Places & Faces (Suffolk) Jan/Feb 2011

Places&Faces

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 • Priceless

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A WALK IN

WOODBRIDGE Theatre • Food • Fashion • Homes & Interiors • Elite Properties

www.placesandfaces.co.uk ISSUE 13

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The places and faces that make Suffolk great

No two kitchens ever leave our workshop looking For more than two decades we have combined be for wood, to create individual kitchens, cabinets an

20 Years in the Making

in the Making 20 Years 20in Years the Making

No two kitchens ever leave our workshop looking the same because no two customers are the same.

For more than two decades we have combined beautiful design, classic cabinetry skills and a passion for wood, to create individual kitchens, cabinets and furniture that are made for you and made for life.

No two kitchens ever leave our workshop looking the same because no two customers are the same. wo kitchens ever leave our workshop looking the same because no two customers are the same.

For more than two decades we have combined beautiful design, classic cabinetry skills and a passion more than two decades we have combined Beautifully beautiful design, classic cabinetry skills and a passion hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture for wood, to create individual kitchens, cabinets and furniture that are made for you and made for life. & Parking: Wherstead (on the A137 just off the A14) ood, to create individual kitchens, cabinets Showroom and furniture that 497-499 are made for youRoad, andIpswich, made IP2 for8LL life.

Telephone: 01473 680091 sales@orwellsfurniture.co.uk www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

Made for Life

Aga Centre Appliance Specialist Stonemasons Paint Library Gifts for the home

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Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets and furniture

Showroom & Parking: 497-499 Wherstead Road, Ipswich, IP2 8LL (on the A137 just off the A14) Showroom & Parking: 497-499 Wherstead Road, Ipswich, IP2 8LL (on the A137 just off the A14) Telephone: 01473 680091 sales@orwellsfurniture.co.uk www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk Telephone: 01473 680091 sales@orwellsfurniture.co.uk www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk Aga Centre Appliance Specialist Stonemasons Paint Library Gifts for the home Aga Centre Appliance Specialist Stonemasons Paint Library Gifts for the home

Made for Life

Beautifully hand 02/06/2011 12:59

Showroom & Parking: 49 Telephone: 01473 680 Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets & furniture Showroom & Parking: 497-499 Wherstead Road, Ipswich IP2 8LL (on the A137 just off the A14) Aga Centre Applian 02/06/2011 12:59

Telephone: 01473 680091 • email: sales@orwellsfurniture.co.uk • www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

Aga Centre • Appliance Specialist • Stonemasons • Ironmongery • Paint Library

Brightwell Interiors is East Anglia’s destination for Interior Design.

We are now open every Saturday 10am-4pm

Introducing Kelly Hoppen Home We are delighted to announce as of February we will be one of five UK stockists of Kelly Hoppen Home (As seen on Channel 5’s “Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen”). A furniture range inspired by all the great vintage pieces Kelly has used over the years. Creating a capsule collection that could be incorporated into any home, allowing pieces to melt into the surroundings but at the same time stand out as a star piece.

www.brightwellinteriors.com Brightwell Hall Farm, Brightwell, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 OBE e: info@brightwellinteriors.com t: 01473 611130 Open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm & Saturday 10am - 4pm By appointment the rest of the week.

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Adrian Rawlinson Managing Director

Editor’s letter

Lesley Rawlinson Director

Hello from the Editor Alison Watson Account Manager

Managing Director: Adrian Rawlinson adrian@achievemoremedia.co.uk t: 01473 809932 m: 07718 149307 Director: Lesley Rawlinson lesley@achievemoremedia.co.uk t: 01473 809932 m: 07519 477583 Account Manager: Alison Watson alison@achievemoremedia.co.uk t: 01473 809932 m: 07546 485204 Editor: Anne Gould editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk m: 07411 701010 Senior Designer: Elliott Mowle B.A elliott@h2creativemedia.co.uk Printed by: Micropress, 27 Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BX Published by: Achieve More Media Ltd 21, Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5 2EP www.achievemoremedia.co.uk

ven if it’s cold, winter in Suffolk has some stunning highlights especially on those bright crisp days when you get to walk through the countryside or along the beach and everything sparkles.

The chances are you’ll have the place to yourself and then be able to warm up by the fire in one of our excellent hostelries supping a pint of one of our fine local brews.

For the grey days – well keep in mind that as from now every day gets lighter and it won’t be long before spring is upon us.

There’s an incredible amount to do on the entertainment front too, with star theatre and concert performances on the agenda including comedy – Billy Connolly, music – Katherine Jenkins and theatre – with West End hit Top Girls at the New Wolsey and an all star cast in On Golden Pond at The Mercury in Colchester.

But it’s dance fans that are really in for a treat – there’s an amazing line-up including Strictly star Brendan Cole with his show Live and Unjudged, the critically acclaimed Ballet Boyz at Snape Maltings and the Russian State Ballet in Ipswich too.

This month the magazine is packed with features on art in Aldeburgh, an interview with Denis King - the Ivor Novello award-winning composer and we’ve met up with local fundraisers for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

There are also sections on weddings, private schools, interiors, fashions, a stunning dog walk in Woodbridge and elite properties.

So with 2012 off to a great start Places&Faces, Suffolk’s most exclusive magazine delivered only to selected homes, businesses and venues would like to wish all its readers and valued commercial partners a very happy New Year.

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

Cover: Woodbridge Tide Mill by Adrian Rawlinson. (See dog walk pages 48 & 49)

See all of our Social Photos at our website placesandfaces.co.uk Join us at twitter.com/ placesandfaces to get the breaking stories and keep up-to-date

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

Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at time of going to press and you are encouraged to contact the venue prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the editor including contributors. Places&Faces is a registered Trade Mark of H2 Creative Media Ltd used under license by Achieve More Media Ltd ®

To subscribe either:

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1. E-mail placesandfaces@achievemoremedia.co.uk with your name and contact details or 2. Send a cheque for £24 per subscription to Achieve More Media Ltd, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5 2EP and enclose the delivery name address and postcode.

Prices include postage and packaging. Personal details will be used for subscription purposes only.

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Contents

35 50 8 Features

26 29 32 35 69

Suffolk’s Secret Army Eastern Angles new play

Art in Aldeburgh

Caroline Wiseman and The South Lookout

98

Denis king On Wind in the Willows at Walberswick

My Suffolk With Paul Winter Chief Executive of Ipswich Building Society

22 48

PUB Dog walk

50

Short break

Food and Drink

Walking in Woodbridge with a stop off at The Angel

Stoke by Nayland Spa break review and Tuddenham Mill

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Regulars

52

Suffolk’s fight to find a cure

13 14

Suffolk in Brief

61

Gardening

21

Mini Previews

65 75

Homes and Interiors

WEDDINGS

Your guide to the most special day of your life

Independent Education Choosing the right school for your child

People

08

23

61

Brendan Cole Dances at the Regent

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News from around the county

What’s On Your diary dates for January and February

Ballet Boyz, On Golden Pond, The Russian State Ballet, Top Girls

Fashion Wrap up it’s still cold

Dining review: The Arboretum at Fynn Valley. Local produce and food galleries and a pheasant recipe from The British Larder

Planning now for next summer plus an interview with Jon Rose of Botanica on Suffolk’s plant heritage

Wood looking good in your home

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

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

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Celebrity Interview | Brendan Cole

STRICTLY BRENDAN

He’s outspoken, has got a reputation for bending the rules and is something of a perfectionist.

But as it turns out Brendan Cole, talking to Anne Gould in advance of his Live and Unjudged Tour, is Mr Charming he Bad Boy of Strictly - the one who argues with the judges and includes illegal lifts has been seen in something of a new light of late.

In the last series he danced not just with Lulu but stepped in like a knight in shining armour to help out when two of the other male professionals, Suffolk dancer Robin Windsor and Artem Chigvintsev were struggling with poor health.

He was positively chatty when talking to Places&Faces, in advance of his Ipswich Regent Theatre appearance on his last ever tour of Live and Unjudged.

We’d been allotted a 15-minute chat on the phone in between Strictly rehearsals but he just kept on going because he wanted to talk about dancing.

“I started doing Live and Unjudged about two or three years ago now and we’ve done four tours and I would love to run it for the rest of my life - it’s the biggest thing I have ever done career-wise.

“This will be the final tour tour though because I think it’s important to keep refreshing things so when the time comes I will make a new show that’s totally different.”

Live and Unjudged is much more than a dance show - although there are plenty of amazing Latin and Ballroom routines to satisfy the fans.

Brendan explained it’s an evening of music, entertainment and dance with a 14-piece live band on stage, two talented singers and look out for Brendan’s younger brother, Scott

who performs with the other professional dancers on stage.

There’s also audience participation - “We try to get people up from their seats so they can have a little dance if they want and there’s also a Q and A where I take questions from the audience.”

You might even see Brendan singing too, “I wanted the fans of Strictly to see a different side of me,” he explains.

He expects that the tour - 25 dates in all during late January and early February will be “totally exhausting,” going on previous experience but the adrenalin and the fact that the show is so important, keeps him going.

“It’s only a small show and we do a different date every day, otherwise the costs would spiral. We have a tour bus that we use and it’s actually quite a tough schedule.

Brendan gets involved in every aspect of the tour. ” I am very hands on. I give a lot but I expect a lot back too.”

He admits to being a perfectionist, which probably explains why he’s not only won the coveted Strictly Glitterball Trophy with Natasha Kaplinsky but also reached the final with perfect scores when he partnered model Lisa Snowden.

Obviously not every celebrity is as naturally talented so how does it feel to partner those who are obviously not going to last the run?

“I am a perfectionist and people have different abilities - it’s only frustrating when

they do not put in 100 per cent. When you get someone who is not prepared to put in the work that is required.”

What about the seeming unfairness of the show when a good dancer gets voted off in favour of someone with perhaps more popular appeal?

“Only one couple is going to win and quite often, well more often than not, it’s not going to be you. As a professional you have to find the strengths and weaknesses of your partner and if you are not doing that, you are not doing your job properly.”

“It’s not about winning and it’s not about perfection - although when I danced with Lisa we got perfect scores. To my mind you cannot have perfection even if you train every day on a particular thing. You can always make it better.

“To me tens are handed out way too often.

Too often I think they are handed out like breakfast tea.”

So having been in a judge on the New Zealand version of Strictly - what’s it like being on the other side of the table?

“It’s brilliant because you never get voted off and I did it for five years. It’s a very different role really - I think you are there to inspire rather than come up with quips for TV. “Also as I’m also a professional dancer on the show I know what the couples are up against.”

Of course one of the people that Brendan regularly clashes with on TV is Craig Revel Horwood, who ruthlessly deducts point for

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Celebrity Interview | Brendan Cole

illegal lifts etc.

However Craig was a fellow judge on the NZ show. “I do get on with Craig outside the show, I think he is absolutely brilliant, he’s a brilliant guy - on the show however I think he is an absolute idiot but he knows that.

“We would argue as judges but then we’d go and have a beer on the Waterfront. I don’t always agree with him but Craig is my favourite judge.”

So does Brendan miss his homeland down under? “I am very much a New Zealander, it’s an amazing place and I feel homesick right now as I haven’t been back for over a year.

“My life and career is here now (in the UK). Visiting somewhere for a holiday is completely different to living somewhere.

“New Zealand is phenomenal but you don’t necessarily pass by beautiful waterfalls on your way to work every day.

“When I started on Strictly my life moved into a different area so I haven’t competed professionally for eight years now.”

Brendan’s career has developed into other areas aside from dance. His love of singing saw him take part in two television singing shows, the BBC’s Just The Two Of Us singing with Beverley Knight and more recently ITV’s Sing If You Can, raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

So what does he do in his spare time?

“There’s not much time for anything else.

The tour is a massive undertaking. I also play sport and enjoy cricket and golf.

“Of course I also like to spend as much time as possible with my wife Zoe, who is a model.”

Brendan also aims to bring dance to the nation’s schools with The Brendan Cole Dance Academy, which was launched last July.

It’s hoped that this will grow with plans to expand to over 30 Schools. The academy is part of Activate Sport and in conjunction with The Co-operative group, his aim is to get kids active and dancing.

Live and Unjudged is at the Ipswich Regent on January 30.

Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Suffolk

A Festive Evening at The Suffolk Food Hall/ Bourne Garden Centre raised £3,000 for Suffolk Family Carers. Guests were greeted

by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rob Dunger and were entertained by the Ipswich High School for Girls Choir, live jazz and a performance by young carer Lily Ayers. The Charity’s Patron Ruthie Henshall mingled with shoppers.

For photographs of the evening see www. placesandfaces.co.uk/young-carers

John and Susan Holmes of White House Farm, Frostenden, have been presented with the prestigious Kerr Cup Conservation Championship Award by Suffolk FWAG (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group) Sponsored by Ashton KCJ, the Kerr Cup Championship - which has been running for over 30 years - celebrates farms which combine conservation and environmental stewardship with running commercial businesses. This year’s competition was a ‘Champion of Champions’ award, celebrating the best of the last 30 years of Suffolk FWAG Kerr Cup winners.

The surviving winter campaign launched in November and co-ordinated by The Suffolk Foundation, the EADT and Age UK Suffolk has so far raised over £30,000. The appeal is encouraging those who can afford to do so to donate their Winter Fuel Payment to those who need it most. It will ensure that the most vulnerable residents receive vital financial help in the face of soaring heating bills. To donate to Surviving Winter visit www. localgiving.com/communityfoundation/ suffolk, visit your local branch of Ipswich Building Society or call The Suffolk Foundation office on 01473 734120 Sponsors of the Suffolk New College End of Year Student Celebrations were thanked for their continued support at a special dinner in Shelley’s restaurant. During the evening guests raised over £700 to support The Kenyan Adventure – helping volunteers get involved with community

News

in brief

projects and work opportunities all over Kenya – a project which the Suffolk New College Students’ Union President and Vice president Mercedes Woollard and Jemel Fox are working with. For photographs of the evening see www.placesandfaces. co.uk/suffolknewcollege

wholegrain mustard with St Peter’s Brewery Honey Porter. “The popularity of the chutney in particular has meant that we are now following up consumer demand with some interesting export discussions and could be distributing the product to State-side foodies as early as this summer.”

Suffolk Family Carers has been awarded £285,441 over three years from the Big Lottery, Reaching Communities Committee to develop and expand its community work with Family Carers. Chief Executive Jacqui Martin says, “In these difficult and changing times this funding will allow us to develop and expand services that we may not have been able to undertake as fully in the light of recent funding cuts. The beneficiaries are the Family Carers of Suffolk who deserve help as well as accolades for the valuable work they do in maintaining and supporting the people they care for and their family unit.”

International polo players will head to Suffolk next summer to play in two special matches at Trinity Park in Ipswich.

Organised by Suffolk Agricultural Association and ratified by Hurlingham Polo Association – the UK governing body for polo – two special matches will take place on Saturday June 30th at an event called International Polo in Suffolk.

Peter Over, Honorary Chair, Business Development Committee, said: ‘The popularity of polo has increased in recent years so we hope that hosting this event in Suffolk will help to raise its profile even more. The Hurlingham Polo Association very rarely ratifies a new venue, so we’re honoured to have been given the chance to host polo at Trinity Park next year.’

For further details contact the Suffolk Agricultural Association on 01473 707110

Denny of Southwold recently celebrated their 160th anniversary with customers invited to a champagne open day. The shop windows were imaginatively dressed with both historic and modern garments reflecting the establishment’s impressive heritage. Lyn Knights, the current owner and a fifth generation relative of the founder William Denny, said: “The anniversary is a wonderful milestone” while thanking her staff and loyal customers. To see photographs of the event visit: www.placesandfaces.co.uk/denny160 A real ale relish produced by awardwinning Suffolk company, Stokes Sauces in collaboration with fellow East Anglian company, St Peter’s Brewery, could soon be satisfying the tastebuds of food-lovers in the USA. Rick Sheepshanks, managing director of Stokes Sauces, said: “We are enormously proud of our collaboration with St Peter’s Brewery – which has given way to the creation of both our real ale chutney and our

The Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative is delighted to announce that Framlingham is joining Leiston, Saxmundham and Aldeburgh in their efforts to encourage greater sustainability and promote local trading, services and tourism.

“The Framlingham Business Association only came into being in August 2010 and has experienced rapid growth and strong support from the diverse business community in and around Framlingham.

Working closely with other successful local business associations via the Heritage Coast Market Town Initiative is a very exciting and positive step forward for us” said Bill Bulstrode, Chairman of Framlingham Business Association.

From left to right: Lyn Knights of Denny of Southwold celebrates 160th anniversary, Ruthie Henshall and Rob Dunger at Suffolk Carers fundraiser, international polo comes to Trinity Park

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

what’s on January 1- 7 Mercury Theatre, Colchester Beauty and the Beast by Janice Dunn Laughter, romance, song and dance... sorcerers, lumberjacks, toxic monkeys and a beast!

Tickets: £10 - £19.75, children £8.25 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk January 5 and 16 RSPB Minsmere, 10am Winter Wander An introduction to Minsmere’s winter wildlife highlights. Enjoy a relaxed walk returning to the visitor centre in time to purchase a warming bowl of soup. These shorter walks will take in one or two hides, depending on where the best variety of wildlife can be seen and are ideal for beginners and improvers.

Tickets: Adult £5, RSPB member £4, children half price Information: www.rspb.org.uk January 6 – February 24 Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh, 12.15pm Lunchtime Chamber Music Some of the most promising young quartets from around the world have been invited to participate in this year’s Aldeburgh Chamber Music Residency scheme. Quartets’ study needs may change after the time of going to press. Please check the Aldeburgh Music website for up-to date details of the programme for each lunchtime concert.

Almandin Quartet January 6 and 13 Programmes to include Brahms, and Ligeti

Piatti Quartet January 20 Programme to include Haydn

Bennewitz Quartet January 27 and February 3 Programmes to include Dvor˘ák, Haydn and Bartók

Castalian Quartet February 10 and17 Programmes to include Dvor˘ák and Mendelssohn

14 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Excelsa Quartet February 24 Programmes to include Mendelssohn, and Bartók Tickets: £9 (or £7 if you book 5 or more concerts) Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

January 8 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Fat Cat Comedy Club Bury’s great monthly comedy night.

Tickets: £10 Tel: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk www.fatcatcomedyclub.com

January 10 Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Nigel Kennedy Performs The Four Elements and his new interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Tickets: £35 - £45 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com January 10 -21 Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, 7.45pm Eastern Angles Round The Twist Over the years Eastern Angles’ reputation for producing witty, wacky and slightly anarchic comedy spoofs has grown and grown. This year we are reuniting the team that sent up Jane Austen in the mercilessly funny Masfield Park & Ride and turning them loose on dear old Charles Dickens!

Box office: (01473) 211498 Information: www.easternangles.co.uk

January 10 - 11 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Circus of Horrors: The Ventriloquist Featuring some of the greatest, most bizarre and beautiful circus acts on earth, this rockin’ & shockin’ new show will take you on a whirlwind journey through the 1921 Berlin at the birth of the Cabaret.

Tickets: £17.50 - £23.25 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

January 12 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Mike Maran performs this yuletide classic with musical accompaniment from Norman Chalmers.

Tickets: £14 - £19.75 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Ipswich Regent Katherine Jenkins One of the world’s greatest singers on tour with her new album Tickets: £27.60 - £65 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

January 12 and 26 Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich, 7pm Rough Cuts: Gecko Missing is an inventive and playful new piece currently in development. It offers the audience a delicious invitation into the darker side of one’s own psyche...

Tickets: £7 / £5 (concessions) Box Office: (01473) 295230 Information: www.danceeast.co.uk

What’s On

January 13 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Tim-Brooke Taylor A night of anecdotes and reminiscences from a hugely successful career which includes The Goodies and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue.

Tickets: £14 - £19.75 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

January 14 Rendham Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood – painting and passion’ - talk by John Carrington Jnr. Johnny Carrington trained in Art History and his particular enthusiasm is for Rossetti, Millais, Burne-Jones and the other PreRaphaelites. His talk will be illustrated by lots of the Brotherhood’s pictures.

Tickets: £6 or pay on the door Information: hpaygre@aol.com, (01728) 663485 or (01728) 663295

January 15 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 1pm-4pm Foot Loose A monthly informal gathering for everyone who loves to dance; from toddlers & teens to OAPs, from ballet to the highland fling.

Whether you are a school, a dance group, an individual, amateur or professional, come and share your passion. Held upstairs, drinks will be available from the café bar. Free.

Tel: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk January 17-21 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Middleground Theatre Company present On Golden Pond (see mini preview) Tickets: £9.80 - £21.75 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

January 21 and 22 Ipswich Regent Theatre Chinese State Circus Sat 5pm & 8pm, Sun 2pm & 6pm Tickets: £12.50 - £25 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

January 24 Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Alfie Boe Following the success of his hugely successful album, “Bring Him Home” the former apprentice car mechanic turned tenor brings his

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

sound to Suffolk.

Tickets: £20 - £35 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

January 25 Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds Burns Night with Mairi Campbell and David Francis Join us for a really special evening with award winning singer songwriters, Mairi Campbell and David Francis as they perform a collection of Burns’ work alongside their own contemporary songs.

Money raised from this fundraising event will help to support the Theatre Royal’s community and education programme.

