East Anglian Daily Times - Suffolk Magazine by Belocal Services Limited

READERS’ PHOTOS: Sudbury n Sudbourne n Sutton Heath

Suffolk east anglian daily times

suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk

Issue 138 November 2011

Food & Drink winners revealed

Who scooped this year’s awards

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre Cycling in Bungay and Beccles

East Bergholt walk The Ipswich I love

Diana Quick at Aldeburgh DocFest

Living the country life in Lavenham Woodbridge and Leiston dancers

Respect for

our heroes

Defending Suffolk l Wattisham wives l Spitfire ace

£3.25

In praise of village people

attingstone is not a village I ordinarily have reason to visit. In fact, apart from the suitcase murder legend and its ‘Wonder’ folly I knew little about it . . . until it won Village of the Year for 2011. Now I know much more about Tattingstone – for starters, what great community spirit there is among the villagers and how much pride they have in the place they call home. I went to the prize-giving ceremony in the village hall. It was plain to see. Here’s what else I know about Tattingstone. In 1987, the village was split in two by the construction of Alton Water, a huge reservoir built to help solve Ipswich’s water shortage. It could’ve signalled the end of the village but not a bit of it. A bridge links the two parts of Tattingstone and the village has embraced the reservoir. It is hugely popular with water sports fans, walkers and wildlife watchers so Tattingstoners promote it as a local amenity and a good reason to visit their village. I also listened to an inspirational story of how the village operates an emergency help line. People take turns in carrying a shared mobile phone and if anyone needs help they can phone it. When an elderly lady in the village needed to get to the airport she did so with the help of another villager who offered to drive her there. Tattingstone is not unique in this way, of course. Such spirit of co-operation, mutual respect and understanding is alive in many other Suffolk villages and this is how they survive in the modern age. Indeed, the judges of the Village of the Year competition had a difficult time deciding the eventual winner. Congratulations to Tattingstone and, indeed, all the others who entered and were runners-up. Suffolk magazine will continue to champion villages – if you have a story to tell about where you live I’d love to hear from you. Email me at jayne.lindill@eadt.co.uk

EADT Suffolk online at suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @Suffolkmag CONTACT US Email: suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk Write to: EADT Suffolk, Press House, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN Tel: 01473 324744/324668 Web: suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor Jayne Lindill 07864 084423 Production Sandra Roberts 01473 324668 ADVERTISING Advertising manager Jodie Smith 07557 232117 Advertising team Juliana Johnson 07557 232119 Celia Gregory 07557 232118 Advertising fax 01473 324628 SALES & MARKETING Marketing and promotions Debbie Noye 01473 324773 debbie.noye@archant.co.uk Magazine sales 01473 324881/6 Magazine sales fax 01473 324887 Promotions Jo Reeder joanne.reeder@archant.co.uk Promotions 01473 324882 Suffolk November 2011

Leaflet sales Lynn Shaw 01473 324540 Circulation manager Sue Gipps 01473 324843 sue.gipps@archant.co.uk MD Archant Anglia Johnny Hustler johnny.hustler@archant.co.uk Publishing director Suzanne Heaven 07812 162283 suzanne.heaven@archant.co.uk

Contributors

Roger Dewsbery, who shot our front cover, was born and raised in Suffolk and has been a keen photographer for more than 20 years. “I find the coastline of Suffolk is the best to photograph, which is why it’s the sunrise coast of England – at sunrise it’s the most beautiful place to be,” he says.

Pippa Glazier, who writes our Style Council column (p79), has worked in interior design for more than 25 years. She and her business partner Migi Munoz now run a shop in Woodbridge offering a variety of products and advice on all aspects of interior design and home styling.

SUBSCRIPTIONS EADT Suffolk, Tower House, Lathkill Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF Tel: 01858 438768. www.subscription.co.uk/ EADTSuffolk Other contributors: Peter Sampson, Cyril Francis, Ruth French, David Falk, Sophia Taylor, Julie Holden, Lindsay Want, Martin Newell, Lesley Dolphin, Curtis Dowling, Shekha Vyas, David Vincent, Pippa Rolls, Martin Mower, Paul Simon, Tamara Hunt, Caroline Fitton, John Grant, Amie Keeley, Sarah Groves, Terry Hunt, Tessa Fox Published by Archant Suffolk. Printed by William Gibbons & Sons, Willenhall, West Midlands

The Jill Anne at Dunwich by Roger Dewsbery 3

A vision in lace p 94

SUFFOLK EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES

November contents

Late autumn in d the county an there’s so much to celebrate!

PEOPLE

PLACES

23 Creature comforts Lucinda Lambton on her strange and varied passions 26 Bright young things Dancers Annelise Day and Archie James

40 Reader pictures Beautiful views from all around the county captured by our readers

32 Remembering our heroes Former artilleryman Roy Ravenshill and Spitfire ace Nigel Rose remember the war 36 Who do you think you are kidding... A look back at Suffolk at war 38 Married to the military What life’s like for the Wattisham wives 53 Five minutes with St Edmund Suffolk’s saint spills his secrets Our war heroes p 32

47 Why I love Ipswich Essex writer Martin Newell finds Ipswich a cut above his own county town 51 A Bury merry Christmas This year’s Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is looking even bigger and better 56 Suffolk walk A ramble around East Bergholt 59 Lovely Lavenham Why it holds a special place in Suffolk’s heart 62 Common knowledge David Falk explores Suffolk’s commons

Shades of autumn p 81

64 In the company of Saints Take to the saddle for a cycle ride around Bungay and The Saints 66 It’s beginning to look like Christmas Seasonal activities to put you in a festive frame of mind from the National Trust Readers’ photos p 40

Diana Quick p 138

HOMES & GARDENS 73 Interiors How the historic Swan at Lavenham got a marvellous chic new look 79 Style council Make a lovely poppy cushion cover in a few easy steps 81 Very berry Fantastic fashions and homewares in rich shades 82 Grand design Kit home weathers the storm 83 Garden gurus Choosing trees for colour 84 Gardening choice Hand weeders are put to the test 89 Antiques notebook Bring back bling says Curtis Dowling 92 Finance Think carefully before buying a pony

69 Go with the flow Exploring Suffolk’s rivers and their importance to wildlife

STYLE & BEAUTY

Make a cushion p 79

94 Fashion Gorgeous lingerie and lace 111 Relax and glow A spa with a difference 4

Suffolk November 2011

Thai red curry p 129

SUBSCRIBE TO EADT SUFFOLK Treat yourself or a friend to a year’s subscription! Simply call 01858 438768 or see page 9 and 10 for further details

COUNTY SCENE 7 It’s all about Suffolk Lesley Dolphin is tempted by the delights of glittery wool! 11 County Life News and happenings from our towns and villages 21 Suffolk and proud EADT editor Terry Hunt takes the county’s bad drivers to task in his new column

FOOD & DRINK 113 Food & Drink Awards 2011 Meet the wonderful Suffolk people who scooped the prizes 123 From grain to glass Jayne Lindill samples the spirits of Adnams

Lovely Lavenham p 59

125 Hot stuff Ruth French on making restaurant standard curries in your own home 129 Recipe of the month Thai red seafood curry 131 Core values Suffolk juice producers Maynard House Orchards celebrate their 50th anniversary 134 Spice up your life Cool drinks for hot dishes

Just the juice p 131 Bury St Edmunds Fayre p 51

Suffolk November 2011

A grand day out! What a great time we had at the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival. First of all meeting our lovely readers at the subscribers’ breakfast and then manning the stand in the hot sunshine for the rest of the weekend! A lovely way to celebrate the end of summer! Turn to page 30 to see the pictures

55 A day in the life of the Theatre Royal The theatre tells its own inside story 108 The leisure principle Julie Holden tries her hand at shooting 138 Escape to Suffolk Diana Quick on Aldeburgh and her ambitious plans for DocFest 140 Roughing it Rough Cuts season returns to DanceEast 141 Artbeat Long Melford’s Lime Tree Gallery turns five, plus galleries guide and listings 146 Going out All November’s cultural highlights, PLUS the county’s best bonfires 154 PS Peter Sampson has the last word

Jo and editor Jayne soak up the sun

PH. FRANCO PAGETTI WWW.FOPE.COM

For your nearest retailer call 0800 206 1909 or visit www.fopeuk.com/flexit

It’s all about Suffolk BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin ponders life in the county

A season of confused cacti and nifty knitters

y Christmas such a fascination with cactus is already nonebrities when there are in full flower and such amazing people living obviously rather confused – here in Suffolk? Over the and so am I! Festive goodies last few weeks I have been have already started going to a well-known appearing in the shops along slimming club and several with woolly jumpers, winter of the members there have coats and boots and yet here some truly inspiring stories. we are still having to cut the Graham is a middle-aged lawn. Mind you this mild chap whose doctor told him Knitter Nicola Gouldsmith weather is really good for the with her glittery yarn to diet because he was bills as I’ve only switched asthmatic and on the verge the heating on a couple of times so far! of diabetes. Last week he got his certificate Autumn has seen new students heading for losing six stone – now he spends most off to university or college leaving their of his time on the allotment and his mums in mourning because the houses are asthma has completely disappeared. suddenly so quiet. I have to admit that Margaret has lost four stone and changed I’m used to being home alone – in fact I her life. She didn’t ever leave her house really enjoy it – but every so often Tom or when she was overweight and couldn’t John come back to make sure we don’t get even get on the bus. Now she loves going too comfortable. Last month Tom payed out and regularly catches the bus to us a fleeting visit on his way from Felixstowe so she can visit her favourite Newfoundland to Durham. He popped wool shop. In fact she has set a trend by by to collect his books and clothes for the taking her needles and wool to the club. new term and I had to make sure I was on Have you noticed how knitting is hand to tell him where I had ‘hidden’ all becoming more and more popular? his belongings. ‘Hidden’ is his phrase – as Recently I’ve spotted adverts for Knit and far as I am concerned I’ve put his things Natter events – and even a Kniteratti and away! He was with us for less than 12 one place I’ve been meaning to visit for hours but after he’d gone it felt as though ages is Halfpenny Home in Needham a mini tropical storm had passed through. Market run by Nicola and Jacqui. I For the past few weeks on my afternoon followed the signs to 3 Station Yard and show I have been getting people to phone as I opened the front door it felt like me and tell me about their jobs. I’ve had stepping through CS Lewis’ wardrobe into some fascinating conversations with, a magical land. There were tables covered amongst others, a former Paralympics in swatches of pretty material, pots archer, an acoustic engineer, a containing delicious Buckingham Palace guardsman and a buttons and I had crossword compiler! I also heard a great to duck under new word from a lexicographer – washing lines nonebrity, someone who is a celebrity for draped with doing absolutely nothing except for brightly appearing on the front of newspapers! coloured The question is of course, why do we have skeins of Suffolk November 2011

wool. Nicola sources her materials from all over so you’re sure you’ll find something unique. Her latest yarn is a chunky wool sprinkled with glittery flowers – I was very tempted. Upstairs, the Wednesday knitting group were settling down to create anything from scarves to pullovers. They pay a fiver for the workshop and get advice, tea and cake in return. They do all sorts including felting, crocheting, patchworking and recently even ended up dying their own wool with woad. The knitters I met were at all standards, from a total beginner to a textile artist. Nicola gets her first timers to knit a dinky little tea cosy rather like the one my mum used to own, but you know you’ve really mastered the craft when you can ‘turn a heel’ and make a pair of socks. Now there’s an idea for Mark’s Christmas present!

inally, as you can read further on in the magazine, we had a wonderful day at Ickworth West Wing for the EADT Suffolk Food and Drink Awards sponsored by Adnams. The news at the moment with cuts and job losses is pretty dismal so it was really good to be celebrating success and hard work with so many people from the county. The parkland looked wonderful in its autumn colours and I was delighted to be part of the event again. I always get a buzz meeting and chatting with the butchers, bakers, product makers and restaurant owners – congratulations to all. Are you a keen knitter? What has been your most ambitious project? Email suffolkmagazine@archant. co.uk or write to us at the postal address on page 3

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Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 530d M Sport GT: Extra Urban 50.4mpg (5.6 l/100km). Urban 34.9mpg (8.1 l/100km). Combined 43.5mpg (6.5 l/100km). CO2 emissions 173g/km. * Offer available to business users only, fiqures exclude VAT. Hiring example is based on a 35 month BMW Contract Hire agreement for the model shown, a BMW 530d GT M Sport, ordered between 1 October – 31 December 2011, with optional 20” alloy Double-spoke style 303 M Wheels with a deposit of £3,168.99 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £499.00 and a contract mileage of 10,000 miles and mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 10.5 pence per mile. BMW Efficient Dynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range. Fiqures correct at time of going to press, September 2011 and are subject to change without notice. All hiring is subject to status and available to over 18s only in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you. ^Test drive subject to applicant status and availability of cars. Advertised finance is provided by BMW Financial Services, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF, Registered Company number 1288537.

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COUNTYLIFE

Reydon singers l Suffolk Circle l Woodbridge murders l Chelsworth finery l Needham Market delights l Tough fashions l Southwold book fest

“The only thing we ask is that you can stay relatively in tune. You don’t have to be Mariah Carey!”

IN GOOD VOICE Katie Thomas, left, and Haleana Knights of Music Vox

Circulation’s up! A new organisation based in west Suffolk, which aims to help make life easier for older members of the community has got off to a flying start. Suffolk Circle was launched in February as a membership organisation to provide social opportunities, home help and companionship. Managing director Belinda Bell is delighted with progress in the first few months. “We’ve held nearly a hundred events for our members ranging from walks to pub lunches, an exclusive visit to RAF Lakenheath and taster sessions for golf and croquet,” she said. Suffolk Circle members are extending an invitation to anyone over the age of 50 to go along and meet them. For more information go to www. suffolkcircle.org.uk or call 0800 112 3446.

Reydon set to break into song Katie, who specialises in performance in the After a long and tiring day at the office or at home looking after the children, there’s community, met at a toddler group. nothing better for blowing away the cobwebs They had both suffered with depression and lifting your mood than a good old sing! following the birth of their children and talked about the feeling that something was missing Now a pair of Reydon mums have formed a singing group and are inviting all residents to in their lives. And so the idea for Music Vox come and join. was born. “We’re going to sing modern, contemporary “Singing, I think, is one of the best stress relievers there is, whether you are a good and popular pieces and music will be taught by ear so that people of all musical abilities singer or not,” says Haleana Knights, who is running the group along with her can take part,” says Haleana. “We just DID want people to come along and be friend Katie Thomas. able to have a proper good sing!” “You don’t have to have a YOU KNOW? lp he n ca g Music Vox will be meeting at great voice to join. The in ng Si Snoring g. in or only thing we ask is that St Margaret’s Church room sn ve relie the soft palate n you can stay relatively in Reydon each Monday he w rs cu oc ing u sleep. Sing yo between 7pm and 9pm with in tune. You don’t have as es at br vi the muscle to be Mariah Carey!” a weekly entry fee of £3 to go helps exercise ort the pp su ch hi Haleana, who has an towards running costs. w groups reducing us th , te extensive background For details, call Haleana la pa soft oms. in performance and has Knights on 07766468440 or snoring sympt sung all over Europe, and Katie Thomas on 07561475744. Suffolk November 2011

Murder, mystery and a main course If you enjoy a little drama with your dinner why not make a booking at The Plough at Sutton, near Woodbridge, on Saturday, November 26 when the pub will be hosting a murder mystery evening? The players set the scene at 7pm and the fun commences when diners come forward to take part in the drama, which continues in between courses! Prior booking is essential on 01394 411785. 11

Share your Suffolk news! Write to us at suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

High fashion in the Hall A lawyer and fine art dealer turned jewellery designer, Suffolkbased Juliet Bowmaker brings a showcase of her Endymion Jewellery along with work by some of the country’s best designers to Chelsworth Victory Hall on November 5 and 6. With a fantastic line-up including work by a number of young and talented ceramicists, milliners and textile designers, the show is an excellent opportunity to find the perfect accessory to complement that special outfit. Each of Juliet’s own pieces is suitable When Lavenham-based Olly Pitt and Hannah to wear for any occasion and reflects Ellis couldn’t find good-looking but tough a sense of grace and balance. A shirts for boys on the high street, they background in the h did the sensible thing and formed ic sw Ip arts means that Juliet Suffolk Punch, their own business. Now after a s es constantly experiments Town’s busin year in the planning, design and s ha ub cl with her designs in networking manufacture, Pitt & Ellis clothing for FC IT ed colour, form and texture nominat boys has hit the shops in Suffolk. its t as to produce a finished Charitable Trus “Olly loves clothes,” explains 2. 01 -2 piece that is completely charity for 2011 n, re Hannah, “and having worked for a ild ch s unique. Her new autumn/ The Trust help ts traditional company all over Europe ul ad d an le winter jewellery certainly young peop for many years was keen to do sport, won’t disappoint her to take part in something that would bring him t and en em ov pr im rapidly-growing fan base. health back home.” s. itie The exhibition takes education activ For their initial collection, Olly and place between 10am and 4pm each day. Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

“The shirts have withstood tree climbing, egg and spoon races and digging in the garden”

TOUGH BUT GOOD-LOOKING Hannah have produced ten designs to fit ages three to 12 years. “P&E shirts have been designed and manufactured with boys in mind,” says Hannah. “Before we placed the order we tested out a whole variety of other activities. He has now been wearing the shirts for over a year and they are still going strong and looking great.” Now the pair are looking to expand their collection to tweed jackets, chinos and jumpers. In the meantime you can find P&E shirts at The Village Fete in Lavenham, Osborn & Williams, Dedham; Johnny Briggs, Newmarket and Mango Twist in Halstead.

Cathy’s on the up!

Jewellery artist Juliet Bowmaker 12

Ipswich gift and lifestyle store Loveone in St Peter’s Street, is celebrating its fourth birthday with the opening of a new department. The new Upstairs at Loveone is a retro inspired room featuring vintage and new gifts and homeware, with furniture sourced by Betty Blue Hat. Mimibellatree will also be using the space to host craft workshops which will include tea and cake as part of the experience. “And of course, we will continue to source and stock a wide range of eclectic products, many made by local artisans,” says owner Cathy Frost.

Cathy Frost outside her Ipswich shop Suffolk November 2011

COUNTYLIFE

Light up Christmas Moroccan-style Get a head start on your seasonal shopping and add a little Moroccan magic to the Christmas stockings of your nearest and dearest at Maroque’s special Festive Shopping Weekend. “Our annual open weekend is packed full of delights to inspire you with your seasonal shopping,” says owner Julie Woodard. “From perfect gifts for foodies, the prettiest stocking fillers, unusual gifts for the hardest to buy for family members to an array of bejewelled coloured ceramics to brighen any Chistmas table, all under one roof! “We will also have some of our middle eastern delicacies for you to try, along with a glass of Moroccan mint tea!” The shopping weekend takes place from 10am to 4pm, November 10 to 12 and from 12-4pm on November 13. You can find Maroque at Unit 2E, Williamsport Way, Lion Barn Industrial Estate, Needham Market.

North African delights to inspire the season

LEISTON PRIDE ON SHOW Leiston residents are in for a treat this Christmas, as Leiston Business Association has raised £8,000 for new Christmas lights. Tim Watkins from Sizewell A is proud to be helping the community. He said: “Most of our staff are local people and we care a lot about neighbouring communities.” The lights will adorn the High Street from December 3, when Leiston celebrates its traditional Christmas fair. The business association has also launched the first Leiston Town Guide, detailing a wealth of local services. From to fresh local produce to entertainment and places to stay, business in Leiston is booming.

Sign up for the good life Do you dream of The Good Life? ‘Local Foods Suffolk’ is an exciting new project aiming to help community groups to set up and run local food projects. The project is run by Suffolk ACRE, who have spent over 70 years supporting the development of community-led services. Will Gibson, who manages the project commented: “More and more people are recognising the health and environmental benefits of eating locally grown produce, but many communities need a helping hand to start growing their own food as a community”. Suffolk ACRE would like to hear from any community planning a project which involves the growing, sharing, eating or selling of local food. From allotments and tool-sharing co-operatives to quirky initiatives such as honey bee, pig or chicken sharing clubs, Local Foods Suffolk can help. Contact Kirsty Wilmot on 07775 661970, or by emailing localfoods@suffolkacre.org.uk.

BROUGHT TO BOOK From November 10 -14, the seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk hosts the Ways With Melvyn Words Literature Festival. With speakers Bragg including Tony Benn, Melvyn Bragg, John Sergeant and Maureen Lipman amongst the line-up, it’s no surprise tickets are selling fast! “We always work really hard to ensure a good programme,” explained festival director Kay Dunbar “and we feel very fortunate to have had Maureen such a fantastic response to this year’s festival. ”For more information about the festival, or to book Lipman tickets, call 01803 867 373 or visit www.wayswithwords. co.uk. Suffolk November 2011

Snape Maltings at Christmas 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

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For children Friendly favourites We know you and your children will love these folksy patchwork owls in gorgeous colours - they add real character to a child’s bedroom or playroom. Other funloving animals include lions, monkeys and elephants, priced from

Suffolk November 2011

£14.95

For Fun Pip Studio cushions We are really excited about showing you these new additions to our much loved collections of Pip Studio. With the grey nights drawing in these bright and cheerful colours add warmth to your home. We simply love the new bedlinen collection which will always let you wake up with a smile on your face. Prices for the Pip Studio range start at £20. PS: We sell that gorgeous

that! ....................................................

For your home Cosy style Snuggle up this winter on this gorgeous tweed sofa, proudly made in England and offering traditional style with a contemporary twist. Accessorise it with a mohair throw and complementary cushions, from just

£39.95 ...................................................

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For presents gift hampers Full to the brim with the best selection of goodies, our hampers make for an individual and distinctive gift for a loved one, friend, client or work colleague. Choose from our range or create your own bespoke hamper to suit any occasion. ....................................................

The Spirit of Christmas at Snape Maltings In true Christmas tradition at the Maltings, Father Christmas will be making his colourful arrival at Snape Maltings by the century old Thames Barge ‘Cygnet’ on Sunday 11th December 2011 at 2pm.

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PROPERTYNEWS

All the latest from the housing market

Take steps now to safeguard your home

ilming BBC2’s hit TV series Climbing Great Buildings gave presenter Jonathan Foyle a bird’s eye view of some of the UK’s most iconic and spectacular structures – including the state of their roofs and gutters. So it’s no surprise that he’s a passionate and informed advocate of the importance of regular maintenance. This year he is fronting The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings’ (SPAB) annual National Maintenance Week (November 18-25), because he is committed to highlighting the vital importance of maintenance for buildings of all types. Jonathan, who is also chief executive of the World Monuments Fund Britain, says: “In so many areas of life today we’ve developed a culture of throw-away convenience, with maintenance and repair becoming dirty words. “They shouldn’t have! Repair encourages building owners to make a gentle, hands-on contribution to their buildings which also contributes to their ongoing history. “I repair and repaint my own windows, and enjoy the feeling of having properly looked after the house that shelters my family. Meanwhile, maintenance helps keep alive crafts – such as tiling, metal casting for gutters and pipes, and even specialist skills like thatching – which all Take action to prevent problems like blocked gutters which can lead to more major issues with your property Suffolk November 2011

TV presenter Jonathan Foyle, who is leading a campaign to repair the nation’s buildings

help us to keep buildings old and new in good shape.” Now in its tenth year, SPAB’s National Maintenance Week aims to provide homeowners throughout the UK with practical tips and advice on how to prepare their building to face the worst that winter can bring. Last winter’s snow, for example, presented some tricky maintenance challenges in the form of cracked, frozen and burst pipes. National Maintenance Week encourages homeowners (and people who care for public buildings such as churches, village halls and local authority properties) to be aware of the simple, economic and achievable maintenance steps they can take at the beginning of winter to stave off costly major faults and damage at a later date. • Jonathan Foyle’s ten top tips on winter property maintenance can be found at SPAB’s dedicated website: www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk

For more grea t Suffolk properties visi t

House prices treading water House prices rose by just 0.1% in September, according to mortgage lender Nationwide. The typical price of a home in the UK was £166,256 – up from £165,914 in August when there was a 0.6% month-on-month fall. Robert Gardner, Nationwide chief economist, said prices remained flat over the year, at 0.3% lower than September 2010. He said: “Sluggish demand for homes on the back of weak labour market conditions, combined with only a gradual rise in the supply of properties, has helped to keep property prices fairly stable since the summer of 2010. “We expect this trend to be maintained over the remainder of 2011, although downside risks have increased as UK and global growth prospects have weakened.”

What adds most value to a home? An extension or loft conversion which creates a double bedroom with its own bathroom can bump up the value of a home by nearly a quarter (23%) and is the most effective home improvement owners can carry out, says a survey. New research by Nationwide Building Society suggests a 10% increase in floor space adds 5% to the price of a typical home, but an extra bedroom is usually more effective use of your money than moving. Moving up from a three-bedroom house to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom property costs an average £40,000 without legal fees and other moving costs – a loft conversion or other extension can be accomplished for £30,000 to £35,000. But the extra bathroom is the critical point. An extra bedroom, by itself, adds only 12% to average price. 17

carterjonas.co.uk

The Property People

FRATING, NR COLCHESTER

LITTLE HORKESLEY

An elegant Regency former rectory with superb proportions set in beautiful grounds of approximately 9.15 acres.

A superb Grade II listed farmhouse with a stunning interior set in approximately 4.5 acres surrounded by open countryside.

Reception hall • 3 reception rooms • Aga kitchen/breakfast room Cellar • 7/8 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms (2 en suite) • Outbuildings and garaging • Mature gardens with tennis court and swimming pool Paddock • Approximately 9 acres

4/5 reception rooms • Aga kitchen/breakfast/family room Utility and cloakrooms • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) Detached office • Double garage • Established grounds and woodland

Guide price £2,500,000

Guide price £1,250,000

Shopping by Candlelight Friday 25th November 7.00pm - 9.30pm

Saturday, 26th November 10.30am - 4.00pm

LAVENHAM

at St Mary’s Church, Kersey A delightful Grade II listed Georgian fronted village house with impressive features and an exceptional garden with countryside views.

Sponsored by

Reception hall • 2 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room Cloakrooms • Cellar • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Attic room with potential • Garage and parking • Good sized garden

Guide price £795,000 in aid of St Mary’s Church & Teenage Cancer Trust

Long Melford 01787 882881 | longmelford@carterjonas.co.uk

PROPERTYNEWS

For more grea t Suffolk properties visi t

All the latest from the housing market

room Heath Cottage is an award-winning modern home, incorporating the latest in environmental and technical advances, with unbroken views down to the River Deben and across towards Sutton Hoo House. The cottage, designed by architects Wincer Kievenaar of Hadleigh, with echoes of the Art Deco styling of some other individual homes in this sought-after area, won both craftsmanship and design awards from the Suffolk Association of Architects. This striking home has been completed to a high standard of specification with a great deal of attention to detail. There is an integrated audio visual system, an automated lighting control system throughout, fingerprint door entry, CCTV and security systems. The energy efficiency specifications include high levels of insulation with a computerised building management system linking to a roof top weather station, which controls internal temperatures. Solar collectors heat the water with the excess used to heat the swimming pool. Theare are large expanses of glass in the design, with the major rooms and living areas orientated to benefit from the Deben landscape views. The house has a two-storey Suffolk November 2011

Above and left the impressive exterior and interior of Broom Heath Cottage, Woodbridge

room and river views. There is also a gym. On the second floor there is a further large bedroom/reception room, also with its own bathroom, and access to the roof terrace, which provides an entertaining area with spectacular views. There is a self-contained granny or au pair flat in the main house and a substantial annexe above the garage and boat store, which could central atrium, with a glass ceiling, be used for extra accommodation leading through to a large or a home office. contemporary Orwell bespoke The house is appoached through kitchen. automated gates and the drive The open plan living area has a curves to a parking area at the large feature fireplace and sliding front. glass walls on to the gardens and the The terraces and balconies swimming pool courtyard. There is provide an open air environment, also a home office. which links with the living space The house is built into the inside. The gardens to the rear are hillside and on the lower ground flanked by mature woodland. floor is a home cinema, games room The pebble-tiled swimming pool and wine cellar. is set within its own garden area, A spiral staircase leads to the close to the house, and with an upper floors where on the first floor outdoor fireplace-cum-barbecue. there are several bedroom suites. There is a changing room/wet These include the master bedroom, room close by and an outside which has a bathroom, a dressing lighting and audio system.

A gorgeous grand design Broom Heath Cottage, Woodbridge Guide price: ÂŁ3.5 million Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff 01473 218218, Neals 01394 382263

SUFFOLK society If you would like your event featured in Suffolk magazine, please ring 01473 324668 or email suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

Classic and sports cars by the lake Visitors enjoyed the sunshine and the spectacle of some fine old vintage vehicles by the lake at Hall Farm, Fornham St Martin, to help raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Gina Long, Robert and Jane Abrey, Andrew Long, Jeanette Dennis

Toby Rush, Alison Rush, Annabel and Ian Gallifant

Christine and Andrew Spencer

Photographs by DAVID GARRAD

Stephen and Noelle Kirkpatrick

Karen, Daniel and Keith Wilder

Oliver Touless-Kingsley, Jan Harriss, Nick Major, Craig Anderson

Duncan Haydon, Austin Cornish, Richard Lindsey

Trudi Edmunds, Carolyn Bramble

Sadie and David Bedford, Carol Mapes, Henrietta Spencer

Sue Long, Caroline Tatum, Karen Beale

Lisa, Henry, Millicent, Matilda and Stephen Lumley

Laura and Jim Rickard

Nikita and Andre Webb

Sam Barker, Jonathan Long, Barbara Long

Helen Lewis, Emma Sandercock

Caitlin and Paula Storey

To order photographs from this event, go to www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24

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Suffolk November 2011

SUFFOLK

and proud

EADT editor Terry Hunt starts his new regular column

It’s all the rage – even in Suffolk

y grandfather, bless him, was terrified of driving in London. He would do anything to avoid taking his little grey 1965 Ford Anglia into the teeming, throbbing capital. It was just that there was so much traffic compared to the empty lanes of Suffolk, and the drivers in London were so, well, aggressive. They would blast their hooter are no more. He made the very kind (but at the most minor delay, cut you up, Have Suffolk drivers forgotten misguided) gesture of giving it to me as barge you out of the way, and generally their road manners? rough up any poor, unsuspecting innocent my first car, and I ruined it, as 17-year-old What do you think? boys are prone to doing. from “the sticks.’’ Let us hear your opinion at I now drive through London quite In contrast, Suffolk’s highways and suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk regularly. It’s still no fun, battling your byways were tranquil. In Cretingham, way through traffic-clogged where I grew up, one of our childhood “games’’ was to lie in As the pace of roads, but it’s no longer What a contrast now. I often sit as 30 or frightening. Is that because the road until a car or, more 40 cars flash past, with grim-faced drivers Suffolk life has the new generation of likely, a tractor, threatened to studiously ignoring my optimistic inching sped up, so London drivers are more run us over. Sometimes we forward. Their fixed stares are saying “I’m would be prone in the middle of we have bred a patient, tolerant and polite? in a hurry – the mug behind me might let the road for hours. (I would just new generation Sadly not, I fear. The change you in.’’ But, of course, he or she never lies rather closer to home. As like to point out that there does. of impatient the pace of Suffolk life has wasn’t a great deal to do for It’s a similar sad story on the open sped up, so we have bred a children in deeply rural country roads. When I started driving, drivers new generation of impatient Cretingham in the mid 1960s). every act of kindness was acknowledged drivers. Let me give you one tiny, It really was that quiet. When you did by a wave and a smile. Not now. All too meet another vehicle on one of the narrow anecdotal piece of evidence. often, letting someone come through a For years now, I have driven the same country lanes, then the exchange was tight spot is simply not recognised. Life’s route into work in the centre of Ipswich. politeness personified. “After you.’’ “No, obviously far too busy. At a certain point, I get to a junction after you.’’ And so on… At this point, I’d like to point out that I’m where oncoming traffic has the right of No-one seemed to be in a hurry to get certainly not saying all Suffolk drivers anywhere particularly quickly. So, you can way. A couple of decades ago, it worked behave like this, but there is certainly an brilliantly. Cars filtered in alternately, and unhappy trend. understand my grandfather and his there were no hold-ups. Commonsense contemporaries – the first generation of Of course, I’m innocent of any of these and courtesy held sway over the “give motorists – being anxious to avoid the crimes against polite motoring. A couple way’’ white lines on the road surface. stresses of driving in London. of years ago, I bought a ludicrous, thirsty Remember, these were the days when 4x4. You know, one of those beasts people would get into their cars on a associated with bullying, aggressive Sunday afternoon and go out “for a male drivers. So I decided to ride.’’ That meant getting into the break the mould. I am the car for pleasure, and following most polite 4x4 driver you the road ahead with no clear idea can possibly imagine. You of where you were going to end can see other drivers’ jaws up. Your own little magical drop as I cheerily wave mystery tour, in fact. them through. That was almost half a century I just wish there were EADT editor ago. Time marches on. My more around like me. Or Terry Hunt grandfather and his Ford Anglia have I just been unlucky? Suffolk November 2011

and his ‘gas guzzler’

SUFFOLK society If you would like your event featured in Suffolk magazine, please ring 01473 324668 or email suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

Willis 007 charity ball Black tie and ballgowns were the order of the day as guests gathered for the Willis 007 ball held at the Cameo Hotel, Copdock. The charity ball helped raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

Lisa and Mark Greetham

Sarah Moto, Julie Hoddy

Adrian Cook, Elizabeth Flack, Penny Flack, Robert Flack

Ivy Wang, Kan Ye

Terry Baxter,Tracy Baxter, Joanne Dugmore, John Dugmore

Mark and Amanda Parker

Claire Daniels, Doug Purnell, Davinia Watson

Steve Harper, Jane Abbott

Stephen and Christina Hardman, Lynn and Richard Grimes

Lee and Louise Tweed

John and Diana Foster, Asmita Pillai, Jane Newton, Gary Newton

Lisa Dersley, Michelle James

Mark Pond, Michelle Hoskins, Donna Pack, Darren Pack

Carol and Peter Addison

Gordon Sharples, Vicki Chapman

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Suffolk November 2011

Photographs by VICTORIA GARRAD

Vincent and Julie Glading, Josh Hearnden, Steven Went

PEOPLE Lucinda Lambton

Beastly buildings ... and other passions

Lucinda Lambton, author, broadcaster, defender of public loos and Victorian architecture, is in Southwold this month for the town’s literature festival. She talks to Paul Simon about her latest passion – the eccentric dwellings some rich landowners have built for their animals Suffolk November 2011

nterviewing Lucinda Lambton is a bit like taking a whole class of rather posh teenagers on a field trip. It is variously illuminating, frustrating, draining but always full of good fun. For whilst the author, photographer and broadcaster, who is coming to Southwold later this month as part of the literature festival in the town, is very well-informed about so many things, her explosions of enthusiasm set off all manner of unexpected comments and ideas well away from the matter in hand. Some are rather shocking, in their way.

