Ipswich24 October 2017

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

This month shows tear up the Spa stage starting with Wannabe – Spice Girls Show (6th), closely followed by the more laid back sounds of Back to Bacharach (7th) and then on Friday 13th October the theatre is excited to welcome the King of Pop – Navi! The world’s leading MJ tribute who is joined by Jackson’s original lead guitarist – Jennifer Batten who was Michael’s right hand woman on three sell-out world tours!

Have you got a Heart of Gold? Then please come along for a fabulous night of entertainment - a brand new annual community-led concert raising money for the British Heart Foundation and Felixstowe’s Salvation Army. Packed full of music hits from jazz, the 50s, 60s, 70s, Pop Rock and West End Musicals. The first Heart of Gold concert will be a night of live music and songs to remember!

Completing the entertainment for October is Harry Panto & The Chamber Pot of Secrets (21st at 2.15pm) and Bugsy Malone – The Musical (27th & 28th) – full details of all shows check out the Spa’s website.

Fancy something very different? Join the Spa for Dirty Dusting (Friday 3rd November) Three cleaning ladies who start up a phone sex line!

King of Pop Navi and ‘Marc Bolan’ tearing up the Spa’s Stage

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T-Rextasy: Marc Bolan 40th Anniversary Tour comes along on the 11th November and The Good Old Musical Days are celebrated on the 23rd at 2.30pm. Finally be swept away on a magical adventure with one of the most classical ballets of all time –The Nutcracker on Friday 24th November at 7.30pm – tickets from only £19.50.

For more information on all shows check out the Spa’s website www.felixstowespa.co.uk or you can call the Box Office open daily from 11am on 01394 284962 for details of all shows coming up right through to mid 2018.

Don’t forget both restaurants are open every day from 9.30am until 5pm for breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes and much more. Come and enjoy a cosy hot chocolate or glass of wine with some of the best views in Felixstowe.

Pre-show dining is always available and our window seats book up fast!

INSIDE THIS MONTH OCTOBER B2B:

Do you run a business? If so don’t miss this month’s special with news on pensions, apprenticeships, business planning and the opportunity to win a £5k business grant.

Wellbeing:

We all know a nice relaxing soak is good for us, or is it?

Also in this month’s Wellbeing section, Backcare Week, Online Love bubble bursts and the usual features.

Events

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At Home:

CENTRE Independents:

Forget large out of town shopping, if you really want to experience shopping or tradespeople with a unique and personal touch as well as helping your local economy – speak to the Independents.

This month our lifestyle section includes the opportunity to win a great Bee pack.

Plus we ask ‘How well do you know you neighbour?’ There’s also advice on Home Security and staying safe from scams.

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Diary:

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

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Spirit of Christmas:

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We hate to mention it but the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway. So now’s the time to book that panto or Christmas show, buy your cards or start shopping.

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A bit of Winter Sun

with Abi of Deben Travel

This time of year we are often busy booking holidays in the sun to escape our winter, but without flying ‘long-haul’ what are your options.

• Malta

The Canary Islands are a pretty safe bet and with a four hour flight you can reach the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura plus do not forget about the lesser known islands of La Palma and La Gomera. Average temperatures range from 15 to 22 degrees although the Atlantic winds can make it feel a little cooler. We often suggest a hotel with an indoor pool just in case the weather does turn.

Cape Verde has proven to be a popular destination over recent years, just past the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa these islands have a good mix of • The Canary Islands accommodation from larger all inclusive resorts to more traditional boutique style accommodation. Cape Verde’s most popular island is Sal, known for it’s striking lunar-like landscape, small towns with cobbled streets, cafes and surfing on the eight kilometre beach. Boa Vista simply translates to ‘beautiful view’ and with beaches that stretch over 55 kilometres you can see why its heaven for beach lovers.

If you are happy to fly a few more hours it does open up more winter destinations. The Gambia has experienced a troubled year

CRAFT & FOOD FAIR Sunday 5 November HADLEIGH MARKET FEOFFMENT CHARITY

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Hadleigh Town Hall/ Guildhall Complex

but with the political situation now settled it is a good option as is neighbouring Senegal. Although the Foreign & Commonwealth office (FCO) is still advising against travel to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh the resort of Hurghada has been and still is fully operational. The FCO has also lifted the ban on travel to Tunisia and most major UK Operators are flying there from February.

Not too fussed on the sun… still pleasant and open year round are Malta, Cyprus, Algarve, Madeira, lots of resorts on the Spanish Mainland and many more areas across the Mediterranean.

If you are looking for winter sun, a cruise, ski or city break let us know. Deben Travel are totally independent and with access to over 200 Tour Operators we are sure to find you the perfect holiday.

To find out more about these contact Deben Travel on 01394 team@debentravel.co.uk

great experiences 615620 or email

Charity Table Top Sale The Lions Club of Ipswich will be holding another one of their fantastic Pre-Loved and Nearly New Table Top Sales on Saturday 28th October, at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave from 10.30am until 1pm.

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

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

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

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

Head to Hadleigh for Craft and Food Market REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE Please Come Along 4

This hugely popular Hadleigh Craft and Food Fair organised by Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity will take place in the Town Hall/ Guildhall Complex in Hadleigh, Suffolk on Sunday 5th November.

Starting at 10am and finishing at 4pm, there will be several stalls selling foods, drinks and various crafts throughout the Complex.

Refreshments will be available in the Dining Room. Admission is £1 for adults, under 13’s free, disabled access 50p. Please see the website for further information at www.hadleightownhall.co.uk/events or telephone 01473 823884.

Musical will have you asking for MORE!!!

Fresh from their amazing production of Spamalot last year at The Regent in Ipswich, The Company of Four are proud to present OLIVER! With Music, Lyrics and Book by Lionel Bart and Licensed by Arrangement with Oliver Productions, Ltd. and Oliver Promotions, Ltd. their latest production will be performed at Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge from Wednesday 11th until Saturday 14th October.

Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony and Olivier Awardwinning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.

The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an

undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger where he finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by

the elderly and conniving, but charismatic, Fagin.

When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, a kind and wealthy gentleman called Mr. Brownlow takes him in much to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warmhearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.

With spirited, timeless songs like ‘As Long as He Needs Me,’ ‘Food, Glorious Food,’ and ‘Where is Love,’ Oliver! is a musical classic.

The production of Oliver! will also star a live dog “Alfie” in the role of Bulls-Eye. To book please call the Box Office on 01473 295900 or book online at www.cof4.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: The New Wolsey Theatre is acting as a ticketing agency for this event. Please check the venue and event details carefully.

n Mercury Theatre gets multi-million pound redevelopment Mercury Rising, the Mercury Theatre’s £8.9m refurbishment and extension project, has received unanimous approval from Colchester Borough Council’s planning committee. The project aims to modernise and transform our much-loved theatre, safeguarding its future for the whole community.

Planned improvements include: • Transforming the foyer so it’s a bigger, lighter space which is open all day • Redeveloping the main auditorium with extra seats • Making all areas fully accessible for the first time • Creating a new café where you can work and meet friends • Building completely new rehearsal and community spaces equipped to support the best new talent • Revamping and extending our backstage facilities so we can make even better theatre The planning application received several notes of support, including those from local residents, Historic England and the Theatres Trust, who wrote, “The Trust welcomes and supports this application for the refurbishment and extension of the Mercury Theatre which will upgrade and renew the front and back of house facilities to improve the customer experience, encourage wider community use, and provide additional facilities to support productions and generate additional income.”

Having received planning approval, the Mercury is now awaiting final confirmation of its Stage 2 funding from Arts Council England, due to be announced this November. If confirmed, this will provide the project with a vital £3.5m.

Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council are backing the project to the tune of a combined £6m.

With several large trusts and foundations, sponsors, and strategic funders due to publish their funding decisions over the next few months, there is big fundraising news still to come as the Mercury is seeking to raise between £1.9m and £2.9m by 2021.

Steve Mannix, Executive Director at the Mercury Theatre, said, “Receiving planning approval from the Council is a fantastic boost for the Mercury Rising campaign. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has offered their support so far, enabling us to extend and develop the building for Colchester, and we’re confident that the new building will be a cherished space for the community. The Mercury works to be a welcoming, creative hub for all, and I’m so glad that we are one step closer to improving its facilities so that we can continue to offer top class theatre on Colchester’s doorstep.”

Building work for the project is due to commence in 2018, with the new building opening in early 2020. During much of 2019, all theatre activities will move off-site, with an exciting array of programming and a full range of participatory work continuing in a temporary home.

