Ipswich24 Magazine Feb 2013

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Inside This Month:

8 PAGE

FEBRUARY 2013 Follow us on Twitter IPSWICH24MAG

WEDDING GUIDE

Available in and around Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Hadleigh Every Month

FREE

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

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“Let us entertain you” The days maybe cold outside but there’s always a warm welcome and something exciting to do at our local museums Enjoy time out with your family this February half-term, whatever the weather. Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service will help you to entertain the children with fun-filled activities from storytelling and creative workshops to virtual space flights!

Head to Ipswich Museum on Tuesday 19th February for Terrific Telescopes; make your own telescope and take it to explore the museum - it will change how you see everything! Enjoy ‘Stars above Egypt’

Storytelling on Wednesday 20th February; join an Egyptian priest as he brings to life the myths around the gods linked to the stars, sun and moon. Catch your own falling star on Thursday 21st February by creating your own starry night sky mobile.

A special visiting astrodome will give visitors to Ipswich Museum the wow factor on Friday 22nd February. Our Planetarium Star Show will provide an incredible virtual space flight from earth to the outer edges of our solar system. See distant planets and their moons, galaxies and comets and find out about day and night, seasons, eclipses and much more as you travel through space on a journey of a lifetime. Booking is essential for all events, session times vary, call 01473 433691, cost of activities £1.50 - £3 per person.

Christchurch Mansion is hosting Creative Candle workshops on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th February. Use special coloured moulding wax, cutters and your imagination to add your own intricate patterns and designs to a plain white candle and transform it into a work of art. Most suitable for age 5+ sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.15pm and 2.15pm.

Booking essential £3 per person, call 01473 433691.

Budding artists can let their imagination run free at Ipswich Art School’s Futurescapes workshops throughout from Tuesday 19th until Friday 22nd February. Children can create their own miniature landscapes using a variety of materials. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm. Booking essential £2 per person, call 01473 433681.

It’s February and its cold, so have fun creating artwork that is woolly and snug at Colchester’s Natural History Museum! Come and make colourful, fuzzy felt pictures of hibernating creatures using a wet felting technique. You can also create your own personalised clay plaque – for yourself or a present.

Use cutters and clay tools to add names, decorations and patterns, then paint your masterpiece.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to get close to a kestrel, buzzard and barn owl and hear about their lives in the wild. On Friday 22nd February Colchester’s Natural History Museum will host the spectacular British Birds of Prey Live at 12pm, 1.15pm and 2.30pm. Booking is essential for all Colchester based activities call 01206 282940, cost of activities varies £2 - £3 per person.

Visit www.cimuseums.org.uk for more information and subscribe to our regular enewsletter and receive news and events directly to your inbox, sign up at www.cimuseums.org.uk/enews

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INSIDE THIS MONTH FEBRUARY Prom Night:

Time was leaving school meant a disco in the school hall, nowadays the American tradition of the High School Prom is the way to mark the end of your education.

10&11

James Hazell: The BBC Radio Suffolk presenter shares his views on rail travel and other annoyances.

15 Wedding Guide: Eight pages of advice and ideas for what is possibly the biggest day of your life.

Discover Ipswich Everyday you walk down the streets of Ipswich, but do you know much about the town’s history? The best way to discover the town is with a guided walk.

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Events Diary Looking for something to do this February?

Our monthly day-by-day guide and don’t forget there’s more on our website at www.ipswich24.co.uk

8&9 Centre 12&13

Live Music 24

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Round up of local gigs, plus news on a brand new music festival for the region and preview of the Bellowhead concert. Plus you’ll find more local music coverage at www.livemusic24.co.uk

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Beanstalk sprouting at the Riverside Woodbridge's Riverside Theatre will ring to the sounds of 'oh yes its is, oh no it isn't' during half term week in February, when the Company of Four present their annual, traditional family pantomime.

This year you can follow the adventures of Jack as he climbs the magic beanstalk to rescue Daisy the Cow, the Hen that lays golden eggs, the magic Harp and of course his love Jill from the clutches of the

Giant. The Company of Four's award-winning pantomimes are renowned for their spectacular sets and costumes, great dance routines and, of course, their comedy and sense of fun.

And this year will be no exception.

Written by Don Spall, one of the original '4', and who has written more of the company's pantos than you have had hot dinners, and directed by Company of Four favourite June Allum, this promises

New Dance Initiative MOKO Dance, a new national dance partnership initiative is delighted to present its first touring production MOKO Mix, an energetic and exciting double bill of dance for children and families.

The Suitcase Story devised and choreographed by Christopher Marney is an uplifting show about a little girl and her magical suitcase. Caught in the middle of her parents’ differences, she seeks comfort in a dream world. From inside her charmed suitcase she conjures up an imaginary friend that no one but her can see.

The Rock devised and choreographed by Tamsin Fitzgerald follows the story of a group of young people from a sleepily remote town who meet up regularly at a dark, eerie clearing called The Rock to share their stories and deeply kept secrets. It is a mysterious place, and strange events unfurl as these life-long friends discover what happens when their secrets spring to life. The Rock is an exciting dance performance full of adventure, magic and thrilling escapades.

• Moko Mix will be performing at DanceEast, Ipswich from Wednesday 27th February until Saturday 1st March. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295230.

to be the best ever.

Donning a series of outrageous costumes (again) Paul Leech will lead the ensemble as Dame, with firm favourites Catherine Dale as Jack and Amelia Brown as Jill.

Katherine Bryant plays Madonna the bad Witch and Vicki Hart plays the good Fairy with Julian Illman paying the Squire. To this add numerous other featured characters, an all singing all dancing chorus and dancers and the legendary Company of Four children and tots and you have a true family pantomime.

And, this year it really is a family affair with the Dame's real life wife as one half of the cow, the wicked witch really married to the Squire, and whole families in the chorus.

So, why not head for the Riverside

and watch Jack battle the ferocious Giant (Adam Kearney) with his Henchmen (Stephen Jones), laugh at the antics of the comedy pair (Carl Clarke and Darren Scriven) and enjoy the spectacle that is a Company of Four pantomime.

• Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge from 15th to 23rd February. The Box Office is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Call 01394 382174.

The finest jazz in the East The DixieMix Jazz Band brings together many of the best jazz musicians in the East.

Their talent, knowledge and enthusiasm for traditional jazz combines with ease to provide outstanding entertainment for all occasions. With the emphasis always on first class music mixed with great humour, this band never fails to provide a top quality performance.

As well as playing for established jazz audiences, The DixieMix Jazz Band are equally at home letting rip with an entertaining show creating a feel-good factor designed to please everyone. Which makes DixieMix the ideal choice for corporate events, weddings, garden parties, festivals, launches, dances and celebrations of every kind.

The DixieMix Jazz Band will be performing at St Peter’s by the Waterfront on Friday 8th Febuary at 7.45pm. St Peter's Jazz by the Waterfront evenings allow you to sit back and relax to great jazz sounds with friends and family. Although St Peter’s do not have an alcohol licence organisers do encourage you to bring your own drink, and they also serve teas and coffees for those of you who are driving!

• Tickets cost £10 and are available from the website www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com/jazz Further information on 01473 225269 or by email manager@stpetersbythewaterfront.com

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Yes, Prime Minister Principal casting has now been announced for the third UK tour of Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay’s hit stage version of Yes, Prime Minister.

Michael Fenton Stevens (recognisable as Sir Henry in ITV’s Benidorm) will take on the role of beleaguered PM Jim Hacker, while opposite him Crispin Redman (known as Judge Richards in Law & Order: UK) will play Sir Humphrey Appleby and West End star Michael Matus (Taboo, Lend Me A Tenor) will perform the role of Principal Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley.

Opening at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford on 7th February 2013, the widely

acclaimed production will then go on a UK tour that will take in The New Wolsey in Ipswich. The tour provides the chance to see one of the twenty-first century’s most successful new stage comedies.

Michael Fenton Stevens has appeared in numerous television dramas including recently, Mrs Biggs, Not Going Out and for CBBC Hotel Trubble. His theatre work includes The Importance of Being Earnest and It’s A Wonderful Life both at the New Wolsey Theatre, and numerous pantomimes.

Michael is familiar to fans of Radio 4 drama The Archers as the voice of Paul Morgan.

As the coalition beds in but with

Discovering Ipswich with a guided walk and cup of tea Ipswich Blue Badge Tourist Guides are bringing the history of the town alive with a brand new series of Afternoon Tea Walks. The walks are a great way for both local people and visitors to the area to have a chance to discover more about Ipswich and some of the stories of its past.

Ipswich24’s Wendy Cook joined a recent walk – Ipswich Street Names, Old and New, here’s how she got on.

Starting at the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre we met Evelyn Hewing, our guide for the afternoon.

Evelyn explained briefly what we could expect from the guided walk and told us a little bit about Ipswich’s road systems and just how old the street plan of Ipswich is, plus she gave us a little bit of information about how the roads would have originally been made, and then we set off.

The group followed Evelyn up into the Butter Market, where she paused and explained that while some of the street names were obvious as to their origins, others took a little more detective work. Evelyn explained the stories of Ipswich and it’s people well, as the group continued to follow her through the streets of the town. Our walk lasted about 90 minutes and in that time we covered quite a distance of the town centre, hearing stories of the days gone by as we went. Evelyn was very good at making sure everybody could hear what she was saying and at keeping the group, of about 20 of us, all together.

