Ipswich24 Magazine, January 2022

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P& Palmer & Partners Your local independent Estate & Letting agents

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JANUARY 2022

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TRA REC INSI INI RANUITM DE: NG D EN T SP EC IAL

E E R n i Fmagaz e n Jack & The Beanstalk, New Wolsey Theatre – see page 11 — (picture Mike Kwasniak)

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The Luxury Travel Specialist

Visit us online at www.ipswich24.co.uk for more information and events

New Year sees great new season at the Spa Pavilion The clock may have chimed midnight, to ring in the new year ... but the carriage hasn’t turned back into a pumpkin, just yet!

For the first three days of January, Felixstowe Spa Pavilion are continuing their Christmas Panto run! ‘Cinderella’, by Dennis Lowe Theatre Company, has been playing to rave reviews – Which is no surprise to anyone, after the success of their sell-out performances of ‘Kinky Boots’, and ‘Shrek: The Musical’. Enjoy huge fun for all the family as the ugly sisters do their best to

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make sure that Cinderella misses the ball, while she depends on your help to get there. Don’t let her down – Book your tickets now!

On Saturday 8th, the Spa are welcoming a brand new show - perfect to help you dance away those January blues! Don’t miss ‘Get Ready: The Ultimate Motown Party’! This show authentically recreates the sound responsible for lifting an entire generation. Energetic choreography and dazzling costumes truly revive the most pulsating era of music the world has ever seen!

Next up, on Saturday 15th January, it’s everyone’s favourite Elvis impersonator, Marshall King ... Only, this time, it’s not just Elvis who will be in the building! Marshall proudly presents his ‘Legends’ show – paying tribute to the greatest artists of all time, including Freddie Mercury, Neil Diamond, Elvis, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison and many more. This show also features Marshall’s take on some of the biggest West End hits – You’ll be amazed at how close he sounds to the original artists, with his incredible vocal talent!

Last but not least, on Saturday 22nd January: Don’t miss The Bootleg Shadows, featuring Jimmy Jemain as Sir Cliff Richard. This will be a night of foot tapping classics, with plenty of humour to make it a night out to remember!

Theatre tickets are available from the Spa Box Office: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am -4pm (01394 284962). You can also select seats online, 24/7, at www.fxspa.co.uk The café, bars & restaurant are open every day, 10am - 5pm. Breakfast is served 9 am -11.45am and main meals, from 12pm. Food is always served for two hours before every performance, with reservation advised on 01394 336336.

You can follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, for all the latest news and show updates. Alternatively, sign up to their email newsletter at www.fxspa.co.uk

INSIDE THIS MONTH JANUARY The Dig:

One of lockdown’s big TV hits was The Dig which told the story of the Sutton Hoo burial grounds.

Now there’s more excitement at the National Trust site as Time Team return to try to unearth more of the story.

New Year, New You:

Start 2022 by thinking about you from pampering sessions, relaxation and new beginnings to keeping to those New Year resolutions.

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Events Diary Your day-by-day guide to the month of January, including weekly classes, live music, farmers’ markets and theatre.

To get your event listed for FREE email us at listings@ipswich24.co.uk

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Recruitment & Training:

As we enter a new year many people will looking for new challenges in their work lives. Our 12 page special is packed with tips to get that job as well as lots of opportunities

CENTRE 32-33

Motors24:

Ipswich24 is published on the last Thursday of every month by Fizzwig Designs Ltd. Available Free from numerous outlets across Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Hadleigh, Stowmarket and surrounding villages, including leading supermarkets, libraries etc.

If you wish to stock copies please contact us.

Enquiries, Editorial and Advertising Contributions can be sent by: Email to: info@ipswich24.co.uk Mail to: Ipswich24, Fizzwig Designs Ltd, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4PE Contributions by 5th of month preceding publication.

Every effort has been made to present all information accurately, however no liability is accepted for any inclusions or advice given or for omissions from the publication. Views of contributors are those of the contributor and not necessarily those held by Ipswich24 magazine. Please note that unauthorised reproduction in part or whole of any artwork or content in Ipswich24 or from the Ipswich24 website without prior written consent can and will result in a minimum £150 royalty charge.

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We are all used to places where there seem to be regular motoring accidents but now a brand new website identifies the UK’s accident hotspots.

At Home:

This month we discover the truth about laundry as well as sharing some tips on how in these days of increasing costs how to save energy.

Finally with winter here how can we look after our wildlife?

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d Come an Look! the New 3

Holiday by rail…

with Deben Travel of Woodbridge

Sit back, relax and take in the scenery. Travelling by rail is seen to be that much more relaxing than flying and with a greater focus on our carbon footprint certainly better for the planet.

Travelling by rail can not only allow access across the UK but now also much of Europe, and beyond!

For those not looking to fly a popular trip is to take an ocean liner across the Atlantic to the USA where you can start your North American rail adventure before another Trans-Atlantic crossing home.

At Deben Travel they can arrange a wide variety of pre-packaged holidays by rail and also tailor-make your travel arrangements to meet your exact requirements.

From the Glacier and Bernina Express in Switzerland, TGV across France, the cities, lakes and mountains of Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe to Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean, if they have a rail track it is possible!

Not so close to home but they can also arrange iconic rail journeys on the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer, Orient Express, Australian Ghan, South Africa’s Blue Train, Japan’s Bullet Train, India’s Deccan Odyssey and the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Although not always the most cost-effective way to travel, particularly compared with the low-cost airlines, it is a different holiday experience, an unforgettable adventure as part of a group or travelling independently.

Deben Travel will book your ABTA protected rail holiday with one of their preferred partners. These include Great Rail Journeys, Rail Discoveries, Titan, Inghams, Riviera, Saga and so many more.

For further information call Deben Travel on 01394 615620, pop in to see them at 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge or email team@debentravel.co.uk.

Finding a firmer footing The first few months of the year are generally cold, wet and a bit miserable, with a higher chance of ice and snow on the ground and on pavements.

It is precisely these kinds of weather conditions that tend to give rise at this time of year to more people slipping, tripping or falling when out and about, often in a public place or even in the workplace.

These types of accident also, unfortunately, often result in people sustaining

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more serious injuries, such as broken bones and spinal and head injuries, that, in the worst cases, can prove fatal.

However, bringing a claim for personal injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall can be tricky. Pinpointing the correct person to bring a claim against can be difficult, if, for example, there are a number of potential owners of the accident site. Gathering the evidence needed to prove such a claim against whoever is responsible can then sometimes seem to be a mammoth task.

Depending upon where you fall - on publicly or privately owned land - also makes a difference to the chances of successfully bringing a claim for compensation for personal injury and loss because the courts apply different tests to determine whether responsibility can be attached.

For example, while you may not be able to claim compensation if you tripped or slipped on a public highway or pavement, if the same accident occurred on privately owned land, you may be more successful.

So, what should you do, if you have an accident as a result of a slip, trip or fall either out and about or at work?

- Seek medical attention / get help.

- Report the accident to whoever is responsible for the site of the accident, whether that is the local council or a privately owned individual or company – ensure that the accident is logged in the accident book.

- If the incident takes place at work, notify your workplace health and safety representative.

- Take photographs of the scene of the accident on the day - or as near to the day of the accident as possible.

- Take details of exactly where you fell, what caused you to fall and what your direction of travel was.

- If you are aware that remedial action is taken after the accident has occurred to rectify any defect that caused you to slip, trip or fall, or any steps are taken after the event (such as putting up warning signs), if possible, get pictures of them and record the dates on which the remedial steps were taken.

- If available, get witness evidence from anyone who saw the accident or who can provide information as to how long the defect that caused you to fall was present before the incident took place.

- Keep records of your injuries and details of any out of pocket expenses you may have incurred as a result of your injuries, such as loss of earnings, medications, travel expenses and details of any care that you may have received.

Bringing these types of claim for compensation for personal injury can be a minefield. So, if you require assistance or advice on whether you can claim following an accident where you have slipped, tripped or fallen, please contact Louise Plant on 01473 298293 or by email at lplant@prettys.co.uk.

Time Team hope to shed new light on Sutton Hoo The discovery of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939, not only stunned the archaeology world but set the scene for further exploration. Later archaeological digs solved further mysteries and now, with the help of Time Team, new archaeology investigations will use the latest advancements in technology.

Seven years after the last episode of Channel 4’s Time Team aired, the archaeological series is set to return with new archaeology investigations that will be streamed online via YouTube, after interest soared during lockdown and with ongoing support on Patreon.

Working alongside National Trust archaeologists, a series of investigations have been planned to build up a more complete picture of the historic site. Groundpenetrating radar (GPR) has been used on the Royal Burial Ground, including some areas for the first time. Magnetometry surveys have also taken place on a scale that’s not been possible before, with high resolution, in an area adjacent to the High Hall exhibition. It was during construction of this building in the early 2000s that an Anglo-Saxon folk cemetery was discovered Photogrammetry, which is the science of extracting 3D information from photographs, is another process that Time Team will be using, supported by Aerial Cam, to help bring the landscape to life in the form of an interactive and immersive 3D digital model.

Laura Howarth, Archaeology and Engagement Manager at Sutton Hoo, said, “The Sutton Hoo landscape is layered with people’s stories stretching back over the centuries and whilst we know some of these stories, there is still so much more we could learn. These non-invasive techniques paint a subsurface picture of what lies beneath our feet, allowing us to hopefully discover more about how different people have used this landscape whilst causing the least amount of damage.”

Since the now famous 1939 dig took place, new technology has been introduced, which has also seen advancements in recent years.

Ground-penetrating radar is a method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface, helping to identify features and changes such as voids and ditches. Magnetometry relies on the ability to measure very small magnetic fields and has become one of the most important archaeological methods for the detection and mapping of buried remains.

Laura went onto say, “The excavations that took place here in the 1930s were amongst the beginning thrilling chapters of archaeological investigation, but we are really excited to be working with Time Team on these latest instalments to the Sutton Hoo story. Using the latest in cutting edge technology, the survey techniques being used here have the potential to detect archaeological features such as field boundaries, building foundations and ploughed-out burial mounds, but we shall just have to wait and see what is actually discovered. We hope to be able to share this latest research in the coming months.”

It is the first time that a field known as Garden Field, lying next to the High Hall exhibition, has been surveyed using GPR and the first time that the whole of this field has been surveyed using magnetometry. This field which lies close to another Anglo-Saxon cemetery, has revealed such finds as a 6th century Byzantine bucket and a gold Roman coin pendant, both on display in the High Hall exhibition and on long term loan from the Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust.

Tim Taylor, Creator and Series Producer of Time Team, said, “Sutton Hoo has always held a special place in our heart. We are delighted to play a role in shedding new light on such an iconic site. Combining state-of-the-art technology, working with colleagues at SUMO Geophysics, Aerial Cam and Guideline Geo | MALÅ and using Time Team’s global reach, we look forward to making some wonderful discoveries and sharing them with audiences around the world.”

Tim added, “The Dig was about one man and one woman’s desire to find out more about our past. I think Basil Brown and Mrs Edith Pretty would be delighted and intrigued about the new technology. Complementing our work with the National Trust, Time Team will also be working with Professor Martin Carver and the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company to film an exclusive documentary about the reconstruction of the amazing Sutton Hoo ship. It’s safe to say we’re looking forward to being immersed in the Sutton Hoo story!”

Historic England has supported and enabled this exciting new research project and welcomes the use of non-invasive methods to learn more of Sutton Hoo’s significant history.

The results of the latest investigations will be shared

by Time Team and the National Trust in the spring.

Sutton Hoo has seen an increase in visitors this year, since the airing of the Netflix • Pic: Time Team film The Dig, which has sparked a renewed interest in both the site and archaeology.

• The High Hall exhibition, Tranmer House, Shop, Café and Bookshop are now open at weekends, with the estate walks and viewing tower open daily.

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PRIZE COMP

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Pass the Pug Dog Training the

The official creators of Pass the Pigs, brings you Pass the Pugs! Throw the doggy dice and see how they land!

Pass the Pigs has been a much loved brand for over 50 years and a long standing family favourite. The game in which you throw pigs and get points for the positions they land in, has only ever done pig versions of the game (including giant inflatable), and now for the first time ever, has an alternative animal... PUGS! With a pair of pugs in your hand, what are you going to do? Roll them like Doggy Dice, of course! How the hairy hounds land will determine if you are a top dog or the runt of the litter.

The aim of the game (like Pass the Pigs) is to be the first to get to 100 points and become top dog. The positions the pugs land in, determine how many points you get, but become a greedy dog and you could find yourself back to zero.

Pass the Pugs, comes with all new positions! Pass the Pigs, which is famous for it’s positions like ‘leaning jowler’ and ‘razorback’, have been replaced with positions such as ‘pooped out’, ‘puppy love’ and ‘faceplant’.

The game is great for all ages, and with more people staying in, it is fun for the whole family at home! Pass the Pugs comes with two pugs, score pad and pencil that are all stored in a portable, plastic case, making it great for on-the-go.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got two Pass the Pugs games to giveaway a lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Pass the Pugs Competition, Ipswich24 Magazine, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Monday 31st January 2022.

Q How many pugs are included in the Pass the Pugs game?

Essential Guide

The Essential Guide to Dog Training

by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma is one of Perfect-Pets most popular books.

Loved for its down to earth and compassionate approach to dog training it is a must have book for any dog owner.

This easy to follow guidebook explains how you can train your dog using kind, reward-based methods that help you to create mutually strong, enduring bonds of trust and affection.

The chapters take you through how to make training sessions fun and interesting for you and your dog. You will discover how to help your dog develop social skills and good manners, to greet people and other dogs politely, and learn instant recall. You will find out how to interpret your dog’s complex system of body language, and learn how you can use your body language to communicate effectively with your dog.

The book also explores the special talents of various dog breeds and gives information about how you can devise games that will keep your dog happy and mentally alert.

To see Perfect-Pets’ full range of pet books visit: www.perfect-pets.org. Get a 50% discount with code XMAS50OFF. — COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got a copy of The Essential Guide to Dog Training by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma to giveaway a lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Perfect-Pets Competition, Ipswich24 Magazine, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Monday 31st January 2022.

Q. What is the name of Dorothy’s dog in the Wizard of Oz? World renowned singing sensation Russell Watson to play ‘Billy Flynn’ in the smash hit musical CHICAGO coming to Ipswich Regent Theatre in 2022.

Russell joins Faye Brookes as ‘Roxie Hart’ and Djalenga Scott as ‘Velma Kelly’.

Set amidst the razzledazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

CHICAGO will be at Ipswich Regent Theatre from Monday 21st until Saturday 26th March 2022.

• Book tickets at www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/chicago

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What’s new at Stonham Barns Park for 2022 With the start of a new year, now is a great time to visit Stonham Barns Park. This family friendly park has many attractions and activities to keep you entertained and is situated on the A1120 tourist trail making it easy to find.

gifts, crafts, books, pictures & frames, paddle boards, crystals, clothes, toys, furniture, hair & beauty treatments, homewares, holidays, hot tubs, antiques, and sweets. Plus, a post office, convenience store and garden centre.

In the Shopping village there are a few new shops and businesses that have recently arrived at the park these include Armadillo Holistic Therapies where you can treat yourself or a loved one to a gift of health and relaxation, Cool Blue who sell retro clothing for men, women, and children. Caleya Trading Card Shop who sell trading cards and collectables, Sheila Rose Antiques and Collectables with a large range of items from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, or you could try your skills at codebreaking in the ‘Nuclear Meltdown’ Escape Room, where you must complete the challenges before the time runs out.

There are also over 40 other shops and businesses selling

DVD up for grabs

Whilst you are visiting take a walk round the Owl Sanctuary, see over 90 different birds of prey, Meerkats and Red Squirrels.

Pop into the Teapot Pottery and spend a few hours painting your own teapot or purchase a beautiful hand-crafted teapot. You could also play a round of adventure golf or try the golf simulators in the Golf Park or spend a few hours fishing in one of the fully stocked lakes.

For the younger ones in your family take a visit to Tumbledown Soft Play Barn with Sensory room, where they can run, jump, climb, and explore to their hearts content or you could let them jump and play on the FREE bouncy pillow.

If you are feeling hungry during your visit there are two great places to eat, the Bistro with its fabulous home cooked food and the Teapot Tea Room with speciality tea and coffee and delicious homemade cakes and pastries.

This is a ‘dog friendly’ site and open seven days a week. Take a visit during January and you will find lots to keep you busy.

For more information visit their website: www.stonhambarns.co.uk or their social media pages.

Bertie Carvel takes the titular lead in Dalgliesh, a brand-new, must-watch period crime drama which delighted on its DVD and digital release in December courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its UK premiere on Channel 5.

Based on renowned author P.D. James’ bestselling novels Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries, this gripping new drama follows the enigmatic detective and poet (Carvel – Doctor Foster, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, The Tragedy of Macbeth), as he takes on extraordinary murder cases, and reveals long-buried secrets.

Following in the footsteps of distinguished detectives such as Sherlock Holmes and Poirot, Adam Dalgliesh takes us to 1970s England, solving strange mysteries including: a student nurse poisoned during training, a homeless man and a retired Tory politician found dead with their throats slashed in a London church and a very suspicious death at a mysterious disability care home. Dedicating his career to cracking crime and bringing killers to justice, Dalgliesh is forced to uncover some dark and dangerous truths along the way...

Written by Helen Edmundson (Mary Magdalene) alongside a host of talented scribes, the show features a brilliant line-up of guests including Jeremy Irvine (War Horse), Natasha Little (War of the Worlds) and Mirren Mack (Sex Education). The series draws upon three books, tracing the detective’s expansive crime-fighting career, with each case offering its own unique setting and an exciting guest cast.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got three copies of Dalgliesh on DVD to give away to lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Dalgliesh Competition, Ipswich24 Magazine, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. Closing date for entries is Monday 31st January 2022.

PRIZE COMP

Q. What author wrote the bestselling novels that the TV drama Dalgliesh is based on?

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Sutton Hoo ship features in video The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company, based on the Waterfront in Woodbridge, are reconstructing the Sutton Hoo ship that was found in a burial mound in 1939. Last month the company made two major announcements.

The first was their celebration of physically joining the first two sections of the ship together, known as the first-fix. This took place in The Longshed in Tide Mill Way with a small crowd of guests, interested onlookers and volunteers.

The first fixing, using a wooden peg called a trenail, was driven in by Angela Care Evans, one of the few people alive who actually saw the impression of the Anglo-Saxon ship when the burial mound was examined for the second time in the 1960’s. The second and third trenails were fixed by David Turner and Alec Newland, the oldest and youngest Ship’s Company volunteers.

The event was filmed by Tim Taylor’s ‘Time Team’, who you will recall spent twenty years entertaining us in the early 1990’s with their archaeological excavations. The Time Team have now re-formed and have a popular YouTube channel showing the old classics along with new films of more

recent adventures. They will now make a regular appearance in the Longshed as The Ship’s Company have agreed to work with them on putting a documentary and other shorter films together.

The ship is also being fixed with nearly 4000 iron rivets which can be sponsored via their website www.saxonship.org These make for an interesting Christmas gift as the sponsor is issued with a certificate and pin badge as well as being listed on the Ship’s Company website.

New Year’s Resolution!

Get more out of life in 2022 with the Oddfellows.

Have fun, make friends and try something new

Don’t let the cold and dark days dampen your mood. Get 2022 on the right track by joining Ipswich Oddfellows at one of its regular get-togethers.

Branch Secretary Lynne Wyatt said, “We’ve lots planned for this year – from guest speakers to crafts, activities to tea parties, day trips and group holidays. Plus, online events, open to all, hosted by Branches from across the country. We’d love you to join with us.”

Pic: Andy Mills

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Based at 37 High Street, Ipswich, the local friendly society welcomes everyone from all walks of life and ages. Through friendship and social events, it helps its members get more out of life, and offers care, advice and support in times of need.

“Whether it’s for a good old-fashioned chat, to learn something new or to get more involved in the local community through fundraising or volunteering, there’s so much on offer at Ipswich Oddfellows,” added Lynne.

Give the Oddfellows a try – coming up soon at 37 High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH Drop in and see them on Tuesday 4th January at 2pm for “Scrabble and other board games”. Entrance is £3. Tuesday 25th at 2pm guest speaker from Home Instead (Care Provider) “Don’t wait till it’s too late” (free). Every Thursday morning 10am there is Kurling and Boccia to enjoy too. £2.50.

There is always a warm welcome awaiting you and refreshments too!

The Oddfellows Hall is easy to find in High Street, near the Ipswich Museum and a short walk from bus stops and Crown Street car park.

Membership of the Oddfellows is from £25 a year. For more information about ‘trying before buying’ please call Lynne on 01473 251867, or email ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk. Check out www.oddfellows.co.uk/events Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OddfellowsIpswich

New Year’s Day Steam & Light Festival

Craftability wins National Craft Award

We are delighted to announce that Craftability are the winners of the ‘Best Independent Craft Shop in East Anglia’ section of the National Craft awards.

Nominated and voted for by readers of ‘Crafts Beautiful’ and ‘Papercrafter’ published by Aceville it is a fantastic honour to be amongst the top shops in the country.

Craftability have been trading in the centre of Ipswich since 2006 and have established themselves as the leading craft supplies shop in the area.

Products stocked are very diverse with most crafts catered for. This ranges from fabric, haberdashery, wool and cross stitch and tapestry kits to paint, wood, metal, and tools for model making. There is a section for artists and card makers too. Jewellery making and scrapbooking are covered along with a small selection of cake decorating products and floristry requirements.

The list is so vast that a visit will reveal much more in this ‘Aladdin‘s cave’ tucked away in St Lawrence Street.

Craftability have been running extremely successful and popular workshops for a number of years and are already planning those for 2022. Regular topics include card making, scrapbooking, beading and crochet. They also have seasonal projects such as wreath and Christmas decoration making as well as canal art painting and felting. Their children’s workshops are resuming this month too.

If you are unable to attend a workshop Craftability have a selection of kits, put together by them, to enable you to complete a project at home.

They pride ourselves on their customer service and product knowledge, and are always happy to source items for customers or demonstrate how something is used.

If you haven’t already visited the shop do visit them… You will be amazed at what they have to offer.

A bright start to the new year will be the Steam & Light Festival at Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway.

This is yet another example of the wonderful independent shops that we have in Ipswich.

Visit the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway on January 1st for your first steam train ride of the year and take time to enjoy the Historical Lighting Association’s display of fascinating vintage oil lamps dating from the Mid-Victorian era as seen then everywhere from grand houses to practical work places.

During the day you will be able to ride the trains as often as you like and the genuine Great Eastern Railway Victorian four-wheeler coaches are a historical experience for any passengers.

Visitors, especially children, can enjoy the unique atmosphere created at Suffolk’s only standard gauge award winning railway museum and both our Tea Room and bar, The Kitchener Arms, will be open for New Year Cheer.

This is a seasonal treat not to be missed, early booking is recommended.

You can book in advance via the website or buy your tickets from the Middy Shop when you arrive. For advanced bookings and train times or further information visit www.mslr.org.uk/bookings For larger parties email: events@mslr.org.uk Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station, Station Road, Wetheringsett IP14 5PW. (Off the A140, follow the brown signs).

for all your crafting needs Crafts, Gifts, Dolls Houses and Accessories 4 St. Lawrence Street, Ipswich IP1 1DN Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm

Tel: 01473 257550

www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk Email: sales@craftability-ipswich.co.uk

A family run business based in the beautiful market town of Woodbridge, we are retailers of quality Sterling Silver, precious and semi precious Jewellery. gemstone Jeweller 53A The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AH www.silversunjewellery.co.uk Telephone: 01394 382114 Email: Silversunjewellery@gmail.com Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm Sundays – Please phone in advance

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ARTS

Catch Us If You Can!

Catch Us If You Can, a 1960’s variety show covering all your favourite artists and paying special tribute to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, heads to New Wolsey Theatre this January.

This production is a theatrical experience featuring all the very best songs from the most creative musical decade of all time!

A self-contained multimedia extravaganza cataloguing all those memorable moments from an era that changed the face of modern music. The energy and enthusiasm brought to the stage by the cast guarantees to bring the audience into this swinging decade for an experience they will not forget.

Be prepared to sing and dance along to some of your favourite tracks from the likes of The Kinks, The Who, The Beach Boys, Lulu, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Spencer Davis Group plus many, many more.

Catch Us If You Can perform completely ‘live’ and is certain to get those toes-tapping and hearts singing!

From the accurate costumes to the authentic instruments played, witness the magical music that came from this wonderful part of our history as Catch Us If You Can provide you with the most authentic sixties experience on tour.

Catch Us If You Can heads to Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre on 20th January at 7.45pm. Tickets cost just £10 and available from wolseytheatre.com or by calling the Box Office on 01473 295900.

Musicals, Movies & Moonlight Trianon Music Group (TMG) have been waiting a long time to get back out and perform for their favourite Ipswich audiences.

On Saturday 8th January join them for a night at the movies and musicals and more with all the glamour that goes with it at the Ipswich Corn Exchange.

The concert will feature familiar favourites from the history of Film and Musicals of Handel’s Zadok the Priest, an MGM Musical Medleys and the Hallelujah Chorus along with modern classics from James Bond, and Disney’s Aladdin. We are celebrating the anniversary of Doreen Carwithen’s Suffolk Suite and Ralph Vaughan Williams’s 150th Birthday! There are some classic TV tunes to be found too. including Blue Peter’s Barnacle Bill, Thunder Birds and so much more.

TMG have been working hard to ensure that the concert and rehearsals are made COVID safe for everyone, and this includes working with the team at the Ipswich Corn Exchange to make this a safe concert for both audience and performers. To this extent they have divided the Group to the Choir and Orchestra to enable all of the group to perform safely.

Tickets can be purchased from www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk and are refundable should the concert have to be postponed.

There is something for everyone at Trianon Music Group’s January concert and they can’t wait for you to join them.

TM G President:John Rutter CBE Conductor: Emeritus Professor Chris Green OBE. Leader: Steve Browne

Sat 8th January

Johnny Marks

s Ticket h c a £6 e

Performance commences 7.30pm • Doors 6.45pm

Sat 5th February s Ticket 0 .5 7 £1 each

Julie Dawn Plus:

Mark James and

Roots & Wings

Performance commences 3.00pm • Doors 2.00pm

FOR BOOKINGS & MORE INFORMATION

Tel 01473 912626 or 07591 099519

MUSICALS, MOVIES & MOONLIGHT Saturday 8 January 2022 | 7:30pm Ipswich Corn Exchange

Join Trianon for an evening of musical favourites, from Handel’s foray into cinema, a musical portrait of Suffolk and some marvellous medleys to get your toes tapping!

Kindly supported by the Angela Chaplin Fund Tickets from £11, concessions from £10, students & U16 from £6 (these prices include a £1 per ticket booking fee if purchased from Ipswich Entertainments).

Available from www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

Trianon Music Group is a member of Ipswich Arts Association and Making Music. Reg’ charity no. 276715

10

ARTS

The Show Must Go On! What would you say is the worse time possible time to be running a fledgling theatre company? During a global pandemic must be high up there, but this is what James Aleksic had to deal with. James launched Limelight Performers in late 2019 and their first two concerts at St Peter’s by the Waterfront had glowing reviews.

Then in March 2020 the first national lockdown came along and wiped out all of the concerts and production from their diary.

Some people may have given up at this point but not so James, who was desperate to keep the momentum going which had been built up so he transferred all Limelight’s activities on-line to give people a space to still be creative while stuck at home.

This meant not only continuing to rehearse for future performances over weekly video calls (without even knowing when the shows would be able to take place), but also creating ‘virtual ensemble’ videos, with everyone recording their own individual parts at home to be edited together. Seven

Panto magic Review by Wendy Cook

Jack and Jill are set to be wed and the party has started, however as always in panto land, things don’t go to plan…

A visit from the evil Fleshcreep looking for young humans to give to his master, the giant, certainly puts a dampener on things, turning the happy couple’s day into turmoil. Will the wedding still go ahead? Will Dame Dolly Durden manage to pay her rent? And who, if anyone, will end up on the Giant’s dinner plate?

The New Wolsey Theatre are wellknown for their Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos and this year’s offering certainly doesn’t disappoint. A very talented cast of actor-musicians take to the stage in an explosion of musical numbers and comical slapstick humour.

Again, this year it is possible to watch the show at home via live stream, something I hope The New Wolsey continue to do in the future as this makes the panto so much more accessible to so many more people, giving them the chance to enjoy some festive fun.

The action on stage is interspersed with pre-recorded visual performances on a large screen, which adds to the action. It was fabulous spotting the places we know in the town as we follow Jack on his adventures.

Neil Urquhart as Jack and Daniella Piper as Jill are both perfectly cast and produce some very strong musical numbers together.

Steve Simmonds makes a return to the stage as Dame Dolly, and once again proves a hit with the audience, the gags just kept coming.

Natasha Magigi as Fairy Aubergine spreads her festive magic as she takes control of the mayhem and sets Jack on the right path to save the day and find the gold. And, as is the norm with these productions, cast members play more than one character and her portrayal of Gemima, the Giant’s wife was just brilliant.

No production of Jack and the Beanstalk would be complete without a Giant and the one in this panto is particularly good, with just the right amount of scary…

It’s hard to single out any member of the cast in this performance as they were all strong and so very talented. However, it was a real treat to hear James Haggie (Billy) belt out the closing number as the audience rose to their feet to dance along.

videos were made in this style over this period. The last video, Raise Your Voice, included singers, musicians and dancers, between them submitting over 45 individual recordings to be present in the final edit – which was also released as a single on Spotify and other music platforms.

James had a vision when he set up Limelight Performers and that was for the group to become a charity. This also came about during lockdown with James taking on the role of Chairman and a team of six trustees sharing the running of the group.

Since restrictions have eased, the group has performed at the New Wolsey Theatre and St Peters on the Waterfront.

The ethos of the group is giving everyone their chance to be ‘in the limelight’ and making the arts accessible to all, with membership fees and ticket prices kept low to try and remove the barrier that a lot of people face – and every show is cast by open auditions, so anyone can attend and try out. Their next project is The Limelight Ensemble on 29th January at St Peter’s by the Waterfront. Anyone and everyone were encouraged to get involved. With this concert they went a step further with no auditions – meaning absolutely anyone could sign up to take part.

James added, “We can’t wait to finally be able to stage the return of The Limelight Ensemble and to produce the full-scale musicals that were postponed over a year ago, with Legally Blonde Jr. and The Wedding Singer currently on the calendar and lots more exciting conversations happening behind the scenes for the next moves after that!”

The Limelight Ensemble, features a large group of local performers, singing lots of musical theatre classics (old and new) in multi part harmony. They’re performing two shows (2.30pm & 7.30pm) at St. Peter’s by the Waterfront on Saturday 29th January 2022 – with tickets available for only £15 at www.stpetersbythewaterfront.co.uk

• Jack and the Beanstalk will be at the New Wolsey Theatre until 8th January. You can book tickets for both in person audiences and to livestream at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk 11

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Start the new year with a relaxing treatment at WildGinger At WildGinger they offer relaxing treatments in warm comfortable surroundings, their team are passionate about delivering a professional yet friendly service.

Whatever your personal challenges may be, from relaxing after a stressful day to a more concentrated programme of recovery, Holistic healing is essential to your health.

SkinBase microdermabrasion is more than a facial treatment. If you have dry flaky skin, blemishes or pigmentation on the body then microdermabrasion might be what you need.

Exfoliating skin is really important and helps to stimulate new skin cell production and get rid of old skin cells. MD is particularly effective at doing this.

WildGinger are an eco-friendly salon, recycling and reusing where possible. They believe that you do not need to compromise on quality to be more conscious and they only use vegan and cruelty free products.

Pregnancy massage is therapeutic massage that focuses on the special needs of the mumto-be as her body goes through dramatic changes during pregnancy. It enhances the function of the muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

From manicures and pedicures to their 90-minute Signature Massage WildGinger offer a wide variety of treatments to suit all needs and budgets.

Why not start the New Year by cleansing the toxins from your body with Lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic massage will help to stimulate and drain waste and toxins from the body. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits include enhancing skin health, relieving stress and tensions, strengthening the immune system, and benefiting those with lymphedema. Lymph work has been shown to help the scarring process by enhancing circulation and immunity, and is therefore beneficial to aid recovery from surgery.

use of a stream of non-allergenic crystals to unsettle the layer of skin closest to the surface of the feet, before using suction to remove the crystals and the dead skin. With a SkinBase Microdermabrasion Pedicure, you can sit back and relax while one of the wonderful therapists at WildGinger works their magic to slough away hard skin, invigorate and stimulate circulation, and get those feet smoother than they’ve ever been. Your feet will thank you for it. That’s a promise.

More than a facial - With the New Year looming, get your new year health kick started with a microdermabrasion body treatment, slough away that old dead skin and invigorate your skin.

Remember microdermabrasion is more than a facial, here are a few of the body treatment options you could try…

Microdermabrasion Pedicure - They serve us well but our poor feet deserve some love and attention. Microdermabrasion involves the

Come and try our WildGinger

Signature Massage 90 minutes of pure bliss

A complete relaxation with Himalayan rock salt stones allowing comforting warmth to soften tense muscles and ease discomfort, a full body massage to include special attention to reflex points on the hands, feet and head.

Pregnancy massage is offered after the first trimester and consent from a Doctor or Midwife will be needed. Each treatment is specifically tailored around your needs at each stage throughout the pregnancy, your therapist will make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible so that you will leave feeling rejuvenated.

At WildGinger the dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming you.

Creating balance, One touch at a time.

Holistic therapies for health and wellbeing.

HOLISTIC THERAPIES

Shiatsu•Reflexology•Massage•Indian Head Massage

BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Dermaplaning•Hena Brows•Facials•Microdermabrasion Pedicures • Manicures • Gel Nails

OSTEOPATHY - Friday afternoons Keith Ashdown is a qualified sports Masseur and Osteopath, obtaining his Master of Osteopathy degree from the British School of Osteopathy.

Book your appointment online:

https://wildginger.book.app/book-now

61 Beech Rd, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP5 1AP t: 01473 723713/07727 857181 e: wildgingerltd@aol.com

12

w: www.wildginger.ltd

TUES & WED: 10am-5pm THURS & FRI: 11am-7pm SAT: 9am-5pm Hours outside these times by arrangement

Avoiding Failure: How to Stick with Your New Year’s Resolutions Now that we are officially into 2022, how are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Are you off to a strong start or have you given up already? Hopefully, you are committed to achieving your goals and are off to a running start.

But, if you are like most people, your resolutions will soon be forgotten.

There are many reasons that resolutions fail so quickly. The good news is that by becoming aware of the reasons they fail, you can change your actions and help achieve your goals. Let’s take a look at the most common sources of failure and how you can overcome each one.

Too large of a goal - It’s great to shoot for the stars by setting a large goal. It is important that the large goal be broken down into smaller, more manageable and measurable goals. These goals should also be realistic. If your goal is to run a marathon this year, you should already have some running experience to build upon. If you don’t currently run, this goal is too large and not very realistic.

To increase your current mileage, you would need a specific training program that gradually increases the distance and time you run each week. Without these smaller steps, you won’t be able to achieve the larger goal.

No plan - Having a plan is critical to success but is one of the reasons that many people fail

Why having a hobby is so important?

“I have no time for hobby” statement is all too often ruling our lives.

We are unwilling to break the said routine thinking that a hobby will only consume our valuable time giving nothing in return. How wrong we are!

As if we all forgot how it was when their interest. They are able to stay we had a passion. And how much highly focused and concentrated joy, pleasure, energy and positive on the subject. Pursuing a passion feelings it brought us. We tend to promotes self-esteem and selfunderestimate the power of hobby confidence. Hobbies encourage in improving our well-being and broader perception and wider quality of life. horizons. They develop the capacity Hobbies simply make us feel of reaching beyond what is on good. We pursue some passion the surface and getting a deeper out of interest. It gives us a great insight. You are no longer limited satisfaction, sense of achievement, to evaluate yourself by professional and fosters positive emotions. If you performance at work or by fulfilling a work all day long, a pastime helps family role. escape from everyday monotony Hobbies encourage friendships. and muddling routine. For the retired Hobbyists communicate with each having a hobby is a blessing that other through a variety of media, kills time, keeps in shape, improves such as Internet blogs and forums, memory, and alleviates the effects clubs, meetings to share ideas and of aging. knowledge. It feels great to be a part It has been proved that engaging of a larger group of people that have in a hobby is great for your brain. the same passion as you do. You When you feel good, the nucleus are not alone. accumbens, the brain region playing Pastime is a powerful de-stresser. an important role in reward, laughter, After a tough day’s work, engaging and pleasure, is stimulated. If you in the activity you like brings enjoy the activity you are pursuing relaxation , quiet and piece of mind. the proper signal is sent to your You stop thinking about work and brain which stimulates the pleasure deadlines. Hobby is a very effective zone and you feel happy. way of resting and enjoying a good Hobbies and passions develop night’s sleep. talents, creativity and imagination.

So get yourself some hobby to live Hobbyists are creative thinkers happy life.

Thomas Catmark and good experts in the area of

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

to achieve their goals. The first step is to write down your goal and define it carefully.

Then, write down in detail how you will achieve it. Be very specific and include details such as how and when. This plan is your roadmap to success. The more specific and measurable the plan, the better. Having a written plan will keep you on track and moving forward.

Lack of discipline/accountability - Many people lack the discipline and accountability to reach their goals on their own. This can be easily overcome by recruiting an accountability partner such as a friend or family member.

Find someone that has a similar goal and help keep other accountable and motivated. Enlist whatever help and resources you think you’ll need before you need them.

Procrastination - Procrastination is one of the leading reasons that resolutions fail. Have you ever said that you’ll start a diet next week? Then next week comes and you don’t start the diet? There’s no time like the present to get started!

As you set your goals for 2022, keep in mind some of the reasons that resolutions often fail and consider the potential roadblocks to achieving your goals. Facing these roadblocks up front will prepare you to overcome them. Log your progress along the way. This log can help you through tougher times along the way when you may feel like giving up. And last, but not least, remain flexible and willing to adjust your plan if necessary.

Sometimes you may need to take a detour along the way so it is very helpful to be flexible. Don’t get discouraged and let this throw you completely off course. Stay committed and keep going!

April Mims

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13

— Advertorial —

State-of-the-art wellness centre is available For You Now FYN (For You Now) is a newly opened wellness centre in Ipswich offering state-of-theart equipment and is proud to have East Anglia’s only full body cryotherapy chamber and when entered into immerses the person or persons in the -85°C environment with benefits ranging from physical and mental health, sports recovery and beauty benefits.

FYN also has the only floatation tank in Ipswich which also has many health benefits but most importantly gives the user some relaxation, time off and a chance to destress. When these state of the art pieces of equipment are coupled together and integrated with our massage therapies, recovery lounge and vitamin boosters FYN has most areas for your physical and mental wellbeing covered.

Cryotherapy Benefits

When the body experiences temperatures of -85°C in our full body Cryo Chamber, under controlled conditions we can initiate the body’s fight or flight response, stimulating your metabolism. Additionally, re-oxygenation of your blood will occur encouraging anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits but also biohacking the body’s hormone system to respond, releasing the feel good chemicals and suppressing the production of cortisols.

Cryotherapy also supports the treatment of numerous conditions, including various rheumatic diseases, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, atopic skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

Health • Faster recovery after training • Supports rehabilitation • Increased endorphins • Activate the immune system & healing process • Boosts blood circulation & metabolism • Full impact on the nervous system • Better lymphatic drainage • Supports the treatment of Rheumatism and neurological disorders • Supports atopic dermatitis • Supports sleep disorders

Wellness • Improves vitality, appearance, wellbeing & quality of life • Decrease stress levels • Rejuvenation of body, skin and mind • Improves regeneration, collagenase and skin’s elasticity • Detoxification Floatation Tank therapy No Gravity, No Touch, No Sound & No Sight Your tranquil FYN floatation experience will give you the ability to refocus, relax and drift off into a meditative state of mind. By entering a sensory deprived environment, the FYN Float can help you reset and improve your mental and physical well-being. With no external stimuli coming in, your brain stops worrying about all the background tasks that usually keep it occupied.

Deadlines, anxiety and stress begin to fade away.

As a result, your fight-or-flight response gets to take a break and steps out of the limelight. In turn, your body lowers the production of adrenaline and cortisol. Studies show signs that your dopamine and endorphin levels rise, giving you a natural mood high that often lasts for days.

Physiological Benefits

Floatation Therapy For Improved Physical Health Floating in our sensory deprivation tank benefits a variety of your normal bodily functions. The epsom salts help to dull your aches and pains, aiding muscle recovery. This may lead you to require less downtime between training sessions and ultimately leave you feeling stronger.

Other key benefits from Cryo include: Fitness • Improves fitness & performance • Reduces muscle-soreness, pain, and inflammation • Promotes rapid muscle regeneration • Improves mobility & relaxes the muscles • Increased energy levels & high oxygen levels (boosts productivity) • Enhances the function of the joints • Boosts cardiovascular system and muscles 14

• Pain reduction (ex: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle/joint tension, headaches, back injury, autoimmune disorders) • Muscle and joint repair and recovery post injury • Anti-gravity environment reduces sensation of physical strain on body • Improves quality of skin / detoxification • Lowers blood pressure and heart rate • Increases immune system functioning

Psychological Benefits

Floatation Therapy For Improved Mental State Floating helps to release deep muscular tension; this starts a chain reaction that spreads through the body to every organ, tissue and cell. Blood

pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and oxygen consumption (cell metabolism) return to healthy levels. In addition, quantities of harmful stressinduced hormones such as cortisol are reduced in the bloodstream, enhancing emotional wellbeing.

The level of T-cells rises in the bloodstream, strengthening the immune system. Lastly, the brain releases several endorphins as it relaxes deeply into the theta state, relieving fatigue and chronic pain.

• Decrease anxiety and stress • Assists with behaviour modification (ex: quitting addictions) • Release of endorphins • Introspection • Improved cognitive functioning and mental clarity • Improved sleep Sports Massage Sports massage is a form of massage suited to addressing muscular and postural problems.

Sports massage involves a superficial technique to aid with circulation combined with deep massage to work the muscles, releasing tension.

Our techniques vary from light-superficial techniques to deeper, concentrated applications.

We adapt our techniques to meet your body’s needs.

You don’t need to be a sportsperson to benefit from sports massage.

Although it is perfect for those who do work out!

Sports Massage is one of the most effective ways of releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system.

Within treatments and if the client needs it we offer IASTM, cupping, taping, myofascial release and METs. We also offer: • Pregnancy massage • Aromatherapy • Hot stones • Indian head massage • Reflexology The team at FYN will happily show you around and explain the processes thoroughly so you are fully informed of the treatments available and that could help you maintain, boost, repair and lift your physical or mental wellbeing.

FYN, Unit 12, Alpha Business Park, Whitehouse Road, Ipswich, IP1 5LT Tel: 01473 463671 www.foryounow.co.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

PRIZE COMP

Natural A new year …

Smiles a new you!!!

— Advertorial —

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to take care of your teeth that doesn’t involve compromising on your green ambitions? Well, wonder no more! Following the launch of DenTek’s eco range, including Earth Friendly Sustainable Birch Wood interdental brushes, it’s possible to make choices that are both good for your oral hygiene and for the planet.

According to Mihir Shah, principal dentist at a clinic in Battersea, 77% of tooth decay starts between the teeth. He explains that many of us are neglecting the tooth surfaces that are more susceptible and those who don’t floss are at a much higher risk of tooth decay or even irreversible gum disease. How can we tackle these hidden problem areas and ‘mind the gap’?

The solution lies with a regular flossing routine.

The pandemic and lack of access to a dentist has seen bad habits creep in. For too many of us, taking care of our teeth means brushing once (hopefully not!) or twice a day – only 31% of us floss on a regular basis. Yet brushing your teeth with a toothbrush alone cleans just 60% of the tooth. To hit the other 40% that the toothbrush can’t reach, oral hygiene tools products such as floss picks and interdental brushes are a must.

Previously, however, there has been a problem: limited eco-friendly options when it comes to selecting a product for reaching those problem areas. That’s why DenTek are on a mission, starting now, to source the most sustainable materials possible to create their oral hygiene products and transform their entire offering to free from single-use plastic.

Their newly launched interdental brushes have been made using Birch Wood, which creates less waste and uses less energy in the manufacturing process, even than rival eco materials such as bamboo. The wood itself absorbs less water, which means the wire brush won’t split from the handle when used in the bathroom environment.

DenTek also plant more trees than they use and because birch is a climate positive material, the trees work to reduce additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Mihir says, “I’m pleased to see brands like DenTek taking the necessary steps to transform their offering to become more responsibly sourced and more environmentally friendly. Hopefully, this will encourage even more people to take up flossing and therefore, better protect their teeth and create more natural smiles whilst still protecting our planet!”

As Jennifer Hudson, Senior Brand Manager from DenTek explains, a proper brushing and flossing routine is essential for good oral health, preventing everything from tooth loss to mouth cancer.

Jennifer says, “The health of your teeth can play an extremely important role in your overall wellbeing, and a healthy smile is often one of the first things people will notice about you so it really pays to invest in the health of your teeth with a proper oral care routine.

“That means brushing twice a day for roughly two minutes and flossing at least once a day, as well as cleaning your tongue, which is a part many of us forget but can make a massive difference to our oral health. In fact, 90% of bad breath comes from poor tongue hygiene. Currently, there is a backlog of 17 million NHS dentist appointments – so there’s never been a better time to start flossing!”

A New Year is a time when many people start to think about different aspects of their lives, as they reflect upon the year that has passed.

Hand–in–hand with this reflection goes wondering if and how we want to alter the course of our lives in some way, changes that we might like to make within our jobs, our health or our friendships, for example.

In our society, this desire for change at this time of year has become synonymous with the dreaded New Year’s Resolution. How I hated this concept as I was growing up! People asking me “What are your New Year’s Resolutions?” infuriated me, the question being loaded with an expectation of sacrifice and self-denial.

No wonder my bid to stop eating sweets never lasted beyond January 2nd....

The fact is most of us hate being told what to do! Subconsciously, we don’t want to be denied that which we want…and the more we try to do that, the harder our inner mind fights. It wants to be listened to, communicated with and understood. When this happens, beneficial changes can be welcomed.

Such change may be the rejection of unhelpful feelings, behaviours, thoughts or habits. If you find yourself thinking that this is a change you would like to make, try looking at it, not as a New Year’s Resolution, steeped in abstemiousness after the indulgence of Christmastime. Rather, envisage it as a gift you want to give to yourself, with everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Please do head over to my website to find out more about hypnotherapy, or contact me by email or phone. I will be really happy to help you.

I wish you all the very best for 2022 Charlotte

— COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 has got five sets of DenTek goodies to giveaway to lucky readers.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: DenTek Competition, Ipswich24 Magazine, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Monday 31st January 2022.

Q What are DenTek’s eco range interdental brushes made from?

15

wellbeing

Winter BLUES Depression doesn’t pick days, however there are reasons we experience low moods at this time of the year, and things you can do to counteract them.

The weather Winter is a rather romanticised time. When it first arrives, the crisp weather is described as ‘Christmassy’ and presents the perfect excuse to be cosy indoors, or dig out our favourite winter coat when we go out. By the time the festive period has been and gone, though, we’re left with the cold temperatures but without that sense of magic, which can leave us feeling fed up. If you look out the window, the chances are the skies will be grey – and more often than not, raining. We can take comfort, however, in knowing the colours and freshness of spring are just around the corner. We can also make the best of the situation by embracing the prospect of staying in and enjoying that book we’ve long intended to read, or perfecting a hearty winter recipe to put those good dietary intentions into practice.

New Year’s resolutions Year in year out, we set ourselves resolutions only to break them as soon as January ends, if not before, and beat ourselves up for it. Most of the resolutions we make are about our wellbeing, and the reason we may give up on them is because we’re trying to give up or take on too much at the

same time, or haven’t done enough research on the best way to go about it. The best way to go about it is to do some research and try things out, to discover what works for you, and increase the chance you’ll stick with your plans to improve your health – be it a better diet or increasing levels of exercise.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Some people notice a real shift in how they feel as the seasons change.

This is called seasonal affective disorder, sometimes known as ‘winter depression’ because that’s when symptoms can be strongest and there’s reduced exposure to sunlight, which is linked to the condition. Symptoms of SAD can include irritability, lack of energy and weight gain.

Money worries Christmas may seem a long time ago now but our bank accounts often mean it’s something we have to keep thinking about long after the gifts have been opened and the wrapping paper thrown away. It can be a very expensive time and people often rely on credit to buy presents and food, and prioritising these costs can mean struggling with household and energy bills.

The stress and anxiety of falling behind on payments or getting into debt can really get the year off to a bad start. Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of free information and advice to help ensure the situation doesn’t get worse. www.ageuk.org.uk

Would you like to enjoy your retirement without having to worry about your finances?

To claim your free financial health check with one of our expert independent financial advisers contact us today.

www.woodwardmarkwell.co.uk ifa@wmibl.co.uk 01473 408408 Woodward Markwell is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. No. 146449. Registered address Friars House, 2 Falcon Strret, Ipswich. Suffolk. IP1 1SL. 16

WELLBEING

A strict morning routine will get you off to a better day

New entrance to hospital opens

After getting up at 7am, having breakfast is one of the top-rated things that helps Brits have a positive day (34 per cent) - with cereal (34 per cent), toast (19 per cent), and porridge (13 per cent) the most popular choices.

This is the first big opening as part of the £23.1 million transformation that will improve how patients and visitors access services at the south end of the hospital.

After six months of major building works, visitors and patients will now have a welcoming and spacious entrance and access to a new retail area. Meanwhile the hospital will continue to work on the next big builds, the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) and Emergency Department (ED).

Neill Moloney, Acting Chief Executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) said, “I would like to thank everyone involved in the development and building of the new concourse and hope that everyone within the hospital, patients, visitors, volunteers and staff will benefit.”

Paul Fenton, Director of Estates and Facilities, said, “We are pleased that the new main entrance to our hospital wards and other departments is now open along with new retail facilities that are much larger, and offer greater choice for our visitors and staff.

“This opening marks the start, in earnest, of the remodelling of the front of the hospital and the construction of our new Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre which will create greater capacity and improve the experience of patients using our services.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding whilst we carry out these construction works to improve the hospital for the population we serve.”

Sorting out the home is another way adults regularly set themselves up for a good day, by hanging out the washing (15 per cent), tending to housework (12 per cent), and doing the dishes (11 per cent).

However, when it comes to the school holidays, parents have happily torn up their strict routines. Almost half of those surveyed (49 per cent) admit to mixing up their mornings during the summer months, and 63 per cent have been making the most of the slower pace of life and not having to rush around.

They’re also more likely to try new breakfast recipes (51 per cent) or enjoy the extra quality time spent with family in the morning (55 per cent).

The research was commissioned by Nutella to mark the launch of its ‘Happy Portion’ van, which will be serving up breakfasts on its tour of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Chester from Thursday 26th August.

James Stewart, from Nutella, Ferrero UK & Ireland, said, “Whether you’re an early riser or have a favourite morning routine, the research clearly shows that we all have different ways we like to start our day!

“Our research shows that 51 per cent of parents have used the summer holidays to try new breakfast recipes and we wanted to celebrate this by launching our first-ever nationwide tour with our ‘Happy Portion’ van.”

When it comes to enjoying breakfast with the stars, Brits would most like to make small talk over toast with The Queen, Sir David Attenborough and The Duchess of Cambridge.

The research also found that getting up on the ‘right’ side of the bed really does impact your day; with six in 10 believing that getting out a certain side of the bed can make a difference.

While 30 per cent of adults swear by getting out on the left, 35 per cent opt for the right-hand side to give them a positive start to the day.

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17

Every Monday

Woodbridge Citizen’s Advice, Woodbridge Library, 10am-noon. Independent and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to everybody.

Every Tuesday

Arts & Crafts Group, Castlehill Community Centre, 1.30-3.30pm. Everyone welcome, £2 per session. For more information call Lois on 07951 779271 Short Mat Bowls in a friendly and local location at the Pinewood Community Centre, Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP8 3SL, 10am-12pm £4.00 members £3.00 guests. Contact 07785 236726 or 07808 628945

Every Wednesday

Beginners Social Dance Class, 7-8pm, at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ. £4.00 per member. Contact 01473 422427/ 01473 723070. See website and facebook page.

Every Thursday

Kurling and Boccia. Ipswich Oddfellows 37 High St Ipswich, 10m, £2.50 members. 01473 251867

Every Friday

Knitting Group, Woodbridge Library, 2pm 4pm. For all types of knitters from expert to beginners, sewing to crochet, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips.

Carpet Bowls in a friendly atmosphere at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ, 2.305pm. £2.50 per session . More details 01473 410 740.

Friends Round Friday - Rushmere Good Neighbour Scheme. Dumbarton Rd Scout Hall, Ipswich. Free refreshments, all ages, toddler corner. Books, games, puzzles, chat, companionship and a cuppa. More info Michelle on 07570 093097 Short Mat Bowls in a friendly and local location at the Pinewood Community Centre, Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP8 3SL, 10am-12pm £4.00 members £3.00 guests. Contact 07785 236726 or 07808 628945 Sequence Dancing at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich. IP4 4HZ. 7.30 - 9.30. Members £3 each

Every Saturday

Mannings Weekend Market, Felixstowe Seafront, 10-4pm.

Every Sunday

Mannings Weekend Market, Felixstowe Seafront, 9-5pm.

Fri 31st Dec

Andy Miller Roadshow, licensed bar (bring your own nibbles). £8 Members, £9 Non-members.

Rosary Conservative Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AB, 8pm-12.30am.

Mannings,

Until 24th April ‘22

Creating Constable. Celebrating John Constable and his work, exhibition at Christchurch Mansion.

Visit ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/ to find out more.

Cinderella, The Dennis Lowe Panto, The Spa Pavilion, see Spa website (or page 2 of this magazine) for times

guide

Countryholics - Country & Western. Licensed bar, cooked food 7-9.30pm, £5 Members, £6 Non-members. Rosary Conservative Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AB, 8-11pm.

Chess Club, Woodbridge Libarary, 5.30-7pm.

Adults (16+) preferably, times are subject to change; Please contact the library for further information (01394 330855).

Sat 1st Jan

Wed 12th Jan

Sun 2nd Jan

Thurs 13th-Sat 15th Jan

Steam Train Rides & Oil Lamps. A special day at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Wetheringsett, IP14 5PW - www.mslr.org.uk - see page 9 of this magazine Sunday Book Group, 2-3.30pm. The group meets to discuss their latest book in the meeting room at Woodbridge Library. All are welcome!

Organising an Event?

Get it listed in the Events Guide for Free Email your event by the 5th of the month to: listings@ipswich24.co.uk All listings subject to space and no guarantee is given of inclusion Tues 4th Jan

Jack and the Beanstalk - The Rock n Roll Panto.

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Option of watching in person at the theatre or from home. Details and booking www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

18

ELF - The Musical. A CTC production at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. www.theapex.co.uk/

Mannings,

Until Sat 8th January ‘22

Fri 17th Dec - Mon 3rd Jan

Thurs 30th Dec-Sun 2nd Jan

EVENTS

East Ipswich Camera Club meet at The Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, IP4 5SU. Meetings 7.30-10pm.

New members are always welcome. More info www.eastipswichcameraclub.co.uk Scrabble (and other board Games), 2pm at Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street Ipswich £3. Ring 01473 251867 for more details

Wed 5th Jan

Talk: “Suffolk Children in Care” history of St Johns Home which was in Freehold Rd area of Ipswich. Salvation Army Citadel, Woodbridge Rd, Ipswich, 7.30pm. Organised by Ipswich Suffolk Family History Soc. Pay on door, members £2, others £3

Fri 7th Jan

Talk “The Kassel Raid”. Martlesham Heath Community Centre, 7.30pm. No need to book, pay on door £4 (MHAS members £3)

Guided Walk: Iconic Ipswich. Meet 2pm at Suffolk Archives, The Hold (near the University on the Waterfront). Further details including booking info ipswichtourguides.org.uk/tea-walks

Musical of Dreams, Capel St Mary Community Centre, 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm Saturday. New family friendly musical, £8, cons £6. Box office 07793 820215

Fri 14th Jan

Live Music: Swinging evening with Mr Smooth Swing Singer. Big Band Sound, old and new with Sinatra and Buble songs plusmany others. The Douglas Bader, Martlesham Heath,Ipswich. 8-11pm.

Sat 15th Jan

Andy Ottley - Elvis Tribute.

Licensed bar, cooked food 7-9.30pm, £5 Members, £6 Nonmembers. Rosary Conservative Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AB, 8-11pm.

Fri 21st Jan

The Queen Extravaganza, Ipswich Regent, 7.30pm. www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk Ryan Payling - Country & Western. Licensed bar, cooked food 7-9.30pm, £5 Members, £6 Non-members. Rosary Conservative Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AB, 8-11pm.

Sat 22nd Jan

Suffolk Singers Charity Concert, 7.30pm, Woodbridge Community Hall, IP12 1AU. Tickets £15 from Wegottickets.com; Suffolk Singers Ticket Line 01394 279907

Tues 25th Jan

Talk: Guest speaker from Home Instead (Care provider) “Don’t wait until it’s too late” 2pm at Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street Ipswich. All welcome. Free entry. More details 01473 251867

Thurs 27th Jan

Games Club, Woodbridge Library, 2-4pm.

Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practice strategy and balance with Dominoes.

Fri 28th Jan

Guided Walk: Things about Ipswich you Can’t Live Without Knowing!. Meet 2pm at Suffolk Archives, The Hold (near the University on the Waterfront). Further details including booking info ipswichtourguides.org.uk/tea-walks

Sat 29th Jan

Flashdance 80’s Band. Licensed bar, cooked food 7-9.30pm, £5 Members, £6 Non-members.

Rosary Conservative Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP1 4AB, 8-11pm.

*Submissions listed subject to space availability. – No responsibility can be accepted for cancellation of events, if in doubt contact the event organiser before travelling.

Have your Event or Gig Listed Free!!* Email: listings@ipswich24.co.uk Post: 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich IP4 4PE

Recruitment & Training Special

12 PAGE PULL-OUT

Recruitment & Training Special

From Fear Factor to X Factor (Keeping calm under pressure)

Finding yourself centre stage at an interview, for the first time in many years, can be one of the most daunting and frightening experiences you can have.

In a world that has changed dramatically over the past few months, and in a competitive job market, you may worry that your skills are outdated or no longer relevant, and this can have a huge impact on confidence.

But have you considered your transferable skills? Employers recognise and appreciate that not everyone is equal, so highlighting transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation and leadership experience can often be the winning formula to a successful interview.

Getting through to interview proves you have ticked the basic boxes, but face to face is when the judging really starts, and you have to showcase the best person you can be. If you struggle with confidence – think back to a time in your previous job when you were confident – harness that feeling and bring it into your examples. Like an audition, you only get one chance at this so don’t hold back on revealing the skills and experience you can bring to the job – bring them to life and match them to criteria the company expects from the right candidate – YOU.

WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO PERFORM REMEMBER THESE KEY POINTS:

Knowledge is power Research the company, know what the job entails and what will be expected of you as an employee. Showing you have an interest in the company will always benefit any candidate.

You only get ONE chance to make a first impression!

Dress to impress, show you can meet the company’s standards of dress code.

You may have dressed casually in the past but this will not impress at interview

ii

and may rule you out before you even begin. Don’t wait until the last minute to sort out your interview clothes. Have something suitable to wear at all times, as you could get caught out with an unexpected invite to interview. Regardless of the type of job remember that first impressions count.

Body language speaks volumes What you say and how confidently you say it is important at any interview but this could all be lost if your body language is contradicting. Distracting the interviewer by slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen or fidgeting could cost you a job offer. Whether you’re interviewing by video conference or in person, always try to make eye contact, smile and sit upright in the chair and assure the interviewer you are actively listening by using nods to acknowledge your understanding.

Practice makes perfect Take the time to practice what you are going to say. The best way to do this is by carrying out mock interviews. They will give you a chance to prepare and confidently give your answers but also keep you calm and less nervous about trying to think of an example while you’re on the spot.

Finally… don’t get caught out online Employers often use the internet to check you out before offering you a position.

This is where a lot of people can fall foul. How does your social media account look to an outsider? Check privacy settings to stop any unwanted viewing.

Remember, no matter how long it’s been since your last interview, this is your chance to shine and to showcase your skills in the best possible light. Spending time researching and practicing beforehand will help give you the confidence you need to stand out, and in turn give you the best possible chance of landing the job.

Content is public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Modern day job interview faux pas

or how not to get the job!

Modern day job interview faux pas include unexpected guests joining the call – such as cats or partners – answering the door to delivery drivers, and dodgy audio.

A poll of 500 hirers found 13 per cent have had a candidate stand up mid-call to reveal they were wearing smart attire on top – and JOGGERS down below. And more than one in 10 calls were cut short because of something inappropriate in the applicant’s video-call background.

As a result, 28 per cent of hiring decision-makers have chosen not to take someone on after being put off by their video backdrop. While a further 58 per cent said a messy room in the background could cost someone the job.

The study, commissioned by BT Skills for Tomorrow found 56 per cent now do the majority of their job interviews over video call, with 42 per cent believing this will continue even after Covid restrictions are lifted.

Hannah Cornick, from BT Skills for Tomorrow, said, “Video calls are going to remain part of the hiring process well into the future, and there is an opportunity for candidates to use this to their advantage.

Recruitment & Training Special

Time to get your career moving Pooley Removals & Storage have a well deserved reputation and have been moving & storing for 43 years. Our office and storage warehouse is based in Rendlesham, just outside Woodbridge.

Most of the time our crews will be out on the road, but there will be some days where you will be based at the warehouse bringing customers effects into store – and there are often biscuits in the office!

Customer care is at the heart of this family run business and this is why most of Pooley Removals & Storage custom is repeat and recommendation. We are small, Independent business, where staff are not just a number.

During the move day the crew members almost become family members with the customers!

You will be assisting clients to pack up all their lifelong belongings and then settle them in their new home, during a day which can be either very stressful, happy or sad. People move house for all different reasons and having caring and understanding staff on the day is crucial. You will be expected to be courteous and understanding towards the client and all their household effects.

If you enjoy meeting new people and being out and about each day, seeing different sights locally and nationally then the household removal industry is for you.

The household removal industry is not often a career path a school or college leaver would consider, yet it is an Industry that will always be there and is very rewarding in so many ways! At Pooley Removals & Storage we have staff that have been doing the job longer than the company itself!

It is a physically demanding role that will keep you fit and healthy.

“Being in control of your environment and in a familiar space can help reduce nerves and allow you to showcase your personality.

“This is the time to show the interviewer your strengths and how you stand out from the crowd, without any distractions from your surroundings.”

The results also show 67 per cent said candidates seemingly don’t think much about what is in their background when on a video call. And only 48 per cent would still hire an applicant if their backdrop was totally chaotic, with mess and inappropriate posters on display - even if they seemed perfect for the job. But almost four in 10 of those responsible for hiring decisions believe doing interviews over video calls makes it harder to get ‘a good sense’ of a candidate.

The research also polled 500 people who have taken part in a video job interview over the last 12 months.

On average, they’ve each been through three interviews, yet four in 10 job seekers have been unable to land a job at the end of the process. More than one fifth (21 per cent) have had audio issues and one in 10 admitted to answering a phone call mid-interview.

Just over half (51 per cent) believe video interviews are harder than those done face-to-face, and 30 per cent have deliberately placed an ‘object of interest’ in shot behind them, to use as a talking point.

Post-pandemic, 37 per cent would rather go back to doing interviews in person while 23 per cent want to carry on with video calls, according to the OnePoll figures.

Hannah Cornick, from BT Skills for Tomorrow, added, “In January last year, we launched Stand Out Skills to help candidates get in the right mindset for the journey ahead, discover the skills that businesses are looking for and understand how to make their strengths stand out.

“This is part of our commitment to help 10 million people make the most of life in the digital world.”

Free resources and advice to support job seekers across the UK prepare for a digital future can be found at https://www.bt.com/standoutskills.

and Storage

REMOVAL OPERATIVE/ DRIVER

Pooley Removals are ideally looking for an experienced person to join our team, but for the right candidate full training will be given.

What we require: Clean, full driving licence • Physically strong and able Fantastic customer service skills, confident personality Problem solver • Great team worker Able to work flexible hours Happy to do some over nights ( in a Premier Inn!) on our long distance removals.

A great sense of humour and lots of energy.

Handy with a screwdriver & drill.

A Can Do attitude is a must.

Hourly rate will be dependent on experience and driving qualifications

Please send CVs to info@pooleyremovals.com iii

Recruitment & Training Special

New care home has employment opportunities The Willows is a new purpose-built care home in the heart of Ipswich.

The home has its own library, salon and even a cinema. There is a kitchen

on every floor so that residents can live independently as possible. The home is owned by Sohal Healthcare, who operate a number of high-quality homes in the region. The company has been nominated for lots of awards and their homes are regularly amongst the top 10 most recommended.

Each of the bedrooms is beautifully furnished and has its own en-suite facilities.

They do encourage, if residents would like to bring

their own personal items with them to ensure their rooms are set up to their taste and to reflect their like and individual personalities. All bedrooms have their own TV and telephone points; Wi-Fi access; and either profiling bed or divan Bed. The home has two accessible gardens, one courtyard that is placed in the middle of the home, and many rooms on ground floor can look onto the gardens and there are four rooms located on ground floor, that have patio access to the gardens.

The other gardens are all around the outside of the home, and is benefited with a green house, for all their home

grown vegetables. They hold many activities outside in the summer from animal therapy, BBQs, Garden Parties and much, much more.

The home is surrounded by spectacular landscaped gardens, which include a charming summer house and a dedicated Garden Club – complete with potting shed and raised planters. Meandering grounds also feature a wildlife area, a greenhouse and plenty of cosy seating.

Footpaths flow around the garden providing various destination points and giving residents access to all areas.

Residents can also enjoy the peaceful gardens from the comfort of the first floor terrace.

The Willows are currently recruiting

Care Assistants in the Ipswich area

We’ll provide full training, so it’s a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Care Assistant we will invest in you and you will enjoy additional support and benefits including: n Competitive rate of pay of £9.30 per hour n £250 bonus following successful completion of probation period n Refer a Friend scheme (£50 per referral)

n Paid DBS n Free uniform n 28 days annual leave n Learning and development opportunities and support to achieve qualifications.

An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.

Get in touch now at thewillows@sohal.healthcare or 01473 372 166

The Willows, 57 Crabbe Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5HS www.sohal.healthcare iv

Do You Have the ‘Soft Skills’?

A survey of 1,000 workplace decision makers revealed more than nine in 10 believe their businesses would be more productive if staff had better soft skills.

But nearly two thirds (63 per cent) believe the absence of face-to-face contact with colleagues has created friction among their staff – despite efforts to get staff back in the office. But a fifth admit they may not have paid enough attention to improving the communication, time management and other attributes among their employees.

And further research of 1,000 office workers found many feel the same way – with 25 per cent struggling with selfmanagement and 23 per cent finding collaboration difficult. And fewer than one in five (19 per cent) would rate their soft skill set as ‘excellent’.

The research was commissioned by soft skills development platform Ethical Angel (www.ethicalangel.com), whose CEO, Alexander Fahie, said, “It is clear that there is a shortage of soft skills among the UK workforce and employees aren’t getting the support they desire.

“there’s a shortfall of soft skills”

“Without action these gaps will only increase, leading to a blow to company performance and overall morale if it’s not addressed – which will continue to drive staff churn. Often it’s younger employees, who may be newer to the workforce, that struggle most and need time to develop their soft skills.”

Business leaders say 41 per cent of their junior staff lack training in problem solving, and a further 38 per cent need help with decision making. Six in 10 believe good soft skills make their workers more productive, 57 per cent report a happier work culture, and 51 per cent see better staff retention. Of the office workers polled, 67 per cent would like to improve their soft skills, and 33 per cent have spoken to management about the matter. But just 34 per cent have had a plan put in place to actually improve these vital workplace skills. Just over a third (34 per cent) have had a conflict with their boss which could have been avoided with better soft skills – on both sides. And 54 per cent of employees feel they would be more productive if their manager had stronger soft skills.

Communication was ranked the top soft skills employees want their bosses to have – followed by good leadership and influence, and then empathy and inclusion. A ‘successful mindset’ was deemed one of the least important soft skills workers want their management to have.

For employers, 88 per cent believe soft skills are directly related to business growth, according to Ethical Angel and OnePoll’s figure. And on average, they estimate their business could generate a huge 17.5 per cent more profit if their staff’s soft Top 10 Soft Skills skills were improved.