Those wishing to support the project can do so via the Mercury’s website – by sponsoring a bronze, silver or gold brick; adopting a seat; sponsoring equipment for the new building; becoming a Friend or Corporate Partner of the Theatre – see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/support.

He loved walking, so we all walked back from the service It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 5

n New event at Trinity Park Looking for a way to make extra money for Christmas then a new event at Trinity Park, might be just what the doctor ordered.

On Sunday 19th November, the home of the Suffolk Show, will play host to The Big Suffolk Fleamarket for the first time.

Inside and Outside stalls selling everything from Crafts to Antiques and so much more will feature at the event with sellers expected to come from far and wide.

The inside stalls will be housed in the Cattle Building with the outside stalls on grass and hardstanding and with stall prices starting and just £10 pre-paid the event is expected to very popular with sellers.

You don’t have to be a dealer to take part, everyone is welcome, Don’t miss it.

The Big Suffolk Fleamarket will be open to the public from 9am until 3pm and there will be an admission charge of £2 (accompanied under

14s free) with Free Parking. Who knows what you might find?

Bookings are now being taken.

For more information visit www. gnbfairs.com or call 01702 410171.

GNB Fairs are also the organisers of the regular monthly Antiques & Collectors Fair at the Best Western Ipswich Hotel at Copdock.

The fair, which is the largest first Sunday of the month Antiques event in the area, has around 60 tables crammed full of tempting

items with specialists in Militaria, Coins, Glass, Clocks, Bronzes, Moorcroft, Jewellery and much more. Our knowledgeable dealers also buy as well as sell. The event is well worth a visit.

The next fair, which takes place in the hotel’s Suffolk Suite, is on Sunday 1st October followed by 5th November and 3rd December. Admission is £2 and £1.50 for Seniors and Students.

Accompanied under 14s are free.

New Season New Friendships October glows and we should get out and about as much as possible to enjoy the warmth of friendship. Let’s be like squirrels, seeking out, and storing a good social network to help us get through the shorter days and dark evenings of the coming winter months.

The Oddfellows, one of the UK’s largest friendly societies, takes friendship seriously, and understands how important it is for our general wellbeing.

In Ipswich, the local branch organises many opportunities to make friends.

The ‘Big Draw’ family drop-in coffee morning is a great opportunity for all members of the family to experience the welcome that Oddfellows offers. It’s half-term so grandparents, parents, carers and children are invited to drop-in and draw something! Light refreshments are available. Entrance is free and the fun starts at 11am on Monday 23rd October at 37 High Street, Ipswich.

Every Thursday morning, there is an activity session to help Oddfellows to “ditch the slippers” and get moving with kurling and boccia. Entry is £2.50 with the fun starting at 10.15am On the first Tuesday of every month there’s ‘Company and a Cuppa’, an afternoon to join like-minded people exercising those ‘little grey cells’ with a

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selection of board games, cards, brainteaser puzzles and jigsaws to share and chat over. Refreshments are served. Come along and join in the fun 1.30pm at the Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street, Ipswich, £2 per person (Oddfellows £1) For more details of The Oddfellows’ events please contact Lynne or Wendy 01473 251867, email ipswichevents@oddfellows.co.uk or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/events.

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Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a global superstar, as he puts the Boom Boom into your heart in the all new production, Fastlove - A tribute to George Michael.

The show is packed with crowd pleasing anthems. From the Wham classics of the new pop revival to the chart-topping success of the eighties album Faith. Plus, the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties, including the irresistible Flawless.

This is a spellbinding experience you don’t want to miss. You’ll be getting up (to get down) to all your favourite songs: Careless Whisper, Freedom, Faith, Father Figure, One More Try, Outside, Jesus To A Child, Kissing A Fool, and many more.

Relive the passion, the flare, and the unique sensitivity of George Michael in this incredible concert sensation.

Fastlove - A tribute to George Michael will be at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Thursday 30th November.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com — COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got two pairs of tickets for Fast Love at the Ipswich Regent on 30th November to give away to lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize all you have to do is send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and contact number to: Fast Love 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 Tuesday 31st October 2017.

Quiz Night at Woodbridge Football Club How about a fun night where you can exercise the brain cells?

Then why not come along to a Quiz Night with Quizmaster Stephen Foster from BBC Radio Suffolk, it promises to be a very entertaining evening. It will be at Woodbridge Football Club on Friday 13th October 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Tickets are £5 pp teams of six.

Bring along your own food to share with your friends/ team members all drinks to be purchased from the bar. Tickets available from HomeStart, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath, 01473 621104 or headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org All monies raised from the event will go to the charity Home-Start in Suffolk who during this year will support over 400 families throughout Suffolk. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Charity comedy night for Mayor Being the Mayor of Ipswich is not all about fun but it will be next month at a special comedy night to raise funds for Councillor Sarah Barber’s charities.

The Charity Comedy Night is being held on Sunday 29th October at Paul’s Social Club, Salmet Close, off Belstead Road. Doors open at 7pm and the show gets under way at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 and all the proceeds go to The Ipswich Hospital Charity, Lighthouse – Women’s Aid Ipswich, and FIND (Families In Need).

The evening has been put together by Big Cheese Comedy and among the three masters of mirth will be Ben Norris, who has become a regular performer around the world and who has appeared on TV’s “Mock The Week” and “8 Out Of 10 Cats”.

As GQ magazine said, “The term circuit legend is overused but Norris is one of a handful that have been headlining for more than two decades and rarely departs a stage without leaving it torn to shreds in his wake. A master of the craft, this will be an hour of the most polished stand-up you are likely to see.”

The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barber’s said, “If you like great comedy on your doorstep you can have a great evening for just a tenner at this Big Cheese Comedy event. I want to thank the organisers and Paul Social Club for donating the use of their premises for the night and hope for a really big audience to laugh out very loud.”

Tickets can be obtained from christine.christensen@ipswich.gov.uk

Open every day – all welcome

www.facebook.com/FoxhallCCIpswich 7

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WIN Tickets for fantastic night of fireworks and family entertainment Organisers of East Anglia’s premier musical fireworks display are pleased to announce details of their 46th fireworks spectacular in Christchurch Park, Ipswich on Saturday 4th November 2017.

The big night out will star East Anglia’s premier soul and funk band ‘Soul Riot’, performing alongside Essex & Suffolk’s largest award winning modern choir ‘Funky Voices’ and outstanding professional female vocalist ‘Chelsea Francis’.

The main feature will be another sensational musical fireworks display brought to you by ‘Alchemy Fireworks’, accompanied by a chart-topping soundtrack.

There’ll be all the fun of the fair, catering stalls, a bar, roaring bonfire and more family-friendly entertainment.

Fire performance troupe, ‘Tri Fie R’ will mesmerise the audience with their aweinspiring fire dance routines and create a unique and energetic atmosphere in the park.

Tickets go on sale from 2nd October and are offered at a £1.50 discount off the gate price until 3rd November; at just £4.50 for children and £6.50 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased online from www.ipswichfireworks.com, from all East of England Coop stores within Ipswich and surrounding areas, Sainsbury’s at Warren Heath and Hadleigh Road, as well as many other convenient locations in and around Ipswich as listed on the Ipswich Fireworks website.

Gates open at 6pm with fireworks at 8pm and family fun through to 10pm.

— COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 has got five family tickets for Fireworks and Theatre the Park to give away to lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a contact telephone number to: Fireworks and Theatre the Park 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 Friday 20th October 2016.

Q What date is this year’s firework spectacular in Christchurch Park taking place?

The Garrett Players present: The Charge of the Parasols Come along to the Long Shop Museum to Leiston to catch a glimpse into the fascinating life of one woman whose struggle changed the lives of many others.

One hundred years after her death, this new play is written and performed by local residents to celebrate the achievements of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.

Mother, doctor, Mayor, trailblazer.

The play will be performed on 27th and 28th October at 7.30pm as part of the National Museums at Night initiative. It depicts Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s struggle to become a doctor within the medical hierarchy.

Her fight against prejudice, her constant rejections and the conflict not only divided society at large, but caused friction in her own family, particularly due to her involvement in the suffrage movement with Millicent Fawcett, her younger sister, eventually becoming a leader of the suffragists.

With a cast ranging from seven to 80+, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this theatrical homage to a remarkable woman and hear her story told in words and music. With the ghosts of the Garrett family looming large in this unique setting, enjoying the ambience of our Victorian factory buildings after dark is the perfect way to round off our programme of EGA events as well as the museum’s 2017 season. Be engaged. Be informed. Be inspired.

Book soon as seating is limited. Tickets cost £8 / £4 Under 12. Please check the Museum website for details of their Christmas Fair and other ‘out of season’ events - www.longshopmuseum.co.uk.