We ended the tour of the town with a well-earned cup of tea and a cake at The Sanctuary Café. It was here that Evelyn told me that the guides devise their own walks and, that because of her interest in the history of Ipswich and some of the strange street names that can be found around the town, she wanted to find out more and thought that it would make an interesting topic for a guided walk. And, judging by the chatter of the group in the café, I think everyone agreed with her!

Ipswich Tourist information are running a series of Afternoon Tea Walks over the coming months covering all sorts of topics to suit everyone. These walks are a great way of finding out more about the town, and, even if you have lived in Ipswich all your life, you will come away having learned lots of new things about the area.

For more information about the Afternoon Tea Walks or to book a place you can contact the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre on 01473 258070 or visit www.visit-ipswich.co.uk.

little hope of harmony, Prime Minister Jim Hacker is struggling to keep international troubles at bay.

To add to squabbles over the collapsing euro and the push for greater austerity, he is now faced with a moral dilemma caused by dubious diplomatic demands.

Meanwhile, Sir Humphrey is in favour of greater austerity for ordinary people but not for senior civil servants.

This 2013 tour of the wildly successful stage production is announced as Yes, Prime Minister returns to our television screens in six new episodes penned by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn.

The BAFTA award-winning political comedy Yes, Minister first aired on BBC2 in 1980 and ran until 1984.

The sequel, Yes, Prime Minister ran from 1986 until 1988. The success

of the stage production, which premiered in 2010 and has since enjoyed three triumphant West End residencies, resulted in new episodes of Yes, Prime Minister being commissioned for television.

These have been recorded starring the original West End actors David Haig as Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Henry Goodman as Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Antony Jay has enjoyed a distinguished career as writer, broadcaster and producer.

Jonathan Lynn’s prolific career spans more than four decades as a director, screenwriter, producer and actor in films, television and theatre. As well as co-writing, he will be directing this stage version of Yes, Prime Minister.

• Yes, Prime Minister will be at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich from Monday 22nd until Sunday 27th April. Tickets can be booked online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk or by calling the New Wolsey Box office on 01473 295900

Lions Quiz Night The Lions Club of Ipswich is holding a Charity Quiz Night on Friday 15th March, at 7.30pm at St Raphael’s Club, Highfield Road, Ipswich. Teams of four to six, £6 per person, including hot supper.

No Bar - bring your own drinks. For tickets ring 01473 631239.

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The Tractor Boy Column

New Session for Playbus

Suffolk’s youngest sports pundit – aka Daniel Ford of BBC Radio Suffolk’s Life’s a Pitch fame

A new play session will be added to the Playbus timetable in 2013.

"Maggie" The Ipswich Community Playbus will be attending Kelly Road, Ipswich by the Green every Wednesday afternoon from 1.15pm until 3.15pm, term time.

This new free play session will started in January 2013 and offers arts and crafts, baby areas, sand play, small world sets, home corner, books, puzzles, built-in slide and lots more to keep the under fives occupied and a friendly, welcoming place for their parents/carers to come and meet.

The Olympic and Paralympic legacy The 2012 London Olympics was a worldwide phenomenon observed and marvelled across the globe. But what is the Olympic and Paralympic legacy and what effect did these amazing games have on the general public like you and I? For this month’s issue I wanted to share my own personal experiences and viewpoint.

If the Olympics didn’t inspire you then I don’t know what can, the way we defied the critics by pulling it off in such dramatic fashion and then by the unbelievable success of the British competitors. For me, my favourite and most inspiring aspect of both games was the less popular Sports. I had never seen Handball in the Olympics or sitting Volleyball in the Paralympics. That inspired my sister and to set up a game of Handball in our lounge! Also, if some of the amazing Paralympic stories in events such as the sitting volleyball don’t inspire fellow disabled people to give it a go then there surely is little hope.

An area of change for myself is that now on a Wednesday afternoon, rather than just hanging out all afternoon playing computer games, my friends and I all go to a mates house and play table tennis in his garage.

This to me was what the Olympics was all about – finding new sports, new things to interest the younger generation.

However straight after the games the hopes of some of these sports increasing in stature were crushed after their funding was withdrawn.

This for me gives the impression the Government just wanted us to compete in all sports at 2012 and then forget about them for the next Olympics and years to come. This contradicts the idea of the legacy, if we put a team together for London why can’t we carry on its momentum and recreate that team spirit not just for major Olympic events but to inspire young people to move away from computers, and get out and about taking part in all kinds of sports, surely this is the answer to our every growing obesity issues?

If you have any different views on this please contact Tractor Boy at Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW or email tractorboy@ipswich24.co.uk

Players say a big Thank You The members of The Masque Players have issued a vote of thanks to audience members who attended their last production of ‘A Show for All Seasons’ in November 2012 which raised £200 for Comic Relief.

Throughout 2013 the group will be fund raising for the St. Elizabeth Hospice.

Following the success of their last production The Players have announced that to start the celebrations of their 70th anniversary year the next production will be ‘The Cemetery Club’ written by Ivan Menchall and directed by Neil Jackson. The play centres around three Jewish, New York widows and takes the audience on a journey of laughs, tears, pathos and empathy, as they explore the highs and lows of the relationship of the three friends.

The performance will be held at the Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday 20th until Sunday 23rd March 2013 each performance beginning at 7.45pm. In celebration of The Players’ 70th anniversary they are offering all tickets for £7, if you wish to have tickets reserved for you on the door for a specific performance please visit the website and complete the reservation form or e-mail us direct at masqueplayers@hotmail.co.uk.

New members are always welcomed by The Masque Players both on stage and behind the scenes. If you are interested in joining the group please visit the website at www.masqueplayers.com or follow them on Twitter.

Radio celebrity to wave flag for local charity NICK Pandolfi Breakfast Show Presenter for Town 102 has been announced as an Ambassador for the ITFC Charitable Trust.

The charity, based at Portman Road, works with young people all over Suffolk inspiring, educating and motivating them • Nick Pandolfi onto a better future. As a charity they have to raise their own funding, £1m, each and every year. COO for the Trust, Paul Attrill, explained why they’d chosen the popular Breakfast Show host. “Nick is full of enthusiasm for what we do here at the Trust, he’s kindly offered to help wave the flag for us by attending events and talking about some of the ways we work with young people from all abilities both in Ipswich and all around the County.”

Nick was born in Woodbridge and has been a fan of the football club since meeting a Town favourite when he was just six years old. Nick says, “I came to Portman Road and met Paul Mariner, and he gave me a signed £1 note. When I interviewed Kevin Beattie many years later I told him the story and he said he was amazed - Mariner never gave anything away!

“In all seriousness though I really get what the Trust is trying to do here; I was lucky I was a child actor so my career path wasn’t a particularly difficult one, however that’s not the case for many young people in Suffolk, especially for those who struggle with their mental and physical abilities. If I can help them to fundraise by talking with those who’ve had their lives changed by the Trust and use my profile to help raise theirs then I’m delighted to take on the role as their Ambassador.”

For more details of the many ways the Trust is helping to support the local community right here in Suffolk take a look at their website www.itfccharitabletrust.org.uk. If you’d also like to volunteer or raise funds for the Trust call them to find out more on 01473 400744.

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Now also online at: www.felixstowe24.co.uk To Advertise Call: 01473 715599

Rail Exhibition just the ticket Felixstowe Area Group will be holding their first N Gauge Model Railway Open Day of the 2013 season at The Welcome Hall, High Road, Trimley St Mary on Saturday March 23rd between 11am and 4pm.

Some of the Group’s layouts will be running, including one made up of some of the group’s members modules, and you are welcome to bring your own N gauge stock to run on one of the layouts.

The N Gauge Society Second-hand Stand will also be attending offering an opportunity to pick up some bargains.

The organisers hope that if you are new to the world of model railways you may decide, having seen how much you can get into a small space, that you can build a layout of your own.

There will be group members on hand all day to offer advice on all aspects of modelling in N gauge, including information on where to obtain

equipment, and to talk about the group and its aims. There are several ongoing projects which the Group would welcome new members of all ages and modelling abilities to help with.

The Felixstowe Area Group are currently a small, friendly group that meets weekly at Great Street Farm, High Road, Trimley St Mary, on Thursday evenings, and they also attend shows and exhibitions with their layouts. They also organise the annual N Gauge Model Railway show in Felixstowe Admission will be FREE, so why not drop in at some during the day, perhaps on your way to or from Felixstowe. There will be light refreshments available.

If you require further information please contact Chris Shum, the group organiser, 01394 277211 or visit the website at www.felixstowengauge.org.uk

Golf Club offers more than Golf!

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is the 5th oldest club in England and is the only true Links Course in Suffolk.

At Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club they offer a very warm welcome to new golfers and are able to offer the younger golfer a reduced membership for those aged 18 to 23 and another reduced membership for those aged 24 – 30. For full details of these and other memberships why not go to the Club’s website – www.felixstowegolf.co.uk This Intermediate membership allows you to • play on the 18 hole Martello Links Course offering some challenging holes • play on the 9 hole Kingsfleet Course which has some beautiful views over the River Deben and has 2 Par 5’s, 4 Par 4’s and 3 Par 3’s.

• visit the Clubhouse which offers a comfortable and friendly Bar and Restaurant • the services of a Golf Professional, Robert Joyce Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club has a thriving social calendar and members can enjoy Quizzes, Candlelit Suppers, Sunday Luncheons, our famous Fish and Chips and much more.