Business Leaders feel Junior Employes Lack:

1. Problem Solving 2. Self-Management 3. Decision Making 4. Communication 5. Analytical Thinking 6. Successful Mindset 7. Leadership and Influence 8. Creativity and Innovation 9. Empathy and Inclusion 10. Continuous Improvement

Ethical Angel’s CEO added, “Spending in L&D is at a record high, but there is clearly a disconnect. 71% of decision makers believe their business has paid enough attention to soft skills, but two thirds of employees don’t even have a clear plan to improve them.

“The learning content that employees are being provided with simply isn’t engaging. For businesses to truly deliver on soft skills they must provide learning that is personalised, experiential and meaningful.

Recruitment & Training Special

Benefits of Live in Care

An increasing number of families are turning to live in care to enable their relatives to stay at home and avoid the disruption of moving to a care home.

For the live-in carers supporting these people there is a huge feeling of job satisfaction in the knowledge that they are supporting people to remain at home in the place with which they are most familiar, filled with memories and treasured belongings.

By living with the client the carer becomes a close companion and develops a detailed understanding of the client’s needs and routines so they can provide flexible help just when it’s needed. From the carer’s perspective there is no rush to complete care tasks and there is time to re-able clients and help them work on long term goals to improve their physical abilities and quality of life.

A variety of assignment durations are available.

Placements can be long term, for over a month, or for shorter periods for example where two or more staff work on a regular rota of two weeks on – two weeks off.

For staff who want to build their experience and like change, regular relief work of one or two weeks at a time can be arranged.

Staff come from all walks of life, and bring a wide range of skills and previous experience. They may be seeking to do more meaningful work after a busy career, they may have long experience in care and dedicated their role, or they may be wanting to develop skills before moving onto a supervisory role or nursing path.

Many live-in carers find the role offers good work life balance. They work hard and are 100 percent focussed when on assignment, but this can be balanced with breaks that give the opportunity to spend quality time following their own leisure pursuits.

More information can be found at www.purelycare.co.uk

Experienced

Carers

required for live in work We are currently recruiting live-in care workers to work in East Anglia. Duties include supporting our elderly or disabled clients with all aspects of their daily life, from personal care and domestic duties to leisure activities. We aim to support people to live the lives they choose in their own homes.

Applicants must have previous care or nursing experience, driving an advantage. You must have high standards of personal and domestic hygiene, be friendly, able to maintain a conversation and cook basic family meals.

Various rotas available from long periods of over a month to relief work of a week at a time.

“Improved soft skills leads to happier, more productive staff, which leads to better retention – saving money in terms of staff turnover and improving overall business performance” v

Recruitment & Training Special

New ideas for business in 2022 — Advertorial —

MENTA offer several packages of fully funded business support that range from starting a new business, to moving into self-employment. These easy to apply for packages of business support include business planning, how to become your own boss, dealing with bookkeeping and tax, as well as marketing and sales support.

The team can also help you with any available new business or self-employment grants that may be available in your area.

If you have ideas around working differently in 2022, starting a new venture and would appreciate some help, talk with our team about our free services of support.

designed for both new enterprises and those seeking self-employment across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Starting a business from scratch or transferring your skills to become self-employed, a freelancer or sole trader is a big step, that’s why the business experts at MENTA who make up our top team of business advisers and specialist coaches are so keen to share their experience.

MENTA Business support has been recognized as being in the top three providers for such business support across the UK. Our services are available across Suffolk and Norfolk and any support is delivered by an accredited and experienced business coach.

At MENTA our award-winning and 5* rated, ‘How to Start a business’ training packages are

You can email the team: bookings@menta.org.uk Or chat via social media @mentabusiness

BU ID NE SIN EA W ES S F S IN OR 202 2

Starting a business from scratch or transferring your skills to become self-employed, a freelancer or sole trader is a big step, that’s why the business experts at MENTA who make up our top team of business advisers and specialist coaches are so keen to share their experience.

YOU CAN EMAIL THE TEAM:

BOOKINGS@MENTA.ORG.UK OR CHAT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

@MENTABUSINESS

vi

Recruitment & Training Special

That perfect CV Recruitment and Wellbeing An interactive guide to creating the perfect CV has been launched as the UK heads into the busiest job-hunting period of the year.

The visual highlighting the dos and don’ts of resume writing has been created to help guide job seekers in January as they look for a fresh start.

It was designed after a study found just under a tenth of CV-readers hate layouts which are too complicated to actually read, while one in five would be turned off by a rude or inappropriate email address.

The research polled 1,000 UK adults who oversee hiring at their company and found it takes them just 34 seconds to decide if someone’s CV is worth closer inspection. Commissioned by Adecco Retail, the insight also found including a selfie, rambling across more than two pages of A4 - and sharing unusual hobbies are among the biggest CV faux pas.

Shelley Preston, head of Adecco Retail, said, “Your CV is your door opener and it has to be accurate.

“Recruiters will see dozens - if not hundreds - of applications and while it’s important your CV stands out, you want it to be for the right reasons.

“The first step is making sure everything is spelt perfectly, because errors like that show you’re likely to have similar low standards in your career.”

The study also found more than a third said telling an obvious fib on a CV will see it filed in the bin, and just over one in 20 don’t want to see social media handles included. And a fifth have even been amazed after an applicant got their company’s name wrong when applying for the job. However, just under six in 10 have made an initial negative judgement on a CV, only for the candidate to turn out to be better than expected.

Half of those polled admitted that a candidate who had a perfectly written CV but didn’t seem like a perfect fit for a job would most likely be invited for an interview anyway. But four in 10 say a single typo on an otherwise perfect application would hold them back from offering that person an interview. And on average, for every 10 CVs the average employer looks at, four of them will contain a typo or spelling mistake.

The problem could be generational, as 53 per cent agree that young people today are more likely to have a ‘terrible’ CV, compared to a decade ago.

Around half even admitted to having a CV come their way with an error on it so hilarious, they were moved to print it out and show it to their colleagues.

At the start of 2020, it was considered unusual for employees to work from home, businesses considered virtual interviews to be an unsuitable communication channel for meetings, employers also worried if you were not in the business, productivity would drop. Fast forward to March 2020 and the status quo changed overnight.

Our care workers carried on supporting their customers through unprecedented and unchartered waters. Recruitment had to up their game, finding new and innovative ways to meet the challenges through a pandemic and a national shortage of carers, to make sure every single customers needs are always met.

We had to change the way we recruited, no more face-to-face meetings or interviews, we started offering zoom/ teams interviews to reduce the risk of spreading COVID. Some of our candidates found this transition difficult, so we quickly introduced conference calls as an alternative. Our recruiters needed to make sure they were still following all our recruitment processes, to ensure consistency and transparency, to continue to employ the right person for the right job.

The Health Care Sector has faced some very challenging times, and at the forefront of the pandemic the challenges we faced was the well-being of all employees and this remains a priority. All our staff have been faced with additional legislation and compliance rules and regulations, in what is still an ever-changing scenario, this will always add pressure to individuals on the front line who are in demanding roles.

To assist our staff, we offer a free confidential employment assistance programme, where people have access to qualified counsellors, we have recruited additional Mental Health First Aiders, and a wellbeing ambassador who visits our services.

We know that combining our passion for our industry and our wellbeing programme, Cephas Care employees are always ready for the next challenge COVID may bring.

It also emerged one in 10 experts in perusing job applications describe themselves as ‘extremely good’ at spotting a lie on a CV, and 55 per cent have called someone out on a fib.

As many as four in 10 of these truth-benders admitted to the falsehood, while 55 per cent attempted to blag their way out of the situation.

Adecco Retail’s Shelley Preston added, “Your CV needs to be a true and accurate reflection of yourself and your work experience.

“It really does make the difference between securing your dream role and not, so it’s integral that it only contains relevant detail, is kept concise and includes no grammatical errors.

“Many jobs are in high demand, so you need to ensure you stand out from the crowd right at the start of the hiring process, and a well formatted CV is the way to do it”.

The interactive CV can be viewed here – www.adecco.co.uk/blog/cv-2020-tips 1.

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TOP 20 CV FAUX PAS

Telling lies Spelling errors Including a selfie as a picture Having a rude or inappropriate email address General typos Punctuation or grammar mistakes Using clichés like ‘always go the extra mile’ Including a picture generally Never holding a single job for more than three months No contact details Getting a company’s name wrong Suspicious long gaps between jobs Going across more than two pages of A4

14. CVs which aren’t CVs such as a website or blog instead of a printed CV 15. Layouts which are hard to understand/read 16. Having hobbies which don’t constitute as hobbies such as ‘hanging out with friends’ 17. Including social media profiles/ handles/links 18. Not having any references included 19. Using big fonts or strange layouts to make the CV look longer than it is 20. Including part-time jobs which are no longer relevant vii

Recruitment & Training Special

Helping residents to manage their own needs independently Hazeldell is situated off a private road on the outskirts of Ipswich.

The home is on one and a half acres of land and offers residents spacious accommodation.

At Hazeldell staff aim to assist each resident to manage their own needs independently wherever possible, offering as much support as is required to do this.

Staff ensure that privacy and dignity is kept at all times.

The basis of the care at Hazeldell is to provide mutual trust, understanding and communication. This has enabled the home to achieve a good local reputation and enable them to deliver a high-quality service to residents.

Hazeldell are currently recruiting

Care Assistants in the Ipswich area

We’ll provide full training, so it’s a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Care Assistant we will invest in you and you will enjoy additional support and benefits including: n Competitive rate of pay of £9.30 per hour n £250 bonus following successful completion of probation period n Refer a Friend scheme (£50 per referral)

n Paid DBS n Free uniform n 28 days annual leave n Learning and development opportunities and support to achieve qualifications.

An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.

Get in touch now at hazeldell@sohal.healthcare or 01473 252 933

Hazeldell, Bradgate, Elton Park, Ipswich IP2 0DG www.sohal.healthcare viii

Earn and Learn

Recruitment & Training Special

Thinking about your training or work options and not sure what to do next? Are you 16 or older and about to leave school, college or university? Or are you currently working or unemployed and looking for something new?

If so, an apprenticeship or a traineeship could be for you. You’ll gain valuable hands-on work experience and the chance to develop the skills employers want across a range of different industries.

APPRENTICESHIPS

An apprenticeship is a real job, with a salary where you earn while you learn. You’ll be like everyone else, with a contract of employment and holiday leave.

As an apprentice you spend some of your time in off-the-job training, often at a college, university or with a local training provider. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career or next steps.There are thousands of apprenticeship vacancies to choose from and some include a qualification, such as a degree.

There are opportunities in many different industries, with large and small employers.

To be an apprentice, you must:

- be 16 or over - not be in full-time education

A rewarding job in adult social care

Working in adult social care is not just an emotionally rewarding role, it’s one of the most varied too. Working with a range of people with different care needs means every day is different to the next.

What’s more, adult social care is one of the few sectors where jobs are increasing, offering significant numbers of long-term career opportunities. ​ ou don’t need previous experience or qualifications to get started. If you’re Y passionate about helping others, you’ve already got the qualities it takes and there’s training for everything else.

So, if you are looking for a job to be proud of, now could be the perfect time to start your career in adult social care.

With thousands of jobs available nationwide, there are lots of great reasons to become an adult social care worker right now, including: - the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives - long-term employment prospects and opportunities - flexible hours to fit around your other commitments - ongoing career progression and training

Where could you be working?

There are lots of different job roles in adult social care; it just depends what you’re interested in, who you want to work with and where you want to work. You can work in a variety of settings, including in a residential care home, in someone else’s home or even your own home, supporting people as a Shared Lives carer.

Care at home – supporting people in their own homes

Anyone at any stage of life could need care and support while living at home and in their community. This includes people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory impairment or physical disabilities and older people Residential care – supporting people living in nursing/care homes

Residential care can often (but not always) involve working with people with health conditions such as dementia and other complex needs that make it difficult for them to live independently in their own home.

Shared Lives schemes – opening your life to include someone who needs care and support. Shared Lives carers open their home and family life to include someone who needs care and support. It could be for a day, a short break, or to live with you as part of your family over the long term.

With thousands of jobs available, there are lots of great reasons to become an adult social care worker right now, including: - the opportunity to do important and meaningful work - the chance to help your local community - you’ll learn new transferable skills

Content is public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

You can take on an apprenticeship whether you’re starting out in your career, changing roles or you’re upskilling in your current job. You can also apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school, but you’ll need to be 16 or over and have finished your year 11 exams before you start the apprenticeship.

TRAINEESHIPS

A traineeship is a work-based skills development programme available for young people in England that gets you ready for a job or an apprenticeship. Traineeships combine a mix of classroom-based learning with a work experience placement in a real workplace. It can last from six weeks up to a year, though most traineeships last for less than six months.

Trainees gain a wide variety of skills, personal development and occupational training including support to find and apply for a job, CV building, and interview skills. You will also get help with English, maths and basic digital skills (if you need it). Supported by a team of experts, you’ll receive personalised careers advice to help you feel confident to make your next step into the world of work.

You can apply if you’re: - eligible to work in England - about to leave school or college, or unemployed and have little or no work experience - aged 16 to 24 and qualified up to and including Level 3 (equivalent to A Level) or aged 25 with an education, Health and Care Plan Content is public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Have you got what it takes to be our next apprentice?

Fizzwig Designs, publishers of Ipswich24 Magazine currently have an opening for an apprentice at their Ipswich-based office.

TELESALES APPRENTICE

A great opportunity with a company with an award-winning record of training apprentices.

• On job training • Nationally recognised qualification • Earn while you learn

To apply for this position email your full current CV to: wendy@ipswich24.co.uk ix

Recruitment & Training Special

Help with employment law The Paralegal Dept based in Ipswich, is a brand new Employment Law Consultancy offering Employment Law advice to Employers and Employees regarding Employment Law matters.

Michael Coe F.inst.p.a. is a qualified Employment Law Paralegal, Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals, London and HR Consultant, who has served a range of clients since starting Dimension 88 HR and Training Ltd in 2011.

Michael is an Award Winning Employment Law Paralegal being awarded ‘Best Employment / HR Paralegal’ at the National Paralegal awards in 2019. He was also a Finalist in the Category for ‘Paralegal of the Year’ sponsored by ‘Which’ legal 2019.

As a Paralegal and Consultant, Michael is able to assist individuals and business owners with their Employment Law issues before handing over to a suitably qualified person, such as a Solicitor or Barrister.

Paralegal services and Paralegal firms are new alternatives for individuals( litigants in person) to obtain Legal advice from professionals working in the legal sector.

It is important for employees and employers to understand their legal

x

rights in terms of ever-changing employment laws. This is especially important due to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) and the United Kingdom leaving the EU due to Brexit.

Unfortunately, workplace disputes can happen at any time and obtaining the correct advice at the right time is essential.

A number of workplace disputes have been on the rise during the pandemic and include unfair dismissal, redundancy, COVID-19, no jab no job, discrimination, menopause and declined requests for flexible working.

Both employees and employers must be mindful of the legal time limits involved in relation to claims being made to an Employment Tribunal.

The Paralegal Dept ethos is that everyone in society should have access to the law when required and be affordable. Contact Michael Coe at www.paralegaldept.co.uk for all employment law matters.

Have you made a difference to society through your job?

Millions fear they haven’t contributed to the wider world in their career – whether by helping vulnerable people, the local community or the environment.

As a result, 45 per cent feel guilt or shame about what they do for a living simply because they don’t think what they do is ‘vital’ – unlike a role such as a carer or charity worker. And the study of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Bupa Care Homes, found more than half have even considered changing their careers to something more meaningful.

It also emerged that the past nine months has inspired 47 per cent to do a job which gives something back. A quarter have already made the leap, leaving behind office jobs and retail roles to become fundraisers, teachers and healthcare workers.

Melissa Moore, head of recruitment for Bupa Care Homes, said, “The last couple of years has really made many think about their role in society and what impact they make on other people’s lives. At the same time, it’s shone a light on the people making a difference – from charities to the frontlines of health and social care – so it’s no surprise to see people taking stock of their own careers.

“If you’re thinking of making a change, there’s never been a better time. Sectors like social care are seeing a boom in recruitment, with a big spike in people considering the sector for the first time.”

Those polled also revealed what traits their ideal role would have – with a sense of fulfilment favoured by 54 per cent of people. Almost four in 10 (38 per cent) wanted to make a difference to others, while 23 per cent agreed that the opportunity to meet new people was key. However, 44 per cent admitted a lack of time is holding them back from making positive changes, along with not knowing how to get involved in such a role (22 per cent), and doubts over whether they’ll be good at it.

Melissa Moore added, “Experience isn’t everything, it’s about transferable skills.

For example, in our care homes we’ve seen a huge increase in people applying from outside the sector. Over the last year we’ve welcomed colleagues from all sorts of sectors, but particularly retail, leisure and tourism. From holiday entertainers to hairdressers, we’ve seen a diverse mix of new joiners. Far from being under qualified, they bring great skillsets and new ways of thinking. If you can provide this, employers will snap you up and help you learn on the job.”

The study also found three quarters of those polled placed a higher importance on job security as a result of the pandemic. Like many social care providers, Bupa has seen a spike in recruitment as people look to more stable sectors. At its peak, applications rose by some 30 per cent since the beginning of the year.

