Ipswich24 Magazine May 2017

MAY 2017

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

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Picture Mark Keable, Ipswich24

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n The Suffolk Show 31st May & 1st June

The Luxury Travel Specialist

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

INSIDE THIS MONTH MAY Win tickets for Live Concerts:

At Home:

The outside concerts at Thetford Forest have become as much a part of summer as Ice-cream and we have a great competition where you can win tickets

20 B2B:

Our 4-page pull-out aimed at business and prospective new business owners.

Advice and tips for your home and garden. Plus news on the Big Garden Bird Watch.

26-31 Arts:

Always lots on our local stages and this month is no exception. Dance, drama, comedy, music, exhibitions and more.

Events Diary:

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

22-23

14-21 CENTRE

32-37

Wellbeing:

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

Available Free from numerous outlets across Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Hadleigh and surrounding villages, including leading supermarkets, libraries etc.

If you wish to stock copies please contact us.

Enquiries, Editorial and Advertising Contributions can be sent:

By Email to info@ipswich24.co.uk Mail to: Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4JR Contributions by 5th of month preceeding publication.

Every effort has been made to present all information accurately, however no liability is accepted for any inclusions or advice given or for omissions from the publication. Views of contributors are those of the contributor and not necessarily those held by Ipswich24 magazine. Please note that unauthorised reproduction in part or whole of any artwork or content in Ipswich24 or from the Ipswich24 website without prior written consent can and will result in a minimum ÂŁ150 royalty charge.

Tel: 01473 351270

www.ipswich24.co.uk

Looking after your body and soul. Advice on fitness, caring for the elderly. Plus preparing for the summer from hayfever to alternative ways to stay hydrated in the summer heat.

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n Gimme 5IVE Do you have a spare bedroom?

Why not host an international student?

Alpha Guardians brings students to the UK for both short and long term courses for a period of one or two weeks for an English Immersion Course right up to students attending British School and completing GCSE’s and A levels over a number of terms.

Each student lives locally with a host family who provides for their day to day needs such as meals and laundry and each host receives a weekly payment for this.

Could you help? So if you have a spare room, and would be able to host a student from a week or two, or perhaps on a termly basis we would love to hear from you. We are looking for hosts from all types of backgrounds, with or without experience, who would welcome a young person into their home, providing a safe and secure environment for them to stay and learn.

For more information please contact us at Alpha Guardians on 01473 559015 or email us at info@alphaguardians.co.uk

BECOME A HOST FAMILY Hosting an international student in the UK

α α α α

A rewarding experience, where both the host family and the student benefits The ability to embrace and learn about different cultures both here and abroad A reliable, additional source of income from £420 per month New friendships and cross cultural relationships that last a lifetime

Tel: 01473 559015 info@alphaguardians.co.uk www.alphaguardians.co.uk 4

Not sure what to do with your old £5 note?

Want to help a small local children’s charity working with children who have been sexually abused?

You have one month - From the 5th May you will no longer be able to use your old five pound notes in shops and restaurants. You will need to go to the bank or building society to change them. Why not help a local charity by donating that old five pound note and help that five pound note to keep on giving. You can drop off your old fivers to any Ipswich Building Society and they will credit the Fresh Start New Beginnings account or if you work in a large building with lots of colleagues why not have a whip round of all old fivers and donate them to the charity.

Fresh Start-new beginnings was set up in October 2012 to provide a specialist therapeutic service for children who have disclosed being sexually abused and to provide advice, support and guidance to their families. Since that date over 800 children have asked for their help.

Child Sexual Abuse leaves its victim traumatised and their families devastated. Fresh Start New Beginnings offers an assessment of the needs of each family member and formulates a treatment plan for the child victim at their centre. The children suffer from many concerning symptoms which they try to block out with unhealthy coping strategies such as cutting themselves. Fresh Start New Beginnings aims to help these children and young people make sense of the confusion they feel and teach them healthy coping strategies to deal with the difficulties they face. The work is at the child’s pace and has no time limit. The strengths and potentials of each child or young person are identified and highlighted as they begin to be able to move from victim to survivor and a more positive future.

At Fresh Start New Beginnings they help give back children’s futures and your support will really help this small charity where every penny really does make a difference.

Popular COLOUR Dash returns

n Would you like to win £1700 to help your local community?

The Lions Club of Ipswich is looking for a Young Ambassador to represent Ipswich in a nationwide competition recognising service to the community.

This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to demonstrate their commitment to community service projects and to have their achievements recognised. It will also give candidates experience of presenting their ideas to a wider audience. Lions could also help you with further fundraising.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) will be bringing a splash of colour to Suffolk again this year, with tickets for one of the charity’s most popular fundraisers on sale now!

EACH’s Ipswich Colour Dash will be held on Sunday 28th May at Christchurch Park.

to get covered in coloured powder paint. It creates truly impressive multi-coloured results!

Colour dashes are five-kilometre (3.1-mile) fun runs – the ‘fun’ aspect being that participants are showered with clouds of coloured powder paint as they run!

“Tickets are expected to sell quickly so please secure yours as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and take advantage of our special early bird offer.”

Hannah Walker, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said, “We’re very excited to be launching tickets for this event. As anyone who’s taken part before knows, it’s an impressive sight and great fun for all the family.

Ipswich is one of nine places in the region and three in Suffolk that EACH is holding Colour Dashes this year. Last summer more than 5,300 runners took part across seven locations, raising £150,000.

“There’s no competitive aspect, so you can run, jog or walk the five kilometres – just be prepared

EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supports their families. For both families accessing care and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. It costs the charity almost £6 million a year to deliver its services and all funds raised at this event, to begin at 11am, will help.

To book your place in EACH’s Ipswich Colour Dash visit www.each.org.uk/colour-dashes or contact the Suffolk Fundraising Team on 01473 276193.

For more details on the EACH Colour Dash series, as well as the charity’s care services, visit www.each.org.uk.

You will already be involved in serving your community and will be over 15 but under 19 years of age on 30th June 2017. Voluntary service can be given as a member of an organisation (St John, Cadets, a Charity or Volunteers etc) or as an individual directly helping people.

The representative chosen for Ipswich will receive a bursary of £200 to spend on his or her nominated community service project. The Ipswich Young Ambassador will go forward to a regional final for East Anglia, to be held in December 2017.

The winner selected at the regional final will receive a bursary of £500 to spend on his or her nominated community service project. He or she will also go forward to the national final, which will be held during a residential weekend in February 2018. The national winner will receive a further £1000 bursary and will become Young Ambassador for Great Britain at Lions Clubs International European Award Final.

In 2015 the Lions Club of Ipswich’s representative was Jennifer Luu, a sixth form pupil at Copleston School. Jennifer was also selected as the winner for East Anglia and attended the national finals weekend where she met the winners from the other regions.

Together they enjoyed a weekend of fun and friendship.

• For further information and an application form contact Lion Tony Martin via email at Anthony.martin9@tesco.net or info@lionsclubofipswich.org.uk Closing date for entries is 30th August 2017

As we walked through the bluebell woods, I thought he’d like this It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

for your nearest funeral director visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 5

You can travel places with friendly faces There’s one thing Oddfellow members love – and that’s getting out and about and meeting new people - so much so that they created their own Active Travel Club!

With regular short breaks and group holidays perfectly tailored to members’ special interests and needs, exclusive travel offers and opportunities to get to know other Oddfellows travellers, the travel club has something for everyone to enjoy. And for those independent travellers, member discounts are available for Haven Holidays, Warner breaks and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

The group holidays and short breaks are open to Oddfellows members and their guests. So wherever you want to go and whatever you want to do, you can do it and share it in good company.

Here in Ipswich the Oddfellow members like to cruise with Fred Olsen.

Having just returned from Norway, they are already looking forward to another cruise in November – and for those with a smaller budget, they’re going to the Isle of Wight in June and also have occasional days out.

Travel places with friendly faces The Oddfellows Active Travel Club organises group holidays both in the UK and abroad - our cruises are a great way to see the world in comfort and with good company.

So if you enjoy holidays and exploring new places, why not give us a try?

Coming up in 2017

Captain’s Mystery Cruise with Fred.Olsen cruises Departing Harwich, 31 October – 10 November From £899 per person.

The Ipswich Branch loves to welcome new faces – if you’d like to find out about their regular social events and activities or if you’re interested in the holidays then please get in touch. They’d love to hear from you – you’re welcome to come along to any of their local events.

• For details of the Oddfellows Active Travel Club please visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/travel or for more information about local events call them on 01473 251867. Find them at www.facebook.com/ ipswichoddfellows for latest news of events

WIN: Thrilling drama DVD set Critically acclaimed hit crime drama, Line of Duty from renowned writer Jed Mercurio returns for its fourth thrilling series. This time it’s set to air on BBC One and will be released on DVD, alongside the Line of Duty 1 – 4 Complete Box Set from Acorn Media International.

Renowned Hollywood star Thandie Newton (Westworld), plays DCI Roz Huntley in the new season of World Productions’ gripping police corruption drama with AC-12 facing their most challenging case yet. Line of Duty Series Four is set for its DVD release on 8th May 2017, the complete box set will be released on the same date.

In a career-defining case, Roz is under intense pressure from her superiors to apprehend a serial murderer after months of fruitless investigation. When another young woman is abducted, Roz is on the scene to track down and charge a 24-year-old man. But doubts around the young man’s guilt lead the chief forensic investigator (BAFTA winner Jason Watkins – Inside No.9) to AC-12.

Is Roz ignoring forensic evidence that might prove the young man’s innocence? AC-12’s Supt Hastings (Adrian Dunbar – Ashes to Ashes), places DS Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure - The Secret Agent), undercover inside Roz’s team to dig deeper into the case. With DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston -Sweet Sixteen) piling on pressure from the outside, Roz is forced to act decisively. A mother of two and wife to Nick (Lee Ingleby - The A Word), Roz will do anything to stop her life from unravelling.

As suspicions mount and the case becomes ever more complex, AC-12 itself comes under threat.

This fast-paced hard-hitting thriller delves into the murky world of police corruption, and represents great British drama at its best.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got three copies of the DVD Line of Duty Series Four to give away to lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a contact telephone number to: Line of Duty Competition, Ipswich24, Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JR or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 31st May 2017.

Q. Can you name the actor that plays DCI Roz Huntley in the hit TV police drama Line of Duty?

We stock most makes of

Shotguns, Rifles and Air Rifles Ladies, Childrens Clothing & Boots Fishing Tackle & Equipment Fishing Accesssories & Fresh Bait

Stockists of We also run a range of social events and activities in and around Ipswich - all welcome!

Call us for more information on 01473 251867 email: ipswichevents@oddfellows.co.uk or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/travel 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 1671

6

Le Chameau, Chameau Lasken, Hoggs, Aigle, Beretta, Deer Hunter, Musto, Top Gun, Stag, Hucklecote, Driza-Bone

Stuart Clay Traps Ltd

3a & 3b Wilford Bridge Road Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1DG Tel: 01394 385567 Email: sales@stuartsoutdoor.com

www.stuartsoutdoor.com

The UK & Ireland’s Cream Tea best travel agents! Suffolk Barge Cruise – Enjoy A high street travel agency in Woodbridge has been named as one of the best travel agencies in the UK & Ireland.

Deben Travel has been selected as part of a power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible the Travel Trade Gazette.

The TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies list was revealed in a glittering ceremony in Birmingham after an extensive judging process, which saw agents rated by tour operators and other suppliers, and then assessed by travel trade journalists.

a Relaxing Sail

Suffolk Cream Tea Cruises on board the Sailing Barge Victor run every Wednesday and Sunday from May to September, departing from the Old Custom’s House in Ipswich Dock.

Pass through the lock gates and sail down the beautiful and historic River Orwell and under the Orwell Bridge on Sailing Barge Victor.

More than 950 travel agencies and branches put themselves forward for consideration for TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2017 – in association with Kuoni - from which a shortlist of 90 finalists across 18 categories was devised.

TTG group editor Pippa Jacks said, “Now in its second year, our Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative has seen us scour the UK and Ireland to uncover its most dedicated and dynamic travel agency businesses.

“It’s been truly inspiring to hear how these agencies go above and beyond on a daily basis, to deliver extraordinary service and incredible value to their customers, and to support their local communities.

“Our winners demonstrate that travel retailing in 2016 is and successful business sector, – particularly on the high street continue to prove their worth by phenomenal customer service.”

a vibrant and that – agents delivering

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 Sailing Barge Victor offers a truly memorable and affordable opportunity to experience living history. Enjoy freshly baked fruit and plain scones with jam and clotted cream served with tea or coffee, whilst you take in the spectacular views of the beautiful River Orwell.

There is a licensed bar on board with a range of fine Adnams beers, cider and soft drinks. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy informal commentaries from the skipper and crew on the maritime history of the area.

Why not take the helm, pull some ropes, enjoy the peace, watch the birds or simply relax… the choice is yours.

• For further information and to book tickets contact the Tourist Information centre on 01473 258070 or email tourist@ipswich.gov.uk.

Lee Hunt, Owner, was delighted that Deben Travel received this recognition and believes the friendly and knowledgeable team with over 100 years combines experience within the Travel Industry were the major factor behind the award.

Deben Travel have been based on Woodbridge Thoroughfare for six years and typically focus on tailor-made, long-haul, luxury and cruise holidays although whatever your holiday requirements will always do their upmost to help and provide independent advice.

• Deben Travel, 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. 01394 615620. team@debentravel.co.uk

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

SUNDAYS: 7th MAY

4th JUNE - 2nd JULY – 6th AUGUST Open 9am - 3.30pm Admission: £2. Seniors & Students £1.50 THE LARGEST FAIR IN THE AREA

For further information please call 01702 410171 7

n Event to celebrate Armed Forces 2017 marks the 350th anniversary of the Dutch attack on Landguard Fort in Felixstowe and to mark the occasion, and to recognise the huge contribution made by our servicemen and women from the past until the present day, Felixstowe has been chosen as the venue for Suffolk Armed Forces weekend.

Action-packed entertainment is planned for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June and will be a one-off free event for all age groups.

There will be a unique package of entertainment including music from choirs and military bands to an evening of pop and rock, military displays, food stalls, children’s activities and fireworks, and some thrilling battle reenactments between the Dutch and English with cannon, muskets and swords. All this by Felixstowe’s fantastic seaside with all that has to offer as well!

“This important event puts Felixstowe on centre stage and promises to bring history to life for all the family and is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase what we have to offer.”

Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf cabinet member for Customers, Communities and Leisure at Suffolk Coastal, said, “We’re very excited about hosting Suffolk Armed Forces Day in Felixstowe. We hope the weekend will raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces as not many people, locally or nationally know that Felixstowe played an important role in the history of our nation.

To make this an event we can all be proud of we need the support of businesses, organisations and individuals who understand and value our armed forces, our community and our history.

Organisers of the event include the Suffolk Armed Forces Covenant Group, the Landguard Fort Trust, Royal Marines Association and Royal British Legion, with assistance from local authorities and military units.

If you would like to talk more about how you could be involved contact project officer Paul Grant on 07850 427928 or email: paul.grant@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

n Arrow aces to clash at darts night World number one and World Champion Michael van Gerwen will meet one of his closest rivals at a special night of darts action at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on Friday 8th December. top professional Steve West.

Van Gerwen will compete with world number three and Norwich’s James Hubbard and fellow major title winner Peter rising Ipswich star Ryan Meikle ‘Snakebite’ Wright, Suffolk’s complete the line-up. biggest darts star, for a mouth“This will be a great night,” said watering clash. van Gerwen, winner of every The all-conquering duo will be PDC major title. “The crowd will joined at Ipswich: A Night at the have lots of fun and see some Darts by ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ top quality sport but I hope Vincent van der Voort and fellow some of them will be cheering

Beer & Cider

Festival

May Bank Holiday 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th

Starts Friday 26th @ 12 noon

Live Entertainment Friday - The A Team Saturday - The Martells Sunday - Paul Gee & The Retro's

The White Horse 33 Church Road, Felixstowe, IP11 9NF

Telephone: 01394 277496 Email: bookings@thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk 8

for me. It is at an important time of year for us darts players with the World Championship just around the corner, so I’m sure everyone will be on top form.”

Tickets for ‘A Night at the Darts’ are available at www. ipswichregent.com or by calling the box office on 01473 433100 (for group bookings please call 01473 433451). Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

n Mr Bean Entertainments

If you’re planning a Birthday party or an event, then Mr Bean Entertainments are here to help!

Mr Bean Entertainments has much to offer including, an award winning children’s magic show, family magic cabaret show, close up magic for teens and adults, Soft play equipment for ages up to five years, a wide range of workshops including drumming workshops, circus skills workshops, Balloon modelling workshops, Magic workshops, Face painting, Balloon modelling, Inflatables, and much more.

They provide a wide range of entertainment for just about any occasion, including Birthday parties, christenings, wedding receptions, Fete’s, Nurseries, Schools, Clubs, in fact, at Mr Bean Entertainments they can tailor their services to your event.

If you’re planning a theme to your occasion then Mr Bean Entertainments have plenty of ideas to put forward, to help you to make your event one to remember. They offer party planning help, if you are unsure and would like help organising your party including the venue and food, they would be happy to guide you throughout the planning.

The ‘Premium’ party package is now available starting from £269.00.

This jam-packed two hour party includes mix and match options of entertainment, fully themed decorations, themed tableware (including cups, plates, napkins and table decorations) and fully themed luxury party bags.

The Mr Bean Entertainments premium party package caters for up to 20 children, with any extra guests attending an additional £3 per head.

Mr Bean Entertainments is based in Ipswich covering all of Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and London.

• For more information about how Mr Bean Entertainments can help you ensure your next party or event is a success then give them a call on 01473 737173 or 07954 116969 or visit www.mrbeanentertainments.co.uk

n Ipswich – you would be surprised!

For many years now Ipswich Tourist Guides have been showing off their town and are used to people (even those who have been born and bred in Ipswich) being amazed at what they are seeing and hearing!

For example, did you know that Ipswich is the oldest ‘English’ town settled by the Anglo Saxons in the 7th Century and has been a thriving settlement ever since or that the town was an important place of pilgrimage - even Henry VIII visited Ipswich’s shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Grace?

History may not be your thing but why not come along and learn more about the future of the town - when will the New Cut flood barrier be complete, will there be a second bridge across the Orwell and when will the ‘winerack’ be developed?

The guides are up to date with all the latest news, they know the history of the town and can entertain you with lots of fascinating snippets too.

Why not join a guided walk and get to know Ipswich better? The summer season of walks begins on Tuesday 2nd May and from then on a tour of the town will be available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until 28th September. Walks leave from the Ipswich Tourist Centre in St Stephens Church at 2.15pm. There is no need to book but if you would like more information please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01473 258070 or tourist@ipswich.gov.uk. The cost is £4 per person.

Enjoy a gentle stroll around Suffolk’s county town, be entertained and informed by an Ipswich Tourist guides and I am sure Ipswich will surprise you!

n Three coach trains on the Middy this summer

Starting from the 28th May and running until the 28th August every Sunday and Bank Holidays, the Mid Suffolk Light Railway will be running three coaches on all their regular trains during the summer schedule for the first time since the line closed in 1952.

The additional vehicle this year is the newly restored 1863 first class smoking coach and represents another huge achievement for the workshop team at Brockford. Coach 140 (it’s original Great Eastern Railway number) is laid out rather like three salons in a gentleman’s club, now open to both ladies and gentlemen but smoking, of course, is no longer allowed.

