Places & Faces (Suffolk) April 2012 by Achieve More Media

The places and faces that make Suffolk great

RIVER HARVEST

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

www.placesandfaces.co.uk ISSUE 15

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Places&Faces® | April 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, Fountian Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Published by: Achieve More Media Ltd 21, Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk, IP5 2EP www.achievemoremedia.co.uk

Cover: Shellfish from the Deben (see page 8) 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

ith the climate and the seasons all over the place you can never be quite sure what the weather is going to be like for Easter and spring. But no matter if you’re wrapped up in woolies and furry boots or breaking out the sunscreen you’ll want to get out and about more and enjoy what’s always a glorious time of year. This month Places&Faces® has taken a look at some of the great spring events in the county – the traditional Easter egg hunts for the children, Appache Approach – a very special charity fund raising event at Framlingham to support military charities and of course the re-opening of national Trust Properties. With spring, love is also in the air and we turn our thoughts once again to weddings. We help you through the planning stages and look too at new ways of keeping tabs on your wedding by using the internet and your smartphone apps. We’re always on the lookout for something unusual and this month we’re proud to have tracked down local swimmers – who love the icy deep. These are the brave and bold people who enjoy sea swimming from Southwold, Walberswick and Aldeburgh so much that they go in for a dip, not just once a year when the sun is high but, throughout the whole year come rain or shine. Then there’s also an interview with the Simper clan who have reintroduced the ancient production of mussels and oysters on the Deben also a profile on Tim Holder – an Ipswich man who’s campaigning to end world hunger. As ever we’ve got a host of regulars including our dog walk – this time in picturesque Chelsworth, interiors, fashion and elite properties but we couldn’t do it without the support of our valued commercial partners –so please keep telling them you saw them here. Wishing you a happy Easter

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

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

Contents

25 27

31 Features

25 27 41

EASTER DAYS OUT Getting out and about for the Bank Holiday Weekend

NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

Creating stage sets using incredibly detailed scale models

WEDDINGS Using mobile technology plus an ‘at a glance’ guide to planning

People

106

MY SUFFOLK Jonathan Reekie of Aldeburgh Music

13 14

SUFFOLK IN BRIEF

MINI PREVIEWS

FASHION

TIM HOLDER Country Director UK of the Hunger Project on organising a gala night at the Royal Albert Hall

The daily, early morning adventures of ardent coastal swimmers

Regulars

THE SIMPERS The farming family who have diversified to shell-fishing in the Deben

OPEN WATER SWIMMING

PUB DOG WALK

56 58

SHORT BREAK

67 74

HOMES AND INTERIORS

PROPERTY

MOTORING

news from around the county

WHAT’S ON Where to go and what to see in April

The Apache Approach, Weird Creatures, Oliver!, English Touring Opera and Waiting for Godot

Latest spring collections plus some new lines for children

COMPETITION Your chance to win £100 to spend at Caramel

Starting from the Peacock Inn at Chelsworth Felixstowe’s Orwell Hotel

FOOD AND DRINK Dining at the Harwich Harbourside, lighter wines for lighter nights, a recipe from the Pier at Southwold along with our food and local produce galleries

Ideas for your bathroom

GARDENING Growing from seed plus the national Garden Scheme open dates for Suffolk gardens A selection of our county’s finest homes for sale

The new Mercedes B-Class

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

TALES FROM THE RIVER Suffolk farming family, the Simpers, have long associations with the sea and times forgotten – with tales of working the old barges and restoring classic east coast boats. Their latest venture is to bring back shellfish to the Deben. Anne Gould finds out more he tide ebbs, the tide flows and for the Simper family their past, their present and their future seems as much tied to the river at Ramsholt as the land they own. Eleven generations of Simpers have farmed here in splendid and stunning isolation in a landscape that’s sometimes wild, sometimes challenging but is always nothing less than beautiful. 8 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Although they might be farmers, with the Deben twisting and turning around their land like a serpent, it’s little wonder that their hearts seem to yearn for the water and the sea. Family elder, Robert, is a prolific writer, author, photographer, one of only a few people still alive to have worked on an east coast barge and an acknowledged national authority on classic boats - a sort of

Suffolk People

Wainwright of our coastal waters. His son Jonathan is a farmer clearly proud of his home, his heritage, Suffolk and the classic east coast boats he’s restored but is seeking a way to provide his son with the sort of living enjoyed by his ancestoral heritage. At 16 there’s Harry, a teenager whose passion for fishing resulted in five lobster pots as a Christmas present rather than a

games console or a computer. They are a tight knit clan - Robert and his wife Pearl live up river, a stone’s throw from Jonathan and his family, wife Clare and children Harry and Sara. From the outside it looks much like a farm should do - there are horses (Clare and Sara ride side saddle competitively), a herd of red poll cattle and an asparagus crop - sold through some of the best supermarket

chains in the UK. But despite their 400 acres Jonathan says “We are the only people for miles who measure their land in the hundreds rather than thousands of acres and we have been overtaken by the size of modern agriculture.” So as a family they are looking to the river and its traditional harvest of mussels and oysters for the future. In many ways it makes absolute sense. The family clearly love the sea and the river - they are proud of the classic Suffolk boats, the Mary Amelia, Three Sisters and Pet they’ve restored and own and wouldn’t swap them for something new and shiny. They’ve been messing about on the river - well forever. Robert tells stories of visits to Ipswich as a lad when he’d steal down to Ipswich Docks and stare in fascination at the working barges. Little wonder as a young man he signed up to work on the barges carrying grain and wheat up and down the east coast. “It was incredibly hard work. There were only two crew members and even though I had been working on the farm it was more physically demanding than that. “You were also bound by the weather so if there was no wind you simply couldn’t sail maybe for two or three days but sometimes for a week or more.” He said they also didn’t have the benefit of modern conveniences and navigation devices we all take for granted today. “We were very fond of The Goon Show and were so desperate to hear it I remember one foggy night rowing off into the dark heading for a barge where the captain had a luxury item - a radio. “How we found the barge and got back I’ll never know.” Life changed for Robert when he hurt his back driving the lorry on the farm which put paid to his barge adventures but set him off on a different course, as a writer. To start with he wrote for local magazines and newspapers about boats, rivers, the sea but also had work - words and pictures - published in The Times and The Telegraph and specialist magazines like Classic Boats. He then turned to writing his own books - exploring the beauty and history of rivers and waterways across the UK. In doing so he and Pearl have not only had to embrace new technology - they’ve set up their own publishing house and, thanks to Robert falling into the river with his camera, have learnt about digital photography too. All the while the couple’s allegiance to the river and the Ramsholt home they’ve lived in for 56 years has never waivered.

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Suffolk People

Photograph above three generations of the Simper family left to right: Jonathan, Robert and Harry

They still love to go out sailing on the water and only last year Robert, Jonathan and Harry and a couple of friends took a trip to Calais on the Mary Amelia - a Leigh cockleboat built in 1914. They are also looking to the river to their future as it turns out that the Deben and their spot of heaven at Ramsholt is a near perfect breeding ground for shellfish - the third best in Great Britain to be precise with the first and second being in Scotland. Jonathan explained the reason is that the river is incredibly clean because there’s no big town or manufacturing upstream and because of the tidal rise and fall. Little wonder that the mussels they are now producing are finding themselves onto the tables of the very best restaurants not just in Suffolk but Michelin starred establishments in London too. Currently they are the only mussel

producers in Suffolk and one of only two oyster producers - but while it might seem as if it’s something new that’s far from the case. Apparently large shells have been found in the fresh water creeks at Shottisham and Bawdsey Fleet suggesting that in the medieval period, before the river walls were built, native oysters thrived in the River Deben. In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there were organized oyster fisheries in the Deben, near Shottisham Creek and Green Point. The Green Point oysters were worked out by the West Mersea fishermen in the 1920s. There have been other very small-scale shellfish fisheries on the Deben. Until the 1920s winkles were harvested at Ramsholt and sold locally. ‘Kio’ Collins of Alderton used to gather up winkles and go around the district with a donkey

selling them. During the 1930s Depression unemployed men set up a mussel cleaning plant on Waldringfield beach and sold to the public too. In the 1980s there were also other attempts to revive shellfish production on the Deben with oysters being sold to a merchant at West Mersea. Says Robert, “In about 2000 Jonathan and I began monitoring oyster growth in the Deben but it wasn’t until Harry expressed his interest in oyster farming that we decided to investigate further.” It wasn’t an easy task and involved obtaining numerous permissions including renting a creek from the Crown Commissioners and a long period of water testing. In 2010 Jonathan began the time consuming task of getting all the necessary permissions to start a shellfish farm on the Deben and of course building an all essential purification plant at Ramsholt Lodge Farm. Today they are harvesting about a quarter of a ton of shellfish from the river every week and it’s hard work especially in the winter. In January’s cold spell Jonathan says there were ice flows on the river - the first time he’s ever experienced such a phenomenon. Of course they have to wait for the tide to be right before they can access the creek and while in summer that’s not too much of a problem in winter restricted daylight hours can make it difficult. Then at weekends there are the farmers markets - and this year they’ll be selling aparagus too because apparently the microclimate at Ramsholt guarantees an early crop. Keeping the business in the family also means delivering to restaurants up and down the heritage coast - but that’s yet another job that elder statesman of the east coast, Robert simply loves. The fruit of their labours though is shellfish that’s quite superb - they gave me a sample basket of mussels to take home. Cooked with Suffolk cider they were better than any I’ve tasted before.

Robert’s new book for the World Ship Trust on the history of Pin Mill barge The Cambria is due out later this year. For more details www.creeksidepublishing.co.uk For more information about Deben Shellfish visit www.debenshellfish.co.uk

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

News

Suffolk

Inspirational local charities, community groups and volunteers were celebrated at the annual High Sheriff Awards ceremony held in the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds and hosted by The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mr Stephen Miles. Compered by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and organised by The Suffolk Foundation that manages the High Sheriff’s Fund, the event was held to recognise and reward the work of the many voluntary groups and unsung heroes who do so much to make Suffolk a safer, healthier and more vibrant county to live in. The five categories with winners were: Suffolk Crimebeat Award - Don’t Let Drugs Wreck Your Life. Suffolk Community Partnership Award - Ormiston Children and Families Trust and HMP Young Offender Institution Warren Hill. Suffolk Group or Organisation of the Year - Bridge View Drop-in Centre in Lowestoft. Suffolk Under 25 Volunteer of the Year Marley Bagley. Suffolk Volunteer of the Year - Brian Childs. Photographs of the evening can be seen at www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ highsheriffawards At the AGM of the Suffolk Schools Tennis Association, held at Ipswich Sports Club, Brandeston Hall, the Preparatory School of Framlingham College, were awarded the Top School Individual Cup for 2011. Senior Tennis Professional, Trevor Wright and coach, Kari Sherington collected the award on behalf of the school from the President of the Association Pam Rogers. More than 40 pupils from Woodbridge School took to the catwalk and raised just under £4000 for the Hunger Project UK. The Fashion show was organised by sixth former Alex McNab, with choreography by fellow student Lauren Mansfield. To see photographs from the evening visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ woodbridgeschool-fashionshow On April 6th Ipswich Croquet Club is moving to its new lawns at Fynn Valley Golf Club. The Croquet Club, which is over

100 years old, is really looking forward to enjoying all the wonderful facilities at Fynn Valley and would like to welcome anyone, experienced player or beginner, to join them. If you would like to book a free “taster” session or to find out more about the club and beginners courses in either Association Croquet or Golf Croquet, please contact Fran Rousham (01394) 671642 or email fran@franrousham.plus.com An Ipswich High School Pupil has scooped seven county medals at the Essex Counties Indoor Athletic Championships. Year 7 pupil, Caitlin O’Reilly, was representing the Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club at Lee Valley, in North London. She was crowned Essex Champion in the 60 metres, along with Essex and Eastern Champion in the long jump; Caitlin is now ranked second in the UK for her age group (Under 13) in this discipline. The historic panelled rooms of Somerleyton Hall were the stunning backdrop for a glamorous salon show to celebrate the first decade of the destination fashion boutique Collen and Clare and their success in securing the summer 2012 collections from the global luxury brand Diane Von Furstenberg. It is a real coup for Vanessa Collen and Clare Grady who together founded the Southwold boutique. For photographs of the event visit www.placesandfaces.co.uk/ collenandclare As part of the celebrations of their 300 years of history and with a tribute to one of its most famous Governors , Lord Nelson, 20 pupils and 4 staff took part in the ‘RHS 300 Nelson to Nelson Run’ from the place of Nelson’s birth near Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, to Nelson House at the Royal Hospital School. The first runners started at 7.00am and groups of two or three completed legs of 12-15km passing a ‘Nelson’ baton over 150km finishing at 6.00pm. Event organiser

in brief and teacher at the School, Mr Martin Callow, said “I totally underestimated the depth of enthusiasm demonstrated by these girls and boys. These are incredibly committed young men and women”. Sunday July 29th has been announced as Suffolk Dog Day 2012 at Helmingham Hall. Chairman, and owner of two Labradors, Iain Jamie said: “This is a fantastic family day out for so many reasons. It is fun, relaxed, there is something for everyone and we know the monies raised really do end up in the hands of those who need it most, thanks to the work of The Suffolk Foundation”. For up-to-date information on the day, how to sponsor, register, exhibit, or who will be there visit the website on www.suffolkdogday.co.uk Hammonds of Halesworth are pleased to announce that they have been successfully appointed as one of an elite handpicked group of dealers to launch the first Chinese manufactured vehicle to the UK Market. Great Wall Vehicles have been established for over 30 years and currently operate in 120 Countries. Initially the Great Wall range in the UK will be commercial vehicles with the Great Wall Steed the first model. For more details see www.hammondgroup.co.uk/ great-wall Former head chef of Le Talbooth Tom Bushell has moved to The Pier in Harwich as head chef in the Harbourside Restaurant. After six years at Le Talbooth, Tom is relishing his fresh challenge. Tom started his apprenticeship with Milsom Hotels in his teens, then in various restaurants throughout the country before he came back to Le Talbooth. Tom said ‘I am excited to be working in Harwich with a great team; it was my boyhood dream when I first started in Dedham to one day work at The Pier. I never thought I’d end up as head chef in the Harbourside restaurant!” For a review of the new Harbourside menu see pages 58 & 59.

Photographs Left to right: Vanessa Collen, Lord and Lady Somerleyton, Clare Grady, Alex McNab, Trevor Wright and Kari Sherington.

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

what’s on April 1 Snape Maltings, 2pm Aldeburgh’s Big Broadway Shout Join us for a wonderful afternoon of singing along with some of the all-time great musical theatre numbers. Everyone is the star of the show with Aldeburgh’s Big Shout! If you don’t want to join a ‘choir’ but want to be a part of communal singing then come and see what Aldeburgh’s Big Shout is all about. All ages, all abilities and you don’t need to read music. Fun for all the family! Tickets: £2 Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2.30pm Salvation Army Concert Musical Promenade featuring band and choir. Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

April 2 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Michael Pennington’s Sweet William A journey through the life and work of our greatest playwright, illuminating the man and his plays. Tickets: £15 - £21 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk April 2-7 Ipswich Regent Chicago International hit musical starring Ali Bastian and Bernie Nolan Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com www.chicagotour.co.uk

14 | placesandfaces.co.uk

April 3 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Gretchen Peters Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters returns after her visit to The Apex for the successful Wine, Women & Song concert. After years of writing work for the likes of Patty Loveless, Neil Diamond & Etta James, Gretchen Peters’ warm-honey voice has earned her respect as a performer in her own right. Tickets: £17.50 Box office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm An Audience with Jimmy Greaves Join one of the game’s most endearing characters for a night of reminiscences and chat about all things football. Tickets: £15 - £21 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk April 3- 7 (except April 6) New Wolsey, Ipswich, 7.45pm and matinees 2.30pm Waiting For Godot (See mini preview) Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk April 4 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm The Manfreds - 50th Anniversary Tour The Manfreds, with original ‘front man’ Paul Jones, will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2012, performing many

of their hits along with a mix of Jazz and Blues songs from some of their best-known albums. Tickets: £20 - £25 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

April 5 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Proms by Candlelight The Locrian ensemble present ‘The Last Night of the Proms’ attired in lavish period costume and performed in front of a stunning classical set. Tickets: £15 - £21 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm An Evening of Dance and Conversation with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ Katya Virshilas. Katya Virshilas takes to the stage for an evening of exhibition dance routines, featuring the Rumba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Jive and many more. There will also be the chance for you to put your questions to Katya and find out what really goes on behind the scenes of the hit BBC TV show! Five lucky members of the audience will join the cast on stage in their very own fun, strictly dance competition. Joining Katya is her ‘Strictly’ dance partner Pasha Kovalev. The show will also feature up to 40 young dancers from a popular local dance school. Tickets: £18.50 Child £12.50 Box Office: 01394 282126 www.thespapavilion.org

What’s On

April 5 -9 8th Hundon Plough Beer Festival With award-winning beers, ciders and perry from around the country www.theploughhundon.co.uk April 6 Farmers Markets Stowmarket Market Place 9am-1.30pm Southwold Farmers Market, Adnams Cellar and Kitchen Store 9am-12:30pm April 6 and 7 Easter Make and Play Stonham Barns Fun activites for children and families. www.stonhambarns.com April 6 -8 Snape Maltings Easter Weekend

• April 7, 8pm Elisabeth Leonskaja piano Beethoven Piano Sonata in E Op.109; Piano Sonata in A flat Op.110; Piano Sonata in C minor Op.111 Elisabeth Leonskaja’s Aldeburgh debut at the 2011 Festival made a powerful impression, testament to an extraordinary technique but also to a free-thinking, spirited musicianship. now in her fifth decade on the concert platform, here is a pianist at the peak of her powers and an opportunity to hear these piano masterpieces over the course of a single evening. Tickets: £10 to £22

Box office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk April 7 Farmers Markets • April 6, 8pm and April 8, 4pm Beccles Heliport 9am - 1pm Beethoven 9 Hartest Peartree Farm 10 - 12.30 Britten–Pears Orchestra and Soloists Metfield village Hall 9am - 12 noon Aldeburgh voices. London voices Ben Stradbroke Business & Enterprise College Parry music director, Antonello Manacorda 9am - 1pm conductor. Schoenberg Friede auf Erden Woodbridge Community Centre 9am -1pm Beethoven Symphony no.9 Tickets: £10 to £24

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The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 10am-5pm March Hare Collective An eclectic bunch of Suffolk artists, designer makers and crafters displaying a mix of affordable art and handmade crafts; all original work, supporting local independent designer-makers. Free Tel: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk www.marchharecollective.co.uk vintage & Modern Market 10am to 4pm The Shire Hall and Market Hill, Woodbridge www.debenevents.com Real Craft Fair Mid Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns, 10am - 4pm Entrance: £2.00 www.stonhambarns.com Southwold Concert Series St Edmunds Church, 7.30pm nathan Williamson, Piano One of the UK’s most versatile and individual young pianists and composers with a reputation for bold and dramatic performances. Programme includes Liszt,