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n Autumn Break at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary All too quickly the days are shortening and brambles are appearing in the hedgerows!

After a fantastically busy summer season, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary’s resident birds are winding down their activities in preparation for the winter.

The owls and other birds of prey which have worked tirelessly since Easter to entertain and educate crowds of visitors, all take a well earned rest in their spacious, species appropriate aviaries from now until next Easter.

It is important for all the flying team birds to have the opportunity to rest and moult over the next few months, whilst the falcons and hawks are brought back into training for the winter months ahead.

All birds moult in order to replace old or damaged feathers with healthy new plumage. This process can take some time in the wild as it is in part dependent on weather conditions and availability of food sources. In captivity, of course, there is a regular supply of food and weatherproof accommodation, so the sanctuary’s birds enjoy a relatively quick moult.

Visitors can still enjoy all the birds at the sanctuary during the moult occasionally an owl might be spotted looking somewhat dishevelled but after a few weeks, new, elegant, efficient plumage will be evident as feathers are replaced! Although there are no flying displays over these months, the falconers still exercise birds on most days and visitors are welcome to watch these sessions. In addition, the falconry team offer a variety of courses over the winter months.

Individuals can sign up to join a small group of like minded enthusiasts on Understanding Owls or Appreciating Birds of Prey courses, based at the sanctuary or join a falconry party on exclusive local hunting grounds, supplemented with a pub lunch!

All courses are suitable for complete beginners or those who already have some falconry experience.

The owl sanctuary’s admission prices are reduced over the winter, reflecting the rest period for the flying team.

This means that a family of five can acquaint themselves with over 80 owls and other birds of prey, meet the meerkats, watch the red squirrels, explore the Woodland Walk with it’s bug hotel, wildlife pond, ladybird houses and • Falconer Harry leads a hunting day with hedgehog tepee, relax in the quiet Melvin the Harris Hawk sensory garden with water feature, tactile sculptural seating and “touch and smell” herb garden, let off steam on the custom built, wheelchair accessible play area and enjoy the indoor, interactive Discovery Centre and unique owlie gift shop… all for the princely sum of £17.50.

In addition, the neighbouring Stonham Barns site provides restaurant facilities, garden centre, golf course and a variety of craft and retail outlets.

Parking is free of charge with disabled bays situated immediately in front of the owl sanctuary.

For more information telephone 0345 680 7897

• Loki the Snowy Owl will moult out his old feathers over the winter months.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary FALCONRY & COUNTRYSIDE FAIR

Proceeds in aid of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary Raptor Rescue & Hospital facilities Reg. Charity 1086565

October 7th & 8th 2017 Stonham Barns, Suffolk IP14 6AT Arena events to include the famous FREE SPIRIT Horses & Falconry Spectacular plus Bird of Prey Flying Displays, Dog Display Teams, Ferret Racing Carriage Driving, Heavy Horses and more!

Admission: Adults £7.50 Seniors & Children aged 4 - 14 £6.00 Family (5) £30.00 Children under 4 go free

A great day out for all lovers of the countryside - exhibits & activities including a host of country crafts & pursuits including falconry, ferrets, fishing, gundog displays, logging demonstrations, heavy horses, archery, wildlife conservation groups, local produce, arts & craft stalls, great fun for kids and more...

For more visitor or exhibitor infomation contact us on 03456 807 897 or email info@owl-help.org.uk 9

New Halloween event set to spook Ipswich

American Car Show at Stonham Barns Come along to Stonham Barns on Sunday 1st October where you will find a fabulous display of American Cars. Due to a very successful American Car Meet in 2016 Stonham Barns are proud to be hosting a new show this year the American Car Show and hope to make it an annual event.

On the day there will be a large range of Cars, Trucks and Hot Rods on display for visitors to view. They will be parading around the showground hoping to win one of the Show & Shine Trophies.

With music throughout the day, traders and stallholders, including autojumble and plenty of food and drink. So come and support this new show for 2017.

Tickets are available on the gate £5.00 per person. Drivers / Under 5’s FREE Dog are welcome but must be kept on leads.

• For more information www.stonhambarns.co.uk

£1 FF

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telephone

01449

711111

or

go

to

VOUCHER

£1 OFF the admission price for one person only with this advert

IP24

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Prepare to be spooked as a new Halloween event comes to Ipswich in support of a local charity.

St Elizabeth Hospice, which organises the popular Midnight Walk and Bubble Rush in the town, is now preparing to bring a new trick or treat experience to its supporters.

Who’s Afraid of the Park? will take place in Chantry Park on Sunday 29th October and the day will be split in to two parts. The Spooky Stroll will take place earlier in the day and is a family friendly event suitable for young children. Who’s Afraid of the Park? After Dark will run later in the evening and is ideal for groups of adults.

Becky Jedrzejewski, events and challenges fundraiser for St Elizabeth Hospice said, “We’re really excited to add Who’s Afraid of the Park? to our events calendar in support of the hospice. There’s nothing quite like it in the area and we’ve designed a course that’s child friendly for the whole family but will take a turn after dark for the adults.

“The three kilometre course around the park will be lined with Halloween tricks and treats. You may find creepy crawlies in the pumpkin patch, discover witches mixing their potions and cackling round the cauldron and be covered in foam and gunge.

“Special thanks go to Just Jay Dance and Stage Security for donating their services to the event where all the money we raise will be used to support local people and their families.”

The Spooky Stroll will begin at 3pm and is fun for all the family. Children will come face to face with all things that go bump in the night on this wander through the park. They’ll be spooked by scarers, play in the pumpkin patch and creep around the circus clowns as they encounter a UV drip pod, a UV gunge shooter, a UV bubble pod and a UV foam cannon as they make their way around eerie course.

Fancy dress is encouraged and there will be a prize for the best dressed.

After Dark is recommended for those over 15 years of age and will begin at 7pm. The course will mirror that of the Spooky Stroll but also include the mist and murk of the moonlit lake with an array of Halloween characters ready to jump out and scare those that pass by. Fancy dress is encouraged.

Tickets for the Spooky Stroll are priced at £20 for adults and £12 for children aged three to 14. Those under the age of two can take part for free.

All tickets for After Dark are priced at £20 for adults with discounts available for groups.

• To sign up to Who’s Afraid of the Park? Visit the website at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/spookystroll

Halloween seems to become bigger and better each year as more and more people are celebrating the festival, but what is Halloween and why to we dress up as witches and monsters and go apple bobbing?

Halloween started as a pagan festival in the autumn as people believed that the spirits of the dead would appear at this time of year and that they would walk among the living. They believed that if they dressed up in costumes it would confuse the spirits and they would come to no harm.

Many people play apple bobbing at Halloween, a bucket is filled with water and apples are floated on top, players then have to try and retrieve an apple with their mouths. It is thought that apple bobbing is a reminder of the way that people who were accused of witchcraft were treated in the middle ages. If someone was thought to be a witch they were tied to a chair and ducked in a pond – if they drowned they were innocent, survived and they were a witch!

Some aspects of the modern Halloween celebrations, such as carving lanterns out of pumpkins originated long ago. Others were introduced more recently, often as a form of commercial promotion.

Masquerade- where fantasy becomes a reality

Masquerade in Earl Stonham is proud to be celebrating 10 years in business supplying high quality and unique fancy dress and costumes for parties, events, theatre and television.

Based at Church Farm in Earl Stonham, just 12 miles from Ipswich, five miles from Stowmarket and 19 miles from Bury St Edmunds, Masquerade has a wide range of costumes suitable for any occasion.

Whether you are looking for a full mascot costume, an original 1940’s uniform or a spooky costume for Halloween, Masquerade is the one stop costume shop.

With Halloween fast approaching, trick or treating and ghostly gatherings are very much the current theme. At Masquerade they can supply everything from fangs and facepaint to wigs and werewolf costumes. Traditional Vampire and witch costumes remain ever popular, however there is also a wide range of film inspired characters to choose from such as Casper the friendly ghost, the Corpse Bride and Beetlejuice.

A small selection of the costumes available can be viewed at www. masqueradeshop.co.uk, however a visit to Masquerade is where you will get the experience and full wonder of fantasy dress.

Visit Masquerade at Church Farm, Earl Stonham. IP14 5EE, or telephone them 01449 711109 for more information.

Half Term at Baylham House Farm

It is always a pleasure to visit the Baylham House Farm and just before the Farm closes at the end of the season it’s going to be even more fun.

For the Halloween themed autumn half term week they are open every day and every child will be able to have a go at the activities for no extra charge. See the Farm’s website for full details of all the spooky pursuits, including pumpkin carving and the apple bobbing challenge.

It may seem that the farm is quiet at this time of year but it is now that they prepare for the lambing season next year. There are already some groups of ewes running with rams for lambs in February, while others are still waiting to meet ‘the ram of their dreams’ to lamb over Easter.

With pigs and sheep, goats and cows, chickens and ducks – the farm is a great place to entertain, educate and enthral.

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is six miles north west of Ipswich, off the B1113 between Great Blakenham and Needham Market. The farm is open from 10am to 5pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, until the October half term when it will be open all week. With entry prices at £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £3 for children (aged 4-16) and under four’s free, it would be difficult to find a more entertaining and better value attraction in Suffolk.

For more information visit the website at www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk, check out Facebook or call 01473 830264.

01449 711109 www.masqueradeshop.co.uk FANCY DRESS & COSTUME HIRE

Masquerade - Where fantasy becomes reality…

Church Farm, Earl Stonham, Suffolk IP14 5EE

11

Halloween Half-term Get-away If you’re looking for some spooky fun this October half term then head to Waldegraves Family Holiday Park for a weeks break that is jam packed with Halloween fun for all the family.

Whether you have a tent, tourer or motorhome you will be impressed with the touring and camping facilities at Waldegraves Family Holiday Park. Pitches are highly maintained, flat and have all the space you need to enjoy the great outdoors. The park also has a number of serviced pitches that have their own water supply and electric hook-up points. There are two shower and toilet blocks situated on different areas of the park. All shower facilities are free. There’s also a laundry block with washing machines and driers, and an outside clothes drying area.

A Spooky spell will be cast upon Waldegraves this chock-tober with a frightful programme of Halloween activities to get your fangs into!

From trick or treat trails to a pumpkin carving competition Halloween will not be dull if you visit this family friendly holiday park on Mersea Island.

Take part in the spook-tacular gameshow or get creating your scary costumes for the fancy dress competition and parade.

Waldegraves have allso recently announced that the ‘Mad Science’ & ‘The Owl experience will also

be in attendance, plus some other great cabaret acts that all the family can enjoy.

Are you brave enough to tackle the spooky maze?

Or, maybe the Haunted House Party is more your cup of tea? One thing’s for sure this Halloween will be hauntingly good at Waldegraves.

Waldegraves Family Holiday Park is situated in the heart of Mersea’s unspoilt countryside overlooking the sparkling Blackwater Estuary.

The park is offering family holidays from camping to luxury caravan breaks, activities for all the family and the choice of fun packed or tranquil locations. Nearby is the town of Colchester, the oldest recorded Roman Town in the country, with Museums, a Norman Castle and even a zoo!

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At Waldegraves Family Holiday Park they also have Luxury Caravan Holiday Homes for hire.

Each sleeps six guests with one double room and two twin rooms with the option of a pullout bed in the lounge in addition. Each holiday home is fully self-catering and bed linen is included in the price.

The Halloween entertainment is included in the booking price, during the October half term week (20th - 29th October), when there will be all day every day activities. Some activities are chargeable. All entertainment and club activities are planned in good faith prior to publication but may vary subject to change.

Waldegraves Family Holiday Park, Mersea Island, Colchester, Essex CO5 8SE, Telelphone 01206 382898 or visit www.waldegraves.co.uk

Spooky Fun for Halloween Night all the family & Laser Show With autumn just around the corner, Pennikkity Pots Ceramic Cafe is gearing up for their favourite time of year ‘Halloween’. The studio will be transformed and the shelves packed with seasonal ceramics to paint.

From ghastly ghosts to petrifying pumpkins there will be plenty to choose from to decorate your home for this spooky season. Don’t panic if scary isn’t for you, there will also be a lovely collection of autumnal woodland animals plus mystical unicorns and fairies!

Following the popular summer programme of creative workshops an autumn programme has been planned. These are bookable events and with limited availability, so we suggest you reserve your place early.

£2 off

This year Stonham Barns are hosting something a little bit different. On Friday 27th October 2017 from 4pm there will be Halloween fun and games and a spectacular laser show to music, this will be a fabulous fun evening for the whole family.

Everyone is welcome to come along to watch the Laser Show and Pyrotechnics Spectacular and join in the pumpkin carving competition, fancy dress competition, free face painting, magician, fun fair and there will be plenty of food and drinks stalls to keep you going.

Tickets on the gate are adult single £7.50, family ticket £20 (2 Adults and up to 2 children under 16), child under 16yrs £5, Concessions £5. Child under 1.1m free

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

Felixstowe Museum

Saturday 28 October, 1200-1600

OCT17

Friday 6th October at 7.00pm – ‘Autumnal Timepieces’ get creative with clay. This is an adult only workshop to make your own owl clock. £25 a head includes both the workshop and a return visit to paint your clock following the initial bisque firing.

Monday 23rd October at 10.30am is ‘Manic Monday’ – a bubble painting workshop that is great fun for both adults and children at £12 per painter. Using this fun technique to create your very own trick or treat bowl which will be fired and ready for the big night!

Wednesday 25th October at 10.30am will be ‘Wicked Wednesday’ – mould and make your own ghoulish ghosts. A ‘hands on’ workshop creating with clay and paints, the only limit will be your imagination, priced at £15 per person.

All the workshops cater for all abilities with step-by-step instructions so no one gets left behind.

Ceramic painting is available seven days a week and the main studio is open even on workshop days. Don’t worry if you haven’t painted pottery before, everyone can enjoy this great activity from tiny tots to tricky teens and create something truly unique, but it’s not just for the kids. The friendly staff will guide you through the process, all you have to do is sit back and relax. Prices start from £5 plus a £3 studio fee per painter to cover your time in the studio, paints and glazing, cut out and keep the advert below for a £2 discount (sorry not be used with the Halloween Special). Items are fired on the premises and ready for collection a week later. A mobile service is also available plus the studio is a great venue for hosting special occasions and can be hired privately.

You don’t have to paint to enjoy the café and they serve a great hot chocolate, perfect as the days get a little chilly!

Spectacular

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

www.pennikkitypotsceramicscafe.co.uk

Suitable for children aged 2-12 years. All activities included in the one price.

Children £7.00.

Adults £2.00.

You must pre-book in advance for this event NO tickets available on the door.

Book online at:

www.discoverlandguard.org.uk 13

n Quiz Night Ford’s Focus Deben Flower Club will be holding another one of their, now very popular Quiz Night on Saturday 14th October in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU 7pm for 7.30pm.

with Daniel Ford

Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a Ploughman’s Supper.

n If Test cricket was an animal it would be critically endangered. Attendances on the most part have been falling dramatically over the last few decades, leading some people to questions whether this format of the game has a future. So why is this the case? And is Test cricket set to become dead as a dodo?

Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six.

If you do not have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are £8 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

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

Let’s begin with an elaborate examination (not yet a post-mortem) of the decline of this form of the game. The explanation lies in the astonishing rise of T20 cricket, this shorter form of the game, in which each side bats for 20 overs and the highest score wins, has exploded in popularity over the last few years.

Average attendances in the Indian Premier League are at just over 31,000, yet test cricket in the same country has been known to attract less than a thousand people a day. The reality is that test cricket’s loss has been T20’s gain, people prefer watching the more exciting shorter form of the game compared to the long sometimes tedious days of a Test match.

Significantly, perhaps the most important reason for the rise of T20, is the amount of money in the game. For example, South African batting superstar AB De Villiers is paid £170,000 by South Africa a year to play Test cricket, yet in the T20 based IPL he will earn £7000,000 in only six weeks!

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This incentive is simply too much and as a consequence players choose to play in domestic T20 leagues instead of representing their country. Furthermore, a direct consequence of these higher wages has been a variety of pay disputes between countries including the West Indies about increasing their wages to represent their

country. Currently, the world’s best players (unless forced to like England’s) would rather earn the big bucks than pull on their country’s shirt, meaning that spectators would rather watch T20 cricket than an international Test team lacking world stars.

However, all is not lost! With a few adaptations I believe that Test cricket can be given the much needed CPR to save it.

Firstly, the introduction of day-night tests starting in mid-afternoon and finishing under floodlights is an inspired idea. It does not take a genius to work out that normal games especially ones played on weekdays, simply won’t attract large crowds as people will have to take days off work to attend. At least with this idea fans are more likely to want to take off a couple of hours in the afternoon rather than a whole day.

Secondly, some sort of competition must be introduced, I personally think that the idea of a league system with the possibility of promotion, relegation and winning the title is the best way forward. Finally, addressing the problem of bringing back the big stars will not be easy, however, national cricket boards will simply have to accept that they need to pay them more in order to get them back in the game.

This is a crucial time for Test cricket balancing on the edge of oblivion, let’s hope it doesn’t fall!

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Halloween Craft Fair • • • •

Potential earning £32,000 plus.

Full time, part time and casual positions.

Inexperienced & young drivers welcome.

Flexible shift patterns & various start times to suit your lifestyle days, nights & weekends.

• Driver training & CPC available.

• Work directly for Turner’s one of the leading haulage providers in the UK.

The local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society is holding a Craft Fair on Saturday 21st October between 10.30am and 4pm at the Lawford Venture Centre, Manningtree to raise funds to support local people who are affected by MS, a neurological condition that affects around 100,000 people in the UK. Thirty local crafters will be selling a wide range of unusual crafts including, candles, pyrography, shabby-chic homewares, jewellery, cards and even decorated gourds. Sample a locally-made apple juice, enjoy a cup of tea and a bacon roll or a home-made cake and get inspiration for that perfect Christmas gift, while your children have their faces painted and enjoy the trick or treat stall - they may even meet a witch or two! There’s something for everyone.

Free Entry, free car park and refreshments available. For more information Telephone 01206 396868 or email: louisejoplin@btinternet.com

14

Final Fling! n The Long Shop Museum will once again mark the end of the season with a spectacular celebration of steam on Sunday 22nd October.

Final Fling is an annual steam and activity day with full size and miniature engines being demonstrated in all their working glory. It runs from 11am to 4pm and highlights how the museum’s site in Leiston’s former Garrett Engineering Works, was a hub of industrial production with the design and manufacture of a prolific and diverse array of magnificent machines.

The lovely Consuelo Allen’, the Museum’s own 1923 Garrett steamroller, will be on display after having been out and attracting much attention at Grand Henham Steam Rally, the famous Suffolk Punch, and the much loved shunting engine Sirapite will be in full steam and available for rides! Acquired by Garretts in 1926, she became a symbol of the works and a source of local pride and was renovated in recent years to become a key exhibit. A portable engine has now been fully restored by the Museum’s Men’s Shed team so come and revel in seeing her in all her working glory!

Why walk when you can take a tractor ride from nearby car parks and get a sense of the sights, sounds, smells and sensations on offer through a mobile slice of agricultural history!

Home-made refreshments be available in the pop up vintage tea-room and there will also be a bar on site with a selection of real ales.

Activities for children, a prize draw, and further attractions to be announced.

There will be a range of visiting exhibits large and small including an Aveling and Porter steam roller and the unique Robey Showman’s traction engine. Visitors can look around the Museum’s original Garrett Works buildings and exhibits. Don’t miss the Final Fling of 2017, a static and moving pageant of engineering history – and a steamy affair!

Ticket prices are £8 / £5 and annual passes will not be valid for entrance on event days. For details of this and other events at the Long Shop, go to www.longshopmuseum.co.uk.

“Did the Fort see action in the War?”

As a guide I am often asked if the Fort’s guns saw action during the Second World War and all I have been told is that there was three E-Boats picked up on the radar at the extreme range of the six inch guns who fired and bracketed the lead E-Boat which prompted them all to scuttle off PDQ. The sea defences were so strong that it would have been foolish for the Germans to have approached Felixstowe however there was a lot of air activity which meant the anti-aircraft guns and the barrage balloons were kept pretty busy.

Air raids were something the government was very worried about in the lead up to the Second World War. The Germans had bombed us in the First War and we saw the destruction of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War so every effort was going to be made to protect the civil population.

In many cases this was with the provision of Anderson Shelters which people could partially bury in their back gardens. The one we have in the Fort was donated to us and for many years lurking in one of the dark magazines until we decided to take it out and assemble it. Being a Grade one listed building we would not be allowed to bury it so we cut the rusted bottom bits off the bottom and placed it on concrete in a corner of the outer parade ground. This took quite a few man hours and many naughty words but in the end we think it looks pretty good and seems popular with the younger visitors. In reality having buried it the owners would have used the soil dug out to cover the top and even tried to grow vegetables on it but we have had to resort to simply covering it in camouflage netting.

We also have an air raid warning siren which we use on suitable occasions but due to its age we do not leave it out for the public to play with.

Laurence Hendry, Landguard Fort Trust

Historic Landguard Fort FELIXSTOWE

So much to see and enjoy

— PENINSULA CRAFT GROUP —

EXHIBITION and SALE of Original Arts and Crafts

IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL, WOLVERSTONE, SUFFOLK, IP9 1AZ

Saturday 28TH & Sunday 29TH OCT. 2017 OPEN: 10am-4pm each day

Entry £1 (accompanied children Free) + Free Parking

Light Refreshments Available

Open 10am-5pm daily

01394 675900

www.landguard.com operations@landguard.com 15

G&S Double Bill

Sorcerer and Trial by Jury double bill, performed

by Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge from Tuesday 24th October until Saturday 28th October.

There’s magic everywhere when you’re young and in love!

Witchcraft and weddings is the enchanting concoction served up in this double bill of musical comedy masterpieces of magic and marriage. In the Sorcerer, an engaged couple are so much in love, whilst in Trial by Jury an engaged couple are so much OUT of love!

It’s the 1870s, in a sleepy rural village in deepest Suffolk, Alexis Pointdextre and Aline Sangazure have become engaged. They want their happiness to be shared by everyone. The answer? Hire in a Sorcerer to brew a love potion and let the unsuspecting villagers drink it. What could go wrong?

In Trial by Jury, fast forward to courtroom drama in the 1920s. Angelina is suing Edwin for breach of promise of marriage. Everyone is on the side of the lady and against the defendant – a clear case of bride and prejudice! Can the Learned Judge solve the situation? It’s a nice dilemma we have here!

For more information and to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 858108 or visit www.ipswichgands.org.uk

Talk: Barnardo’s Foster Children in Suffolk 1890-1950 The October meeting of the Alde the stories of these children, some history and has been researching Valley Suffolk Family History of whom ended up a long way from the subject of this talk for around 5 Group will be a talk by Peter Suffolk, while others still live close to years. Whilst much of his research where they were brought up. has concerned Wickham Skeith it Davidson entitled “Ups & Downs: Barnardo’s Foster Children in Peter Davidson is Chairman of has expanded into other areas of Suffolk 1890-1950.”

Wickham Skeith History Group as Suffolk including Leiston and the well as History Recorder for the surrounding area.

It’s a little known fact that over The meeting will be held at this sixty year period thousands of village. After a career in the chemical industry he studied History at the children from Dr Barnardo’s Homes 7.30pm on Monday 16th October were boarded out with families in University of East Anglia. He has at Leiston United Church Felixstowe TravelThe advert (130x190)mm).qxp_Layout 15:37 (URC/Methodist), High Page 1 rural East Anglia. talk17 explores particular interests1 in08/09/2017 family & local 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 are welcome. Admission: members £1, visitors £3, including tea/coffee.

F ELIXSTOWE T RAVEL C OAC H & M I N I B U S H I R E

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS Lakeside or Bluewater Shopping Saturday 18th November 2017 Coach £15 per person Bury Christmas Market Saturday 25th November 2017 Coach £14 per person Birmingham International Tattoo Sunday 26th November 2017 Tickets (inc. coach) £37.50 Over 60's £35.50, Under 16's £33 Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park Sunday 3rd December 2017 Coach £20 per person

The perfect solution for airport and cruise ship transfers, race meetings, golf trips, day or weekend excursions 07889 004 507 | info@felixstowetravel.com | www.felixstowetravel.com Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/felixstowetravel

16

the independents

SPECIAL FEATURE

You don’t have to shop at the big stores to still get choice and value

Have you ever walked down the high street of your local town and thought that, because of the big National chains occupying many of the stores, you could be in any high street in any town in the country?

Well, take a closer look, because just off the main stretch, there are many great independent shops to be found.

The misconception is that shopping at independent stores means that you pay more for your goods, this doesn’t have to be the case.

however because of their mass buying power, consumers end up all buying the same goods. How many times have you turned up at a party and someone else is wearing the same outfit as you, or you have visited someone else’s home and they have the same item of furniture that you have? This just doesn’t happen when you shop at local and independent stores as they often stock one off pieces and unique items. Plus, you are often dealing with the owner of the business, who can help and advise you, and, in many cases, source the exact item you are looking for.

So next time you are planning a shopping trip don’t forget to check out some of the great little independent stores in our local area, here you will find a stress free shopping experience with excellent service, plus you will be supporting your local economy too!

• Local independent businesses offer choice and genuine great service too In fact many of these local shop owners try hard to source and stock items that can’t be found in major high street stores and often at very affordable prices, add to this the excellent customer service on offer, something that’s not always the norm at the large retailers, and you have all the ingredients for a great shopping experience.

It’s easy to jump in the car and go to a large out of town retailer,

We stock most makes of

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

Stockists of

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

Three floors packed with musical Instruments & Accessories

Hires & Tuition for a variety of instruments Buy, Sell or Part Exchange

Dedicated Rehearsal Rooms 27-29 Norwich Road, Ipswich

Tel: 01473 214 331

www.westendmusic.com 17

the independents

Keeping it local and offering great service

There’s loads of benefits to shopping locally The phrase ‘shop local’ is often banded about but what does it actually mean? Can you really make a difference if you spend your money at your local independent shop instead of the major high street stores.

Here we explore just some of the ways how shopping locally can have an impact on your local economy.

- More of the money you spend unemployment figures would look at a local business stays in the very different. And, again more jobs local economy. Recent research mean more wage earners, which in has proven that by spending your turn creates more money that can hard earned cash at your local be spent locally – a bit like ripples independent shop up to 70p in in a pond… every pound stays in that area, this - Better customer service creates a compared to 40p in every pound better shopping experience. When spent at a major retailer or chain you shop at an independent retailer store, and even less, just 5p in the chances are you are dealing directly pound spent at online retailers, with the business owner, therefore means shopping locally really can it is in their interest to give you make a difference, especially when outstanding customer service. The you think that the money you’ve business owner will also have an in spent has helped a local business depth knowledge of the service or and that business owner is likely to products on offer, and so they are shop locally too! ideally placed to offer the consumer, - By shopping locally you are you, lots of helpful advice and helping to create more jobs. We answer any questions you may have. have already mentioned the And, if you’re looking for something revenue that is generated in the unusual that they don’t stock many local economy by shopping locally will take the time to source your item and more money means more for you. You wouldn’t see a major jobs. Did you know that small supermarket stock a one off item for local businesses are the largest a customer, but that’s exactly what employers nationally?

Without an independent retailer can do… all these thriving independents - It doesn’t have to cost more. There

A family run business based in the beautiful market town of Woodbridge, we are retailers of quality Sterling Silver, precious and semi precious Jewellery. gemstone Jeweller 3 Elmhurst Walk, Woodbridge IP12 1DB

Telephone: 01394 382114 Email: Silversunjewellery@gmail.com Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm Sundays – Please phone in advance

is a misconception that shopping locally is more expensive than the major high street stores, however this really doesn’t have to be the case. The independent may not have the buying power of a big chain store but they do have far less over heads and can often match the prices found in the big sheds.

Added to this many of the items found in the larger stores are all very much the same, if you’re looking for something unique then shopping locally is ideal.

- Spending your money locally is good for the environment too. It has been found that using a local business is also much more environmentally friendly than shopping at large chains. Many smaller independent businesses source locally and use less packaging than large retailers.

This reduces their global footprint as they require less transportation costs and pollution, and leads to far less waste which only goes to fill up landfills. Added to this, local businesses are predominantly within walking distance or within easy access of public transport whereas large megastores tend to be situated on the outskirts of many towns, meaning that by shopping locally you can do your bit for the environment too.

There are many other reasons to send your money at your local independent retailer, so before you turn on your laptop to buy online or head off to that out of town retail park take a walk down your local high street, you’ll be amazed at the diverse array of services and products on offer.

Bookshop offers 1000s of titles The Book Cellar is an independent book shop that opened in a small unit at Stonham Barns in November 2016. Since then the business has grown, and moved into their now, much larger current home in June 2017.

At the Book Cellar they stock a large selection of new and second hand books, covering a wide variety of topics, so whatever your interests you’re catered for at this fabulous book shop.

The shop also contains a large fiction section too, with paperbacks starting from just £1!

At the Book Cellar they like to encourage young readers, and so most of their new children’s books are half their published price.

Is there a specific book that you have been struggling to find? At the Book Cellar they also offer a book finding service and have been successful in tracking down some unusual and out of print titles in the past.

But it’s not just books on offer, you will also find used jigsaws, DVDs and CDs, plus a great range of postcards both new and old on the shelves in this well stocked shop.

The Book Cellar also stock an exclusive ‘Love-in-it’ range of cards and notebooks in store.

With the festive season just around the corner The Book Cellar will be showcasing work by local artists and photographers in the run up to Christmas.

So if you’re the type of person that just loves a ‘good read’, maybe non fiction is more your thing or you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, then The Book Cellar is certainly the place to visit.

The Book Cellar can be found at unit 4, Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, telephone 07825 618735 for more information.

Come-Camping for camping accessories and more

Stockists of the BioLite Stove which turns fire into electricity, as well as Victorinox and Leatherman Multi Tools, space saving collapsible items, and a comprehensive range of products for camping and bushcraft.

Approved Workshop

Caravan Sales

Insurance Approved Repairs Damp Repai Repair Specialist

Fox Burrow Farm, Waldringfield Road, Brightwell, Ipswich, Suffolk

Telephone: 01394 448609

www. oakscaravansales.co.uk 18

Unit 21A, Stonham Barns Leisure and Retail Park, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6AT Opening Hours: Mon - Saturday – 10am - 5pm Sunday – 10am - 4pm

Tel 01449 711888

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

the independents

Keeping it local and offering great service

n Fox’s Chandlery has been offering independent service for over 45 years Fox’s Chandlery has been serving the local boating community for over 45 years, and it’s one of the oldest and certainly the largest, independent chandlery and marine stores of it’s kind on the east coast, if not the UK. Conveniently located just off the A14 at Fox’s Marina on the outskirts of Ipswich, with free parking right outside the door, in addition to catering for every conceivable requirement for boat owners and dinghy sailors, Fox’s Chandlery stocks a huge range of quality products from some of the biggest outdoor clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, paint and maintenance brands.

It’s hard to beat the level of personal service and product experience you get when you shop at a local independent store so give them a look, you’ll be surprised at what you might find in the ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ that is Fox’s Chandlery!

Fox's Chandlery ad - Ipswich 24.qxp_Layout 1 www.foxschandlery.com 22/08/2017 13:37 Page 2 Many of the maintenance products stocked are just as useful around the home and garden as they are on board a boat, and because they are designed for professional use to withstand a harsh, marine environment, they are often far superior to the domestic products found in a DIY store. So the next time you need some teak cleaner for the garden chairs or some filler to repair your guttering pop into Fox’s Chandlery!

And when it comes to buying gifts for that ‘hard to buy for’ friend or relation, Fox’s Chandlery has a wealth of unusual, well-priced gift ideas, gadgets and accessories that are sure to please the most difficult recipient and may even get them started on a new hobby.

Whether a customer is in store or shopping online from their website, the team at Fox’s Chandlery works hard to offer great choice, fantastic value, expert advice and an after sales service that is second to none.

Great choice, fantastic value and expert advice at the east coast’s premier, independent Chandlery and Marine Store

at Stonham Barns Fox’s Chandlery, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8NJ +44 (0) 1473 688431 | sales@foxschandlery.com

foxschandlery.com 19

Cards for Good Causes

The festive season gets under way in Ipswich when the Cards for Good Causes pop-up charity Christmas card shop opens in Ipswich Tourist Information Centre on 12th October.

Buying Christmas cards through Cards for Good Causes is the best way to get access to the widest selection of Christmas cards available, as well as a fantastic range of seasonal gifts and products, while supporting a range of national and local charities where at least 70p in every pound go to the Charites.

Staffed by a team of local volunteers, it represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI as well as a number of local charities such as Somersham Ward, Suffolk Accident Rescue and The Leprosy Mission Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers. Created especially for this season, local Christmas card design depicts Cornhill by local photographer Ken Rivers Sandra Cook, Shop Manager for Cards for Good Causes says, “The proceeds from every card or product sold make a vital contribution to the work of the charities that we partner. Come and find us in Ipswich Tourist Information Centre St Stephen’s Church and get ahead in your Christmas preparations by getting your cards early.”

In the past ten years, charities have received more than £40 million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound, out of which the charities pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. Cards for Good Causes will be open from 9am until 4.45pm, Monday to Saturday at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich.

Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”

Mercury panto favourites Dale Superville and Antony Stuart-Hicks are back and promise to be as mischievous as ever as Snow White’s best friend Muddles and her beloved nanny, Nurse Nellie!

This year for the first time there will be a dementia-friendly performance as well as an adults-only show, so now more than ever there is something for audiences of all ages.

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” When the Queen doesn’t get the answer she wants, Snow White finds herself in BIG trouble. Lost in the forest, she is rescued by the Seven Dwarfs who promise to keep her safe in their cottage. Daniel Buckroyd will direct this festive family treat!