And I am clearly unable to control her, to the extent that she starts by telling me off. “You haven’t done your homework, have you? It’s all in the introduction,” she retorts mock accusingly to my question about the genesis of Palaces for Pigs, her recently published book which chronicles some of the most elegant constructions built for very special beasts by rich landowners. As one would expect from Lambton, 68, who is the daughter of a Conservative defence minister in the 1970s and wife of journalist Peregrine Worsthorne and whose previous 23

published passions include Victorian architecture, public loos and the Queen’s dolls houses, this book is crammed with uncompromising eccentricities. Such as the tombstone in Kent dedicated to a trout. Or the reclusive duke who kept his animals underground. Or the temple in County Kildare built to house the master of foxhounds who believed he would be reincarnated as a fox. “Actually, I’m trying to remember the details as I’ve been asking myself that today as well. I KNOW WHAT IT WAS!” (capitals really are the only way to convey these surges. Indeed, Palaces for Pigs has more than its fair share of this shouty format). “I was walking through the village of Ford in Northumberland when suddenly there before me was a sight that had it all. A horse was being shod in front of the blacksmith’s forge – a building with a great stone horseshoe around the door that was then framing the horse.” “For me that combined my two best and all consuming passions; animals and architecture. So when I decided to write the book about houses for animals, my cup of happiness overflowed!” The cup seemed to run dry the further east she went as there are very few East Anglian entries in the book. “I don’t really know why that is,” she confesses. “There were quite a few entries that I couldn’t use, that ended up on the cuttings floor.” Uncharitably, perhaps, I thought it might be due to us being a far too sensible region to indulge in such whimsies. Indeed the only Suffolk building that

FAVOURITE FOLLIES Among Lucinda’s personal favourites of the examples of animal buildings and tributes that made it into here book are: l The moving Animals in War monument in London l The graves of two rats – ‘Disraeli’ and ‘Gladstone’ – in Surrey l The memorial in Leicestershire to Tanner the fifth horse shot from under its owner, Colonel Cheney, at the battle of Waterloo l The bear pit at Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, which she admires for its design but “finds the thought of a bear living there alone dreadful, absolutely dreadful”

makes it is the fishing temple at Tendring on the border with Essex. In her defence, Lambton redraws the East Anglian boundaries somewhat by including Hertfordshire and the magnificent and now restored egg farm at Kings Langley. “It’s all very sweet, in spite of being the first factory chicken farm in the world!” And then just as we seemed to be focusing on the matter in hand, Lambton segues away. All the way in fact to the Middle East. “Did you see on the news what those Syrian soldiers did to a line of doctors?

They machined gunned the lot. And they were laughing whilst they were doing it!” I expressed outrage, not least because I misheard her and drew parallels with Bahrain whose regime had likewise thought doctors were fair game for a bit of hard discipline. “No!” she said appalled. “Not doctors, but donkeys. They shot a line of donkeys!” “Anyway, before we were waylaid by the Syrian Army, we were talking about my inspirations for the book, weren’t we?” I think so . . . yes. Yes we were. “All different ways really. I already knew quite a few real stunners, sometimes people would write to me with ideas and I do some research on the internet, that kind of thing. But basically it’s the product of a lifetime of noseying around. You never know when you will need the information you collect.” “Many of the buildings have actually been forgotten and finding them can be very difficult, so when I ask around I get a lot of quizzical looks. “Yet there are still legends and stories associated with them, like the lady who built an obelisk for Cupid her pig and companion for 20 years, and so I usually do find them.” Organised into themes (‘Sport and speed’, ‘Plate and palate’ – you get the idea), Lambton records hundreds of such buildings across the land. In fact she does more than just supply the words, she also supplies the images. What does she prefer, the scribbling or the snapping? “Well the photography is never easy. Each picture takes a minimum of two hours. You have to sort out the tripod, the setting up, picking up all the litter that kind of thing. “There was one shoot where the windows in a rather elaborate pigsty caught the light which shone out between the pillars of the doorway, making it impossible to photograph it. It was a hell of a business finding the housekeeper and getting it sorted. That photograph took nearer seven hours to get right!” Lambton maintains that whilst writing this book, and indeed her many others, is a very satisfying experience – more so than presenting TV programmes – it is also much more exhausting. “You have to do everything. I’ve never had a researcher for my books, for example. No, no, no, no! I find I do the Suffolk November 2011

Above; the fishing temple at Tendring, which features in Lucinda Lambton’s book. Below left; author Lucinda Lambton, who is speaking at this year’s Southwold Literature Festival

“There are still legends and stories associated with animal buildings, like the lady who built an obelisk for Cupid her pig and companion for 20 years” work of an entire TV crew when writing a book. Not just researching, but I’m my own PA person, sound engineer and the person who carries all the cables around.” She has clearly suffered for others’ art. But doesn’t the existence of so many well-built houses for animals and the relative absence of enduring buildings for humans on these grand estates reflect a warped sense of priorities? Isn’t this the wrong way around? Lambton’s answer is wonderfully elliptical. “I don’t think so as the larger buildings like that of the Duke of Hamilton who built huge gothic stables for his horses, are really one-offs. Most of these are tiny in scale. Suffolk November 2011

“Many of the homes for pigs well, you could barely fit much more than their snout in”. “Some are very modest, including a beehive in the shape of an elephant in the wall on a grandee’s land, although the chances are that he didn’t ask for it to be built himself. It was probably his mason who did it.” Lambton’s enthusiastic singlemindedness – even in the face of critical modern sensibilities – extends to architecture associated with the slave trade. “In Antigua there is this sub-strata of architecture with many buildings associated with slavery in the 17th and 18th centuries. Most are very beautiful and in a very ruinous state.” “When I was last there, the taxi-driver I hired had never known about them at all. Yet now there is a time of change, where the government is trying to save them for use by the tourism industry.” Yet whatever one thinks of this very

focused approach to her subject, it augurs well for those attending her talk in Southwold. Lambton is an uncompromising organiser of her own material. “I take many weeks to get this kind of talks just right. It’s a real military manoeuvre to get the right images from the 150 or so in the book to accompany the text. I can’t remember what the military term is for this kind of preparation, although I’ve just spent two days living in the mess of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment in Woolwich. Such proper young men!” she surges. She concludes definitively. “Anyway, you’re b*****ed if the images get all mixed up. All that meticulous planning gone to waste. So I hope it will be a success.” Whilst in Southwold, it is unlikely that Lambton will have much time to sample the public conveniences. This is a shame, for she has probably done more than many to educate us about their unique value. “Since I wrote my book, Temples of Convenience, in 2007, things have got both better and worse. Many of them have been closed, but some very, very good modern ones have opened. “We should be quite rightly protective of our public loos. After all, they were invented in England! The first flush loo was made in about 1660, 200 years before they were used anywhere else! So whether it be talking about loos for humans or palaces for pigs, the forthcoming Suffolk encounter with Lucinda Lambton promises to be an uncompromisingly informed and fun time for all! n Lucinda Lambton is speaking on Beastly Buildings at St Edmund’s Hall, Southwold on Thursday, November 10 at 4pm. For more information about the 2011 Southwold Literature Festival, go to: http://www.wayswithwords.co.uk/ festivals/southwold-19 n Palaces for Pig is published by English Heritage at £20.

Have you ever come across an over-the-top animal memorial? Let us know at suffolk.magazine@archant.co.uk 25

Bright young things Celebrating the rising talent in our county Annelise Day, 16, a pupil at Leiston High School and Archie James, 16, a pupil at Woodbridge School both study at the DanceEast Academy at the Jerwood Dance House in Ipswich and hope to have careers in professional dance How did you start dancing? Archie: I went to see Billy Elliott with the dance group at school and loved it. I told my teacher I was thinking about doing it she suggested I have a look at a few classes, so I went to Angela Rowe Dance School with a friend who was doing it. I didn’t have any aspirations of doing it as a career but I got into it. Then my teacher told me there was an audition coming up for the DanceEast Academy so I thought why not give it a go? I’d only been doing about two month’s worth of dance but I got in. I love it – it’s like a family even though people come from different areas – from as far as Peterborough and Norwich. Annelise: I started at the academy when it first opened in 2008. My mum saw a leaflet for it and said I should audition. I’d only done hiphop before that. I got in and I loved it. The first year was really eye-opening – learning how you have to behave and respond to your dance teachers, to the information they give you. I progressed over the next two years and now I’m at the top level. At the moment I’m at Leiston High School but next year I’ll be starting at the Ipswich Academy. They’ve joined up with the DanceEast Academy to offer dance. I’ll be doing a BTech which is worth three A-levels. I want to go to a performance school, become a performer and get into a dance company.

What makes dance so special compared, say, to other performing arts? What do you think it takes to become a professional dancer? Annelise: Dance crosses over normal human boundaries and gives us so many opportunities. It’s very physical – you have to have a lot of contact with other dancers and you have to trust each other. The training makes us more dedicated to other aspects of life and affects how we react to people. You have to show real respect to the tutors because they’ve done all the things we’re doing and that often makes us act the same way with people outside of dance. Archie: Dance is my passion After the school holidays I can’t wait to start dancing again. You have to keep training because if you don’t and then you go back to it it’s quite a shock. It’s quite worrying how much you depend on it! It makes you very disciplined – as soon as you walk into the studio you become a dancer. You have to train extra hard if you want to go far – running, swimming and a lot of stretching – learn about eating healthily, nutrition, how to refuel your body and how to sustain it. What have been the highlights so far? Archie: My group went to visit the Berlin ballet school. It was unbelievable – not just their performance but the way they work so hard. I came back and thought we need to pick up our game! Annelise: Our collaborative work with Aldeburgh Young Musicians – there were between 10-18 musicians with different instruments and we worked creatively together for a week creating dance and music pieces. We created movement while they composed the music and we had to communicate with the musicians. It was quite difficult at first because we speak different languages. But it was very rewarding.

Suffolk November 2011

GOT THE MOVES: DanceEast Academy dancers Annelise Day and Archie James, both 16 rehearse their moves. Annelise has been dancing with DanceEast Academy for three years and James for one year Photographs by Su Anderson Suffolk November 2011

SUFFOLK society If you would like your event featured in Suffolk magazine, please ring 01473 324668 or email suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

Launch of Ipswich School Festival of Music Sponsors and music lovers gathered to celebrate the launch of the 2nd annual Ipswich School Festival of Music. The festival offered an extensive programme of events, workshops and concerts covering many genres of music. Launch night guests enjoyed a concert by the London Mozart Players.

Jo Burke, William Saunders, Andrew Reed

Photographs by PETER PAYN

Roger Robinson, Jo Reeder

Amanda Childs, Janice Daniels, Jenny Jones

John Blatchly, Claire and Paul Willcox

Susan and Barry Denny

Karl Daniels, Nicholas Weaver, William Saunders

John Parry, Pam Blatchly

Bridget Alexander, Andrew and Trudie Saunders

Graham Papenfus, William Saunders, Will Stansbury

Russell Williams, Karl Daniels

Christopher Moore, Andrew Leach

Patience Stone, Andrew Vess

Luke Parkerson, Lucinda James

Rachel and Kevin Sloane

Andrew Leach, Pat and Roger Fern

To order photographs from this event, go to www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24

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Suffolk November 2011

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ESAB charity ball at the Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe

The ESAB Committee

John Punt, Sheila Kolodziejski

Kevin and Susan Harrold

Marlies Stephens, Angela Billing, Jan Willis, Glenys Clayden

Adam Jackson, Vickie Rhea

Robert and Janet Howell, Gillian and Richard Swain

Charlotte and David Beaumont

John Harris, Kay Harris, Amanda Harris, Jon Merricks

David Ward, June Skuse, Caroline Ward

Susan Northway, Vera Manning Tricia Adams, Brian Ellis

Rita and Geoff Greetham, Margaret Lennon, Jenny and Jim Cupac

Janet and Richard Baker

Rosie, Bethany, Rachel, Ann and Eileen Taylor

Photographs by DAVID GARRAD

East Suffolk Association for the Blind is a local charity supporting 1,400 visually impaired people in the east of Suffolk. A raffle at their recent charity dinner dance helped raise the magnificent sum of £5,100 to help continue the charity’s important work in the county.

Jo Reeder, Jane Robinson

Raymond and Rachel Peck

To order photographs from this event, go to www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24

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Suffolk magazine subscribersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breakfast at Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival The Suffolk magazine team, assisted by Mark David, of The Cooking Experience, Hadleigh, welcomed more than 100 subscribers to a champagne and bacon butty breakfast at the start of the festival Rosalie and Bob Clark weekend.

Jocelyn Deane, Bernice Emanuel

Sue Taylor, Judith Botten

Photographs by DAVID GARRAD

Martin and Sue Miller

Sandra Roberts, Jayne Lindill, Jo Reeder

Claire and Steven Miles

Alan and June Hampson

Rev Anthony Moore, Alan Barrett

Jan Osborne, Emma and Esme Grimwood

Sue Mitchell, Adam Dorkins

John and Carol Wilkinson

Jane and Steve Kirk

Felicity Brule-Lockhart, Vera Smith

Reg and Gill Woolston

Joy and John Hagg

Percy and Mary Coe

Wayne and Lorry Haslegrave

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Suffolk November 2011

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Night & Day fashion show at Jerwood DanceHouse DanceEast’s Night & Day fashion show featured lots of local boutiques. Organised by the friends of DanceEast, the event helped raise funds to support DanceEast’s work in the community.

Cydney, Carol and Chris Nunn

Dorinda Ludlam, Kim Brown

Stacey Wadsley, Anthony Tapsell, Amanda Wadlsey

Evy and Leah Nesper-King

Brogan Flory, Sue Maxfield

Lara Quinlan, Dawn McGregor, Kim Bere

Vesna Mitchell, Milan Mitrovic

Amanda Nearney, Jane Pooley, Jane Hardcastle

Sue Butler, Lily Butler Mayer, June and Archie Cowles

Karen Sewell, Emma Capon

Julie Booth, Geri Manning, Jo Watling

Photographs by PETER PAYN

Catherine Johnson, Michelle Cobbin, Den Howard Luisa Cannon

Rachel Townshend, Emma Lloyd

Samantha Plumpton, Nicky Fishwick, Anne Gordon, Sonia Clarke, Grace, Adrian and Emma Burrows, Natasha Griffin, Rose Quinton Elliot Rush

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PEOPLE Roy Ravenshill & Nigel Rose

Remembering the few

As the years pass, the men who defended Britain against an invading enemy become fewer and fewer. Two local men â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an artilleryman and a Spitfire pilot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; share their very different experiences of the Second World War with Martin Newell

Suffolk November 2011

heir ranks thinned gradually until they’d disappeared altogether. Harry Patch, the last British survivor of the Great War trenches died over two years ago. It was only late in summer this year – after interviewing a former Battle of Britain pilot – that I made a sudden realisation. The men who fought in the Second World War are now older than the survivors of the Great War had been when I was a boy in the 1960s. Time has done its steady stuff. The men of my father’s generation, most of them still in their 30s when they stewarded my own generation to adulthood, are now in their late 80s and early 90s. The annual Remembrance services, whichever form they take, are not just held to remember those who fell, also to remember those who survived – often sacrificing their own carefree youth in the process. A war, though, doesn’t just leave its dead and its survivors. It also leaves gaps, like palings missing from a fence, where those whom the world would never know might have stood. At Hollesley, on the Bawdsey peninsula, on Armistice Day this year, there will be a rather special coffee morning. Early this autumn, on an unusually warm day, seated at a garden table, Chris Clement, landlord of the village’s Shepherd and Dog pub, talked about their forthcoming Remembrance service. As I have learned during the past year, Hollesley is a village with an exceptionally strong community spirit. The pub, for instance, also runs the village shop and helps to keep the local post office going. When, some time ago, Chris Clement began running Friday coffee mornings in the pub, they proved to be popular. A British Legion member, Chris said that he was looking at his diary when he noticed that November 11 this year happened to fall on a Friday. Since coffee is generally served at 11am, he said, an idea began to percolate. “Let’s have a small service at 11 and then serve coffee at 11 minutes past – elevenses,” he said. This is how the Shepherd and Dog’s 11.11.11.11.11. service came about. Present on the day will be Shepherd and Dog regular, Roy Ravenshill, who Suffolk November 2011

chauffeurs less-mobile locals to and from the weekly coffee mornings. Roy, who will be 91 years old this month, was once a Japanese POW. For him Armistice Day holds special significance. Following the Fall of Singapore in 1942 and his capture, the former artilleryman spent three-anda-half years slaving in a mine in Ube, southern Japan. When the Americans freed him in 1945, Roy weighed five stone. He left Japan on an American hospital ship. As a POW, Roy Ravenshill, also an artist, was not allowed any artist’s materials. “If you got caught with them, you got a good hiding. Nobody had a nice time under the Japanese – it was rough,” he recalled.

Before I left Hollesley, Chris, the pub’s landlord showed me Roy’s paintings, many of which adorn the walls of the Shepherd and Dog. As Chris pointed out to me, ironically enough, the former gunner’s work possesses a delicate, almost Japanese finesse to it. Suffolk is also well-known for its air bases – both British and American. During the Second World War, however, this part of the county was especially important. Just down the road from Hollesley was RAF Bawdsey, home of the research station which helped to develop

“I stupidly went after a Messerschmidt 110 going into its protective circle. It was a canny thing to do because if there was another 110 coming behind, the chap got so excited he forgot to keep an eye out – which was what I did!”

and perfect radar, giving our outnumbered fighter pilots a vital advantage over the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Here follows one pilot’s recollection of events. The weather in southern England was perfect during late summer of 1940. It was mid August when 602 Squadron arrived at Westhampnett, a satellite airfield for RAF Tangemere in Sussex. The sun blazed down almost every day. A 22-year-old pilot officer at the time, Nigel Rose now remembers that he and his fellow Spitfire pilots had rather wished that it hadn’t been quite so sunny. It was just all too convenient for the Nazis who busied themselves mounting wave after wave of air raids in order to soften Britain up ready for an invasion. The 602 ‘The City of Glasgow’ Squadron had flown south from Scotland to relieve 145 Squadron, who’d recently taken rather a hammering from the Germans. Nigel Rose recalls that they arrived one day in mid August in the middle of a terrific battle, which, fortunately for them, seemed to evaporate even as they flew in. They were greeted by the sight of a Hurricane lying upside down on the runway, whilst the squadron who they’d been sent to relieve were now down to four members – one of them their wounded CO. At 20 years old, Nigel ‘Rosebud’ Rose, his ancestral roots in Scots and Suffolk clergy was training to be a quantity surveyor. He’d joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in late December of 1938. “At the time, everyone was joining something or other,” he recalled. “It was coming pretty plainly from the papers. And I’d been in Germany before the war. One could see what was boiling up. I can remember the Hitler Youth marching down the street, where I was staying. “The girls in the house used to go out on to the balcony on the second floor  33

and shriek derision at them. They thought it was terribly funny. But the father of the family would say, ‘No. Don’t do that.’ He was a lecturer at the University of Cologne and he’d been tipped off that unless he showed a bit more enthusiasm for the Nazi regime, his job was on the line.” As I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, time, has by now done more to thin the ranks of what Winston Churchill called ‘The Few’ than their wartime enemy ever did. At the Battle of Britain’s outset, they were just under 3,000 in number. The pilots comprised Czechs, Poles, New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians and others as well as the British. Of these, roughly 500 men were lost in combat. Today there are only about 60 of them remaining – the majority now in their nineties. As history absorbs them, they will loom as large to us as the archers of Agincourt, or Wellingon’s men at Waterloo. For the generation that succeeded them and went on to reach

Hero of the skies. Above right; former Spitfire pilot Nigel Rose and right, Nigel pictured in 1939 aged 21 next to the Avro Cadet plane in which he learned to fly

maturity in late 20th century, perhaps they were not so much forgotten as rather taken for granted. I, for instance, belonged to a generation of boys brought up on shilling war comics, and Did You Know articles about the Battle of Britain. Names of air aces such as Douglas Bader, Stanford Tuck, and ‘Cats-eyes’ Cunningham were as familiar to most of us as those of the Beatles were just about to become. Then, of course, as we ourselves became young men, the experience of a country 34

pub run by a former RAF pilot became almost a cliché. In Suffolk, still with its many air bases this was especially the case. Like sailors and the sea, a handful of old RAF men seemed to find it hard to be away from air bases, even if such places were now manned by American personnel. It was in such pubs where our former airman stood behind the bar, now in late middle age, often sporting a handlebar moustache, an RAF badge on his blazer and his pictures of old planes fading on the walls. Oddly enough, despite a

plentiful supply of arcane jokes, typically, such men rarely talked about their own wartime experiences. And yet, they sometimes retained a liking for fast sporty cars. It was perhaps a ghost of their youthful experiences piloting Spitfires or Hurricanes – a thing which had never left many of them. Today, with ‘The Few’ having truly become very few, before they become silent figures in the tableaux of history, it is worth paying attention to what they say. Nigel Rose told me: “I stupidly went after a (Messerschmidt) 110 which was going into its protective circle. It was a canny thing for him to do. Because if there was a Spitfire or Hurricane chasing, and there was another 110 coming up behind, the chap got so excited he forgot to keep an eye out – which was what I did. I did get the smoke Suffolk November 2011

How you can do your bit

Japanese POW Roy Ravenshill spent three-and-a-half years slaving in a mine in southern Japan. Right; Roy in his army days and top; with a friend in the Far East

out of this 110 and he turned over and started going down. But he had another chap behind him, which I didn’t notice. And that one went for me. He made an awful mess of my cockpit, things like the flap-control mechanism and the radio – and the cockpit instruments were shot out. I got a thing in the arm. I think it was an armour-piercing bullet which had just shaved me after it had come through the armour-plating at the back.” Nigel Rose’s letters to his parents during the peak of the Battle of Britain are not always what you’d expect. They don’t sound tense or uncertain. Their tone is often breezy – breathless with excitement. It might, in some instances, almost be a schoolboy writing an account of an inter-house rugby match, rather than a young warrior flying high above the English Channel involved in a frantic polka with death. He writes to his parents in one letter: “Had an absolutely superb scrap about 15 miles out to sea. About 20 ME 110s. It was colossal fun. I cracked at about eight of them and gave one quite a long burst. A lot of smoke came out of his port engine.” Some of these letters were published a decade or so ago in a book called The Burning Blue. Yet to read the originals in their neat handwriting, filed, as they still are in their folder, brought the accounts into much sharper focus for me. By the end of 1941, having been at the sharp end for rather a long time, Nigel Suffolk November 2011

Rose was assigned to training new fighter pilots and to teaching in gunnery school. He had more than done his bit. When the war was over, eschewing a career in the RAF, he returned to his training as a quantity surveyor in order to take his exams. Rose, generally credited now as an air ace, probably wouldn’t dream of referring to himself as such. He was glad to get back to civilian life, although, remembering the post-war austerity, he confirms: “ There wasn’t much of anything about – food, clothes etc.” The former fighter pilot now lives just over the border on the north Essex coast. Unsurprisingly, however, the living room of his cottage is replete with books, texts and pictures of the era, in which he stepped into the maelstrom and survived it. On this North Sea coast, within about 20 miles of each other, live these two men whom I spoke to – one in Suffolk and one in Essex. Both are now in their early nineties. They had entirely different wars but neither will forget. When the larger Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph (the word means ‘empty tomb’) is held this year, we should also remember – and cherish – those who survived events and remain with us. For time will soon thin their ranks too.

It’s a special year for the Royal British Legion, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the RBL hopes to raise £90million over the year, through fundraising events and sales of the iconic poppy. The money raised by the Poppy Appeal provides vital support for serving and ex-service men and women and their families. This may involve advice about returning to civilian life, financial support or help around the home. The RBL also runs seven care homes and four Poppy Break Centres for those recovering from injury or loss. This November, over 30,000 volunteers will take to the streets with boxes full of bright red poppies, raising millions of pounds. As the distinctive poppy adorns the lapels of the British public, we remember the servicemen and women from our region who have sacrificed their lives for their country. In memory of their bravery, the Legion have organised commemorative services throughout Suffolk: October 30 – Great Poppy Run in Rendlesham November 5 – Woodbridge poppy parade November 9 – Leiston festival of remembrance November 11 – Ipswich Hospital Band’s annual festival of remembrance at St Peter’s, Ipswich November 11 – Festival of Remembrance at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds November 13 – The mayor of Ipswich will lead a remembrance service at the cenotaph in Christchurch Park. The service starts at 10.50am and will be followed by a procession through the park to the saluting ground, where there will be a march past of uniformed services The RBL desperately needs new volunteers, so if you would like to help the Poppy Appeal to last another 90 years, then please get in touch on 01284 725 833. 35

HISTORY Suffolk at war

Who do you think you

n September 3 1939, the people of Suffolk joined the country and tuned their wirelesses to hear the solemn tones of Neville Chamberlain announce that he had given the British Ambassador to Berlin an ultimatum for Hitler to withdraw his troops from Poland by 11am. Mr Chamberlain, with regret in his voice, informed the people of our great island that Hitler’s refusal to acquiesce meant that Britain was now at war with Germany. From the very beginning of WWII Suffolk played an integral part in defeating the Nazis. Hitler considered Suffolk a prime location for invasion. Detailed maps have been uncovered, highlighting the docks, hospitals, railways and road networks, that formed part of Operation Sealion, a German plan to invade England. The people of Suffolk were not going to just sit back and wait for Hitler to come knocking. The RAF’s first bombing raid of the war took off from an Ipswich airfield when five Blenheim bombers crossed

As we approach Remembrance Day, Martin Sawyer looks back at wartime Suffolk and how the county helped defeat Hitler the North Sea and attacked German warships near Wilhelmshaven. One of the country’s most celebrated pilots, Douglas Bader, was stationed at the Martlesham airbase after convincing an RAF medical board that he could fly despite losing both his legs in an aerobatic routine in 1931. As fighting intensified, the skies over Suffolk were often filled with the heartstopping drone of German planes on their way to carry out bombing runs over Birmingham and Coventry. Their return brought more fear for residents as they would often unload any unused armaments as they approached our coastline. Houses in Cemetery Road and Myrtle Road were among those completely demolished.

One local man on fire watch said good night to his family after safely seeing them to their Anderson shelter. That night as the air raid sirens sounded his life was turned upside down as the shelter took a direct hit, killing his wife and six children. Ensuring the safety of people became a priority and a number of public shelters were hurriedly built across the town providing safety for over 2,394 people. After France fell under German occupation, Suffolk’s close proximity to Europe and its miles of sparsely populated shoreline, led it to become a focus for a number of top secret military operations, none more notorious than Shingle Street. Sir John Anderson created a ‘coastal defence area’ in 1940, meaning that over 127,000 people living on the East Anglian coast were forced to relocate to make way for the construction of a network of defences and military installations. On June 22, 1940, the complete evacuation of Shingle Street was ordered, giving residents only three days to find alternative accommodation. Percy Darvell who served as an AFS fireman at Woodbridge remembers his crew being called out to Shingle Street as a twinengine aircraft flew in low across the coast carrying a highly classified bomb. It was released over the village and scored a direct hit on the Lifeboat Inn, demolishing much of the building. With the outbreak of war, rationing became a reality of Suffolk November 2011

are kidding, Mr Hitler? Left: buildings at Felixstowe Ferry and below, Needham Market, hit during German bombing raids

everyday living. Mrs Nunn, of Leiston, who taught at the town’s primary school, remembers well those times of ‘make do and mend’. “It all sounds a little Maria Von Trapp,” she laughs, “but I actually made a dress for school out of an old pair of curtains.” Trying to feed five children became a daily nightmare. “There were three different categories for rations,” she recalls. “Most adults had buff coloured booklets, while pregnant and nursing mothers had green booklets

“With the sound of the aircraft screaming overhead and the automatic machine guns popping, the fear was indescribable.” and children were issued with blue ones, entitling them to fruit and half a pint of milk a day.” Mrs Hall remembers well the war years. “My brothers and I were due to be evacuated to Canada,” she recalls, “but for some reason or other we missed the boat. It wasn’t until after the war that I learned one of my closest friends had died on board that very ship as it was hit by a torpedo as it crossed the Irish Sea.” As time passed and the threat of invasion faded, many Suffolk evacuees were allowed to return home. Suffolk November 2011

“We were living in Haylings Road during the war, and I remember one particularly warm evening in late August, 1941,” Mrs Hall recalls. “I’d been watching my father water his tomato plants when Jerry flew over us, I saw the aircraft turn and come round again just as my father came out of the back door with a full can of water when I said, ‘Father! Look! What’s that?’ as three dark objects fell through the sky. “I remember he just threw the watering can down the garden and shouted at me ‘Run! Run! Run!’ We both darted into the kitchen, and dived under the table. “I will never to this day forget the force of those explosions, and the way they physically shook our house, or the noise as huge clods of earth smashed against our back door. Some time later Mrs Hall was to have another close encounter. “There was a row of shelters, dug-outs, behind our primary school where children were taken if there was an air raid. “Our mother always used to run across the field to the school to collect us as soon as the sirens began to sound. ‘If they’re going to get us,’ she told us, ‘then we’ll all go together!’

“Anyway on that particular day, the four of us were scrambling across the field heading for home when out of nowhere this German plane bore down on us. My mother screamed ‘Get down! Get down! Crawl!’ Well, I don’t think I’ve ever crawled so quickly in the whole of my life. “Looking back, we must have seemed pretty comical, but I can tell you with the sound of the aircraft screaming overhead and the automatic machine guns popping, the fear was indescribable.” Suffolk was in many ways fortunate – being an agricultural county brought its benefits and in gardens where delicate blooms once swayed in the breeze, potatoes, and other crops appeared. It was not until July 1954 that rationing finally came to an end, bringing relief to families right across the country. Food shortages were only part of the problem. With the majority of working age men fighting on the front, local land owners found themselves devoid of labourers and farm hands, so a very different sort of army swung in to action. Thousands of young women from across the country were drafted to work in Suffolk. Crammed into wooden dormitories with at least 20 other girls, they’d be up by 6.30am driving tractors, digging trenches and ploughing fields quite literally until the cows came home. And then they’d have to milk those too. War is a double-edged sword – it brings misery, death and mutilation, horrors that scar the psyche of a generation, yet it also encourages the acts of bravery and heroism that legends are made of. So on Remembrance Day, remember those who have fallen, who lie peacefully in lands far away, having made the ultimate sacrifice. But let us not forget those home-grown heroes, without whom this country, and our beautiful county would not be the green and pleasant place we all love today.