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

Mozart, Birtwistle and Beethoven Tickets: £12 Box Office: 01502 726161 April 8 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Fat Cat Comedy Club Bury’s great monthly comedy night. Tickets: £10 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk www.fatcatcomedyclub.com Farmers Markets Assington, The Bar 10am - 2pm Snape Maltings 9.30am - 1pm April 8 and 9 Easton Farm Park Easter Egg Hunt and fluffy Easter fun for the whole family. Lambs, kid goats, chicks, baby bunnies www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk April 10 and 11 New Wolsey Theatre, 11am and 2pm Tiddler and other Terrific Tales This is a magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles, including Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town, A Squash and a Squeeze and many more favourites. Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk April 12 New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm. Spitfire Solo A one-man show about an ex-Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot in which Nicholas Collett plays a multitude of characters and recreates the Battle of Britain - onstage! Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk April 13 Farmers Market Southwold Farmers Market, Adnams Cellar and Kitchen Store 9am - 12:30pm The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm European Union Chamber Orchestra With pianist Martin Roscoe, who has performed with all the major UK orchestras and has made over four hundred broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. Programme: Handel – Water Music Suite No 1 Mozart – Piano Concerto No 12 in A major Delius – Two Aquarelles (Water Colours) Haydn – Symphony No 64 “Tempora 16 | placesandfaces.co.uk

mutantur” Tickets: £18.50 to £21 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk April 13 and 14 Snape Maltings, 7.30pm English Touring Opera returns to Snape Maltings Concert Hall (See mini preview) Tickets: £12 to £29 Box office: 01728 687110 www.englishtouringopera.org.uk. www.aldeburgh.co.uk April 13-28 Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 7.30pm Roots by Arnold Wesker Beattie Bryant returns to her family home in Norfolk full of ideas but struggling to find her voice in this revolutionary play which bubbles from the depths with humour, imagination and compassion. Tickets: £9.50 - £21 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

April 14 Farmers Markets Halesworth Town Centre 9am – 1pm Rickinghall Village Hall 9am - 12.30pm New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 7.45pm. Terry Dash Music presents The Charleston Chasers Exciting, exhilarating swing music from the glittering 1920s and 1930s. Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk www.charlestonchasers.com Ipswich Corn Exchange, 7.30pm Mendelssohn’s Elijah Performed by Trianon Music Group Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm Weird Creatures - An Evening with Naturalist Nick Baker Nick Baker is presenter of Channel Five’s Weird Creatures, previous presenter of BBC One’s The Really Wild Show and CBBC’s (see mini preview) Tickets: £16.00 Concession £14.50 Box Office: 01394 282126 www.thespapavilion.org

April 14 and 15 Framlingham College, 10am - 5.30pm The Suffolk Food, Drink and Music Festival Back for the 2012 season with an exciting addition of The Framlingham Country Show . Top class cookery demonstrations and talks in the 300 seat demonstration area, event rings with dog agility and geese herding and live bands each day. Tickets: £5 Contact: 01728 666021 www.classiceventorganisers.co.uk April 15 The Apex Bury St Edmunds, 2.30pm Derek Paravicini Springtime Musical Extravaganza In aid of the West Suffolk Voluntary Association for the Blind. As seen on Channel 4’s “Extraordinary People”, Derek Paravicini is a blind autistic pianist with a huge repertoire that he recalls totally from memory. In this performance he will play a variety of piano pieces, from classical to contemporary, and the audience will have the opportunity to request some of their own favourites. Tickets: £12.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Trinity Park, Ipswich, 2.30pm A Celebrity Lecture with Suffolk Plant Heritage `Planting in the English Garden’ by Ursula Buchan with pictures by Andrew Lawson Tickets (including tea): Members £12.00, Non-members £15.00 Contact: Annabel Thorogood 07801 431427 Email: annabel.thorogood@gmail.com

What’s On

Easton Farm Park April 18-21 Young Farmers Show Ipswich Regent, 7.15pm (Matinee Saturday) www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk Oliver! Presented by the award winning Ipswich April 17 - 21 Operatic & Dramatic Society New Wolsey Studio, 7.45pm (See mini preview) The New Wolsey Young Company presents Box office: 01473 433100 Vernon God Little www.ipswichregent.com Tanya Ronder’s adaptation of DBC Pierre’s bestselling novel is a dark, funny and 19th April inventive satire packed with a host of Charity Golf Day, Ufford Park, Woodbridge colourful characters, a soundtrack to die £200 for a team of 4 - Bacon Bap on arrival, for, the occasional flash of nudity and bad pre dinner drink and evening meal language. Not for the faint-hearted or Tel 01473 353069 or under 14s. email ursula.austin@ageuksuffolk.org Box Office: 01473 295900 All proceeds go to Age UK Suffolk www.wolseytheatre.co.uk April 19 – May 12 April 18 The New Wolsey Theatre, 7.45pm The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Bedroom Farce Brass Monkey Ayckbourn’s classic farce shows how four Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick naturally couples into three bedrooms simply won’t lock into one another’s playing with an go. Ingenious, inventive and incredibly ease and precision that can only come of funny. playing together for over thirty years. Sharing Captioned Performance: May 10 at 7.45pm the vocals they bring the fruits of years of Box Office: 01473 295900 experience with an explosive freshness. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Tickets: £16 Box Office: 01284 758000 COL-AD-PENSION Ipswich 190x136_Layout 1 12/03/2012 April 20 15:39 Page 1 www.theapex.co.uk The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, from 6.45pm

Fashion Fusion Start with a welcome drink at 6.45pm - show begins 7.30pm. Around 30 retailers, from independents to high street stores, will showcase their ‘young’ and ‘exclusive’ fashion in two sessions (£12.50 to include welcome drink & goody bag). Followed by a Beauty & Retail Therapy evening at 9.30pm, with a selection of accessories, jewellery and beauty products & demonstrations (£2.50 to include soft drink or glass of wine). All proceeds to St Nicholas Hospice Information: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk Novotel, Ipswich, 7.30pm Red Heart Charity Ball 2012 In aid of the British Heart Foundation For more information and to buy tickets please call Mr and Mrs Brennan on 01473 747340 or email mayera@bhf.org.uk Farmers Market Southwold Farmers Market Adnams Cellar and Kitchen Store 9am - 12:30pm Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm Elkie Brooks in Concert Quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced.

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

now in the 5th decade of her career, she is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. Tickets: £21.50 Box Office: 01394 282126 www.thespapavilion.org April 21 Farmers Markets Aldeburgh Church Hall 9am - 12.30 Beccles Heliport 9am - 1pm Harkstead village Hall 9am - 12 noon Long Melford village Hall 10am - 1pm needham Market, Alder Carr Farm 9am -1pm Woodbridge Community Centre 9am - 1pm April 22 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 8pm Wilko Johnson Guitarist and founding member of Dr. Feelgood, who has influenced everyone from Joe Strummer, Mick Jones to Steve Albini, Wilko Johnson recently featured in Julien Temple’s Oil City Confidential; a fulllength feature film documentary about Dr. Feelgood. Tickets: £19.50 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

Snape Maltings, 5pm Ipswich Choral Society presents ‘Mozart Magic: Requiem & Piano Concerto no. 20’ Ticket prices: £12 to £18 Box Office: 01728 687110 www.aldeburgh.co.uk www.ipswichchoralsociety.org St Mary’s Church, Boxford, 6pm David Owen norris One of Britain’s best-known pianists, plays the first book of Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words, Brahms’ Six Piano Pieces, Sterndale Bennett’s extraordinary ‘’Maid of Orleans’’ Sonata and Elgar’s barnstorming Concert Allegro. A programme specially devised to suit the historic late 19th-century Broadwood piano at St Mary’s Church in Boxford. Tickets: £11 to £17 Box office: 01206 366603 or box@ suffolkvillagesfestival.com April 23 Ipswich Regent Paul Merton With Paul Merton, Lee Simpson, Richard

vranch and Suki Webster. Discover the bizarre workings of Paul Merton’s brain, as he muses on the mighty behemoth that is his noggin. Paul returns to his stand-up roots for the first time this century. Away from the ‘Have I got news For You’ desk Paul Merton proves he’s got legs. Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com April 24 Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 7.30pm Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes One of the world’s finest guitar-players who has worked with some of the world’s top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton. He is a member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and fronted the band at the O2 arena on the night of the Led Zeppelin reunion concert. Albert is a double Grammy award winning musician, whose talents continue to be in demand by fellow performers the world throughout. Tickets: £18.00 Concession £16.50 Box Office: 01394 282126 www.thespapavilion.org

The Little Bears at Brandeston Brandeston Hall Nursery School

“The beginning of the educational journey at Framlingham” Visit our website to arrange a private visit:

brandestonhall.co.uk/littlebears Reg Charity: 1114383

Scan barcode to visit our website

What’s On

April 26-28 Mercury Studio Theatre, Colchester, 7.45pm Formby written and performed by Ewan Wardrop This funny, touching and thoughtful look at the life of George Formby features many of his unique and hilarious songs, brilliantly recreated on the ukulele. Tickets: £11 / £6.50 concessions Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk April 27 Farmers Markets Sudbury St Peter’s Church 9.30am - 1pm Southwold Farmers Market, Adnams Cellar and Kitchen 9am – 12.30pm Ipswich Regent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Rossini: The Barber of Seville Overture,Grieg: Piano Concerto,Tchaikovsky: the Sixth Symphony, ‘Pathétique’. Conductor: Josep Caballé-Domenech and Piano: Eldar nebolsin. Three classical favourites performed by internationally acclaimed artists. Featuring Grieg’s Piano Concerto, rich in glorious lyricism and show-stopping virtuosity, and Tchaikovsky’s towering

symphonic masterpiece, the Sixth Symphony. Box office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com April 28 The White Lion, Ufford, Woodbridge, 1pm & 7pm Cooking Cabaret for Homestart UK (charity) Watch Mark David from the Cooking Experience in Hadleigh and Stephen Thurlow from The White Lion head to head cooking a main course or two from a secret bag of ingredients (just like the Tv show!). Tickets: £20 include meal before the event Enquiries: Annie David 01473 827568 or email info@cookingexperience.co.uk

new Wolsey Studio, 11am and 2pm Kid Carpet and Theatre Bristol present Kid Carpet & The noisy Animals A fresh and fantastically fun show, that serves as a perfect child’s introduction to the world of live performance. Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk 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 www.theapex.co.uk

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

Ipswich School, The Great School, 7.30 Ipswich Bach Choir, Ipswich Chamber Orchestra Lindsay Gowers – Soprano, Patrick McCarthy - Conductor Tickets: £12 Available from Music World, 16 Queen Street, Ipswich or at the door Tel:01394 271538 Rendham Church, 7.30pm The Classic Dixieland Quartet Strutting their stuff in St Michael’s as the Friends of the Church mark their third birthday with a fundraiser. Tickets £10 Details: http://rendham.onesuffolk.net/ home/village-life Farmers Markets Easton Farm Park 9am - 1pm Southwold, The Pier 9am - 1pm Royal Hospital School, Holbrook Holbrook Music Society – RHS School Band Concert Tickets: £7 www.rhscommunity.co.uk

April 28 - 29 RSPB Minsmere, 10am – 4pm Spring Celebration Minsmere in spring is a real delight. Watch and listen as birds establish breeding territories and start to nest. Also a bird ringing demonstration with specially trained ringers from the Waveney Bird Club www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/ minsmere April 29 Farmers Market Lavenham village Hall 10am - 1.30pm April 30 The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm Oli Brown Expect a night of dazzling virtuosity and beautiful music from the great new star of British blues. voted Male vocalist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year at the 2010 British Blues Awards and Best Band and the Best Album at the 2011 Awards. Tickets: £15 Box Office: 01284 758000 www.theapex.co.uk

From Titan to Topiary! Prepare to be surprised and entertained as you wander the avenues, you never know what might be around the next corner!

April 30 Mercury Theatre, Colchester The ELO Experience Enjoy hits such as Living Thing, Telephone Line, Wild West Hero, Sweet Talking Woman, and perhaps their most famous - Mr Blue Sky. Tickets: £15 - £21 Box Office: 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Do you have an event you would like us to list? Please email details to editor@achievemoremedia.co.uk. Please note, inclusion in listings cannot be guaranteed. To advertise your event call 01473 809932

DISCOUNTCE N FOR ADVA S TICKET

From Suffolk to you! UNDER 4’s FREE

www.suffolkshow.co.uk T: 01473 707117

Mini Preview

APACHE APPROACH Framlingham College - April 28 pecial event, Apache Approach, to help raise funds for Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded and The Afghan Appeal Fund is being held in Framlingham this month. Organised by a committee of local people it aims to raise awareness of the work of the armed forces and will feature an Apache helicopter landing in the grounds of Framlingham College. The event, which starts at 1pm, is open to all and will include various displays, stalls and a band from Honnington will be playing during the course of the afternoon. For those who have seen the Apache training in the skies of Suffolk this will be an opportunity to see the helicopter at close quarters. Air & Ground crew of the Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham, will be on hand to demonstrate their equipment and answer questions from members of the public. There will be representatives from Help for Heroes and the other charities, who will be able to describe in detail how they support our servicemen & women in times of need. Visitors can also find out about the Afghan

Appeal, which is run by British soldiers and aims to help the people and particularly the children of Afghanistan through education and schools. Admission for the event will be free of charge, although donations will be

gratefully received. There’s also to be a fund-raising raffle with the first prize of a day at RAF Honnington. Organisers hope the event will attract at least 1,000 people and are aiming to raise £10,000 for the charities involved.

ApAche ApproAch at Framlingham college Saturday 28th April

Free admission: gates open at 1pm The Apache helicopter will land at 2pm

Weird Creatures Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe - April 14

Attractions include the Apache Support Crew, Small Arms Trainer, RAF Honington Volunteer Band, 10 metre climbing wall Refreshments n evening with enthusiasts and seeing this country, the naturalist and I don’t normally get to. In places aid of wildlife TV presenter So does Nick really have any vital advice Nick Baker. Presenter for those aspiring naturalists among us? “Just of Channel Five’s Wierd carry on loving your subject and naturally Creatures and previously something will happen, so to speak. If you presenter of BBC One’s Really are passionate enough opportunities will Wild Show and CBB’s Spring come your way and you’ll be noticed for your Watch Nick is currently on passion. It may not be in the media, it may be his UK tour telling audiences working for the Wildlife Trust or the RSPCA, candid stories about there are so many opportunities out there discovering, meeting and that there’s not enough space in this article filming some of his favourite to list them all, but if you carry on doing weird creatures. things and really believe in and enjoy what “I love getting out to a real you’re doing it makes life great!” living audience. When you are filming it’s very much Box Office: 01394 282126 one to one and you don’t get www.thespapavilion.org to see people’s responses to things. I love meeting fellow Places&Faces® 21

Places&Faces® | April 2012

English Touring Opera in Suffolk

April 13 to 14

Both operas are performed in English with a live orchestra and in lavish period costume. Eugene Onegin will be directed by Michael Rosewell, who has appeared at the Aldeburgh Festival and is recognised as one operas. of the leading interpreters of Britten’s music. There’s a new production of Rossini’s The It’s a romantic opera based on a story by Barber of Seville and a revival of Tchaikovsky’s Russian author Alexander Pushkin. Eugene Onegin, last performed at Snape in Set in 19th century St Petersburg, Eugene 2007. pril is going to be a good month for music fans as English Touring Opera is visiting Snape Maltings Concert Hall with two much-loved

Onegin features grand ballroom scenes and a dramatic duel to the death. Emerging star Nicholas Lester takes the title role of Onegin. Joining him, in the role of Tatyana, is Welsh soprano Sarah-Jane Davies (who represented Wales at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World). The Barber of Seville is based on a play by French writer Philippe Beaumarchais, whose famous ‘Figaro’ play also inspired Mozart to pen The Marriage of Figaro. Conducted by Paul McGrath and directed by Thomas Guthrie, The Barber of Seville features Kathleen Ferrier and award winner Kitty Whately in the role of Rosina alongside Nicholas Sharratt as Count Almaviva. There’s also to be a new opera on show – titled In the Belly of the Horse - suitable for children aged 6 to 12, with music written by Rachel Leach. It will be performed at the Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh on the 14th at 2pm. It is based on the classical myth of the Trojan horse and incorporates elements of acting, singing, instrumental music, dance and design. The opera is fully interactive and successfully combines great fun with areas of the school curriculum, such as literacy, history, maths, science, art as well as drama and music. www.englishtouringopera.org.uk www.aldeburgh.co.uk

WAITING FOR GODOT New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich - April 3 to 7 amuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting For Godot has fascinated audiences and critics alike since it was first performed in 1955. This play, contemplating the complexity of humanity and friendship, is equally as relevant today as it was then and this new production with the Talawa Theatre Company offers something too. Directed by Ian Brown it’s the first Waiting For Godot that has been performed in the UK by an all black cast. Vladimir and Estragon are waiting. Two old men whose compulsion to wait for a visit from the indescribable Godot forces them to pass the time in the only way they can; with and for each other. Stories are told, boots are abandoned, religion is debated, memories of better days are shared - and time passes. Jokes are made, songs are sung, suicide is contemplated, the 22 | placesandfaces.co.uk

fear of being alone is overwhelming - and time passes. On a road with a single tree two old friends wait...and pass the time. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot remains one of his most famous and important works, its true meaning constantly debated and searched for, yet Beckett was clear in his belief that all you need to know is there in the play. Box Office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Mini Preview

OLIVER! Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society, Ipswich Regent - April 18 to 21 n the year when the nation is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of its greatest writers, adaptations, new books and celebratory literature abound. So for one Ipswich theatre group, their latest choice of show is more significant than ever. Just as Oliver Twist is one of the most treasured of all Dickens’ books, so the musical version - Oliver! - has gone on to become a musical theatre classic. Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society will be performing Oliver! at the Regent Theatre this month, complete with a full cast of children, adults and a dog! The show includes the full score written by Lionel Bart for its West End premiere in 1960 and will see the Regent stage taken over by orphans, a gang of pick-pockets, singing undertakers and a whole host of colourful characters. James Hayward is directing the production and said it is shaping up to be one of IODS’s best. “We have been so fortunate with our cast. We had some really talented youngsters come along for the children’s auditions and have been so impressed by their dedication and hard work throughout rehearsals,” he said. “We also have an adult cast that features many regular IODS performers, but we’ve also been delighted to welcome some newcomers who will be playing leading roles, such as Sadie, our Nancy, and Charles, our Fagin.” Oliver! tells the story of a young orphan from the workhouse who, whilst searching for love and a family makes some unlikely friends and encounters both some dangerous characters and some who show surprising kindness. “The beauty of Oliver is that it is such a wonderful story that you find yourself really living Oliver’s hopes and dreams with him,” said James. “Lionel Bart’s score is a modern classic and you can’t fail to love songs like Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food, Where Is Love, Who Will Buy and Oom Pah Pah, they are known and enjoyed by so many people, and for very good reason!”

Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society will be performing Oliver! at the Regent Theatre from April 18 to 21. For tickets visit www.ipswichregent.com

Places&Faces®

Spring at Snape Maltings The Maltings is a wonderful collection of independent shops and galleries full of fantastic things. Enjoy a bite to eat in CafĂŠ 1885 or the Granary Tea Shop. Complimentary gift wrapping and free car parking. Open every day from 10am. www.snapemaltings.co.uk t: 01728 688 303

Easter Days Out

EASTER DAYS OUT The clocks have sprung forward and with Easter and Spring upon us there’s much to be seen and done around the county. Places&Faces® looks at some opportunities to get out and about

pril is a month when we all feel invigorated and active, rediscovering some of our favourite walks and seaside haunts. For those with little ones too the season is one of particular delight hunting for Easter eggs and watching the impossibly delightful antics of lambs and baby animals. Meanwhile at the Suffolk Punch Trust, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year new foals are expected any time soon. The National Trust too has unveiled some interesting new exhibitions at Sutton Hoo and Ickworth. EASTON FARM PARK At Easton Farm Park it’s a busy time of year and according to Fiona Siddall every day seems to bring new lambs, kid goats and baby bunnies. “We’ve got an egg hunt on Easter Sunday

and Monday and magic shows on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, as well as the daily half hour activities including pony rides, pony & cart rides, hug a bunny, meet the baby animals and train rides” she said. In case of April showers both the heated indoor play areas will be open and the cafe will be serving hot meals and drinks every day. On April 15, the Suffolk Young Farmers’ will be holding their annual fundraising Country Day on the farm, which includes both dog and horse shows and lots for the whole family. For more details visit www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST This year marks the 125th Anniversary of the Hollesley Stud Farm and to celebrate a new programme of “Horse Power” themed

events, with highlights every month, has been planned. Easter weekend for instance will feature an egg hunt on Sunday and the Suffolk and Essex Poultry Club will be on hand on the Monday with a “which came first” event. With new foals due this year the historic farm certainly has special significance for Suffolk and the traditional horses that used to be a familiar sight working the land. Today the stud has two stallions and eight breeding mares with around ten geldings which work for funerals, weddings and advertising and to power the horse-drawn “buses” which transport visitors around the 200 acre site. Other indigenous Suffolk farm animals include: Large Black pigs, Red Poll Cattle, Suffolk sheep and pigmy goats. With a superb new visitor centre with lecture theatres, an exhibition hall and a gift

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

and coffee shop the trust illustrates the life of Suffolk past with a vintage grocer’s shop and even a large map of the county’s railway system at its height. An exciting programme of events from classic cars to themed events, photographic and arts competitions depicting “Horse Power” is planned for the 125th celebration year. For those with an eye for art and photography there’s even a special competition running on the theme ‘Horse Power’. More information is available from the trust or Tourist Information Centres. www.suffolkpunchtrust.org ICKWORTH HOUSE The success of the ITV television series, Downton Abbey, has reinvigorated people’s appetites to discover what life was really like for servants and workers in our stately homes and country estates in the last century. This spring Ickworth, near Bury St Edmunds, reveals the daily lives of staff a century ago - living and working for the Hervey family in the extensive, and now newly restored, servant’s basement and finishing kitchens below the famous Rotunda. ‘Ickworth Lives’ is an exciting Heritage Lottery funded project, which has enabled the restoration and an innovative interpretation of the servant’s basement for visitors. It focuses on the period between 1911 and 1939, a period of immense social change, which heralded the gradual decline

26 | placesandfaces.co.uk

of a ‘life in service’. A key part of this project involved contacting former staff, their families and friends to capture their memories and evocative tales of life below and upstairs. The resulting oral history archive has been immensely important in bringing the basement to life. Find out more about Mrs Sangster, the formidable yet kindly Cook and Housekeeper who managed the smooth running of the kitchens for fifty years, Mr Collins the Butler who liked the odd tipple or two, and Jack Hunneyball the Electrician-Engineer, who kept the innovative electricity generator working 24 hours a day and played squash on occasions with the 4th Marquess of Bristol. To find out more about Ickworth Lives visit www.nationaltrust.org./ickworth SUTTON HOO The National Trust’s new exhibition ‘A King’s Treasure’ recreates Raedwald’s iconic burial horde in all its shining glory. Skilled craftsmen were specially commissioned to make exact replicas of the ancient treasure, using traditional AngloSaxon metal-working techniques. This includes the king’s helmet, his sword, shield, scepter and other stunning artifacts, and visitors will be able to see them just as they were when Raedwald ruled over East Anglia. A short film has also been made, with a local actor dressed as the Anglo-Saxon warrior and showing just how he would have looked with all his splendid armour and weapons.

Ali Naylor, visitor experience manager at Sutton Hoo, is hoping the exhibition will be a big hit with children and adults alike. “It will be really exciting for people to see just what these magnificent objects once looked like, before all those centuries of corrosion underground took their toll - it’s like going back more than 1,300 years and there they are, untouched by time, right in front of you” said Ali. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo or call the Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre on 01394 389700. EASTER EGG TRAILS The National Trust has teamed up with Cadbury again this year for its annual fun-filled Easter Egg Trails. There will be an abundance of games and activities to enjoy, including face-painters, giant snakes and ladders, sack races - and lots of other fun to boot. It all takes place at some of the most stunning locations in the county: Melford Hall, Long Melford - Easter Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm Ickworth House, near Bury St Edmunds Easter Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm Dunwich Heath - Good Friday and Easter Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Easter Sunday, from 11am to 3pm Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge - Easter Monday, from 10.30am to 5pm

Theatre

GRAND DESIGNS IN MINIATURE

When we talk about theatre – it’s usually about the actors, the play or the director so the set designers, whose creative input is just as vital, sometimes get forgotten along the way. Anne Gould talks to Foxton at the New Wolsey idden in a backroom of the New Wolsey in Ipswich are numerous black boxes representing performances past – pantomimes, musicals, and dramas. Theatregoers in the know might recognise them in passing as representations of old stage sets of shows gone by. But these little black boxes are also the culmination of an artistic process that dominates the way a production looks and ultimately are a crucial part of making a play what it is.

Designer Richard Foxton, who is known professionally by his Equity name Foxton, has just popped down to Ipswich for the day from Bolton and has in front of him a set model for Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn, which is being performed April 19 - May 12. It’s taken about three months on and off to create the finished look and the next job is organising the set construction and shopping with the wardrobe designer for clothes. Richard says the process for him starts with a discussion with the director and then

sitting down and reading the play. It’s his job to design not just the set but the props and the look of the wardrobe too. He has to work out how the action is going to take place in the space available – a process that will be different from theatre to theatre, especially as somewhere like the New Wolsey has a unique stage. His challenge for Bedroom Farce is that the action takes place in three bedrooms during one night and the following morning. So he’s devised a set on different levels where all three rooms can be seen at the same time

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

These little black boxes are also the culmination of an artistic process that dominates the way a production looks and ultimately are a crucial part of making a play what it is

Stacked and Stored. Top and bottom: Sleeping Beauty and Robin Hood Babes in the Wood by Dawn Allsopp. Middle: 20th Century Boy by Patrick Connellan

28 | placesandfaces.co.uk

being careful with audience sight lines. “The real challenge was to get three beds onto stage in their different rooms at the same time.” He says to begin with he creates what is known as a white card model and once it’s complete costing is then discussed. If all is well regarding costs, he goes ahead and on to doing technical drawings and then building a scale model which is 1/25th size of the actual set. The models themselves are mini works of art as sometimes much of it is specially constructed, complete with wallpaper, picture rails, carpets and the like. Richard says he collects things from all over the place such as toyshops for example for fixtures and fittings but he also handcrafts items where necessary using Plasticine, cardboard and other materials. He also reuses things stripping out old models in case something is useful for the future. “I have a stock of miniature ladders at home which will be really useful and after Bedroom Farce I’ll have three beds too,” he says with glee. “It can be good fun doing the design but it can be a bit lonely sitting away in your garret.” The trick he says is to make everything look authentic and as a result he’s become something of a collector – with a stash of Kay’s catalogues from the 1970s and magazines from the ‘30s and ‘40s. He recently did a set for a play set in a kitchen in 1870 with the action taking place while a full Sunday lunch was being cooked. So he had to find out what people would have been eating back then, what the pots and pans they used looked like – oh and he also had to create an authentic range that actually worked! When it comes to pantomimes work normally starts late winter/early spring as costumes have to be ready for a July/August photo-shoot. Making the set itself is another matter – in the case of Bedroom Farce it will be made at The Mercury in Colchester. Richard himself will also get involved and come to stay in Ipswich for a few days. “I’ll need to go and choose wallpaper, which involves visiting various DIY stores to choose something suitable for the period and style of the set.” >>

Theatre

Then it’s off with the wardrobe department to choose clothes. “It’s easier when you’ve got a modern play because you can just buy the clothing. Thankfully Ipswich has a branch of Merc - great for suits, and Coes is good too.” Richard clearly loves his job and these days, as set designers are all freelance, he finds himself travelling the country to various theatres and working in Colchester and Ipswich quite often. “You tend to work with the directors who’ve liked what you have done previously which is great. I like being in Ipswich and the new Wolsey because it’s friendly here and I know where the cheese shop is.”

Top and bottom left : Bedroom Farce and Cinderella by Foxton. Bottom right: Little Shop of Horrors by Mark Walters

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Suffolk People

A HUNGER FOR CHANGE

Photograph: Tim Holder on a recent visit to Woodbridge School attending a fashion show in aid of The Hunger Project

Nobody is too ordinary to make a difference says Suffolk man Tim Holder. Anne Gould talks to him about World Hunger Day, Dionne Warwick and working with people to end their own hunger and poverty

nyone in Ipswich who can remember Tim Holder from his formative years at St Joseph’s or Northgate might remember someone who didn’t really like school that much. By his own admission he just wasn’t interested in lessons and exams, because he simply wanted to get out in the world and work. It’s a story you hear from many people who go on to achieve something >>

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

I knew that I had to use the skills that I had, my background working in advertising and newspapers and the many friends and people I know in the world of music, theatre and ballet

extraordinary and have a mission to make a difference. Tim, the Country Director UK of the Hunger Project, is in the process of doing just that with his small staff and growing band of volunteers, organising a one-night charity gala at the Royal Albert Hall for World Hunger Day 2012 featuring international singer and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Food and Agriculture Dionne Warwick. Dionne will appear on stage in conjunction with some of the world’s finest musical talent, already the list includes some iconic figures from the world of popular music; Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George, Mica Paris, Tony Hadley, Alison Moyet, Sandie Shaw, Jumoke Fashola, Joe McElderry, London Community Gospel Choir and Southbank Sinfonia with even more star names still to be announced. Also being launched on the day will be a special song project entitled One World One Song, co-written by Tim, the renowned composer Tony Hatch and show producer Rod Natkiel. 200 students from Woodbridge School, who’ve already been actively fundraising for the Hunger Project, will also be taking part as The World Hunger Day choir. The obvious question is how did he manage to land such a gig and, not only that, persuade an international superstar to get involved? The answer is quite simple, “I sent her an email”. Of course it wasn’t quite as straightforward as that but Tim, whose Suffolk home is on the banks of the River Orwell, is a man of remarkable talents. His career has taken him along many avenues in Suffolk; he’s been an estate 32 | placesandfaces.co.uk

agent, worked for HM Inland Revenue, been a receptionist, done telesales and sold newspaper advertising. He also loved and was actively involved with the Gallery Players and Co-op Juniors Theatre Company. But his star really began to shine when he followed his partner of 19 years, Royal Ballet Dancer Gary Avis, to London with jobs on The Times and Sunday Times where he became renowned at relationship building and being able to take a completely new project or platform and make it a success. Tim then went on to various advertising agencies where he worked on huge accounts – like Tesco, Wagamama and McDonalds. “I earned a six figure salary then but money really isn’t everything and I always knew that I wanted to work in the charity sector. I suppose I got to a stage when I had learned all I needed to learn to begin giving back and making a difference.” He said friends all told him that it would be very tough and he needed to find something he could be totally passionate about but it wasn’t until he bumped into one of his old bosses who suggested a small, little known charity called The Hunger Project that he knew he’d found what he was looking for. “The organisation has a global conference in New York once a year and I went along to try and understand what it was all about. There was a huge gala dinner and two women, one from India and another from Latin America, got up to talk. “They had never left their rural communities before but they were there explaining how the Hunger Project had given them the confidence and tools they needed to change their own lives. Their courage and strength blew me away and I knew then that I had to find a way to support them and millions of others in their situation.” Tim returned home and applied to become Country Director for the Hunger Project in the UK, using all the skills that he’d ever learnt to get the message across. Today as he talks of the child who dies every five seconds through a hunger related disease and a myriad of other appalling

statistics that never grace our newspapers or TV screens, there’s a fire burning in his eyes and his total dedication to this overwhelming and immense global problem, is clear. He explained the Hunger Project, a non-profit international organisation, was founded in 1977 to permanently eradicate hunger within some of the world’s poorest communities. It works in partnership with 20,000 villages throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America with a team of 300 staff and 375,000 volunteers – the vast majority of whom are themselves living in conditions of extreme hunger and poverty. These villagers, considered as Hunger Project partners, typically live on less than the equivalent of 80p sterling per day and work in partnership with the Hunger Project to gain the motivation and skills they need for a hunger and a poverty-free future – for themselves and the communities in which they live. Tim says that The Hunger Project is committed to ending global poverty and hunger through learning and growth, mobilising rural communities at grass roots level, empowering women to have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their communities and gaining access and building partnerships within local government. So, with a love of theatre and music it was perhaps only natural that Tim set about organising charity gala concerts as part of the UK fundraising and awareness effort. “I knew that I had to use the skills that I had, my background working in advertising and newspapers and the many friends and people I know in the world of music, theatre and ballet. His inspiration went back a long way too, “I was one of the generation around at the time of Live Aid, set up to help the famine in Ethiopia. I was desperate to go along then but my parents wouldn’t let me because I was too young. “What followed was a USA for Africa

Suffolk People

Some the artists appearing at the Royal Albert Hall concert: Sir Cliff Richard, Boy Gerorge, Sandie Shaw, Tony Hadley and Mica Paris

concert at the Royal Albert Hall and I was allowed to go because there was a coach going from Ipswich. It was when I first saw Dionne and I became a fan and have been for the last 30 years.” So one day he just wondered …. what if? Knowing that Dionne is a passionate

supporter of charity he decided to try his luck and sent off a speculative email, thinking he’d hear nothing more about it. “Within 24 hours Dionne was on the telephone to me asking how she could help. I was absolutely stunned. I had never put on a concert in my life before but that one

moment when she said, ‘Let’s talk about it’, was a wonderful ground breaking moment.” With Dionne’s backing he was then able to secure the Apollo Victoria and co-created and launched the first World Hunger Day in January last year with a star-studded line-up including Elaine Paige, Natalie

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Cole, Mica Paris, Southbank Sinfonia, the London Community Gospel Choir, Steven McRae of The Royal Ballet, David Elliott, Simon Keenlyside and Jumoké Fashola, amongst others. It was a huge success, as Dionne explains, “When Tim first got in touch with me out of the blue, way back in 2010, to inform me of the work that The Hunger Project does, I could see his passion and can do attitude and knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this process of change, particularly given the mandate of my role with The United Nations and my strong belief in a hand up rather than a hand out approach to ending hunger. “Last year’s World Hunger Day musical extravaganza was sensational and I am so thrilled to have been able to support the 2011 awareness launch, alongside so many talented musical friends, old and new. It’s thrilling to know that almost 5,000 people attended our launch event in addition to the subsequent dance performance created by The Royal Ballet’s ‘Gary Avis & Friends’. “So I am delighted to have been asked to lead this year’s World Hunger Day 2012

fitted for only

event and to be returning to the incredible surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall in May. My presence will be alongside some of the world’s finest musicians performing to an expected audience of almost 6,000 people,” she added. But this year’s World Hunger Day is much more than simply a concert, with three fundraising challenges currently being recruited for including a 100km run/walk from London to Brighton, a 100km moonlit cycle ride and a 50 or 100km walk along the Thames. Tim is obviously thrilled that the charity is making an impact but, he says, there’s still a long way to go. “It’s not just about buying tickets for a concert, it’s about raising awareness and finding many more people in the UK who are prepared to partner with the 925 million people in the world who have the potential but not yet the opportunity to end their own hunger. I share a mantra with Dionne that totally fits with all we are about; “If you can think it, you can do it.”

more information World Hunger Day 2012 takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on May 28. Tickets are available from the box office at www.royalalberthall.com or by telephone on 020 7589 8212. Ticket prices range from £20 to £125.00 and booking fees may apply. Attendance at a private dining and musical experience with Dionne Warwick herself, taking place at The Dorchester Hotel London on May 26 2012, is available to the first 100 donors of £2,500 or more. You can find out more about taking a physical challenge to support The Hunger Project at www.worldhungerday.org.uk. For more information please contact miranda@ mirandaleslau.com www.thehungerproject.org.uk Twitter @worldhungerday @ hungerprojectuk or like/friend us on www.facebook.com/TheHungerProjectUK

Suffolk People

Photograph: Marc Brown, sunrise from the sea

EARLY MORNING CRAWL The cold water of the North Sea is like an addiction they say – and once you’ve started a daily dip you’ll never want to stop. Anne Gould finds out more

hey’re brave, they’re foolhardy, they’re mad – whatever you think about the select band who swim daily off the Suffolk coast you have to admire them for their courage. Come rain or shine, snow or hail, summer and winter they’ll be there early morning on the beach, sometimes even in the dark, but always in time for daybreak over the eastern horizon.

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Places&Faces® | April 2012

In winter temperatures may be not far above freezing – in Walberswick swimmers recorded a chilly 1.50C earlier in the year and even in summer it’s still a brisk 150-160C, which is still decidedly on the chilly side compared to the 280C you find in most swimming pools. For some it’s very much a solitary pursuit, for others it’s very social and of course there’s an elite group who do it for sport. It seems there are also some divisions among those who do swim about what you should wear. Purists say for a real year round sea swimmer it’s your trunks/cossie and maybe a swimming hat but nothing else. Some choose neoprene gloves and boots to protect the extremities and then there are those who choose the comparative warmth of a wetsuit. Whatever, everyone seems to talk about the experience in almost mystical terms, of being at one with nature and how it can literally transform your day. Artist Marc Brown, from Southwold is swimming every day of the year as part of an art project but he’s also hoping to raise money for Breakthrough Breast cancer. He’s been recording his swims photographically and hopes to have a big exhibition at the end of the year.

I feel fantastic afterwards and for the rest of the day – it’s the adrenalin, it’s like a drug

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Suffolk People

composer Denis King and friends Claire Whittenbury and John Brentnall meet up at 8am on the beach every morning for a swim and a good chat. “We wear neoprene aqua gloves with our costumes, and boots to protect our feet but that’s all. I’ve been cold water swimming every morning for 15 years starting when I lived in Hampstead where there are fresh water ponds. “So when I moved here I started swimming and have been joined by Claire and John, who is a lecturer in theology for the Open University,” says Denis. In winter they don’t stay in the water too long because it’s pretty chilly at around 40C. “We take a thermometer and at it’s coldest this winter it was 1.50C and when the sea was Photograph: Walberswick swimmers, Denis King, Claire Whittenbury and John ‘the Pirate’ Brentnall coming up to the shore it was even forming ice. “I usually get up early and run from our “Coming out is the hardest part. Changing for Breakthrough Breast Cancer – I want home in Reydon for maybe half an hour with people to sponsor me and in return they’ll on the beach this morning it was raining and my dog Buddy until I find somewhere to get a signed print of one of my photographs.” there was a terrible wind howling when we swim. I like going to Easton Bavents best but Southwold born Marc has published a blog were trying to towel off. That’s when you feel if it’s rough, there’s a lot of surf and strong absolutely perished. of his venture http://sea-chronicle.tumblr. currents, I’ll stay closer to home at Gun Hill. “Once you get home into a hot shower com/ and says, “It’s cold and your body does “For the last five years I’ve been running adjust but you do have to keep a check on it however you feel fantastic and there’s no but I’ve always enjoyed sea swimming and question it’s good for your health, especially and not stay in too long. I used to push it until mid October but then “I feel fantastic afterwards and for the rest if you’ve got a sniﬄe, a headache or even a three years ago I decided to try it all year of the day – it’s the adrenalin, it’s like a drug.” hangover. It seems to kill off the germs and round and went a couple of times a month. blast them out of your system. I have felt He’s had some amazing experiences “Last summer I bought a £20 shortie 110 per cent ever since I have been going too - one day he found himself swimming wetsuit from Lidl and it seems to make an with a seal. On another occasion the sea was swimming.” enormous difference so I thought I’d go every really flat and he saw a flock of geese flying It’s also clear that it’s a very social day this year and take pictures of the water, experience – as Claire publishes a towards him low over the water. the skyline and so on. blog dkandthepirate@blogspot.com “They flew just over my head, it was “My mother died of breast cancer and I find wonderful. There are also some amazing which includes details of the swimmers myself thinking about her when I swim so I conversations along with the weather sunrises that you’d otherwise miss.” decided that I’m going to do this to fundraise conditions and temperatures. Just along the coast in Walberswick

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Suffolk People

Former Brithish Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering (left) and other swimmers at the start of The Deben Swim

Meanwhile in Aldeburgh lawyer Mark Fairweather (he wears neoprene gloves and boots) says he’s one of a number of people who swim alone, but on a regular basis the year round. “I have been doing this since 2004 and got into it through the Aldeburgh Christmas swim. I found that if I kept the swimming up during the autumn then the charity Christmas swim wasn’t so hard. “This year we had 75 people doing it and in the process raised money for medical charities. “It’s not so much the water temperature but what it’s like when you get out that makes a difference, especially when the pebbles on the beach are stuck together with frost.” Mark says that in winter he does 100 strokes and gets out but obviously in

summer when it’s more balmy he can be in the water for up to half an hour. He’s so keen on swimming that he’s also undertaken five-mile river swims from Aldeburgh to Orford and Orford to Aldeburgh on occasions (both with the tide). “There are lots of reasons why I like cold water swimming, it makes you feel as if you can face up to anything that day, it gives you a psychological resilience. It’s a feeling you don’t get from any other experience. “It’s a way of really engaging with the natural world. It’s better than just driving somewhere and getting out of the car to have a look round. It’s a physical endeavour in the same way as something like skiing is.” Then there are the triathletes and elite athletes who swim on the Deben and have an annual 10k charity event, which this year is going to be from Waldringfield to

Felixstowe Ferry. Organiser, Dr Simon Rudland said that everyone taking part is required not only to wear wetsuits but had to be able to swim at a certain speed too – sub 30 minutes in a swimming pool. The first event they organised was by invitation only with former British Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering taking part. Last year it grew attracting people from London, Norfolk, Essex and even Brighton. As it’s a distance swim safety is paramount – everyone has to swim in an ability group, it takes place early in the morning to avoid other river users and there are stopping points for water and to take on fuel. “It takes about two to three hours and although it’s not a race the elite swimmers are quick,” he says. “We are doing it to support the river and trying to promote the Deben Estuary Partnership.” Simon, who is a triathlete, says there’s also a group of keen open water swimmers who train on the river from April to September. “You see wonderful wildlife and it’s amazing to look out on the river from about two inches above the surface. We had a seal swimming with us on one occasion and we often encounter fish. “It’s an incredible feeling swimming as the sun rises or as the mist is rising off the river and everyone else is in bed.”