The full ‘Middy’ experience with all parts of the Brockford Station site, including the museum itself, souvenir shop, cafe, model railway and real ale bar coach, The Kitchener Arms, are open when the trains are running. And once you have your ticket you can ride the line as many times as you like. Steam trains run • Michael Portillo during filming of the Great throughout open days from Railway Journeys 11am to approximately 4.30pm.

With its unique atmosphere, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was the 2015 Suffolk Museum of the Year and 2012 winner of the Heritage Railway Association’s Interpretation Award. Ironically, busier than it ever was when the line was open, the MSLR offers a fascinating picture of what life was like on and around a rural railway during the early part of the last century.

Amateur Dramatics in Landguard Fort The Landguard Fort that you can see today was built in 1745 and finally closed in 1956 after more than 200 years of use, for many people there is a belief that it is haunted.

For many years on a Sunday afternoon ‘The Man in Black’, took visitors on a tour round the reputedly haunted parts of the Fort.

His knowledge came from the paranormal event people who had investigated the various rooms. His little book ‘Things That Go Bump in the Fort’ is a good read and sells well in the Landguard Fort shop but there is nothing to compare with actually hearing the story whilst being in the locations mentioned in his book.

‘The Man in Black’ is no longer able to do the weekly tours so the team at Landguard Fort are looking for someone to take on the role.

“When I go up to Edinburgh to see my family they always take me on one of the ghost tours which that City has lots of.” Says Laurence Hendry from the Landguard Fort Trust. “What stands out is that the guides who take us round seem to have that acting skill to get their punters involved in their stories. The Fort has many very good guides who can describe the historical events in the Fort but not with the acting skills to get our visitors involved in the supernatural events that have taken place in the Fort.

“So, if you fancy yourself as a bit of an actor or actress who fancies dressing up and entertaining our visitors on a regular Sunday or Saturday afternoon why not give us a call. This would not be a commitment to do every weekend but as many as you felt able to do.

You would join a friendly bunch of volunteers and our visitors are the loveliest people you could meet. We could assist with your training and the costume you would wear when doing the tour.”

• If you are more interested in the historical facts the Fort also needs guides for various groups aged from six to aged 96.

Assuming this has interested you then give Laurence Hendry a call without obligation on 07766 209416.

Historic Landguard Fort So much to see and enjoy

For the full programme and entry prices see www.mslr.org.uk

Open 10am-5pm daily

01394 675900

www.landguard.com operations@landguard.com 9

Country show offers something for everyone This year is flying by very quickly and with Easter already over now is the time to look forward to the next exciting event at Stonham Barns, their largest show back again with a fun packed two day programme is The Mid & West Suffolk Show which is on Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May, this popular show has many people coming back every year to enjoy its spectacular events.

This year the main headline event is The Xtreme Stunt Team and you will be amazed by the most unique and exciting motorcycle and bicycle stunts and displays on the planet. There are many other attractions which include arena displays and demonstrations from Lowestoft dog agility display team, Falconry display, Traction Engines, Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Farm Machinery. There will also be trade stalls, craft stalls, food and drink, children’s activities and face painting.

The Show is open from 10am until 4pm both days and parking is FREE. Tickets are available on the gate.

Whilst you are visiting the show you can also see the many other onsite attractions we have at Stonham Barns these include our shopping village, golf centre, fishing lakes, owl sanctuary, teapot pottery and children’s playzone which will make this a great family weekend for you to enjoy.

For more information about the many exciting events at Stonham Barns visit our website www. stonhambarns.co.uk Also on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April Stonham Barns are holding an Open Weekend, if you

have ever wanted to own a holiday home in Suffolk, now is the time to come along and have a look at the lakeside lodges and stunning static homes which are available to buy. The Sales Manager Nick Church will be here over the weekend to show you around or you can call him on 07894 203 771.

Stonham Barns Dog Extravaganza Another exciting event this year is the Stonham Barns Dog Extravaganza which is being held on Sunday 11th June 2017 from 10am until 4pm and will be a fun filled, family and fluffy friends day out.

It features a host of exciting arena events which include displays from Phoenix D9 Dog team, Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team, dog and duck show, the wonderful Seadogs Training display. Along with exhibitors, breeds stands, trade stands, food and drink, entertainment, a visitors favourite ‘Have a Go Events’, free face painting, children’s playzone, games, raffles and more!

This is a fantastic day out for the whole family and of course your four legged friends so come along and enjoy the fun.

Get snapping to enter photography comp

The Landguard Peninsula at Felixstowe in Suffolk is a unique, exciting and diverse location for photographic opportunities - huge container ships, wonderful wildlife, amazing objects at the Felixstowe Museum and the historic Fort.

After six hugely successful years, the Landguard Partnership have launched their seventh Photography Competition for 2017 - where you could WIN a cash prize of £50 to put towards photographic equipment, plus a framed copy of your photograph.

The competition is open to UK residents only, including all amateur and professional photographers, and once again, there are three competition themes to choose from: Theme 1: Wildlife - sea life, butterflies, birds, etc.

Theme 2: Macro - close up photography.

Theme 3: Photographs at Landguard that make you go ‘wow’! - let loose your imagination.

Entrants can submit their photograph by emailing landguardenquiries@ eastsuffolk.gov.uk Please include your full name, age, a telephone number where the Partnership can contact you (if there are any problems) and the theme you would like to enter. Remember all photographs must have been taken on the Landguard Peninsula. Closing date for entry is 12pm on Wednesday 6th September 2017.

• Full competition details, plus terms and conditions can be found at www.discoverlandguard.org.uk 10

Ready for take-off!

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s owls and other birds of prey have been training hard for the new season’s flying displays which started on 1st. April.

Visitors can now watch their elegant performances three times every day until the end of September.

Different teams of birds will enthral the crowds at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm accompanied by music and a falconer’s commentary.

In addition to some old favourites such as Auckland the Boobook Owl, Pungu the Bateleur Eagle and Birkett the Great Horned Owl, several new birds will be introduced this year. These include Rocky the

Turkey Vulture, Tura the Siberian Eagle Owl and Taino the Ashy Faced Owl. In addition, there will be the unusual sight of close companions Titch the Tawny Owl and Pippin the Barn Owl flying together and a spectacular demonstration by three Red Kites, flown from their aviary.

After experiencing the birds at close quarters, visitors can enjoy the pretty Woodland Walk with wildlife pond, bug hotel and ladybird houses. The red squirrels are also located deep in the woodland and the inhabitants of Meerkat Kastle can also be enjoyed close by - feeding talks taking place at 11.00am until 3pm every day.

All paths throughout the sanctuary are flat and smooth affording excellent access for wheelchairs and buggies. Information boards are overlaid with braille interpretation, wheelchair friendly picnic tables are provided and the new custom built children’s play area includes wheelchair friendly equipment and a tumble safe surface.

n Talk on county’s colourful past On 15th May the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group will welcome the return of Pip Wright to talk about “Surprises from the Parish Chest” – an alternative history of Suffolk.

The meeting will be held on Monday 15th May at Leiston United Church (URC/Methodist), High Street, Leiston, IP16 4EL. Entrance is not at the front of the church, but on the left hand side as you face the building. Parking is available in the Co-op/Solar car park which adjoins it, but you must sign your vehicle in at the tills in the supermarket or face a charge of £100. Visitors welcome. Admission: members £1, visitors £3, including tea/coffee.

There are now over 80 resident owls and other birds of prey at the sanctuary and all can be viewed in spacious species appropriate aviaries. The central sensory garden offers a quiet reflective space with aromatic “touch and smell” herb border, water feature and tactile sculptural seating.

Indoors, the Discovery Centre provides an interesting, interactive space for youngsters and adds some informative context to the sanctuary’s wide ranging conservation work.

There is a unique owlie gift shop full of family priced souvenirs, free parking, cycle racks and lockable dog kennels for the use of sanctuary patrons.

Bistro at the Barns is located a few steps away for midday meals, tasty snacks and tea and cakes.

• For further details please telephone 0345 680 7897 or visit www.owl-help.org.uk

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

T VISI THE

at

STONHAM BARNS on the A1120

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

FLYING DISPLAYS 3 TIMES DAILY WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL OWLS & BIRDS OF PREY plus RED SQUIRRELS MEERKATS • SOS SAFARI • MINI-MAZE and

The Group will hear of wife-sellers, crooked bankers, rogue rectors, sportsman-naturalists, witches and wizards, spendthrifts and misers, respectable thieves and smugglers and, of course, a good few fornicators – most of whose existence can be verified by contemporary accounts; but occasionally they appear alongside more hazy stories where the truth is much harder to determine. All have played a part in Suffolk’s colourful past. Pip Wright’s illustrated talk tells their stories.

Pip is a retired primary school teacher living in Stowmarket, who writes local history books and gives talks to groups of all kinds and all ages across East Anglia. Together with his late wife Joy, who died in July 2005, he has spent a number of years gathering information on Suffolk’s social history.

On selected dates - Monday 1st May and Thursday 31st August - a BSL interpreter will be in attendance to assist deaf and hearing impaired visitors.

JENNY’S ARK PET ZOO on MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY! including

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Kesgrave Mobile Cycle Repairs • Fully equipped mobile workshop • Repairs & Servicing • Parts & Accessories • On-site or Collect and Return • Buyers & Sellers of New & Used Bikes Ip • Ipswich, Kesgrave, Woodbridge & Surrounding Areas • Full Service from £35.00

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT Tel: 03456 807 897 www.owl-help.org.uk

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Be amazed as circus brings acts from around the world to Suffolk The multi award winning Russells International Circus will be returning the Suffolk in the near future stopping off at Ipswich, Felixstowe and Stowmarket.

This years sensational all human spectacular features stars of the Romanian state circus alongside the best of British circus skills. One of the many new attractions include the Cirque Berserk Riders all the way from Brazil, they perform in the mighty globe of death riding their motorcycle’s around the inside of the steel globe narrowly missing each other in what is a truly heart stopping act.

Other new acts include Sheyen Cairoli from Italy with her unique foot archery performance seeing her shooting a bow and arrow using only her feet. There are also some regular faces including hilarious comedy from Alex the clown and Amanda Russell.

Circus director Rusty Russell said, “We are very excited to be returning to Suffolk, it is always one of the highlights of our tour and we always make sure we pull out all the stops to impress.

“We have booked our strongest programme of acts to date, some of which have never been seen before in the UK” To book tickets you call the Box Office on 07752 218805 or log onto www.russellscircus.co.uk

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n Get up and glow for Hospice Join more than 2,000 people at St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk 2017!

n Lion’s Club of Ipswich Art Show The Lions Club of Ipswich will again be hosting their annual Art Show at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Sproughton this May. The Show opens on Friday 26th May with a special Cheese and Wine Preview Evening. Tickets are just £7 and will offer a fantastic opportunity for visitors on the night to be the first to view over 300 pieces of work by local artists.

The hugely popular event is taking place on Saturday 20 May 2017 for its 11th year and back by popular demand is the neon theme!

However, this year’s Midnight Walk will have a few alterations to the past few years, with a brand new start and finish location for the event – the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre!

Also amended for the 2017 event are the two brand new routes – a six mile and a 12 mile – both of which will pass the hospice on Foxhall Road so all walkers will have the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Tree of Remembrance.

Catherine Sheppard, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said, “We are very excited to launch the Midnight Walk 2017 and we hope it will be as successful as 2016 which raised an incredible £220,000 for the hospice, making a huge difference to our patients and their families.

“Back by popular demand is the neon theme which was very successful last year! It was fantastic to watch Ipswich glow last year and we wanted to bring that back again to the town.”

All participants will receive an exclusive Midnight Walk 2017 T-shirt, medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line.

• Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk, call 01473 707043 or email midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk to request a paper form.

The Art Show will then be open to the public from Saturday 27th until Monday 29th May, from 10am until 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday and 10am until 4pm on the Monday, with entry being just £1.

Tickets for the Preview Evening are available by telephoning Lion Terry Hunt on 01473 747600. Be sure to book early and get you chance to be the one of the first to view some fabulous pieces of work by local artists All proceeds from the Art Show will go towards this year’s Lion Presidents Charity Appeal. This year the Club are supporting The Red Rose Chain Community Project.

n Lots to see on the farm

It has been a beautiful and productive spring. At Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm the daffodils are blooming, the May is out, and the lambs are in the field, leaping and running around in gangs.

During May the Golden Guernsey and Pygmy goats will start to kid and then the trouble really starts. Every year the kids refuse to stay in their pens and think nothing of climbing on to visitors’ laps, or even trying to cadge a ride in a pushchair.

Sheep can easily get heat stressed if the weather turns warm and they are still carrying their winter fleece. So shearing is very much part of the annual cycle for sheep maintenance. And because there is so much you can do with wool, Baylham celebrates shearing with the Festival of the Naked Sheep. On the 29th May, not only will the sheep be sheared, but there will be spinners, weavers and felters demonstrating their skills and anyone who wants to try their hand can have a go. Visitors will be able to get up close and watch the shearing process or perhaps help to roll a fleece. There will be demonstrations of other crafts - such as basket weaving - a bunny barn, face painting and other stallholders. The fabulous Baylham BBQ will be up and running cooking our own produce, with wine and local beer.

For a day out in the lovely Suffolk countryside, getting up close and personal with some friendly animals, visit Baylham House Farm. Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 10am until 5pm. Visit the website for more details at www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk or phone 01473 830264.

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n Photography Festival returns

An evening with writer, painter and illustrator

Claudia Myatt

Ginnel Foto Fest made its debut last May as an alternative arts festival in the heart of the town’s Westgate Ward. An urban space in Clarkson Street was opened to the public to exhibit high quality photos for the benefit of the community.

The now established Ginnel Foto Community is delighted to announce this year’s Fest, which will take place on the 27th and 28th of May. The event is open to all photography professionals, enthusiasts, students as well as members of the public who are interested. Entry is free but tickets should be booked via the website, www.ginnelfotofest.co.uk Sponsored by the Ipswich Borough Council and organised by Mike Chen, Robin Peters and James Chapman, this years activities will include various workshops and a free family portrait session. As well as a live music entertainment tent and home cooked food and drinks provided by the St. Jude’s Brewery Tavern the Foto Fest will see the winners of the two competitions and the launch of a photographic magazine.

Themed “Between Time”, the exhibition presents the works of four international photographers.

Geoff Buono, Chris Matthews, Vilho Nuumbala and Kosuke Okahara bring award winning photography to Ipswich.

The organisers would like to thank Frameworkshop & Gallery and Snappy Snaps Ipswich for donating the prize money and supporting the Ginnel Foto Fest.

Claudia Myatt lives afloat an elderly tugboat near Woodbridge. Her portfolio consists of a monthly cartoon in Practical Boat Owner alongside numerous sailingthemed illustrated books.

Claudia Myatt will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA) on Thursday 11th May as part of the Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

Doors open at 7pm. Event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 with students free. To reserve tickets email tickets@sbl.org.uk The Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which hosts a rolling literary festival. More information about the League can be found at www.sbl.org.uk/

n Poetry in the Café ‘Poetry and Poets are on the increase in Suffolk!’ That’s a bold statement to make, not sure who said it but when one assesses the number of Poetry Cafes in Suffolk and the number of poetry events it seems logical. Suffolk Poetry Society [SPS] lists many Poetry Cafes on their website, not least of which is Felixstowe Café Poets [FCP.] In fact Suffolk Poetry Society, will be holding its fourth Poetry Festival at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts in Stowmarket on Saturday 27th May 2017 and part of the Festival will be poetry readings by FCP and the many Poetry Cafes in Suffolk.

You may be wondering what Poetry Cafes are and what they do. If you think back to your school days and what you learned in English lessons about historic poets and their poetry, undoubtedly you will know that poets liked to meet together over a cup of coffee in suitable venues where they could read and share their poetry with each other and discuss.

It is the same with today’s poets – what better than to have opportunity over a coffee, hot chocolate or cup of tea to listen to new poetry being read and in some cases to have critique as to whether a certain line or word in the poem would be better if slightly changed so that the poem and the form in which it is written would work better. Indeed Poetry Cafes are great places to try out your poetry on other poets before you launch it to the general public.

Not only will FCP take part in SPS Poetry Festival, Stowmarket but will also start Felixstowe Book Festival’s Saturday events on 1st July by sharing their poetry at the 9.30am breakfast event in His Lordship’s Library at the Orwell Hotel! Tickets for the SPS Poetry Festival are available online Contact SPS Festival Director, festival@suffolkpoetrysociety.org.uk • Tickets for Felixstowe Book Festival available from 21st April www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk or telephone the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on 01473 295900.

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Enter a magical world for the very young Inspired by one of the best-loved fairy tales and featuring famous characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Suites Curieuses mischievously plays in the shadows of a magical world where animation comes to life.

This 45-minute playful work is the perfect length for children aged 2+years.

It features stunning theatrical staging and beautiful interaction between dancers and projections; don’t forget to keep an eye out for the toy train!

Cas Public is a Canadian dance company celebrating 25 years of creativity, humour and dance theatre. Suites Curieuses will be sure to capture the imagination of adults and children alike, making it an experience the whole family can enjoy together.

“We are so lucky to have this amazing company performing in Ipswich - DanceEast is one of only a few UK dates this year so don’t miss your chance to see this magical show” Brendan Keaney, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, DanceEast • Suites Curieuses will be at DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, Ipswich on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th May. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295230 or visit www.danceeast.co.uk

Year of anniversary celebrations for Two Rivers Theatre Company Two Rivers Theatre Company are pleased to announce their return to the stage with their latest comedy production of: Beyond A Joke, by Derek Benfield.

This will be their 40th show since they were founded 20 years ago. May 1997 saw their premiere performance of Terra Nova by Ted Tally. The play was set in the cold of Antarctica but featured a rather unusually hot cast who were wearing woolly jumpers on stage in the spring!

Over the 20 years of productions, Two Rivers have performed a wide variety of genres from classics such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, to comedies like Noises Off by Michael Frayn.

Other poignant shows include Blood Brothers, as well as the infamous Calendar Girls.

More recently, the group accomplished successful stage adaptations of TV shows Fawlty Towers and The Vicar of Dibley.

‘Mame’ – Stowmarket’s Spring Musical Comedy

Tickets are on sale for Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society (SODS) sparkling spring musical comedy, ‘Mame’, which will run at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre from Wednesday 10th until Sunday 13th May at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Written by Simon Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, with music and lyrics

by Jerry Herman, this is a show packed with marvellous music, delightful dance and crackling comedy.

Mame Dennis is glamorous, well-to-do and lives a carefree life of pleasure in New York at the peak of the 1920s. Out of the blue she is surprised by a ‘wonderful present’ - her ten year old orphan nephew, named Patrick. Being needed is something new for Mame and it completely changes her life!

As a free spirit, Mame is determined to prevent Patrick becoming a conformist prisoner of the Establishment and so introduces him to her free-wheeling lifestyle. However, when she loses her fortune in the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Mame faces destitution and has to try working for a living – with some hilarious and unexpected results!

The show was a long running hit both on New York’s Broadway and in London’s West End, having starred Angela Lansbury, Lucille Ball, Ginger Rogers and Juliet Prowse in the title role. Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society’s productions frequently enjoy sell-out success so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

• Tickets are on sale from The Regal Theatre Box Office: 01449 612825 or book online at www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

In September 2017 the group will conclude their 20th anniversary with a bang by bringing three episodes of Dad’s Army to life on stage. This will be their most expensive production to date featuring replica costumes and props from the era.