FELIXSTOWE FERRY GOLF CLUB – “More than just a Golf Club”

— Time for a Treat —

Now that winter is here we all need a little something to cheer ourselves up. Why not make this a fabulous February and treat yourself to something a little bit special from Delvaux in Felixstowe.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and this is a perfect opportunity to show someone how much you care.

The shop offers a fantastic range of scarves, semi precious and costume jewellery along with beautiful gifts for the home.

Delvaux aims to stock the more unusual products that can’t be found in other shops which will enable you to obtain that unique gift for someone special or a treat for yourself.

So, give Delvaux a look, you will not be able to resist!

Delvaux is open 6 days a week from Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm, and can be found at 116 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW Every Monday Yoga, Henley Community Village Hall, Ashbocking Road, 7.45pm – 9.15pm, 01473 690762 Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance Classes, Witnesham Village Hall, for ages 3 to Adult, from 4pm, call Kelly on 07799 130967 or email kelly@enpointedancing.co.uk for more details, A Qualified Member of United Teachers of Dance Line Dancing, Bramford Road Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm – 9.30pm Suffolk Promenaders Square Dance Club, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, Only £2, tea and coffee provided, contact 01473 422663 after 2pm for further details

Every Tuesday Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, performing a variety of music including chart hits, musicals and classical. If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this ling established & friendly group of singers, No auditions, Call Maggie on 01473 713597 Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Ipswich, 6.30pm, Experienced players and beginners always very welcome, For a free taster session or more information contact Fran Rousham 01394 671642 Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk Ipswich Folk Dance Club, St Johns U.R.C, Cowper St, 8pm - 10pm. Experience not necessary, as all dances are walked through first, and then called. For full details call 01473 212085.

Tea Dance, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 2pm - 4pm, £2. Includes tea and biscuits, for further information tel 01473 257593.

Knit ‘n’ Natter Group, Bags of Handles, Walton, Felixstowe, 6pm – 9pm, Knit, Natter and browse through hundreds of knitting magazines available to the group.

Every Wednesday Voices Together, award winning female singing group. Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 9pm. Friendly rehearsals. No auditions.

Easy listening music. Interested? Call Kath 01473 652351 New Voices is a friendly, enthusiastic choir who sing a wide variety of choral music. 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Seventh Adventist Church, Rope Walk, Ipswich, New members are welcome. Email info@newvoices.org.uk for more information.

guide

Fri 1st Feb Sinatra, Sequins and Swing, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 7.30pm, Tickets from £22 01284 758000 Martlesham Heath Aviation Society – Martin Atkinson presents an Illustrated Talk on Edith Maud Cook, Main Hall, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, Old Felixstowe Rd, Martlesham Heath, 7.30pm, £1.50 members £2.50 non members, www.mhas.org.uk

Sat 2nd Feb East Anglia Chamber Orchestra, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, The Apex, 7.30pm, Tickets from £15- 01284 758 000 The March Hare Collective (Handmade Arts and Craft), The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 10am - 5pm, 01284 758 000

Sun 3rd Feb RSCM Candlemas Service with Ipswich School Chapel Choir, St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich School, 6.30pm

Every Thursday

Wed 6th Feb

Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants Veg and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, 10.15am to 11.30am, Local Food, Handmade Crafts Open to all, Free Entry,

Guided Tea Walk ‘Dickens in Ipswich’ Finishes with Tea at Arlington’s, starting from the Tourist Information Centre, Ipswich, 2pm, £6 A View from the Plinth: A Review of Public Sculpture Today by Mary Yule, Rushmere St Andrew, 2.15pm, Non Members Welcome, £5 donation requested

Thu 7th Feb

Every Friday

Ipswich Recorder Music Society- Piano’s and Violin’s, Presented by Iris Barrell, The Meeting Room, 19 Tower Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Attendance Fee £2, Annual Membership £7.50

Ballroom, Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton, Felixstowe, 7.30 - 9pm, £5 per couple. Waltz, Quickstep, Latin American and popular sequence, a very friendly class where Tea is served during break.

Every Saturday Mini-Market, Manning's Amusements, Sea Road, Felixstowe, 10am - 4pm Kesgrave Country Market, Kesgrave Scout H/Q Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, 9.30am - 11.30am, home-made, homegrown, and home-crafted items for sale, further information Tel. 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket,co.uk

Every Sunday Lions Club of Ipswich Car Boot Sale, Portman Road Car Park, Ipswich (Weather permitting), Gates open at 6.30am, Pitch fees - car £5.00, Car & Trailer £10.00, small van (Escort size) £5.00, large van (transit size) £10.00 all payable on entry, Refreshments and toilets on site. Other details visit www.ipswich-lions.anglianet.co.uk Car Boot Sale, Stonham Barns Leisure & Retail Complex, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, from 9am 8

EVENTS

Fri 8th Feb – Sat 9th Feb ‘House on the Edge’ State of Flux, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Box Office 01473 295230 www.danceeast.co.uk

Sat 9th Feb Guided tour of Ipswich Museum ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, Ipswich Museum, High Street, Ipswich, £4/ £3 for friends of Ipswich Museum, Booking Essential 01473 433554 Charlie Haylock- Talk; Suffolk Surnames, Records Office, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, 10.30am, £5.50 Valentine Disco in aid of Mencap, Pauls Sports Club, Samlet Close, Ipswich, Tickets £10 Adults, £5 Children under 12 years (including finger buffet), 07766103563 840th Anniversary Lecture ‘The Battle of Fornham 1173’ by Clive Paine, Suffolk Records Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50 • continues page 9

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8 Pages of Wedding Advice

2 0 13

Weddings

Clifford Vale Photography www.cliffordvale.com 01473 425220

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5 Ideas for Creative and Unusual Wedding Cakes As the centerpiece of your reception, wedding cakes are a bride's opportunity to make a major style statement. But many brides don't particularly like the taste of wedding cake, and some simply prefer to serve something a little more distinctive for the dessert course. Looking for something different? Browse these ideas for a refreshing spin on the traditional wedding cake.

1. Break the Mold

3. Blinged out Baked Goods

Cupcakes and doughnuts are trendy alternatives to traditional wedding cakes, but good old jelly might be the most creative new option. When molded into cake form with a touch of class and ingredients like tropical fruit, champagne, and lychee, the family picnic favorite can be transformed into an elegant and refreshingly light treat perfect for a summer or outdoor wedding. Plus, it's bound to be an instant conversation starter. Love the idea? Present it to your caterer to recreate it.

When it comes to wedding day bling, bejeweled brides have some competition. Now your cake can don jewellery too! That's right, the latest adornments to hit wedding cakes are hand-made Swarovski Crystal Cake Jewellery. Design a sparkilicious cake bedecked with crystal monograms, hearts, flowers or butterflies.

2. Wedding Cakes Made of Cheese Scattered plates with barely nibbled pieces of wedding cake are an all-too-familiar sight at receptions. If you want to serve a dessert your guests will actually eat, consider a wedding "cake" made of cheese. Literally a cake made of cheese stacked in tiers and decorated to look like a wedding cake.

Adornments like foliage, grapes, berries, nuts, and flowers transform a creamy Lancashire or unpasteurised cheddar into an elaborate wedding cake that can match your decor scheme.

4. Flavourful Fountains Chocolate fountains in lieu of wedding cakes have been done. So put a new spin on the chocolate fountain with a colourful, flowing display of fruit coulis, which is that powerfully tangy syrup made from raspberries, mangoes, or other fruits and often comes drizzled over something like a flourless chocolate cake. In its fountain form, dip brownies, shortbread, and other cakes and cookies for a sweet, fruity treat.

The English Cheesecake Company Ltd www.englishcheesecake.com

5. Cake Fake Out If you like the look of iced tiers, but want something truly surprising, have rich, velvety gourmet cheesecakes stacked and decorated like a traditional wedding cake. Your guests will be none the wiser until it is time to slice up.

— Cori Russell —

From Buttonholes to Bouquets – Emma has it sorted At Emma’s Florist they realise the importance of your "special day" and can provide you with expertise to ensure that your wedding flowers will stand out as much as you do.

The florist, based in Ipswich, can help you with everything from your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids flowers to headdresses and buttonholes, advising you on styles and colours to enhance the theme of your wedding whilst working with you as to your expectations and budget.

Emma and her staff at the shop are

more than happy to discuss your requirements for your big day. The team at Emma’s Florist have a wealth of experience and will listen to your ideas and then guide you though the many flower and colour choices available, so that your wedding flowers are perfect for you.

For more information about the many choices on offer at Emma’s Florist you can visit the shop in nacton Road, Ipswich or their website at www.emmasflorist.com or you can call Emma and her team on 01473 272747.

Top your outfit off with a hat Ladies Hatz provides a personal service to find that perfect hat or fascinator - or even have one made - for your special day whether it be a wedding, christening or the races.

At Ladies Hatz they are able to offer very sensible prices to beat many high street stores. Located just a few miles out of Ipswich with plenty of free parking, Ladies Hatz have a good stock of well known hat makers...Jacques Vert, Diana, Suzanne Bettley, Debenhams, Failsworth, Peter Bettley, Kangol, Philip Treacy, Eastex, Gina Bacconi, Condici, BHS, M & S, John Lewis and many more.

With so many colours and styles available it is hard to list them all but the aim is to match a hat or fascinator to your outfit, with you not having to take out a mortgage to buy it!

Ladies Hatz works on an appointment basis - so they have time to give you personal service to find that perfect hat or fascinator. At Ladies Hatz they can advise you and help you choose - but feel free to bring a friend too as that sometimes helps you make a decision. Try Ladies Hatz first...save on hunting around and parking in town... You will not be disappointed! Call for an appointment today!

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Choosing a Wedding Dress to Suit Your Body Shape For any bride, their wedding dress is perhaps the most important part of their wedding day. The dress has to be elegant, sophisticated and utterly unforgettable. So it’s no surprise that choosing the right outfit can be an incredibly stressful experience.

As a colour, white can be tricky to pull off. That’s why choosing a dress that suits your body shape is essential. You need to know how to show off your best bits on your special day. But how does a bride identify what shape their body is? And once armed with this knowledge, how should they dress for the occasion?

styles tend to flatter. An empire-style dress that pinches in at the hips before flowing outwards in an A-line shape is a good choice, as long as the skirt isn’t overly long. Examples of things to avoid are; halternecks, straight cut dresses and also gathered or pleated skirts, as you should avoid adding any unneeded excess around the hips.

Triangle Shaped This shape is typical amongst taller women, with their shoulders wider than the hips and a fairly flat chest.

Although some triangle shaped women fear their broader shoulders somehow lack femininity, this is actually an incredibly desirable shape. The majority of supermodels are this shape, meaning almost any catwalk or high street fashion is suited to this body type.

Straight cut dresses can give a very sophisticated look, and extravagant ball gown styles can look spectacular.

A higher cut neckline balances shoulders and hips, flattering a smaller chest. Details around the hips can add shapeliness, but do avoid overly intricate sleeves, and wide or low cut necklines can broaden the shoulders too much

Hourglass Figure Apple Shaped If you carry your weight around the waist, but are blessed with great legs and/or boobs, you are the owner of an apple shaped body. Fortunately, there are lots of options to get you looking and feeling great on your wedding day.

Look for a dress that draws attention your best features. For bigger bust sizes, a plunging neckline will accentuate the cleavage, whilst lengthening the neck. Choosing a plunging neckline is an even more effective tactic if you decide to go strapless. An aline skirt can look great if you’ve got the legs for it, but you should avoid high neck lines, and any boxy jackets.

If your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, but you benefit from a defined waist, you have the fabled hourglass figure. According to convention, this is often considered the most desirable body shape, and one of the most easy to dress. But it can be very easy to get wrong when choosing a dress.

Choose any type of low, wide or plunging neckline, as this will show off a defined waist well. If you’ve got any wobbly bits your not comfortable having on show, look for a dress that will disguise any insecurities you may have. Don’t waste your curves with a straight cut dress, and an empire style in particular will waste your best features, choose something that nips in at the waist to show off your smallest part.

Square/Rectangular A rectangular shape is defined by shoulders and hips being roughly the same width, but without much waist definition. There is a surprising amount of scope for different styles with this body shape, as the only real issue is with adding hip definition.

A v-shape leading down to the waist is useful in that it creates the illusion of a smaller waist. A fairly full skirt with a structured bodice can also add extra definition. Empire line styles can work particularly well. Keep necklines wide and use detailing either above or below the waist, not both.

There are some rules that are pretty much set in stone when choosing a flattering dress. But on the whole, these are guidelines, not gospel. It is possible to find a dress that breaks convention and still looks fantastic. But using the above rules of thumb should speed up the process of finding the perfect dress for your big day.

Gemma Halliwell • All dresses from the Mori Lee 2013 Collection available from Jewellery Box Felixstowe

Pear Shaped If you’re skinny on top and heavier on the bottom, with a J-Lo bum and larger thighs, you are the proud owner of a pear shaped body. Most women consider this shape undesirable, and the most difficult to dress. However, many men would beg to differ.

As with Apple shaped bodies, v-necks and strapless

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Free Wedding Disc Package 10 things to think Top Tips for One Lucky Couple about for your Wedding Clifford Vale Photography is offering a free Wedding Disc Package to the couple who submit the most deserving story as to why they should receive this fantastic prize.

Stories must be submitted to info@cliffordvale.com by 14th February 2013.

After the initial few weeks of feeling on top of the world after you have decided to get married, it is then time to get down to the real hard work and actually start planning your big day. There is so much to organise, book, sort and decide that it can all get a little bit overwhelming, especially when you look at the financial costs as well.

The Wedding Disc Package includes coverage from the bridal preparations through to the wedding breakfast, ensuring every moment of this special day is captured.

location that everyone, including yourself, is happy with is going to be a nightmare.

Many people will either get married in their home town or go back to a place they used to live, with thousands of possibilities and locations for you to choose from. The amount of people getting married abroad has risen in the past ten years, with travel and accommodation getting cheaper, but this is something that might not suit all of your guests.

Carl Clifford, of Clifford Vale Photography, is flexible in his approach, and will take photos in the style/s you choose.

‘You may prefer natural as it happens shots, classic images, modern moments, or a combination of all three!’

To complement this package, Clifford Vale Photography provides hand-crafted albums or stunning storybooks that keep the memories alive each time you turn a page. Prices start from £279.

Carl has over 20 years’ experience of wedding photography at locations throughout East Anglia, and is a Licentiate of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (LSWPP).

• For more information and a free consultation call 01473 425220 / 07920 114474, or email info@cliffordvale.com. To view an online portfolio of work visit www.cliffordvale.com.

Below, we take a look at our top ten things to think about when planning your wedding, taking a look at the things you really need to get straight in your mind to make your big day a massive success.

LOCATION – If you have family spread out over the country then choosing a

VENUE – From Churches to Football Stadiums, you can literally get married anywhere these days so you will not have a problem when it comes to finding a venue, unless you leave it too late of course. Although churches are still one of the most popular places to get married, many more people get married in hotels, marquees and other readily available places these days.

ACCOMMODATION – If you are going to hang around before shooting off on your honeymoon then you will need accommodation and so will your guests, so you need to try and sort out a range of options for everyone to stay. If you go for a luxury hotel then you have to bear in mind that some of your guests might not be able to afford this, so it’s well worth offering a range of options that everyone can afford to stay over should they want to.

CATERING

– With so many medical conditions, allergies and fussy eaters, catering for all of your guests has never been harder, so this aspect of your wedding might involve you having to really spend some time thinking about it. You also need to think about whether you will have a sit down and served meal or whether a self service buffet might fit your requirements better and with so many options to choose from this could take some time!

INSURANCE – Many people over look wedding insurance and yet it is crucial you at least consider having this kind of insurance and have a look at some quotes. A good insurance product can help to protect many things with regards to your wedding, including cancellation costs, any damage that occurs and also if any of your third parties should go bust before your big day.

GUESTS – When you have decided how many people you will be inviting, you then need to sit and down and work out who is coming, where they are going to sit, what they are going to eat and all the other minor decisions you have to make when holding any kind of event like this. Many people will invite a selection of people to the wedding and then more people to their evening party, as this helps to keep the cost down and means you do not have to have a huge venue for your actual wedding.

PRESENTS – Most weddings have a “wish list” where the guests can go along and choose a present that the bride and groom actually want, which can stop them ending up with ten toasters and three cushions. Most leading department stores offer a wedding list service which allows guests to buy a present and when that present is purchased it is removed from the list, meaning the happy couple only get what they really want.

WEDDING APPAREL – The brides dress and the groom’s suit needs to be purchased and the bridesmaids all need to be dressed in clothing that you want for your big day, so this is something else that needs to be organised. Gone are the days when you need to spend thousands on a wedding dress, with many of the supermarkets and department stores now offering cheaper alternatives that still look amazing.

TRANSPORT – You need to decide how the bride and family will be getting to the place where you are due to be married. Will you be going for a traditional limousine or are you going to have a full blown horse and cart solution? No matter what kind of transport you opt for, it is vital that you book it early to get the best choice and also try to get an early booking discount.

RINGS – Don’t forget to buy the rings! To symbolise the joining together of two people, it is traditional to swap rings at a wedding, which is normally at the closing end of the wedding ceremony. There are hundreds of shops that you can buy jewellery from, but do go and make sure they fit perfectly first else it could be a tight squeeze when it comes to placing them on the fingers on your wedding day.

— Ian Spencer —

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The Perfect Wedding Gift A wedding celebration is one of the finest celebrations that any one can experience.

If you're invited to a wedding you'll want to arrive with a wedding gift that is sure to bring a smile to the face of the bride and groom.

There are many types of wedding gifts that you can choose from but you'll want to take your time deciding before you make your final choice. Take some time to ask yourself what the bride and groom might like. If you know them well enough you can buy them a more personal gift, such as framed pictures that mean something to them. If you're don't know much about the personal tastes of the newly married couple you'll want to stick with wedding gifts that are more wide in range, such as small appliances, bottles of wine, or bedding.

Make sure that you find out if there is a gift list and where it is, since this is a great way to get the bride and groom something that they really want.

You'll want to wrap wedding gifts as creatively as you can to make an added impression for the couple. You can have the wrapping done professionally or you can buy fancy wrapping paper and do it yourself, adding bows and ribbons as adornment.

Take the gift to the reception, where someone will be on hand to take the gift from you and add it to the other presents.

Wedding gifts are a big part of the wedding celebration and you can do your part by bringing along a gift that the new couple will remember for a life-time.

Bus is just the ticket!

Planning THE Wedding of YOUR Dreams?

THE Wedding Fayre....! has been running inspirational quality wedding exhibitions for over 12 years and aims to present vibrant, well organised fayres at some of the very best wedding venues in the region. Because your BIG DAY is all about the small details. Event organiser Sharon Donaldson says, “I am thrilled to be working with such an excellent venue and superb wedding suppliers this Spring” On Sunday 17th March The Barrandov Opera at Needham Market is the truly unique venue where THE Wedding Fayre...! will be showcasing up to 30 wedding experts to help you plan YOUR perfect day.

This beautiful restored barn, which is home to one of the only private operas in the country, is set in acres of rolling countryside and has tranquil bridal and guest suites, wonderful rose gardens and a lake with black swans. Perfect for the wedding of your dreams.

There will be live music with both an internationally renowned harpist and a wonderful string quartet to keep you beautifully entertained.

Sharon says, “We always try to have a selection of everything YOU need for YOUR big day from bridalwear to mother of the bride outfits, hats, tiaras, shoes, menswear, caterers, florists, photographers, cake makers, musicians, discos, wedding transport, jewellers, videographers, stationery, favours, venue decoration and much more.

“We always try and make our bride and grooms feel extra special when they visit our fayres, after all, they are planning what should be one of the most memorable days of their lives” Bridal tours throughout the day will give everyone the chance to explore this truly stunning venue.

With delicious catering available plus FREE Wedding magazines on arrival and FREE bottles of Bucks Fizz to be given to the first 20 brides THE Wedding Fayre...! has all the ingredients for a truly romantic and memorable wedding Come and be inspired!

For all your wedding travel needs, why not choose Carters Heritage Bus Services. The company offers a 1963 Bristol Lodekka double decker bus or a 1972 Bristol RE single deck bus to transport the wedding party and/or guests to locations and venues in the Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk areas.

Late night return journeys can also be arranged prior to booking and Carters Heritage Bus Services can also accommodate birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, etc.

The Heritage Bus Service has been in operation for the last four years and all vehicles are fully maintained to the highest standard with a professional, reliable and friendly service being offered by the bus crew.

For more information about how Carters Heritage Bus Services can get you friends and family to your wedding in style you can contact them on 01473 313188.

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Making sure you are sitting Wedding Day Top Tips pretty on the big day Advice and Checklist

ExtravOrganza are the leading supplier and hire specialist of handmade wedding and party chair covers in Suffolk, Norfolk and North Essex. The local company pride themselves with an attention to details, as they know how important this special day is to you both.

At ExtravOrganza they will help you create a stunning venue with handmade chair covers made from different material ranging from cotton, to silks to the newest lycra/stretch.

Each cover is complemented by beautiful sashes available in crystal organza, taffeta, and silk. These can be complemented by many accessories like diamonte brooches, flowers and many other ideas they have.

ExtravOrganza will bring to you the latest trends and they have the design and flair to make your chair covers different and unique.

Owner of ExtravOrganza, Miranda Pont, is passionate about her chair covers, “I just love what I do,” she says, “My cotton chair covers are made to measure and are complimented by organza, taffata and lace sashes available in hoods and narrow sashes. I have been established for many years

and have an abundance of knowledge in the wedding industry. I work with lots of professional people who also love what they do and I am happy to recommend and help you.”

ExtravOrganza is recommended solely by over 47 venues through out Suffolk for their chair covers, so you know that you are in good hands if you choose them to add the Wow factor to your wedding!

So if you’re looking to add that something special to your wedding reception, then let Extravorganza help fulfill your dreams and create an unforgettable room. Their professional chair cover hire service, design, flair and personal touch will ensure you and your guests will be stunned by how their chair covers can transform a dull room into an exciting one.

ExtravOrganza Wedding Chair Cover Hire, dress your chairs with flair, seat your guest with style, the latest designs in made to measure cotton and lycra chair covers available at competitive prices. For more information about how ExtravOrganza can transform your wedding you can visit them at their unit in Martlesham Heath.

Telephone 01473 614052 or email covers@extravorganza.co.uk.

Weddings can be a stressful event as things may happen on the day that are completely out of your control but with enough preparation and support from your friends and relatives it can be the most memorable and joyous event you’ll remember for a long time to come. Here are some handy tips to bear in mind to ensure that your special day goes as smoothly as possible: 1. Be aware of time: at the start of your day time moves slower than normal (“It’s only 10am, I’ve been up hours”), but once you’re an hour away from the start of proceedings time goes into overdrive; and make sure you take time out to be together during the day – it will be over before you realise.

2. Allow plenty of time for marks from bra straps and socks to fade before your big day.

3. If you’re getting ready in a hotel, make sure you have a pair of scissors for cutting the tags off new items.

4. Leave plenty of time for doing up the dress if it has lacing at the back. It looks easy in the shop when they show you how to do it, but on the day it can add to the stress levels if you’re short of time!

5. Have an emergency kit: (sewing kit for the groom to repair his trousers?), scissors, hair grips, rubber bands, plasters etc. Make sure that the groom has cuff links if his shirt needs them.

6. Plan the day and then hand over the detail to someone else. If necessary, hire a professional wedding coordinator for the day so that you don’t have to worry about anything. And if things don’t go to plan, don’t worry, your guests will probably not even notice.

7. Don’t ask your photographer for too many posed family shots as you will get tired/bored/fidgety and miss the chance to be with your guests – and prevent your photographer from getting those special informal images.

8. Ladies hats: make sure that there is an understanding that hats will or won’t be worn during the wedding breakfast; and if not that there is somewhere for them to be kept; photographers, incidentally, prefer it without hats!

9. Timing: a one and a half hour interval between the start of the reception and the wedding breakfast is usually good; this will allow plenty of time to mingle with guests as well as for photographing the couple and the family shots. But see next point.

10. Receiving lines: the irony here is that if you have a lot of guests and want to make sure that you meet all of them, then a receiving line will do that for you, but will also take a considerable time (an hour for 125 guests at a recent wedding). It may be better to wander around the tables between courses.

11. If you have guests joining you later in the day, designate someone to meet and greet – nothing worse than turning up to a party in full swing and not knowing where to go, or what to do if the speeches are still going on because things are running late.

12. Confetti: if there’s going to be confetti thrown, get the ushers to organise a couple of lines. If it is just handed out to the guests without a plan, they will eventually wander up to you and throw some – usually against the wind!

13. The weather: a nice day is a great bonus – but if it rains, just smile and enjoy. And as far as photographs are concerned, if you want to go outside, make sure that it’s the photographer that gets wet, not you!

14. A lipstick tip from makeup artists: to avoid leaving some of it on your glass, wet the lip of the glass before bringing it to your lips – how you do this is up to you!

And remember, this checklist is only a guide. It’s you who will be living out the day with your friends and family. Do your best to prepare as much as you can beforehand and when the big day finally arrives relax in the knowledge that you’ve done everything possible to make it a success. After all the hard work is done, your job is now to have fun and enjoy each memorable moment that happens on your wedding day.

Richard Galloway

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A Great Wedding Day Gift or Special Keep-sake If you are looking for a unique gift for the Bride and Groom or you wish to give your Bridesmaids and Best Man a personalised keepsake, then commissioning a piece is ideal, and, at Jar’s of Clay, doesn’t cost the earth. Unique plates are available to order for weddings and engagements as well as christenings and special occasions.

Why not remember your wedding with

a "signing plate". Everyone who attends your wedding signs a plate and Jars of Clay then fire it as a permanent reminder of your special day.

Jars of Clay is also a great place to have your Hen Night. Get the girls together for a creative night, when you can create your own special pieces to remember your special night.

Jars of Clay can be found in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge and is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and Saturdays from 9.30am until 5.30pm, for more information contact 01394 380123

Looking after the smaller guests Whether to invite Children is one of the most talked about questions when planning a wedding and that’s where Kidzone step in with their unique service so that the question doesn’t have to be asked.

Kidzone are delighted to offer a professional, fully insured crèche service for your special day. The company caters for children from three months up to 12 years of age and they are fully flexible, which means they can be hired from just two hours to the whole day.

Let Kidzone transform a space at your wedding venue into an exciting, fun-filled play area meaning parents can relax safe in the knowledge that the children are enjoying their day too. A huge variety of toys and activities available including crafts, games, face painting, role play, group games, small world play, pool table, air hockey, bouncy castle, soft play and much much more!

In accordance with Ofsted’s

guidelines, Kidzone ensure that children are adequately staffed at all times.

The team is fully qualified, CRB checked and trained in first aid.

Kidzone provides all toys and equipment, which are routinely checked and cleaned prior to any event; they can even provide a bouncy castle free of charge for crèche services at your wedding.

Kidzone provide a range of services not just for weddings but parties, conferences, christenings or any social event. Full crèches, open crèches, personal assistant service and evening sitter at your venue/hotel. Kidzone offer a fantastic children’s party package, themed crafts, cooking activities, soft play, bouncy castle, party games, face painting, hair braiding and much more…

If you would like to find out more about Kidzone you can visit the team at various Wedding Fairs in Ipswich in the coming months. Why not visit and chat to them about all

your crèche and party requirements at the following fairs: Sunday 27th January at Issacs Sunday 3rd February at Hintlesham Hall Sunday 10th February at All Manor of Events Sunday 17th February at Belstead Brook Hotel, Sunday 17th March at Wherstead Park, Le Talbooth, Dedham and The Barrandov Opera at Needham Market Sunday 14th April at Kesgrave Hall Sunday 21st April at Stoke by Nayland Golf and Spa Hotel

Let Kidzone help make your wedding, birthday or any social event special – because when the kids are smiling you are smiling too!

For further information call Natasha on 07756 535059 or Samantha on 07724 114794

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW • continued from page 8

Community Market and Table-Top Sale, Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road, Felixstowe, 10am to 12pm, Craft stands, bargains, local produce and refreshments. Free admission

Sun 10th Feb Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting along the River Deben from Woodbridge to Kyson Point plus Martlesham Creek for waders and wildfowl. Meet at 1pm at Woodbridge Railway Station. Map ref TM274487, 3 hrs, 4 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

Mon 11th Feb Ipswich School Middle School and Composers’ Concert, St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich 7.30pm

Tue 12th Feb ‘London Transport in the Blitz’ Illustrated and presented by Michael H C Baker, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Members £1, Non Members £2 (Includes refreshments), 01473 422145, hunt.martyn@googlemail.com

Wed 13th Feb Craft and Gift Fair, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 10am – 4.30pm, 01284 758000 Suffolk East Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere, "Millinery" an illustrated talk and demonstration by Sarah Valentine, 7.30pm, visitors very welcome to attend, Further info irenejckson@yahoo.co.uk

Thu 14th Feb Lunchtime Concert, Ipswich Arts Association, Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, 1pm - 1.50pm, Song Recital by the Belstead Singers – admission free with retiring collection Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting, ‘Spain & Hungary’, a talk by Bill Coster, Photographer & Magazine Contributor, Sidegate Lane School, Ipswich, 7.30pm.

Admission: Local Group members £2 (concessions apply), Non-Members £3.00, includes refreshments. All welcome.

Fri 15th Feb – Sat 16th Feb 6000 Miles Away, Sylvie Guillem, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 01728 687110, www.aldeburgh.co.uk

Sat 16th Feb Prometheus Orchestra ‘Playing with Fire’, St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, 7.30pm, Tickets from £12, 01394 383150 Guided tour of Christchurch Mansion ‘The Power of Flowers’, Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, £4/ £3 for friends of Ipswich Museum, Booking Essential 01473433554 Quiz and Supper, Village Hall, Mill Lane, Woolpit, Near Stowmarket, 7pm, £10 to include Supper, 01359 241553

Cupola House from Macro to Romaine by Dr Pat Murrell, Suffolk Records Office, 77 Raingate St, Bury St Edmunds, 10am, £5.50 Photographing Winter Wild Fowl and Waders, Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Martin, 11am to Sunset - £35, Booking Essential 01473 890089

Sun 17th Feb Chinese New Year Show, DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 2pm & 5pm, Tickets Adults £8 Children under 12 £5, Box Office 01473295230, www.danceeast.co.uk

Mon 18th Feb Guided Tea Walk ‘Blue Plaques Tour’, Tourist Information Centre, Ipswich, A Walk with the Famous and Influential Finishes with Tea at St Lawrence Café, 2pm, £6

EVENTS

guide

Sun 24th Feb The Mayor’s Concert 2013, Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, 3pm, Adults £5, Young People 16 years and under £3, Ticket Line 01359 221934

Wed 27th Feb –Sat 2nd Mar Moko Mix- Double Bill ‘The Suitcase Story’ by Christopher Marney ‘The Rock’

by Tamsin Fitzgerald, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 11am, Box Office 01473 295230, www.danceeast.co.uk

Wed 27th Feb Friends of Ipswich Museum Presents William Withipoll - Duels, Elopements, Astrology and the Theatre by David Jones, Ipswich Museum, 12pm, 01473 213025

Tue 19th Feb Forest Fun for families, Foxburrow Farm, Melton near Woodbridge, 10.30am – 12.30pm, A woodland adventure: being animal detectives, playing with mud, building dens and fire lighting, £2.50 per person, Please book Suffolk Wildlife Trust 01394 380113, Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Chantry Park, Ipswich. Meet at 10am at car park near toilet block (Hadleigh Road entrance). 2 hrs, Map ref TM138443, Contact 01473 714839

Wed 20th Feb Woodland Skills for 10-15 year olds, Foxburrow Farm, Melton near Woodbridge, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Develop tool skills to collect timber for shelter building and try fire lighting without a match, £6, Please book, Suffolk Wildlife Trust 01394 380113

Thu 21st Feb Ken Finch presents A Video Tour Around Ipswich, Suffolk Family History Society, Red Cross Hall, Chevallier St, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £2pp Ipswich Recorder Music Society Presents ‘Music from the Emerald Isle’ by Enid Hunt, The Meeting Room, 19 Tower Street, Ipswich, Annual Subscription £7.50 Attendance Fee £2

Fri 22nd Feb Treasure Quest for 6 - 10 year olds, Foxburrow Farm, Melton near Woodbridge, 10am – 2pm, Follow the clues to discover the hidden treasure and enter a miniature world, £6, (discount for siblings) Please book Suffolk Wildlife Trust 01394 380113

Looking for things to do further afield?

Then check-out our sister website www.ea24.co.uk

Copy Deadlines March Issue: Friday 8th Feb. Free Events Listings are published on a first-come basis, priority to charitable events and our advertisers.

No guarantee can be given of inclusion.

Priority will be given to non-commercial ventures.

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk putting “LISTINGS” in subject title or Post to: PO Box 774, Ipswich IP1 9FW

Sat 23rd Feb Lecture ‘Suffolk Churches and their Treasures’ Dave Steward, Hillside Community Centre, Ipswich, 2.30pm, Non Members £3

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of any event, if in doubt please contact the venue or organisers of event.

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Prom Preview Evening Helpful Prom Advice in a relaxed environment A Prom Preview Evening is being held on Monday 28th January from 7pm until 9.30pm at Salon24, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew.

This event is an informal evening where you can talk to the professionals about the kind of things you require for your Prom.

There will be a chance to see, and try on, the latest prom dresses, view prom accessories, plus get hairstyle advice and talk to beauticians, and much more all in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Prom Preview Evening, in conjunction with Jewellery Box and Salon24, is a free entrance event!

10

Top Tips Guide on Planning Your Prom Prom nights are becoming ever more popular, with most schools having a Prom Night to mark the end of High School education. It’s a chance to have one last big bash with your friends before you go off into the big wide world of work or college.

So, with your Prom Night being such an important event, you want to make sure that you look your best and arrive in style. The best way to ensure that your Prom night runs smoothly is planning ahead, but what should you be doing, and when?

As soon as possible Set your budget - talk to your parents about how much you can spend and you may even want to start saving for your own personal prom budget. Also now is the time to start collecting ideas for your perfect prom gown and to decide what transport you wish to have and get some quotes. You may wish to get together with some friends and share transport – and costs!

Six to four months before Start shopping for your prom dress, take a look around lots of shops and prom fairs and try on lots of dresses. It’s always difficult to tell from a picture in a magazine or on a website what a dress will look like on, so it is always best to visit the shop and to try dresses on. Take a friend with you, and make sure that your mate will give you an honest opinion, if something looks bad on you it’s best to know.

Now is also the time to book your transport. As many prom nights happen at about the same time of year, it is best to book your transport early to avoid disappointment.

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Two months before.

So you’ve chosen your prom dress, now is the time to choose your accessories. Shoes, jewellery and hair accessories are all very important additions to your overall look. Also, now is the time to book a practice session with your hairdresser. Make sure that your hair style complements your dress, a good hair dresser will be able to help you choose that perfect look.

One month to two weeks before Have your final dress fittings and make sure everything is ok. A good prom dress retailer will be able to do a final dress fitting and to offer an alteration service if required – something online retailers are unable to do!

It is also a good idea to ‘wear in’ your new shoes around the house – you want to be dancing the night away at your prom and you can’t do that with sore feet.

Also it is a good idea to confirm any bookings you have made with regards to transport etc – better to be safe than sorry…

The week before Have any waxing or beauty treatments at least one week before your prom, that way any redness that occurs will have time to fade. Be sure to try on your whole outfit together, this is your chance to have a final check that all is ok and could save any last minute panics on the day of your prom.

On the evening before your prom make sure you get an early night, the best way to look your best is getting plenty on sleep.

On the day Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. Have your hair done and apply your make up. However, it is best not to put your dress on too early, the last thing you want to do is spill something down it after all the time and effort you have taken to choose the perfect gown!

Enjoy your prom – Have a great evening.

From a limo to a fire engine – arrive in style

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PROM? On Thursday 7th February 2013 the magnificent Trinity Park set in 300 acres just off the Felixstowe Road is the host for the Fabulous Prom Show.

Starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm, the centre piece of the evening is the exciting fashion show featuring fledgling models from local high schools making their debut on the catwalk for local prom companies including Debenhams, Jewellery Box, Your Occasion and Moss Menswear Event organiser Sharon Donaldson says, “This is the 4th Annual Prom Show at Trinity Park, I am thrilled to be working with such a superb venue and quality Prom suppliers. We get excellent support from the schools, with help organising the models and at the rehearsal. The atmosphere is always electric for the fashion show, with great music and lighting plus enthusiastic support from friends, parents and teachers – who knows we may even have potential professional models there at the very start of their careers.

“We are very pleased that we have students from Suffolk New College providing the hairdressing and make up for the models so the students will look truly glamorous. Finally we are very pleased to be having a collection for Cancer Research UK, a charity very close to our hearts. We always try to have a selection of everything YOU need for YOUR prom so I can’t wait for this year’s show!”

THE Prom Show...! at Trinity Park has all the ingredients for a really exciting and memorable evening – come and be inspired!

BKP Limousines has an extensive range of luxury limousines and the company has supplied many guests over the years with transportation to their school prom. With seating for eight, what better way for a close group of friends to arrive in style for their last bash at school before leaving and embarking on their chosen career path.

At BKP you can choose from a number of different vehicles for your transport to your prom, including a Hummer H3 Stretch and a fire engine!

Fully Council Registered and Licenced, BKP Limousines is a locally owned and operated company based in Barham, just outside Ipswich.

Darren and Frances operate one of the largest and newest fleets of limousines in the area and have something to suit everybody.

For more information about BKP Limousines or to make a booking you can visit their website at www.bkplimousines.co.uk or telephone them on 01473 830891

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Have your Gig Listed Free!!

Email: gigs@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW

GIGguide

Fri 1st Feb

Sat 9th Feb

Thu 21st Feb

ELECTRIC YOUTH REVOLT, PARMA VIOLETS, ROGUES CRADLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required HURRICANE ALLEY, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich CANCER RESEARCH CHARITY DANCE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave BOUNCING OFF CONCRETE, The Railway, Ipswich BONESHAKERS, The Crown, Claydon BACK PORCH, The George, Hadleigh NICKY JAMES, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich, JAZZ WITH JOANNA EDEN, DanceEats, The Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £5 includes free drink!

ANIMAL NOISE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich ROX OFF, The Black Horse, Ipswich CROSSOVER, The Royal Oak, Ipswich REBEL TRUCE, The Railway, Ipswich REMEDY, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich MARTELLS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich,

Sat 2nd Feb

Tue 12th Feb

RED HOT RADIATORS, The George, Hadleigh DIESEL, The Plough, Ipswich UNTOUCHABLES, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave MORPHEUS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe FOREIGNERS JOURNEY, The Railway, Ipswich MOHAWK, The Royal Oak, Ipswich SOUTH OF THE BOARDER, The Red Lion, Ipswich

Sun 3rd Feb JAZZ JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm WORDS & MUSIC, The Crown Hotel, Manningtree, 3pm DANDY TRICKSTERS, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3pm

Tue 5th Feb AIMME’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich NINE YEARS OLD TODAY, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich,

Sun 10th Feb SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm REVENGE OF THE PHYSCOTRONIC MAN, The Royal Oak, Ipswich, £3 GOLD STAR MUSIC, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3pm

AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Thu 14th Feb FOLK JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich STAYIN’ ALIVE DISCO, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Fri 15th Feb HANDSOME DEAD, 99 ECHOES, RED CANVAS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required SHATTERED, The Royal Oak, Ipswich NICKY JAMES, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich, GRAPEVINELIVE SESSION with JAKOB DEIST, DanceEats, The Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £5 includes free drink!

WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich STAYIN’ ALIVE DISCO, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich,

Fri 8th Feb

Sun 17th Feb

SUFFOLK COLLEGE SHOWCASE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Thu 7th Feb

BENJAMIN BLOOM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich JUNKYARD ALIENS, The Royal Oak, Ipswich WORDS & MUSIC, The Bull Hotel, Woodbridge PHIL JACKSON, DanceEats, The Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £5 includes free drink!

NASHVILLE NUMBERS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich

SMACKJOINT, LIABILITIES, The Royal Oak, Ipswich STUDENTS FROM SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE, DanceEats, The Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £5 includes free drink!

BOB KEELEY, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich, BATTLE OF THE BANDS, The Plough, Ipswich

Sat 23rd Feb TALLOWAH, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3 MACMILAN CHARITY DANCE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave BLACK SMOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich KARAOKE with KARL & ANNE, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich, JUKEBOX FURY, The George, Hadleigh THE SPACE ROCKS, The Cork bar, Felixstowe COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich JAMES NUNN, The Rivers Social Club, Ipswich, 8pm, non members £1

Sun 24th Feb LAST SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm WORDS & MUSIC, The Manor Club, Ipswich 5 STRING DROP OUT BAND, CASUAL NAUSEA, The Royal Oak, Ipswich DOWNSETTERS, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3pm

Tue 26th Feb

Sat 16th Feb STEVE CHERELLE, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave OLAF, The Royal Oak, Ipswich SOUTH OF THE BORDER, The George, Hadleigh JUKEBOX FURY, The Clubhouse, Woodbridge Town Football Club, 8pm THE OUTLINES, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe VALENTINE’S DISCO, The Rivers Social Club, Ipswich, 7.30pm – late,

Wed 6th Feb

Fri 22nd Feb

BELLOWHEAD, The Regent Theatre, Ipswich, 01473 433100 THE FRETZ, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3pm WORDS & MUSIC, The Buregate, Felixstowe, 5pm

Tue 19th Feb AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

AIMME’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Thu 28th Feb WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Thu 28th Feb FOLK AT THE BOAT, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich WORDS & MUSIC, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East Nacton, Ipswich,

ORGANISING A GIG? Send your details for inclusion in the

GIG GUIDE Email: gigs@ipswich24 By post: Gigs Listings, PO Box 774, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 9FW Deadline for March issue: 8th Feb

Freshly Cooked Fish & Chips, Bottom of Woodbridge Rd (behind The Regent) Pies & Sausages

POPLAR 01473 FISH BAR 258358

OPEN Mon-Sat Quite probably Ipswich’s “Best” Fish & Chips!

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New musical festival announced All Dancing stages, said: ‘When I first saw African artists perform at WOMAD, like Ali Farka Toure, who collaborated with Ry Cooder on the acclaimed album Talking Timbuktoo, it gave me a sense of the origins of Americana and blues music. You can hear the connection through the rhythms and melodies almost instantly. • Gary Newland ‘It’s fascinating to see how American music has evolved through history, be it jazz and blues with its origins among the African-American peoples, or the Cajun and old time songs coming from the French and other migrant cultures of Europe. This is what Americana and Roots music is all about – a living history lesson on American culture – the music is just as fresh today as it was back in the day, it is timeless.’

Americana and roots folk music is a broad category of music including bluegrass, country music, gospel, old time music, jug bands, Appalachian folk, blues and Cajun music.

For tickets and further information about the two-day festival, please visit www.stampinggroundfestival.co.uk

Pic: Mike Kwasniak

US, Canadian and British artists to perform at the first Stamping Ground Festival in Suffolk when the Americana and Roots Music Festival takes centre stage at Stonham Barns Musician and world music promoter, Gary Newland, presents an Americana and Roots music festival in Suffolk in September 2013.

Stamping Ground Festival takes place at Stonham Barns near Stowmarket, Suffolk, on the 7th and 8th September and will feature an impressive line-up of US, Canadian and British artists including: The Pine Leaf Boys (US), Carrie Rodriguez (US), Hank Wangford & The Lost Cowboys (UK), Big Boy Bloater (UK), Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys (Canada), Sarah Savoy & The Francadians (US), and acclaimed UK alt-country and roots music newcomers ahab.

Departing from his traditional ‘stamping ground’ of African, Latin and Asian music promotion and events management, Gary, Stamping Ground Festival Director said: ‘During the past 20 years of my life, I’ve been working with musicians and groups from Senegal, Brazil, Cuba and India. This has been some of the most magical experiences of my life. Now, Stamping Ground Festival gives me an opportunity to explore another musical direction and passion through Americana music.

‘My interest in American roots-based music began in the 1970s when I started listening to bands such as The Allman Brothers; Little Feat; Crosby, Stills & Nash; and Canned Heat. I was never much into the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and all the traditional mainstream US folk scene then. I was more into people like Ry Cooder, Dr John, and bluesmen like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters – I still am.’

Gary, who has worked for Peter Gabriel’s WOMAD festival for some ten years, and currently manages two of their venues, The World Rhythms and All Singing

Bellowhead in town Movers and Shakers promotions are proud to announce Bellowhead at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, Ipswich on Sunday 17th February.

Bigger, bolder, brassier and more brazen than ever, Bellowhead released their mighty new album, Broadside in October 2012.

Their third album Hedonism was the highest-selling independently released traditional folk album of all time and their highly acclaimed new album Broadside entered the UK album charts at number 16 on its release.

Broadside writes another extraordinary chapter in the story of Bellowhead, which began in 2004 when a disparate group of characters who initially knew one another from informal pub sessions thought it might be a good wheeze to pool their widely varied backgrounds, influences and talents and form a big band, just to see what happened. Even they couldn't have imagined the results as their funny little enterprise - incorporating top-notch jazz, world, folk and classical musicians in a swathe of brass, strings, squeezebox, percussion and anything else that seemed like a good idea at the time - swiftly expanded into a gung-ho 11-piece line-up.

Four albums, a glut of awards, sell-out tours and a long trail of thunderous festival appearances down the line, they've transported folk music into hitherto unknown territory, introducing a whole new audience to it with them.

• To book tickets to see Bellowhead contact the Regent Theatre Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com.

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Time to get your bobbles out!

Age UK Suffolk has been delighted by the fantastic support received from local companies, a local dance group, schools, a rugby club, football club and individuals, all of whom are taking part in ‘Bobble Day’ on 8th February 2013.

‘Bobble Day’ is part of the national Age UK campaign “Spread The Warmth” to help raise awareness and encourage older people to contact their local Age UK if they need help to keep warm and to feel less isolated this winter. All money raised locally will go towards helping older people in Suffolk.

So far Ipswich Building Society is promoting ‘Bobble Day’ in all of their nine branches and they are organising a special ‘orange themed’ event at the Tower Ramparts, Ipswich branch on Monday 4th February. Donations can be made directly through any of their branches.