For more information about the Deben swim: www.thebigswim.info To donate to Breakthrough Breast Cancer swim: Justgiving.com/marcbrownseachallenge2012

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Business Profile | Radiant Beauty

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Photograph above: Dr Kathleen Walker

Photograph above: wrinkle relaxing injections

40 | placesandfaces.co.uk

oodbridge clinic, Radiant Beauty Medical, owned by the highly qualified and experienced nurse practitioner, Dr Kathleen Walker, offers total privacy and discretion too. The clinic, which has been open for five years offers a range of treatments designed to reduce age lines and wrinkles, treat sun damaged skin and age spots, remove facial veins and pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin tone and complexion. Radiant Beauty Medical also offers permanent hair reduction, acne treatment and blackhead removal as well as treatment for rosecea and excessive sweating. Dr Walker says that treatment programmes are carefully tailored to clients needs and her expertise and special care has attracted people from as far afield as France, Germany and London as well as closer to home from Suffolk and the heritage coast. “Radiant Beauty Medical offers clients the opportunity to give their face and body the same level of care and attention which most people give naturally to their hair and clothing. The rewards can be amazing!”, she says. “Many women and men experience renewed self confidence as a result of treatment.” In today’s competitive job market she is also seeing an increasing number of men seeking help. In the main her clients are aged between 30 and 70 although there are one or two who are older. Dr Walker has recently introduced cryotherapy to her clinic - a treatment that freezes the skin and is highly effective for removing skin tags and areas of sun damage including age spots on the hands. Her clinic, which is equipped and maintained to the very highest standards

of care boasts some of the world’s most advanced technology. The intense pulse light laser equipment which she uses has an internal cooling feature which provides the most effective light therapy currently achievable for photo skin rejuvenation and hair removal. Also the clinic provides medical level microdermabrasion and skin peels to improve skin tone, large pores and mild to moderate acne. Injectable cosmetic treatments including dermal fillers and Botox are also available to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and treat excessive sweating. Radiant Beauty Medical is founded on the principle that only the best is good enough and that the key to delivering the highest standard of care depends finally on the training, qualification and hands on experience of the clinician. Dr Walker is exceptionally well qualified with masters degrees from two well known American universities, in family practice nursing and midwifery. She practiced clinically in the US for 20 years and gained a doctorate from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where she studied public health. She combines an exceptionally wide range of experience and knowledge and will personally provide a free consultation to help design an individual treatment programme. Radiant Beauty maintains the highest standards of medical care and is located in a private, beautifully renovated, period house in North Hill, Woodbridge. Appointments are available at flexible times and can be arranged by calling T: 01394 386 887 www.drkathywalker.com

Weddings

WEDDING PLANNING IN A

DIGITAL AGE

Photograph: The wedding marquee at Satis House

Some brides want to be married in a castle, some want to arrive in a hot air balloon, others might prefer a period theme. Anne Gould looks at how technology can turn your plans into reality very little girl has a dream of a perfect wedding day and although a knight on a white charger isn’t a usual request these days, thanks to the internet and social media he might be easier to find. Of course it’s not just unusual items that can easily be sourced – in fact the web can make everything about wedding plans and planning a whole lot easier. Time was when organised brides to be had burdensome wedding books/files bulging with quotations, swatches and brochures. Then along came Excel, and for those who like spreadsheets there was the possibility of making the wedding book look business-like and organised.

The explosion of new media and social networking has now taken this one step further. Some people even set up their own websites or Facebook pages for the big day. Wedding planner Caroline Gould from Endless Love said that she had clients who now live in Australia but were married at Hengrave Hall, near Bury St Edmunds who found their wedding blog and website was a real boon for guests. “They had guests coming from Poland, Australia and the UK. It was more of an extended weekend event rather than just turning up for the day so they put up information about local hotels, restaurants, taxi services and what to do in Bury. “’They used it for save the day notices and

although they sent out invitations everyone had to look at the website for the wedding details. “Information about the rehearsal dinner the night before was posted up as was information about the coaches they’d organised to run from the centre of Bury to Hengrave on the day and information about attending a special after wedding breakfast in the morning. “From the planning point of view it was really useful because you could easily manage the RSVPs,” says Caroline. The beauty of using a website or blog is that a costly bespoke site isn’t really necessary as there are so many free platforms available that offer suitable templates which

Places&Faces®

Leiston Abbey is a beautiful historic site dating from 1363, set in the Suffolk countryside on the heritage coast. If you are searching for a truly magical setting for your wedding, please contact us for more information including details of bespoke catering, accommodation and other facilities to help create your perfect day.

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Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4TD Tel: 01728 832500/831354 admin@leistonabbey.co.uk www.leistonabbey.co.uk

24/02/2012 17:18

The perfect setting for your perfect day…

Nestled between Southwold and Aldeburgh, Satis House makes an elegant setting and perfect venue for any type of celebration. Whether you want a small intimate affair or a more traditional event the bespoke wedding day of your dreams can be organised for you… Bespoke Service • Exclusive Use • 12 bedrooms • 2 rosette restaurant • family run establishment • civil ceremonies / partnerships • Full wedding ceremonies • Marquees available

enquiries@satishouse.co.uk • www.satishouse.co.uk • T: 01728 668418 Main Road A12, Yoxford, Nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3EX

Weddings

The next generation- always connected

When it comes to organising your big day a Facebook page can be really useful and if you make use of the event invitation it’s a great way of sorting out hen parties and stag nights.

Gemma suggests that a new site, called Pinterest, could be fantastically useful for would-be brides especially when they are trying to decide on a style. It’s like a mood board of pictures, she explained, and allows you to collect images from around the world. So for instance you could put up lots of pictures of flowers, bridal gowns, colours and so on and use it for inspiration. “You could set up a board for wedding presents so your guests could see what you want and if they couldn’t get what was on the board at least they could see what sort of style you prefer and buy 50s nostalgia or Victoriana instead of a bright purple toaster.” Location platforms like Four Square, Living Social and Groupon could be very useful if you were planning to take in some beauty treatments perhaps as part of a girls pamper event for a hen night, she suggested. “These sort of treatments often come up and if there’s a group of you booking you can be easily customised from home. can also get things cheaper when you buy in There are lots of other ways the internet bulk.” can help too, as Gemma Thompson of Suffolk Brides with smart phones can literally carry company Social Media Illumination explains. their wedding plans around in their pocket or “First of all there are literally hundreds of handbag too. suppliers on social media – photographers, Various applications costing just a few dress makers, cake suppliers, the list is pounds are available to help you with the endless. planning process – including sending alerts “It means that if you have a really good to remind you of important deadlines or browse around Facebook you can not only appointments. see a lot of their work but you can also see Some will even compile your guest list, the comments of people who have worked manage your RSVPs, sort your table plan out with them in the past too. and mail your thank you notes in addition to “With photographers you can see a variety helping with gifts, having a checklist of items of their pictures which really helps when you and run a budget too. are trying to make a choice about their style It may not be the old fashioned way of and what’s right for you. doing things, but as more of us are having “But the chances are because they to snatch time to fit everything into the day regularly post up their work that you are a portable device with all your contacts and probably already familiar with what they do.” vital information in one place can make a If you want someone to do videos YouTube huge difference. is a great place to start – apparently some of Says Gemma, “at the end of the day social the most popular clips on this platform are media gives you the opportunity to save time weddings. and money, if that’s important. When it comes to organising your big day “It also gives you the opportunity to see a Facebook page can be really useful and if what kind of company a supplier might you make use of the event invitation it’s a be, what people think of them and how great way of sorting out hen parties and stag organised they are.” nights. If you simply haven’t got the time to do too much research there’s now a way of getting suppliers to come to you – through Twitter. For instance, says Gemma, if you were looking for a florist you could post a message #weddingflowers and simply sit back and see who responds.

Places&Faces®

10194_Thorpeness_Wedding_Ad_93x136mm_Layout 1 13/03/2012 12:32 Page

Weddings Weddings at at Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club offers you a choice of beautiful settings for your very special day. Licensed for weddings, we are perfect for all wedding party sizes. Summer House Our new Summer House offers a unique setting for your wedding ceremony, set in the attractive gardens of the Thorpeness Hotel. Thorpeness Country Club Full of character, the Country Club is set in an idyllic and romantic location overlooking the sea. The Lakeside suite An intimate private room overlooking our gardens, perfect for small parties from 10 – 40 guests.

WOOLVERSTONE, SUFFOLK IP9 1AZ WOOLVERSTONE, SUFFOLK IP9 1AZ WWW.WOOLVERSTONEHALL.CO.UK WWW.WOOLVERSTONEHALL.CO.UK T 01473 780201 E b.davies@ihs.gdst.net

T 01473 780201 E b.davies@ihs.gdst.net THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THAT PERFECT DAY THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THAT PERFECT DAY Wedding Open Day • Sunday 20th May •11am-3pm

Weddings at

Thorpeness Hotel Restaurant Light and airy and overlooking the golf course, this beautiful rooms seats up to 60 guests. We pride ourselves on our impeccable reputation, our warm and friendly atmosphere, exquisite food and, of course, on our service… always delivered with a smile. Follow us here:

Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness, IP16 4NH 01728 452176 info@thorpeness.co.uk www.thorpeness.co.uk

Searching for the perfect wedding? Look no further, visit… www.milsomweddings.com Stunning Locations Inspirational Food Finest Accommodation Exceptional Service Online Planner Scan the code to discover more online Find us on Facebook

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3/6/12 11:49 AM

Weddings

COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG DAY

There is so much to think about when planning your wedding, you certainly can’t do it all at once. Caroline Gould from Endless Love has helped us put together the following easy reference one year plan to show how you can spread everything out. However you need to remember that in the summer churches and wedding venues can become booked up 18-24 months in advance, so if you heart is set on a particular location or date, you may need to be ﬂexible 4 months before: Organise favours Send invitations Book wedding night accommodation Accommodation for guests Gift registry Give notice of marriage

12 months before: Book venue for reception Book venue for ceremony Book registrar/priest Decide on a budget Consider buying wedding insurance Decide on a theme/design

3 months before: Buy gifts for bridal party/groomsmen etc. Decide on music for the ceremony/first dance(s) Decide on readings for the ceremony Write wedding vows Order stationery for the day (guest book, order of service etc.)

10 months before: Compile invitation list Book caterer Send save the date cards 8 months before: Book florist Book transport Book cake maker Book photographer Book videographer Book band/DJ Book reception decorator (chair covers etc.) Book toastmaster

2 months before: Finalise menu for wedding breakfast Order table centre pieces Arrange hen/stag parties Chase unanswered invitations 1 month before: Arrange seating plan Order stationery for the day (table plan, place cards etc.) Make arrangements for wedding dress cleaning Make arrangements for bouquet to be stored/dried

7 months before: Bride’s dress and accessories Book musicians for ceremony Organise any ‘other’ entertainment Reserve any rental equipment (marquee, chairs etc.) 6 months before: Order invitations Bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories Groom’s attire and accessories Buy wedding rings Book honeymoon Check passports etc are valid for honeymoon 5 months before: Groomsmen’s attire and accessories Book trial hairdressing Book trial make-up Buy going away outfit (if relevant) Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner

2 weeks before: Hold rehearsal dinner with wedding party Confirm number of guests with reception venue and caterer Write speeches (Groom, Best Man & Father of the Bride) After the wedding: Send thank you cards Photograph James-Fletcher.com

Places&Faces®

See it Love it

it t n a W Beautiful Clothes Shoes & Accessories

72 Thoroughfare Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1AL Tel 01394 382300

LET THE SPRING BEGIN 01394 610211 www.carmaboutique.co.uk Hill House Market Hill Framlingham IP13 9JA 01728 720052

20a Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU 01394 388811 www.darcy-b.co.uk

23 Market Hill Woodbridge IP12 4LU 01394 388880

45A Thoroughfare Woodbridge . Suffolk IP12 1AH

Fashion

SPRING FEVER

Refreshing your wardrobe for the new season will be a pleasure this spring. Easy to wear shapes, classic colour combinations and ﬂattering feminine lines all blend so there’s something for everyone Soft leather jacket by Urbancode £240, Holly Blue & nyx

People Tree polka dot dress £75, Caramel Snape Maltings

Set leather jacket £299, Set Pug t-shirt £75, Marianna

Bag a Book executive lap top and notebook bag in Union Jack, ninni noo Boutique

Irregular Choice Whoopi shoe, ninni noo Boutique

Penelope Chilvers sling back espadrilles £129, Darcy B

Places&Faces®

GET ON BOARD FOR FABULOUS CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Saint James Dock of the Bay Holebrook Gill J Shoes Bainbridge Bags Mat de Misaine

1 WHERRY LANE, IPSWICH, IP4 1LQ

01473 281961

OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10 AM – 6PM • SUNDAYS 10 AM - 4PM

dressedondeck.com

fit for a princess fit for you

2 0 - 2 8 N O R W I CH R O A D I PS W I CH I P1 2 N H O PE N TUE S DAY- S ATUR DAY 9 A M- 6 PM

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coes.co.uk

Fashion

NEUTRAL TERRITORY

Slate grey lace dress from the Cristina Gavioli Collection £160, Holly Blue & nyx

Irregular Choice Green Fly slingback heels in leather with a platform sole, ninni noo Boutique

Hoss Intropia dusky pink jacket £225, Marianna nicole Farhi raffia suiting dress £330, Darcy B

Knitted bag with leather trim by Shruti £70, Promenade

nicole Farhi Cavas shoe £130, Darcy B

Unisa Black patent wedge £115, Carma Boutique

STOCKISTS Caramel, 140 High Street, Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings. www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk T: (01728) 687467 Carma Boutique, 45a Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. www.carmaboutique.co.uk T: (01394) 610211 Darcy B, Market Hill Framlingham & Woodbridge. www.darcy-b.co.uk T: (01728) 720052 Holly Blue & nyx, 72 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. T: (01394) 382300 Marianna, 33a St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. www.mariannaboutique.co.uk T: (01473) 225666 nini noo Boutique, 12 Quay Street, Woodbridge. T: (01394) 388655 Promenade, 1 Wherry Lane, Waterfront, Ipswich. www.dressedondeck.com T: (01473) 281961 Samphire Clothes & Accessories, Snape Maltings www.snapemaltings.co.uk T: (01728) 688303

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

KIDDING AROUND

Your youngsters want to look their best too this spring and with styles like these who can blame them?

Powell Craft baby grows from £9.99, Darcy B & Little Mermaid

Sarah Louise sailor dress 3mths-2yrs £26.99, Ruby & Ted Joules JnR Croquet dress (natural) ages 3-10yrs from £35.95, Joules JnR Sophia legging blue ages 3-10yrs from £9.95, Ruby & Ted

Sarah Louise sun hat sizes S,M,L £9.99, Ruby & Teda

Sarah Louise flower & strawberry print sun dress sizes 18mths - 3yrs £27.99, Ruby & Ted

Delightful things for girls and boys from newborn to 10 years!

Boys & girls long sleeve tees from £18 and denim jeans £28, Children’s collection at Little Rascals, Snape Maltings

Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm Closed Sunday’s and Bank Holiday’s 28 Station Road • Framlingham • Suffolk • IP13 9ED Tel:01728 724460 • www.rubyandted.com

Darcy B & Little Mermaid, Market Hill Framlingham & Woodbridge. www.darcy-b.co.uk • T: (01728) 720052 Little Rascals, Snape Maltings www.snapemaltings.co.uk • T: (01728) 688303 Ruby & Ted, 28 Station Road, Framlingham. www.rubyandted.com • T: (01728) 724460

BusinessFashion Profile Competition | Reeve & Co

WIN £100 AND TREAT YOURSELF! To mark the arrival of the People Tree label at Caramel, Snape Maltings, one lucky Places & Faces reader will win £100 to be spent in the boutique. For those of you not familiar with People Tree it is a label that works with some of the world’s top designers, whilst supporting the communities and families involved. Their belief is that for every beautiful garment they make there’s an equally beautiful change happening somewhere in the world and achieve this through a commitment to Fair Trade initiatives and creating work in developing countries. With designers such as Orla Keily, whose Birdie wool jacquard shirt dress caused a sensation when recently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, People Tree designs are pretty, feminine and contemporary. For your chance to win £100 to spend at Caramel answer the following question: Which People Tree designer designed the Birdie wool jacquard shirt dress recently worn by the duchess of Cambridge? To enter email your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to competition@achievemoremedia.co.uk or send a postcard to Caramel Competition, Achieve More Media, 21 Terry Gardens, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 2EP. The closing date for all entries to be received is Monday 30th April 2012. An Orla Keily design for her People Tree collection

The winner will be drawn from all correct entires received by the closing date. Caramel may wish to contact you in the future with special oﬀers. Please indicate on your entry if you do not wish to be contacted by them.