Val Eldridge, Director of Beyond A Joke, is also marking an anniversary; 30 years of directing amateur dramatic groups. To celebrate she is going back to her roots.

“I first read Beyond A Joke in 1987 when I was looking for a play for my very first forage into directing. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to cast the play at the time as I didn’t have enough men to play the parts so the idea had to be shelved.”

“Thirty years on, approaching my 100th show as a director, with a wonderful cast and just the right number of men, I am delighted to be able to offer this for your viewing delight!”

Beyond A Joke features Jane and Andrew’s pleasant but accident prone country house with its beautiful sprawling garden. Several people have already met their untimely deaths in unfortunate and embarrassing circumstances, but when Sally’s young man, Geoff, arrives for the weekend he is unaware of the house’s reputation.

Throw in unexpected visitors, including the vicar, a wheelbarrow and a little misunderstanding into the mix and chaos ensues! Meanwhile Jane, Andrew and the rest of their family desperately try to keep up appearances.

Will the family be able to do enough to hide the skeletons in their closet or will the truth be revealed...?

FRIDAY 19 MAY | 1.30PM SATURDAY 20 MAY | 11AM & 1.30PM Tickets £10, £7 concessions, £30 Family

Dance theatre for 2yrs+ and families

Beyond A Joke is being performed from Wednesday 17th May to Saturday 20th May 2017 at the Sir John Mills Theatre, Gatacre Road, Ipswich. Tickets priced £9 for adults or £8 for concessions are available from the Box Office, by calling 01473 211498 or online at www.easternangles.co.uk.

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Neil Sands Music & Memories: n Concert marks A Spectacular Trip Back Down Memory Lane centenary of revolution Over the past eleven years Neil Sands productions have become widely recognised as the leading matinee nostalgia producers in the UK, with nine totally unique and individual productions, filled with spectacular costumes, brilliant vocals and tons of good old fashioned fun.

Neil Sands invites you to join him and his wonderful West End cast at The Ipswich Corn Exchange on Wednesday 14th June at 2pm, as part of their 40 date nationwide tour of his brand new matinee production Music & Memories.

“For this our newest production we really have pulled out all the stops to make it our best and biggest yet.” said Neil. “There is no doubt that music really does play such an important part in our lives, from nursery rhymes, to the first pop record we bought, from you and your loved ones ‘Our song’ to music that brings back happy and even bitter sweet memories and music that stirs your emotions and fills you with patriotic pride.

Music stimulates the brain and is a truly beneficial tool in helping those with severe memory loss”. Music & Memories is a sentimental journey full of happy memories from times gone bye with old time sing alongs, Forties favourites, rocking through the Fifties and Swinging through the Sixties, ever popular show favourites, and a heartwarming flag waving finale paying tribute to the veterans of the Armed Forces.

Joining Neil for this production are Gemma Turner – whose captivating voice has drawn comparisons with that of Katherine Jenkins – and Stars In Their Eyes winner Angie Diggens, two supremely talented singers who are no strangers to the West End stage. A highlight of the show is their breathtaking duet of the legendary classical aria Nessun Dorma.

Neil enthused about the forthcoming visit to The Corn Exchange, “With a tour like this that takes us all around the country it’s a joy to play your home town. The Corn Exchange has always held a huge place in my heart, and after the brilliant afternoon we had there with our Christmas production I am really looking forward to meeting many old and new friends for an afternoon that is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face, a song on your lips and a head full of precious memories”.

• To book tickets contact the Box office on 01473 433100.

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2017 is the centenary of the Russian Revolution and St Peters Band is marking this historical event with a concert of famous Russian classics and other music about Russia.

There is a varied programme including influences from the cold war, global communism, Broadway’s idea of Russian peasant life, and not forgetting a Eurodisco hit. Also in attendance are special guests including Ukranian pianist Eleonora Ivanovna Bulatova.

The concert is at St Peters-by-the-Waterfront on Saturday 20th May and at 7.30pm. There’s a bar and tickets are £6 available from stpetersbythewaterfront.com or on the door. The evening is aid of Citizen’s Advice Ipswich

n Ghosts on the loose in Ipswich for new feature film FILM Suffolk is gearing up to launch its second regional feature film initiative in as many years, creating a spooky ‘portmanteau’ feature film that will weave together eight original ghostly tales, all by local writers and all set within the walls of the iconic, labyrinthine Great White Horse Hotel in the heart of Ipswich.

The project follows up on the success of FILM Suffolk’s debut feature, ‘With Love from Suffolk’, which premiered on Valentine’s Day 2016 and enjoyed more than a dozen public screenings in cinemas across the county, as well receiving award nominations at international film festivals and being released on DVD through Amazon.

Suffolk filmmaker Nick Woolgar was involved in the project as a director and is rejoining the team this time as a producer alongside FILM Suffolk founders Julien Mery and Matthew McGuchan.

“Working on ‘With Love From Suffolk’ revealed a remarkable depth of talent and passion for filmmaking in our local area. We’re excited to be able to build on that momentum and the community it created, and we believe we can achieve something just as special with this new project.”

The Haunted Hotel Project is an entirely not-for-profit endeavour: Everyone working on the project, including the producers, is contributing their time and services as volunteers. The purpose of The Haunted Hotel Project is to showcase the region’s creative and filmmaking talents and services, and make a great movie in the process that local audiences will enjoy.

East Anglian folklore is filled with tales of ghosts and strange events which have sparked the imagination of countless writers, poets, musicians and filmmakers throughout history. The stories for this project are all from writers resident in our region, meaning that this film will become a permanent contribution to East Anglian cultural output and identity.

“Everyone likes a good ghost story,” says Matthew. “We were keen to come up with a format that would have the widest possible appeal while maintaining the regional relevance that’s so crucial to engaging FILM Suffolk’s creative community – and with The Haunted Hotel, we think we’ve nailed it!”

“We are tremendously proud of everything we have achieved on ‘With Love from Suffolk’ and we cannot wait to bring this new endeavour to the big screen.” says Julien, “Our last film saw over 200 people coming together to make it happen and so many have since collaborated again to make their own projects in the region. Last time we concentrated more on Suffolk; this time we are casting the net across all of East Anglia.”

For this current endeavour, the FILM Suffolk team has already received 95 short film scripts from which a panel of readers selected 8 that seemed most fitting for this project. “Once we had our eight stories we went to find eight directors who could best bring these stories to life. We have a great mix of experienced directors and fresh talent from across East Anglia and we can’t wait to get started.”

The cameras are due to start rolling in May and the finished film is to have its premiere screening around Halloween this year.

To support this project and find out more about it, you can visit the website www.haunted-hotel.co.uk. For further information on FILM Suffolk, visit www.filmsuffolk.org.uk

Iconic movie soundtracks LIVE “Hugely successful” and “creative stage show genius” are just two recent descriptions of Manchester’s very own Steve Steinman. This is no surprise, as he has continually impressed his army of fans with shows including The Meat Loaf Story, Vampire’s Rock, Bat The Symphony and Vampire’s Rock Ghost Train since soaring to success on TV’s Stars in Their Eyes over two decades ago as Meat Loaf.

Steve and his crew always deliver exhilarating performances that are packed with energy, fabulous dance routines, spectacular special effects and of course, amazing music that has everyone up on their feet. Throwing just the right amount of fun and humour into his scripts, Steinman ensures that he also has his audiences roaring with laughter.

are expecting another ‘icon’ of a show from the talented cast.

Steve took a break from rehearsals to give us an exclusive insight into life on the road with a new touring show, “With opening night fast approaching for my latest musical creation, Iconic The Show, last minute lighting changes and run throughs will take place right up until the day of the show, to make sure every detail is perfect. All hands will be on deck for staff at the Palace on opening night, with the arctic truck arriving very early in the morning to load in and set up. With twenty touring crew and cast backstage it can be very hectic indeed.”

“Unlike most new productions we just don’t get the time” Steve says, “I’m touring constantly so we have had to put all this together in just three weeks.

I wrote the script some time back and chose the songs but that’s about it.

We finished the Vampires Rock tour and went straight into solid rehearsals for Iconic for three weeks. I will plan the stage layout during that time too, making any changes needed, for example, adding new props to the show.

I have incredible video scenes to go with this show so this will be very challenging for me and the crew – but hopefully very rewarding too!”

Steve Steinman’s new show - Iconic - where film and fun collide. Sneak peeks and website teasers such as Catwoman, The Joker and a picture showing Steinman dressed as Bond has had fans literally going wild and with the company giving very little away. We cannot wait to see what they have in store for us when they come to Ipswich in May.

We’re sure that if anyone can pull it off Steve, you can! So go ahead Punk, Make Your Day! Book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment • Steve Steinman’s Iconic The Show is at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on 12th May 2017. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com

Iconic is set in the future where movie theatres have all but disappeared and a single magical cinema still stands with one lonely occupant - an usher called Benson. He attempts to entice viewers to attend the final screening of the evening as a cast of amazing singers, dancers and musicians perform their way through a midnight medley of iconic soundtracks; reawakening musical memories of the most recognisable songs of all time.

Hits from movie greats such as Kill Bill, Batman, Pulp Fiction, Purple Rain, Bond and Mad Max are featured including tracks from Queen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones and Prince to name but a few. Iconic, the all new movie musical will ‘reel’ onto the Ipswich Regent stage amid an explosion of special effects, incredible backdrops and movie projection. Written, directed by and starring Steve Steinman himself, fans

n We’re All Right Now! Paul Rodgers, legendary singer, songwriter and frontman for Free, Bad Company and The Firm, will be playing Ipswich’s Regent Theatre in May as part of his new UK tour.

Paul’s FREE Spirit tour is full songs from Free’s back catalogue and will delight fans of all ages.

and Pete are all patrons of the charity and now the band is joining the FREE Spirit tour.

“It was 50 years ago in 1967 when Paul Kossoff and I met and later formed Free ,” said Paul today.

“We first jammed together at the Fickle Pickle Blues Club in Finsbury Park, we wanted exactly that, to be free to play the music that we loved, blues and beyond.

We knew we had something special between us when people told us that when we played time stood still.”

Paul says the name of the tour was inspired by Willow’s rescue of two abandoned ponies on the Shetlands. “After a 14-hour ferry ride the two arrived, one heavily pregnant and both full of worms.

The drugs needed would most assuredly kill the unborn foal.

However, miracles do happen and a healthy foal was born christened ‘Free Spirit’ by Willows. Which, in turn, inspired the name for the tour.”

Paul played with Deborah Bonham’s band, led by guitarist Pete Bullick, at charity gigs to support Willows Animal Sanctuary.

Paul, his wife Cynthia, Deborah

FREE Spirit arrives at the Ipswich Regent on Tuesday 23rd May. Don’t miss it. For tickets and details go to www.ipswichregent.com 17

Blues, Country and the Best Musical – it’s all at the Spa! n This month it’s the Blue’s Brothers Experience who recreate all the iconic atmosphere at the at the Spa on Saturday 6th May from 7.30pm, capturing the essence of both the music and the film in an electrifying stage show which includes a live 10 piece band.

Next for Country music fans is a delight with Islands in the Stream on Saturday 13th May again from 7.30pm celebrating the queen and king of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Last month we held a competition to win tickets for this great show and now you can still get your hands on some tickets by calling the Spa Pavilion Box Office 01394 284962.

Avenue Q storms in to town next with three performances, such is their popularity, from Thursday 18th through to Saturday 20th May, Winner of the Tony Awards ‘Triple Crown’ for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, and a coveted Grammy, Avenue Q is the outrageous part flesh, part felt musical that packs a lot of heart.

Sesame Street meets Seinfeld in this outrageous and very grown-up show. Laugh out loud funny.

NB: Explicit Content Warning - Parental Advisory Notice Over 16 strongly recommended.

There’s no let-up in the entertainment on the sea front as the following weekend the Spa goes electric again this time with the Bryan Adams Experience on Saturday 27th May from 7.30pm.

Front man Stuart authentically emulates the

look and sound of Bryan Adams while the four piece band reproduce all of the hits to perfection including the early rock to the current ballads.

Looking ahead to next month a Tribute to the

Andrews Sisters on Tuesday 6th June is already proving popular as is the All-Star Comedy show at the end of that same week on Friday 9th from 7.30pm. Compere Jarred Christmas hosts the night which will feature three comedians including Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo favourite Stewart Francis. Joe Longthorne’s vocals will resonating around the theatre the following night – Saturday 10th June from 7.30pm. Joe will perform a wide repertoire of material gathered over his 40 year career in show business.

The Manfreds return to the Spa also in June and don’t miss the recently announced Great British Seaside Special coming to the Spa in August – all this and more can be found on their website www. felixstowespa.co.uk or you can call their Box Office open from 11am on 01394 284962 Have you signed up to the Spa’s newsletter yet?

Go on line and hear of all shows first before general release.

Tickets for all shows can also be booked by calling the Box Office on 01394 284962, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am until 4pm. Both the Lounge and Terrace fully licenced restaurants are open every day until 5pm (plus two hours before each show) where you can enjoy traditional fish and chips, a delicious roast, cooked breakfast or simply an ice cream at the seaside.

“One Good Turn”

Written by Geoff Jacobs, one of the original members of the Deben Players, “One Good Turn” is a comedy that covers a period of a day in the life of the residents of Holly Lodge, a private residential home.

There are many eccentric people living here and they are horrified when they learn that the home may have to close. Gloria lives in her film actress past, Albert staggers from minute to minute as a devout hypochondriac, Angus gets into mischief at every opportunity and Mrs. Dragon, the matron, struggles to keep order.

Amongst all the mayhem young love does blossom when Justin, Gloria’s grandson, arrives and meets Jayne, one of the care assistants. How will the residents solve the closure problem? It will happen in a way that none of them expect!

Taking place at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge from Wednesday 24th May to Saturday 27th May, nightly at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked online at debenplayers.net or by calling the Box Office on 0333 666 3366

Friendly art group If you have always wanted to try something ‘arty’ in a friendly supportive atmosphere, then give Martlesham Art Group a try.

The Group doesn’t have a professional tutor, in fact they’re a bunch of amateurs who just enjoy getting together to do their thing.

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The Martlesham Art Group meets every Wednesday from 1.30pm until 4pm at the Richards Rooms, Martlesham, just behind Tesco.

Refreshments, plenty of free parking and the charge is £2.00 a session. Just turn up - or call Diane on 01473 659257.

One Night of Queen - Gary Mullen & The Works In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s “Stars In Their Eyes” Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history. Gary has been a lifelong Queen fan and has always been a keen singer.

His career as Freddie started in 2000, when his wife and his mother secretly applied to the Granada TV show Stars in Their Eyes. Gary won the overall Live Grand Final, polling 864,838 votes, more than double the runner up

Musical celebrates the birth of rock ‘n’ roll Million Dollar Quartet - the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and West End smash hit continues its UK Tour this autumn, and following a celebrated Christmas run at London’s Southbank Centre Martin Kemp is cast to play legendary record producer Sam Phillips – the man who brought the four recording stars together to create history - at Ipswich’s Regent Theatre from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th November 2017.

and setting the all time record for votes on the show. Gary is featured in the Stars in Their Eyes video, CD and book and has represented the UK on Euro Stars in Their Eyes.

After the television experience Gary performed as a solo artists but immediately started to receive rave reviews and was encouraged by the audience reaction therefore in 2002 he created One Night of Queen and formed his band The Works.

Since then One Night of Queen have gone from strength to strength and are one of the hardest working bands in the land. For the last five years they have consistently performed over 150 shows per year in a variety of countries.

Gary was personally invited by Brian May to attend the Queen & Paul Rodgers show in Cardiff and was thrilled to be introduced to Brian backstage after the show. For the first time in Gary’s life he was left speechless by the great man.

Gary has recorded various voiceovers for radio, television and computer games. He has recorded an album of original material with long term song writing partner Barry Kelly called “Blood, Sweat and Beers” which is available to purchase on iTunes.

• One Night of Queen - Gary Mullen & The Works will be at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Saturday 20th May. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com

Martin rose to fame as the bassist in one of Britain’s best-loved bands, Spandau Ballet, with over 25 million records sold worldwide, and a string of no.1 hits.

No stranger to the screen Martin became a household favourite playing loveable rogue Steve Owen in Eastenders, for which he won a number of awards. Martin’s numerous TV and film credits include, The Krays, Sugar Town, Back in Business, and Love Lies Bleeding, as well as many series of one off dramas for ITV. His book ‘True – An Autobiography of Martin Kemp’ was published in 2000 and spent several months in the Sunday Times best sellers list. In 2017 he joins the judging panel for Let It Shine, a new reality TV series with Gary Barlow.

Inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, Million Dollar Quartet will play Sheffield Lyceum, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Malvern, Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Leeds Grand, Glasgow King’s Theatre, Southampton Mayflower and Bristol Hippodrome.

Million Dollar Quartet includes more than 20 legendary rock ‘n’ roll hits, including Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, I Walk The Line and Great Balls of Fire.

Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits which bring you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

Million Dollar Quartet is written by Tony Award nominees Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux and produced by Simon Friend, Mark Goucher, Tom O’Connell, Laurence Myers and Gavin Kalin. Olivier nominated Ian Talbot OBE, renowned for his tenure as both Artistic and Managing director at The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park directs.

• Million Dollar Quartet will be at the Regent Theatre, Ipswich from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th November 2017. To book tickets contact the Box Office on www.ipswichregent.co.uk 19

The Great Thetford Forest

Ticket Giveaway WIN TICKETS TO SEE

RICK ASTLEY

Rick Astley will be appearing as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission where acts perform in spectacular woodland locations around the country.

Soulful-voiced pop icon and multi-million selling artist, Rick Astley has had a lot to celebrate. With his first No 1 album in twenty-nine years, titled ‘50’, the Brit Award winning singer has pulled off one of pop’s most remarkable comebacks. ‘50’ has gone gold, has been well received by fans and critics alike, and includes the hit singles ‘Keep Singing’, ‘Angels On My Side’ and ‘Dance’.

Astley was just twenty-one years old when he unleashed the iconic ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ - few debut singles have had the same impact. It became the UK’s biggest selling single of the year, going on to hit No 1 in 16 countries. The song became the centrepiece of debut album ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’, which sold an astonishing 15 million copies worldwide, cracking the US Top 10 in the process. Holding the distinction of being the first male solo artist to see his first eight singles reach the UK Top Ten, the hits continued with ‘Together Forever’; ‘She Wants To Dance With Me’; ‘Take Me To Your Heart’; ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’ and ‘Cry For Help’.

As part of Forest Live, Rick Astley and special guest Rumer, will be appearing in this region at Thetford Forest, on Saturday 1st July.

WIN TICKETS TO SEE

CLEAN BANDIT

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

Formed in Cambridge in 2008, Clean Bandit’s debut album ‘New Eyes’ included ‘Extraordinary’ (feat. Sharna Bass) and the No 1 smash hit ‘Rather Be’ (feat. Jess Glynne) a track that took the band into the international mainstream and gave them industry recognition with a Grammy Award for ‘Best Dance’ recording. Following on from this success, 2016 saw the release of two massive hit singles, ‘Tears’ (feat. Louisa Johnson) and ‘Rockabye’ (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie).

