Ipswich24 April 2015

APRIL 2015

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

FREE

All About Dogs, Trinity Park, Easter Weekend – see page 11

Visit us online at www.ipswich24.co.uk for more information and events 0415_ips24_april_.indd 1

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Want to set up an ‘Eco-friendly’ Retirement Pensions Revolution Gathers social enterprise?

Momentum The EEHub can help…

If you have a new idea, or an existing eco conscious project that benefits the community, the Eastern Enterprise Hub’s SSE East Cool 10 Environmental Entrepreneurs Programme can help. The learning programme offers six-months of business support to help you develop your project.

The free course, which starts in May 2015, supports startup enterprises and individuals who are looking to get started on an ecofriendly, socially focused idea.

Designed and delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs East (SSE East), the programme will help ‘green thinking’ entrepreneurs develop into leaders and obtain the skills needed to take their social enterprise to the next level. It is incredibly practical, and entrepreneurs can expect to learn from their peers, build new networks and be challenged by social enterprise experts.

Social enterprises previously supported by the programme include: • An environmentally-friendly event management service • A social enterprise that encourages people to recycle • A spin out, which provides environmental services traditionally delivered

by Essex County Council The recruitment process has already started, so for more information on how to apply, please email Amy Bramwell, Marketing Manager on amy@eehub.co.uk or call 01473 527100.

Britain’s pensions revolution is gathering pace, with a series of reforms aimed at allowing greater flexibility in taking retirement benefits alongside the proposed introduction of new workplace pension schemes to encourage people to save more towards their retirement.

The aim of all these changes is clear: the government wants to encourage everyone to save as much as possible towards what is becoming a long period of retirement, so it has recently introduced two new initiatives.

First, and most important, the scrapping of rules which effectively forced most pensioners to buy an annuity to fund their retirement: this means that no pensioners will be locked into fixed income products which, because their returns vary according to long-term interest rates, can be perceived, by some people, as poor value, despite the lifetime security they provide. Instead, they will be allowed to take their benefits in a way that suits them, making it easier to adapt their pension savings to the kind of phased retirement or part-time working that is becoming more common. Second, the reforms aim to persuade more employees that it is worth joining workplace

pension schemes with new Dutchstyle collective, defined ambition schemes.

The workplace scheme proposals face a tough credibility test in the UK but, in general, the reforms are a welcome recognition of the importance of retirement planning.

The government hopes that those saving for retirement will find the prospect of more options and greater flexibility enticing, but only if, when coupled with the right advice and planning, they make a comfortable retirement a reality.

If you would like to discuss any aspects above or have any other financial needs that you may have like alternatives to bank/ building society returns then Adam Glencastle at Glencastle Financial Services Limited looks forward to hearing from you. www.glencastlefs.co.uk

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INSIDE THIS MONTH APRIL Suffolk Show:

On Stage:

Our region is blessed with some of the finest performances and this month we have news on plays, dance and a preview on the Bury Festival.

Preview of Suffolk’s biggest day out, the fantastic Suffolk Show.

Plus the chance to win FREE tickets.

15-19 Easter 2015 7

LiveMusic24: A round-up of local music news plus our day-by-day gig guide.

There’s more to Easter than chocolate!!

It’s the time of year that things start coming alive again and weather permitting you want to get out and about...

Ok, so there is chocolate too

At Home:

Inside your home or out in the garden, we have a wealth of advice and ideas to enhance your home surroundings.

26-31

9-13 23-25

34-37

Wellbeing:

Ipswich24 is published on the last Thursday of every month by Fizzwig Designs.

Available Free from numerous outlets across Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Hadleigh 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: Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4JR 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

This month we have important news for men over the age of 45 as well as our usual Health and Wellbeing features to help you feel great.

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Thrills and spills make for great day out and some cute and clever animals too

Stonham Barns are extremely thrilled to announce the annual return of their fantastic Mid & West Suffolk Show, being held this month over the weekend of 25th & 26th April, between 10am – 5pm on both days. The event will be held on the Mid Suffolk Showground within the main site.

This is one of Stonham Barns most prestigious shows within their yearly events calendar and is a family event featuring spectacular arena demonstrations, children’s activities, a wide range of trade stands and craft /charity stalls, as well as offering delicious local food, snacks and drinks freshly served throughout the weekend.

New for 2015, the spectacular and daring Stannage Stunt Team will be wowing the crowds as the headline act, with fire, escapology and high fall stunts, performing some of the most death defying stunts ever seen. Along with stunning displays and attractions including Lowestoft Dog Display Team; Petting Zoo, Birds of Prey displays, Living History displays, Classic Cars, Steam Engines, Vintage Machinery, Kite Workshops and Fun Fair. These are just some of the many attractions available for you and your family to watch out for over the jam packed weekend.

Tickets for the Show are available to buy on the day and include free face painting and a free circus workshop! Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on leads for the entire event.

For further information on the Show please visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk or contact the events team on 01449 711 111.

This is going to be a weekend to remember for the whole family, with something for everyone to see, do and get involved with; organisers look forward to welcoming you to Stonham Barns!

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Cruising on the River Orwell From April to October, Orwell Lady be cruising up and down the beautiful and historic River Orwell, offering passengers a choice of trips and experiences whilst taking in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river and points of local interest such as Freston Tower, Bloody Point as well as the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe.

Sign-up now for Alton Water Run The Alton Water Run is a fantastic charity event that takes place on Sunday 10th May in spectacular scenery, at the beautiful Alton Water reservoir on the Suffolk / Essex border. With runs to suit all ages and abilities it is the perfect Sunday out for spectators as well as runners, only 20 minutes from Colchester and only 10 minutes from Ipswich.

The Alton Water Run has three routes: The 2k is open to all, including children in pushchairs and teams in fancy dress. The 5k run is a Chip-timed race for adults and children aged 11 and over with a winding route through woodlands and fields, a great alternative to Parkrun and fantastic for C25K runners. And, the 10k run is a Chip-timed race attracting runners from across the region – this route crosses woodland, fields and country lanes. Great training for potential marathon and half marathon runners as well as those who are hoping to better their time on 10k or to achieve this goal for the first time. (Minimum age is 15 for 10k run).

The Alton Water Run has a festival feel with fabulous food stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and side stalls, a café, picnic area and playground, as well as the acres of beautiful Suffolk countryside for bird watching, kayaking, hiking and bike riding, making it a perfect day out on a Sunday. There’s ample parking and it’s easy to find. The Alton Water Run is supported by Anglian Water alongside many other regional businesses. The run is a registered charity raising much needed funds for the small rural schools around the reservoir – Stutton Primary School, Tattingstone Primary School, Holbrook Primary School and Holbrook Academy This year there will be the “laser lighting stage” providing musical entertainment throughout the morning.

Organisers have already signed up several bands and singers including Barny Holmes, and they would like to give local singers and bands the chance to perform, so if you are in a band or know someone who is please contact info@altonwaterrun.co.uk • To find out more or to register visit the website www.altonwaterrun.co.uk

The season starts on Easter weekend with a one-hour return cruise from Orwell Quay in Ipswich to the Orwell Bridge on Saturday 4th April at 11.30am.

This cruise provides an opportunity to transit the locks, sail through Ipswich’s historic wet dock and pass under the Orwell Bridge. The cruise lasts around an hour, is ideal for families, and costs £10 for adults, £5 for children (under 3s travel free) or £25 for a family ticket.

The two and a half hour return Pin Mill cruises start on Easter Monday (at 2pm) and the very popular Harwich Harbour/Port of Felixstowe return trips commence on Saturday 3rd May (sailing at 2pm, returning at 5.30pm).

All three public cruises will continue on weekdays and weekends until October.

Orwell Lady’s English Afternoon Tea and Sunday buffet lunch cruises – both always in high demand - will also be available weekly between June and September.

The programme of Orwell Lady Nights includes old disco favourites such as Abba and the ‘70s, Motown Magic and the ‘70s and ‘80s whilst introducing local live acts including All About Jazz, folk duet Silbury Hill, Jazz/ Blues band Speakeasy, rock band KICKS and local Nat King Cole tribute artist Mark Anthony.

Tickets can be booked online via www.orwellrivercruises.com.

Alternatively tickets for all cruises are available from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre in town (01473 258070) or CoffeeLink on the Waterfront.

Return of Vintage Market The first Woodbridge Vintage & Modern Market of 2015 takes place on the town’s Market Hill and inside the Shire Hall on Saturday 4th April from 9.30am to 4pm.

Tim Clover of Deben Events, organisers of the market, said, “We’re really looking forward to kicking off our 2015 season in style.

The market in Woodbridge is always a really popular event on the Easter calendar, and we’ve got some brilliant stall holders lined up for a day of shopping with a difference.”

The market will feature around 50 stalls, selling a huge range of items with a vintage edge, from fashion, furniture and kitchenalia, to jewellery, ceramics and homewares. There will also be upcycled items, such as fire extinguisher lamps, and a selection of local food and drink stalls.

Find out more information about the market at www.debenevents.com 5

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Junior Golf Academy Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club are very excited about the Launch of their new Junior Felixstowe Academy which will be ably lead by Golf Professional, Robert Joyce.

The Club is inviting children aged from seven to 13 years to enrol in the Academy where they will be given ten weeks of golf coaching, ending with a Graduation Day. On this Day they will play a Fun Texas Scramble and all those who have completed the course will be awarded the Club’s special Kingsfleet Junior Membership.

The course will begin on Wednesday 29th April, at 5pm and run for an hour each week.

Walking Festival With a packed programme of over 90 guided walks, this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival which takes place from 9th until 31st May 2015, is set to be the biggest yet with an eclectic mix of walks around medieval villages, market towns, along the coast and through the gentle landscapes of Suffolk.

The Festival is a partnership project organised by Suffolk’s local authorities with the aim of encouraging residents and visitors to get out into the countryside and explore the county.

“The festival is a great opportunity for people to learn about Suffolk’s wildlife and history while at the same time enjoying the health benefits of walking, in a sociable setting” says Lesley Dolphin from BBC Radio Suffolk, who is the new patron of the festival. “We spend so much time driving in our cars to get from A to B and this is a wonderful chance to slow the pace a little and to see, hear and smell some of the delights of Suffolk” Many of the walks include refreshments such as home-made cake or afternoon tea, some include entry to a visitor attraction and all are led by knowledgeable walks leaders to guide people along the route.

At Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club they are proud to be able to offer these children a safe and friendly environment and they are sure that they will not only learn the wonderful game of golf, but will also have lots of fun and make some new friends too.

For full details please contact the Pro’s Shop on 01394 286834 Ext. 3

The programme includes themed walks such as Sketch Book Strolls with a local artist around Brandon Country Park; a seven mile hike called Food Glorious Food through Thetford Forest to the award-winning restaurant at the Elvedon Hall Estate for lunch; A Scottish Visionary and His Fairytale Village, which starts from Thorpeness on the coast and Beachcombing for Beginners on Felixstowe beach.

You can follow in Benjamin Britten’s footsteps along ‘Curlew River’ and learn about the composer, his music and the wildlife that inspired him; walk the Horseshoe Trail and learn about horse racing in Newmarket; explore the Ponds of Helmingham Hall and walk in the footsteps of Thomas Gainsborough around Sudbury or learn about John Constable as you amble through ‘Constable Country’.

Since many of the walks sold out last year, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. To view the full programme and book tickets, visit the festival website www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk. You can also pick up a brochure from a Suffolk Tourist Information Centre.

Deben Flower Club Quiz Night

The Deben Flower Club will be holding a Quiz Night on Saturday 16th May in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton, 7pm for 7.30pm.

Why not bring along a team of six, or alternatively you are welcome to join with others on the night. This will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a Ploughman’s Supper.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are £6.50 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

Telephone 01394 411422 or email wa@sandlings.co.uk for further information and tickets.

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Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th May 2015

The Suffolk Show: where county and town combine for the biggest two day family event Nine rings packed with amazing entertainments and displays, 700 stands offering outstanding chances to shop for not-on-the-high-street items, amazing street acts, locally produced delicious goodies to eat and drink, hundreds of have a go activities and a celebration of food and farming make this year’s Suffolk Show one not to miss! Children under 15 come free!

Headlining the Grand Ring on both days is the have those cheeky terriers racing and performing amazing Devil’s tricks and the Mascot Derby returns – cheer the Horsemen who have representatives from local businesses and clubs wowed filmgoers over the obstacles. across the globe with At its heart, the Show celebrates food and farming. their equine stunts The Farm Discovery Zone is the show-stopping in War Horse, The interactive area to see farming at work - cows Muppets and Les milked, sheep shorn, chicks hatching in incubators, Miserable, not to cook up a family pizza, hold and touch different mention TV’s Game large and small animals and discover more about of Thrones. They’ll be how vegetables grow and sit-in some state-or-the stunning crowds with art machinery – or discover the fun of being a their Jousting and Young Farmer.

Cossack displays.

“Everything that you see going on in the fields as Around the Trinity Park site during half you travel around Suffolk is not at arm’s length term week on 27th and 28th May, is Sheridan but here for people to touch and experience,” said the Sheepdog, a talking dog on a bicycle just at Show Director Bill Baker. “This is a great chance the right height to entertain the kids. Rising high for all the family to experience why farmers love above the crowds, Titan the eight foot giant farming and have-a-go!” robot is back by The Adnams Food and Drink Experience hosts popular demand wonderful local food and drink producers and a with his own blend chance to taste before you buy, Eat Street is a of comedy, street great place to find lunch or a snack and coffee and theatre and music there are new catering and picnic areas to sit and – and mixing with relax. the stars of Big The Sports Zone has 30+ sports to try out for Brother and the free, a focus on the women’s and men’s cycle Abu Dhabi F1 tours, both coming to the county later this year, a Grand Prix. In Women on Wheels scheme, as well as the national the rings Cyril #thisgirlcan campaign and free MOT health check. the Squirrel will Children can become nature detectives, meet

alpacas and birds of prey in the expanded Countryside village, or stroke rabbits in the Rabbit Show and be amazed by the skills of tropical birds in the Parrot Show.

Mix all this with more than 2500 cattle and horse entries and top class international show jumping and showing and it’s a fantastic day out for all the family. Gates open from 7am.

Under 15s are free and discounted tickets are on sale now at wwwsuffolkshow.co.uk.

Follow on Facebook Suffolk Show and @suffolkshow on Twitter.

PRIZE COMP

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 have four pairs of adult tickets with car parking worth nearly £60 for this year’s Suffolk Show to give away to four lucky winners.

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 a contact telephone number to: Suffolk Show 2015 Competition, Ipswich24, Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JR or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The Closing date for entries is Thursday 30th April 2015.

Q. Can you name two of the many attractions that can be found in the Farm Discovery Zone at this year’s Suffolk Show?

A look-back at Ipswich past Ipswich Through Time is a fascinating book that pictorially traces the history of Ipswich.

Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, lies on the estuary of the River Orwell in East Anglia. The town has a rich and varied history with continued human habitation dating back to at least the fifth century. As a result, it has grown up with England from its earliest beginnings and has witnessed untold changes from the Norman Conquest – when the town’s name was recorded in the Little Domesday Book of 1086 as Gepeswiz – to the Industrial Revolution, which saw the re-emergence of the town as a thriving port.

In Ipswich Through Time, local historian Caleb Howgego provides a glimpse into the fascinating history of Ipswich. Through a series of ninety photographic comparisons, the author contrasts Victorian and Edwardian Ipswich with the modern town. We discover the recent history of Ipswich, uncovering along the way some of the dramatic changes the town has seen over the last century, and the features that remain startlingly similar.

Ipswich Through Time by Caleb Howgego is available from all good bookshops.

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Ipswich Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Ipswich Civil Service Retirement Fellowship meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month in a hired room at Museum Street Methodist Church, Museum Street, Ipswich.

The group enjoys listening to speakers on many varied topics. As well as speakers the group has meals out at Peak Lodge, go out together for a Christmas meal and compete once a year in a quiz with the Colchester group of CSRF – winning group receiving the trophy for a year.

Always a competitive spirit from each team to win the trophy back!

A delicious cream tea is often part of summer arrangements. Entry to each monthly meeting is £1.50 which includes a cup of tea and a biscuit.

If you enjoy raffles 50p will buy you a strip of tickets or two strips for £1. The August summer coach outing this year is a mystery trip but river trips, gardens and even the circus have been on the Agenda previously. All Civil Servant

retirees, early retired or due to retire and their partners are welcome to join Ipswich group of CSRF. The group is run by a committee headed by Jim King, ably assisted by Mikki King and others.

For further information contact Mikki King on Ipswich 725511 or just come along to our next meeting on 1st Wednesday in April where you will be warmly welcomed.

Time to hoist the sails Experience the natural beauty of the River Orwell on Thames Sailing Barge Victor with either a private party with up to 40 of your friends, family or colleagues or join a scheduled Summer Cruises on board SB Victor.

Specially designed for families, friendship groups and individuals to enjoy a relaxing sail - fully inclusive of food and specified refreshment (additional drinks available from the licensed bar). Departing from the Old Custom’s House in Ipswich Dock, passing through the lock

gates and sailing down the beautiful and historic River Orwell and under the Orwell Bridge is a truly memorable way to spend time with friends and family. Also available on board the Victor are Suffolk High Teas, Sunday Lunches and Hot Buffet Suppers.

Built in 1895 in Ipswich and restored in 2006 Victor is now celebrating her 120th Anniversary.

The Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th Century sailing vessel, with comfortable and modern amenities.

• For further information and all bookings, please contact Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich on 01473 258070, email tourist@ipswich.gov.uk or visit www.sbvictor.co.uk to download the 2015 brochure

Can you keep a secret?

Lux Farm in Rushmere St Andrew is fast becoming a secret that’s hard to keep.

Not only can you buy pasture fed beef and lamb from their extremely well stocked farm shop, Lux Farm is probably one of the best places in Suffolk to enjoy a full English breakfast!

The Farm’s Café is situated to the left of the Farm’s Shop. Open from 8am until 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, here you will find beautiful cosy surroundings that are perfect to enjoy a snack or maybe even a full meal.

Breakfasts are all cooked to order and include bacon, sausage and egg, you can then choose your extras from the extensive menu, plus your choice of bread for your

toast and jam to go on it. There is also a choice of hot drinks, including many varieties of tea.

Your food arrives hot and beautifully presented, even your baked beans come in a little ramekin on the side of the plate so as they don’t get cold.

The food is amazing and coupled with great customer service Lux Farm is the perfect choice.

However, Shhh, don’t tell anyone….

Lux Farm is situated on Playford Road, Rushmere St Andrew.

For more information about the Farm you can visit their website at www.luxfarm.co.uk or call 01473 624920.

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Glass & Craft – Creative Fun For Everyone Although Glass & Craft only opened last year in the beautiful surroundings of Kersey Mill near Hadleigh, it has already becoming a very popular attraction to visit for families and those who like to craft.

Alongside the regular crafts of glass painting, ceramic painting and Decopatch, Glass & Craft have introduced a few more new crafts including; ‘Fun with wood’, ‘Fabric Fun’ and Hama Beads.

Glass & Craft are also now running a toddler group welcoming parents and carers to bring preschool children to come and craft.

This Easter holidays Glass & Craft see some very special guests visiting their craft studios. On Thursday 9th April Glass & Craft

are proud to welcome Jurassic Encounters who will be bringing their exotic animals such as snakes, meerkats, chameleon and many more. There will be several sessions running during the day where the children will get to spend time handling and learning about the wonderful creatures.

They will then get to paint their very own animal drinking glass, ceramic plate or ceramic mug.

Glass & Craft will also be running other Easter based workshops alongside the regular craft during the School break. To book or for more details please contact Glass & Craft on 01473 517 404 or visit their website at www.glassandcraft.co.uk

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— Advertorial —

It’s been a busy winter at Ickworth House and Gardens

Come and discover Ickworth this Spring Spring bursts into life at Ickworth and the gardens are carpeted in spring flowers and daffodils.

The parkland echoes with the calls of birds nest making and hundreds of lambs are born on the estate. Take a wander along the tracks and woodland paths and discover all the lovely things this season has to offer.

Our restaurant and outdoor café are waiting to The iconic Rotunda has undergone a transformation spoil you with a range of homemade cakes, tasty over winter, everything is sparkling and fresh sandwiches, hot food and the odd chocolate following its conservation deep clean and it’s a flavoured delicacy. great time to visit. We’ve new tours and activities waiting to be discovered, special exhibitions If you’re looking for something more, check out changing every few weeks, rare book days with lots of special event days, we’ve loads going on our experts, living history and cooks in the historic to entertain the whole family. There’s a packed kitchen days where you can follow in the footsteps calendar for Easter, a special doggy day on of the servants who lived and worked here in the Sunday 10 May, we’re welcoming over 600 classic 1930s. In late April, Jaguars on 17 May and don’t miss our family wool we have a new fair on 30/31 May. exhibition all about Whatever you like doing, there’s something for the Earl Bishop, the everyone for a truly entertaining day out. man who created the extraordinary house EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS and collected great Satruday 28 March – Sunday 12 April works of art and sculpture. See new We’ve loads going on over Easter holidays. You items on display or can eggsplore on a Cadbury’s Easter egg trail and ask our storytellers enjoy our special archery range from 28 March – 6 about his fascinating April and special games and crafts running over story. the 4 day Easter weekend. We’re making homes Looking for a for animals on our ‘out & about Wednesday’ with tasty treat, enjoy Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 8 April and in this special relaxing in our 200th year anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, newly refurbished restaurant, or sit in a woodland we’re being invaded with a full re-enactment camp glade and enjoy a scoop or three of ice cream. on 11-12 April.

Ickworth Summer Wool Fair Saturday 30 - Sunday 31 May Join us for our 2nd Summer Wool Fair with sheep dog trials and demos, sheep shearing, The Sheep Show, runner duck shepherding, woodbine Alpacas and lots specialised wool crafts and sales!

We’ll also have a variety of country traditions and crafts such as Morris dancing spinners and dyers, felt makers and embroidery associations, kids’ activities and entertainment. A great day out for all the family.

See our website for more information on all our events, prices and times.

springtime Special Place Spring’s a great time for all the family to enjoy Ickworth, just 30 minutes from Ipswich near Bury St Edmunds. Come along for great family days out on your doorstep.

Call 01284 735270 for information nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth

National Trust Registered charity number 205846 10Ipswich24 Spring2015ad.indd

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Suffolk Garden and All About Dogs shows back by popular demand Aztec’s hugely popular Suffolk Garden Show is set to bloom again this month alongside the pawsitively spectacular All About Dogs show.

Featuring a treasure trove of the finest trees, shrubs, flowers and pot plants, green-fingered enthusiasts can explore ornaments, water features and much more when the show opens at the Trinity Park showground this Easter – 4th – 6th April 2015.

No matter what space you are trying to create, the unforgettable three-day show will be brimming with local garden designers, landscapers and tree specialists offering spades of expert advice to transform your garden into your chosen haven.

The extensive range of stands in the shopping villages and indoor shopping marquees will offer a fantastic chance to see all the latest product launches and an array of useful gardening tools, gadgets and plants at special event prices. Visitors can even unearth an array of stunning homewares, crafts and gifts including beautiful handcrafted jewellery, metal work and artwork – all from the Suffolk region. New and improved for 2015, the Food & Drink Festival will be filled with the aromas of wonderful cheeses, sumptuous sausages, fine wines, pickles, chutneys and more with many stallholders tempting visitors with ‘try before you buy’ nibbles. If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind, the cream tea Pavilion will offer the perfect place to

Discovering wildlife The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is registered charity located at Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal in the heart of Suffolk.

Open to visitors every day from 10am to 5pm, its on-site Raptor Hospital receives, treats and rehabilitates a variety of injured wild owls and other birds of prey.

Throughout the landscaped two-acre site, 80+ resident owls and other birds of prey are accommodated in spacious naturalistic aviaries.

These include eagles, falcons, hawks, red kites, cara-caras and Gypsy the Vulture!

Visitors can get close to the owls as they sit out on the weatherings and can marvel at them in flight during the spectacular thrice daily demonstrations - with BSL signing interpreter on May 3rd and August 2nd.

The stunning site also features a pretty Woodland Walk with wildlife ponds, bug hotels, ladybird houses and wheelchair accessible bird hide.

Here, visitors can also spot the shy red squirrels, cheeky chipmunks and entertaining meerkat family (feeding sessions twice daily).

Children can enjoy the S.O.S. Safari Stamp Trail with a free gift for all participants. Also, the new custom built play area featuring wheelchair friendly equipment and tumble safe surface.

The annual Owl Sanctuary Easter Egg Hunt will take place around the site from Friday 3rd until Monday 6th April.

Jenny’s Ark Petting Zoo will be back by popular demand on Easter Monday, with rabbits and guinea pigs to groom and reptiles to handle for children of all ages.

The sanctuary also includes an attractive sensory garden with bee and butterfly friendly borders - picnics welcome.

Braille and touchscreen information will become available during Summer 2015 - also QR coded audio presentations and downloadable podcast.

Indoors, visitors can explore the new interactive Discovery Centre and unique owlie gift shop.

Parking is free and there is a restaurant on site. For more information visit www.owl-help.org.uk or call 0845 680 7897.

relax with a combination of delicious scones, clotted cream and jam served all afternoon.

Elsewhere on 5th and 6th April the All About Dogs show will be offering a whole host of canine fun for the whole family. With entertaining demonstrations by Kidgility, Conquest K9 Norfolk and Suffolk Dog School and the Lowestoft dog team as well as plenty of ‘have a go’ games and competitions this show really offers the chance to give your four-legged friends their own special day out.

Why not enter the Easter Bonnet Parade or be part of the new caninefriendly Easter Egg Hunt? Clues to discover the delicious Natures Menu doggie treats will be placed across the showground.

• For more information or to book discounted advance tickets to the shows, visit: www.aztecevents.co.uk.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at STONHAM BARNS on the A1120

Open Daily 10 - 5 Great Family Fun! Reg. Charity 1086565

FLYING DISPLAYS DAILY FROM EASTER WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF PREY plus RED SQUIRRELS CHIPMUNKS * MEERKAT ENCOUNTER SESSIONS MINI-MAZE * PICNIC AREAS DISABILITY PLAYGROUND THE OWL BARN GIFT SHOP

* JENNY’S ARK PET ZOO on Easter Bank Holiday Monday + FREE Easter Egg Hunts all weekend! including

K

MEER

AT ASTLE NEW!!

Disability Play Area

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS

Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT Tel: 08456 807 897 www.suffolkowls.org.uk 11

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Record year for Mid Suffolk Light Railway visitors 2014 was a record year for visitors to The Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway. For first time in the Museum’s 16 year history over 6,000 people visited the railway and Museum at the old MSLR Station at Brockford near Stowmarket.

Highlights were the two main attractions, Middy in the War Years (May 5th and 6th) with takings up 25% on the previous year and the highly successful three-day Steam Gala in September.

Turnover for the year grew by £8,000.00 over

2013 and then to cap it all, in October, the Middy was voted Suffolk Museum of the Year from the 40 Accredited Museums of all types in the county.

It’s an exciting programme for 2015 with three locos in residence throughout the season, including the very rare 1906 Cockerill Belgian tram engine. Steam trains will be running every Bank Holiday and summer Sundays from 24th May to 31st August, including a two day Easter Steam Up - 5th and 6th April and the annual Middy in the War Years extravaganza on Bank Holiday weekend 3rd and 4th May. For the Easter weekend the emphasis will be on entertainment for families with children. All three engines will be running and all the railway and museum facilities will be open with steam train rides, museum, shop, café, real ale

bar and trackside walk plus Easter Egg hunts for younger visitors.

‘Middy in the War Years’ is the big event of railway’s calendar, when in addition to the railway attractions, there is a full programme of displays and re-enactments including visiting ‘soldiers, sailors and airmen’ with all their kit and vehicles and maybe even a major historical figure or two.

For full details of this very popular event visit www.middyatwar.co.uk And this year the Middy’s new bar coach - the Kitchener Arms - will be open for business every day the railway is open and steam trains are running.

2015 promises to be the busiest season yet for the Middy with a full programme of events and Steam Railway Days running more steam than ever. The MSLR will again be offering the very popular Driver Experience Courses. Anyone over 18 who ever wanted to be an engine driver, under expert supervision, can actually drive a full size steam locomotive. The MSLR Driver Experience is really competitively priced at £125.00. They will also be offering cab rides for £10.00 on selected days.

For the full programme and entry prices see www.mslr.org.uk. To book call 01473 890622

Boom Boom!

It’s foxy fun with the legendary Basil Brush!

Britain’s most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey) in The Full On Fox Tour 2015. You can see and meet him at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, this Easter!

Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. He’s cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick-witted, scheming and foxy, but at the same time he’s kind, caring and affectionate.

Basil has celebrated over 50 years in entertainment and The Basil Brush Show on BBC TV has been seen by millions of viewers all over the globe from 1968 through to today. The show was BAFTA nominated and voted best comedy show on TV. Basil and Mr Stephen will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written live stage show packed with fun and excitement.

Come and join in the mayhem, while Mr Stephen is continually interrupted by naughty uncontrollable Basil!

This show is suitable for all the family and you’ll also be able to meet Basil and Mr Stephen after the show.

The show is at The Apex on Thursday 9th April at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets are £14 for adults and £12 concessions. There is also a family ticket for £42.

Ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more information, or to book.

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Easter and other events in Woodbridge Choose Woodbridge has announced the dates of several key events in the town’s 2015 calendar. The programme kicks off on Easter Saturday with the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Elmhurst Park and also includes the ‘What’s Tasty’ seasonal food markets, the Carnival and the popular Bark in the Park dog show.

Saturday 4th July and there is a The Easter Egg Hunt celebrates its change of venue this year. The tenth anniversary this year and has procession will come through become a much-loved fixture on family calendars. It is free and open Woodbridge town centre to its new location at The Abbey playing fields to children under the age of 12.

The hunt starts at 11am prompt on on Cumberland Street where there will be activities, games and stalls, Saturday 4th April in Elmhurst Park.

The ‘What’s Tasty?’ food markets on all topped off with a spectacular firework display.

Market Hill are set to return for a third ‘Woofbridge: The Bark in the year. The spring market will take Park’ family dog show is back on place on Saturday 30th May and Saturday 5th September between the autumn market is on Saturday 10th October; both markets start 11am and 5pm at Elmhurst Park.

There will be demonstrations and at 9.30am and end at 3pm. A wide numerous classes as well as stalls variety of local producers and exotic ‘out of towners’ bring a range of and activities.

Choose Woodbridge is a voluntary interesting foods to taste, buy and organisation that works to provide enjoy. fun, free events for residents and The Woodbridge Carnival is on

visitors to the area. Chris Harrold, Chairman of Choose Woodbridge, said, “We hope to see lots of people enjoying our events and our town this year. Our aim is to provide

free entertainment for all ages to encourage people to venture into Woodbridge, enjoy themselves and hopefully support its superb shops and businesses.”

RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden opens for the year The RSPB’s wildlife garden at Flatford opens for the year on Saturday 28th March, and will kick off with family-friendly activities to keep the kids happy over the Easter Holidays.

Every day the garden will be open between 10.30am and 4.30pm, and activities will include a spring wildlife challenge around the garden, planting spring flowers, badge making and bird spotting, amongst others. We’ll also have the nest cameras on, so we can have a secret view of the nesting blue and great tits in the garden, which is always fun!

While the kids are playing, parents and grandparents can pick up a few tips on how to make their garden more wildlife friendly. There is also information you can take away and plants for sale as well.

Come for a pleasant morning out and enjoy strolling through the beautiful landscape at Flatford, then top it all off with tea and cake at the National Trust tearoom!

Parking is in the National Trust car park near East Bergholt, CO7 6UL, and costs £3.50 for the day, or free for NT members.

Spring on the Farm

April is upon us and life on the 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 over the Easter weekend, as the Easter Speggtacular returns on the 3rd to the 6th of April.

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, and see all the other animals that always look forward to meeting someone who’ll feed them.

The bar will be stocked as usual with local beers and wines from around the world, and the Baylham BBQ will be all fired up cooking the Farm’s very own produce. Normal admission charged apply over the weekend, however any child wearing a homemade bonnet 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 homemade 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 – 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 the website at www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk or call 01473 830264.

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Organising an event?

Ipswich Half Marathon

KWMCC could be your solution

Organising an event, party or business meeting? Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC) is the perfect venue for all your events whether large or small, they can accommodate them all!

Set in the heart of the Kesgrave Community, with a choice of five function rooms, offering both quality yet affordable facilities for hire. Suitable for business meetings, training, weddings, private functions and events, with two free large car parks, fully licensed bar, flexible catering options and not forgetting an extensive outdoor area too. KWMCC really is the venue for all occasions.

With Kesgrave being voted Suffolk’s most active town at KWMCC they continue to explore ways to build on their activities within the local community of Kesgrave, the Centre already has a good variety to choose from including: Active Adults – designed to improve health and wellbeing, Boccia for beginners - an exciting para Olympic sport that can be played by everyone, Casual Badminton and an All Inclusive Sport Afternoon - introducing an afternoon of sport for people with disabilities, every Thursday (term- time only) starting on the 16th April 2015 from 1.00pm - 4.00pm in the Sports Hall.

You can also take part in Computer Lessons for Beginners at KWMCC. These lessons are for complete beginners and offer easy-to-follow training in a small friendly group, with the aim that as many of us as possible ultimately enjoy the advantages of computers and the internet.

If you are looking to become more active please visit the website for a full list of activities at KWMCC. www.kwmcc.co.uk/health-and-fitness or you can email Cheryl Tye our Sports and Community Manager at cheryl@kwmcc.co.uk

Dates for your Diary

For the youngsters join in the Easter Holiday Fun at KWMCC for ages 5 to12 years with Premier Sport at Kesgrave Sports Hall. Children can try fencing /archery, football and multi- activities for further information or to book your place, please visit the Premier Sport website www.premier-education.com/ Join the fun and wear pink or purple!

KWMCC are pleased to be supporting a Charity Zumbathon in aid of Cancer Research UK at Kesgrave Sports Hall, on Saturday 11th April from 11.00am 12.30pm. Gaby from Zumba Ipswich will be leading the way!

There is no dance experience required, Zumba is for everyone regardless of age, gender or fitness abilities. So grab your trainers (non-marking sole preferable), bring your water bottle and wear something comfortable. Just turn up and pay on the day! Adults £5, U16 £3 (no children under 7).

For further information on all activities, events or to book a function room at KWMCC, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit our website at www.kwmcc.co.uk

The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon has announced that Macmillan Cancer Support will be the title charity for the event in 2015.

The race taking place on Sunday 20th September is sponsored by leading chartered accountants and business advisors, Larking Gowen, and is jointly organised by Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club.

Emily Ford, Challenge Events Manager at Macmillan said, “We are absolutely delighted to be involved with the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon this year, we have a big gap in running events in Suffolk at the moment and we are thrilled to be able to work on such a local level with this event. We hope that many runners will want to support Macmillan and make a difference to thousands of people across Suffolk.

“Macmillan runners will be able to direct their fundraising efforts towards building the new Woolverstone Macmillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital. This new cancer centre will be a vital service for people affected by a cancer diagnosis in Suffolk and participants of the Ipswich Half Marathon will be able to directly impact something that will be life changing for the local area.”

Carl Ashton, Race Director from Ipswich Jaffa Running Club said, “We are delighted to be teaming up with MacMillan for this year’s race and would encourage runners to support this worthwhile charity.”

Susie Hood, Manager at Larking Gowen, further commented, “We are very proud to be part of this event and are looking forward to Sunday 20th September. This sponsorship is an excellent way to show our commitment to the local community. This is a successful event that is growing in popularity year on year. I am delighted that through the event we are able to support the new chosen Charity partner, Macmillan. Macmillan is a great fit for this event particularly in light of the new Macmillan unit being built at Ipswich Hospital.

The Macmillan funds raised at the Larking Gowen Half Marathon will go towards the build project, due for completion Spring 2016.”

To register for a place in the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon go to macmillan.org.uk/running or or ipswichhalfmarathon.com or call Macmillan on 020 7840 7875 for more info.

One of Ipswich’s Biggest Quiz Nights Returns Details about one of the most popular trivia events in Ipswich have just been released. for teams who come in the top five The Hearing Care Centre in Ipswich places. is again organising one of Ipswich’s Karen Finch, Managing Director of biggest quiz events, to help raise The Hearing Care Centre said, “Our money for Age UK Suffolk and Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. quizzes are becoming more and more popular every time we have The event is being held on Sunday one. Put simply, they are a great 10th May, at Greshams Sports and Social Club, on Tuddenham night out with friends and family, for not a lot of money, and what’s even Road, Ipswich and your support is needed to make it a fantastic night. better is that it’s all for charity”.

The Hearing Care Centre is also BBC Radio Suffolk Presenter Mark looking for local companies to Murphy will also be compere for the evening. sponsor individual quiz rounds for This is the ninth trivia fundraiser a donation of £25.00, in return for some very good exposure. organised by the company, having To purchase tickets call The Hearing raised more than £11,500, so far Care Centre on 01473 230330 or from their previous events.

Teams for the quiz can include call in person to the company’s practice in Ipswich town centre: between four to six members.

Entry is £4.00 per person (nibbles 11 Upper Brook Street, IP4 1EG. included), and there are great prizes

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The Gang are Back!

Scouts and Guides are rehearsing hard for the 2015 Ipswich Gang Show which will take place from 8th to 11th April. Altogether 80 members of the Movements will be on stage. Many of the cast are new this year while the rest have a wealth of experience behind them with ages ranging from eight to adult.

The Show is a variety show with something for everyone to enjoy. It features songs from Boney M, Burt Bacharach, modern material in a “Happy” item as well as comedy in the Call Centre, Blackberry and Apple and many other numbers.

Lots of singing and dancing make this a spectacular show which is sure to get your feet tapping.

The Show takes place nightly in the Great School Theatre, Ivry Street starting at 7.15pm with a matinee on the 11th April starting at 2.15pm.

Tickets are available now from the Box Office by ringing 01473 657082, from Craftability in St Lawrence Street, Ipswich, or online from the website www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk, prices are £8.50 for adults and £6 concessions, matinee tickets are all priced at £6.

More One Nighters The One Night Series continues this May with two great performances at DanceEast.

PROMISES OF HAPPINESS - A GENUINE ATTEMPT TO MAKE YOU HAPPY! Are you happy? Would more money help? A hug from a stranger? A new mobile phone or cheaper car insurance? This is a dance show for joy, for simple pleasures, for saying ‘no’ to people who want to tell us what should or should not make us happy; and to endless promises of happiness alluding to a world just out of reach. Robert Clark makes humorous, emotionally charged, intricate and detailed dance shows.

OF LAND AND TONGUE - A RARE AND BREATHTAKING DANCE EXPERIENCE This double bill, presented by Theo Clinkard and his seven-strong company, is conceived for unusual and atmospheric spaces such as warehouses, village halls, school gyms and galleries as well as conventional theatres like the Jerwood DanceHouse. Set to live music by James Keane and presented twice nightly to an intimate audience of just 60, this evening of work promises a rare and breathtaking experience; from nuanced performances that capitalise on the intimacy of the setting, to primitive physicality that rips across the floor at the audiences feet.

The Amazing Bubble Man comes to The Apex

Louis Pearl is the world’s leading Bubbleologist and has been delighting family audiences with his unique show for nearly 30 years. He will bring his international hit show to The Apex, Bury St Edmunds this Easter Saturday.

Fabulously entertaining, this show features bubble art, magic, science and lots of fun. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combines comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

The Amazing Bubble Man has

written books about bubbles, made a film called “Lights, Camera, Bubbles!”, has appeared on Blue Peter (he always sports his Blue Peter badge on stage) and has so far produced 21 fantastic bubble inventions including the Mega Bubbles, a patented huge bubble maker.

The show is at The Apex on Saturday 4th April at 11am and 1.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £10 for children under 14. There is also a family ticket for £40. Ring the Box Office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more information, or to book.

ROBERT CLA RK

PROMISES O F H A P P I N E FRI 1 MAY | 7 .30PM SS THEO CLINKARD

OF LAND AND TONGUE FRI 15 MAY | 6.30 & 8.30PM

Both performances are programmed as part of their One Night Stand series, so you get to enjoy a half price drink and free post-show discussion.

For more information contact the Box Office on 01473 295230 or visit www.danceeast.co.uk 15

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IODS celebrate their A fishy tale 60th anniversary Eastern Angles to unveil new production

Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society (IODS) are celebrating their 60th Anniversary with a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard from Wednesday 20th until Saturday 23rd May. This hauntingly dramatic and energetic show, which includes a matinee performance on the Saturday, will be performed by the members of IODS at the Ipswich Regent Theatre and tickets are now • Stephanie Brown cast as Norma Desmond

on sale for what promises to be an epic performance.

The big budget show offers a superb score and clever lyrics performed by the multi-award winning society, with a live orchestra and a chorus of 40 local actors. Ipswich Operatic

and Dramatic Society are the first to secure the performing rights licence for Sunset Boulevard in East Anglia after its successful run in the West End. Director, Mark Connell the show explains, “The musical is based on the 1950’s film of the same title. It tells the story of former silent movie screen goddess, Norma Desmond, who found herself dropped by movie mogal Cecil Demille when ‘talkies’ arrived.

Twenty years later she meets a struggling screenwriter (Joe Gillis) and it appears she is opening a new and exciting chapter in her life.”

With popular songs including ‘A perfect year’, ‘With one look’, ‘As if we never said goodbye’, ‘New ways to dream’ and, of course, the haunting ‘Sunset Boulevard’ this masterpiece is not to be missed...

Tickets are now on sale via the Ipswich Regent Box office by calling 01473 433100 or book on line at www.ipswichregenttheatre.co.uk

Oysters is a new play from Eastern Angles Theatre Company focusing on the restoration of an Essex Oyster Smack.

It is written and directed by Ivan Cutting whose previous maritime-related shows include When The Boats Came In (about the Lowestoft fishing industry) and Beyond The Breakers (about East Coast Lifeboat service), and also directing the Arthur Ransome adaptation We Didn’t Mean to Go To Sea and Up Out o’ The Sea. Oysters is described as a tale of sex, boat-building and bivalve molluscs!

It combines historical fact and contemporary fiction, capturing the soul of an ancient local industry and puts its beating heart on stage. The main character Mo has just turned fifty and busy restoring an oyster dredger recovered from an Essex riverbed. Helping him bring the boat back to life is Kasey, a young intern with chip on her shoulder. When a piece of Mo’s beloved dredger goes missing their lives are up-ended and the past floats to the surface.

Oysters has been researched and developed as part of the Pioneer Sailing Trust Land and Sea project, which is focused on restoring the 1893 Oyster Smack Priscilla www.pioneersailingtrust.org.uk Oysters will be performed at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich from Monday 20th April until Saturday 25th April. Tickets are priced £13 (full-price) and £12 (concessions). There will be a free pre-show talk on Monday 20th 7pm until 7.30pm. Tickets from 01473 211498 or www.easternangles.co.uk Eastern Angles will also be taking Oysters to the Pioneer Sailing Trust’s headquarters in Brightlingsea for a three-day residency on the 7th, 8th and 9th May. Friday night will be a special £15 a ticket Gala performance including complimentary pre-show drinks and introduction from Ivan Cutting whilst Saturday’s shows will be part of a full day of PST activities and wraparound events.

The show will tour all over East Anglia until June 6th.

Check www.easternangles.co.uk nearer the time for more info!

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Opera must triumph over war– says Ellen Kent Award-winning opera producer Ellen Kent is determined to see opera triumph over war as she brings Eastern Europe talent to the UK stage with a stunning performance of La Traviata.

During preparations for the autumn tour with the Ukrainian National Opera in Kharkiv, Ellen was caught just six miles from a very bloody civil war. Warned by the British Foreign Office not to travel due to fatalities, bombings and kidnappings, Ellen still managed to transport the complete sets, props and costumes out of the area.

Focussing on overcoming the difficulties of the conflict, Ellen has brought together a new company including Ukrainians, Moldovans and Russians, working together in harmony, to bring to the stage a heartwrenchingly emotional production of Verdi’s popular La Traviata.

Ellen says, “I know it sounds like a cliche but really - the show must go on!

New panto announced

The New Wolsey Theatre have announced a brand new rock’n’roll pantomime for 2015-2016 – THE SWORD IN THE STONE – which will run from Thursday 26th November 2015 to Saturday 31st January 2016.

“I was in Odessa in rehearsals for Butterfly in 2005 when the Orange Revolution broke out and I just thought, here we go again.”

With magnificent sets by renowned Ukrainian designer Nadia Shvets and handpicked soloists from the national operas of Odessa, Spain and Rostov, the show visits the Regent Theatre in Ipswich on Sunday 26th April.

La Traviata is a tragic true story of searing passion and memorable music telling of the life and love of the passionate but consumptive Violetta and her doomed romance with the aristocratic Alfredo.

Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th Century, La Dame aux Camelias, includes highlights such as the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and the haunting aria Addio Del Passato.

Alongside a 70-strong company, soloists include international sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Maria Tsonina, baritone Vladimir Dragos, and tenors Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti, and Giorgio Meladze, who joined Jose Carreras on stage last year.

There are also local dancers, children and adults who join the cast.

Ellen says, “As ever my productions are huge and will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. After all we’ve been through bringing them to the stage, it’s definitely been worth it.

“Three members of our orchestra have joined the Chisinau Philharmonic for this tour because the Opera House in Donetsk, near the fighting, has closed.

People often don’t realise when they’re watching it on television the effect it has on ordinary people who still have to support their families.

“This is our way of fighting back, showing that whatever is happening over there, we will continues to showcase Eastern European talent and put on a tremendous show.”

Tickets are on sale now, contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or go online at www.ipswichregent.com. For more information, go to www.ellenkent.com or follow on Twitter @OperaBalletIntl.

Pic: Mike Kwasniak

an ellen kent production with international soloists, traditionally staged with a full orchestra & chorus

Written and directed by Artistic Director Peter Rowe, and performed in the New Wolsey Theatre’s traditional actor-musician style, this brand new take on the legendary tale of King Arthur mixes music and magic, swordplay and slapstick into a wicked festive brew with a classic rock n roll kick.

It’s the end of the war and the Barbarians have been beaten back! But now the time has come to unite the seven kingdoms together by crowning the bravest knight of allas the rightful King of all the Britons. Join Merlin, Guinevere, Kay and the stunning Dame Bernadette Broadbottom to discover just who pulled the sword from that stone!

With favourite tunes including: I’m Going To Rain On Your Parade, You Got The Love, Come On Baby Light My Fire and Backstreets Back…It’s Time To Rule The World!

Alongside this news, the New Wolsey have announced a new sponsor for the rock‘n’roll pantos – Ipswich Building Society. The company have agreed to sponsor the New Wolsey’s sell-out panto for the next three years.

Michelle Monck, General Manager Marketing for Ipswich Building Society says, “Ipswich Building Society is proud to have formed this partnership with the New Wolsey Theatre and to be associated with their legendary pantomimes. These have become a stalwart feature of Christmas and New Year for the people of Suffolk, bringing joy and laughter to all generations. As a fellow business with its heart firmly set in Suffolk, we’re delighted to now be a part of the happiness this brings to the local community.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Tickets Sales Team by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

The love story that gripped Paris Starring Alyona Kistenyova and Maria Tonina.* Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

‘First-rate singing’ THE STAGE

This striking production boasts sumptuous sets and costumes.

*Cast subject to change

Sunday 26 April 7.30pm Box Office 01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com 17

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Bury St Edmunds Festival celebrates 30th Year The Bury St Edmunds Festival celebrates its 30th Year in 2015 with an inspirational programme of entertainment mixing old and new from Friday 15th May to 24th May. Tickets are on sale now for the 2015 Festival, which combines top international performers with opportunities for local people to get involved.

Festival Manager Nick Wells has looked back to the Festival’s origins as a weekend of ‘Words and Music’ for this year’s theme; bringing together exciting pairings of words, music, film, dance, art and juggling that will surprise and delight audiences.

Local singers get the chance to perform in a 200-strong choir with Global Folk (the successor to the popular Mbawula township chorus), while West Suffolk Youth Jazz Orchestra and Bury Busk provide a stage for talented local musicians.

Regional artists will be showcasing their work in a new Bury Art Trail, while new guided walks entice visitors to discover hidden corners of the historic market town.

Based at the award-winning Apex concert hall, Festival events will also take place at a range of atmospheric venues including the Theatre Royal, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, St Mary’s Church, Unitarian Meeting House, The Hunter Club, Abbeygate Cinema, and Smiths Row. Festival Manager, Nick Wells says, “It’s fantastic that Bury St Edmunds Festival is celebrating its 30th Year and has grown to become one of East Anglia’s best loved arts events. This year’s programme promises the usual lively mix of arts events that makes the Festival special for so many people.”

Highlights include: A high energy Festival opening night of hot Cuban grooves with acclaimed violinist Omar Puente and his band to get everyone up and dancing at the Apex, with a salsa workshop beforehand.

Musicians marking their own anniversaries: Evelyn Glennie celebrating 30 years as a professional percussionist and the Tallis Scholars performing Allegri’s Miserere and beautiful music by Arvo Part, still composing in his 80th year.

Bury Bach Choir put on a rare performance of Britten’s huge War Requiem together with the North London Chorus, St Edmundsbury Cathedral Boys Choir and two orchestras.

Festival favourites Queen of Swing Clare Teal with her Mini Big Band and Black Dyke Band recently crowned national brass band champions for the 23rd time.

Bury St Edmunds

Composer Jocelyn Pook back in her home town with her ensemble to perform her award-winning film scores and music, including a piece using answerphone messages.

The renowned Orlando Consort providing a new soundtrack of 15th century music for the classic silent film ‘La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc (1928) evoking the emotions of her trial and burning at the stake in medieval France.

Pianist Anthony Hewitt performing Mussorgsky’s masterpiece Pictures at an Exhibition with digital projections of contemporary art by Klara Smith inspired • Cellophony by paintings of the period.

Food critic Jay Rayner rolling two events into one by reading some of his worst restaurant reviews then playing piano with his jazz quartet.

Top folk band Demon Barbers XL with their spectacular roadshow including clog, sword, hip hop and break dancers, while the amazing Gandini Juggling add ballet moves to their breathtaking juggling skills.

Former politician Douglas Hurd talking about Disraeli for the first in a new series of spoken word events at the Apex and Michael Gray explaining how Bob Dylan changed rock’n’roll.

Lunchtime concerts from The Danish Nightingale Quartet, singer-songwriter Joanna Eden, guitar and violin Duo Diez, and The Dixie Strollers, to name a few.

• Evelyn Glennie Plus films, theatre, folk, opera and much more…

The 2015 Festival brochure is widely available or can be viewed online on the Festival website at www.buryfestival.co.uk, follow the Festival on Twitter @buryfestival • Tickets for all Festival events are available at the Festival Box Office in the Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds. Book online at www.buryfestival.co.uk, call 01284 758000 or email bookings@theapex.co.uk Concert-goers can order pre-performance light meals at the Apex Bar, while the Apex café is open all day for drinks and snacks.

2015

Festival

The acclaimed Aurora Orchestra returns with Jitterbug, a prohibition-inspired programme of classical and swing music featuring dazzling violinist Thomas Gould, while Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra also features Thomas Gould performing Beethoven’s violin concerto.

Words and music in a world premiere from • 1960s Songbook Cellophony with eight cellos performing Richard Birchall’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with Lewis Carroll’s text read by a well-known narrator, marking 150 years since it was published.

15-24 May

www.bur yfe

stival.co.uk

30 years of Words, Music, Theatre, Cinema and Comedy in and around the streets of Bury St Edmunds.

Box Office 01284 758000

Town Concert A Town Concert by Ipswich Theatre Organ Society will take place at the Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich on Thursday 9th April 2015 from 1.00pm until 1.50pm.

Ipswich Theatre Organ Society aims to promote the highest standards of theatre organ performance, presentation and technical skills. The Society is delighted to host Donald MacKenzie, who is House Organist at the Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square. Donald has played for numerous Royal Film performances and star-studded premier and gala opening nights. His musical work and recordings have won him critical acclaim and established him as one of the UK’s foremost orchestral-style organists.

Tea and coffee with biscuits will be available. The kettle will be on the hob at 12.30pm. Although admission is free, a retiring collection of £2.00 will be appreciated. This is to defray expenses incurred in hosting the series.

More details can be obtained from secretary@ipswich-arts.org.uk www.ipswich-arts.org.uk or telephoning 01473 836973.

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Hailed as one of the greatest British comedies ever written, Michael Frayn’s hilarious Noises Off will be causing chaos at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester this May as the second Made in Colchester production of the 2015 season.

A play within a play, this rip-roaring farce lifts the curtain on the ups and downs on-stage and behind-thescenes as bungled romances collide with wayward sardines, forgotten lines and just a few precious egos!

A shambolic dress rehearsal limps to a frantic opening night in WestonSuper-Mare and then it’s downhill all the way to the Municipal Theatre in Stockton-On-Tees. Can director Lloyd hold the show together?

(No) Will Selsdon stay sober long enough to make his entry on time?

(No) Does Dotty know whether she is coming or going? (Absolutely not) However, the show must go on!

An ensemble piece, directed by Mercury Theatre Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd, Noises Off will star an array of talent.

Louise Jameson takes on the role of the forgetful Dotty Otley. Louise is best known to many as Leela, the companion to Tom Baker’s Doctor in BBC’s Dr Who in the late 1970s.

She is also known for playing Rosa Di Marco in EastEnders (BBC) and has most recently been seen in Channel 4’s Toast of London and Time And The Conways (Nottingham Playhouse).

Louise said, “One of the reasons I’m so thrilled to be involved in this production is because my friend Tracey Childs is now so involved with the Mercury Theatre in her role as Producer.”

She added, “I remember seeing the original West End production and wishing it would stop because my sides were literally aching with laughter. Word is audiences love it far more than actors, due to the very specific nature of the timing.

So here we have a challenge, a friend, a brilliant script and a new adventure. Hurrah!”

Peter Ellis takes the part of the whisky-fond Selsdon. Peter is best known for playing Chief Supt.

Brownlow in The Bill (Thames

Television), a role he played for 28 years. He has most recently appeared as The Fisher King in Parzival (Sharpham).

Joining Louise and Peter on stage is Sarah Jayne Dunn from the soap Hollyoaks.

Sarah’s fellow Hollyoaks colleague, Louis Tamone will play Gary Lejeune. Louis played series regular Sam Owen in the soap and recently appeared in hit US TV series 24 – Live Another Day (20th Century Fox). Louis’ theatre credits include Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap (St. Martin’s Theatre, London) and Eddie in Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre).

Louis said, “It’s one of the best written farces; it’s witty, clever and overall a great piece of theatre.

I’m most looking forward to seeing Sarah Jayne Dunn in her pants. I worked with Sarah in Hollyoaks but in the three years I was there, I don’t think we had a scene together. It’s a great cast and I’m excited about getting this show started!”

Sara Crowe will play the part of Belinda Blair and David Shelly will play the slightly dim-witted Frederick Fellows.

David said, “In Copenhagen I played a Quantum Physicist agonising over plutonium, particle mechanics and the destruction of western civilisation through thermo-nuclear

war…in Noises Off I’ll be running around with my trousers down.”

Attempting to keep the chaotic cast in check in role of temperamental director Lloyd Dallas is Hywel Simons. Hywel has most recently appeared in the National Theatre of Scotland’s productions of A Dolls House and Enquirer. No stranger to Colchester, Hywel appeared in the Mercury Theatre’s production of Three Sisters in 2003.

Dan Cohen will play over-worked Stage Manager Tim Allgood. Dan is best known for his role as Archie in the E4 TV series My Mad Fat Diary and will appear in the feature film Pride, Prejudice and Zombies due to be released later this year.

Joining Dan and Hywel as Assistant Stage Manager Poppy NortonTaylor will be Louise Kempton.

Louise’s extensive theatre credits include Comedy Of Errors (Chester Performs), War Horse (National Theatre and London New Theatre) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

(Trafalgar Studios 2).

Louise said, “I think Noises Off is hilarious; not many scripts make you laugh out loud so often! The writing is fantastic and every character is so believable, yet ridiculous at the same time. As for Poppy, well I love to play the underdog – it can be such fun being pathetic!”

• Noises Off will play at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester from Friday 1st until Saturday 16th May. To book tickets visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk or call 01206 573948.

The game begins for World Factory The New Wolsey Theatre will be welcoming back METIS with their complete performance of World Factory from Thursday 23rd until Thursday 30th April, prior to a run at London’s Young Vic Theatre.

METIS have been developing the project with the New Wolsey for the last two years, with research undertaken in Ipswich and beyond. Previous insights into the project have included residencies in an empty shop in Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre, a presentation during Pulse Festival Ipswich 2014, and test workshops with groups from CSV Media.

This April – all will be revealed, as audiences are invited to explore and play the World Factory game on the New Wolsey stage! This is your chance to run a clothing factory with your friends, family, or people you have never met, in a game of mass production.

World Factory has been developed through UK-based company METIS’s collaboration with Shangai-based Chinese director Zhao Chuan and his company Grass Stage. Real life accounts of the world of mass production both here and abroad are interwoven with video and set design by Simon Daw, a moving score and a fusion of theatre and card game in this thoughtprovoking investigation of fast fashion directed by Zoë Svendsen.

METIS in co-production with the Young Vic, New Wolsey Theatre and Company of Angels Tickets are on sale now and can be booked through the Tickets Sales Team by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk 19

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: Suite 9, 85 Dales Rd, Ipswich IP1 4JR

Every Sunday

Lions Club of Ipswich Car Boot Sale, Portman Road Car Park, Ipswich (Weather permitting), Gates open 8am, Pitch fees - car £5.00, Car & Trailer £10.00, small van (Escort size) £5.00, large van (transit size) £10.00 all payable on entry, Refreshments and toilets on site, Other details visit www.lionsclubofipswich.org.uk The Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum open, rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX, 2pm to 5pm, Admission is free, donations are appreciated, Parking is easy and free.

Ballroom and Latin Class, 22 Bond Street, Ipswich, 7pm – 8pm, 07736306519 Giant Sunday Market, Mannings Amusements, Felixstowe, from 9am

Every Monday

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 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, £3.30 per session, New members welcome, For further information contact: 01473 727796.

Pilates, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 1.45pm - 2.45 pm, £5 per class, New members welcome, for further details contact: 07773 456078.

Suffolk Promenaders Square Dance Club, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, Only £2.50, tea and coffee provided, contact 01473 422663 or 01473 415785 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.

Every Tuesday H H H H H H H H H H H H H H French conversation and debate groups at Arlington’s café with native French speaker.

Friendly, fun, informal, informative, structured. Intermediate level : 10am.

Beginners : 11am. Advanced level debate group : 8pm. Contact Lucille on 07982 135 181 orellevenn@btinternet.com.

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Art Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072

Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, 6pm, Beginners always very welcome, For a free taster session contact 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com 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 Ballroom and Latin Class, Sidegate Lane Primary School, Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, 7pm 8pm, 01473 729271 Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, performing a variety of music including chart hits, musicals and classical. If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this ling established & friendly group of singers, No auditions, Call Maggie on 01473 713597, Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk

Every Wednesday

Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, 2pm, Beginners always very welcome, For a free taster session contact 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com Ballroom and Latin Classes, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 7pm – 8pm, £3, new members welcome, for more information call 01473 729271 Tea Dance, Ipswich School of Dancing, Bond Street, Ipswich, 2 - 4pm, tea and biscuits included, Voices Together, award winning female singing group, Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 9pm. Friendly rehearsals. No auditions, Easy listening music, Interested? Kath 01473 652351 Beginners Ballroom and Latin class, 22 Bond St, Ipswich, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 07736 306519

Every Thursday

Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham, 6pm, Beginners always very welcome, For a free taster session contact 01394-671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com Sequence Dancing, Martlesham Community Hall, 7.30pm - 9.45pm, £3.00 per person, new members welcome, Info: 01473 729424 Carpet Bowls, Nacton Village Hall, 7.30pm and have a go, First 3 visits free, then £2 per evening if you like us and want to stay. A sociable and fun evening, Just turn up!

EVENTS

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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 Douncy Lane, Ipswich, 10.15am 11.30am, Lots of home baked and handcrafted items available as well as Gluten free produces 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

Every Friday

Country Market, Trades and Labour Club, High Road West, Felixstowe, 10am – 11am, Preserves, eggs, garden produce and crafts, 01394 272003, www.country-markets.co.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

Strictly Fun, Ipswich School of Dancing, Bond Street, Ipswich, 6pm – 7pm, learn cha cha and waltz like your favourite Strictly Celebrities, 01473 251323 Children’s Cheerleading Classes, Inspire Suffolk, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, 9am, £2 per child, Contact 07825 498730

Wed 1st Apr

Orwell Decorative and Fine Arts Society Monthly Meeting, Tower Hall, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, 2pm, Illustrated Talk: ‘Furnishing the Arts & Crafts House: William Morris and his Contemporaries’ by Philippa Barton, All welcome, £5 donation asked

Wed 1st Apr – Sat 11th Apr

Gallery Players present “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg”, Sir John Mills Theatre, Gattacre Road, Ipswich, Tickets £11, Tel 01473 211498

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: Suite 9, 85 Dales Rd, Ipswich IP1 4JR Thu 2nd Apr

East Suffolk Branch Monthly Meeting, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, 09.30am – 12pm, new members welcome

Sat 4th Apr – Mon 6th Apr

Suffolk Garden Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, www.aztecevents.co.uk/events.htm

Sat 4th Apr

Selion Swing Band, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 8pm Spring Craft Fair, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 11.30am – 2.30pm, Many great craft stalls, sand art, glitter tattoo’s, refreshments & raffle, In aid of Bear for an Angel

Sun 5th Apr – Mon 7th April

All About Dogs, Trinity Park, Ipswich, 10am 5pm both days, Dogs welcome, www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk

Sun 5th Apr

The Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum reopens for the Summer Season, rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX, 2pm to 5pm, Learn the story of this fascinating and unique airfield from its early days in 1917, through the Thirties and World War 2 - the Battle of Britain and when the Americans arrived, on to unusual activities after World War 2... to the last aircraft to fly from Martlesham Heath in 1979, Admission is free, donations are appreciated, Parking is easy and free.

Mon 6th Apr

Easter Egg Hunt for the youngsters, Ipswich Transport Museum, Free bus rides, 11am – 4pm

Tue 7th Apr

Scrabble Club, Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street Ipswich, 1.30pm, come along for an afternoon of Scrabble and other games and bring a friend, £2.00 including refreshments.

Wed 8th Apr

Felixstowe Family History Society Meeting, Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, 7.30pm, The evening will be ‘A Memorabilia Evening’ so bring along your own memorablia and recollections, Admission free to members and £1.00 for non-members, Plenty of free parking, Refreshments will be available.

Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society meeting, Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Speaker: Mervyn Russen, Topic: Fisons, Further information: 01473 405116

Wed 8th Apr – Sat 11th April

Ipswich Scouts and Guides present Gang Show 2015, Great School Theatre, Ivry Street, Ipswich, 7.15pm, Matinee performance on April 11th at 2.15pm, Tickets available from Craftability or Box Office 01473 657082, www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk

Thu 9th Apr

Afternoon Tea Walk, I’ve Never Noticed That Before! 2pm, £8 per person (includes

EVENTS

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Refreshments), Starts Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, book at TIC on 01473 258070

Mon 20th Apr – Sat 25th Apr

Suffolk Food, Drink and Music Festival/ Framlingham Country Show, Framlingham, www.framcountryshow.co.uk

Tue 21st Apr

Sat 11th Apr – Sun 12th Apr Sat 11th Apr

Craft and Gift Fair, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 10am – 4 pm Get ready for free volleyball this summer with Ipswich Ravens, Sports Hall at St Alban’s School IP4 3NJ, 2pm - 4pm, Adults £6 juniors age nine upwards £3, contact Steve on 07584 636669 Book Launch of Humber Boy B by local writer Ruth Dugdall, Felixstowe Library, 7pm, Raise a glass to Ruth as she introduces and reads from her latest novel, chosen as the Festival Read for Felixstowe Book Festival 27-28 June, Book signing, Free event but contact the Library on 01394 694880 to give an idea of numbers.

Tue 14th Apr

Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society presentation on East Anglia Boats, Ipswich, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Planes and Trains on Film from the David Cleveland Collection, 01473 01473 422145 / 01473 414746 Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Bridge Wood Ipswich. Meet at 10am at Orwell Country Park car park, 2 hrs. Map ref TM188408, Contact 01473 714839, All welcome

Thu 16th Apr

Afternoon Tea Walk, What’s in a Name? 2pm, £8 per person (includes Refreshments), Starts from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (TIC), to book contact TIC on 01473 258070 Ipswich RSPB Local Group Indoor Meeting.

AGM plus ‘Wildlife Gardening’, an illustrated talk by Shirley Samson, RSPB Stour Wood & Flatford Warden, Sidegate Lane School, 7.30pm, Admission: Local Group members £2.00 (concessions apply), Non-Members £3.00, includes refreshments, Contact 01473 423213, All welcome.

Sat 18th April

Kevin Pearce Supported by Peter Hepworth and Tilly Dalglish, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7pm – 10.30pm, Historic Stock Cars, Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, 6.45pm, www.spedeworth.co.uk Ceilidhs on the Move with Liam Robinson Band, Villiage Hall, Clopton, Nr Woodbridge, IP13 6QN, 7pm, Adults £8, Youths £4, U 10s Free, Family £20, 01394 383329 Triannon at St John’s, St John The Baptist Church, Cauldwell Hall Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Tickets from £8, 01394 283170 Get ready for free volleyball this summer with Ipswich Ravens, Sports Hall at St Alban’s School IP4 3NJ, 2pm - 4pm, Adults £6 juniors age nine upwards £3, contact Steve on 07584 636669

Sun 19th Apr

Holi Festival of Colour, Holywells Park, Ipswich, 2pm – 4pm, free entrance, www.isia.org.uk

Oysters, play by Eastern Angles at Sir John Mills Theatre, www.easternangles.co.uk Meeting with Guest Speaker, Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street Ipswich, 7.15pm, Peter Banham will be giving a talk on ‘Old Sayings and their Origins’, Come along and find out where that saying you use came from, £2.00 inc drink and biscuits

Wed 22nd Apr

Afternoon Tea Walk, In the Steps of the Tudors, 2pm, £8 per person (includes Refreshments), Starts from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (TIC), to book contact TIC on 01473 258070 Clairvoyant Evening with Ryan Gooding, Woodbridge Community Centre, Doors 7pm, 7.30pm start, Tickets £10 in advance, Call or text 07546 245518 or 07503 748238

Thu 23rd Apr

Evening Serenade, Burns Recital Hall, Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, 7pm, Song Recital

by Alice Reidy, Tickets from Ipswich Regent on 01473 433100, An Evening of Acoustic Folk and Blues Music, in aid of the mayors charities, Ipswich Novotel, 7pm, Featuring Back Porch, Broadside Boys, Hunt the Wren and Silbury Hill, Tickets £5, on sale at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

Fri 24th Apr – Sun 26th Apr

Word War 1 Exhibition to commemorate the 1914 – 1918 war, Ipswich Corn Exchange, Open 10am – 5pm with free entry.

Sat 25th Apr

Ipswich Hospital Band Anzac Concert, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, 7.30pm, £10 Bourne Park Reedbeds, Spring Wood & Kiln Lane Meadows for spring birds, Meet at 9am at Bourne Park car park, Stoke Park Drive, Map ref TM152419, 3-4 hours, 5 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome,

Mon 27th Apr

Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Bridge Ward Club, 68 Austin Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Speakers: Ron Davies and Keith Halton, Topic: The Maritime Scene Around the Haven Ports, Admission: £2.00

Tue 28th Apr

Ipswich Oddfellows Spring Friendship Ramble and Pub Lunch, meet 10.30am at car park of The Cherry Tree Woodbridge or no later than 12.15pm at pub for lunch only. Ramble will be leisurely 2.5 miles. Please book before by calling 01473 251867 or email Ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk.

Thu 30th Apr

Networking Hub and Jewellery Sale, Basepoint Business Centre, 70-72 The Havens, Ipswich, 11am to 3pm, A talk and demonstration by Imogen Sheeran on her jewellery collection, event includes a jewellery sale with 30% of profits going to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, 01473 722700 21

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Get on your bike and Pedal for a Purpose Cyclists, join St Elizabeth Hospice’s Suffolk Sportive and pedal for a purpose this April.

The local charity are holding their annual cycle event on Sunday 26th April and it’s suitable for cyclists of all abilities.

Starting and finishing in the gorgeous surroundings of Alton Water, riders have a choice of a 40 or 80 mile routes or a shorter family ride, taking participants through the scenic Suffolk countryside; or an off-road circuit around Alton Water.

The routes have been planned with the assistance of experienced cyclist Matt Kerr, a Hospice supporter and member of Ipswich Bicycle Club. Matt’s mother Ann was cared for by the Hospice, and died there after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said, “Our cycling events have always proven popular, and we hope this fantastic location and our great range of routes will help get cyclists of all abilities involved in supporting their local Hospice.

“We ask participants to raise as much sponsorship as possible - any funds you raise will make a difference and goes towards providing vital care and support to our patients and their families.”

Registration is open now and is £30 for the longer routes or £12 for the family and off-road routes.

To sign up now, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/events St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people living with a progressive illness in East Suffolk and South Norfolk.

It costs millions of pounds a year to run and relies on fundraising events like the Suffolk Sportive, as well as gifts in Wills and the income generated from its shops to meet the majority of these costs.

Schoolchildren to help marathon effort

On April 26th, a PE teacher from Ipswich, will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for Bliss, the special care baby charity.

Stuart Moore, 38, aims to raise £2,500 for the charity after his five year old son Finlay spent time in special care after suffering lung complications (a spontaneous pneumothorax) just after birth.

The head of PE at Westbourne Academy has enlisted the help of his students, who will don superhero costumes and capes to complete a sponsored run at the school on Friday 27th March. Their aim will be to beat Mo Farah’s two mile indoor world record, or failing that, their teachers’ times.

Stuart said, “The idea came about having watched Mo Farah break the world record. I held assemblies on the theme of superheroes and, to my mind, Mo Farah has extraordinary powers. The event also relates to the real superheroes – those people who run the marathon for charity each year, work in hospitals and work for charities everyday.”

Stuart also wants to complete the marathon in support of a colleague and friend in the PE department, Chris Arrow, whose partner Gemma, gave birth to their son Oliver 12 weeks prematurely in the summer. While Oliver was in hospital, Stuart and the PE department felt unable to provide any direct support to their friend during their stressful time.

Stuart will join around a hundred runners who will be completing the 26mile run on Sunday 26th April. He will be running for Bliss after the charity supported him and his wife Claire, when Finlay was in hospital. Finlay is now a happy and healthy five year old, who has an eight year old sister, Molly.

In addition to the fun run, Stuart has already hosted a race night and Christmas disco at Westbourne Academy, raising over £1,400. He now plans to hold a beach-themed disco in the summer.

Chief Executive of Bliss, Caroline Davey, said, “I wish Stuart the best of luck taking on this incredible challenge for Bliss. He is part of a team of dedicated runners who are raising money and awareness for premature and sick babies. The vital funds they raise will help us improve the lives of babies throughout the UK.” To sponsor Stuart, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/stuart-moore38/.

For more information about Bliss, please visit bliss.org.uk or contact media@bliss.org.uk.

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Rae Morris to guest with Tom Odell in forest gig Tom Odell has announced Rae Morris as very special guest on his Forest Live tour this summer.

The supremely talented Rae Morris is one of the featured artists in the BBC’s Music Sound Of 2015 which aims to showcase the best and brightest rising stars. Rae has recorded previously with artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Clean Bandit and Tom Odell. Her debut album ‘Unguarded’ made the Top 10 in the UK album charts on its recent release and includes the singles ‘Closer’ and ‘Under the Shadows’.

Tom Odell’s debut album ‘Long Way Down’ shot straight to number one. Singles from the album including ‘Can’t Pretend’, ‘Hold Me’ and the gargantuan ‘Another Love’ illustrate a song-writing maturity beyond his years. This has resulted in his achieving the ultimate industry accolade of ‘Songwriter of the Year’ at the 2014 Ivor Novello Awards as well as previously winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award for 2013. Following a succession of sold out headline tours and with ‘Long

Way Down’ being certified gold, a packed summer of festival appearances in 2014 included V Festival, Isle of Wight and a show supporting one of his idols Neil Young at Hyde Park. Chosen to perform the soundtrack to John Lewis 2014 Christmas advert, the 24-year-old added his spine-tingling vocals to a cover of the John Lennon’s classic ‘Real Love’, generating millions of YouTube views. Tom is currently in the studio recording his new album.

Commenting on her upcoming Forest Live appearances, Rae Morris said, “I supported Tom on a sold out UK indoor venue tour previously so I am delighted he has invited me along again and this time to perform in such beautiful and unique locations. It should be a lot of fun.”

Tom Odell with special guest Rae Morris will be performing at Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk, on Sunday 5th July. Tickets £34.50 (plus £3.45 booking fee) are available from Forestry Commission Box Office on 03000 680400 or buy online: forestry.gov.uk/music.

Blues and Folk Concert to benefit Mayor’s charities A Blues and Folk concert, in aid of the Mayor of Ipswich’s nominated charities, has been arranged in Ipswich for Thursday 23rd April, at 7.30pm. Taking place at the Novotel Hotel, Greyfriars Road, near the Waterfront in the town, this is the third year of what is becoming an annual treat for local music fans. This year’s gig will feature “Back Porch”, “The Broadside Boys”, “Hunt the Wren” and “Silbury Hill”.

Tickets cost £5.00 per person and are available from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephens Lane, Ipswich - 01473 258070, tourist@ipswich.gov.uk - and all proceeds will go to the charities supported by the Mayor of Ipswich, Bill Quinton, in his year of Office.

Back Porch are no strangers to local music fans and are surely one of the County’s favourite bands. They perform at festivals and clubs throughout the country, delivering their upbeat, happy take on the blues with a mix of fine musicianship and a good deal of friendly banter between front man, Mike Rushmore, and the rest of the band.

The Broadside Boys (vocalist Mathew Bayfield and multi instrumentalist, Eric Sedge) are fast establishing a name on the national Folk scene, performing their songs inspired by life in the East of England at Folk clubs and Festivals across the country, as well as appearances on TV and Radio.

Hunt the Wren play a lively mix of traditional songs, tunes and shanty’s blending fine musicianship on a variety of instruments, with vocals and humour, fronted by vocalist Pam Fitzgerald.

Duo, Silbury Hill, features the signature sound of Scott Dolling’s flute playing, in a set that includes covers from the likes of Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull plus original material, inspired by their East Anglian roots. They perform in clubs and at festivals and have supported national touring bands in the genre such as “Oysterband” The Mayor of Ipswich was pleased to put his name to the event. The three charities he is supporting during his term of office are: The Alzheimers Society, Suffolk Family Carers, and the RSPCA (Suffolk & Ipswich Branch).

The doors open at 7.00pm, first band on at 7.30pm and there will be a bar. Purchasing tickets in advance from the Tourist Information Centre is recommended as numbers will be limited at the venue.

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: Suite 9, 85 Dales Rd, Ipswich IP1 4JR Thu 2nd Apr

BONESHAKERS, The Crown, Claydon THE UPBEATS, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton SUFFOLK SONGWRITTERS SESSION, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Fri 3rd Apr

BLARNEY ROVERS, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 5pm THE KEY FEATURES, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe BRIAN’S COUNTRY, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton COPPERHEAD TOAD, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich LIANE CARROLL SOLO, Fleece Jazz, Stoke-byNayland Hotel,

Sat 4th Apr

CURVES, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave, SHABOOGAMOO SHUFFLERS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich SILBURY HILL, Briarbank Brewey, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Sun 5th Apr

FAGAN, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 3pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe, 3pm WORDS & MUSIC, The Labour Club, Felixstowe, 5pm THE MIGHTY BOSSCATS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich MULBERRY BLUES JAM, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich WAX ON THE WATERFRONT, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Fri 10th Apr

BOB KEELEY, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton CASPER CLARKE, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe CHRIS INGHAM, FleeceJazz, Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, WALKWAY, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich WORDS & MUSIC, Greshams Sports & Social Club, Tuddenham Road,Ipswich

Sat 11th Apr

KARRADOS, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave, THE REMEDY, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Sun 12th Apr

BONESHAKERS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe, 3pm MULBERRY FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich CHARLIE LAW, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 3pm JAZZ LUNCH featuring THE GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Mon 13th Apr

ROSS BURKIT, ALISON WARD, ELISA, Sorrel Horse, Shottisham, 8.30pm

Thu 16th Apr

TIME OUT, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton

Fri 17th Apr

THE CANDY GIRLS, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 3pm THE COLLECTORS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich, 3pm

COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Golf, Ipswich TIM STAFF, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton 70s DISCO, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe LOUIS TWO TONE, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe BACK PORCH, The Mulberry Ipswich BRYAN CORBETT, FleeceJazz, Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel THE RESTARTS, 4130’S, DOGTOWN REBELS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Thu 9th Apr

Sat 18th Apr

Mon 6th Apr

THE A TEAM, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton

STEVE CHERELLE COUNTRY & WESTERN, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave,

GIGguide KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe COUNTERFEIT, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Sun 19th Apr

NADIA RODOLFO, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 3pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe, 3pm BLUES JAM, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Wed 22nd Apr

FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Thu 23rd Apr

THE ANDY ROBINSON BAND, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton SILBURY HILL, The Novotel, Ipswich, 7.30pm

Fri 24th Apr

FRICTION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE MARTELLS, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe KYLE EASTWOOD, FleeceJazz, Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel EVENING OF JAZZ & DISSONANCE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,

Sat 25th Apr

ROQUEFORT, The Falcon, Walton, Felixstowe SOUL PROVIDERS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE MARTELLS, Woodbridge, Town Football, Club, 8pm, £5

Sun 26th Apr

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE EXPERIENCE, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 12pm HOT TRAMP, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich, 6pm SOAL CANDY, Isaacs on the Quay, Ipswich, 3pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe, 3pm JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich,

Thu 30th Apr

WORDS & MUSIC, Olives Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton FOLK AT THE BOAT, Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events.

If in doubt please check with venue before travelling Deadline for submissions for the May Gig Guide is Friday 10th April, email gigs@ipswich24.co.uk

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events. If in doubt please check with venue before travelling

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If you were one of the many unlucky fans who failed to grab tickets for Kate Bush’s Hammersmith Apollo live shows then fear not – a brilliant show which features the elusive artist’s entire career is heading

your way… Dreaming of Kate will be appearing at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 5th April.

With a remarkable resemblance to Kate Bush in vocal style and appearance, the extraordinary

Bellowhead in Concert

singer and performer Maaike Breijman brings the music of Kate Bush to live stages all over Europe. A fantastic live band, numerous costume changes, dance routines and stage props help Maaike amaze her audience as she effortlessly performs songs spanning the whole of Kate Bush’s career.

Kate’s albums remain popular to this very day, Dreaming of Kate is a rare opportunity for the audience to see Kate Bush’s songs brought to life in a show with the attention to detail her music so deserves.

Dreaming of Kate is not just a tribute band: it is a live experience.

This award-winning venue in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, is known for its acoustic excellence and home to a diverse programme of live music and events; from classical concerts to pop, rock, jazz, blues, world, country and folk, plus comedy and dance performances.

Dreaming of Kate will be at The Apex on Sunday 5th April at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £19 from the Box Office on 01284 758000, or online at www.theapex.co.uk.

Singers launch a Youth group Suffolk Soul Singers Youth is a new and exciting vocal project in Ipswich for anyone aged nine to 16 and you don’t need to read music or have sung in a group before.

The group will be singing pop covers, with all new arrangements and great harmonies. The aim is to have an energetic new group of young people singing music they enjoy, to gain experience and to have fun! If you love to sing and want a chance to perform, Suffolk Soul Singers Youth could be for you!

The group is currently free to attend and they meet at Ipswich Academy, Braziers Wood Road every Tuesday during term time, from 5pm until 7pm.

For further information you can email the group at sssyouth@yahoo.co.uk or find them on Facebook.

“Voyaging” Ipswich Choral Society’s Spring 2015 concert is the last main concert they will perform with Stephen Rumsey, their conductor and music director of 28 years, as Stephen retires at the end of this concert season.

“Voyaging” reflects the final journey that Stephen and Ipswich Choral Society are taking together, before saying farewell and embarking on separate journeys of discovery.

The programme also reflects Stephen’s love of sailing, with pieces inspired by life on the ocean waves and that sense of adventure you get when travelling.

Included is one of Stanford’s famous song cycles, ‘Songs of the Fleet’ inspired

by England’s naval past and another masterpiece of English choral music, ‘Songs of Farewell’ by Parry.

Ipswich Choral Society is delighted to be joined by guest performers baritone Mark Oldfield and pianist John Paul Ekins. Both soloists will be performing their own pieces to complement the concert theme, as well as joining Ipswich Choral Society for Stanford’s ‘Songs of the Sea’ and Stanford’s narrative of Tennyson’s poem ‘The Revenge: A Ballad of the Fleet’.

Ipswich Choral Society presents “Voyaging” on Saturday 16th May at Burns Recital Hall, The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2RX, Ticket prices (includes programme): Adults £12, Concessions £10, Children £5 are available from the ICS Ticket Line on 01473 738324 or Music World, Queen Street, Ipswich IP1 1SS. For further details about Ipswich Choral Society, visit our website: www.ipswichchoralsociety.org

Bellowhead are widely praised for their stunning live shows and often acknowledged as one of the best live acts the UK has produced in recent years, wowing audiences in venues across the UK, Europe and North America and becoming a key fixture on the festival scene. In the process they’ve won BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Live Act an amazing 5 times, as well as Best Group twice.

A blistering 11-piece band fusing folk, funk, rock, world, jazz, music hall and classical music, they have placed themselves at the cutting edge of the contemporary music scene while harnessing all the power and mystery of English and European musical traditions.

Bellowhead return to the Ipswich Regent Theatre, on Wednesday 22nd April. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100.

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National Gardening Week — 13th - 19th April —

Many gardens to open for FREE on Friday of National Gardening Week.

As part of this year’s National Gardening Week (13th – 19th April), gardens all over Britain that normally charge for entry or are closed to the public will be opening their doors for free on Friday 17th April in a unified effort to engage more people with the UK’s great gardens.

The aim of National Open Gardens Day is to raise awareness of the diversity, richness and cultural value of the UK’s gardens and encourage new segments of the public to experience and value them. The four RHS Gardens are leading the campaign with many RHS Partner Gardens, some National Gardens Scheme gardens and many more joining the campaign and

opening on the day. Please check www.nationalgardeningweek.org. uk for details of events before confirming your plans.

Colin Crosbie, Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, said, “The UK’s gardens are as valuable, beautiful and important as our museums and national parks and should be just as cherished. They provide people with enjoyment, relaxation and delight, and give urban dwellers green spaces. Gardens educate people about biodiversity and food security, and preserve our great plant collections. British gardens, in particular, attract tourists to our shores and provide employment to thousands.

“We are extremely lucky to have so many beautiful and diverse gardens in the UK and would like as many people as possible – particularly those who are new to garden visiting – to enjoy and value gardens and join the celebrations on National Open Gardens Day.” National Open Gardens Day is taking place during National Gardening Week, which was launched by the RHS four years ago and has grown into one of the UK’s largest celebrations of gardening. Last year more than 240 events were held during the week at gardens, museums, community groups and parks across the UK. The success of National Gardening Week is set continue this year with the RHS, National Trust, RSPB, NGS and

hundreds of gardens, retailers, gardeners and charities planning activities, events, giveaways and openings.

National Gardening Week and National Open Gardens Day are supported by a collaboration with upcoming gardening-themed period drama A Little Chaos, which is directed by Alan Rickman and stars Kate Winslet as a 17th-century landscape gardener. Visitors to selected gardens on National Open Gardens Day will get a chance to win tickets to the film, which premieres on 13th April and opens in UK cinemas on 17th April.

For more information about National Gardening Week or National Open Gardens Day visit www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk

Bealings Plant Sale The Bealings Annual Plant Sale will take place on Saturday 25th April from 10am until 12pm at Bealings Village Hall IP13 6LJ. Now in its 22nd year, the Sale will offer the usual vast array of plants, including perennials, shrubs, and vegetable plants. This is a non-commercial event, with all plants produced by local gardeners. There are other stalls, including a cakes and produce stall, crafted walking sticks, and, as a special innovation, a Plant Doctor table, with two eminent horticulturalists to answer your questions.

The sale has become a major event in the Bealings calendar and is held in aid of Great and Little Bealings Churches.

There will be a raffle with great prizes and a very special additional prize which will be raffled separately - a flight experience in a small light aeroplane, a Piper PA28 Warrior which will be piloted by a qualified pilot. The flight will last about one hour and transport to the airport is included. This would make a wonderful present for someone special or for you!

Refreshments will be served all morning, included in the £1 entrance fee. And for an extra £5 why not enjoy a picnic lunch with a glass of wine, which will be provided behind the village hall at 12.45pm.

Further information from 01473 735565 or 01473 610219

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Sweet Tooth Delight Pretty vanilla cupcakes each topped with butter cream and a chocolate nest of Jelly Belly “eggs”. You can use any Jelly Belly beans for decoration but the Ice Cream Parlour mix is especially pretty with egg like speckles!

Makes 12 For the cakes: 125g softened butter or baking margarine 125g caster sugar 2 eggs - beaten 125g self raising flour - or plain flour with a tsp of baking powder added ½ tsp vanilla essence pinch salt 1 - 2 tbs milk

Cream the butter and sugar together with a hand held mixer or in your stand mixer. Add the eggs together with a tablespoon of the flour and beat well.

Sieve the flour, baking powder, vanilla essence and salt and fold into the batter. If the batter is very stiff add the milk to loosen the mixture.

Line a bun tin with fairy cake cases. Fill each case 2/3 full with batter and bake at 190C / GM 5 for about 12 - 14 minutes.

The buns are done when risen and springy.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for five minutes then removed from the tin.

For the Buttercream This quantity will be enough to pipe the frosting onto the cakes - if you are going to spread the frosting you can reduce the amounts by a third.

100g softened butter 200g icing sugar Green food colouring 1 - 2 tbs milk The secret to fluffy buttercream is to beat the butter

really well before you add any sugar.

Place the butter in a bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer until soft and fluffy. Slowly add the icing sugar beating as you go. Add the milk to loosen the mixture. Add the food colouring a few drops at a time until the frosting is the colour you require.

You can also make your buttercream in a food processor, again beat the butter well before adding the icing sugar, milk and colouring.

For the Chocolate Nests 40g butter 1 ½ tbs golden syrup 1 ½ tbs cocoa powder 1 ½ tbs white granulated sugar 50g shredded wheat - crushed Place the butter, syrup, cocoa powder and sugar

into a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring all the time, until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the crushed shredded wheat.

Dollop teaspoons of the mixture onto a piece of greaseproof paper or silicon baking mat and shape into nests by flattening and hollowing out the centre. Allow to cool and set.

Decoration Pipe or spread the buttercream onto each cake, top each with a chocolate nest filled with a few Jelly Belly jelly bean “eggs”.

Have a spring clearout Could you make a donation of clothing or bric-a-brac, to raise money to pay for services for older people in Suffolk? Age UK Suffolk are calling on any spring cleaners, sorter-outers and secret hoarders to think of them when clearing out your home.

When people think of charity shops there are sometimes certain assumptions about what is inside, but step into Age UK Suffolk’s Ipswich Charity shop in Upper Brook Street, you could be pleasantly surprised. Fashionable clothing, attractive jewellery, and best-selling books are among the treats on offer.

Julie Webb, Age UK Suffolk’s Upper Brook Street Charity Shop Manager, said, “We can quickly transform good quality donations into services for older people. Your donation could help us Shine a Light on Loneliness and pay towards day clubs, dementia services or even running our walk-in information help desk at the back of our shop. From wedding dresses to second-hand scrabble, our charity shops stock a variety of unique and unusual items that you can’t find on the high street.”

• For more information on Age UK Suffolk services call 01473 351234, or visit www.ageuksuffolk.org. They have charity shops across Suffolk including two in the centre in Ipswich – the furniture store on Carr Street and a charity shop on 41a Upper Brook Street, for more information call 01473 359911.

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Turn your house into a home with a little help from Delvaux of Felixstowe Delvaux in Hamilton Road Felixstowe already has a good reputation as the place to go if you are looking for a unique gift for that someone special. However, as well as offering a wide range of gifts and jewellery items, at Delvaux, you will also find lots of lovely accessories for your home including a beautiful range of handmade glass, ceramics and sculptures.

Unusual clocks and mirrors to suit any room in your home, from small to large and in inspiring designs that will be guaranteed to draw attention and be a talking point.

Small pieces of furniture are also on offer and, as usual at Delvaux there’s a constantly changing stock with fresh deliveries almost every day. So if you’re looking for something special, just ask.

If you’re trying to find an unusual gift, would like to buy something special for your home or you would just like to treat yourself to a little something nice then a visit Looking for a reliable tradesman but worried about rogue traders to Delvaux is a must! and cowboy builders? Kevin Byrne, Founder of Checkatrade, provides a checklist of what to consider when looking for a Delvaux is open six days tradesman you can trust. a week from Monday to Saturday from 10am until • Watch out for contractors who cold call or doorstep you – ask yourself 5pm, and can be found why they need to. at 116 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

• Make sure you have adequate contact details for your trader in case things go wrong. In addition to a mobile number you should be looking for a landline number, office address and trade association membership details.

How to avoid cowboy traders

• Reputation is everything. Try to use builders who have been recommended to you by people you trust. Take up references from other satisfied customers who have had similar work done and have a look online.

• Have a look at www.checkatrade.com for details of tradespeople who have been vetted to a high standard, and had their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships verified, with scores out of ten from customers.

• Take the time to properly brief tradesmen and put it in writing to avoid any confusion. Be as detailed as possible.

• Obtain quotes from at least three contractors and insist on a written quotation or estimate for the work. Keep them all on file in case of any disagreement.

• To avoid costs spiralling, try and get the job done on a fixed-price basis in case the work takes longer than expected.

• Agree payment terms in advance. Pay for the work by credit card wherever possible so it will be covered by the protection of the credit card company if things go wrong.

• Avoid anyone who specifically asks for cash – it is illegal to ask for cash payments if the trader does not put it through the books and declare it as taxable income. Cash jobs may result in a receipt not being given, without a receipt you will have no come back if things go wrong.

O ver 25 years experienc e in m anufac turing purpo s e m ade jo inery.

Staircases – Windows – Doors – Reception Counters Bars – Furniture – Mouldings In fa ct, i f yo u w a n t a n yth i n g m a d e fro m w o o d , g i ve u s a ca l l a n d w e ca n h e l p .

Horsley Cross, Manningtree - 01255 870841 / 07437 473558 Email: mjfjoinery@btinternet.com - Web: www.mjfjoinery.co.uk

• Be careful about requests for upfront payments – it may imply they have cashflow problems. Traders who ask for upfront payments often do so because they cannot get credit at their local builders’ merchants, which may indicate they are not financially healthy.

• Once you agree terms and before work starts draw up a simple contract, including the work to be done, the price and the timeframe. Any reputable builder will be happy to sign it, you should sign it yourself and have it witnessed and signed by an independent third party.

Once work has begun, regularly check that works are on schedule and keep talking your contractor to make sure things are on track.

For more information visit www.checkatrade.com

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Pooley Removals, now offering storage too!

Pooley Removals and Storage have been moving people into their new homes, shipping them overseas and storing their household furniture and effects for over 35 years. It is very much a local, independent family run business.

Over six years ago now Peter Monk purchased the company and he now runs the business alongside his daughter Jenny Monk and her partner Wayne. Pooley Removals and Storage continues to grow and this is all down to the team of friendly experienced office staff and the best removal men around. This is why most of their customers are repeat or come from recommendation.

2014 saw a lot of changes for the company, one being a move for themselves, to a much larger warehouse and office. This has enabled Pooley Removals and Storage to expand its storage side of the business. As well as storing household goods whilst people are between homes or doing renovation work they also store commercial and trade goods and offer archiving and a confidential shredding services.

There are many reasons why you should consider wooden containerised storage over self-storage: • Everything is blanketed and loaded into your containers by trained, experienced removal men • Full inventory of items stored • Invoiced monthly • Short or long term • Covered by their insurance indemnity • Competitive prices • Delivered back to your door and furniture re-assembled where needed. Collections and deliveries are charged as separate costs to the storage costs.

• Free no obligation quotations Perhaps you are planning a spring clean at home, or looking to put your home on the market and need to store furniture and your clutter that has accumulated over the years to have a clearer home to entice new buyers. If so then Pooley

HALF PRICE

READER OFFER

Removals and Storage can store your belongings for any length of time that suits and they look forward to hearing from you.

At Pooley Removals and Storage you can also store your caravan or trailer at very competitive rates.

Reader Offer

Pooley Removals and Storage would like to offer Ipswich24 readers their first month’s storage with the company at half price!

Just mention Ipswich24 when you contact them.

Exhibition of bird paintings Brin Edwards, wildlife painter and illustrator, will be showing his striking bird paintings and prints at the National Trust’s Boat House Gallery, Flatford, which overlooks the scene of John Constable’s famous painting ‘Boat- building at Flatford Mill’ 1815.

A life member of the National Trust Brin Edwards has been able to visit some spectacular locations which inspire ideas for his bird paintings and support the conservation charity at the same time.

After studying Biology and Ecology at University Brin worked as a freelance illustrator commissioned by many UK publishers and charities including the National Trust and the RSPB.

Brin teaches wildlife art from his straw bale studio in his Suffolk garden. For more information visit his website www.brin-edwards.com.

Birds and Light paintings and prints by Brin Edwards will be at Boat House Gallery, Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk CO7 6UL until Sunday 26th April.

• Any enquiries please contact sarah.milne@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Come and explore the Local carpentry firm offering new-look Taplin Gallery personal service and high quality craftsmanship

Woodbridge based Crafted Carpentry Property Services offer carpentry, joinery and building services to home owners, businesses, letting agents, local authorities and construction contractors.

The independent company have a small, but efficient team offering a personal service with very high standards and top quality craftsmanship.

The Taplin Gallery was established decades ago by a local artist, as the Denis Taplin Gallery. Set in the beautiful historic town of Woodbridge the Gallery has been under new ownership since September 2014.

Taplin Gallery under went refurbishment last October and now has a fresh and stylish new look, giving customers the opportunity to browse comfortably through the wide variety of stock on show.

Taplin continues to provide customers with a taste of what the talented artists of Suffolk have to offer, including works by talented local artists such as Christopher Humphries and Chrissy Norman, as well as Pru Green and Mary Wyatt ceramics.

At the Gallery you will find a wide range of art, crafts, gifts, jewellery, ceramics and cards for every occasion.

Some of the most popular items available are Frith cold cast bronzes, Pru Green ceramics, Maileg, Kate Hamilton Hunter jewellery, Glover and Smith, Katie Almond ceramics and Hallo Cards.

The Gallery also provides a bespoke framing service.

So if you are looking for something special to brighten a corner of your home or maybe you are shopping for a unique gift for someone then a visit to Taplin Gallery in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge is a must.

At Crafted Carpentry they specailse in complete kitchen design, and can both supply and fit your new kitchen. Whether you are looking to buy a fitted kitchen or would like a bespoke handmade kitchen and solid hardwood worktops, Crafted Carpentry are able to create your dream kitchen that will enhance your home.

It doesn’t just stop at kitchens…

At Crafted Carpentry they can also take care of your flooring requirements too with their range of oak hardwoods and laminate flooring available.

From small domestic works to larger commercial and carpentry subcontracting services, at Crafted Carpentry they can cover all of your building requirements.

So, if you’re about to undertake a building project, looking to buy a new kitchen or are renovating your home then Crafted Carpentry will be able to help. With their experience and attention to detail they will be able to create stunning work to make your house a home to be proud of.

For more information about Crafted Carpentry and the services on offer telephone 01394 386432 or 07500 044 757 or visit their website at www.craftedcarpentry.co.uk. Search for crafted carpentry on facebook and keep up to date with their latest projects for inspiration for your own home.

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Little Englander

For nigh on fifty one years I have walked this fine land of ours. Like my parents and my grandparents before them I was born in it, grew up in it, was educated in it, bought houses in it, met my partner in it, had children in it and worked all over it. Never in all that time did I assume I would ever have to prove I was British.

This came to light recently when I was advised by a certain company that proof of my Englishness was required if I were to be paid. This could take the form of a birth certificate - which I have lost, a passport - which, ironically, I do not have because I never go abroad or a picture driving licence. I only have the old green one because I was given it in 1982 – presumably before cameras where invented.

“Well in that case we can’t pay you…”

I was left no option. I phoned the company concerned. I queued for ages, I moaned about the weather, I criticised the national football team, I watched and fully understood some

cricket, I reminisced about ‘how everything was better in the old days’ and I had a cup of tea. They were convinced.

pilot I shall take the yellow and black paint to my chopper, stick a flashing light on it and offer the boys in blue my joysticks.

Does it not seem rather strange that I have to jump through nationality proof hoops to get paid for hard work – yet when I had £15,000 worth of NHS heart valve surgery, nobody required so much as a gas bill to prove I even live in Britain.

As long as it’s not raining, windy, foggy, cold or dark.

Crime Watch

Recently the news that Suffolk was to lose its Police helicopter came to light. Yes we will still have access to the one at Essex – but how often will it already be busy? The now familiar black and yellow sight has become something of a fixture in our skies and, despite the noise it often makes, gives one a reassuring feeling of security. Let’s not forget it was responsible for locating at least one of the five murdered girls during the horrors of 2006 and countless misdemeanours have been resolved thanks to its abilities and crew.

The I-Diot

They say that before too long computers will be as clever as we are. Utter poppycock. To prove this is nonsense you only have to look at your email. The spam filter is quite, quite stupid. You and I can spot spam email from around ten yards quite easily and when an email is from your pal there’s a pretty good chance it is ok.

The spam filter though seems to think I need an extended this, a reduction in that - and there really is a desperate woman dying to meet me in my area for a good time.

When my family however email me

a date that must not be forgotten – oh that’s a different story. The filter immediately detects the end of the world and destroys this important detail in a burst of flames.

Computers may be getting cleverer, but for the moment they are put in the shade by cuttlefish where common sense is concerned.

Back On Days

Somebody somewhere in the BBC has arrived at the notion that I would be good on a weekday radio program. Before they realise their foolishness please join me on the new BBC Radio Suffolk show, delightfully called James Hazell’s Big Lunch Box – 12 till 2pm Monday to Friday – from April 7th.

Should be a bit of a giggle…

See you in May

I think my civic duty is thus clear.

As a registered and qualified drone

Highlights of India As you may recall Lee from Deben Travel visited India last November and came home with lasting memories of a fascinating country. If India is a travel destination on your list of ‘must do trips’ then please read on…

At Deben Travel in Woodbridge they are now able to offer you a fully escorted tour to India with Traveller by Titan.

After flying with Virgin Atlantic direct from Heathrow you will spend seven days following the Golden Triangle route with your expert local guide starting with two nights in Delhi to fully take in the sights of this wonderful city. Further highlights will include visiting Jaipur the ‘Pink City’, the Amber Fort and of course the amazing Taj Mahal.

To enhance your experience and continue your adventure you can also add extra nights to the trip and stay in Rathambore the largest National Park in Northern India home to the Tigers and other wildlife or, if rest and relaxation is required you could head to Goa to chill out on the beautiful beaches.

The tour starts from £999.00 per person to depart 27th April 2016, however other dates are available.

If this sounds like the tour for you then please do pop in to see the team at Deben Travel in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, call 01394 615620 or email them at team@debentravel.co.uk The team at Deben Travel will be happy to give you further information about this tour and of course, Lee can share his experiences first hand.

A fresh look at the Suffolk witch hunts At least 100 witches were executed on the gallows and a small number were put through the agony of being burnt alive.

One of the poor women who was subjected to this horrifying treatment was Mary Lackland: the Ipswich Witch.

In this new book David L. Jones explores the case against Mary and provides a thorough investigation into this 350 year old miscarriage of justice. He provides a new look at the social causes of the Suffolk witch hunts through his own research of

contemporary seventeenth century sources.

David L. Jones is a writer and researcher who works for the Ipswich Museum. His role there is to be a bridge between the academic discipline of history and the interested member of the public.

This book is inspired by his time living in rural Nepal, where witchcraft is considered an everyday reality, and is the product of many years of study. He lives in Ipswich.

The Ipswich Witch: Mary Lackland and the Suffolk Witch Hunt by David L. Jones is available at all good book shops.

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The Tractor Boy Column To referee or not to referee that is the question.

For most people (those with even a drop of sanity) the answer is simple no to even entertaining the prospect of becoming a referee, however, considering this months article is based on refereeing it is rather fortunate that I lost my sanity a long time ago and have decided to become a referee. Therefore, I hope for this month’s article to give you a little insight of what it is like to be the man in the middle…

First of all however, you have to pass a course for the opportunity to put the gleaming silver whistle between your lips. Let me tell you, that course is no doddle either. To begin with a sheet of about 60 multiple choice questions all designed to test your knowledge of the 17 (yes 17) laws of the game.

I’d be lying if I told you I got all of them right some of them quite frankly I had never even heard of, but after a thorough (ish) read of the majority I felt prepared to embark on the three day course at the end of which my fate would be decided!

Unfortunately, due to the fact I was in London watching the quite magnificent ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ in the West End I was absent from the first day of the course, which meant as I walked through the rather shabby doors of the

Suffolk’s youngest sports pundit

little hut we would be trained in, I knew I had a fair amount of catching up to do.

Standing out on the Gresham’s fields with Coach Barry having volunteered me to ref first and now bellowing in my ear about the fact I was standing in the wrong place or facing the wrong way, I did wonder whether this was the thing for me.

However, to my great pleasure I found I began to love and even thrive under the pressure I was being put under. Perhaps the thing that struck me most during the course is that when we heckle a referee at Portman road on a Saturday we seem to forget he is just a normal guy trying to do his job, everyone got on well on the course and yet as soon as someone pulled on the black bib people’s attitudes changed completely. Arguing, moaning and god forbid if they made an error because the grief they got was incredible. Admittedly when I was denied a blatant penalty I may have had a little pop. Anyway I’ll cut to the chase and I’m proud to say on a spine chillingly cold Thursday afternoon in the pouring rain and gusting wind I was deemed to be a good enough referee to be passed by the assessor. The immediate consequences of this were that I would be given the opportunity to referee six matches in which I

would be assessed to see if I could step up to the plate of becoming an official referee.

The first of those games was an under 11’s match between Copleston and Ipswich Wanderers, only under 11’s should have been a piece of cake shouldn’t it? If only that was the case. Apparently this was first against second, a real grudge match against two teams chomping at the bit to get at each other, talk about being thrown in at the deep end. An hour later after a helter skelter end to end classic full of meaty challenges, managers moaning and a penalty appeal seemingly every attack (of which only one I decided to give) it’s fair to say I had been introduced into the job of a referee.

Next time I’m warming up my vocal cords ready to tell the ref what I think, perhaps I’ll just stop, because one day I could be in his position!

• Daniel Ford (aka “Tractor Boy”) would love to hear from readers with suggestions for future items in the column: Tractor Boy, c/o Ipswich24, PO Box 774, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 9FW

Healthy Communities Babergh District Council Healthy Communities have joined forces with Hadleigh Health Centre to help combat inactivity and obesity both of which are big factors for an individual’s health and wellbeing.

The aim is to help the residents of Hadleigh understand how they can improve their general health and wellbeing with a quick and easy Ready and Go Body Check.

The Ready and Go Body Check is quick and easy to complete. You just need to remove your socks and shoes and jump on. Boditrax is a cloud hosted digital platform performing body composition, activity tracking, allowing us to set individual goals and report on your personal progress.

The Ready and Go Body Check Results shows exactly what you are made of; including weight, BMI, fat mass, muscle mass, water mass, bone mass and visceral fat score (the bad stuff around your heart and lungs). The system includes an easy to follow traffic light rating that shows your results as Red, Amber or Green zone clearly highlighting areas to focus on.

The Ready and Go Body Check Assessment takes just five-minutes and gives the users immediate access to their own results which can be viewed on any internet enabled device. If their results show an Amber or Red Indicator they will automatically be entitled to a free self-referral with a qualified Community Health and Wellbeing Coach. They then will have the opportunity to discuss how they feel about their results, and be signposted to community health and wellbeing partners who can support them to achieve their personal goals. This may include; drinking more water, looking at what they eat or drink or being more active.

The Check provides an accessible early intervention to everyone in the community young or old. We can all benefit from understanding what we are made of and this self-help approach will also help to reduce costs to the NHS in the long term. There are no additional costs to them for this service.

Joe Harvey, Health and Wellbeing Manager leading this project on behalf of the Babergh District Council Healthy Communities Team says, “We will be providing this service from the Hadleigh Health Centre Practice, Market Place, Hadleigh every Friday Morning between 8.30am and 12.30pm, there is no need to book just come and see what everyone is talking about. This service is available for the whole community.”