Were you in Suffolk during the war? We’d love to hear your memories. Write to us at suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk 37

PEOPLE Army wives

Jonathan and Moira Smith

Married to the military Remembrance Day provides a timely reminder of the men and women serving in today’s war zones. But what is life like for the families left behind? Tamara Hunt went to Wattisham to talk to the wives of men serving in the Army Air Corps NEWSFLASH

eavily pregnant, Moira Smith sits on a black leather sofa in the living room of her two-bedroom house near Needham Market. Today, husband Jonathan is by her side. The couple reflect the happiness of many first time parents-to-be, except that while this is their home it is not their house. If Moira paints over the magnolia coloured walls of the bedroom that will become their child’s nursery, she will be expected to re-instate the innocuous hue when they leave. And leave to spend time with his family is not something a serving soldier has a lot of. So, although Lance Corporal Jonathan Smith (since promoted to Corporal, 3 Regiment, 663 Squadron), has popped back from behind “the wire” to have a picture taken with his wife, popping home is not something Moira expects of her husband very often. In the six years they have been married, Moira estimates that Jonathan has been living with her for two. The army presence at Wattisham is familiar to Suffolk residents. In times of conflict, especially around Remembrance Day, we consider the sacrifices these soldiers make in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya. What might escape our attention are the husbands and wives left behind who take their children to school, shop at the local supermarket and scour Suffolk for things to do during the holidays. “Everyone knows us as ‘that military community’,” says 33-year-old Moira of Suffolk’s impression that Wattisham “do their own thing.” Yet Moira’s local doctor 38

le Since this artic

is in oira and was written M Needham become Jonathan have Lauryn Market and to s proud parent ith, Sm ly she does her al G Caitlyn 9 food born October kg 5 3. g in gh shopping in ei w Stowmarket. Camilla Tennant’s two younger children attend primary school in Ringshall, where she was actively involved during her time as chairman of the parent teacher association. And Fiona

“As the wife of an officer, Camilla can expect to move every two years or so” Christie, who has two young sons, is Suffolk born and bred and her parents still live just outside Haverhill. According to Lisa Bambridge, Hive Information Support Officer at Wattisham, there are 545 families in military housing connected to the base at Wattisham. Most married couples live in military housing, or in Hadleigh. As an officer’s wife, Camilla Tennant lives with her husband and four children alongside other officers’ families “behind the wire,” terminology used by soldiers and their families for being on the base. Camilla is married to Lieutenant Colonel Paul Tennant, who commands 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps. In the 13 years they have been married, Camilla has moved 14 times and this is the third time she has called Wattisham home. Unlike

Moira and Fiona, whose husbands are likely to remain based at Wattisham for the duration of their service, as the wife of an officer, Camilla can expect to move every two years or so. “Within 24 hours of moving in, pictures will be on the wall, clothes away, the kitchen running,” says Camilla, of her now well-oiled moving machine. “Finding your way around – the nearest brownies or swimming lessons,” she says of the challenges of arriving in a new area with children. “It’s easier for my husband, he’s already in the system.” Like many rural communities in Suffolk, Wattisham has a library with a children’s corner, a Spar shop, a nursery, church and even a gym. When it comes to socialising, there are wine clubs, book clubs, coffee mornings, a support centre for families, even a café bar. So what were Moira’s first impressions of Suffolk when she left Fiji and a good career in May 2005, to live with her husband at Wattisham? “It was cold, but I loved the place, it was beautiful and reminded me of home. And the shopping was a bonus – there’s less variety in Fiji, everything seemed more affordable in Asda and Tescos. Luxury goods are more accessible.” Before Moira became pregnant, she made the most of life in Suffolk with forays into Ipswich and Stowmarket. “Nightlife was a big thing, clubbing with the girls, movies and girls’ Suffolk November 2011

weekends.” But for a Wattisham mother with children and an absent husband, the nightlife is quite different. “When the kids are in bed, you’re on your own and you know that you’ve got another three months of sitting on your own,” says Fiona Christie of the periods her husband, Lance Corporal Wayne Christie, 3 Regiment, 662 Squadron, is away on deployment, training exercises or courses. He has served in Afghanistan three times in the last five years. “Then as soon as they are back you know that sometime in the next 12 to 18 months, possibly sooner, they’re going to be off again. For five to six months a year, depending on deployment and all the other things, you are a single mum. It can be incredibly isolating and lonely.” “You don’t realise how much anxiety you carry around with you until they are back,” says Camilla. “You’re doing everything and when they come back, you feel like a huge weight is lifted.” But like any active rural community, there is a good support network on hand. “Out there you might know two people on your road and perhaps someone around the corner,” says 31-year-old Fiona. “Here you get to know a lot more people, it’s more intense than living on civvy (civilian) street.” “The unusual thing about living on a base is that you’re living next door to your husband’s work colleagues,” echoes Camilla. “It links you, there’s an immediate understanding. Everyone works for the same organisation.” Since arriving in Suffolk, Moira has completed a Masters degree and, until she went on maternity leave, worked on the base as a squadron civilian administrator. She misses her career and although she Camilla Tennant

Suffolk November 2011

Fiona and Wayne Christie with son Sean. Photographs by Sarah Lucy Brown

plans to return to work after maternity leave, is aware of the challenges ahead. “It’s been something I keep thinking about, but here not many mothers work.” Camilla’s father was an army officer. Her primary focus has been on providing stability for her children. “There’s always a compromise, but I understand the system,” she says. “My mother kept our life as a constant for us and that was incredible. Parents provide the security. ” The Tennants had a child, Rollo, who died from a rare form of cancer aged 15 months. Camilla says the army were “very understanding,” but even their unwavering support was not able to provide the home they would have wished for in their son’s final days. They needed somewhere they could always visit that would protect the memory of their son and that time in their lives. “People asked why we didn’t take him home. We wanted him to die there (in the hospice) because we wanted to create a history for him,” says Camilla. Does Suffolk resemble something of a constant for the Tennant family? “Each time it’s very different. Now he’s commanding the regiment it’s a bit like being head girl, although it’s not as if I am the rank – I am a mother with four children. I have the same anxieties that any mother or army wife would have.” “I miss the family support with the children. The summer holidays are very long, especially if my husband’s on

operational tour.” Despite the challenges, she has made the most of what Suffolk has to offer. “I love the (Suffolk) coast, we’ve had some lovely summers here. And I love Bury St Edmunds.” Moira, Fiona and Camilla have adapted to their husbands’ long absences, but what is it like for the children? “Daddy being at work, meant that Daddy was behind the gate,” says Fiona, of her son, Leo. “He put Daddy’s boots on and his sun hat and coat and said ‘I’m going to work.’ He was two-and-a-half and he thought that if Daddy can’t come home I am going to Daddy. It was heartbreaking, he (Daddy) wasn’t there, he was in Afghanistan. “I put a map on the wall with string and Blue Tac to show him where Daddy was working.” And what of life after the army? “Sometimes I look at my friends on civvy street and think I would quite like to be like you,” Fiona admits. “That part is a little nerve-wracking,” says Camilla. “I’m in this club that I understand quite well. There’s a fear of the unknown. Where would we live? What would he do?” “There is a sense of trepidation about going back out into civilian street. The base is home, it’s our family,” echoes Moira. “We are definitely moving back to Fiji when he finishes his engagement of service but we treat this as our home.” 39

YOURPICTURES Our monthly showcase of YOUR views of the county

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I looked out over the old millpond in front of the hotel and saw this beautiful Constable scene before meâ&#x20AC;?

Stunning views of the Suffolk countryside and close-ups of nature are mong the shots captured by readers over the summer and autumn

MILL POND, SUDBURY I recently came to Sudbury on a business and stayed at the Mill Hotel in the town. As I am also a photographer I get great pleasure visiting Suffolk as I love the works of both Constable and Gainsborough. Imagine my surpise when I looked out over the old millpond in front of the hotel and saw this beautiful Constable scene before me. John Lenehan, Lancashire

THREE TOADSTOOLS My wife and I were out walking on Dunwich Heath when we came across these three toadstools. At the time they reminded me of the Three Bears nursery rhyme. Roy Aldous, Loddon 40

Suffolk November 2011

EVENING IN THE FARMYARD I admired the photographs of Landguard Point in last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue and was inspired to go out and see what I could do. I took this shot of a neighbouring farm near Sudbourne â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it seemed to catch the season and farm business. Veronica Worrall, Sudbourne

UNDER THE BOARDWALK I love taking unusual shots of structures and the pier at Southwold from this angle at about 7.30am one misty morning just looked so serene and elegant I just had to capture it. Jeanette Warnes, Harleston

Suffolk November 2011

DEER, HUNTER This was taken at a distance of about 15 yards (yes, still in old money) over my back fence over which there is a wild meadow. A quick snap really as it just appeared and reared up looking for food before moving on Tony Wooderson, Woodbridge

Are you a keen photographer? We’d love to print your pictures on these pages. Send us your photos, a brief description of how you came to take them, plus a little about yourself and where you live, and we’ll publish them in a future issue Email: suffolkmagazine:archant.co.uk

VENT ON WHITE WALL The Riverside Theatre was taken from the riverside aspect – the cloudless blue sky, white wall, shadows and shapes really made this stand out for me. It turned out better than expected! Tony Wooderson, Woodbridge

WONDER WEB I took these pictures at the end of September in my garden at Sutton Heath. It was quite misty, so the webs were very clear, and I was truly amazed by how many spiders were about. Frances Chandler, Sutton Heath 42

Suffolk November 2011

SILHOUETTE The picture of the silhouette was taken when I went on holiday with my brother and a few friends. We walked up a big hill to the top as the sun was setting, my brother climbed up a rock and stretched out as if he was the king of the hill. I liked the silhouette against the dark sky. Gareth Denney, Bury St Edmunds

BACKLIT LEAVES I was inspired to take the picture of the backlit leaves after biking a couple of miles to see the sunset and get a better view. I took my camera along as I always do. I stopped by a field and saw the sun glowing through the leaves and thought it was stunning! Gareth Denney, Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk November 2011

SUFFOLK society If you would like your event featured in Suffolk magazine, please ring 01473 324668 or email suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Anglia Factors Kitchen specialist Anglia Factors of Ipswich teamed up with the UK’s leading built-in appliance brand Neff, to take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. Nearly £200 was raised from the event.

Janice Trevillion, Claire and Dan Barr, Jon Crane, Adam Kerrison

Janice Trevillion

Photographs by PETER PAYN

Maureen and Peter Clark

Hazel and Al Glassock

Adam Kerrison, Claire and Dan Barr

Tina Barr and Al Glassock

Jon Crane, Dan Barr

Janice Trevillion Sue Key-Burr

To order photographs from this event, go to www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24

CLARICE HOUSE 44

HEALTH CLUBS, RESIDENTIAL AND DAY SPAS

www.claricehouse.co.uk

IPSWICH 01473 463262 BURY ST. EDMUNDS 01284 705550 COLCHESTER 01206 734301

Suffolk November 2011

SUFFOLK society If you would like your event featured in a future issue of EADT Suffolk, please ring 01473 324668 or email suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk

The grand opening of The Swan at Long Melford

Julian Carr, Guy Lewarde

Martin and Karen Virr, Hayley Ransome, Andrew Macmillan

Rosemary and John Porter

Louise Coll, Janet Coll, Ken Beswick

Michael and Sandra Goldsbrough

Matthew Clarke, Janice Moyes, Rena Clarke, Geoffrey Browne

Mark and Annie Andrews

Iain Macmillan, Simon Andrews, Oliver Macmillan

Sarah Duverme, Rosie Osborne

Edward and Susie Rowell, Nina and Ewan Graham

Valerie and Tim Collins

James Stables, Debbie Crooks, Thila King, Keiran Palmer

Andrew, Lorna, and Oliver Macmillan

Lucy, Tony, Sallie and Diana Woodward

Photographs by DAVID GARRAD

A new family run business celebrated its official opening with customers, the team and local business people, who enjoyed tasting examples of dishes prepared by the new restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedicated team of chefs using fresh local produce.

Paul and Alison Vella

Simon Harris, Sharon Thaw

To order photographs from this event, go to www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24

CLARICE HOUSE Suffolk November 2011

HEALTH CLUBS, RESIDENTIAL AND DAY SPAS

www.claricehouse.co.uk

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

Whole School Open Day: Friday 25th November 2011 from 10am until 1pm Year 7 Entrance Exam: 28th January 2012 For further information www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk 01473 780201 Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ Top GCSE and A level results 2011 ‘Outstanding School’ across all categories, ISI Inspection 2011

Suffolk November 2011

PLACES Ipswich

Taking off the blinkers

or years, I only knew Ipswich by night. Mostly, I saw it as I emerged from a transit van and walked up some stairs into a club. You tend, when you are 20 years old and in an Essex rock band, to look at the world in a rather blinkered way. I must have walked many times past Buttermarket’s Ancient House on my way from van to venue and yet, I don’t remember it. If, therefore, I didn’t notice this perfectly stunning and unique building, there’s a fair chance, too, that I didn’t observe the jetties, the ancient dormers or any of the other features of the medieval buildings which Ipswich town centre possesses such a wealth of. In the dark rainy December of 1973, when Slade and Wizzard’s Christmas singles were still brand new, such things would not have topped my list of must-sees. Similarly, three years later and part of an Ipswich band called Gypp, I never noticed the church of St Mary le Tower, opposite the Arts Theatre in Tower Street.

OutsideIn Essex man Martin Newell waxes lyrical about our county town Suffolk November 2011

The Ancient House with St Lawrence Church in the background. Photograph by Ashley Pickering 47

I remember the theatre itself, because it was a really pretty if somewhat threadbare little venue by 1976. In days before the much-anticipated Wolsey Theatre opened, it had served the town’s theatrical community well. In fact, when I recently considered how often I’d been in Ipswich over the years and how fond of the place I was, I found out I knew scarcely anything about it, apart from its venues, a list of which I can still reel off. Quite apart from the two I’ve mentioned, there was the Gaumont, the Corn Exchange, the Manor Ballroom, the Caribbean Club, The Royal William, The Kingfisher and The Running Buck. Venues will open and close but these were the ones of my own time. Ipswich, you see, for all the ‘tractor’ jokes about it, was always quietly more cosmopolitan than say, Colchester, 18 miles down the road. Back then Ipswich was very much a working port and the area now known as The Waterfront, I only knew as ‘the docks’. The town was home to a well-established AfroCaribbean community. For many years it was also surrounded by American Air Force bases whose many airmen often arrived in town to enjoy themselves. Ipswich, therefore, had a good grounding in soul, R&B, reggae, and blues – as well as rock music. Buddy Holly, The Stones, the Beatles, Led Zep had all been here. Rod Stewart, in his very early days often played in Ipswich, as did the 1960s soul veteran, Geno Washington – himself a former US airman. The town, far enough away from London to retain its own identity, was therefore a place of venues and work for bands such as ours. A few weeks ago I returned to Ipswich, this time by train, rather than in a van. I wanted to retrace my steps but also to search for what I’d missed over three decades earlier. The walk from Ipswich station down Princes Street, to the town centre, if not particularly attractive, is fairly straightforward. On the way I

Above; Ipswich Waterfront, so different from ‘The Docks’ of the old days. Below left; Norman Foster’s Willis Building (photograph by James Long)

play a daunting four sets a night – three stopped to look at what, as ignorant nights on the trot – and we wouldn’t spill youths we used to call, ‘that big black out of the place until the small hours. The glass building’. Originally the Willis, fights that sometimes broke out there Faber & Dumas headquarters, it’s now known as the Willis Building. I was were at times redolent of western saloon suitably surprised, too, to discover that it bar brawls. Our instructions on such was one of ‘Gherkin’ designer Sir Norman occasions were always, to ‘keep playing’. Foster’s first commissions. The experience toughened us up and Suddenly, within a few yards made us capable of working “The Bandbox almost anywhere. I look back of this still impressive edifice, I found myself again in Ipswich’s Club became on the place and the time with ancient town centre. Colchester much affection. to us what boasts, rather clunkily, I’ve Sadly, when I finally found Hamburg’s always thought, that it is the site of the club, I discovered Kaiserkeller Britain’s Oldest Recorded that the building had burned must have Town. Some dissenters, down in 1992. It’s now a been to the bookshop, The Works. I stood however, will growl at you that young Beatles” back and tried to take stock of Ipswich also has a good claim on the title. it but unsurprisingly, my It’s true that Ipswich’s medieval memories were somewhat fuzzy. Walking buildings, certainly look more loved than on up to Tower Street, I easily found the many of Colchester’s. I walked up former Arts Theatre – now a bar and Buttermarket like a man in a trance. I restaurant, called The Rep. It’s also a went into the beautiful medieval Ancient listed building and as a result, much of its House – a thing which I’d never done charming old interior was as I before – just to look at the carved remembered it. I was even able to stand woodwork and the old fireplaces. The where the stage had been – a rather spinebuilding’s current tenant is the tingling experience. In a daze of memories kitchenware chain Lakeland. Here the I walked out and into the well cared for staff allowed – positively encouraged me churchyard of St Mary le Tower, just to wander around gawping at the across the road. In the middle of a interiors. bustling town centre, it’s a haven of It was with a strange feeling inside me tranquillity. And it was here I realised one that I wandered down the road to look for other important thing: if anything had the site of the old Bandbox Club. When changed over the decades it was probably I’d known it, it had been a rough, if me, rather than cheery old Ipswich. friendly enough nightclub above the Buttermarket Tavern. For me and my Do you have happy memories band mates it became what Hamburg’s of Ipswich in the 60s and 70s? Kaiserkeller must have been to the young Share them with us at Beatles. We had a six month residency suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk there. As boys barely out of our teens we’d Suffolk November 2011

SHOP, EAT, PAMPER in Ipswich Bodylines Beauty Salon 44 Tacket Street Ipswich IP4 1BA Tel: 01473 258086 Located on the corner of Tacket Street and Foundation Street with three car parks close by. The salon has been established for 19 years and has 13 treatment areas and a large welcoming reception area. Our staff: The 11 therapists are all trained in beauty and extensively in our chosen treatments and products, Our reception staff also have an excellent knowledge of the treatments and products so there is always someone to help with your enquires. Most of the girls have worked together for many years and have a wealth of knowledge. Our products: We have chosen to work with cosmeceutical products which work deeper into the skin and give our clients excellent results. The main ranges used are Priori Advanced AHA for restoring skin to its basic health and fitness, Priori CoffeeBerry – nature’s most potent anti-oxidant and Priori Idebenone Supercutical, a potent anti-ageing product plus Vitage an all British anti-oxidant product, plus lots more... Our treatments: We specialise in facial treatments as the products and treatment machines give fantastic results. We do waxing, electrolysis and IPL for hair removal, Fake Bake for tanning and Ionithermie and Ultratone for inch reduction. The Lash Perfect lash extensions have been very popular too with our clients. We do offer a wide range of treatments so why not come in and see for yourselves?

The Townhouse Restaurant 4a Orwell Place Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1BB Tel: 01473 230254 www.thetownhouserestaurant.com Open all day Tuesday-Saturday, food Served 11:30am-2:30pm/5:30pm–10:00pm Situated in the heart of Ipswich, The Townhouse offers an informal approach to fine dining and drinking, offering a full menu of homecooked dishes, all freshly prepared in our kitchen, alongside an exhaustive selection of over 30 wines by the glass! And if you find something you love, all are available at “take home”prices to enjoy at home! With air conditioning when it’s hot and a lovely fire when it’s cold, we are here Tuesday to Saturday for whatever takes your fancy! Poets Bistro 1 Arcade Street, Ipswich IP1 1EX Tel: 01473 225995 With a very definite traditional French bistro/restaurant feel, Poets Bistro offers a welcome new establishment for eating out in Ipswich town centre. A la carte, fixed price, lunchtime specials and ‘Lite Bites’ adorn the extensive menu with an emphasis on freshly prepared food, using seasonal and local produce where possible – quality at a reasonable price. The 18th century building boasts a front bistro bar (17 covers), an elegant restaurant (32) and for private hire for parties, corporate hire, association meetings etc, The Ingelow Room (24) and The Milligan Room (14). Just pop in – a warm welcome is guaranteed!

The Lock Hair Works 1 College Street, Ipswich IP4 1DJ A fresh, welcoming hair boutique situated on the one way system, perfectly located to the Waterfront with parking adjacent. Since opening we’ve been overwhelmed with the number of compliments received, not only for the hair works our stylists create, the unique interior spread over three levels but most importantly the warm attentiveness the team provide. Bespoke coffee bar, wi-fi, I-pads, Garra Rufa Fish, Gelish nails and OPI manicures/pedicures & fresh coffee. The Lock Hair Works endorses Unite products. Our stylists state its always beneficial to use quality products to compliment your hair. www.uniteeurotherapy.com Suffolk November 2011

The Blow Dry Bar and Garra Fish Lounge 17 St Stephens Lane, Ipswich

Relax, enjoy and be pampered from head to toe at The Blow Dry Bar and Garra Fish Lounge. Situated in the centre of Ipswich this exquisite 15th century building has exposed beams and open fireplaces and oozes character and charm. As well as daytime opening hours the salon is open in the evenings by arrangement for groups looking to celebrate, Christmas, birthdays, hen parties, friends looking for a great evening out. Each individual within the group can choose a bespoke package of treatments from an extensive list including fish pedicures, facials, Indian head massage, back neck and shoulder massage, hot and cold stone massage, spa pedicures and manicures or Gelish nails. The hair salon is also open during party nights and guests can enjoy a wash and blow dry or hair-up or GHD curls as part of the pamper package. There is a designated party room where groups can relax between treatments. Parties are invited to bring their own drinks and nibbles. The price for three treatments is an £30, which represents an incredible saving of up to 50% off list prices. Book your Pamper Party on 01473-222172. www.theblowdrybarandgarrafishlounge.co.uk

Myrtle & Mint 32 St Peters Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1XF Tel: 01473 218799 www.myrtleandmint.com If you are looking for seasonal flowers with a vintage twist then Myrtle & Mint might be just what you have in mind. Based in St Peters Street, Ipswich the shop is full of beautiful flowers, contemporary and vintage vases as well as scented Kew Botanical candles – ideal as gifts or for home. For any event we can design flowers to compliment your theme with many vases available for hire. This Christmas we will be filling the shop with sumptuous door wreaths, table centres and plants. Visit us or call to place an order for delivery. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9.30-5pm 49

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■ Events ■ News 50

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PLACE Bury St Edmunds

CHRISTMAS

starts here! Bury St Edmunds’ really comes into its own during the festive season, as west Suffolk resident Caroline Fitton explains

choir sings carols in the background, a swirl of steam rises from vast pans of paella, more huge pans cook sausages and oversized omelettes, as the aroma of sweet pancakes mingles with the unmistakable scent of hot chocolate laced with brandy – all the senses are fully engaged at the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre. As one of the largest Christmas markets in East Anglia – or now in the country, Bury St Edmunds’ eighth annual Suffolk November 2011

Christmas Fayre will take place over three days this year from Friday, November 26 to Sunday, November 28. The town has a long heritage of markets and fairs, with a long-standing now twice weekly provisions market, and in 1235 Henry III granted the town permission for two annual fairs, the autumn fair and the Christmas Fair. So it was, that for 600 years from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, Angel Hill was famous for the Michaelmas Fair, when country merchants and members of the gentry

flocked to the town. Henry III’s tailor was dispatched to Bury Fair to buy black and scarlet robes trimmed with fur, and by the 18th century it had acquired the reputation of being a marriage mart for the aristocracy. In 2004 St Edmundsbury Borough Council decided to re-instate the annual Christmas Fayre on the Angel Hill to huge success, and this year there will be more than 200 stalls, with a combination of six markets rolled into one: outdoors on Angel Hill, in the Abbey Gardens,  51

Festive scenes from last year’s Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

the Buttermarket and at Charter Square in the arc shopping centre; indoors in the beautiful Georgian Athenaeum and the apex concert hall. Highlights will include local produce and crafts, a ‘world’ market, an historical market and an acclaimed provisions market, along with a dedicated Farmers Market on Sunday, November 27 in the Buttermarket. Added to the mix is nonstop street entertainment on three stages, providing an ideal arena for showcasing local talents; everything from school choirs, church choirs to local bands. The Cathedral will be staging its own mini fair with stalls as well as the annual living nativity, with reindeer, donkeys, sheep and alpacas, plus shoppers’ carol services on Friday and Saturday. Along with old-fashioned fairground rides, endless gift stalls plus the lashings of hot food, as Daniel Defoe observed in 1722: ‘It is true, Bury Fair, like Bartholomew Fair, is a fair for diversion, more than for trade; and it may be a fair for toys and for trinkets, which the ladies may think fit to lay out some of their money in, as they see occasion.’ A new addition for 2011 is a Winter Beer Festival, being run by The Beerhouse on Station Hill.

“Bury Fair may be a fair for toys and for trinkets, which the ladies may think fit to lay out some of their money in, as they see occasion” Daniel Defoe, 1722 Just 100 yards from Bury station, this will be running from noon until 11pm over the three days, and there will be over 50 ales mainly from small breweries across East Anglia including beers from their own on-site micro brewery, Brewshed, plus a hog roast will be available each day from 1pm. Another innovation this year, Hatter Street will be closed to traffic for the first time and will be hosting a wide selection

of entertainment and stalls. As the town is set to attract more than 70,000 people during the three days, there will be a new and improved park and ride available for all three days. It’s almost clichéd to say it, but there really is something for all the family, as well as something for every pocket – and stocking. www.burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk www.burybeerhouse.co.uk

Suffolk November 2011

Five minutes with . . . St Edmund How much do you really know about me? With my feast day on November 20, and as the all-important Bury St Edmunds poster boy it’s time to get to know me a bit better.. Born: Ages ago – 1171 years to be precise, roundabout 840-ish I think, I was pretty young at the time Died: November 20, 869 (some think it was 870) Finest hour: I was King you know! King of East Anglia from 855 til 869 How did that happen? Well my dad, Æthelweard of East Anglia, died when I was only 14 – sad, I know, but I had to take over from him Was it a good moment? It was great. Humbert, Bishop of Elmham was master of ceremonies, I got to wear robes and the crown and everything; didn’t let it go to my head though Where was that? At Bures St Mary, south Suffolk, that was our royal capital back then. They call it Constable Country now.

“I was Patron Saint of England until about 1330 when Edward III saw fit to replace me with Saint George” Were you good at your job? I was a model king and treated all my subjects with equal justice and was unbending to flatterers, even if I do say so myself Trickiest moment of your career? When I was captured by the Danes (I can’t say the V word); they didn’t like what I stood for, my religion and all that – the cheek of it; they tied me to a tree – think it was an oak – and shot arrows into me. Not a very nice way to treat someone. I don’t really like to talk about it. Sounds terrible, where was that? At Hoxne, near Eye, but to be honest it all went a bit blurry and geography’s not my strong point What happened next? My remains were transported about the Suffolk November 2011

countryside – it’s a matter of some dispute to this day – of course only I know the truth, but I couldn’t possibly comment And then? Well, eventually I was brought to Beadoriceworth, now the gorgeous Bury St Edmunds, my shrine became a very important place of pilgrimage, a vast abbey was built, and the rest, as they say, is history . . . Titles/qualifications: As well as King, I became a martyr for not renouncing my faith – hey, I can live with that. And being a saint’s pretty cool. Anything else we should know? Coins were struck in my image in 890 – be worth a fortune now. Bet you couldn’t find one on ebay. That it? Oh, completely forgot, I was also Patron Saint of England – up until about 1330 when Edward III saw fit to replace me with Saint George. Feast day: November 20 (mark it in your diary) Favourite place: Easy, Bury St Edmunds Favourite animal: Wolf: one stood guard over my decapitated head after my slaughter – I find that very touching Favourite word: Saint Least favourite word: Viking Further reading: Find out more about me in the following: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (British Library, Bodleian Library, Oxford, and Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge) Passion of St Edmund by Abbo of Fleury (written in 985, in Latin!) King Edmund, Saint and Matryr: A Casket of Wonders by Tim Holt Wilson www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/sebc/ visit/stedmund.cfm St Edmund was talking to Caroline Fitton 53

Sitting Pretty Interiors Master upholsterers and curtain makers

Photos by West Suffolk College students Joe Henry Nichol, left) and Matt Frost

If music be the food of art ... keep snapping

Enjoy a magical Christmas Party at Ravenwood Hall Celebrate Christmas in this magnificent country house setting with friends, family & colleagues. From just £37.95 per person including drinks on arrival, a delicious four-course festive menu and dancing til late.

To book call 01359 270345 Junction 45 off A14, Rougham Bury St Edmunds IP30 9JA 54 54

That’s the message from one of the UK’s top music photographers to West Suffolk College photography students competing to have their work displayed at Bury St Edmunds’ venue, the Apex. The competition on the theme of music was launched by the Apex and the winners are being chosen by a panel including Andy Willsher, winner of the 2010 NME Outstanding Contribution to Music Photography award. The students are free to interpret the theme as they wish and the Apex is providing free gig tickets for students wanting to photograph performers in action. Andy has already visited the college to share his expertise with the students and was impressed with their enthusiasm and ideas. A professional photographer for almost 20 years, Andy has photographed top bands from U2 to Oasis, Dizzee Rascal, the Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys and Razorlight. “It’s exciting to be able to share my knowledge Do you love taking and experiences – I can’t wait to see the final photographs? photographs. It’s really If you have some pictures important to encourage you’d like to share, we’d new talent and if I can love to publish them. See help to inspire the our Readers’ students in any small Photos on way, I’ll be delighted”. pages 40 Entries are being displayed in the Apex’s to 43 Atrium from late October.

Christmas design bonanza Get your house ready for Christmas. Find all things delicious to decorate the house for the festive season, from baubles and lamps to wallpaper and paint, plus gorgeous presents: handbags, pyjamas, scarves and throws at Blackthorpe House (featured in interiors, July issue). Open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10-4pm, from November 9 until December 16. Tel: 01359 270996 blackthorpedesign.com Suffolk November 2011

Suffolk November 2011

The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds ‘talks’ to Caroline Fitton

’ll let you into a secret – I ache a bit some days, but then I’ve been around since 1819, so it’s hardly surprising that I’ve developed a few creaks in some places. But I had a really great facelift a few years ago – total make over, back to my roots – made me feel fab-u-lous. So many teams of top consultants came to give advice that I could hardly fail to look brilliant. They really went to town and lavished money on me. It was so worth the two years of effort and all those complicated excavatory procedures. The end results look amazing, even though I do say so myself. I’ve had so many admiring glances and great compliments since then – even won some awards for my new chic profile, and am attracting a whole new set of fans into the bargain. My team groom my looks daily, talented and lively people arrive from all over the place to strut my stage, technicians give me flattering lighting, pamper me, paint me, and, mainly by evening, the public come to admire my every aspect and the entertainment that I make possible. Oh the thrill. Several times a week, groups, tours, coach parties pour in just to see ME – they’re told my life story in detail and listen in fascination. They explore every part of me – my inner workings, my hidden depths, music is played which creates an ambience that transports me to my Regency origins, sometimes brings on a nostalgic tear or two. So much has happened in my past – the stories I could tell you! My main carer for more than a decade has been artistic director Colin Blumenau.

The inside story Open doors: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-4pm, Wednesdays & Saturdays 10.30am – 1pm. Guided tours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2pm; Wednesdays & Saturdays 11am. Booking via box office. Tel: 01284 769505. Web: www.theatreroyal.org www.georgianhorsechallenge.co.uk/ Suffolk November 2011

Regency style. Above; the interior of the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. Inset, head of creative learning, Lynn Whitehead

A day in the life of...

The Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds He’s very knowledgeable about my era and writes very well about it, creating authentic drama, unearthing longneglected Georgian playwrights and rekindling their work to stage. Once upon a time he was an actor in The Bill (but then who wasn’t). He’s also a playwright and theatre historian. Next spring he’s undertaking a Herculean task to raise funds – in order to help keep me going – by riding a horse all the way from Lands End to John O’Groats. Sweet. Shows how much he cares for me – we’re old friends now. Best of luck to him. This year I’ve got a new chief executive to take me in hand, Simon Daykin, who brings a wealth of theatrical management expertise fresh from eight years at the Pegasus Theatre, Oxford. He’s also quite good at baking cakes. This is very handy

as it helps keep all the lovely people that work here smiling. Another sound custodian is Chris Grady. He’s head of external relations, which means he talks to lots of people outside my premises – I let him out and about. I’m in very safe hands here. For 30 years he’s worked on the development of emerging musical theatre in the UK, and, amongst other things was CEO of Buxton Opera House and has worked with Cameron Mackintosh. Lynn Whitehead, the head of creative learning, is a lively spirit. She and her team reach out to the community and schools, creating and inspiring lively projects. I love it when my auditorium resounds with the chatter, energy and enthusiasm of youth – it gives me such hope for the future. Speaking of children, we’re brewing up for our lovely panto season (Oh yes we are!), this year it’s Dick Whittington, which starts on November 25. It’s always such fun and there’s a new dame in town which is exciting (read all about it in next month’s Suffolk magazine!) Laughter will be echoing around my august walls once again – so do come and see it – and me, very soon. 55

WALK East Bergholt

See it from Constable’s point of view See the landscapes that inspired one of our greatest painters on this enjoyable walk by Cyril Francis

ith its fine network of public paths, East Bergholt is an ideal starting point to explore the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale – countryside made famous by England’s best-loved landscape painter, John Constable. The walk provides a brief introduction to an area designated as being of outstanding natural beauty. There are one or two Constable connections along the way and a peep at the unusual bell cage beside St Mary’s church. THE WALK Leave the car park, turn right along the footway and pass the Post Office to join Cemetery Lane. A small plaque on the building to the left marks Constable’s studio of 1802. Pass the Congregational

church and follow the surfaced lane to where it terminates. Bear left now to join a narrow descending path. Cross over a bridge and access driveway at the bottom and head up the path opposite. Soon the countryside opens up to show the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale in all their natural beauty. The church towers of Dedham (left) and Stratford St Mary (right) stand out in the middle distance. Pass into the adjoining field and turn left at the boundary to descend Donkey Lane. The hedgerows hanging overhead provide a lovely tunnel effect. Continue along the old earth lane path, where water often seeps through and trickles downhill. Turn left at the bottom and continue with a hedge on the right. At the far boundary with Fishponds Wood in front, turn right, go forward a few paces and swing left over a stile, followed by another that takes you into grazing pasture. Carry on with a hedge on the left to reach the next stile and more pasture. Repeat the process by crossing a similar stile twice more and eventually turn right on to Fen Lane opposite a detached property. Maintain direction to a point where the path curves right and quickly crosses a cart bridge. Follow this path if you wish to take an optional visit to Flatford via Fen Bridge and the River Stour flood plain. Otherwise, turn left through a metal kissing gate and veer right into pasture,

Get ready to ramble How to get there: East Bergholt lies some 9 miles SW of Ipswich. Take the A12 and turn left off on to the signed B1070. Follow the road through the village and turn right just before reaching the Red Lion pub Start & park: Public car park beside Red Lion pub Distance: 2.25 miles Refreshments: Red Lion pub Suffolk November 2011

HIKING HIGHLIGHT See the church where John Constable was baptised

Left; the gateway to St Mary’s church in East Bergholt, where John Constable was baptised. Photograph by Su Anderson Below left; an aerial view of pretty East Bergholt Photograph by Mike Page

afterwards bearing left to find a rising path. You may have to bend the back a bit as you climb up this gentle incline. Your reward is stunning views across the Stour Valley and beyond. At the top end, go through a kissing gate and cross the oneway Flatford road. Turn left at the top of a bank to continue with a hedge on the left. Carry on walking parallel with the road and finally exit the path. Continue along the road, looking left for a final flourish of picturesque views. Pass the village war memorial and turn left on to the footway beside St Mary’s church, where Constable was baptised. Note the truism inscribed on the sundial “Time Passeth Away Like A Shadow.” If you have time, take a look at the unusual bell cage located in the churchyard. From the outside you can see the five bells at close quarters. Attached to a wooden headstock, the bells are not rung by rope or wheel but by the sheer force of hand. Weighing a combined total of 4.25 tons, they are reckoned to be the heaviest set of bells currently rung in England. Continue along the roadside footway and pass East Bergholt House, Constable’s childhood home. Keep heading towards the Red Lion and in a few more paces turn left to meet the car park entrance and complete your walk.

Terrain: Mostly easy walking on good paths with a couple of gentle climbs. Some paths muddy after rain. Possible presence of cattle in pasture. Best map: OS Explorer No 196 Public toilets: At car park Public transport: Call 0871 200 2233 for details Suffolk November 2011

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Knitwear

97A HIGH STREET, LAVENHAM TEL 01787 249 017 OPEN: MON TO SAT 9.30AM – 5.30PM SUN 1.00PM – 5.00PM WWW.SPIRITOFTHEANDES.CO.UK

hen you’re Suffolk born and bred, and you live in the county, it’s easy to take places like Lavenham for granted. ‘England’s finest medieval town’? Surely the Discover Lavenham claim is rather extravagant? Not a bit of it. The charming, occasionally quirky, timber-framed medieval buildings, the magnificently preserved Guildhall, the impressive ‘wool’ church, the intriguingly named streets might be familiar to many of us, but imagine, if you can, laying your eyes on the town for the first time. How could you fail to agree, especially when you know something of the town’s fascinating past? Discovering Lavenham in the heart of Suffolk is best done in the company of a Blue badge guide who, over the course of about an hour and a half, can take you on a walking tour, bringing the history of the town to life, introducing you to people who have been key to centuries of cultural, commercial and religious development, explaining the significance of certain buildings and how some of the streets got their names. Lavenham was created 750 years ago by Henry III when he granted the town its charter and market status. This began the most prosperous period in the village’s history. Traders flocked to the village to take advantage of its thriving wool trade, and by 1524 Lavenham was ranked the 14th richest town in the country thanks to the famous Suffolk November 2011

PLACE Lavenham While you’re in town... GALLERIES The Crooked House – named for reasons which are apparent when you visit – is a leading art gallery run by Clare CalderMarshall and Alison Englefield, who champion East Anglian artists. Open: 10am – 5pm daily except Wednesdays. Tel: 01787 247865 Lion House Gallery, High Street www.lionhousegallery.co.uk/ Lavenham Contemporary, High Street www.paulevans-artist.com/

Jayne Lindill pays a visit to one of the county’s prettiest villages

A special place in Suffolk’s heart Lavenham Blue cloth. Its wealth was earned through the wool trade, the legacy of which is the number of timber framed buildings that line its streets. Timber was a costly commodity in the days when they were built and the sheer amount of it used in Lavenham’s merchants’ houses and public buildings is testimony to the prosperity of the occupants who were anxious to display their success.  Suffolk November 2011

Lovely Lavenham. Top; colourful, higgledy-piggledy buildings. Centre; The Guildhall and above; the grand church of St Peter and St Paul

SHOPS Timbers Antiques and Collectables, High Street – 40 different dealers. www.timbersantiques.com Curiosity Corner, Church Street – bear and doll shop www.curiosity-corner.com Spirit of the Andes, High Street – exclusive ‘art inspired’ knitwear in alpaca and Pima cotton. www.spiritoftheandes.co.uk Elizabeth Gash Knitwear, Market Place – beautiful knitwear in silk and lambswool made in Suffolk. The Village Fete, High Street – boutique and emporium, unique ladies’ clothing, jewellery, accessories www.thatdarlingshop.co.uk Lavenham Pharmacy & Perfumery, High Street – fine fragrance for ladies and gentlemen. Full pharmacy service. J & J Baker Antiques, Water Street – antique dealers specialising in mainly English 18th and 19th century furniture, www.jandjbaker.co.uk Patio and Terrace, Water Street decorative arts for the garden and home giftware. www.patioandterrace.co.uk EATING The Greyhound, High Street http:// thegreyhound-lavenham.com/ Marco Pierre White’s Angel Hotel, The Market Place www.maypolehotels. com/angelhotel The Swan at Lavenham, High Street www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk The Cock at Lavenham, Church Street Munnings Tea Rooms, High Street www.munningstearoom.co.uk Memsaab of Lavenham Indian Restaurant, Church Street www. memsaaboflavenham.co.uk The Great House Hotel and Restaurant, Market Place www.greathouse.co.uk Sweetmeats/Good Food Army, Water Street, www.goodfoodarmy.co.uk 59

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Right; Helmingham Hall Garden. Above; Warm and Sunny Aldeburgh. Below; The Edge of Bulls Cross Wood, and bottom; Winter Thatch, Milden

Seasonal shades P

utting the finishing touches to his November exhibition has been especially poignant for Paul Evans, who this year celebrates some 35 years as a professional artist. Aptly entitled The Circle of Seasons, this new collection of 90 beautifully executed landscapes and coastal works takes us on a very personal journey with Paul, providing a visual narrative of his landmark year. The impetus for this work is the passage of the seasons and way in which the accompanying change in weather and atmosphere imposes itself on a cluster of Paul’s favourite locations to paint. Working in the en plein air tradition, he has spent the past 12 months drawing and painting outdoors for up to 16 hours a day, rising at 4am in summer to capture the ephemeral quality of early morning light as it moves across the land and sea. The resulting paintings and canvases comprise a rich and eclectic collection, many focusing on the tracks, paths and bridleways close to Paul’s Milden home, where he spends hours wandering, watching and waiting for that split second of inspiration. Absorb scenes as diverse as the hibernal stillness of ‘Winter Shadows’, the cover image for his catalogue, and the resplendent ‘Edge of Bull’s Cross Wood’, a magnificent four foot square canvas bathed in sunshine, both a stone’s throw from where Paul lives. The harshness of winter 2010/2011 contrasts starkly with the warm, dry spring which followed. Here we encounter an array of woodland flora and blossom – their colours vivid and life affirming. Returning to his 60

Meadows teeming with wildflowers, su mmer thistles, prickly teasels and fields of w heat and barley ripe for harvest are painted with a deftness of brushstroke

witness the transition to summer and autumn. Meadows teeming with wildflowers, summer thistles, prickly teasels and fields of wheat and barley ripe for harvest are painted with a deftness of brushstroke; their detail conveying an almost encyclopaedic knowledge. Every here and there wildlife is woven into this rich tapestry – an exquisite Gatekeeper butterfly perched on a Bishop of Llandaff dahlia in Paul’s own garden or a vibrant goldfinch. Punctuating these landscapes are some striking beach and coastal scenes. Frost covered shingle at sunrise in Aldeburgh and rows of Southwold beach huts are classic Paul Evans in style, while four oil studies of Walberswick Marshes in the autumn take his work in a more textural, abstract direction. It amounts to a comprehensive and emotionally moving body of work which celebrates both the longevity of Paul’s career and the spectacular visual diversity of the English seasons in all their glory. Laura Scamponi beloved Dollops Wood in Suffolk for a tenth year, Paul has documented carpets of bluebells with such realism you can almost smell their heady scent. Early mornings and evenings spent at Stallington Wood in Suffolk have also given rise to a beautiful collection of light studies. Paul’s passion for flora, fauna and the agricultural landscape continues as we

THE CIRCLE OF SEASONS An Exhibition of New Paintings by Paul Evans Lavenham Contemporary, 70-71 High Street, Lavenham Tel: 01787 249451 www.paulevans-artist.com November 5 until December 11, 2011 10.30am to 5pm Suffolk November 2011

To market, to market One of the highlights in the Lavenham calendar each month is the farmers’ market held every fourth Sunday of the month in the village hall in Church Street. Yet, as Justine Paul, who promotes the market explained, just three years ago Lavenham Farmers’ Market was a sad affair with a small handful of stalls and hardly a customer through the door. “Today it’s a buzzing monthly event with over 30 stalls and in excess of 1,000 ets customers coming to feast their eyes next mark on the delicious displays of fresh, local Sunday, produce.” November 27 Justine believed passionately that the Sunday, market had to survive and this steely December 18 determination is one of the forces that (third Sunday) has helped to turn the market around. Recent research carried out by FARMA Above and right; looked at a number of markets in the region and Lavenham Farmers’ Lavenham was shown to have one of the highest market, which footfalls with people travelling far and wide to be a attracts more than part of the experience. 1,000 visitors each But it’s not just visitors to Lavenham who enjoy the month market. This monthly event now sees more and more locals coming along to do their shopping, to sit and have a cup of tea and a chat or maybe to stay a while and have lunch. The range of produce includes fresh fruit and vegetables, local bread, beef from Mount Bures, pork from Assington, home baked cakes and pies, local eggs, game from Lavenham, home

produced jams, pates and chutneys, fresh herbs from Langham Hall Walled Garden, local sausages, smoked cheese, salami and olives, real ales from the Hellhound Brewery in Hadleigh and a lovely selection of plants and flowers. There are also high quality genuine craft stalls including pottery from Gill Hedge in Sudbury and button jewellery from Rio B of Long Melford. Further information www.lavenhamfarmersmarket.co.uk

A special place in Suffolk’s heart villages took part in an uprising which It’s not certain why Lavenham became threatened to spread to Essex and so important to the wool trade but one Cambridgeshire. The revolt was school of thought is that proportionately suppressed for the King by the Dukes of fewer people in Suffolk were bound to a Norfolk and Suffolk, with the aid of local local lord – 41% of Suffolk people were families. freemen compared to just 9% in Fortunately for us, when Lavenham fell neighbouring Essex. This enabled them to on harder times, rather than go to the be entrepreneurial and Suffolk is still a expense of demolishing its old buildings county of inventive small businesses. and constructing swanky new ones, it Landmark buildings such as the hung on to and patched up what it had. Guildhall, the imposing St Peter and St As a result the town is now one of the Paul Church and Lavenham Priory were country’s best preserved medieval villages. built during this boom. Today there are 320 listed timber framed During the 16th century buildings, many of them Lavenham industry was badly The town is protected by English affected by Dutch refugees who now one of Heritage. Not all of them are settled in Colchester and obviously timber framed or produced cloth that was cheaper the country’s and lighter than Lavenham’s, best preserved medieval, but sport facades added later by their owners as and also more fashionable. medieval fashion dictated. In 1525, 10,000 men from It’s mind-boggling to stand villages Lavenham and the surrounding Suffolk November 2011

in the marketplace and imagine what the place would look like if those facades hadn’t been added. Without question the finest medieval town in Britain. In more modern times – the late 18th century – Lavenham was home to poet Jane Taylor, and it was while living in Shilling Street that she wrote the poem The Star, from which the lyrics for the nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are taken. In the 20th century Lavenham was home to an American Air Force base during the Second World War. USAAF Station 137 was manned by the US Army Air Force 487th Bombardment Group between 1944 and 1945. Tours of Lavenham leave the Tourist Information Office from Easter to the end of October, Saturdays at 2.30pm and Sundays at 11am. £3 for adults and under 14s free. No need to book. 61

DISCOVER SUFFOLK The Saints

A common phenomenon David Falk of Discover Suffolk heads to the edge of the Waveney Valley and the historic area south of Bungay known as ‘The Saints’ to explore a particular cluster of Suffolk Commons which are... well, simply far from commonplace

istory might just be repeating itself in the current trend towards community gardens. Communal plots have been around for years – in the case of Ilketshall St Andrew, since the 13th century or thereabouts. In those days and over the centuries, swathes of land both great and small brought the folk of remote farmsteads together through rights to graze their beasts, collect fuel, gather branches for fences, gates, ploughs and building repair, even soak their flax or angle for fish in the ponds. What’s most amazing is that here, this collection of small common land pockets has survived practically intact, almost as if their one-time relegation for being too poor in soil quality or too wet to take the plough has adversely promoted them to some sort of natural immortality. Safeguarded as Open Access land, Ilketshall’s Commons are truly special communal wildlife gardens of sorts and wonderful places to wander. No other 62

Suffolk countryside secret could be more at home with being shared. Great Common, Little Common; Blacksmith’s Common, Mill Common; Took’s Common, Holden’s Common. Even incomplete, the list has a certain sense of community about it. There’s something rather nostalgic too in a wander down Banter’s Lane to stop off near Little Common at The Mardle, the old pond where families dunked their flax crop, presumably combining dull textile duties with a good old yarn. It’s a timeless, secluded spot: the place to watch the leaves dance away on the whispers of an

Historically valued for rabbit farming, it’s not surprising that the extensive common in the heart of the Brecks is called Lakenheath Warren

autumn breeze and the moorhens bustling about their daily business, safe in the knowledge that somewhere nearby perhaps, the appropriately primevallooking Great Crested newt is filling his orange belly with tasty Ilketshall insect morsels just as his father and grandfather before him. Peardyke Common provides another opportunity for nostalgia up in the thinning hedgerows which give way in places to the outstretched arable views beyond. These days the increasingly scarce Tree Sparrow is really something to tweet about, but here they are at home, as they probably always have been. Somehow on these commons, you just know the skylarks have been delighting generations. Life – wild or otherwise – has probably changed little since that barnowl-perch-of-a-vintage-oak split its acorn back in medieval times at the then new, gated Beck’s Green just Suffolk November 2011

Left; the Great Common at Ilketshall St Andrew. Below; Ilketshall St Andrew church. Bottom; Becks Green at Ilketshall St Andrew Photographs by Lindsay Want and Rachel Green

south of Ilketshall’s commons cluster. Great Common reveals more traces of old ways. The huge green carpet of rough grasses, still dotted with the memories of white yarrow and huddled flocks of seedy flower heads bobbing on the tallest stems, reaches across from a smattering of dwellings on the pasture rim towards the unusual angles of impressive St Andrews. Look carefully to discover evidence of the two Carnsers or raised stone causeways which once secured dry feet for young cottagers on their way to school or minimum mud-splats on the Sunday Best. There are suggestions of the pounds once used for keeping the livestock safe overnight here too. These days the grazing beasts have gone, but the pastoral scene is still somehow quite complete. By an illusion akin to the posh parkland ha-ha, the vast

DID YOU KNOW? All registered commons are areas of open access land. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the public were given the freedom to access designated land without having to stay on paths, enabling more opportunity to walk, ramble, run, explore and watch wildlife in the countryside. The new rights for which people had been campaigning for over 100 years came into effect in 2005. Find details of these sites at www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

At Wortham Ling near Diss local people have the right to graze up to 200 sheep on the common heathland landscape

expanse of green remains intact, its dissection by the tarmac roadway strangely hidden from view and revealed only occasionally by a speedy, local hornet-of-a-moped making a B-line for the next ‘Saint’. The history books tell us that Ulfkell Snilling, aka Ulfkell the Valiant, put up quite a fight for this area back in 1004. Looking from the outside in, anyone passing through might think it a bit of a mystery how a place with no real village to speak of and so littered with wild, damp patches of ‘cast aside’ or common land could ever have engendered the love and protection of generations. Perhaps the key to understanding Ilketshall’s common phenomenon is painted on the walls inside St Andrew’s Church. The medieval artists chose to depict another bleak scene – the inevitable circle of the Wheel of Life: a fatalistic vision and the embodiment of acceptance that things are as they are; an innate philosophy which brings with it irrevocable respect for nature’s status quo. At Ilketshall St Andrew, more than anywhere else in Suffolk maybe, life connects with the landscape to make even the most dissipated of communities somehow feel intimate. Just like the garden produce and honesty box at the end of the cottager’s long driveway across Great Common, countryside and community have a long-standing, practical and respectful interdependence. A grass roots relationship? Surely, it’s the green stretches of Ilketshall’s commons which connect the farmsteads and open up the views of the outstretched arable lands beyond. Somehow they bring everything together. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WALK GUIDE The Commons Walks of Ilketshall St Andrew and St John are available as a full colour leaflet at www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

Suffolk November 2011

DISCOVER SUFFOLK The Saints cycle ride

In the company of Saints

David Falk of Discover Suffolk, takes to the gel saddle for a gentle and inspiring cycle ride from Bungay which gets to the bottom of the mysteries of The Saints

ounded by the four ancient market towns of Halesworth, Harleston, Bungay and Beccles, The Saints is one of those more elusive areas of Suffolk. Wide and open in landscape terms, hugely historic yet so very secretive, if talked about at all, this patch of high Suffolk plateau is dismissed as two sets of ‘villages’ – the South Elmhams and Ilketshalls. Start to explore though and it becomes apparent that they are hardly villages at all. It’s all a bit indefinable and nowhere near as straightforward as the Roman road which runs through it. Michael, James, Nicholas, Peter; Mary, John,

Andrew, Lawrence; the two Margaret sisters, St Cross and All Saints – a motley ecclesiastical crew perhaps, but the 12 ‘Saints’ blend together like the flat fields and the skies, fudged by time and the mists of an autumn morning. In places, even the signposts don’t just make a point of where-tonext?, but take the opportunity to reassure passing pilgrims – local or otherwise – exactly which saint is their closest guardian at the time. Scattered farmsteads, flocks of speckled fieldfares and plume-y plovers, a ruined college-of-acastle, ancient commons and tiny churches, priory footprints and a mysterious minster, even a modern micro-brewery in medieval clothing – so much of interest unfolds and fits together seamlessly when you take to the quiet little lanes around here. This is a truly great place to cycle whether two wheels are your thing or you just enjoy making them go round and feeling good about it from time to time. The Cycle Ride Your countryside encounter starts at Annis Hill, just off the Beccles Road in Bungay, at the Ilketshall side of The Saints. Here the first and only climb leads up the woody lane to pick up brown Heart of Suffolk cycle route signs towards Mettingham where the impressive 14th century ruins of the ‘castle’ gatehouse, barbican and curtain wall appear round the corner out of nowhere. Built as an impressive fortified house by John de Norwich, the site was later a college for secular canons and is now part of a private residence. Pedal on deeper into history by Crow’s Nest

Suffolk November 2011

The finer detail Top tips: Download a colour copy of The Saints Tour (Bungay South Loop Cycle Trail 5) leaflet at www. discoversuffolk.org.uk. How to get there: By car, from Ipswich take the A12 north to pick up the A144 via Halesworth or from Bury St Edmunds follow the A143 north east via Diss to Bungay. If you prefer to take your cycle on the train, alight at Halesworth and cycle via Wissett to join the cycle tour at Rumburgh, or alight at Brampton/ Redisham station to pick up the route Enjoy near Ilketshall St Lawrence. Main photo left; cycling in The Park up and go: There this cycle Saints. Above; Mettingham are two car parks ride? Turn to Castle and left; St Michael’s adjacent to St Mary’s at South Elmham page 70 for our Street in the centre of Photos by Lindsay Want Bungay at Priory Lane Playford walk and Wharton Street. Start the cycle ride in St Mary’s community feel about it. Street, pedal left into Wharton An almost indiscernible valley descent to Street, right into Beccles Road Bridge Farm brings St Peter South Elmham into for a short stretch, then right view. Inside the delightful little square-towered into Annis Hill Lane, then left church local historians recount the tales of local and immediately right into Annis lives in years gone by. Nothing could be more real, Hill. enchanting and sobering than seeing the early Distance: approx 16 miles (26 wedding photo of Molly and Alphonso, reading kms) about their happy hard lives in The Saints, then Refreshments: The Buck at noticing their gravestones by the church gate. Rumburgh is a great place to The next T-junction generates an equally religious stop and recharge. Bateman’s versus secular dilemma: turn left heading for Barn Café at South Elmham Wash Lane and St Margaret South Elmham to Hall is open on Sundays and the wonderful world of St Cross South Elmham bank holidays during winter – a with the remains of its Bishop’s Palace at South wonderful rural hideaway for Elmham Hall and the remote ruins of a minster – or a tasty lunch or afternoon tea turn right to historic St Peter’s Hall, home to St treat (www.southelmham.co.uk) Peter’s Brewery where the local ales are for sale Terrain: Quiet country lanes; seven days a week and their bottles fit into the mainly flat or gently undulating. panniers so nicely! Definitely cycling for softies For the last stretch, pass St Peter’s Hall to fit in country, but a great outing one more Saint as you continue your journey on which is pleasing for all levels of the Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route. At Ilketshall St cycling enthusiasm! Margaret, turn left along very straight, idyllic lanes Useful additional map: OS to cross the B1062 on the way back into the bustle Explorer No. 231 of Bungay. Convenient conveniences: There are regrettably no public conveniences along the route – what a good excuse to call by one of those refreshment stops! Why not train and bike it? Walking, cycling and riding leaflets are free to downCarriage of bikes is free on load at www.discoversuffolk.org.uk. You’ll find all trains around Suffolk. Visit: the details you need about what’s on in the countryside near you, plus loads of great ideas for outings, www.nationalexpresseastanglia. picnics, wildlife adventures, even birdwatching. com

“Definitely cycling for softies country, but a great outing which is pleasing for all levels of cycling enthusiasm! “

Wood, Manor Farm and towards Ilketshall St Andrew, passing through its Great Common. Both the Saxon round tower church with its unusual octagonal top and the cluster of local commons are worth a detour here, or continue straight on and at Corner Farm head down to beautiful Beck’s Green, before steering left near Ilketshall St Lawrence to meet the A144, Stone Street. As you zigzag over the Roman road into Grub Lane you’ll be forgiven for focusing on the one and only real village on the horizon where refreshments at The Buck beckon. Weave round the fields a bit and after Aldous’s Corner, civilisation appears in fits and starts along ‘The Street’, an apparently never-ending approach towards the lands of the South Elmhams. At The Buck public house head north up the straight, past the solid tower of Rumburgh’s St Michael’s, a dumpy reminder of the Benedictine priory which onced graced the site. Bearing left towards All Saints South Elmham, arable lands give way to the widest stretch of pasture imaginable. Cycle its length, then turn right to edge the top of this common on the way to another inland sea of green at St Michaels South Elmham. With a water tower to the left and the smartly kept church at its head, electric fencing to keep grazing sheep, cattle and horses in check and driveways crowned with produce and honesty boxes galore, St Michael’s has a real commons Suffolk November 2011

Go on, discover more of Suffolk’s countryside...

PLACES Ickworth and Sutton Hoo This winter, wrap up warm and take a stroll through the countryside on a crisp, cold morning and then enjoy a warm, friendly welcome at Ickworth or Sutton Hoo

Getting that festive feeling

wo important National Trust properties, idiosyncratic Ickworth House and the atmospheric Sutton Hoo, will adding to their festive season calendars this year by opening their doors for the first time in the lead up to the Christmas. The National Trust maintains dozens of properties in stunning parklands across the UK, and with Christmas fast approaching, all of them enter into the festive spirit by decorating their properties in traditional styles from different periods in history. Ickworth and Sutton Hoo are outstanding properties with beautiful grounds in winter, regardless of whether the season brings snow. Visit them and you will be transported back in time, with decorations mirroring how it would have been in Edwardian times. Both properties have recreated the type of decorations that would have been on show in the houses in the early 1900s – a time period which adopted a fashionable elite style led by King Edward VII and influenced by the art and fashions of continental Europe. Visitors will be able to see wreaths and paperchains from the period, and Christmas trees fully loaded with home made decorations as well as those handed down from the families. Both properties 66

are offering the opportunity to make your own decorations, with workshops and craft making events. Carol singing features heavily in the Christmas programme, with traditional songs from the time period adding to the ambience of the setting. Sutton Hoo The Sutton Hoo team of staff and volunteers are opening their doors and inviting you in to mark the festive season as it was celebrated over 70 years ago. ‘Mrs Pretty’s Christmas House’ will be open every Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm, where you will be able to relax in beautiful Edwardian Christmas interiors, enjoy festive music and be looked after by Mrs Pretty’s servants as our guest. The team will be recreating the true sprit of Christmas, inviting visitors along to make the most of the season, and every visitor will be met and greeted by a servant who will look after them, they’ll also receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Mrs Pretty was a very sociable person, and was heavily involved in the local community. The team is working hard to try and present the house as she may have done, with festive wreaths, paper chains and a big Christmas tree covered with

Step back in time to an Edwardian Christmas at Sutton Hoo. Above left; a festive looking Ickworth House in the snow and below; enjoy wreathmaking clases in the run-up to Christmas

decorations – some of them handed down through the family and some of them home-made as part of the traditional run up to Christmas. The carol singing at Sutton Hoo is becoming quite famous locally, and music is a huge part of Christmas there. This year the singing will take place round the newly acquired grand piano dating from the 1890’s. There will also be a Christmas Gift Fayre running over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13, where you will get inspiration for

Suffolk November 2011

Be transporte d back in time with deco rations mirroring how it would have be en in Edwardian tim es Christmas from browsing crafts and gorgeous gifts, sample Suffolk produce and enjoy festive music. ICKWORTH Ickworth is open for the first time this Christmas, and will be celebrating in true Edwardian style. Famous for its entertaining, The Rotunda Hall will be decorated in traditional style, just as the Hervey family would have done. The house will be open on December 3/4, 10/11, and 17/18, between 11am and 4pm. Ickworth is nearing the grand launch of its wonderfully renovated basement. Opening in March 2012, and the space will provide an insight into Edwardian life and technology. The property is opening up the basement for Christmas with a number of events taking place in what would have been the servants quarters. Opportunities for a behind the scenes Suffolk November 2011

The National Trust cares for some of the most beautiful places in Britain and when you become a member they are all yours to visit free. For further information call 0870 4584000 or visit the website at www.nationaltrust.org/join

peek, craft making decorations, stories and gifts with Father Christmas and making tasty treats in the basement. On November 26, 27 and 30 and December 3, Ickworth is hosting a series of Christmas wreath workshops. Visitors will be able to join the head gardener at the property, watch a demonstration and then make their own wreath for your front door. Materials are provided but you will need to bring along your own secateurs and gloves. Lunch is included and coffee will be provided in the

morning and the afternoon. You will be able to make your own swag for your hearth, by joining the team on December 4, where you will be shown how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done, and then provided with the materials to create your very own. The workshop starts at 11am and runs until 3.30pm. Again lunch and coffee will be provided. On Sunday December 11 at 6pm, visitors are encouraged to join lantern lit carols in the stunning Italianate garden with local choirs and bells, and a sing-along carolling celebration of Christmas with the Reverend Griffiths. Mulled wine and hot snacks will be available in the West Wing restaurant, and there will be the opportunity to buy a unique Christmas gift from the onsite shop. More information and event booking details can be found at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth www.nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhoo 67

COUNTY L VING

...the Christmas lifestyle shopp ng experience County Living (formerly Treasures of Suffolk) offers a unique opportunity to browse and shop. Offering the very best in home and garden furnishings, designer clothing, jewellery, photography, shoes, bags and accessories as well as the finest local food and produce. Come and visit us at Wherstead Park for the perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping in style!

WHERSTEAD PARK, IPSWICH

Friday, November 18th from 7 pm

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Ticket entry ÂŁ7.50 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will include glass of wine, nibbles, November issue of EADT Suffolk, donation to Woolverstone Wish at Ipswich Hospital, 10% off selected stands and more . . .

Saturday, November 19th & Sunday, November 20th, 2011, 10am-4pm Children under 16 free To order tickets for the Preview Shopping Experience or to pre-book your tickets for Saturday and Sunday, please call Jenny on 01473 324544 or email jenny.rupp@archant.co.uk Maria on 01473 324600 or email maria.sarro@archant.co.uk

Breakfast, light lunches and afternoon teas available

in assocation with

East of England Co-operative Society

Suffolk November 2011

NATURE Suffolk’s rivers

Suffolk’s rivers and estuaries are a cause for celebration, but simply going with the flow may not be enough. They need to be protected, cherished and looked after. John Grant discovers a watery world of wildlife wonders

CURRENT TRENDS

hey are sparkling corridors of life that criss-cross our countryside, like veins carrying the county’s lifeblood – our brooks, our streams, our rivers and our estuaries. Sometimes oases of wildlife and tranquillity, sometimes life-affirming playgrounds for our recreation and sometimes important economic channels of trade and commerce – but always, always, fascinating features of the landscape and, indeed, the very life, of Suffolk. Much has been said recently about the decline of Britain’s inland waterways – as important transport and economy routes and as havens for wildlife – and their ensuing, encouraging recovery that enlightened conservation policies have triggered. In Suffolk, as in the rest of the land, there is much to celebrate and nothing to take for granted. If we take the county’s major rivers for example, those which lead directly and inexorably to the Suffolk November 2011

great North Sea, we can see the triumphs and the challenges of the UK rivers in microcosm. Conservation and commercialisation need not be battling bedfellows. With some give and take we seem to be achieving a comfortable compromise, for Suffolk’s rivers have rarely been in such good shape for wildlife and still play a vital role in the county’s commerce and recreation. So let’s hear it for the major rivers of Suffolk such as the Waveney, the Blyth, the Alde/Ore, the Deben, the Orwell and the Stour – each with its own character but unified under our county banner. Many years ago an enterprising chap produced badges that circulated in the Leiston and Aldeburgh area, which proudly proclaimed: “You won’t hurry me, I’m from Suffolk.” And so it is with our rivers. Our geology and

Messing about on the river. The colourful spectacle of the Bures coracle regatta on the River Stour Photograph by Phil Morley

topography combine to produce unhurried waterflows rather than tumbling rapids. Gently, gently they head to the sea. First rising as brooks and streams many miles inland and then strengthening amid broad flood plains that in themselves have been over the years wildlife-rich grazing marshes, they then nudge the North Sea through wide intertidal estuaries the importance of which to, for example, thousands upon thousands of wading birds and wildfowl simply cannot be overestimated. At either end of the county, of course, rivers play an additional role, and have done over many centuries of Suffolk life. They are county boundaries. The Waveney, gateway to the Broads and in many respects an absolute gem of an unspoilt waterway, divides us from our northern neighbours. In the south, the Stour, beloved of artists such as Constable and Gainsborough, separates us 69

Magnificent, a flock of dunlin and right; the River Orwell looking toward Ipswich and the Orwell Bridge. Photograph by Mike Page

from our Essex cousins. In one instance the river is so good they named it twice, as the old song lauding New York puts it. Don’t tell residents of Aldeburgh they live near the River Ore – and don’t tell villagers at Orford they live near the Alde! Rising way to the west, the Alde wends its way past Snape and then, as it turns sharply south at Slaughden, magically becomes the River Ore – thus satisfying the proudly parochial demands of both sets of residents. The historical and social importance of these major rivers is monumental. Suffolk society simply would not have evolved as it has were it not for these watery transport routes. Many of our earliest communities, dating back thousands of years, were established on them. The trade and commerce potential of the rivers were quickly and efficiently exploited – with progression through the centuries leading, for example, to our modern-day ports of Lowestoft, Ipswich and Felixstowe. Natural changes in our rivers, principally through silting-up, may have sounded the death knell of once-thriving ports such as Dunwich and Orford, but now tourism and recreation offers a replacement for such areas’ prosperity. The social significance of our rivers, then, is plain to see. But it is their importance to wildlife that has been the focus of most attention in recent years. And that, given the wealth of wildlife they support – from their humblest risings to their widest estuaries and from their tiniest invertebrates to their teeming wader and wildfowl flocks, from their predatory mammals such as otters and seals to their prey item fish, and from their dazzling dragonflies to abundant aquatic plantlife – is hardly surprising. Our rivers provide some of Britain’s finest wildlife spectacles. Most obvious are the birds. Thousands, thousands, 70

Could a Suffolk river win Strollers along Suffolk’s charming waterways are being invited to help conserve as well as simply enjoy them. A major public survey at www.ourrivers. org.uk is asking people in Suffolk to share information about wildlife on local rivers. The national survey results will be used in the second annual awards from the Our Rivers campaign, led by WWF-UK, the RSPB, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association. The awards will include the best rivers for wildlife and the county whose rivers are most treasured by local people. Jack Clarke, of the Our Rivers campaign, said: “Rivers are fantastic places to watch wildlife – from the lazy glide of a graceful swan and the blue flash of a diving kingfisher to

the spectacle of leaping salmon and the summer emergence of dragonflies. Many of us have a river close to our homes where we love to walk, fish or simply sit and we’re hoping we can encourage this national army of river wildlife spotters to tell us what they have seen. “We’re really looking forward to hearing which species people have seen but we are also asking what has changed and been lost. As well as encouraging people to enjoy their local river wildlife there is also serious message behind this. “Much of our native river wildlife is threatened by rural and urban pollution, over abstraction, sewage discharges and invasive species. An official Environment Agency report says nearly three Suffolk November 2011

“The Orwell hosts internationally important numbers of several species of wader”

thousands. In winter especially. The Stour has its wintering flocks of black-tailed godwits, for example. After a population explosion on their breeding grounds, mainly the wet grasslands of Iceland, these majestic wading birds are wintering in the Stour estuary in seemingly ever-increasing numbers, with many apparently foregoing the rigours of onward migration to the Iberian peninsular for the safer option of Suffolk winter. The Alde/Ore is not to be outdone. It hosts impressive flocks of avocets – more now than ever before – which on a crisp winter’s day in soft sunshine offer an aweinspiring of sight as they wheel in blackand-white explosions over the estuary. The Orwell hosts internationally important numbers of several species of wader. Under the mighty Orwell Bridge for example, on Wherstead Strand, countless thousands of dunlin, grey plover, curlew, turnstone and the like tuck into the feast of invertebrates provided as the oozing food-rich mud is exposed by the tides. And when the marauding local peregrine falcons in turn hunt the waders the spectacle is as exciting as any lion hunt on the African plains. But it’s a year-round wildlife wonderland on our rivers, not just a warming winter experience. Come spring and summer the rivers are a kaleidoscope

an award? quarters of rivers in England and Wales are failing European environmental targets. “We need to raise awareness of these issues and put pressure on the Government to do something about them ahead of the publication of the forthcoming Water White Paper. This document will set out how our Government cares for our river network and the wildlife that depends on it.” Last year thousands of people took part in the first Our Rivers campaign to find the nation’s favourite river. The River Wye won the public vote while the River Thames was highlighted as people’s least favourite waterway. The Government’s Water White Paper will set out its ambitions for improving river and wetlands. DEFRA’s Water White Paper webpage is at http://ww2. defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/ whitepaper/ Suffolk November 2011

Waterway wildlife Top; an otter and above; a godwit and redshank. Photographs by Terry Longley and Steve Plume

Autumn on the River Stour Photograph by Alex Fairfull

We love The Orwell! A straw poll at Suffolk magazine revealed The Orwell to be our favourite river. Do you agree? We’d love to know. Write to us at suffolkmagazine@archant.co.uk or at the postal address on page 7 of colour, thanks in part to the jewels that are our dragonflies and damselflies. Some of our waterways are among Britain’s best for these darting delights. In the north, for example, the quiet, understated and utterly beguiling charm of the Waveney is enhanced by some of the best “dragon-watching” to be found anywhere. The scarce chaser and Norfolk hawker dragonflies may be the stars but there are clouds of others that make the lush riverbanks come alive. And in the south, some reaches of the Stour host the rare white-legged damselfly with the scarce chaser rapidly expanding its range up the river too. A recent Suffolk Wildlife Trust survey established that otters are present on all our major rivers – and when a top-of-thefood-chain predator is present it’s a sure sign that a river’s ecosystem is functioning and thriving. As in any nature conservation success story, it seems, there is a sting in the tale. Suffolk’s waterways are apparently, in the main, in decent health but there are always going to be exceptions. An oil spill here, a chemical leak or some agricultural run-off there, perhaps. Complacency is the enemy within. We can celebrate the scenic beauty and wildlife richness of our rivers, of course. We should cherish them and look after them, but we ought never to take them for granted. 71

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INTERIORS The Swan at Lavenham

Sprucing up the Swan The Swan Hotel in Lavenham – Best Large Hotel in the 2012 Suffolk Tourism awards – is one of the county’s most historic buildings, so when it comes to refurbishment the utmost care is called for. Who better for the job than Suffolk resident Kate Earle? Caroline Fitton talked to her NEW LOOK Above; the historic Swan at Lavenham has been given a makeover to bring it into the 21st century without spoiling its character Suffolk November 2011

hen the Swan Hotel in Lavenham decided it was in need of a timely sprucing up, the appointment of the Chelsea-based design team Todhunter Earle (a partnership of Kate Earle and Emily Todhunter) proved to be a very happy harmony. Although the company is in London, Kate Earle has a house in Suffolk and relished the opportunity of working so close by. “I work with clients all over the world, so it was a joy to be more or less working from home here,” says Kate. “It was very important to have harmony with the refurbished bedrooms which were completed 18 months ago – the colour palette is a classical blend of taupe and duck egg blues.” Design runs strongly in Kate’s family, something which helped inform her from an early age: “I knew I wanted to be a designer since I was 14 years old. My mother collected antique fabrics and

textiles which really inspired me. I had my own business by the age of 21.” The main task in hand was an overall freshening and modernising of the wellloved 15th century Swan, a chance to lighten and brighten previously dark interiors. Employing the maxim less is more, simplification was much needed. “There was too much stuff everywhere,” explains Kate, “and the windows were over-curtained. I’ve used cleaner lines and squarer shapes, for example, the curtains now have inverted pleats, this achieves a much plainer, simpler look rather than anything fussy and heavy. “Fortunately there was nothing drastically structural to do, so we didn’t have any imposed constraints to get round with working on a Grade II listed building - other than the much-needed reconfiguration of the lobby/reception area, where suitcases, dogs and people wanting a cup of tea all seemed to collide.”  73

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The reconfiguration now provides a smooth flow through an inviting series of little sitting rooms, all in homogenous colours, with bespoke coffee tables, at a perfect height to eat at. “The carpet was the bravest thing we did – close up the toothpaste green looks a bit vivid and alarming, but spread over these open large downstairs spaces it really works.” Lighting is one of the main ways of achieving subtle yet distinctive changes. Kate has used wall lights and lamps, with ceiling lights only used to highlight effects. They are all regulated, so it becomes atmospherically softened by evening. “I wanted to create quite a cool vibe in the brasserie area, with a Scandinavian accent colour,” says Kate, and she has successfully achieved this with hints of smoky blue from the stylish Eames chairs (a colour called Ocean, with beech legs) and glass vases. It was work in progress: “I woke up one night and realised that I had to pull the carpet up, I suddenly had the feeling that there had to be a good floor under there.” How right she was proved to be. An exposed original brick work floor is now revealed, while handembroidered curtains complete the look, a greenish leaf pattern called Catalan Leaf, by Zimmer and Rohde.  Suffolk November 2011

COMFORT Top; one of the luxurious bedrooms. Centre; the Gallery Restaurant and below; relax in style in the lounge area

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The area is family friendly at lunchtimes and a good place to hang out in the evenings, with relaxed muted tones, a banquette seating area and coloured glass panels in internals walls, whilst in summer the large glass doors can open right out. Having acquired the adjacent property, future plans are to create a spa. As and

when that happens Kate Earle is likely be on hand to give it a certain aquatic ‘je ne sais quoi’. With energetic new general manager Ingo Wiangke at the helm, and as recent winners of the Best Large Hotel at the Suffolk Tourism awards, The Swan looks to be gliding majestically along its elegant path into 2012. ■ www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk

STYLISH Top; the new-look Brasserie at The Swan. Right; part of the comfortable lounge and bottom; one of the revamped bedrooms Suffolk November 2011

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Style

COUNCIL Interior designer Pippa Rolls and business partner Migi Munoz offer tips and advice for styling your home

POPPY CUSHIONS You will need: 2 x 45cms plain cotton cushion covers Cushion pads to fit Fabric paints Red thread Paint brushes Hot iron Red sequins

Start by ironing your cushion flat and selecting yourt paint colours. the stalks of the poppies should be painted using three shades of green - pale, mid and dark

Remember, remember

November is all about remembering, so this month why not transfer the poppy from your lapel into your home. These gorgeous cushions are inspired by our Suffolk fields and burst with colour and style. Best of all, you can create them in four easy steps (see right)

Suffolk November 2011

We love the new Opera Garden Collection from Baker Lifestyle launched at Decorex Week this autumn. Inspired by the gardens of West Green House and its summer season of garden opera and Baroque music, the Baker designers have created a perfect country collection of wallpapers and fabrics including this cheeky little number (above) featuring rare breed chickens!

Build up a pattern of stalks by using single brush strokes. Load the paint on to the brush and start at the base of the plant and paint upward in a sweeping movement

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readercompetition To celebrate their special 21st birthday Blackthorpe Barn, situated in Rougham on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds, is giving EADT Suffolk Magazine readers the chance to win a freshly cut 5ft Rougham Estate Christmas Tree plus £50 towards some amazing decorations and lighting from the popular Christmas Shop at the Barn. Every November and December, historic Blackthorpe Barn is quite literally transformed into a Christmas and craft lovers delight, attracting visitors from across the county. The Christmas Shop is open from 5th November and, as it suggests, is a haven for everything Christmassy from special gifts, baubles and decorations to lighting and gift wrap. Another of Blackthorpe Barn's 'must sees' is the Best of British crafts with over 60 exhibitors each weekend starting 12 November until 11th December. Blackthorpe Barn’s Christmas Trees are directly from Rougham Estate where the Barn is situated. Trees from the Estate are famous for their quality and longevity, having been carefully nurtured throughout the year by the previous winners of the 'British Christmas Tree Grower of the Year' award, the Estate has also supplied 10 Downing Street on numerous occasions. Freshly cut and potted Trees are available from 26 November. This year the Barn will also receive visits from Santa (each weekend from 26th November) and his reindeer (Sunday 4th and 11th December). For more information see

www.blackthorpebarn.com 80

Win a Famous Rougham Estate Christmas Tree and Decorations For your chance to win a fantastic Rougham Estate Christmas Tree and £50 towards decorations from Blackthorpe Barn, answer this question: Rougham Estate Christmas trees are available from Blackthorpe Barn from: a) 26th November b) 11th December c) 20th December To enter simply complete the coupon on page 133 or visit www.suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk and click on the competitions button Suffolk November 2011

1 1 Tool & Tuck Box £22.95, from Happiness Store Ltd, Woodbridge Tel: 01394 548009. 2 one button necklace £28, pure wool Peony scarf, £35, Emma Fownes suede gloves, £22.50, all from Cake and Catwalk, Jerwood DanceHouse, Waterfront, Ipswich 3 Sinemay and satin hat, £92, from Coriander Hats of Beccles Tel: 07747796796 4 Designers Guild cushions from Brightwell Interiors Tel: 01473 611130 5 Renaissance Classics Leila Rose heavy Axminster from Woodbridge Carpet Co, Woodbridge Tel: 01394 380911 6 Gluten free wedding cake from Tickety Boo Cakes, 36 High Street, Manningtree. Tel: 01206 399099 7 Red shirt from Pitt & Ellis. See www.pittandellis.com for local stockists 8 Silky jersey dress and soft jacket from Ambiance of Colchester. Tel: 01206 570433 9 Series 302 phone from Happiness Store, Woodbridge, as above

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Very BERRY

Spice up your life with autumn’s rich colours

Suffolk November 2011

HOMES & GARDENS Restoration project

Kit home weathers the storm David Vincent catches up with progress on the Hogg family’s new build at Otley

uddenly the heavens opened and the Suffolk summer day produced an almost tropical storm. Work didn’t stop though. The team from Advanced Housing Solutions, who were assembling Martin and Lina Hogg’s kit home just outside Otley, simply took off their shirts, and carried on with the construction. That was the end of August. As the four man team from the Taunton-based company were putting together the framework and walls of the factory-built house. The summer storms didn’t delay the build significantly, but there was an unexpected problem. When the house reached pitched roof level, it was found that a 30 metre main beam had been cut too short and it took a couple of days to get a replacement. When I met Martin and Lina on site, rain and heavy vehicles had combined to churn up the driveway and there was plenty of glorious mud around. “We’ve been here almost every day to see the progress,” said Lina, “and it has

“Our old house had been there since 1948. The digger took it down in about 20 minutes” 82

Kitted out. Above and left; Martin and Lina Hogg outside their rapidly-growing home. Bottom left; the chalet bungalow which was demolished

been fascinating. Last week I didn’t make it for three days, then when I saw it, I said ‘wow’.” The team of four specialists from Advanced HS travelled up with the prefabricated sections and a 25 tonne, 50 metre crane was used to lower sections into position on prepared foundations. “It’s all specially treated timber, from sustainable sources,” added Martin. “It is a very eco-friendly home and a sustainable house, which will be highly insulated. “When we see the amount of mud we are very glad we decided to rent an apartment in Ipswich, rather than try to live in a caravan on site,” added Lina. Martin added: “It’s amazing how

quickly it has gone up. Our old house had been there since 1948 and it had been our home for 24 years. The digger took it down in about 20 minutes.” Local builder Neil Armstrong salvaged the original staircase from their bungalow and it sits in the centre of the rapidly growing new home as a temporary solution to reach the upper floors. With hard hats and high-vis jackets on, of course, we went inside the rapidlygrowing skeleton of the house. We were able to walk through the kitchen and dining area, the lounge and upstairs, through bedroom and bathroom spaces and look out the window apertures over what will be fantastic views. With the installation finished, local builder Neil Armstrong and local tradesmen will be involved in completing the building. There’s still a tremendous amount to be done to complete the Hogg’s dream house and the clock is ticking. “We aim to move in, in the beginning of December,” said Lina. The weather might have a say in that! Suffolk November 2011

Gardengurus Jason Lock and Chris Deakin’s guide to creating the perfect garden “Autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus.

utumn is very much a season of show, with rich colours decorating the landscape, that seem to glow against occasional clear blue skies or the rich backdrop of freshly ploughed fields. Leaves, berries and stems all combine to create a sense of drama and show. So how do we recreate this stunning late show in our own gardens? First when thinking about autumn colour are trees. When choosing a tree consider what you want; foliage, stem or berry colour? Secondly, where will your tree be planted? Is it light or heavy land, is it sheltered or exposed and what space do you have? All these factors will help narrow down your choice to the right tree for your garden.

The riches of autumn

Birch): Clear white bark makes the Trees for good stems a real focal point in the “There autumn leaf colour garden in autumn and winter. is a tree for Acer saccharinum: (Silver It also has golden foliage in Maple) will give glorious the autumn. Grows well on each and every golden autumn foliage on garden that can most soils. most soils including clay Acer griseum (Paper bark bring autumn but will grow large so do maple): Small to medium riches” not plant in a small garden. sized tree it grows well on Fraxiuns angustifolia moist, heavy soils. Not only ‘Raywood’: Displays textural does this tree display beautiful pinnate leaves that turn rich wine red in orange/red foliage colour in autumn but autumn. A large tree so give it plenty of once the leaves have dropped, the peeling space. Good for heavy soils. bark reveals cinnamon coloured bark Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress): underneath. Deciduous conifer which has golden Prunus serrula ‘Tibetica’ (Tibetan foliage in autumn. Ideal for wet land. Cherry): This small tree offers a beautiful Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood): A rich red bark which will really stand out small tree which has wonderful autumn through the winter months. Will grow leaf colour, a real mix of reds through to well on fertile, well draining soils. purple with splashes of gold. The tree also has attractive mottled bark. Trees for Berry and Fruit Liquidamber styraciflua ‘Worpolesden’ Colour (Sweet Gum): A medium to large tree, it Crataegus monogyna (Common is grown for its nice pyramidal habit and Hawthorn): Red berries in autumn add a its glorious blend of autumn colours of fantastic splash of colour to the garden. It gold through to crimson and purple. can be grown as a tree or as a hedge. Sorbus commixta ‘Embley’ (Chinese Stem colour Scarlet Rowan): Compact tree ideal for Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ (Himalayan smaller gardens and tolerates most soils. Suffolk November 2011

Will provide a wonderful autumn show with foliage turning red through to purple complementing its bright red berries. Malus ‘Red Sentinal’: Grown for its wonderful red crab apples, which seem to glow as they hang from the tree well after the leaves have gone. Will tolerate most soils, ideal for smaller gardens. There is a tree for each and every garden that can bring autumn riches, and now is the time to get them! We are entering what nurseries call the ‘bare root season’ – when trees grown in the fields are lifted ready for sale or ‘potting on’. This means you can get a tree that has not been kept growing in a container. So what are the benefits? Firstly the trees should have a good root system. Secondly, the trees have not been potted (a labour intensive and relatively costly process for nurseries) and kept fed and watered, therefore they tend to be better value, so you get more for your money! n For further advice on bare root trees contact Chris or Jason at Deakinlock Garden Design Tel: 0845 603 8716 www.deakinlock.co.uk 83

Gardening choice Hand weeders

❊

Tamsin Westhorpe weeds out the problem with a selection of hand tools

s summer turns to autumn, the perennials in my borders are looking tired. The same cannot be said, however, for the weeds. They continue to forge on, and look in fine fettle. Although I prefer to cut back perennials in spring, this autumn everything is being cut right back so that I can get to the bottom of the weed issues in my new garden – or try to, at least. Summer evenings have been spent weeding between cobbles and paving, so I was keen to see how specially designed hand weeders would help me clear the cracks and sort the beds. Over the summer, I have tried a number of makeshift tools, so the chance to trial 84

those made for the job was just the ticket. Many people have suggested that I grout between all the cobbles, but I would then lose the odd primula and wild strawberry that are welcome to self seed. So continue to weed I will. It doesn’t get better than standing back at the end of the day and looking at what you have cleared. I suppose that the other option is to turn to weed killers. Having three chickens, a dog and a child on the loose counts this out for me, and if I’m really honest I find weeding very satisfying. Strange as it may seem, it is my preferred way to spend a day. When visiting gardens, I often ask the gardener what their favourite tool is. It is

rarely a form of garden machinery, and more often than not it’s a small hand-held weeder that they hold dear. From this, I can see that I’m not alone in the number of hours I spend extracting weeds. I have no doubt that there will always be new weeders coming on to the market, in the hope that what some people find very arduous a job will be made easier. The truth is that weeding will never be a fiveminute job, and for any of these tools to be efficient, requires an enthusiastic user. I’m convinced that weeding is the greatest skill a gardener can have: knowing what to pull when, and having the knowledge and confidence to leave some weeds in place, even just for a while, to enjoy the flowers and attract beneficial insects. Suffolk November 2011

2 1

The Draper Patio Weeder with ash handle was just the ticket for clearing between paving and cobbles – mind you, so it should be, as it is designed for that. The stainlesssteel blade was nice and thin, and its length of about 28cm was perfect (not so sharp that it worries me though). I used the corner and the front of the tool to remove weeds successfully. It is my gardening choice, as I just could not put it down, and it was really comfy to use over a number of hours. Priced at £8.95.

The Weed Extractor KS-M is part of the Wolf Garten multi-star range. You simply buy one handle (the ZM 150 is recommended, priced at £15.99) that suits a whole range of tools. It is designed so that gardeners can weed without bending down – it worked well to extract weeds from lawns and borders, but didn’t work for those in fiddly spots between paving. It wasn’t for me, but if you suffer from back pain, it’s worth a go. I’d rather get on my knees and be on a

This feature is taken from The English Garden magazine. To subscribe, please visit www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/ editorschoice level with the weeds – after all, you will have to bend down at some point to pick up them up! Priced at £14.99 for the head.

The Alan Titchmarsh Daisy Grubber is hand forged in Britain by Bulldog Tools. It has an overall length of 27.6cm, and comes with an ash handle and steel head. The tool was well balanced and very comfy to use, but is restricted to removing weeds from the lawn. It works well, but I would have preferred a slightly thinner, sharper tool to make it the right choice for those with premium lawns. Very good value and ideal for the domestic lawn. Priced at £6.99.

4 but I found it a little long for fine weeding between cobbles (39cm). It is well suited to removing weeds with long and tough tap roots though. I have the Sneeboer weeding trowel too, which I just wouldn’t be without – my family know that they misplace it at their peril. Priced at £17.95.

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The Weed Gouger and Dandelion Digger is a hand-forged stainless-steel tool with an ash handle. It is strong, sharp and will last a lifetime as there are no weak points along its length. Made by Sneeboer, who I really rate – but their tools are not to be left lying around the garden, as they are efficiently sharp. Very handy for rockery gardeners,

The Super-tough Weeding Knife is unique. It originated in North America, and is used to pull weeds out by engaging its barbs with the roots. It can be used to lever out small weeds and is also designed to scrape weeds from between paving. As you can see (below), it is also more than capable of cutting through grass. It has a length of 32cm and is made of stainless steel. I struggled to pull weeds out with the help of the barbs and found myself looking for other uses for it. Not my preferred choice, as I think it is trying to be a bit too clever. Priced at £19.95.

Suffolk November 2011

l The Draper Patio Weeder is available from Draper Tools. For stockists, see www.drapertoolbox.co.uk l The Weed Extractor KS-M is available from Wolf Garten. Tel: 0845 2707603. For your nearest stockist, go to www.wolf-garten.co.uk l The Alan Titchmarsh Daisy Grubber from Bulldog Tools. Tel: 01279 401572. www.bulldogtools.co.uk l The Sneeboer Weed Gouger is available from Harrod Horticultural. Tel: 0845 4025300. www.harrodhorticultural.com l The Super-tough Weeding Knife is available from Burgon & Ball. To order, tel: 01142 338262 or visit www.burgonandball.com 85

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HOWARD WALKER

STOCKISTS

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Suffolk November 2011

Antiques notebook

Advice for collectors from Suffolk antiques expert Curtis Dowling

Bring back bling

his month we look at items best called ‘collectibles’ and focus on items many of you might remember from your childhood or early working years. We all think lust for the iPad, the iPhone and flashy trainers is a thing of the modern age, but don’t believe a word of it. Even 250 years ago we all suffered from similar desires. For example, the first pocket watches that came on to the market in about 1530, with the invention of the spring loaded movement by the German watch maker Peter Henlein, cost the equivalent of seven years of an average man’s pay and truly were must-haves if you wanted to be the coolest man in town. In the 20th century there were many must-haves that seem mad to us now – vinyl roofs on cars in the 1970s, cigarette cases in the 1940s and 1950s. Many, however, have survived the changing tides of fashion and today exist as modern versions. More amazingly, if you have kept the old original item it could be worth a small fortune. We all know how much E-type Jaguars can sell for these days and how little they cost in

This teasmade would fetch £50 while the first edition of Casino Royale made £17,000!

comparison to the 1960s and 1970s, but how about more ordinary items you might still have sitting round your home? A Barbie doll sold in the USA recently for $85,000. A Dinky car in perfect condition in its original box can fetch as much as £10,000. These modern treasures – or the bling of yesteryear – could be what pay for your next holiday cruise. The teasmade has made a return to favour recently, however, few people know the first ever teasmade – called the ‘tea waker’ – was made in 1891 by a Samuel Rowbottom. It was not until after the war that the teasmade became must-haves for newlyweds or busy mums. Manufacturers Goblin – originally makers

DEALER’S TIP We throw away our heritage every year and no more so than tiles. Yes, that’s right the ordinary picture wall tile. You find patches of decorative tile work in old hospitals, shops and similar buildings. They are rare and valuable so think before ruining them Suffolk November 2011

– or if you see them in a box at auction buy, buy buy! Jesse Carter became the ‘governor’ when he started his Poole pottery in 1873. A good stretch of about 200 tile pictures will buy you a world cruise and a new car so keep your eyes open.

of vacuum cleaners – even made the ads sexy so that every middle class person wanted a teasmade, although when Goblin introduced them to their range in 1937 sales got off to a slow start due to the cost of £5/16/5. Originals, like the one pictured from the 1970s, can change hands for £50. It won’t make you rich but some things will, as Mr Farnborough, of Southwold, found out when he came across an item from his past he thought would be worthless. As a boy, Mr Farnborough loved books, and with a father equally interested in reading, he was bought a new book every week if he had been good. In 1953 a new writer became his favourite, a talented man who wrote about a grown up boy scout called James Bond. The book? Casino Royale and the author was the great Ian Fleming. Mr Farnborough’s first edition of Casino Royale, in its first issue dust jacket, has sat on a book shelf in his home without him giving a second thought to its value. But when I received a picture of it I knew we had something special on our hands. We had the book valued and sold within a week for a very handsome £17,000. Study the picture carefully – if you have anything that looks like it, please get in touch. So, the moral of this month’s reader’s letter? Just because it’s familiar Do you love doesn’t mean it’s not antiques? Tell us valuable. about your favourite Until next items or your stories about month, hunting and collecting. happy Email suffolkmagazine@ hunting! 89 archant.co.uk

HOMES & GARDENS Blackthorpe Barn

It’s that time of year again – when the smell of snow in the air and the sound of jingle bells can mean only one thing...

Left and below; Ady and George prepare Blackthorpe Barn for the Christmas season. Above; an elf gets ready to welcome Santa to his new grotto Photographs by Tudor Morgan-Owen

Here comes

Santa Claus A

fter months of toiling away in his workshop, Santa’s having a well-earned snooze before welcoming children – and grown-up children – to his grotto at Blackthorpe Barn. He’s had the grotto specially built by Blackthorpe partners George Agnew and Ady White, who have recreated his legendary North Pole home in the heart of Suffolk. George and Ady will be opening the doors to the grotto on November 26 and 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, between 10am and 5pm. Just what’s inside is a well-kept secret but the pair promise a magical experience for all. Meanwhile, Ady is putting the finishing touches to the Blackthorpe Christmas shop, filling it with high quality decorations, including some from Scandanavia and Fairtrade items.

Suffolk November 2011

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Get in the festive mood with a browse around a real Christmas wonderland

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BLACKTHORPE BARN

his is an extra special year at Blackthorpe Barn, at Rougham near Bury St Edmunds, as it opens its doors for the 21st time and invites everyone to its famous Christmas shop and unmissable craft event. Each November and December, the historic barn is transformed into a Christmas and craft lovers delight, attracting visitors from across the country. From the outside it is just an attractive threshing barn dating back to 1550. But, open the doors and you are in for an inspiring ‘goose bump’ experience. The Christmas Shop is a haven for everything festive from special gifts, baubles and decorations to lighting and gift wrap. However, as the Christmas event at Blackthorpe Barn simply oozes with sophistication, wherever you look you will be amazed by the creativity and attention to detail, with a variety of decorating themes from which to choose, each offering an elegance of its own with a stunning collection of individual pieces to be mixed or matched to create your own unique look. Another of Blackthorpe Barn’s ‘must sees’ is the Best of British crafts. Each weekend more than 60 exhibitors offer a wonderful mix of fabulous crafts from elegantly hand decorated glassware, stunning ceramics and intricately designed jewellery to gorgeous handbags and clothing, striking sculpture and distinctive wooden creations and much more. The collections are 100% British and all beautifully handcrafted by The Barn in snow

the exhibitors themselves. This is a strict criterion for the crafts people and one of the reasons why visiting Blackthorpe Barn delivers such a one-off experience. Wander through the oak beamed barn and chat with the makers or watch them at work and, as many exhibitors change each weekend, there is something different to see each time you visit, perfect for providing inspiration for gifts “This or simply treating yourself. year Many visitors also choose we have their perfect Christmas sprinkled tree from Rougham Estate where the barn is situated. more Christmas Trees from the estate are sparkle than ever famous for their quality and before” longevity, having been carefully nurtured throughout the year by the previous winners of the ‘British Christmas Tree Grower of the Year’ award. The estate has also supplied 10 Downing Street on numerous occasions. The barn has two cafés, offering handmade cakes, snacks and refreshments, and the perfect place to take a break from browsing. Children can see Santa’s reindeer and Santa himself, who will be in his new grotto each weekend handing out gifts. George Agnew, owner of Blackthorpe Barn and Rougham Estate said: “I can’t believe how quickly our 21st birthday has come around. Every year we work hard to enhance the Blackthorpe Barn Christmas experience even more, and this year is no exception. We have sourced even more beautiful gifts, decorations and lighting and added a winter wonderland. It is true to say this year we have sprinkled more Christmas sparkle than ever before.” Blackthorpe Barn is on the outskirts of Rougham, off the A14 at junction 45 (Sat Nav IP30 9HZ). For more information see www.blackthorpebarn. com or call 01359 270880.

Suffolk November 2011

DECORATING THEMES Frosty Forest When the first snow falls the Frost Fairies hold their Winter Parade to celebrate the coming of winter. They pick sprigs of the bright snowberries that still cling to the bare twigs after the leaves have gone. Nordic Heartland The keynote of the Nordic style; simple is beautiful with a collection based on classic folk patterns in plain red and white, adding jaunty gingerbread men for a touch of warmth. Jewelled Xmas Full of jewelled colours to shine brightly in every home. Home Sweet Home A food lover’s paradise with gorgeous food-themed decorations and wonderful aromas to match, plus cupcake cases, biscuit cutters and other ‘musthaves’ for a traditional Christmas. 2011 OPENING HOURS Christmas Trees: Sat, Nov 26 to Thurs, Dec 22, 9am-5.30pm Admission free Christmas shop: Sat 5 to Fri, Nov 25, 10am-5pm Sat, Nov 26 to Thurs, Dec 22, 9am-5.30pm Admission free Crafts:Sat, Nov 12 to Sun, Dec 11, 10am-5pm, weekends only Adults £2, OAPs £1, children free. Season tickets £6 Christmas Café: Sat, Nov 5 to Thurs, Dec 22 11am-4pm, weekdays 10am-5pm, weekends only Santa’s Grotto: Nov 26, 27, Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18, 10am-5pm, weekends only Reindeer: Sun 4 and Sun, Dec 11, 11am-3pm Free Parking and disabled access Parking is free with spaces for 350 vehicles Blackthorpe Barn has disabled access 91

FINANCE Thinking of buying a horse or pony for your child, but know little about costs? It’s not far off taking on another mortgage, as Ed Foss explains

here is a triple commitment needed when buying, or indeed taking on loan, a horse or pony – money, time and

emotion. Money is probably the best one to start with. If you can’t afford the costs of keeping an animal, it negates the need to consider the other challenges. Costs begin with the obvious purchase price. This ranges enormously up to several thousands pounds. But one-off costs can be met with savings or manageable loans. The real issue comes when considering the costs which will keep on coming during the potentially very long life of your purchase. You either need your own or rented land, or a livery yard. Neither is cheap. There may be a field nearby with a stable which you can rent cheaply, but in two years time if the owner wants it back, you are back to square one. And the land needs managing to maintain security, fencing, grass quality and to keep worm levels down. Livery costs can be variable according to the level of service you want, but more than £100 a week for full livery is not uncommon. So that cost alone could start at £5,000 a year. If it’s necessary to buy a set of stables or field shelter, that is another big bill.

FINANCIAL PLANNING LIMITED

Contact Karen Last 07766 543498

Buying and keeping a pony is a big commitment

The hidden costs of owning a pony Feed and bedding may only cost a few pounds, but £10 of hay and £10 of straw a week tots up to another £1,000 a year. Vet fees have the potential for raising great fear among potential new owners, although insurance pays a useful service in mitigating against these costs. But insurance costs several hundred pounds a year and won’t pay for regular standard treatments such as worming, teeth checks and vaccinations. Horses must be shod regularly, say every six weeks, and those visits from farriers will add several hundreds of pounds to your bill per year. And now a long but not fulsome list of additional bits and pieces – all of which will carry a price. Safety hats, jodhpurs, steel toe cap boots, riding boots, gloves, high visibility jackets and a back protector; tack including saddle, bridle, headcollars, stirrups, rugs and a

plethora of grooming equipment; pitch fork, spade and wheelbarrow. Now don’t forget the lessons, travelling to gymkhanas, buying practice jumps and, take a deep breath, buying a horse box. In the region of £10,000 a year may not be wide of the mark. And don’t forget that children grow – but ponies don’t. So you may need to buy another one and many children – or adults, for that matter – won’t want to part with the first one. So you may well have another animal pensioned off that still needs feeding and daily attention. If all this fills you with dread then the obvious way to go is to concentrate on using a trustworthy stables to provide the pleasure of riding without the onerous costs of ownership. For more personal-finance news, features, analysis and views, visit www. mymoney24.co.uk

Call now for helpful,impartial information and advice from your local experienced and sympathetic equity release adviser Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Suffolk November 2011

Treasured, your possessions surrounding your lifestyle. Who understands what you treasure?

We do. Where personal service matters Quilter is a specialist in bespoke investment management services for private investors, charities, trusts and pension funds. Discretionary investment management from £200,000.

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High value home insurance. Call 01473 688466 for a quote or pop into the office to talk to Anna Murton at NFU Mutual Office, Harvest House, Alton Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2AX

Nick Britnell Executive Director T: 020 7662 6215 E: nickbritnell@quilter.co.uk

Stephen Clow Executive Director T: 020 7662 6226 E: stephenclow@quilter.co.uk

We do right by you

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

“Quilter” and the “Quilter” logo are registered Community Trade Marks and remain the exclusive property of Quilter & Co. Limited. You are prohibited from using the Quilter marks for any purpose without the prior written authority of Quilter.

Asset Protection Money & the 21st century family

Ruth Longhurst

Ruth will be speaking at a free seminar covering this topic, hosted by Greene & Greene on Thursday 24 November 2011. For further information about

com. Online booking is also available at:

For further advice, please contact Ruth Longhurst on 01284 717493 or email ruthlonghurst@greene-greene.com

Greene & Greene Solicitors 80 Guildhall Street Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QB T 01284 762211 www.greene-greene.com Suffolk November 2011

Vintage evening jacket, £38, from Vintage Angels, Hall Farm, Aldeburgh. Tel: 07879 630461 Passionata Jolie bra £37, and shorts £22, from Bella Lingerie, 10 The Traverse, Bury St Edmunds. Tel: 01284 754223 Baccarat earrings, £245; necklace, £425; Tresor Paris crystal bracelet, £149, and skull bracelet, £69; Thomas Sabo skull ring, £269; and crown/sword necklace £450.95 all from Robert Gatward, Butter Market, Ipswich Tel: 01473 256514 94

Suffolk November 2011

Photography: Clifford Hicks Fashion direction: Shekha Vyas Model: Louisa GaMon @ Sandra Reynolds Hair: Craig Brunning of Bohemia Make-up: Rochelle Rose Location: Kentwell Hall

Straight

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Suffolk November 2011

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A wide range of quality clothing, boots and accessories by

www.trulockandharris.com 96

Suffolk November 2011

Martine Wester necklace, £32, and earrings, £20, from Cake and Catwalk Boutique, Jerwood Dance House, Foundry Lane, The Waterfront, Ipswich Vintage 1920s overdress, £98, from Vintage Angels (details as p94) Lejaby black Swarovski crystal bra, £58, from Bella Lingerie (details as p94)

Suffolk November 2011

Gorgeous clothes for winter Comfortable, casual, affordable

For clothes you’ll love... 8 Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JF

01787 311842

Open 9.30am to 5pm Mon - Sat

www.nutmeglongmelford.co.uk

Stuart Clay Traps Ltd SPORTING GUNS

■

FISHING TACKLE & BAIT

Stockists of: Driza-Bone : Aigle : Laksen : Le Chameau : Hoggs Deerhunter : Hucklecoat : Stag : Musto : Beretta Clothing

and a FULL RANGE of SHOOTING & FISHING ACCESSORIES

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385567

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www.stuartsgunsandtackle.com 98

Suffolk November 2011

Aubade bra, £92, and shorts, £64, both from Sweet Dreams, 54 High Street, Wickham Market Tel: 01728 748171 Shaun Leane earrings, £595, and ring, £280, from Robert Gatward (details as p94) Eyelashes, £15, from Cake and Catwalk (details as p97)

Suffolk November 2011

DENNY OF SOUTHWOLD

Celebrating 160 Years of Excellence Stockists of: Michele Gardeur Saint James Mat de Misaine Armorlux Blue Willis HB Shoes Gurteen Brax Magee Oakman Barbour Viyella

DENNY OF SOUTHWOLD

11 Market Place, Southwold. Suffolk. Tel: 01502 722372 Email: info@dennyofsouthwold.co.uk

www.dennyofsouthwold.co.uk

Black velvet necklace, £82; Konplott necklace, £25, and earrings, £18, all from Cake and Catwalk (details as p97) Lejaby black Swarovski crystal bra as before and Leg Avenue black pumps, £50, from Bella Lingerie (details as p94) Vintage black velvet evening gloves, £15, and leopard print skirt, £50 both from Vintage Angels (details as p94)

102

Suffolk November 2011

Aubade bra, £75, and thong, £45, from Sweet Dreams (details as p99) Chopard rings, £3,740, and £1,530, and Chopard bracelet £3,860, all from Robert Gatward (details as p94) Mongolian necklace, £85, from Cake and Catwalk (details as p97)

Suffolk November 2011

103

Vintage cream gown, ÂŁ200, from Vintage Angels (details as p94) H. Stern earrings, ÂŁ6,100, from Robert Gatward (details as p94)

Suffolk November 2011

105

11 Departments, 4 Stores,O

£10 & Under £20 & Under £40 & Under £50 & Over

Feather socks by Elle £7

Union Jack Mini wallet £16.99

Labrador puppy cushion £25

Tula leather bag £129

Nexus photo frame £9.50

Screen Wipe elepant £8.99

owl-shaped tea cosy £15

Angel of Friendship £17

Esprit men’s shirt £29

Royal Scot Daisy lily vase £32.50

Delonghi 4 slice toaster £74.95

Arthur Price 24 pc cutlery set £79

OPENING TIMES Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am - 5pm www.winchblatch.co.uk 106

Suffolk November 2011

,One great place to shop

T & G street party jug £6.99

Classic rose bangle watch £20.00

Casamia jacket £34.99

Weirdfish men’s macaroni £60

Men’s handkerchiefs, box of 3 £5.99

sewing box £16.99

First knitting and sewing kits £5 each

Travel manicure set £12.99

Double Two blouse £39.99

Wolsey men’s jumper £55

Market Hill & King Street, Sudbury, Suffolk Tel: 01787 373737 Suffolk November 2011

Calvin Klein leisure top £27

Pomodoro cheetah print coat £169

Heat holder socks, striped or plain £7

Trapper hat £15.99

Dansk bracelet Dansk earrings

Plum passion picture £60

D E PA R T M E N T

S T O R E 107

Theleisure principle Julie Holden tests out some pursuits for the colder months

ow that Margo, our highmaintenance campervan, is safety tucked up for the winter we need to find something else to keep us occupied. Each month through to next April my husband and I will be trying out a different activity and sharing our experiences. This month we tried: Clay Pigeon Shooting at High Lodge, Hinton, Nr Darsham www.highlodge.co.uk

How you do it Obviously, we didn’t get quite that far! The first thing Roger did was equip us with “eyes and ears” (eye and ear protectors). He then “sorted out our eyes” asking us to stand a distance away and point at him with our right hand (we are both right-handed). He could then work out if we were right or left eyedominant. Of course we are an awkward pair. My husband is right-handed but left-eye dominant (which means he either has to shut his left eye at the last moment or shoot left-handed) and I wear contact lenses; the right one for distance and the left for closeto: “She’s nearly our worst nightmare,” said Roger with a big grin. He talked us through the features of a gun, how to safety check it, load it and hold it and then we carried our guns out to a “station” in the woods. To shoot you put one foot forward and lean on it, tuck the butt of the gun into your shoulder, rest your cheek on the wooden stock and look down the “rib” of the barrel and past the end. Roger explained: “You keep both eyes open and look past the end

Okay, so my husband fairly whooped me on this one, but I have to let him win at something

What’s it all about? Clay pigeon shooting is the art of shooting at flying targets, known as clay pigeons, with a shotgun. The name originated from the practice of shooting live pigeons (made illegal in 1921). It is a hobby and a sport that people can take part in either informally or, through an organised gun club and, in competition events at county, regional, national and international levels including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. The CPSA (official association) has 25,000 active members in the UK. Roger, our instructor and a fully qualified safety officer, national and international referee explained two common types of clay shooting: English Sporting and Skeet. “English Sporting is where the clays (targets) represent the flying angles, height and speed of a live bird (flying across in front, away or towards you) and sometimes two targets at a time. The idea is to provide a shooting environment that offers different layouts and a constant challenge. ‘Skeet shooting sets standard conditions wherever it is played. Clays are fired horizontally over the range from two “houses” of differing heights, one high and one low. The two houses are linked by a semicircular wall with seven “stations” (shooting positions). The clays are fired so they pass at a set speed and height and continue to fly for 55 yards (speed, height and distance are therefore all set)”. 108

Roger teaches Neil Holden the finer points of clay pigeon shooting

of the gun at the target. You never look at the end of the barrel and aim because you are shooting 350 pellets from one cartridge. They spread out into the size of a bicycle wheel so you ‘point’ your gun at the target you never ‘aim it’”. Once in position you shout: “Pull” and Roger pushes a button to release a clay from the trap. You follow the target with your gun and then pull the trigger. Simple! What’s it like to do it? A bit scary – you are handling a loaded gun but Roger was very reassuring and rigorous. They are heavy (I’m a bit of a weed) and you need to hold it still (no waggling about). My gun had a kick when fired which I felt against my cheek and shoulder but the more you tuck it in the less it moves. Roger helped me to line things up as I was pretty hopeless (looking at the barrel rather than the target, hesitating and then finding I was too late) but it was exciting (and a miracle) when I hit anything. My husband was another story and Roger had him shooting from his left shoulder so he could have both eyes open and also practising their trademark “Move, Mount, Shoot” technique where If you have you hold the gun any suggesti ons half way between for things for where you first us to try do let the see the clay and editor where you will know (am I g oing shoot it. You bring to regret sayin g the gun up to your that?) shoulder and stay ahead of the target as you shoot it. Okay, so my husband clearly has natural talent for this one and has me whooped (you have to let them win at something!). The highlights: Roger’s patience, humour and skill – great fun! Costs Individual Instruction £55 per hour plus clays and vat. They also run Have-a-Go days at £33.50 per head - 25 clays each, reduced rates for juniors (under 16), group classes and gift vouchers. Suffolk November 2011

Wellbeing Your guide to better health

asers have many uses in modern beauty treatments but here we look at the three of the most popular.