Box Office: (01284) 829947 Information: www.theatreroyal.org

January 26 Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, 7pm Restoring the Repertoire A Script in Hand reading Speed the Plough (1800) by Thomas Morton A country comedy packed with vivid characters and comic incident. Young lovers, castle intrigues, marital mishaps and a ploughing competition…

Continuing the exciting development for our Script in Hand readings, we are turning the Theatre Royal into a radio recording studio for a day and giving you the chance to be a live audience for a performance of three of our favourite Restoring the Repertoire™ plays. Sit on stage with the actors and become part of the live recording and post-show discussion!

Seats are very limited so book early to ensure your place.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: (01284) 829947 Information: www.theatreroyal.org

January 26 - February 4 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Oklahoma!

Set against a backdrop of classic songs including Oh What a Beautiful Morning and The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, this all-singing, all dancing, toe tapping rodeo is sure to send you home with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Tickets: £11 - £18 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

January 27 Peter Pears Recital Room, Snape , 6.15pm Festival Preview 16 | placesandfaces.co.uk

A taster of the 2012 Aldeburgh Festival.

Aldeburgh Music Chief Executive Jonathan Reekie and Dan Whitfield, Head of Artistic Planning preview the 65th Aldeburgh Festival (8–24 June).

With musical illustrations, this is an excellent opportunity for a behind the scenes introduction to selected highlights of the Festival.

6.15pm, followed by a glass of wine Admission: Free, but please book (includes free glass of wine) Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

January 27 and 28 Snape Maltings, 4pm and 8pm Belcea Quartet: Beethoven Cycle Beethoven Quartet Op.18 No.2 in G; Quartet Op.59 No.2 in E minor; Quartet Op.131 in C sharp minor. A delightful combination of contrasting works from Beethoven’s early, middle, and late periods, the Belceas bring the second of their major year-long project to perform and record all Beethoven quartets at Snape.

Tickets: £24 - £18 Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk January 28 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. 7.30pm East Anglian Chamber Orchestra The highly acclaimed EAChO return to the apex with international renowned conductor Jacques Cohen and London soloists Takane Funatsu and Nicola Tait.

Programme: Prokofieff Classical Symphony in D, Mozart’s Gran Partita for wind & double bass K361. Brahms Double Concerto for Violin & Cello in A minor Op 102 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

January 28 – 29 Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds, 7.30pm The Wind in the Willows This playful and quintessentially English family story is brought to life by the Theatre Royal’s Young Company. As the seasons pass, the riverbank plays host to Mole and his woodland friends Ratty, Toad and Badger as they discover the truth about loyal friendship, the perils of the big wide world and the joys of motor cars. Poop Poop!

Alan Bennett’s hilarious adaptation will delight audiences of all ages.

Tickets: £8 (£4)

Box office: (01284) 829947 Website: www.theatreroyal.org January 30 Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm Brendan Cole’s ‘Live and Unjudged’ (see main feature) Tickets: £22 - £32 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com February 3 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm The Magic Flute Following their recent highly successful visit to The Apex with Bizet’s Carmen, Co-Opera Co is returning with The Magic Flute. Mozart’s mystical fairy tale comes to life in Christopher Newell’s joyous production – a fanciful story of low comedy and high ideals – a sheer delight and ultimately – great fun!

Sung in English and accompanied by the Co-Opera Co. Orchestra.

Tickets: £19 - £26 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

February 4 Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich 9am - 5pm Dance: Connect Explore street dance techniques with some of the UK’s leading teachers of this popular dance style, and learn choreography like never before! This is an intensive one day course for dancers aged 11+ years of all levels (beginner - advanced) covering the foundations and techniques in street dance with Kymberlee Jay as well as the

What’s On

opportunity to learn choreography like never before.

Tickets: £25 full day pass Box Office: (01473) 295230 Information: www.danceeast.co.uk

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7pm In Celebration of Chinese New Year 2012 Year of the Dragon Box Office: (01473) 295900 Information: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk February 5 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2pm Voice Squad Concert Hot on the heels of its highly-acclaimed production of “Les Miserables”, The Voice Squad returns with a vibrant display of vocal versatility across a wide range of musical genres. From show tunes, through a crazy mix of Latino and Irish tunes to African Sanctus, come and be amazed by the talent of youngsters with a plethora of national awards to their credit.

Tickets: £8 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

February 8 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. 8pm Celtic Dream Embodying the true spirit of the Emerald Isle, and with a selection of the finest dancers, vocalists and musicians from around Ireland, Celtic Dream takes audiences along a breathtaking journey of music, song and dance with a kaleidoscope of colour against a backdrop of highly infectious, powerful and spirit-invoking music.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

Ipswich Regent Verdi’s La Traviata Featuring the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv with international soloists, a highly-praised chorus, and full orchestra. Starring sopranos Rosa Lee Thomas and Elena Dee. This production will be sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Tickets: £23 - £33 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

Proveeda

February 9 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Fairport Convention Fairport Convention is one of the greatest live bands on today’s concert circuit and their sell-out gigs continue to attract critical acclaim and delight audiences. Following the success of the acoustic line-up’s visit to the apex last year, we are all looking forward to the full show.

Tickets: £22 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

February 9-18 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm The New Wolsey Theatre and Graeae present Reasons to be Cheerful Script by Paul Sirett, Songs by Ian Drury.

The acclaimed smash hit musical featuring Ian Drury and the Blockheads’ returns. All performances include captioned dialogue, BSL-interpreted songs and audio description.

Box Office: (01473) 295900 Information: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk www.reasonstobecheerfulthemusical.co.uk

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

February 11 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 12 noon - 4pm Harmonica Workshop with Steve Lockwood Play blues rhythms, cool country wails, pitch bend all the way down and jam along with rockin’ solos – whether you’re a complete beginner or advanced, this session will help improve your playing and get the best out of this deceptively humble instrument. Steve is a musician with a world-wide reputation, who has played with acts from Larry Adler, Chris Difford (Squeeze) and Screaming Lord Sutch to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and recorded over 70 albums.

Tickets: £25 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

Snape Maltings, 8pm Faster Than Sound: I Burn for You After Dracula by Bram Stoker ‘I Burn for You’ is an atmospheric new music theatre work inspired by Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire novel Dracula, created by composer Ian Wilson, librettist Joe O’Byrne and stage director Tom Creed.

It brings together an astonishing line up of performers including the Hungarian death metal vocalist Attila Csihar in the vampyric role. He is joined by virtuosic vocal improvisers Phil Minton and Elaine Mitchener, acclaimed musicians including saxophonist Cathal Roche, accordionist Ian Watson and electro-acoustic improviser David Toop, and video designer Jack Phelan.

Tickets: £15 Box office: (01728) 687110 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk Wolsey Orchestra

Shostakovich – Festival Overture (signature tune of the 1980 Moscow Olympics), February 12 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Stravinsky – Divertimento: The fairy’s Kiss, Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade. Conductor Fat Cat Comedy Club Bury’s great monthly comedy night.

Anthony Weeden, violin Jamie Foreman.

Tickets: £10 Tickets: £12 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk www.

Information: www.theapex.co.uk Places and Faces QP Valentines JAN 12:Places & Faces JAN 11 fatcatcomedyclub.com

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February 13 and 14 Ipswich Regent Billy Connolley One of the country’s best loved stand-up comedians returns to Ipswich for what is set to be one of the performance highlights of the year.

Tickets: £35 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

February 13 - 18 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Star Quality by Noël Coward Stars of TV and Stage Liza Goddard (Take Three Girls) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders) lead a superb cast in Noël Coward’s final play.

Tickets: £10.50 - £22.50 Box Office: (01206) 573948 Information: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk February 15th – May 20th Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh Private Resistance www.easternangles.co.uk (see page 26)

What’s On

February 16 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Smetana Piano Trio Founded in the 1930’s, the Smetana Piano Trio featured some of the Czech Republic’s leading soloists of the time. Mozart Trio C major K. 548. Smetana, Trio G minor Op.15 Beethoven, Trio in B flat Op.97 “Archduke” Tickets: £16 - £12 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

February 17 Snape Maltings, 6pm Open Session: AYM Meet Led Bib Instant composition Maverick jazz rockers, Led Bib travel to Suffolk to create music with Aldeburgh Young Musicians. With their own inimitable take on improvisation, Led Bib will work with AYM on writing music for improvisers and playing written music as an improviser. One of the most exhilarating and talked-about bands of recent times uncover improvisation as composition ‘in the moment’.

Tickets: £6 Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald & Nat King Cole were at the top of the charts.

Tickets: £22.50 Box Office: (01284) 758000 Information: www.theapex.co.uk

February 18 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Buddy Greco Big Band & Lezlie Anders Internationally recognized as one of the top jazz pianists and singers of our time, Buddy Greco brings us his big band for an evening of music, stories and anecdotes from his days in Las Vegas. He is joined by Lezlie Anders with her portrayal of Peggy Lee. Transport yourself back to the 50s & early 60s when the songs of Buddy Greco, Peggy Lee, Frank

St Edmunds Church, 7.30pm Southwold Concert series The Sacconi Quartet Nathan Williamson, piano Franz Joseph Haydn – Quartet in G major, op.77 no.1 Béla Bartók – String Quartet no.3 (1927) Edward Elgar – Piano Quintet in A minor, op.84. The brilliant Sacconi Quartet, one of the UK’s finest young chamber ensembles, makes a welcome return to Southwold. They perform a highly contrasting programme of quartets by Haydn and Bartok, as well as Elgar’s epic Piano Quintet, on which they collaborate with the series’ Artistic Director, Nathan Williamson.

Tickets: £12 Information: www.southwoldconcertseries.co.uk Rendham Village Hall, 7.30pm ‘Suffolk Hoards’ – talk by Mark Mitchells

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

An illustrated talk by local historian Mark Mitchells about the famous hoards of gold and silver that have been found in Suffolk.

This is the winter’s final talk in Rendham don’t miss it!

Tickets: £6 or pay on the door Information: hpaygre@aol.com, (01728) 663485 or (01728) 663295 Venue Address: Rendham Village Hall, IP17 (Next to Rendham Church on B1119)

February 18 and 19 Snape Maltings PLACE: Taking the Waters A Weekend Navigation Aldeburgh Music’s new cross-arts winter weekend – curated by Gareth Evans and celebrating the cultures of place across the UK – takes to the waters this year with a wide-ranging exploration of the meanings of the marine, the estuarine and the waterway in film, art, literature and thought February 18, 11am The Meanings of Water With Noel Burch, Stephen Dillane, Jay Griffiths, Robert Macfarlane, Mark Padmore, Jules Pretty and Ken Worpole A day-long enquiry into the cultural meanings of water.

Britten Studio, Snape 11am (ends approx 6.30pm) Tickets: £25 February 18, 8pm Swandown Jem Finer, Andrew Kötting, Iain Sinclair Work-in-progress world premiere of the remarkable new artists’ documentary feature, Swandown by artist film-maker Andrew Kötting and the visionary writer Iain Sinclair.

Tickets: £15 February 19, 10.30am and 1.30pm ‘The Garden’ and the Waters Derek Jarman’s The Garden, with Ben Eastop, Rachel Lichtenstein, Manu Luksch and Simon Read. The weekend continues with a showing of the late, great Derek Jarman’s iconic feature, The Garden – a poetic and moving series of dreamscapes, filmed entirely on the Dungeness shinglescape – with a striking score by Weekend tickets: £40 excluding lunch; £65 including both lunches Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

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February 19 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm The Duke’s Headliners Comedy Club Showcasing some of the finest comics from around the world.

Box Office: (01473) 295900 Information: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/ comedy February 21-25 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm Out Of Joint and Chichester Festival Theatre present direct from the West End Top Girls

By Caryl Churchill (see mini preview) Box Office: (01473) 295900 Information: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

February 23-25 Ipswich Regent Giselle, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker performed by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia. (see mini preview) Tickets: £17.50 - £35 Box office: (01473) 433100 Information: www.ipswichregent.com

February 24 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm 3 Daft Monkeys In their own unique DIY style, 3 Daft Monkeys have become one of the most popular touring bands on the UK scene. It is refreshing to hear their quirky, original and unusual approach to music, and their exhilarating and energetic live performances draw huge audiences wherever they play.

Tickets: £15 Box Office: (01284) 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

February 24 and 25 Snape Maltings, 7.30pm Ballet Boyz: The Talent (see mini preview) Tickets: £22 - £10 Box Office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk February 26 Snape Maltings 6pm Concert for Hugo’s 90th Artists include Ian Bostridge, Brindisi Quartet, Solstice Quartet, and members of the Aronowitz Ensemble. Hugo HerbertJones has become an Aldeburgh legend, with his house and hospitality being a focal point for visiting young artists for over a generation. It is estimated he has provided over 3000 nights of accommodation for musicians, and his generosity continues with games of croquet and pots of home-made marmalade thrown in. As he approaches his 90th birthday, with his enthusiasm for music and being a host seemingly undimmed, we celebrate his extraordinary contribution with a concert of his favourite music – including Brahms, Beethoven, Schubert and Vaughan Williams’ On Wenlock Edge – given by his musical friends.

Tickets: £25 - £17.50 The surplus from this concert will go to Future Talent, a charity working with musically gifted young people who do not have the financial means or the opportunity to advance their musicianship.

Box office: (01728) 687110 Information: www.aldeburgh.co.uk

February 28 and 29 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm Hull Truck present DNA A compelling thriller by award winning writer Dennis Kelly Box Office: (01473) 295900 Information: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk www.hulltruck.co.uk

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Mini Previews

Ballet Boyz - the talent Snape Maltings, February 24 and 25 he Ballet Boyz have always had the ability to have critics and audiences struggling for words to describe their remarkable performances.

The TALENT featuring Adam, Anthony, Ed, Leon, Luke, Matt, Miguel and Taylor is no exception.

These remarkable dancers were handpicked from open auditions by BalletBoyz to star in this explosive feast of live dance.

The TALENT presents a mixed programme of three works, which originally premiered to rave reviews in 2011.

The evening features Paul Roberts’ Alpha and one of BalletBoyz’ signature pieces, Russell Maliphant’s Torsion, re-worked as a

thrilling sextet. Completing the line-up is Void, an adrenaline-fuelled ensemble piece choreographed by Jarek Cemerek, who won the honour of adding this piece to the BalletBoyz repertoire after beating over 160 choreographers from around the world.

Former lead dancers for The Royal Ballet, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt have had a dramatic impact on the British dance scene since forming BalletBoyz in 2001.

The TALENT looks set to replicate that success after the extraordinary critical and popular reaction to their award-winning first UK tour in 2011 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk

On Golden Pond

Colchester Mercury Theatre, January 17-21

his timeless and endearing love story sees an elderly couple, returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year.

A deeply moving and touching exploration of their relationships with their daughter and grandson follows and, as the summer wanes, there is a realisation that time is against them.

The classic film of On Golden Pond, which starred Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda, went on to win three Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Actress for Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn.

In this stage versoin Hollywood star Stephanie Powers appears fresh from her exploits in I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here!.

The Hart to Hart star may not have lasted long in the jungle, but she is sure to be a big hit with Colchester audiences.

Stefanie is joined by Richard Johnson, who appeared in numerous films in the 1960s and is a regular with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The play also stars Elizabeth Carling, best known from her regular roles in Boon, Goodnight Sweetheart and Casualty.

Tickets: £9.80 - £21.75 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

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Mini Previews

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia Ipswich Regent, February 23-25 or ballet fans this is a treat not to be missed. Russia’s acclaimed ballet company returns to the UK with classical masterpieces Giselle, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth.

The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.

Already the tour, has won massive praise from the critics – and if you want to see all the ballets they are performed on consecutive nights.

The company includes 40 dancers and Artistic Director Sergei Bobrova with Anatoly Tchepurnoi the Music Director and Chief Conductor.

Tickets: £17.50 - £31.50 Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

TOP GIRLS

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, February 21-25

aryl Churchill’s inventive and groundbreaking play Top Girls is in Ipswich in February, following its sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre and triumphant West End transfer.

It’s Thatcher’s England and hard-nosed, gogetting businesswoman Marlene is hosting a dinner party to celebrate her promotion to MD of the Top Girls Employment Agency.

Her guests are all powerful and eccentric women from myth and history, making for an extraordinary gathering and one of the most 22 | placesandfaces.co.uk

famous and colourful openings of any play.

As Top Girls takes us back in time through Marlene’s story, it becomes a provocative study of success, the compromises Marlene has made and, chillingly, what happens to those who get left behind.

Caroline Catz will play Marlene. She is well known from playing Louisa in five series of Doc Martin, with other long-term roles on The Vice, Murder in Suburbia and All Quiet on the Preston Front and appearances in Marple and Hotel Babylon.

The cast also includes Helen Bradbury, Alix Dunmore, Esther Ruth Elliott, Victoria Gee, Emmy Sainsbury and Kirsten Hazel Smith.

Tickets: £8.50 - £25.

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

Suffolk People | Denis King

From the West End

to Walberswick

Photograph: Julia Sowerbutts directs the cast

Walberswick is staging the musical version of Wind in the Willows next month. But this village production is going to be one like no other. Anne Gould finds out why

uffolk has long been favoured by stars of stage and screen as a retreat from the bright lights.

Our wild places and seaside offer a solitude away from the autograph hunters and locals are more than happy to give, “that man/woman from the telly” a wide berth.

Little wonder so many have chosen to buy a home and even retire in some of our more picturesque towns and villages.

For some local amateur dramatic groups it’s offered huge dividends with a pool of creative professionals only too happy to lend

advice and contribute to local productions.

Wind in the Willows, for example has a professionally trained actress, Julia Sowerbutts, as it’s director, set designer Astrid King who is more used to vast theatres than village halls and her husband – the Ivor Novello award winning composer, Denis King who wrote the music for the show on board as well.

There’s also going to be a contribution in the programme notes from the wife of the late Willis Hall, who co-wrote the musical, with Denis.

The event, from February 1-5, is bound to be a sell out, says Denis, and along the way they’ve discovered all sorts of young talent in the village, which is really encouraging.

He says it’s also great fun being involved in village life.

Denis’s career path in show business is legendary, he started off as a teenager, a member of Britain’s first ‘boy band’ – The King Brothers – in the 1950s.

With his brothers Michael and Anthony, they toured the country playing at various theatres and air force bases, there were

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Photograph: Denis King and Julia Sowerbutts television appearances and hit singles with “A White Sport Coat” and “Standing on the Corner.”

They also rubbed shoulders with some legendary stars including Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.

“Sinatra was my hero and as he breezed passed to his waiting limo he said, ‘Hiya Kid’, to me. That moment comes very close to being the highlight of my career,” says Denis.

Times changed and the band eventually broke up because there wasn’t any work for their sort of sound but Denis was determined to stay in music and went to The Guildhall to study orchestration. Not long after graduation he found himself with a new career – as a composer for television.

He famously wrote the music for numerous shows including Black Beauty, Dick Turpin and Lovejoy, which first brought him to Suffolk – albeit in the west of the county.

Compared to today composing for TV was a lot more complicated. “I only got to see the programme once and had to take rough timings of the background music I needed to write.

24 | placesandfaces.co.uk

“Then at the piano in my office I had to attempt to remember what I’d seen earlier.

The whole task seemed impossible.

“When eventually it came to the recording, Harry Rabinowitz, conducting, saved my life.

Magically, he made my music fit, even if I hadn’t written enough or written too much, and after each session had finished, he would patiently take me through the scores and show me how to improve for next time.”

At this time in his life he also had a lot of help from a friend – Dudley Moore, who lived nearby in Hampstead.

“He hadn’t made it in the movies then and was a wonderful musician. He’d come over to the house and play the piano for me and show me the rights and wrongs. He was an organ scholar and was a complete musician.

“I don’t think anyone knows the depth of his musical ability. Sadly I lost touch with him when he went to Hollywood but he gave a Christmas present one year – a biography of Beethoven, which I still treasure.”

Denis has also had a very successful career as a theatrical composer and with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of

Privates On Parade he won a second Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical.

Other theatre productions have included A Saint She Ain’t, Bashville, Baby on Board, Lost Empires, The Un-American Songbook, Stepping Out - The Musical, That Old Feeling, Treasure Island, Valentine’s Day, Wind in the Willows and Worzel Gummidge.

Denis has written extensively with Alan Ayckbourn and together they have created the musicals Whenever, Orvin - Champion of Champions, and Awaking Beauty.

He feels honoured to have a wonderful career in music but there came a time when he felt that he just had to get out of London.

“Astrid and I lived in Hampstead for many years but then about five or six years ago I knew that I had to leave. A friend suggested Suffolk and he knew of a converted barn in Kelsale that was being rented out for six months.

“We arrived on a very grey November day, it was very cold and miserable but I thought it was ideal.

“After six months we decided to live in Suffolk and someone suggested Walberswick.

I’d done a Jill Freud show in Southwold with

Suffolk People | Denis King

He famously wrote the music for numerous shows including Black Beauty, Dick Turpin and Lovejoy, which first brought him to Suffolk

Maureen Lipman (as Joyce Grenfell) 20 years ago so knew the area a little.

“We managed to rent a house overlooking the sea for a year. It was amazing being able to watch the tide go in and out. Then we bought this house.”

Since then Denis and Astrid have really thrown themselves into village life – on special evenings like Thanksgiving and New Year Denis is only too happy to play the piano in The Anchor, and of course they are only too happy to help out with village productions.