Legal and General have joined up and will be organising staff ‘orange themed’ events and selling bobbles. FunDancing, a local dance group have offered their support and are organising dance events during the week leading up to ‘Bobble Day’ on 8th February. They are encouraging their members to dress in orange and come along and have some fun and wear a bobble. New members are very welcome; please contact Janet Drake on

07506 350455 or visit their website www.fundancing.co.uk.

Otley College, Elveden Primary School and Clare Primary School are organising bobble day events such as tea parties and orange themed activities.

The Ipswich Rugby Club has also joined us and they will be promoting the event at their club over the next few weeks.

Ipswich Town Football Club will be helping to promote the campaign with players from the first team squad attending a signing session at the Age UK Suffolk Furniture Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday 5th February.

Mark Murphy of BBC Radio Suffolk is heading up the “Spread the Warmth” campaign and together with Age UK Suffolk is once again asking individuals, local businesses, schools, organisations and local clubs to support the campaign and take part on Bobble Day on Friday 8th February 2013.

Maggie James, Fundraising and Development Officer, said, “we are so pleased that Mark Murphy of Radio Suffolk is helping us by heading up the ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign and promoting ‘’Bobble Day’ for the charity.

We are delighted that we now have the support of Ipswich Building Society, Legal & General,

FunDancing (a local dance group), local schools, Otley College, The Ipswich Rugby Club and ITFC. If you would like to help us please contact our head office. Orange bobbles will be available from our Age UK Suffolk charity shops, or direct from our head office in Claydon – contact 01473 359911 to talk to our fundraising team. All ideas welcome! “ “This winter, we are working in partnership with Suffolk County Council’s Warm Homes, Healthy People initiative, which assists Suffolk residents to make their homes more energy efficient” said Maggie. “We are also distributing Surviving Winter Grants to older people in need through our partnership with the Suffolk Foundation” “Our message to older people is that they should keep their heating on during any cold weather and contact Age UK Suffolk if they are worried about their fuel bills.” Concluded Maggie “People who would like to talk about winter related issues, request a Surviving Winter Grant, or obtain copies of our useful ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide, (which includes a free room thermometer) should contact our head office on 01473 359911.

If you would like to make a donation please contact the Fundraising Department on 01473 298688.

The Girls bring on The Boys St Elizabeth Hospice’s high-profile ladies-only fundraising Midnight Walk is to break new ground by allowing men to take part.

The Midnight Walk 2013 will welcome men and also offer a night-time run through Ipswich town centre. The new-style event – which is the charity’s

biggest fundraiser of the year - will be held on Saturday 18th May 2013. More than 220 men and women have already signed up but there is still time to register.

Event organiser Leanne Carhart said, “St Elizabeth Hospice’s Midnight Walk is our most popular sponsored event and the money it raises to fund our services, so they can be provided free of charge, is vital.

We hope women who have taken part year after year will be reassured that the unique atmosphere of this mass participation event will remain intact. They can choose to walk with other women – or invite their husbands, fathers, brothers and male friends to unite with them – running or walking for such a worthwhile cause.”

There will be two routes to choose from – eight or five miles – a carnival theme, exciting warm-up and a hot chocolate and medal at the end for all participants.

Many people take part in groups as a fitness challenge, in memory of a loved one or just to have fun night out. The Midnight Walk 2013 offers the only opportunity to take part in mass participation run at night around Ipswich.

All participants are asked to raise sponsorship.

The Hospice provides services free of charge to patients and their families in East Suffolk, but relies on fundraising and donations to meet most of its £8.7m a year running costs.

• To sign up visit www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk.

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The Tracks Of My Tears As many a regular commuter will tell you, trains fares have increased again.

Now I am not one to make huge use of Britain’s public transport network so I felt my recent excursion to the BBC in London would serve as a perfect opportunity to research and ultimately wax lyrical about the joys of the train and how my beloved car and ability to drive could be consigned to history.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

We begin on a cold, wet, blustery platform at 6.30am in the morning. I have arrived 20 minutes early. Already I am annoyed. Having been fleeced for a few travelling companions by a man in a kiosk I am then imprisoned behind a barrier when it occurs to me I’d forgotten some mints. And by the way, mints should come free with cigarettes. A kind man with a condescending grin allows me back onto the cold wet blustery platform where I stand awaiting the so-called chariot of the people. At this stage I notice the whole world is buying plastic cups of coffee – from another man in a kiosk.

In the distance I hear the rattling and rumbling that will end my boredom. This prompts a rush towards the edge of the platform. I smile, because I have a reservation. Amongst the ear-piercing squeal of train brakes and scampering commuters I search for carriage F. It stops right in front of me and I see this as a good sign. I find my seat, 63a, and can’t help but notice a man is in it. I gingerly parade my reservation in front of him but his iPod is blocking out the world. I sit, disgruntled, in the aisle seat. This is when I notice that train designers are three feet six. I cram my knees up against the seat in front and wince as Mr ‘All bought and paid for’ guts comes crashing down in the seat in front of me.

We wait as the overhead compartments are filled by the likes of Mr Cyclist and his bag, helmet, gloves and wind-cheater, Mr High Flying Business Man and his raincoat, executive case and as many laptops as a Microsoft seminar and Mrs Day Out with the contents of her house. As the train departs various announcements grace the carriage. How First Class passengers get treats and tit-bits whilst the rest of us get a bucket and a trough and how the reservation system deprived me of my window seat because the train was

PRIZE COMP

late coming out of the place where trains sleep – like it was the train’s fault.

We are now in motion, cruising the Suffolk countryside. This is a guess, I couldn’t tell because the windows are steamed up. It is at this point I wonder how difficult it is to lay a train track flat. The bouncing, jolting and swaying was to feature throughout the journey. Then the carriage turns into a health clinic.

Coughing, sneezing, nose blowing and that strange noise people make with their throat. Never had the adage ‘Coughs and sneezes spread diseases’ made more sense. This soundtrack of human lung failure is interspersed with various ring tones, each more annoying than the other as today’s society can’t go 30 minutes without telling someone.

Mr Business Man waves his laptop above his head looking for a Wifi signal because that email just won’t wait. Mr Pinch My Reservation has stopped snoring and is now eating an apple because he can’t travel ten miles without spraying someone with fruit juice. Mr Gym Dodger in front just can’t settle and crushes my knees as he works out how to get the tray table over his belly.

So I sit there. Bored, aching, throbbing, deafened, surrounded by all manner of germs, head to toe in bits of sleepy’s five-a-day. And my working day has not even begun.

I simply can’t fathom how people do this every day – and pay through the nose for it. My car would have been quiet, comfortable, germ free AND cheaper. In summary the train, for me, is like most things invented in the 19th century. Utter rubbish.

Snow Joke As I type ‘Britain is braced for snow hell’. The papers, radio and TV are full of it. How did we become so obsessive about two inches of cold powder? A nation that stood tall and proud against all manner of enemies over the centuries clearly had a secret that no jumped up general ever worked out.

The Englanders will cope with anything – except a snow shower.

Ipswich Museum It’s hidden, but it’s there. And it’s brilliant. Just thought you should know.

Drug Abuse I was recently laughed out of the Doctor’s surgery. As all Warfarin users know, other drugs can affect how well they work. Whilst prescribing pills for my wife I enquired how they would interact with Warfarin. He raised his eyebrow and said, “Sir, it’s YOU that’s on Warfarin, not your wife.” I reminded him that if my wife is ill then I have to fetch my own Warfarin – and that is an interaction that affects their efficiency!

WIN: National Service Drama

In 1960 National Service wasn’t an option. Staying alive was. Privates is a brand new BBC drama following the lives of the last intake of young conscripts and it comes to DVD from Acorn Media.

Starring a great cast including Patrick Baladi (The Office, Mistresses), Phil McKee (Band of Brothers, Clash of the Titans) and Jack Fox (Fresh Meat), Privates will screen on five consecutive days on BBC One from the 7th January 2013 and comes to DVD on 28th January 2013 courtesy of Acorn Media.

The year is 1960 and the Cold War is at its height, but an old way of life is drawing to a close, and a new breed of young man is standing up for England, Rock & Roll and the right to think for himself… but they’re in the wrong place.

Gangsters, teddy boys, peaceniks, posh boys and one certifiable loose cannon are about to find themselves in ‘Two Section’, deafened, blinded, choked and disciplined into one tight fighting machine whether they like it or not. And like it they won’t.

From the food to the beds, from early rising to late watches, from shaven heads to itchy uniforms, they’re here to be broken down and rebuilt by the army; but it soon becomes a contest as to which side will break first.

This is powerful, gripping drama at its best.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got three copies of Privates on DVD to give away to three lucky readers. Just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a contact telephone number to: Privates DVD Competition, Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Thursday 28th February 2013.

Q. What year is Privates set in?

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Motoring: Servicing and Driving Tuition

The Area’s Most Affordable Motoring Advertising – to book your space call us on

01473 715599

ROY CATLING UNIT 1, WHITEGATES, SPROUGHTON ROAD, IPSWICH MOTOR REPAIRS, SERVICING, TUNING, MoT ARRANGEMENT, MoT REPAIRS, WELDING ETC. CLUTCHES & BRAKES All major debit and credit cards accepted

TEL. IPSWICH 742708 Celebrating 30 Years 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). Ipswich24 reserve the right to pass on competition entry details to third parties, If you do not wish you details to be passed on please state so on your entry.