Laser IPL treatment is quick and easy to deliver and has a variety of uses in the beauty field

Permanent hair removal The Europeans pluck, the Americans wax and the Brits tend to shave but one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair – for good – is using Laser IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatment. If you’re tired of endless shaving, plucking or waxing, only to have the hair return days later, or suffer from ingrown hairs, BEFORE: Unsightly then laser treatment is for you. thread veins Jenny O’Neill is a Registered Nurse and one half of the husband and wife team that runs Suffolk Medical Clinic in Boxford near Sudbury. “Laser and IPL treatments are AFTER: Unsightly becoming increasing popular veins are banished as a way of removing hair,” she says. “These treatments Among the hundreds of cosmetic beauty treatments are incredibly effective and available, laser treatments have stood the test of time the best thing about Laser IPL hair removal is that when as a safe, reliable and effective option the hair’s gone – it’s gone!” “It’s also very versatile,” chips in Jenny’s husband, Dr Anthony O’Neill. “Laser treatments such as IPL. And a careful on the legs, cheeks and nose. treatment works brilliantly for removing review of a client’s current skincare regime Jenny has treated lots of clients with this hair on legs and underarms but can also – which usually means the introduction of problem. “We all have the odd thread be used on delicate areas like the bikini line and face. It has been life-changing for a daily sun screen – will stop them coming vein” she says, “but some people suffer back. “Restoring the texture and colour of really badly from them. They can be some of our female patients.” unsightly and embarrassing but there’s no Laser hair removal systems use an intense, skin is essential in maintaining youth and vitality”, says Jenny. “Removing darker need for people to put up with them as pulsating beam of white light to patches on the face can take years off”. they can be permanently removed very permanently remove unwanted hair. easily using Laser IPL”. Whether for your face, arms, legs or other Anthony explains how it works: “The laser emits a pulse of light that is delivered Anthony continues: “The system we use areas, laser hair removal is the perfect to the skin using a specially designed cool delivers carefully controlled doses of light option if you seek long-term results. hand-piece. The light is absorbed by the to the veins, which is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and converted to blood and converted to heat. The process Skin rejuvenation – removing sun spots heat. The heat dissolves the cells that is called photothermolysis. The heat seals and repairing sun damage create the pigment and after a few days, off the veins and over a short period of Dark spots on the face, neck, hands and the darker patches have faded”. time they disappear altogether”. décolletage are usually caused by exposure to the sun over a period of time. Jenny Thread veins ■ To find out more about Laser says: “Most of us have a few of these dark patches and nothing else is quite as ageing Thread veins (also known as ‘spider veins’ treatment, please contact Suffolk Medical or ‘broken capillaries’) are tiny red or Clinic on 01787 211 000 or visit – yet they are so simple to remove”. purple veins that appear most commonly www.suffolkmedicalclinic.co.uk. Sunspots are very easily banished by

Seeing the light with Laser

Suffolk November 2011

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EASTANGLIAN DAILY TIMES

O N

S A T U R D AY

YOUR WEEKEND

T R E AT

Your weekend East Anglian Daily Times now

has NINE brilliant sections each Saturday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; packed with every imaginable aspect of local life. It really is an excellent read. Make it Your Weekend Treat!

www.eadt.co.uk 110

Suffolk November 2011

NOW HEAR THIS! By Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, managing director of The Hearing Care Centre, Suffolk. Luxurious treatments in fabulous surroundings at the Lifehouse Country Spa

This is the life

aving recovered from a heavy cold, I was really looking forward to my night away at a luxury spa. Lifehouse Country Spa Resort, just over the border at Thorpe-le-Soken, is from outside, just another modern building. However, once inside, you feel like you have been transported to a secret luxury getaway. Built in 12 acres of listed gardens, the architects have skilfully and tastefully combined old with new in such a way that you could easily think you’re in an episode of Grand Designs. We were swiftly taken to our room which didn’t disappoint. The interior designers have thought of everything. Tasteful décor, amazingly comfortable beds and a rubber duck by the bath tub. Before our first treatment, we headed for the salt water pool and then on to the steam rooms and jacuzzi, after which we decided to reward ourselves with afternoon tea on the balcony. Next up our first treatment – a Ginseng massage. I’m not a huge fan of massages, well I thought I wasn’t until I had this one. After 60 minutes I felt amazing and didn’t want to leave. But I did and headed back to my room to get ready for dinner at the spa’s Water Lilies restaurant. The food at Lifehouse is high end restaurant standard and I feasted on three delicious courses – scallops, duck breast and a chocolate brownie. Oh and a cheese board. The next morning started with a yummy breakfast of Eggs Benedict followed by a Classic facial which left my skin feeling fantastic and looking visibly better. Suffolk November 2011

Amie Keeley enjoys a luxury spa break Lifehouse offers much more than what one visit could possibly encompass. There are a whole host of fitness activities to try including Latin dance class, Parkour, Pilates, Thai-a cise and lots more. The emphasis on exercise is to make it fun instead of a chore. There’s also a long list of spiritual, detox and wellness treatments available, such as hypnotherapy, meditation and Indian head massage. The treatments get

snapped up early so plan your visit and you won’t be left disappointed. There’s also a library, a playground gym, a hairdressers and a make-up area. In terms of price, you certainly wouldn’t think there was a recession on with the number of people staying at the spa when I was there, but treatments range from £50 to £120. All in all this was a great experience which definitely went far beyond my expectations. Fantastic surroundings and a range of high quality treatments and facilities. Highly recommended.

Christmas considerations As the festive season approaches, we look forward to sharing Christmas festivities. But for someone with a hearing loss this can be the most difficult type of listening environment to cope with. The constant chitter chatter, the excessive background noise, music and loud voices, all make hearing speech very challenging. A normal hearing person doesn’t have to consider these issues, as the brain has more ability to discriminate and pick out the required speech naturally. At times it’s easier for a hearing impaired person to decline an invitation to a social event as they know just how difficult and isolating such an occasion can be. If you are aware a family member or a friend is experiencing hearing difficulties, help them to be included in the celebrations by ensuring you look at them whilst in conversation. Raise your voice slightly but project it more clearly – excess volume does not make speech clearer it only distorts the signal. Talk one at a time; provide good lighting, seat the hard of hearing person with the background noise behind them or better still remove all unnecessary background noise if you can. Hearing problems can lead to isolation, lack of confidence, strain on relationships and more. If you notice a member of your family or a friend struggling with their hearing, please encourage them to have their hearing tested. The average hearingimpaired adult waits more than five years beyond the first signs before seeking help! As a rule, everyone over the age of 65 should have their hearing tested at least every two years by a qualified professional, just as with eyesight. With today’s digital technology, it is no longer necessary to struggle with hearing problems; the latest micro automatic digital hearing aids make a vast difference to lives especially in social environments. The Hearing Care Centre has 14 centres across Suffolk. For more information, Freephone 0800 096 2637 or visit www. hearingcarecentre.co.uk 111

Adnams. Now served in jars.

Get to know us a bit better at adnams.co.uk

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Suffolk November 2011

Winners of the EADT Suffolk Food & Drink Awards and category sponsors outside The West Wing at Ickworth

Everyone a winner We celebrate the champions of our 2011 Food & Drink Awards

Suffolk November 2011

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Celebrating all that’s best about Suffolk food and drink Awards recognise excellence in 12 categories

utstanding producers, purveyors and restaurateurs from across the county are celebrating their success in the 2011 EADT Suffolk Food & Drink Awards. The awards, which are sponsored by Adnams, are now in their sixth year and are a highlight in the Suffolk magazine calendar. Twelve category winners received their trophies at a special lunch at The West Wing at Ickworth attended by their friends and colleagues from the Suffolk food and drink and hospitality industries. The Food Hero award, sponsored by BBC Suffolk, went to Barry Chevallier Guild of the Aspall cider company, at Aspall, near Debenham. Also nominated were Chris Brennan of the Pump Street Bakery in Orford, Polly Robinson of Food Safari, based at Sweffling, Richard Lawson of Lawson’s Deli in Aldeburgh, and Rick Sheepshanks of Ess Foods, based at Rendlesham. The award for Best Producer, sponsored by Lane Farm, was won by Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken, ahead of runners-up Stoke Farm Orchards and Stokes Sauces. Best Butcher, sponsored by Suffolk magazine, was Andrews of Hadleigh, who triumphed over nominees Revett & Sons of Wickham Market and Sotherton Farm Beef, from Sotherton, near Halesworth. Best Baker, sponsored by Hill Farm Oils, went to the Pump Street Bakery, Orford. Runners-up were Bushell’s of Lowestoft and the Vanilla Bakery at Alder Carr, Needham Market. Best Delicatessen, sponsored by Hamish Johnston Fine Cheeses, was Lawson’s, at Aldeburgh, ahead of Leo’s Deli at Framlingham and Simply Delicious of Leiston. The award for Best Product, sponsored by Southwold Pier, went to Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken. Runners-up were Hot Pepper Jelly from Jules & Sharpie and Stokes Real Mayonnaise. Best Drink, sponsored by Spring, went to Calvors Premium Lager, with Aspall Premier Cru Cyder and Stoke Farm’s Pear Juice as runners-up. Best Restaurant, sponsored by Promotion Wine, was the Blyth Hotel at Southwold, with Ravenwood Hall Hotel, at Rougham, and the Bildeston Crown the runners-up. Best Food Pub, sponsored by The West Wing at Ickworth, was won by the White Horse at Sibton, 114

ahead of the Fox Inn, Bury St Edmunds, and the Red Lion, Great Bricett. Best Informal Dining, sponsored by @Work Recruitment, went to La Hogue Farm Shop & Café at Chippenham, near Newmarket, with the Boardwalk Restaurant at Southwold Pier and the Dolphin Inn at Thorpeness as the runners-up. Best Tea Shop, sponsored by Business Link, was won by Baileys2 in Bury St Edmunds, ahead of Bridge House Tea Room & Nursery at Dunwich and the Clockhouse Tea & Coffee Shop at Southwold Pier. The Best Farm Shop award, sponsored by Milsoms, went to Hall Farm Shop at Stratford St Mary, with Grange Farm Shop at Hasketon and La Hogue Farm Shop and Café as runners-up. The lunch, hosted by Sean Loftus and his team at The West Wing, was an autumn menu of guinea fowl followed by apple crumble tart and the awards ceremony was compered by Mark David, food writer and owner of The Cooking Experience in Hadleigh, and Lesley Dolphin, of BBC Radio Suffolk and Suffolk magazine columnist.

Suffolk November 2011

WINNERS: EADT SUFFOLK FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2011

Best Restaurant Sponsored by Promotion Wine

The Blyth Hotel Southwold The judges said: “The chef has once again shown that his ambitions and skills have developed year on year and offers a fine dining experience which is exceptional value”

Richard and Charlie Ashwell of The Blyth Hotel receive their award from Tim Ferguson of Promotion Wines

Best Food Pub Sponsored by The West Wing at Ickworth

The White Horse, Sibton The judges said: “Tucked away just off the Heritage Coast the White Horse has a creative menu which delivers customers a real taste of Suffolk. With many of the vegetables grown on site, the distance the food has travelled can be measured in yards rather than miles!” Sean Loftus of The West Wing at Ickworth presents Gill and Neil Mason of The White Horse, Sibton, with their award

Best Informal Dining Sponsored by @Work Recruitment

La Hogue Farm Shop The judges said: “Great service and chock full of local foods, most of which you can buy in the farm shop on your way out!”

Chris Reeks,left, and Jo Reeks, second left, of La Hogue Farm and Cafe receive their award from Michelle Pollard and Julie Hobbs of @Work Recruitment Suffolk November 2011

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WINNERS: EADT SUFFOLK FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2011

Best Farm Shop Sponsored by Milsoms

Hall Farm Shop The judges said: “A magnificent shop with a wide selection of premium foods from around the region. The staff are knowledgeable and offer great customer service. The café provides a welcome distraction!” Will Barrie and Faye Patrick of Hall Farm Shop receive their award from Sue Bunting of Milsoms

Best Delicatessen Sponsored by Hamish Johnston Fine Cheeses

Lawsons Aldeburgh The judges said: “A great range of local foods are available from this gem in Aldeburgh High Street. Diversification into prepared meals and holiday cottage hampers means that a wider audience have the opportunity to try good, local food.” EADT editor Terry Hunt stood in for Hamish Johnston and presented Richard Lawson and Claire Bruce-Clayton of Lawson’s Delicatessen with their award

Best Tea/Coffee Shop Sponsored by Business Link

Baileys 2, Bury St Edmunds The judges said: “Highlighting their locally sourced products, the helpful staff have gained a reputation for their warm welcome. Extensive choices and great value for money.”

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Paula and Louise Tyrrell of Baileys2 receive their award from Christian Bone of Business Link Suffolk November 2011

THE ANCHOR

History Making

Menu A traditional 15th Century cosy pub providing locally sourced food both traditional and with a South East Asian influence Food served 12.00–2.30pm and 6.30–9.00pm (except Sunday evenings) Christmas bookings now being taken – take a look at our Christmas menu 2 courses £15.00 3 courses £19.50

Leek and potato soup Smooth duck liver brandy pate, toast and chutney Smoked cheddar and leek tart, mixed leaves Thai beef salad, mint chilli dressing Tandoori prawns, flatbread Roast Turkey, trimmings Slow roast lamb shank, rosemary and honey jus, creamed mash, vegetables Mushroom and chestnut risotto, truffle oil Spicy coconut beef curry, basmati rice Salmon fillet herbcrust, champagne cream sauce, new potatoes, mixed leaves Christmas pudding, brandy sauce Dark chocolate tart, Baileys creme anglaise Mulled poach pears, ice cream Iced hazelnut nougat, fruit coulis Cheese and biscuits, fig chutney

19 Quay Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1BX Telephone for reservations 01394 382649

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

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

Celebrate! • GAME DINNER – Thursday 17th November – 4 courses £35.00 • CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU – £28 • PARTY AND STAY – special rate of £99 B&B • CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH – £90 • NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – £100 • CROWN VOUCHERS – the perfect Christmas present?

See our website for more seasonal offers

THE BILDESTON CROWN 104 High Street, Bildeston, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7EB Telephone: 01449 Suffolk November 2011

740510

Visit: www.thebildestoncrown.com

AA Restaurant

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WINNERS: EADT SUFFOLK FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2011

Best Baker Sponsored by Hill Farm Oils

Pump Street Bakery, Orford The judges said: “Chris and his team run a successful coffee shop as part of the business and customers have the opportunity to try a fine range of pastries all produced in Orford. But what really sets the business apart is the delicious range of sourdough breads on offer.” Chris and Joanna Brennan of Pump Street Bakery are presented with their award by James Goodwin of Hillfarm Oils

Best Butcher Sponsored by EADT Suffolk magazine

Andrews, Hadleigh The judges said: “A superb choice of meat including four types of liver caught the judges’ eye. The shop was spotlessly clean and there was good indication of the provenance of much of the meat.”

Claire Belcher of Andrews Butchers is presented with her award by Jayne Lindill, editor of EADT Suffolk

Best Producer Sponsored by Lane Farm, Brundish

Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken The judges said: “Sutton Hoo rears Suffolk White chickens from 1 day old to 12 weeks. The obviously happy and unstressed birds are slowgrowing for maximum taste and texture. The birds are “truly free-range” being free to roam day and night. A quality product reared to the highest welfare standards. 118

Sue and Ian Whitehead (left and right) present Belinda Nash and Amanda Biddle of Sutton Hoo Chickens with their award Suffolk November 2011

WINNERS: EADT SUFFOLK FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2011

Best Suffolk Drink Sponsored by Spring

Calvors Premium Lager, Coddenham The judges said: “A marvellous continental style lager, absolutely full of flavour and made without the addition of any artificial ingredients. Produced on a corner of the family farm using Suffolk malt, Calvors has risen in less than four years from the merest inkling of an idea to a well-known, proudly Suffolk drink.”

Andrew and Alec Williamson of Calvors Lager accept their award from Erika Clegg of Spring

Best Suffolk Product Sponsored by Southwold Pier

Sutton Hoo Free Range Chicken The judges said: “Well bred birds with a fully developed meatiness and lovely, slightly fibrous texture. The roasted bird displays very little weight loss and maintains a full hearty flavour.” Antonia Bournes of Southwold Pier presents Belinda Nash of Sutton Hoo Chicken with her award

Food Hero of the Year Sponsored by BBC Suffolk

Barry Chevallier-Guild, Aspall The judges said: “Our winner works at the top end of his industry and consistently shows an innovative approach to selling his product. The business is respected throughout the county and with both local people and visitors to the county Aspall has done more than its fair share to put Suffolk on the map.” Barry Chevallier-Guild of Aspall receives his award from Philippa Taylor of BBC Suffolk Suffolk November 2011

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One of the top butchers in Suffolk and in the top three for ‘BEST BUTCHER’ Awards at the ‘FOOD & DRINK’ Awards 2007 & 2009 George Debman is one of the last true traditional butchers in Ipswich and can supply anything from the traditional cut to something special for any occasion.

Make your perfect Christmas dish with a selection of meat from George.

TURKEYS ● BEEF ● BACON ● HOME COOKED HAM Place you order now for Christmas.

G . DEBMAN BUTCHERS 101 Cliff Lane, Ipswich IP3 0PQ : Telephone : 01473 251686

Christmas Menu 2011. Parties of 1 to 30 catered for Roast Parsnip, Apple & Honey Soup A Slice of Warm Goats Cheese Tart, Toasted Pine Nuts & Roquette Ham Hock Terrine, served with White Horse Piccalilli *******

Traditional Roast Turkey with all the Trimmings Fillet of Salmon Roasted over Basil,Tomatoes, Lemon Zest & Juice Mushroom & Potato Gratin, Parmesan Toast & Dressed Leaf Salad *******

White Horse Christmas Pudding, Brandy Butter & Creme Anglaise Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream served on a Spiced Pear Syrup Rich Chocolate & Rum Truffle Torte

urant The Reasta t

*******

FARM JIMMY’S

£22.95 per head 1st December 2011 to 23rd December 2011

Fabulous Food...

Delicious Breakfasts, Lunches, Cream Teas & Snacks

Fine Dining...

Using Locally Sourced, Seasonal Produce & Rare Breed

Award Winning Produce

Meats

Fantastic Fun...

Nights Now taking bookings for Christmas Parties and Comedy For more information and to book contact events@jimmysfarm.com

Inspiring Menus

01473 604206

Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR www.jimmysfarm.com

The White Horse, Rede Road, Whepstead, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4SS ce Market Craft & Produ

Telephone 01284 735760 | www.whitehorsewhepstead.co.uk

New Years Eve Dinner dance 5 courses with live music £50 per head

Christmas party bookings now being taken £25.00 for three courses, or £20.00 for two courses The Fat Goose, Heath Road, Tendring, Essex, CO16 0BX Tel: 01255 870060 E: eat@fat-goose.co.uk www.fat-goose.co.uk 120

Suffolk November 2011

EADT Suffolk Food & Drink Awards 2011 Food producers, retailers, chefs and restaurateurs from all around the county, along with members of the EADT Suffolk team, gathered to celebrate our annual Food & Drink Awards held once more at the lovely West Wing at Ickworth.

Jill Cox, Claire Belcher

James Gurney, Terry Hunt, Johnny Hustler

Jodie Smith, Sue Bunting, Kat Daines

Chris Knight, Barbara Knights

Justin T-Bone, Christian Bone

Doreen Knock, Rebecca Upson, David Upson

Jules and Sharpie

Jan Wise Billy Rayment

Lesley Dolphin Sandra Roberts, Jo Reeder, Antonia Bournes

Mark David

Gail Lambert, James Finch, Gill and Neil Mason

Katherine Silver and Chris Grover Suffolk November 2011

Clare Friel, Michelle Pollard

Jodie Smith

Jayne Lindill

David James, Christopher Theobold 121

Christmas at Seckford Hall Party Nights Dates available during December 3-course menu and disco Mon-Thurs £31.50 per person Fri & Sat £35.00 per person

01394 411785 • info@thesuttonplough.co.uk www.thesuttonplough.co.uk

Christmas Fayre in the restaurant (Available from 1st –23rd December)

OPEN FOR FOOD MON-SAT 12–2.30 & 6–9 SUNDAY LUNCH 12–4

Lunch 3-course menu £19.25 per person Dinner 3-course menu £23.50 per person (Sun-Thurs) £27.50 per person (Fri & Sat)

Local ales, wines and cyder

Club Restaurant For an informal Christmas get together why not try the Club Restuarant

Now taking Bookings for

New Year’s Eve in the Restaurant Spend New Year’s Eve in the beautiful surroundings of Seckford Hall. Enjoy ﬁne food in the company of friends or family. The perfect recipe for a memorable evening

Christmas ★ 2 courses £16.50 ★ ★ 3 courses £21.50 ★ 28th Nov - 24th Dec

3-courses £45 per person

Gift Vouchers available - the perfect Christmas gift

(Booking Essential)

Christmas Day Lunch 12-3pm £49.95 pp or U11’s £30

Seckford Hall Hotel Woodbridge Suffolk IP13 6NU

(Only available if PRE BOOKED)

01394 385678

We look forward to welcoming you

Website: www.seckford.co.uk Email: reception@seckford.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas at our Traditional Suffolk Country Pub featuring low beams, high settles,open logfire and a large selection of real ales and fine wines. We offer traditional seasonal fayre using local ingredients including venison,pheasant,rabbit,homemade pies and puddings.

Christmas Menu 2 courses at £18.50 3 courses £21.50 Includes Coffee and Mince Pies

New Years Eve Menu

3 courses in cludes Kir on arrival and a glass of fizz at midnight £30.00

BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN NOW We can cater for parties upto 50 persons

First Winter Beer Festival at the Golden Key 26th December to the 2nd January featuring a varied & interesting selection of real ales,milds & stouts

Seckford Hall Hotel & Restaurant

SIBTON WHITE HORSE INN Award Winning Food in a Genuine Pub

Step through the front door of the Masons' unassuming inn and prepare for a surprise. Oozing stacks of original charm with wonky walls, low beams and imposing inglenooks, this jaw-dropping kind of place makes for a worthwhile journey. Relaxed and informal, it's the perfect destination for foodies seeking high quality food without the formalities found in a restaurant. Drinkers can rejoice too, with a well stocked bar and a landlord who is equally passionate about local real ale and award winning food.

The Good Pub Guide County Dining Pub of the Year 2012. EADT Suffolk Best Food Pub 2011 (for the third time). Now Taking Christmas Bookings

The Golden Key Priory Road • Snape • Suffolk • IP17 1SG • 01728 688510 www.snapegoldenkey.co.uk • info@snapegoldenkey.co.uk 122

Halesworth Road • Sibton Nr Saxmundham • Suffolk • IP17 2JJ

01728 660337 www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk Suffolk November 2011

FOOD & DRINK The spirits of Adnams Jayne Lindill visits Adnams, sponsors of our Food & Drink Awards, to sample some Mother’s ruin

here’s been beer made at Sole Bay Brewery since even before George and Ernest Adnams bought it in 1872. Much has happened during the 139 years that the Adnams name has been above the door, but some things never change – the excellent quality of the beers, for example, and the innovative nature of the company. Despite becoming something of a modern icon, Adnams remains a Suffolk producer, rooted in Southwold, employing local people. When you visit the brewery you get the feeling that this is a company of craftsmen who really care about what they’re doing and just want to share with you the sheer joy of doing it. And why not? Working in sunny Southwold, yards from the sea, making beer – what could be better? Well, possibly making vodka and gin. It’s a little over a year since Adnams distilled its first spirits and in that time it has created a hand-crafted range that includes Small Batch Distilled Gin, Barley Distilled Vodka, First Rate Finest Cut Gin, Longshore Finest Cut Vodka and North Cove Oak Aged Vodka, plus three liqueurs, Limoncello, Sloe Gin, and a Winter Spiced liqueur perfect for Christmas. In 2013 the first Adnams whisky and Eau de Vie de Beer will go on sale. As Jonathan Adnams explains, making spirits is a natural step for his company to take and it’s worth doing the Copper House Distillery tour to learn in some detail how Adnams goes about it. The process uses the same basic ingredients to produce the wash from which beer is made. It’s a fascinating process in which alcohol strength and flavours are finely balanced to produce Suffolk November 2011

Jonathan Adnams in the Copper House

Grain to glass quite unique products. The barley from the beer wash creates a completely different, far more sophisticated and complex drink than the gins and vodkas most of us are familiar with. Distiller John McCarthy adds botanicals – up to 13 – to produce a range that swings between elegant and pure, to aromatic and spicy. North Cove Vodka, which gets my vote, is matured in new French oak barrels. This gives it a mellow, smoky character that’s almost a cross between a vodka and a whisky. The distillery is the pride and joy of Jonathan Adnams, who, as a brewing engineer, says he has always had an interest in distilling. He has travelled the world researching his subject and learning how to perfect spirits from grain. Most smaller scale distillers make vodka spirit from potatoes or fruit, although French and German brewers are producing spirits and, indeed, Adnams’ specially installed distilling

equipment hails from Germany. In typical Adnams green fashion, little is wasted in the brewing/distilling processes. The waste from the distillery feeds the company’s anaerobic converter and the hot water produced in distilling is used to clean returned beer barrels. It is testimony to the strength of the Adnams brand and its products that the company has been able to invest in the distillery and take a completely new, premium product range to market in the depths of a recession. Why I wondered, would you want to take the risk? “It was a natural step,” says Jonathan. “What I was seeing in the States was a lot of little micro-distillers setting up, sometimes with micro-breweries on site. “I sense consumers are changing their preferences in terms of spirits – they’re looking for provenance and something of better quality. For us to put in a distillery was dead easy – we already had a brewing company and we have the ability to get our new product to market.” I’m certainly putting a bottle on my Christmas list. 123

readercompetition The Adnams Copper House distillery sits alongside the brewery and uses many of the same local ingredients. From the top of the building you can see some of the best views in Southwold, looking across the rooftops to the Lighthouse and North Sea beyond. The beautiful Suffolk coastline has been the inspiration for the product names and elegant packaging design. Adnams has created the most energy efficient distillery in the UK, respecting tradition whilst utilising state of the art technology. The distillery generates 50% of the required water and steam for the brewery, forming an integral part of a sustainable system. The distillery contains all the equipment needed to create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;grain to glassâ&#x20AC;? product taking local barley, wheat and oats. The tour demonstrates the highly precise intricacies of micro distilling and small batch process, as well as the creativity too. Adnams have teamed up with EADT Suffolk to offer a great prize this month. One lucky reader will win 2 Adnams distillery tour tickets, lunch at The Crown Hotel in Southwold and a bottle of Adnams Gin each for you and your guest to take home. Five runners-up will each receive a pair of distillery tour tickets.

Win a great Adnams day out! What is the name of the new Adnams Distillery? a) Copper House

b) Gold House

c) Bronze House

For your chance to win, simply complete the coupon on page 133, or visit www.suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk and click on the competitions button 124

Suffolk November 2011

FOOD Foreign flavours

Spice & EASY

Ruth French has been cooking spicy world cuisine for more than three decades. Now she reveals the alchemy behind the flavours

Suffolk November 2011

s it really possible to get home-made curries tasting just like the ‘real’ thing? And what is it exactly that makes the flavours of say, a falafel so thoroughly middle-Eastern? Let me take you deep into my world of spices. The first trick is to get to know each of the individual spices rather than blends and mixes. This is much easier to do than when I first started using them over 30 years ago as even the unusual spices are now widely available. Most can now be found in the major supermarkets and those that can’t will be found in the Asian grocers and in delis or food halls. You can even purchase them all online if you’re dedicated to having the lot all at once. Every world cuisine that uses spices on a daily basis will have many that are the same as another nation’s cuisine and yet, that

culture’s food will taste different. The addition or subtraction of spices combined with differing adjuncts, for example coconut milk, fruit and sugar, will produce the taste of that land depending on what grows there. For instance, almost all Indian dishes will use the ubiquitous spice cumin. When combined with coriander, garam masala, fenugreek and other typically ‘curry-tasting’ spices, we get the dry, earthy flavour we most associate with our takeaway. But take out one or two spices, add fennel, parsley and mint to the combination and hey presto! You are transported to the Lebanon, to Northern Cyprus or to Turkey. Experiment with the cuisines of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines and love the flavours that lime, ginger, chilli and palm sugar bring to the mix.  125

Love spicy food but don’t fancy cooking?

Then get yourself to Ipswich and into my very favourite fusion restaurant and bar, Aqua Eight. In my opinion it features the best Pan-Asian, spiced food menu outside of London and is run with such insight, dedication and expertise that you might never eat ‘ordinary’ food again! The restaurant is run by Vincent and Patrick Cheung, whose father originates from Hong Kong and who had been a successful restaurateur in the Colchester area. Now retired, he continues to inspire his sons in a business sense but they have cultivated their own twist on the ‘PanAsian’ ethos from the region. Vincent told me that he wanted to get away from the old notion of simply using a myriad of hackneyed dishes to represent the cuisine and dreamed of re-styling them into something thoroughly modern, fresh and exciting. Well they have done just that and more. Aqua Eight is in the heart of the town centre and yet sufficiently tucked away to offer its own little hub of atmosphere in Lion Sreet. My lunchtime treat included a green salad with miso, crayfish and rice, crab and prawn katso and those were just for starters! How about quail and honey or venison in mandarin sauce? Each dish was visual artistry and an absolute joy to eat. It is a measure of the success of Aqua Eight that the staff have such longevity of service here. Chef Steve, a particularly modest, amiable and talented man who clearly loves his job, is a perfectionist. Each dish has a unique flavour and perfect signature and is created using local meat and game and organic chicken wherever possible. If you love spicy, oriental food, it doesn’t get better than this. Visit Aqua Eight’s website for more details of their incredibly diverse menu and for details of their news and forthcoming events. Aqua Eight Restaurant & Bar, 8 Lion Street, Ipswich IP1 1DQ Tel:0143 218994 www.aquaeight.com 126

SOME DO’S AND DON’TS OF USING SPICES ✔ Do follow a recipe first and then interpret it yourself ✔ Do add more fried onion, oil, fried spice, tomato ✔ Do use only the freshest ingredients ✔ Do use a wooden spoon and keep it just for spices ✔ Do thicken it with rice flour or instant potato flakes if too thin ✘ Don’t think that a recipe is definitive and that you’ve got it wrong ✘ Don’t add water to a curry to increase the volume of the sauce ✘ Don’t add sultanas! ✘ Don’t use shoddy ingredients in the mistaken belief that spices will mask their deficiency ✘ Don’t thicken a curry with wheat flour or gravy ✘ Don’t be frightened to experiment and make some awful dishes – my first forays into spiced food were inedible!