But Denis himself has introduced a somewhat quirky group to the village too – year round sea swimming.

Come rain or shine, snow or sleet he’s on the beach at around 7am even in the dark and gloom of winter.

Maybe that’s why at the age of 77 he’s so incredibly dapper, fit and active. I actually had to check the year he was born because he doesn’t look or sound anywhere near his age.

Sea swimming, he says, “Has become something of an addiction. I used to go swimming in the open-air ponds in Hampstead Heath when I was in London.

When it was cold you sometimes had to break the ice first.”

Two other villagers have now joined him on this morning ritual, which gives them the dubious honour of being able to linger longer in the sea for the annual Christmas swim!

“I’ve been checking the water temperature this week and in four days it’s dropped from 11C to 6C,” he says with gusto.

The obvious question - about whether he wears a wet suit is greeted with howls of derision – although, perhaps as a concession to his musicians hands he does wear neoprene gloves.

“Getting out of the water is the worst part, especially when there’s a howling gale, it’s still dark and you are trying to get warm.

“In winter it is cold but once you’ve had a hot shower it really sets you up for the day. If I can’t swim in the morning I just don’t feel right.”

There’s only one little bit of regret about living in Suffolk – he can’t fit his grand piano into his house.

“It’s a Bluthner Grand and was previously owned by the actor Stanley Holloway from

My Fair Lady.

“I was friends with his son Julian and whenever I went round to the house I used to covet this piano.

“When he died Julian actually gave me the piano and it was so big that we had to hire a crane and remove the windows of our London home to get it in. It’s still there – being looked after by the lady who bought the flat.

“Hopefully one day we’ll be able to extend this house and I’ll be able to play it again.”

Wind in the Willows at Walberswick Village Hall. Evening performances February 1st - 4th at 7:30pm, plus matinee on Sunday 5th February at 2:30pm. Tickets are available from the Tuck Shop or telephone 07889 452822

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Suffolk’s

Secret Army

Careless talk was said to cost lives but some Second World War secrets were so hush hush they’ve never really been written about – until now. Anne Gould speaks to Eastern Angles’ Ivan Cutting about his new play

ecrets have always got the power to fascinate and none more so than the manoeuvrings behind the scenes during the Second World War. Extraordinarily some of the plans were so sensitive and the men involved so loyal 26 | placesandfaces.co.uk

that they’ve gone to their deaths without breathing a word of what their war was really about.

However, according to Ivan Cutting of Eastern Angles, the landscape in East Anglia bears testament to a secret plan that is at the

heart of his new play, Private Resistance.

“It started with an interview I did back in 1986 for a production On the Home Front and an interview with a man from Weeley in Essex.

“He told me that he was part of an extra division of the Home Guard called auxiliary units whose job it was to go underground and form a secret resistance in case of invasion.

“Their job was to blow up bridges and railway lines to stop the Germans being able to use our transport links.”

Fascinated, Ivan has, since then, scoured all available information about this secret army

Suffolk People | Ivan Cutting

The connection with East Anglia is that the British always thought that Hitler would invade here, whereas we now know the plan was to attack the south coast and is now putting the finishing touches to his latest work, which opens at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall on February 15, before touring the region.

He says that a huge number of underground bunkers were set up right across East Anglia and they were equipped with what was at the time the very best technical equipment.

“You can still see pillboxes around and some seem to be in extraordinary places. It’s only when you look at them from the air that you realize that there’s a pattern and it does make sense.

“The Home Guard itself weren’t equipped as well – some had little more than pitchforks and sticks but these auxiliary units had high explosives and American Thompson machine guns.

“Men who were recruited were often those who’d served in the army, perhaps in the First World War and were in their mid to late 40s.

They were considered too old to fight but they wanted to do more than be simply in the Home Guard. Others recruited included teenage Scouts who were too young to be conscripted.

“The units normally consisted of about six men and there was a concentration around the east coast.”

It was so secret that when the men went away to be trained – at Coleshill in Buckinghamshire – from Thursdays to Saturdays – they didn’t even tell their wives and many thought their husbands were having affairs.

Communication was also not like it is today – there were few telephones, curfews after dark and news didn’t get round so fast.

“The connection with East Anglia is that the British always thought that Hitler would invade here, whereas we now know the plan was to attack the south coast.”

“In fact some of our underground bunkers were so well equipped they were like large ammunition dumps and had to be blown up after the war.”

Ivan says that his play uses all this carefully researched background but takes it one stage further and looks at what might have happened if the Germans had landed.

“It’s about resistance. I’ve also used what happened in France during the war for background where there were not only divisions in the resistance movement but the threat of being turned in by collaborators too.

“The play is roughly based around the Manningtree Triangle, an area that would have been important because of the river and the railway line. It’s also close to Harwich.”

He assumes that the Germans invade in September 1940 because we lost the Battle Of Britain.

It is based around six characters an aunt, who is looking after her teenage nephew, Wilf, a scout who is recruited into one of the units, and his patrol commander and other members of the unit.

“So we have a house in which some of the people are opposed to making any kind of

trouble and others who want to fight.

Then, and instead of merely occupying the country, the invaders exact severe reprisals for any sign of resistance (as they did in France).

“The auxiliary unit starts blowing up supply lines and the consequences to local people are horrific. As a result people start to wonder if resistance is worthwhile.”

Wilf however cannot live under this regime – he simply won’t work with those that have occupied his home and escapes north because the Germans require all young men to work for them.

Ivan says that for young men like Wilf it’s a big decision because to resist means that you have to be prepared to give up your life for something you believe in.

For the others who stay put however they have to silently resist for fear of being turned in by collaborators.

“It questions our own decisions about what we want and what we are prepared to fight for. I think people round here are really going to like it because there are so many secrets about what happened in the war Locally.”

Private Resistance runs from February 15 - May 20 Box office and more information: 01473 211498 www.easternangles.co.uk

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14/09/2011 17:46

Art | Caroline Wiseman

ROOM WITH

A VIEW Caroline Wiseman has made headlines as an art dealer in London and Manhattan and now she’s brought her unique talent and vision to Aldeburgh. She talks to Anne Gould about falling in love with Suffolk, her new project, The South Lookout and how to choose modern art for your home

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Photograph: The panoramic view from the South Lookout aroline Wiseman gazes out from her drawing room across Aldeburgh’s famous shingle beach towards an impossibly blue calm winter sea and says that she wouldn’t be sitting there had it not been for her love of the Suffolk seaside.

The reason being that one summer morning she experienced one of those pivotal moments that changed the course of her life.

Caroline says during the warmer months she loves nothing better than a morning dip to start the day, relax and have a think - it’s one of the joys of summer.

“We’d been renting a flat in Aldeburgh and I was off for my morning swim when I passed the South Lookout and saw a ‘To Let’ sign outside.

“While I was in the water all I could think about was what I could do with the tower and how I could use it for art.”

In many ways it was one of those happy coincidences because when she went along to the agent later that day he said there had been lots of inquiries but the building had to be used for artistic purposes.

Caroline’s plans for the South Lookout to turn it into a retreat and inspiration for the very best of modern artists across the land fitted in perfectly.

“I returned from the office and immediately started contacting major British artists, like Eileen Cooper, Anthony Green and Nigel Hall so they could be involved.”

She also set about creating an Art Festival for Aldeburgh which last May brought 30 | placesandfaces.co.uk

numerous Royal Academy artists to the town for a series of amazing events including talks, a sculpture park including a work by Elizabeth Frink at Glemham Hall and even a performance of her play, The Leonardo Question, which has also been shown in London and the Edinburgh festival.

Since then she has bought the South Lookout - and as that entailed buying the property opposite, she sold her London town house and moved her art too.

Caroline is a barrister but has a worldwide reputation for her art expertise and her customers include A-listers, names like Sophie Dahl, John Mortimer, A.S.Byatt and Jeremy Paxman.

Her career in art began in 1988 because she decided to do something different - and wanted to work at home with her triplets.

“We invited people to come into our home where they can see all kinds of modern and contemporary art in situ.

“I started off with drawings by Picasso and it really took off, we had queues of people coming because that’s what they wanted.

“We had articles in Harpers, The Times, House and Garden etc. Then for four years we lived in upstate New York and I juggled between an apartment in Manhattan and our London home.”

As a result she has built up relationships with more than 30 British contemporary and modern artists including Sir Peter Blake, Stephen Farthing, Janet Nathan many of whom have not only visited Suffolk, thanks to Caroline but have created original works

inspired by Aldeburgh and the Lookout.

“It’s also a complete joy to us to be able to work with some fabulous Suffolk artists too Tessa Newcomb, Telfer Stokes, Roger Harvey and Tim Fargher.

“What I want to show people is that modern art looks amazing in the home no matter what period your property might be.”

Seeing how a particular artwork might look is the key for many people, she says, and although there are some she’s known who’ve designed a whole room including fabrics and furniture around a particular piece of art, she believes that’s not entirely necessary.

“When people come to visit me they can see art alongside antiques and in a period property so they can get an idea of what something looks like.

“If you’ve got a Victorian or Edwardian house you don’t have to have heavy oils.”

She also gives people plenty of time to ponder - they can have a cup of tea or a glass of wine and try a picture on approval.

“Some people buy a number of pictures all in one go and then they find that one just doesn’t work so they can bring it back.”

She says the beauty of it is that art by great artists need not be expensive or break the bank - and some people simply don’t realise that.

“We have a Matisse here for £400, a Gavin Turk for £500 and a Terry Frost for £1,000 but at the other end of the scale there are works worth £20,000.

“From an investment point of view, you never know, but I only stock major artists and

Art | Caroline Wiseman

in fact they have all done very well over the years.

“We welcome people to come and chat about art and we’ll help them sell as well if they don’t want to go to auction.”

Caroline, and her partner Francis Carnworth, former deputy director of The Tate, want to develop The Lookout in other ways too.

“It’s got so much history and dates back to 1830 when it was used as a lookout for commercial shipping. We are trying to breathe new life into it and give it a really important purpose in the 21st century.”

A number of artists have already done residencies in the Lookout - sleeping in the room where Sir Laurens van der Post famously did his writing and having access to the room at the top with it’s amazing panoramic view of the beach and out to sea.

She plans for it to be used in numerous ways - for poetry, music, performance and literature as well as exhibitions and pop up events. There are already plans for a second Aldeburgh Art Festival on the Jubilee weekend this year.

“We want people to have something to see and do when they walk along the seafront other than eating fish and chips.

“We really love it here. It’s a very receptive environment for all the arts. There’s a whole history of cultural innovation in Aldeburgh and the people here have all been so supportive and want to get involved.” www.carolinewiseman.com

Photograph: Caroline Wiseman

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Suffolk Breakthrough’s pyramid lunches are an easy and fun way of raising money

Breakthrough

in Suffolk

Breast cancer kills 1,000 women every month in the UK. That’s a thousand families who’ve lost a mum, a daughter, a sister and auntie or a wife. Anne Gould met East Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer fundraisers to find out how they are trying to beat these statistics

32 | placesandfaces.co.uk

f you’ve ever wandered along Thorpness Beach and seen a shocking pink army coming towards you the chances are you’ve already encountered the fundraisers from Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

They’ll have been doing their annual Walk on the Wildside – a seven or 13-mile trek in the Suffolk countryside, which each year gets bigger and better.

Although it’s now in its twelfth year, Ollie Hatcher, one of the founder members of the Suffolk Breakthrough team, says it’s vital to keep the momentum going as the charity’s

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Photographs left to right: Sarah Williams, Cathy Frost and Ollie Hatcher long-term aim is to find the causes of breast cancer through funding vital research.

Currently there are a number of small but highly motivated fundraising groups in Suffolk – businesswoman Cathy Frost, of Love One, spearheads the group in Ipswich, Sarah Williams helped by Julia Appell and Amanda Cooper do the Woodbridge areas and there are also groups in Stoke by Nayland (Led by Bonk Tasker) and Bury St Edmunds (Gina Long).

With an impressive £675,000 already contributed since the first local fundraising group was set up in 2001 the team in Suffolk has every right to feel they’ve made a difference.

“Ultimately Breakthrough wants to eradicate breast cancer. To do that the causes of the disease need to be known,” says Ollie.

That’s why the charity devotes itself to research, campaigning and carrying out the Generations Study - a 40-year project involving 100,000 women aged over 18 - the largest study of its kind in the world.

Already since it was launched Breakthrough has had some amazing results, she said - research into hereditary breast cancer has led to a true revolution in cancer drug development.

It began when scientists found that drugs called PARP inhibitors efficiently kill cancer cells that have faulty breast cancer (BRCA) genes.

Olaparib - a type of PARP inhibitor - was developed by Breakthrough at the research centre and is showing great promise in clinical trials as a treatment for women with

hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

There’s a possibility as well that it might well be used to treat prostate, ovarian, skin, womb and colon cancers too.

Other developments includes eight clinical trials testing promising new treatments, finding new drug targets and understanding how some breast cancers resist drugs.

So with ambitions to make breast cancer a manageable disease in the long term a lot of work needs to go into fundraising both in Suffolk and further afield.

Ollie says they have a number of different approaches – there’s the Dishing It Up Lunch pyramid – where someone invites six people for lunch who donate £5 each and then they host a lunch and everyone they invite hosts a lunch in turn.

They also work with small groups – Cathy for instance has forged links with Suffolk Police at Martlesham HQ, which raised £5,000.

A market stall in Ipswich Town Centre, decked out in pink helped raise awareness and boosted coffers too.

There are tennis days at Woodbridge and Holbrook, Cathy organised a successful golf day at Seckford Golf Club.

“My mother died of breast cancer and this allowed my father and other men who had been affected to get involved too. It was lovely,” she said.

More recently there was a quiz night at the club. “They passed a hat round at the end and we expected £30 and were thrilled to have collected £1,000,” said Sarah.

Julia Taylor and her family – who own Debach Airfield – also held a Ladies Tractor

Run in aid of the charity.

Of course on the other side of the county in Bury St Edmunds, Gina Long recently made headlines, and £100,000 for the charity with the Sir Bobby Robson ball and auction.

But says Ollie maintaining the momentum is hard work. “People say they would like to help but in the current economic climate are cautious about committing to big events.

‘These days they might not go to a ball but they are happy to attend a coffee morning.

“Every penny that we raise goes to the charity. Some charities have high expenses but we don’t because we ask for help.”

What about future? Breakthrough believe that in the next 10 years, people who have had breast cancer will live longer and healthier lives.

For an increasing number of people, it will become a manageable disease in the long term thanks to a variety of targeted treatments. Ollie says if there’s anyone who feels that they’d like to get involved in making this a reality the groups in Ipswich and Woodbridge would welcome any volunteers who would like to help.

Or equally if anyone wanted to run an event they’d be more than welcome.

For more information: www.breakthrough.org.uk info@suffolkbreakthroughevents.co.uk or call 01394 610451

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Weddings

PLANNING YOUR

WEDDING

These days most brides-to-be plan their own weddings and discover along the way that it’s a bit like a military campaign.

Places&Faces has come up with a useful timeline to help on the way.

Some brides use a spread-sheet, others have wall charts and lists and some just hand everything over with some relief to a recommended wedding planner.

Whatever, it’s likely that the most important day of your life will be the biggest event you’ve ever organised and knowing what to do when will save on anxious moments and last minute panics down the road.

Most brides and grooms find that once they’ve set the date – even if it’s a year or more in advance - almost every evening and weekend will be busy, busy checking out

venues, gowns, transport, honeymoon and more.

Use this guide to pace yourself through the numerous tasks required to ensure your wedding dream becomes reality.

Nine to 12 months beforehand First and foremost you need to officially announce your engagement, with a party if you choose.

The hard work now begins – setting the date. Hopefully you will have already decided whether you want a church wedding or a non-religious ceremony at a

hotel or the Register Office.

Check what dates are suitable and then sort out and book the venue for the reception. If you are having a marquee in the garden check out various contractors you might need to hire including outside caterers.

The date sorted – you then need to set out a budget and work out who pays for what – and stick to it. Don’t forget to allow some extra for contingencies.

You might also consider whether you want wedding insurance.

Six to nine months It’s a good idea to announce the wedding date well in advance especially if you’ve got relatives in a far-flung corners of the earth.

If your close family and friends are keen on sport also have an eye to major fixtures like cup finals, test matches and the like.

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Weddings

This is the exciting /nerve wracking bit for brides – start shopping for your dress and decide on your bridesmaids dresses.

With little ones don’t forget they can grow rapidly so if something fits when you try things on, they might not some months down the line.

Visit your florist and arrange decoration and bouquets.

Now’s the time to find the right wedding photographer – personal recommendation is best but otherwise scrutinise their portfolio.

Sort out the entertainment/music for the big day – are you going to have a string quartet at the reception? And what about a DJ or band for the evening.

This might be a task you might like to entrust to the groom – but whatever it’s also time to book your honeymoon.

Four to six months to go Now is the time to decide on your wedding cake and choosing menus for the reception.

Select and order your wedding invitations and stationery.

The groom, his best man, ushers and menfolk in the family now need to arrange what they are going to wear.

Meanwhile the bride needs to have a wedding consultation with her hairdresser and makeup artist and book appointments for the big day.

Together you need to buy the wedding rings.

It’s a good time to organise wedding transport.

Now is also a good time to meet up with the wedding planners at your venue to go through the final details including the seating plan for the reception.

Have a hair appointment to for a rehearsal hair do and talk to your beautician about make-up.

One to two weeks Sort out a wedding day plan and communicate it to everyone who needs to know.

If you need to make up front payments for any services do this now.

Have the final fitting for your dress, pick it up and make sure you’ve got your shoes, jewellery, veil etc in a safe place.

Wear-in your shoes in the house.

Reconfirm all wedding plans at the church, reception venue, florist, photographer, musicians and honeymoon.

Prepare for all emergencies a kit with needle, thread, safety pins, tape, mirror, etc is a good idea but also sort out emergency

numbers for while you are away.

Organise place cards for the reception and pack for wedding night and honeymoon.

The Day before Check that everyone knows what they are doing and sort out payments to any contractors who you have hired.

Make sure the best man has the rings.

Get a manicure, pedicure and massage and try and relax.

Attend your wedding rehearsal with the wedding party and the rehearsal dinner if you are having one.

Get as much sleep as possible!

THE WEDDING DAY Try to eat breakfast – it’s going to be a long tiring day that will go in a flash and you’ll need your energy.

Now it’s time to enjoy.

Two to four months Send out your invitations and sort out the guest list.

Start to sort out change of name on your passport and official documents.

Select the music for your ceremony and special requests for the reception.

Start looking for a going away outfit and purchasing holiday clothes for the honeymoon.

One or two months to go You need to arrange fittings for your gown.

Most brides lose weight in the final weeks so in case it has to be taken in at the last minute you need to have some time on your side.

Sort out the ceremony readings and meet with with the person presiding over the proceedings to let them know what you’ve planned.

Prepare photo shot list, selecting individuals and groups that you want to capture. This will be invaluable on the day.

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Weddings at A fairytale wedding needs a magical venue‌

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THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THAT PERFECT DAY

Weddings

CHOOSING YOUr

Ceremony

Getting married? But where’s the ceremony taking place?

Caroline Gould, Wedding Planner at Endless Love looks at your options

n 2009 there were 266,950 wedding ceremonies in the UK, 67% of those were civil ceremonies and most of the rest were religious ceremonies (source: Office for National Statistics). So what is the difference and how do you actually go about planning your ceremony?

There are so many different religions and non-legal types of ceremony that it is impossible to go through them all – so here’s a run through of the most common ones: Church of England A traditional church wedding used to be one of the only options and the first place you would go when you got engaged was to see your local vicar.

In the past you could only get married in your local parish church, however the laws have be relaxed a little and in some cases you can now marry in a church located in another parish and a special family connection to the church will make this easier (visit www.yourchurchwedding.org for more information).

To organise a church wedding the first thing you need to do is contact the vicar and book your date.

The vicar will meet with you both to help plan the ceremony and talk through your options for music and readings, they will also offer guidance and advice on preparing for your married life together.

The Wedding Banns are an announcement in church of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.

The Banns will be read on three Sundays (usually consecutively) in the three months leading to the wedding.

You must be at least 16 years old to marry in church and have parental consent if you

are under 18.

The wedding must take place between 8am and 6pm on any day of the week.

A wedding rehearsal will usually take place a few days before the wedding, where key members of the wedding party, along with the vicar can find out how the service will run on the day.

A Church of England wedding ceremony will cost from £320. To find out more about getting married in a Church of England, visit www.yourchurchwedding.org.

Civil Ceremonies A civil ceremony can take place at a local authority register office or at approved premises which can include a public building, such as a hotel or stately home, or any other building the local authority feels is an appropriate place in which to be married.

To organise a civil ceremony, the first thing you need to do is contact the local register office and book the date, this can be done as far in advance as you like but no less than 17 days.

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16467_WhiteLion_Wedding_Ad_Layout 1 11/08/2011 11:33 Page 1

THE WHITE LION ALDEBURGH... a delightful seaside venue Image courtesy of Tony Pick

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To request a brochure or to arrange a visit, please call 01728 452720 or email accommodationandevents@whitelion.co.uk White Lion Hotel, Market Cross Place, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5BJ Tel: 01728 452720 Web: www.whitelion.co.uk Follow us here:

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     From 11am -4pm.

