miles away and my two sons and five grandchildren live close by – what more do you want out of life?

essentialsuffolk.com

What was it like working with the Hairy Bikers? They are a couple of absolutely great guys. When we heard they wanted to do a programme with us we discovered my wife would have to cook for them – and she was terrified. So she did a slow shoulder of pork for them, cooked it really slowly in the oven for five hours and they loved it. They just ate and ate and ate. They drove down the drive on their Harley’s and were just the same off camera as they are on camera and were a joy to be with. But we’ve also worked with Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty and supply places like The Shard, The Savoy and Heston Blumenthal. Have you got any hobbies? When my sons were young they got involved in rugby and I still support Southwold Rugby Club – there’s nothing I like better than standing on Southwold Common and watching games there. In the winter I also do a bit of shooting.

Adnams, Aspall’s or Greene King? Adnams – I don’t drink bitter much any more but I like their dry hop lager. They make a pretty good gin too. If you were to choose one picture of the county what would it be? Some of my pigs in front of Blythburgh Church. They call it the Cathedral of the Marshes – and when it is all lit up at night it’s very impressive. Or you could have a picture anywhere along the coast – Orford or Thorpeness. I just took a guy around who had come up here from London for a job interview and he could not get over how stunning the scenery was. What would be your perfect autumn day out in Suffolk? Going to see my pigs in the morning and then heading for lunch at Southwold, watch a game of rugby in the afternoon and go out for a good dinner in the evening. That’s my idea of heaven. My wife would say, “That’s two big meals, you shouldn’t be doing it”, but there you go.

OPEN SIXTH FORM 2018

EVENING TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER | 6:30PM

For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team:

01394 615041

www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk A Co-educational Independent School in Suffolk for ages 4 to 18

Bursaries and Awards available for talented pupils

m 17 iu 20 ed er M ld st ui Be se B u Ho

Inspired by tradition

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you’re searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins & Moore. We are East Anglia’s leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.

Help to Buy available on all released plots

Call us or visit our website for further information

hopkinshomes.co.uk 01394 446860 Building luxurious award winning new homes throughout Essex, Suﬀolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk