Ipswich24 - March 2018

MARCH 2018

Follow us on Twitter: IPSWICH24MAG

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

FREE maga zine

• Madama Butterfly, Ipswich Regent Sunday 25th March, See page 19

The Luxury Travel Specialist

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

n Not for the faint-hearted ­— an amalgamation of bizarre!

The Bad Boy of Comedy kicks things off this month yes, on Thursday 1st March from 7.30pm Roy 'Chubby' Brown returns!

You won’t want to miss the heart-breaking Story of Bart from 7.30pm on Saturday 3rd March. This true story of the rise and fall of Britain’s Greatest Songwriter, Lionel Bart. Remember Living Doll, Little White Bull, from Russia with Love and of course his greatest success Oliver the musical? West End Star John Barr gets into character as he tells you the tragic story of this song-writing genius but is there a happy ending?

The following Wednesday, 7th March, the Circus of Horrors return to the Spa with an amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts which are definitely NOT for the fainthearted. 16+ strongly recommended – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Things return to normal on stage the following night, on the 8th, with the return of the muchadored G4 Live. The UK’s number one vocal quartet are back with another exhilarating show from 7.30pm. Saturday 10th sees the Lounge Restaurant and Theatre Bar transformed for

2

on Saturday 31st March along with Scott Conrad and Mike Pugh. Adult Humour throughout – please take note when booking.

April begins with the return of the Good Old Music Hall Days on Thursday 5th April from 2.30pm and the Spa’s Easter panto this year is The Wizard of Oz by the hugely talented Talegate Theatre Company, plenty of fast-paced fun for the whole family to enjoy. Talking of fast – FastLove brings an unforgettable evening in salute to the late, great George Michael on Saturday 7th April. another Dine & Dance night complete with live band and dance floor. The set menu from only £16 is proving extremely popular – bookings on 01394 336336.

Three more acts complete the line-up for March; Bob Marley Legend on Saturday 17th March, Alter Eagles the following Saturday 24th and finally comedy legend Jimmy Jones is on stage

All shows on sale are available from the Spa Pavilion’s Box Office which is open from 11am until 4pm, 01394 284962. You can also buy your tickets on line, 24 hours a day, at www.felixstowespa.co.uk. Both of the bar restaurants are open every day from 9.30am to 5pm and two hours before performances for preshow dining. You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

INSIDE THIS MONTH MARCH Performance:

Musically we have news on Paloma Faith, Kasabian, The Shires plus opera, choral and folk.

Dramatically there's a thriller and panto... plus we celebrate 80 years of Ipswich's Gang Show.

14-19 Services:

Our local service guide has all the services and numbers at your fingertips. Including removals, driving instructor, painter and decorator and plumbers.

At Home:

The usual mix of guides for home and garden. Plus we ask is "new tech" destroying our relationships.

There's also a Spring Cleaning supplement.

24-33 Easter:

Easter is just around the corner and we have some great ideas no matter what the weather – including an Easter Panto, a pirate adventure, plus fun activities.

10-12

42&43

13

Mother's Day:

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

If you wish to stock copies please contact us.

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

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

Tel: 01473 351270

www.ipswich24.co.uk

Mums should be treasured every day, but once a year we set aside a day to honour them. Find out what the top prezzies for Mum are as voted for by Mum herself.

Events Diary:

Looking for something to do? We have something for everyone in our day-by-day guide to March. From music events to places to go and things to do.

22-23

Eastern Property Services

■ Decorating ■ Plastering ■ Electrical ■ Plumbing ■ Bathrooms ■ Damp Proofing ■ Doors & Windows ■ Much, Much More

07598 992678 www.easternpropertyservices.simplesite.com 3

n Be part of a friendlier society The Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with over 310,000 members nationwide. The local Ipswich District, based at 37 High Street, regularly brings its members together to enjoy an exciting schedule of social events and activities, as well as being there for them in times of need.

Wendy Atkins (Social Secretary) said, “We’re a mutual Society run by our members, for our members, so looking after each other is at the heart of what we do.

“But we want everyone, not just our members, to live life at their happiest and healthiest. So we support the work of many charities, as well as lend a helping hand where we can to individuals or groups that need assistance.”

In 2017, Ipswich members donated over £1,000 to a variety of local and national good causes. From the Ipswich Deaf Signing Choir and Ipswich Blind Society, to MacMillan Cancer Support and Dementia UK.

Members participating in the Murder Mystery evening in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.

“Looking outside our situation and helping a friend in need is important. And if we make their day along the way, well, that’s a bonus,” added Wendy “There are so many ways to get involved with Ipswich Oddfellows – from simply coming along to our get-togethers, to volunteering and fundraising

Get more out of life with the Oddfellows Events and activities to suit everyone Contact Lynne on 01473 251867 email lynne.wyatt@oddfellows.co.uk

The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

Ref 1714

THE IPSWICH HOTEL (FORMERLY THE CAMEO HOTEL) Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich IP8 3JD

SUNDAYS: 4th MARCH

6th MAY - 1st JULY – 5th AUGUST Open 9am - 3.30pm Admission: £2. Seniors & Students £1.50 THE LARGEST FAIR IN THE AREA

For further information please call 01702 410171 4

work,” continued Wendy “If you feel like you want to get a little more enjoyment out of life or be more active, then come and give us a try.

Everyone’s welcome.”

‘Company and a Cuppa’ on 6th at 1.30pm, and a guest speaker from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf on Mon 19th at 7.15pm. Both meetings held at 37 High Street Ipswich IP1 3QH. All welcome.

• To find out more about Ipswich Oddfellows and receive a copy of the Events Diary, call Lynne or Wendy on 01473 251867, email ipswichevents@oddfellows.co.uk or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.

New Beach Huts for Felixstowe Plans to give more people the unique Suffolk Coastal ‘beach hut experience’ have taken a step forward, with the potential sites for 23 new beach huts being identified in Felixstowe.

In the long term, Suffolk Coastal District Council, which is the landowner and runs the beach hut and chalet service, hopes to create 100 new sites across the District.

The first planning applications have been submitted for the consideration of the Planning Committee for 23 new sites in Felixstowe, split between two sites – 17 in The Dip, Cliff Road, and 6 on South Beach.

“Suffolk Coastal is committed to making beach huts more accessible to a wider range of people,” explained Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Customers, Communities and Leisure, Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf.

“We are looking to create up to 100 new beach hut sites by 2019. These will then be leased or rented out, so many more people will be able to enjoy the beach hut experience, even if it is just for a day, week or a year!

“The two main drivers of the beach hut review were to improve equality by increasing the opportunities for residents to have access to a beach hut, while also maximising the income generated from this resource to invest in core services.

“The creation of new sites will provide additional funds to the council, thus reducing the burden on the Suffolk Coastal tax payer.”

Suffolk Coastal owns 918 beach hut sites in Felixstowe and Sizewell, with the vast majority (906) being in Felixstowe and 12 at Sizewell Beach.

There is a good access to this area from the public highway and the huts will be sited close to the sea front promenade. The huts would be of the same standard size, design and construction as existing huts in the area.

South Beach, Felixstowe: This application is for permission to site six new beach huts, next to an existing row of beach huts, known as Pier South.

The site is approximately 150 metres south of the Pier, where there is an existing area of raised beach platform, contained by retaining walls abutting the promenade.

The application also covers the repair and extension of the existing platform to accommodate the new huts, as well as enhancing and maintaining this area of the resort.

There is good access from the seafront promenade to the wall and hut location. The new huts will be of the same standard size, design and construction as existing huts in this area.

• Full details of the applications are on the Public Access planning portal on Suffolk Coastal’s website and open for consultation ahead of being considered by the Planning Committee, see: www.eastsuffolk. gov.uk/planning/planning-applications/publicaccess

Go the ‘Whole Hog’ for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) will benefit once again this year as the increasingly popular Whole Hog returns.

The Whole Hog is an annual obstacle course and mud run taking place for a 12th year on Sunday, 14th October at Wantisden Hall near Woodbridge.

Participants can expect to be crawling under cargo nets, through tunnels, climbing up steep banks and walls, wading through rivers, swinging across monkey bars and much more.

As well as the Whole Hog, a five-mile course for beginners, there will also be a more arduous and challenging ‘Boss Hog’ taking place over seven miles.

Ian Bliss, one of the organisers, said, “The Whole Hog and much harder Boss Hog obstacle courses and mud runs have become firm fixtures in many people’s calendars and continue to go from strength to strength. We’re also really pleased to be working with EACH, that has become our charity partner for this year and 2019.”

The events usually take around one-and-a-half to three hours to complete.

Runners will go off in five waves at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

Natasha Brame, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said, “We’re delighted to be charity partner for the Whole Hog in 2018, especially as we’re asking people to join our EACH Challenge Counts campaign and do something exciting whilst raising funds for the care and support of children and young people with life-threatening conditions and their families. I was at the Whole Hog last year and it was a fantastic atmosphere, with individuals of all abilities taking part.”

The earlier teams and individuals sign up the more they save, with those who register before 31st March charged £43 for the Whole Hog and £48 for the Boss Hog. Those who want to support EACH should make sure to tick a box indicating they would like a donation to go to the charity. Runners must be aged at least 16.

• For more information and to sign up go to www.wholehograces.co.uk.

For more details on EACH visit www.each.org.uk.

Real Ale Runabout 2018 Visit more than 30 of East Anglia’s finest hostelries Starts 10th March

For bookings and further details, visit our Travel Shop at Tower Ramparts or call 0800 919390 www.ipswichbuses.co.uk

5

n Felixstowe Museum wins tourism award Felixstowe Museum are celebrating after winning one of the prestigious awards at the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 (www.tourismawards.co.uk) The museum is now officially the ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction’ in the area.

The awards held at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St. Edmunds are a celebration of what the area has to offer, and rewards organisations and individuals who live and love the place they call home.

Based at the Landguard Peninsula, Felixstowe Museum has 14 galleries displaying military and social history.

Even the building is of historical interest as it was once a submarine mining establishment. The museum is managed by a team of friendly, dynamic volunteers who are always happy to help. Their expertise is second to none and is always delivered with enthusiasm and a passion for history.

Jan Willis, one of the volunteers at the museum, said, “The museum is thrilled to have won this prestigious award. It is a huge achievement and rewards all the hard work of the volunteers based at the museum”.

Stephen Rampley, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Visit Felixstowe, said “This is a great honour for Felixstowe. The town should be very proud this morning that our museum has scooped this important tourism award”.

For further information, please contact the Felixstowe Museum on 01394 674355 or email felmuseum@btopenworld.com www.felixstowemuseum.org

Ford’s Focus with Daniel Ford

For those of you who don’t know, at the start of last season my friend Jake and I became the coaches of what was then the Copleston Girls Under 12’s team, a team who previously had hardly won a game. Our first season was at some points a chastening experience, although a late season surge saw us pick up a commendable three wins.

Fast forward 12 months, after an average start to the season we pulled off a stunning 3-0 victory in the cup quarter final, leaving us one win away from the final itself. Up against a strong Whitton side we knew it would be difficult, but hey who doesn’t love a challenge?!

Having attempted to fire up the team as much as possible we felt certain they would make a flying start… However, anyone that knows our team well would have noticed that the girls like to take a good 20 minutes to wake up, just to keep us on our toes. Sadly we decided not to wake up for the entire half and it is fair to say a few choice words were said at half time, this was a wonderful opportunity we needed to play like we wanted it!

And we did. The second half was a much improved showing as we slowly began to turn the screw on our opponents. As so often this season though our Achilles heel came back to bite us, but for our profligate finishing we would have wrapped up the game, instead I ended up prostrated on the ground in frustration at our inability to score. All this meant that the game ended 0-0 and went to extra time, now it was simply a battle of will, one in which the sides could not be separated! This meant one thing. Penalties (dun dun dun).

Three penalties in, Whitton had scored both there’s and we had missed, oh well I though at least we gave it a good go! I should have known better, never write off our girls. After Hepsie, who had previously vowed that she couldn’t take penalties, expertly tucked the ball away, our keeper backed this up with a wonderful save. The next 2 penalties were both missed by Whitton, and we scored 1 aided by a tad of fortune, ultimately meaning that with 1 penalty left each it was 2-2. The Whitton player stepped up and scored wonderfully, all the pressure was now on our striker Ciara, if she lost we missed! Now Ciara is what I would describe as a bit of an enigma, as she nonchalantly strolled up to take my heart was in my mouth…

I needn’t have worried, Ciara stepped up and indifferently smashed the ball in before strolling back to halfway. Now it got fun, after another wonderful save from keeper Mila we had the chance to win it, however, all our regular takers had been meaning it was time for volunteers. A little voice squeaked “I’ll take”, Annabel was gonna take one for the team. Now I have confidence in all my players but when Annabel had to ask the ref where the penalty spot was I have to be honest I wasn’t filled with belief. Once again though my team proved me wrong, she stepped up and brilliantly scored sending us into raptures! To make things even better, Annabel somewhat encapsulates what we are all about with her effervescent smile and lovely personality, to have her score the winning penalty made it even more special!

For a team that a year ago could hardly string a few passes together, to reach a cup final is a wonderful achievement, whoever we play in the final this month we will be massive underdogs, but it’s football and anything can happen!

The Selkirk

GURKHA RESTAURANT & BAR

Serving some of the finest Gurkha curry, all freshly prepared.

Telephone: 01473

718365

24 Selkirk Road, Ipswich, IP4 3HX 6

Top acts named for Latitude 2018 Latitude Festival have announced the line up for their 13th Edition, which takes place from Thursday 12th until Sunday 15th July 2018 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.

Recently awarded Best Major Festival by UK Festival Awards, Latitude returns with an all-new look for 2018 – a refreshed programme and emboldened vision retaining everything you loved about the festival, but also moving in an exciting new direction that looks to the future.

• Solange

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter of A Seat at the Table fame Solange performs her first –ever festival headline slot at Latitude in a UK exclusive. It’s been over a year since she released the critically acclaimed album that she has called “a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief, and healing”. Since its release she has introduced the work to new audiences as dynamic and daring performance art. Bold, exciting and innovative with a creative energy like no other, Solange crosses and combines artistic genres in a way that most artists wouldn't dare and is the perfect Latitude headliner.

The Killers, fresh from the success of charttopping comeback album Wonderful Wonderful, headline Latitude for the first time. Part-rock show, part-art extravaganza, The Killers, led by charismatic frontman Brandon Flowers, are sure to bring something very special to this year’s line up with much loved hits ‘The Man’, ‘When You Were Young, and of course ‘Mr Brightside’.

• Rag’n’Bone Man

An eclectic host of acts await Latitude revelers.

Stages will be alive with the sounds of The Vaccines, Wolf Alice, Rag’n’Bone Man, James, Mogwai, Jon Hopkins, The Charlatans, Benjamin Clementine, Jessie Ware, Alvvays, tUnE-yArDs, The Breeders, Fickle Friends, Bomba Estéreo, Clark performing latest album Death Peak Live, Parquet Courts, Ibeyi, IDLES, Hinds, Fickle Friends and many more, with further acts to be announced.

Something for everyone would be an understatement – this is a mind-blowing line up that you won’t want to miss.

Latitude has never been just about the music – it’s a culturally enriching experience and this year’s comedy, theatre and arts roster is set to be the festival’s most diverse and forward-thinking yet.

Latitude has a reputation for having one of the most eclectic line ups in the UK, and 2018 is no exception: Sadler’s Wells return to Henham Park presenting dance companies still to be revealed, whilst the first shows of the theatre bill include a spectacular headline performance by an international sensation: Recirquel Contemporary Circus: Paris de Nuit will transport the audience to the roaring 30s.

Families looking for quality time together need go no further than Latitude’s Enchanted Garden, where they’ll get the chance to make some magic of their own, including VR workshops with top industry creatives, screen printing T-shirts, trapeze and circus skills, and the brilliant Family Socials which pack weekend mornings with family-friendly comedy, live music, dance and theatre. There’s a parent pen for shattered parents who can’t keep up or yoga to unwind!

Meanwhile the Kids Area has live shows including AnimAlphabet the Musical, West End Kids, and Comedy4Kids, alongside puppetry, live music, award-winning children’s authors and illustrators on hand to inspire, music tuition, bushcrafts, fun with food and the Wild Science tent.

Teens who want to be among their own can head to the Inbetweeners Area with its music, digital, media and fashion workshops, the Access to Music Live Stage including industry Q&A’s, howtos on gaming, coding and VR. Daredevils can brave the Greenpeace treetop adventures, zip wires and climbing nets. Guaranteed no teenage style will be cramped.

• For tickets visit www.latitude.frontgatetickets.com

Latitude loves a success story, and is famed for breaking new talent and nurturing artists so it’s truly thrilling to host Alt-J as headliners once more. From performing on the Lake Stage in 2012 as an up and coming act, returning to headline the BBC Music Stage in 2013, and then closing the Friday night of Latitude’s 10th anniversary in 2015, organisers are delighted to welcome them “home” for what promises to be an exciting show – with the possible premiere of brand new material, this one is going to be unmissable.

Dad always gave her roses. With their help, today was no different Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 7

n Memories of Landguard Fort I have lost count of the number of times people have told me that they managed to get into Landguard Fort and explore it in the days before the Trust took it over. Yes, it was naughty of them to trespass but it was possibly down to their interest in the place at a young age that encouraged others to form the Trust that now manages the site for our many visitors to now enjoy safely.

The stories of the trespassers are all pretty similar but what we would like is stories from people who knew the Fort when it was actually in operation.

Considering the Fort closed in 1956 an eighteen year old in 1956 will now be eighty and if they were posted in 1939 as an eighteen year old they are now ninety seven! The number of people that can tell us their story is steadily decreasing as time goes by.

• Above: A church parade in 1937 • Below: The old six inch gun being removed in 1942

We were fortunate recently to get an interview with a chap who had served as a gunner in the early part of the war and his story is fascinating. Having heard his story we are hungry for more stories so does any of my readers know of anyone who can assist. It may be yourself or someone you know who can tell us a story about the place. If you can help please either email us at operations@landguard.com or phone the Fort on 01394675900. If you are phoning then please note we re-open for the summer on the 30th March and someone is in the Fort everyday onwards and if they can’t assist at the time they will get someone to call you back to arrange an interview.

An interview at home may suit some people and others may find being in the Fort is a useful jog to their memory, we will work around you.

It would be nice to get some more stories.

Laurence Hendry Landguard Fort Trust

Woodbridge Choral

Historic Landguard Fort FELIXSTOWE

So much to see and enjoy

Under the baton of Andrew Leach in the Snape Maltings Concert Hall, the 120 voice Woodbridge Choral Society will perform Giuseppi Verdi's popular and mighty Requiem on Saturday 7th April at 7.30 pm.

The choir will be accompanied by the Kingfisher Sinfonia led by Beth Spendlove.

• Tickets are on sale by calling the Honorary Treasurer, Richard Lyon, at 01473 620775.

Tickets can also be purchased from the Snape Maltings Box Office at 01728 687 110 or through any member of the choir.

— MENDLESHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL –

STREET FAYRE MONDAY 7th MAY 2018 OLD MARKET STREET, MENDLESHAM 12-5pm • Gates Open 10.30am

Open 10am-5pm daily

01394 675900

www.landguard.com operations@landguard.com 8

GRAND DRAW • ART & CRAFT • FREE CAR PARK STALLS • HOG ROAST • ARMOURY • REFRESHMENTS “WINGS ELITE - Birds of Prey” MORRIS MEN • SUFFOLK SCHOOL OF SAMBA “THE TRICKY TWISTER” • LIVE MUSIC

Ipswich Model Engineers The Ipswich Model Engineers were formed in 1945 and have occupied their base behind house numbers 547/549, Foxhall Road in Ipswich ever since.

for traction engines and a limited workshop, the clubhouse has a small canteen where they are provided with sustenance and toilets.

Constabulary Choir celebrating 50 years

They meet during the evening every Tuesday from around 7pm through to around 9pm to chat and sort out problems that some of the modellers might find they have in doing a particular piece of engineering.

The club has a raised three and a half inch and five inch railway of around 400 meters together with a lovely garden railway that accommodates 45mm trains of a similar length. This has numerous sidings as is a joy to see at their open days that we hold throughout the year.

The Ipswich Model Engineers also have a roadway that caters

The club has provided birthday parties for local children since 2015 carrying out some 77 during the last three years, all to a high standard with no complaints at all.

Subscriptions are currently £38 a year, £42 for a family.

Come and meet our lambs and piglets Spring is upon us and life at the Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is getting quite hectic.

If you haven't had a chance to come and meet the lambs and piglets you have another fantastic opportunity throughout the Easter holidays. For those who want even more then, over the Easter weekend, the Speggtacular returns from the 30th March to the 2nd of April.

April 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir.

To celebrate this very special anniversary the Choir will be joined for a charity concert, by the Essex Police Choir, the Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir. The concert in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, is on Saturday 14th April at St John The Baptist Church, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, commencing at 7.30pm.

Choir Secretary, Stephen Wade said, “Choir members are all looking forward to this concert. We are delighted that Rachel Sloane has agreed to be our compere and very grateful to Jeffries of Bacton (Sales) for sponsoring this event. It is going to be a wonderful evening of music making with over 100 singers participating”.

Tickets are now on sale. Tickets purchased before the day cost £8.00 each.

Subject to availability tickets costing £10.00 each can be purchased on the door.

• For further information and to order tickets telephone 01449 672600.

The new lambs love to sit on your lap and, if you are very lucky, you may even see more being born. You can also meet the bunnies in the bunny barn, help to groom our goats and pigs, and see all our other animals that always look forward to meeting someone who'll feed them. The Baylham BBQ will be all fired up and the bar will be stocked as usual with local beers and wines from around the world. Normal admission charged apply over the weekend, however anyone in an egg related costume on Easter Sunday will be given free admission. The kids’ play area means they can keep busy, while you can relax with a cup of coffee and a delicious cake.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is six miles north west of Ipswich, off the B1113 between Great Blakenham and Needham Market. It opens Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am until 5pm. With entry prices at £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £3 for children (aged 4-16) and free entry for under fours, it would be difficult to find a more diverting and better value attraction in Suffolk. A family ticket (2 Adults and 2 children) is also available at £18.

• For more information visit www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk or call 01473 830264.

9

Hooray for clay!

Spring is in the air and your local ceramics cafe Pennikkity Pots has some exciting news. To complement their already very popular ceramic painting experience, they will be venturing into clay.

This Spring will see the return of the UK’s muddiest fundraising event for little ones – Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Last year saw 160,000 children across the UK take part, raising an incredible £243,000 for Save the Children’s vital work, and this year the charity hopes even more people will sign up, take part and donate.

Between 23rd and 29th April 2018, nurseries, early years groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Muddy Puddle Walk to raise money for the international children’s charity.

Sophie Pirouet, Fundraising Campaigns Manager at Save the Children, says, “By jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa Pig and raising money for Save the Children you can help give children a brighter future.”

£2 off

When you present this advertisement Ipswich IP1 3DJ Telephone 01473 216865 info@pennikkitypots.co.uk Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11.00 till 4.00pm

www.pennikkitypotsceramicscafe.co.uk 10

Peppa's Puddle Walk

Organising a Muddy Puddle Walk is a great way for your little ones to explore the world around them and jump in muddy puddles, like Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig, for a worthy cause. Whether you splash in puddles along a trail at the park or get creative and make your own puddles indoors from paper and foil – your Muddy Puddle Walk will be a fun day to spend together that little ones won’t forget. Raise funds in the way that suits you – help walkers get sponsored for their walk, ask for a donation to take part or even bake Muddy Puddle cupcakes to sell on the day! The money you raise will help Save the Children’s work to transform the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.

MAR18

After an extremely successful series of pilot workshops, held last year, and all the positive feedback received, clay is here to stay! With an exciting and diverse programme of events currently being prepared, there will be something for everyone and for all abilities, from beginners to those wanting to extend their knowledge.

The programme will kick off on March 7th with an evening workshop to create your very own unique Fairy Door, followed by a series of evening classes teaching basic techniques like creating coil pots and slab building. As you grow in confidence there will even be a chance to book

a one to one session on the Potters’ Wheel. These classes will be aimed at adults but the children won’t be left out of the fun. Parent and preschoolers sensory play with clay days, children’s holiday workshops and new ‘Pinch Pot Animal’ birthday packages will bring a whole new party experience to enjoy.

For more details like and follow Pennikkity Pots on Facebook or call into the shop for more details.

This doesn’t mean there is any let up on the ceramic painting front either. The studio is bursting with all the latest trends from unicorns to emoji’s just waiting for you to paint. Plus there are some new and exciting products to try like sparkly ‘Fairy Dust’ glaze. Fear not if you

are not the arty type, you don’t have to paint to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this quirky little café, anyone can pop in for coffee and a slice of delicious homemade cake.

So, with Mothers’ Day and Easter to celebrate what are you waiting for, book your table today! Cut out and keep the voucher below to save £2.00 on painting.

By taking part in a Muddy Puddle Walk and raising money for Save the Children, you can help vulnerable children around the world have a safe place to play and learn. Sign up now at MuddyPuddleWalk. org for your free Muddy Puddle Walk Fundraising Pack full of fun Peppa Pig inspired activities to help you get started – with tips for great walks indoors and out, fundraising ideas, fun activities to get your walkers ready for the big day and at the end of the walk, there’s a free Peppa Pig sticker reward for every child. The fundraising pack will also explain what life is like for children in different countries, helping them see how they are making a difference through supporting Save the Children.

Win a family ticket to the Easter Panto Wizard of Oz This month Ipswich24 has teamed up with the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe to offer you a fabulous prize of a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to the Theatre’s Easter pantomime.

It’s time to click your ruby heels together and join the cast over the rainbow for a magical adventure suitable for all ages! The Spa are delighted to welcome back the hugely talented and entertaining Talegate Theatre Company with their Easter Pantomime. The perfect holiday treat for all the family!

Follow Dorothy and her new friends along the yellow brick road as they help the wonderful Wizard of Oz defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. A fastpaced, highly entertaining feast of family fun featuring pop songs, magic, puppets and, of course, all your favourite Oz characters.

Wizard of Oz will be at the Spa Pavilion Theatre, Felixstowe on Friday 6th April with performances at 2pm and 6pm. For more details or to book your tickets call the Spa Pavilion Box Office on 01394 284962. Why not sign up to the Spa’s newsletter and be the first to hear of new shows as they go on sale? The Spa Pavilion’s Lounge and Terrace Café/Restaurants are open every day from 9.30am – 5pm and two hours before shows.

Go to www.felixstowespa.co.uk or follow @SpaPavilion on Facebook and Twitter

Easter at Stonham Barns

A visit to Stonham Barns this Easter will be a fabulous day out for the whole family with so much to choose from to keep you entertained.

PRIZE COMP — COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 magazine have a family ticket to give away to one lucky winner.

If you are picked as the winner you will be treated, along with your family to a fabulous afternoon’s entertainment at the Spa Pavilion on Friday 6th April at 2pm.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and telephone number to: Spa Easter Panto Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday 23rd March 2018

Q Dorothy’s sparkly heels are what colour? (a) Ruby (b) Sapphire (c) Diamond

’S ON WHAT G N DURI at ER EAST

ling k c u b Swash e Pirat ture Show

The

ven AdSaturday 31st March to Thursday 5th April

A fantastic show for the whole family featuring comedy, magic, circus skills and acrobatics.

Each day the 45 minute performance will be held in the Barn at 2pm.

Prices are £6 children / £8 Adults.

There will The Swashbuckling Pirate Adventure Show from Saturday 31st March until Thursday 5th April at 2pm each day in the Barn. Alex Morley Productions presents this fun show which features comedy, magic, circus skills and acrobatics. Prices are £6 children / £8 adults. Each performance will be 45 minutes.

New for 2018 is the Tumbledown Soft Play Barn, which has soft ball pit and climbing frames, ideal for the children to come and burn off some energy.

It will be open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 5pm, and Sundays from 8am until 4pm. Prices are Under 12 months £2.50. 12 months and over £4.95. Adults free. Refreshments are available.

Back again this year from February half term until the end of Summer, open during all the school holidays and weekends, will be the small children’s fair rides which include the funhouse, roundabouts, bouncy castle and slide.

Come along over Easter there is so much to see and do, whilst you are here you could also visit the Owl Barn, Tea Pot Pottery, Shopping Village or even stop by the Bistro for a bite to eat.

• For more information visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk or telephone 01449 711111

New for 2018

Small Childrens Fair Rides

Soft Ball Pit and Climbing Frames Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm.

Sunday 8am to 4pm.

Prices: Under 12 months £2.50.

12 months and over £4.95.

Adults FREE Refreshments available.

From February until end of Summer.

Open during school holidays and weekends.

www.stonhambarns.co.uk Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk IP14 6AT. Tel 01449 711111 11

Waiting in the Wings The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s owls, falcons, eagles, vultures and other birds of prey are all currently busy preparing for the forthcoming flying season.

After spending the miserable winter months in their cosy aviaries, resting and moulting, the flying team are once again enjoying daily exercise sessions to regain the skills and confidence needed to carry them through the daily flying displays which start at Easter and continue until the end of September.

Visitors to the centre can be thrilled by the close proximity of the birds flying freely at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm from Saturday 31st. March.

Native birds, such as Cobweb the Barn Owl and Rascal the Tawny Owl will be joined in the demonstrations by more exotic birds such as Pungu the Bateleur Eagle, Jack the Hooded Vulture and Zena the Cara Cara.

The Woodland Walk will be looking its best with blossoming fruit trees and abundant spring flowers, which also provide essential cover around the bug hotel, ladybird houses and hedgehog teepee. Plant life will also be thickening up and spreading shoots around the wildlife pond, providing rich habitat for toads, newts and frogs.

The shy red squirrel colony can also be found in the Woodland Walk - after successful breeding last year, it is hoped that more babies will appear this spring. The success rate for red squirrel breeding in the wild can be as poor as 30%, so with last years progeny having now moved on to successful national breeding programmes, it is hoped that a few more strong, healthy young may appear • Pungu the Bateleur Eagle preparing to fly. again in 2018.

The pretty Woodland Walk also houses the ever popular meerkat family who never fail to captivate visitors young and old - informative talks and feeding sessions take place twice daily at 11.00am and 3.00pm.

In addition to the amazing owls and other birds of prey, visitors can also relish the S.O.S. annual Easter Egg Hunt which will be taking place from Friday 30th March until Monday 2nd April inclusive - children managing to find a coloured egg in the sanctuary grounds can swap it for a chocolate one at reception!

The S.O.S. Stamp Safari is also available to all children free of charge collect the bird stamps around the aviaries to claim a mystery prize.

There is an indoor interactive Discovery Centre and unique owlie gift shop, a restaurant on site and free parking. Further details by calling 0345 680 7897 or visit www.owl-help.org.uk

n Get creative this Easter at Glass & Craft

Glass & Craft, located at Kersey Mill, Hadleigh have lots of exciting crafts to get stuck in to this Easter holidays which are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Which exciting craft will you choose?

Glass Painting – Paint your own unique glass from a wide range of prepainted Easter templates and glassware.

Decopatch – Stick on the brightly colourful decopatch paper on to a range of 3D animals, Easter eggs and figures.

Ceramic Painting – Choose from a wide range of ceramics to paint from money boxes to egg cups, mugs and plates.

Bear Building Fun – Stuff your chosen fluffy bear friend in our large spacious bear building area.

Don't forget to insert a fabric heart and make a wish!

Sand Art – Using the 12 brightly coloured sands, decorate a sand picture or fill one of our many sand bottles, keyrings, bracelets or necklaces.

Fun with Wood – Use fast drying acrylic paints and decorate wooden items such as animals, figures, boxes, clocks and much more.

Mosaic Crafting – More suited for older children and adults. Choose from a wide range of wooden mosaic shapes and use the colourful tiles to make your creation.

With plenty of room in Glass & Craft’s two dedicated craft areas booking is not essential. However, if you are looking at coming in the holidays or at a weekend it is advisable to phone and check availability.

• More information and opening times can be www.glassandcraft.co.uk or by phoning 01437 517404.

12

found

at

  11th March



Ideally, every day should be Mother’s Day as we give thanks to the person that brought us kicking and screaming - literally - into the world.

Alas, it’s not. So, we all have to make do with just once a year stopping to remember the untold sacrifices and unconditional love that only a mother can provide.

In the UK, that day is next marked on Sunday 11th March. The day always falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and three weeks before Easter Sunday.

The middle Sunday of Lent has long been associated with mothers; as on that day - Laetare Sunday - it was traditional for people to return home to their mother church.

Mothering Sunday - or, the more common (and Americanised), Mother’s Day was formalised in the UK in the early 20th Century when a vicar’s daughter named Constance Smith read a newspaper report of a campaign in America to celebrate such a day across the Atlantic.

Today, it’s estimated that close to £1.5billion was spent on Mother’s Day last year (including retail and non-retail - dining out for example - spend). It’s clearly big business. It is generally found that mothers aren’t bothered about receiving a lavish gift on the day. Rather, they’d happily spend time with their children instead. www.robertdyas.co.uk

Market for Mums

The Top 5 Gifts for Mother’s Day

as Voted for by UK Mums!



Recent research has revealed the top five gifts that Mums would most like to receive on Mothering Sunday.

Ovenclean, a network of professional oven cleaners in the UK, asked a national representative sample of mothers what gift they wanted this year for Mother’s Day, and the results may surprise you! Read on to find out if you got it right!

5th Place - Jewellery

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Well, we’re not saying it has to be diamonds, but with 10% of Mums voting for Jewellery it’s safe to say that this would be a good choice.

4th Place - Beauty/Spa Treatment

Not many women would say no to beauty and spa treatment, so it’s not surprising that 11% voted to receive this gift, putting it in 4th place!

A Mum2mum Market is to take place at St Helena School, Sheepen Road, Essex CO3 3LE on Saturday 17th March from 2pm until 4pm. Mum2mum Markets are award winning indoor nearly new sales where parents sell their preloved toys, clothes and equipment for babies and children under six. The Market will have around 20 stalls with tons of high quality, nearly new items and a small selection of businesses offering goods and services of interest to parents. Entry to the market is £2 for adults, children are free and there’s free entry for everyone in the last half an hour (3.30-4pm).

3rd Place - Experience (i.e. theatre or afternoon tea)

Day out with Mum

The Winner - Perfume



Treat your mum to a unique tour of Otley Hall gardens in the company of Head Gardener Simon Nickson on Saturday 10th March. Learn about the history and planting of the gardens and their development over the centuries.

The afternoon will conclude with a sumptuous afternoon tea taken in the Great Hall and Linenfold Parlour. In front of roaring log fires, where the tour guide will regale you with stories of the Hall’s famous and often surprising previous residents. All tickets must be booked in advance at a cost of £19 per person by calling 01473 890264.

Mother’s Day Sunday 11th March

Flowers & Gifts at Bedwells Florist

97 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP3 8JY

Flowers and Gifts for all occasions. Call us on 01473 251133

Follow us on Facebook — www.ipswich-flowers.com

Experiences and time spent with family is priceless, which may be why a day experience was a popular choice, scoring 14% of mother’s votes.

2nd Place - Gift Voucher

What do you get the Mum who has it all? Choice! 15% of mothers would opt to receive a gift voucher to spend in their favourite store – making your life much easier!



Beating off the competition by just 1%, perfume was voted as the gift that most mums would most like to receive on their special day, accumulating 16% of votes! Personal, thoughtful, and luxurious – your Mum is bound to be impressed!



Other gifts that narrowly missed out on a place in the top five included hair and beauty products, (9%), a holiday or a night away (9%), home or garden items (5%), clothing (7%) and accessories, such as a handbag (6%).

ART AND BEAUTY STUDIO Eyelash Extensions, Nail Extensions, Gel Polish Manicures, Spa Pedicure, Waxing and more

Olga Pavlova 07412 595933 olgapavlova1985@gmail.com www.art-and-beauty.co.uk www.facebook.com/pavlovaolenjka

Wingfield House Wingfield Street IP4 1AR 01473 874107 13

Arts Award for young people Thirty Eight young people have achieved a nationally recognised Arts Award at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester.

The Mercury’s Make It team offer the nationally recognised Arts Award qualification through as many activities as possible, recognising and accrediting the hard work that our young people put in when partaking in our programmes and activities.

The Arts Award assessment is based on the collection of evidence by the young person and used to create an individual arts log or

portfolio detailing their experience of their chosen art form.

The most recent moderation phase, which was carried out by a Trinity College London moderator, was the final moment in the assessment process. It saw the presentation of work from young people who have taken part in our Garrison Youth Theatres, our Garrison Summer Schools and our Take Flight Summer School.

Both the Garrison Youth Theatre and Garrison Summer Schools work closely with young people from military and civilian families living in the Shrub End area, providing them with a friendly and positive space to explore their creativity, generously supported by The Postcode Lottery.

The Mercury’s Take Flight Summer School was a week-long project tailored towards young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions, allowing them to experience high quality, creative opportunities in a professional environment and inspired by the Mercury Theatre’s summer show. Take Flight was supported by Action for Children and Essex Short Breaks.

Martin Russell, Head of Creative Learning & Talent said, “The Arts

Award is a valuable qualification that allows young people to show what they have achieved, recognises their creativity and talent, and demonstrates commitment and interest in the arts. The Mercury Theatre is really proud of all of our young people who have taken part in the Award; and we are happy to have been able to work with them on their creative journey.”

The Creative Learning and Talent team are currently working with groups of young people on the completion of their Silver and Gold Arts Award, the latter affording UCAS points when completed.

• To find out more please contact makeit@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Paloma announced for Newmarket Nights

The Limeburners

Saturday 28th July – Hogroast Day with music throughout the day, headlined by The Limeburners Boyz & Company plus a Mini Beer Festival

There will be other events please check out our Facebook page and website for more updates…

Events including a Murder Mystery Night (Rocky Horror style) A GIRLS NIGHT OUT (details to be confirmed) partners are welcome if you choose to bring them

Tel: 01473 658318

Wilsham Road, Offton IP8 4SF • www.thelimeburners.co.uk •

14

Limeburners Pub

The Jockey Club Live and Newmarket Racecourses have announced that Paloma Faith will be headlining Newmarket Nights on Friday 22nd June.

With her acclaimed Number 1 album ‘The Architect’ riding high in the charts and a Brit nomination for Best British Female, Paloma Faith will be bringing hits old and new to the course for a stunning headline performance.

Paloma Faith returned to the charts in 2017 with ‘The Architect’, following the huge success of her 2014 album, ‘A Perfect Contradiction’, which spent 29 weeks in the Top 10 Albums Chart, 66 weeks in the Top 40, and 100 weeks in the Top 200. The new album is currently on course to become her fourth double platinum album in a row – which would make her the first British woman in chart history to achieve this incredible feat!

Equally at home both onstage and in the studio, this show will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the summer season.

Paloma Faith said, “I can’t wait to perform at Newmarket Racecourses this summer for the first time. I love summertime and I love outdoor shows so to be able to perform on a - hopefully - sunny evening at the course is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Newmarket Nights this year will see headline performances from James Blunt (Friday 29th June), Craig David (Friday 20th July), Plan B (Friday 27th July) and George Ezra (17th August) plus The Vamps headlining the popular Summer Saturday Live on 25th August. There will be further artist announcements in the coming weeks.

Amy Starkey, Regional Director East of Jockey Club Racecourses, said, “We are delighted to announce Paloma Faith as the next act in our Newmarket Nights line up for 2018. With her fantastic back catalogue of hits I have no doubt she will put on a superb show.”

The Jockey Club Live are leading promoters on the UK live scene, delivering spectacular line-ups of some of the hottest chart talent and legendary household names to some of the world’s most famous racecourses.

Summer Saturday Live and Newmarket Nights are a staple in the regions social calendar and last year hosted tens of thousands fans of live music, with performances from artists including Olly Murs, Jess Glynne, Culture Club and The Jacksons.

Tickets will be on sale via thejockeyclublive.co.uk. All T&C’s are available on newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk. There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.

The Weekend: A family get-together

The Masque Players will be performing The Weekend by Michael Palin at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre.

Stephen and Virginia Febble are facing a weekend welcoming their daughter, boring son-in-law and precocious grand daughter together with dog. However, Stephen is not quite so welcoming and becomes very difficult much to Virginia's dismay and the weekend slides into argumentative chaos particularly over the Saturday dinner party with neighbours and an uninvited guest. The mood changes when Stephen realises it's time to open up to Virginia about his past. This play takes a look at family values and is funny and thought provoking with a darker side.

• The production runs from Wednesday 21st March to Saturday 24th March, curtain up at 7.30pm, doors open at 7.00pm. Performed at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, tickets are all £9 each and can be reserved by calling 01473 725633.

Kasabian have announced a special gig as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

Kasabian released their eponymous debut in 2004 and five No 1 albums have followed: ‘Empire’, ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’, ‘Velociraptor’, ‘48:13’ and ‘For Crying Out Loud’. Together with a run of popular singles releases such as ‘L.S.F’, ‘Club Foot’, ‘Shoot The Runner’, ‘Fire’, ‘Days Are Forgotten’, ‘eez-eh’ and more recently ‘You’re In Love With A Psycho’ and ‘God Bless This Acid House’, this success has established Kasabian’s status as one of the biggest bands in the country.

Famed for their energetic and hedonistic live performances guaranteeing a setlist of earthshaking rock anthems, a fervent fanbase has ensured countless sold-out arena tours and the band being a most sought-after festival headliner including Glastonbury, V Festival, T in the Park, Reading/

Leeds with the band having just been announced as headlining The Isle of Wight Festival in 2018.

Music industry accolades include a Brit, seven NME awards and four Q Awards.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held every year in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history. Income generated from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Kasabian plus guests will be at Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk on Sunday 10th June.

Tickets £46 (plus £5.10 booking fee) are available from the Forestry Commission Box Office on 03000 680400, or buy online at forestry.gov.uk/music

The Shires, the biggest selling UK country act of all time, is to hit the road this spring to mark the release of their third album, “Accidently on Purpose”. The Ipswich leg of the tour comes on 22nd May when they take to the stage at the Regent Theatre.

Recorded in Nashville, The Shires’ new album combines massive countrypop choruses and emotive words about their whirlwind journey, relationships and their time in the United States. Increasingly, US country music is taking music influence from the mainstream with pop-inspired hooks, a sound that The Shires’ new album reflects.

The Shires, Ben Earle and Chrissie Rhodes, first entered the history books in 2015, when their debut album “Brave” became the first ever British country album to enter the UK Top Ten. Their second album, “My Universe”, also broke new ground by becoming the fastest-selling British country album of all time and reached the top three in the UK chart.

• Tickets available from the Ipswich Regent Box Office on 01473 433100 or www.ipswichregent.com

Dance stars postpone tour

Strictly dance stars James and Ola Jordan have had to postpone their UK spring tour, including a visit to Ipswich’s Regent Theatre on 19th March, because of an injury suffered by James during rehearsals.

Doctors have said James’s recovery from an operation will take longer than expected and, although he will make a full recovery, the tour has had to be postponed.

James and Ola said in a statement: “We are devastated that James’ operation has caused us to postpone our tour as we were both so excited to dance together again for you all. We are so sorry to be letting so many people down, not only those who purchased tickets but all the cast and people that have helped work on the show to create something special.”

Customers who have booked for the Regent Theatre show will receive a full refund. The theatre will be getting in touch with you to make arrangements.

15

Time Travel with Orchestra

Join Ipswich Symphony Orchestra for a journey through time with their special Family Concert “Time Travellers!”

The concert also features the Gusford Primary School Choir and a variety of space characters including Daleks.

Come along in fancy dress if you like! You can also try out some of the instruments on stage during the interval.

Music will include Dr Who, Star Wars, Beauty and the Beast, Star Trek, Wallace and Gromit, The Planets and much more performed by a large live orchestra conducted by Adam Gatehouse.

Got a mobile phone? Then you’ll be able to join in… and maybe contact outer space! – find out how on the afternoon.

The Orchestra’s Family Concert is always a great musical and fun afternoon for young and old alike.

• Time Travellers! takes place on Sunday 4th March at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Tickets costing £7 to £10 are available at the Regent Box Office 01473 433100, T.I.C and from Orchestra members.

n Our European Friends You might have heard them at the ice-cream van, or in your favourite tapas bar, or even from the terraces at the Rugby World Cup - some tunes from Europe that have become familiar here as pizza and baguettes.

St Peters Band plays a selection of these at their concert in St Peters by the Waterfront on Saturday 17th March and 7.30pm. There is music from the Paris club strip and the theme from a classic French film; paso dobles to get your feet tapping, a peasant dance from central Europe and much more including a spectacular vision of a legion entering ancient Rome. The date of the concert is shared with St Patrick’s Day so also expect something from the emerald isle. And Scandinavia gives us a suitable Swedish pop song - the one about a divorce. There will also be very special guests bringing their own European flavour to the evening - Eleonora Bulatova (piano) and François Caffin (accordian). There is a bar and a raffle with great prizes.

The concert is in aid of Ipswich Citizens Advice, so come along not just for an enjoyable evening but also to support this valuable charity. Tickets £8 on the door.

Gippeswyk Singers are presenting the St John Passion

by JS Bach on Good Friday 30th March 2018, in partnership with Music in Felixstowe, conducted

by Geoff Lavery.

The Singers will be joined by four professional young soloists and the Classic Chamber Orchestra, consisting of the very finest musicians in East Anglia, for this poetic portrayal of the crucifixion story.

The St John Passion is an expressive and dramatic oratorio which takes us through the fiercely sorrowful events of Good Friday with all its darkness and despair.

However, it is also a deeply reflective and optimistic piece. Bach’s music becomes infused with light and hope

as it leads us with great beauty to the promise of the redeeming love of the Resurrection.

Gippeswyk Singers are an accomplished and expressive chamber choir based in Ipswich, who have performed regularly for over 40 years throughout East Anglia as well as concert tours further afield.

St John Passion – JS Bach takes place on Good Friday 30 March at St John’s Church, Felixstowe, 7.30pm (Conductor Geoff Lavery will be giving a pre-concert talk at 7.10pm) Tickets £15 - available from any choir member, from Stillwater Books Felixstowe, or by email: paulgalley@ btinternet.com or telephone the Box Office on 01394 670633. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment!

BEAUTiFUL

SWEETSHOP REVOLUTION PRESENTS

BEAUTiFUL FRIDAY 9 MARCH, 7.30PM

Using movement and text, this performance will be a passionate, vivid journey into women’s experiences of sex, love, desire and power.

Tickets from £12, £9 concessions Age suitability: 16+ years, contains sexual content

16

Sally Marie’s Sweetshop Revolution will make a welcome return to DanceEast with new dance theatre production BEAUTiFUL following a sell-out performance of I Loved You and I Loved You in 2016.

With five female dancers, BEAUTiFUL explores love and sexuality from the point of view of women; what is fantasised about, desired and permissible within the complex web of social structures, expectations and social history. With issues of female inequality and sexual harassment at the forefront of the public consciousness BEAUTiFUL will celebrate the solidarity of women and look past the pressure to conform.

As Sally Marie says, “More than ever I believe that it’s vital for women to communicate “the female gaze” creatively. The five extraordinary performers in this show plunge us into their private worlds, slicing through the tissued layers of elusive truths and false assumptions by which many of us live. We’re driven to look seriously and humorously – but always closely – at how women are objectified on stage and in the wider world. Our collective purpose? To generate outrageous pleasure, inspire insight and provoke debate.”

Hand-picked following a competitive audition process by Sally Marie, the cast of BEAUTiFUL will lead the audience through their own experience of sexuality and love, taking the attributes, behaviours and roles generally associated with girls and women to a more truthful and liberating place.

Sally Marie will also host a talk at the Jerwood DanceHouse for International Woman’s Day to invite discussion on women’s experience and relationships across the last 300 years. Audiences are invited for a free glass of wine and a chance to hear some of Sally Marie’s discoveries from her research on women and sexuality, with the opportunity for audience questions.

• BEAUTiFUL is at the Jerwood DanceHouse, DanceEast on Friday 9th March. To Book tickets contact the Box office on 01473 295230.

100 years on...Ipswich Remembers To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, music, dance, poetry and animation combine to create an immersive, thought-provoking and moving performance on 17th March at Ipswich Corn Exchange.

Ipswich Choral Society in collaboration with creative groups from Ipswich and across the region will remember the town's part during that conflict with a very special event “Ipswich Remembers”, learning about personal stories of Ipswich people, at home and on the front line.

Choreographer Mary Davies, with dancers drawn from performing companies supported by DanceEast and local dance groups from across Ipswich, will bring these stories to life with music

specially commissioned from composer Huw Morgan. The Suffolk Poetry Society and historians from Ipswich Choral Society will recreate the news and people's experiences amongst songs from the war years, such as “Your King and Country Want You” and “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. Throughout the performance, animated images depicting Ipswich life during wartime will be shown.

The performance concludes with "Eternal Light: A Requiem" by Howard Goodall (composer of TV themes for QI, The Vicar of Dibley, and more), which weaves the Requiem texts with moving and beautiful poetry. Joining Ipswich Choral Society and their Music Director Robin Walker

will be soprano Gwendolen Martin and tenor Tom Randle.

“This 'enhanced' performance of Eternal Light: A Requiem with its associated project involving so many different creative and participating components in the Ipswich community is a fantastic idea and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support it. I am very humbled that my piece is acting as a catalyst in bringing people together to mark the 100th anniversary of the conclusion of World War One, a centenary that reminds us powerfully that there is no hell described in the original Latin Mass for the Dead that is more terrifying than the man-made catastrophe of that conflict. It was that thought that drove me to focus the Dies Irae movement of my Requiem towards the 1915 poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian military doctor John McCrae, who himself died of pneumonia on the Western Front in January 1918. This is the poem that inspired the choice of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance in the aftermath of the Great War. I send my warmest wishes to all involved in this very special Ipswich Choral Society endeavour.”

Howard Goodall CBE November 2017 Ipswich Remembers Commemorating local stories from the Great War of 1914-18 and featuring ‘Eternal Light: A Requiem’ by Howard Goodall takes place on Saturday 17th March at the Ipswich Corn Exchange at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 and online at www.ipswichcornexchange.com (The IBC Box office booking fee of £1 per ticket is included in these prices) www.ipswichchoralsociety.org

Controversial hypnotist comes to Spa The controversial comedy stage hypnotist Robert Temple is bringing his red hair, blue mouth and outrageous show to Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion later this year.

He is visiting the town during a marathon UK tour which will also see Robert head back to Manchester, where the council has previously tried to ban him.

“Nobody has ever done a show like this on a scale like this,” said 30-year-old Robert who lives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and was one of the best young magicians in the country before discovering hypnotism.

He has also turned his back on family entertainment - for the time being preferring to develop the act which over the past decade has delighted and shocked students during Fresher Week shows.

“It’s the sort of humour I like – a bit Chubby Brown and end of the pier show – but with the added element of hypnotism which means the audience and, of course the volunteers on stage, don’t quite know where they’re heading,” says Robert.

The show is edgy and outrageous but falls in line with the strict regulations governing stage hypnotism. “The audience knows what’s in store when they buy a ticket and nobody is hypnotised against their will. It’s an evening where people can forget all about their inhibitions – literally,” added Robert.

That re-assurance, however, was not sufficient for the council in Manchester which – although allowing the show to take place – still sent officials to make sure he did not commit any breaches of his licence.

• Robert Temple appears at the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe on 20th April.

To book tickets telephone the Box office on 01394 284 962 or visit www.spapavillion.uk This show contains adult content and is recommended for over 16s only 17

Hollyoaks actor to star in Rope Casting has been announced for the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich production of Patrick Hamilton’s gripping thriller, Rope.

Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actor James Sutton will star as Charles Granillo in this chilling play. He is best-known for playing John Paul McQueen in Hollyoaks - a role he was thrice nominated for a British Soap Award in 2007 for and shortlisted for a National Television Award in 2007.

Rope will be directed by the Queen’s Theatre’s Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul. He directed James Sutton on As You Like It at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama as well as Corrie star Charlie Condou and Victoria

Yeates of Call the Midwife on last year’s acclaimed revival of The Crucible.

Based on a 1920’s real-life case, this dark classic was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and remains to this day one of the most tightly coiled of thrillers.

Rope plays at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich from 7th until 17th March.

Tickets start from £10, with £10 tickets available in any seats for Under 26s.

For more information and to book tickets, call the Ticket Sales Desk on 01473 295900 or visit wolseytheatre.co.uk

Panto announcement

The New Wolsey Theatre have announced their rock ’n’ roll pantomime title for 2018-2019: CINDERELLA – THE ROCK’N’ROLL PANTO will take place from Thursday 29th November 2018 until Saturday 2nd February 2019 It’s time to Shake A Tail Feather and head Downtown to Ipswich Town Hall to meet the Mayor, Baron Hardup! It’s not easy being Mayor, with Prince Charming due in town for a Royal visit and a staff of only two – his beautiful, feisty daughter, Cinderella and the loyal and loveable Buttons.

But when his lonely hearts ad is answered by the mysterious Rubella De Zees, who brings along her two dangerous daughters Three Steps to Heaven. Thankfully, there’s a Fairy Godmother to make sure Cinderella is ready to Rock Around The Clock.

Written by Peter Rowe, the classic rock’n’roll panto, with a hint of soul, is back with another multi-talented cast of actor-musicians. Rock, pop and soul classics include It's Raining Men, In the Midnight Hour, Try a Little Tenderness, and more!

Tickets for Cinderella go on General sale from Saturday 17th March and can be booked through the Tickets Sales Team by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk Last Year’s Panto Red Riding Hood had sold 80% of tickets before the show even started!

18

n Folk on a Boat Finale n Celebrating 80 years of The final concert in the winter "Folk on a Boat" series aboard the Sailing Barge Victor, is on Friday 16th March when East Anglia's own "Silbury Hill" will be performing live.

Silbury Hill will be bringing their lively blend of Folk Rock to the Victor with a mix of original material from their own CD's - as well as a good helping of covers from artists such as Crowded House, Jethro Tull and Focus - to ensure the curtain comes down on the series with a swing!

Doors - and Victor's well stocked bar - open at 7pm and the music is from 8pm.

Tickets for the concert cost £15 per person - which includes the Victor's legendary hot, hearty, buffet supper - and are available from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (contact 01473 258070, tourist@ipswich.gov.uk) or online from www.ipswichregent.com.

Internationally acclaimed opera comes to Regent

The Gang Show in Ipswich This year the Ipswich Scout and Guide Gang Show celebrates a milestone in its history – it is celebrating 80 years since the first Ipswich Gang Show.

The Gang comprises of around 60 members of the Scouts and Guides from the Ipswich areas and, as usually there is also the popular Mini Gang of 15 cub scouts.

This year the Show is looking back with an opening of Memories, ‘Here’s Where it all Began’ – a medley of songs from the past 80 years and an old Gang Show favourite – Freedom.

However, there are also plenty of things to laugh about – the Hallelujah Chorus “sung” by the Silent Monks, Jai Ho as you have never seen it before and the Cat and Dog Diary to name but a few.

The Show ends bang up to date with a finale of Justin Timberlake songs.

There is something for everyone in the Show whether you be eight (or younger) or 80 (or older).

The Show takes place at the venue where it all began – the Great School Theatre, Ivry Street, Ipswich from 11th until 14th April. Performances start at 7.15pm and there will also be a matinee on the Saturday afternoon commencing at 2.15pm.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01473 561004, online at www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk, or from Craftability, 4 St Lawrence Street, Ipswich. Tickets are priced at £9.50 and there are concessions for Senior Citizens and children under 16.

This year there will be a celebratory dinner dance on 1st September at Trinity Park. Have you ever been connected with the Show? For more details email Gangshow80@outlook.com

Opera & Ballet International presents an Ellen Kent production with international soloists a highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

Opera & Ballet International proudly presents an Ellen Kent production with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

The award winning producer Ellen Kent returns to Ipswich in the Spring after her recent critically-acclaimed tours of Nabucco, Aida and La Boheme, with one of the world's most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

Introducing the celebrated soprano Maria HeeJung Kim* from the Korean National Opera, Seoul and the international soprano Alyona Kistenyova* with Vasyl Vasylenko, artistic director and conductor for the National President's Orchestra of Ukraine, Kiev.

Madama Butterfly is Puccini’s popular tale which the hit West End musical Miss Saigon is based. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant, resulting in heart wrenching drama. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

With exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan designed by the renowned Russian designer Felix Bessonov, from St Petersburg.

Ellen Said, “My operas have to be emotional and beautiful.”

As with any of Ellen Kent’s shows all of the soloists have been hand-picked and directed by Ellen to create a visually beautiful and moving production of Madama Butterfly.

“Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera. Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them.” The Independent “Stunning and emotionally charged" Cardiff Morning Star This production will be sung in Italian with English surtitles. *Cast Subject to Change • Madama Butterfly is at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Sunday 25th March 2018. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com

WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS



‘Stunning and emotionally charged’ MORNING STAR, CARDIFF

Introducing the celebrated soprano Maria HeeJung Kim† from the Korean National Opera, Seoul, and starring Alyona Kistenyova†.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

† Cast subject to change

Sun 25 Mar 7.30pm Box Office: 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com 19

Crufts 2018 – The world’s greatest dog show!

With more dogs from overseas set to descend on Birmingham this March than ever before, the world’s greatest dog show Crufts will be even more international this year.

A total of 3,623 dogs from overseas will compete at Crufts this year, compared to 3,469 in 2017, an increase of over four per cent. Dogs from a total of 48 overseas countries will take part in the show, including entries from Bahrain, Kazakstan and Peru for the first time ever.

Leading this friendly ‘foreign invasion’ with more entries than any other overseas country is France with 462 dogs, followed closely by Italy (411), the Netherlands (334), Germany (319) and Russia (297).

Crufts will welcome around 27,000 dogs this year, taking part in a wide variety of competitions and displays over the four days of the show, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 8th until 11th March. Last year, a record attendance of over

162,000 visitors joined in the annual celebration of man’s best friend.

The show is also set to be more competitive than ever, with over 200 pedigree dog breeds in contention for the famous Best in Show trophy, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 11th March. Never before in the show’s 127 year history have over 200 different breeds had the opportunity to get their paws on the ultimate prize in dogs.

In total, nearly 21,000 dogs will be competing for just seven places in the show’s finale, representing each of the individual groups.

As well as the breed class judging which leads to Best in Show, visitors will be able to watch some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in

Providing a friendly, caring and personal service, because we believe “they are part of the family”

www.meltonvets.co.uk

Cut the cost of your pet’s health care – YES, REALLY! From just £10.99* in a month including vaccinations, flea & worming and lots more savings!

24 hour on-site emergency service Ample parking at door Consultations by appointment FREE pet weight management clinics

MELTON VETERINARY SURGERY Tel: 01394 385425 Spur End, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1RJ

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am-7.00pm • Saturday 8.00am-4.00pm

www.meltonvets.co.uk The Healthy Pet Club loyalty scheme is run by CVS UK Limited for its veterinary practices nationwide. *Sample savings based on small dog weighing up to 10kg. Benefits received under the HPC loyalty scheme include: vaccination (including Kennel Cough), year’s flea and worming medication, microchip, 20% off neutering, 20% off selected lifetime medication, 10% off products & services, 20% off wellness test and unlimited nail clipping. The cost of purchasing these goods and services separately (based on average prices charged across a sample of 25 CVS practices) would result www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk in an average savings in excess of £200. Benefits, costs and savings vary depending on the type and size of your pet. Full details available at ww

20

action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music and flyball.

Crufts will welcome two new finals for the first time this year, as the show plays host to the popular annual Eukanuba Champion Stakes and Eukanuba Pup of the Year competitions for the first time.

Other highlights of a busy programme taking place in the Genting Arena are the Kennel Club Friends For Life competition, which celebrates those dogs in our lives that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.

• For more information about this year’s Crufts and to buy tickets visit www.crufts.org.uk

Local pet charity appeal for foster volunteers

Blue Cross pet charity in Wherstead, Ipswich is appealing to Suffolk animal lovers to join a volunteering scheme that offers foster care to homeless pets.

Volunteer fosterers take Blue Cross pets into their own homes and care for them until loving families can be found. Fostering is ideal for pets who are struggling to cope in a kennel or cattery environment. The charity also needs foster homes for dogs and cats recovering from illness and operations, and it is ideal for litters of puppies and kittens who need important socialisation in the first weeks and months of their lives.

Steve Roberts, from Ipswich, has been a Blue Cross foster volunteer for the last three years. He explains, “Fostering is such a rewarding experience, especially when an animal you’ve cared for goes off to a loving new home.

I would love to have a pet of my own, but caring for rescue cats and dogs on a foster basis is so fulfilling. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy animal companionship, but don’t want the lifetime commitment of owning a pet.”

Blue Cross provides volunteers with all the equipment and skills needed to look after pets in their own homes. Special training, expenses, pet food and behaviour advice are all taken care of by the charity.

Buster is just one of the many Blue Cross pets who would benefit from spending time in a foster home. The six-year-old black Labrador arrived at the charity because his owner could no longer care for him. During a routine veterinary check at the centre, vets discovered lump on his leg, which was diagnosed as an aggressive cancer. Thankfully Buster has been given the all clear after two surgeries and will soon be looking for a loving new family.

Karina Grimwade, Centre Manager at Blue Cross Suffolk adds, “Blue Cross takes in thousands of homeless and unwanted pets every year. While our staff and volunteers give pets the very best care, nothing can beat a loving home. We like to get poorly, young and stressed pets into foster homes, but we desperately need more volunteers.”

Potential foster volunteers need to live in the Ipswich area or within driving distance of the Bourne Hill centre.

• To find out more about becoming a Blue Cross foster carer visit www.bluecross.org.uk, call 0300 777 1480 or email suffolk@bluecross.org.uk

What are ticks Dog friendly and where are they found?

As the weather warms up, tick numbers in the environment start to rise, with highest numbers found between March and November.

They can be found in grass, heath and woodland areas and can be picked up by pets as they brush against the vegetation. Ticks look like tiny spiders, ranging from 1mm to 1cm in size, with an egg-shaped, white coloured body which becomes darker when attached to an animal as the body fills with blood.

Are ticks dangerous to my pet?

Ticks carry a number of diseases that can cause dogs to become very unwell, most notably Lyme’s disease in the UK. Symptoms include fever, lameness and a distinctive ‘bullseye’ lesion at the site of the tick bite. Erlichiosis and Babesiosis are also spread by ticks and although they are not usually seen in the UK, they can be seen in pets that have travelled abroad. If you think your pet might be displaying symptoms of any of these diseases you should contact your vets as soon as possible and mention if you have seen ticks on your dog.

Fed up with the same old walkies?

Stuck for ideas on how to keep your hound happy in the winter months?

Well worry no more… pet insurer MORE TH>N has developed a free ideas generator for days out with dogs - owners simply pop in their postcode and push the button, and hey presto, the tool will recommend dog-friendly holidays and days out for dogs in the UK. So whether you and your faithful friend want to explore the paw-fectly named Roundball Woods or Barky Beach, or you’re simply looking for a nearby dogfriendly beach, dog-friendly pub or a new walking route in the countryside, town or a new dog-friendly park – all the information is at a touch of a button.

The generator has a number of filters enabling owners to select a location and the distance they are willing to travel with a dog for some new fun. The results page also includes testimonials from other dog owners who use the recommended places regularly.

MORE TH>N’s vet Andrew Moore said, “No matter what the weather, dogs need to be walked and go out every day. This new dog days out tool is the perfect solution for owners stuck in a rut, as new smells, sights and sounds are very stimulating for dogs and a paw-some antidote to the rainy day blues.”

Visit www.morethan.com/pet-insurance/news/top-dog-friendly-holidays-uk/ for the generator and to find the perfect dog-friendly holiday or day out.

How can tick borne disease be prevented?

It is a good idea to check your pet for ticks after walks, especially around the neck and ears. Any ticks found on a pet should be removed as soon as possible, ideally with a special tick removal hook or loop. If not available, tweezers can be used but should only be used to grasp the head of the tick (closest to the skin) as squeezing the body can cause the tick to regurgitate its contents, increasing the chance of infection. If unsure, a veterinary surgeon should be contacted for advice.

Tick treatments for dogs and cats are available, often combined with a monthly flea preventative tablet or spot-on treatment and are recommended for any pets that venture into areas where ticks are found, as well as for any animals travelling abroad.

Your vet will be able to let you know which product is best suited to your pet.

• For more information visit www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

Matthew Page Equestrian Services Livery

Ryder-Davies & Partners Veterinary Surgeons

Taking care of all your animals 24 hour care provided by our own vets & nurses Experienced team of caring vets and nurses. Well equipped practice with full surgical facilities, in-house laboratory, ultra-sound, x-ray, dental facilities, nurses clinics, micro-chipping, puppy socialisation classes.

Health Plans available for dogs, cats, rabbits & horses to help you spread the cost of preventative health care.

To find out more call us on

Woodbridge 01394 380083, Rendlesham 01394 420964 Felixstowe 01394 284554 or Ipswich 01473 274040 www.ryder-daviesvets.co.uk

Established for over 40 years

21

Every Monday

Carpet Bowls, Tuddenham St Martin Village Hall, 6.30pm, New members welcome - come and try to see if you like it, only £1 per session. For more details contact Ray 01473 610067 Beginners Ballroom and Latin Class, Kesgrave High School, Main Road, Kesgrave, 7pm, Tel: Sharon (AISTD) 07946 347167 Graham (AISTD) 07790 230651, All levels welcome, No partner necessary, £5 Little Playmakers, interactive craft and rhyme time session for under 5s and their grownups. Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, IP5 1JF, 9.30am–11am (Term time only).

Body Moves & Dance Class, with Linda, St James Catholic Church Hall, 482 Landseer Rd, Ipswich, 7.45pm - 9.15pm, A Fun & Friendly class, try a free taster session for more info Call Linda 01394 273033 Al-Anon Family Groups support for families and friends of alcoholics, Museum Street Methodist Church Hall, 17 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich, The meeting is located in the hall behind the Museum St Methodist Church, accessed from Black Horse Lane, 02074030888, www.al-anonuk.org.uk for other groups in the Ipswich area, (not held on bank holidays.)

Badminton, Sidegate Lane Community Centre Ipswich 7.30pm -10pm £2.50 per session new members welcome for info contact Ann 01473 726423 Pilates, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 1.45pm - 2.45pm, £5 per class, New members welcome. For further details contact 07763 456078.

Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information please contact Adrian on 01473 464920 Ballroom and Latin Class, Goals Centre, Suffolk New College, Grimwade Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LT, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 01473 251323, 07736306519 Yoga, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 10am - 11am, £3.50 per session, New members welcome, For further information contact: 07773 456078 Suffolk Promenaders Square Dance Club Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 10pm, Only £3.00, tea and coffee provided, Contact 01473 415785 or 01473 422663 for further details.

Badminton, Suffolk New Academy Sports Centre, Birkfield Drive, Ipswich, 6pm - 7pm, Beginners and experienced players welcome, Come along for your free first session or call/text Gill 07706 044861 or Peter 07802 173041 for more information.

Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, from 1pm. Beginners always welcome. Tel: 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com

Every Tuesday

Tea Dances with Teresa at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ. 2-4 pm, with refreshments, Ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing. £3.00pp members. 01473 422427.

Little Playmakers, interactive craft and rhyme time session for under 5s and their grown-ups.

Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, IP12 4PB, 9.45am–11.30am (Term time only).

Carpet Bowls, Nacton Village Hall, IP10 0EU, 7.30pm, Come and have a go. First three visits

free, then £2 per evening if you like us and want to stay, A sociable and fun evening, just turn up!

Craft Club, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10am – 12pm, A relaxed friendly group for all abilities. Sewing, knitting, crochet and other crafts, £1 per session, Refreshments and lunch available, for more info 01473 710721, ipswich.priory@salvationarmy.org.uk Do you have one hour for Fun? Music?

Dance? Join Jane of Suffolk Keep Fit Association at Woodbridge Community Centre Woodbridge.

9.45am - 10.45am, Contact Jane 07860 824747 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, £2.50 per session, New members welcome. For more details contact Tony Crane 01473 410740.

Table Tennis. All standards and ages 7.30pm to 9pm, Lindsey Village Hall (next to the church), Lindsey (near Hadleigh), IP7 6PP, £2, further information 07768 828362 Art Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072 Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, Come and join this busy choir, performing on average 15 times a year, A friendly group, who enjoy singing to a high standard, If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Lets Dance, Ballroom Latin & Sequence, Social Dance. At the Manor Ballroom Ipswich, 7.15 - 9.45, (from 9th January). New Members Welcome £5.00 for info 07773 185494 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this long established & friendly group of singers, No auditions. Call 01473 879817 Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, homemade, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk Memory Lane Cafe for people living with dementia, including carers, cared for and bereaved. 11am - 3pm - £1 entrance fee - light lunches and activities available - The Rosary Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich Tel 07795 587425 for more info

Every Wednesday

11th Ipswich Wednesday Cubs, Chesterfield Drive Scout HQ, every Wednesday, during term time, 6.30pm to 8pm, For boys and girls from seven and a half to ten and a half years, Join for fun, friends, outdoor adventure, camps and visits, Call Mary on 07821 979509 for further information, Orwell Panthers Athletic Club for athletes with disabilities, aged 10+, Northgate Sports Centre between 6.15pm - 7.30pm, See website “orwellpanthers.co.uk” for more information Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, from 1pm. Beginners always welcome. Tel: 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com Transcendental Meditation Suffolk®, Free introductory talks 10.30am/7.30pm Maharishi Peace Palace, Gardenia Close, Rendlesham, IP122GX, To register online visit uk.tm.org/ suffolk or phone 01394 421 136 Dance Classes at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ, learners from 7-8pm.

Inprovers 8-10pm. £3.00pp. 01473 422427 or 01473 723070.

EVENTS

guide

Creative Writing Group, Arlington’s Brasserie, 13 Museum St, Ipswich IP1 1HE, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, First session free, for further information ring Mai on 01473 711639 or go to suffolkwritersgroup.com Tea Dance, Hintlesham Community Hall, Timperleys, Hintlesham, 2pm - 4pm at £4 per person, coffee/tea and biscuits/cakes provided, Sequence/ballroom/latin dancing, contact Teresa 01473 422427 Co-op Singers meet every Wednesday in term time from 7.30pm to 9pm, Co-op Education Centre Fore Street Ipswich. Car parking is available - entrance from Waterworks St. New members welcome, no auditions, For further information telephone Margie 01473 727829 or Julie 07986261503.

Art & Craft Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072 The Phoenix Women’s Group Meeting, The Quakers Friends Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich, From 10am -12pm, For more information please telephone 07976768763 or email: Ip.Phoenix@Virginmedia.Com

Every Thursday

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Yoga, Museum St Church Hall, Ipswich. 9.30am11am and 12.35pm-1.40pm. Lynda Noller, 01449 615351.

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Thursday Forum at Christ Church, Tacket Street, Ipswich – light lunches from 12.00 followed by free talk from 1.10 till 1.50pm. www.christchurchipswich.org.uk All welcome Body Moves & Dance Class with Linda, Girl Guiding Building, Garrison Lane,Felixstowe.

7.30pm to 9pm, A Fun & Friendly Class. Info call Linda 01394 273033 Cafechat, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10.30am -12pm, A free drop in group for the elderly with a mixture of activities including armchair exercises, table top games and discussion, Refreshments and prebooked lunches available, For more info 01473 710721, ipswich.priory@salvationarmy.org.uk Woodbridge Tap Dance Classes, St John’s Church Hall, 10am -11am, Friendly, informal tap class for Adult Improvers, More info: woodbridgetapdance.weebly.com or Call/Text Jill Streatfeild on 07778 746315 Yoga, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 10am - 11am, £3.30 per class, New members welcome, For more details contact 01473 727796 Art Group, Harkstead Village Hall, Harkstead, 10am – 12pm, all welcolme, 01473 787633 Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables 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, Ipswich, 10.15am 11.30am, Lots of home baked and handcrafted items available as well as Gluten free produces

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events, if in doubt contact the venue before travelling. More events can be found at www.ipswich24.co.uk 22

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

and local honey. Seasonal fruit and vegetables hand-picked the day before. Free parking and tea and coffee refreshments available, great meeting place for new and old friends.

Coffee and Chat: informal coffee morning with activities, 10am – 12pm, All Saints Church Hall Blenheim Road, Ipswich

Sun 4th Mar

Every Friday

Tue 6th Mar

Felixstowe Country Market, Trades & Labour Club, High Road West, Felixstowe, 10am – 11am, www.country-markets.co.uk Art Group, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10am – 12pm, £2 per session, An informal group of mixed abilities with lots of chatter, Refreshments and lunch available, For more info 01473 710721, ipswich.priory@ salvationarmy.org.uk Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre Ipswich, 2pm - 5pm, £2.50, per session, New Members very welcome, for more details contact Tony Crane on 01473 410740

Every Saturday

Volleyball with Ipswich Ravens, St Alban’s School, Ipswich, 2pm - 4pm, Beginners or experienced, adults (£6) and juniors age 13 upwards (£3), Call or text Steve 07584 636669 Free Volleyball with Ipswich Ravens, 2pm - 4pm in Christchurch Park, Beginners or experienced, adults and juniors age 9 upwards, Call or text Steve 07584 636669 Saturday Story Time, Woodbridge Library at 10.30am. For 2-5 year olds. Drop-in sessions so no need to book. Free!

Every Sunday

Frog Squad Sunday Kids Club, Salvation Army Bramford Road, 11.30am to 12.15pm, all children from 3 to 12 very welcome for stories singing and games Kid’s Club Craft Activities, Woodbridge Library, 10.30am-12 noon.

Thu 1st Mar

Walking Ghost Tour, 8pm, meet outside Tourist Information Centre £7. For more info email Edmund.nicholls@btinternet.com Thursday Forum at Christ Church, Tacket Street, Ipswich – light lunches from 12.00 noon followed by free talk from 1.10 till 1.50pm, Howard King on Martlesham Heath Airport. www.christchurch-ipswich.org.uk All welcome.

Fri 2nd Mar

Icons of the 80s – Go West, Nik Kershaw & Cutting Crew. Ipswich Regent at 8pm. Box office 01473 433100 “Then and Now – A Life of Flying” talk by Anthony Preston. Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, The Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath, 7.30pm. £3 members, £4 non-members Flight Brigade, highly acclaimed seven piece band perform at Cult Cafe, Ipswich University, 8pm. Free entry.www.flightbrigade.com.

Sat 3rd Mar

Murder Mystery, Gislingham Variety Club present ‘Murder on Air’. St Peter’s Church Hall, Stowmarket 7.15 for prompt 7.30 start. Tickets £15 to include a three course meal. Booking essential. For tickets, contact lyndarochester@ hotmail.com or telephone 01449 781 619.

Proceeds to the Stowmarket Bells Appeal.

Ska’d 4 Life, £3 members, £5 non-members.

Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road.

Ransomes & Rapier Annual Reunion. Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave. Ex employees, families and friends welcome from 12.30-5.00pm. £2pp. Info call 01206 734581 Alec Dankworth All Star Quintet. Stoke by Nayland Hotel. 1.30pm. Tickets £25.

Company and a Cuppa at The Oddfellows Hall, 37 High St Ipswich IP1 3QH 1.30pm- 3.30pm. Join like-minded people for a fun social time. Board games, cards, brainteasers and jigsaws available to enjoy over friendly chat and a welcome cuppa. £2pp. Contact 01473 251867

Wed 7th Mar

Rescuing Zeugma from the Euphrates, Orwell DFAS talk by Louise Schofield at Tower Hall, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, 2.15pm.

Thur 8th Mar

Thursday Forum at Christ Church, Tacket Street, Ipswich – light lunches from 12.00 noon followed by free talk from 1.10 till 1.50pm – Philip Wise on Wolsey’s Angels. www.christchurch-ipswich.org. uk. All welcome Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting. ‘Australia, North and South’, an illustrated talk by Bill Coster Wildlife Photographer. Rushmere St Andrew Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere, Ipswich, IP5 1DH. 7.30pm. Admission: Local Group members £2.20 (concessions apply), Non-Members £4.00, Juniors £1.00. Contact 07887 770942.

Sat 10th Mar

Giant Table Top Sale, at Kesgrave Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach 10.30am-1pm.

Free entry, iao Lions Club of Ipswich Suffolk Orchid Society Spring Show at St Michael’s Church Centre, (nr Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath, IP5 3PL, 10am-4pm. Admission £1.00. Refreshments available.

Sun 11th Mar

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting at Holbrook Bay for waders, wildfowl and winter birds. Meet at 9.30am at Stutton Church Map ref TM162344. 2-3 hours, 2-3 miles. Contact 01473 258791. All welcome

Tue 13 Mar

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Bourne Bridge area and park. Meet at 10.00am at Bourne Park car park (Bourne Bridge entrance).

Approx 2 hrs. Map ref TM161419. Contact 01473 714839. All welcome.

Thu 15th Mar

Thursday Forum at Christ Church, Tacket Street, Ipswich – light lunches from 12.00 noon followed by free talk from 1.10 till 1.50pm – Ray Condon on Life in the Falklands. www.christchurchipswich.org.uk

Sat 17th Mar

Las Vegas Night. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT, 7pm-11.30pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111 Kenny Paul, C&W, £3 members, £5 nonmembers. Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road.

Monthly Jumble Sale, 24th Ipswich Scout Group, 1pm-3pm, 24th Scout HQ 330a Bramford Road Ipswich (beside the Railway Bridge). Come and bag a bargain.

EVENTS

guide

Sun 18th Mar

Model Railway Exhibition. Memorial Hall, Trimley St. Martin, IP11 0RJ. 10.30 - 4.30. Free parking, disabled access, refreshments available.

Entrance £3, children £1.50. Proceeds to the BASIC Life charity Kevin Barry, C&W, £3 members, £5 nonmembers. Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road.

Mon 19th Mar

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, at The Oddfellows Hall 37 High St Ipswich IP1 3QH, 7.15pm. Guest speaker Malcolm Taylor will give an illustrated talk about the Charity. Oddfellows £2 Guests £3.

All welcome. Refreshments included. Contact 01473 251867

Weds 21st-Sat 24th Mar

The Weekend by Michael Palin, performed

by Masque Players. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, 7.30pm.Tickets £9, call 01473 725633.

Thurs 22nd Mar

“A Song of their Own”, The Fight For Votes by Women in and around Ipswich. Ipswich Branch, Suffolk Family History Society, at The Co-Op Education Centre, 11, Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JW, at 7.15 pm. £2 for members, £2.50 non-members

Sat 24th Mar

Family Concert: Time Travellers! Ipswich Symphony Orchestra with a programme including Dr. Who! Star Wars, Beauty and the Beast, The Planets, Wallace and Gromit and Star Trek.

Tickets: £7 - £10. www.ipswichcornexchange. com, Regent Box Office, T.I.C and from Orchestra members Coffee Morning, St Mary’s Church Room, Bramford, 10am-12 noon. Refreshements including bacon rolls and cakes. Plus stall, books, bring and buy and raffle. Raising money for new sound system for the church.

Hallelujah! Easter Offerings from the Ipswich Bach Choir and Ipswich Chamber Orchestra.

Ipswich School Great Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets: £13 (£5 for students). Info or order tickets email ipswichbachchoir@yahoo.co.uk

Wed 28th Mar

The Southwold Railway Past, Present & Future, Illustrated by John Ridgeway – The Ipswich & District Historic Transport Society at Salvation Army Citadel 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7.30 pm entrance via rear door, Visitors £3.50 members £1.50. 01473 422145, 01394 420490

Fri 30th Mar-Mon 2nd Apr

Art Exhibition and Sale, Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market. 10am-5pm, admission £2.

Fri 30th Mar

Good Friday Concert, St John Passion (JS Bach) Gippeswyk Singers with Classic Chamber Orchestra. St John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstow, 7.30pm (conductor talk at 7.10pm).

Tickets £15 at the door or Box Office 01394 670633

Sat 31st Mar-Mon 2nd Apr

Easter Art Exhibition, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

All contributions for April issue must be received no later than Friday 9th March please.

Email listings@ipswich24.co.uk or post to 12A Britannia Rd, Ipswich IP4 4PE

23

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

Don’t be a victim Burglary victims have a one in four (28 per cent) chance of falling victim again in the same property, reveals new research from Churchill Home Insurance. Traumatised victims have an eight per cent chance of being burgled again two or more times in the same property.

Despite the high likelihood of repeated attacks on their property and belongings, almost one in ten of those who have been burgled say they did not use the opportunity to upgrade any of their existing security systems, deciding instead to rely on measures which had already failed to protect their home.

A repeat offender would be able to use exactly the same method to get into their property and steal their belongings.

When burglary victims did improve their security, the most popular measures to upgrade were front and back door locks and new windows.

Despite being ‘successfully’ burgled, 92 per cent of victims did not upgrade their alarm, choosing instead to rely on the existing system. The average amount spent by people looking to improve security measures after being burgled is £314. While one in six (16 per cent) spent less than £100 on new security measures.

However, even the most state-ofthe-art security upgrades were not enough for eight per cent of victims, who claim that they moved home after being burgled.

Churchill’s analysis of burglary statistics reveals that successful criminals are most likely to enter through the front of the property (47 per cent), followed by gaining access through the back (38 per

cent) and the side of the property

crimes occurring between 6pm and 6am, than there is of a daytime break in.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance said, “Being burgled is traumatic enough if it happens once, yet our research shows there

Churchill’s top tips for protecting your property are: - Ensure any security features which allow you to track your phone or tablet are turned on as this will help police locate your device should it be stolen. If you are burgled, also call your contract provider immediately and have the line and phone blocked - If you have a security alarm, use it. Burglars will be able to tell if the alarm is not used and serviced regularly so it will not act as a deterrent unless it is used - The best burglary deterrent is for the home to be occupied, so if you are away ask neighbours to pop around, leave a light on or invest in timed lights. Don’t make it obvious that no one is home - Think like a burglar and see where the best points of entry to your home are. Make sure all windows and doors are locked and if you have a burglar alarm, use it and keep it clean so it looks like it is used and serviced regularly

(six per cent). Of greatest concern is the fact that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of burglaries occurred as a result of a door not being locked.

The analysis also reveals burglars are opportunists, prepared to break into a property if it is broad daylight through the front door. There is only a five per cent greater chance of being burgled in the evening or night, with 55 per cent of these

is a genuine chance of it happening again and again. We would encourage everyone to consider the weak points in their home security, whether they have been burgled or not and ideally install highly visible deterrents such as CCTV, motion activated lights and burglar alarms.

Burglars avoid targeting properties that are difficult to enter and leave, so don’t be an easy target for them.”

- Try not to leave packaging for new expensive goods outside your home. It is better to take it to a public recycling bin, as it can attract burglars. Do not leave expensive, portable items like tablets or laptops in clear view - If you keep power tools, golf clubs or garden equipment in an outbuilding or shed, make sure the shed is locked and/or has security features such as an alarm or security light

Vermoush Pest Control Search for historic Daffs

Trouble with Pests?

Mole problems dealt with CALL ROB

07805 999 544

or email: roblowson106@gmail.com

Now treating insect infestations

Competitive Prices Hadleigh based

24

Historically important daffodils are to form the basis of a new National Collection® in Suffolk.

A world wide search is out for daffodils bred by the Rev’d George Engleheart in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and some of those already gathered can be viewed at an Open Day at Columbine Hall, Stowupland, IP14 4AT on Sunday 29th April from 2pm until 6pm.

The Reverend Engleheart may be less well known today, but by the end of his career as a daffodil breeder in the 1930’s, one tenth of the cultivars listed on the RHS Daffodil Register were his own creations. He was a member of the RHS Bulb Committee, a friend of the most influential gardeners of the day and member of ‘the syndicate’, a group of elite breeders and country house owners.

• For more information, see www.suffolkplantheritage.com or email Darren Andrews waspfactory72@yahoo.co.uk or anne@tweddle1.co.uk

Is too much technology a bad thing?

New research into Britain’s technology habits has revealed that couples spend just 59 minutes together per day on average without the presence of smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets, with 20 per cent of us spending just 30 minutes of quality time together. Instead, Brits are choosing to spend time on Facebook (50 per cent), Whatsapp (16 per cent) and Instagram (5 per cent).

According to a recent study, the nation’s millennials are the worst culprits, with 48 per cent saying they spend less than an hour with their other halves, whilst a quarter spend just 30 minutes per day without technology in-hand.

Overall, two thirds (68 per cent) of us would prefer to spend more time with our partners and less time on technology, but 51 per cent of us check our phones when on the sofa together, 42 per cent check our phones in bed and one fifth admit to looking in the middle of a conversation. One in ten of us even check our phones on a date night.

When asked what Brits miss out on the most because of technological distractions, conversation (45 per cent) and going for walks together (24 per cent) came out on top.

Relationship expert and behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, comments, “Technology is divisive – every minute you’re checking your phone or tablet is another minute you’re not engaging with each other. A change of scene,

such as a city, beach or forest break – creating a ‘couple bubble’ - can make the impulse to check what is going on in the outside world feel a lot less important.

“More than half of us (58 percent) admit that technology affects the amount of quality time we spend with our partners, yet more than three quarters (76 per cent) of Brits have never tried a digital detox.”

Hemmings continues, “Going through a digital detox together might feel strange at first, but it doesn’t take long for most couples to find that this extra time together can completely enhance their relationship. It allows more time to connect with our partners, and talk about what’s happening in each other’s days…and ultimately find a variety of other ways to spend quality time together.

“Having some time without technology has been shown to both relieve stress and ultimately make us more productive and creative. So, trial small steps in taking back control from your technology - switch off your social media notifications, put your phone onto flight mode for a couple of hours a night, or agree to having no phones in the bedroom, and you’ll soon find you’re freeing up that time you crave with your partner.” www.forestholidays.co.uk

Connells 01473 715566 Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms Ltd

www.connellsipswich.co.uk info@connellsipswich.com Visit our showroom at:45 Woodbridge Road East Ipswich IP4 5QN

Family business with 40 years of experience 25

Landfill plastic makes most secure garden shed A garden shed that saves five cubic metres of waste plastic, about the size of one African elephant, from going to landfill is one of the most secure on the market.

The shed is manufactured using TPR, a synthetic concrete developed with the help of British Universities using plastic that cannot usually be re-cycled.

The material is stronger and lighter than concrete, and unlike traditional shed materials will not rot, rust, melt and is thermally efficient.

The Brodco Strongroom shed was the first garden shed to pass the Secured

by Design police initiative and has recently gained further improvements to the doors and roof. There is even an option for a Kevlar roof which is proving popular to owners of expensive machinery and equipment, especially high value bikes.

Nigel Broderick, MD of Brodco, the Somerset based company that markets the sheds, says, “When my new wooden shed was broken into and my bike stolen I decided to design a shed that would be a barrier to thieves. They know most garden sheds can be broken into in a matter of seconds, and

Anglia Bulb Company Specialise in mail order flower bulbs.

We have a large range of dahlias and begonias on offer, along with many other interesting and unusual types of flowering bulbs that will brighten up your garden this summer and autumn.

Visit our website at: www.angliabulbs.com Anglia Bulb Company, 62a Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5QY

Contact us for a catalogue on 01206 272728

26

the contents can offer very lucrative pickings.”

The Brodco sheds have been independently tested against attack to the walls, roof, doors, locks and hinges.

TPR is maintenance free and available in a choice of sizes and colours.

TPR is endorsed by The Carbon Trust and is now being specified by councils and housing associations as well as the MOD and Network Rail. www.brodco.co.uk

Have your say on air quality

Suffolk Coastal District Council are encouraging local people to have their say on their 2017 annual report about the District’s air quality that has recently been approved by the Government.

The Council’s Annual Status Report is now produced every year and provides a public facing update on air quality across the entire district. The report includes monitoring data for 2016 and details progress on actions to improve air quality both within two designated Air Quality Management Areas (Woodbridge and Stratford St. Andrew), and across the district as a whole.

The Report confirms that across the district our air quality remains generally good, with just these two very specific areas of concern.

The problem in both areas relates to the pollutant nitrogen dioxide which is an irritant of the respiratory system and can adversely affect people’s health - particularly those who, for example, have existing heart or lung conditions or breathing problems.

“The really good news is that our monitoring reveals that the nitrogen dioxide levels within the Woodbridge AQMA have reduced in recent times to below the standard set by the Government for the third year running,” explained Cllr Carol Poulter, Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Green Environment.”

The Air Quality pages on the Council’s website have recently undergone a revamp, making them easier to read and navigate and to include lots of additional information, such as how you can get help reduce emissions.

There is a whole new section on Wood Burning with advice on how to get the most out of your open fire or wood burning stove whilst keeping emissions to a minimum. It includes information on the ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’ initiative, backed by Defra, which identifies dry or seasoned wood that is ready for use and will produce fewer harmful emissions such as particulates.

The Annual Status Report Consultation can be viewed on the new website at; http://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/environmental-protection/airquality/air-quality-consultations/open-consultations/ Alternatively, hard copies can be viewed at Customer Services in Woodbridge and Felixstowe libraries.

Comments can be emailed to environment@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or sent to: Environmental Protection, East Suffolk House, Station Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1RT. The final deadline for comments is Monday 19th March 2018.

Is your house killing you?

At first glance the question, ‘Is your house killing you?’, might seem a trifle overdramatic.

That, or it reads like a rejected title for a bad horror movie. However, the threat, as implausible as it might sound, is real.

Poor housing conditions can have devastating effects on our health. Citing healthy indoor air as a basic right, the World Health Organization noted, “Exposures to biological agents indoors are a significant health hazard causing a wide range of health effects.”

Primary among these are problems caused by mould and damp. A recent report published by the English Housing Survey found that 5% of households in England live in a home with

damp issues. This can lead to severe respiratory problems - commonly sinusitis and bronchitis allergies and asthma. Research has shown that people with asthma were twice as likely to live in homes with damp as those without.

Lung disease - one of the worst outcomes of living in a cold and damp climate - kills around one in five in the UK. And at present, the situation doesn’t show any sign of improvement. While deaths from cardiovascular diseases declined over the period 2008 - 2012, deaths from lung disease-related illnesses remained constant. www.robertdyas.co.uk

n Solving the damp problem If you have damp or mould the first thing to do is find the cause. Damp and mould can affect your health, so it's important to get rid of it.

Causes of damp and mould leaving doors open to allow air to Damp and mould are caused circulate, unless you're cooking or by excess moisture. Moisture in showering buildings can be caused by leaking - if you're cooking, showering or pipes, rising damp in basements bathing – opening the window, or ground floors, or rain seeping in putting the fan on and closing the because of damage to the roof or door of the room you're in around window frames.

Repairs may be needed to get rid of In a newly-built home damp can any leaks or to improve ventilation. occur if the water used when the Once your home has been repaired, house was built is still drying out. or if your home is damp because it's newly built, it may take weeks Condensation of heating and ventilating it to dry it Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. out.

How to remove mould Condensation forms when the Once you've identified and fixed the air indoors can't hold any more moisture. Cooking, showering, source of moisture in your home you drying clothes indoors and breathing can get rid of any mould. You may be able to remove mould yourself, or without adequate ventilation can all you may need to get a professional cause excess moisture. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as to remove it. mirrors, windowsills and on walls, Only remove mould yourself if particularly when they're cold. it's caused by condensation and You can help prevent the build-up of covers an area less than one metre condensation by: squared (1x1 metre or 3x3 feet).

- putting lids on saucepans, drying Don’t try to remove the mould washing outside and avoiding using yourself if it’s caused by sewage or paraffin or bottled gas heaters other contaminated water.

- opening the bedroom window for Protect yourself from mould spores by 15 minutes each morning wearing goggles, long rubber gloves - making sure your home is well and a mask that covers your nose insulated and mouth. Open the windows but - heating your home a little more keep doors closed to prevent spores - ventilating rooms regularly and spreading to other areas of the house.

- Have a plastic bag ready to take away any soft furnishings, clothes and soft toys that are mouldy. Soft furnishings should be shampooed and clothes professionally dry cleaned.

- Fill a bucket with water and some mild detergent, such as washing up liquid or a soap used for handwashing clothes.

- Use a rag dipped in the soapy water to carefully wipe the mould off

the wall. Be careful not to brush it, as this can release mould spores.

- When you've finished, use a dry rag to remove the moisture from the wall.

- Afterwards, put the rags in a plastic bag and throw them away.

- All the surfaces in the room should be thoroughly cleaned by either wet wiping or vacuuming to remove any spores. www.nhs.uk

LANDSCAPING SPECIALISTS Your Landscape Garden Specialists

Local, reliable trustworthy trades people Vast Experience in a variety of trades No job is to big or small we cater for all our clients’ needs Whatever the project we are with you every step of the way From your free quotation to the final invoice SD Home and Gardens provide the most hassle free and professional service.

01449 711883 or 07956 734192 www.sdhomeandgardens.co.uk 27

Spring Clean Special

Spring into March It is strange for me to be running a business that concentrates on domestic cleaning. Why? Because I actually can’t stand cleaning! That’s right, I am one of those people who has always had a cleaner because I really don’t enjoy the work. I would much rather pay someone who does get a kick out of it and believe me, there are such people out there!

Here we are in March, the start of Spring, my favourite season and from 5th until 11th it is National Spring Cleaning Week! There is even a website dedicated to it: www.springcleaningweek.com/ where you can pick up lots of handy hints and tips (or else give us a call and one of our maids will come and do it!).

Cleaning is rarely something to look forward to for most people, but there’s something about a thorough spring clean that is enough to make a house-proud person or one of our maids excited to get their rubber gloves on. That fresh feeling and lovely smells after your house is cleaned from ceiling to floor is super rewarding and will make your home feel renewed.

The good thing is that "spring cleaning" can really mean doing as much or as little cleaning as you want. Nobody's going to come to your house to check for dust or to see if your DVD collection is organized. You're the one who has to live there, so you should clean to your own standards. But also keep in mind that some spring cleaning tasks are designed to keep things running smoothly, so while it's not something you "have to" do, it can be about more than just enjoying a clean house.

So why do we call it a Spring Clean?

In modern times, the term ‘Spring cleaning’ has come to mean any process that involves a thorough

or deep clean of a place, such as a house or room. It can even be used as a metaphor for simplifying and invigorating our lives, finances or businesses, but the real meaning of spring cleaning is a bit more mysterious. It is claimed by some that the practice finds its roots in Hebrew culture, with broad religious significance. Others believe spring cleaning originated in Iran, and China too stakes a claim, as a means to marking the New Year.

Others provide a more logical scientific explanation as to why we spring clean. The truth may be somewhere between the two.

Ancient man cleaning for survival Tradition and rituals aside, is there a scientific reason for cleaning in spring? Does the spring cleaning habit predate all cultures, with a trigger found in our biological make up? Some people think so. During the shorter days of winter, when exposure to daylight is limited, our pineal gland produces melatonin -the hormone that induces sleepiness. Ancient humans’ lack of exposure to light would have led their bodies and minds to become slower, more subdued. As the days grew longer in March, the increased exposure to light caused melatonin levels to drop and energy levels to recover. During the long winter’s slumber, dirt will have gathered in the huts and caves that our ancestors called home. As spring brought warmer temperatures, bacteria would begin to grow. With vitality restored, ancient man took to spring cleaning, a natural remedy to prevent infection and disease.

It just makes sense

Ultimately, spring is a great time to clean our homes and always has been. Before central heating, people kept their houses shut tight

Maid2Clean's Sue Hall

against the cold of winter. Homes were heated with coal, oil and wood and lit with candles. It’s a lifestyle that produces a lot of smoke and ash. Spring, with its warmer days and lighter evenings was, and still is, an opportunity to make a home where the smell of stale smoke hung from the walls, fresh again.

Windows and doors can be opened, so dust can be cleared outside and washed cloth and linen will dry quicker now that is can be hung in the breeze.

Could it be that so many different cultures embark on rituals and celebrations that involve spring cleaning because, this time of year is simply the best time to refresh and clean your home?

Spring cleaning is about much more than just getting rid of junk and dirt.

It's also meant to symbolize clearing out the cobwebs in the mind and soul. And sometimes it clears the way for good times ahead, too.

Happy Spring Cleaning Week!

• If you need some help clearing the cobwebs in your home, you can find us on the web! www.maid2cleansuffolk.co.uk.

Maid2Clean - taking the hard work out of your housework.

0800 878 6388

Would you like a Maid to Clean your home?

28

Spring Clean Special

Spring Cleaning Tips n Maintenance and to Spritz Your Home improvement service Did you know the average family of four sheds up to three pounds of skin per year? Or that your carpet can hold up to two pounds of dirt per square foot?

Surprisingly, despite these shocking facts over 80 per cent of homeowners have never washed their carpets!

As well as this, 45per cent of homeowners don’t remove their shoes before walking on their carpets and worryingly, four out of ten people eat food that has been dropped on the floor.

With a rise in a hectic lifestyle and the onset of the economic downturn, the traditional Spring Clean is no longer a top priority, which is why many of us rarely spend time or money deep cleaning our carpets.

Which is why Rug Doctor, the carpet cleaning experts have come up with some top tips for spring cleaning that won’t burden your finances or your time!

Take it one room at a time

Make sure you plan ahead and choose where to begin, make a list of the areas you want to target and tackle them one step at a time. Be sure to budget time for distractions too-unexpected visitors and phone calls are inevitable!

Declutter before your clean

Always declutter before a polish, make sure your area is good to go before you don your gloves and spray.

Deep clean those carpets

Nothing refreshes a room more than a clean carpet, and hiring a carpet shampooer can have your carpets looking, feeling and smelling as good as new in no time.

Make your vases blooming lovely

What better way to freshen up your home than with a bunch of sweetsmelling blooms. Handpick some flowers from your garden for a sweet smelling aroma.

Add a splash of vinegar to make those windows shine

A top tip for making those windows squeaky clean is to add some vinegar to water and spray onto the glass, then simply wipe clean with a dust free cloth.

Care for your curtains

The Home & Garden Handyman, also known as HGH is here to help you run your home or business as it should be. It’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference and getting around to managing all those little jobs can be difficult, if not time consuming. This is why HGH is here to help.

At HGH they offer a range of interior and exterior home renovation services.

Owner, Tim Martin is pleased to offer you an insured, professional, handyman service for all of your home improvement, maintenance and repair needs across Ipswich and Suffolk.

The garden may not be on top of your list of priorities at this time of the year, however Autumn is still a great time to undertake any landscaping project – however large or small. “We understand the pride you take in your garden.” explains Tim. “Our landscaping approach is to provide exceptional design and installation. We listen to your thoughts and ideas to create a solid design, concentrating on budget, uses, all year interest, and soil conditions.

Our professional installation is assured and our seasonal maintenance programs provide for continued beauty.”

With the cooler weather approaching HGH are taking more bookings than ever in relation to garden outbuildings, fencing and timber garden structures, offering design and installation with materials all sourced locally. Whether you have a standard or quirky requirement you can be assured you will receive a great result from HGH. And, it’s not just in your garden that HGH can help, the company offer a wide range of services for the interior of your home too. From building work, kitchen and bathroom installation, flooring and decorating, Tim and his team really can create the home of your dreams for you.

• For more information about how the Home & Garden Handyman can turn your ideas for your home into a reality, telephone Tim on 07510 862941 or visit www.homegardenhandyman.com

Are your curtains looking drab? Well take them down, remove the hooks and give them a quick cycle in the dryer with a wet towel to rid the dust.

Open the windows for fresh air

Winter is over so open up those windows and let the good fresh air billow through your home.

Interior Projects

Whether you are looking for a bathroom or kitchen re-fit, minor building work, flooring work or simply a lick of paint, HGH will make your vision into a reality.

Start from the top and work your way down

With each room start at the ceiling and get rid of the cobwebs before working your way down walls and finishing with the floor.

Exterior Projects

From landscaping to fencing, a new patio or a new garden shed to store your outdoor equipment HGH will transform your garden.

www.rugdoctor.co.uk

Care Carpet Clean

Ipswich & Suffolk

We are proud to work in and around the town of Ipswich and across Suffolk. We have many satisfied customers and we are local to you.

We Offer: Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning as well as Home Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning Small Office Cleaning Communal Cleaning

Professionally trained

www.carecarpetclean.co.uk carecarpetclean@hotmail.com Tel Ian 07596 852569

Richmond Road Ipswich Suffolk IP1 4DW

Tel: 07510 862941

Web: www.homegardenhandyman.com Email: t.j.martin@hotmail.co.uk 29

Beating stress with year-round gardening ideas It’s no secret that we are a nation of keen gardeners, in fact, 57 per cent of people claim to have an emotional connection with their gardens, to the point that they would be upset if something happened to them. However, when it comes to the winter months many of us turn away from our gardens in favour of nights in front of the TV. With AXA Insurance’s Stress Index recently revealing that over eight in ten (82 per cent) of Brits feel stressed at least some of the time during the week, it’s important that we don’t let anything get in the way of what makes us happy. However, many of us choose to turn to guilty pleasures to lift our moods, with 51 per cent choosing to watch TV to reduce stress and anxiety.

While watching TV is not harmful per se, the problem is that there are many alternative activities that could have a better impact on both our physical and psychological health. Gardening is just one of these activities, with 50 per cent of people reporting an improvement in their happiness after taking up the hobby. Forty-four per cent also said that gardening also helps them relax and reduces anxiety, whilst 42 per cent report an overall improvement in their psychological health.

Concerns over personal health There are many things that can lead to increased stress levels; however one of the most common causes according to AXA is concerns over personal health. Three quarters of people are worried about their health in general, whilst 68 per cent and 69 per cent are concerned about eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise respectively.

Ipswich Garden Rooms has just launched it’s very first off-the-shelf studio at just £7450 + vat for 3.4m x 3.6m external sizes Ipswich Garden Rooms are a company you can trust, with over 25 years building industry experience.

QUOTE I242018 FOR £400 OF FREE ADDITIONAL ITEMS

■ Half the cost of a loft conversion or extension with minimal disturbance to your daily life.

■ Maintenance free exterior packages ■ Our Airbnb studios or holiday lets can create a healthy income of 17% to 88% on a minimal investment ■ Our bespoke studios are handcrafted to perfection in front of your eyes ■ Free site survey, 3D impression drawings and quotation

On the other hand, 41 per cent of people who practice gardening have said that it has improved their physical health, even though most people only spend around two hours a week working on their plots. Taking this small amount of time to be a part of nature and do some gentle to moderate exercise could prove the key to reducing the nation’s stress over their health.

“Stress is something that affects us all, however I think we can all admit that we don’t always choose the healthiest options to alleviate this stress. We have found that gardening is one of the best ways to deal with stress, so it’s important we look for new ways to enjoy this hobby all year round." Says Gareth Howell, Managing Director, AXA Direct

Year-round gardening ideas Prepare your garden for winter

The winter months are the perfect time to tidy and trim back your garden, as well as perform other ‘clean-up’ jobs such as raking leaves and maybe even building a few raised beds. Wrap up warm and get out in the fresh air and winter sun and both you and your garden will feel the benefit.

Plan ahead for spring

Plan ahead and plant bulbs such as tulips and daffodils ready for a wonderful spring display of colour. If you are clever, you can also plant bulbs in your pots in layers according to their different flowering times, ensuring you have constant flowers and colour in your garden throughout the year.

Move your garden inside

Growing house plants can also be a fun and relaxing activity. I’ve recently been growing cacti from seeds; all you need to do is pop them on a sunny windowsill and see how quickly they grow. Collecting old jars or vases and planting them with succulents to make terrariums can also be a fun winter activity. The therapeutic effects of gardening watching things grow need not only be for those sunny days, and can be an essential year-round de-stresser.

See our website www.ipswichgardenrooms.co.uk for more information and testimonials. Look us up on

ANY SHAPE, ANY SIZE, ANY FINISH JUST SOME OF THE STUDIO USES …

■ beauty and therapy rooms ■ holiday lets ■ cafes ■ shops ■ commercial offices ■ studio ■ utility rooms ■ cinema room ■ music room ■ office ■ arts and crafts ■ gym ■ kids space ■ chill out room ■ hot tub house ■ guest rooms

20 Year Special Price – last few remaining DECKWORLD DEBEN made by Spacrest

A stunning American 5 seats plus a lounger, scatter lights, Installation to suitable base and power, steps, chemical starter pack and lifter £6795.00 Please ring to arrange a home visit for a detailed quote on 01473 520450

Email enquiries@ipswichgardenrooms.co.uk today for our pdf brochure 30

Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP10 0DE Opposite Miller and Carter

Spring has sprung with perfect Primulas Plant a rainbow of colour to welcome in spring by packing patio pots and filling flowerbeds with primulas and polyanthus. These cheerful bedding plants offer great value, flowering their hearts out for weeks on end to brighten your outlook on even the dullest of days.

New varieties are continually being bred offering outstanding garden performance, larger flowers and better resistance to the vagaries of our weather. Although singlecoloured flowers are always popular also look out for bicolours, double and rosebud types, plus wonderfully scented new varieties too.

Bold blocks of primulas always look striking, but impressive displays can also be created by combining them with other spring bedding, flowering bulbs and foliage plants too. Small pot grown plants are available now in full flower, making them perfect for creating instant displays in any garden, patio or courtyard.

Primulas are one of the most popular wildflowers too. Make your own grassy meadow or plant banks, verges and other natural areas with

dainty Primroses (Primula vulgaris) and Cowslips (Primula veris). Keep watered if conditions are dry and these hardy perennials will quickly establish, flowering and setting seed to slowly spread and cover the area with their progeny.

Primula enthusiasts often move on from growing bedding varieties to picking choice varieties of Auricula to grow and display in small terracotta pots on patios or shelved Auricula Theatres. A Victorian favourite, hundreds of exquisite varieties of these evergreen perennials have been bred over the years. Many have deeply coloured and patterned petals surrounding a white or golden eye, with rosettes of leathery leaves often intriguingly coated with a powdery bloom. www.hta.org.uk

Top Primula Growing Tips

- Deadhead regularly to remove faded flowers and keep displays looking their best.

- The compost in patio pots can get waterlogged during wet weather, so always put a layer of coarse gravel or similar drainage material in the base of pots before filling with compost.

- Raise pots off the ground by standing them on ‘feet’ to avoid drainage holes in the base of pots getting blocked.

- Temporarily move pots to a sheltered position if snow or bad weather is forecast.

- Cheeky sparrows and other birds sometimes peck at primroses, damaging their blooms. It’s hard to stop these antics, especially with plants growing in borders, but try moving pots closer to the house to scare them away.

Some people have noted that blue varieties often avoid their attentions.

- Fancy growing primulas from seed? Check the flower seed range in your local garden centre to see what’s available.

Grab a bargain and help Lions

The Lions Club of Ipswich will be holding another one of their fantastic Pre-Loved and Nearly New Table Top Sales on Saturday 10th March, at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave from 10.30am until 1pm.

There are a few tables left at a cost just £5, so if you have items you wish to sell, this is a great opportunity to make some spending money for yourself.

With refreshments available, free parking and free admission, if you’re the sort of person that likes a bargain, then why not pop along and spend the morning having a good rummage around the tables.

This is also a fabulous opportunity to sell your own wares. You will not only be making some money for yourself, you will also be supporting this worthy charity. To book a table to sell your wares contact Maggie on 01473 259899 or Wendy on 07867 973504.

Construction, Building Maintenance & Independent Living Adaptations

Tel: 01728 666264 info@greenfuturesolutions.co.uk

www.greenfuturesolutions.co.uk

The Lions Club of Ipswich raises funds for many local charities and good causes.

· Garden Projects · Turfing · Patios · Artificial Turf

· Decking · Fencing · Lawncare · Garden Maintenance

07801 964298 01473 436891

Electrical, Plumbing & Renewable Energy Specialists

Tel: 01728 604368 info@greenfutureenergy.co.uk

www.greenfutureenergy.co.uk

W: www.totallawns.co.uk E: totallawns@hotmail.co.uk 31

n Stylish and contemporary verandas, conservatories and glass rooms

All the extra space you have ever wanted for your home Would you love to have more room in your home for relaxing and entertaining, however you don’t want to move house or undertake major building work? The Vista Outdoors range, from Vista Glass, may just have the solution you’re looking for!

Vista Outdoors offers a wide range of stylish and contemporary conservatories, glass rooms and glass verandas that create the perfect addition to your home, enabling you to have that extra space you’ve always wanted.

At Vista Outdoors they’ve perfected the art of bringing the inside outside. They’ve taken one of the world’s most stylish, versatile and well designed glass room and veranda systems, chosen the highest quality materials and insisted on the most stringent production controls. Then Vista Outdoors have added exceptional attention to detail when meticulously installing your veranda or glass room of your dreams and they guarantee your complete satisfaction with your new Vista veranda, pergola or gazebo, not just now but for many years to come.

With the British weather being so unpredictable a modern glass veranda is the perfect solution, enabling you to use you outdoor space all year round. And a Vista Outdoors veranda comes

32

complete with LED integrated lighting, heating, concealed fixings and is made entirely from Aluminium creating a unique and practical outdoor space for garden parties, barbecues and all kinds of family and social events all year round.

Vista Outdoors have worked closely with a leading designer in the glazing industry to create an innovative and truly stunning system that will enhance and add value to your home allowing you to be sheltered and comfortable in your garden whatever the weather.

Vista Outdoors have a wealth of experience and can guide you though the whole process ensuring that your veranda or glass room is perfect for both your family and your home.

At Vista Outdoors they promise to give you an unrivalled choice of stunning verandas and glass Rooms, each individually designed and manufactured to reflect your own personal aspirations and requirements, as well as to maximise the space that you have available. A Vista Outdoors veranda or glass room could also add value to your home, no matter where you live.

So if you want extra space to entertain or spend with your family, be the envy of your neighbours and talk to Vista Outdoors about having your very own veranda or glass room.

For more information about verandas and glass rooms or to see the many styles on offer visit The Vista Glass showroom at unit 10, Dales Court Business Centre, Dales Road, Ipswich, website www.vista-glass.co.uk or telephone 01473 218721.

Spring your lawn into life Spring is traditionally the time of year when the majority of lawn owners will apply a 3 in 1 lawn product to their lawn.

More often than not, this spring treatment is the ONLY nutritional application that will be made to the lawn throughout the year.

There should be a further three treatments but include a couple of fertiliser only applications! Nitrogen encourages colour, vegetative growth and some density of the grass sward.

Inorganic mineral Nitrogen sources based around Ammonium Nitrate with 21% Nitrogen will provide a rapid greening up within days and a lot of growth that is short lived with any nutritional benefit being mown off over the coming weeks.

Some of the more controlled release fertilisers found in The Lawn Shop Granular Fertilisers use soil temperature and moisture to control the release of Nitrogen over a 2 - 3 month period thus without the initial rush of growth.

Always 'feed before you weed' once the lawn has been mown a couple of times in the spring. This old Groundsman's saying was to ensure that you had actively

promoted some grass growth just ahead of applying a selective weed killer which can sometimes 'shock' winterised lawns.

There is some truth in the notion that you are actively promoting the weeds to grow too but this enhances the intake of the selective weed killer which is after all only a growth hormone - a growth hormone that is responsible for secondary thickening of the cambium cells in the weeds which is why the flower stalks and stems of the weed plant go into 'super growth' before they literally outgrow themselves and die some 4 weeks later. Grasses do not have cambium cells so are not affected by the selective weed killer if applied at the correct label rate.

Applying a hormonal selective weed killer is only effective if the air temperature is above eight to 10 degrees centigrade for a consistent period and the weeds have commenced their active growth cycle. A cold spring will delay any selective weed killing and cold days with a wind chill will slow chemical uptake further as the plants metabolism reduces.

Lawn Care is after all a science - the science and practice of turf culture. The basic science of lawn care and annual calendar

Orchid Society Spring Show The Suffolk Orchid Society will be holding its Spring Show on Saturday 10th March 2018 at St Michael's Church Centre, (near Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath, IP5 3PL, between 10 am and 4 pm.

In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care. Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day. Admission £1.00

CHIMNEY SWEEP TL CHIMNEYS Marcus Webb

Tel 01473 712703 - Mobile 07733 420611 Email marcus@tlchimneys.co.uk

of maintenance practices has not changed throughout the centries.

The machinery, automation and products and turf grass species has changed to keep in line with the increased use of the natural surface that a lawn or sports pitch demands.

It is important that lawn owners have the opportunity to receive unbiased but correct technical advice which is why we can clearly state that the

timing of treatments should always be in harmony with prevailing weather patterns and sympathetic with the natural growth cycle of the weeds and grass plants that make up the lawn area. It is so important to get the best out of any lawn care product, especially pesticides that readily receive bad Press. www.GrassClippings.co.uk

GET PAID FOR

YOUR SCRAP

• COPPER • BRASS • OLD CARS and all other grades of metals

www.tlchimneys.co.uk

SUFFOLK • NORFOLK • ESSEX

• Photo ID required

33

wellbeing

n Warm Homes project wins funding to support hospital patients A project which helps vulnerable people and families in Suffolk make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat has successfully been awarded funding to support patients leaving hospital.

Warm Homes Healthy People (WHHP) plan to use the £10,000 in funding from National Energy Action’s (NEA) Warm and Safe at Home innovation award to reduce the heating related delayed transfers of care (DTOC) at Ipswich Hospital Trust. This innovative project will ensure no patients are discharged into a cold home, by providing temporary heating and then assisting with a longer term solution which could include repair of, or replacement heating.

WHHP provides support and advice to Suffolk residents who are stuggling to stay warm. The service is run from Suffolk Coastal District Council on behalf of all the councils in Suffolk. Patients in our local hospitals waiting to go home are sometimes unable to do so because of inadequate or broken heating.

34

NEA is the national fuel poverty charity in the UK with aims to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, dry home. In partnership with central and local government,

DTOC at Ipswich Hospital speeding up discharge time and allowing people to receive care in their home.

The WHHP team will work closely with the Ipswich hospital’s Discharge

fuel utilities, housing providers, consumer groups and voluntary organisations, NEA undertakes a range of activities to address the causes and treat the symptoms of fuel poverty.

The award of funding follows the successful pilot partnership work carried out last winter to reduce

Planning Team and Operations Centre to identify patients.

Cllr Steve Gallant, cabinet member for Community Health, said, “This important funding will enable Warm Homes to support patients leave hospital earlier and return to a warm home which has been shown to boost recovery time and help people

to regain their independence.

“By working closely with the hospital, the team hope to reach the people who are at most risk and help identify their heating problems before discharge, giving them the best chance of recovery.”

Neill Moloney, managing director of The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, said, “This is a great initiative which we really support. Several patients have already been able to return home much sooner because of the help and support from colleagues at Warm Homes.”

Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Chair of the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Board, said, “Having a warm home is critical to a person’s health and wellbeing which is why Suffolk County Council feels it is important to continue to support the Warm Homes, Healthy People programme. We know the service makes a real difference to the lives of many residents in Suffolk and I am delighted they have secured additional funding to strengthen the support they can offer.”

wellbeing

National No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March –

No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness day in that is intended to help smokers who want to quit smoking.

The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984, and it now takes place on the second Wednesday in March.

It’s now well known that smoking is bad for your health, but exactly how will stopping make your life better? Here are just some of ways your health will improve when you stop smoking.

Stopping smoking lets you breathe more easily

People breathe more easily and cough less when they give up smoking because their lung capacity improves by up to 10% within nine months.

In your 20s and 30s, the effect of smoking on your lung capacity may not be noticeable until you go for a run, but lung capacity naturally diminishes with age. In later years, having maximum lung capacity can mean the difference between having an active, healthy old age and wheezing when you go for a walk or climb the stairs.

Stop smoking gives you more energy

Within two to 12 weeks of stopping smoking, your blood circulation improves.

This makes all physical activity, including walking and running, much easier.

You will also give a boost to your immune system, making it easier to fight off colds and flu. The increase in oxygen in the body can also reduce tiredness and the likelihood of headaches.

Quit smoking to live longer

Half of all long-term smokers die early from smoking-related diseases, including heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. Men who quit smoking by the age of 30 add 10 years to their life. People who kick the habit at 60 add three years to their life. In other words, it's never too late to benefit from stopping. Being smoke-free not only adds years to your life but also greatly improves your chances of a diseasefree, mobile, happier old age.

A smoke-free home protects your loved ones

By stopping smoking, you'll be protecting the health of your non-smoking friends and family, too. Breathing in secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. In children, it doubles the risk of getting chest illnesses, including pneumonia, ear infections, wheezing and asthma.

They also have three times the risk of getting lung cancer in later life compared with children who live with non-smokers.

If you are wishing to give up smoking but struggling to kick the habit then there is plenty of help and support available visit https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/ smoking/Pages/stopsmokingnewhome.aspx for more information or talk to you doctor about the help available to help you quit for good!

NHS Choices

Ditch the cigarettes and feel less stressed

The withdrawal from nicotine between cigarettes can heighten feelings of stress. As the stress of withdrawal feels the same as other stresses, it's easy to confuse normal stress with nicotine withdrawal, so it can seem like smoking is reducing other stresses. But this is not the case. In fact, scientific studies show people's stress levels are lower after they stop smoking. If you find that you're prone to stress, then replacing smoking with a healthier, better way of dealing with stress can give you some real benefits.

Quitting leads to better sex

Stopping smoking improves the body's blood flow so improves sensitivity.

Men who stop smoking may get better erections. Women may find their orgasms improve and they become aroused more easily. It's also been found that non-smokers are three times more appealing to prospective partners than smokers.

Stopping smoking improves fertility

Non-smokers find it easier to get pregnant. Quitting smoking improves the lining of the womb and can make men's sperm more potent. Becoming a non-smoker increases the possibility of conceiving through IVF and reduces the likelihood of having a miscarriage. Most importantly, it improves the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.

Stopping smoking improves smell and taste

When you stop smoking, your senses of smell and taste get a boost. You may notice that food tastes and smells different as your mouth and nose recover from being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.

Stop smoking for younger-looking skin

Stopping smoking has been found to slow facial ageing and delay the appearance of wrinkles. The skin of a non-smoker gets more nutrients, including oxygen, and stopping smoking can reverse the sallow, lined complexion smokers often have.

Ex-smokers have whiter teeth and sweeter breath Giving up tobacco stops teeth becoming stained, and you'll have fresher breath. Ex-smokers are also less likely than smokers to get gum disease and prematurely lose their teeth.

Suffolk Orthodontics has been established in Kesgrave since 2000 and prides itself in creating smiles using modern technology.

Private orthodontic treatment is available at the practice including Invisalign, ceramic brackets and lingual appliances.

To book a free consultation to discuss your treatment options please call 01473 636991 or email info@suffolkorthodontics.co.uk.

NHS assessments are available to anyone under the age of 18 years via a dental referral.

35

Dental checks remain hugely important for OAPs Denture wearers – and even those with no natural teeth left – are being reminded of the importance of attending the dentist regularly.

As we get older it can become more difficult to visit the dentist because of ill health, mobility issues, having to rely on lifts from other people and the worry of the visits themselves. But our Ipswich dentist, Malcolm Harbour from Harbour Dental Care would like to stress the importance of visiting the dentist at least once a year, preferably twice.

Mouth cancer screening

During our dental health checks we carry out a mouth cancer screening. Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women and 86% of cases are diagnosed in those aged over 50. Smokers and drinkers are particularly at risk.

Early detection for mouth cancer results in a survival outcome of 90%. However, delayed diagnosis means survival rates plummet to as little as 50%. Let us give you peace of mind by checking your

36

mouth for the early signs of mouth cancer.

It is also important to clean and rinse your dentures twice a day and take them out at night. This helps to prevent substances known to cause mouth cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol, staying trapped under your dentures.

Dental practices have come a long way

Modern dental visits are nothing like they once were – and many practices don’t even smell like they used to! But we appreciate that anxiety has a lasting effect.

When we decorated Harbour Dental Care we paid lots of consideration to our patients’ wellbeing and made sure our practice is a calm, welcoming place that puts people immediately at ease.

What’s the point of hygiene?

We believe that dental hygiene is one of the most important services we offer! Dentists treat disease but hygienists help prevent it from starting in the first place. This is especially important as gum disease has been linked to many serious illnesses, including heart disease, bacterial lung infections, strokes, diabetes and dementia.

Our door is open to new patients of all ages, so please feel free to pop into our lovely, welcoming practice on the High Street to chat through your dental needs.

27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH 01473 253599 www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk

wellbeing

Don't let embarrassment stop you having smear tests, women urged "Embarrassment makes women avoid smear tests, charity says," reports BBC News. This follows a survey by the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust of more than 2,000 women in the UK, half of whom either delayed or didn't attend screening.

More than 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and nearly 900 die annually. All women aged 25 to 49 are invited for a screening test every three years, while those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years.

But one in four women skip the cervical screening, with the proportion increasing to one in three among those aged 25 to 29 and to one in two in some more deprived regions of the UK. The survey shows that embarrassment about body shape is a barrier to attendance

n Silver award makes Lisa a shining example!

A weight-loss expert from Ipswich has won a sparking silver award for the exceptional work she does in helping more than 100 people in the area to lose weight every week.

Lisa, who runs the Norbridge Social Club Slimming World group, has been given the ‘Silver’ status by the national slimming club because of her success in supporting local slimmers to reach their dream weight, improve their health and change their lives. The accolade is awarded to Slimming World Consultants who have 100 members or more in their group come back week after week because they’re losing weight beautifully and wouldn’t miss their weekly group for anything.

She says, “I am delighted to have received the ‘Silver’ award for the Norbridge group. I feel passionately about helping people to transform their lives by losing weight in the same way that I did when I lost 4.5st with Slimming World. Losing weight made me feel happier and healthier and gave me so much more confidence. I became a Consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I had myself. Seeing the members in my group – mums, dads, grandmas and young people too – reach their target weight is so rewarding and receiving this award is just the icing on the cake. The Norbridge group has really put healthy weight loss on the map in Ipswich. Together, they’ve lost an amazing 900lbs in January!”

“This award belongs to the Norbridge group’s members. They’re the ones who make our group the success that it is, with their fabulous commitment, the wonderful support they give each other every week, and, obviously, their impressive weight losses while following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan.

• To join the Norbridge Social Club Group, which is held every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at The Norbridge Social Club, Norwich Road, either pop along or give Lisa a call on 07941 660285.

for between a third and half of women. It also highlights a lack of understanding about the importance of screening, with a quarter saying they didn't think they needed to go because they were healthy and more than a third believing screening doesn't reduce your cancer risk.

The findings highlight the need for better access to screening services for some women, but also for improved awareness and education about the vital role of screening in cancer prevention.

Cervical screening offers the greatest protection against cervical cancer. NHS England's Five Year Forward View calls for a "radical upgrade in prevention", and cervical screening is the best way to achieve this.

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said, "Smear tests prevent 75% of cervical cancers, so it is a big worry that so many young women, those who are most at risk of the disease, are unaware of the importance of attending. It is of further concern that body worries are contributing to non-attendance.

"Please don't let unhappiness or uncertainty about your body stop you from attending what could be a life-saving test. Nurses are professionals who carry out millions of tests every year – they can play a big part in ensuring

women are comfortable," he added.

Jilly Goodfellow – senior sister and nurse practitioner at Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – said, "Nurses who take smears see hundreds of women but should never forget that the procedure may be embarrassing for some.

We know that if a woman does not have an acceptable experience, this may put her off having smears in the future, and the biggest risk of developing cervical cancer is not having a smear.

"The nurse's focus is to make women feel welcome, comfortable and ensure their dignity is maintained, while obtaining a good sample. We do this by talking to the woman while she is fully dressed so she is aware of what is going to happen, and explaining reasons for the smear, when she will receive the result and what it will mean.

"A chaperone is always offered, and if they would like a friend or partner with them, this is fine too.

The majority of sample-takers are female nurses who fully understand what it is like to expose the most intimate part of their body to a complete stranger."

For more information about Smear test visit www.nhs.uk or talk to your GP. NHS Choices

Norbridge Social Club, 415 Norwich Road, IP1 4HA

WEDNESDAYS 5:30 & 7:30pm

37

"the man of March he sees the spring and wonders what the year will bring and hopes for better weather"

wellbeing

Type 2 diabetics dementia risk People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of diseases that affect our cognitive abilities, like dementia, according to a new study .

The study, led by Dr Wuxiang Xie at Imperial College London and Peking University Clinical Research Institute in China, suggests that the cognitive abilities of those with diabetes, like memory and brain function, declined much faster than those with normal blood sugar levels.

Sugars and brain function

The international team looked at more than 5,000 British men and women over the age of 50 and the mean follow-up was eight years. They analysed the levels of a molecule called haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) which is a good indication of how well your body controls blood sugar levels. They also analysed cognitive decline by looking at cognition, memory and function scores.

Even after taking age, sex, lifestyle factors and existing health issues such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer into account, the findings suggest there is a direct link between HbA1c and cognitive decline.

The team now believe controlling blood sugar could protect our brains from life-altering conditions that affect our memories, such as dementia.

Diseases are linked together

The research adds to previous studies uncovering the connections between diseases of the heart and circulatory system including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia. The connections are due to the role our blood vessels play in linking every organ or tissue in our bodies together.

In diabetes, high levels of sugars in the blood can damage our blood vessels, making them more prone to fatty plaque build-up and clots. If a clot then becomes dislodged, it can travel to our hearts or brain, causing a potentially life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

BHF Senior Cardiac Nurse, Philippa Hobson, said, “People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. This study suggests type 2 diabetes could also put you at risk of cognitive diseases, like dementia.

“More research is needed to confirm whether controlling our blood sugars could help protect our brains. But at the very least, this research reinforces the fact that conditions are often intertwined and better understanding these connections could help us develop new ways of treating them.” www.bhf.org.uk

Would you like help on hand 24 hours a day?

Our friendly and fully trained live-in carers enable you to stay at home with care available as you need it.

When Muriel became forgetful her daughter arranged live-in care with Purely Care. A 24 hour carer has allowed Muriel to retain her independence and remain safe. Muriel can still decide where she goes and when, the carer helps her choose an outfit and makes sure she gets to her appointments on time and finds her way back home safely. Muriel loves having someone to chat to and remind her when to put the TV on to watch her favourite programmes.

38

Martin Wilks, C.Psychol.

Writing this for the March issue of Ipswich 24, it's currently the half term week in February and I have my two grandson's staying with me over the week. A bright sunshiny day, cold but promising - and they need to learn to ride bikes whilst the going’s good so, I must write swiftly.

How to keep your eye on priorities – when there seem to be so many, and how to keep a balance between work/family/leisure/ personal development?

On March 8th I’m offering a workshop from Quay Place, Heritage & wellbeing Centre “The power of Mindfulness” – that looks at a model that starts with “who or what is most important to you” next identifies the inner obstacles (thoughts, feelings, memories etc) that have us move away from that which is most important, recognize what those “away moves” are, and then commit to “towards moves”. It’s called The Matrix. Hope you might come? It’s part of that Being Well In Suffolk, BWIS initiative I wrote about last time – open to the public from: http://www.bwis.online So – New Year’s resolutions may be becoming a thing of the past; this is a take away model that helps you to re-resolve on a daily basis!

You’ll see we have a new set of eight week mindfulness courses advertised below - starting after Easter. DO contact me if you are interested to find out more. And, as a chartered counseling psychologist, I am always available to consider anyone who approaches me to work on issues one to one. We also have an ongoing series of mindfulness retreats, day and longer residential retreats. But I mustn’t go on – I’ve two boys waiting to learn to ride bicycle.

The words above are from a song I’m learning “The January man” – I, and my band, have a few upcoming gigs later in February – (an expression of my personal commitment to leisure/creativity keeping it’s place alongside all the other competing commitments).

Here’s hoping – for anyone who has read thus far – that you can enjoy the buzz of moving towards “who or what is most important to you” – that’s important!

Time for a DECHOX to raise money for British Heart Foundation This March, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is challenging the nation to give up chocolate for March and get sponsored to help raise money towards the fight against heart disease.

Whether you’re an undercover chocolate eater, a crafty nibbler or a full-on midnight fridge raider, deep down you know it’s time to dump the chunk and give up chocolate! Whatever your motivation, you’ll be helping to fund life saving research and save lives.

Any sort of cocoa is a no-no, which means chocolate sweets, treats, biscuits, ice cream, cake –even the chocolate sprinkles on your cappuccino are off limits during March.

The charity is now calling on even more of you to get involved in March 2018. Each year, around 160,000 lives are cut short by heart and circulatory disease – that’s one every three minutes. By joining the thousands of other DECHOX champions you can help keep more hearts beating.

Stand up and say no to chocolate this March and join DECHOX! You will be able to sign up to take part in the next DECHOX in early 2018 at www.bhf.org.uk/dechox.

New range of footwear from Bettacare

wellbeing

​ ew funds bring smiles N to hospital patients Thanks to £37,000 of new funding, Suffolk Artlink’s Forget-Me-NotVisitors project will create a positive, friendly environment for even more older patients living with dementia at Ipswich Hospital.

The new funds have been provided by The Rayne Foundation, Limbourne Trust and Suffolk Community Foundation’s Henry Smith County Grant. The money will enable Suffolk Artlink to continue to deliver their arts project on two wards at the hospital for two more years whilst also introducing the project to two new wards.

Suffolk Artlink’s Forget-me-not Visitors are professional artists who take on the characters of 1950’s cousins Millie Marigold and Kitty Dandelion. Millie and Kitty have been paying regular visits to older patients at Ipswich Hospital since 2015. Through the use of music, poetry, reminiscence and sensory resources, the Forget-me-not Visitors help patients to relax in an unfamiliar setting, easing fear and confusion.

They also offer support to the patient’s family members, providing them with a meaningful way of reconnecting with their older relatives.

Gabrielle Cox, Suffolk Artlink Project Development Manager, said, “The gentle approach and variety of creative skills used in this medical setting makes such a difference to the wellbeing of patients and their families.

“Projects like this are not possible without the generous support of funders and donors. Thanks to this new funding we will be able to reach more people, using the arts and creativity to provide comfort and happiness at what can often be a stressful time.”

Kerry Day, Practice Development Nurse at Ipswich Hospital, added, “Older patients in hospitals can feel bored, lonely, anxious and isolated. The ForgetMe-Not Visitors change that. They fulfil the need to have contact with the world - the human contact that makes us feel loved.”

If you would like to find out more about Suffolk Artlink’s Forget-me-not Visitors Programme please contact Gabby Cox, gabby@suffolkartlink.org.uk / 01986 873955 or visit www.suffolkartlink.org.uk.

To support Suffolk Artlink’s work, you can visit their Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/Suffolk-Artlink.

With Spring in the air Bettacare are now introducing Padders Plus+ to their range of footwear giving more selection for the ‘normal’ fittings, along with stocks of imported leather summer shoes at very competitive prices.

Based in Kesgrave, Bettacare is a personal footwear service that provides shoes and slippers for both ladies and men – their motto is ‘No feet too difficult!’ and this is true as the locally based company stock a wide range of footwear that is specially designed for people with foot health issues who might otherwise struggle to find comfortable shoes.

Bettacare are the local mobile stockist for Cosyfeet. If you are unable to go to them they will provide a home visit to show and fit their footwear, enabling you to be confident of the correct size and style needed.

Cosyfeet shoes fulfil all the criteria for safe footwear and are specially designed for people with swollen feet and are unsuitable for people with ‘normal’ or narrow fittings.

To find out more about Bettacare footwear, for both men and ladies, and advice on the correct fitting, please contact them on 01473 333417. Anybody is welcome to come along to the showroom in Kesgrave by appointment.

R & J Ward trading as

BETTACARE Established 30 years

No feet too difficult!

Shoes and Slippers For Extra Wide Feet

Ladies & Men Home visits possible

Established for 30 years

Based in Kesgrave • Call us for an appointment Tel: 01473 333417 • Email: randjward@talktalk.net 39

School-run accidents AXA Insurance recently revealed that one in four parents were involved in a car accident whilst taking their children to school during the last year. Nine per cent claimed that they had been in a somewhat major accident, whilst another eight per cent said their accident was ‘severe’.

Eighteen per cent also said that whilst they had not been involved in an accident, they had been involved in at least one near miss.

A number of these accidents occur on or near the school gates: one in six parents claimed their accident occurred near the school or in the school car park with someone they know. It is therefore not surprising that 42 per cent of parents believe that even though their child’s school tries to help when it comes to road safety around the area, they could do more.

Ideas include creating more designated parking spaces (37 per cent), working with local residents to make sure they don’t block roads for parents and vice versa (31 per cent) and making sure children don’t stand around the car park or in front of the school (24 per cent).

Causes of school-run accidents

Driving during rush hour can often be stressful, with 39 per cent of parents saying that other drivers rushing makes them feel like them and their children are in danger. Rushing seems to be the main cause of issues during the school run, with 46 per cent of parents saying they often spend mornings clock-watching in order to get their children to school on time.

One in three parents also said they often feel stressed in the morning, whilst a quarter regularly experience frustration and 15 per cent are overwhelmed.

Some of the biggest challenges parents face are children arguing about what they want to wear (33 per cent), throwing their breakfast on the floor (25 per cent) and their spouse not helping (31 per cent).

Ways to improve the school run Running late is something most parents worry about, with 64 per cent and 52 per cent saying running late to school and work respectively distracts them whilst driving their kids to school.

However, 67 per cent don’t put any measures in place to help them plan their journeys such as checking traffic reports, messaging other parents or arranging lift shares.

Some respondents have their own clever ways of making the school run easier, including: Prep the night before - Do as much as you can the night before when the children are all in bed. Things take a fraction of the time when there aren't kids distracting you: you're less likely to forget something and you'll be less rushed in the morning. All this massively reduces stress.

Get moving - Set off earlier and walk if you can!

Have some fun - Make sure you wake everyone up early enough so they have enough time to get ready. Try to make it fun by using countdowns or timers and being encouraging. www.axa.co.uk

Best Family Car Windscreens Repaired and Replaced • Body Glass • Sunroofs • Van Conversions

Tel: 01473 214611

West End Road, Ipswich IP1 2DZ Web: www.carglassandtrim.co.uk Email: info@carglassandtrim.co.uk

SERVICING & M.O.T’s TYRES • BRAKES & BATTERIES CAMBELTS • DIAGNOSTICS BODYWORK • AIR CONDITIONING FOR CARS OF ALL MAKES & MODELS

01473 60 40 20 40

The Peugeot 3008 SUV has scooped the award for the Best Family Car in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2018, the 15th award it has won in the UK since the vehicle’s launch.

The multi-award winning 3008 SUV impressed the judges with its sophisticated style, premium feel and practicality. It was also described as a class-leading car and was highly praised for its “game-changing” dashboard design which forms part of the innovative Peugeot i-Cockpit®.

The technology that makes up the Peugeot i-Cockpit® offers a more intuitive and engaging driving experience, with a compact multi-function steering wheel, 12.3” head-up digital instrument display and 8.0” capacitive touchscreen with Mirror Screen® functionality comprising of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay™ and Mirror Link®.

David Peel, Managing Director at Peugeot UK, said, “Winning the Best Family Car in the UK Car of the Year Awards is a fantastic achievement.

In a particularly competitive sector, the 3008 SUV proved its suitability for families with its combination of robustness and elegance.

“This award adds to the collection of over 30 international awards that the 3008 SUV has won since it went on sale in 2017. Whilst the 3008 SUV has impressed many award panels, the UK Car of the Year Awards is voted for by some of the UK’s top automotive journalists, making this accolade a massive achievement.”

The Peugeot 3008 SUV can be fully configured and ordered using Peugeot’s industry leading ‘Order Online’ facility at www.peugeot.co.uk.

Mycarcheck.com's valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.

Used car of the month: Mazda CX-3

Vehicle valuation manager at mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said, "If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the Mazda CX-3 is a worthy contender.

Launched at the 2014 LA Auto Show, it boasts a high quality, classy interior, stylish looks and is fantastic to drive. Ideal for a young family, a used CX-3 is both practical and affordable. Our choice would be the 1.5 SkyActiv-D 105ps 2wd in SE-L guise, but don't overlook the 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol as it might be a more cost-effective option. As always, check before you buy, because a higher than average proportion of Mazda CX-3 models we checked in 2017 were still on finance."

As to market trends, Wheeler said, "UK new vehicle registrations ended the year 5.7% down on 2016.

However, while this looks like a hefty loss, it still means that over 2.5 million new cars hit the roads. Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) - hybrids and full electrics - achieved a huge 34.8% uplift year on year, so demand is clearly building. The promised investment in charging infrastructure will be key to sustaining this momentum. Although diesel suffered a big hit in the new car market, largely due to concerns over emissions, used traders are reporting a healthy appetite for good condition diesel models. Depending on your needs, diesel might still be the right fuel for you."

Check the dealer

The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for the automotive sector, is therefore urging motorists to spend time doing research in order to ensure that the independent garage or franchised car dealership is accredited to the body when buying, repairing or servicing a vehicle.

Using an accredited business gives consumers important peace of mind, as the retailer or repairer has committed to The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice for Service and Repair and/or Vehicle Sales (covering both new and used cars). The Codes are a comprehensive set of operating guidelines which have been designed to allow a business to operate to even higher standards and deliver exemplary customer service and workmanship. This includes the use of clear pricing and invoicing, advertising which is factually correct and only carrying out work which has been agreed beforehand with the vehicle owner.

Furthermore, if a business adheres to a Code of Practice, this means that consumers have access to The Motor Ombudsman’s free and impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service and Information Line should they have a complaint. ADR is a form of mediation between two parties and a quick and fair way of solving a dispute outside of the courtroom. This thereby avoids the need for immediate legal action which can prove timeconsuming, costly and stressful for everyone involved.

Motorists are able to easily identify whether a business is signed up to a Motor Ombudsman Code of Practice. The online Garage Finder (TheMotorOmbudsman.org/garage-finder) lists all businesses that are accredited across the UK by name, town and postcode. Customers can equally look out for the trusted Approved Code and Motor Ombudsman logos on a garage’s premises or website.

Used bike of the month: Triumph Rocket

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com's Mark Field said, "In a game of top trumps, the Triumph Rocket would surely be a great card. The massive 2294cc engine is the largest production engine ever made for a motorcycle, generating an impressive 163ftlb of torque and 146bhp.

Another eye-watering statistic is the weight, 367kg, which is noticeable while riding. However, thanks to a clever change of foot peg positioning, and a slightly raised seat height, the current model is actually quite easy to ride.

ABS and a digital display for fuel and gear indicators give it a modern touch, and the fact that it is shaft-driven points to reliability and ease of maintenance. Residual values are high but check before you buy because, based on the admittedly small number we checked last year, they are prone to being written-off."

As to market trends, Field said, "Having allowed the dust to settle, it is time to challenge the perception that 2017 was a particularly subdued year for bike sales. At first glance, a drop from 128,644 new registrations in 2016 to 105,467 looks bad. However, it is important to remember the impact of the Euro 4 regulations, which loomed large over the industry in 2016. Any Euro 3 bike had to be pre-registered, and this surge resulted in the market being saturated. If we take the 115,121 vehicles registered in 2015 as the benchmark, the two-wheeled market showed only a 4.4% loss last year, which compares favourably to the 5.7% decline in new car registrations.

Does this mean the sales dip was more a reflection of the wider economy, rather than a bike-specific issue as some openly feared? Time will tell, but the recent bike show at the NEC provided many reasons to be optimistic that 2018 will be a much better year."

• With information from the police, DVLA, insurers and finance houses, My Car Check holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads - things that buyers should be aware of before making an offer.

CDL Vehicle Information Services, which owns My Car Check, performs over a million look-ups a day for companies including AutoExpress, CompareTheMarket, Go-Compare, Moneysupermarket, Swiftcover and Tesco.

For all your motorcycling needs, from 50cc up, helmets, clothing and servicing! www.orwell.co.uk

Search Orwell Motorcycles

200 Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0AQ 01473 257401 41

Russell Taylor – Felixstowe Professional Painting & Decorating Service Over 25 Years Experience • Both Interior & Exterior For a Free Quote Please Ring:

01394 549029 • 07919 831764 26 Leopold Road, Felixstowe IP11 7NP

ON SITE REPAIRS TO HARD SURFACES, INCLUDING: • Ceramic tiles • Sanitaryware • Worktops • Doors and flooring And much more just ask!

Call 07764 960436

Or email rob.prior@magicman.co.uk Clear-View Removals

• Est. in 1988 • Fully insured • Free Quotes • and Advice

Removals & Deliveries

www.clear-viewremovals.co.uk Felixstowe 01394 276958 or 07808 043 127

‘Your local removals specialist’ A professional company with a personal approach.

Home & office removals Single items • Fully insured Available 7 days a week Free quotations 01473 356377

info@wehelpyoumoveit.co.uk www.wehelpyoumoveit.co.uk

For a no fee, no obligation quote call: 01449 672389 or 0790 9878332 or email us at dgfgroundworks@hotmail.com

Same Day

Denture Repairs 01473 716226 07789 071536

Iceni Plumbing & Heating General Plumbing Boilers Bathrooms 24 hr call out

Gas work Gas safety check Landlord certs Fully insured

Tel: 07873 442187

info@clear-viewremovals.co.uk

Haxley and Ruffles Roofing Contractors

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Telephone:

01473 351270 www.fizzwigdesigns.co.uk 42

Est. 1981 Re-roofing | Old & New | Lead Works 10 year insuranced backed guarantee 01473 832 789 07850 230234

haxleyandruffles@gmail.com www.haxleyandruffles.com

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.

County Graphics

Attention Property Owners!

Fed up with paying too much for ink and toner cartridges?

Phone or email for best prices on compatible inks and toners.

Service Charges too high? www.hfhblockmanagement.co.uk info@hfhblockmanagement.co.uk

07939 996220

Call us on: 01473 858690

countygraphics@btinternet.com

J. D. STONE WINDOW CLEANING All Sills, Frames and Frosted Glass Cleaned Free Window, Conservatory, Fascia and Gutter Cleaning

Fun, friendly, affordable driving lessons in Ipswich with

07786 606500

We have a team of successful male & female instructors ready to get you on the road, regardless of how much or little driving experience you may have.

Digger Hire Mini with Operator.

Driveways and Footings.

13 Tonne Excavator Call Martin on 07850 419450

Tel: 07805 055 206 www.passmastermal.com

P.T. Carpentry & Property Maintenance

Indoor and Outdoor Quality Craftsmanship Doors, Skirting Boards Laminate Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Wardrobes & Cupboards Decking, Fencing, Pergolas, Sheds - New or Repair

Block Paving & Groundwork Specialists • Patios • Tarmacing/Tar & Chip • Walls • Drainage • Fencing • Drop Kerbs • Block Paving • Car Parks and Forecourts • Resin Drives For free no obligation quote call

01473 530101 www.randadriveways.com

Free Estimates

Are you having trouble setting up or operating your TV / Audio or DVD? Has your equipment stopped working?

Does your TV need a re-tune?

Tel: 07599 018700

New Domestic Appliances and TV Products Supplied

paultemp50@gmail.com

Help is at hand – Call Toby Hicks 01449 741056 / 07968 686035

www.facebook.com/PT-Carpentry

Greenfuture

E L E C T R I C A L & P LU M B I N G Electrical, Plumbing & Renewable Energy Specialists

01728 604368

www.greenfutureenergy.co.uk

Unit 3, Farnham Industrial Estate, Farnham, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1JZ

All electrical work undertaken 24hr call out

Luke Edwards 01473 399173 07800 753339 ledwards.electrical@yahoo.com 43

Open Boat Weekend Sailing Barge Victor, Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant and Orwell Lady You are cordially invited to come on board and look around the only three resident Ipswich river cruise boats on Saturday 7th April or Sunday 8th April between 11 and 4pm.

This is a free event.

Meet the crews, discover the fascinating history of each boat and hear about the different cruises. Light refreshments will be available. Enter a free prize draw to win: • Brunch cruise for 4 on board the Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant • Sunday buffet lunch cruise for 2 on Orwell Lady • Supper Cruise for 2 on the Sailing Barge Victor Winners will be drawn at 4pm on Sunday.

Ipswich Waterfront, in front of the Old Custom House IP4 1BY Saturday 7th April and Sunday 8th April 11am - 4pm

7th

&8 Ap th ril

Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant 07831 698 298 info@rivercruiserestaurants.co.uk

Orwell Lady 07773 369 970 info@orwellrivercruises.co.uk

Sailing Barge Victor 01473 258070 tourist@ipswich.gov.uk

Open Event_A4 ad.indd 1

10/02/2017 15:41