Free entry  

                           

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          

     

     

     

     

Weddings

Bookings have to be for a specific venue at a specific time, therefore if you wish to marry at approved premises you will need to speak to them first to check availability.

Registrar bookings are taken on a strictly first come first served basis and all bookings are treated as provisional until you have arranged the legal preliminaries or the Notice of Marriage.

This is a legal document prepared by the registrar and is valid for one year. The bride and groom must both visit the registrar in person to prepare a notice of marriage; you must be at least 16 years of age and have parental consent if you are under 18.

You must have been a resident in the district you wish to be married for a period of eight full consecutive days and provide legal identification i.e. full birth certificate, passport, and proof of residence if necessary.

British law states that for a wedding in the UK to be legal the venue needs to be licensed by the local registrar, it must have a roof and be moored to its foundations.

The ceremony must also take place between 8am and 6pm, an antiquated law first drawn up before electricity to stop people accidentally marrying the wrong person in the dark!

A rehearsal will not normally take place for a civil ceremony but may be able to be arranged with the venue if you ask. Civil ceremonies must not include hymns, religious readings or prayers.

There are some venues in Suffolk that would appear to offer an outside ceremony, however the licensed area may open out into a garden. Therefore the guests may be able to sit outside in the garden whilst the couple marry in the doorway or under a pavilion.

Civil ceremonies cost from £140 at a register office and from £350 at approved premises.

To find out more about holding your civil wedding ceremony in Suffolk, as well as a list of approved premises, visit the Suffolk County Council website: (www.suffolk.gov. uk/BirthsMarriagesAndDeaths/Marriages/ MarriageInformationGettingMarriedinSuffolk. htm) Civil Partnerships In December 2005 it became legal for same sex couples to take part in a civil partnership ceremony, in 2009 there were 6,281 civil partnerships in the UK (source: Office for National Statistics).

A civil partnership gives same sex couples over the age of 16 the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples. Ceremonies

Photograph by james-fletcher.com are performed by a registrar, at a licensed venue in the same way as a civil ceremony and similar rules apply.

For more information about civil partnerships, visit: www.civilpartnershipinfo.co.uk Other types of ceremony include: Humanist ceremony – this is not legally recognised so a civil ceremony would have to take place first. However, a humanist ceremony can take place anytime, anywhere and can be completely personalised by the

couple. Visit www.humanist.org.uk for more information.

Destination weddings – this is when a couple decide to travel abroad to get married.

Multi-cultural weddings – for example a South Asian wedding, typically a week-long affair with lots of rituals, traditions, rich colours, fabulous food, music and fun.

If you would like free advice on the type of ceremony, contact Caroline Gould at Endless Love Wedding Planners. www.endless-love.co.uk

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Wedding Profile | Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club

Memories

by the Meare

horpeness has long been a favoured location for those wanting a truly memorable wedding. The Thorpeness Country Club with outstanding views of the sea and beach this year celebrates its centenary and our team are looking forward to helping even more couples create their exclusive and perfect day.

2012 is also an extra special year as The Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club is now also licensed for weddings creating even more options for those wanting to get married in this beautiful setting. Whereas the Country Club will easily accommodate wedding parties with up to 120 guests The Thorpeness Hotel is perfect for smaller parties and will specialise in hosting events for up to 60 people.

An enchanting addition to the hotel’s wedding repertoire is The Summer House.

Sitting in the beautiful landscaped gardens of the hotel on the edge of Thorpeness Meare 42 | placesandfaces.co.uk

The Summer House is a unique setting to hold your wedding ceremony. Up to 20 people can be accommodated within the building with additional seating arranged for guests on the lawns. This venue is sure to be truly memorable and creates the perfect back drop for stunning photographs. Should the weather turn inclement our Lakeside Room with beautiful views offers the perfect back up plan. If you’re looking for an even more intimate experience our private library is also now available where parties of up to eight can gather in front of an open fire.

Whichever option you choose you can be assured our professional, friendly and flexible team are on hand to help organise your wedding from start to finish and we’ll make sure that everything happens just as you want it to. We consider ourselves a blank canvass on which you can paint your perfect day.

No wedding is complete without food and our chefs are as passionate about food

as you are about your special day. They will work with you to produce exquisite menus using locally sourced food, tailored to suit your exact requirements.

Finally for that very special celebration, we have a selection of rooms and apartments available, so if you want to make a weekend of it, we can cater for parties of all sizes. Why not stay over and enjoy all the facilities that the Hotel and Country Club have to offer.

To make an enquiry or to book your wedding, please call Lisa or Bruno on 01728 452176 or email weddings@thorpeness.co.uk Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness, IP16 4NH www.thorpeness.co.uk

Fashion

KEEP IT

UNDER WRAPS! It’s still pretty cold outside so wrap up against the elements with these chic ideas from your favourite Suffolk retailers

Brown cardigan with leather belt and elbow patches £199 | Marianna

From the Blue Willis range Blue Bay

From the Sahara range Caramel

Navy cashmere long gloves with heart motif £69 | Marianna

Navy cashmere hat with heart motif £59 | Marianna

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Treat your Valentine to Something Special Ladies Sizes 8-24 Cup A-I 24 Hatter Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1NE 01284 700204 www.cabana-uk.com

£10 OFF AA CUT & BLOWDRY BLOWDRY PLUS

£20 £20 OFF OFF ANY COLOURING COLOURING SERVICE SERVICE AT

m

New Year Sale is now on.

Enjoy up to

70% off top designer brands 15 15 Queen Queen Street, Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, Suffolk,IP1 IP11SW 1SW T:T:01473 01473219690 219690 ••E: E:info@bohemia-hair.co.uk info@bohemia-hair.co.uk •• W: W:www.bohemia-hair.co.uk www.bohemia-hair.co.uk TERMS TERMS & CONDITIONS CONDITIONS With Withselected selectedstylists stylistsfrom fromall allstylists stylists levels. levels. Valid until until 1/3/2012.

1/3/2012.Excludes ExcludesSaturdays.

Saturdays.Not Nottotobebeused used ininconjunction conjunctionwith withany anyother otheroffer. offer. All All colour services must must be beaccompanied accompaniedbybyaablow-dry blow-dryororcut cut& & blow-dry. blow-dry.Must Mustquote quoteoffer offer code code “P&F2012” “P&F2012” at time time of of booking. booking.Skin Skintest testmay maybeberequired. required.

Open: Tues to Sat, 10am to 5pm 33a St. Peters Street Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1XF 01473 225 666 www.mariannaboutique.co.uk

Fashion

Taupe leather jacket £345 | Marianna

North Face Nuptse vest in brunette brown £110 | Coes

Stockists

Caramel, 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk T: (01728) 452141

From the Elemente Clemente range Caramel

From the Elemente Clemente range Caramel

Coes, 20 – 28 Norwich Road, Ipswich www.coes.co.uk T: (01473) 256061 Marianna, 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich www.mariannaboutique.co.uk T: (01473) 225666

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Spa-tacular Lesley Rawlinson discovers the sheer indulgence on offer at the Peake Spa at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

t was a cold Friday in mid-December at the end of a very long week of juggling work, the excessive running around that comes for parents in the run up to Christmas when I had an epiphany.

Did you know that angels really do walk this earth? No, I wasn’t having a pre-Christmas hallucination and I am also aware of the many very hard working nurses and doctors that are probably deserving of a halo daily but for me, on this particular day, I was swept away from the grind and to the tranquillity of a parallel universe by my personal A Team: Anchalee and the two Amys, just three of the host of heavenly hand-maidens crafting the perfect antidote to modern life, the Spa Day! 46 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, nestled in the heart of beautiful Constable Country on the Suffolk Essex border is a family run business offering a perfect place to unwind and enjoy leisure time, so the invitation to try out a spa day package was one that I was extremely pleased to take up and from the moment I registered at the reception desk until I drifted back to my car at the end of the day I was in seventh heaven.

At Stoke by Nayland you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the facilities – anyone is welcome to pay a green fee to play golf, dine in the Lakes restaurant or, like me, book a spa day or treatment. If you want

fairly regular treatments it is well worth enrolling as a Platinum Member for a one off joining fee of £35 which is paid for after a couple of treatments as the discounts are so generous. There are plenty of choices – a very descriptive brochure gives a full run down of the various treatments and packages available and can be handily downloaded from their website.

However I decided that I would be led by my host’s recommendations and was duly booked to enjoy one of the Hammam body exfoliation and detoxifying treatments – a centuries old technique used in traditional Roman bath houses - a Decléor facial and an O.P.I. file and polish for either my finger or toe nails.

As well as the planned treatments there was of course the opportunity to use the rest of the Spa’s luxurious facilities which included an 18 metre indoor swimming pool, steam room, saunarium, Jacuzzi and

Spa Review | Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

The Hammam treatment room Concept Shower. The pool area has plenty of comfortable loungers and is kept at a very comfortable temperature for relaxing in your swimwear or robe, so as the winter sun streamed through the windows I could easily have been abroad and for the summer there is a lovely outdoor terrace for sunbathing.

My treatments had been thoughtfully planned by the team to ensure that the benefits from each could be carried through to the next which meant that after an acclimatizing swim I was taken through to the Hammam suite for the ‘Chardonnay Velvet Sensation’. More accustomed as I am to consuming the fruit of the Chardonnay vine I was completely unaware that organic grape extract could be used in this way to envelope the body and exfoliate and replenish the skin.

The mud like substance was smeared all over me before my body, from the neck down, was cocooned in a wrap. The whole experience takes place on a heated stone bed and within minutes of the wrap being applied I was drifting into a deep state of relaxation. When you know that you’re going to be relaying your experience, as I am now, one can’t help but start to conjure descriptions and sentences in the hope of cementing them somewhere in the grey matter for future extraction however my ability to think about anything at all evaporated as my therapist, Anchalee, moved on the to the next part of the treatment, a scalp massage that simply carried away any final strains of tension.

Breathing deeply, the aromas of citrus, rose and lavender blended in an unbelievably intoxifying way. Briefly leaving the warmth of the stone bed to shower off the grape wrap the final stage was to re-awaken my senses

The Rasoul experience by massaging my skin with a nourishing body milk cream. I don’t know about you by I usually take less than 30 seconds to apply body lotion after a shower so I was quite stunned that what I can only describe as virtually a full body massage followed.

I emerged from treatment one feeling velvety soft and so relaxed I was almost horizontal; perfectly ready for stage two – the facial. One of the well thought through details of the Decléor facials available at Stoke by Nayland is that they all start with a back and shoulder massage which means that even if you’re only having one treatment you’re coaxed into a wonderfully relaxed state from the start ensuring your facial muscles can make the most of the indulgence to come.

This too was a one hour 15 minutes session described as the ‘Advanced Precision’ facial in which another of the skilled team, Amy, tailor-made the treatment to suit my rather sensitive skin-type. The process involves numerous rotations of applying and removing the cleansing aromatic oils in their various carrier types such as lotions, gels and creams all culminating in the application of a mask. This was a totally multisensory experience as the gentle massage and aromas permeated my face and head.

While the mask dried I had the choice of a scalp, hand and arm or foot massage and as I’d already had my scalp massaged in the first treatment and had a mini manicure to come I opted for my feet . Having already worked on my back and face the natural heat of Amy’s hands worked wonders as she set about her careful composed massage choreography. Finally the mask was removed

and I can honestly say my skin was glowing.

A crafty glance in the changing room mirror on my way through for my manicure also revealed a fresh looking complexion not least from two and a half hours of self-centred, unashamed me-time.

Amy, the sequel, set about my final scheduled treatment and with the situation more conducive to a chat the manicure gave me a chance to ask about the team at the spa. “We’re all trained to give the full range of treatments and we’ve all experienced them too which really helps us to understand everything from our client’s perspective” Amy explained.

Part of the spa day package is a two course lunch, including wine or fruit juice, and as I lounged in my robe at the poolside bistro to enjoy a delicious dish of oven baked salmon I was joined by one of the Peake family owners of Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Tamara Unwin. “We’ve tried to create a package to suit everyone” she explained, “so whether you’re here to unwind alone, enjoy time with a friend or even to celebrate with something like a hen party we have an ideal solution.

We even offer a 3 course dinner in our AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant, with bed and breakfast as an add-on to the spa package for just £55 per person, based on two sharing a twin or double room and that’s proved incredibly popular because it’s such excellent value for money.” She added “We are really excited that from March we will also be able to offer our 5 new luxury self-catered Country Lodges as accommodation for guests on a Spa or Golf Break which will add an extra dimension to our business.”

The list of treatments still for me to try is extensive: There’s CACI non-surgical face and eye lifting treatments and Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion, hailed by numerous celebs for rejuvenating the skin. Plus the Rasoul Mud Therapy, inspired by the Ancient Egyptians and not a solitary experience as groups book in twos, threes or fours and apply different coloured muds to the body for varying degrees of exfoliation. I think this would be a great way to get your man involved and less conscious about using a spa – after all it’s not a women only zone...mind you, do we want them to know that?

For more information contact: Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, CO6 4PZ T: 01206 262836 • 01206 265820 W: www.stokebynayland.com W: www.stokebynaylandlodges.com

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

PUB WALKS

with Darcy

Sponsored by

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

This month’s pub walk with Darcy takes us to the beautiful and historic town of Woodbridge. A circular walk taking in the town and the River Deben we end for refreshment by the open fires of the dog friendly Angel henever friends visit Suffolk Woodbridge is a town that always makes a positive impression. Market Hill, Church Street and Thoroughfare, as well as architecturally attractive, still offer a range of independent business that set the town apart from the cloned high streets of so many modern towns. Add to this the history and the natural beauty of the River Deben Map 1 1 2

See map 2 for detail

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and it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination.

Our walk gives you the opportunity to see what I consider to be some of the highlights of the town. Starting just above Market Hill we wind through quiet back streets before reaching leafy paths leading to the National Trust site Kyson Hill. A walk by the river never fails to invigorate the senses and the ebb and flow of the tide, combined with ever changing light, makes the view as you first reach the river one of my favourites in the county. Having stopped to savour the scene the path leads to the iconic Tide Mill before the route once again heads back through the town via Quay Street and Church Street ending at The Angel.

Map 2

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Dog Walk

THE WALK Distance: Approx 2 miles Time: Approx. 1 hour depending on your pace Terrain: Easy paths Stops: The Angel, Theatre Street Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 212 Start point OS reference: 269 491

THE ANGEL Woodbridge

As always please keep your dog under close control and follow any advisory signs.

For a printable version of this and previous walks go to placesandfaces.co.uk/dog-walks 1. From the pay and display car park on Theatre Street turn right passing The Angel on your left.

2. Head right across Market Hill keeping the Shire Hall, situated in the centre, to your left. Pass the war memorial on your right.

3. You will now be in Church Street. After approx. 100 yards turn right down Turn Lane. At the end of Turn Lane turn right along Cumberland Street and then after approx. 50 yards left down Kingston Road.

4. Meeting the main road cross, via the pedestrian crossing, and rejoin Kingston Road which leads to Kingston playing field.

5. Once on the playing field, with the houses and Cherry Tree Road to your right, head to the gate in the top left-hand corner. Go through the gate and cross the railway line taking note of the safety instructions. Once on the other side of the tracks this path leads to Kyson Hill and the river.

6. At the end of the path, after a short incline, turn left along the river path heading towards the Tide Mill which can be seen in the distance. Continue on the path past the Deben Yacht Club, pass the footbridge over the rail line and keep to the right of the caravan café.

7. The path comes to a T junction with the Tide Mill to your right and the Woodbridge art club in front of you. At this point, to start the return route into town, you will turn left, but first take the time to wander to the Mill. Turning left at the art club cross the railway line and head to the main road.

8. Turn left and head to the zebra crossing by the Anchor pub. Cross the road and head up Quay street to the right of the pub. After a crossroads (to the right is Thoroughfare) Quay Street becomes Church Street where, after a short distance, you once again meet Turn Street, this time on your left. Continue straight ahead and return to The Angel.

We don’t go for anything as fancy as a “Mission Statement” or “Food Policy”, rather we aim to source the best local ingredients from the excellent producers on our doorstep, prepare great tasty food, with daily specials here on the premises, and sell it you at a reasonable price.

We are equally proud of our drinks offering with 6 real ales (which garnered us a prized listing in the 2012 CAMRA Good Beer Guide), draught ciders & lagers, and East Anglia’s widest range of spirits, with over 70 gins you can experience something truly unique.

The Angel, Theatre Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4NE

01394 383808 www.theangelwoodbridge.co.uk Words and Photographs: Adrian Rawlinson

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Rural Retreat This month Places & Faces ventures to the west of the county for a short break enticed by the rustic chic of dog-friendly Tuddenham Mill. Lesley Rawlinson reports ’m a great believer that getting away doesn’t have to mean hours of travelling. Weekends can be short and precious so if the chance to get to leave the phone / children / work (delete as applicable) behind you arises why spend valuable time getting to your destination when we have so many good choices right here in Suffolk. In a little over an hour’s drive from our home just east of Ipswich we arrived in Tuddenham St Mary, between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket near the Cambridgeshire border.

Tuddenham Mill is a chic though 50 | placesandfaces.co.uk

sympathetically refurbished historic watermill that’s recently gained much positive press as Head Chef, Paul Foster, received the coveted Editor’s Award ‘Up and Coming Chef of the Year’ by the Good Food Guide 2012 and ‘Young Chef of the Year’ The Observer Food Monthly.

The hotel comprises a collection of rustic buildings surrounded by pretty watermeadow across which many of its fifteen bedrooms enjoy stunning views. Our golden retriever, Darcy, was particularly taken with the idea of having a huge meadow to explore and she wasn’t the only four-legged

visitor while we were staying.

Tuddenham Mill enthusiastically welcomes dogs however don’t be put off if you’re not a dog owner or lover. One sign of an exceptional hotel is that a dog having previously occupied the room can’t be detected by the next incumbent and that is certainly true at the Mill and some rooms are kept specifically dog free.

Our room, the South Loft, was impressive.

Accessed via external stairs to a decked terrace over-looking the meadow, most of the front wall of the room was made of huge full length windows allowing us to enjoy the

Short Break | Tuddenham Mill

unspoilt views from the comfort of the room.

Once inside well thought out details really came to the fore. We were greeted by soft music from the Bose sound system and comfortable warmth of the sleek remote controlled real flame fire. Original art by Paul Giuffrida adorns the rooms and is subtly emphasized by the very clean and simple lines of the interior design.

While there are some basics that would be expected in any hotel room of good repute, such as a hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities for example, Tuddenham Mill delivers far beyond expectations. The dressing area with dressing table, well positioned full length mirrors and ample wardrobe space also had a small fridge complete with freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh milk (checked and replenished during the day) plus a safe for storing valuables. Paddy & Scotts coffee, a choice of teas plus hand-made biscuits were also a very welcome touch.

The en-suite bathroom didn’t disappoint either. A luxurious rain-forest shower plus twin sinks in the vanity unit, extra fluffy towels and Missoni bathrobes. The enormous double ended bath was positioned in the main area of the accommodation allowing a long relaxing soak before dinner while watching the flat screen Loewe TV. Still there was more. Complementary sloe gin on the bedside, an enormous library of CD’s and DVD’s available to borrow, an over-sized bed with sumptuous bedding, well designed and comfortable seating and, possibly the pièce de résistance, a telescope – complete with guide to the night sky – positioned by a roof light that cleverly converted to a balconied window. Forget the rest of this beautiful hotel, I could have taken up residence in my room and happily not ventured out for days!

Of course venture out we did. Pre-dinner drinks in the bar gave us the chance to admire the watermill as the original wheel remains and is cleverly lit, encased behind the bar. The mill-stream itself provides an idyllic backdrop for dining al fresco in warmer months.

Our evening meal was exceptional. To start we chose pork neck carpaccio with crackling and pickled turnip plus corn-fed chicken wing with sultana purée, parmesan and chicory. In both dishes the flavours and textures combined perfectly. On to the main course and my choice of lamb rump and shoulder, served with butternut squash, smoked paprika and rock samphire was just incredible. The secret, we discovered, was that where possible the meat is cooked in a

sous vide. Effectively the dish is steamed but in a vacuum resulting in the most tender, jaw-droppingly delicious texture and flavour imaginable. My husband opted for our host’s suggestion of wood-pigeon breast and sausage roll with quince, pickled carrot and mugwort dressing – an ingredient foraged from the surrounding water-meadows. Also prepared in a sous vide the pigeon too was declared the best he’d ever tasted.

To finish we opted for whipped seabuckthorn with beer granita (an ice cream like semi-frozen dessert), damson jam and crispy rice and a splendid selection of cheeses. The service throughout was attentive but not intrusive and we retired back to the bar for an after-dinner coffee where through friendly conversation with our host he suggested that breakfast in our room might be our best option for

the morning – the perfect solution for our onward plans for the next day. This touch seemed indicative of the attitude at Tuddenham Mill - a hotel where the customer is king and will always leave wanting to come back for more.

Prices from £185 per night for a double room including breakfast and VAT Special Offers: Cosy Sundays Stay on Sunday nights and enjoy a special price of £140 per room if you dine with us on the night Taste and Stay Stay Sunday – Thursday and enjoy a fabulous 8 course Taster Menu Prices start from £142.50 per person www.tuddenhammill.co.uk

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

The Arboretum

at Fynn Valley

Certain combinations seem a natural fit: Morcombe and Wise, fish and chips and orange and dark chocolate to name just a few.