‘What about the time factor though?’ I hear you say. Once you have a store of all the spices and other things like yoghurt, fish sauce and coconut handy, it’s possible to make a world-class, world-cuisine dish in minutes. So what do you really need to make an Indian-style curry? You can make a good start by using the following ‘magic six’ spices:

l Cumin (jeera) l Coriander (dhanyia) l Turmeric (haldi) l Cardamom (eelachie) l Garam masala l Chilli (lal mirchi) Begin by purchasing and using them in their powdered form (with the exception of the cardamom which you can crush with the back of a wooden spoon). It’s Suffolk November 2011

great to dry-roast them in a pan yourself but it’s a process that’ll add time to a recipe which if you skip, will render the spices bitter and I don’t want to put you off at this delicate stage! This six-spice combination will yield a very good curry if combined with previously fried onions, garlic and ginger and it is this initial stage that you must master. So, a simple curry can be made by first frying the said onions, garlic and ginger in a pan with a little vegetable or groundnut (peanut) oil. When softened, add a teaspoonful of cumin and turmeric, a largish pinch of chilli, two teaspoonfuls of coriander and the crushed seeds from three or four cardamom. Fry with the softened onion mix, taking care not to burn, adding more oil if you think it might. Now add some chopped tomatoes – if you want a tomato-based flavour – a little coconut milk – especially for fish or lamb curry – and then you’ll start to get a ‘curry sauce’ proper. Don’t add water. Now you can season for salt or more chilli, add meat and/or vegetables and simmer until cooked. Add a teaspoonful of garam masala towards the end of cooking and a generous handful of chopped, fresh coriander for a truly authentic tasting curry. Now temper your dish with some extra fried onion and garlic plus a little more fresh coriander, gently working them through whilst leaving some on the top. Play about with your spices and experiment by adding or subtracting and invest in the more unusual ones such as ajwain – carom, sometimes referred to as lovage – and asafoetida, a gum-resin which although smells a little unpleasant in the raw, changes in character upon cooking and just loves potatoes. So what about other world spices? My advice would be to gather a few essentials along with the dry spices such as soy and fish sauce, coconut milk, palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves, curry leaves, tamarind paste and rice vinegar. All can be found in Global Fruits in Buttermarket in Ipswich, along with a good selection of fresh spices, such as lemon grass, holy Thai basil, galangal and chillies of all manner. You could add to this list Jamaican spices and every other dried spice in-between if you wanted to be adventurous. Suffolk November 2011

A really easy and quick spiced dish is a A BIT ON THE SIDE home-made green Thai curry. Just blitz What about spicy side-dishes like roughly equal quantities of lemon grass, onion bhajiis, falafel, samosas, galangal – a rhizome similar to ginger – satays, kebabs and more? Well, fresh coriander, garlic and green chilli and they’re easy. What’s more they are add it to some fish sauce, widely available cheap and quick to make yourself and called nam-pla. using just a few ingredients and a Now ‘poach’ some fresh chicken, fish or little spice alchemy. Try these: vegetables in coconut milk (available in a tin) and then blend in the Onion bhajiis greenish spice-paste, simmering An Indian delight. Chop up a few the lot until the food’s cooked small onions and drop them into a through. This dish is wonderfully stiff flour and water batter using gram fragrant, uses no oil at all and is flour (chick pea flour) which you can buy from major supermarkets and authentic. Add a few fine green delis. Add salt, a teaspoon or so of beans and serve with rice noodles. cumin, garam masala, coriander and A few interesting facts that may chilli powder to taste. Scoop up a win your respect for spices. They dessertspoonful and drop into deep, are foods that promote good very hot fat. At once it will rise to the health. Firstly, they are top. Cook until dark brown and firm preservatives and play a vital role inside . Serve with mango chutney. in arresting the decay process. This is why they are used in hot Falafel climes. Without refrigeration, A middlefood in countries such as India, eastern snack. Smash or would putrefy in less than half a blitz some day if this millennia-old step isn’t chickpeas taken. When spice blends are and add raw rubbed into the flesh the decay onion and process is halted for days and garlic to the bowl. Mix in some sometimes longer. chopped nuts, chopped parsley Many spices are strongly and some breadcrumbs. Now add antiseptic and tend to ward off a dessertspoonful of cumin, a pinch disease both internally and of nutmeg and cinnamon and some externally. During the first fresh mint if available. Add an egg world-war, cinnamon was used to to bind and dust in flour – preferably disinfect beef tea given to soldiers with chick-pea flour – then deep fry until golden and firm. Serve with minted amazing results which subsequently yoghurt mixed with mint sauce. showed that it has a stronger germicidal action than carbolic. Spring Many spices are carminative, that is to rolls say they settle the stomach. Look at the These little list of ingredients in a bottle of gripe Vietnamese water and you’ll discover dill, caraway and rolls can be fennel. Add cardamom to this list and you made with won’t get indigestion after a curry which, either rice incidentally, happens because it is so paper or filo delicious we eat it too quickly! pastry. First hydrate some dried speciality fungi or chop some fresh As we speak, there’s research mushrooms. Now add some going on into the role that *Ruth cooked crab meat or some spices play in the prevention teaches the ar prawns or shrimps, a small t and treatment of serious of curry makin amount of fine rice noodles g w ith illnesses such as diabetes, her curry cour and combine with chopped ses. Visit heart disease and cancers. her website at spring onions and some torn www. I won’t qualify claims here ruthfrench.co basil leaves. Add a dash of m and go by entering into the to ‘Spice Alche fish sauce, a beaten egg and my’ medicinal but I am some lime juice and roll an eggconvinced that their properties sized amount into a cigar shape. and benefits are manifold and we Wrap in an oiled rice paper or piece can only do ourselves good by including of filo. Deep fry until golden. Serve with a sweet dipping sauce. them in our diet. 127

readeroffer With Christmas just around the corner, we have the ideal gift for you and your loved ones. Created by The Woodbridge Fine Food Company, the Suffolk Hamper is crammed full of Suffolk goodies. The Woodbridge Fine Food Company in New Street, Woodbridge, is an Aladdin's cave for foodies, full to bursting with fabulous Suffolk produce, including The World Famous Pies. Why not visit Patrick and his team and stock up for Christmas? Priced at just £75 including free next day delivery (not including Scotland, Northern Ireland and overseas), the Suffolk Hamper is the perfect Christmas gift - and hassle free! Your hamper will contain: • Suffolk Dry Cure Ham from Free Range Suffolk Pigs 250g

The perfect Christmas gift for you and your loved ones

• Suffolk Dry Cure Bacon from Free Range Suffolk Pigs 200g • Suffolk Gold & Suffolk Blue Cheese from a Guernsey Herd near Coddenham 200g • Suffolk Honey 454g from one of the 400 Suffolk Bee Keepers • Real Ale Chutney 200g with a Hint of Adnams Beer • Pickled Quails Eggs from a Flock of Akenfield Quail • “World Famous” Pie from The Woodbridge Fine Food Company a Choice of Pork, Pork & Stilton, Chicken & Ham, Pork & Caramelized Red Onion or Wild Suffolk Game • Bottle of Bacchus Wine from Shawsgate Vineyard Framlingham “a rather fruity tipple” Please send your order to The Woodbridge Fine Food Company, 2A New Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DT. Photocopies accepted. I would like to order ____ Suffolk Hamper/s @ £75.00 each including free delivery. Please specify your choice of pie at the time of ordering: _______________ CHEQUE I enclose my cheque/postal order for £ made payable to Woodbridge Fine Foods

CARD Authorise Archant Regional Ltd. to charge my VISA/MASTERCARD/MAESTRO/DELTA (Amex not accepted) £ Card no:

Expiry Date All

Maestro/Delta only valid from Issue No

Delivery details: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................................... Telephone Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To order your Suffolk Hamper, simply complete the order form, call 01394 610000 or email your order to patrick.hockley@talk21.com To guarantee delivery before Christmas, please place your order by Tuesday December 20th 2011

Ref: Archant Hamper 1

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Suffolk November 2011

Recipeofthemonth By William Walker of The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head, Hadleigh

Thai Red Seafood Curry Serves 2 Ingredients for the Thai red curry paste 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 2 teaspoons coriander seeds 3 red chillies 3 sticks of lemongrass, outer leaves removed 100g ginger Zest of 1 lime 2 shallots, roughly chopped 4 spring onions, roughly chopped Stalks from a bunch of coriander 3 tablespoons paprika Half a can of coconut milk Ingredients for the curry Mixed seafood (eg monkfish, tuna, scallops, Tiger prawns, mussels, lobster) cut to a similar size 1 tin of coconut milk

METHOD To make the sauce In a frying pan, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until they start to pop. Place all the ingredients into a liquidiser and blitz to a smooth paste. To make the curry Place three dessertspoons of curry paste into a frying pan and fry for a few seconds. Add a tin of coconut milk and bring to the boil. Put the seafood into the pan, apart from the mussels (if using), turn down the Suffolk November 2011

heat and simmer for two minutes. Add the mussels and continue to cook until the mussels have opened. Add the fish sauce (approx half a teaspoon) to taste. No salt is required as the fish sauce is salty. Serve the curry in warmed bowls and garnish with fresh coriander, julienne of carrot, mange tout and spring onion (if required). Serve with sautĂŠed bean sprouts and noodles in sweet chilli sauce or Thai style rice cooked to packet instructions. 129

Come and visit our new

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Christmas Party Nights at Thorpeness Country Club In a fantastic setting, overlooking the sea, enjoy fabulous food and top entertainment including Deka tribute evenings, disco nights and the very popular Tommy Winn, from just £29.95 per person. Our party nights commence from Saturday 3rd December.

• Woodburning stoves • Chimney & Flue work including lining • Boiler changes • Bathrooms & general plumbing • Solar hot water • Solar PV systems • Air source heat pumps

New Year’s Eve Party Our fantastic New Year's Eve Party, on the 31st December, includes cocktails on arrival, a five-course dinner, Champagne, sky lanterns, live entertainment and dancing until 1am. £69 per person. Pre-booking is essential Also servicing and repair work undertaken

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

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS STARTERS PUMPKIN, CHILLI AND COCONUT SOUP SMOKED HAM HOCK, POTATO, PARSLEY AND SHALLOT SALAD WITH MUSTARD DRESSING LINGUINE PASTA WITH BLACK OLIVES, CAPERS, TOMATOES AND AGED PARMESAN JAPANESE SAKE AND SCHEZUAN PEPPERCORN SPICED SALMON, MICRO HERB SALAD AND LEMON CREAM

MAIN COURSES NORFOLK BRONZE TURKEY BREAST, CHESTNUT STUFFING, PIGS IN BLANKETS, ROSEMARY ROAST POTATOES, WINTER VEGETABLES AND GRAVY FILLET OF SEABASS, FRESH CRAB AND HERB SPIKED TAGLIATELLE AND CRAB BISQUE DAUBE OF DINGLEY DELL PORK, DRIED APRICOTS AND CHAMP POTATO RISOTTO OF WILD MUSHROOMS, TARRAGON AND BLACK TRUFFLE OIL

DESSERTS CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE CHOCOLATE AND GINGER TART WITH VANILLA POACHED PEAR PISTACHIO CRÈME BRÛLÉE WITH SHORTBREAD BISCUIT SELECTION OF CHEESES, GRAPES AND OAT BISCUITS

Fax: 01394 384196 Mobile: 07860 241417 Email: martin@martinmelville.com Unit 6, Bridge Business Park, Top Street, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4RB website www.martinmelville.com

Festive dining at the Brudenell... Our beautiful seafront setting, stylish decor, fine food and wines combine to make the Brudenell a cosseting and decadent venue for your festive celebrations. Choose from our chic restaurant or the intimate and elegant setting of the Avocet room, which seats upto 20 guests. ••• 2-course lunch with coffee or tea and homemade mince pies – £13.00 per person ••• 3-course lunch with coffee or tea and homemade mince pies – £15.50 per person ••• 3-course dinner with coffee or tea and homemade mince pies – £21.00 per person Our festive menus will be available from 28th November - 22nd December.

LUNCH £18.00 PER PERSON DINNER £26.00 PER PERSON

View our menus online at www.brudenellhotel.co.uk/christmas-and-new-year-2011.aspx

Enquiries and Group Bookings please call Laura on 01473 218811

For bookings and enquiries please call Joanne or Francois on 01728 452071 or email assistantmanager@brudenellhotel.co.uk

Quayside • 12 Regatta Quay • Key Street Ipswich • IP4 1FF • Tel: 01473 218811 email: info@quayside-ipswich.co.uk www.quayside-ipswich.co.uk

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For details please phone: 01394 384175

Brudenell Hotel, The Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5BU www.brudenellhotel.co.uk info@brudenell.co.uk Follow us here:

Suffolk November 2011

FOOD & DRINK Maynard House It’s an important year for the Williamson family, marking 50 years since they started growing fruit near Bury St Edmunds, the launch of two new juices and the replanting of an apple variety first introduced to the UK by their grandfather more than 80 years ago. Tessa Fox went to help them celebrate

Core values J

ake’s favourite is the Cox & Bramley. Hattie agrees, but sister Emma prefers the sweeter Apple & Elderflower, while Zara, nearly two, finds the Apple & Raspberry more to her taste, though whether it’s the flavour or

Here’s the juice... Taste is a personal thing, but the Maynard House Orchards range of juices should provide something for even the pickiest palate. Here are the tasting notes: Cox & Bramley: medium dry, quintessentially British Discovery: light and refreshingly crisp Russet: sweet and slightly nutty, just like the apples Apple & Raspberry: sweet and sharp, dry finish, slightly tannic and palate cleansing. Made with raspberries grown on the farm Apple & Elderflower: surprisingly heavy body and depth of flavor, with a clean, fresh finish. Produced with a cordial made from elderflowers picked from the hedgerows around the orchards. Suffolk November 2011

the dramatic pinkness of the freshlypressed juice that appeals to her is perhaps debatable. These critical palates belong to the youngest generation of the Williamson family, which has grown fruit – and latterly produced apple juice at Church Farm in the village of Bradfield Combust, just outside Bury St Edmunds, since 1961. The cousins are gathered, with parents, grandparents, and a few family friends, one Sunday in early October to celebrate the year’s harvest. The Williamsons and their guests are in a mood to celebrate. Not only did these sheltered orchards largely escape the unexpected May frosts that put paid to entire crops for some fruit farmers, but John Williamson is marking 50 years on the farm and his son, Clive – the marketing brains in the family and managing director of the family’s Maynard House Orchards apple juice brand – is launching two new juice flavours to join an already award-winning range. Paul, meanwhile, whose expertise lies in growing the fruit, is looking forward to

Good apples. Top; Clive Williamson checks his crop. Above left; some of the juices produced by Maynards and above; juice bottled up and ready for labelling Photographs by Tudor Morgan-Owen

the substantial replanting of an old variety, Kidd’s Orange Red, first brought into the UK by his grandfather, Frederick Williamson back in the 1930s. A barn has been cleared of machinery, blankets thrown over hay bales to serve as seats and pork is being slow-roasted in the farmhouse Aga. Tables are laid, chilled apple juice poured. Spirits are high and the Indian summer sun is warm. Over a generous meal, the story emerges. The Maynard House Orchards label as it appears today is a result of the marriage of two Suffolk fruit farming families. It was the Williamsons’ farming neighbour, Christopher Hardingham – the same Hardingham family who set up the renowned Alder Carr farm shop in Needham Market – who created a smallscale juice business back in the early ‘90s. He sold it between 2009 and 2010 to the Williamsons who already cultivated 250 acres of apples, pears, soft fruit and Christmas trees for the wholesale trade. They in turn invested in up to date production and cold-store facilities, new branding and marketing know-how, thanks to Clive’s years spent with  131

companies such as Unilever Below right; and Kerry Foods. Although Clive and John the new buildings Williamson represent a significant Maynard House checking the Kidds investment, Clive was Orchards Cox & Bramley Orange Red apples determined to remain apple juice won a gold at Maynards House two-star award at the 2011 true to the label’s Orchard Great Taste Awards, organised artisanal heritage and is Photograph by by the Guild of Fine Food. Tudor proud that every one of The juice is also a finalist Morgan-Owen the 100,000 or so bottles in this year’s Quality produced annually is Food Awards. made using an oldfashioned pressing and This season’s two new pasteurising method. It is a truly flavours will join the existing local, family business. award-winning Cox & Bramley* and the “The fruit mostly comes from Paul’s single varietal Russet and Discovery. and Chris’s farms. It’s hand-picked at the Apple and Raspberry is a blend of a right moment, allowed to ripen in store to distinctive apple and raspberries grown on intensify the flavour, and then pressed, the farm, while the Apple & Elderflower blended, bottled and pasteurised slowly. is produced using a cordial made from And it’s all done here on the farm with a elderflowers hand-picked from hedgerows very small team.” Store-ripening is around the farm. Kidd’s Orange Red, a important as fruit left to tree-ripen can mix of Cox and Red Delicious, will add to have a woolly texture, he explains, while the range once Paul’s new trees start to pasteurising slowly – rather than flashbear fruit. It’s a long term plan, and one pasteurising in seconds – may limit that brings the family commitment to output, but preserves an intensity of fruit growing full circle. John is clearly flavour. Marketing has also been done in a delighted: “We used to have over ten fairly labour-intensive way too. thousand Kidd’s trees but now there are “I decided to pitch the juice to highjust three here. It will remain a heritage end restaurants and hotels, focusing on variety, but it juices well, and we’ll central London,” said Clive. “I just probably combine it with a bit of Bramley phoned up the head chefs and sent them to sharpen the flavour as it’s quite a sweet samples. If you can get the head chef on apple.” side, you’re in!” His efforts paid off and At the end of the meal, the sunshine now guests at the 5-star Mandarin beckons and the family leads an amble Oriental Hyde Park hotel have a through the orchards. Rows of apple trees complimentary 240ml bottle of juice in present a pleasingly symmetrical view into their bedrooms and chef Heston the distance, the occasional old-fashioned Blumenthal uses the Russet in a recipe at his new Michelin-starred restaurant in the hotel, Dinner. Other high-end customers include the Ritz and the Institute of Directors, while local restaurants such as Organising a Christmas fair when the the Angel hotel in Bury St Edmunds, thermometer is pushing 80 degrees Ravenwood hotel in Rougham and the seems incongruous, but sisters-in-law Black Lion in Long Melford are all fans. Lucy and Ruth Williamson are in full Farm shops and local delicatessens also swing signing up stall holders for their stock the range. first Christmas Market to be held in one “I wanted to create a premium product of Church Farm’s characterful barns with a professional, clean image, but still on Saturday December 10. They have be a small local business,” says Clive. He’s invited local craftspeople to sell their keen to share his way of doing things with goods, preferring to offer a platform other small-scale growers, increasing for small-scale specialists rather than numbers of whom bring their fruit to be established companies. Lucy paints are temptingly festive picture – a big tree pressed. “We’ve got about 10 local in the yard, carols, hot drinks and food growers who bring their fruit for us to to enjoy perched on a hay bale, during press and bottle. As long as it’s at least some stress-free Christmas shopping. 150kg [four or five trees would produce Ruth also runs a thriving Farmstay bed this amount] it’s viable and we can make and breakfast operation. She set aside about 100l of juice for them.” 132

ladder leant up against a tree as if part of a lifestyle photo shoot, and the odd hare glimpsed in the long grass. Most of the fruit has been picked, but the scent of apples lingers in the warm air. Up by the fishing lake a rowing boat is tied to a jetty, a reminder of many a summer weekend spent camping by the water. Even the children contribute to the image, towhaired, happy in each other’s company, biking madly along the paths. It’s not hard to see why Clive loves his work, and why the family is investing in its future in their idyllic corner of Suffolk. For more information about Maynard House Orchard juices, go to www.applejuice.uk.com.

Getting festive on the farm two beautiful bedrooms in the 18th century flint farmhouse 16 years ago and has been welcoming visitors to her family home ever since, juggling their needs with those of the family and farm with apparent calm. “It’s not always easy,” she concedes, “but I’ve met some really nice people over the years and many come back time and again, so that makes it worthwhile.” l For more information about Church Farm bed and breakfast, go to www.churchfarm-bandb.co.uk. l To find out more about the Christmas Market, email Ruth or Lucy at christmas@churchfarmshop.com or go to www.churchfarmshop.com. Suffolk November 2011

READER COMPETITION

entry forms If you would like to enter the fabulous competitions featured within this issue of EADT Suffolk, simply complete this coupon and return to the address shown: PAGE

124

Win an Adnams day out Q: What is the name of the new Adnams distillery?

a: Copper House

b: Gold House

c: Bronze House

PAGE

Win a Christmas tree and decorations from Blackthorpe Q: Rougham Estate Christmas Trees are available from Blackthorpe Barn from?

a: 26th November b:11th December c:20th December Name:

.........................................................

Address:

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...............................................................

Tel no:

.........................................................

✃

Email Address:

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Please return to: Jo Reeder, EADT Suffolk - November Competitions, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN by the closing date of November 30th, 2011

You can also enter online - visit www.suffolk.greatbritishlife.co.uk and click on the competitions button. By providing your email address you are agreeing that Archant may contact you with information on appropriate products or services. Archant and carefully selected third parties may wish to contact you about special offers, products or services by post or telephone. Please tick the appropriate box if you do not want to receive these details by post or telephone from us ❑ from third parties ❑ Please tick here ❑ if you would like to receive details of special offers, products or services that may be of interest to you from carefully selected companies via email.

Suffolk November 2011

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Drinkup

Wise words on wine, beer and spirits

Some like it hot

Choose drinks carefully when ordereing spicy dishes

Sarah Groves, from Suffolk brewer and wine merchant Adnams, suggests suitable partners for spicy food

t the close of autumn, Suffolk takes on a special beauty. A host of natural spectacles remind us that the frosty grip of winter is tightening. Clouds of starlings gather shoal-like in the twilight to dive headlong into the reeds to roost, and the once-vibrant greens of the hedgerows and fields become subdued and darken, slowly shrinking from the coming cold. Our thoughts, too, turn to warming, sustaining dishes – root vegetables and roast meats, or spicy, exotic dishes. Moroccan-style lamb, roast pork with red cabbage and cinnamon, or a warming bowl of spicy parsnip soup served with crusty granary bread. But what to drink with spicy dishes? Chillies in particular pose a challenge to many styles of wine, but some lagers and lighter, low-hopped beers are perfect partners to hot dishes from India or

A quick winter warmer With Bonfire Night upon us and Christmas looming, how better to warm a chilly evening than a mug of spicy mulled wine? Here’s the Suffolk Mag team’s favourite recipe. 1 bottle red wine, 100ml orange juice, 30g sugar (or more to taste), 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp cloves, dash of brandy. Simply put all the ingredients in a pan and warm through until sugar has melted and spices infused. Just delicious. Cheers! 134

Thailand. Served cool they counter the heat, and the sweetness and fizz helps bite through the burn. Sweeter style white wines also work well – good German Rieslings and Gewürztraminer’s from Alsace are superb choices. Immediate, full and rich dishes such as peppered steak are at their best with generous full bodied reds such as Australian Grenache or Shiraz, or a sturdy Côtes du Rhône. Big food flavours equals big, bold wine. Dishes with gentle spices, however, call for a wine with delicate aromatics and a round, smooth mouthfeel. One of my favourites is a stunning wine from the beautiful mountains around Malaga in Southern Spain – Mountain Blanco 2009 (£12.99) from winemaker Telmo Rodriguez. The sustainably-grown Moscatel vines are interspersed with olive trees and native mountain vegetation. It’s a gorgeous, delicately aromatic wine, with subtle hints of sage, apricots, crystalline candied lemons and limes and even a hint of oranges. Although dry, the wine carries some natural sweetness, and remains fresh and clean in the mouth, balancing perfectly gentle spices in food. Likewise, Gentil from Caves des Pfaffenheim in Alsace, France (£9.99) is wonderful with ‘fusion’ cuisine. A blend of varieties, including Gewürztraminer and Riesling come together to

create a delicately perfumed wine that excels with seafood such as spiced prawns. It’s all about balance and complementary flavours and aromas. Above all though, it’s about maximising your enjoyment. I asked Adnams’ Masterbrewer, Fergus Fitzgerald, what he pairs with spicy dishes: “Spindrift works well with a softly spiced dish – perhaps something with a bit of sweetness, like a korma. Adnams Explorer’s citrus flavours are enhanced by spicy food and they bring out those citrus flavours in, say, a Thai curry. “Something like the American-style IPA would match a bigger, spicier dish, maybe like a Rogan Josh. There is a good malt sweetness to the American IPA to match the sweetness of the dish and the flavours will stand up to the spicy food.” Adnams brew a seasonal ‘Winter Spiced’ beer, which is spiced with, among other things, cinnamon. It’s fun to match it with foods that feature cinnamon as an ingredient. Fergus continues: “Winter Spiced has good sweetness with some chocolate notes, so it works with a medium-spiced dish.” As if all this isn’t enough, then for a fun digestive after several courses of spicy delights, you can round off your supper with a glass of Adnams Winter Spiced liqueur (£13.99) – a gorgeous blend of vanilla pods and pimenta berries, guaranteed to banish winter chills . . . at least for a moment! Suffolk November 2011

Suffolk November 2011

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FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LUNCHES The Bar & Brasserie provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch. Served from Monday to Saturday from 1st-23rd December, let us fill you with Christmas cheer! Pre-booking essential. 2-courses £11.95, 3-course lunch £15.95

Principal Contents of Reydon Hall, Suffolk Tuesday 6 December Knightsbridge London

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA Tickle your taste buds with a long and indulgent festive afternoon tea, including a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and preserves, a selection of homemade cakes, including mince pies, a yuletide log and a full selection of teas and coffee with Christmas crackers and novelties. Served throughout the week from 3-5pm. Pre-booking essential. £11.95 per person

WINTER WONDERLAND DINNER DANCE 26TH NOVEMBER This month’s dinner dance will take place in the magical themed setting of the James Cable Room from 7-11.30pm. Drinks will be served in the Bar, followed by a fabulous 4-course dinner and live act. Pre-booking essential. £29 per person.

PRE-BOOKING FOR ALL OF OUR FESTIVE EVENTS IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

Explore. Dream. Discover. Hotel Aldeburgh

Preview The Athenaeum Angel Hill Bury St Edmunds

ASK ABOUT OUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BREAKS. VISIT: WWW.WHITELION.CO.UK OR CALL: 01728 452720

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Well Lane | Clare | Suffolk | CO10 8NH

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Tel 01787 279 024 Suffolk November 2011

COUNTY culture

Ruthie Henshall and Guests perform at Ipswich Regen t on November 20 in aid of Suffolk Fam ily Carers

Your 14-page guide to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening this month l Diana Quick at DocFest l Sydney comes to Snape l Lime Tree turns five

Suffolk November 2011

l Galleries guide and listings l All the best bonfires l Theatre, music, comedy

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CULTURE Diana Quick

From stage

to screen Actress and Suffolk resident Diana Quick has ambitious plans for the Aldeburgh DocFest as she tells Ros Green

“S

uffolk is my escape route,” explains actress Diana Quick as we sit in her Suffolk garden savouring the last burst of summer, our conversation quickly turning to her life-long relationship with the county. “Although I grew up in Dartford in Kent I have always had roots in Suffolk. My maternal grandmother was born here and we used to come and stay with our cousins for the holidays. I have very happy memories of being taken ferreting and pickling eggs – the bounty of the larder!” Somehow I never imagined discussing ferreting or pickling eggs with the original Julia Flyte of the seminal Brideshead Revisted, a TV drama that kept me glued to the set for its duration. If memory serves me correct, I believe that actor Anthony Andrews played a big part in my viewing experience. Diana is quick to acknowledge the impact of Brideshead on her career. 138

“I’d already played leads at the National Theatre, performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, been in Ridley Scott’s debut film The Duellist (along with

“I want to bring a fresh impetus to the already highly successful Aldeburgh DocFest. To entertain and challenge by expanding the repertoire of events” Edward Fox, Keith Carradine and Albert Finney), Winner of Best Debut Film at 1977 Cannes Film Festival, but it was Brideshead that caught the public’s imagination.”

Diana secured her first professional acting job at the Queen’s Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue when she was only 19. That is, before going to Oxford to study English Literature and Language. “We didn’t have gap years then but I suppose this was my gap year. I’d always been interested in acting – as soon as I could walk and talk. We didn’t have a TV so we had to make our own entertainment, which usually ended up with me bullying my younger siblings and their friends into acting in my plays.” Her interest in drama continued to be nurtured at school by her inspirational teacher, Miss Davis, who encouraged the class to write plays as well as perform in them. This led to Diana participating in various youth theatre productions and finally culminated in her successfully auditioning for a part in A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream at the Queen’s Theatre. The rest is history. Suffolk November 2011

However, despite her remarkable career both on screen and stage, Diana has never lost her passion for embryonic theatre and film making, which is the real reason we’re sitting in her garden, an autumnal sea mist rolling in from the coast. Suffolk isn’t just a bolthole for Diana, a salve to her often-gruelling schedule in the city; she actually plays an active role on behalf of various local arts organisations with a special focus on Halesworth-based HighTide Festival and the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival. Diana is keen to explain her motives and begins with HighTide, the world’s first Producing Festival of new plays. “I have always thought that Suffolk is slightly under represented in the arts and especially in theatre, which is one of the reasons Sam Hodges and my daughter, Mary, thought up HighTide Festival – as a ‘forcing house’ for new talent.” HighTide has become something of a phenomenon in its own right. Anyone who’s been watching it over the last few years will be aware of its meteoric rise to fame, its multiple transfers to the West End and impressive accolades at the Edinburgh Festival. Its success is inevitably buoyed by its formidable list of thespian patrons including Diana’s exhusband Bill Nighy, David Hare, Sam Mendes and Sinéad Cusack. However, Diana doesn’t just lend her support she plays a very real part in it, this year performing in the one-person show Midnight Your Time, which transferred, Diana-in-tow, to the Edinburgh Fringe, where it secured glowing reviews and played to packed houses. This was no mean commitment on Diana’s part, especially given the stamina required sustaining a one-person-show over a three-week season. “Performing in a one-person-show is always gruelling. You have to be fit, rested, exercised and fed. And also, we were still working on the script, trying things out with the audience, and reworking it throughout the first week.” All the hard work has definitely paid off with HighTide now a leading light for Arts Council England as a regional hub for new theatre and writing. Diana also sits on the Board of the Aldeburgh Cinema, again not a task she takes lightly, one of her key ambitions Suffolk November 2011

being to make it more appealing to a younger audience and to widen its programme with a series of ‘special events’ throughout the year. As curator of the Aldeburgh DocFest, she explains how she is in the process of putting the final touches to this year’s festival programme, a festival that over its 17-year history has welcomed the likes of David Attenborough and Paul Greengrass to the seaside town. Diana took over as curator from columnist Craig Brown in 2010 and is very keen to make her mark by introducing a range of ambitious innovations to the programme, her primary focus on providing a showcase for established and emerging documentary film makers. “I want to bring a fresh impetus to the already highly successful Aldeburgh DocFest. To entertain and challenge by expanding the repertoire of events.” The new repertoire includes establishing an upstairs cinematheque at the Aldeburgh Cinema with extended viewings of feature filmmakers, hosting one-day master-classes with acclaimed international filmmakers in association with the National Film and Television School and the University of East Anglia’s Film Department, and initiating a series of inter-active events at Walberswick Anchor Screening Barn to complement the main Aldeburgh Cinema DocFest. This mighty ambition not only reflects Diana’s commitment to the art of film making but also her inherent passion for supporting and identifying the cutting edge creativity in an industry, which will,

in her own words “help build the Suffolk coast as a centre of excellence in the arts.” With Anna Ford and The Guardian’s Ian Katz on this year’s menu, a raft of international filmmakers flying in from as far afield as Sydney, and a tantalising programme of cinematic delicacies, the tiny Aldeburgh Cinema is punching well above its weight yet again. The daylight fading, it’s time to go, and so Diana walks me to my car pausing en route to pick me a handful of quinces from one of the trees she planted in her Suffolk garden nearly 30 years ago. I ask her what I should do with them. She suggests that I either steam them or make them into quince paste. For my own bountiful larder perhaps. ■ The Aldeburgh DocFest takes place November 11-14. For more information call (01728) 452 996 or visit www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk

SUFFOLK ROOTS: Diana Quick

Have you visited any DocFest events? Let us know what you thought at suffolk.magazine@archant.co.uk 139

CULTURE Dance DanceEast offers Suffolk audiences a chance to see a wide variety of work in progress with its exciting Rough Cuts programme. Andrew Clarke previews the treats in store

The Sydney Dance Company which is premiering two new works at Snape this month. Below; DanceEast associate artist Darren Ellis

Roughing it A

utumn could hardly bear more fruit for DanceEast. The Ipswich-based dance agency has unveiled an exciting new season of groundbreaking dance to be performed in Suffolk, including a world premiere by the Sydney Dance Company and a series of new works in development entitled Rough Cuts. The cornerstone will be the annual Snape Dances programme in November, which this year sees the Sydney Dance Company perform two world premieres – 6 Breaths and LANDforms, both choreographed by artistic director Rafael Bonachela. The two pieces have been set to two newly-commissioned scores by Italian composer Ezio Bosso. Emma Brightmore, for DanceEast, said: “We are thrilled that Rafael Bonachela will be premiering his new work at the Snape Maltings. We are getting to see these two new pieces in Suffolk before anyone else. “The Sydney Dance Company is moving to London after Snape, so we get the honour of staging two world premieres. It will be an evening to remember.” The Sydney Dance Company will be performing their new works at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall, on Friday and Saturday, November 18-19. There will be a pre-performance talk on the Saturday. 140