People Tree comes to Caramel…

140 High Street, Aldeburgh Suffolk, IP15 5AO T: 01728 452141

www.caramel-aldeburgh.co.uk

Snape Maltings, Snape Suffolk, IP17 1SP T: 01728 687467

Places&Faces® | April 2012

MASTER CRAFTSMEN

With retail outlets throughout the UK, Europe and USA, Suffolk based furniture and joinery company Reeve & Co produces some of the finest kitchens, hand-made furniture, including gun cabinets, windows, doors and staircases, in the world today

52 | placesandfaces.co.uk

mbarking on any project for your home can be a daunting task and so finding a company that has specialists in a broad range of skill areas can be a real bonus. It’s certainly comforting to be able to forge a relationship that develops as you progress from one scheme to the next, benefiting from the knowledge gained and shared of your needs and tastes. You may need a new kitchen, dining table, front door or a whole house renovation, any of these extremes - and anywhere in between - is in the realm of Reeve & Co’s services. Reeve & Co work primarily with the best sustainable timbers including oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany and will also work with other timbers of your choice. Each piece is carefully hand-crafted with care and precision by a team comprising more than 15

dedicated professionals. But just because you’re investing in craftsmanship you don’t have to follow a traditional design route. They’re at the vanguard of innovation and are as willing to create modern exciting pieces in black walnut, pale oak and other contemporary woods as they are those carrying the unmistakable feel of aged individuality. Reeve & Co’s portfolio can be divided into some distinct areas: Kitchens, Joinery, Furniture - including freestanding, fitted and bespoke, and Gun Cupboards When it comes to kitchens the first stage is to get the design absolutely right. A kitchen design specialist works with the customer to create the scheme that is right for them and from there decisions are made about which materials should be used. Working with only

Business Profile | Reeve & Co

Panelling of new recerption area at Ipswich school

the very best available Reeve & Co kitchens are created from sustainable timbers and crafted to become a one off room that will stand the test of time. Company Director Torben Reeve explained “The kitchen is so often the absolute heart of the home. Everyone’s idea of the perfect kitchen can be very different so we don’t try to impose what we think the customer wants. Instead we listen carefully and work to make the kitchen of their dreams into reality.” Reeve & Co has a specialist bespoke joinery team able to work sympathetically with the style and character of your property. The team can consider any fixture or fitting whether reproduction furniture, doors, windows, stairs or any bespoke joinery. The list of possibilities is enormous and you may find yourselves in need of panelling, flooring, beams, gates or even an orangery – all of which Reeve & co can make and install. They have all the necessary expertise and knowledge to fulfil listed building requirements where necessary as some planning laws oblige the owner of a period property to retain as much of the

original building as possible and can include stonework, doors and windows. As well as their bespoke services Reeve and Co have a complete range of traditional and contemporary hand-made furniture. As part of their service they offer custom sizing and design on any of the range, so if a piece of your choice doesn’t fit just the way you want it, they will make sure that it does! Fitted furniture such as wardrobes and storage cupboards or library shelving are all available and made to order. The Gun Cupboards can be made to any design or size. The steel cabinets are made from four millimetre steel, with only one seven lever lock with a double bitted key to open the door. The steel part of the cabinet is baize throughout, ensuring that the steel isn’t on view. The gun rack inside is made from the same solid timber as used for the cabinet and polished to the same colour. The guns can be angled at 45° or at 90° to show them off in display. Each cabinet is made to order and can therefore accommodate any collection of guns. All cabinets are UK police approved.

Reeve & Co take enormous pride in every piece of work they undertake and have the satisfied customers to prove it. The company take the stance that any reputable firm will be able to provide prospective customers with an extensive client list willing to be contacted and to happily share their experiences, an added layer of confidence all round.

For more information: Reeve & Co (Furniture & Joinery) Limited Stonham Road Mickfield Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 5LS Email: sales@reeveandco.com Tel: 01449 711782 www.reeveandco.com

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

PUB WALKS

Sponsored by

with Darcy

www.christchurchvets.co.uk

We’ve headed west this month with a clever ‘figure-of-eight’ route that centres around the welcoming Peacock Inn at picture perfect Chelsworth chocolate box village, Chelsworth has an exceptionally pretty collection of pink-washed and thatched cottages, appealing views of the River Brett and – very importantly – a good dog friendly pub; The Peacock Inn. The location is well known for walking and cycling and we’re pleased to have found a route that keeps road walking to the absolute minimum by combining two shorter routes into a figure of eight arrangement with the Peacock as the focal point. The first part of the walk takes us across agricultural land above the village, passing the interesting architecture of Bildeston Church at our most northern point and then back down into the Brett valley. Part two offers contrast with the very pretty meadows beyond Bridge Farm leading us along the river bank to nedging Mill before we climb gently out of the valley returning back down into the village via a very quiet lane, to a well-earned drop of Broadside back at the pub. 4

Church Farm Duck Pond

Church Farm 6

Parsonage Lane 7

Chelsworth

1 8

Chelsworth Hall

Bridge Farm 9

Chelsworth Park

54 | placesandfaces.co.uk

THE WALK distance: Approx 3.5 miles Time: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace Terrain: Can be heavy underfoot in places if walking in (or after) wet weather Stops: The Peacock Inn Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 196 Start point OS reference: 982 480

The Peacock Inn at Chelsworth

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. Park in the spaces opposite the Peacock Inn and head west along the road towards the church. At the church the road bends round to the right, follow the road to the next bend. 2. Leave the road where the track leads off the bend at Ivy House and head north on to agricultural land. Head straight up this path, ignoring the footpath sign to your left. You’ll be able to see Bildeston Church on the horizon to your right. 3. At the way marker turn right towards the church and follow the path along the field. At the field boundary a small bridge takes you into the next field, follow the right hand boundary of this field until you reach a ‘T’ junction of paths. 4. Turn right and follow the path to the pond and silos at Church Farm. Turn right again and bare left towards the church. 5. Immediately before the church turn right at the footpath sign taking the wide path across a field. At the field boundary cross in to the next field keeping straight ahead. 6. The path re-joins the road. Turn right taking care as you cross and use the verge on the opposite side. 7. You will recognise you are now back at the start point. For part two of the route, with the pub behind you walk over the bridge and follow the lane until you reach the footpath sign on the left immediately after Bridge House. 8. Take the footpath behind Bridge House and passing through the kissing gate enter the meadow. The footpath hugs the right-hand boundary of the meadow. At the bottom of the field cross diagonally to the gate in the left hand corner next to the river bank. 9. Keep to the right-hand boundary again through this meadow exiting at the far right corner through the single gate. The path continues up out of the valley towards the small wooded area. Follow the path through the woods and continue until you reach the lane. 10. Turn right in to the lane to the junction. 11. At the road junction keep to the right and follow the path back down in to the village, returning over the pretty bridge to the Peacock Inn. Words by: Lesley Rawlinson Photographs: Adrian Rawlinson

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. 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. Tuesday - Saturday: 12 noon to 3pm (last food orders 2.30pm Tues to Fri 3pm Sat) 6pm to 11pm (last food orders 9pm) Sunday: 12 noon to 6pm (last food orders 3pm)

37 The Street, Chelsworth, Suffolk, IP7 7HU

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

Places&Faces® | April 2012

The St Julian Suite

Victorian Elegance

with Modern Excellence Standing at the top of Hamilton Road on the approach to the centre of Felixstowe, The Orwell Hotel will be a familiar sight to anyone who visits the town. Adrian Rawlinson stepped inside to find out more here are certain places in life with which you feel familiar, even though you’ve never really spent any significant length of time there. The Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe is one such place for me. It would be wrong for me to say that I haven’t visited, I certainly have. It has been the chosen venue for a number of successful society charity balls that we have covered for this magazine, the Elizabeth Suite dressed to its finest is an impressive sight. With family connections in the town it has in recent years also been the setting for my sister-in-law’s romantic candle lit Christmas Eve wedding and where 56 | placesandfaces.co.uk

we chose to celebrate the life of my wife’s much loved 98 year old grandmother after her passing. On all occasions, though very different, my impression has been a positive one, however they were but fleeting visits and I realised that I actually knew little of what the hotel could offer to residents and to diners. Following an increasing number of positive reviews and recommendations from friends and acquaintances over the last year it was therefore with a sense of curiosity and anticipation that I came on this visit with an overnight stay the objective. The Orwell opened as a hotel in July 1898, the same day that the railway first came to

Felixstowe. Situated opposite the station the hotel would have been the first impression of splendour for those who had arrived by train to take what was described by the press of the time as “the finest recuperative air of any watering place in England”. Although imposing, it is not until you step through the impeccably polished brass of the revolving doors that you get a true sense of the building. In a nod to childhood whimsy I have to confess to a love of revolving doors. Utilised as one device of change for Clark Kent to Superman they can equally serve in my mind as a portal to move from one era to another. Don’t get me wrong, I love the 21st century, but grandeur these days seems to be measured by scale and in former times by detail. As you enter the Orwell it is this sense of the ornate and fine detail that greets you. Since acquiring the hotel in 2002 the owner, Richard Cattermole, has carefully refurbished the interior restoring it area by

Short Break | The Orwell Hotel

The Lounge

His Lordship’s Library

area, room by room, returning its décor to the style and quality of its heyday. Initially the refurbishment concentrated on the downstairs areas but has now moved in a rolling programme to the hotel’s bedrooms. Mr Cattermole is proud of the traditional feel of the hotel and has gone to great lengths to create an environment where the guest feels that they will both be attended to and have the opportunity to sit and relax in privacy; be it within the sanctuary of the large leather Chesterfield chairs in Harry’s Bar or choosing to spend time in either the lounge with its open fire or His Lordships Library. When we arrived we were shown to the St. Julian Suite, one of seven individually decorated executive suites, in the hotel’s total of 60 bedrooms. Our room was cosy and welcoming. A king sized bed with duvet (gone are the days of sheets and blankets) a double sofa and writing desk made the room comfortable and practical. Our bathroom was warm and spacious with a large cast iron rolled top bath, impressive shower and double sink. Having unpacked we returned downstairs and ordered pre-dinner drinks in Harry’s bar. Although the hotel is situated on the junction of High Road and Hamilton Road I was impressed by how peaceful it was, car headlights would pass the windows but the sound was absolutely minimal.

Reluctantly leaving the afore-mentioned Chesterfields – I really could have relaxed in them all evening – we moved to the Westerfield Restaurant. Head chef Mark Allen has created a menu that is simple but beautifully executed comprising classical dishes with a modern twist utilising the best of seasonal ingredients. Many of the recent compliments we have heard about the hotel have related to the quality of dining on offer. We were not disappointed. For starters we selected a prawn cocktail in a round of thinly sliced ribbons of cucumber and the warm bacon and black pudding salad. Both were excellent, the quality of ingredients shone through, the presentation was beautiful and we agreed that the dishes matched any that we had previously had the pleasure of enjoying; high praise indeed. Our mains were equally satisfying. I chose the lamb shank which was perfectly cooked and delicately flavoured, and the steak chosen by my wife was superb both for the quality of the cut and the accompanying herb and butter sauce. For desserts a selection of ice creams for me, and for my wife a personal favourite, crème brulee which was again declared “delicious”. After coffees and more relaxation, this time in the lounge, we retired for a thoroughly restful night’s sleep in what proved to be the most comfortable of beds.

Breakfast was again a pleasure. Good quality local products including Blythburgh bacon and Proctors sausages, which were cooked to perfection. Throughout our visit the service we received was excellent and this I believe is in no small part down to the high standards of consistency that General Manager Steven Cordory asks of his team and has helped put in place since his arrival in late 2010. Catching up with Steven after our breakfast he told me of the training plans and development opportunities that his team now have and how they constantly seek feedback from guests on how they can improve their service. From our experience it is working and we would thoroughly recommend a stay at the hotel. For anyone who may be looking to stage an event the hotel has recently added the well-known and respected Jo Barnard to their team as Commercial Manager. For more information: The Orwell Hotel Hamilton Road, Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7DX T: 01394 285511 reservations@theorwellhotel.co.uk www.hotelelizabethorwell.co.uk

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

HARBOURSIDE DINING DESTINATION

Whether you’re taking time out for a short break, enjoying a relaxed brasserie meal or looking for a fine dining experience Milsom Hotels and Restaurants are likely to feature on your list of venue choices. This month Lesley Rawlinson visits the Harbourside Restaurant at the group’s Pier Hotel in Harwich for an evening of unexpected nostalgia 58 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Dining Review | The Pier Hotel

all tugged at my expectant taste-buds, but I chose instead a dish of diver-caught scallops with cucumber seeds and gremolata. Meaty but yielding the scallops were perfectly accompanied by the light herbal flavours of the sauce and a well-proportioned start to the meal. My husband’s steamed shells mussels, cockles, clams and tiger prawns all brought together with a delicately flavoured anise velouté – included a delicacy neither of us had tried; razor clams. They’re so often hailed as a tricky to catch but worthwhile bounty of beach foragers and it was great to see their inclusion. My main course of Lobster Thermidor, the perfectly delicate lobster flavour enhanced by a carefully balanced mustard, brandy and cheese sauce, wasn’t an easy choice. Skate wings with brown shrimp and capers or pan fried Dover sole with sauce béarnaise both jostled for position as did my husband’s eventual choice of pan-fried halibut supreme with oxtail ravioli. The fish was served with a robust parsley root puree but it wasn’t anything that the halibut couldn’t cope with and the combination of flavours another success. Here I should also make mention of the wine – a crisp white Italian 2010 Cortese which, as the house dry white, was a perfect accompaniment. open all day with a full bistro menu available We had so much fun with the desserts! think I was a very lucky child. My family from 12 noon right through to 9.30 in the There were numerous sophisticated options moved from Buckinghamshire to the evening. It’s of brasserie style and fl avour but when we’d headed for The Pier I hadn’t Suffolk coast just a week before my with a relaxed atmosphere so a good choice imagined we’d have the chance to re-kindle eighth birthday and until then my for all the family. In the summer guests can childhood memories of former sea-side relationship with fish (other than some in also eat outside on the terrace (weather visits. Mini cones, all perfectly formed and a tank that looked pretty) had been mostly permitting) making it an ideal place to sit each with a diff erent ice-cream flavour of the bread-crumbed-straight-from-a-box and watch the world, and of course the many and topping, nestled in a glass of multivariety. But as an adventurous food lover it boats, go by. coloured hundred’s and thousand’s. It was wasn’t long before my Dad regularly took We were heading for the fi rst fl oor: the like looking at a Willy Wonker creation and us to a fish stall he’d found at Felixstowe Harbourside Restaurant. Gleaming glassware, then realising it was real! We also ordered Ferry where we would buy everything from Twinkle Jelly – a fabulous dish of glittering prawns and cockles to take straight home for crisp white tablecloths and the twinkling lights of the river through the tall windows jelly with marscapone ice cream, raspberry lunch, through to a wide variety of fish that invited us in and we settled at the polished sherbet and liquorice sticks –my mouth was he would encourage us to try and for which pewter bar for pre-diner drinks and to in memory heaven. we gradually acquired a taste. Thanks to Dad examine the menu. Hand-cooked vegetable I think the next time I visit the Pier I’d like my love of seafood has continued to grow crisps with home-made hummus appeared to arrive by water. From Easter to midand so it was with salivating expectation beside us, indicative of the elegant touches September the Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry that I headed to The Pier at Harwich where that are trademarks here. The Harbourside links Harwich, Felixstowe and Shotley. It can the reputation for great seafood is well specialises in seafood but there are also only carry 12 passengers, but can be booked documented. some meat and vegetarian options should in advance and could add to what is bound The Pier Hotel is arranged in two you have a ‘non fi sh eater’ in your party. We to be another enjoyable trip! neighbouring buildings facing the confluence of the Orwell and Stour estuaries noted too from the menu that much of what we were about to sample was landed in the at Harwich harbour. The 14 carefully harbour opposite and it’s clear that new FOR MORE InFORMATIOn: furnished bedrooms are part of a renovated chef, Tom Bushell, makes full use of the fresh The Pier, The Quay, Harwich former public house dating from around produce available. Tel: 01255 241212 1700, with the two restaurants next door in Starters including dressed crab, Harwich Email: pier@milsomhotels.com the striking and beautifully symmetrical main lobster and shellfish cocktail, grilled giant www.milsomhotels.com/thepier building. On the ground floor the Ha’Penny Bistro is prawns and the fish and shellfish soup which

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Wine

‘Oh, to be in England now that Rob April’s there’! Chase

rowning’s resonant call-to-arms to shake off the shackles of winter sends a shiver of excitement down many a spine but none more so than that of a wine merchant. With the approach of longer, milder evenings there will be time to linger a little longer over ethereal Sauvignons, honeyed Rieslings and lighter, appetisingly food-orientated Pinot Noirs. As winter clothes go back in the trunk to make way for summer attire, so too should we be consigning robust reds and chunky whites to the back of our minds and making way for more seasonally appropriate wines. Long have I been the company philistine when it comes to food and wine-matching combinations – but by keeping it simple this spring, I cannot imagine anything more delicious than a glass or two of crisp, dry, minerally Touraine Sauvignon enjoyed with seasonal, Suffolk asparagus. On the other hand, should you choose to wrap these tender spears in strips of Serrano ham and top them with shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano, you start to need a bit more substance. Cue a sassy kiwi Sauvignon with its extravagant, exploding, tropical-fruit flavours, or a more substantial Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé. I have been known to bang on (and on) about Clare Valley Rieslings, so let me simply put the thought in your minds that these make the most tantalisingly delightful spring aperitifs, as does - in the year of the Diamond 60 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Jubilee - English sparkling wine. One is not allowed to mention the word Champagne in the same sentence, but a wine such as the Nyetimber Classic Blend from Sussex is made in this traditional way, possibly with a little more flair. It is pricier than some Champagnes but so it should be; it is made in tiny quantities compared to its French counterpart and for my money, tastes better and more interesting than the majority of supermarket, own-label Champagnes. If you are going to be patriotic, however, you need to make haste because - as sure as eggs are Easter eggs - there will be a dearth: you can’t put a price on patriotism! Spring lamb – doesn’t it just make your mouth water? How lucky we are to live in such enlightened and organised times, able to enjoy mutton in the winter and this sweetest of meat in the spring. Traditionally, and due to the fatty nature of lamb in times past, it was deemed necessary to combat this with tannic reds made from Cabernet Franc, from Bourgeuil or Chinon in the Loire, or from Bordeaux itself. These still make excellent choices, but when it comes to lean, spring lamb the world has moved on apace: right now, there has never been a better time to explore Pinot Noir – the grape that made Burgundy’s fortune. You can go straight in at the top, and head for the likes of Gevrey Chambertin, Nuits St Georges or Volnay – and there are dozens of equally famous names waiting to tease your taste buds - but don’t be too hasty. The reason Burgundy made its fortune is obvious; the wines might be fabulously good but they are also fabulously expensive. Affordable options, however, are at hand: whilst mutton has been put on the back boiler, so to speak, and we have embraced the new age of lamb, the New World has been busy conjuring up extraordinarily good value-for-money Pinot Noirs. Adnams has struck a rich seam of

As winter clothes go back in the trunk to make way for summer attire, so too should we be consigning robust reds and chunky whites to the back of our minds and making way for more seasonally appropriate wines Burgundian alternatives, and I can heartily recommend a couple of recent discoveries and one old favourite. For twelve pounds, try John Forrest’s consistently excellent Marlborough Pinot Noir. I would also point you towards an incredibly great value Pinot called Paparuda from Romania at under six pounds a bottle (quite how they do this is a mystery) or the latest jewel in our crown - Bodegas Gouguenheim’s Pinot Noir from Argentina - at under a tenner. There you have some of your Easter requirements mapped out – a true-blue sparkling wine, zingy white Sauvignons and some lamb-friendly reds. Venture into our Cellar & Kitchen Stores and chocoholics might even discover the delicious Rubis, a fascinating (secret) concoction involving Tempranillo, chocolate and 15% alcohol – all for £11.99. ‘Oh, to be in Suffolk …’

Local Produce Gallery

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.

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: 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: 01728 668520

THE ARTISAN SMOKEHOUSE

GRANGE FARM SHOP

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.

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. Lovely range of hampers available.

Maximus fish shop

The Wightman family have been fishing the Suffolk coast since 1890, using 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 seasonal wet fish, smoked fish & shellfish. Order your fish for Easter now. Open: Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.00pm and at J R Creasey butchers, Peasehall Fridays 10am -3pm Address: Unit 1, Friday Street Farm Shop, Farnham, Saxmundham, IP17 1JX E: chriswightman01@btinternet.com M: 07980 000284

T: 01728 603854 Chilli Farm Smokehouse & Deli

It’s all change this season 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.

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

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: 01394 270609

T: 01473 735610

T: 01449 766677

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Arlingtons

the WILFORD BRIDGE

The Angel

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.

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.

Open: Monday to Sunday 8am to 10pm Address: 13 Museum Street, Ipswich. Suffolk. IP1 1HE E: enquiries@arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk W: www.arlingtonsbrasserie.com

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

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

T: 01473 230293

T: 01394 386141

T: 01394 383808

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.

The fountain

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 maybush

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.

The admirals head

Set in pretty Little Bealings, The Admiral’s Head has been a pub for more than 200 years and retains its beautiful Georgian features. The menu includes Italian specialities courtesy of chef Rosario DeAngelo, as well as traditional favourites. Book now for our special Mother’s Day set menu and treat your Mum to a lovely Sunday lunch. As always, three cask ales on tap and a great list of Old and New World wines.

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

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: All day Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday lunch time Address: Sandy Lane, Little Bealings, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6LW E: theadmiralshead@btinternet.com W: www.theadmiralshead.com

T: 01473 785377

T: 01473 736215

T: 01473 625912

62 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Food Gallery

The Arboretum at Fynn Valley

THE PEACOCK INN

Satis house

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

Satis House is a Grade II listed Georgian property offering a two rosette modern British restaurant that prides itself on sourcing local seasonal produce. Set in three acres of beautiful parkland you can choose to stay, eat or drink enjoying a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. With modern conveniences in 18th Century splendour, the hotel accommodation includes tastefully furnished bedrooms with some featuring four poster-beds and antique bathrooms. Open: Lunches and afternoon teas: Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 4pm, daily for Dinner: 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

T: 01473 785202

T: 01449 743952

T: 01728 668418

sutton plough

The ship

Butt & Oyster

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.

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.

The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known public houses in Suffolk renowned for its good beer, good food and great views. As you eat watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you. Food offers are available throughout the week – See our website for details.

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: 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

Open: Monday- Saturday 11.00am 11.00pm. Sunday 12.00 noon -10.30pm. Food served 7 days a week. Address: Pin Mill, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 1JW E: buttandoyster@debeninns.co.uk W: www.debeninns.co.uk

T: 01394 411785

T: 01728 648219

T: 01473 780764

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces速 | April 2012

BASS FROM THE BOARDWALK

Celebrate spring with this inviting, seasonal sea bass dish from Richard Knights of The Boardwalk at Southwold Pier

64 | placesandfaces.co.uk

ichard Knights has been Head Chef at the newly refurbished Boardwalk restaurant at Southwold Pier for the past 12 months. He and his Sous Chef, Michael Copeman, recently won a silver award for a cookery demonstration at Hotelympia, London.

Recipe | The Boardwalk, Southwold Pier

Also a semi-finalist twice in the prestigious National Chef of the Year, Richard comes from a fine dining background spanning almost 15 years. After gaining his qualifications at City College Norwich (winning ‘student of the year’ twice along the way) he took some time working abroad in New York, Palm Beach Florida and Cahors in the South of France. On his return, he spent time in a number of fine

dining restaurants including the Hundred House Hotel, Shropshire; Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich; Tom Aikens and Pied à Terre, London. From there he took up his first Head Chef position at the Lavender House in Norfolk where he ran the kitchens for 7 years. During his first year in charge he was nominated for his first Michelin star. A great communicator, Richard has also enjoyed teaching kitchen skills and the

competition Academy students at City College, Norwich and Great Yarmouth College. His passion in the kitchen comes from creating new dishes using seasonal produce, as well as being able to encourage his young team of chefs to mature and grow with the food they produce. Richard currently lives in Brundall, Norfolk with his partner Lisa and their two daughters Lili, 5 and Harper, 1.

Pan fried sea bass, sauté new potatoes and curly kale with a mussel and lettuce fricassee (Serves 2) METHOD

Ingredients

2 sea bass fillets 100g new potatoes 50g butter 80g peas 100g curly kale 150ml double cream 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 shallots, finely chopped 150ml white wine 15 mussels, cleaned and prepped Salt and pepper to season

1. Score the skin of the sea bass about 10 times, close together. If the fillets are exceptionally large then divide into 3 pieces 2. Cook the new potatoes, chill, then slice into 1cm slices 3. Melt a little butter in a sauté pan and fry the potatoes until golden in colour on both sides 4. Place on a tray and fry the prepared bass fillets in a little butter until the skin is crisp and golden, turn over and place another knob of butter in the pan and put to one side 5. To make the sauce, sweat the garlic and shallots slowly in a little butter for about 10 minutes without colour 6. Add the prepared mussels and cook again for 2 minutes 7. Add the white wine and simmer for 4 minutes until reduced by half and the mussels have opened 8. Add the cream and simmer for 3 further minutes. Taste and season

www.southwoldpier.co.uk

9. Add the peas and lettuce and stir quickly to mix in 10. For the curly kale, strip out the stem of the kale then place in a pan of boiling water and butter and blanch for 2 minutes, take out, drain and serve 11. Put the dish together by placing the potatoes on the base, pop the kale on top then the fish on top of the kale. Finish with the mussel fricassee around the dish “I recommend my baked vanilla cheesecake as a pudding to follow the sea bass. The lightness of the cheesecake together with the spiced fruit compôte and a little crème fraîche is the perfect balance to the richness of the fricassee.” Jamie Perry, Restaurant Manager of The Boardwalk recommends a bottle of New Zealand Tinpot Hot, Sauvignon Blanc to drink with Richard’s sea bass dish, “It’s a lovely vibrant and aromatic classic Kiwi, packed with zesty gooseberry notes and just great with this kind of food”.

Tel: 01502 722105 North Parade . Southwold . IP18 68N

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Antiques & Auctions

Batteries may not be included! t is amazing what you can stumble across when carrying out some research on the internet. I am sure we have all been shocked and amazed in equal Neals measure by the content on offer but during this particular online session one image caught my attention. I have been considering the origins of the humble fork and in true amateur detective fashion ended up on the site which always has some answers which you can choose to accept or not as the case may be – Wikipedia. It reveals the word fork derives from the Latin, furca, which apparently translates as a pitchfork. So at least we now have some understanding of table manners. The fork however arrived

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after the knife and spoon and early manifestations were blessed with two tines or prongs as we now know them. Flatter than today’s models and with a wide gap between the protrusions food could easily fall between the gap but the width achieved another function which was to hold the meat more firmly and apparently allow the diner the opportunity to rid the meat of unnecessary sauce or gravy…… watch out for those around you at the table. The article went on to proclaim the details of a diverse variety of this culinary delight ranging from the asparagus fork to the fondant fork and the ice cream fork in-between. There was also a description of some novelty items and these included the ‘knork’ - a utensil which combines the characteristic of a knife and fork while the ‘sporf’ includes the benefits of a spoon as well. By way of contrast a spork is just a mix of spoon and fork. Intrigued I continued to the end of

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Photograph: The Old Rectory, Lavenham

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the article and there was a picture of a mechanical spaghetti fork. My day was nearly complete. So how did this work I hear you say. Well this cunning device now sports four curved prongs spaced closely together and has a central shaft connected at the opposite end of the prongs to a right angled handle. The shaft passes through a cylindrical column which when held in one hand enables the fork to be rotated by turning the handle. Ingenious! However, after further delving, I came across a manually operated fork complete with a spiral twist stem and slider accompanied by a video of the inventor, Bob Balow, proudly demonstrating his product - (well worth a look!) - It shows him happily twirling his pasta to ensure proper control of his noodles between plate and lip! Not to be upstaged I then came across a present day battery operated model with a choice of brightly decorated handles!…. What will they think of next?

Homes & Interiors

BATHROOM BLISS

Whether you’re one for a long hot soak or prefer to blast yourself with a powerful shower the bathroom’s a place we all like to spend some time just for ourselves. From chic, ultra-modern gloss through to period charm of an antique style (and everything in between) we’re spoilt for choice if a bathroom refurbishment is on the shopping list. Here are just some of the highlights available from top local independent retailers

Villeroy & Boch LuXXus whirlpool bath, Woodbridge Interiors

Victoria & Albert Single Ended Bath £1244.90, Old Fashioned Bathrooms

Castello Oceanus bath £4668, Brightwell Interiors

Places&Faces®

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• Vastly experienced staff to advise you • Inspirational bathroom displays • Family run business

Old Fashioned Bathrooms www.oldfashionedbathrooms.co.uk Stonham Road · Mickfield . Stowmarket · Suffolk · IP14 5LS Tel 01449 711800 · Email Sales@oldfashionedbathrooms.co.uk

Woodbridge Interiors

Full installation service. Free design Tel: 01394 386390 Kitchen and Bathroom showroom Smithfield, Melton Road, Melton, nr. Woodbridge www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk

Old Fashioned Bathrooms Stonham Road · Mickfield . Stowmarket · Suffolk · IP14 5LS Tel 01449 711800 · Email Sales@oldfashionedbathrooms.co.uk

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Homes & Interiors

Chichester 850 Oak Countertop Washstand (pictured is a customised console and basin), £595, Design Centre

St. James suite (made in England) price on application, Old Fashioned Bathrooms

Cowshed body wash £16, body lotion £18, bath oil £20, soap £8, travel candles £20, Love One Chichester fitted cabinets £1,575 (excludes the marble top), Design Centre

Emma Bridgewater Bathrobes from £75, Barretts of Woodbridge Floral velour dressing gowns £75 House & Garden, Snape Maltings

Places&Faces®

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Homes & Interiors

Esprit Blue Collection; Liquid Soap Dispenser £10.50, Soap Dish £9.25, Toilet Brush Holder £25.99, Toothbrush Holder £9.75, Glasswells

Design & Sustainability In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with messages to conserve water and reuse resources this clever invention from Roca brings a new solution to the bathroom. This is a W+W. It’s a washbasin plus water-closet and is a unique idea combining functionality, sustainability and aesthetic design. The innovative technology allows water from the washbasin to be reused to fill the toilet cistern truly bridging the gap between sophistication and a love for the planet! Available from Foxwood – see stockists panel

Mimo wash basins by Laufen, Foxwood

STOCKISTS: Barretts of Woodbridge, 40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. www.barretts.co.uk T: 01394 384300 Brightwell Interiors, Brightwell Hall Farm, Brightwell, Ipswich. www.brightwellinteriors.com T: 01473 611130 Design Centre Ltd, Barton Road, Bury St Edmunds. www.designcentreltd.co.uk T: 01284 731025 Foxwood, 36 – 38 Woodbridge Road, Rushmere St Andrew. E: info@foxwoodceramics.co.uk T: 01473 617050 Glasswells, Ranelagh Road, Ipswich or Newmarket Road Bury St Edmunds. www.glasswells.co.uk T: 01473 253164 House & Garden, Snape Maltings, Snape, Nr Aldeburgh. www.snapemaltings.co.uk T: 01728 688303 Love One, 21 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich. E: cathy@loveone.co.uk T: 07711 517787 Old Fashioned Bathrooms, Stonham Road, Mickfield, Stowmarket. www.oldfashionedbathrooms.co.uk T: 01449 711800 Woodbridge Interiors, Smithfield, Melton Road, Woodbridge. www.woodbridgeinteriors.co.uk T: 01394 386390

Places&Faces®

Stylish tiles selected to inspire you

Exclusive and beautiful ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles for walls and floors, glass and stone mosaics and the whole range of accessory products.

Showroom and Parking: Sproughton Road Ipswich IP15AN. 01473 747431 showroom@ceramic-tiles.co.uk www.ceramic-tiles.co.uk Also visit our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tile & Stone Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; showrooms in Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Harlow and Thetford. Established for over 45 years.

Business Profile | Ceramic Tiles

THE NEXT GENERATION

Photograph nick Braybrooke & Jonathan newton

Having traditional values doesn’t mean you can’t offer stylish and exciting products as Suffolk tile specialist CERAMIC TILES LIMITED is proving with a careful balance of classic service and modern ﬂare

eramic Tiles Limited’s Ipswich Showroom on Sproughton Road has recently undergone refurbishment as the company continues to evolve for the current generation of discerning customers. It is more spacious, with life like setting areas and a brand new, exclusive range of bathroom furniture to complement its wide and stylish choice of tiles and natural stone, carefully selected to inspire their customers. Ceramic Tiles Limited was established in 1966 and is a leading ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tile retailer and distributor independently owned by nick Braybrooke, Managing Director. The company specialises in offering beautiful, exclusive tiles, mosaics and natural stone from classic and timeless to contemporary and creative designs putting together the latest colour trends for its customers whose care and satisfaction is paramount. The company only sources from high quality manufacturers, particularly in Italy and Spain, where nick says their technology and design still leads the world. Ceramic Tiles Limited is also one of the country’s most respected tile distributors supplying to select

independent retailers in the south east and commercial developments around the UK. This expertise is reflected in the company’s five ‘Tile & Stone Gallery’ showrooms, the Ipswich showroom being the longest established. Jonathan newton who oversees their day to day running says, “we have been the tile specialist in Suffolk for over forty years and are proud to have the children and grandchildren of customers we served in the 60’s and 70’s’ as are our customers today. The fact that the next generation is coming back to us shows we are evolving with the times, yet offering a specialist service which is harder to find these days”. Having a beautiful range of tiles is essential but the company’s knowledgeable and helpful showroom team is the key. “no two customers have the same requirement so everyone is treated individually with a bespoke service whatever the size of their project” says Jonathan. “It is our absolute obligation to ensure our customers make the right choice. We give as much time, support and advice as the customer needs, taking your time and being able to ask questions to get the right product and design is essential”.

Most ranges on display are available from stock and can be delivered to your home. In addition the company provides customers with a list of professional tile fixers to ensure the finished job is to the highest standard. Jonathan adds “our showrooms differ from many tile companies, especially the DIY sheds, in that we show our tiles in realistic settings in a comfortable, friendly and relaxed environment. nick adds “our tiles are priced to give real value for money because we deal directly with manufacturers. Of course we offer very exclusive tiles but we also aim to cover most budgets and tastes”. As well as the Ipswich showroom you will find a Tile & Stone Gallery showroom in Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Thetford and Harlow.

T: 01473 747431 www.ceramic-tiles.co.uk

Places&Faces®

Places&FacesÂŽ | April 2012

SOWING THE SEEDS Whether you are a keen gardener or not April is the month when you need to work hard for a great summer display. Andrew Tokely, Thompson & Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Horticultural Manager, talks about sowing seeds undercover

rowing your own plants from seed is a pleasurable experience as there is nothing more exciting than seeing those first seedlings germinate. Unfortunately seed sowing can also create panic and fear amongst many gardeners, both experienced and beginners. This easy to follow guide should make seed sowing easier in the future. Seeds that need sowing undercover at this time of the year include half hardy annuals, perennials and tender vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. These are seeds that need some extra warmth to germinate.

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Gardening

What you will need For successful seed sowing there are a few garden sundries that will be helpful: • A heated propagator (although you can germinate seedlings very well on a warm windowsill) • Seed sowing or multipurpose compost • Labels and pen • Clean pots or seed trays (use trays for packets containing large amounts of seed and small 7.5cm (3in) pots for packets with only a few seeds in them) • Fine grade vermiculite • A sieve • Seeds • Dry silver sand • Watering can ﬁtted with a ﬁne rose • Cheshunt compound Getting Started First of all take your clean pots or trays and fill with some seed sowing or multipurpose compost. If the compost is a bit lumpy put it through a sieve first before filling. When the pots or trays have been filled with compost, take a piece of wood that has been cut to the same size as the inner rim of the pot or tray and push it down on the compost. This will gently firm the compost and create a level space for sowing the seeds. Once filled give the pots or trays a good watering using a can fitted with a fine rose, then leave them to drain for approximately 30 minutes before starting to sow your seeds. Seed Sowing now your pots or trays are filled and ready for seed sowing you can make a start. Many gardeners get confused about which seeds need covering and those that do not. Large seeds If when you open the seed packet and the seeds appear large and when they are carefully sprinkled on the compost you can still see them they need to be covered. I like to cover the seeds with fine grade vermiculite. This product is a lot easier to use than a sieve full of compost, plus it is what all-professional nurseries use and more gardeners are using it too. Simply sprinkle the vermiculite over the seeds until they are covered. Using vermiculite you will get a far better germination, a clean seedling and less chance of the seedlings getting Dampingoff Disease. Examples of large seeds are Marigold, Pansy, Cosmos and Rudbeckia. >>

garden centre ORNAMENTAL ELEGANCE FOR YOUR GARDEN

A STUNNING SELECTION OF ROSE ARCHES, OBELISKS, PLANTERS AND FURNITURE FROM LAURA ASHLEY GARDEN AND OTHER LEADING BRANDS

garden centre Open: 9.00-18.00 Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 16.30 Sunday & Bank Holidays Peppers Lane . Wherstead . Ipswich . IP9 2AB T: 01473 786617 • www.bournegardencentre.co.uk

Places&FacesÂŽ | April 2012

Small seeds If you open the seed packet and the seeds appear to be like dust or very tiny this is a good indication that the seed will not need covering. Many gardeners find sowing fine seeds difficult. A handy tip is to open the seed packet, take out the inner foil containing the seeds and tip this into the bigger packet. now take a pinch of dry silver sand and put this in the packet with the seeds and shake it up. now when you sow the seed/sand mix you will be able to see the sand grains as they fall on the compost, making sowing easier. Once sown these seeds should not be covered as they need light to germinate. Examples of fine small seeds are Lobelia, Antirrhinum, Poppy and Begonia. The basic rule of thumb is: If you sow the seed and you can see it, cover it. If you sow the seed and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it leave it uncovered. What to do next Once the seeds are sown, make sure you write a label with the name and date on it and insert into each pot or tray. These containers can then be placed in a heated propagator with a plastic lid on top. If you do not have a heated propagator place the pots or trays inside clear polythene bags creating a mini propagator and stand them on a warm windowsill indoors out of direct sunlight. After a few days or weeks, depending on what you have sown, the seeds will start to germinate. Once this happens remove them from the propagator or polythene bag otherwise the seedlings will become very weak, spindly and drawn. You want short compact sturdy seedlings. Once these seedlings are big enough to handle they can then be pricked out (transplanted into individual pots or cell trays to grow on). damping-off disease Some gardeners who grow their own plants from seeds have trouble with a fungal disease called Damping-off. This is usually caused when seedlings are kept in a heated propagator or a polythene bag for too long under moist, humid conditions. One way of preventing the disease is to prevent the build-up of stagnant air by changing the air in the propagator or bag each day. To do this simply lift the lid of the propagator and shake any excess moisture off of it. Polythene bags can be removed and shaken out before replacing. If, despite carrying out this advice,

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Gardening

you still get problems you can water pots or trays prior to sowing with the fungicide Cheshunt Compound. This will help prevent this disease. The pots or trays of compost used for pricking out can also be watered with this fungicide if you wish, as a further precaution against the disease. Remember to always read the seed packet instructions, these will also give helpful growing tips and advice, plus the temperatures the seeds require when sown. Hopefully following this simple seed-sowing guide will help you grow many different plants from seeds this year. Happy seed sowing!

in s e l e c th e t i o co u n s o ntry f tre e s, s . hrub s&

ng i t i e xc n t s t s m o al pla d n t est a a m en g r a l e orn O n e o f th

www.botanica.org.uk Chantry Farm, Campsea Ashe, IP13 0PZ, 01728 747113

The Garden Shop at Elmers Large Selection, Competitive Prices

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SUFFOLK TIMBERFRAME CONSTRUCTION

CLASSIC QUALITY COMBINED WITH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Award Winning Landscape Designer

www.rogergladwell.co.uk 01728 638372

Gardening

GARDENING AND GIVING FOR 85 YEARS

A total of 120 special presentations will take place at private gardens in England and Wales this spring marking 85 years since they first opened to the public in aid of the National Gardens Scheme n 28th May 1927 the garden gates at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, the ancestral home of The Marquess of Salisbury, swung open and anyone willing to pay the one shilling (5pence in today’s currency) admission charge could, in the words of The Times reporter, “wander where they liked.” This was the very first garden to open on behalf of what is now the national Gardens Scheme which was established in that year by the Queen’s nursing Institute as a way to contribute to a memorial fund they had set up in aid of their patron, Queen Alexandra, following her death in 1925. Each one of the original gardens that opened in 1927 and which are opening in 2012 will be presented with a commemorative plaque carrying a representation of a 1927 shilling and a message of thanks, to mark the 85th anniversary. “A total of one hundred and twenty of the original 1927 gardens, including Hatfield House, will be among over 3,800 mainly private gardens to open for us in 2012,” explains George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the charity. “That one-shilling entrance fee remained in place until decimalisation in 1971. Today, the average charge is around £3.50 and since that first year we have donated more than £35 million to nursing, caring and gardening charities.” Currently the nGS’s primary nursing and caring beneficiaries are The Queen’s nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Crossroads Care and Perennial. Each charity currently receives an annual donation and the nGS is the biggest single benefactor for both Macmillan Cancer Support’s and Marie Curie. To date Macmillan has received more than £13 million and Marie Curie more than £5 million. In addition to annual donations the nGS also has an annual guest charity which for 2012 is the Alzheimer’s Society.

