Ipswich24 – April 2018

APRIL 2018

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• The Wizard of Oz, this Easter Felixstowe Spa — see page 2

The Luxury Travel Specialist

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A feast of entertainment at the Spa Pavilion Panto returns to the Spa Pavilion theatre this Easter holidays with the Wizard of Oz. So click your ruby heels together and join them for a magical adventure performed by the hugely talented Talegate Theatre Company.

The company last came to the Spa in October with ‘Harry Panto’, the pop music and magical illusions going down a storm with the family audiences. There are two performances, 2pm on the 6th April and also 6pm with family tickets from just £40 (2 adults, 2 children).

Then the late, great George Michael’s music is remembered on Saturday 7th April at 7.30pm with ‘Fast Love’ which promises an unforgettable evening packed with crowd pleasing anthems from the WHAM! classics to the chart-topping tunes of the 80’s from the album Faith and into the 90’s and 00’s too.

Another theatre company, CBM return to the Spa for two days from Friday 13th April with ‘Disney High School Musical’ on stage. Their performance of ‘Avenue Q’ in 2017 brought in huge crowds and this show promises a similar reaction.

‘The Hypnotist Live & Outrageous’ on Friday 20th April is the curious title to Robert Temple’s fast-paced and cutting edge, thrilling show which features some incredible hypnosis from 7.30pm. Whether you fancy taking part or just laughing at those who do, they say it will be one of the funniest shows you’ll watch this year.

From the producers of ‘That’ll be the Day’ comes ‘Walk Right Back’ a brand new musical on Saturday 21st April at 7.30pm. The show tells the story of the most successful duo of all time – The Everley Brothers, their highs and their lows and the inevitable split whilst you sing along to all their hits including; Bye Bye Love, All I have to Do is Dream and Cathy’s Clown.

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The Spa’s regular ‘Dine & Dance’ nights are proving popular too with a special set menu and live entertainment. Friday 27th sees Stephanie Mackentyre and Steve Rhodes providing the music, playing songs from the shows plus popular laid back ballads and some gentle jazz to entertain you. The Lounge Restaurant and Theatre Bar will be transformed on the night, complete with a dance floor. To make a booking call 01394 336336.

Finishing April with a flourish the Spa welcomes back ‘The Drifters’ on Saturday 28th April from 7.30pm. This brand new tour features all of their classic hits.

The month of May begins with ‘You Win Again’ which comes to the Spa direct from London’s West End. You can expect all your favourites; ‘Night Fever’, ‘Stayin Alive’ and You Should be Dancin by the second half if not before.

‘Seriously Dead’ is one to watch out for, this comedy stars Crissy Rock (Benidorm and I’m a Celebrity) and Tommy Cannon and is due to be performed on Thursday 17th May from 7.30pm. With another five live shows to choose from in May plus another Dine & Dance it really is all going on at the Spa Pavilion.

All shows on sale are available from the Spa Pavilion’s Box Office which is open from 11am until 4pm 01394 284962. You can also buy your tickets on line, 24 hours a day, at www.felixstowespa.co.uk.

Both of the bar restaurants are open every day from 9.30am to 5pm and two hours before performances for pre-show dining. You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

INSIDE THIS MONTH APRIL Suffolk Walking Festival:

Arts:

This month we have news on a great musical on the life of Carole King, an afternoon of musical nostalgia and an interview with Red Rose Chain's Joanna Carrick.

Over 120 different walks across all of Suffolk to suit all tastes and abilities, this promises to be the Festival's most ambitious to date.

16-21 Easter:

7 Services:

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

46&47

The start of Spring and lots happening including days at the farm, steam train rides, arty fun for kids and that all important Easter Egg Hunt. Plus special feature on Easter at Stonham Barns.

Events Diary:

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

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8-15 33-37

In Later Life:

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Our regular section aimed at our older readers or for those with older relatives. Health and living advice and much more

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Open Boat Weekend (7th-8th April)

The Open Boat Weekend taking place on Saturday 7th April and Sunday 8th April at Ipswich Waterfront (in front of the Old Custom House) sees a collaboration between three of Ipswich’s best known resident river cruise boats – the Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant, the Sailing Barge Victor and Orwell Lady. Visitors will be warmly welcomed on board to meet the crews, discover the fascinating history of each boat and hear about the different cruises on offer.

And with spring just around the corner, what could be more delightful than a leisurely and peaceful few hours viewing beautiful parts of Suffolk from its rivers? All three boats offer a unique but different experience and the open weekend will give visitors an excellent opportunity to find out more.

The Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant, an ex South African Air Force (SAAF) air/sea rescue launch underwent a rebuild in 2011 before being transported to Ipswich from Durban Harbour, South Africa.

Operating all year round, daily brunch, lunch and dinner cruises for up to 12 people take place down the River Orwell towards the Port of Felixstowe.

Guests can enjoy fine local produce from an a la carte menu whilst passing the marinas at Woolverstone and Levington, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, picturesque Pin Mill, ultimately turning for home just before arriving at the Port of Felixstowe, the largest container terminal in Britain.

The Sailing Barge Victor is a perfect marriage of a majestic and traditionally rigged 19th century sailing vessel with comfortable, modern facilities for guests. A sailing trip on the Victor offers a truly memorable and affordable opportunity to experience living history, either on one of its public cruises specially designed for individuals, families and friends to enjoy (fully inclusive of food) or on one of its private cruises for larger family occasions and corporate events. Up to 40 guests can be accommodated. Drinks and refreshments may be purchased from the licensed bar on board which includes a range of fine Adnams beers, cider and soft drinks.

Built in 1979 as a purpose-built Thames River Boat, Orwell Lady offers sightseeing cruises to Harwich Harbour and the Port of Felixstowe most days between May and October as well as regular English afternoon teas and Sunday buffet lunch cruises, music nights, wine tasting and Halloween Ghosts on the river family cruise.

She is licensed for 100 and has two decks (one covered) and a licensed bar selling hot, cold drinks and snacks.

Allen Gardiner: email info@rivercruiserestaurants.co.uk or ring 01473 558712.

Sailing Barge Victor: email tourist@ipswich.gov.uk or ring 01473 258070.

Orwell Lady: website www.orwellrivercruises.co.uk or ring 01473 258070.

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Ipswich Museum brought to life by BBC app The BBC’s nine-part documentary series Civilisations has recently been shown on our TV screen. Accompanying the landmark series is the Civilisations Festival, for which Ipswich Museums is a festival partner.

The festival is a collaboration between the BBC, museums, galleries and libraries, and endeavours to explore art and culture through history.

Artefacts from the collection at Ipswich Museums have been included in the Civilisations Augmented Reality app. Through your mobile device, you can see artefacts come to life in 3D and through latest advances in AR technology, appear in your own room. The technology, developed by BBC Research and Development and Nexus Studios, allows you to experience art from across the world virtually.

Three objects from Ipswich Museums were selected to be among the 32 on the app, and sit alongside significant artefacts from places such as The British Museum, the National Gallery and the Ashmolean.

A highlight of the Egyptian gallery at Ipswich Museum in High Street is the exquisitely detailed Titus Flavius Demetrius, an

Egyptian mask made for a Roman citizen who died in Egypt between 80-120AD, which you can now explore in 3D on the app.

The other two artefacts from Ipswich’s collection on the app are a ‘Carved mask of Noohlmahl’, discovered on Canada’s Pacific coast and believed to be made by the Kwakiutl tribe, and a Maori ‘god stick’ found in New Zealand.

These artefacts and many others can be viewed in 3D in your own room through the Civilisations AR app, available to download now on Android and iOS. As a festival partner, Ipswich Museums will also be running a series of events to celebrate the interesting objects from the collection included on the app.

Return of popular Suffolk Market The popular Vintage & Makers Market at Snape Maltings kicks off a season of markets at the Suffolk coast venue on Sunday 8th April, from 10am to 4pm.

Organisers of the market, Deben Events, is bringing a handpicked choice of vintage traders and local makers and artisans to Snape Maltings, with some 50 traders lined up to take part.

The one-day market will feature a wide range of vintage furniture, timeless fashion and unique homewares, alongside handmade jewellery, art and fabrics.

Tim Clover of Deben Events said, “What better way is there to enjoy the Easter holidays than bringing family and friends along to see the work of really talented local artisans, and pick up something different from our vintage traders, all in a beautiful setting.”

For more information about the market visit www.debenevents.com

High-Class Butchers and Poultry

E. W. REVETT & SON

High Street, Wickham Market, Suffolk IP13 0RA

Telephone: 01728 746263 www.revett.co.uk

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n Calling all local artists The Lions Club of Ipswich will again be hosting their annual Art Show at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Sproughton, near Ipswich this May and the club is now taking entries from local artists who wish to exhibit their work at the event.

Artists can show up to six pieces of their work, which must be ready to hang.

The Lions club take a small commission from any pieces that are sold over the weekend, which will go towards the Lion President’s Charity Appeal.

This year the Club are supporting Fresh Start, New Beginnings.

So whatever medium you use to create your artwork, you will be welcomed to exhibit your pieces.

The Art Show will be open to the public from Saturday 26th until Monday 28th May, from 10am until 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday and 10am until 4pm on the Monday, with entry being just £1.

For more information about the Art Show or to exhibit your work contact Lion Terry Hunt on 01473 747600.

All proceeds from the Art Show will go towards this year’s Lion Presidents Charity Appeal.

Tina Hayward Independent Civil Celebrant —

—

For further information or to just have a chat with me – please contact me by phone or email.

01728 747281 or 07807 181602 tina@tinahaywardcelebrant.co.uk www.tinahaywardcelebrant.co.uk

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Ford’s Focus with Daniel Ford

For this month’s article I am going to pay tribute to an absolute legend, Sir Roger Bannister, who sadly passed away recently. Bannister was renowned for being the first man ever to run a mile in under four minutes, an achievement for which he was deservedly knighted in 1975.

A true trailblazer for British Athletics he will always be remembered for that one achievement. Therefore, I feel it is only fair that I try and shed a bit of light on such an amazing athlete.

What many people will be surprised to know is that Bannister’s athletics story was initially one of devastating failure. He was selected for the British Olympics athletics squad in 1952 and went into the 1500 metre final as favourite to win the Olympic crown in Helsinki.

However, as so often happens things did not go according to plan and Bannister was pushed down into finishing fourth, a result that would have disheartened many. But not Bannister! He set out with a new goal in mind…

That goal was to achieve a four minute mile, something which had never been seen before. Unfortunately for Bannister he was not alone in this goal, American Wes Santee and Australian John Landy both repeatedly attempted to beat Bannister to the punch, however, fortunately for Bannister they were both just outside the mark.

Bannister himself did not achieve the mark first time, in fact in his two earliest attempts he was over 2 seconds away from the target.

Like all good sportsmen though, Bannister was able to perform when it really mattered. On national TV and in front of a crowd of 3000 people, he gathered himself for the most public attempt to break the record. The added supported given by the crowd, along with the excellence performance of the pacemakers Bannister used, meant that he was able to break the record by the skin of his teeth edging just over half a second under the 4 minute limit.

What some people fail to realise though, is that 46 days later Landy broke Bannister’s record by over a second. As luck would have it, the two faced off in the Commonwealth Games later that year, a moment where Bannister once again proved what a hero he was.

Despite trialling for the entire race, he punished Landy for making the inexplicable error of looking back to check where Bannister was, just as the British runner sailed passed him to victory. A wonderful end to a magnificent career.

Incredibly though, Bannister did not even prioritise his athletics, in fact his main focus was his medicinal work and he became a leading neurologist during his life, a man of many talents and one who will be sorely missed.

The great unwashed London was a magnet for people from Victorian Suffolk, often thinking they were going to live in a better place. Imagine living in cramped, overcrowded, vermin ridden slums, with hunger, crime and filthy water “normal”.

Set against London’s transformation to a grand capital city, with the privileged few contemplating which bonnet or shoes to wear that day, yet within spitting distance, thousands faced a grim, brutal struggle living in desperate poverty.

In this entertaining talk David Allen lifts the lid on the Victorian underclass.

What was it really like being poor in Victorian London?

Organised by Ipswich Branch of Suffolk Family History Society, the meeting takes place Thursday 26th April at The Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich. £3 members, £3.50 non members.

The 2018 Suffolk Walking Festival kicks off in May and with over 120 walks and events this year’s festival promises to be the biggest and most ambitious festival to date.

The Walking Festival spans the whole county and with walks of different lengths and different themes there is bound to be something to excite you. You can kick start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk and end it on a Twilight Safari. Have a go at Nordic Walking and realise the power in your legs! Or spend a day discovering GeoCaching and seek out the treasures dotted around the landscape. The festival has history walks, nature walks, short walks and long walks. You can discover England’s Silk Capital, the Home of Horse Racing and a Valley of the Kings.

This year also sees the launch of the Walking Festival Fringe, a series of exciting and imaginative events that get you close to nature in the very heart of the countryside. "Iconic Images" is a series of photo assignments capturing some of the best-known scenes in the county. "Hedgerow Cream Tea" allows you to gather your very own afternoon feast. And “Mindfulness and Nature” immerses you in the landscape of Dunwich Heath with a meditative experience.

For those who want to really stretch their legs there is the Challenge Walk.

Covering over 70 miles in just four days, the Challenge Walk will trek between Southwold and Ipswich, exploring the marshes of Walberswick, the forests of Dunwich, Tunstall and Rendlesham and the heaths of Hollesley, Sutton and Westleton.

The 2018 Suffolk Walking Festival launches at St Peter's Brewery on Saturday May 12th. There are two Launch Jaunts that day, one of two miles and one of five miles. Each is followed with a brewery tour, a “Tutored Tasting” and a free bottle of beer!

The Festival lasts until Sunday 3rd June. Visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival. co.uk for details of all 125 events and details on buying tickets. Visit your local Tourist Information Centre or library for a copy of the brochure

Featured Walk The Lions Club of Ipswich are organising a self-guided charity walk around Alton Water on 3rd June 2017. Part of the Suffolk Walking Festival, The Lions Charity Challenge Mutt Strut is a distance of about eight miles, and will be a challenge for both walkers and their dogs.

Alton Water have kindly agreed that The Lions can use their beautiful venue for the day, which is home to a plethora of wildlife.

The Mutt Strut is open to all, however walkers must be physically fit and their dog must be used to walking long distances. This walk is not for the faint hearted, and as it is around the Reservoir, there are no short cuts.

There will be check points along the way to ensure all walkers and their canine friends are safe and well, and goodie bags for all walkers, in what promises to be a great day out in the wonderful Suffolk countryside.

The Lions Charity Challenge Mutt Strut will raise funds for the Lions Club of Ipswich charities.

The Lions Club of Ipswich is a not for profit organisation which is run entirely by volunteers.

The Club helps fund and support various good causes and charities in the local area, helping out when required in whichever way they can. This could be buying a vital piece of equipment, offering manpower or with help and support when required. By taking part in this Challenge Mutt Strutt you will also be helping the Lions Club of Ipswich continue to do the work that they do in the community. This work really does change lives.

For more information about The Lions Charity Challenge Mutt Strut and to book your place visit www.lionsclubofipswich.org.uk/ mutt-strut-4th-june-2017/

The Selkirk

GURKHA RESTAURANT & BAR

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

Telephone: 01473

718365

24 Selkirk Road, Ipswich, IP4 3HX — MENDLESHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL –

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

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

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The Easter Weekend emphasis will be on entertainment for families with children at The Mid Suffolk Light Railway, with the museum facilities open with steam train rides, museum, visits to the new Restoration Shed, shop and café, plus Easter Bunny hunts with Easter eggs as prizes and quizzes for younger visitors.

The Summer programme then continues with

The duty locomotive is scheduled to be the Y7 no.985, a 90 year old LNER shunter, which has proved to be a popular performer with crews and passengers alike and certainly looks the part on this unique rural railway.

Hop in and get creative!

With the Easter holidays just around the corner are you looking for something different to do with the kids, then why not give Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café a visit? Open seven days a week (except for Easter Sunday) and ideally located in the centre of Ipswich, it is a fun place to relax and get creative.

Don’t worry if you haven’t painted pottery before everyone can enjoy this great activity from tiny tots to tricky teens and create something truly unique but it’s not just for the kids the studio is also packed with the latest home décor items as well so you will be spoilt for choice plus yummy cake and coffee.

There is no time limit to your stay and no need to book. If you arrive on a busy day your mobile number will be taken and you will be guaranteed the next available table. The friendly staff will guide you through the process all you have to do is sit

openings every bank holiday and Sunday from 27th May to 27th August. A major highlight will include a five day Special Engine ‘Month’ in June, when the Middy will play host to a rare visitor – the Hudswell Clarke light railway loco ‘Illingworth’, which is from the same design family as their own No.1604, currently under restoration. 1604 restoration is going really well and it is planned to be back in service for the 2020 season.

Also great news is that the extension campaign to more than double the length of the line is going well enough for work to begin during the first half of this year. When finished the Middy will follow the old trackbed of the line for nearly three quarters of a mile. This will give the locomotives a chance to show their paces in both directions and passengers will have a full experience of Edwardian train travel, making the Middy one of the most important tourist attractions in Mid Suffolk.

back, relax and get creative. Prices start from £5 plus a £3 studio fee per painter to cover your time in the studio, paints and glazing, cut out and keep the advert below for a £2.00 discount. Items are fired on the premises and ready for collection a week later, a postal service is also available. On Wednesdays Pennikkity Pots hosts ‘Clay Days’.

During term time between 10.30am and 12.00 midday the studio is open for parents and pre-schoolers to get hands on with clay, a great bonding experience, and in the afternoons between 2.00pm and 4.00pm it’s adults ‘me time’! Both sessions are tutor lead by one of our resident ceramicists. Check out the Pennikkity Pots Facebook page or call in the cafe for all the latest news and up to date event information.

During the Easter holidays Pennikkity Pots are running clay workshops for children seven years upwards. Wednesday 4th April they are making ceramic Easter Decorations and the following week, Wednesday 11th they will be moulding are very own cute Easter Bunnies. Both sessions are £12.00 per child includes clay, tuition, firing, drink and treat bag. Booking essential as places are limited on 01473 216865. HOORAY FOR CLAY!

£2 off

APRIL18

Steam-Up this Easter

Next up is the annual Middy in the War Years weekend on May 6th and 7th when in addition to the railway attractions there will be a whole programme of events, displays and exhibitions including a Sherman Tank and, weather permitting, a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

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

www.pennikkitypotsceramicscafe.co.uk 8

Giant Dog Show returns to Suffolk this Easter The All About Dogs Show is the UK's largest Fun Dog Show - and it's coming to Suffolk for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Bring your dog and join hundreds of families for two days full of exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of fun have-a-go activities including the popular fun dog shows.

club, The Doggie Obstacle Challenge, Kennet Flyball, K9 Aqua Sports, French Bulldog Saviours, and many more.

All About Dogs is a Trinity Park Show Ground, Ipswich on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd April.

FREE parking. Doors open at 9.30am and close at 5pm. For big savings on the door price, fetch your tickets online now at www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk

This year's Fun Dog Shows are being organised by Notts & Yorkshire Boxer Rescue Fundraising page, German Shepherd Rescue Elite and the National German Pinscher Club.

Over at the Arena, there will be displays from Conquest K9, DIMA Dog Trainer and Instructor, Wiltshire Gundog Club, Pads Dog Training Centre and the Hazelmutts Dog training club.

Or why not let your four legged friend have-a-go from fastest recall to fun agility courses with the Kids Fun Dog Arena, ACES, National German Pinchser Club canicross, Colins basic obedience and agility

Spring at the farm

Easter Concert

Gippeswyk Singers present the St John Passion by JS Bach on Good Friday 30th March 2018, for this poetic portrayal of the crucifixion story.

St John Passion – JS Bach takes place on Good Friday 30 March at St John’s Church, Felixstowe, 7.30 pm (Conductor Geoff Lavery will be giving a pre-concert talk at 7:10pm) Tickets £15 - available from any choir member, from Stillwater Books Felixstowe, or by email: paulgalley@btinternet.com or telephone the Box Office on 01394 670633. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment!

April is nearly upon us and life at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is getting quite hectic. If you haven't had a chance to go and meet the lambs and piglets you have another fantastic opportunity throughout the Easter holidays.

For those who want even more then, over the Easter weekend, the Speggtacular returns from the 30th March to the 2nd of April.

The new lambs love to sit on your lap and, if you are very lucky, you may even see more being born. You can also meet the bunnies in the bunny barn, help to groom the goats and pigs, and see all the other animals that always look forward to meeting someone who'll feed them.

The Baylham BBQ will be all fired up and the bar will be stocked as usual with local beers and wines from around the world. Normal admission charges apply over the weekend, however anyone in a egg related costume on Easter Sunday will be given free admission. The children’s play area means they can keep busy while you can relax with a cup of coffee and a delicious cake.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is six miles north west of Ipswich, off the B1113 between Great Blakenham and Needham Market. It opens Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am – 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 info visit the website at www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk or call 01473 830264.

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Woodbridge Tide Mill rolls into action this Easter Woodbridge’s iconic Tide Mill will throw open its doors to the public between 11am and 5pm everyday from Good Friday, 30th March, until the beginning of October this year.

After a busy winter and spring making flour and welcoming visitors and groups the Mill has a jam-packed schedule of wheel-turning and milling

Situated just 900 yards from Felixstowe’s 4 miles of seafront, Peewit Caravan Park is an oasis of peace and tranquility.

13 acres of tree-lined and landscaped parkland it has offered a welcome to touring and static caravanners since 1965.

Relax at a location that is easy to get to, in an area with plenty to see and do – Come and see for yourself!

WALTON AVENUE, FELIXSTOWE IP11 2HB

Tel: 01394 284511

www.peewitcaravanpark.co.uk

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times (http://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/turning-milling-times/) offering visitors more opportunities to watch the historic water wheel in action and see the millers making flour. Over Easter there are wheel-turning sessions at 11am on April 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8 April – the one on the 7th includes a milling demonstration.

The 2018 season sees a number of new initiatives with 40,000 leaflets being distributed throughout the region and promotions such as a 2 for 1 offer with Greater Anglia. The Mill will also be participating in events such as the Beowulf Festival and Maritime Woodbridge. They are also revising their educational resources for schools, producing a new range of merchandise and an enhanced package for those who might want to become a Friend of the museum. The Mill is also offering an outreach speaker programme so any organisations that want to hear about the Mill can organise a talk.

John Carrington, Chairman of the Woodbridge Tide Mill Trustees, said, “The team of volunteers and engineers has been working hard through the winter making sure the Tide Mill is ready to be enjoyed by visitors over the traditional ‘season’. This year we are concentrating on attracting visitors and groups with more openings, better merchandise, more events, more leafleting and easier ways to pay. As a charity the volunteers rely on visitors and Friends of the Tide Mill to maintain it so we hope that more of them will

take advantage of Gift Aiding to boost our income at no cost to them. We’re all looking forward to welcoming people from near and far for what we hope will be a very busy 2018.”

Alex Downing, the new volunteer Marketing Coordinator added, “Our volunteers have been working to build an excellent visitor experience at one of only two Tide Mills in England and the only one still producing its own flour. We hope that coming season will enable more people than ever before to appreciate everything this iconic working living museum has to offer.”

Come join the egg hunt The Great Felixstowe Museum Easter Egg Hunt takes place on Wednesday 4thth April. Come and join the giant Landguard Bunny for a fun Easter Egg Hunt. Search the Museum for the coloured eggs, then exchange them for a yummy reward! There will also be the chance to make fun bunny ears to make too.

This event is suitable for children aged three to 10 years, however older and younger children may attend, but please allow the recommended age group to enjoy the hunt. There is a maximum of 30 children per session. Children £3, adults £2, entry cost includes admission to the Museum.

You must pre-book in advance for this event by calling 01394 67435. Visit www.felixstowemuseum.org for more information.

Hunt out the clues around the historic Landguard Fort, with an Easter Trail running from Friday 30th March to Sunday 15th April, 10am until 4pm.

Normal admission charges for the Fort apply, plus £1.50 for a trail sheet (including a Landguard Fort pencil).

A Noisy Weekend Coming Up at Fort

n Open Air Easter Service Join Churches Together in Felixstowe for the Good Friday Open Air Service at the Triangle Canopy on Friday 30th March from 10.45am until 12pm. A church service with songs, sermon and a short dramatic reading. On Easter Sunday (1st April) there is also a Easter Day Sunrise Service on the Pier Plaza at 0615 to celebrate the resurrection at dawn.

For information on Easter services at Felixstowe's churches, please visit the Churches Together in Felixstowe website at https://churchestogetherfelixstowe.org

The 14th and 15th April sees Landguard Fort hosting the 95th Rifles again.

The 95th are a military re-enactment group who play the part of soldiers in the Duke of Wellington’s army who fought against the French during the Napoleonic wars. The soldiers and their women actually camp in the Fort all weekend and their meals are prepared over open fires. Visitors can meet and chat with them any time during their visit except when they are actually doing their musket drills and displays.

Perhaps you are already aware that Landguard Fort is pet friendly and dogs are welcome inside the Fort however you should bear in mind that when the lads start firing their rifles there is a lot of noise which can distress your dog.

Come to think of it I have seen quite a few young children in tears as well. I would suggest that when you arrive you ask the lads when they expect the firing to take place and we are quite happy for you to leave the Fort whilst that takes place and re-enter after it has been completed. Just tell the ticket office volunteer that you are going out whilst the firing takes place and they will allow you in again after it’s over. That might be the suitable time to go to the Viewpoint café for refreshments or simply enjoy the view of the river and perhaps see a ship sailing in or out.

The 95th come to the Fort in the Autumn as well so if you miss them in April they will be back in October but please check our website Landguard.com nearer the time. I was surprised to see them in the Fort during the February half term opening. As you would expect February is a cold month and we did not have their full complement as a result but they still put on a very good display. Whether they come again next February half term is still undecided.

Laurence Hendry Landguard Fort Trust

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Enjoy an Arty Easter

at Ipswich Museums

The Easter holidays are just around the corner and, once again, Ipswich Museums are gearing up for a fortnight of fun. This spring there is an arty theme and here is a selection of what you can enjoy from 3rd until 12th April.

AT IPSWICH MUSEUM:

Butterfly Printing, 3rd April – Explore the Museum’s butterfly collection and create your own patterns with press prints and mono printing.

Fashion Forward, 10th April – Discover the wonderful world of African design through our World Culture collections and try your hand at block pattern printing.

AT IPSWICH ART GALLERY:

Stencil Your Street, 4th April – Inspired by the You Are Here! The Making of Ipswich exhibition, create street scenes by stencilling your favourite buildings from Ipswich.

Arty Selfies, 11th April – Take inspiration from the character portraits in the You Are Here! The Making of Ipswich exhibition to create your own Ipswich selfie using drawing and printing techniques.

AT CHRISTCHURCH MANSION:

Totally Toys, 5th April – Explore your creative side using our vintage toy collection at the Mansion to sketch, design and create monoprints of your own fantastic toys.

Ghost Prints, 12th April – Create a printed portrait inspired by Christchurch Mansion’s paintings and find out what mono ghost printing is.

There are two sessions per day and all Arty Easter events can be booked through the Regent website,www.ipswichregent.com Also during the holiday is the popular and FREE Ask the Expert day on 11th April 10am until 3pm at Ipswich Museum. Have you ever found something interesting and wondered what it might be? Bring in your own treasured items, share your stories about them and ask questions to a variety of specialists. Collect your fossils, rocks, bones, teeth and small bugs (if wellcontained). Just drop in – no need to book.

Steam-up at Leiston

Visit the Long Shop Steam Museum on the 1st April for the annual Spring Steam Up to celebrate the start of a new season.

See the fantastic Garrett Engines in steam including Road Roller Consuelo Allen, the Suffolk Punch Steam Tractor aptly named ‘The Joker’, and the shunting engine Sirapite offering rides for the day.

Plus see visiting engines including stationary and model engines, enjoy Spring Morris Dancing, and tuck into tasty warming food and homemade cakes. Event runs from 10am – 4pm, Adults £8, Children (under 16) £4, Young People (16-21) £5. Under 4s Free.

Valid Leiston Pass holders free entry. The Long Shop Museum, Main Street, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4ES, Telephone: 01728 832189, www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/

Country Fair at Framlingham The Framlingham Country Show takes place at Framlingham College on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th April and will be bringing in many new and exciting attractions.

This year there's amazing Horse and Motorbike Stunts plus the wonderful World of Birds demonstrations with the main ring packed daily. The show will again be supporting small producers and adding to our Food and Drink Markets, the Classic British Bake Off and the fabulous Celebrity Chefs who can be seen on television regularly. There will be lots for the children to do and participate in at the Petting Farm, Punch and Judy, Archery and much much more. New this year there will be a large Living History area which will fit in really well with Framlingham Castle as a backdrop. www.classicfestivals.co.uk 12

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

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

New for 2018 is the Tumbledown Soft Play Barn, which has soft ball pit and climbing frames, ideal for the children to come and burn off some energy. It will be open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm. Sunday 8am to 4pm. Prices are Under 12 months £2.50. 12 months and over £4.95.

Adults FREE. Refreshments are available.

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

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

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

Easter Art Exhibition Visitors to Stonham Barns will also be able to meet local and national painters, discuss and buy their work at an Easter Art Exhibition courtesy of Hemingstone Frames.

The show will feature an Easter Art Trail around participating shops at the venue’s market square and there will be a private viewing with wine and nibbles from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday 30th March. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and reserve their favourite pieces. In addition to paintings, there will also be some scrap metal sculptures by Stego Parker and Christian Jarvis available to view and buy. The exhibition will be on between 9am and 5pm from Friday 31st March to Monday 2nd April. No entry fee. To attend the private viewing, contact Hemingstone Frames on 01449 710845 or email patrick982@outlook.com 13

Easter at Dates for your Diary at Stonham Barns in 2018

Sunday 6th & Monday 7th May - The Natural Dog Show.

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th May Steam and Vintage Show.

Sunday 27th May - Stonham Truck Show.

Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th May - Children’s Fest.

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd June - Mini Barn Bash.

Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th June Breckland Country Music Show.

Saturday 30th June & Sunday 1st July - History Alive.

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th July - Antiques Fair Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd July - The World Food Show.

For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Stonham Barns located on the A1120 tourist route at Stonham Aspal is a fabulous leisure and shopping village with attractions and entertainment giving a great day out for family and friends of all ages.

Come along and visit the shopping village, with a range of wonderful boutique shops, from furniture to clothing, jewellery, toys, plants, crafts, hot tubs, reptiles and collectables plus so much more. The shopping village is constantly growing and evolving, with new businesses arriving to the site nearly every month with new products or services to offer.

Why not visit the fishing lakes and enjoy a lazy afternoon fishing or join in the weekly competitions. Pop into the teapot pottery and take a look at their fabulous teapots or have a go and creating your own.

Visit the spectacular Suffolk Owl Sanctuary for some education and enjoyment learning about the majestic birds of prey, with regular flying displays, children’s play area and gift shop you can lose hours spending time here. Afterwards pop into the onsite restaurant for fabulous breakfast, a spot of lunch or a cream tea and relax in the quaint surroundings after a busy day.

This year at Stonham barns they have a wide range of family events with something for everyone from cars and truck shows for the petrol heads, the new Stonham Steam and Vintage Show and Dog shows for the family to music festivals for people who just want to enjoy a really great day filled with music. With the list ever growing check our social media pages for all the events being held at Stonham Barns this year!

New this year for the children they are creating the Tumbledown Indoor Soft Play Barn with ball pit and climbing frames, Jenny’s Ark Pet Zoo and Nature Centre with all your favourite animals from donkey’s, Pigmy goats, rabbits and Chinchillas to budgies, to meet and find out all about, and Smugglers Bay Pirate Themed Adventure Golf Course for the whole family to join in with. Check out our social media pages for the opening day and more information.

If you would like to know more about the upcoming events and the site in general please visit the newly revamped website at www.stonhambarns.co.uk or the Facebook page Stonham Barns LV or call the Events Office on 01449 711 111.

Come-Camping for camping accessories and more

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Opening Hours: Mon - Saturday – 10am - 5pm Sunday – 10am - 4pm

Tel 01449 711888 14

Email come-camping@hotmail.com www.comecamping.co.uk

Easter at Spring Babies at the Owl Barn Once the chilly winter weather is well and truly behind them, staff at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary look forward to their busiest time of year - Spring, the season of eggs and babies!

Every year, a selection of the sanctuary’s resident birds will produce progeny. Nobody can predict which birds will breed or how many of them, so it is always exciting to watch and wait to see who will sit on eggs!

Some owls, like Bug and Beak the Tawny Owls are old hands at raising young and their years of experience dictate that their breeding will have a successful outcome.

Other birds may be breeding for the first time, or may just be less diligent about egg care! In both those cases, the falconry team may well have to step in to assist with egg incubation or hand rearing chicks.

Owls generally reach maturity at four or five years old, so young first time parents are watched carefully to ensure that eggs are not pushed out of nests or trampled and that newly hatched owlets receive enough food and nurturing. This all makes for a very exciting but very busy period in the work calendar.

Great Horned Owls are usually amongst the first of the sanctuary’s birds to lay eggs, closely followed by Ural Owls, Tawny Owls and Malaysian Wood Owls.

Most of these birds have bred before, so can be left to raise their owlets safely on their own.

Most owls incubate their eggs for around 30 days and as they do not lay the whole clutch at the same time, young will hatch over several days. When baby owls are born, they are blind and fluffy… and VERY hungry!! There is no gentle weaning in the owl world - babies want meat immediately!

Due to their high protein diet, fed at frequent intervals throughout the day, owls grow incredibly quickly - by eight or nine weeks Barn Owlets will have attained adult weight and feathering!

Owl admissions into the sanctuary’s raptor hospital also reflect the busy breeding season of the wild owl population. Many young owlets will be found, cold and wet, by members of the public having fallen from trees whilst learning to fly - they “branch out” from the roost before they are fully competent and often tumble to the ground. The best course of action in these circumstances depends on what kind of owlet is found.

A Barn Owl chick - distinguishable by it’s iconic facial disc - will need to be helped back into it’s nest as the parents will only feed the young within the roost and will ignore tumblers!

Tawny Owl parents, however, will feed their grounded young and assist them back into the nest using beaks and talons, so the best course of action in that case is to leave well alone.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary staff hope that visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of their new, captive bred owlets within the next few weeks.

Flying displays featuring more experienced owls and other birds of prey will recommence for the season on Friday 30th. March - three shows daily will feature different birds at each outing.

New additions to the 2018 flying team will include Jack the Hooded Vulture - an iconic bird currently listed as “critically endangered” by conservationists.

The sanctuary is open from 10am to 5pm five days a week and also features a pretty Woodland Walk with red squirrel colony, relaxing sensory garden, children’s play area with wheelchair accessible equipment and tumble safe surface, Meerkat Kastle and a unique owlie gift shop. Free parking and restaurant on site. For further details telephone 0345 680 7897 or visit www.owl-help.org.uk

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Win a pair of tickets to see Sincerely Yours at the Spa

PRI Z COM E P

Ipswich24 are offering you the chance to get into the draw to win a pair of tickets to see Sincerely Yours – The Vera Lynn Story at the Spa Pavilion theatre next month.

On stage with a fabulous live band on Tuesday 8th May from 2.30pm will be the hugely talented Lorrie Brown who is the UK’s no.1 Vera Lynn tribute act. Lorrie will be singing Vera’s earlier material and then moving on to her time entertaining the troops when she also hosted her own radio show ‘Sincerely Yours.’

With so many hits to choose from this promises to be an epic performance in this lovely old, sea side theatre.

Also on the bill will be support by another wartime favourite, ‘George Formby’, performed by another of the Country’s leading tribute acts.

If you’d like to know more about this show or indeed any of the Spa’s shows throughout 2018 call the Spa Pavilion Box Office on 01394 284962.

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

— COMPETITION —

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize just send you answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a contact telephone number to: Sincerely Yours Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 27th April 2018.

Q Vera Lynn hosted her own radio show was it called:(a) Yours faithfully; (b) Yours sincerely; (c) Sincerely Yours

Trianon Music Group – “Musical Visitors”

Are you prepared to be dazzled…. charmed….and conquered?

Trianon Music Group will be performing at St John the Baptist Church, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich on Saturday 21st April 2018 at 7.30pm.

The full symphony orchestra and choir will be presenting works by Dvořák, Gounod and Stanford.

C V Stanford became Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge and during his tenure was host to many celebrated musicians including Dvořák who stayed with Stanford in Cambridge where his Symphony No 8 was premiered. Gounod also sought domicile in England, but before that he had written one of his most popular religious works dedicated to the Patron Saint of Music, the St Cecilia Mass.

In terms of lyrical beauty, St. Cecilia should rank as one the great accomplishments in Western music. It seems near perfect in its sincerity and in its joy and awe for divine mysteries and promises. Upon its premiere, Saint-Saëns was in the audience and very aptly exclaimed, “The appearance of the Messe Saint-Cécile caused a kind of shock. This simplicity, this grandeur, this serene light which rose before the musical world like a breaking dawn, troubled people enormously… at first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.”

Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, the younger brother to the limelightstealing New World Symphony, is both cheerful and optimistic. It took him only two and a half months to compose from beginning to end and the spontaneity shines through, with the whole piece being played through in little more than half an hour.

Tickets priced from £9.50, concessions from £8.50, students & U16 from £6.50 (prices include a £1.50 booking fee) available from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre and www.ipswichregent.com or by telephone on 01473 433100. Or save the booking fee and call the Trianon Ticket Line on 01394 283170 or 07876 787029.

• Visit www.tmg.org.uk for more details.

The Singing Policemen!

On Saturday 14th April to mark their 50th Anniversary, the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir are performing a charity concert in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at St John The Baptist Church, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, commencing at 7.30pm.

The Choir will be joined in the concert by their friends from the Essex Police Choir, the Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir. The concert is being compered by Rachel Sloane and Jeffries of Bacton has kindly provided sponsorship.

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

Subject to availability tickets costing £10.00 each can be purchased on the door. For further information and to order tickets telephone 01449 672600.

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Spectacular afternoon of patriotic nostalgia!

A spectacular feel good afternoon is headed your way as Neil Sands and his fabulous West End cast invite you to take a patriotic trip back down Memory Lane, with their new 2018 production Land of Hope & Glory.

Celebrating The Best of British entertainment throughout the years it has been especially produced to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and is appearing at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Wednesday 13th June at 2.30pm as part of its 40 date nationwide tour.

This unforgettable afternoon of nostalgia, is filled with over 60 all time favourite songs from the fabulous 1940’s, the rocking 1950’s and the swinging 1960’s. From ever-popular show tunes, to a Pearly King and Queen old time sing along knees up. Add to that a rousing selection from Last Night of The Proms, and a flag waving finale in a tribute to the veterans of the armed forces, singing the songs that won the war. For many the most heartfelt part of the afternoon will be a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the

10cc coming to the Apex

end of the First World War. Authentically costumed and set, with a live poppy drop and the Last Post, a truly touching memory of the fallen.

Joining Neil for this explosion of patriotic music and memories is the stunning soprano Gemma Turner often described as “A beautiful English rose with the true voice of an angel”. Alongside Gemma is Angie Diggens, whose unforgettable voice made her a former winner of televisions Stars in Their Eyes. Both have appeared many times in the West End and their powerful and emotional performances are breathtaking. With backing from the very talented New Golden Times, this really is an afternoon not to be missed.

Over the past 12 years Neil Sands productions have become known as the masters of matinee nostalgia, with their shows regularly selling out theatres all around the country. Land of Hope & Glory promises to be their biggest and best production yet filled with over 50 stunning costumes, enough bunting and flags to host a street party, and a unique atmosphere that will have you singing along from start to finish. This is truly an afternoon to lift the spirits and celebrate our nation’s music and heritage with pride and passion.

• Land of Hope & Glory is at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on Wednesday 13th June at 2.30pm. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100. Tickets £15, over 60’s £13.50, buy 10 get 11th free.

Following the advance sell-out of their last UK tour, the legendary 10cc have announced a huge 26-date UK tour this Autumn, performing the hits which have singled them out as one of the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music.

Forming in 1972, the third incarnation of the band – led by co-founder Graham Gouldman – the Art-Pop band are heralded in equal measure for their ability to craft ingenious songs that also resonated commercially, with eleven Top 10 Hits, and over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone.

10cc have achieved three No 1 singles – Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and of course, I’m Not In Love, which features prominently in the soundtrack to the film Guardians of the Galaxy, which spawned a No 1 album in the United States.

The line-up features Gouldman (bass, guitar, vocals), Rick Fenn (lead guitar, bass, vocals), Paul Burgess (drums, percussion) – both of whom have been with the band since the mid-’70s - Keith Hayman (keyboards, guitars, bass, vocals) and Paul Canning (vocals, percussion, guitar, keyboards).

Since the most recent live version of the band has been established, 10cc have toured worldwide, including in Australia, Ireland Japan, New Zealand, across the UK and Europe, at London’s 65,000-capacity British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park, and selling out the Royal Albert Hall.

2018 is set to be another sell out year as the band take their inspirational live show back on the road, performing their timeless hits and more, and always with a surprise or two.

• 10cc will be performing at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on 15th November. Tickets available from Ticketline.co.uk.

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Bury Festival line-up announced Following a record success in 2017, the organisers of the Bury Festival have announced this year’s line-up for Bury St Edmunds’ annual celebration of arts, music and culture.

With star acts including national musical treasures, Aled Jones and Jools Holland, the Grammy award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, literary legend Benjamin Zephaniah and 80s chart toppers UB40, the festival will run for 10 days between Friday 18th and Sunday 27 May. Festival brochures are now available from The Apex and other locations in Bury St Edmunds. A full line-up of events can be found online at www.buryfestival.co.uk Now in its 33rd year, Bury Festival has grown into one of the region’s best-loved music and arts festivals.

With a wide range of top-class entertainment including awardwinning music acts, street theatre, films and exhibitions the festival brings thousands of visitors to the town each year.

Bury Festival Director, Nick Wells, commented, “We are delighted to announce the line-up for Bury Festival 2018, which once again combines star names with local and regional talent, young and old.

“Bury St Edmunds is a vibrant town

with plenty of arts and entertainment on offer throughout the year and the festival draws a lot of that together in a wonderful concentration and celebration of activity.

“It has been a joy to put together such a variety of world-renowned musical acts from classical through to swing, reggae and even a slice of 70s pop” With a line-up full of firm music favourites there is guaranteed to be something to suit all tastes from the vocal stylings of Berlin’s Ute Lemper, to 70s superstar Gilbert O’Sullivan and the stunning Academy of Ancient Music.

This year the festival is working with OEP Live! to bring large-scale outdoor gigs back to the festival at Nowton Park.

Alongside Nowton Park and The Apex concert hall, in true Bury Festival style, the festival will take-over the town, with a wide variety of venues including The Athenaeum, Theatre Royal, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Unitarian Meeting House, Moyse’s Hall Museum, Abbeygate Cinema, Abbey Gardens, St Mary’s Church, the Hunter Club, Station Hill Social Club, All Saints Church and St John’s Church. In celebration of our historic town there will also be a

number of festival walks exploring many of the iconic sites and stories of Bury St Edmunds.

Nick Wells commented, “We enjoy teaming up with other promoters and venues to expand the festival; this includes the Abbeygate Cinema who have once again put a great season of films together. Marking 100 years of votes for women, the season of films celebrates strong and inspiring female characters on screen and behind the camera.”

The festival will also celebrate local talent including an exciting collaboration between Aled Jones and the young talent of Bury St Edmunds’ Voice Squad as well as performances from the St Edmundsbury Singers, The Edmund Octet and Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra.

Music is not the only art form on display in the plethora of brilliant acts, the hilarious Roger McGough sets his wit and wordplay to the musical sound of Little Machine and direct from Sadler’s Wells the festival welcomes The Tap Pack for a cocktail of highenergy tap dancing entertainment.

Bookings can be made online at www.buryfestival.co.uk by calling the box office on 01284 758000 or by visiting The Apex, in Charter Square, Bury.

“ S E R I O U S T H E AT R E , S E R I O U S LY D O N E ” The Stage on The Crucible

Directed by

ANNE SIMON Designed by

MARIE-LUCE THEIS

17 - 21 APRIL BOX OFFICE 01473 295900 WOLSEYTHEATRE.CO.UK

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BEAUTIFUL —

The Carole King Musical Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is on its way to the Ipswich Regent Theatre this month, Ipswich24 caught up with Bronte Barbe who plays Carole King in this fantastic musical.

What are you most enjoying about playing Carole King in the UK tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical?

The songs! The music is amazing; it’s just the best. I haven’t played a part like this in my career so far. I also love how everyone in the company on tour with us is so nice; it’s a big family feel, which is lovely.

Were you familiar with Carole King’s work prior to joining the show?

Yeah I was. I’ve had Tapestry for years actually. When I first got a record player I bought it because my Mum said, “you have to get this album it’s amazing”, but I didn’t realise until listening to it just how many songs that I already knew were actually written by Carole King. Then I saw the show in the West End and realised there are loads and loads of songs I was pleasantly surprised to know, but had no idea were written by her. So many of her songs have filtered into my head without me knowing through the TV or radio.

Was there something in particular that drew you to the role of Carole King, or do you identify with her at all?

Totally, she is so determined, particularly as a woman starting out in the time she did, working in the industry she did. She knew what she wanted, so worked hard and went out and got it, which makes her very inspirational.

However, she is also a very relatable character I think.

What kind of differences did you encounter in developing your performance of a real person rather than a fictional character?

It was all very different to anything I’ve ever done before. I was listening to her music constantly obviously, but I didn’t want to do an impression.

I wanted to work on an interpretation of her because there’s no way to impersonate her, she’s so iconic and her sound is so lodged in people’s minds. So I wanted to stay as true to her as possible but without doing an impression. Obviously there was the accent – trying to perfect her speaking voice and getting it as close as I could. I constantly watch videos to try and keep it fresh and accurate. I researched the time period and places she was working in at the time.

of a rock star! I think sometimes it can take the audience by surprise as a lot of people might not know it as well as some of her other songs, but the lyrics are so great and it is so uplifting I can see almost an intake of breath and people instantly warm to it.

What is life on the road like? Is there one thing you absolutely couldn’t be without?

My favourite thing in the world is Lush so every town or city we visit I find a Lush because it makes me feel very calm. Most of the time I try and tour with my little dog so that helps. Lots of little things like putting pictures up in my dressing room and having a certain type of tea before the show help me to feel calm and ready to perform. We aren’t in each venue for long but it’s nice to feel a little bit settled.

The tour stops in Ipswich, does this venue have any significance for you?

I’ve never been to Ipswich before so I’m really looking forward to exploring whilst we are there!

• Beautiful – The Carole King Musical will be at the Ipswich Regent Theatre from Tuesday 17th until Saturday 21st April.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com

Whilst Carole King’s music will be familiar to many people, her life story may not be. What do you think makes it so engaging and perfect for the stage?

I think because it’s so relatable really. Everybody knows a Carole essentially, or is a Carole maybe and wants things she wanted – like to have a family and be successful in her career. She never set out to become famous but her talent and ambition meant that whilst she might be quite ordinary in some ways, she has an extraordinary story. There’s a big draw to it.

Beautiful follow’s Carole King’s story across a number of years in the early part of her long career, what is it like to portray a character through so many moments throughout their life?

There’s so much depth to it you know, as she’s a real person. We meet her in the show at age 16 and go up to 29 and it’s been interesting because you want to be bouncy and young at the start but you don’t want to be playing her as a stereotypical teenager. Physically it can be a bit of a challenge as you have to grow and mature in your performance each night, but you have 2-hours to do it. It’s a lot in the body, and in the voice to give her that maturity.

I’m almost at the age she is at the end of the show, and as you grow older your voice changes but also the weight of what was going on in her life at the time affects you in so many different ways so I try to bear that in mind in my performance.

Do you have a favourite number to perform?

I do. Beautiful, I love it so much it’s my absolute favourite. Even if I’m really tired I get to Beautiful and I’m filled with energy again. I love the way it’s set and orchestrated with the band and then building the backing vocals. It’s such an empowering moment on stage and you can’t beat it. I feel like a bit 19

Talking with Joanna…

Joanna Carrick is the creative force behind Red Rose Chain, where she has penned many a stunning theatrical piece.

Ipswich24 caught up with her to find out more about the theatre’s latest production, Put Out The Lights.

What gave you the inspiration to write Put Out The Lights?

Fascination with 16th century and in particular the repercussions of what happened when Henry VIII rejected the Pope, the Ipswich Martyrs and where they fit in to history.

How is Put Out The Lights linked to your previous History plays Fallen in Love and Progress?

It sits in the time period in between the other plays, it explores the lives of the ‘ordinary’ young people in a rural Suffolk village and how nationally significant events impact their lives.

From ‘Wolf Hall’ to ‘Game of Thrones’, there is clearly still a huge worldwide appetite for drama based around the legacy of the Tudors, why do you think that is?

It was a critical and extreme world and really a time which defined the world as it was going to

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become. There’s so much that is different and so much that we have in common – it’s fascinating.

Why should people come to see Put Out The Lights?

How important is setting the play in Suffolk and telling the stories of local people to you?

It’s a love story and a story about passion, conviction and self-sacrifice. It’s exciting and moving and immediate and will stay with audiences. It tells a story about our place in the world which needs to be known about.

Very important. Ipswich was an important and revolutionary place at the forefront of modern thinking – I love finding out about it and telling the story. The play is set in a barn – it should feel like the audience are in there too. I want to transport everyone back to that time and place – it’ll be intense.

Has your extensive historical research into the play thrown up any exciting facts people might not know about?

Yes, I think so. Alice Driver, one of the Ipswich martyrs, is at the centre of the play – I am fascinated with how a young girl who grew up pushing a plough in Grundisburgh became a martyr burnt at the stake on the Cornhill for her beliefs.

Put Out The Lights

8 – 27 MAY

Age guidance: 11+ At The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich.

Tues – Sun Evenings 7:30pm, Sat matinee 3pm, Sun matinee 4pm

Eastern Angles back on the road with Spring Tour This year Essex-based writer Nicola Werenowska has taken the classic seaside B&B as her inspiration for a family drama set in Clacton-on-Sea. The play, ‘Guesthouse’, focuses on the lives of Val, Lisa and Chloe – three generations of women; a grandma, a mother and a daughter.

Brand new musical

The play will visit the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich between April 23rd and 28th. Tony Casement is the play’s guest director.

“I love working with Eastern Angles,” says Tony. “They are so good at working with writers and developing new work and Ivan, the company’s Artistic Director, has been so supportive.”

“I love the emotional fireworks between the three women characters,” continues Tony.

“It’s interesting how a lie can be perpetuated through the generations. This is a play about a particular place, but like all good dramas I think the themes are universal – you can take the situations, feelings, characters and emotions and translate them into your own life. It’s a family drama – the women are haunted by echoes from their past. But the three characters are real people rather than a collection of clichés. One of the things I have tried to do as a director is give the play a sense of time and space, memory and place. I think it’s important to root the action somewhere specific so the effects of their family struggle have consequences in their world”.

• To book tickets visit www.easternangles.co.uk Pictures: Mike Kwasniak

Mercury Theatre Colchester and TBO Productions have announced the world première of the brand-new musical – Pieces of String with book, music and lyrics by Gus Gowland.

The production, directed by Ryan McBryde and designed by 2017 Linbury Prize Finalist Fin Redshaw, opens on 27th April at the Mercury, and runs until 5th May. When Jane returns from her father’s funeral to start clearing the house she grew up in – packing away the family photographs, closing a chapter – she isn’t prepared for the untold story she’s about to discover threaded through her past, a story that threatens to unravel her relationship with her own children and shake her understanding of who she is.

A new musical set simultaneously in the 1940s and in the present day, Pieces Of String tells how Jane’s father, Edward, came back from the Second World War with a secret that would change his life forever – a secret that he would carry until the day he died.

With hauntingly beautiful music and a heart-rending human story, Pieces Of String is a tender, funny, emotionally-charged exploration of how three generations of one family learn to deal with a story that nobody’s been brave enough to tell until today.

Times may have changed but some battles still need to be fought.

• To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01206 573948 or visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk 21

Pet fans of all ages are being urged to help spread the responsible pet ownership message by celebrating National Pet Month from 1st April until 7th May.

Each year April is National Pet Month – a time for pet lovers around Britain to celebrate life with their pets by staging or attending a fundraising event for a UK pet charity.

Now in its 29th year, National Pet Month (NPM) continues its tireless work to encourage good pet care and highlight key pet welfare issues. It does this by bringing together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet fans of all ages.

NPM also has a vital role as an umbrella charity, highlighting fellow UK pet charities and helping them raise funds for their important work. Over the years, fundraising events have included everything from bake sales, sponsored dog walks, vet open days and fancy dress cattery sleepovers to art exhibitions, dog shows, road shows and pet church services.

NPM Chairman Michael Bellingham says, “National Pet Month is for all those people in the UK who love pets and care about them remaining as happy and healthy as possible throughout their lives.

“During National Pet Month and beyond and, as part of our role in promoting responsible pet ownership, we’re encouraging pet lovers to talk to their vets, pet stores, pet charities and rescues to see how they can get involved

with National Pet Month and help us raise awareness of important issues around responsible pet care.”

To be part of National Pet Month join in social media chats using #NationalPetMonth.

1.

Register as an NPM supporter at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/_members/ It’s free and only takes a minute.

2. Follow NPM on social media www.fb.com/ NationalPetMonth, www.fb.com/JoinScratchingPost (cat fans), www.fb.com/JoinParkBench (dog fans) and on Twitter @NatPetMonthUK 3. Tell your friends about NPM and get your local vet practices, pet shops, businesses and pet charities involved by staging a fundraising event for a UK pet charity.

4. Get your kids’ school involved. With input from TV vet Marc Abraham, NPM has pet themed lesson plans at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/schools with more resources at www.peteducationresources.co.uk/

This year also sees the launch of Pet Care Aware – NPM’s new initiative allowing the responsible pet care message to carry on more visibly beyond the charity’s April campaign month.

If you’re in business and would like to support NPM, you can join the Pet Care Aware family for just £250. For this you’ll benefit from a year’s listing on NPM’s website with a live link to your website, plus an exclusive electronic supporter badge for your online channels and a window sticker for your premises.

For more information check out https://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/ news/national-pet-month-unveils-pet-care-aware

April 1st to May 7th

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

www.meltonvets.co.uk

Top 10 Tips For Responsible Pet Ownership

1. Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.

2. Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained.

3. Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.

4. Provide suitable housing and bedding.

5. Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.

6. Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.

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

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

7. Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.

8. Groom your pet regularly.

9. Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.

10. Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.

Handmade Treats For Your Dog

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

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

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

22

www.barkersofsuffolk.co.uk B of S L

DEFRA A EC F H R

Malnourished pup fighting fit thanks to local charity A puppy that was dangerously emaciated is now looking for a loving new home thanks to Blue Cross pet charity.

Tiger, a seven-month-old brindle saluki cross, was brought to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Suffolk because his owners could no longer care for him.

They had unknowingly bought the puppy from an irresponsible breeder and had been shocked by the dog’s condition. Shortly after buying the pup, he required urgent veterinary treatment to save his life.

Promoting good health in your pets Whether you’re a new pet owner or have spent years with furry friends, there are many areas of routine care that are important to upkeep to ensure they stay fit and healthy!

Routine vaccinations are essential for protecting pet health – these build immunity against the most serious, infectious diseases we see. It is imperative to have a full course as puppies/kittens and then have yearly boosters; rabbits, too, need routine vaccinations against myxomatosis and VHD. Your pets also get a full veterinary health check with vaccinations, so any issues can be detected and managed earlier.

Parasites are a major problem all year round and can cause more complaints than just being a nuisance, including allergic reactions, self-trauma or spreading diseases. It is therefore always beneficial to give anti-parasitic treatments as a preventative. This is especially important with flea control, as once they are on your pet, unfortunately 95% of them are also in the home environment and are notoriously difficult to remove!

Dental hygiene is often hard to ensure but very important to manage. Many animals need anaesthetics for dentistry at some point in their lives due to a build-up of tartar and dental disease. Ways to prevent this include dry food and hard snacks in their diet, but the gold standard is brushing teeth regularly with enzymatic toothpaste. Be careful with dentasticks, however, as even though these can benefit teeth, they aren’t as kind to waistlines!

Following on, it is important to feed your pets a balanced diet, otherwise it can predispose to obesity and secondary joint, cardiac and respiratory problems.

These are just a few key points in how to promote good health in your pets, but your veterinary practice will always be there for any queries. Mostly, they just need a lot of love and attention!

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

Karina Grimwade, Centre Manager at Blue Cross Suffolk, explains, “Sadly Tiger’s owners couldn’t give Tiger the ongoing care he needed and did the right thing by turning to us for help. Thankfully they took him to their local vet for treatment; otherwise he might not have survived much longer.

“Poor Tiger clearly came from an irresponsible breeder who had no concern for the puppy’s welfare. Tiger was severely malnourished and was probably too young to be away from his mum when he was sold.”

Blue Cross urges anyone looking to buy a new pet to visit their local rescue and rehoming centre or contact a responsible breeder. When buying a puppy, you should have the chance to meet both mum and dad in the home and you should also ensure the dog has seen a vet and has had all necessary treatments such as worming and vaccinations. Always insist on seeing the pet in the home and never agree to a transaction in a public place.

If you can give Tiger or another Blue Cross pet a second chance, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk or visit the Bourne Hill centre every day from 11am to 4pm apart from Wednesdays when it is closed.

Ryder-Davies & Partners Veterinary Surgeons

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

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

To find out more call us on

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

Established for over 40 years

23

Every Monday

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

Body Moves & Dance Class, with Linda, St James Catholic Church Hall, 482 Landseer Rd, Ipswich, 7.45pm - 9.15pm, A Fun & Friendly class, try a free taster session for more info Call Linda 01394 273033 Al-Anon Family Groups support for families and friends of alcoholics, Museum Street Methodist Church Hall, 17 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich, The meeting is located in the hall behind the Museum St Methodist Church, accessed from Black Horse Lane, 0207 4030888, www.al-anonuk.org.uk for other groups in the Ipswich area, (not held on bank holidays.)

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

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

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

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

Every Tuesday

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

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

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

Carpet Bowls, Nacton Village Hall, IP10 0EU, 7.30pm, Come and have a go. First three visits free, then £2 per evening if you like us and want to stay, A sociable and fun evening, just turn up!

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

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

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

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

Every Wednesday

11th Ipswich Wednesday Cubs, Chesterfield Drive Scout HQ, every Wednesday, during term time, 6.30pm to 8pm, For boys and girls from seven and a half to ten and a half years, Join for fun, friends, outdoor adventure, camps and visits, Call Mary on 07821 979509 for further information, Orwell Panthers Athletic Club for athletes with disabilities, aged 10+, Northgate Sports Centre between 6.15pm - 7.30pm, See website “orwellpanthers.co.uk” for more information Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, from 1pm. Beginners always welcome. Tel: 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com

EVENTS

guide

Transcendental Meditation Suffolk®, Free introductory talks 10.30am/7.30pm Maharishi Peace Palace, Gardenia Close, Rendlesham, IP12 2GX. To register online visit uk.tm.org/suffolk or phone 01394 421 136 Dance Classes at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ, learners from 7-8pm.

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

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

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

Every Thursday

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

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

7.30pm to 9pm, A Fun & Friendly Class. Info call Linda 01394 273033 Cafechat, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10.30am -12pm, A free drop in group for the elderly with a mixture of activities including armchair exercises, table top games and discussion, Refreshments and prebooked lunches available, For more info 01473 710721, ipswich.priory@salvationarmy.org.uk Woodbridge Tap Dance Classes, St John’s Church Hall, 10am -11am, Friendly, informal tap class for Adult Improvers, More info: woodbridgetapdance.weebly.com or Call/Text Jill Streatfeild on 07778 746315 Yoga, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 10am - 11am, £3.30 per class, New members welcome, For more details contact 01473 727796 Art Group, Harkstead Village Hall, Harkstead, 10am – 12pm, all welcolme, 01473 787633 Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events, if in doubt contact the venue before travelling. More events can be found at www.ipswich24.co.uk 24

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 10.15am 11.30am, Lots of home baked and handcrafted items available as well as Gluten free produces 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

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

Every Saturday

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

Every Sunday

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

Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum open every Sunday from 1st April, 2-5pm. Free entry (donations welcome). Situated rear of Parkers Place (off Eagle Way), Martlesham Heath www.mhas.org.uk

Fri 30th Mar-Mon 2nd Apr

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

Sat 31st Mar-Mon 2nd Apr

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

Mon 2nd April

Easter Egg Trail, Easter-themed day with eggs for the youngsters and free rides on vehicles from the museum, 11am-4pm, Ipswich Transport Museum

Tue 3rd April

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

Wed 4th April

Ipswich Aviation Society presentation by Ian McLachlan, of Planes Resurrection fame, titled “Fallen Eagles”, East Anglian aviation archaeology. Hosted at Greshams, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ, commencing at 7.30pm.

Members £2/Non-members £3. For info contact Barry Turner on 01473 250816 or email barry@ greshamsipswich.co.uk.

History of Jewellery – Elizabeth 1 to Elizabeth Taylor, talk by John Benjamin, at Tower Hall, Rushmere St Andrew, 2.15pm. Please visit orwelldfas.org for further information.

Fri 6th & Sat 7th April

Vinyl & CD Sale, Used and new LPs, 12”, 7”, CDs. Many reductions. 9am-5pm at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Church, Ipswich

Fri 6th April

Sam Plackett Organ Trio, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, 7.45pm. Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on door. www.jazzbythewaterfront.com Time flies at Old Warden… The March meeting of The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society at The Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath IP12 4PB at 7.30pm

Sat 7th & Sun 8th Apr

Spring Break. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. For info www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Sun 8th April

Vintage & Makers Market, Snape Maltings, 10am-4pm. Free entry

Mon 9th April

“The Oddfellows Care for you’. A free meeting open to all. Hear how the Oddfellows looks after its members. Refreshments served. Contact 01473 251867

Wed 11th April

Tea Dance at Christ Church, Tacket Street, Ipswich. Start 2pm. £2 admission includes refreshments.

Talk: Railway Architecture. Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society at Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9JD at

EVENTS

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7.30pm. Info 01473 405116

Sat 14th April

Craft & Gift Fair, St Peter’s byt the Waterfront, College St, Ipswich, 10am to 4pm, Entry Free.

Sun 15th April

Spring Quiz Night, supporting Age UK Suffolk at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave. 7.00pm for 7.30pm start.

Teams of 4-6 people. £5 per head including light nibbles. Tel: 01473 298683/email: fundraising@ ageuksuffolk.org to book your team.

Mon 16th April

Talk: First Bus operations in Essex and Suffolk.

A presentation by First Bus, Chelmsford at Bourne Vale Social Club, Halifax Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm.

Ipswich Transport Society meeting, entrance £2.00. Further information – 01473 405116

Tue 17th April

Talk by John Field on the historic buildings of Ipswich. East Suffolk National Trust Association, Ropes Hall Kesgrave, IP5 1JF, 7.15pm. Free parking, entry fee for non ESNTA members £3. Website www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

Fri 20th April

Join us for a “Big Chinwag” (cuppa and a chat!) at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave. 2.00pm -4.00pm. Aimed at people aged 65+, make new friends, chat and reminisce – entertainment & refreshments provided. Contact: 01473 298683 or email: fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org for further details, or just turn up on the day.

Wed 25th April

The 100 (Bomber Support) Group Radio Counter Measures (WW2), Illustrated by Wing Commander John Stubbington (Rtd) presented by The Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society at Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, entrance via rear door, visitors welcome £3.50 members £1.50. Tel 01473 422145/01394 420490

Thur 26th April

Talk: Black Teeth and Dirty Fingernails: The Great Unwashed of Victorian London. Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society. The Coop Education Centre, 11, Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, 7.15pm. Adm £3 for Members, £3.50 for non-members (pay on the door) Charity Golf Day at Ufford Park Hotel, Ufford.

Teams of four. Price £55 per person/£220 per team includes bacon bap, 18 holes of golf, reception drink, 3 course dinner, team and individual prizes, charity raffle and auction. Supporting Age UK Suffolk. For further information call Jo on 07885 512210 or email fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org

Fri 27th April

Silbury Hill, Folk Night. Cock Inn, Polstead - Folk rock with Silbury Hill - 8.30pm - Entry free

Sat 28th April

Coffee Morning, St Mary’s Church Room, Bramford, 10am-noon. Lots of cakes and savouries bring & buy stall, jigsaws and raffle, iao FIND.

All contributions for May issue must be received no later than Friday 6th April please.

Email listings@ipswich24.co.uk or post to 12A Britannia Rd, Ipswich IP4 4PE 25

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

How kind are you?

Nine in ten Brits would describe themselves as "kind" - yet a third would never give cash to a stranger in need, one in twenty do not bother to hold doors open for people - and as many as one in five admit they never pay people compliments.

A nationwide study has revealed Brits are not as kind as they like to think they are, with more than one in three saying they would never give a busker spare change, 45 percent always refusing to pass the time of day with charity collectors - and three quarters of parents actively avoiding volunteering at school events.

The survey of 2,000 adults found one in five Brits believe as a nation we are becoming less kind, with busy lives cited as the main reason.

Fifty-six percent said many people are too self-absorbed to care about anyone else, with a further three quarters saying kindness and tolerance is dying out.

However, two thirds of Brits said their parents brought them up to be a kind person, while a modest 24 percent said kindness was just a part of their DNA. But 13 percent also feel guilty for not being the sort of person to stop and help others.

The survey also revealed a host of traits and habits Britons believe a kind person has - with putting out your neighbours’ wheelie bins, laughing at people’s jokes when they aren’t funny and bringing cake into the office emerging among the list.

Picking up litter in the street and always helping mums onto public transport with buggies were also cited.

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Our quality pieces combine modern functionality with timeless design, all beautifully crafted in natural oak and pine.

The poll by online electrical retailer, AO.com found a blasé 34 percent said modern day life just got in the way of being a model citizen nowadays.

The biggest indicator that you are a stand-up citizen is if you help someone who has dropped something they were carrying.

Two thirds said donating clothes to the charity shop meant you were a good egg and 58 percent said those that help a mum struggling with a buggy on public transport were decent sort of people.

The poll found the average adult believes they do four kind things a day but 67 percent said it annoys them when they go out of their way to help someone and they don’t even get a thank you.

But honesty was the most important trait of a person, according to those who took part in the study - followed by kindness and loyalty.

ARE YOU A MODEL CITIZEN? 30 SIGNS ACCORDING TO BRITONS

1. You would help someone who has dropped something 2. You hold the door open for people 3. You give unwanted clothes to the charity shop 4. You take your trolley back to the designated trolley area 5. You check in on elderly neighbours / relatives 6. You help mums onto public transport with buggies 7. You say hello to people you pass on a walk 8. You smile at people in the street 9. You bring in your neighbour’s wheelie bins 10. You let people in front of you in the queue if they don’t have much shopping 11. You never forget birthdays or anniversaries 12. You pick up litter in the street 13. You let people out into busy traffic, despite running late 14. You pick up litter on the beach 15. You always put spare change in charity collection tins 16. You take food around to neighbours if they’re sick 17. You leave a tip for bad meal because the waitress was nice 18. You always investigate if an alarm was going off 19. You offer to help friends and neighbours with the school run 20. You volunteer to help at school fairs 21. You volunteer for school events 22. You would lend money to a stranger who doesn’t have quite enough 23. You let a stranger borrow your charger on the train 24. You laugh at people's jokes when they aren’t funny 25. You compliment strangers 26. You give cash to buskers 27. You take cakes in to work 28. You pass the time of day with door to door salesmen / charity collectors 29. You listen to what cold callers have to say 30. You leave the pound coin in the shopping trolley

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Fish and Fools this Easter This year April Fool's Day is at Easter. It may get forgotten about this year in the Easter celebrations or it may provide additional opportunities for some!

But what is April Fool's Day and what are its origins? It is commonly believed that in medieval France, New Year was celebrated on 1st April. Then in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar, changing New Year to 1st January.

News travelled slowly in the 16th century and many people did not hear of the change; others chose to ignore it, while some just forgot.

These people were called fools.

Invitations to non-existent ‘New Year’ parties were sent and other practical jokes were played. This jesting evolved over time into a tradition of playing pranks on 1st April. The custom eventually spread to England and Scotland, and it was later transported across the Atlantic to the American colonies of the English and the French. April Fool's Day has now developed into an international festival of fun, with different nationalities celebrating the day in special ways.

been cancelled. A bag of flour might be balanced on the top of a door so that when the ‘victim’ opens the door, the flour empties over their head.

In France and Italy, if someone plays a trick on you, you are the ‘fish of April’. By the month of April fish have only just hatched and are therefore easy to catch. Children stick paper fish to their friends’ backs and chocolate fish are found in the shops.

film was shown on TV on April Fool's Day about spaghetti farmers and how they harvest their crop from spaghetti trees! And more recently the North Yorkshire Moors Railway said it had created a train carriage dedicated just to dogs, but it was just a joke.

In Scotland, April Fool's Day lasts for two days! The second day is ‘Taily Day’ and tricks on this day involve the bottom (or the ‘tail’).

Often a sign saying ‘kick me’ is stuck onto someone’s back without them knowing.

Most April Fool jokes are in good fun and not meant to harm anyone. The best trick is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke has been played.

Today, Americans and the British play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on 1st April. A common trick is to point to a friend's shoe and say ‘Your shoelace is untied.’ When they look down, they are laughed at.

Schoolchildren might tell a friend that school has

Two British policemen were sent to investigate a glowing flying saucer on 31st March, the day before April Fool’s Day. When the policemen arrived at a field in Surrey, they saw a small figure wearing a silver space suit walking out of a spacecraft.

Immediately the police ran off in the

Sometimes the media gets involved.

You may recall that once, a short

opposite direction. Reports revealed that the alien was in fact a midget, and the flying saucer was a hot air balloon that had been specially built to look like a UFO by Richard Branson, the 36-year-old chairman of Virgin Records.

Maid2Clean's Sue Hall

Branson had planned to land the balloon in London’s Hyde Park on 1st April. However, a wind change had brought him down in a Surrey

over the motorway. One lady was so shocked by the incident that she didn’t realise that she was standing naked in front of her window as she was describing the UFO to a radio station!

This is one of my favourite April Fool pranks:

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field. The police were bombarded with phone calls from terrified motorists as the balloon drifted

So be on the lookout not just for Easter Gifts but pranks galore on Easter Sunday this year. And, if you need help with the housework after all the celebrations are done, you know where we are! Maid2Clean taking the hard work out of housework 0800 878 6388

Ipswich Garden Rooms are working with two other companies to now offer specialist design and build services for Garden Room Annexes for elderly and disabled people.

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Reducing butts on the streets of Ipswich

Ipswich town centre could have less cigarette butts dropped on the streets thanks to the installation of new ballot bins by Ipswich Central.

The bins, produced by environmental charity Hubbub, provide a fun ashtray by encouraging smokers to answer a particular question by popping their butt into one of the two slots under the fun, or provocative, poll.

“We walked around the town centre to look for five key areas with a high drop-rate of butts, and purchased bins for these locations. We know that these bins have been associated with a 46% drop in litter in other locations and hope to see the same in Ipswich” said Sophie Alexander, Ipswich BID Manager.

The bins are part of Ipswich Central’s fifth #itsmystreet business clean-up, where businesses come together to help Ipswich Borough Council to keep the town centre clean and tidy for residents, shoppers and visitors.

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Sign up for Garden Waste Collection Local people can now sign up to the new Garden Waste Collection Scheme being provided by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Suffolk Coastal District Council is introducing a £43 a year charge for collecting garden waste this financial year (2018/19). The scheme is optional, with the first paid-for collections scheduled to start from the beginning of May 2018.

It’s quick and easy to sign up, either: Go online at: my.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/MyServices. You will need to register, or login to, your My Eastsuffolk account and then complete the form for garden waste Call Customer Services on 01394 383789, and choosing option ‘0’.

Or, pop in to see our Customer Service staff in the Customer Service Centre in Felixstowe and Woodbridge Libraries.

You will need a debit or credit card to pay. The fee for one bin is £43 for a year (the equivalent of paying about £1.65 per fortnightly collection). You can place your order now and don’t forget to say ‘YES’ to the upgrade.

“Although the new paid-for Garden Waste Scheme doesn’t start until May, we are urging people to sign up now to avoid a last minute rush to join,” explained Cllr Carol Poulter, Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Green Environment.

“This is a completely voluntary scheme, but people have to opt into the scheme and pay the annual fee. This will not happen automatically.

Basically, if you have not joined the scheme by the beginning of May, your garden waste will not be collected by us.

“People will obviously be able to join later in the year but, the best way to make sure there is no gap in the service, is to join up now and your membership will run from this May to 30 April 2019.”

One of the key benefits from joining the Suffolk Coastal Garden Waste Scheme is that subscribers will also be given the option of receiving a free, larger (240 litre) green bin for their garden waste (240 litres is the most common wheeled bin size, but the current brown organic waste bins in Suffolk Coastal are 140 litres).

The new, larger green bins are expected to be delivered during the autumn (2018) to those residents who request one and have subscribed to the garden waste service.

At this stage, subscribers to the Garden Waste Collection Scheme will be able to continue to put organic domestic waste (such as food waste) in with their garden waste.

If you choose not to join the optional Garden Waste Collection Scheme – then please compost!

The Suffolk Waste Partnership, which includes Suffolk Coastal District Council, funds a scheme making home compost bins available at subsidised prices from as little as £8.99 for a 220 litre compost bin or £9.99 for a 330 litre bin.

The scheme also includes subsidies on several composting systems which can deal with some cooked food waste. To order a home compost bin or to see more details, visit: www.suffolk.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444 quoting SUF 17L. In addition, all households will be invited to keep and re-use any unwanted brown bins if they wish. The bins are suitable for a number of alternative uses, including composting Local people are being urged to: ‘Be kind to the environment and repurpose your brown bins’.

Wheeled bins can be put to use in many different ways such as: tool storage, feed store, water butt and compost bin to name a few.

Please consider whether you would like to keep your brown bins after the upgrade. You can tell the council if you want them to remove them when you subscribe to the scheme. They will let you know later about when to present your unwanted brown bins for removal.

You can find more information about the garden waste scheme, composting and re-purposing your old brown bin at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/SCDCgardenwaste

April: Home Improvement Month April is Home Improvement Month and with warmer weather on its way now is the time to turn your attention to your home.

Home Improvement Month aims to inspire, educate and empower the UK to make the most of their homes. This April, choose a room in your home to start a Home Improvement Revolution. This is your chance to finally take on that project, see it through and feel proud of the results.

Whether you are a DIY expert or a nervous newbie there are plenty of ideas available to help you improve your home, from a change of curtains and cushions to a full-blown DIY SOS style makeover.

Here are our top tips for ensuring your home improvement project runs smoothly: First of all planning. Whatever it is you wish to achieve ensure you have a plan. Do your homework and decide what you want you finished room to

What a Waste!

Wasteful Brits throw away a staggering £12.5 Billion worth of perfectly wearable clothes EVERY year, according to a new study.

Researchers have revealed the true extent to which the UK has adopted a “throw-away” culture when it comes to clothing and fashion.

The data shows that Britons throw away on average eight items a year worth £24 each – meaning the value of binned clothes per year, per ADULT amounts to an astonishing £192.

In fact - according to the research by Vanish as part of its “#LoveforLonger” campaign - 51 percent of adults admit to throwing away perfectly wearable clothes - with 18 percent of Brits claiming they simply need more space in their wardrobe.

Twentynine percent of Brits admitted to throwing clothes out because of stains, while shockingly almost a quarter (23%) never attempted to even remove marks before throwing it out because the item was cheap.

Other reasons Brits used for throwing away wearable items include a further 27 percent have thrown away clothing because of a hole, which would have been easily sewn up.

One in ten have thrown away items belonging to an ex, while 12 percent said clothes simply feel old after you wear them a handful of times.

In fact, a new piece of clothing becomes old in the eyes of Brits after just twenty wears, and on average, 50 days.

According to the study, 45 percent of Brits have the best intentions, bagging up clothes to take to the charity shop – but then end up throwing them out anyway. 59 percent of those said throwing them directly in the bin was the easiest way without the hassle of visiting the charity shop.

According to the report, we spend an average of £92 a month on new clothes but typically we only wear around 46 percent of our wardrobe.

Not surprisingly then, a staggering 90 percent of the 1,500 respondents felt that we had adopted a throw-away culture when it comes to fashion and clothing.

And whilst 62 percent of us feel guilty about this – four in ten said we have never given any thought to what happens to ours clothes when we throw them away.

One in twenty Brits threw away clothing they didn’t want because they couldn’t be bothered to return it to the retailer, while one in ten often throw clothes away as they were so cheap to begin with.

NEW LOOK LANDSCAPES

be like. Be realistic about your project and your own capabilities, if you’ve never done any DIY before, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to fit a new kitchen!

Make a list. There is nothing more annoying than starting a project only to discover that you are missing something vital. Save time and frustration by making a list of all of the things you are going to need and make sure that you have everything before you get started.

Change your room with colour. A simple paint job can completely change the look of a room and you don’t need to be an expert to do it. There are hundreds of shades on offer and with some colourful accessories you can transform your home.

Ask the experts. There are many home improvements that you may wish to undertake that you really do need to get in touch with a professional, especially for larger projects. Every year hundreds of DIY go horrible wrong with professional trades people being called in to put right a bodge job gone wrong – don’t let this be you.

For more ideas about how you can improve your home visit www.homeimprovementmonth.co.uk/

n Quiz Night Deben Flower Club will be holding another one of their, now very popular Quiz Night on Saturday 12th May in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU 7pm for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a lighthearted fun evening and will include a Ploughman’s Supper.

Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six. If you do not have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are £8 each including supper.

Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

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

Anglia Bulb Company Specialise in mail order flower bulbs.

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

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Suffolk Police teams up n When it comes to home improvements use an expert with smart home security

company to tackle burglars

Suffolk Constabulary is joining forces with a home security company to help make properties in the county more secure.

Burglary is an extremely distressing crime for those who fall victim to it, as well as being an invasion of someone’s home and their personal space. With this in mind, home security company Ring has provided 50 doorbell cameras to Suffolk police for installation in properties in areas of Ipswich that have previously been targeted by burglars.

The force recognises the huge potential for technology such as doorbell and other remote monitored security cameras to help catch criminals, bring them to justice and prevent crime.

Such a doorbell camera was used to help secure the conviction of a 43-yearold man jailed for four years last September after admitting three counts of attempted burglary in Bury St Edmunds in March 2017.

Trusting someone else with your home improvements is a big decision, you can be assured with Abrey Projects, you’re in safe hands.

Matthew Abrey, owner of Abrey Projects has over 15 years experience as a qualified joiner, in the carpentry trade, with five years experience as a Plumber.

When it comes to home improvements, Matthew has excellent design skills, allowing you to maximise storage space within your home. Matthew previously worked for two reputable joinery firms within Ipswich and in 2017 he decided to start his own business.

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The suspect was arrested after he unwittingly triggered a doorbell camera as he attempted to break into a home. Although there was no trace of the offender on the arrival of the police, he was identified from the footage and subsequently arrested. A second offender was recently convicted and sentenced to a 12 month sentence for an attempted burglary in Ipswich after being caught on a doorbell camera.

Detective Superintendent Andy said, "These two cases really reduction devices. There is no video doorbell captured during cases.

Smith from Safeguarding & Investigations illustrate the value of cameras as crime doubt that the quality of footage from the these offences led to guilty pleas in both

"We are immensely grateful for Ring’s support. We are in the process of supplying 50 donated doorbell cameras to recent victims of burglary and victims who live in areas of Ipswich we know are more susceptible to this crime.

"It has been really gratifying for us to deliver this enhanced service and we hope these cameras will bring some peace of mind to victims.

"We recognise the huge potential for technology such as video doorbells and other remote monitored security cameras to help catch criminals and prevent crime."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore said, "This is a great initiative. Anything that improves the peace of mind of victims of burglary is really welcome.

"It’s excellent news that Ring has generously donated these doorbell cameras and I believe this will help catch criminals and get them prosecuted and brought to justice."

"At Ring, it’s our mission to reduce crime in neighbourhoods. We’re proud to assist Suffolk Police with the installation of proactive, convenient security solutions to homeowners who have been a victim of burglary and to help give them peace of mind in their homes. By working with Suffolk Police on this initiative, we can continue Ring’s mission to prevent crime before it happens,” said Dave Chattaway, UK Neighbourhoods Manger at Ring.

• For more information about hoew to secure your home visit www.suffolk.police.uk/sites/suffolk/files/home_security_-_basic_advice.pdf

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SUFFOLK • NORFOLK • ESSEX

Getting your children involved in gardening Gardening is the perfect way for children to learn new skills, have fun and to be creative, whatever their age.

Studies have also showed that children are more likely to perform better at school, develop healthier eating habits and an interest in the environment and nature when gardening.

There are many ways to encourage children to get involved in gardening, here are some of the best ideas: Growing vegetables and planting flowers Growing vegetables and planting flowers is a great way of getting children involved in gardening. It can feed curiosity as they watch their seeds sprout, learn how plants grow and how to look after them, as well as make them more likely to try all of the different vegetables and fruits once ripe.

Tomatoes, peas, potatoes and radishes are among some of the easier vegetables to grow in the garden and are perfect for beginners. Salad leaves are also a good choice as these can be planted throughout the summer and will be ready to pick in as little as three weeks, and if harvested right they will continue growing so can be picked again and again.

Quick growing flowers that will keep impatient children interested include Nasturtium (a colourful flower which also acts as a natural pest control in vegetable gardens), Sunflowers (a fast growing, beautiful flower which is a favourite with bees) and Wild Strawberries (they require minimal

maintenance, produce a crop quickly and are a great sweet treat for children).

Another good tip is to get your children to make their own plant labels; these can be brightly coloured and can be used to mark what seeds have been planted and when.

Give children their own area If you have enough space, giving your child their own special area to learn and play in can be very rewarding. Make sure that the area chosen gets enough sunlight and is easily accessible, you can also decorate it by painting the fences in their favourite colour and adding their own toys and furniture to make the space unique.

You can always start off small by utilising a couple of plant pots which the children can decorate themselves, moving to a bigger area as they learn and want to do more in the garden. It is also a good idea to buy a set of child-friendly gardening tools so that they can feel a sense of independence and be able to do more in their own special garden.

Give them creative licence to do whatever they want to their garden, whether it's growing vegetables and flowers, creating a wildlife habitat or creating an enclosure for rabbits or guinea pigs. Provide them with suitable material to create the space they want and provide help and advice when needed.

Take photos and document the progress in a diary Documenting the gardens progress throughout the year is a great way of seeing how things change during the seasons, how plants

and vegetables grow over time and a way of learning what works and what doesn't in your garden.

Taking pictures and keeping a journal is the perfect way to keep children interested as they can document their experiences, make growth charts and write about how the food they have grown tastes.

You can also set up a blog or social media pages so that they can share their experiences with friends and family.

One thing to make sure of during the whole process is to keep the children involved as much as possible, ask them lots of questions and get their feedback as well. At the end of the day you want them to feel a sense of pride when they go out into the garden, a trait that they will undoubtedly carry with them throughout their lives and be willing to teach their children too. www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

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APRIL: Spring has sprung!

At last the Tulips are beginning to show colour after our long cold, wet and snowy Winter, giving us a late Spring.

JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN - There are plenty of jobs to do in the garden, April is a great time to finish digging over the vegetable plot and getting the seeds in. How about some carrots, early Spring cabbage, or beetroot, this is an easy crop to grow. Even Swiss chard for a particularly shady spot.

In your garden, it is time to get pruning. Finish pruning the Roses, make sure the climbers are all tied in and then give all the Roses a good spray with "Rose Clear" bought from your local garden centre.

Then add "Top Rose" to the base of the plants, lightly fork over the soil with a small border fork. Cut back the Willow, Dogwoods back to the base to promote vigorous growth. Also it is a great time to start deadheading the Daffodil and Narcissi bulbs, leaving the green growth to put energy back into the bulb.

Now the Lawn - now is the time for adding "Evergreen Complete" to your lawn to promote a good strong lawn for the summer, having started mowing on a medium level (20-30mm. in height). Once finishing digging over the borders, run the edging iron around the lawn, giving a good sharp edge, ready for the edging shears.

Herbaceous Plants - pop to your local garden centre to buy a selection of Summer flowering plants, such as Agapanthus in white or blue, Golden Rod to flower in August, Alstromeria, Foxgloves and many more suggestions. Plant with a good Levingtons Compost or if you prefer, your own mulch from your compost bin. This should be a dark rich colour full of goodness.

Just a few ideas to get you out in the garden - Happy Gardening!

James Crowther.

Maintaining gardens throughout the year, offering a tailor-made-service to our clients, including lawn treatment.

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The magic of Maples

Japanese maples are the perfect choice of tree for any small, compact or courtyard garden. Their character and appeal makes them ideal for creating a focal point in your garden, brightening a shaded corner, or elegantly overhanging a pool or water feature.

Many acers are commonly called Japanese maples, but their parents could be derived from several different species including Acer japonicum, Acer palmatum, Acer shirasawanum or others. Among them are some extremely slowgrowing forms, with trees remaining a small, manageable size without the need for regular pruning.

With their Eastern origins in Japan, Korea and China, these small trees are suitable for developing gardens with Oriental themes and designs, choosing other suitable planting partners for them, like ferns, hostas, bamboo, azaleas, camellias, and more.

Their natural shape and growing habit of branches make Japanese maples an ideal choice of small tree for gardens or growing in large patio pots. Their leaf shapes, sizes and colours vary immensely. Many have a broad palm shape, but these are often divided and dissected into the most delicate and intricate forms. Add to this their wide range of colours, from deep greens to yellow, gold, purple or even variegated patterns and you have immense variety to choose from.

While some green or purple-leaved varieties will tolerate an open position in full sun, this can scorch the more delicate foliage of golden, variegated or dissected forms. A sheltered site is more suitable, and particularly one that provides shade during the hottest part of the day and protection from drying winds.

Japanese maples put on a show right through the year, starting as soon as foliage unfurls in spring and continuing until their autumn transformation into shades of gold and bronze before they eventually fall.

With dozens of marvellous Japanese maples available from nurseries and garden centres you'll be spoilt for choice when picking one to add a little maple magic to your garden.

Top tips for growing Japanese Maples 1. Choose a sheltered site where trees are protected from late spring frosts, cold winds and scorching summer sun.

2. Maples prefer well-drained soil containing plenty of compost to lock in moisture and ensure the ground never dries out.

3. Spread a deep mulch of leaf-mould, compost or shredded bark over the soil around maples to retain moisture and reduce annual weed growth.

4. For growing in containers choose large and stable terracotta pots with several drainage holes in their base. Line pots with a sheet of plastic before filling with compost to reduce water loss through the sides.

5. As trees can remain in pots for several years it's best to plant them using a loam-based John Innes No.3 compost with extra grit added to ensure good drainage. Do remember that established trees will need repotting into larger pots every few years.

6. Keep the top of the compost a few inches below the pot rim to make watering from above easier, covering the surface with a mulch of pebbles or ornamental gravel.

7. Water regularly with collected rainwater, and stand pots in saucers of water to provide a reservoir for trees to take up each day during hot, dry periods.

8. Tree roots can be susceptible to frost damage in winter, so either move pots to sheltered sites or wrap with bubble polythene insulation. hta.org.uk

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In Later Life The fast track to What will you do today for the future? better hearing Don’t put off the simple test that could make a huge difference to your life.

If you’re concerned about hearing loss there’s no need to wait to see your GP or for a referral to an audiologist – global hearing health specialist Amplifon offers free, no obligation hearing tests in Ipswich.

Those who have a Will in place know that it’s one of the most important things they can leave behind for those they love. If you haven’t yet made a Will, throughout May, one local charity will be working with local solicitors and will writers to make the process easy and accessible.

St Elizabeth Hospice has joined up with 16 solicitors and will writers across Suffolk to offer a will writing service to local people. Each organisation has dedicated a number of appointments throughout the month where they will offer their services free of charge. In return, they ask those who make a Will with them to make a suggested donation to the hospice so the charity can continue to help local people living with a terminal illness.

Lynn Maskell, legacy officer at St Elizabeth Hospice said, “If you haven’t made a Will yet, it’s important that you do. A Will means that your family knows your last wishes, including how you want your estate to be divided.

Regardless of the size of your estate, having a Will can make life easier for those left behind.

Donations received as part of Wills Month will enable the charity to continue to offer care to those who need it across Suffolk. Just £125 (the suggested donation for a single Will) could help pay for three bereavement therapy sessions for someone who has lost a loved one.

To find out more about Wills Month and details of local solicitors and will writers that are offering their services throughout May, visit stelizabethhospice.org.uk/willsmonth

One in ten people wait a week or more to see their GP and even if you do manage to see a doctor, the charity Action on Hearing Loss warns that almost half of those who report hearing difficulties are not referred for a test or given hearing aids.

Hearing aid audiologist Brien Traves says, “We take customers through a thorough and detailed hearing test. If their hearing is normal, that’s fantastic, but for those that are experiencing hearing loss we offer a free hearing aid trial.

“Customer service and clinical excellence are at the heart of everything we do, and we want you to walk away feeling happy, comfortable and hearing well again.

“We offer a service that’s tailor made to each customer’s needs, and they often tell us how much they value the bespoke approach and high-quality aftercare we offer.

“The best part of my job is when customers come back for their first follow up visit after trialing their aids for a week or so. It’s great to see what a huge difference hearing aids have made to their lives”.

• Amplifon can be found at 21 Upper Brook Street or call 01473 218865 for further information.

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In Later Life

Brits not 'over the Help in getting hill' until mid 80s! around from R1e0a% der Discount Felgains Researchers surveyed adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s - and discovered that most pensioners are living life to the full, with the majority not feeling you are truly "old" until after your 83rd birthday.

In fact, nearly a quarter of those saying they were in fairly good polled said they still feel in their shape and almost one in ten going prime because they regularly attract as far as to say they’re as fit as a fiddle. So much so, that almost one attention from the opposite sex, in five (19 percent) insist on wearing while one in five confess to still having a great sex life. a fitness tracker to ensure they get One in twenty of those who took enough exercise each day.

The poll of 2,000 over 50s showed part in the study said they still feel 42 percent had no intentions of like a teenager at heart, while three quarters still consider themselves as slowing things down and a fifth young. And as many as nine in ten said they wanted to grow old respondents who were in their 60s disgracefully. And it would seem today’s over 50s are an online and 70s consider themselves as not generation. Almost half of those remotely ‘past it’.

The study showed 69 percent said questioned (45 percent) describe themselves as a ‘whizz’ at using the they still feel youthful because they internet – and just 4 percent admit to have a positive outlook on life, while 58 percent said as long as you can needing a bit of help. still drive you were not "past it".

One in five of those questioned were regular visitors to Facebook Not surprisingly then, nearly eight in and one in ten often use WhatsApp ten said they were living life to the to communicate with family and full or trying their best to according to the poll by FiftyLife, the low cost friends. More than one in twenty of those aged 50 or over are also over 50s life insurance brand. frequent visitors of the dating sites Over three quarters claim to be like Tinder. in good health – with 67 percent

Are you struggling to move around like you used to? Then you'd probably benefit from using a mobility aid. But what kind? Let's explore the options.

WALKING STICKS AND FRAMES

If you're feeling a bit wobbly, a walking stick could be all you need for a little extra balance.

Your walking stick will be lightweight, discreet, and easyto-store. They come in a range of different finishes, and can be modified to suit your height.

You can also choose from a range of different handles.

Some handles can be hooked over your arm when not in use, and some distribute pressure evenly for maximum comfort.

Or, for extra stability, you could try a walker. Sometimes known as rollators, walkers come with either three or four wheels. Some have seats, and some have in-built storage, perfect for stowing away shopping or a handbag.

MOBILITY SCOOTERS AND POWERCHAIRS St Elizabeth Care Agency is a Domiciliary Care Agency which offers a range of services to support people living in their own homes. a Visits can be arranged for any adult needing help or support and can include short visit welfare/medication checks, personal care visits to meet individual needs, day support, sitting in, sleep-in, waking nights and short term live in care.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Care Agency services: Call the Care Agency office on 01473 707900 or email homecare@stelizcare.co.uk

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If you don’t have access to a vehicle, a mobility scooter can help you get around outdoors with relative ease. You can store them outside, they don’t require insurance, and there are no formal restrictions on which roads you can take them on.

However, because they’re quite large, they’re not suitable for indoor use.

If you’d like a motored chair that you can use both indoors and outdoors, a powerchair could be the answer.

If you would like to find out about working for us Please call the office or email gemma.clover@stelizcare.co.uk

Full and Part-time positions currently available All profits p made from the agency are gifted to ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE.

They’re much smaller and more manoeuvrable.

Felgains have been supplying quality independent living aids to the community since 1977. Although they’ve grown a lot since their first shop in Felixstowe, they’re still a family business. And what their team doesn’t know about independent living products isn’t worth knowing.

Why not visit their Ipswich Showroom? From high-tech rise and recline armchairs to low-grip kettles, they’ve got hundreds of products to browse.

Plus, if you visit before 18th May 2018, you can save 10% on all items with code IPSWICH10.

Granny-annex reinvented Scandi-style Savvy pensioners and their families are leading a ‘granny annex’ revolution by moving back in together, like their community-spirited relations of yesteryear – but with a very modern twist.

With the double whammy of rising property prices and high residential care costs for the elderly, a growing number of down-sizing grandparents are opting for bespoke, Scandi-style lodges at the bottom of the garden freeing up funds for family treats and travel.

In the last 12 months, Norwegian Log Buildings one of the longest established firms in this field, has seen a sharp rise in demand from pensioners wanting high quality annexes that can be built in their sons’ or daughters’ gardens. In most cases, no planning permission is needed, as the buildings are cleverly classed as ‘transportable’, so these solid log annexes can be installed with minimum disruption and kitted out with the latest 21st century fixtures and fittings – all at a fraction of the cost of a bricks and mortar equivalent, which can often fall

foul of the planners. They are also usually exempt from council tax.

With money saved by downsizing, OAPS are able to "MAX" their retirement and travel the world, whilst their children get peace of mind having their parents so close by. Childcare, gardening or pet sitting can also be shared if required.

Prices start from £54,995 for a one-bedroom home, easy to see why Norwegian Log has seen a big surge in enquiries. Built all on one level, with a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom, and the flexibility to have up to three bedrooms, homes are made from solid log (like traditional Scandinavian ski chalets), so low maintenance and very thermally efficient = warm and with low running costs.

Nick Forrester, MD at Norwegian Log, which has been building

annexes for over 20 years, said: “We’ve seen a 100% increase in families looking for a cost-effective, independent living solution for their elderly relatives. Many have recently lost their partners, feel isolated, and are beginning to find their existing brick property either too large or difficult to live in. They are keen to move closer to their families for the company and support, but still want the freedom of having their own roof and front door.”

A recent industry report highlighted an estimated demand for 125,000 additional multi-generational homes a year in the UK and quoted that two thirds of people believed the solution to Britain’s ageing population would be to move towards multigenerational living. www.norwegianlog.co.uk

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It's 'Official' – Retirement key to a happy marriage A new study of retired Brits has revealed that over two thirds of couples in their golden years claim they are happier now than they ever have been. A further 65 percent said their marriage or relationship is stronger since retirement because they now have more time to spend with each-other.

Over half (52 percent) said their relationship had flourished since giving up work as they no longer have to endure the stresses of office life – or the pressures of running a family home.

But the poll of 1,500 sixty plus adults by McCarthy & Stone found four in ten claim lots of holidays were the reason their marriage was better than ever, while 44 percent said it was because they enjoy more meals out, dates and joint hobbies.

Overall, 64 percent of those polled said life has never been so good, while 48 percent said they are enjoying life much more as they have got older.

Nearly three quarters of those polled said they were happy with what they had achieved in life with marriage, children, owning a home and travelling the world among the biggest accomplishments.

Over a third even went as far to say their sixties or seventies was their best decade to date – compared to only 12 percent who said it was their twenties.

A spokesperson for retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone said, “It’s really encouraging and uplifting to hear that so many sixty plus adults are having the time of their lives.

“The research shows that leaving behind the stresses and strains of working, bringing up a family and maintaining a home can give older couples a whole new lease of life.

“After dedicating so much of their life to work and making sure others are looked after, it’s great that so many of the older generation are making the most of their freedom.”

The study showed that spending your weekend doing DIY and doing big weekly food shops was one of the things pensioners didn’t miss about being younger.

Would you like help on hand 24 hours a day?

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

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

Ironing school uniforms on a Sunday night, cooking family meals every evening and hosting the family Christmas were also things older people were glad to see the back of.

Of the pensioners polled, 28 percent have already downsized with nearly nine in ten couples claiming it had made life much easier.

A quarter went as far to say it’s the best thing they ever did and they wish they had done it sooner.

Put a spring in your step with Ipswich Oddfellows Keeping active is important, especially as we get older. Many adults, over 65, spend an average of 10 hours or more a day sitting or lying down and inactivity is having a real impact on our physical and mental health.

This spring, your local branch of the Oddfellows friendly society is inviting the community to come out of hibernation and ‘Ditch the Slippers’ with their weekly gentle exercise activity session.

The weekly Thursday mornings include games of indoor Kurling and Boccia (similar to bowls). There’s also the opportunity to meet new people and keep active in good company. Even the walk to and from the bus is good for you!

Lynne Wyatt, Ipswich Oddfellows Secretary said, “It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there’s no point in exercising as you get older, but regular physical activity is proven to help you feel younger and stay independent longer.”

NHS guidelines recommend older adults should take at least two and half hours of moderate activity every week, and the results are potentially lifechanging. Want to reduce your risk of heart disease? Regular exercise could do the trick, along with lowering the chances of stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia.

‘Ditch the Slippers’ activity group meet every Thursday morning at 10.15am at Ipswich Oddfellows’ regular meeting place at 37 High Street, IP1 3QH. Entry costs just £2.50.

“We’re a friendly bunch,” added Lynne, “and welcome all abilities to come along and join in the fun.”

In addition, this month, Ipswich Oddfellows will be taking a gentle ramble around the Grange Farm area of Kesgrave on Tuesday 24th April at 10.30am followed by a pub lunch at the Farmhouse pub, St Isadores Rd Kesgrave.

For more details of these and other Oddfellows events, please contact Lynne or Wendy 01473 251 867 or email ipswichevents@oddfellows.co.uk.

You can also search for local events online at www.oddfellows.co.uk.

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

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

Ref 1714

36

In Later Life

Importance of diet on brain health Experts from around the world have examined the evidence to date on the impact of diet on brain health in adults aged 50 and over. They found that foods which are good for our heart are also good for the health of our brains.

The report from the Global Council of Brain Health (GCBH) also concluded that it's never too late to improve your diet and see positive results.

Through eating a combination of different types of food such as leafy greens, berries and good fats in the form of extra virgin olive oil and omega-3 rich fish, people can expect long-term health benefits.

Among the advice given on what to include in your diet, the report also warns people of all ages to go easy on the amount of salt, wine, caffeine and chocolate they consume, if they want to maintain their brain health as they grow older.

Whilst it appears there is no single magic ingredient when it comes to improving brain health, the best foods to include in your diet regularly and the things to avoid are listed below:

- Add lemon, spices and herbs instead of salt - Cook at home instead of eating out - Make an effort to try and new vegetable each week - Drink fizzy water in place of fizzy sugary drinks James Goodwin, Chief Scientist at Age UK, said, “The great value of this report is that it spells out in an uncomplicated way what we know for certain about the diet and brain health and what we can do to maintain our brain health by eating wisely. Though there is no ‘silver bullet’, making simple changes to what we eat, along with other vital lifestyle changes, can make a big difference over our life time.”

Though the GCBH is confident that the evidence shows a heart healthy diet is also good for brain health, the relationship between diet and prevention of cognitive decline and dementia needs further research.

Encourage

Fresh vegetables (in particular leafy greens) Healthy fats (such as those extra virgin olive oil) Nuts (a high calorie food, so limited to a moderate amount) Seafood

Include

Fruits (in addition to berries, previously mentioned) Low fat dairy, such as yogurt Poultry Grains Beans and other legumes

Limit

Fried food Pastries Processed foods Red meat

Red meat products Whole fat dairy such as cheese and butter Salt The team of experts also recognised that barriers to healthy eating can include a lack of time to prepare food and the potential expense. However there are a number of quick wins for people of any age wanting to improve their diet, such as: - Seek out green leafy vegetables and berries - Eat nutrient dense food in sensible portion sizes (it can be helpful to use smaller plates to start with) - Rinse canned foods to remove excess salt and sugar

David Button Independent Funeral Directors

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A simple inclusive cremation at Seven Hills or Ipswich Crematorium £2,925.

Our fees are available to view on our website.

Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.

The Old Bank, 225 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 9DT. Tel: 01394 200793 Mob: 07546 754531 info@davidbuttonfunerals.co.uk

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wellbeing

n Ditch the diet and focus on changing your lifestyle for good!

If you are reading this, you are probably one of the millions of people in the UK who at one time or another have been on a diet. We all know that diets work if you follow them but what about long term? Do you really want to be dieting all the time?

At Kay Fletcher Fitness we do offer a weekly weigh in at our classes but we focus on following a healthy eating plan and making lifestyle changes so you not only lose the weight but keep it off. In addition, we know that eating healthy is only one part of the plan, exercise is also important so we offer both at our classes all for one price. That’s why we are different to other ‘diet clubs’ we don’t just sit around talking about what you need to do we actually get on and do it. By combining both weigh-in and nutritional advice and exercise in one class it also means you only have to pay once so you don’t have to join a gym or pay to go along to an exercise class as well as your weight loss class because we do both.

So if you are dreading the warmer weather and trying to fit into your clothes, why not take a different approach to your health and well being and come and find out for yourself what Kay Fletcher Fitness has to offer.

We can offer you a choice of healthy eating plans and at every class before we start the exercise we give a short nutritional talk each week plus we can offer online recipes and a private facebook support group.

We also offer a choice of payments and we don’t charge if you are unable to come along as we know sometimes life gets in the way.

So if you are looking for a friendly fun group where you can mix with likeminded people, lose weight and exercise then look no further.

• For more information about Kay Fletcher Fitness or for full details of all classes please visit the websites www.KayFletcherFitness.com or www.TotallyShreddedKesgrave.uk or call Kay on 01473 613397

KAY FLETCHER FITNESS Class Timetable:

MONDAY: NEW VENUE

Inspire Suffolk Lindbergh Rd, Ipswich IP3 9QX 6.15 pm - 7.30 pm (Cardio Workout)

CLASSES IN KESGRAVE Sports Hall, Kesgrave High School

EVERY TUESDAY 7.30-8.30pm & WEDNESDAY 6.45-7.45pm TO BOOK A PLACE PLEASE GO TO: www.TotallyShreddedKesgrave.uk or call

38

01473 613397

TUESDAY: NEW VENUE

Inspire Suffolk Lindbergh Rd, Ipswich IP3 9QX 9.30 am - 10.45 am (Cardio Workout) Kesgrave High School (Gym) Main Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2PB 5.45 pm - 7.15 pm (Cardio Workout)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way Rushmere St. Andrew, Ipswich IP4 5SU 9.15 am - 10.30 am (Cardio Workout)

Kesgrave Community Centre Twelve Acre Approach Kesgrave, IP5 1JF 9.30 am - 10.45 am (Cardio Workout)

10.30am - 11.45 am (Zumba)

Kesgrave High School (Front Hall) Main Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2PB 6.30 pm - 7.45 pm (Zumba)

Kesgrave High School (Front Hall) – NEW VENUE Main Road, Kesgrave, IP5 2PB 5.45 pm - 7.15 pm (Cardio Workout) 7.15 pm - 8.30 pm (Cardio Workout)

St. Alban’s School (Front Hall) Digby Road, Ipswich, IP4 3NJ 6.30 pm - 7.45 pm (Cardio Workout)

Exercise Only Option Available at All Classes

We also offer Fitness Pilates Classes, Monday Morning, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening. For full details please visit our website www.KayFletcherFitness.com

wellbeing

Sugar Content in Popular Easter Foods Mini eggs, chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns are set to become diet staples as Easter approaches. The season of chocolate will surely force even the most dedicated new year dieters in to melt down.

However, some choices are better than others when it comes to oral health, as the constant snacking on sugar puts teeth at risk of cavities and yellowing.

The team of dental experts at White Glo have done the research and put together a guide on the best food hacks to enjoy Easter’s tempting treats, with the best chance of maintaining good oral health.

For those with a weakness for mini eggs, choose Ferrero Roche’s version over Cadbury. Cadbury may be a favourite, but they contain 68.5g sugar per 100g, whereas Ferrero’s version has considerably less at 45.8g.

When it comes to chocolate bunnies, Lindt’s signature gold variety is a clear choice, but the sugar content differs dramatically. Select the Lindt milk chocolate hazelnut version for 41g of sugar, compared to 55g in the standard milk chocolate bunny. For even less sugar, opt for the dark chocolate bunny which has just 35g of the sweet stuff.

Ditching the Easter cake in favour of traditional hot cross buns is another way to give teeth a break.

Choosing Tesco’s Seeded Hot Cross Buns over Cadbury Mini Egg Cakes will cut sugar consumption in half, from 18.9g in the cake, to just 9.3g in the bun. Just make sure to avoid Ocado’s version of hot cross buns, which each contain an astounding 19g of sugar.

When it comes to Easter Day itself, roast lamb is the traditional main of choice, but if mint sauce is your go to accompaniment, avoid hidden sugars by choosing Sainsbury’s Fresh Mint Sauce for just 0.9g of sugar per tablespoon, compared to Colman’s which has three times as much at 3.5g per tablespoon.

Dental expert, Jordan Kirk explains, “With all the sweet treats eaten over the Easter weekend, teeth really don’t get much of a chance to recover. Making smart choices could dramatically reduce the damage to the enamel, but

I would recommend brushing your teeth more than you normally would, as damage can be done to your teeth for hours after high sugar foods are consumed.”

Further tips to reduce the damage to teeth this Easter include choosing Green & Black chocolate eggs over Nestlè’s, to slash sugar from around 70g to 45.5g.

Unfortunately, Creme Eggs should also be avoided as each one contains 26.5g of sugar, so opt for a Malteser Bunny instead for 15g of sugar.

Jordan Kirk gives his verdict, “Most people know that sugar causes damage to teeth, but many don’t realise it also makes them look yellow. As the sugar wears down the enamel, the layer underneath, which is yellow in colour, starts to show through. The good news is that along with reducing sugar consumption, you can reverse enamel damage with a good whitening toothpaste like White Glo’s Professional Choice, to restore a white smile.”

While Easter weekend is a time to enjoy food with friends and family, a few smart choices could save a trip to the dentist later in the year. www.whiteglo.com

New E-Learning Diploma in Fitness Instruction and Personal Training

An exciting new opportunity will now be available as of the 22nd April 2018 to become a fully qualified personal trainer using the new E-Learning package from Active IQ. What this means to learners who want to change their career or those who are just starting out in the industry is that the course can be completed using an online portal available 24/7 with only eight contact days including all assessments and practical experience days. The normal Diploma is based around 16 full classroom days which is difficult to accommodate if you work full time and or have parental responsibilities making the E-Learning Diploma more favourable and cheaper but still the same quality qualification.

Fit Club Training Academy will be running this E-Learning Diploma starting 22nd April 2018 at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket which has a fully equipped gym offering learners the real-life experience of what it is like to work in a gym environment whilst completing their training.

All the qualifications they deliver at Fit Club training academy are awarded

by Active IQ and are REPS registered so will allow employment or selfemployment opportunities after qualification and insurance is obtained. So if you have been thinking about training to get into the fitness industry but not sure where to start then visit the website for more details of the units covered in each qualification and the Spring offer for April. Start the journey towards your new career today with the Diploma in Fitness Instruction and Personal Training with no prior experience or qualifications needed or upskill your Level 2 Fitness Instruction to Personal Training.

For more information email info@fitclubtrainingacademy.co.uk or follow and like us @Fitclubta

Step into Spring with Nails

Gift Vouchers Available

Web: www.BeautyAtTheRetreat.co.uk 26 High Street, Dedham, Suffolk CO7 6HA Phone: 01206 323450 or 07714 930214 Email: Pjmeek73@hotmail.com

39

Tooth Whitening: Know the facts and stay safe Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to give your smile a boost – but only when carried out by a qualified dental professional, otherwise it’s illegal.

The popularity of tooth whitening has made it an attractive venture for illegal providers, says principal dentist, Malcolm Harbour from Harbour Dental Care. This means that unsuspecting people are being put at risk from serious and permanent damage to their mouth.

The UK’s leading dental charity, the Oral Health Foundation, has put together a definitive guide on unscrupulous tooth whitening.

The following points will enable everybody to protect themselves from dangerous providers and products, and get a pearly white smile without any risk to their health.

1. Only qualified dental professionals can perform tooth whitening. This is

a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist. If a local beauty parlour or hairdresser is advertising tooth whitening and they are not a dental professional, they are breaking the law.

2. Ignorance is not an excuse. Many providers may not even be aware they are breaking the law as they have been told by a ‘trainer' (or possibly a person selling the tooth whitening kit) that what they are doing is legal. This is incorrect and they are still liable.

3. Fines for illegal tooth whitening are unlimited in Britain and every case brought against illegal providers has been successful.

Illegal providers are putting their

livelihood and reputation on the line if they provide these treatments.

4. In Europe, it is illegal to supply bleaching material containing more than 0.1% peroxide (or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide) to anyone other than a dentist, or direct to the public. If an illegal provider is offering whitening products stronger than this, you are at serious risk.

5. The laws are in place to prevent chemical burns being caused by peroxide. Without the proper procedures in place and used incorrectly it can cause serious and permanent problems to your mouth, lips, gums and tongue.

6. It may not work and could leave you in constant pain. When used incorrectly whitening is not effective and can even leave your teeth incredibly sensitive when eating or drinking.

7. If you think somebody is offering illegal tooth whitening, you can report them to the General Dental Council who will investigate and look to protect the public.

For further information please visit www.safetoothwhitening.org or call the Dental Helpline on 01788 539 780 for expert, free and impartial advice.

For professional tooth whitening, trust Harbour Dental Care. Our door is always open to new patients, so please feel free to pop into our lovely, welcoming practice on the High Street.

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

For safe & effective tooth whitening, trust Harbour Dental Care Now £150 - that’s £108 off!

(Offer ends 30.6.18. Quote Ips24White)

01473 253599 40

27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH

www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk

wellbeing

18th Annual Woodbridge Mind Body Spirit Festival It’s time to feel excited! the 18th annual Woodbridge Mind Body Spirit Festival takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April at Woodbridge Community Hall, from 10am until 5pm. This is a very popular, well- attended event so please be advised to arrive early.

With over 40 diverse, carefully selected stands, you will be spoilt for choice!

Many new exhibitors for this year, including Gayle Harvey – spiritual counsellor and horse whisperer, Tangible Beauty real nail polish appliques and unique embroidered handmade gifts by Miss Chaitoo Designs. With psychics, mediums, healers, life coaches, readers and clairvoyants, Woodbridge 2018 is set to be another great successful event!

Run club welcomes runners of all levels Rushmere Community Runners is an active growing group of mixed ability runners formed in 2017 after the closure of the Sweatshop Running Community, with the backing and support of Coes of Ipswich.

On offer throughout the weekend are a wide array of workshops, talks and demonstrations on subjects as diverse as UFOs and the paranormal at Rendlesham Forest, Feng Shui for health, happiness and prosperity, mental health in the modern world, from grief to recovery, trauma release exercises and the ever popular mediumship demonstration.

You can choose from a wide range of holistic healing therapies giving taster treatments, readings and natural medicine advice; holistic sports massage, relaxing and revitalising treatments, Indian head massage, deep tissue massage, Reiki and Shamanic healing. There are also natural body products, unique handmade jewellery, crystals and gem stones, candles and oils, salt lamps, psychic readings, natural crafts, and art on offer. Or why not experience an Aura photograph and reading? The Buddha Cave is a must do Empowered Healing room and meditation space, open all weekend.

Anglian Events will be providing freshly cooked delicious hot and cold food and amazing cakes, with vegetarian and vegan options.

Musical attractions include live music from the Bards of the Heath, singer songwriter Lesley Curtis of Oakleas Rise, saxophonist Sandra Jones, plus a stunning, not to be missed, colourful performance by Mystic Bellydance.

Admission, payable on the door, includes all talks, workshops, stage performances and even the mediumship demonstration on Sunday by Metin Medium! This event is wheelchair friendly too.

Adults: £3.50 (£5 for both days), Concessions: £3.00 (£4 for both days), 16 and under FREE For further Information visit www.lifearts.co.uk

They meet on a Tuesday and Thursday night at Ipswich School Sports Centre in Rushmere, and currently have upwards of 90 people attending each session. With qualified coaches and Run Leaders within the group, they can cater for runners just starting out on the Couch to 5K programme, those with disabilities, through to those already competing in races and events on a regular basis.

Tuesday night is where all the runners come together, regardless of their ability, to take part in a session focusing on a particular discipline. The group as a whole usually run on the road to the same location, where they are put through their paces by one of the coaches or Run Leaders. This could be a hill climb session, speed loops or maybe sprints. Each runner can take part at their pace, completing as much as they want to. During the winter months, the group hires one of the Astro hockey pitches for some floodlight circuit sessions, away from the road. These will continue as the nights get lighter, but on the grass pitches.

Thursday night is where the runners split into different paced groups for an hour out on the road, covering whatever distance is possible in the time allowed. These groups start with a beginner’s walk and run, right through to those who are aiming for much faster times. You can choose whichever group you feel comfortable with on the night.

As the group has grown, more runners have grown in confidence and started to enter events, from Park Runs, short local races and through to international marathons, Each session is free, there is no need to book, plus there is a reward incentive scheme in place. Every week you attend, your card is stamped. The more stamps you collect, you can then earn rewards from a group technical shirt, to discounted running shoes.

Whether you are a complete beginner, or a seasoned runner looking to join with like minded people, then Rushmere Community Runners could be for you?

• For more information about Rushmere Community Runners you can email Jan Reeve at runners@coes.co.uk.

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wellbeing

“Through April showers the man walks down the road to watch the birds come in to share the summer”

Martin Wilks, C.Psychol.

I thought I might continue with the monthly verse of the song “The January Man”. I want to emphasise the potential in walking for improving and maintaining mental health. Also – the power of picking up on the changing of the seasons.

When younger I had little respect for walking as healthy exercise – I would tend to run rather than walk – thinking I would be better exercised as a result. There were two misperceptions in that attitude: a) walking briskly compares very closely with jogging as effective cardio exercise and, walking has considerably reduced impact on the knees. b) Why hurry - by running - through the possibilities of mindfully observing the environment that you could choose to walk through? The rhythm, the co-ordination of breath and movement, of walking makes it an ideal “anchor” for a mindful practice.

When learned formally, on for example an eight week mindfulness course, walking meditation is conducted at a very slow pace – (think of the very slow, focused movements of tai-chi with eyes fixed straight ahead).

It’s useful to have had some prior experience of that approach so that a brisk walk in early spring still maintains a focus for the walker upon the embodied human experience – without this, it’s too easy for a walk to become an opportunity for the mind to wander, yet again, around the “oughts, shoulds and have to’s” of daily life, rather than to be present, here and now to soak up the experiences of the walking in the spring.

Seasonal adjustment disorder, SAD, has - relatively recently - been added to an ever-growing list of symptom descriptions (diagnoses) of what thwarts us humans in our quest for happiness. SO – when the days lengthen, when the earth begins to waken up and life spring forth, when the daffodils blow their yellow bugle calls we can begin to feel the spring in our step. And whether or not you suffer from SAD, why not benefit from the tangible feeling of hopefulness that comes with the lengthening of the days, the colours and the sounds of the spring, and from “watching the birds coming in to share the summer.”

Wherever you live in this wonderful county of ours, you’re not far away from an inspiring walk in the countryside.

There’s still time to book up for the spring mindfulness courses – see below. As usual there’s a free taster event at Quay place beforehand, March 19th. Don’t forget the opportunity of the “Life Lounge” on the second Thursday of the month at Quay Place heritage & wellbeing centre, Ipswich.

And if I’ve whetted your appetite for being in nature in spring, we have a three day mindfulness retreat in nature at a woodland retreat centre in Cambs. That’s happening over the first weekend of May? And as always – I’m happy to hear from you if you’re considering one to one or couples consultations?

Have your say on the future of Felixstowe leisure Local people are being invited to take part in a survey to have their say on how they want leisure to look like in Felixstowe!

In November 2017, Suffolk Coastal District Council published its Felixstowe Leisure Vision document, which showcases the potential for a multi-million pound sports and leisure development and highlights the opportunity we have to re-vitalise our leisure facilities.

Separately, the District Council has also embarked on a five-year programme to redevelop all its leisure centres. Work has already begun on the Deben Leisure Centre in Woodbridge and preparations are in hand to start redeveloping Leiston in the autumn.

Now, as part of this process, Suffolk Coastal wants to hear what local people want in the Felixstowe area.

“We want to bring state-of-the-art leisure facilities to Felixstowe. This consultation focussed on ‘what’ people want, rather than ‘where’ they should be located,” said Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member for Customers, Communities and Leisure.

“No decisions have been made at this stage about where we want to focus the leisure facilities in Felixstowe, although the Felixstowe Leisure Vision document does show the potential from a development point of view.

“However, at this initial stage before any decisions are made, we need to know what leisure facilities local people would like to see and how they would like to use them.”

The existing Felixstowe Leisure Centre was built in 1985 and Brackenbury Leisure Centre, also in Felixstowe, operated by the Council from the 1990’s.

Both facilities are in need of significant money to be spent on them to maintain their current offer.

Therefore, through the Leisure Redevelopment Programme, the Council have the opportunity to consider a range of options to provide Felixstowe with a sustainable state of the art facility that local residents can be proud of and provides a destination focus for tourism opportunities in the town.

An initial consultation has been undertaken with a number of key stakeholders. The consultation investigates where the best place to site a new leisure centre would be, including the existing Felixstowe Leisure Centre site, the Brackenbury site and also new sites in the northern area of the town.

“I would encourage people to get actively involved in this process and help shape the next generation of leisure facilities in the area. Please take the time to complete this survey, as your views are important to us to help us provide Felixstowe with truly exciting leisure facilities that are fit for the future.” said Cllr Haworth-Culf The consultation will run until the end of April 2018. The survey is available at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/felixstoweleisurecentre Anyone wanting to provide further comments, such as sports or community organisation with specific requirements or issues to highlight, should email the Leisure Team at: leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

• Further details of the leisure review are available at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/leisure

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89% of used car buyers not aware of write-off category changes As we enter the peak period for second hand car sales (following an influx of part exchanges against new 18 plate models), a survey of 100 consumers by vehicle history checker mycarcheck.com found that 89% were unaware of the recent write-off category changes.

In October 2017, the old A, B, C and D categories were replaced with new codes, which focus on safety rather than the cost of repair: A (scrap), B (break), S (structurally damaged repairable) and N (non-structurally damaged repairable).

Mark Bailey, Head of CDL Vehicle Information Systems, which owns My Car Check, said, “We are checking new category write-offs almost daily now, so the fact that 9 out of 10 people are unaware of them is a worry, especially when you consider that four of those who did know were motor traders.

The survey was conducted by our Glasgow call centre in early February and all of those asked were checking used vehicles worth over £1,000. It shows that more must be done to educate buyers about write-offs, so they can either decide they want nothing to do with them, or they go into it with their eyes open, fully aware of the risks. Safety is paramount and written-off vehicles have to be properly repaired in order to perform as they should in the event of a second crash. There might be things the seller doesn’t know, or things they’d rather not tell you, so do your own history check to find out exactly what you’re getting into.”

Value: Leaving the safety aspect aside, there’s the impact on desirability and value to consider with S and N (and the old C and D) grade write-offs. A category N writeoff which has had cosmetic damage repaired will generally be worth about 25% less than a similar vehicle with clear history. As to the impact on desirability, in a survey a couple of years ago, 79% of mycarcheck customers said they wouldn’t buy a write-off.

Insurance: Some insurers will check the history of vehicles and can refuse to cover them or charge higher premiums. In the event of a claim, if it is discovered the vehicle has been previously written-off, they might offer a smaller amount to reflect the market value.

With information from the police, DVLA, insurers and finance houses, mycarcheck.com holds comprehensive data on every vehicle on UK roads – things that buyers should be aware of before making an offer.

Background info

Safety: A write-off is an accident damaged vehicle which an insurer decides is either beyond repair or too expensive to fix. Category A (e.g. burnt-out by fire) and B (e.g. major rear-end shunt) write-offs should never return to the road. Category S (e.g. collapsed crumple zone) write-offs will be unsafe until they have been professionally repaired. Category N (e.g. cosmetic or electrical issue) write-offs are often simply uneconomical to repair.

n Latest motoring tech A plug-in car telematics device which costs less than £30 has won an international award for ‘Product of the Year’.

The AA’s Car Genie, which is made in the UK, stood out amongst over 3,000 nominations from across the world in the 2018 international IoT Breakthrough Award.

The device connects with a car’s diagnostic system and reports data on a smartphone app, including battery health, vehicle location and driver eco score. It goes as far as detecting problems and alerting the driver (and the AA) before they lead to a breakdown.

Alan Ferguson, Head of Connected Car at the AA, said, “Connected devices are ‘disruptive’, innovative products designed to make consumers’ lives easier through the use of data, whether in the home or on the road.

“Car Genie does exactly that within the car, to help keep our members’ wheels turning. The device grants drivers’ top three wishes and more – to never lose their car, prevent breakdowns and get immediate help in an accident – as well as the ability to improve fuel economy and settle the score on who really is the best driver in the house!

“It’s a fantastic achievement to have won the IoT ‘Connected Car Product of the Year’ award, beating stiff competition and is a great testament to the design and development of our technology.”

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Curfew for young drivers not the way to go insurethebox, the global pioneer of telematics-based car insurance, believes proposed driving licence changes that would ban young motorists from driving at night is an ineffective and punitive solution to a very real problem in the fight against the high numbers of young drivers involved in serious accidents.

Under new proposals, a ‘Graduated Driving Licence’ could restrict 17-24 year olds from driving after dark for up to two years after they pass their test.

This would essentially impose a curfew that could have a serious impact on young people’s social mobility and ability to earn. The licence is proposed as a way to reduce the number of young drivers killed on the roads – motorists aged 17-24 are involved in 18% of all crashes on UK roads.

Instead of imposing curfews, insurethebox supports continuous learning with a ‘carrot, rather than stick’ approach; empowering young drivers to manage their driving behaviour by providing information on their driving habits and ways to stay safe through its online portal and engagement with its customers.

“We don’t see a curfew on driving as a workable or fair solution,” explains Sarah Vaughan, Head of Pricing at insurethebox.

“New drivers continue to be a huge challenge when it comes to improving road safety and reducing road deaths. It’s welcome news that the Government is recognising that the current one-stop driving test is leaving

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new drivers woefully underprepared for the variety of road conditions they will face and the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel but we don’t believe that a night-time curfew is the right way forward.

“Imposing punitive measures on young drivers could have an unfair impact on their lives, such as hampering their earning potential if they work in jobs which require night shifts or late-night duties like shelf filling at supermarkets or bar work. There are also questions around how this proposal will affect different locations, given that darkness falls as early as 5pm in certain regions of England – even earlier during winter – and may last until 7.30 am, when many young motorists will need to have left home for school or work.

“Our 3.5 billion miles of telematics data does show that driving after 11pm significantly increases the risk of an accident for young motorists. There are however numerous other road risks that new drivers struggle with and unless we help drivers to improve their skills, we are effectively asking new drivers to ‘learn on the job’ at the potentially very high price of other peoples’ lives.

“By increasing awareness of the dangers on the roads and arming drivers with tools to improve, we help young motorists become safer drivers and reduce their insurance premiums without the need for curfews or bans on how they drive.”

Think!

Before using phone

One year on from the introduction of the 6 points penalty for use of a mobile phone, global pioneer of telematics-based car insurance insurethebox is asking whether new drivers understand the rules for in-car mobile phone use.

New data released by the Department of Transport Think! campaign reveals that since 1st March 2017, more than 26,000 drivers have received 6 points for holding and using their phone while driving. A proportion of these could have been people who had passed their driving test less than two years ago, meaning that they will have also lost their licence – throwing away all the hard work and cost of learning to driving and taking their test. insurethebox is concerned that some drivers may not realise when it is illegal to use a mobile phone. Research conducted by the telematics insurance provider found that nearly 1 in 5 (18.38%) of drivers admitted to using their phone for getting directions while driving, which is illegal.

“Many new drivers will be using their mobile phones to access directions rather than investing in separate satnav devices, as they can add a significant cost – especially for

a young driver,” explained Simon Rewell, Road Safety Manager, “It’s not surprising, therefore, that over 18% of those who completed our survey said they use their phone in the car for directions. But do they realise that it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving?

“This seems to be a grey area – so it’s important that learner drivers gain clear direction from their instructors to understand exactly how and when they can use a mobile phone – and when they must not. While using a mobile phone hands-free in a car as a satnav is legal, drivers should enter directions before starting the journey and the device must be securely fixed in the car. However, it is important to note that if this usage distracts the driver and they cause an accident, they can still be prosecuted – regardless of whether the mobile device is securely fixed to the car”.

The new Think! campaign urges motorists to use their glovebox as their phone box.

Unfair damning of new diesel cars.

Bikers preparing for Spring n Mycarcheck.com’s valuation experts reveal significant trends in the UK used vehicle market and choose a car and bike of the month.

Used bike of the month: KTM 1290 Super Adventure

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com’s Mark Field said, “If you’re looking for a high tech alternative to the ever popular BMW R1200 GS, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure is well worth considering. For starters, this bike comes fully loaded with the latest traction and stability control systems, allowing you to select from four different engine modes and also adjust the damping settings on the suspension. It also comes equipped with C-ABS (which helps to stop the front end from folding if you brake deep into a corner), as well as cruise control, LED lights, and heated grips and seat. A 300mile tank and powerful 160bhp engine complete the package to make this a very competitive bike. Expect to pay £11,000 for a clean 2015 example with average mileage and, as always, check the history before you buy.”

As to market trends, Field said, “Winter is always the quietest season in the bike world, so there’s not too much to report. Traders are busy trying to source good quality used stock to fill showrooms ready for Spring, but many dealers have their hopes pinned on bikes returning at the end of 3-year PCP contracts. Some sunny weather, or at least a few days without rain, would certainly be very welcome.”

Used car of the month: Dacia Duster

Valuation services team manager at mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said, “If you’re in the market for an affordable 2-3 year-old SUV, the Dacia Duster must be a contender. Considered a bargain new, residual values are strong and you get a lot of car for your money. If you opt for the 1.5-litre diesel, expect to see a return of 56mpg and annual road tax of around £110. Insurance should be reasonable too, with most models sitting in groups 6-11 out of 50.

As with all newer cars, check before you buy, because a higher than average proportion of Dusters we checked in 2017 were still on finance.”

As to market trends, Wheeler said, “It’s challenging for new car registrations with diesel once again taking the hardest hit, down 25.6% against 2017.

It is clear the perception of diesel has changed dramatically, we think

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somewhat unfairly. Modern diesel engines are cleaner and more efficient than ever before, and still make financial sense for some users.

Another significant trend is the rise of AFV (alternative fuel vehicle) sales: up 23.9% on the previous year, market confidence is growing and they now account for 5.5% of all current registrations.

Dealers’ focus on the new 18 registration plate should soon shift back to the more profitable used stock as part exchange and de-fleet vehicles flood into the market throughout March and April.”

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

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

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