The latter’s popularity is reflected in playlist dominance and the formidable status of being No. 1 on the UK official singles chart for 9 consecutive weeks, the longest reign by a UK artist since 1994. It has been No. 1 in thirty countries around the world and the song’s achievement has been cemented with Brit Award nominations for ‘British Single’ and ‘British Artist Video’.

As part of Forest Live, Clean Bandit plus guests, will be appearing in this region in Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk on Sunday 2nd July.

An opportunity for the public to see objects in the Mercury Theatre’s collection for the first time, this inaugural exhibition will showcase the rich variety of artefacts, costumes and memorabilia in the Theatre’s collection.

Throughout the exhibition there will be opportunities for people to get involved by sharing their memories of the Mercury Theatre, donating objects or volunteering.

Supported by National Lottery players through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), The Mercury Voices project aims to ensure that 20

GREAT TICKET GIVEAWAY The Forestry Commission has given Ipswich24 a pair of tickets to see RICK ASTLEY and CLEAN BANDIT to give away to lucky readers. All you have to do to get your hands on a pair of tickets is send your name, address and a contact telephone number, plus the name of the act that you would like to see to; Thetford Forest Ticket Giveaway, Ipswich24, Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich IP1 4JR or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 31st May 2017.

You may enter to see more than one band, however each entry must be on a separate postcard.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences.

Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. Over Forest Live’s 16 year history more than 1.5 million music fans have attended the concerts and money raised has contributed to a wide range of projects, from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors. With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere.

To book tickets and for further information about either act you can call the

Box Office on 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music

MERCURY VOICES The Mercury Theatre has announced the launch of its first exhibition of Mercury Voices, an archival and oral history project made possible by National Lottery players.

PRIZ E COM P

the organisation’s history is captured, can be shared for future generations, and creates a sense of inspiration, ownership and community cohesion.

Mercury Voices will gather the Theatre’s rich archival collection together for the first time, to create a comprehensive record, ensuring this history is not lost to future generations, and to actively engage members of the community in the Theatre’s history who would otherwise think history is ‘not really something for them’.

The archive will include programmes, news cuttings, set designs, scripts and other items of interest. Colchester Recalled will be supporting the project by developing a series of oral histories about the Theatre, from audience members, actors, staff and other members of the local community.

The source material from the archive will be made available through an interactive touring exhibition, talks and educational resources for schools. It will also be brought to life by a series of drama pieces devised by our Youth Theatre Company and performed as part of a series of events celebrating the archive and the Theatre’s enduring involvement in the local community.

There will be a drop-in session for the public to share their stories and memories on Thursday 4th May, from 10am until 3pm.

Mercury Voices Exhibition: Commemorating the history of the Mercury Theatre runs until Tuesday 16th May from 10am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays, and later on evenings when there is a performance at the Theatre. For more information visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk or telephone 01206 573948.

Looking ahead to Autumn at the NW This autumn, the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich will again collaborate with Salisbury Playhouse and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch to produce Graham Linehan’s The Ladykillers from Thursday 7th until Saturday 30th September. Directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s Artistic Director Peter Rowe, these theatres last collaborated with one another for Salisbury Playhouse’s tour of Chris Chibnall’s Worst Wedding Ever this Spring.

When Mrs Wilberforce puts a sign in her newsagent’s window advertising ‘A Room to Let’, she’s delighted when the mysterious Professor Marcus proclaims it perfect for rehearsing his unorthodox string quintet. She soon discovers that she is not making tea for a motley band of musicians, but harbouring a hardened gang of criminals and conmen planning the great Kings Cross Train Robbery!

Graham Linehan (Father Ted, The IT Crowd) has adapted this much-

loved film for the stage, mixing madcap comedy and criminal capers to hilarious effect. As his masterplan goes off the rails, and the bodies drop onto them, it begins to dawn on the Professor that, in Mrs Wilberforce (and General Gordon, her extraordinary featherless parrot) he may have finally met his match.

From Thursday 12th until Saturday 21st October, the New Wolsey Theatre will present the premiere of a brand new punk musical Oxy & The Morons, written by Paul Sirett

n Recreating the sound of the ‘Big O’ Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vocalists paying homage to the legendary Roy Orbison.

He’s stunned audiences across the globe with his uncanny similarity and ability to authentically revive the exquisite toe-tapping sound of this music giant.

(Reasons to be Cheerful, Mods and Rox), Mike Peters (The Alarm) and Steve Allan Jones.

When a routine check-up leads to a startling diagnosis, Andy decides it’s time to put the band back together, to crank up the amps, and party like its 1978! Why not re-form the legendary Oxy & the Morons, who burned fiercely before exploding in a riot of rivalry, jealousy and bitter betrayal? But can that punk spirit of DIY defiance be-rekindled over thirty years later? Can you still pogo when your knees go?

This brand new musical is fast, furious and very funny. With a machine gun playlist of original songs, this affectionate look back at the days of teen spirit suggest we could all do with some of that garage band power right now.

Also this Autumn the Graeae Theatre Company’s Reasons To Be Cheerful makes a welcome return to Ipswich after its hugely successful tour in 2012 from Tuesday 3rd until Saturday 7th October. This coming of age tale rejoices in the infectious and enduring music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads.

From Monday 30th October to Saturday 4th November, awardwinning director Simon Godwin directs Rules For Living, a new production of Sam Holcroft’s

brilliant and darkly funny play following a critically acclaimed run at the National Theatre in 2015. It is brought to the stage by English Touring Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton. From the hand of Frederick The New Wolsey Youth Theatre will present The Wind In The Willows adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny, from Tuesday 17th until Tuesday 24th October, suitable for the whole family. This delightful stage adaptation combines all the joy and mystery of Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved classic with the lightness of touch and playful theatricality that award-winning playwright Mike Kenny is known for.

The New Wolsey Theatre’s ever popular rock’n’roll pantomime this year will be the third brand new show from Artistic Director Peter Rowe – Red Riding Hood, which will run from Thursday 23rd November to Saturday 27th January 2018. As always, advanced booking is recommend as a third of tickets across 91 performances have already been snapped up!

• The Autumn season is on sale now and tickets can be booked through the Tickets Sales Team by calling 01473 295900 or by booking online at www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Barry Steele is quite simply unmissable, as he takes you on this specially produced musical journey in time, featuring Orbison’s hits from the early ‘60s leading up to the internationally acclaimed concert ‘The Black and White Night’ and The Traveling Wilburys.

Barry is backed in this all live multi- media show, with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, and stars who worked and shared centre stage with him, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

The show also features chart busting hits originally made famous by The Spencer Davies Group, Del Shannon & Jerry Lee Lewis culminating in an incredible fusion of ‘60s solid gold classics and ‘80s contemporary musical genius all on one stage.

• The Orbison Story: Barry Stele & Friends will be at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Friday 19th May. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com 21

Every Monday

Carpet Bowls, Tuddenham St Martin Village Hall, 6.30pm, New members welcome - come and try to see if you like it, only £1 per session. For more details contact Ray 01473 610067 Ballroom and Latin American Dance Classes, Kesgrave High School, Main Road, Kesgrave, Suffolk, Beginners welcome, 7pm, for further details www.danceasy.co.uk. £5 per person, Telephone Sharon 07946 347167 or Graham 07790 230651 Free Creative Workshops, The Avenue Theatre, Gippeswyk Hall, Gippeswyk Avenue, Ipswich, 2pm - 4.30pm, Inside Out Community, an Ipswich based mental health charity provides free creative workshops including ‘Making Your Mark’-for young people aged 18 - 25, giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity in a friendly and supportive environment, info@insideoutcommunity.com or 07947 565711 for more information.

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 0777 3456078 Ballroom and Latin Class, Goals Centre, Suffolk New College, Grimwade Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LT, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 01473 251323, 07736 306519 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.

Every Tuesday

Tea Dances with Teresa, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ, 2pm 4pm, £3 with refreshments, Details 01473 422427, www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk 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!

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

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 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 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 Vera Manning 01473 462795, 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

Every Wednesday

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 Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ, 7pm 8pm Refreshers, 8-10pm Improvers, £3pp, Contact 01473 723070 Creative Writing Group, Arlington’s Brasserie, 13 Museum St, Ipswich IP1 1HE, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, First session free, for further information ring Mai on 01473 711639 or go to suffolkwritersgroup.com Tea Dance, Hintlesham Community Hall, Timperleys, Hintlesham, 2pm - 4pm at £4 per person, coffee/tea and biscuits/cakes provided, Sequence/ballroom/latin dancing, contact Teresa 01473 422427 Co-op Singers meet every Wednesday in term time from 7.30pm to 9pm, Co-op Education Centre Fore Street Ipswich. Car parking is available - entrance from Waterworks St. New members welcome, no auditions, For further information telephone Margie 01473 727829 or Julie 07986 261503.

Art & Craft Group, Body and MindSports Centre, Birkfield Drive, 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

Art Group, Harkstead Village Hall, Harkstead, 10am – 12pm, all welcolme, 01473 787633

EVENTS

guide

Body Moves & Dance Class with Linda, Girl Guiding Building, Garrison Lane Felixstowe, 7.30pm - 9pm, A Fun & Friendly Class, try A Free Taster Session for more 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 pre-booked 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 Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Douncy Lane, Ipswich, 10.15am - 11.30am, Lots of home baked and handcrafted items available as well as Gluten free produces and local honey. Seasonal fruit and vegetables hand-picked the day before. Free parking and tea and coffee refreshments available, great meeting place for new and old friends.

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

Every Friday

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

Every Saturday

Car Boot Sale, The Lion’s Club of Felixstowe, Sunday Market site, Sea Road, Felixstowe, 8am – 1pm, Free entry to the public, Car boot pitches £6 for up to 3 tables (No traders allowed).

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 • continues page 23

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

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

Have your Event or Gig Listed Free!!* Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: Suite 9, 85 Dales Rd, Ipswich IP1 4JR

Bu sin 4 P es age sS ec tio n

Business2Business Business serving Business

Be Your Own Boss Free Package of Support for Start-up Businesses

• Going it alone Jill Worrall

n Taking the decision to be your own boss and start your own business is often a daunting step, especially if you haven’t a business background or experience of going it alone.

MENTA are the business support organisation for Suffolk and for 33 years they’ve been helping people start up and grow their businesses.

For a limited time MENTA are providing a free package of support to start-up businesses who are in Suffolk and have not yet formally started to trade. You can be at prestart stage, in the process of setting up – or at ‘test trading’ stage.

MENTA’s free set of Start Right workshops are held in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds and over the three, four hour sessions you’ll learn how to structure and register your business. You’ll find out how to identify and market to your customers and how to set up a simple website. You’ll also gain a good understanding of basic book keeping and self-assessment to keep the Tax Office happy.

Jill Worrall has set up her floristry business, Bertie Green Florist based at Copdock, Ipswich and said of attending the sessions, “The workshops were delivered by friendly, experienced, approachable and highly qualified people. They’re a great start for anyone wanting to develop a new business.”

To take advantage of this free support from MENTA which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund book online at www.menta.org.uk and go to the startup training section, or call MENTA on 0800 085 5090 or email info@menta.org.uk • For more information about Bertie Green Florist go to www.bertigreenflorist.co.uk.

WELL DONE BUSINESS

START YOUR BUSINESS WITH MENTA

FREE BUSINESS START-UP WORKSHOPS IN IPSWICH* • Free half day Start Right Workshop • Free half day Marketing Workshop • Free half day Book Keeping Workshop

*You must reside in Suffolk, your business can be in concept, pre-start or setting-up stage. You must attend all three workshops.

www.menta.org.uk 0800 085 5090

MENTASuffolk mentabusiness i

Business2Business Business serving Business

A Positive Approach to Leadership n Now is a perfect time for business leaders to start to examine their routines, make improvements, and reflect on the state of their business.

The challenge faced in today’s business world is that the importance of these soft skills is still often undervalued, and there is far less training provided for them than hard skills.

Contemporary work culture is evolving rapidly. Automation and new technology is creeping into every aspect of the professional working world, and even smartphones and watches are programmed to keep individuals connected digitally at any given time.

Self-awareness is the most valuable element of the soft skills approach to leadership for the simple reason that it props up all the others. It’s the catalyst for vision, determination, adaptability, strategic thinking, charisma and all the rest of the traditional bevy of skills and qualities that makes someone a great leader.

This is especially timely given the fast pace of change in today’s working environment, with the very notion of what defines good business practice and effective leadership constantly changing.

In his new book, Jan Mühlfeit, former Chairman of Microsoft Europe, explains that professional leaders today would be wise to jump on the “soft skills” bandwagon – something that cannot be replicated by machines and yet can make all the difference between failure and success.

Hard skills are important, but soft skills, such as work ethic, attitude, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, can set an individual or team apart and help them excel as a great leader.

This is increasingly recognised by organisations worldwide. Two-thirds of the respondents to a 2012 Harvard Business Review global survey of managers and leaders at large corporations agreed that their organisations needed to work on developing mindset, self-awareness, and leadership.

In attempting to discover why certain business leaders succeed, another study by consultancy firm Green Peak Partners and Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labour Relations, discovered that a ’high self-awareness score was the strongest predictor of overall success’.

Through self-awareness leaders can discover and reveal their true authenticity, and this is the secret ingredient that will gain the trust and respect of others. Tapping into self-awareness means being able to lead both yourself and your team to their potential, explains Mühlfeit.

There are lots of talented leaders out there with profuse external knowledge – industry expertise, market know-how, in-depth technical learning, facts, figures and the like – but not enough intrinsic knowledge.

External awareness is an essential requisite for any leader to have a sound understanding of how their business works, but without self-awareness it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose your way.

In The Positive Leader, which includes a four-point approach to becoming a happier and more inspirational leader, Mühlfeit explains that leaders most often go wrong in the following areas: 1. They target weaknesses, not strengths. Misguided leaders waste vital time, money and energy grappling with faults and failures rather than recognising and leveraging people’s natural talents. The result? Disengaged and dissatisfied teams.

2. They fail to ‘have a dream’. A leader lacking a clear, inspirational purpose or vision will have a tough time rallying people in a unified direction.

Accomplished employees don’t just want any old job; they want meaning and the chance to contribute to something bigger than themselves.

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We can print and design almost anything, at a price you can afford!

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3. They manage time, not energy. Facing non-stop demands in the workplace, leaders cram their diaries to the brim believing that they’re skilfully maximising their time. Instead, they’re recklessly abusing their energy, diluting their focus and heading straight for a burnout.

4. They put success before happiness. When leaders set their sights only on the material trappings and tangible accomplishments of life, such as money or metrics, they ignore the deeper connections and meaningful activities that produce long-lasting success and happiness.

By knowing who you are and understanding the impact you have on others, you’ll naturally become more open, empathetic and influential, and you can skilfully interact with your colleagues without compromising your core principles or character. Tapping into self-awareness means being able to lead yourself to your highest potential, and that can only be a good thing.

It is more important than ever that leaders recognise the vital role that soft skills play within their teams and not only work on developing them within themselves, but encourage their development throughout the organisation.

To learn more about positive leadership, pick up a copy of The Positive Leader: How Energy and Happiness Fuel Top-Performing Teams by Jan Mühlfeit and Melina Costi (published by Pearson).

For more information, visit www.positiveleaderbook.com/ • This title is available at all good bookshops and via Amazon.co.uk and www.Amazon.com

Business2Business

Gimmie the money!!

Business serving Business

n Two-thirds of solicitor’s letters result in payment within seven days for small businesses chasing late invoices Small businesses chasing payment for overdue invoices achieve significantly better results by sending solicitor’s letters, known as a letter before action (LBA), according to new research from fintech firm Ormsby Street.

Two-thirds of LBAs sent will result in a small business being paid within seven days, while two-thirds of overdue invoices will remain unpaid after one month if no LBA is sent, according to the research conducted across Ormsby Street’s 30,000-strong customer base.

With the average time for an invoice to be paid to a small business standing at 72 days, and the average amount of an overdue invoice more than £6,000, late payment is a major issue for many small businesses in the UK.

“Going to court over late payment is really a last resort, but a solicitor’s letter is a highly effective method of retrieving payment on overdue invoices,” said Martin Campbell, MD, Ormsby Street.

“Many small businesses have been put off using LBAs, believing them to be costly and time consuming. That’s why we are making it much easier for small businesses to send a LBA via CreditHQ.” The findings suggest that the sending of a solicitor’s letter typically results in money being paid around 21 days sooner than taking no action. However, the cost of sending such a letter can be up to £50 if a small business simply engages their solicitor, a prohibitive cost for most SMEs.

Launch of Centenary Club

Ormsby Street is introducing a new feature to its award-winning creditchecking tool CreditHQ, that allows customers to send solicitor’s letters via email, working in partnership with national law firm Shoosmiths, whose partner Karen Savage believes LBAs should be far more commonly deployed by small businesses than they are currently, “Without exception, a well worded LBA sent by a professional and reputable law firm has a significant impact in bringing payment to the fore.

It gives a debtor notice that court action will be taken if payment is not made by a specified date, and the fact that the letter is sent by a law firm makes the debtor feel that the case is much closer to court, and in a large proportion of cases prompts payment. The benefit of CreditHQ is that extremely competitive fee structures have been agreed because of the volume of referrals that pass through it.”

CreditHQ users simply have to raise the letter request within the CreditHQ tool with a few clicks, and the letter will be delivered by email the next

working day, all covered within the monthly subscription fee. Currently, just one-third of small businesses include sending LBAs as a core part of their debt collection process, a figure that should be much higher, according to Ormsby Street’s Martin Campbell, “Late payment can be hugely stressful for any small business owner and they need to do all they can to protect themselves against this. Knowing who is likely to pay late and establishing different payment terms is the best option to prevent it, but for any small business already suffering from late payment, sending an LBA is a great way to indicate to customers that you’re on top of your business and that you expect to be paid on time.

“In a world where cash is tight everywhere and accounts departments at customer firms seem to think it’s their duty to break contracted terms in order to hang on to cash a few days longer, it’s a great way to indicate gently but firmly that you expect a customer to pay on time.”

n Ipswich Mayor Roger Fern has officially kick-started the centenary plans of a leading disability charity.

Papworth Trust is celebrating its 100th anniversary by officially launching a Centenary Club for businesses in and around the Ipswich area.

The Club was officially launched at the charity’s Ipswich Centre, in Foundation Street, at an event attended by Mr Fern and a number of business leaders. Jo Revitt, corporate partnership fundraiser at Papworth Trust, said, “We were delighted to welcome Mayor Roger Fern and so many local businesses in Ipswich to the launch of our Centenary Club. We would like to thank them all for their fantastic support.”

David Martin, director of external affairs, added, “This is a great initiative to mark the charity’s 100th anniversary as well as creating a vibrant network for our generous corporate supporters.

“Papworth Trust is very proud of its rich history – it is one that we embrace and cherish as we look forward to

supporting more disabled people in the areas of housing, work and social care in the months and years to come.”

The Centenary Club offers businesses the chance to benefit from networking events and other special events.

Money raised from the Centenary Club will support the charity’s work in Ipswich which includes offering a range of leisure and learning activities for disabled people including gardening, art and music.

Papworth Trust offers essential support and care to disabled and older people, their families and carers. They help people of all ages to live independently in their own homes, to learn new skills, and to find and keep jobs that are right for them. The charity runs centres in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Sawston, Ipswich and Basildon.