As a result, the company is currently appointing more than 200 new roles each month, across more than 130 care homes nationwide, ranging from carers and nurses, through to chefs, housekeepers and management. Outside of people’s careers, researchers found 54 per cent of adults have been making steps to benefit society outside of work. The most common activities included giving to charity shops (55 per cent), donating to food banks (38 per cent) and checking in on elderly neighbours (26 per cent). Another 22 per cent also donate blood, while one in five undertake challenges to raise money for charity or donate their time at events and fundraisers.

Melissa Moore said, “Now more than ever, it’s important to find the ways to end the day with a smile on your face. Whether that’s through supporting charities or finding the job that you love, it’s great to see so many people wanting to make a difference.”

Recruitment & Training Special

Women avoiding A charity that is jobs they think making a difference are ‘men only’

Survivors in Transition is a well established charity providing support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

A quarter of women have actively avoided careers because they are perceived to be ‘men only’- including construction, bus driving and politics, a study found.

Researchers who polled 2,000 employed Brits found around a fifth of females are stuck in a job they don’t enjoy. And just one in 10 have managed to get the career they’d always hoped for. A third believe they have missed out on roles because of their gender and 32 per cent feel they have been passed over for promotions for the same reason.

Further to this, 67 per cent still believe it is easier for men to be successful in the world of work than it is for women.

Commissioned by bus operator, First Bus, the research was carried out to examine the opportunities open to women in their careers - from the point of view of both males and females.

The study also revealed around half of all those polled believe businesses are more likely to be successful if there is an even gender split.

Sue Whaley of First Bus, said, “There’s no escaping the fact that men outnumber women in the bus driving world, but more and more women are proving it’s a job they’re great at – and that bus driving is a career that suits them.

“We want to raise awareness of the fact that there are no barriers preventing women from working within the bus industry and that there is more to a bus driver, than just driving a bus.

“Being a bus driver lets you use your customer service skills in a different way – to help people in the local community get from A to B.

“We’ve recently held female-only recruitment events, which have helped to change perceptions some women have around being a bus driver and we’re looking to run similar events across more of our depots across the UK.” The research also found 62 per cent of women polled think the gender pay

gap exists – compared to 46 per cent of men. On the flipside, 28 per cent of males think there is no such thing as the gender pay gap and 14 per cent of females feel the same way. Three quarters of everyone surveyed believe there is still a perception among the public that there are careers only men can do.

Carried out through OnePoll, the research also revealed 51 per cent of women and 47 per cent of men fell into their current career purely by chance.

Around a third of males and 37 per cent of females, who are not in their chosen career, wish they had pursued a different path. And 36 per cent of all those polled have taken the step of completely changing their career.

Sue Whaley added, “We are committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion because we believe diverse experiences and attitudes help us better understand the needs of our customers.

“We are working to increase the number of females applying for bus driver roles within the business as we do believe businesses are more likely to have continued success if there is an even split of genders.

“Our bus drivers put smiles on the faces of our customers and make a real difference in their local communities and we have developed training courses for our drivers which are helping to strengthen self-awareness and build better connections with customers and colleagues.

“We’re working hard to change the stereotypes and to encourage more people to consider a career within the bus industry and we’re doing everything we can to encourage women into the roles we offer.”

To advertise your Job Vacancy call Wendy on 01473 351270

One of the things we value most in our organization is our culture of transparency and “humanness”. We are completely committed to making survivors lives better. We do this by applying 3 principles to the work we do – Listen, Believe, Respect.

We could spend hours telling you how great we are but we thought best you hear it from those who work here: “In my 17 years of employment I’ve never ever felt more at home, I just simply love working here, I feel valued and I know I am making a difference!” CF “SiT is the best place I have worked at/for; as a support worker I know that what I do each day actually makes a difference to someone else and the community both small and large which is humbling and inspirational in equal measures.... It is what I wanted to do for many years. The team is incredibly caring, supportive, helpful- just amazing!... and we smile and laugh and occasionally if you need to shed a tear there will be hugs” SD “Working for SiT I feel valued, respected and supported among the team and management. Working with survivors of abuse is an incredibly humbling experience and I feel inspired every day by their courage and strength. Each day brings something different and its own new challenges, which I can face knowing I am helping to make a difference. And there is always someone to talk things through with at times when I am unsure. I feel like I belong at SiT” AJ

TALKING THERAPIES LEAD Job description:

SiT will be providing the Talking Therapy services to Norfolk and Suffolk Sexual Assault Referrals Centres (SARCs) from April 2022. This includes rapid access to short-term psychological interventions (online and face to face) to support male and female adults and children in the immediate aftermath of a sexual offence, whether the incident is subject to criminal justice proceedings or not.

We are looking for a dynamic, qualified counsellor / psychotherapist (preferably accredited with BACP / UKCP) with relevant therapeutic experience, project management skills and a positive attitude to lead this exciting project.

You’ll need to have:

• demonstrable post • very good IT and organisational skills qualification experience of working with including report writing and data survivors of sexual violence of all ages analysis • an understanding of the criminal justice • be committed to and have a good understanding of trauma informed process and its impact on survivors practice • exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Your role will include (with administrative support) • Own case load • Managing referrals and conducting assessments • Managing a team of therapists workloads / allocations and capacity

• Regular reporting / stats and data • Liaising with SARC staff and ISVAs to ensure seamless referrals • Regular training / CPD and meeting with therapists

The application process will start with an informal expression of interest / cover letter and initial discussion with you to assess your suitability for the role.

Send your expression of interest/ cover letter to Support@survivorsintransition.co.uk Suitable candidates will then be invited to formally apply for the role

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Bucklesham Grange is our multi-award-winning care home in Suffolk, which provides residential care and dementia care in Ipswich and is proud to have also recently received an accreditation in end of life care.

The home is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by tranquil countryside. We provide flexible care to a high standard at our 55-bedroom care home in Suffolk. As the first care home to have been awarded an ORCHID award, Bucklesham Grange continues to provide the highest standards of quality care to all residents.

Bucklesham Grange are recruiting for the following roles on a permanent and bank basis:

Senior Care Assistants* - £11.00 per hour Care Assistants* - £9.50 per hour Lifestyle Assistants - £9.75 per hour

Head Housekeeper - £10.50 per hour Housekeepers - £9.50 per hour Host/Hostess - £9.50 per hour

* Care Assistant and Senior Care Assistant vacancy have a £500 joining bonus!

Please apply via our website: https://recruitment.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk Or contact the team directly:

Lindsay.Arthur@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk / 01473 237 338

141 Bucklesham Road, Purdis Farm, Ipswich, IP3 8UB

— Advertorial —

Broadband that works

Ipswich now has access to award-winning and environmentally-conscious broadband services, thanks to Zen Internet. As the largest B Corp certified telecommunications provider in the UK, Zen is working with CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, to transform the area’s connectivity.

The new service is already available to many homes in Ipswich with prices now starting at £29.99 per month. Zen is following the CityFibre rollout across the town with thousands of new homes being added every month.

Award-winning service A people-first business dedicated to giving its customers the best experience, Zen is the UK’s only Which? recommended provider for broadband 2021.

The great thing about being a Which? Recommended Provider is that it’s chosen by real people. More than 4,000 customers of the UK’s Internet Service Providers are surveyed, and the scores awarded are based on their feedback. For speed, reliability, customer service, technical support, ease and speed of contact, ease of setup and value for money, Zen was the only provider to score top marks which is given as a four-star rating in every category.

Zen has also previously been named the PC Pro Best Broadband ISP for 18 consecutive years and has a Trustpilot TrustScore of 4.2 in an industry where most, including the four major providers hover between one and two. The Zen experience is underpinned by a team of enthusiastic support experts based only in the UK. Paul Stobart, CEO at Zen Internet, said: “At a time when the nation continues to be heavily dependent on internet connectivity for

hybrid working, entertainment and staying connected, reliable broadband has never been more important. To come out top of the Which? annual broadband survey, for the last five years, is an achievement that makes all of us at Zen very proud.

This independent survey gives us an invaluable view of how we are doing as providers of what is an increasingly critical service for everyone.

A force for good As well as award-winning service, residents of Ipswich can have peace of mind they are accessing a reliable service from a business committed, through its B Corporation certification, to having a positive impact on the planet.

As one of only 500 B Corps in the UK, Zen joins another 150 companies that have also committed to Net Zero by 2030 with Zen committed to reach this goal by 2028. A B Corporation is a business that balances purpose and profit, legally required to consider the impact of decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.

Recent attention on telecoms, and the wider technology industry, makes Zen’s pledge a significant shift towards greater positive actions, more accountability and transparency, and acknowledgement of the responsibilities of businesses when it comes to having a positive impact on people and planet.

For more information please visit www.zen.co.uk/ipswich or call 01706 614200

Ipswich.

You deserve better broadband.

With full fibre speeds from £29.99 and FREE installation, isn’t it time you moved on to the only Which? Recommended Broadband Provider?

Check availability at www.zen.co.uk/ipswich or call us on 01706 614200

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Online shopping:

Five ways shoppers can protect themselves from scammers According to Action Fraud, 28,049 shoppers were scammed while shopping online during the Christmas period last year. This was an increase of a massive 61% when compared to 2019.

Scammers are continuously learning new techniques and developing their tactics to con shoppers out of their hard earned cash, but the pandemic has accelerated the problem even further as it forced more people than ever to shop online last year.

Holly Andrews, Managing Director at KIS Finance and personal finance expert outlines her top tips for shoppers while shopping online.

Stick with reputable sites for big ticket items

Don’t click on adverts

When you pay for something online, only ever use a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. If someone asks you to pay via bank transfer then this is a huge red flag. You will have little or no protection if you pay for something via bank transfer so scammers use this to their advantage. This can happen particularly with illegitimate sellers on sites like eBay. Credit cards offer the best protection as you will be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases of between £100 and £30,000.

This means that your credit card provider can be held liable if there is a problem with a purchase and the supplier/retailer/seller won’t solve the issue.

With PayPal, you will be protected by their buyer protection scheme which means that they will reimburse you if your eligible purchase doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the seller’s description.

If you’ve seen an advert on a website or social media platform for a product that you want to buy, go to your search engine and look up the product manually rather than clicking on the advert.

Genuine retailers do use online adverts, but so do scammers and it can be very difficult to tell which ones are real and which are fake. It’s not worth taking the risk when it will only take a minute or so to go to the retailer’s website through your search engine instead.

If the retailer is offering a discount code and urging you to click on the ad, then just take a screenshot to look at later. If the discount code is genuine then you will be able to enter it manually at checkout.

Look for the padlock symbol

Before you purchase anything online, make sure that you’re using a safe and secure website, by checking that the web address starts with HTTPS and that there is a padlock symbol in the address bar. This means that the website is secure and any information you enter, i.e. your personal information and bank details, will be sent to the server in an encrypted format. This means that it can’t be read by anyone who tries to intercept it.

Another thing you can check for is the company’s contact details, office address, and terms of service page. Scammers who set up fake retail websites often won’t have this information as they’re not a real company and they don’t want to be contacted or traced.

If you’re planning to buy big tickets online, such as an iPhone or a new TV, then it’s a good idea to stick to big, well-known retailers. This is because expensive tech items are very commonly used to target shoppers as scammers can make a lot more money using these products.

They will often steal images from genuine retail websites and create adverts that promote huge discounts Remember that if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

Never pay via bank transfer

Check genuine review sites

If you’re purchasing from a small retailer that you haven’t heard of or used before, make sure that you check for reviews first. You should look for reviews on well-known websites like Trust Pilot as these will feature genuine reviews from genuine customers.

Don’t just trust reviews on the website itself as these could have been written by the website creators. This definitely isn’t always the case as a lot of smaller, genuine retailers will feature real reviews on their websites, but you should always look for reviews elsewhere too.

Full Fibre broadband is here and it’s 20x faster than the UK average* Demand better broadband: cityfibre.com/ip24

*Faster than average, source Ofcom UK home broadband performance, average actual speed 2020

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— Advertorial —

Full Fibre has arrived in Ipswich: Why do I need it and how do I get it?

Today, the internet touches almost every single aspect of how we live, work, socialise, shop, and play.

Throughout a strange and difficult couple of years, it has been our place of work, our classroom, even our refuge! It has unlocked the door to a more flexible way of living, working, and learning – bringing about many changes that are likely to stay for good.

Unlike much of national existing infrastructure, our networks are designed specifically for the digital age. They take 100% fibre optic technology (full fibre) all the way from the home to the point of connection – a pristine open highway with no bumps in sight.

With this in mind, it’s safe to say that quality digital connectivity and reliable broadband is no longer a “nice-to-have” but an essential utility we simply cannot live without.

Why is full fibre different to what I’ve got already?

For many residents in Ipswich however, their infrastructure, and therefore, internet services, simply aren’t consistently fast or reliable enough to keep pace with our new digital lives.

This is making the transition to working, learning and entertaining from home a frustrating process – indeed, according to YouGov, unreliable internet during the first lockdown proved challenging for the third of Brits who experienced worse connectivity than usual.

So, what’s the solution?

The dropped calls, lag and slowdown that many of us are all too familiar with are all symptoms of the UK’s legacy infrastructure.

You see, around 80% of UK homes still connect to the internet via networks built for telephones – copper networks designed to carry sound, not data.

This is why CityFibre is currently investing up to £4 billion in building new networks in towns and cities across the UK, and bringing full fibre infrastructure – the best technology for the job – within reach of up to 8 million homes and businesses.

The difference between full fibre and ‘regular’ fibre is stark. Unlike its competitors CityFibre doesn’t use any copper in its network, giving you the fastest internet speeds around! (Top Tip - if your router connects to a telephone socket then you could be being held back from the benefits of full fibre).

With full fibre enabled services, you can expect:

• Increased efficiency: significantly faster speeds for upload and download. This means you can access what you want in the blink of an eye - waiting for files to download or videos to finish buffering will be a thing of the past.

• No more competing priorities: near limitless bandwidth means everyone in your house can work, study, stream or game online simultaneously without a challenge.

• Connectivity you can depend on: The clever design of our networks means that if there’s a break in one connection, it can instantly be rerouted via another. We’re also constantly monitoring our networks, so problems are often detected and fixed before you even notice!

• Futureproofed for growing demand - once the fibre is in the ground, it’s there for good and maintenance work is drastically reduced.

We plan twice, build once and build right.

So, can I buy this new broadband from you?

Not quite – we do not sell services directly.

Our networks are open access, which lets you choose from a growing list of national and local internet service providers (ISPs). Whenever we complete a section of network, ISPs ‘light it up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available.

Sounds great, when can I get it?

The good news is that work is already well underway in Ipswich. In the longer term, we also plan to extend the network to Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Beccles and Kessingland.

To check if your home is connected and to find out more about our full fibre network build, visit cityfibre.com/IP24 21

athome LIFESTYLE INTERIORS EXTERIORS GARDENS

Garolla: Unbeatable on price, unmatched in quality Garolla is revolutionising the roller garage door industry. With impeccable products and outstanding customer service, upgrading your home has never been easier.

The UK’s largest nationwide Roller Garage Door installers, Garolla has local installers across the country eager to transform your home and give it a new lease of life.

Handcrafted at the Garolla head office in Yorkshire, every roller garage door is put through rigorous quality control checks before being fitted by a skilful professional. Utilising over 20-years of manufacturing experience, these doors are of the highest standard and come fully guaranteed for complete peace of mind.

Made from strong aluminium a Garolla roller garage door is easy to use and saves valuable space within your garage. The door neatly tucks away, allowing you to use every inch of your garage as there are no large swinging doors to worry about. Once installed, these roller garage doors are operated using a wireless remote control so you can access your garage from the comfort of your car.

Thanks to Garolla’s transparent costs it’s never been easier to price up a new home improvement project. Available to view on the company’s website the price includes measuring, fitting and VAT. Your local installer will even dispose of your old door completely free of charge.

Customisable, with 18 different colour options, Garolla roller garage doors make a stylish statement that will make your neighbours green with envy. With the power to modernise your home’s exterior appearance, the time to invest in a Garolla roller garage door is now.

• For more information visit www.garolla.co.uk, or call their friendly customer enquiries team on 01473 396 177.

SKIP HIRE – PROPERTY CLEARANCE

Incorporating IPSWICH MINI SKIP – Skip Hire throughout Suffolk

CONSTRUCTION • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL Fast and Competitive Service

MINI TO LARGE SKIPS — 2 CU YD – 12 CU YD

IPSWICH FELIXSTOWE WOODBRIDGE HADLEIGH STOWMARKET SAXMUNDHAM

TEL: 01473 715547

Email: sales@cookswastekare.co.uk 22

www.cookswastekare-suffolk.co.uk

AT HOME

Don’t put reds in with your whites The average Brit will do approximately 13,000 loads of laundry in their lifetime, fold and iron 8,845 shirts and lose 756 socks – but still mess up when it comes to mixing colours.

A poll of 2,000 adults found the average washing machine will go through four loads of laundry each week. But 95 items of clothing will be ruined over the average adult lifetime by washing whites with coloured items or having the machine on a wash setting which was too hot.

It also emerged that despite the huge amount of washing people do, nearly half (42 per cent) don’t consider the environmental impact of their

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laundry. Of the 208 loads of washing the typical adult does a year, a quarter won’t be full loads while half will be washed at a temperature of more than 30 degrees.

A spokesman for Ariel, which commissioned the research to launch its #WashColdChallenge, said, “When you have a lot of laundry, it’s easy to switch to autopilot and use the same settings.