Daniel said, “We know that thousands of people look forward to Christmas here at the Mercury – whether it’s their first visit or whether they’ve been coming for thirty years! It really is a memory to last all year.”

He continued, “This year for the first time we are including a late night adults-only performance of the show! Get your office party together, or get a babysitter in, and come and let your hair down in the company of the outrageous Nanny Nellie” • For more information, including performance times, prices and to purchase tickets, visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk or call 01206 573948

Now taking bookings for

Christmas

High-Class Butchers and Poultry

Contact us for furer details

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

Telephone: 01394 277496 Email: bookings@thewhitehorse-felixstowe.co.uk 20

E. W. REVETT & SON

High Street, Wickham Market, Suffolk IP13 0RA

Telephone: 01728 746263 www.revett.co.uk

Neil Sands’ “Christmas Memories” –

Like a Sparkly Christmas Card come to life!

Start Christmas in style this year as Neil Sands and his fabulous West End cast invite you to take a festive trip back down Memory Lane, with the new 2017 production of their dazzling Christmas show Christmas Memories which will be appearing at The Ipswich Corn Exchange on Monday 4th December at 2.30pm as part of its eight week nationwide tour.

This unforgettable afternoon of nonstop nostalgia, takes you back to the time when Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year and is filled with over 60 of everyone’s favourite Christmas songs and Carols. So after Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, you can watch Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, or take a Sleigh Ride to a Winter Wonderland to the sound of Jingle Bells, meeting Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman on the way, before dreaming of A White Christmas.

Then be transported back to a heart warming Victorian Carol Concert including Silent Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Deck The Halls, Away In A Manger Ding Dong Merrily On High and so many more including a rousing version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Wrapping everyone in the true spirit of Christmas.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without pop hits like Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You, Wizards’ I Wish it Could Be Christmas Every Day, and Shakin Steven Merry Xmas Everyone.

The festive hits just rock on and on.

Celebrate with cake!

From the traditional Christmas cakes to festive cup cakes, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets at The Little Cake Place in Dales Road in Ipswich.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, now is the time to start thinking about your Christmas cake. At The Little Cake Place they create lovely cakes that, not only look amazing, they taste really yummy too!

Maybe you’re stuck for a gift idea for a friend or relative. Why not have a special festive cake made just for them?

Owner Lucy Abbott can supply everything from the traditional Christmas cake to festive cupcakes, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Plus, if you are interested in trying your hand at your own cake then The Little Cake Place has a wide range of accessories to give your baked creation that added sparkle, from Christmas accessories, Boards, Ribbons and Cake Toppers.

Baking not your thing, however you still what to add your own personal stamp to your cake? Lucy can also supply undecorated fruit cakes for customers to purchase and decorate themselves.

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

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 Christmas Cake telephone Lucy on 01473 744717 or visit www.thelittlecakeplace.com

Joining Neil for this feast of festive music and fun is the stunning soprano Gemma Turner often described as “A beautiful English rose with the true voice of an angel”.

Alongside Gemma is Angie Diggens, whose unforgettable voice made her a former winner of televisions Stars in Their Eyes. Their renditions of classical songs like Oh Holy Night and In The Bleak Midwinter are Show stopping.

With backing from the very talented Golden Times, this really is an afternoon filled with pure Yuletide magic.

Described as “Like A Sparkly Christmas Card Come To Life” with its shimmering stage set, beautiful Christmas trees, glittering fairy lights, and even falling snow. Mixed with over 40 stunning costumes, this is the perfect pre Christmas treat, guaranteed to having you singing- along from start to finish, bringing back many happy memories of Christmases past and warming your heart on the coldest winter’s day.

Christmas Memories will be at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Monday 4th December at 2.30pm. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100. (groups buy 10 get 1 free)

21

IZE R P MP CO

WIN: a family ticket for the Festive Fairs most magical story of them all!

This month Ipswich24 have teamed up with the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe to offer you the chance to win a fabulous prize - Your wish could already have been granted! Enjoy taking your family on a magical carpet ride of a pantomime this Christmas with a family ticket to see Aladdin at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe.

Aladdin dreams of marrying Princess Jasmine who is beautiful and well connected but the wicked magician Abanazar has tricked poor Aladdin into helping him to find a magic lamp. It’s hidden in the hills inside a secret cavern and Aladdin soon finds himself trapped with only a pile of plastic jewels and a battered old lamp – will Aladdin realise to rub the tatty old lamp to get him out of trouble?

Come and meet his hilarious mother Widow Twanky and his brother Wishee Washee who both dream of great riches and happiness. Help Aladdin and his family to win the day and the Princess by joining in from your seat in true Panto tradition – oh yes you will!

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— COMPETITION — To get yourself in the draw to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see a Aladdin at the Spa Pavilion Theatre on Felixstowe’s seafront on Friday 29th December at 7pm all you have to do is send your answer to the following question to: Spa Panto 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 Tuesday 31st October 2017.

Q The wicked magician who traps Aladdin in the cavern to stop him reaching the Princess is called… (a) Alibaba; (b) Abanazar; (c) Ebenezer If you’d like to know more about this Panto or indeed any of the Spa’s shows leading up to Christmas call the Spa Pavilion Box Office on 01394 284962.

Looking for a unique Christmas present? Then order a Spa Pavilion Gift Voucher* towards any of the Theatre’s forthcoming shows and treat your friends and family to a great night out. The Spa Pavilion’s Lounge and Terrace Café/Restaurants are also now available for dinner until 5pm with pre-show dining always available.

Go to www.felixstowespa.co.uk or follow @SpaPavilion on Facebook and Twitter *NB: Spa Gift Vouchers cannot be redeemed against food or drink purchases.

Take the stress out of Christmas and start your shopping early at the annual Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre at the Ipswich Hotel (formally Cameo Hotel) on Sunday 22nd October from 10am until 4pm. Now in its sixth year, the fayre will have over 65 stalls selling handmade crafts and quality gifts.

With a massive free car park and refreshments available all day, this is the perfect place to find that perfect gift so that someone special. Why not book a table in the restaurant for Sunday lunch? £1 entry to be donated to FIND Ipswich families in need.

A Christmas Craft and Gift fair will take place at the Elizabeth Orwell Hotel, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe on Sunday 19th November from 10am until 4pm. There will be lots of different craft stalls including handmade Jewellery, decorated boxes, and bags, plus, lots of gift ideas and stocking fillers.

Visitors will also get to meet some wonderful guide dogs. The Craft Fair is in aid of Guide Dogs, and is sponsored by Jutexpo. Admission by donation.

The annual Pantomime is arguably the biggest event in any theatrical calendar, this year Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds are staging a production of Dick Whittington and they are thrilled to now be revealing the sterling cast.

Taking on the title role Dick Whittington is Jessica Spalis. Jessica has previously played panto at Theatre Royal as the lead in Aladdin and we are thrilled she is returning again this year.

The lovely dame Winona Whittington, is Chris Clarkson. Chris has been a highlight of previous pantomimes at Theatre Royal. Playing the story’s villain Sir Reginald Ratfiend will be Tom Roberts. Tom has never performed with Theatre Royal so we are very excited to be welcoming him for the first time, though he’ll have to expect a fairly bad reception playing the villain!

The magical godmother Fairy Pearl is Sarah Lawn who is very pleased to be at the Theatre Royal this Christmas. As Dick’s faithful sidekick Tommy the Cat is Corey Cross. A keen dancer who has given his energy to many a performance including X-Factor, Comic Relief and Children In Need, this cat is definitely going to have some moves! Lastly as the villain’s henchman Nibbles is Nerine Skinner. This traditional style family pantomime is an in-house production by Theatre Royal and runs between Friday 1st December and Sunday 14th January.

Tickets are on sale now plus the gala performance Sunday 10th December, which includes goody bags for the children, ice-creams, programmes, a fancy dress competition, live music and entertainment pre-show, drinks, treats and light refreshments – all included in the ticket price. There are also numerous special offers available throughout the run, contact the Box Office on 01284 769505 for more information and to book tickets.

n Inflatable 5k Santa Run for St Elizabeth Hospice

The brilliant Inflatable 5k Santa Run is returning to Trinity Park, Ipswich on Saturday 2nd December 2017!

The fun-filled 5k course is complete with ten fantastic inflatable obstacles, including two new challenges for this year called ‘Bish Bash’ and ‘The Plummet’! Participants are also encouraged to take part in full Santa costume for a small additional fee!

Once again local charity St Elizabeth Hospice is the charity partner to the event, and participants are asked to make a small donation when signing up on the official UK Running Events website.