To find out more about the charity please go to www.papworthtrust.org.uk. iii

Business2Business Business serving Business

Tasty corporate gifts n Do you run a business? Perhaps you would like something a little bit different to give your clients. A corporate gift of cupcakes will make a memorable change from the normal box of chocolates or bottle of wine.

Whether your celebrating a business anniversary, promoting a new product or just want to say thank you to a client, what better way than cake?

At The Little Cake Place they offer a wide range of yummy cakes ideal for the corporate market. From large cakes that can have your logo beautifully iced on top to a range of beautifully decorated cupcakes, there is something to suit every occasion.

At The Little Cake Place you will always find a friendly and professional service.

From their well-established shop on Dales Road in Ipswich the experienced team are able to offer a large range of special cakes for special occasions, from birthday cakes and wedding cakes to celebration cakes and even novelty cupcakes.

The Little Cake Place is open six days a week and can be found at 85 Dales Road, Ipswich. For more information or to order your cake telephone 01473 744717 or visit www.thelittlecakeplace.com

Apprenticeship levy:

how to avoid getting ripped off

n The Apprenticeship Levy may be a game changer, but it certainly has its challenges. The major shake-up, designed to create three million new apprenticeships by 2020, will see employers with a wage bill over £3m pay a 0.5% levy, whilst non-levied employers will pay 10% towards Apprenticeship training. On the supply side, training companies continue to grapple with new contract terms for delivering Apprenticeships and new registration processes to be approved suppliers.

Amidst all the chaos, a new, independent advisory firm has emerged to help employers navigate the potential pitfalls of Apprenticeships.

Bally Bhogal, MD of Independent Training and Skills Services (ITSS) knows first-hand the problems experienced by employers stating, “One of the biggest challenges is the lack of knowledge and understanding around Apprenticeships and the subsequent handover of control to a training provider. Being in the driving seat is key to ensuring that employers get a good deal.”

The Apprenticeship marketplace has over 1500 registered training companies so ‘doing your homework’ can really pay off to avoid getting ripped off. As a bare minimum, employers should be asking what training and qualifications they will receive through Apprenticeship programmes, how much it will cost, how long it will take, what the benefits will be and how the training will be delivered. To avoid getting a raw deal, comparison of Apprenticeship programmes and training companies is an absolute must!

Apprenticeship training has traditionally been dominated by larger training companies, however the levy provides an opportunity for smaller, niche providers to enter and compete in this space. The new approval process to deliver Apprenticeship training has controversially seen some of the bigger players lose out (not least in Birmingham, where three large Colleges failed to qualify for the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP)), whilst new entrants have now been given a voice. The latter may well be competing on niche provision, expertise and agility, whilst the bigger boys have traditionally competed on volume, resources and reach.

Factors that set the competition apart may include pricing, sector specialisms, training methods, quality assurance, staff expertise, track record and previous successes, if any. Employers must assure themselves prior to contract that these elements are thoroughly understood and at what point they will see the return on investment from Apprenticeship training.

“We are all about ensuring that the employer gets value. These reforms have been introduced to raise standards, to put employers back in control of their staff training and to improve the Apprenticeship experience. We are supportive of these principles and look forward to helping levy and non-levy paying employers make informed choices and to facilitate effective competition around Apprenticeship training.” commented Bally. www.itssadvice.co.uk.

Mum’s the word for new empowering programme

n A new programme for young mothers in north-east Ipswich gets under way this month.

“More Than Mum” is designed to support young mothers who might have lost confidence to get back into work, education or training or to simply work out their next steps.

The three-month programme runs during term time on a weekly basis for mums living in north-east Ipswich. Sessions are free for participants and are open for any mother aged between 16 and 30.

Starting at the end of April, “More Than Mum” will build participants’ confidence, improve their communication, team working, presentation organisation and planning skills.

The programme was part-funded by Ipswich Borough Council’s North East Area Committee.

• To join or to find out more please telephone 01473 852552 or email at Kim@futurefemalesociety.org iv

• continued from page 22

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

Sun 30th Apr – Mon 1st May

The Mid & West Show, Stonham Barns, Stonham, 10am – 4pm, see page 10

Mon 1st May

Mendlesham Street Fayre, Old Market Street, Mendlesham, 10.30am - 5pm, Stalls, Marching band, Samba Band, The Tricky Twister, Morris Men, Belly Dancers, Stacks of Sax Band, Hog Roast, Bygone vehicles, Birds of Prey, Refreshments, Free Car Park, Look out for: Bridie the Tea Lady on Stilts (Britain’s Got Talent!), Admission £3 Adults, Children free, For stall bookings phone 01449 766483 or 01449 766006.

‘Music On The Pitch’, Felixstowe & Walton Utd FC,Gold Star Ground, Delwood Avenue, Felixstowe, 2pm – 9pm, Festival featuring live bands, entertainment, bar, inflatables and more, Admission by voluntary donation, Raising funds for Crohn’s & Colitis UK

Wed 3rd May

Orwell Decorative and Fine Arts Society Monthly Meeting, Tower Hall, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, 2.25pm, Illustrated Talk: ‘Sacred Silver in England: 500 Years of Change’ by Timothy Schroder, Non-members welcome for lecture, if space allows. £6 donation asked Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting, A walk at Purdis Heath for summer birds. Meet at 6.30pm at Bucklesham Road lay-by, near Trinity Park. Map ref TM213424. This walk is part of the National RSPB Nightingale Festival. Approx 2 hours, 2-3 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

Fri 5th May – Wed 17th May

‘Stitch Without Walls’ - a textile exhibition by Fibrefusion Contemporary Textile Art Group, The Pond Gallery, Snape Maltings, nr. Aldeburgh, IP17 1SR, Daily 10am – 5pm, free admission, www.fibrefusion.org.uk Ipswich Aviation Society Meeting, Greshams Sport and Social Club, 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QT, an illustrated talk by Rod Dean on “Flying and Displaying Vintage Jet Aircraft”, Bar and Restaurant available, Free Parking, Tickets are by preorder, from Barry Turner on 01473 250816 or emal barry@greshamsclub.com

Fri 5th May

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Monthly Meeting, The Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath IP12 4PB, 7.30pm, AGM and the screening of some rare and unusual Aviation and Military Themed Films, To find out more call Howard on 01473 274300, www.mhas.org.uk

Sat 6th May

Fundraising Morning in aid of local hedgehogs, Needham Market Community Centre, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Come and meet Humphrey the rescue hedgehog and hear his story. There are so many like him who need help to survive. By supporting this event you will enable him and others to have a chance, All proceeds go to treat and feed local rescued hedgehogs, Admission Free, more info contact Jan & Tania on 01449 723567 or 01449 722589

Paws for Tea, Blue Cross Rehoming Centre, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ, 11am – 4pm, refreshments, various stalls, Grand Draw. There will also be guided tours of the Centre including the Kennels and Cattery, Entrance is by way of a monetary donation, For further information please telephone the Centre on 03007 771480 or Ian Hendry on 01449 767747 Drinkstone Annual Sale Trail 2017, 9.30am – 2.30pm, Households all around the village open up their garages to sell a wide range of items. Others prefer to sell their wares from a table top in the Village Hall, where you will also find delicious home made cakes and mouth-watering refreshments & toilet facilities. Free admission – maps on sale. Car parking & access to hall for the disabled/disabled toilet at Village Hall. In aid of DWMI Reg. Charity: 304876

Sun 7th May

Antiques & Collectors Fair, The Ipswich Hotel, Old London Road, Copdock, 9am – 3.30pm, £2 admission

Sat 13th May

Plant Sale & Ploughmans, Chruch Room, St Marys Church, Bramford, 12pm – 2pm

Mon 14th May – Sat 20th May

Reliving the Moment, Quay Place, Ipswich, A week of reminiscence displays and activities to support Dementia Awareness Week, Free entry, Details on www.quayplace.co.uk or email info@alphafilms.co.uk

Tue 16th May

Talk by Anthony Cobbold on the history of the Cobbold family in Suffolk. 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 Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Pipers Vale Ipswich, Meet at 10am at car park at Vale entrance. Approx 2 hrs. Map ref TM178419. This walk is part of the National RSPB Nightingale Festival, Contact 01473 714839, All welcome.

Wed 17th May

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting, A walk at Rushmere Common for summer birds, Meet at 6.30pm at Heath Road entrance, Map ref TM197445, This walk is part of the National RSPB Nightingale Festival, Approx 2 hours. 2-3 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

Sat 20th May

Monthly Jumble Sale, 24th Ipswich Scouts Scout HQ 330a, Bramford Road, Ipswich, (next to the railway line), 1pm - 3pm Quality Craft Fair and Car Boot Sale (weather permitting £5 on the day), Holbrook Village Hall, Holbrook, 10am – 4pm, Variety of interesting arts and crafts, Tombola and Raffle, Children’s face painting, Artisan Breads, Cheeses and Pies, Bacon rolls, cakes and sausage rolls, cream teas, homemade refreshments available all day, A local charity fund raising event for East Suffolk Association for the Blind. Free entry, Enquiries: 01473 328 028.

Plants, Crafts & Woodturning Fair, The Drift, Rushmere Road Ipswich IP4 4JX, 10am - 4pm, Crafts and plants for sale; Woodturning demonstrations throughout the day, Refreshments, Admission £1.00

EVENTS

guide

Sun 21st May

May Fair, Foxburrow Farm, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA, 11am - 4pm, Pond dipping, storytelling, facepainting and games, Donkey rides, Farlingaye High School art trail, Crafts for Sale, Live music and folk dance, Pop-up café and sausage wagon, Adults £3, Child £2, No need to book www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Wed 24th May

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting, A walk at SWT Newbourne Springs Reserve, Meet at 6.30pm at reserve car park, Map ref TM275433, This walk is part of the National RSPB Nightingale Festival, Approx 2 hours, 2-3 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

IDHTS Meeting, Salvation Army Citadel 558 Woodbridge Road Ipswich IP4 4PH, Time Flies at Old Warden, The Shuttleworth Collection illustrated

by Alan Reed, 7pm Visitors welcome via rear door £3.50 including refreshmants, Details 01473 422145 / 01473 414746

Thu 25th May

Suffolk Family History Society Monthly Meeting, The Co-op Education Centre, Pedestrian Entrance: 11, Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JW, Lucy Bland, Professor of Social and Cultural History, Anglia Ruskin University presents “Sex and War” - Brown Babies, The children born to black GIs and British women in World War 11, with special reference to East Anglia’, Admission £3 per person for Society members, £3.50 per person for nonmembers, who are also warmly welcomed - you can join the Society at the meeting if you wish, Tickets are not required - just turn up and pay on the door, For more information on this Event, and about the Branch. Call Howard on 01473 274300

Fri 26th May – Mon 29th May

Art Show, Tithe Barn, Sproughton, Preview Cheese & Wine night on Friday, tickets £7 by calling 01473 747600, show open Saturday – Monday 10am – 4pm, £1 entry, all proceeds to Lion’s Club of Ipswich Charity Projects

Sat 27th May

Coffee Morning, Church Room, St Marys Church, Bramford, Books, cakes, Plants, ‘bring and buy’ and raffle

Sun 28th May

Spring Plant Fair, Helmingham Hall, Near Ipswich, 10am – 4pm, see page 31 Colour Dash, Christchurch Park, Ipswich, see page 5

Mon 29th May

Festival of the Naked Sheep, Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, Baylham, 10am – 5pm, www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

Wed 31st May – Thu 1st Jun

Suffolk Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, full details via www.suffolkshow.co.uk

JUNE DEADLINE

Friday 12th MAY

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk

Please put “listings” in subject title

More events can be found on the Ipswich24 website – www.ipswich24.co.uk 23

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

Have your Event or Gig Listed Free!!* Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: Suite 9, 85 Dales Rd, Ipswich IP1 4JR

Ford’s Focus

with Daniel Ford

Video technology in sport June 27th 2010, Frank Lampard scores a perfectly good goal in the World Cup quarter final against Germany, inexplicably the officials fail to notice that it has crossed the line thereby preventing England from reducing the Germans lead to one.

Ever since this moment the topic of video technology has been a prominent one in the sporting world, with experiments taking place such as the use of it for the offside rule in a recent game, therefore I felt it only right if I weighed in with a few of my own opinions.

First of all let’s clear up a few basic points. The use of goal line technology was needed and has been undoubtedly a huge success, the fact that referees known in an instant whether the ball has crossed the line or not meant there is little disruption. Perhaps the only issues surrounding this is the fact it is only implemented in the top leagues (although it is set to be introduced into the championship as of next season) hopefully it will slowly feed down so at some stage in the foreseeable future all league teams will have it.

Onto more pressing and certainly controversial matters. Earlier this year I sat down to watch Spain play France in a highly anticipated friendly, except, this was a match with a difference!

For the first time in a major international video technology was used for offside calls. Those who didn’t watch the game will have read the reports and seen that it was used to make two correct decisions and therefore would probably come to the conclusion that it was a success.

Now, don’t get me wrong the technology did what it was there to do, but I’m not buying it.

Take Spain’s second goal for example, Gerard Deulofeu scored and was then ruled offside by the assistant. Correctly, the video official overruled this and the goal was given. However, this decision took about a minute to be made and therefore celebrations were mute once the goal was given. Watching this had me in a huge dilemma, yes it was great that the right decision was made, but the decision time took away the whole euphoria of scoring. For me I have to say the jury’s still out…

However, my mind is definitely made up over the ideas to use technology for fouls and for teams to be able to review decisions. Don’t get me wrong in less fast paced sports with longer breaks such as cricket and rugby this review system works excellently. In football I just can’t see it taking off, managers would be likely to use it tactically to break up the play and more importantly for me it would take something from the game. Part of the excitement of football are the debates over refereeing decisions, and yes I admit I get frustrated when they give decisions against Town but they balance out over the season.

Video technology does have a future in football.

The use of it in the form of goal line technology has been a roaring success, and I can see a future in using it for offside decisions if the decision time can be shortened. If FIFA decide to use it for other offences, my personal opinion is that it will take something away from the game. I mean who will us fans have to shout abuse at!

You can write to Dan c/o Ipswich24, Suite 9, 85 Dales Road, Ipswich IP1 4JR or email daniel@ipswich24.co.uk

n Don’t be a pumpkin The Lions Club of Ipswich

MEGA

QUIZ

Friday 16th June 7pm for 7.30pm

The Ipswich Hotel Old London Road, Teams up to 6 Copdock IP8 3JD £5 per person BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW by calling Lion Mike on 07969 955673 or email lionsquiz@mikebugg.co.uk 24

Throw off your dressing gown and slippers and don your best dress and a pair of heels. Ladies – there is going to be a ball.

This is not drinks at the pub. This is not popping out for a pizza. This is a full blown years-worth-of-brownie-points, dining and dancing black tie ball. And it’s right on your doorstep. Ipswich Town Hall, Saturday 6th May, 7pm.

How often do you get the opportunity to feel special or make someone else feel special? If you’re anything like the rest of us, probably not very often. Life is busy. It can also be very difficult too. Especially for the group of families who are making the event happen.

Founded ten years ago by volunteer midwives, the Ipswich Hospital Baby Bereavement Group provides invaluable support for local families who have suffered the loss of a baby during pregnancy, birth or early life.

Laura Houlden has experienced the support of the group first hand following the loss of her son. “The group is such an important local resource. I am really looking forward to the evening and I am very proud to be able to honour my son and give something back.”

The funds raised by the Charity Ball will ensure that the vital monthly meetings provided by the midwives are able to continue. They will also go towards providing memory boxes for families and personalised leaves on the group’s Tree of Remembrance.

If enough additional funds are raised, the group hope to contribute towards a crucial new project which proposes to purchase more advanced equipment that has the potential to spot problems earlier on in labour than those currently in use – hopefully reducing the number of families that go on to suffer a loss.

• Tickets for the Charity Ball are available by emailing ipswichbabybereavement@gmail.com. They cost £55 per person and include a delicious three course meal, a fabulous live band and a fun-packed evenings entertainment. The cherry on top – supporting an amazing local charity.

Study shows dog owners don’t evaluate food

New research from the UK’s leading supplier of cold pressed dog food has found that one in four dog owners either ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ evaluate their dog’s food, with one in five having bought the same dog food brand for at least the past five years.

Despite a quarter of respondents owners to recognise, however, that rarely or never evaluating their dog food is ever evolving. New choice of food, two thirds of those products often offer much more polled, 67.2%, considered diet to be by way of nutritious content, whilst ‘very important’ to a dog’s health. new research can sometimes reveal The study, commissioned by Guru, that established foods aren’t as questioned 2,000 UK dog owners as beneficial as previously thought.” part of research into the shopping The study also asked respondents habits and decision making process ‘How important do you consider diet behind dog food purchases. to be to a dog’s health?’ to which Respondents to the study were 67.2% said ‘very important’. 27.4% asked ‘How often do you evaluate considered it ‘fairly important’, 4.9% your dog’s food?’ to which 24.9% considered it ‘neither important nor said ‘frequently’. The majority, unimportant’, whilst less than 1% 51.8% said ‘now and again’, believed it to be ‘not very important’ however 16.5% said ‘rarely’, whilst or ‘not at all important’.

6.9% said ‘never’.

The study then established how Andrew Clarke, owner and colong they tended to stick to their dog founder of Guru commented on food of choice as it asked ‘How long the findings, “The majority of have you been buying your current owners, upon getting a dog, will, at dog food?’ to which a fifth, 21%, least, carry out some rudimentary said ‘five years plus’. 22% said for research before settling on a food between two and five years, with of choice. However, from there, it’s the remainder split between a few easy to stick to routine and continue weeks (11.2%), six to12 months with one particular food type from (23.9%) and one to two (21.4%). then on in. It’s important for dog Andrew said, “A recently published

long term study from the Kennel Club suggests that dog longevity has fallen in the last 10 years, with expected lifespan dropping by 11%.

Nutritious content in dog food will undoubtedly play a large part in that.’

He continues, “Dry kibble is coming under increasing scrutiny in recent times, as owners and manufacturers begin to recognise that its negatives, such as bloating and low grade ingredients, means it’s not the best choice for dog wellbeing. Dry kibble is cheap and easy to produce, keeping costs low, which explains its continued popularity, however more discerning

dog owners are realising that there are much healthier options on the market.”

Andrew concluded, “Regular evaluation of your dog’s food will ensure you’re up to date with the latest recommendations and that you’re making the wise choice for a healthy dog.”

Expansion at Happi days

Happi days has expanded its availability of woodland walks due to popular demand. Having originally been available on a trial basis for two days a week they now have had the required interest to open up this day care outing to every lunch time Monday to Friday.

The countryside play area is three acres in size, perfect for zooming around but not so big that anyone can get lost. The accompanying staff can see from one end to the other so everyone can be supervised. They have newly installed six foot fences, six foot gates and it is all underwired. Even the most adventurous and bouncy dogs are safe from escape the same as the smallest canine customers. The area is private for Happi days customers so no chance of meeting unvaccinated or unfriendly dogs such is the chance in the woods or park. Happi days visitors have been using this area for four years now and so they know it is completely secure for all customers. Their staff go in pairs for safety and allow the dogs to run in their friendship groups from crèche. The transport is always brought right into the play area before the six foot gates are padlocked shut before the dogs are allowed to play so everywhere your dog goes whilst with Happi days is within six to eight foot fencing.