Running throughout the autumn will be a series of workshop performances staged at the Jerwood DanceHouse, on the Ipswich Waterfront. Meanwhile, choreographer Darren Johnston explores sound and visual 3D illusions with his new research project, and DanceEast’s associate artist Darren Ellis returns to the DanceHouse with a second Rough Cut entitled A Long Walk

“Rough Cuts offers a very different experience to watching a finished piece” Assis Carreiro

Home, a series of portraits of four very different women. The season ends early next year when acclaimed and locally-based physical theatre company Gecko will be in residence at the DanceHouse during January presenting two Rough Cuts to support the development of their new work. This will include Missing, an inventive and playful new work which manages to

be fun while at the same time offering audiences an invitation to explore the darker side of their own pysche. Emma said: “The Rough Cuts series offers the public an opportunity to experience some exciting fresh work in progress from a range of choreographers.” The run-up to Christmas sees DanceEast’s performance groups stage their own Winter Showcase. Assis Carreiro, artistic director and chief executive, said: “As the name suggests, Rough Cuts offer a very different experience to watching a finished piece. “The precise format differs from artist to artist, the audience gets to watch the creative process at close-hand in the intimate setting of DanceEast’s studio theatre, on the Ipswich Waterfront. The audience also gets to feed back thoughts in a question and answer session which helps shape the final work. “We have specially conceived Rough Cuts to offer choreographers who are in residence at the Jerwood DanceHouse the opportunity to develop new work in our state-of-the-art production facilities and build a dialogue with audiences that support the creative process before it premieres and tours. Such opportunities are rare and much needed to support the creation of new work to its fullest potential.” Suffolk November 2011

Artbeat ✽ Arts news and views ✽ Galleries guide ✽ Latest exhibitions

Left; Poppies on Long Melford Common by Judith Bridgland. Top; The Gate, Long Melford Hall and above; A Piece of Long Melford, both by Sylvia Paul

Full of local colour Sue Dean has a special exhibition lined up to mark a milestone in the life of her Long Melford gallery Suffolk November 2011

his November marks the fifth anniversary of Lime Tree Gallery in Long Melford. To celebrate, owner Sue Dean is staging a special exhibition on November 19 and has invited a group of artists whose work she regularly features at the gallery to contribute paintings of various aspects of Long Melford. Apart from one artist, local man Trevor Sowden, who lives in the village, none of them have ever painted Long

Melford before. Sue is understandably excited about the exhibition and proud of what she has achieved with the gallery, which specialises in contemporary art and glass, since opening her doors five years ago. “I’m pleased we’ve grown and flourished,” says Sue. “We stick to what we believe in and don’t deviate – paintings and drawings that use colour and light. We sell original paintings and handmade glass, much of it by Scottish artists to 141

Artbeat Far left; Summer House, Kentwell Hall by Trevor Sowden. Left; Half-timbered by Gerry Dudgeon and below; Kentwell Avenue by Philip Richardson

complement the paintings.” Sue is impressed by Scottish artists for their skillful use of colour and light and for their excellent drawing skills, which she describes as the origins of art. She has a good working relationship with each of her regular artists, following their progress and understanding what motivates them. She also gets to know her regular clients and has a good feel for what will work in the gallery. “We don’t always go down the commercial route. We try to explore and extend people by the work we show and they appreciate that.” Sue is not an artist but has a background in fashion styling, which has enabled her

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to develop a strong visual sense. She began her career with Miss Selfridge, buying and merchandising, then working her way up to become a fashion retail consultant. Her move into the art world was motivated by a desire to do something beyond simply selling, that would give her pleasure and that would be less transient than fashion. “I had been building up my collection of art over the years and thought this would be something that I could really love.” With thoughts of opening a gallery she did her research and discovered Long Melford already had a number of galleries making it an ideal place to start her own venture. Now clients come Five Years Later,

not just from East Anglia but also from London – people who love Suffolk and feel happier buying paintings in a more leisurely manner. “They like to make a day of it,” says Sue. “Exhibitions can attract people into the village. They combine it with seeing antiques stores and everything else that’s on offer.” And that can include lunch at a local pub or restaurant, an overnight stay at a local hotel and a visit to the theatre or a concert. Indeed, Sue believes that Suffolk undersells its artistic offering, and with so many good galleries and local artists scattered throughout the county it should be celebrated as a cultural destination. Five years after establishing her own cultural destination Sue – who has November 19 also opened a gallery in Bristol in that Lime Tree Gallery, Lime Tree House, time – is giving something back to Hall Street, Long Long Melford for the success it has Melford, Suffolk, brought her. CO10 9JF The birthday exhibition will feature Tel: 01787 319046 artists who were shown at the limetreegallery. gallery’s opening exhibition in 2006 co.uk/ as well as regulars since that time. All have been asked to paint some aspect of Long Melford and have come up with highly original, sometimes surprising work. “They’ve all taken it on board and been really enthusiastic, enjoying the challenge,” says Sue. Suffolk November 2011

GALLERIES GUIDE Sea Pictures Gallery Well Lane, Clare, CO10 8NH www.seapicturesgallery.com Tel: 01787 279024 Our festive season starts on Saturday, November 12 with the opening of our latest exhibition – A Christmas Cracker – which will run until January 9, 2012. Our aim is to show as much work by as many of the artists who have been in the gallery in 2011 as our walls will allow. Highlights include new work from our amazing textile artist Michelle Holmes; new wildlife photographs from Rebecca Nason ARPS; new limited edition prints from Suffolk printmaker Mandy Walden and as always a lovely selection of new linocut prints by James Dodds. There will be paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolours; ceramics from Wales; glass from Sweden; browsers full of original book illustrations, photographs and prints and our lovely hand-woven all wool Welsh blankets, perfect to wrap yourself up in at this time of year. There will be various special and festive events during this exhibition so check the website for up to date information. We turn on the Christmas lights in Clare on Friday, November 25 at 5.30pm so come and join the party and there will be Late Night Shopping on December 1 with seasonal refreshments. As always, we are happy to gift wrap your purchases and keep them until nearer to Christmas if that helps you keep your surprise. You never know just what you will find inside A Christmas Cracker… Common Gulls Over Breakers by Rebecca Nason ARPS

Suffolk November 2011

Some of the works on show at Molehouse Studios Gallery’s exhibition during November

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH Molehouse Studios Gallery 16 Playford Road, Rushmere St Andrew, IP4 5RH Tel. 01473 623936 Open November 14-26, 10am-5pm (or by appointment) Molehouse Studios Gallery invites you to enjoy their new exhibition of exciting, traditional and contemporary works. The flavour of Suffolk is captured in sea, land and townscapes. Rich but subtle colour describes cumulus clouds gathering, and hoarfrost over the estuary – a real sense of East Anglia captured in oils. All the works are by professional artists, who communicate charming, enigmatic, atmospheric and poignant interpretations, which have great appeal. At most times, one of the artists will

be on hand to answer questions about the exhibited paintings. This month’s exhibition features works by professional artists, Jane Humphrey and Elizabeth Stanford. Jane first exhibited and sold her paintings at the age of 16, setting the course for a lifetime dedicated to art. She has had many successful solo exhibitions with works hanging nationally and internationally, including in Australia, Latvia, Israel, and in the USA amongst others. This exhibition is a long overdue airing of recent works, shared with Elizabeth Stanford, graduate of University of the Arts London and Chelsea College of Art. Elizabeth’s works show a youthful mix of colour and keen perception. Visit the Gallery and learn more about the prestigious Art School at Molehouse Studios. 143

Artbeat The Crooked House Gallery 7 High St, Lavenham CO10 9PR Tel: 01787 247865 www.crookedhousegallery.co.uk Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Wednesdays Hugs and Smiles, running from October 21 until December, is a lovely selection of witty, colourful and exciting artworks. Feel-good factor is top of the agenda! So look out especially for Alison Read’s mischievous hares, mad cats and soulful dogs! There are Mandy Walden’s wonderful wonky houses; Pru Green’s beautiful hand painted pottery; tabby cats with attitude from Sally Thomas, not to forget Catherine Hyde’s dream like pictures of stags, hares and owls at full moon… Kesgrave Arts 83 Main Road Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 1AF Tel: 01473 333 553 www.kesgravearts.co.uk The artist, Theronda Hoffman is synonymous with Kesgrave Arts Studio and Framery on the outskirts of Ipswich. Her motto in life is: “I live to paint and paint to live. “I am inspired by the Suffolk coast, especially Aldeburgh. I do say that Aldeburgh is my “Venice.” “The painting below, “Fish and Chips Moments” typifies the waiting in the queue for these world famous fish and chips.” Theronda Hoffman had a successful entry at the Royal Academy exhibition in 2010 and owns Kesgrave Arts, which specialises in affordable art 144

and picture framing. The Limelight exhibition will begin on Wednesday evening, November 30 and continue until December 7. It will be an exhibition showcasing the work of Theronda Hoffman and her students. Coming up in December the gallery is staging an exhibition showcasing the works of Headway clients. Please visit the website for further details. Kesgrave Arts is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am until 5pm. Drop in and visit to meet the artist, Theronda, and view her latest range of work. The Lion House Gallery 12 High Street Lavenham CO10 9PR Tel: 01787 249616 www.lionhousegallery.co.uk Come and celebrate “The Lion in Winter” from Saturday, November right up to Christmas when The Lion House Gallery, in

the heart of Tudor Lavenham, plays host to a Christmas feast of imagination and creativity. The exhibition, “The Lion in Winter,” offers perfect and precious original handmade pieces carefully selected from the best British artists and craftsmen working today. Come support and celebrate British talent while finding that truly unique and individual gift for your loved ones, which will inspire and delight for years to come. The Gallery is open from Friday through to Tuesday (closed Wednesday & Thursday), from 11am-5pm

Suffolk Open Studios Collective Methodist Church Hall, East Green, Southwold, IP18 6JN. November 18-20 Open Friday 18, 12-5, Saturday 19, 10-5 and Sunday 20, 12-5pm An exhibition of mixed works of art reflecting the flavour of Suffolk Open Studios and introducing some established local artists. Exhibitors include: Stephanie Simpson – glass art, sculptures and glass jewellery; Catherine Allen – lampworked glass bead jewellery; Alison Mayston – pen & ink drawings and slate work; Carol Mayston – textured media paintings. In addition, Southwold based artist Caroline Keen will be showing her watercolours, textiles and furniture painting; Chris Newson with a collection of oils and Morag Johnston showing pastels and prints. Come and find that unusual gift for Christmas We will be serving tea/coffee during the weekend and entry is free. Lime Tree Gallery Lime Tree House, Hall Streey, Long Melford Tel: 01787 319046 www.limetreegallery.com Five Years Later, running from November 19 until December 24, is an exhibition celebrating the fifth anniversary of our opening of our gallery including paintings of Long Melford by many artists from our opening show. Also featuring a collection of small works by over 30 gallery artists, sold on a first come, first served basis in the gallery. This is a rare opportunity to buy works by top class artists for £250 unframed. Artists include, Charles Jamieson PAI PPAI MFA, Judith Bridgland, Alma Wolfon, James Watt RGI, Claire Harrigan RSW, David Smith, Zanna Wilson, Robert Newton and Mats Rydstern. Please join us on Saturday, November 19 when champagne and canapes will be served between 11am and 4pm. Suffolk November 2011

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Going out Where to go and what to do in the county this month Hadleigh Choral Society St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh, November 19, 7.30pm

Celebrating contemporary poetry in Aldeburgh. Above; Roger McGough and left; Andrew Motion, who will both be appearing at the 2011 festival in the town

Hadleigh Choral Society stage their winter concert, with a programme featuring works by two of our greatest English composers – Elgar’s “The Spirit of England”, and Vaughan Willliam’s “Toward the Unknown Region” and “A Cotswold Romance”. The choir will be accompanied by The Colchester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Phelps, with soloists Fiona Hammercott and Stephen Chambers. Tickets £10, £8 (conc), and £2 (under 16), available from The Idler Bookshop, Hadleigh, or on the door.

Bury Bach Choir St Edmundsbury Cathedral Saturday, November 19, 2011, 7.30pm

Aldeburgh Poetry Festival Various venues, Aldeburgh, November 4 to 6 Mixing famous names and international Fergus Allen reading from his fifth collection, talent, the 2011 Aldeburgh Poetry Festival Before Troy; a new talent showcase; a welcomes 25 poets – from Albania, performance of Andrew Motion’s play America, Australia, The Bahamas, Ireland, about the domestic impact of the war in Jordan, New Zealand and the UK – to Afghanistan; events to mark the centenary the East Suffolk coast for a of the births of Poland’s “We are pulling Czeslaw Milosz and Scotland’s packed two-and-a-half day celebration of contemporary out all the stops Sorley Maclean and the one poetry. and only Roger McGough. to make sure Recent US Poet Laureate Director of The Poetry that this year’s Trust, Naomi Jaffa, said: Kay Ryan will be making her UK debut alongside another Festival is simply “Aldeburgh Poetry Festival former US Laureate Robert is famous for the quality, brilliant” Hass. Hass will join forces intensity and independence Naomi Jaffa, director, with former UK Laureate of its programme and the The Poetry Trust Andrew Motion to address attentiveness and size of the their joint preoccupation with audiences. Despite the shock war and poetry’s capacity to tackle the of losing our secure Arts Council funding for subject in the 21st century. the future, we’re concentrating on pulling ‘What makes a 21st Century Poem?’ is the out all the stops to make sure that this question running throughout the weekend, year’s Festival is simply brilliant.” first addressed by an international quartet of The full Festival programme of 52 events poets – Fleur Adcock; Christian Campbell; can be viewed at www.thepoetrytrust.org. Robert Hass and Luljeta Lleshanaku. Tickets can be booked online at www. Other highlights include: Aldeburgh’s aldeburgh.co.uk or call 01728 687110. 146

The Bury Bach Choir and Prometheus Orchestra perform a rich and varied programme of music by Mozart and Haydn. Four contrasting works by Mozart show his full range from the heartfelt and serene Ave Verum Corpus to the dazzling showstopper Exultate Jubilate. The centrepiece is Haydn’s Nelson Mass, a dramatic work, composed amid the turmoil of the Napoleonic wars and later re-named for the victor of Trafalgar, with rousing choruses closely interwoven with virtuoso solo singing. This is Haydn’s largest mass, and one of his most well-known and beloved choral works. Tickets £23 & £16 & £14 (reserved), £10 (unreserved) available from the Theatre Royal Box Office 01284 769505 or via www.burybachchoir.co.uk (major credit cards accepted). Full details at www.burybachchoir.co.uk Suffolk November 2011

The Orwell Art Group, Fe lixstowe is holding an ar t sale at St M ary’s Church Hall W alton on Nov ember 5 from 10am to 4pm. A wide variety of work by loca l artists will be on offer at reasonable pr ices, along w ith a selectio of Christmas n cards. Mince pies, coffee and teas will also be availa ble. Entry is free and th ere will be a pr ize draw in aid of Macmillan Cancer Supp ort.

A Christmas Celebration Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, December 3, 7.30pm Welcome in the Christmas season with a wonderful performance of seasonal music by the Ipswich Bach Choir. The choir are staging a number of festive works including A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten; Motet VI Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (Praise the Lord all ye nations) by JS Bach and a selection of Georgian Carols, featuring soloist Lindsay Gowers; orator Janet Dann and conductor Patrick McCarthy. There will also be a number of sing-along carols for the choir and audience to join together. Tickets cost £10 each (£3 for those in full time education) and include refreshments.

Matthew Garrard: A Southwold Year Southwold Gallery, until November 6

A bonfire bonanza Celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night in style Sproughton, November 4 A huge bonfire and great fireworks are promised at Sproughton Bonfire, Fireworks and BBQ Night. Entry costs just £4 per adult and £2 per child. Barbecue starts 7pm with fireworks at 8pm. Stowlangtoft, November 5 Stowlangtoft village hosts its annual charity event at Primrose Meadow, Kiln Lane with a fantastic professional firework display and huge bonfire. Gates open 6pm with fireworks at 7.15pm. Food and beverages available. Tickets £4 for adults, £2 children, under-5s free. Stowmarket Museum of East Anglian Life, November 5 Join the crowds around the bonfire to watch a spectacular family firework display at the Museum of East Anglian Life. Gates open at 6:30pm, the bonfire will be lit at 7pm with fireworks starting at 7:30pm. Food and refreshments available. Tickets available in advance from the Mid-Suffolk Tourist Information Centre in Stowmarket at £4 for adults, £3 for children and family tickets at £12.

Celebrated Suffolk artist Matthew Garrard has known the seaside town of Southwold since he was a child and now stages a charming one-man show chronicling the town throughout the four seasons. “This exhibition is the most intensely personal of my career because of the subject, the theme, the timing, and the gallery,” says the artist. “I set out to record my favourite views of my favourite place at my favourite times throughout the year, so the result is very much a vision of MY Southwold. For me at least, they’re very special paintings indeed.” Suffolk November 2011

Ipswich Christchurch park, November 5 This fantastic firework display attracts families and visitors from all over the region and has been organised by the 11th Ipswich Scout Group for the past 40 years. This year the breathtaking £30,000 show of pyrotechnics will, as usual, be set to music and end with a special Olympic-themed finale. In addition, there is plenty of live entertainment in the park. Tickets

cost £6 for adults and £4 for children bought in advance but will cost a third more on the night. High Lodge, Saxmundham, November 6 Live music and refreshments are among the attractions at this family-friendly event. Gates open at 6.30pm with fireworks at 7.30pm. Advance tickets available from High Lodge Reception at £5 per adult, £3 for children up to 15 years,and under-5s free. Tickets on the night will cost £7 and £5. Felixstowe, Felixstowe and Walton United football Club, November 6 The fourth annual Felixstowe Firework Spectacular is going to be bigger and better with organisers promising a giant bonfire and cracking firework display. Gates open at 5pm with fireworks at 7pm. Bury St Edmunds, November 5 Bury’s Fireworks Spectacular is organised once more by Bury Round Table. The event takes place in the Abbey Gardens with tickets available in advance from Tesco and Sainsbury. 147

Going out Theatre, stage, music and more

MUSIC November 1 1960s balladeer Englebert Humperdinck brings songs from his new album Released to Ipswich Regent at 7.30pm The Aurora Orchestra have been described as ‘the UK’s brightest young ensemble’ and now they are bring their considerable talents to the apex, Bury St Edmunds, for a seasonal evening of spine-tingling words and music. Starts 7.30pm November 2 Transatlantic star of stage and screen John Barrowman comes to Ipswich Regent with songs from his fourth album Tonight’s the Night: The Very Best of John Barrowman which includes his new single I Owe It All To You. Show starts 7.30pm November 4 Catfish Keith plays his foot stomping, deep delta blues and American roots music at Haverhill Arts Centre at 8pm November 4 and 5 Three Phantoms at Ipswich New Wolsey, features three former incumbents of the Phantom of the Opera lead role – Rohan Tickell, Earl Carpenter and Matthew Cammelle, in a special show celebrating the music of one of the world’s best-loved musicals, as well as performing hits from other stage musicals. Shows at 7.45pm with Saturday matinee at 2.30pm November 5 Ukele band D’Ukes bring their four-stringed instruments and fabulous sound to Haverhill Arts Centre at 8pm Award-winning band Panic Room play music from their latest album Satellite at the Apex, Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm November 6 Haverhill Silver Band presents A Night at the Movies featuring a fabulous selection of music from favourite films at Haverhill Arts Centre at 7.30pm November 7 Enjoy an evening of music with Brendan Shine at Stowmarket Regal Theatre at 7.30pm November 8 English and Irish musical traditions collide when Frank McCaffrey and Kevin Barry team up for a stunning musical evening at Fisher Theatre, Bungay, starting at 7.30pm 148

The Swingle Singers are an international a cappella phenomenon who have been going for over four decades bring their ‘Swingle singing’ to audiences around the world. Now they are coming to Bury St Edmunds. Catch them the apex at 7.30pm November 9 John Stafford on piano and Kay Dawson on French horn, perform a lunchtime concert at Fisher Theatre, Bungay at 1.15pm Legendary musician Joe Brown is on stage at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre for a fabulous evening of entertainment starting at 7.30pm November 10 Folk supergroup Bellowhead are at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Comprising 11 top musicians merging their talent to create an explosive combination of folk, rock, classical, jazz and world music into one high energy, boisterous set, this fantastic musical experience starts at 8pm

Bellowhead, Ipswich Corn Exchange, November 10 The Ian McMillan Orchestra has been described as playing ‘British music at its most ingenious.’ This unique evening will feature Ian McMillan’s astonishing songs along with poetry, improve and even comedy. See them at the apex, Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm November 11 Pink Floyd tribute band In The Flesh bring The Pink Floyd Show to Ipswich Corn Exchange. Featuring all the band’s greatest hits including Money, The Wall and of course Dark Side of the Moon, the show uses state of the art technology alongside traditional analogue equipment to recreate that distinctive Pink Floyd sound. Show starts 7.30pm Soul funksters Shakatak have been making sweet music for the past 30 years and now bring their incredible sound to the stage at The New Wolsey, Ipswich at 7.45pm Streisand: The Main Event takes you on a

musical journey through the singer’s life and features not just the hits we all know and love but anecdotes and stories you may never have heard before. See it at Haverhill Arts Centre at 7.30pm November 12 Elkie Brooks is one of the UK’s most successful and popular vocal artists, now celebrating her 51st year in show business. A versatile performer, Elkie will be singing numbers from her latest album Powerless in what promises to be an electrifying evening. The show takes place in Ipswich Corn Exchange from 7.30pm The New Squadronaires play the music of the great swing bands of the 1940s and 50s. Look forward to a programme of music from Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and others at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion at 7.30pm Members of Waveney Light Opera and the Rising Stars Youth Theatre perform songs from the West End to Gilbert & Sullivan and from modern to old-time musicals at Fisher Theatre, Bungay at 7.30pm Suffolk Sinfonia welcome back conductor Khac Uyen Nguyen to lead them in Grieg’s Peer Gynt No 1 Suite, Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky’s fourth symphony, at the apex, Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm November 13 Martin Stephenson and The Daintees play Haverhill Arts Centre with a show combining rockabilly, rootsy rock pop and funk, starting at 7.30pm November 14 Enjoy a sparkling virtuoso violin and piano performance featuring Marianne Olyver on violin and Robert Schuck on piano at the Unitarian Meeting House at 1.10pm November 15 In Brubecks Play Brubeck at the apex, Bury St Edmunds, the three sons of legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck come together with guest saxophonist Dave O’Higgins to receate their father’s great sound. Show starts at 7.30pm November 16 2011 has been a fantastic year for singer Rumer with a huge hit album Seasons of My Soul under her belt along with several hit singles. Now Suffolk fans have the chance of hearing the soulful songstress at Ipswich Suffolk November 2011

Orchestra with soprano Heidi Pegler and baritone John Langley, this uplifting concert at Ipswich Regent begins at 7.30pm November 20 Back by popular demand after last year’s dazzling performance, Ruthie Henshall and Guests perform in aid of Suffolk Family Carers. Featuring many of the hits from Ruthie’s dazzling West End career, along with musical numbers from stage and screen, this fundraising evening at Ipswich Regent promises a night to remember. Starts at 7.30pm Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span return to Ipswich Corn Exchange with vocalist Maddy Prior back at the helm. Starts 7.30pm November 22 The Barbirolli Quartet play Mozart Quartet in C “Dissonance”; Britten 3 Divertimenti: March, Waltz, Burlesque and Beethoven Quartet No 14 in C sharp minor at the apex, Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm Englebert Humperdinck, Ipswich Regent, November 1 Regent ahead of an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall later in the month. Concert starts at 7pm The Hot Club of Cowtown bring their breathtaking live show of hot jazz and western swing music to Bury St Edmunds’ apex theatre at 8pm

Panic Room, the Apex, November 5

November 18 Kings ov Leon pay tribute to their favourite band in a show which includes such great hits as Use somebody, Closer and of course, Sex On Fire. See them on stage at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion at 7.30pm Christian rock band Phatfish bring their excellent musicianship and inspiring sound to Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre at 7.30pm BBC Radio 2 Folk awards double-winner and star of festivals including Glastonbury and WOMAD, Show of Hands bring their passionate folk, blues and country music to the apex at Bury St Edmunds at 8pm

Elkie Brooks is at Ipswich Corn Exchange Suffolk November 2011

November 19 Prom Praise is a joyous blend of sacred and concert music, a unique combination of performance and praise, conjuring the atmosphere of Songs of Praise and Last Night of the Proms. Featuring the All Souls

November 25 Get ready to rock at Ipswich Corn Exchange when Livewire AC/DC and The ZZ Tops come to town! Livewire bring the full DC experience to the stage complete with cannons, walkways, backdrops and drapes and of course a rock-hard set that will have the eager crowd up and dancing! Starts 8pm November 26 Following last year’s sell-out success, the Royal Air Force in Concert returns to Ipswich Regent, this time turning the spotlight on the nation’s unsung heroes. The inspirational programme of music takes you through a glorious history of the RAF and its personnel and honours the bravery of the armed forces past and present. Musical highlights include The Dambusters’ March and The Mighty Hercules. Starts 7.30pm Ipswich Orchestral Society presents a programme of three great classics employing the talents of top cellist Natalie Clein. Dvorak’s Cello concerto, Brahms’ Tragic Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 1 are all conducted by Adam Gatehouse in a performance which starts at 7.30pm Country music legend Moe Bandy performs at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre at 7.30pm November 29 Haverhill Organ & Keyboard Club present Elizabeth Harrison in concert at Haverhill Arts Centre, 7.30pm  149

Going out Theatre, stage, music and more

DANCE November 2 Flhip Flhop is a fantastic and unique mix of slapstick comedy, hip hop, beatbox and breakdance. Performed by Matt Bailey and Joey D, this is an energetic comedy show designed to appeal to all ages. See it at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich at 7.45pm November 11 Award-winning choreographer Darren Johnston explores the idea of surround sound and visual performance in DanceEast’s Rough Cuts series at the Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich at 7pm November 14 to 16 Ballet Theatre UK present Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale The Snow Queen at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds. The evil snow Queen places Kay

under a spell, can Gerda find her friend and break the enchantment? Performances at 7.30pm nightly with Tuesday and Wednesday matinees at 2pm November 15 The Vienna Festival Ballet return to Felixstowe Spa Pavilion with a seasonal offering. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s wonderful score, which tells the story of Clara and her nutcracker doll which magically turns into a princely soldier. Starts 7pm November 18 and 19 The Sydney Dance Company stage a Rafael Bonachela double bill at Snape Maltings at 7.30pm. 6Breaths is inspired by the act of breathing while LANDforms is a stirring exploration of the effects of weather. Both pieces are set to music by Italian composer Ezio Bosso

COMEDY November 5 East end comedian Micky Flanagan uses his razor sharp wit to deconstruct the Cockney myth as he tells the comic tale of his working class upbringing. A night full of laughs at Ipswich Regent starting 7.30pm

November 17 and 18 Stephen Merchant, comedy partner of Ricky Gervais, goes back to his stand-up roots and takes his new show Hello Ladies to Ipswich Regent, starting at 7.30pm each evening. November 21 Mock The Week regular Ed Byrne, returns to Ipswich Regent with his new show Crowd Pleaser. Dealing with such diverse subjects as cat, cake. Religion and potential fatherhood, Ed is sure to deliver laughs in abundance. Show starts 8pm. Over-16s only November 23 Following a sell-out West End run, comic 150

November 4 Make a connection to the spirit world when spiritualist medium Ashley George and clairvoyant Shirley Cimelli appear at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay, at 7.30pm Until November 5 Dick Turpin’s Last Ride and the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, looks at the other side of the swashbuckling baddie. Was he a dashing, daring swashbuckling anti-hero or a rapist, thief and cold-hearted killer? Decide for yourself when you see this new take on an old, old story. Performances each night at 7pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2pm November 5 Passing Strangers at Bungay’s Fisher Theatre tells the story of Malcolm, who takes his unhappy friend Clive to a singles evening. There they meet two very different women but the evening turns out to be full of surprises for all of them. Starts 7.30pm November 6 Putting on the Style at Stowmarket Regal features Paul Leegan and the Legends celebrating 50s rock ‘n’ roll and the fabulous music of Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, Joe Brown and Tommy Steele. If you are old enough to remember Teddy boys, washboards and skiffle groups then you’ll love this sparkling, hit-packed show which starts at 7.30pm

November 6 A real powerhouse of laughs, Dons of Comedy at the New Wolsey, Ipswich packs a comedic punch that will knock you clean off your feet. Starts 7.45pm November 15 An evening of laughs galore is in store at the Fat Cat Comedy Club at the apex, Bury St Edmunds, starting 8pm

THEATRE

Stephen Merchant, Ipswich Regent, November 17 and 18 and musician Bill Bailey takes his live show Dandelion Mind on a UK-wide tour stopping at Ipswich Regent. Darwin, Gary Numan and Thomas the Doubter are just a few of the figures given a working over in this unmissable show. Starts 8pm November 25 There’s adult humour and plenty of outrageous banter when Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown hits Ipswich Regent at 7.30pm November 27 Monkey Nuts Comedy Club at Haverhill Arts Centre features jokesters Eric Lampaert, Gary Delaney and Gavin Webster in a show which starts at 8pm

From November 7 to 12 World-famous show Calendar Girls visits Ipswich Regent on its final ever tour with an all-star cast including Jennifer Ellison, Rula Lenska, Lynda Bellingham, Jan Harvey, Ruth Madoc and Joe McGann. Shows at 7.30pm nightly with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm November 8 to 10 Dashing horseman, daring robber, swashbuckling swordsman, adored by every woman, respected by every man. Or poacher, rapist, thief and murderer, swung from the York gallows in 1739. What do you want to believe? Find out the true story of the man behind the mask in Dick Turpin’s Last Ride at the New Wolsey, Ipswich. Performances at 7.45pm with Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm November 8 to 12 Bury St Edmunds Amateur Operatic and Suffolk November 2011

November 25 and 26

Dick Turpin’s Last Ride, Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal, until November 5 and The New Wolsey, Ipswich, November 8 to 12 Dramatic Society present Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience, or Bunthorne’s Bride at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal at 7.30pm each evening with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm November 9 BBC Suffolk presents its Big Night Out at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion in aid of Children in Need. Look forward to seeing Mark Murphy, Lesley Dolphin, The Foz, Simon Warr and all your other favourite presenters perform in a completely different role to what they are used to! Plus, there’s entertainment from Soul Kitchen, Richard Whymark and lots of other local talent. Starts at 7.30pm November 10 Enjoy a glimpse into the uptight world of Mr Pooter in a lunchtime reading from George and Weedon Grossmith’s classic comic novel The Diary of a Nobody at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal at 1.10pm November 11 and 12 Four gripping ghost stories from prolific supernatural writer M R James are brought to life on stage at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre in an atmospheric evening of drama. An Unsettling Evening is staged at 7.30pm with Saturday matinee at 2.30pm November 12 We Three Kings, at Haverhill Arts Centre, celebrates the music and lives of those three kings of rock ‘n’ roll – Buddy Holly, Billy fury and of course, Elvis. A fantastic of great rock ‘n’ roll music starting at 7.30pm November 13 There’s an evening of Suffolk entertainment with Charlie Haylock at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre at 7.30pm November 15 Everyone loves Abba and now fans of the Swedish supergroup can indulge their passion when Abba The Show comes to Suffolk November 2011

Ipswich Regent. Featuring Abba’s original saxophone player Ulf Andersson, the show charts the Abba story from their Eurovision beginnings to worldwide success. Look forward to hearing all your favourite Abba hits in this great show which starts at 8pm November 17 Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal’s Script in Hand series continues with The Heir At Law (1797) by George Colman the Younger, a good-hearted comedy about wealth featuring a cast of colourful characters. Starts 7pm November 17 to 19 Bungay Theatre Group presents Moon Over Buffalo, a play revolving around Charlotte and George and their travelling rep company as they present Private Lives and Cyrano de Bergerac in Buffalo, New York. But confusion arises when their daughter arrives along with her current fiancé and her ex. Starts 7.30pm November 22 to 24 There’s a pre-Christmas treat in store for all the family when It’s A Wonderful Life is staged at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre. A fantastic musical based on Frank Capra’s much-loved film, this a production not to be missed. Shows each day at 7.30pm with Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm

4Season Theatre stage the much-loved musical The King & I at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge in aid of chosen charities. Enjoy the timeless tale of the British governess and her stormy relationship with the King of Siam, each evening at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm November 25 to January 15 The Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds kicks off the panto season, oh yes it does, with its take on Dick Whittington and His Cat. Can Dick find fame and fortune and thwart the evil schemes of Queen Rat? See www. theatreroyal.org for performance times November 26 TV naturalist Chris Packham brings his show, A Wildlife Exposed, to Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion. Chris charts his quest to reflect the beauty of the nature he has loved starting from his roots in Southampton to the searing heat of the deserts and the frozen wastes of the polar regions. An entertaining show for all the family starting at 7.30pm November 26 and 27 Peter Shaffer’s classic play Equus is staged at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre. A stunning psychological thriller based on a true story, the play can be seen at 7.30pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. November 29 Sing along to all your festive favourites in Remember When At Christmas at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion. Featuring a mix of great songs and stunning costumes along with a good dollop of old-fashioned festive fun, this is a show guaranteed to get you feeling seasonal! Starts at 2.30pm

CHILDREN

November 23 An Evening of Clairvoyance with Tony Stockwell offers a fascinating insight into the spirit world. Could you be the recipient of a message from beyond the grave? See him at Haverhill Arts Centre at 7.30pm

November 4 Children’s TV favourites Numberjacks come to the stage at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft with their fun show. A great way to introduce youngsters to the delights of live theatre with shows at 2pm and 4pm

November 24 Cranford at Christmas follows the folk of the village as they prepare for the festive season – roasting chestnuts, hanging mistletoe and decking the halls. But disaster strikes and the community have a tough job to do to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Starts 7.30pm

November 12 Mr Honk is a cheery chap who plays in the local brass band. There’s just one problem, his trombone only plays the blues! Find out how he resolves his problem in Mr Honk and his Sad Trombone at The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich at 11am and 2pm 151