SUFFOLK GARdENS OPEN IN APRIL 2012 Sunday April 1 • The Beeches, Grove Road, Walsham le- Willows IP31 3AD - Garden open from 2.00.p.m. - 5.00.p.m. - Admission £3.50p children free - Homemade teas • Great Thurlow Hall, Great Thurlow, Haverhill CB9 7LF - Garden open 12.00 5.00.p.m. - Admission £4 children free • Woodwards, Blacksmiths Lane, Coddenham IP6 9TX - Garden open 10.00.a.m. 6.00.p.m. Admission £2.50p children free - Homemade teas Sunday April 8 • Blakenham Woodland Garden, Little Blakenham IP8 4LZ - Garden open 10.00.a.m. - 5.00.p.m. - admission £3 children £1.50p Rosemary, Rectory Hill, East Bergholt CO7 6TH - Garden open from 2.00.p.m. - 5.30.pm Admission £3.50p children free Homemade teas

Great Thurlow Hall

Saxham Hall, Gt. Saxham, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5JW - Garden open 2.00.p.m. - 5.00.pm - Admission £3 children free Light refreshments Sunday April 15 • Blakenham Woodland Garden, Little Blakenham IP8 4LZ - Garden open 10.00.a.m. - 5.00.p.m. - admission £3 children £1.50p • East Bergholt Place, East Bergholt CO7 6UP - Garden Open 2.00.p.m. - 5.00.p.m. Admission £6 children free - Teas

Rydal Mount

• Rydal Mount, Grays Lane, Wissett IP19 0JP - Garden open 11.00.a.m. - 5.00.p.m. Admission £5 including teas - children free Saturday April 28 • Larks Hill, Tuddenham St. Martin IP6 9BY - Garden open 1.00.p.m. - 5.00.p.m. Admission £4 children free - Homemade teas

Riverside House

Sunday April 29 • Riverside House, Stoke Road, Clare CO10 8nS - Garden open 12.00 - 5.00.p.m. - Admission £3.50p children free - Teas available in town

Places&Faces®

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Legal

Changes to Inheritance Tax encourage charitable giving

TeresaCallender Ashton KCJ Solicitors

hanges coming into force from 6 April will potentially benefit both charities and the families of people who make charity donations in their Will. If someone leaves 10% or more of their net estate to charity, and dies after 6 April 2012, any IHT liability will be calculated at 36% instead of the standard 40%. The aim of the legislation is to encourage people to make charitable legacies or increase existing legacies, therefore increasing the amount charities receive. The starting point Generally the first £325,000 of an individual’s estate can be handed on free of IHT; above this tax is charged at 40%. When assets pass straight from one spouse or civil partner to the other on the first death then an exemption of up to £650,000 may be available when the second partner dies. No IHT is payable where assets pass between spouses or civil partners who have their permanent home in the UK. Nor is any IHT payable on any gifts made to a ‘qualifying’ charity. If the deceased owned a business, farm, woodland or National Heritage property, some IHT relief may be available.

80 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Lifetime Gifts Gifts that someone made during their lifetime should also be checked to see if they are exempt. If they are not, then they are included in the overall value of the estate and reduce the IHT threshold available. Examples of exempt lifetime gifts are: • Charity exemption. IHT will not be payable on any gifts made to a ‘qualifying’ charity during lifetime, but these do not count towards the 10%. Charities are concerned that this might discourage lifetime giving. • Potentially exempt transfers. A gift of any value is generally exempt from IHT if the donor survives for seven years thereafter. • Annual exemption. A sum of up to £3,000 can be gifted each year without any IHT liability. • Wedding and civil partnership gifts. These are exempt up to a certain amount depending on the relationship. • Small gift exemption. Small gifts of up to £250 to as many individuals as you like can be made IHT-free. Effective Will Planning If a testator wishes to leave money to charity, they can either include a specific legacy in their Will, or leave a share of the residue of their estate to one or more charities. If someone dies without providing for a charity, it is possible for the Will to be varied after their death through a Deed of Variation if all beneficiaries are in agreement. Beneficiaries who are receiving an estate that has left gifts to charity should seriously consider whether a Deed of Variation could result in a lower IHT bill for them and extra funds for the charity. The calculation will be done by first deducting the Nil Rate Band threshold and any reliefs and exemptions. This remainder is the net residue of the estate. If 10% of the residue is left to charity, the relief will be available. So, for example: Sarah dies leaving a Will which includes a legacy of £250,000 to her spouse, £10,000 to charity and the residue to be divided equally between her three children. Sarah’s estate is valued at £700,000. As the legacy due to the charity is less than 10% of the residue, IHT will be payable at 40%.

Estate 700,000 Less: Legacy to Spouse 250,000 Legacy to Charity 10,000 Nil Rate Band 325,000 Taxable estate: 115,000 IHT on £115,000 @ 40% Residue of estate to children:

46,000 394,000

By changing the distribution of the estate to leave 10% instead of £10,000 to charity, the IHT rate would be 36%, which would benefit both Sarah’s children and the charity: Legacy to Spouse 250,000 Nil Rate Band 325,000 Taxable estate 125,000 Charity receives

12,500

IHT on £112,500 @ 36%

40,500

Residue of estate to children:

397,000

If your estate is liable to IHT and you are planning to leave money to charity, it is important to be aware of these proposed changes to ensure that all beneficiaries of your Will can receive maximum benefit.

Teresa Callender Legal Executive Ashton KCJ Email: teresa.callender@ashtonkcj.co.uk Tel: 01284 727001 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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84 Perfect Town House

INSIDE:

86 Iken Retreat

88 Family Farm House

ECR Properties

Fine & Country

Jackson-Stops & Staff

Clarke & Simpson

Morton-Smith & Girling

Grier & Partners

Neals

Castle Estates

Hamilton Smith Woodbridge

Gobbitt & Kirby

Fenn Wright

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Hopkins Homes

94 Award Winning

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NETWORK OF 300 INDEPENDENT OFFICES REPRESENTING PROPERTIES LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

THORNDON

Guide Price £595,000

A stunning equestrian attached barn conversion situated in 8 acres (sts), beautifully set within this rural hamlet, nr Eye. There are 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, fitted kitchen/ breakfast room, en-suite to master bedroom & outside there are stables, ménage, a selection of outbuildings inc. a large detached games room being very versatile in its use. Apply Ipswich office

BROCKFORD

Guide Price: £600,000

Dating back to the 1500’s a charming detached Grade II listed house offering four to five bedroom accommodation over three floors, together with a detached two bedroom barn style dwelling standing in grounds of approx. one and three quarter acres. With a wealth of period features including exposed timbers and inglenook fireplaces. Apply Needham office

WOODBRIDGE

Price on Application

A unique six bedroom home incorporating a guest wing (with 2 bedrooms, kitchen and lounge) that can be used entirely separately or as part of the main house. Quiet, sheltered southerly location within mature, elevated gardens of approx 1 acre (sts). Ideal for family, entertaining or working from home. Easy walk to the river and to Woodbridge town centre. Apply Woodbridge office

87a High Street, Needham Market Suffolk IP6 8DG Telephone 01449 723500 E: needham@fineandcountry.com

RUSHMERE ST ANDREW

Guide Price £550,000

A substantial beautifully presented family residence situated between Woodbridge & Ipswich, with easy access to Rushmere Golf Course & with no chain. There are 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, dressing room & en-suite to master bedroom, further en-suite, gardens of half an acre (sts), pond, workshop & garage. Apply Ipswich office

FINNINGHAM

Guide Price: £400,000

A detached Grade II listed four bedroom barn offering a wealth of character such as exposed timbers, feature inglenook fireplace and wooden floors. Benefits include under floor heating to the ground floor, an internal vacuum system, burglar alarm and security light. Off-road parking, double garage and gardens backing onto the River Dove. Apply Needham office

KETTLEBURGH

Guide Price £625,000

Completed approximately two and a half years ago, this four bedroom barn of great character is set in a mature plot extending to about 2 acres (sts) in the much sought after village of Kettleburgh. A stunning contemporary home, project managed by the current owner with the assistance of English Heritage and Hollins Architects of Framlingham. Apply Woodbridge office

28 Church Street, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DH Telephone 01394 446007 E: woodbridge@fineandcountry.com

4 Great Colman Street, Ipswich Suffolk IP4 2AD Telephone 01473 289700 E: ipswich@fineandcountry.com

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Property

HOLLY HOUSE FACTS Location: The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge Price: £635,000 Agent: neals

THE PERFECT TOWN HOUSE

In the heart of Woodbridge Holly House is all you could ask for in a period town house. Boasting four bedrooms, a wonderful part walled landscaped garden, garage and additional parking it would make a delightful home for anyone wishing to live close to the Deben. It is beautifully presented and is screened from The Thoroughfare by mature holly bushes, laurels and lilacs and a mellow red brick wall. Inside Holly House offers a large drawing room, which is on two slightly different levels, a separate sitting room as well as a dining

84 | placesandfaces.co.uk

room with direct access to the garden. The kitchen has bespoke units made by Ashford & Brooks, a local company known for its quality and style and many of the appliances have been cleverly concealed within the cabinets. The first floor is equally attractive with two bedrooms at the front of the house and two at the rear served by a really good sized bathroom which has a bath with separate shower as well. One of the hidden treasures of Holly House though is the delightful part walled garden. This has been nurtured by the

current owner with an imaginative planting scheme, which creates a variety of texture and colour throughout the year. There are areas of hard landscaping enhanced by raised brick edged beds, and a number of climbing plants to the boundary walls. There’s also a clipped yew, which provides a shady area for the hot days of summer. Unusually for a house right in the centre of the town there is a garage with additional parking on the concrete forecourt and on the paved area to one side.

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 Stowmarket

New Guide £695,000

A handsome Grade II Listed Georgian fronted farmhouse with extensive outbuildings. 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room. 5 first floor bedrooms, dressing room & 3 bathrooms, 2 attic bedrooms. Mature gardens & paddocks. In all, about 4 acres. Further land available.

Nr Orford, Coast & Forests

Guide £1,250,000

Enjoying a secluded setting at the end of a no-through lane, a beautifully presented & light village house overlooking delightful parkland gardens. 4 reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory & studies. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms. Garaging & ample parking. In all, about 2 acres. Joint agents Castle Estates

Thornham Magna

Guide £765,000

A picturesque Grade II Listed farmhouse in a peaceful & tranquil setting. 2 reception rooms, central kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory. 5 bedrooms, family bathroom. Separate 1 bedroom cottage. Outbuildings, garaging. Mature gardens, grounds & paddocks, stream & pond. In all, about 6 acres.

Holbrook

Guide £765,000

A pretty village house set back in mature gardens, with footpath access to the schools & village centre. 3 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & shower room. Coach house block with garaging & workshops. Mature garden. In all, about 0.5 of an acre.

National Agents, Local Knowledge. Thinking of selling this year? 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

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Property

IKEN RETREAT

GARdENERS dEN FACTS Location: Iken Price: £180,000 Agent: Castle Estates

pportunities to purchase a home with stunning Iken river views for under £200,000 are very rare however such an opportunity has now arisen in the guise of Gardeners Den. This one bedroomed property would be a perfect weekend retreat or downscaled full time home far from the madding crowds. Set amongst the ‘Iken Barns’, a group of period buildings, it faces across open parkland to a broad expanse of the Alde and Ore river

in an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty. The popular Snape Maltings, home to the Aldeburgh Music Festival, is just two miles away and the popular riverside foodie destination of Orford is only five miles. With bedroom views across the river, downstairs Gardeners Den has a hall/boot room, open plan sitting room with log burner, under floor heating, kitchen with fitted oven, microwave, hob, fridge, freezer washer/dryer and dishwasher and shower

room with w/c, basin and shower cubicle. Outside there are two designated parking spaces, a small terrace, and access across the surrounding parkland with steps leading down to the beach. Whether your pleasure is to sit and absorb nature, capture it with camera, pencil or brush or actively engage with it through walking, sailing or cycling this property would make an ideal base. If only I could persuade the children to leave home…

Bruisyard Guide Price £695,000

Framsden Guide Price £470,000

Monewden, Nr Framlingham Guide Price £450,000

Orford Guide Price £250,000

A fine Listed five bedroom farmhouse in a delightful, unspoilt setting with gardens, grounds and paddocks extending, in all, to about 10½ acres. Ref: 4415

A detached four bedroom spacious home in grounds of a third of an acre, enjoying field views and located in the desirable village of Monewden. Ref: P4614

A five bedroom detached house with grounds of 1⅓ acres situated in a lovely standalone position. Ref: P4612

For Sale by Auction - A Grade II Listed attached, three bedroom house, located in the heart of the sought after village of Orford. Ref: P4594

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

T: 01728 724200

www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk

Professional Agents || Property PropertyManagement Management ProfessionalEstate Estate Agents Agents | | Letting Letting Agents Auctioneers Mortgage Advice Advice Auctioneers || Independent Independent Mortgage Please property market marketvaluation valuation Pleasecontact contactus us for for aa free free and and confidential confidential property

Wattisham Green Aldham Tye Green £425,000 £620,000

charming detached barn with outbuildings and large AAhandsome detached Victorian familyhouse house withthird third detached Victorian family with garden enjoying wonderful far reaching views over the of an acre (sts) set set in in aa pretty prettyvillage villagelocation. location.The The surroundingstyled countryside. The generous and well2proportioned classically accommodation includes reception styled accommodation includes 2 reception accommodation includes 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, rooms, snug, study, study, kitchen, kitchen,44bedrooms, bedrooms,bathroom bathroomand and kitchen/breakfast room, boot room and 2 bathrooms. Outside, shower room. Outside, Outside, secluded secludedmainly mainly lawngardens gardens established gardens well in excess of 1 acre lawn (sts). Hadleigh with fruit and driveway. trees and driveway. about 2 miles.

Offton Offton £495,000 £295,000

A Georgian village village house house with withequestrian equestrianfacilities facilitiesand and A very nicely presented detached period cottage withof flexible countryside views set in about 11acre wonderful countryside views set in about acre of lifestyle space and wonderful countryside views in the garden (sts). The includes 3 garden (sts). Theofaccommodation accommodation includes55bedrooms, bedrooms, attractive village Offton. The accommodation includes 4 3 reception rooms, kitchen, two cloakrooms and bathroom. reception kitchen, two cloakrooms and bathroom. bedrooms,rooms, 2 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, Outside, beautiful formal gardens, stable block, fenced Outside, beautiful formal gardens, stable block, fenced utility room, bathroom and a large cellar. Outside, gardens and paddocks & paddocks & outbuildings. outbuildings. parking. Needham Market 6 miles, Ipswich about 8 miles.

Bildeston Dedham £455,000 £455,000 £300,000

A fine fine Tudor Tudor family residence extensive living A residencewith with livingspace, space, At theoutbuilding heart offamily Constable with extensive England’s large ready Country for refurbishment andmost gardens of large outbuilding ready for this refurbishment and gardens of beautiful Lowland landscape, handsome coach about 1/4 acre (sts). The stylish and characterful about acre (sts). stylish characterful house 1/4 conversion, justThe off the centreand of the village. The accommodation includes 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, accommodation includes 5 bedrooms, 3 rooms, accommodation includes 3 double bedroom, reception sitting room, study, bathroom and en suite shower room. Outside, diningbathroom room, kitchen, bathroom, enroom. suite shower room study, andstudy, en suite shower Outside, pretty walled gardens and outbuilding/garaging. & cloakroom. 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

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Property

FAMILY FARMHOUSE PARSONAGE FARM FACTS Location: Crowfield Price: £575,000 Agent: Fine & Country, Ipswich

nly nine miles north of Ipswich, and within the Debenham school catchment, Crowfield is a village that consistently seems to offer value for money for those looking for a family property with a little land. Parsonage Farm, a handsome detached residence enjoying a stunning semi-rural position, seems another good example and offers wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Built in the 1930’s with modern extensions,

the light well-presented accommodation comprises: entrance hall, living room, dining room, magnificent live-in kitchen/breakfast room, boot room, cloakroom, galleried landing, four bedrooms (two with en-suite) and family bathroom. The property benefits from a fitted kitchen, oil central heating, secondary double glazed windows and a feature log burning stove to the living room. Outside the property stands in grounds estimated to be in the region of 1.1 acres. A

five-bar gate and gravelled driveway leads round to the side of the property where there is plenty of parking and continues round to the garage/workshop. The grounds are mainly laid to lawn within which is a very useful detached building, which is currently divided to provide a home studio, with power and light connected, and a useful workshop. If outside storage is high on your list there is also a timber-clad garage and a couple of garden sheds and stores.

The Old Shop, The Street, East Bergholt, Colchester, Suffolk CO7 6TF

www.grierandpartners.co.uk Tel: (01206) 299222 Email: enquiries@grierandpartners.co.uk EAST BERGHOLT

EAST BERGHOLT

A newly constructed contemporary home finished to the highest standard and enjoying a good sized south facing rear garden. The versatile accommodation over 2 floors includes 4 bedrooms, 2 en suite, family bathroom, sitting room with log burning stove, dining room, kitchen/family room, store and double cart lodge. Farmland views.

Situated in a desirable non estate location this well proportioned deceptively spacious 4/5 bedroom bungalow is presented to the highest standard. Bespoke kitchen opening to garden room, sitting room with Caen stone fireplace, study/bed 5, bathroom & shower room. Well stocked gardens, planning consent for first floor extension.

£975,000

£540,000

EAST BERGHOLT

STRATFORD ST MARY

EAST BERGHOLT

An opportunity to purchase a well proportioned family home built in a period style. 5 bedrooms, 2 en suite, family bathroom sitting room with French doors to the garden, dining room, study, kitchen and utility. Landscaped well stocked gardens.

An attractively converted former Coach House and Stables situated within easy walking distance of the village facilities. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, dining room & kitchen, sitting room over looking the west facing part walled gardens.

A newly converted stunningly presented oak framed barn conversion with traditional interior complemented by contemporary bathrooms and kitchen. The part walled south westerly facing garden is approximately 0.25 acre

Situated in a secluded garden approached a private road. Recently updated, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen, dining room, sitting room and conservatory. With a self contained 1 bed annex with sitting room & kitchen.