At Happi days they are happy to take dogs to help teach their recall where they are lacking and have huge success with them, as they learn whilst having fun. They use treats and toys to help improve recall and to make the experience an even more exciting one.

The benefits for you is a more happy relaxed well rounded canine companion and a nice, quite, peaceful evening.

So join Happi days for peace of mind that your pet is having a real doggie experience sniffing and snuffling amongst nature. Playing, chasing and zooming around in safety with like-minded sociable friends. All you have to do is become a member of Happi days and book these optional woodland walks on the days they wish to come in reception.

25

The Lifetime of Home Buying The average homeowner in East Anglia bought their first home aged 27, will live in eight different properties and will spend £19,434 on redecorating during their lifetime, according to new research.

They will typically move out of their parent’s home at 22 years old and reside in two rental properties before getting on the property ladder for the first time.

A typical homeowner in the region will end up living approximately 74 miles away from their childhood home, and will live in only three cities their entire life.

The average mortgage will take 21 years and six months to pay off nine months above the UK average.

This will cost a total of £125,707, which is £9,158 lower than the typical national spend.

While a total of £18,254 will be spent on hiring removal vans, paying the legal fees and paying the stamp duty. This is more than £4,000 above the UK average.

The research of 2,000 UK homeowners was commissioned

by Origin, manufacturer of bespoke aluminium bi-folding doors, residential doors, windows and blinds.

Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said, “With the cost of moving so high, we have seen that families now choose to improve their current homes, rather than move.

“We are seeing a resurgence of people choosing to renovate and improve their current property so it fits with their needs without incurring moving costs.”

On average, respondents will contribute towards two separate mortgages over their lifetime, and will typically look to downsize age 56.

The average UK property is estimated to be worth £249,127 on

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Tel: 26

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average among those polled – while the typical mortgage is £542.41 per month. Of those who have ever had a mortgage, 39 per cent have paid it off, with the largest proportion of them - 27 per cent - aged 55 and over.

Of those surveyed, 29 per cent live in properties built before the 1950s than from any other period.

The average UK home has three bedrooms, while eight in 10 adults own a home with off-road parking and over half own a house with a garage.

The most popular style of interior is ‘modern’ followed by ‘English country’ and ‘minimalist’.

Seven in 10 homeowners jointly own their property with their partner and a fifth received money from their parents to help them get on the property ladder.

A third of home owning Brits currently live in a semi-detached property, over a quarter live in a detached house and 15 per cent live in a terraced home.

The research also explored what UK homeowners of different demographic groups consider to be most important about their homes.

Ben Brocklesby says, “The homeowner profiles: the Penthouse Pretenders, Multi-Space Renovators, Dynasty Dwellers, Zoneowners and Full Spec Finders, each have different priorities for the layout, style and function of their homes.”

PENTHOUSE PRETENDERS For young couples with no children, also known as ‘Penthouse Pretenders’, a private garden, big bathroom and lots of natural light were among the most important

things about where they live currently.

Homeowners in this stage want a nicely decorated home with big windows, period details and views.

MULTI SPACE RENOVATORS A playroom, a homework area for children and potential for renovation feature in the factors that couples with children under 5 years old, also known as ‘Multi Space Renovators’, consider to be the most significant about their homes.

While proximity to schools - and place of work are among the aspects ‘Multi Space Renovators’ regard important concerning their current home.

DYNASTY DWELLERS ‘Dynasty Dwellers’, families with multiple generations living under one roof, said that having a separate living area for children and having a granny annex are key aspects of what they like about their home.

ZONEOWNERS For ‘Zoneowners’, families with teenage children, separate work space was a must, while having more than one bathroom was also considered important.

FULL SPEC FINDERS And having a separate dining room, double glazing and a downstairs loo are among the important things to ‘Full Spec Finders’, retired couples whose children have flown the nest.

This homeowner group know what they want from their homes, with experience of home buying on their side having lived in at least eight properties.

• To find out more, visit www.origin-global.com/buyers-timeline

#10ThingsAboutMay #NationalSmileMonth

Regular readers may remember that this time last year I spoke about the old English saying Ne’er cast a clout till May be out. Which begged the question what on earth is a clout? It is old English for cloth or clothing and the message was don’t be too quick to discard your winter clothes before cooling May days were over.

So here are a few other things about the month of May you “may” not know!

1. The month of May was named for Maia, the Greek goddess of growth and fertility.

2. May’s birthstone is the emerald which is emblematic of love and success.

3. May was once considered a bad luck month to get married.

According to old superstitions, you should not buy a broom, wash blankets or get married in May: “Marry in May and you’ll rue the day”.

4. The United Kingdom celebrates May as the National Smile Month.

5. Nine UK prime ministers were born in May, which is more than any other month.

6. No US president has ever died in May. It is the only month with that distinction.

7. In 2014 May was the 576th most popular name given to a girl baby in England and Wales.

8. The 3rd May is National Lumpy Rug Day: People changing old rugs for spring cleaning. People have also chosen to celebrate the day as sweeping past regrets away and starting afresh.

9. In the nursery rhyme “Here we go gathering nuts in May,” the word “nuts” was probably a corruption of “knots” meaning bunches of flowers.

10. The 1st May is Labour Day but in 1966, the World Tramps Congress in Argentina decreed that 2nd May is the International Day of Idleness.

Now that last one really interested me. Taking a day to do nothing is more than lazy defiance to the working world; it’s extremely healthy for your mind, body, and spirit. In these times of 24/7 technology and instant communication, your mind needs a proper break sometimes and that doesn’t have to mean sleep.

Having a day to clear out can allow you to re-sharpen your mind and it probably needs to be done at least weekly rather than annually, which is why we have a weekend in our seven-day week. Your body also needs rest and idleness as exercising too much without adequate rest actually destroys muscles. You need a rest for your spirit too, be reminded rest is good for you on so many levels.

Remember, if you feel like a rest from your housework, Maid2Clean Suffolk is right here! And remember our special offer on the website too www.maid2clean.co.uk/suffolk Maid2Clean – taking the hard work out of your housework.

How to buy the best carpet Archway Carpets, in Woodbridge, is run by father and son Graham and Darrell Smith. The pair are the perfect team for providing flooring for your home or business, with their combined skills bringing you great customer service, design expertise, practical experience and technical know-how.

Here Darrell shares his top tips when buying a new carpet: Underlay - Using the correct type of underlay is important. It will extend the life of the carpet and can change the overall feel under foot. The correct type of underlay does not have to be the most expensive either.

At Archway Carpets we can advise what the best warranties are.

Carpet types - There are so many types of carpet, Saxony, twist, loop and many more. Here at Archway Carpets we can recommend the most suitable type of pile for your requirements

Stairs need to be treated individually - If stairs are to be included in any work then these need to dealt with very differently. We always suggest a twist with a medium to low pile depth to give you the best possible use for the stairs.

Budget - Have a budget for your rooms flooring. Keep in mind that natural products such as wool can range in price. Talk to us to get the most from your budget.

Your carpet provider - We are a family business specialising in Carpets and Flooring. It is what we do so can you say the same for other retailers and the internet.

Ongoing maintenance requirements - Carpets need regular hoovering. Vinyls can be mopped and the handy floor wipes are great on a small area. If there are larger stains we can recommend professional carpet cleaners to help with these stains.

Warranties - Some carpets now come with up to 20 year warranties.

Colour of your carpet - With so many colours available keep paint sample cards and swatches of materials and bring them in to match the tones and shades used in your interior design.

Is carpet the best solution for that room? - Had you thought about may be a vinyl in the hall for ease of cleaning. What about the living room or the kitchen come and talk to us.

Aftercare - We are always here. You don’t stop being a customer once the carpet is fitted. Any advice that is needed on aftercare please email us on info@archwaycarpets.co.uk For any advice please either visit Archway at 7 Church Street Woodbridge, Call them on 01394 386684 or log on to their website www.archwaycarpets.co.uk Thirty years of experience at your feet really does give you #fashionforyourfloor

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Growing excitement for new Flower and Garden features at Suffolk Show The Flower and Garden Show – a popular attraction at the Suffolk Show each year – has undergone a complete revamp for 2017 and will be offering visitors an insight into the world of outdoor living.

This year the Flower and Garden Show, will have a new courtyard layout providing a focus on a fantastic variety of show gardens, horticultural trade stands and expert advice from the county’s top garden designers.

Another new feature will be the Calvors Beer Garden – built and designed in partnership by the Suffolk brewery, Calvors, and Flower and Garden Show sponsors Ed Hopkins Landscape and Garden Design. The Beer Garden will be a

space to relax and enjoy a craft beer with a spot of live music.

The Flower and Garden Show is also an area for family fun, with children’s storytelling in a magical tent and the return of the popular Schools Show Garden Competition.

The competition, now in its third year, has seen a record number of

entries from primary school pupils who will be designing and building their own show gardens for this year’s ‘Made in Suffolk’ theme.

Ed Hopkins, Deputy Steward and sponsor for the Flower and Garden Show, said, “This year looks likely to be the most fun yet for visitors of all ages. We look forward to welcoming visitors and to showcasing the area’s exciting new features.”

Stephen Miles, Senior Steward for the Flower and Garden Show, said, “We are delighted to have pulled together another brilliant experience for all aspiring gardeners to enjoy.

The Flower and Garden Show is one of the most popular attractions at the Suffolk Show so we’re keen to impress visitors with new features each year.”

For more information and to book tickets visit www.suffolkshow. co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 01473 707117.

n The Magic of Maples

Laurel Farm Café Great Coffee Homemade Food Cream Teas And a friendly smile!

Clara Bowe Vintage Shop antiques furniture, selling antiques, jewellery, vintage gems, clothing & restored treasures

Lovely Plants for your Garden Hanging Baskets and Planters Grow Your Own Vegetables Grow-Bags, Composts & Bark Hot Tubs & Garden Furniture Barbeque Gas and Charcoal Local PProduce Farm Shop

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.laurelfarmgardencentre.co.uk

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Create a focal point in your garden with Japanese maples, the ‘Plant of the Moment’. The maple is the perfect choice of tree for any small, compact or courtyard garden, these plants are perfect for 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 slow-growing forms, with trees remaining a small, manageable size without the need for regular pruning.

The 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.

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 maples for any garden: Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ Golden Shirasawanum maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’))

TOP TIPS

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.

Planting partners for Japanese maples Try combining maples with other plants and features and ornaments to create areas with Oriental charm. However, Japanese maples should not be smothered by neighbouring plants, so always give them space to flourish. A few to try are ferns, hostas, bamboo, azaleas and camellias. www.hta.org.uk

Front Gardens: why do they matter?

It’s easy to think that environmental change and destruction is something that only happens in pristine green environments such as rainforests. But while it is hard for UK homeowner to directly help protect these very valuable places, there is an environment under threat that is literally on many people’s doorsteps: the front garden.

The most accurate studies show that 64% of the total area of front gardens in the UK have been paved over. This amounts to 3.5 million front gardens being lost in the last 15 years.

Why are front gardens important?

Front gardens help to protect homeowners from a range of environmental problems. Here are just three benefits they provide: Flood defence: Vegetation, whether trees, lawns or borders, soak up rainwater and so help to prevent localised ‘flash’ flooding. About 25% of all the land in our towns and cities is gardens, which significantly reduces the pressure on drainage during periods of heavy rain. Lower density housing with gardens has three-fold less storm water run-off than higher density stock.

Plants are cool: Plants cool the air by releasing moisture and providing shade, combating dangerous heat

waves. The effects are localised so homeowners get the benefits in summer. It has been estimated that vegetation used in conjunction with building design provides a 30% energy saving on air conditioning.

What’s more, trees, hedges or shrubs insulate our houses, acting as ‘wind breaks’ by slowing buffeting winds and so save on heating costs.

Cleaning the air we breathe: Plants can improve air quality. Particle pollution (e.g. dust from wear on pavements and vehicles, metals from vehicle exhaust fumes from burning fuel) are trapped by rough leaves and stems and absorbed by plants. Hedges of Thuja and beech are good choices.

But paving my small garden doesn’t matter surely?

Paving over one garden is not really a problem, but collectively the paving over of gardens is having a real impact. For example in Leeds,

You can bank on recycling electricals There are nine reasons why recycling is about to get easier in Ipswich.

New small recycling banks for the disposal of electrical items are being installed throughout the town – and it doesn’t matter whether your toasters, hair-dryers or even your electric toothbrush are working or not.

The nine new recycling banks are located in:

Suffolk Retail Park, Ipswich, IP1 2EJ Portman Road Car Park, Portman Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BP Fircroft Road Shops, Fircroft Road, Ipswich, IP1 6QX Dumbarton Road (outside scout hut), Ipswich, IP4 3JN

over a 33-year period there was a 13% increase in paved surfaces – 75% of which was due to paving of residential front gardens; this was linked to more flooding in the area. Meanwhile, in London, 47% of garden hard surfacing is found in front gardens, yet they only form 25% of total garden space.

It’s park my car OR have a garden!

Paving wall to wall is not obligatory, despite a recent survey showing that a quarter of homeowners believe they can’t park and have plants in their front garden. Even where parking is tight, there is usually room from wall climbers in corners

that can’t be parked in but can be planted, and room for boundary hedges and even well-placed trees.

Front Gardens and the law In England, homeowners can’t just pave over their gardens with non-permeable materials such as block paving and tarmac. Since 2008 any new or replacement drive larger than five square metres must be constructed of permeable materials such as permeable block paving or gravel, otherwise planning permission is required. This is largely to prevent localised flooding.

Royal Horticultural Society

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Jon Wells, the Council’s Waste & Fleet Manager, said:, “We are expanding our recycling opportunities for residents because making it easier will help us all to push up recycling rates still further. In the UK, the average household has 25 electrical and electronic appliances and only 10% are currently recycled.”

The Ipswich Furniture Project will collect (for free) larger electrical items, including washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers, fridges and freezers, TVs, computers and microwaves. Visit www.ipswichfp.org or telephone 01473 404004 for further details of how to get your larger items collected.

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Big Garden Birdwatch Results n Over 11,000 people in Suffolk joined nearly half-amillion people across the UK, in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, counting more than eight million birds during the 38th RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, witnessing some exciting and unusual visitors.

In Suffolk, there was big change to the top two. Blackbirds took the top spot after being seen in a whopping 96% of gardens across the county during the survey. They took this spot from blue tits, a species that dropped out of the top three and into the fourth spot. House sparrows were a non-mover and came in second having been seen in 61% of gardens despite having decreased nationally by 57% since 1979.

Starlings moved into the top three as they climbed two places from fifth to third having been seen in 31% more gardens than in 2016.

The event held over the last weekend in January also revealed an explosion in the number of recorded sightings of waxwings.

These attractive looking birds flock to UK gardens in winter once every seven to eight years when the berry crop fails in their native Scandinavia. Known as an ‘irruption’, results showed that within the region waxwings were seen in around five times more gardens in 2017 compared to previous years.

Weather conditions leading up to the Birdwatch meant that this year UK gardens were treated to a range of different visitors. Along with waxwings, there was also a large jump in the number of visits from other migrant birds. In the East there were five times as many redwing and fieldfare seen and an 18% increase in sightings of brambling

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as the sub-zero temperatures on the continent forced them to go in search of milder conditions.

Dr Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientists, said, “The sight of a robin or blackbird perched on the garden fence is often one of the first experiences we have with nature. So to have over half-a-million people taking part and counting a bumper eight million birds across one weekend is amazing. Using the information from the weekend we’ll be able to create a snapshot of how our garden birds are doing.”

There was also good news for robins, with the average number seen visiting gardens at its highest level since 1986, helping it climb three places to number seven in Suffolk, and two places to number seven nationally, its joint highest-ever position in the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings. Blackbird was another climber, moving to number three in the East and becoming the region’s most widespread garden bird after being spotted in more than 96% of gardens.

The survey also highlighted a downturn in Suffolk in the recorded sightings of blue tits (-17%), great tits (-16%) and coal tits (-25%) on last year’s figures. Dr Hayhow explained, “Numbers of small bodied birds such as blue tits and great tits are susceptible to

changes in weather throughout the year, and scientists believe that the prolonged wet weather during the 2016 breeding season led to fewer younger birds surviving than usual, meaning there are fewer to be seen in gardens.”

This year’s results also pointed to the positive effects that wildlife friendly gardens are having on bird behaviours. Recorded sightings increased for sixteen of the top 20 Big Garden Birdwatch birds between 2016 and 2017 showing how gardens are becoming an invaluable resource for our most common British garden birds.

For more information about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results – www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Flower Club hold Quiz

Deben Flower Club will be holding a Quiz Night on Saturday 20th May in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU, 7pm for 7.30pm.

Once again this will be a light-hearted 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 £8.00 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

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

Plant heritage specialist fair The annual Spring Plant Fair, organised by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on Sunday 28th May 2017 from 10am until 4pm The Spring Plant Fair is a Great day out for all with plants to buy; find out about Conservation and pick up food, garden statuary and much more The Garden Zone features nurseries from near and far, with lots of unusual and popular plants for sale - ferns, grasses, alpines, trees shrubs and bulbs. Local National Plant Collections, including Historic Carnations and Fuchsias bred by James Lye. The Suffolk Plant Heritage Plant Stall, packed with rare and unusual plants grown by our propagation group, some of which are not available elsewhere. New for Spring, William Dyson Salvias from Kent, Suffolk Seasons Cut Flower and Panache Plants from Norfolk

listed gardens of Helmingham Hall, with walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, roses and ancient deer park.

The Garden Marquee will throughout the day host ‘Back to Basics Workshops’, for the New and Experienced Gardener. The Plant Doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic, to identify your mystery plants and plant problems.

There are garden accessories with antique garden tools, modern sculpture and garden furniture.

The Conservation Zone will include garden societies, local and national charities, giving specialist advice about plants, gardens and wildlife.

A Free Plant is offered for the first 800 Visitors: A plant of the hardy Fuchsia ‘Whiteknights Pearl’ will be given to the first 800 visitors to claim them. Giving a plant away is the best form of conservation.

Tours of the gardens with Lady Tollemache, tickets £10 each, are bookable from the Helmingham Estate Office telephone 01473 890799.

There are also activities for the Children. Eat, drink and be merry with live music, a dance tent, homemade teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls. Visitors can enjoy the Grade 1

Helmingham Hall is nine miles NE of Ipswich on the B1077. Post Code IP14 6EF

Entry to the Plant Fair and Helmingham Hall Gardens is £7.00 per adult. Children are free.

TV licence reminder for boat owners With increasing numbers deciding to choose a life on water, TV Licensing is urging boat dwellers in Suffolk to ensure they are correctly licensed to watch TV. More than a quarter of today’s 33,000 boats moored on UK waterways are used as primary residences as opposed to ten years ago when it was just 10 per cent of 31,000 boats.

By law, residential boat owners need a TV Licence to watch live television, or catch up TV on BBC iPlayer.

This is true no matter what device is used, how the programmes are received, or whether the boat is cruising or moored.

Ben Craig, spokesperson for TV Licensing London and South East, said, “A life afloat has become an appealing option for many, so it is important boat owners understand the same rules apply when it comes to watching TV. We don’t want anyone to be caught out of their depth if they are found watching live TV, or BBC programmes on iPlayer, on board without a valid licence. If caught, boat owners face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

Beryl McDowall, of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA), said, “There are many things to consider when taking the plunge and moving to a life on water. It’s also important boat owners understand all of the legal responsibilities, which include getting a TV Licence if their boat is their main residence – we don’t want anyone to get caught out.”