“But, despite the huge amount of washing that people are doing, few consider the environmental impact of it – it’s such a small thing every day which could go on to make a huge difference. The temperature of a wash makes up to 60 per cent of laundry’s carbon footprint. Lowering the temperature of your wash can go a long way to reducing the environmental impact of your laundry. If everyone in the UK washed colder, we could save the same amount of CO2 as taking up to half a million cars off the road.”

The study also found that while 68 per cent of people always separate their whites and colours, 29 per cent admit they simply throw it all in the same wash together. And 51 per cent have accidentally put a coloured item into a whitewash.

Other common laundry disasters include putting a tissue through the wash (55 per cent), shrinking an item (35 per cent), and leaving money in pockets (14 per cent). But 76 per cent admit they just use the same setting on their machine for everything, while one in five (18 per cent) stick with the setting their parents told them to use when they first learned how to use the machine.

In a bid to be more environmentally friendly, 66 per cent of those who consider how to be green will only wash when they have a full load, while 65 per will air dry rather than using a tumble drier.

More than half will wash at the lowest possible temperature, although 51 per cent worry that washing at 30 degrees or under won’t clean the clothes properly.

Others polled via OnePoll avoid washing at low temperatures as they just use their usual setting and don’t think about it or don’t think it makes a difference to the environment.

Ariel is encouraging the nation to pledge to turn their laundry temperature down and join the #WashColdChallenge to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint now, at www.washcoldchallenge.co.uk.

If it hits 1 million pledges, it will donate £100,000 to WWF to help protect the planet.

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AT HOME

Improve air quality in your home this winter East Suffolk residents are being reminded of the importance of only burning seasoned firewood at home this winter, to help reduce air pollution and improve their health.

Many homes in East Suffolk have open fires or wood-burning stoves however people may not be aware that these can contribute to air pollution and reduce indoor air quality, which can be damaging to health.

Long-term exposure to air pollution, over many years, reduces life expectancy, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, strokes and lung cancer. And even short-term exposure, over hours or days, can impact on lung function, worsening asthma, and increasing respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions.

Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment said, “We know many residents use open fires or wood-burning stoves as their main source of heating and that others enjoy the ambience of having an open fire at home. However, making a few small changes can make a huge difference in terms of the efficiency of your fire and the effect on the air quality in your home. Improving air quality, both indoors and outside, will have a positive impact on the environment, your health and the health of your family.”

To help reduce emissions, both indoors and into the environment, there are simple steps which homeowners can take: • Consider burning less – many people use an open fire or wood-burning stove in addition to their normal heating. If your house is already warm, then consider not lighting the fire, which will reduce both costs and airborne particulates.

• Only burn dry (seasoned) wood - burning wet or unseasoned/green wood is inefficient as it takes a lot of heat to boil off the water before the appliance can give out heat into the room. In turn, this creates a lot of smoke, tar and particulates which can damage your chimney and appliance and contributes to air pollution.

• Buy ‘Ready to Burn’ fuel – look for wood marked as ‘Ready to Burn’ sold by a Woodsure Certified Supplier. Wood displaying the Ready to Burn logo has a 20% moisture content (or less) and can be burnt straight away. These logs burn more efficiently than unseasoned/green wood and reduce environmental impact. Information on Ready to Burn wood. can be found at www.readytoburn.org

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• Do not burn treated waste wood (e.g. old furniture or pallets) or household rubbish – wood which has been treated with paint or preservatives can emit harmful fumes, and household rubbish may include plastics that can release toxic pollutants, such as arsenic, into your home when burnt and may affect your health.

• Consider using an approved smokeless fuel – check the list of approved smokeless fuels at www.hetas.co.uk • If you are buying a new stove - check it is Defra approved and have it installed by a qualified person.

• Check how to operate your appliance efficiently - always operate your stove in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. By controlling the air supply correctly, you will improve efficiency, saving you money and reducing emissions.

• Regularly maintain and service your stove – servicing your stove annually means it will work better and will generate more heat from what you burn.

• Get your chimney swept regularly (up to twice a year) - during use, particulates build up in the chimney reducing the efficiency and increasing the risk of chimney fires. It is better to use a qualified chimney sweep who will also be able to advise you on good burning practices for your open fire or stove.

• Make sure you are using the correct fuel for your stove and flue – some stoves are specific to the type of fuel to be burnt. Some are wood only and others are multi-fuel. Burning the wrong fuel could damage your equipment or flue, which will not be covered by home insurance.

Under Defra’s Ready to Burn scheme, the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 which came into effect on 1st May 2021 states that logs sold in quantities under 2m3 by the majority of domestic fuel suppliers must have a moisture content of no more than 20% and be labelled with the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo, along with the name of the person who obtained the certificate and the number of the certificate issued. Small foresters (those supplying less than 600m3 of wood in a year) have been given an additional 12 months to 30th April 2022 to meet the regulations.

Anyone in need of advice regarding the sale of domestic fuel and wood used for burning can contact Suffolk Trading Standards for advice or call 0808 223 1133.

AT HOME

Being energy efficient is affordable It does not cost the earth to be energy efficient at Eastern Counties Home improvements Ltd. As they do not produce dramatic television campaigns, they can supply energy efficient windows for a much lower cost than many of the national double-glazing companies and are the perfect place for roofing solutions.

Eastern Counties is a registered installer of the Sarnafil Roof Assured roofing system. Whatever your flat roofing requirement Sarnafil Roof Assured will provide you with a solution that looks good and provides lasting performance, with minimum maintenance required.

Sarnafil flat roofing provides perfect roofing solution for homes and extensions, conservatories,

balconies and terraces, dormers, porches and garages. Available in a range of colours, the weather resistant hard wearing membrane provides value for money and can improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

The unique 1 ply membrane with a 40 year plus life expectancy and all installations carry a 15 year manufacturer’s material

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB The Deben Flower Club’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th January in Kirton Church Hall Church Lane Kirton IP11 0PU at 7.30pm.

The demonstrator will be Shirley Perkins and her title is “Any Old Iron”.

They will be spacing our seating and opening windows for ventilation to help ensure we remain covid secure. Please feel free to wear a mask if you can, until you are seated. Hand sanitizer will be available as you enter the hall. Tea and coffee will be available but please feel free to bring your own refreshments if preferred. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome. £5.00 email wa@sandlings.co.uk or telephone Sandy on 07910463158 for further information.

Virtual High Street

A new virtual high street service that aims to support independent shops has now launched in East Suffolk.

Residents anywhere in the district can use Click It Local East Suffolk to buy from any participating local shop and have it delivered on the same or next day.

From weekly food essentials, gifts and treats to last-minute basics, customers can buy everything they need from as many shops as they like, with one payment and one delivery.

The scheme is funded through the ERDF Welcome Back Fund and supported by East Suffolk Council.

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development said, “This exciting new scheme offers East Suffolk residents the best of both worlds – the opportunity to support their local businesses and the convenience of shopping online. The Christmas period is the busiest time of the year for many of our small independent businesses and Click It Local East Suffolk is an excellent way for people to continue to shop locally for Christmas and beyond. We would also encourage businesses to join the scheme and reach more customers across the district.”

Almost 30 stores have already signed up to Click it Local East Suffolk. find out more at www.clickitlocal.co.uk

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guarantee. Sarnafil products were first developed in Switzerland in 1958, primarily for use on commercial and industrial buildings.

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Installing PVC-u Fascias, Soffits and Guttering not only saves time and money on maintenance but also adds crisp clear sight lines to enhance the look of any home as well as eliminating leaking, rusty gutters - a cause of damp.

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different, the choice as always is yours, Eastern Counties use as standard the Eurocell range of fascia and

soffit available in a flat profile or a sculptured profile, 10mm cappit board or 18mm Euroboard together with the Marshall Tufflex range of guttering systems available in half round square line or ogee, white, black or brown. Other colours of guttering are available upon request.

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AT HOME

Householders willing to stay cold rather than put heating on Four in 10 admitted they cannot afford to spend a penny more for their gas and electricity, with 46 per cent admitting to keeping their radiators off “for as long as possible” to cut bills and reduce their use of power. Research also revealed almost 70 per cent of UK adults choose layering up with a jumper to avoid turning on the heating.

Millions of other households strive to reduce their energy use by switching off gadgets, including the TV and games consoles, a poll of 2,000 people from across the nation showed.

Droves of others take shorter showers, install draught excluders and banning baths and even toilet flushing in their fight to conserve resources.

The study on bill costs, commissioned by Equity Release Supermarket, also showed 25 per cent of Brits changed their energy provider in the last six months after shopping around suppliers.

Mark Gregory, founder and CEO of Equity Release Supermarket, said: “Britain is in the grip of a spiralling energy crisis due to suppliers collapsing and households are facing massive living cost rises, with inflation set to soar in 2022.

“Householders are clearly feeling the strain of it all, with millions of them going to great lengths to reduce energy bills, and climate change warnings also obviously having a knock-on effect on their choices to conserve resources wherever they can.

“But while conservation is key, it is imperative Brits do everything they can to ensure they have enough to cover their energy bills and stay warm and healthy this winter – especially the elderly, and especially amid Covid.”

The study found 12 per cent of the nation pay £121 or more on their monthly energy bills, while another 12 per cent paid up to £70.

More than half (fifty-six per cent) said they don’t object to paying more for heat and light in winter - but a bill increase higher than 24 per cent would be deemed ‘too much’.

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Nearly three quarters of those polled said they had noticed their energy costs swelling since June. And the same percentage admitted they feared their power bills would keep rocketing until spring.

Almost 70 per cent declared their energy bills are too high, with energy use proving to be a major source of rows in millions of the nation’s homes.

While 17 per cent of respondents said they “often” disagreed with their children about how much power they get through, according to the OnePoll. com data.

More than two in 10 admitted to fighting with others in their house about having the heating on or cranked up ‘too high’ in winter. Almost a fifth declared they are ‘very worried’ about being able to pay their energy bills this winter, with 38 per cent “somewhat” anxious about the cost.

More than half said it was easier than they thought to switch their energy provider and only eight per cent claimed they wouldn’t take any measures to avoid turning on the heating.

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UK’S TOP ENERGY SAVING HACKS

Put on a jumper Wrap up in a blanket Turn off lights Buy a draught excluder for the door Huddle together with family for warmth Exercise / get family and housemates to do the same Watch less TV / persuade family / housemates to do the same Game less / get family / housemates to do the same Gather round a candle

10. Switch off appliances at mains when they aren’t in use 11. Stop running the tap while brushing teeth 12. Switch energy providers 13. Have shorter showers 14. Install double glazing 15. Get a smart meter 16. Stop leaving phones on charge overnight 17. Stop taking baths 18. Stop flushing toilets 19. Charge appliances at work 20. Shower at work / gym

AT HOME

Pupils make a stand for active learning Pupils in years one to six at Rendlesham Primary School are making a stand for better health, thanks to the addition of some innovative new desks.

The standing desks, which allow the children to stand and move while they work, have been put through their paces as part of a special trial. They have been provided by UK company, I Want A Standing Desk, which was the first in the country to design such desks specifically for children.

More than 500 primary schools across the UK are currently using the standing desks and view them as a key part of their active learning strategies. These schools consistently report seeing improvements in behaviour, concentration

Planting trees for Queen’s Jubilee

East Suffolk Council continues to put the environment first by donating trees to towns and parishes as part of UK-wide initiative to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

East Suffolk Council is supporting ‘Treebilee’, a project launched by HRH Prince Charles to encourage the planting of trees during a year-long celebration of the Queen’s 70-year reign in 2022.

As part of its involvement in the project, the Council has purchased 200 oak trees which will be donated to every town and parish council in East Suffolk.

Not only will this mark the very special occasion, but it will also help tackle climate change and contribute towards East Suffolk Council’s vision to create environmentally sustainable communities.

Cllr James Mallinder, cabinet member for the Environment, said, “Tree planting is an important aspect of our environmental vison in East Suffolk and contributes to our climate emergency target to be carbon neutral by 2030 so we’re really excited about this project which celebrates the Queen’s special occasion.

“Trees are essential in our fight against climate change as not only do they absorb carbon, they can also help to reduce pollution and keep the air clean. Furthermore, trees create beautiful, uplifting outdoor environments for wildlife and without them, countless animals would lose their homes or sources of food.

“I want to encourage all town and parish councils to get involved in the celebrations by joining the effort to offset our emissions by taking advantage of this free offer.”

Town and Parish councils are being written to with details of how to take ownership of their own special tree.

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and engagement levels, as well as neater handwriting and increased productivity.

Mrs Debbie Thomas, The Academy Head at Rendlesham Primary School, commented, “We know that for younger children especially, the more active we can make their learning, the more engaged they will be. It is also really important that we encourage young people to be as healthy and active as possible, which is why we were interested in trialling the desks.

“The desks support our school ethos where character development is at the heart of all we do. We are excited to be a part of this trial.”

Government statistics show that almost 10% of reception age children (age 4-5) are currently obese, while more than 13% are overweight. By age 1011, these figures rise to 21% and 14.1% respectively.

Nick White, founder of I Want A Standing Desk, explains, “Introducing more movement into the school day is something that can benefit all pupils, including individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other neurodiverse conditions.

“What we consistently hear from teachers is that concentration levels have improved, disruption has reduced and importantly, the children very much enjoy using the standing desks. Not to mention the health benefits gained from increasing their physical activity levels.”

Nick continued, “We are creating a generation of habitual sitters and I believe classroom standing desks can help with that. Studies in the UK and USA have shown a tremendous benefit in schools where they are used.”

The standing desks can be placed on top of any existing desk, are portable and only take up the space of a single child. They are also quick and easy to assemble; something the children are encouraged to do themselves.

For more information, visit www.iwantastandingdesk.com

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AT HOME

News from Portal Woodlands Conservation Group

At our November work morning, we planted a varied selection of tree saplings and shrubs that people in the local area had kindly donated over the past couple of years.

Most of the plants were oaks, so that gave us the opportunity to restart a project which was a vision of Peter Izzard, one of the Group’s founders,

sadly no longer with us. His vision was to create an “Avenue of Oaks” along the perimeter track. We welcome more donations of wildlife-friendly plants suitable for hedging.

As we move into the New Year, we hope that you get a chance to get out into the woods to enjoy the natural world. If you do, please let us know if you see any interesting flora and fauna. Whatever you do, we wish you a healthy and happy 2022.

Our January work morning is Saturday 15th, from 10am to Noon, meeting at the Education Area. Please bring your own gloves, refreshments and, if possible, tools. Please visit https://pwcg.onesuffolk.net/volunteer-workmornings/ for full details of how we are operating our volunteer work mornings in these uncertain times.

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@ gmail.com, phone: 01473 612632 or visit our website: pwcg.onesuffolk. net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

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Brits too busy to claim refunds

Research of 2,000 adults revealed 48 per cent haven’t bothered returning items due to it being more hassle than it’s worth.

Being too busy, it costing as much to return the item as it was to buy it and trying for fix the items were some of the main reasons adults try to avoid sending stuff back. Of the defective items that arrive, it was estimated adults will return just over a third with the product value playing a key part in the decision. And anything less than £22 is deemed ‘not worth’ the aggravation – leading to additional waste and broken items cluttering homes across the country.

Stefano Rossi, Packaging CEO at DS Smith, which commissioned the research said, “This eye-opening research shows that UK consumers are fed up with being delivered damaged goods.

“Luckily, it is a problem that is easy to fix; one of the most effective ways to ensure goods arrive safely is to use the correct packaging.

Unfortunately, there’s plenty of evidence that many brands still aren’t doing this, with a quarter of shoppers left frustrated when goods arrive with unnecessary packaging, and annoyed when packaging is far bigger than needed.”

The study found household items such as crockery or glassware, clothing, and appliances such as

toasters, fridges and kettles were most likely to arrive in a poor state.

Such experiences can have a lasting effect on a shopper’s mindset with 41 per cent hesitant to shop with a retailer again if they received a broken or damaged item. While 36 per cent would think negatively of the vendor, and one in six would even blacklist them from ever buying there again. Nearly half will look for a refund on an item that’s not in good shape, while 34 per cent will keep the faith and opt for a working replacement.

Stefano Rossi, Packaging CEO at DS Smith, added, “Of course, as well as risking damaging a product, bad packaging also puts pressure on our environment, the extra emissions used to return these broken items is something that is completely avoidable.

“We pride ourselves on producing sustainable packaging that not only reduces the impact on the environment, but also best protects the goods being delivered.

“Reducing unwanted returns, exchanges and related CO2 emissions benefits consumers, retailers and our planet.”

AT HOME

How to protect wildlife from winter It’s not clear whether we’ll get snow this year but with temperatures plummeting, now is the time to take simple steps to keep our pets and wildlife safe this winter.

With temperatures dropping below freezing the RSPCA is urging people to do their bit to help animals.

RSPCA pet welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines said, “It’s really important we help our animal friends get through the chilly weather and we’ve got lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their own pets, and local wildlife, are kept safe.”

Adam Grogan, head of wildlife at the RSPCA, said, “As the weather turns colder it is important to think about how we can ‘join the winter rescue’ and help our animal friends. A few little changes to your everyday routine can really make a difference to animals. For example, a little bit of extra food left out for a hungry bird may be the help it needs to last through a spate of frosty weather.”