Adrian Rawlinson recently visited The Arboretum at Fynn Valley, and is happy to report that this new joint venture is another winning partnership

52 | placesandfaces.co.uk

nder the leadership of Chef and Owner Ben Taylor The Arboretum on High Street in Ipswich has gained an enthusiastic and loyal following. Ben, who last year, from 10,000 entrants, reached the last 24 of Master Chef – The Professionals, has developed a reputation for delivering contemporary British dining using the freshest local produce. As a member of the Fynn Valley Golf Club Ben approached Tony Tyrrell, the clubs owner, with the idea of expanding his thriving business and the result is The Arboretum at Fynn Valley.

Situated between Westerfield and Witnesham, Fynn Valley enjoys an enviable

position in the rolling countryside of rural Suffolk. In the warmer months the views are to be savoured and eating al fresco is a genuine pleasure. When eating outside is not an option visitors, members and non-members alike can enjoy the recently refurbished cosy Courtyard Bar and at busier times the spacious restaurant. Ben says “The aim of The Arboretum at Fynn Valley is to create an affordable venue to bring friends and family for a meal. Delicious food, freshly prepared, that is both local and sustainable.”

To fulfil this goal three new menus have been introduced one for the daytime, one for the evening and a special Sunday lunch menu.

Dining Review | The Arboretum at Fynn Valley

The aim of The Arboretum at Fynn Valley is to create an affordable venue to bring friends and family for a meal. Delicious food, freshly prepared, that is both local and sustainable

Our visit was one blustery evening in the run up to Christmas, as well as my wife and I the team were looking after a party of 18 and another table of ten. With the new menus only recently having been put in place I was interested to see how well the kitchen would cope, the answer was admirably.

The evening menu offers a choice of five starters and five mains and my wife declared that she would happily eat any of the dishes, always a good sign and a testament to the attractiveness of Ben’s dishes.

So to the starters. After contemplating the butternut squash soup, a perfect antidote for the winter night outside, the Suffolk ham with blue cheese salad and the linguine of marinated mushrooms with parmesan and truffle oil we finally selected Colchester mussels with Aspalls cider, bacon and leeks and the potted crab and organic salmon with dill, chilli relish and olive oil crostini.

Months ending in ‘ber’ herald the peak of the mussel season and I do like to take advantage whenever possible as these fruits of the sea are a personal favourite. As my steaming bowl arrived I knew I had made a good decision. The dish looked beautiful with fresh herbs sprinkled over a generous portion of mussels in a creamy sauce with the aroma as enticing as the visual presentation. The result was velvety perfection. The mussels were sweet and tender beautifully balanced by the saltiness of the bacon while the combination of the leeks, cream and cider created a liquor that called for me to savour every drop. My wife’s starter was equally well received. The visual presentation was again attractive and the combination of the potted crab and salmon was fresh, light and well-seasoned.

Despite the demands of looking after the larger groups the service throughout our evening was excellent and our main dishes arrived in good time. The choices had again all been very tempting with the Ketleys farm rump steak and Arboretum fish pie nearly

making the cut however after consideration we decided on the confit of Blythburgh belly pork with colcannon, crackling and cider gravy for me and, although not a vegetarian but tempted by the description, my wife chose the marinated wild mushrooms with white beans, spinach and Cheddar gratin.

When the gratin arrived it looked delicious and I have to admit to a brief moment of choice envy. In a variation to the menu, but an intelligent enhancement to the dish, pieces of butternut squash had also been included which thrilled my wife as its combination with mushrooms is a recently discovered favourite - another perfect partnership it seems. All the elements of the dish were brought together with a tomato based sauce and topped with the grilled and very tasty Cheddar.

As good as the gratin was when my meal arrived I was once again very happy with the choice I’d made. The confit of pork gave to my fork and melted in my mouth and the piped colcannon was an excellent accompaniment to soak up the light cider gravy. Along with my meal came a selection of seasonal vegetables including a zesty red cabbage, broccoli and the tastiest carrots I have had the pleasure to eat in many a year.

For dessert we chose the classic crème brulee and the selection of British and French cheeses. The crème brulee does seem to have become the ubiquitous dessert of menus around the county, no bad thing though as a good one is a dish of pure pleasure, however like a house wine it is a dish that we have started to gauge establishments by – my wife declared this a very good one. The selection of cheeses was generous with the creamy Stilton worthy of particular praise.

Coffees rounded off a lovely evening where the food had been both attractive and delicious. We shall certainly be returning and look forward to sampling both the daytime and Sunday lunch menus.

MORE DETAILS The evening menu: Starters from £5.50 to £6.50 Mains from £10.00 to £15.00 Desserts All £5.00 Full details of all menus can be found at www.fynn-valley.co.uk The Arboretum at Fynn Valley Fynn Valley Golf Club Witnesham Ipswich Suffolk IP6 9JA Telephone (01473) 785267

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Wine

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

An organic

Rob Chase

New Year

arely will the seasonal frivolities have been stashed away before we are all talking about St. Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday, Easter and barbeques. Why do we wish our lives away so rapidly, when some of us are still relishing wonderful wines drunk, friends re-united and (as yet) unbroken resolutions from New Year’s Eve? Of course, we should be contemplating a couple of months of healthier living, but this is not a subject on which I plan to dwell at length, save to suggest the relatively painless option of occasionally drinking wine which is marginally lighter in alcohol than might have been your recent habit. I have two examples in mind – both from the genial, winemaking genius John Forrest in his Marlborough winery in South Island, New Zealand.

Without getting too technical (and driving you to grab the nearest New World blockbuster at 15%), John has made a Riesling at 8.5% and a Sauvignon Blanc at 9.5% alcohol. He achieves this not by de-alcoholising, osmosis or voodoo, but by identifying blocks of vines where the grapes (skins, pips, stalks) reach early maturity and - most importantly - before they accumulate too much sugar. This, as we all know, converts into alcohol during the process of fermentation, so by picking early and not turning all the sugar into alcohol, John produces wines which are light, with all the lovely aromatics that we have come to expect from these grape varieties, but which won’t brutalise too many brain cells at a sitting.

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“

Organic wines fit well into Adnams’ philosophy of supporting sustainable and environmentally sound practices

Here endeth the healthy-living sermon, and time to move on to more hedonistic matters. During the latter and colder days of December, I discovered the joy of sloe gin. Spurred on by the Adnams master-distiller’s efforts in our Copper House Distillery, I reasoned that if he could make a decent fist of it, then so could I, albeit on a smaller scale. I have never seen bigger, or such a proliferation of fruits as festooned our hedges last autumn. Without any exaggeration, they looked more like Sangiovese grapes than Suffolk sloes. They were phenomenal, and it took less than fifteen minutes to pick two kilos, without walking more than six feet. It’s at moments like this that one feels a certain empathy with wine growers, who are confronted not only by wonderfully ripe and luscious grapes, but by a massive vintage to boot.

Quantity rarely equates with quality in the world of vines and wines, but having had a sneak preview of my 2011 bottling, I think it will be a vintage year for sloe gin, where bounty and beauty have collided magnificently. It may be a little early to crack open the first bottles, but in the meantime I shall rely on Adnams’ very own Sloe Gin to counteract the winter blues.

January heralds one of the biggest of organic wine fairs, held most years in Montpelier. It is a great hunting ground for new wines and for meeting new producers, although it is quite a daunting exercise.

Last year, there were 437 tables, each with a grower showing maybe eight or more wines, and sometimes sharing his space

with another vigneron – and another eight wines! Two of us therefore spend a week there, slurping and spitting our way through thousands of wines, sifting the good from the bad, comparing notes – and hankering for a glass of beer at the end of each day. Organic wines fit well into Adnams’ philosophy of supporting sustainable and environmentally sound practices – and the quality of the wines has reached a point where they are frequently better than non-organic. In the past few months, many column inches have been given over to ‘natural’ wines, which incorporate all the organic principles of zero chemicals in the vineyard and winery, but go one step further and consider sulphur as a no-go zone. Wines, both red and white, have - since time immemorial - had some sulphur added, to keep them fresh and to prevent them from oxidising and turning brown in the bottle, a most unappetising prospect.

Making wine without a little sulphur – a naturally occurring chemical which, incidentally, is sprayed on vines to keep them free of mildew, is akin to manufacturing a car in the twenty-first century without powersteering. Why bother?

I can feel some interesting discussions looming at the Montpelier Wine Fair, with practising ‘natural’ wine producers, probably over a glass or two of Alsace beer: sadly, there won’t be a pint of Adnams in evidence!

A bientôt.

Local Produce Gallery

Maximus fish shop

The Wightman family have been fishing the Suffolk coast since at least 1890. Now this family business uses generations of fishing knowledge to bring line caught fish ashore every day the weather permits. Using years of industry contacts to bring the best high quality fish from low impact day boats all over the country to customers in their Friday Street shop & at farmers markets. Choose from wet fish, smoked fish & shellfish changing with the seasons.

Chilli Farm Smokehouse & Deli

It’s all change this winter with the ‘new’ Smokehouse & Deli. The existing chilli products are on sale along with delicious deli produce, handmade savoury tarts, a range of delicious cheeses, smoked meats and lots of gourmet accompaniments.

The Bistro has a new menu too, incorporating much of the delicious produce available from the deli.

M: 07980 000284

Open: Monday - Sunday 10 - 4pm (closed on Tuesdays) Address: Norwich Road (A140), Mendlesham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5NQ E: info@chillicompany.com W: www.chillicompany.com

T: 01728 603854

T: 01449 766677

Open: Monday – Saturday 9.30am –

4.00pm Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm Address: Unit 1, Friday Street Farm Shop, Farnham, Saxmundham, IP17 1JX E: chriswightman01@btinternet.com

Coddenham food store

At the heart of Coddenham you will find our beautiful village food store where we pride ourselves in sourcing the best of local products. As well as everyday staples you will find such gems as Suffolk Gold and Suffolk Blue Cheese, Suffolk pate, local meats, breads and beers. The perfect choice to top up fresh food locally or just a place pop for a coffee. We look forward to welcoming you.

THE ARTISAN SMOKEHOUSE

An Award winning smokehouse owned by husband and wife team Tim and Gill Matthews. They pride themselves on using ethically sourced ingredients, prioritising local British producers. Their products are traditionally dry cured, using no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, then lightly smoked over Maple wood. Products are made to order, ensuring excellent quality and freshness, and include; smoked beef fillet, hot and cold smoked salmon, duck, salami, cheeses, oils, dried mushrooms and garlic.

GRANGE FARM SHOP

Award winning farm shop offering a wonderful selection of local produce, including locally reared meats, smoked fish, bread, cakes, biscuits, preserves, fruit juices and cordials, dairy produce, ice cream, olives, dried fruits, nuts and cereals, groceries, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables and home grown apples in season. Also available is a large selection of plants, baskets and beautiful hampers. We offer weekly food tastings, fruit and vegetable specials and a loyalty card scheme. Seville oranges perfect for Marmalade now available.

Open: Monday - Saturday 8.30 - 5pm Sunday 10 - 4pm Address: Grundisburgh Road (B1079), Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6HN E: grangefarmshop@aol.com

T: 01473 735610 Yoxford Post Office Deli-Café

Shortlisted for the EADT Good Food Awards, Yoxford’s café-deli (the home of the Sole Bay Cheese Co.) makes the best espresso and cappucino for miles and tasty simple food using fantastic local ingredients cooked to order. In France they’d call it a café-sans-tabac. We call it the heart of the village. Stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch or tea, use our free wi-fi connection, meet friends or just post a letter. You don’t even have to live here.

Open: Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Address: School Road, Coddenham, Suffolk IP6 9PR

Open: Order anytime, either online, by phone or email. Please call us for FREE DELIVERY to Suffolk Coastal Area, on orders over £15.

E: info@artisansmokehouse.co.uk W: www.artisansmokehouse.co.uk

Open: Monday-Saturday 9am - 5:30pm.

(Post Office closes at 1pm on Weds and Sat).

Address: High Street, A1120, Yoxford W: www.solebaycheese.co.uk

T: 01449 760227

T: 01394 270609

T: 01728 668520

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

sutton plough

Satis house

the WILFORD BRIDGE

Under new ownership The Sutton Plough has an exciting new menu using properly sourced local ingredients offering excellent value quality food in a relaxed country environment. Whether eating with us or having a quiet drink lounging on our leather sofas you will find the Plough a welcoming and comfortable venue. The Sutton Plough is family and dog friendly and is just 10 minutes from Woodbridge. For full details and menus see our website.

Satis House is a Grade II listed Georgian property. You can stay, eat or drink, and it offers a two rosette modern British restaurant that prides itself on sourcing local seasonal produce. Morning and Afternoon teas, with a selection of cakes, sandwiches, buttermilk scones with jam and real clotted cream, are served all year round, and can be served in its beautiful Victorian walled garden. To book lunch, dinner or a room please call 01728 668418

Think of fine food, the best in local ales, a traditional ambience all set in a location surrounded by history and exceptional walks and you have The Wilford Bridge. Our menu reflects the seasonal availability of the finest local produce, specialising in the very best seafood, tender steaks cooked to perfection and unbeatable classics such as the renowned ‘Revetts’ Sausages and mash. Food offers are available throughout the week – See our website for details.

Open: Food served Monday – Saturday 12 – 2.30pm 6 - 9pm. Sunday lunch 12 - 4pm Address: Sutton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DU E: info@thesuttonplough.co.uk W: www.thesuttonplough.co.uk

Open: Lunch: Wednesday – Sunday 12.00pm till 2.00pm. Dinner: Daily 6.30pm till 11.00pm Address: Main Road A12, Yoxford, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3EX E: enquiries@satishouse.co.uk W: www.satishouse.co.uk

Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00am 11.00pm Sunday 12.00 noon - 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week.

Address: Wilford Bridge Rd, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2PA E: wilfordbridge@debeninns.co.uk W: www.debeninns.co.uk

T: 01394 411785

T: 01728 668418

T: 01394 386141

The Arboretum at Fynn Valley

THE PEACOCK INN

The ship

The Arboretum in Ipswich’s High Street has a well deserved reputation for providing outstanding food using the freshest local produce. Owner Head Chef Ben Taylor has now expanded his thriving operation into our Club. With delicious food and exciting new menus, served either in the cosy refurbished Courtyard Bar or spacious Restaurant, the Arboretum at Fynn Valley is the perfect place to bring family and friends for a meal. Full details can be found on our website.

Open: Open lunch and evening except closed all day Monday and Sunday evenings Address: Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA E: restaurant@fynn-valley.co.uk W: www.fynn-valley.co.uk

A beautiful 14th century half-timbered inn with cosy open fires offering a selection of local ales including Mauldons, Greene King and Adnams. We’re perfectly positioned for touring, walking and cycling in the beautiful surrounding countryside and have four comfortable bedrooms all with an elegant country air, recently awarded 3 Rosettes Silver.

Our menu changes every month offering quality food at reasonable prices. Don’t miss the Sunday roast menu with our famous leek sauce! Dogs welcome.

Open: Tuesday - Saturday: 12 noon to 3pm - 6pm to 11pm.

Sunday: 12 noon to 6pm Address: 37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU E: wilcri@aol.com W: www.thepeacockchelsworth.com

Once a haunt of smugglers The Ship is now one of the most popular inns on the Suffolk coast. Recently awarded our first rosette by the AA we believe there is a whole world between gastro food and the much maligned pub food of old.

We understand local produce and have a passion for the area. Our fish and chips are famous and our menu changes to reflect the best of every season.

T: 01473 785202

T: 01449 743952

T: 01728 648219

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Open: Monday- Saturday 11.00am 11.00pm. Sunday 12.00 noon - 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week.

Address: Dunwich, Suffolk IP17 3DT E: info@shipatdunwich.co.uk W: www.shipatdunwich.co.uk

Food Gallery

the fox

the maybush

The fountain

Imagine a chocolate box style village pub, beaming with pinkness, beautiful tranquil gardens and flowers around the door. Add a loyal and friendly clientele and great food and you’ll wish you had discovered us sooner. Fine locally sourced food is offered seven days a week, all day at weekends and this is complimented by an ever changing range of guest ales and wines. Christmas bookings now being taken. See our website for details

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

Food offers are available throughout the week – See our website for details.

Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00am 11.00pm. Sunday 12.00 noon - 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week Address: The Street, Newbourne, Woodbridge IP12 4NY E: fox@debeninns.co.uk W: www.debeninns.co.uk

Open: Monday- Saturday 11.00am 11.00pm. Sunday 12.00 noon - 10.30pm Food served 7 days a week Address: Cliff Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, SuffolkIP12 4QL E: maybush@debeninns.co.uk W: www.debeninns.co.uk

Open: Monday to Friday 12pm - 2pm & 6pm to 9pm. Saturday 12pm - 2pm & 6pm - 9.30pm Sunday 12pm to 3pm Closed Evening Address: The Street, Tuddenham St. Martin, IP6 9BT E: fountainpub@btconnect.com W: www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk

T: 01473 736307

T: 01473 736215

T: 01473 785377

The Angel

We don’t go for anything as fancy as a “Mission Statement” or “Food Policy”, rather we aim to source the best local ingredients from the excellent producers on our doorstep, prepare great tasty food, with daily specials here on the premises, and sell it you at a reasonable price.

We are equally proud of our drinks offering with 6 real ales, draught ciders & lagers, and East Anglia’s widest range of spirits, with over 70 gins you can experience something truly unique.

Arlingtons

Buzzing brasserie style restaurant with café bar set within the building converted from the Arlingtons Ballroom. The perfect venue to catch up with friends, talk business, celebrate special occasions.

French style menu served in typical informal Brasserie manner offering a large selection of freshly prepared Suffolk reared meat dishes and vegetarian choices as well as fish & shellfish from sustainable sources. Plus takeaway deli, breakfast from 8am, light meals and homemade cakes throughout the day.

Located in the lovely old village of Tuddenham St Martin, 3 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. We can cater for any parties from 2 to 45 people. The menu comprises of a full A La Carte menu and a set 2 or 3 course menu. For reservations please call 01473 785377 or email fountainpub@btconnect.com

The admirals head

Open: 12-3 & 5-close Mon-Fri & we are open all day at weekends Address: Theatre Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4NE (Just off the Market Hill) E: mail@theangelwoodbridge.co.uk W: www.theangelwoodbridge.co.uk

Open: Monday to Sunday 8am to 10pm Address: 13 Museum Street, Ipswich.

Suffolk. IP1 1HE E: enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk W: www.arlingtonsbrasserie.com

Recently refurbished by Jazmine and Rosario the Admiral’s Head has been a pub for more than 200 years and retains its beautiful Georgian features. The menu too has been given a new lease of life with the introduction of Italian specialities including a stone based Pizza oven for authentic Italian style pizzas.

Also many traditional favourites to be enjoyed. Three Adnams cask ales always on tap and a great list of Old and New World wines Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am -2.30pm and 6pm – 11pm. Food served 12.00 noon -2pm & 6pm -9pm , 9.30pm on a Friday & Saturday Address: Sandy Lane, Little Bealings, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6LW E: theadmiralshead@btinternet.com W: www.theadmiralshead.com

T: 01394 383808

T: 01473 230293

T: 01473 625912

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Fabulous Pheasant

This month Places & Faces brings you a seasonal pheasant recipe from Ross Pike of The British Larder in Bromeswell

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Recipe

INGREDIENTS For the Pheasant Kiev 2 Pheasant breast 100g unsalted butter, softened plus 1tbsp extra for cooking 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley Zest of one lemon Maldon Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper 1 large free-range egg, whisked 40g plain flour 40g breadcrumbs

Pheasant Kiev, Smokey Bacon and Creamed Black Cabbage (Serves 2) oss Pike started his career at the tender age of 13 in his local village pub in Hertfordshire as a pot wash boy and has now come full circle as he and his partner, Madalene BonviniHamel, are the owners and culinary driving force behind the highly acclaimed British Larder pub restaurant in Bromeswell. Ross’s passion for food and interest to aspire to a successful career in cooking developed at an early stage. He worked his way through the kitchen ranks from five star hotels to modern fusion restaurants in London and the glamorous and lucrative world of contract catering. Ross won an acorn award in 2004, an award that recognises young successful people in the catering industry.

This year, after inclusion in the Good Food Guide 2011, Ross was selected to take part in ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Dish the Chefs’ where he reached the semi final and came second overall in the main course section with his dish a Tasting of Suffolk Pheasant. This following recipe was one component of the dish Ross cooked on the show.

For the Smokey Bacon and Creamed Black Cabbage 2 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, cut into medium size dice 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1cm dice 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1cm dice 2 banana shallots, peeled and cut into rings 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed 100ml dry white wine 200ml chicken stock 2 large leaves of black cabbage (Cavolo Nero or Savoy Cabbage), shredded 200ml double cream Maldon Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper METHOD 1. First make the pheasant Kiev: In a small bowl mix the softened butter with the crushed garlic, parsley and seasoning. Transfer the softened mix to a piping bag. Do not let it set.

Make a hole/pocket using a sharp knife in the centre of the pheasant long ways, start from the fat side and work towards the thin end without cutting through to the surface; pipe the garlic butter into the centre, dividing the mix between the two breasts.

2. Place the egg in a small bowl, the flour in another and the breadcrumbs in another separate bowl. Dip the pheasant in the flour, dust off any access, then in the egg and lastly in the breadcrumbs, ensure it’s coated all over. Do the same with the second breast.