It’s easy to pay for a TV Licence or update details online, using a forwarding address if necessary.

There are many ways to spread the cost, including weekly, fortnightly or monthly cash payment plans and direct debit options, which can be set up quickly.

You do not need a fixed address to receive your TV Licence, as a licence can be arranged for your boat and sent to you by email.

Boat owners should visit tvlicensing.co.uk/SouthEast for more information about when a licence is needed.

Toby’s Landscape Designs Wire / Metal Fencing & Gates, Wooden Fencing & Gates Garden Design and more Based in Barham

07476 797229 01473 832042

Tobyslandscapesanddesigns@outlook.com 31

wellbeing

Providing care at home Swim the Channel without East of England Homecare CIC has been established to provide quality home care in Ipswich and the east of England with the interests of the local community at heart. East of England Homecare is a family run local company working in and for the local community with over 11 years of previous experience in providing care for people in their own homes.

East of England Homecare CIC is small enough to know each of their clients personally and take pride in providing them with a service they are delighted with and for East of England Homecare CIC to be proud of.

East of England Homecare CIC has a wealth of experience of caring for people in their own homes, they know just how important it is that they find the right care workers. Not only right in terms of their experience and qualifications, but also the right personality. That’s why they have developed stringent internal quality controls and training programmes to make sure you have the very best available.

They believe in being responsible employers and ensuring all their staff receive professional and suitable induction and continuation training.

Ongoing training is to reflect changes in procedures and recommendations from government and other organisations to achieve best practice.

East of England Homecare, as a community interest company, shares its profits with the local community and is governed by the Regulator for Community Interest Companies. As a care provider they are regulated in care matters by the Care Quality Commission.

Most importantly, they have a genuine interest in serving the local population by providing the best of care and support.

• For more information about East of England Homecare CIC visit www.eehomecare.co.uk or telephone 01473 228877

Providing care for you at home • • • • • •

Personal Care Shopping Companionship Housework Sit-in services Home from hospital

East of England Homecare is a community interest company providing support to people in their own homes in Ipswich.

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Call us on 01473 228877

www.eehomecare.co.uk 32

leaving your home town

Ever wanted to take on a big challenge and raise money for charity but never had the time?

Did you aim to get fitter this year but haven’t had the motivation? This year Heart Research UK is giving you the chance to swim the channel, but don’t worry it’s in the comfort of your local swimming pool!

Swim as an individual or a team and complete 22 miles over 12 weeks, while raising money for a pioneering heart charity. This is the perfect challenge to take on if you don’t have much time; it can be done in the morning before work or in your free time at the weekend, you can’t make yourself any excuses!

By signing up for Swim the Channel you are not only raising money for a fantastic charity but you will also be encouraged to get fitter and healthier along the way. Having a set challenge and sponsors will help you stick to your fitness goals and, as a bonus, all the money you raise will be spent helping hearts near you.

Heart Research UK is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and they have a lot to celebrate. They have funded £24million of medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease and your support helps continue this research. In the last 50 years they’ve helped to reduce the number of UK deaths from cardiovascular disease by more than half – an achievement they are very proud of.

It may come as a surprise that heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, and even more of a surprise that a significant number of cases are preventable. In fact, by completing the swim the channel challenge and getting fitter, you will be reducing your own risk of heart disease.

Sign up by calling 0113 234 7474 or email community@heartresearch.org. uk and you’ll be sent a fundraising pack including a swim diary to track your lengths, sponsorship forms, tips and posters to promote your challenge.

Love it? or Hate it?

Love it or hate it a new study shows that Marmite may boost brain power and could even help fight off dementia.

Researchers from York University said that the high concentration of vitamin B12 in the savoury spread increases levels of GABA chemicals in the brain, which are thought to protect against neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and depression.

Vitamin B12 is specifically known for its role in producing healthy amounts of red blood cells required to deliver oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues. B12 has been proven to help reduce tiredness and fatigue as well as aiding concentration and memory.

Vitamin B12 is also notoriously difficult to absorb by the gut, and deficiencies in it have been linked to a host of neurological disorders.

However, if you prefer to not to take a daily spoon-full of the nation’s most divisive spread, then vitamin B12 supplement sprays are available.

Research by Cardiff University found that B12 supplementation was vastly improved if sprayed onto the inner cheek. The results are significant because, as only one per cent of B12 is retained from diet alone, they show for the first time how quickly vitamin B12 is absorbed by the body via the rich system of veins within the mouth, particularly the inner cheek. www.betteryou.com

wellbeing

One in two UK kids refuses to eat veg Almost half (46 percent) of British children REFUSE to eat vegetables, according to a new study of parents.

Researchers surveyed UK parents about the eating habits of their children - and revealed a staggering 75 percent have worries or concerns about their fussy eating. A further 52 percent claimed their child’s refusal to eat healthy foods is a major issue, according to the study.

According to the report, commissioned in conjunction with Heinz’s Grow Your Own campaign 66 percent of parents say trying to get their children to eat healthily is a stressful experience.

Overall, 82 percent of the parents who took part in the study claimed there are some foods that their child simply will not eat – including veg, salad, meat, fish and dairy – however according to data, vegetables are the main cause for concern, with 46 percent of children refusing to eat them.

Greens such as cabbage (43 percent of children will not eat it), spinach (39 percent) and broccoli (39 percent) were among the main vegetables the nation’s parents struggle to feed their children.

Mushrooms (39 percent) and beetroot (35 percent) were also revealed as foods kids are highly likely to refuse, while 13 percent said their child would not eat any red meat - and a further one in ten said their children will not eat an apple. A desperate 38 percent said the stress of mealtimes with their children has led to rows with their other half – with 59 percent saying they often feel at the wits end with the problem.

Heinz undertook the poll of 2,000 parents to mark the fifth anniversary of their Grow Your Own campaign which encourages children to learn more about where food comes from

To advertise in the WELLBEING section call Abi on 01473 351270

by growing their own tomatoes. The research revealed one of the major reasons children are picky with food is because they don’t know where it comes from, with 64 percent of parents saying their children have never grown any kind of vegetable at home - compared to just 36 percent who say they have.

And of the 36 percent who said they had tried to grow their own food, 32 percent said it made their children more willing to try new foods.

More than half of those who took part in the study (53 percent) say they are embarrassed when at other people’s houses because their children refuse to eat anything,

while 64 percent admitted they have caved in and given their children something high in sugar, salt or fat – simply to avoid a scene.

The study also revealed 48 percent of parents say they feel pressure from other parents posting pics of their children eating adventurous

foods on social media. A further 60 percent say they find family mealtimes stressful and a further 47 percent say they avoid going to restaurants with their children because they know they won’t be able to find anything on the menu their kids will eat.

Taking the hassle out of juicing The JuiceWorks is an independent juicery which was established in 2013 after juicing transformed the owner, Lawrence Farrow’s own life.

Known more recently as The Juice Guy, Lawrence is passionate about juicing and its benefits. And, so founded this small Suffolk based juice business in 2013 for very personal reasons.

“In a nutshell, juicing has transformed my own health and life and although still on my journey, people clearly saw the changes in me and so I was asked to make my juices for them also. This happened more and more and so The JuiceWorks was formed.”

Says Lawrence. “At the JuiceWorks we prepare and clean all our produce by hand, checking our produce for quality and then extract the juice from the variety of fruits and vegetables using only our juicers. They are then simply strained to remove the pulpy bits and frozen right away. We make every juice fresh to order and prepare everything by hand.”

all the goodness, bottle right away and then freeze to lock in all that goodness. We then do all the clearing up and make another juice!”

At The JuiceWorks Suffolk they aim to make juicing convenient. They make everything fresh to order and deliver them to your home or work across the UK. There are a number of juice packages on offer so there is something to suit everyone and JuiceWorks Gift vouchers are also available if you are looking for healthy gift ideas.

At The JuiceWorks they take all the hassle out of juicing…

• The JuiceWorks can be found in Gower Street, Ipswich for more information visit www.thejuiceworks.co.uk or telephone 01473 356511.

“Our juices are unpasteurised and do not have any added chemicals, sugars, acids or colours, nothing added whatsoever!” continues Lawrence. “We purchase a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables locally, wash them throughly and then carefully prepare all the produce. We then juice it to extract

Mind Body and Spirit Fayre 20th May 10am-4pm

At the Trimley Memorial Hall IP11 0RJ

Pure, Raw Fruit and Vegetable Juice

At The JuiceWorks we aim to make juicing convenient.

We are based in Ipswich, Suffolk and make 100% Pure, Raw Fruit & Vegetable Juices.

Everything is made fresh to order and delivered to your home or work across the UK.

Never Heated, Never Treated.

Have a meal, and a cuppa, chat with Friends Catering to your needs All Day

www.thejuiceworks.co.uk juice@thejuiceworks.co.uk 33

wellbeing

Stuck in a rut? – Need some help to get Summer Body ready?

How many times have you told yourself you will start again on Monday and this year you really will get the body you have dreamed of?

At Kay Fletcher Fitness they take a more realistic approach to losing weight. There are no quick fixes to losing weight and it takes hard work and dedication to get the body you want. All diets work as long as you follow them but too often if the weight doesn’t come off straight away we are all too ready to blame the diet. That’s where Kay Fletcher Fitness is different - they don’t do dieting as such, but focus on making lifestyle changes through healthy eating choices and exercise.

If you really are stuck in a rut and want to make some lifestyle changes then here is what Kay of Kay Fletcher Fitness recommends.

First of all be realistic about your weight loss goal - Depending on when your holiday is planned for, it may not be possible to get rid of all your excess weight before you go away this year but at least you can go away more comfortable and lighter than your are now Decide how much time you can commit to getting the new body you want - it is no good just eating healthy, you need to move more which means

scheduling in time to exercise whether it be a class, going for a walk or swim or working out at home.

Planning and preparation are key to losing weight. You need to plan your meals in advance

Class Timetable: MONDAY Greshams Sports & Social Club Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ 6:15 – 7:30 pm (Cardio Workout) TUESDAY Greshams Sports & Social Club Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ 9:30 – 10:45 am (Cardio Workout) Kesgrave High School Main Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2PB 5:45 – 7:15 pm (Cardio Workout)

TUESDAY - continued Chantry Academy Community Use Facilities (formerly Chantry High School) Mallard Way, Ipswich, Sufolk 7:00 - 8:15pm (Cardio Workout) WEDNESDAY Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, IP4 5SU 09:15 – 10:30 am (Cardio Workout) 10:30 – 11:45 am (Zumba®) Greshams Sports & Social Club Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ 5:45 – 7:15 pm (Cardio Workout) 7:15 – 8:30 pm (Cardio Workout)

THURSDAY Kesgrave Community Centre Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1JF 9:30 – 10:45 am (Cardio Workout) Kesgrave High School Main Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2PB 6:30 – 7:45 pm (Zumba®) St. Albans Catholic High School Digby Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3NJ 6:45 – 8:00 pm (Cardio Workout)

Exercise Only Option Available at All Classes

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and shop accordingly and make sure you have cleared your cupboards of anything you know you will be tempted with.

Involve your family, friends and work colleagues so they are supporting you rather than sabotaging your efforts by offering you ‘treats’ that you really don’t want.

Don’t deprive yourself either - of course you need to cut out the unhealthy foods but the occasional treat is important when you are committing long term to a plan.

Find a buddy who can support and encourage you along the way. It is always easier if there are two of you trying to achieve similar goals and this will help you keep each other on track Finally why not give Kay Fletcher Fitness a try they can help with healthy eating, exercise and also working with you to come up with a sensible plan to get you to your goal. Once you have taken that first step it gets easier and by joining one of their classes you will be meeting likeminded people who want the same as you - to get Slimmer and Fitter and to get a Summer Body.

For more information about Kay Fletcher Fitness visit the website www.kayfletcherfitness.com or telephone Kay on 01473 613397.

Courses Fitness Pilates: Mondays at Foxhall Community Hall, (ex St. Clements Social Club) 9.45 am - 10.30 am and at

St. Alban’s School, 8.00 - 8.45 pm

HIIT

(High Intensity Interval Training) Wednesdays at Kesgrave High School (Sports Hall), 6.45 - 7.15 pm (registration at 6.30)

For details of up and coming Courses see the website

Make your Will at a reduced cost in aid of Hospice St Elizabeth Hospice’s Wills Month returns in May and the local charity is inviting you to make or amend your Will at a reduced cost.

Throughout May, local solicitors will generously offer their time and expertise free of charge to provide a number of appointments for anyone to make or amend their Will at a reduced cost, in return for a suggested donation to St Elizabeth Hospice.

St Elizabeth Hospice is extremely grateful to the solicitors and will writers who have generously offered to give up their time and expertise.

Taking part in Wills month are; Attwells; Prettys Solicitors; Watkins, Stewart & Ross; Ross Coates Solicitors; Wills Plan Ltd; Haywards Solicitors; Fairweather Stephenson & Co; Blocks Solicitors; and Bates Wells & Braithwaite.

Having an up to date Will is also important to ensure the people and charities you care about are looked after in the future.

Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Head of Fundraising, said, “Last year we raised over £5,000 through our Wills month and we hope that more people will take the opportunity to make their Will at a reduced cost this May, whilst supporting the work of the hospice by making a donation.

wellbeing

8 foods to keep your body happy and hydrated

We all know that keeping hydrated is vital for good health; every cell, tissue and organ needs water. If you’re struggling to reach your recommended (by the NHS) six to eight glasses of water a day, combine drinking water with eating your way to boosted hydration. We’ve spoken with our experts on why it is so important to keep hydrated, and the top foods to up our body’s water levels…

How can you tell if you’re dehydrated?

“Symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, dry skin, irritability, lack of concentration and dizziness amongst others. The best way of checking your hydration levels is to look at your urine. Aim for it to be as clear as possible – dark urine is a clue that you might be dehydrated,” explains Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing

Not a fan of the taste of water? Get fruity with it!

If you find water a bit tasteless and unappealing, so struggle to drink the recommended amount, try adding fruit! “You can infuse water with cucumber, lemon, mint, strawberries or blueberries overnight for refreshing flavoured water,” Lily Soutter, nutritionist and weight loss expert at lilysoutternutrition.com.

Shona shares her top 8 hydrating foods…

Cucumber – Cucumbers are one of the top hydrating foods. They are thought to be composed of a massive 96% water. They are therefore great to eat to keep our water levels up. Try adding them to juices, or snacking on them. In the summer consider a delicious cold cucumber soup.

“We are hugely grateful to the local solicitors and financial advisor offering their time free of charge to support the hospice.

• Find out more about Wills month and booking an appointment at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ willsmonth

Grapefruit – Grapefruits are composed of 91% water. They are also often eaten to help with weight management. A word of caution though if you are on any prescription medication, as grapefruits can interfere with them so check with your healthcare provider first.

Pineapples – Treat yourself to a pineapple. Pineapples contain 87%

water. They are delicious and also help our digestive system, as they contain a digestive enzyme called Bromelain. Try making your own pineapple ice-lollies for a tasty and refreshing source of water.

Celery – Celery has water content of 94%. In addition, they are exceptionally low in calories – a mere 6 calories per stalk. They are also high in fibre and Vitamins A, C and K. Snack on these throughout

ust air

“Leaving a gift to the Hospice in your Will is a great way to ensure that we can continue to make a difference not only now, but in the future.”

You can make or amend a basic Will, joint or mirror Will or Codicil an existing Will. Appointments will need to be booked in advance.

the day and remember that they can easily be added to foods such as soups and stews.

Blueberries - Blueberries along with most berries are composed of approximately 85% water.

Blueberries are one of our superfoods, due to their high antioxidant content, so are a great fruit to snack on. Pop them into the water when you’re making ice cubes for a healthy and pretty option!

Lettuce – Lettuce is exceptionally high in water (approx. 96%).

Nutritionists tend not to recommend lettuce too often, as there is very little nutritional content. It however great to add bulk to a meal and of course add to your water intake!

Tomatoes – Tomatoes contain about 94% water. They also contain a rich concentration of lycopene.

Remember that tomatoes are one of the very few foods, which are even better for you when they’re cooked!

Add them to stews and soups and have cooked tomatoes on wholegrain toast as a great snack.

of Woodbridge Watermelon – The name is a bit of a give away! Watermelon is made up of 92% water. It is also a good source of lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant. Add a slice of watermelon to your glass of water to add flavour, and then eat the watermelon when you’re finished!

44 Market Hill, Woodbridge

Telephone: 01394 382461

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wellbeing

Keeping your smile happy and healthy Harbour Dental Care in Ipswich is proud to support National Smile Month, the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health.

National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way in helping people develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are: • Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with fluoride toothpaste.

• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

The campaign aims to improve the UK’s oral health, so the dentists at our High Street dental practice are urging residents to spread

36

the word to family, friends and neighbours - or anyone who could look after their teeth better.

Almost all of dental health problems are preventable and this is what National Smile Month is trying to draw attention to and promote through positive messages and education.

Making a positive difference

Organised by oral health charity, the British Dental Health Foundation, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of important health issues and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions.

National Smile Month is the perfect time for us to really think about the importance of good oral health and how we care for our mouth.

The campaign takes place between 15 May and 15 June, and will encourage anyone with an interest in good oral healthcare to join in and help educate, motivate and communicate positive oral health messages and improve the quality of smiles all around the UK.

We can help

Harbour Dental Care is a private practice that welcomes anyone looking to improve their dental health.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Harbour Dental Care 27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH 01473 253599

www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk

wellbeing

British tell 20 fibs a week about their ‘healthy’ habits!

The majority of Brits (61 percent) are in complete denial about their health, according to new research.

A new study into the nation’s attitudes towards their wellbeing has revealed we tell on average 20

fibs a week regarding our lifestyles – that’s 1,020 every year.

And it isn’t only our friends we try to

Insights and inspiration with Martin Wilks, C.Psychol.

Our monthly mindfulness dropping practice groups are a great sounding board for listening in to how the changing seasons affects our sense of well-being. We meet in Woodbridge on the first Wednesday of the month; and I’m currently arranging a regular slot for meeting in Ipswich, at Quay Place.

Our meeting for April started in customary fashion with us doing a round of “check-ins since last month” - a few words about how life is going, some comments about how we are managing to maintain our mindfulness practice.

We then go into a guided meditation together. And for the last part of the group we offer feedback and insights and inspirations on the group practice that we have just experienced. It’s a simple formula – it’s kept us going for the last five years or so. We have begun to joke amongst ourselves that we have moved house together, had children and grandchildren, done a degree together, changed jobs, faced serious illnesses together and reported back upon wonderful holidays and travelling adventures.

There was no shortage of challenging circumstances to be faced in the introductory round last week. But there was also a noticeable sense of hope, determination, willingness to grow and the belief in future possibilities. All qualities that we might associate with that seasonal burst of spring energy.

And it’s a reminder - feeling into the spirit of that group of people - of that neat little soundbite “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” - our sense of well-being is less about the character of the life events that meet us, and more about our capacity to continue to relate with our circumstances with mindfulness and self compassion.

As I write we are on the second week of the Ipswich eight-week spring mindfulness course, and we are anticipating the start of the Woodbridge spring course next week.