£535,000

£375,000

£945,000

£545,000

Places & Faces February 2012 Issue.qxd

14/03/2012

08:10

Page 1

01394 382263

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

26 CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE SUFFOLK IP12 1DP

WOODBRIDGE - RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN

A sympathetically and thoughtfully renovated period house providing excellent accommodation arranged over three floors and comprising Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Cellar, 4 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. Delightful sheltered walled garden behind the house with direct access to the Double Garage with electric door. Offers in the region of £475,000

WOODBRIDGE - A QUIETLY SITUATED HOUSE OF CHARACTER WITH PARKING AND A SMALL GARDEN

A stylish contemporary home converted from part of a Victorian Primary Schoolproviding light and airy accommodation. Hall, Cloakroom, Living Room and Open Plan Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. Parking and Garden. Offers in the region of £375,000

TUCKED AWAY BEHIND CHURCH STREET WOODBRIDGE

A split level period town house of individual character providing light and airy accommodation comprising Hall, Clockroom with Shower, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms, spacious mezzanine area and a Bathroom. Brick built detached Garden Room. Garage. Courtyard Garden. Offers around £375,000

Market Hill, Orford IP12 2LH

Castle Estates

01394 450100

Market Hil , Orford IP12 2LH

property@castle-estates.uk.com

Castle Estates

01394 450100

property@castle-estates.uk.com

IKEN

Guide £180,000

Stunning river views, great walks, access to a small beach. Boot room, open plan living room, kitchen, shower room, double bedroom, terrace and parking.

Nr ORFORD

Offers invited

Substantial detached village house in a secluded location overlooking parkland gardens. 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 receptions , kitchen, studies, conservatory. Joint Jackson-Stops & Staff

IKEN

Guide £180,000

Stunning river views, great walks, access to a small beach. Boot room, open plan living room, kitchen, shower room, double bedroom, terrace and parking.

Nr ORFORD

Guide £495,000

Detached period house, 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, cloaks, pantry, outbuilding, garage, parking and gardens. Joint Jackson-Stops & Staff

ORFORD

Guide £350,000

Period cottage between Market Hill and Orford Quay. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, small rear porch, bathroom, 3 bedrooms, gardens and views across to the riverbank.

DALLINGHOO EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY

Guide Price £945,000

A superb 5 bedroom detached family house which has been modernised throughout. The accommodation comprises: Reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, conservatory, luxury indoor swimming pool with shower/changing room and gym. 2 en-suites and family bathroom. A large two bedroom self-contained annexe. Detached cart lodge with parking for three cars and three timber stables abutting the paddock. There are two larger stables which feature some lovely exposed timbers, tack room and feed store attached. The property sits in grounds of approx 4.5 acres in the rural village of Dallinghoo.

MELTON PARK

Guide Price £545,000

A spacious 5 bedroom detached family house with accommodation comprising: Sitting room, dining room, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, en-suite to master bedroom and en-suite to guest bedroom. Outside the gardens have been professionally landscaped and back on to ancient Woodland to the rear. There is a double detached garage and ample off-road parking for 3 or 4 cars. An early viewing is advised.

Hamilton Smith Woodbridge T:(01394) 386688 E:woodbridge@hamilton-smith.com

www.hamilton-smith.com

GOBBITT & KIRBY

Woodbridge t: 01394 380330

Framlingham t: 01728 622330

www.gkl.co.uk £350,000

WOODBRIDGE

£225,000

BAWDSEY

A distinctive detached 1930’s built property in an Arts and Crafts style. Having been subject to recent single storey extension to the rear, the property offers fabulous scope for finishing, or restyling. EYKE

£175,000

An attractive semi-detached two bedroom Victorian cottage located in the village of Eyke. Comprises of two bedrooms, fitted kitchen/ breakfast room, sitting room, family bathroom & an above average sized garden.

GRUNDISBURGH

£140,000

*A FANTASTIC INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY* A well presented two bedroom, end-of-terrace property which is situated in the centre of this popular village with its easy access to the market town of Woodbridge and the A12.

A most attractive 3 bedroom barn style holiday home located in the grounds of the Manor House Estate. Immaculately presented throughout with oak cottage style doors & latches, stair balustrade finished in antique pinewood. WOODBRIDGE

£650 pcm

TO LET A recently refurbished link detached house in central Woodbridge. Deceptively spacious with open plan living/dining room, new kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom. Small courtyard garden with southerly aspect and private parking. Available April.

FRAMLINGHAM

£725 pcm

TO LET A well presented semi-detached town centre period property of character: hall, cloakroom, sitting room with Inglenook fireplace, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom. Further benefits include gch, on street parking and courtyard garden.

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Agent Profile | Fenn Wright

A Signature with a flourish…

hen it comes to selling your home experience counts and few agents can claim a pedigree as long or as successful Fenn Wright. Established in 1768 Fenn Wright has been specialists in East Anglian property for over 240 years with offices in Ipswich, Chelmsford, Witham, Colchester and Stanway. Throughout this time their success has been built on personal service, specialist knowledge of the market place and an ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Never content to stand still in January Fenn Wright introduced ‘Signature’ a new brand that brings together all of Fenn Wright’s expertise in the marketing of premium properties. Charlie Wright, Partner at Fenn Wright Ipswich explained. “Fenn Wright Signature is a personalised offering for sellers of premium town, country, village and equestrian properties. The internet has revolutionised how easy it is to look for homes but in today’s market achieving the best result for your property is still down to working with someone who understands both the client’s and the buyer’s needs. “Accurately valuing a property provides 92 | placesandfaces.co.uk

the foundation to a successful marketing campaign. Trust is essential and last year independent research showed that this was one of the key reasons why our clients chose Fenn Wright. Our first-class reputation for providing expert advice on pricing strategy is the result of our chartered surveyors possessing a detailed knowledge of the market for premium properties. The essence of the ‘Signature’ service is individuality; it is as unique as the properties we have responsibility for. Each property marketed by Fenn Wright Signature is presented in a bespoke high quality brochure with professional photography designed to excite the reader and demonstrate why your home could be exactly what they’ve been searching for. In addition to the brochure we showcase our Signature properties in distinctive property advertisements placed in selected high profile publications and create featured profiles on the largest and most visited websites, including our very own national specialist portal, equestrianproperty4sale. co.uk. This approach is backed by our own Fenn Wright TV channel and property lifestyle magazine ‘Residence’. If, however, you would like your property

marketed in a more discreet fashion we are also able to do this by using our knowledge and contacts to give minimum exposure whilst still achieving the maximum impact.” “The final and possibly most important aspect of the Signature service is receiving one to one client care from an experienced Partner within the company. We are able to draw on the experience of an elite team with specialist knowledge of the premium property market to achieve the best results. We believe to truly understand your individual needs every member of our team who is to work on selling your property should visit and gain first-hand knowledge of your home. From start to finish you can be assured of a personally tailored service where each day we will be working our hardest to sell your home.” If you are thinking of bringing your home to market please call Charlie Wright on 01473 417 707 Photograph: The Fenn Wright Signature Team left to right: Charlie Wright, Jonathan Perry, Julie-Ann Hood, Colin Metcalfe, Ann Smith.

Property experts since

Buttermarket | Ipswich

01473 232 700 CHRISTCHURCH PARK

HINTLESHAM

£755,000

KIRTON

£470,000

YOXFORD

Guide Price £725,000

Guide Price £575,000

fennwright.co.uk/signature

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

Places&Faces® | April 2012

New Homes Profile | Hopkins Homes

Creating Suffolk’s Finest New Homes By the Award Winning Developer Hopkins Homes

o craft beautifully designed homes of character, style and substance that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, whilst creating desirable and sustainable communities is the passion out of which every Hopkins Homes development is born. From cottage to country house, contemporary city apartment to opulent restoration, every Hopkins home has been individually designed with the individual in mind. The recently launched Nightingale Place in Reydon is just under a mile out of Southwold and consists of an exceptional collection of three and four bedroom homes with prices starting from £219,995. The Martellos, Felixstowe is an elegant development of 42 one and two bedroom apartments with underground parking, lifts and beautifully landscaped communal gardens with an additional 18 superb two, three and five bedroom houses and affords an innovative alternative to families who may be considering consolidating two homes 94 | placesandfaces.co.uk

into one to care for aging parents. Current availability from £119,995 Abbotts Grange, Saxmundham is a highly desirable development located on the edge of this ancient Suffolk market town. With a wide choice of styles, Abbotts Grange can satisfy the needs of every lifestyle and consists of two, three and four bedroom houses, two bedroom apartments and just one two bedroom bungalow. Current availability from £134,995 Country Life magazine has voted Framlingham the number one place to live in the country and Castle Mount is ideally positioned to enjoy the town and the surrounding abundant countryside. Each of the three and four bedroom houses and two bedroom apartments has been designed to be in keeping with the older properties of this historic town. Current availability from £149,995 The market town of Halesworth is in an ideal location from which to enjoy all that Suffolk and Norfolk have to offer. Langley’s Quay is an attractive development just 9

miles from Southwold and consists of two, three and four bedroom homes close to the town centre. Current availability from £134,995 Currently there are 14 luxury Hopkins Homes developments situated in highly desirable locations. In addition to those above there is Walsham Le Willows also in Suffolk, seven developments throughout Norfolk, including the stunning restoration that is Bure Place in Alysham originally built in the 1840’s, and then there is Bocking in Essex and Soham in Cambridgeshire. There are a further four developments within the bespoke Hopkins & Moore brand in Southwold, Norton, Framlingham and Swanton Morley. INFORMATION www.hopkinshomes.co.uk E. sales@hopkinshomes.co.uk T. (01394) 446860

A LINE-UP TO SET THE HEART RACING.

JAGUAR XJ

JAGUAR XK

JAGUAR XF

STARTING AT

>> £55,515

>> £65,000

>> £29,950

The acclaimed XJ, award-winning XF and incomparable XK make an impressive line-up. The closer you get, the better they look. Sumptuous craftsmanship and impressive standard specifications make ownership a tempting proposition, with on road prices starting at just £29,950 for the XF 2.2 litre Diesel SE. Contact us today to book a test drive.

MARSHALL.IPSWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK

0844 243 5642

MARSHALL JAGUAR IPSWICH WEST END ROAD, IPSWICH IP1 2DZ 0844 243 5642 WWW.MARSHALL.IPSWICH.JAGUAR.CO.UK

OFFICIAL FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR JAGUAR RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 14.9 (18.9) – 42.8 (6.6); EXTRA URBAN 32.4 (8.7) – 58.9 (4.8); COMBINED 22.5 (12.5) – 52.3 (5.4). CO2 EMISSIONS 292 – 149 G/KM.

Places&Faces® | April 2012

Motoring

Safety first with the new Mercedes

David Wakefield previews the new B-Class sports tourer afer, more agile and with better dynamics, the new MercedesBenz B-Class claims to set a new benchmark in its sector. Comfort and space are not forgotten, however, in this stylish new sports tourer which came to the UK in March with a lead-in price of £21,290 Not only does it include radar-based collision warning system as standard which is a first for a car in this class but, making its début in the compact class, is the PRESAFE® anticipatory safety system, which was originally premiered in the luxury MercedesBenz saloon, the S-Class. Core features of PRE-SAFE®, include reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics, and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. The exterior design of the new B-Class is in line with the outgoing model but has improved a quantum leap. New sporty signatures include the vehicle’s lower height and seating position, new-shape headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a choice 96 | placesandfaces.co.uk

of alloy wheels, plus new engines such as a four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging. Inside there are the SLS AMG-inspired air vents and the same leather and silver chrome multi-function steering wheel you’ll find in the CLS-Class plus a tablet-style display. Together, these elements make the cabin seem more inviting and contemporary, less reserved, than its predecessor. It’s spacious too with the legroom in the rear seats actually surpassing that of an S-Class or an E-Class and, with all seats in place, load capacity is 486 litres. The B-Class has outstanding aerodynamics which are particularly evident in the side line. The bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a contoured line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. A choice of eight package options allows you to customise the new B-Class to suit your requirements. For peace of mind, the Lane Tracking Package adds Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist to the vehicle’s extensive

safety equipment. Together, these advanced systems can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, particularly during motorway driving. Likewise, the Mirror Package enhances convenience with automatically dimming rear view mirror and driver’s exterior mirror, plus electrically folding side mirrors. If you want to up the comfort and style, the Luxury Package – available exclusively on the SE – features Artico man-made leather upholstery and heated front seats, and a grey roof liner. Alternatively, choose the Exclusive Package complete with leather seats with top-stitching, heated front seats, and gear shift with silver chrome surround. Also included, a choice of high gloss black ash wood trim or matt satin burr walnut wood trim. You really have to experience this new vehicle at first hand to appreciate how good it is, and understand why its such an incredible proposition for any prospective buyer in this sector. For a friendly introduction to the all new Mercedes B-Class contact Mercedes-Benz of Ipswich on (01473) 232232.

FREELANDER 2 TD4 S FROM HAMMONDS

Only £1,128 Deposit followed by 35 payments of £375.99 per month All payments are subject to VAT are on a contract hire, non maintained and based on 10,000 miles per annum, with an excess mileage charge of 10.2ppm. Picture shown is a 2012 model Freelander 2 Td4 S with metallic, clear view pack, 18 inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and exterior pack priced at £25,080.

Hammond Land Rover Norwich Road, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8HX 01986 834700 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE FREELANDER 2 RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 39.8 (7.1) EXTRA URBAN 49.6 (5.7) – 53.3 (5.3) COMBINED 40.4 (7.0) – 47.1 (6.0) CO2 EMISSIONS: 185 – 158 G/KM. Finance promotion applies to new Freelander models first registered between 1st January and 31st March 2012. Promotions are not available for used cars. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. We work with a number of creditors to provide finance to our customers, including Land Rover Finance.

Faces@Places

Brightwell Interiors

Brightwell Interiors Kelly Hoppen launch To mark the launch of the Kelly Hoppen collection at Brightwell Interiors a select audience was invited to meet the designer at Brightwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful country showroom.

Holly Nicholls, Kelly Hoppen, Julie Nicholls

Belinda Gray, Ellen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riordan, Jane Mulvey

Lyn & Ray Sallows

Joyce & Andrew Caracciolo, Mary Runnacles, Louise Wood

Tina Sallows-Dixon, Wendy Sallows

Angie Ashby-Hoare, Stephanie Renouf

98 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Rosanna Hackett, Julia Scowsill, Karen Greig

Melanie Banks-Browne, Mary Banks

Guy Nicholls, Jude Leach, Grahame Sutherland

Jacqualine Compton, Julie Sharp, Rosalind Purdy

Julia Appell, Eunice Mayhew

To view more photos from this event go to

PlacesandFaces.co.uk

Sarah Gregory, Carole Goddard

Shaun & Jenny Keegan

Mary & Ted Mullender, Maureen Gerber

Simone Moore, Des Scicluna, Jo Amoils

Holly Nicholls, Kelly Hoppen, Shirley Nicholls

Karen Shelley, Francesca Shelley, Lynda Keeble

Lesley Hart, Jayne Webb, Zoe Cohen

Amanda Cooper, Sally Ball, Julia Appell

Clare Harrall, Eddie Burgess

Lisa McLean-Spruce, Claire Brick

Amber Tebbutt, Charlotte Westrop

Matt & Sharon Cottrell, Trudi Nicholls

Heather Blake, Sarah Allen, Sally Chiddicks, Sally Leggett

Places&Faces速

Faces@Places

University Campus Suffolk

KLH Architects at University Campus Suffolk KLH Architects held an end of exhibition celebration at University Campus Suffolk with a final chance to view three pieces from artist Andy Webb: Dawn Chorus, Several Weeks of Radio and Crazy Tourist.

Martyn Goodwin, Liz Gaughan

Matt Lasky, Cally Revell, Paul Butcher

Peter Blake, Simon Girling

James Potter, Mark Hayward, Mike Chester

Kevin Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ath, Alan Howard, John Button, Matthew Norman

Martin Liddell, Adrian Catchpole

100 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Jon Bird, Chrissie Harrington, Mike Saks

Mike Saks, Carol Gant

Paul Davis, Bob Steward, Mark Hart, Robert Keeble

Stuart Edgar, Chris Bruce

Simon Hopkins, Mike Foley

ITFC Charitable Trust Ball

To view more photos from this event go to

PlacesandFaces.co.uk

ITFC Charitable Trust Ball ITFC Charitable Trust held their big fundraising Ball at Portman Road in the Sir Bobby Robson suite. More than ÂŁ10,000 was raised for Suffolk young people. MC for the night was Amanda Davies of BBC TV Sport and Trust Patron Matt Holland was also on hand to mingle with assembled guests.

Amanda Davies, Matt Holland

Teresa & Nick Orford

Gina & Andrew Long

Susan Ball, Alison Beech, Rupert Freeman

Lee Weavers, Sue Clark

Fiona & Will Wright

Terry & Tracy Baxter, Kara Sherfield, Duncan Foster

Simon & Jaimie Milton, Claire & Matt Holland

Paul Winter, Penny Arbuthnot, Julie Rudkin, Charles Arbuthnot

Laura Hall, Emma Wilkie, Kevin Bolton, Rebecca Creed

Geoff Rivers & Deborah Cadman

Places&FacesÂŽ

101

Faces@Places

Dom Pattinson at The Cross

Dom Pattinson at The Cross The Cross in Woodbridge played host to ‘Savage Desire’ – a private view evening for a new collection of unique large format photographs from Dom Pattinson.

Sasha Tyler, Dom Pattinson, Julie Officer

Jane Barker, Andy Batchelor

Amanda Langan, Lex Quinn

Tania Murphy, Lorna Lake

102 | placesandfaces.co.uk

Amanda Rankin, Elaine Beckett

Barbara & Gordon Murray

Bonny & Dominic South with Eleni & Lottie

Brenda & Victor Shelley

Andrew & Camilla Covell, Christine Beresford, Tony Mitchell, Hideko Gowland

Lisa Cherryman, Steve Andrews

Andrew & Camilla Covell

Steve & Victoria Magnall, Emma Pratt

The Boardwalk, Southwold Pier

To view more photos from this event go to

PlacesandFaces.co.uk

Launch of the Boardwalk Restaurant at Southwold Pier Invited guests were treated to champagne and canapĂŠs to celebrate the launch of the newly refurbished Boardwalk Restaurant at Southwold Pier.

Philip Anthony, Mary Goodrich, Jane Simmonds, Marion Anthony

Annie Marshlain, Roseanne Green

Christopher & Lyn Knights

Richard Knights,Peter Websdale

Carol Palmer, Stephen Bournes , Colin Palmer

Richard Brown, Fiona Machin, Nigel and Karen Brown

Harry & Holly Young, Antonia Bournes

Stephen Marshlain, Lucy Winter

Naomi Tarry, Stephanie Renouf

Simon Tooth, Jo Charles

Glen Barnes, Sophie Whayman

Places&FacesÂŽ

103

Faces@Places

The High Sheriff’s Awards

The High Sheriff’s Awards The High Sheriff’s Awards ceremony, supported by the Suffolk Foundation, took place in the stunning surroundings of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. The event recognised the outstanding contribution that local people and organisations make throughout the county to community safety, crime prevention, citizenship and volunteering. Stephen Singleton, Stephen Miles

Angela Miles, Colin & Gilly Myram

Mary Gleave, Dave Muller

Petrina & Stephen Miles

104 | placesandfaces.

Chris Bushby, Cecilia Nowak

Richard & Diana Martineau

Karin & Andrew Norman-Butler

Sir David Rowland, James Buckle

Peter Thompson, Edward Greenwell

James & Patricia O’Brien

Lesley Dolphin

Sarah & Roger Orford

Rosemary Black, Peter Powell, Ann Woodward