Refrigerate the pheasant to set for 5 minutes whilst preparing the creamed cabbage.

3. Cook the creamed cabbage: In a medium saucepan over medium heat fry the bacon until golden, remove form the pan, set aside. Return the pan to the heat with the butter; fry the potatoes, crushed coriander seeds, carrots and shallots with seasoning and sauté until golden brown. Add the wine and cook for 5 minutes, add the stock, cover the pan with a lid and cook until the potatoes and carrots are soft to the knifepoint. Add the shredded cabbage, cook for further 2 minutes, add the cream and bring the cream to a gentle simmer, cook until slightly thickened about 4 – 5 minutes, do not let the cream boil dry too much you are looking for a juicy but not too runny sauce.

4. Cook the Kiev: Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. While the cabbage is cooking heat a non-stick frying pan with the tablespoon of butter and fry the pheasant until golden brown all over, transfer the pheasant to the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

5. Once cooked spoon the sauce onto a warm plate, place the pheasant on top and enjoy!

Fresh, seasonal and local.

The British Larder Suffolk are committed to using locally-sourced ingredients, working closely with farmers, suppliers and producers from in and around the Suffolk region.

The inspiring and creative menu changes every single day to celebrate the best of fresh, seasonal British food.

British Larder Suffolk, Orford Road, Bromeswell Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2PU Telephone us: 01394 460310

Our in-hOuse Design Team enjOy a challenge -

DO yOu have One fOr us?

Let us inspire you! www.rogergladwell.co.uk 01728 638372

Suffolk Smokehouses Gardening

Love your garden • Trees. It’s really the best time to prune all your deciduous trees, including fruit trees.

You need to think about the skeleton of the tree and opening up the branches to light. He says fruit trees were traditionally cut in a tulip shape or a double tulip shape to allow light into the centre.

If you’ve got new trees that are staked – check that the stake is secure and check the ties. If they are too tight it’s essential that they are replaced.

• Roses. Reduce your roses, especially in the first three years – select new wood to train and get fantastic shapes.

• Climbers. Late flowering clematis needs to be pruned now and wisteria needs to be trained and tied in properly.

The nights might still be long and the days wet and bitter, but as Roger Gladwell landscaping and construction expert tells Anne Gould, if you want your garden to look like this come summer, it’s time to get working - now. pparently there’s an old gardeners saying, “One day in the winter is worth two in the summer.”

That means, says Roger Gladwell, that weather permitting you need to spend a regular amount of time doing all those important jobs that you’d probably rather put off until the sun comes out.

“I think some people do not think about their garden in the winter because of the weather but it really pays dividends in the summer.

“Old Victorian herbaceous borders were always a winter job, forking them through with compost. They used to do the cold and wet borders first and then move on to the hot borders.”

Of course these days not everyone has a team looking after their garden and for people who are passionate about their garden these are Roger’s suggestions for your job list throughout January and February.

• Your lawn. Don’t walk on your lawn if at all possible if it snows or there’s a hard frost. It will leave footprint marks. You really are best to leave it alone and let nature take its course.

• Hedging and woodland. Trees and hedges need looking after especially if they are newly planted. It’s vital that they are mulched especially if we have another dry spring last year. Roger says he’s encountered people who’ve lost 95 per cent of their newly planted trees in the last year, all because they failed to mulch.

• Ponds. If your pond needs cleaning and the weather is right this is a job for the end of February. It’s worth getting a tank or a trough to scoop out the mud at the bottom and then return it when you’ve completed the job.

• Planning. Winter is a very good time to plan any additions or redesigns to your garden. It’s also an excellent time to think about installing drainage if you’ve got a wet patch. *So wrap up warm and make the most of the quiet time in your garden - it’s guaranteed you will reap the rewards of full, colourful borders and flourishing trees and hedging in the Summer to come!”

Roger Gladwell Landscaping and Construction is a member of the Association of Professional Landscapers, an organisation which represents the very best landscapers in the country. Members adhere to a strict customer charter, operate to strict health and safety criteria, they are fully insured and offer guarantees on their work. The association is endorsed by Trust Mark and members undergo an annual inspection.

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

SUFFOLK

ROOTS

These days we all want to shop local for our Suffolk meat and veg – but if Jon Rose has his way one day, maybe in five, ten years or more we’ll be demanding the same for the plants in our garden too.

Anne Gould finds out more 62 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Gardening

ou’d never know it but as a lad Jon Rose was expelled from school – apparently his older brother shone as an academian – but he just didn’t feel the same way about his studies.

Maybe though he’s one of those people who just weren’t taught the right thing because as he talks softly and in melodious tones you’ll find his speech is peppered with Latin plant names and complex theories about trees and shrubs that go way beyond current thinking.

He’s self-taught but the depth of his knowledge and expertise is quite obviously apparent.

Although his ideas may fly in the face of convention and perhaps even seem outlandish he’s happy to bide his time until the rest of the world comes round to his way of thinking.

Jon, from Botanica in Campsea Ashe, says it was decades ago, long before everyone jumped on the bandwagon, that he decided that for environmental reasons all his plants should be raised in peat free compost.

To achieve this he’s created his own special “recipe” for compost that’s completely environmentally friendly.

They also use their own biological compost teas for plants and very rarely needs to use fungicides and pesticides.

He’s also been campaigning for local authorities to use English plants in landscaping schemes simply because native species are more suitable and better adapted to our climate.

“When I started to try and promote English grown plants it was very difficult to get heard, I was like a voice in the wilderness.

That’s started to change now.”

So it’s little wonder that expert plantsmen,

discerning gardener designers from across the country and even the National Trust have been beating a path to his door because what he talks about actually makes so much sense.

“All of our plants are English grown. We grow our plants and trees either bare root in the soil, as nature intended or in our very own special 100% peat free compost developed by us.

“We do not import plants from the continent. We take care in creating, through our growing techniques, superior quality plants.”

For instance, he said that using the bare root system, rather than planting in containers allowed plants to be transported more easily in their dormant season and at the right time to be planted out.

He says they also specialise in rare native species that you simply can’t find anywhere else including fruit and apples from old East Anglian varieties and hard to find plants like liquorice and horseradish.

They also have wild flowers, shrubs and climbers and native hedging – which apparently is much in demand from the Isle of Wight because of its strict planning laws.

Little wonder that the nursery has been popular with designers for schemes at major garden shows. Last year a number of his mature plants and trees were borrowed for Hampton Court for instance.

“The reason we promote native plants is because of our climate – it’s cold and wet here and so that’s what they are used to.

“Take an English oak tree for example.

If you are buying from the continent the acorns are often collected in somewhere like Poland or Hungary.

“But the oaks there flower much earlier,

which means if you grow it here it won’t be as strong or flourish in quite the same way.”

Jon says many foreign grown plants suffer because they aren’t adapted to our late frosts for example.

“There are also climatic variations across Britain and I have started collecting acorns from some of the local estates to grow Suffolk trees. We now grow over 20 sorts of oaks.”

One particularly and extremely rare tree that he’s been growing is the female black poplar – there are thought to be only 15 of these trees left in the country some of which are in the neighbourhood.

“They used to be a common part of the landscape in Suffolk used around farms – they were a mainstay of the agricultural system used for roofing and cartwheels because it was a timber that grew rapidly.

“Female black poplars started to decline and it wasn’t until 1990 that anyone noticed.

We’ve got some cuttings now and are growing them because we can’t let them disappear.”

There are signs too that there are others who are keen to preserve and restore all that was once commonplace in the Suffolk landscape.

Recently for instance Jon designed and installed a traditional reedbed system for a client.

In the meantime, as the rest of world comes round to Jon’s way of thinking he’ s continuing to collect and save more plants – he says his ambition is to have the largest commercial collection of plants in the country.

There are also education plans in the pipeline as he feels the time has also come to take his message one step further.

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at home in your home

Making your House a Home...

beautiful hand-made designs in wood

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Tel: 01394 386390 Kitchen and Bathroom showroom Smithfield, Melton Road, Melton, nr. Woodbridge www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

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Homes and Interiors

GOOD WOOD 1.

It’s probably the material we use most in our homes but possibly the one we take most for granted. Wood is so versatile that regardless of your taste there is always a style, colour or texture to suit and its durability ensures that classic wooden furniture and ornamental pieces are often passed on from generation to generation 2.

1. This Chapel in Woodbridge has been fitted with oak 3.

Price on application | Nick Bourne

2. Drawer unit made from solid walnut (720 x 350 x 600) £1,600 | Nick Bourne

3. ‘Jack on the Box’ made using quality oak, walnut and maple (500x1000wx500d) £850 | Nick Bourne

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Homes and Interiors

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Archipelago Knots £67.50 | Barretts

Henley Curved Glazed Dresser £2,495 | Design Centre Ltd

Henley 4ft Wine Rack £750 | Design Centre Ltd

Bespoke shelving, Price on application | Orwells Furniture

Stockists Barretts of Woodbridge, 40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge www.barretts.co.uk | T: 01394 384300 Design Centre Ltd, Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds www.designcentreltd.co.uk | T: 01284 731025 Nick Bourne, 17a The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich www.nickbourne.co.uk | T: 01473 322020 Orwells Furniture, 497 – 499 Wherstead Road, Ipswich www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk | T: 01473 680091

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Auctions & Antiques

Cash.....But not in the attic!

JamesNeal

Beautiful timber windows and doors from traditional to contemporary designs

Transform your home with our stunning ranges of timber windows and doors.

Meeting the highest expectation, our engineered timber frames are designed to set new standards both functionally and aesthetically. From classic box sash to stunning contemporary options, each window or door totally bespoke in virtually any colour or stain finish, completely to meet your individual needs.

Windows and doors as practical as they are beautiful.

come and see us...

8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL 01284 760 222

The Old Forge 53 High Street (at rear) Ingatestone Essex CM4 0AT 01277 350 950

countrysidetimberwindows.com

Stuart Clay Traps Ltd

e are asked to undertake the valuation of chattels for a variety of reasons.

These might involve a valuation for insurance purposes where a client needs an estimate of the cost involved to replace one item, several pieces or the entire contents of their home should a fire, theft or damage occur.

A valuation might be required when selling a prized possession or even something more ordinary; where couples split up or where relatives wish to Neals distribute the contents of a home then a valuation for a family division might be required.

Valuers and Auctioneers are also called upon to undertake valuations, following a death and for inheritance tax purposes in connection with obtaining Probate.

Usually this is straightforward as there is often a family member, or an Executor to provide the necessary instructions and a Solicitor or other professional advisor is frequently involved.

In some cases there may be complications. Family members may be at loggerheads, instructions may have been prepared many years ago which are no longer possible to implement and in some instances there may be no Will at all. In cases where there is no Will but there are living relatives, procedures are in place to govern the distribution of an Estate, but where there are no family members, the Treasury Solicitor will step in to administer the Estate.

Many years ago we were instructed to inspect and value the contents of a modest bungalow. The property was exactly as was so everything was still there, including a fridge full of food.

Everything had to be inspected carefully to ensure the details of any valuables were recorded and important paperwork, principally of a legal or financial nature was retained. Items of no value could be discarded. The contents of every shelf, drawer and cupboard, the roof space and outbuildings had to be gone through on the basis of ‘expect the unexpected’.

And, as usual, there was a surprise, for under the lining paper in one of the drawers in a chest in one of the bedrooms there was a thin package, framed in balsa wood to exactly fit the shallow depression in the base of the drawer. Inside the package, neatly wrapped in taut brown paper, were small stacks of bank notes amounting to several hundred pounds.

They could so easily have been missed and ‘sold’ with the chest if the other contents of the drawer had not been tipped out into a black sack, the package revealing itself as the underside of the drawer was struck to ensure that it was empty!

So while you too should expect the unexpected we can all do our bit to assist by ensuring we have made a Will, for where there’s a Will it is the easier way!

countryside W I N D O W S | D O O R S | G LA S S H O U S E S

Country Sports, Fishing and Clothing specialists Shotgun, Rifles and Air Rifles Mens, Ladies and Children’s clothing and Boots Sporting Guns Fishing Tackle & Equipment An extensive range of sea fishing tackle and baits in stock

Stockists of: Le Chameau • Laksen • Hoggs • Aigle • Beretta Deer Hunter • Musto Top Gun • Stag • Hucklecote 3a & 3b Wilford Bridge Road . Melton . Woodbridge . Suffolk . IP12 1DG

01394 385567

www.stuartsgunandtackle.com | sales@stuartsgunsandtackle.com

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Interiors profile | Kelly Hoppen

Meet the

‘Queen of Taupe’ British Interior designer Kelly Hoppen can list names such as the Beckhams, Elton John, Garry Rhodes and British Airways amongst her lengthy and illustrious list of clients. In 2009 she was awarded the MBE for her contributions to the field of interior design and is constantly in demand. Having recently launched a capsule furniture collection that will soon be available at Brightwell Interiors, one of only five UK stockists chosen, Places & Faces had the opportunity to ask about her styling ideas I understand interior design has been a passion since an early age – how did you get started?

I used to persuade my mother to let me visit homes on the weekends because I longed to glimpse of other peoples’ worlds. My father also nurtured my business side, as he ran the biggest clothing company in South Africa and eventually moved to London to expand it. I completed my first job at 17, doing a kitchen for a friend of my fathers. Then my second job was for Guy Edwards, a huge F1 star- so luckily, it just led on from there.

You are famous for your approach to colour. What is your philosophy?

I’m often asked why I use a distinct palette of beiges and neutrals, but I don’t think this makes the offering limited. These colours work well in all environments, they can provide a neutral backdrop if someone wants to add colour themselves, or else the neutral palette used in statement items makes them more workable.

What do you think today’s home should provide us with?

‘Home’ is a feeling rather than a look and the definition of that feeling differs from person to person. It’s about designing a home that works for the way that you live, the way that you entertain etc and that reflects your values and personality. In every room look to a few key pieces to make an impact. For example, in a living room, the coffee table is key as it is where everything centers from. In the

68 | placesandfaces.co.uk

bedroom, the bed, as it’s the largest item, so bed linen and cushions can be fun. Another way is with art: I adore having a star piece in every room, like in my living room, with the crystal chain mail lights that I designed.

How did you get inspired for your new furniture collection?

I was hugely inspired by vintage furniture, I tried to look into my mind’s eye and design items that I would love to have within my own interior schemes. Pieces that work well alone or with a wider collection.

What are your key pieces in the new collection?

For me I am lusting after the bubble chair and the leather trunk. I love them What is it about your brand that translates so well for the Brightwell Interiors customer?

I designed an initial 50 pieces, which can be put together in about 800 combinations.

I’m not creating this range to make a lot of mini-me’s, for me, it’s so important that a home should be a sanctuary, so I’ve created the range to give people a way of creating homes that are entirely theirs. Design has been a passion for me from an early age, and what I have tried to create, based on influences from the East, is a very simple design system that’s actually a way of life.

My furniture range is there for people to buy one piece, or more, and then put their own identity on it.

Kelly Hoppen Home - now stocked at Brightwell Interiors, Brightwell Hall Farm, Brightwell, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0BE 01473 611192 www.brightwellinteriors.com

Independent Education

INVESTING IN

EDUCATION

Private education is without doubt an investment in your child’s future. Places&Faces looks at why you should plan ahead to find the school of your choice and this is clearly reflected in the grades that these schools achieve year after year.

In 2010, over half of A-level entries from pupils were awarded a grade A or A*. Also, pupil/teacher ratios continue to fall in ISC schools.

The “one-size-fits-all” approach to education is long gone in the independent sector and it’s now up to the parent to choose the right school for their child.

Of course parents will be seeking value for money when choosing a school. There are certainly plenty of independent schools to choose from and there are a number of ways to ensure you get the best return on your investment in your child’s education.

Development . Freedom . Spontanious Situated within an acre of garden with surrounding open countryside, Rectory Garden Montessori School is designed to take advantage of children’s early years from 2-5; Dr. Maria Montessori referred to this age as a period of ‘the absorbent mind’ and stated that during this time children have the greatest capacity to learn through absorbing information from their environment.

The fully qualified and experienced Montessori teaching team at Rectory Garden ensure the children are encouraged to develop their independence and love for learning which we hope will remain with them for life.

St Joseph’s College

School years are the most important years of a child’s life in terms of shaping who they are, maximising their life chances and their all round development.

The choice of school for a child is one no parent makes lightly, and while affordability will be a major factor, so too is the ethos and sometimes even the religion of the school and how much it will suit their daughter or son.

Parents will want to be sure the school is a good match for their child academically, physically, creatively and personally.

One of the reasons parents continue to choose an independent education for their child is because of high teaching standards

First of all, independent schools usually give bursaries and scholarships. The former are likely to be means-tested so that they go to really deserving families.

Scholarships are likely to be awarded on merit. They are often very competitive, and can vary in value a great deal. Even if your child is not ‘top of the class’ in English or maths, ask if your favoured school offers scholarships in Music, Sport or Art – many do!

If your children are still quite young, you have time to start some financial planning.

Most people seek professional advice for buying a home or making a will, so why not do so in order to plan for future school fees?

Be Your Best Entrance Examination (11+) 28 January 2012 Informal Open Morning: Friday 24 February 2012 9.30am - 12.00pm 13+ Entrance Examination: Monday 5 March 2012 Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 10 March 2012 9.30am - 12.30pm Call 01473 690281 for a Prospectus Pack or to discuss entry into other year groups.

Visit www.stjos.co.uk for examination dates Scholarships and Bursaries available up to 100%

www.rectorygardenmontessori.co.uk Rectory Garden Montessori School, Old Church Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP13 6DH 01394 388777 | learning@rectorygardenmontessori.co.uk

BRANDESTON HALL

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

boarding & day prep school (2½-13)

boarding & day school (13-18)

Forthcoming Open Mornings - Brandeston Hall: Friday 4th & Saturday 5th February 2012 - 9.30am Framlingham College: Saturday 3rd March 2012 - 9.30am

To book a place or to arrange a private visit please contact the Admissions Registrar, Emma Rutterford: Tel: 01728 723789 Email: admissions@framcollege.co.uk

www.framcollege.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1114383

Independent Education | Ipswich High School

What a difference!

A

s Suffolk’s only provider of a single sex education from 3-18yrs, we know a lot about girls! The interaction between the sexes is markedly different throughout their lives, and unsurprisingly it begins right from the moment they are born. Ask any mother of a boy and girl, and most will remark on each child’s unique approach to play and work – they just aren’t the same creatures at all.

At Ipswich High School, we relish the opportunity to tailor make an education for your daughter at every stage of her school life. In art, drama, sport and academic study, the relaxed and focused atmosphere of our school provides the perfect opportunity for your daughter to fulfil her potential in every field, and at every age.

From the idyllic location of our Pre-Prep where girls are encouraged to enjoy open access to our stunning grounds, to the awe-

inspiring facilities of our Sixth Form Centre, we offer an environment where girls can be happy and inspired.

We welcome parents and pupils to visit us, from young toddlers to GCSE students embarking on their A Level choices. To experience first hand the warmth and

vibrancy of Ipswich High School, please join us for our Open Day on Thursday 15th March from 10am – 1pm, or book a private tour and taster session for your daughter, by contacting admissions@ihs.gdst.net. We look forward to meeting you.

Recommended by friends Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3-18

Open Day Open Day st Thursday 15th March Saturday 1 October 10am – 1pm 9.30am-1pm For further information www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk ‘Outstanding School’ across all categories, ISI Inspection 2011

Entrance Examinations Entrance Examinations Girls and Boys Girls and Boys

- entry in September 2012 - entry in September 2012

Entry at ages 7, 8, 9 and 10 Entry at ages 7, 8,January 9 and 102012 Saturday 28th

Saturday 28th January 2012 Entry at 11+ Entry at 11+ Tuesday 31st January 2012

Tuesday 31st January 2012

Entry at 13+ Entry at 13+ Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th March 2012

Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th March 2012 11+ and 13+ Academic, Music, Art Scholarships 11+ Means-tested and 13+ Academic, Music, Art Scholarships and Bursaries and Means-tested Bursaries 13+ All-rounder Scholarships 13+ All-rounder Scholarships

II PSWICH S CHOOL PSWICH S CHOOL Co-Educational Day and Boarding School

Entrance Examinations Circa 1399 Circa 1399

Co-Educational Day and Boarding School

Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG Tel: 01473 408300 (Senior School) Tel: School) Tel: 01473 01473 281302 408300 (Preparatory (Senior School) Tel: 01473 281302 (Preparatory- School) www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk entry in September www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk Ipswich School is a charity (reg no 310493) educating children

Girls and Boys

Ipswich School is a charity (reg no 310493) educating children

2012

Independent Education | Saint Felix School

SAINT FELIX SCHOOL nder the new Headmaster, Dr Simon Letman, Saint Felix School in Southwold has gone from strength to strength this academic year. Dr Letman was proud to return to the school in September 2011, where he had been head for just five months, after an extremely successful summer of results. Particular success was achieved in the English and Fine Art departments, in which students achieved more A*s at A Level than ever before.

Saint Felix School students continue to excel outside of the classroom as well.

Recent achievements include equestrian success for the school’s U13 equestrian team who were awarded fourth place in the National Schools Equestrian Association finals and the Choral Society which was recently named best choir

of their kind at the Suffolk Festival of performing arts. With strong traditions in both sports and the arts, Saint Felix School students enjoy a wide range of activities outside of their studies.