Eight-week courses start again in September at both locations. Consider if you’d like to join us? Or perhaps I may be able to assist you with life challenges better in a one-to-one fashion - either face-to-face or by Skype or telephone?

Flexible Phsychological Solutions Mindfulness & Values based: Psychotherapy, CBT, Coaching & Mediation

Individuals, Couples & Groups

Martin Wilks, C.Psychol.

Live life as it is; make it how you will Tel: 07950 802613

martin@martinwilks.com | www.martinwilks.com

deceive, it is also partners, doctors – and even ourselves, according to the research by KP Nuts.

In fact, a staggering 61 percent of the adults who took part in the study admitted they were in denial about their health – with 16 percent claiming they “always” paint a healthier picture of their lives to others.

Fifteen percent have told acquaintances that they are a nonsmoker when it wasn’t the case – and further a 13 percent routinely play down the level of alcohol they consume. A further 12 percent claim they are “gym-goer” - regardless of how often they actually frequent the gym.

However, the biggest fib to emerge from the poll was how much water we drink – with 18 percent claiming they drink more than one litre of it every day.

Other regular fibs to emerge from the research included “I never eat take-aways” (7 percent), “I don’t watch television” (14 percent) and “my children aren’t allowed sweets” (6 percent).

But regardless of age, mums are the people we are most likely to lie to about our health to - with 19 percent of adults STILL pulling the wool over their mother’s eyes about how healthy they are.

Sixteen percent tell lies to their other half about their lifestyle – and a further 16 percent admitted going to the school playground in their gym gear to give off a healthy vibe to the other mums and dads.

More worryingly – 19 percent of us routinely lie to our GP about our lifestyles with 41 percent filling medical forms in inaccurately to give off a better impression. Thirty six percent exaggerate how healthy they are on social media –and men are the worst culprits (43 percent) When asked why, 26 percent of

those polled said it was because of peer pressure – and 14 percent said it was because of celebrity influences.

Fifty one percent said they felt pressure to keep up with the Jones’s in terms of their health.

But despite the trend for healthy living – real or fake – millions of Brits believe many of their friends are also not being entirely honest about their lifestyles.

Around one in four (23 percent) said ‘everyone does it’, while 35 percent agreed because ‘no-one can be super-healthy all the time’.

Another one in five (20 percent) confessed their ‘crime’ but added: ‘I am nowhere near the worst culprit’.

20 TOP HEALTH AND FITNESS FIBS:

1. I drink more than 1 litre of water a day 2. I don’t watch much telly 3. I only drink at weekends 4. I visit the gym regularly 5. My kids aren’t allowed sweets 6. I have a normal BMI 7. I never eat takeaways 8. I don’t really like chocolate 9. I don’t like the taste of alcohol 10. I’m not a fan of fried food 11. My kids love vegetables 12. I never eat fast food 13. I lift really heavy weights 14. I only shop at organic supermarkets 15. I don’t eat any saturated fat 16. I won’t have processed food in the house 17. I have never tried a kebab 18. I don’t eat carbs at all 19. I’ve run a marathon 20. My children never eat fast food

£5 from every repair donated to charity

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wellbeing

Benefits of Live-in Care

There may be certain points in our lives where we need the support of another person to carry on living our life.

The usual assumption is that when someone’s care needs reach a certain critical point the only course of action is to move into a residential home. A much more personal and less disruptive option is now available. A live-in carer can provide all your care needs whilst enabling you to remain active and independent in your own home.

The emotional importance of staying in your own home cannot be underestimated. It is the place with which you are most familiar and is the setting of your life, filled with memories and treasured belongings. Live-in care works around you, so that you can stay independent with the lifestyle and routines that you are used to. A live-in carer from Purely Care offers a complete package, giving you continuity of care and the security of having someone there who can nip any emerging problems in the bud. By living with you the carer develops a detailed knowledge and understanding of you and your routines so they can provide the help you need just when you need it.

Taking the all-inclusive route can also be prudent financially. Purely Care offer a flat weekly fee which gives significant savings over arranging hourly care. This allows you to relax knowing there are no time constraints on fulfilling your requirements. Often a single carer can provide support for a couple, thus avoiding the choice of splitting up when one needs to go into care, or taking two places in a home.

So whether you require a few days support when coming home from hospital, holiday relief for your family carer or permanent 24 hour care, a live-in carer could be the solution for you. For more information on how Purely Care can help with your care needs please call them on 01603 407707 or visit the website at www.purelycare.co.uk

Would you like help on hand 24 hours a day?

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

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

Sneeze Free Spring One in five people suffer from seasonal rhinitis (hay fever), typical symptoms including itching nose, eyes, throat and mouth, watery sore eyes, runny or blocked nose and sneezing.

All this can cause fatigue and make life pretty miserable for suffers at this time of year, especially when others are out enjoying the wonderful warm weather. Hay fever is a sign of imbalance in the immune system, which can be addressed with constitutional Homeopathic treatment before the itchy season begins. If however you are already experiencing symptoms, run through the tips below, they might just help you cope.

• Take a Homeopathic preparation of Pollen before the season begins, available from some pharmacies or your local Homeopath.

• Try to stay indoors, keep windows closed, esp. midmorning and early evening when the pollen count is highest.

• Smear a little petroleum jelly inside of you nostrils.

• Vacuum regularly, dust surfaces and laminate flooring with a damp cloth.

• Keep pets out of bedrooms, they can carry pollen around on their fur.

• Splash your face with water regularly to remove pollen, shower and wash your hair each evening to remove any pollen that may have collect before going to bed.

• Turn your pillow over before laying on it at night.

• Talk to your GP or pharmacist, there are many medications on the market for hay fever that can ease your symptoms.

Week-long event will help dementia sufferers to reconnect with the past ‘Reliving the Moment’ is a special week-long event helping people living with dementia to reconnect with past activities, events or experiences. Perhaps recalling a day at the beach or popping to the Coop or connecting to a favourite song.

The event is being held at Quay Place which opened towards the end of last year, the result of a joint partnership between Suffolk Mind and The Churches Conservation Trust.

“Quay Place offers the perfect setting for this event, as well as being accessible and centrally located it is also a space which is warm and welcoming which will help to provide the right atmosphere for those taking part” said event organiser David Jay. People affected by dementia still need opportunities to express what they have done with their life. A range of activities and props from the past hope to stimulate memories and spur conversations promoting self-worth and confidence. Amongst those present will be Suffolk Museums with their Open The Doors cabinets, Suffolk Artlink with their Cube films created by young and old participants, Dean Parkin showing how words can be used creatively, ActivLives with their “Keep on Rocking” singing group and Boccia, Heather Edwards from Magic Mirrors and how to create your own memory resource and David Jay from Alpha Films screening films of days gone by made with Sue Ryder and Suffolk Age UK groups.

In addition the East of England Coop will display a vintage shop front, an old till and currency, recalling memories of shopping and the old ‘divi’ card.

General dementia advice, support and information will also be available.

Please come along, bring your friends and family - there really is something for everyone to look at. The event starts 10am on Monday 15th and runs until Saturday 20th May. More information can be found at www.quayplace.co.uk or contact David Jay on 01473 328283 or email info@alphafilms.co.uk.

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Call for CCTV footage to be given to insurers

With distracted driving causing a dramatic rise in “swerve to avoid” crashes, Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA) has welcomed a clarification by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) that traffic flow CCTV is not personal data.

In a stance criticised by drivers, fleet operators and insurers, Highways England has used the Data Protection Act to justify the deletion of footage after only seven days, even when it might prove liability in a serious accident. It has also cited the cost of storing the recordings.

Managing Director of CMA, Philip Swift, a former police detective, said, “The safety concerns around distracted driving are of course paramount, but law abiding road users should also be concerned about the sharp increase in swerve to avoid incidents, and the legal, financial and administrative headache which frequently ensues.

“Take the following very common scenario: a vehicle in the middle lane veers towards another car whose driver takes evasive action and ends up crashing. In incidents like these it is often the victim who is pursued, completely unfairly, for the barrier repair costs, while the negligent party is never traced. To make matters worse, the invoice for damage to Crown property will often bear a Highways England logo. This is a double whammy for the innocent driver: they’ve been involved in a frightening accident and now the public body which destroyed the video evidence is apparently after them for costs.

“Including any relevant CCTV with these claims from the start would help ensure it is the truly at-fault who pick up the bill. In light of the ICO’s advice, surely it is time for Highways England to retain and make this footage available to insurers?”

• If you need further advice on this issue, please contact CMA on 0845 3888 810 or email claims@cmaclaims.co.uk

Blind Spots must go says Steersafe Despite recent updates the Freight Operators’ Recognition Scheme (FORS) seems to have overlooked pedestrians and cyclists, says Steersafe.

First car fix for new drivers The top ten cars that are cheap to run and safely driven

Running costs, insurance group, price and condition may all be part of the selection criteria for a young driver’s first car, but data from telematics devices can now reveal which low cost cars are associated with safer driving behaviours.

Telematics solutions provider Wunelli, a LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Company, has named the Fiat® Panda, Kia Picanto and Citroen® C3 as the top three most safely driven low cost cars based on analysis of driving scores and insurance claims. With young drivers being the hardest hit by the rising cost of insurance, the new analysis will give cash-strapped new drivers and their parents an additional factor to consider when making that first car choice.

Wunelli’s analysis of driving behaviour recorded via telematics devices also shows that three of the Auto Express Top Ten List of Cheapest Cars to Run 2017 are associated with better driving behaviours and lower accident frequency – Kia Picanto, Nissan® Micra and Toyota® Aygo.

Wunelli’s shows the top ten list of more safely driven, low cost cars are: 1. Fiat Panda (best) 2. Kia Picanto 3. Citroen C3 4. Nissan Micra 5. Toyota Yaris 6. Peugeot® 107 7. Toyota Aygo 8. Suzuki® Alto 9. Ford® Ka 10. Hyundai® Getz Selim Cavanagh, Vice President, Insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK & Ireland, says, “Novice drivers are facing increasing costs to get on the road and when it comes to selecting that all important first car, it’s not just running costs that should be taken into account - any knowledge that can be gleaned on how safely that model tends to be driven should also help.

But now telematics data can take the selection process one step further and support young drivers and their parents in making a more informed decision.

With our analysis they have a ‘double whammy’ benefit of choosing a first car that’s both economical and known to be driven more safely when a telematics policy is in place.

“By making this information available we hope to encourage more motorists to choose telematics policies, not just for those crucial early years when bad habits can be formed as confidence improves, but beyond, enabling insurers to provide cover based on actual driving behaviour rather than predictions of how they might drive.

“Our analysis underlines the power of telematics in supporting increased driver safety and its potential in supporting vehicle choice for the next generation of drivers.”

FORS is missing a prime opportunity to demand zero-tolerance of driver blind-spots which are unacceptable on any work vehicle. Blind spots make compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act impossible because no vehicle with them can be safe to drive.

The old excuse that 360-degree driver visibility is impossible has been swept away by modern 360 technology which gives the driver a bird’s eye view of a wide footprint all round the vehicle on a single image. One glance reveals all, instantly. The inexperienced cyclist sneaking up on the near side of a long vehicle at the lights is now driver-visible. Young people’s lives will no longer be cut short.

Multiple mirrors, with their limited field of view, are of little help, or no help at all. Blind spots remain blind with the driver disorientated by multiple mirror images. Cameras are suggested to replace the mirrors but their image multiplicity alone would create an ergonomic nightmare and distract the driver who would ignore them.

The 360 systems are available from several suppliers already. FORS is conspicuous by its silence on this most dramatic breakthrough for vehicle safety. Why?

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Hospital parking comes under spotlight Four in 10 hospital trusts in England that charge for parking (38% / 47 trusts) offer no option to pay by credit or debit card at any of their sites, while a third (32% / 40 trusts) do not allow drivers to pay-on-exit, figures show – making the process of paying for parking by patients and visitors more difficult than it should be.

The data has come to light as a result of a Freedom of Information request from the RAC. 164 out of the 206 hospital trusts in England responded, with 125 having chargeable car parks.

Just a third of trusts (33% / 41 trusts) that have some degree of paid-for parking offer a payment by card option at all their hospital sites, while a further quarter allow it at some of their sites (25% / 31 trusts), meaning a large proportion of patients and visitors are still expected to carry loose change with them in order to pay to park.

Drivers’ payment options are also limited at many hospitals by the fact that a third (32% / 40 trusts) do not allow them to pay for parking when they leave. This means drivers are forced to guess how long their visit

to the hospital will be and pay for a fixed period of time – and then risk either paying for more parking than they need, or having to run out and buy another ticket to avoid getting a penalty notice. Pay-on-exit provision is offered at some sites by one in three hospital trusts (32% / 40 trusts), and at all sites by nearly a third (28% / 36 trusts).

Government guidelines state that users should be able to park as safely, conveniently and economically as possible but the new data gathered by the RAC suggests that the second of those – convenience – is still not a feature of enough car parks at English hospitals, making the process of paying for parking unnecessarily burdensome.

Consequently the RAC is calling for

A. C. AUTOPARTS

hospitals in England to publish plans that set out when out-dated parking meters will be upgraded in line with the wishes of drivers, to help make the experience of patients and visitors better.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said, “Anyone arriving at hospital,

be they a patient or visitor, have far more important things to worry about than paying for parking. It is for that very reason that things should be made as stress-free as possible – and that includes taking the pain out of paying to park.”

The true cost of motoring

The average British motorist will clock up a staggering 556,764 miles, fork out £168,880, have 1,935 rows - and 2,709 episodes of road rage in their lifetime, according to new research.

Researchers studied UK motorists to reveal an average lifetime of driving, with the typical driver spending nearly seventy thousand pounds on fuel over the course of their lives.

They will also wrack up a bill of forty grand on MOTs, servicing and repairs – and will splash out an incredible £9,404 on parking.

The poll by car hire company autoeurope.co.uk found on average, drivers will spend seven hours a week in their vehicles and will rack up 166 miles on average - 556,764 in a lifetime – the equivalent to 22 times around the earth The study also showed drivers will honk their car horn 2,399 times, will endure 1,470 games of eye spy, give 7,740 kisses goodbye and will visit the drive thru 2,012 times.

Nearly 7,000 cups of coffee will get consumed in the car along with 4,953 sandwiches.

A spokesman for autoeurope.co.uk said, “The burden of car ownership is hitting drivers hard and our research proves that running a car is a huge financial commitment.

“What you spend on repairs and fuel costs alone could buy you a home in most parts of the UK, not to mention tax and insurance.

According to the poll of almost 2,000 motorists, British drivers are likely to spend £436 per year on their annual car insurance in the UK and £180 per year on car hire on their annual holiday. The poll found the typical Brit has a car worth £12,919 and every family owns 1.6 vehicles as an average.

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In a typical month, most Brits will make a mess of a parking manoeuvre 3.5 times or a whopping 2,709 times from the age of 17 to 81.

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In that time, drivers will also clip the curb 1,702 times, suffer from 1,006 scratches and scrapes and be involved in 2,709 incidents of road rage.

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But it’s not all doom and gloom as we will sing along to the radio 7,817 times in our driving lifetime.

Female drivers will also apply their make-up 3,637 times when they are behind the wheel.

Car supplies like screen wash and air freshener will cost us just under £2,000 and proud car owners will wash their car 2089 times in their life.

The autoeurope.co.uk spokesman added, “It’s also amazing to consider what the average car goes through in that seven hours a week we are spending in them.

“We know how owning a car can give people a big sense of freedom so it might be the case that it’s worth every penny.” www.autoeurope.co.uk

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

Used bike of the month

Used car of the month

On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, My Car Check’s Mark Field said, “Perfect for novice or experienced riders, commuting or weekend fun, the Suzuki SV650 is sure to put a smile on your face. It has a good reputation for reliability, undercuts its main rivals on price and is relatively cheap to insure. The SV650 started life in 1999 so there are some cheap older examples around. Our choice would be the 2016 model, which benefited from a 5hp power increase and a weight loss program resulting in an 8kg reduction. Newer versions also boast a redesigned dashboard, a low RPM mode and ABS as standard. Of all the SV650 models we checked last year, a reasonably high 18.96% had been previously written-off, but less than 2% were on finance or listed as stolen.”

Vehicle Valuation Manager at My Car Check, Jon Wheeler, said, “The spacious and frugal Škoda Yeti represents great value as a used family car. A good range of engines, from 1.2 petrol to 2.0 diesel, all deliver decent fuel economy, and the 4x4 option on the 2.0 diesel transforms the Yeti into a go-anywhere off-roader.

Our pick would be the 2.0TDI 4x4 which commands a small premium over the petrol models but will get you through a muddy field and usually return over 50mpg. Of all the Yeti models we checked last year, just 1.64% had been previously written-off, 3.69% were on finance and none were listed as stolen.”

As to market trends, Wheeler said, “With thoughts turning to a new car for summer, Spring is traditionally a busy time in the motor trade. For used car buyers, part-exchanges against the latest 17-plate vehicles create a welcome influx of fresh stock. Do your homework, try a cheeky initial bid and you could grab a bargain.”

Suzuki SV650

As to market trends, Field said, “Spring has finally sprung and bike dealerships are reporting an increase in footfall. Economic uncertainty may prevent some from taking the plunge but registrations were well up last year and early indications suggest 2017 could be even better. Factors such as soaring rail prices, the new VED tax for cars and the rising cost of fuel should all help to tempt more people onto bikes and scooters. There are some great finance offers out there at the moment and, due to the introduction of the new Euro 4 legislation, there are deals to be done on pre-registered Euro 3 models.”

Škoda Yeti

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.

n Parking Wars

Parking is an emotive subject at the best of times, whether that’s how much it costs, its availability or the size of the space when you eventually find one, but ask a motorist about someone else’s parking skills and you’ve reached a whole new level of angst.

While the vast majority of motorists are satisfied with their neighbours’ parking a significant minority of 14% describe their neighbours’ parking is ‘poor’ or ‘appalling’ (4% – appalling). The top issue for the aggrieved who are often busy waging their own ‘cold wars’ is the selfish way their neighbours park, with six in 10 (62%) citing this as the reason they chose the words ‘appalling’ or ‘poor’.

The other big gripes in the RAC Insurance Home Parking Survey were: 41% being annoyed about neighbours parking in the street when they have the space to park on their own drives; nearly a third (31%) complaining they had been blocked in by neighbours parking across their drives; and more than a quarter (27%) who were unhappy about cars being left with their fronts or rears sticking out from the kerb.

6% of the upset category say they have applied the ‘taste of their own medicine’ approach by deliberately parking their car badly to annoy their neighbour. This usually involves parking right up against their neighbour’s bumper to make it difficult to get out (32%) or parking right outside their house where they normally park (29%).

RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: “Parking is a very sensitive issue, particularly when it’s outside your own home as it brings out the ‘Nimby’ in everyone.

“The answer has to be for every motorist to take a little bit of extra time to think about how their parking might affect their neighbours and fellow drivers.”

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

Search Orwell Motorcycles

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

BKP LIMOUSINES

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|

Mob 07779 240248 201631

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

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M.D.S. Roofline

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— Local Company —

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43

Reykjavik from ÂŁ439pp 3 nights in the Icelandic capital, staying at the 4-star Grand Hotel Reykjavik on a bed and breakfast basis, with direct flights from London Stansted and transfers.

Call: 01394 615620 25 The Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AA

Based on 11 November 2017 departure, other dates and airports available.

Price correct at time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.