Peter Larner, Manager of Hadleigh Health Centre added, “We are delighted to host this exciting new service. I encourage all our patients to give it a go – and it is free” • If you would like to know more or to book to have Ready and Go Body Checks to your club, group, organisation, workforce or friends you can contact the Healthy Communities Team now on 01473 823470 or email them on healthycommunities@ssleisure.co.uk

Free Football Event for all this next month

You are invited to join in a free football event this month run by Cerebal Palsy Sport England & Wales. The CP Football Kickstart event will be run in conjunction with Inspire Suffolk and held at their headquarters in Lindbergh Road in Ipswich.

Join in the fun on Sunday 12th April from 11am until 1pm. This event is free to take part, although you must book in advance before 3rd April. It’s open to anyone aged between five and 18 years old (all abilities) and to book your place simply email sam. turner@cpsport.org This is a project delivered in partnership with CP Sport England & Wales, Inspire Suffolk and Suffolk FA. Inspire Suffolk can be found at Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9QX, just off Nacton Road in Ipswich or the Nacton Interchange from the A14 with plenty of free parking on site www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk

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Stop Snoring Naturally!

by Jules Button

Snoring, everyone will do it at some point in their life. It may be temporary because they are ill or have overindulged in alcohol or it could be something they do every single night.

Sadly snoring can have a devastating effect on one’s health and relationships, and can cause a number of health problems as a result of disturbed sleep.

Recent research has shown that over 70% of people who try over-thecounter snoring remedies do not get the relief they had hoped for. This is because there is no one ‘cure’ for snoring. To help stop snoring there are some lifestyle changes that can be made to help put an end to this disturbing night-time event.

• Water can help solve an incredible number of problems, and snoring may be one of them. When you’re dehydrated, secretions in your nose and mouth become stickier, contributing to snoring. Drinking water and hydrating will lubricate these areas and help to reduce the noise.

• Open up your nasal passages.

If you have a stuffed up nose, you are more likely to snore. Try clearing your nasal passages before bed by blowing your nose, taking a steamy shower, or trying a saltwater rinse.

Nasal strips are also an option, as they help to lift nasal passages and open them up while you sleep.

• Keep regular sleeping patterns. If you’re really tired or been out on an all nighter your muscles are floppier and you will sleep deeper. This can trigger snoring, but can be avoided by maintaining good, regular sleeping habits.

• Check yourself for allergies because chronic respiratory allergies may cause snoring by blocking your ability to breathe through your nose while sleeping.

Some allergies are seasonal which affect your sleep pattern as well as induce snoring. Check to see if you’re allergic to anything in your bedroom, such as down duvets or

pillows. See an Allergist to check out any sensitivity to products that you might have, especially cleaning and bodycare products.

• Don’t go to bed drunk because alcohol is similar to other sedatives, in that it reduces the resting tone of the muscles in the back of your throat. This allows soft tissue to collapse in your throat thus triggering snoring. Make sure you drink plenty of water to hydrate the tissues in the nose and throat as these will become dehydrated due to the alcohol.

• Weight loss is actually a really effective method to stop snoring.

People that suddenly gain weight can start snoring, even if they hadn’t previously. Gaining weight around your neck squeezes the internal diameter of the throat and makes it collapse during sleep, triggering snoring. Even losing a few pounds can make a big difference!

• Stop Smoking as everyone knows it’s bad for your health, but it can also help contribute to snoring.

Cigarette smoke irritates the lining of the nasal cavity and throat, and can cause swelling and blockages.

The decreased airflow may cause snoring.

• Sleep on your side because gravity works against you when it comes to snoring. Your tongue or soft tissues are more likely to drop and obstruct your airway if you sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side can help minimize snoring and some people have found lying on their side and hugging a body pillow really does help.

• Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat and increase potential snoring. If you have a stuffed nose or other cold symptoms, a humidifier can really make a big difference by helping to keep the passages moist. Also try and sleep with a small window slightly open so there is always fresh air in the bedroom. Keep your bedroom temperate below 16 degrees so you don’t get too warm at night.

Some snoring may be caused by medical problems, so if none of the above suggestions help reduce your

snoring, go and see your doctor or natural health practitioner for further advice.

Health and Peace to you all – Jules

For more information about this article, Herbs, Vitamins, Naturopathic advice or Allergy Testing contact Jules Button (MSc BSc) Email: jules@rainbowapothecary.co.uk Web: www.rainbowapothecary.co.uk or call 01394 386777 or pop into Rainbow Apothecary 6E Church Street Woodbridge IP12 1DH

Help for Cancer patients with financial

Macmillan Cancer Support helped a record number of people in urgent financial need during 2014, with over 288 Suffolk cancer patients last year receiving a Macmillan grant to help them with costs arising from their treatment.

New figures from the charity highlight the financial isolation that often follows a cancer diagnosis. Patients in Suffolk received over £86,675 for vital essentials such as heating bills, clothing and transport costs, as well as practical household items like washing machines Research by Macmillan also found that four out of five people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

One cancer patient said, “For travelling expenses of £40 per week plus your car parking and I was only getting £70, the grant made a big difference. It felt like I’d won the lottery actually. I was just so grateful for the grant.”

Nikki Cannon, Macmillan Cancer Support, Senior Development Manger said of the record numbers, “Our latest grants figures demonstrate the dramatic financial impact cancer has on the lives of patients and their loved ones. In 2014 Macmillan helped more people than ever before, as we continued to work to ensure that nobody faces cancer alone.

“People undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment should not have the additional worry of how to pay for absolute basics such as heating their home, or bedding to keep warm. There are 2.5million people now living with and beyond cancer in the UK. And with this figure set to double by 2030, we believe that our next government needs to make cancer a priority. That’s why Macmillan is urging all of the main political parties to commit to matching the best cancer outcomes in Europeby the end of the next Parliament.”

In 2014, Macmillan awarded over £10million in grants to 33,011 people across the UK. The Macmillan grants programme gives payments to cancer patients who have limited financial resources and are in need of immediate assistance, giving an average level of help of £303 per person assisted.

Macmillan helped more patients with clothing than with any other cost arising from having cancer. This was followed by grants to help with the cost of fuel bills and the cost of travelling to and from hospital for treatment.

Nikki concludes, “Macmillan believes no one should face cancer alone and we urge any cancer patients who are struggling financially to contact our helpline to find what support is available to them.”

Every week, over 634 people in the UK receive a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan relies on public donations to continue providing this vital financial support to people affected by cancer.

To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, please call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk/donate.

Macmillan grants are just one of the ways Macmillan can help with the cost of cancer. For more information about financial support available to patients, please call freephone 0808 808 0000.

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Has your waistline gone to the dogs?

Are you ready to shed those excess pounds and get into shape? Well, national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is asking the public to pick up their running shoes to raise money for hearing dogs, by applying for a place in this year’s Great North Run on Sunday 13th September 2015.

It’s time to get fit again and Hearing Dogs is offering a number of exclusive Gold Bond places for the world’s most popular half marathon. The Great North Run is one of the largest half marathons in the world attracting thousands of runners from over forty different countries, so places are limited and demand is high! As well as a Gold Bond place, Hearing Dogs offer a high level of support from the moment you sign up to the day you cross the finishing line and beyond.

Still not convinced? Have a read of one of the charity’s amazing 2014 Great North Run runners’ story.

Ben Taylorson signed up to run for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in early 2014 and started gentle training in the spring. That training, and indeed everything else, was brought to a grinding halt on the 29th May 2014 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The next day he underwent an emergency operation and luckily two weeks later was given the all clear.

“It was mid-July by the time I felt ready and able to start running again. To be honest, I thought the Great North Run was going to be beyond me and I had begun to compose the ‘Sorry, I’m going to have to drop out…’ email in my head as my first post-operation run had left my in a fair degree of discomfort.

But, after a few more gentle runs I decided I would give it a go. Over the next six weeks or so I gradually built up my training runs from three miles to six miles and, a week before the Great North Run, I managed 10 miles. I knew then that I could hopefully manage it.”

Prostate Cancer Tests Do you want to risk being one of the 10,000 men who die every year in this country from a prostate cancer that is detected too late? Do you want your husband or father to be one of them?

Many men with prostate cancer have no symptoms in the early stages and the only way to detect it is to be tested.

Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer will have a slow-growing cancer which will not develop enough to become a problem during their lifetimes so that they will not need treatment. The best course of action for them will be just to have it monitored at regular intervals.

There are arguments both for and against testing for prostate cancer, however the above facts a undeniable.

The East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group recommends every man between the ages of 45 (40 for men with a close relative who has prostate or breast cancer) and 75 to either ask his GP for a test or to come along to their testing session where an NHS Urology Consultant will give a talk on prostate issues and will answer any questions you may have before you are tested. (note: GPs will generally only test men over 50, but The East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group will test men over 45. Some GPs will not test men who have no symptoms.)

A small blood sample will be taken from your arm by a trained phlebotomist, the sample will be analysed in an NHS laboratory and the consultant will write to you to explain your result and advise whether you should take any further action.

Ben managed to complete the Great North Run in an impressive 1 hour 55 minutes. He then came to visit the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People tent in the charity village where we were waiting with open arms!

When it was time to head home, Ben had already decided he would do the Great North Run again next year, and he would do it for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

“In the end, I raised just over £440 this year. I’ll look to try and beat that next year…!”

Highly trained hearing dogs alert deaf people to important sounds like the telephone and smoke alarm, as well as providing confidence and companionship, which can relieve the stress and isolation deafness can bring. In Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex alone there are 56 deaf people already partnered with hearing dogs, but another 23 are waiting to benefit from this life-changing gift.

• To secure your place in the Great North Run 2015 and for more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People please contact your local Community Fundraising Manager, Rachel Clarke, on 07769 901291 or rachel.clarke@hearingdogs.org.uk 35

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Want to be beach ready for the Summer?

If you want to get a beach body ready for the Summer then you need to start working on it now. At Kay Fletcher Fitness, following the success of their first H.F.T. (High Frustration Tolerance) Course they have just confirmed dates for their next course starting in April and already places are filling up fast.

The H.F.T. Course was based around a well balanced Says Kay, “The results from the first course were amazing – 60 people took part and in just four weeks and sensible eating plan, aimed at helping everyone between them they lost 28 stone 7lb, they also walked, achieve weight loss by improving their current eating ran and cycled 3,096 miles and lost 185 inches from their habits and their overall fitness levels. During the four waist and hips. weeks Kay worked with the group on learning new “The members who took part were aged from 22 to 60 coping techniques, and supported them through daily plus and they all threw themselves into the course. In texts, emails and support pages on facebook.

The photo shows some of the members who addition to attending one Bootcamp style class per week they were also asked to attend at least one further attended the course. For more details and to book exercise class, choosing from the many options available your place on the April course please contact at Kay Fletcher Fitness. They also took part in weekly Kay@kayfletcherfitness.com or call Kay on team challenges for walking, cycling and swimming and 01473613397. doing some toning exercises at home”

People who have taken part in the first H.F.T. course loved it. Here is what they had to say about the experience: “I had been struggling for months to keep on track and had a serious chocolate addiction. I can’t explain why but since my first H.F.T. class my attitude to food has completely changed – no chocolate has passed my lips for five weeks except a low fat hot chocolate or two!”

“My attitude has definitely changed - seeing a loss of 8lb over four weeks, just by changing my mind-set and increasing my exercise has made me determined to continue towards my goal” “I’ve really enjoyed the ‘lesson’ part of the experience as it’s this I feel has made the difference to my way of thinking. The phrase “I don’t like it but I can stand it” springs to mind frequently now.”

“My attitude has very much changed. Firstly, I feel more aware of why and when I eat (especially in response to feelings) and this knowledge can help me stop and think. Secondly, it has reminded me that weight management is more about daily choices, for good, rather than short term fixes.

I really liked the encouraging quotes you sent.”

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International expertise in IVF available in East Anglia CREATE Fertility, specialists in mild stimulation IVF (which uses lower drug doses), have announced their appointment as a provider of NHS funded fertility treatment for patients across the East of England.

The appointment follows an NHS panel selection process to appoint new IVF providers for the region, and means that mild stimulation treatment is to be an option for those granted NHS funding for fertility treatment. They are pleased to announce that they achieved the highest score amongst all the bidders for the East of England IVF contract.

The appointment means that East of England based patients will have access to international expertise and state-of-the art IVF offered by CREATE Fertility.

NHS patients will receive treatment at CREATE Fertility’s European Centre of Excellence at St. Paul’s, London. As part of the clinic’s tailored approach to fertility, patients will also be provided with access to the world’s most advanced ultrasound technology and laboratory facilities, which accurately assess a woman’s ovarian reserve and blood flow, allowing bespoke treatment. CREATE Fertility are expected to open a dedicated East of England clinic later in the year.

Sharing your story can help Counselling provides a space for you to share your story - your thoughts, feelings and the issues you are experiencing. It’s a place for you to think, talk, cry, shout or just be. It’s an opportunity to look at your story and gain perspective.

After a successful launch in November 2014, Forget-Me-Not Counselling are looking to open up more appointments at Haven Health Medical Practice in Felixstowe. The practice is easily accessed from the A14 and has a free car park, a comfortable waiting room and the staff are well trained to maintain confidentiality. Appointments are available on days where there are no clinical appointments in the surgery, to maximise confidentiality, should you require it.

Forget-Me-Not Counselling believe in the importance of finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable with, which is why you are welcome to phone or email for an informal discussion before you make an appointment.

Morgan Horton is a qualified and insured Therapeutic Counsellor. She is a registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and receives regular supervision from an accredited Counsellor and Supervisor, to ensure she is working to her best ability, safely, legally and ethically.

Professor Dr Geeta Nargund, the clinic’s founder and medical director, is a renowned international fertility expert and a pioneer in the field of mild approaches in IVF. Mild stimulation IVF uses lower dosages of stimulatory drugs, aiming to improve both maternal and child health with high success rates. The absence of strong drug use reduces the chance of developing adverse health risks such as Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and greatly improves the IVF experience for women. CREATE Fertility prides itself in its track record of not having any hospital admissions with severe OHSS. Their individualised treatment methods reduce health complications to women in IVF treatment and achieve better outcomes for women and children. Mild approaches in IVF are associated with higher birth weight for babies.

Commenting on the appointment, Professor Dr Geeta Nargund said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to serve NHS patients. At CREATE Fertility, instead of adopting a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; we are dedicated to looking at each woman’s needs individually. Now, with this decision

by East of England NHS commissioners, a large number of NHS patients now have the opportunity to choose a safer and gentler form of IVF. The extension of milder approaches to IVF treatments to NHS patients signifies healthcare industry acceptance that patients should have access to wider and safer fertility treatment options.”

Morgan is experienced in working with a range of clients, male and female, aged 15 to 76, helping them to achieve positive outcomes in private practice and with a national mental health charity. Whilst trained to work with many issues, her areas of expertise are relationship issues, low confidence and self-esteem, anxiety and depression, and womens issues.

Morgan works to create a professional relationship which is open and honest, so that you can work on your issues together. Morgan is dedicated to her clients and genuinely wants the best for them. Morgan believes that the care and interest she puts in to her client work is directly linked to positive outcomes.

At Forget-Me-Not Counselling you can trust that you will receive the care and the space you need to work through what is troubling you. By accessing counselling, you are taking control of your problem with a trained professional, rather than letting your problem control you.

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

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!

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CHIROPODY service direct to your home.

Covering Ipswich, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and local areas.

Contact 01473 211217 or 07803 601085 for enquiries.

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