Headmaster Dr Simon Letman is confident that Saint Felix School will continue to embrace success both inside and outside the classroom in 2012.

Known by parents and students alike as a friendly and personable Headmaster,

he has steered the school towards higher academic goals, and set the path for even greater success into the future. Set in an idyllic location on the outskirts of Southwold it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for prospective parents.

Saint Felix School prides itself on offering students from nursery to Sixth form, an outstanding education in an inspirational environment.

junior school open day Wednesday 29th February, 10am - 12pm We are delighted to invite prospective students and parents to visit Saint Felix School and meet our staff and pupils.

“Wherever our children are learning, be it in the traditional indoor classroom or the outdoor classroom, parents can be sure that Saint Felix pupils are always in their element.” Julia Campbell, Head of the Junior School

where education is learning for life

for more information call 01502 722 175 or email melissa@stfelix.co.uk www.stfelix.co.uk

Legal

®

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

VARYING a Will after

someone has died the benefit of Business Property Relief and be fully exempt from IHT. If the shares are sold, however, the relief is lost and the value falls within the recipient’s taxable estate.

This may not have been envisioned by the deceased and the recipient will now need to restructure their own estate in order to reduce this tax liability. It is, therefore, common for people receiving inheritances to wish to divert, in part or in full, the benefits they receive to the next generation or beyond.

There are a number of ways this can be achieved - each with differing consequences for IHT.

DominicPearson Ashton KCJ Solicitors

ost people will receive an inheritance during their lifetime.

Whilst such a windfall is a welcome comfort at a difficult time, it may cause tax problems for the recipient. This article looks at these problems and considers the options available to you to help avoid them.

Subject to certain reliefs for business and agricultural property, individuals will pay Inheritance Tax (IHT) at 40% on the excess of their estate over £325,000. It is possible in the right circumstances for married couples or civil partners to utilise both tax free bands on the survivor’s death. This means that if your estate is within £650,000 there will be no tax to pay.

For many whose estates are close to or in excess of these limits, receipt of an inheritance is likely to cause or add to a tax liability on their own death. This may undermine careful estate and tax planning that you have already undertaken.

An example of this is where a beneficiary inherits shares in the family business. At the time of inheritance, the asset may well have 74 | placesandfaces.co.uk

GIFTS You may wish to receive your inheritance and gift it away at a later date. By doing so, you are treated as making a “potentially exempt transfer” for IHT purposes. Only after seven years will the value be out of your estate for tax purposes; if you were to die during this time, no tax benefit will have been received. It is not generally advisable to gift in this manner if you intend to gift a reasonable amount.

Disclaimers It is possible for any beneficiary to refuse their inheritance by way of a Disclaimer.

There is no time limit imposed on doing this, but if you take possession of the gift you are not able to disclaim.

The effect of a Disclaimer is that your entitlement falls back into the estate and passes in accordance with the terms of the Will. You have no control over who benefits.

It is also difficult to disclaim part of a gift, and for these reasons they are infrequently used.

Deeds of Variation Deeds of Variation (sometimes referred to as a Deed of Family Arrangement) have the effect of re-writing the terms of the deceased’s Will. As the beneficiary, you are responsible for the preparation of the document and have full control over who

receives the benefit and on what terms.

The Deed must be created within two years of the date of death, but importantly there is no restriction if you have received a benefit from the assets. This allows for flexibility if circumstances change in the two years. If drafted correctly, for IHT and Capital Gains Tax, the gift is treated as made by the deceased rather than you. This has the effect of removing the asset from your estate immediately and in a tax efficient manner.

The Deed is also a useful tool if you wish to divert a part of a gift and is, in general, used in preference to outright gifts or disclaimers.

It is important that the Deed is drafted professionally in order to ensure that the intended effect is achieved. The benefits of doing so are that assets are passed down through the generations in a manner that could save you considerable amounts of tax in the future.

IHT is, and will continue, to be an issue for many. The use of a Deed of Variation is just one tool that can be used to plan for this. If you are (un)fortunate enough for tax to be an issue, it is important that you consider with your legal advisors what options are available to you.

Dominic Pearson Solicitor Ashton KCJ Email: dominic.pearson@ashtonkcj.co.uk Tel: 0800 587 0093 www.ashtonkcj.co.uk This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. We would advise you to seek professional advice before acting on this information.

Ashton KCJ is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Recognised Body number 45826) and by the Financial Services Authority.

Property

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property

78 Alde Valley Tranquility

INSIDE: 76 Castle Estates 77

Fenn Wright

79 Neals 80 Hamilton Smith Woodbridge 82 Clarke & Simpson 82 Heart of Woodbridge

83

Jackson Stops & Staff

84

Morton Smith & Girling

85

Gobbitt & Kirby

85

Jennie Jones

87

Grier & Partners

86 East Bergholt Conversion

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MarketHill, Hill, Orford Orford IP12 IP12 2LH 2LH Market

Castle Estates Estates Castle

01394 450100 450100 01394

property@castle-estates.uk.com property@castle-estates.uk.com

COMINGININTHE THENEW NEWYEAR: YEAR:- COMING ORFORD:Two Twosubstantial substantialdetached detachedhouses houseswith withsuperb superbriver riverviews views ORFORD: CHILLESFORD: New houses by award winning developers JA SMCrane Crane CHILLESFORD: New houses by award winning developers JA &&SM

FARNHAM,Nr Nr SNAPE SNAPE FARNHAM, Charmingly quirky detached former former railway railway gateman's gateman's Charmingly quirky detached cottage, far from the madding crowd.

There is large cottage, far from the madding crowd. There is aa large studio with an office and cloakroom in the gardens. studio with an office and cloakroom in the gardens.

Visitwww.primelocation.com www.primelocation.com for for aa virtual virtual tour. tour.

Visit Guide £425,000 £425,000 Guide

SUDBOURNE PARK, Nr ORFORD SUDBOURNE PARK, Nr ORFORD The property is a four bedroom mews house at the The property is a four bedroom mews house at the ‘weathervane’ corner of the former stable block. Set in ‘weathervane’ corner of the former stable block. Set in approximately 5 acres of parkland. Garage and parking. approximately 5 acres of parkland. Garage and parking.

Guide £395,000 Guide £395,000

ORFORD ORFORD Immaculate furnished period cottage. Bedroom, luxurious Immaculate furnished period cottage. Bedroom, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, luxurious cloaks, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, cloaks, garden, outbuilding and summerhouse. LPG central heating garden, outbuilding and summerhouse. LPG central heating Guide £300,000 Guide £300,000

Property experts since

Buttermarket | Ipswich

01473 232 700 DEDHAM

CHRISTCHURCH PARK

NORTH EAST IPSWICH

An impressive Georgian style detached family house situated in a quiet position in this popular location close to Christchurch Park. This recently-constructed property has been carefully designed to create spacious accommodation, combining traditional style with today’s modern luxuries.

An extended and remodelled 1960’s four/five bedroom detached house situated in the Northgate School catchment and lying within grounds extending to approximately quarter of an acre. Upvc double-glazing, under-floor heating to the ground floor. Attached double garage and off road parking.

£575,000

£535,000

YOXFORD

A stunning period house on Dedham High Street adjoining National Trust land. It dates from the 19th Century and was formerly a stable. The property has been sympathetically renovated and is presented in an immaculate condition. Landscaped Gardens, Terraces, Ornamental Pond, Summerhouse, Off Road Parking.

£P.O.A

A period farmhouse situated in an elevated position with views over surrounding farmland. Set in its own grounds and paddocks of approximately 5 acres with 7 stables & pole barn. The property offers excellent accommodation over three floors 5 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, study, garden room, boot room, utility room and cellar.

£595,000

fennwright.co.uk/signature

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

Property

®

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Alde Valley tranquillity A period family home in one of Suffolk’s most beautiful landscapes TYTHE Cottage Facts Location: Benhall Low Street Price: £735,000 Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff

ith it’s thatched roof and period features Tythe Cottage in Benhall Low Street is a vision of the quintessential country cottage.

It’s got some land – just over 11 acres, a paddock suitable for a pony and benefits from a stunning location.

The market town of Saxmundham is three miles away, Framlingham is five miles and Aldeburgh is a little further at eight miles but is still close enough.

Not only that, Tythe Cottage has an idyllic setting in the picturesque and gently rolling countryside of the Alde Valley, designated as an environmentally sensitive area.

78 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Standing in delightfully secluded and sheltered gardens, which run down to an adjoining water meadow, the property is understood to date from the 17th century.

Carefully extended in recent times Tythe Cottage has five bedrooms, two reception rooms - a living room and sitting room plus a flexible use third reception room, which is currently used as a drawing room.

Downstairs there’s also an adjoining wet room, and cloakroom – always an added bonus for those who enjoy outdoor and equestrian pursuits.

In addition one of the features of this house is beautiful beams, studwork and period features including open fireplaces,

which are found throughout.

The L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room is spacious and well designed, with fitted units and comes complete with an Aga. Beyond is a good sized Amdega conservatory, which opens onto a sheltered ‘sun trap’ terrace, and enjoys charming views across the gardens.

On the first floor, there are five bedrooms, together with two en-suites and a family bathroom. All the rooms enjoy views across the gardens and the surrounding countryside of the valley.

Outside there’s garaging and stores and ample space for parking.

Places & Faces January 2012 Issue.qxd

09/12/2011

09:33

Page 1

01394 382263

enquiries@nsf.co.uk www.nsf.co.uk

26 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1DP

LOWER UFFORD - AN ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS DETACHED HOME BUILT IN A CLASSIC COLONIAL STYLE

The house is finished to exacting standards accentuated with beautiful artisan crafted detail. The accommodation comprises Hall, Cloakroom, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Conservatory all with access to the garden. Very well fitted Kitchen-Breakfast Room and a Utility Room. 5 first floor Bedrooms, 3 En-Suite and a further Bathroom. Double Garage with Kitchenette and Shower Room to one side and Studio Room above.

Landscaped Garden with Pavilion and Log Store to one corner. JSA Jackson-Stops & Staff Offers around £975,000

WOODBRIDGE - IN A WONDERFUL POSITION OVERLOOKING THE QUAY AND WITH VIEWS DOWN THE RIVER DEBEN

A two bedroom first floor flat overlooking the river together with the adjoining first floor office, which is currently let, and the substantial basement areas below. Balconies outside the respective entrances. Space to park at the rear.

The premises are for sale by Formal Tender Closing Date 12 noon Friday 20th January 2012. Guide Price £350,000

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A POSITIVE SIGN

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01394 386688

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Woodbridge

To help you move in 2012 we are offering

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(01394) 386688

Guide Price £565,000 MELTON PARK A large 5 bedroom detached house. Ent hall, 2 receptions, large kitchen/breakfast rm, utility rm, clkrm, master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite, guest bedroom, with en-suite, family bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, dble det garage, landscaped garden backing onto woodland.

EYKE Guide Price £450,000 An individually designed detached family home offering versatile and spacious accommodation. Sitting room, dining room, kit/breakfast room, utility room, shower/ cloakroom, en-suite, double garage, ample parking and gardens.

OLD FELIXSTOWE Guide Price £350,000 A superb 4 bedroom detached house in the sought-after area of Old Felixstowe. Ent hall, cloakroom, study, sitting room, dining area, kitchen, utility room, four bedrooms and family bathroom. South facing rear garden, garage and space for caravan or boat.

WOODBRIDGE Guide price £246,000 A charming 2 bedroom Grade II listed period cottage in the centre of Woodbridge. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, further double bedroom, courtyard garden.

HASKETON Guide Price £395,000 Well proportioned 1970’s detached family home which occupies a plot of approx 0.4 acre backing onto farmland.

3 receptions, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, 4 bedrooms and family bathroom, large garden & double garage.

WALDRINGFIELD Guide Price £295,000 A 1920’s semi-detached house in the sought after village of Waldringfield with lovely views of the river Deben. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, lobby, four bedrooms and family bathroom, good sized garden and parking.

WOODBRIDGE Guide Price £140,000 An attractive one/two bedroom period cottage in the centre of Woodbridge. Sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, large landing bedroom, main bedroom, courtyard garden, outside brick store.

Guide Price £139,950 MELTON A well presented modern two bedroom apartment within walking distance of Woodbridge town centre. Ent hall, sitting room with French doors opening onto patio area, kitchen, en-suite shower room, bathroom, attractive communal gardens, parking.

WOODBRIDGE Guide price £275,000 An established two bedroom detached bungalow tucked away down a small lane. The property comprises; sitting room, dining room, kitchen bathroom, small garden and garage. Internal viewing advised.

Hamilton Smith Woodbridge T:(01394) 386688 E:woodbridge@hamilton-smith.com

www.hamilton-smith.com

®

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Property

COUNTRY living in Woodbridge

Carlow Cottage Facts Location:Carlow Mews, Church Street, Woodbridge Price:£435,000 Agent: Hamilton Smith Woodbridge hether you are looking to downsize or seeking out a holiday home in Suffolk, Carlow Cottage is a property with possibilities.

It’s right in the centre of the beautiful riverside town of Woodbridge, which of course offers excellent rail links to the main line station in Ipswich and beyond.

Carlow Cottage is a detached property which has been extended and improved by

the current owners.

It also offers a high degree of privacy and in a town where parking space is at a premium there’s space for cars at the side.

The property is approached via a small courtyard leading from Church Street and includes three bedrooms, one of which is ensuite.

There’s electric underfloor heating throughout and an enclosed secluded and attractive garden which includes

a summerhouse.

Downstairs, from the entrance hall is a cloakroom, sitting room, with mutli-fuel burner and French doors to the garden, a dining area and kitchen.

Upstairs the main bedroom, which includes an ensuite, has fine views of Woodbridge and garden.

There are also two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Henham, Nr Southwold Guide Price £895,000

Hasketon Guide Price £750,000

Kettleburgh Guide Price £642,000

Framlingham Guide Price £549,500

An impressive Suffolk barn, set in a delightful rural location. 3 reception rooms, kitchen, study. 5 bedrooms (3 en-suites). Gardens of approx 2 acres.

Ref: 4584

A period cottage with 6 acres, in a standalone position. 3 reception rooms, kitchen. 3 bedrooms and store rooms. 16 run cattery with workroom. Stables.

Ref: 4587

An extended detached 4 bedroom, 3 reception room cottage, occupying a delightful rural location, with outbuildings, swimming pool and approx. 3 acres.

Ref: 4588

Last house remaining on an exclusive Hopkins & Moore site.

Kitchen/breakfast area, 4 reception rooms, study. 5 bedrooms (3 en-suites). Garages and garden.

Ref: 4187

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

Last year, over 50% of our buyers came from London, the Home Counties or abroad. Suffolk attracts national buyers.

JACKSON-STOPS & STAFF ARE NATIONAL AGENTS

Nr Woodbridge

New Guide £975,000

An elegant, beautifully presented New England style house finished to the highest standards, backing onto woodland, in a sought after village close to Woodbridge. 2 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms/ shower rooms. Studio. Garage annexe. Gardens, in all about 0.25 of an acre.

Joint Agents Neals.

Nr Southwold

Guide £2,000,000

An impressive Grade II* Listed 17th century hall amidst wonderfully mature & picturesque gardens. 4 reception rooms & snug. Kitchen, breakfast room.

7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Extensive second floor with 5 attic rooms, plus a 3 room East Wing staff flat. Former coach house with further potential. Service courtyard with stables & stores. Traditional barn. In all, about 17.5 acres

Laxfield

New Guide £595,000

A handsome period style family house set amidst mature gardens. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms, 3 shower/bathrooms. In all, about 1 acre.

Additonal land & buildings also available.

Benhall Low Street

New Guide £735,000

A picturesque period house nestling within the tranquil countryside of the Alde Valley.

3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2 shower rooms. Garaging & stores. Delighfully mature, sheltered & secluded gardens & grounds bordering water meadows. In all, about 1.25 of an acre.

Nr Bungay

Guide £1,150,000

A fully restored & beautifully presented old rectory standing in mature grounds. 3 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen. 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Outbuildings.

Tennis court. Formal gardens & grounds. In all, about 3.5 acres.

National Agents, Local Knowledge.

Thinking of selling in 2012? Contact Jonathan Penn or Tim Dansie 01473 218218 Ipswich 01473 218218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk

www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices covering the UK London office: 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU

Professional ProfessionalEstate EstateAgents Agents||Letting LettingAgents Agents || Property Property Management Management Auctioneers | Independent Mortgage Advice Auctioneers | Independent Mortgage Advice Please Pleasecontact contactus usfor foraafree freeand andconfidential confidentialproperty property market market valuation valuation

Wattisham Wattisham Green Green £425,000 £425,000

AAhandsome handsomedetached detachedVictorian Victorian family family house house with with third third ofofan anacre acre(sts) (sts)set setin inaapretty prettyvillage village location. location. The The classically classicallystyled styledaccommodation accommodation includes includes 22 reception reception rooms, rooms,snug, snug,study, study,kitchen, kitchen,44 bedrooms, bedrooms, bathroom bathroom and and shower showerroom. room.Outside, Outside,secluded secluded mainly mainly lawn lawn gardens gardens with withfruit fruittrees treesand anddriveway. driveway.

Offton Offton £495,000 £495,000

Georgianvillage villagehouse housewith with equestrian equestrian facilities facilities and and AAGeorgian wonderfulcountryside countrysideviews views set set in in about about 11 acre acre of of wonderful garden(sts). (sts).The Theaccommodation accommodation includes includes 55 bedrooms, bedrooms, 33 garden receptionrooms, rooms,kitchen, kitchen,two two cloakrooms cloakrooms and and bathroom. bathroom. reception Outside,beautiful beautifulformal formalgardens, gardens, stable stable block, block, fenced fenced Outside, paddocks & outbuildings. paddocks & outbuildings.

Bildeston Bildeston £455,000 £455,000

fineTudor Tudorfamily familyresidence residence with with extensive extensive living living space, space, AAfine large outbuilding ready for refurbishment and gardens of large outbuilding ready for refurbishment and gardens of about 1/4 acre (sts). The stylish and characterful about 1/4 acre (sts). The stylish and characterful accommodation includes 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, accommodation includes 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, study, bathroom and en suite shower room. Outside, study, bathroom and en suite shower room. Outside, pretty walled gardens and outbuilding/garaging. pretty walled gardens and outbuilding/garaging.

One Market Place, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5DL t. 01473 828121 One Market Place, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5DL t. 01473 828121 e. enquiries@mortonsmithandgirling.co.uk w. mortonsmithandgirling.co.uk e. enquiries@mortonsmithandgirling.co.uk w. mortonsmithandgirling.co.uk

GOBBITT & KIRBY

Woodbridge t: 01394 380330

Framlingham t: 01728 622330

www.gkl.co.uk £1,150,000

BRUNDISH

£575,000

FRAMLINGHAM

Grade II Listed, Suffolk Moated Longhouse, three reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast, scullery, guest cloaks, five bedrooms, two with en suites & family bathroom, mature grounds of approx. 7 acres (sts).

Barns, outbuildings & multiple parking. £225,000

CHILLESFORD

A delightful three bedroom semidetached property offers light & well proportioned accommodation.

Comprising sitting room, kitchen/ breakfast, downstairs cloakroom, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Mature rear garden with parking for two cars.

A very well presented semi detached property located in a quiet courtyard. Comprises sitting room, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, two double bedrooms, a landing space/ study & a bath/shower room. A well stocked garden + a single carport.

RENDHAM £499,950

A fascinating Grade II listed property will a barn/studio and single storey two bed attached bungalow. The main house has 5 reception, study, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 en

suite bathrooms, shower room, garage and attractively landscaped garden.

ALDEBURGH £299,950

Victorian 2 bedroom semi-detached house. 2 reception, cloaks, kitchen/diner, conservatory, pretty rear garden. Walking distance of beach.

£225,000

MELTON

KELSALE

Grade II listed five bedroom detached house, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, downstairs WC + shower room, master bedroom with en suite, family bathroom, mature & secluded south facing walled garden.

KESGRAVE

£950 pcm

TO LET Well presented detached property comprising entrance hallway, cloakroom, lounge, dining room, kitchen, utility room, master bedroom with en-suite, three further bedrooms and family bathroom.

Benefits include double glazing, garage and enclosed private garden.

£155,000

Aldeburgh 01728 454622

YOXFORD £179,950

A delightful 2 bed semi-detached cottage with 2 reception, kitchen, conservatory, shower room, utility, pretty garden, parking.

Saxmundham 01728 605511 www.jennie-jones.com

£1200 pcm

TO LET A unique and individual split level property, comprising hallway, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/utility, dining room, four bedrooms, bathroom, and garden room. Benefits include double garage, GCH, gardens, and heated outdoor swimming pool.

ALDEBURGH

ALDRINGHAM £449,000

A beautiful newly converted barn with double garage and sunny walled garden.

Fabulous kitchen/breakfast room, 2 reception, 3 bedrooms, smart bathroom and en suite shower room.

A 2 bedroom semi-detached period cottage with sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, bathroom, courtyard garden.

WOODBRIDGE

£349,500

An elegant 3 bedroom apartment with use of a landscaped communal garden and parking. Open plan living room and kitchen, bathroom and en suite. Short walk to the beach.

SUDBOURNE

£215,000

Charming 2 bedroom period cottage. Porch, sitting/dining room, kitchen, cloaks, bathroom, attractive gardens.