Here are our top tips:

1. Keep a close eye on outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs; if the temperature starts to drop below freezing, you may wish to move your bunny inside. We recommend guinea pigs are housed indoors when temperatures are below 15°C. If you do bring your pets indoors, they still need plenty of time and room to exercise safely. If you have to leave them outside, provide them with lots of extra bedding and make sure their home is protected from adverse weather with insulating but ventilating covers. Hutches should be in a sheltered position, with a sloped roof and should be raised off the ground at least 4 inches.

2. Ensure cats have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn. You should also ensure the cat’s bedding or sleeping area is warm, dry and away from any draughts.

3. Antifreeze and rock salt can be poisonous to pets so keep any stored products out of their reach. If you’re concerned your pet may have ingested anything they shouldn’t, please speak to your vet immediately.

10. If you have a fish pond, check it every day to make sure the surface is not entirely frozen as poisonous gases can build up under the ice. Don’t break the ice as this can harm the fish, but carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice. Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond either, as this can also harm or kill any fish living there.

And never try to use antifreeze or salt to thaw frozen ponds or birdbaths.

11. Horses and livestock need extra care in the winter, such as adequate shelter to escape bad weather, extra feed as grass can be sparse, and regular checks on water troughs to keep them clear of ice. Give added protection with a waterproof rug, ensure they have access to dry standing areas, and check hooves regularly for loose shoes or signs of problems such as mud fever. Farmers and smallholders should give extra consideration to young animals and whether they need extra protection from the cold weather.

12. Wildlife may need an extra helping hand during tough, winter conditions.

Birds can struggle to find food during the winter months so, to help them stay strong over this period, householders can leave out extra food for them (like suitable seeds and grains such as oats and sunflower seeds; cooked pasta or rice; boiled potatoes, cheese, or uncooked unsalted bacon rind; raisins and sultanas; net-free fat or suet balls; apples, pears and soft fruits; insects such as mealworms or waxworms).

13. Keep bird baths free of ice, leave out bowls of clean water, and keep feeders clean.

14. Carefully check any wood or leaf piles for wild animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and mice before lighting any fires or bonfires. If you find wild animals in hibernation, be sure to leave them be.

15. We don’t advise keeping dogs outside in any weather. Meeting the needs of dogs when they’re kept outside is very hard - and more so in very low temperatures. Owners should make sure their dogs have a clean, comfortable and dry sleeping area with a safe heat source so the temperature does not drop below 10°C.” If you see an animal outside in the cold that looks like it is suffering, take a note of the location, the time and date, and call our emergency line 0300 1234 999.

4. If you have a pet who gets wet or cold, rub them dry with a towel and make sure they have plenty of warm bedding.

5. If you have an elderly or sickly dog, you can buy a special coat or jumper to keep them warm when you’re out walking. Make sure your dog can still behave normally, for example, go to the toilet easily and that it is a good and comfortable fit.

6. When walking your dog in the dark or riding your horse, wear reflective clothing and think about reflective protection for your pet too!

7. Keep your pet dog away from frozen ponds, lakes or rivers which can pose a danger, and make sure their paws don’t get impacted with snow.

8. If you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, then you should also protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of additional dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out.

Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions so ensure the birds always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring water does not freeze over.

9. Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution if housing them in conservatories.

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East leading way in war on food waste

AT HOME New research from Food Savvy has revealed that there has been a positive shift in people’s attitudes towards food waste in the last year.

The Food Savvy campaign is a collaboration between the Suffolk Waste Partnership, Norfolk County Council and environmental charity Hubbub, Polling shows that 60% of people across Norfolk and Suffolk now agree that food waste is a major contributor to climate change, compared to 39% last year. And 28% now think food waste has more of an impact on climate change than single-use plastic.

The polling showed that people’s top three most common actions to reduce food waste are checking their kitchen before shopping (74%), using their freezer (71%) and making a conscious effort to waste less food (71%). But there is still room for even more improvement with respondents admitting that they continue to throw food away an average of three times per week.

Milk is in the spotlight with the Food Savvy research from 2020 revealing that a total of 6.7 million pints of milk are tipped away across Norfolk and Suffolk each year – that’s the equivalent of a whopping 96 shipping containers.

Cllr James Mallinder, Chairman of the Suffolk Waste Partnership said, “Our Food Savvy research shows that people don’t want to throw away good food, particularly at a time when food costs are rising. All our actions impact

the environment and the climate and even making small changes to how we manage our food and reduce food waste will make a positive difference over time.”

Cllr Andy Grant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Norfolk County Council said, “Norfolk residents are becoming more aware of the connection between food waste and climate change. We now want to build on this awareness and support them to take action to combat the issue. The Food Savvy website is packed with tips, delicious recipes and challenges to help people to bring their food waste right down.”

Mark Breen, Senior Creative Partner at Hubbub said, “It’s very encouraging to see that people are joining the dots between food waste and the impact it has on the environment. The greenhouse gases associated with food waste in the UK are the equivalent of those produced by 10 million cars. The great news is that there are many easy things people can do to bring their food waste right down. From writing a weekly meal plan, to portioning their rice or pasta perfectly and of course making the most of delicious leftovers. Small changes can go a long way, and it’s good for our pocket too.’

Launched in 2018, Food Savvy puts Norfolk and Suffolk at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to combat food waste.

Over the past three years of Food Savvy, 1000 people have signed up to the Food Savvy Challenge, Food Savvy has secured over 100 new

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partnerships, launched 21 campaigns, and took part in or hosted 75 events and workshops which 21,500 people have got involved with.

Food Savvy tips to make sure you eat absolutely everything you buy: - Plan your meals – get everyone in your house involved in suggesting the meals and snacks that they would like to eat over the week.

- Shop your kitchen - see what you have in the fridge, freezer and cupboards before you head to the shops.

- Store food right – storing food the right way means it’ll last for much longer. Whether it’s keeping onions in a cool dry place or getting milk into the fridge or freezer. Head to the Food Savvy website to find out how well you’re doing.

- Portion perfectly – rice and pasta are two of the most poorly portioned foods. For most people 50 to 75 grams is perfect.

- Love your leftovers– If you’ve cooked too much, cool it, and get it in to the fridge as quickly as possible then thoroughly reheat or reinvent it within two days (one for rice).

- Fill your freezer – it’s like a pause button to keep your food fresh.

Whether it’s milk, slices of bread or a leftover meal.

If you’re ready to start saving money and reducing your food waste, then head over to the Food Savvy website now for lots more tips and inspiration -www.foodsavvvy.org.uk.

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30

AT HOME

The signs that you are a

WINNER! The top signs you’re winning at life include not having to queue for petrol, arriving late to the station to discover your train is delayed, and blagging a free hotel upgrade.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed the indicators things are going your way – including parallel parking on the first attempt and no one sitting in front of you at the cinema. Other ‘punch the air moments’ include having a good hair day, enjoying sunshine on your day off, and discovering an old item of clothing still fits you.

It also emerged half of those polled believe they’re winning at life.

A spokesman for Buzz Bingo, which commissioned the research after giving away a total of £2.5 million through its £50k Big Buzz Special jackpot, said, “As the study suggests, little things can really make all the difference – and really brighten our day.

“No matter how big or small, these wins can make us feel like luck is on our side. But we don’t just have to wait around for them to happen, we can make our own luck sometimes too.

“After all, the saying goes ‘you’ve got to be in it, to win it!’.”

TOP 30 LITTLE WINS

1. Finally finding something you’d lost and been looking for ages 2. Traffic lights turning green as you approach 3. Getting an unexpected tax rebate 4. Getting an unexpected pay rise 5. Getting in a queue at the front just before loads of other people join the queue 6. When your car gets the all-clear on its MOT 7. Getting a small win on the lottery 8. Getting a free hotel upgrade 9. When something you have planted successfully blooms/produces fruit or veg 10. When it’s sunny on a day off work 11. When you do some DIY and it actually looks like it should 12. When someone takes a photo of you and you look good in it 13. Getting a compliment from a stranger 14. When it starts raining just after you’ve brought the washing in 15. When someone says you are wrong about something, so you Google it and find you were correct 16. Finding you still fit into an old but special suit or dress 17. Waking up thinking it’s a weekday but realising it’s the weekend 18. Arriving late for the train only to discover it’s been slightly delayed 19. When a social event you couldn’t be bothered with gets cancelled 20. Getting to the bus stop or train platform just as your transport arrives 21. Parallel parking on the first attempt 22. When the clocks go back and you get an extra hour in bed 23. Getting a seat on a busy train 24. Receiving an online delivery earlier than expected 25. When you remember a bar of chocolate you’d been saving 26. Getting the house to yourself 27. Having a ‘good hair day’ 28. When you get an answer right when watching a gameshow 29. When you get served at the bar straightaway 30. Winning an online auction with a last second bid

The study found the typical adult enjoys around four little wins a week – that’s 184 during an average year. However, they claim to need closer to five in order to get through a seven-day period – 237 over the course of 12 months. Which might explain why three quarters believe they need more of these moments in their life, and why two thirds are of the opinion they’re due a bit luck.

Other wins include putting in a USB the right way round first time, getting served at the bar straightaway, and having enough milk for one last cup of tea. Receiving the all-clear on your MOT, getting an unexpected pay rise, and it starting to rain just after you’ve brought the washing in are also welcome victories.

So are those occasions when social events you couldn’t be bothered with get cancelled and waking up thinking it’s a weekday but realising it’s the weekend.

It also emerged eight in 10 said these victories give them a happy glow – a feeling which typically lasts for one hour and 45 minutes.

Part of the reason for this feeling might be that wins make them luckier – or at least that’s what 70 per cent believe. But sadly, the study carried out through OnePoll found 82 per cent ‘can’t remember’ the last time they had one.

Richard Kearns of Buzz Bingo, which has had 50 winners of its £50k Big Buzz Special jackpot since reopening last May, said, “The research suggests plenty of those polled feel they are due things to go their way and long for that happy glow from little victories.

“It’s always a great moment when you can bask in the glory of that ‘winning at life’ feeling.”

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Britain’s safest and most dangerous locations shown on interactive map An updated free CollisionMap is now available from www.CollisionMap.uk showing road safety data across Britain.

CollisionMap, an interactive map, has been enhanced and updated to incorporate 2020 collision data, which has recently been released by the Department for Transport (DfT).

As well as plotting all collisions dating back to the beginning of 2011, the map allows users to examine the data by region, council area and postcode and to compare figures for 2019 with 2020. Figures can be compared for individual councils against others in the same region, and users can input the first part of a postcode to compare it to the national picture. Uniquely, CollisionMap also adjusts the collision data according to population. This means that users can more accurately compare their own location with others or with the national picture.

The map has been created by Buchanan Computing, a company that specialises in web mapping and software for traffic engineering and highway management.

Alex Smith, Managing Director of Buchanan Computing explains why the company created the map, “Maintaining road safety is an important issue. There are severe financial pressures on local government, meaning authorities can’t always devote the necessary funding to road safety. By allowing the public free access to CollisionMap, we feel we are playing a part by providing the information they need that allows them to engage with local authorities on road safety matters.”

He continues, “What is unique to CollisionMap is that we’ve incorporated the

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facility for the public to see how they compare adjusted for population levels as well as the road length in their area. So, everyone can see if they are in a postcode that has good road safety and also check how their local authority stands compared to others.”

The home page map shows the collision percentage change from 2019 to 2020 for the major regions of Scotland, Wales and England. The map can be modified by selecting one of the other available options, to show: casualty percentage changes, fatal collisions per million population, killed and seriously injured (KSI) per million population, casualties per million population, and casualties per kilometre. The totals for all injury-related collisions, casualties and KSI collisions for the whole of Great Britain in 2020 are displayed next to the map. These change when the region selection changes.

When searching by postcode district – for example, LS6 - you access a map of the location of its 2020 collisions. These are colour coded by severity.

The map data can be refined between any two dates within the last nine years (2011 - 2020), or expanded to show different heat maps, such as: the collision percentage change from 2019 to 2020; fatal collisions per million of population. There are also filters to select results based on the severity of the collision. On the right of the page, a series of selections allow you to filter your search results further: you can select road users by gender, age, and severity as well as filter for casualties by road user or class. The interactive gauges change with the selections and compare the selected postcode with the national level (for 2020), letting users know whether the situation in the chosen area is better or worse than the national one. For example, cyclist casualties in LS6 were worse (higher) than the national level, but for the same postcode district, casualties in cars were better (lower) than the national rate.

• Are you in a postcode that has good road safety? Go to www.CollisionMap.uk to find out.

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New coat aims to prevent child road casualties

In cold weather, children are being put in danger by wearing winter coats in car seats; the harness is too loose to be safe. Multimac has just launched a special Road Coat® that is safe to wear in a car seat thanks to a unique collar design There are more than 13,000 child casualties on the road every year in the UK. Many of these are caused by children wearing bulky coats in car seats which makes the harness dangerously loose and puts the child at risk of flying out of the car seat during a collision. To tackle this critical issue, car seat manufacturer Multimac has launched a special Road Coat® that is safe to wear in a car seat.

The Road Coat® has a unique split in the collar design which allows a seat harness to pass directly through the collar and lay flat across a child’s shoulders and torso, as recommended by car safety authorities. The back of the coat is highly compressible to avoid creating any slack in the harness and a thin waistcoat at the front helps to retain body heat.

Multimac founder and CEO Kevin Macliver told us, “We make the safest car seat in the world and that’s always been our number one priority. Sadly, the car safety standards that we work so tirelessly to achieve, can be jeopardised in the blink of an eye by something as innocuous as wearing your winter coat.

“You see, for the Multimac - or any car seat - to do its job properly and keep a child safe, the harness must sit flush across the child’s body. Any sort of gap is just not safe. The issue with children wearing a big coat in a car seat is that when traffic collisions occur, the jolting motion squashes the padding down leaving a big gap through which the child can be thrust from the seat.”

He continued, “As a father of four children myself, I understand the challenges of being a busy parent on the school run. Trying to get all your children dressed and into the car on time is challenge enough but when winter comes along with freezing temperatures and you’re all getting into a cold car, it’s easy to understand why children want to keep their coats on.

But for a child to wear a winter coat in the car seat is potentially lethal. Much research has been done on this topic but no-one has done anything about it which is why we designed and sourced the Road Coat®: a perfect answer to keeping children safe in the seat, yet still nice and warm.”

Minty Macliver, daughter of Kevin and operations director for the family business added, “We are absolutely delighted to be the first company in the UK to bring a practical solution to winter car seat safety with the launch of our Road Coat®. In line with our Multimac seats, the coats are available in a range of sizes from 12 months upwards. It marks an exciting expansion for our business and demonstrates our commitment to child car safety.”

Based on Miller Street in Birmingham’s industrial district, Multimac is a manufacturer of 3-seater and 4-seater car seats. Designed, patented and guided through years of rigorous safety tests by inventor Kevin Macliver, the company now sells more than 1,200 units each year all around the world.

Kevin designed the Multimac so that he could still drive his regular car with all the family without any compromise to their safety. The Multimac car seat system is customisable with colour and fabric and can seat children from birth up to twelve years of age.

The Multimac Road Coat® retails at £69 plus delivery and is available to buy from the Multimac website www.multimac.com along with a full product range of car seats and accessories.

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n Ford's Focus with Daniel Ford

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022 everyone!

What a year of sport it promises to be too, we’ve even got our first ever winter World Cup, just you wait till the turkey goes flying next Christmas when Kane scores a last-minute winner to bring the trophy home.

The start of January also signifies another important moment in the football calendar, that of the FA cup third round. I know that the FA cup is regarded by many generations as being one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world, but I want to open your eyes to how this current generation view it. It is fair to say we see it a little differently…

First of all, can I just say that I want to love the FA cup I really do! One of the first football games I can remember is watching the extraordinary final of 2006 between Liverpool and West Ham which finished 3-3 thanks to Steven Gerrard’s extraordinary last-minute equaliser. But as time has gone on my love for the competition has diminished.

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Undoubtedly one of the reasons for this is because of Ipswich’s frankly abysmal record in the competition having failed to get past the third round for what feels like an eternity. It is not just the lack of success that has impacted me but also the sheer disdain with which previous managers (and to be fair Paul Cook has been an exception to this) have treated the competition with secondstring teams frequently being chosen by the prior regimes.

The thing is that these issues are not unique to Town. Many of the Premier League teams refuse to play anything near a strongest team until at least the quarterfinals, this is because for the top teams the success or failure of the season is not determined by how they perform in the FA cup, astonishingly the fact that this was the only competition Arsene Wenger could win in his latter years as Arsenal manager was actually used as a stick to beat him with.

The knock-on effect of this is that shocks simply aren’t as surprising as before and therefore don’t capture the imagination of the public as much as previous triumphs did.

The younger generation are waiting to fall in love with the FA cup and recent years have seen the romance of the cup revived with Leicester’s first time win last season, but for Ipswich we need a cup run… Please. *

*Based on single sided standard cards Offer ends 30th Jan 2022

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IPSWICH24 COMPETITION RULES & CONDITIONS: The editor’s decision will always be final. No competition entry will be entered into. Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events (in the event of cancellation no transfer will be offered or cash alternative). We cannot be held responsible for failure of entries not arriving by deadline. There is no cash alternative to any prize. If you send entries for several competitions in one envelope, each competition must be on a separate postcard with the answer and your details, including a contact telephone number (failure to do this will result in your entry not being included).

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