Southwold 01502 722065

ALDEBURGH £299,950

Modern 3 bedroom link detached house with sitting room, kitchen/diner, guest suite on ground floor, garage, garden. Well presented.

New Homes Profile

ÂŽ

Places&Faces | January/February 2012

High trees farm Facts Location: East Bergholt Agent: Grier & Partners

RURAL LOCATION A select development in East Bergholt

igh Trees Farm in East Bergholt is a project conceived some 4 years ago by the long term landowner Robert Hubbard who has lived in East Bergholt and Holton St Mary all his life and continues to live on site in the former farm house. The development consists of a total of four properties, two beautifully converted oak framed barns which on close inspection are built in part with ship timbers clearly predating the barns by quite possibly 200 years, and two individually designed contemporary new homes. The original planning consent was obtained by the local design practice in East Bergholt headed

by Roger Balmer who was able to skilfully negotiated with a co-operative Babergh 86 | placesandfaces.co.uk

District Council.

Taking the site forward on a joint venture basis with Robert are the now well known North Essex Developer, Knight Development, who have built a strong reputation within East Anglia and the village for building well considered and high quality new homes under the guidance of William Antony.

The properties command a stunning rural edge of village location approached off a private lane and all grouped around what was the now landscaped farmyard pond. The clever use of materials and striking architecture now gives prospective buyers the chance to own an exceptionally well presented and highly specified home.

Priced at ÂŁ985,000 Great Barn provides just over 3,000 sq.ft of living space and a plot extending to 0.33 of an acre. Awaiting release are the new build, Pond House and the second barn conversion Threshers. The fourth property, The Lodge, has just been sold with the first new owners expected in February.

If you are looking for this style of property and would like to view these unique homes, please contact David Grier or Jennifer Lambert at: Grier and Partners on 01206 299222, website www.grierandpartners.co.uk

DEDHAM

£355,000 Situated in the centre of this historic village, a Grade II listed two bedroom cottage with period features and exposed timbers throughout. Maintained to a high standard and enjoying a private courtyard garden with views to the rear.

CAPEL ST MARY

EAST BERGHOLT

£449,950

£1,050,000

A substantial Edwardian former Coaching Inn set in mature landscaped gardens of approx. 1 acre, attractive coach house and range of garages with potential for conversion stp. The well proportioned accommodation includes six bedrooms, two en suite and family bathroom, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, bespoke Orwells kitchen/ breakfast room overlooking the garden.

An attractively presented well proportioned five bedroom chalet offering versatile accommodation including three reception rooms, and well fitted kitchen/breakfast room.

Enclosed private gardens and parking for several vehicles.

£450,000

HIGHAM

A charming detached Grade II Listed period house situated in the centre of the village. The accommodation includes three bedrooms, first floor bathroom, three reception rooms, kitchen & outside office/playroom. Third acre gardens sts with parking and seating area.

£349,500

MANNINGTREE

Overlooking a Greensward a modern three bedroom home situated within easy walk of the town centre and the attractive Stour Estuary. Enclosed private rear garden, garage and off road parking.

www.grierandpartners.co.uk Tel: (01206) 299222 Email: enquiries@grierandpartners.co.uk The Old Shop, The Street, East Bergholt, Colchester, Suffolk CO7 6TF

50% RECYCLED ALUMINIUM. 100% ORIGINAL THINKING.

The aerodynamic aluminium body structure of the Jaguar XJ is more than a beautiful design. Immensely strong, it also saves around 150kg compared to a conventional steelbodied rival. As a result, the XJ steers more eagerly, brakes faster, accelerates more quickly and uses fuel more efficiently; 40.1 mpg combined in the case of the 3.0 litre V6 Diesel. In addition, at least 50% of the aluminium is recycled. Because at Jaguar, there are no half-measures in pursuit of sustainable luxury.

>>

MARSHALL.IPSWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK

0844 243 5642

JAGUAR XJ FROM

£

55,515*

ON THE ROAD.

MARSHALL JAGUAR IPSWICH WEST END ROAD, IPSWICH IP1 2DZ 0844 243 5642 WWW.MARSHALL.IPSWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK

OFFICIAL FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE XJ RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 15.4 (18.3) – 29.6 (9.6); EXTRA URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 50.0 (5.6); COMBINED 23.4 (12.1) – 40.1 (7.0). CO2 EMISSIONS 289 – 184 G/KM *On the road price is the Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price plus Car Tax, First Registration Fee and Delivery Pack.

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

Dealer Profile

NO BETTER PLACE TO TALK JAGUAR

Photograph left to right: David Pearce, Richard Trott, Don Jury

ince 2006 and the launch of the XK sports car, Jaguar has gone through an amazing transformation. In 2008 the XF sports saloon was introduced and has gone on to win countless awards for its style, performance and quality and just last year the new XJ redefined contemporary luxury when it went on sale. In that time Jaguar has also seen a new custodian in the form of Tata Motors that has injected not only billions of pounds into the company but also an air of excitement and ambition that has resulted in stunning concept vehicles and the promise of ever more revolutionary cars in the near future.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the friendly and professional service at local Jaguar dealer Marshall in Ipswich. The dealership was refurbished earlier this year to reflect the new brand identity but thankfully the team behind the business have held on to their principals of offering an outstanding customer

experience, whether in the purchase of a new or used Jaguar, the service or repair of your current car or the supply of genuine Jaguar parts to support Jaguar cars of any age. This befits a business now proudly part of the Marshall Motor Group which two years ago celebrated its centenary, no mean feat in this fast moving industry.

The team is led by general manager Richard Trott who has 17 years Jaguar experience in a 27 year career in the motor industry. Richard can’t imagine a better manufacturer to represent, especially having had a sneak preview of some of the new cars coming over the next few years.

Not far behind is sales manager Mike Needham who joined the business in 1995 when it was located in Colchester and traded as H R Owen. Few are as passionate about their customers as Mike and you can be assured of red carpet treatment if you are considering the purchase or lease of a Jaguar.

The service team is led by Don Jury who joined Jaguar in 1997 following many years with Mercedes-Benz in the London area. As runner up in the 2010 Jaguar Service Centre of the Year awards Don has proven the ability to support Jaguar owners throughout Suffolk and Essex to the highest standards.

Finally the parts department is headed

by David Pearce who joined in 1996, again in the Colchester days and supports both the dealership service activities and also the local trade with daily deliveries across the region.

That’s 62 years of Jaguar experience across the management team. Can there be a better place to talk Jaguar?

Currently the dealership is busy demonstrating the new 2.2 litre XF Diesel which combines outstanding comfort and refinement with the promise of 52.3mpg on the combined cycle. For more information contact Marshall Jaguar 01473 215900

Call us today to book a test drive.

Hammond Land Rover Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8HX

01986 834700 www.hammond.landrover.co.uk

DEFENDER The best tool for the job.

Drive responsibly on and off-road.

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE DEFENDER RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 20.8 (13.6) – 22.6 (12.5) EXTRA URBAN 29.2 (9.7) – 32.9 (8.6) COMBINED 25.5 (11.1) – 28.3 (10.0) CO2 EMISSIONS: 295 – 266 G/KM.

Faces@Places

To view more photos from this event go to

Fynn Valley Golf Club

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Lighthouse Women’s Aid Fynn Valley Golf Club held a ‘Here Come The Girls’ fundraising ball in aid of Lighthouse Women’s Aid – a charity providing safe and supportive refuge for abused women.

Ryan & Lisa Last, Katie Spink, Jo Leah, Joanne Palfrey, Sonia Jackson

Abel & Abigail Lord

Ottilie & Roger Meadows

Claire Mark, Kay Campbell, Maggie Stockton, Sarah Watts, Kerry Gladden

Robert & Susan Hall

Kevin & Lorraine Green

Jackie & Alastair Spink

Rachel & Jez Turner

Julian & Jenny Holmes

Al & Karen Barroso

Kelly & Sean Bell

Leigh & Rebecca Howard, Katie & Andy Coe

Maria & David Dod

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Faces@Places

Bourne Garden Centre

Suffolk Family Carers Shoppers were treated to the angelic strains of the Ipswich High School for Girls Choir and solo vocals from young carer Lily Ayres at the Bourne garden Centre Christmas fund-raising evening for Suffolk Family Carers.

Laurie Mayer, Ruthie Henshall, Jacqui Martin, Lily Ayres, Brian Parrott

Ruthie Henshall, Claire Muckleston

Vic & Trish Offord, Teresa Ayre, Georgia Ayre

Shirley Hubbick, Tina Smashall

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Helen Potter, Rob Dunger

Sarah Clark, Sue Clarke

Trevor Hubbard, Tony Spencer

Sara Imperciati, Terry Ward, Ann Lewington

Karen & Mark Bergdahl

Jessica Clarke, Clare Bacon, Philip Mayhew

Jane & Gary Newton

Sheila Cartwright, Esther Pacitti, Diane Relf, Mark Hall, Laura Clayton, Anna Sadler

Suffolk Foundation AGM

To view more photos from this event go to

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Suffolk Foundation AGM Members and supporters of The Suffolk Foundation met at The Appex in Bury St Edmunds for the AGM and to hear inspiring key-note speaker Dame Stephanie Shirley – the British Government’s founding Ambassador for philanthropy.

Nigel Smith, Richard Middleton, Stephen Singleton

Clare Countess of Euston, Mona Sheepshanks

Peter Gutteridge, John Carrington

Kirsten Robins, Penny Charlton, Cathy & Paul Press

Dame Stephanie Shirley, David Sheepshanks

Yvonne & Martin Sylvester, Suzanne Gibbons

Fiona Mahony, James Buckle

Andrew Wheeler, Peter Bye, Simon Smith

Lady Julia Henniker, John French, Sue Wright, Christopher Spicer

Marion Press, Lady Kemball

Peter Newnham, Jess Newnham, Lady Clare Howes

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Faces@Places

Woolverstone Wish

Winter Ball in aid of ‘Woolverstone Wish’ As part of the fund-raising efforts to raise £800,000 for the Woolverstone Wing of Ipswich Hospital a ball was held in memory of well known Felixstowe resident Charlie Manning at The Hotel Elizabeth Orwell. The evening raised £12,500.

Hugo & Gillian Sacker, Jaspar Corbett, Sarah Nicholl, Graeme & Lynda Keeble, Tony Nicholl, Tara Corbett

Derek & Angelica Johnson

Ivan & Noreen Savage, Wendy Childs, Sarah Manning, Richard Cattermole, Graham Childs

Peter & Maureen Gerber

Murray & Lorraine Jervis

Rosie Barham, Judy Cattermole, Linda Wiles, Sarah-Anne Barham

94 | placesandfaces.co.uk

John & Jacky Humphrey, Pat & Roger Cordy, Mary-Jane Mullender, Alan & Carol Coy

Trudi Nicholls, Shirley Nicholls

Lisa & Jason Maclean-Spruce

Lucy Mayhew, Steven Cordory

Lyn Sallows, June Webb, Don Maclean, Sarah Manning, Karen Shelley, Patsy Weichelt, Francesca Shelly, Shirley Alexander

Woolverstone Wish

Mike & Nicola Swirles

Teresa Deer, Stuart Curtis

Emma & Adrian Peters

Karen & Andrew Parker

Ed & Caroline Blackmore

Michael Chaplin, Paul Dawson, Craig Went, Heather Chaplin

Mario & Jessica Zampi, Ali & Cam Wareham

Joanne & Oliver Windell

Amanda, Richard & Judy Cattermole

Tom Hall, Billy Davies, Leigh Claden

To view more photos from this event go to

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Julia & Richard Monk

Marina Webb, Michelle Dormer

Elias & Rosie Barham

Nikki Walker, Drew Black

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New Wolsey Theatre/Macmillan Cancer Support

Rock’n’Roll Pantomime An enthusiastic crowd gathered for a feel good feast of entertainment at this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll pantomime at the New Wolsey Theatre, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. “Oh Yes They Did…..”

Claire Treadwell, Michael Ladbrooke, Jo Miller

Mark Murphy, Lesley Dolphin

Stephanie Lloyd, Coralie Lloyd

David Newborn, Joanna Carrick

Linda & Steve Britt

Geoff Rivers, Joanna Spicer, Deborah Cadman

Macmillan Cancer Support The Macmillan Cancer Support Centenary Business Challenge encouraged a hundred Suffolk businesses to each raise £1000 for the charity. Successful participants met at Hintlesham Hall to celebrate their achievements and exchange fund raising ideas for the year ahead.

Christine & John Norman, Judy & Bob Wade

96 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Brenda Bennett, Janet Drake

Joanne Palfrey, Liz Palfrey, Judy Wade

Gordon Gilbert, Holly Lambert, Monica Gilbert

Stephanie Harrod, Hazel Stimpson

Sue Fletcher, Dean Musfelt, Bernadette Eklid

Directory

Homes & Gardens

Hair Dressing

JOHN OLIVERS

Homes & Gardens

Ph

HAIRDRESSING GROUP

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSERS

Hot Tubs

Tiles & Wood floors

Haircutting and Colour by Goldwell Colour Technicians Perming, Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment Weddings & Special Occasions

including pre loved tubs

Stockists of KMS, Redken, GHD, Wella, Goldwell IPSWICH - 6-8 Gt Colman St Solid Steel Rose Arches, Gates 01473 214 244 & Gazebos on Display or Next Generation, 22a Fore St Custom made to order 01473 287 402 www.johnolivers.com

www.justtileswoodbridge.com

www.crosswaysofellingham.co.uk TEL: 01508 518400. 99 Yarmouth Road, Ellingham, Bungay

The Retreat, 15 Fore St The Granary, 01473 286 363 Darsham, WOODBRIDGE - 3-5 Gobbitts Yard Suffolk, 01394 387 048 IP17 3PL, Tel: 01728 668 700 www.smokeandfire.co.uk

Photography

CONTEMPORARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Domestic and Contract wewe lovelovyoue you herereeFlooring r rSpecialists WWh Where we love your do! under asasyouus chlove much do! hayour you ch as you asr asmu feet! ir as mu hairhaiYou’ll We aim to make your experience at Ellen Ross a memorable one your satisfaction is our goal, our professional team of stylists are on hand to cut colour and style your hair to your needs.

Plus everything you need to keep your New Fine ‘Quirky’ Paints hot tub well maintained from our full range & of Paper Carpets range of chemicals and accessories.

from inAlternative associationFlooring with English Heritage Now available at Barretts

Deckworld

“The “TheIndependent Independentfamily familyrun runhome home furnishingstore storeininthe theheart heartof ofWoodbridge” Woodbridge” furnishing

21 Mill Road, Newbourne, Suffolk, 40 Thoroughfare . Woodbridge . Suffolk . IP12 1AL 384300 (01473) 736551 IP12• 01394 4NP, Telephone:

www.barretts.co.uk • sales@barretts.co.uk www.deckworld.co.uk

Square Framlingham 24 Well Close Square FramlinghamSt E24 WellBCloseCARPETS & FLOORINGS www.coastalbrides.co.uk 246 – 248 High Street Walton, Felixstowe IP11 9DS 01728 723999 01728 723999 Tel 01394 282538 Fax 01394 01502 272157630073 E-mail: info@ebcarpetsandfloorings.co.uk

Motors

Energy Efficient Hot Tubs

New Range

Whatever your requirements Deckworld will be happy to find the perfect hot tub for you as well supplying everything you need to keep it well maintained from our full range of chemicals and accessories.

Free delivery within 50 miles and a free chemical starter pack with all hot tubs purchased.

21 Mill Road, Newbourne, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP12 4NP, Telephone: (01473) 736551 www.deckworld.co.uk

Specialist in Mercedes-Benz service, sales & repair

Spur End Wilford Bridge Rd Melton Woodbridge 01394 610528

The Woodlands, Badley, Needham Market, Suffolk

Deckworld (Ipswich) are pleased to announce the arrival of a new range of Clearwater Spa hot tubs. Utilising the latest Esmart technology you can now relax safe in the knowledge that you have chosen one of the most energy efficient and environmentally sound spas in the world.

Deckworld

the Tile Studio For all your natural stone & DERRICK ceramic tiling needs WELLS Independent

Tubs from

£2,495

www.abbotsbridge.com Tel 01284 828081 A134 at Bradfield Combust

HOT TUBS FROM YOUR LOCAL IPSWICH SUPPLIER

Tel: 01449 774222 E-mail: service@derrick-wells.com

Printing Printing

Do you have a book to self-publish?

We can help you turn your idea into a reality

Gipping Press Ltd

www.gippingpress.co.uk Tel: 01449 721599 enquiries@gippingpress.co.uk

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Stuart Clay Traps Ltd Country Sports Fishing &

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An extensive range of fishing Professional photography tackle and baits always in stock.

by James Fletcher

3a & 3b Wilford Road, Stunning images with Bridge impeccable service Woodbridge, TMelton, 01394 274463 M 07951Suffolk 835508 T (01394) 385567 www.james-fletcher.com www.stuartsgunsandtackle.co.uk

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We’ll venues. To advertise call (01473) be happy to help and advise you to help and advise

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Places&Faces | January/February 2012

My Suffolk | Paul Winter

Paul Winter is the Chief Executive of Ipswich Building Society. He was brought up in Derby but moved to Suffolk in 1982 and took up his current role in 2007

You’ve lived in Suffolk for nearly 30 years now – do you regard it as your home now?

I see Suffolk as home but return to the Midlands quite regularly – I’ve got no thought of moving back there when I retire though. Like many people having got to Suffolk, I’ve become captivated by its charms and don’t want to go away.

We live in Old Newton and its just 25 minutes away from the office and it’s nice and close to Stowmarket railway station too as I usually have to go to London for work once a week. Also I have two grown up children who live in the area and two grandsons – one of which has just had his first birthday.

Where do you like to walk?

Actually I run – not too quickly. I have got an entry for the next London Marathon, which I’m doing for the Papworth Trust which does a lot of great work, but is not very well known in Suffolk. It helps disabled and disadvantaged people into the workplace.

I like to run in the countryside but keep thinking I should join Stowmarket Striders. I have always run and did cross country when I was younger but gave it up due a knee injury.

I started running again three years ago and have done a couple of half marathon since.

How is your marathon training going?

It’s starting to pick up. I’m following a sensible plan but its not easy at this time of the year – last Sunday when I was out there was horizontal rain!

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I try to run at home as much as possible around the lanes - you can go for miles and hardly even see even a vehicle. There are some lovely views and I’m really able to relax . In the week I run at lunchtimes, luckily there’s a shower in the office. Ransomes Europark isn’t the most attractive part of Suffolk, but at least it allows me to train.

My first aim is to finish the marathon and I would like to do a time of around 4hrs and 45mins – anything under that would be a huge bonus.

Where do you go to eat out?

Kesgrave Hall, the Bildeston Crown, and the Shepherd and Dog at Forward Green.

There are so many good places to eat around Suffolk. If I think back to when I moved to Suffolk in ’87, Ipswich was a culinary desert and now the choice is fantastic.

Are you a beer drinker?

Yes, I enjoy a pint and tend to lean towards Adnams but I like trying out all the microbreweries, of which there are a multitude locally. Whenever I go somewhere new I make a point of trying the local beer.

Where would you go for a day out?

We would probably head for the coast, we like Walberswick and Southwold but really anywhere on the coast is worth a visit and you can usually find somewhere that’s not too crowded. One of the reasons I like Suffolk is that there are so many quiet and open spaces and so you can find a way of relaxing.

If you had visitors where would you go?

At this time of year Dunwich Heath – because there is some raw beauty about that area. We’d also go to places like Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds is a must. Actually I’d take them to Ipswich too – it’s very underated – there are lots of historic places to see in the town. Then I’d also take them to Felixstowe to show them Suffolk isn’t all about twee villages and a very quiet way of life. There is a dynamism to the county too with Britain’s largest container port.

Of course we’d also stop off at a few nice country pubs on the way.

Do you have any hobbies?

Well I play golf badly, I’m a member at Stoke by Nayland. It helps you get away from the hurly burly of work. At the moment I only play once a month but when I retire I’d like to do more. I also like gardening and for the last year we’ve had an allotment in addition to our garden. We grow fruit and vegetables and at the moment we have sprouts, leeks and cabbages with some broccoli to go out in the spring. Home grown vegetables taste so different to shop bought ones. I only hope we get some rain soon. I must also be the only building society chief executive in the country to keep egg boxes in the office. I keep chickens and people at work joke that I talk more about chickens than I do work.

We’ve got five hens and we’ve named them all and it’s just fascinating to watch them peck around in the garden.

We supply an extensive range of ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone wall and floor tiles including ranges from Fired Earth and Porcelanosa. Our showroom has a comprehensive display with the majority of products being exclusive in our region.

To complement the quality of our tiles we have the wonderful Roca and Laufen sanitaryware on display along with the very stylish Bisque radiators.

36-38 Woodbridge Road Rushmere St Andrew Ipswich IP5 1BH T: 01473 617050 E: info@foxwoodceramics.co.uk

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THE DESIGN CENTRE ARE PROUD NEPTUNE PREMIER PARTNERS. PICTURED: PRICE OF SIMILAR SIZED SUFFOLK KITCHEN STARTS FROM £9,000, HARROGATE 170CM TABLE £795 WITH LONG ISLAND LINEN CHAIR & COVER £195 AND SUFFOLK SIDEBOARD £995.

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