The hospice would also love for participants to raise extra funds by getting sponsored to take on this brilliant inflatable challenge. You can register for a hospice giving page online at: giving.stelizabethhospice.org.uk with every penny helping the hospice to provide vital care and support local people and their families.

Prices are £25 per person or £15 for a child, however group discounts are available. There are six waves throughout the day from 8am until 3pm, and everyone who takes part will receive a medal at the end.

Find out more about the challenges and raising sponsorship by contacting the hospice fundraising team on 01473 723600, email fundraising@steizabethhospice.org.uk or go to the website stelizabethhospice.org.uk/events

23

SIXTIES GOLD The “More Than 50 Hits” Line-Up

Following last years’ sell-out tour, Sixties Gold returns to The Regent on Sunday 8th October with an even stronger line-up of artists that, between them, scored over 50 UK Top 30 hits.

• Gerry and the Pacemakers

This will be Gerry and The Pacemakers’ farewell tour, so don’t miss your final chance to experience this record breaking Merseybeat band. They were the second Liverpool group to chart, after The Beatles, but the first to reach No. 1 and the first act ever to top the chart with their first three singles – “How Do You Do It”, “I Like It” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Also from Liverpool, where it all started, and tipped to be as big as The Beatles, • Brian Poole & Tremeloes The Searchers’ first single,

24

“Sweets For My Sweet”, went to No. 1 and led to five more Top 5 hits and a total of 128 weeks in the charts and sales in excess of 50 million.

Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, featuring original members Brian Poole, Chip Hawkes and Dave Munden, the band that broke the Liverpool stranglehold and went on to have 21 hits that spent over 220 weeks in the UK charts.

Steve Ellis, the original lead vocalist and founder of Love Affair who had five Top 20 singles, including their No. 1 Everlasting Love.

Finally, Vanity Fare, scored with three top 20 hits in the late sixties, including their catchy Hitchin’ A Ride.

Relive the 1960s with five of the biggest chart acts of the decade. Get • The Searchers your tickets by calling The Regent’s Box Office on 01473 433100 or book online at www.ipswichregent.com

An Officer and a Gentleman coming to Ipswich Regent Brand new musical An Officer and a Gentleman is coming to Ipswich’s Regent Theatre as part of its world premiere tour.

An Officer and a Gentleman is based on the Oscarwinning film starring Richard Gere and its feelgood soundtrack includes the hit song “Up Where We Belong” along with many 80s classic anthems including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, “Material Girl”, “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “Alone”.

The musical, from Jamie Wilson and Curve, rolls into Ipswich from 27th August to 1st September 2018 for six evening shows and two matinees.

The story (in case you’ve forgotten): Zack Mayo is in training to become a US Navy pilot. When he rolls into boot camp with a bit too much of a swagger, drill Sergeant Foley doesn’t make life easy for him. When he falls for local girl Paula Pokrifki and tragedy befalls his friend and fellow candidate, Zack realises the importance of love and friendship and finds the courage to be himself and win the heart of the woman he loves. It’s only then he can truly become an Officer and a Gentleman.

This inspiring, breathtakingly romantic musical celebrates triumph over adversity. Let love lift you up where you belong!

• Tickets are on sale now (from £23 including booking fee) at www.ipswichregent.com or by telephoning to Box Office on 01473 433100.

Scottish Dance Theatre to descend on Ipswich in October This autumn, DanceEast will welcome a second flagship UK dance company to Ipswich for the first time. Following National Dance Company Wales’ performances in September, Scottish Dance Theatre will descend on the Jerwood DanceHouse on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October with an exciting double bill of dance.

With technically brilliant dancers, an impressive repertoire and previous work with some of the world’s most exciting choreographers, audiences will be spoilt with this stunning programme of work.

Scottish Dance Theatre’s contemporary roots will be heavily showcased through its double bill. The company has commissioned some of the most daring choreographers and artists from all over the world to make bold new works, namely Slovakianborn, Belgian-based choreographer Anton Lachky, and London-based Botis Seva.

n Folk comes to Bealings

An evening of music, featuring some the areas popular folk/acoustic music artists is taking place at Bealings Village Hall, near Ipswich, on Saturday 11th November.

Singer, song writer and guitarist, Holly Johnson will be playing with her collaborator, flautist and keyboard player, Sarah Wil and they will be sharing the bill with folk-rock duo, Silbury Hill, providing a varied, entertaining and eclectic mix of musical styles.

Holly and Sarah delight and charm their audience with songs of love and loss, and stories from the everyday experience. Their recordings include the acclaimed CD ‘East Anglian Girl’ and their recent E.P. ‘The Dolls House’. Silbury Hill have been carving a reputation at gigs and festivals with a lively set of original folk rock played on a variety of instruments including flute, guitar and mandolin. They have produced three CD’s, to date, with much of their original songs inspired by their East Anglian roots.

Tickets for the Bealings concert cost £6pp – which includes a welcome drink on arrival. Tickets are available from Sally on 07707 269712 or from the artists themselves. They may also be purchased via www.silburyhill. net (there is a 10% admin fee for tickets bought on line).

Dreamers, by Lachky, is a highly physical work, set to well-chosen excerpts from the classical cannon, including works by Bach, Hadyn, and Chopin.

Dreamers are people who dare to dream while not being asleep. Here Lachky creates a new idea of what reality can be, encouraging audiences to make sense of apparent nonsense, and to see the close relationship between reality and surrealism. His work points out the human tendency to fantasise, playing with exaggeration and highlighting his unique cartoonesque style.

TuTuMucky by Seva is set to an original score by beat producer Torben Lars Sylvest, and blurs the boundaries between ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. The work, at the opposite end of the musical spectrum, is inspired by an interest in social order, structured lifestyles and hierarchies, and explores how, in a world full of order, we find peace in chaos. Seva defies traditional classification to offer a distinctively new form of dance, highlighting how important it is as human beings to find peace for ourselves, regardless of what is imposed on us by society.

As part of this exciting programme, DanceEast continues to alter the UK dance touring landscape by programming adventurous dance work at the Jerwood DanceHouse. Next up is The Farm’s Cockfight on 27th October, travelling all the way from Australia’s Gold Coast, as a cross between The Office, and a cage fight.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.danceeast.co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 01473 295230.

SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE

Age suitability 12+ years

FRIDAY 20 & SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER | 7.30PM

The concert starts at 7.30pm. There will be a licensed bar and food available. Further information from 07707 269712 or 07887 918869

See this exciting national dance company on your doorstep.

Tickets from £12, £9 concessions 25

Every Monday

Carpet Bowls, Tuddenham St Martin Village Hall, 6.30pm, New members welcome - come and try to see if you like it, only £1 per session. For more details contact Ray 01473 610067 Beginners Ballroom and Latin Class, Kesgrave High School, Main Road, Kesgrave, 7pm, Tel: Sharon (AISTD) 07946 347167 Graham (AISTD) 07790 230651, All levels welcome, No partner necessary, £5 Body Moves & Dance Class, with Linda, St James Catholic Church Hall, 482 Landseer Rd, Ipswich, 7.45pm - 9.15pm, A Fun & Friendly class, try a free taster session for more info Call Linda 01394 273033 Al-Anon Family Groups support for families and friends of alcoholics, Museum Street Methodist Church Hall, 17 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich, The meeting is located in the hall behind the Museum St Methodist Church, accessed from Black Horse Lane, 02074030888, www.al-anonuk.org.uk for other groups in the Ipswich area, (not held on bank holidays.)

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

Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information please contact Adrian on 01473 464920 Ballroom and Latin Class, Goals Centre, Suffolk New College, Grimwade Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LT, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 01473 251323, 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 - 4 pm, £3 with refreshments, Details 01473 422427, www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk, and facebook Carpet Bowls, Nacton Village Hall, IP10 0EU, 7.30pm, Come and have a go. First three visits free, then £2 per evening if you like us and want to stay, A sociable and fun evening, just turn up!

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

Dance? Join Jane of Suffolk Keep Fit Association at Woodbridge Community Centre Woodbridge. 9.45am 10.45am, Contact Jane 07860 824747

Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, £2.50 per session, New members welcome. For more details contact Tony Crane 01473 410740.

Table Tennis. All standards and ages 7.30pm to 9pm, Lindsey Village Hall (next to the church), Lindsey (near Hadleigh), IP7 6PP, £2, further information 07768 828362 Art Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072 Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, Come and join this busy choir, performing on average 15 times a year, A friendly group, who enjoy singing to a high standard, If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 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, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale.

For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk

Every Wednesday

11th Ipswich Wednesday Cubs, Chesterfield Drive Scout HQ, every Wednesday, during term time, 6.30pm to 8pm, For boys and girls from seven and a half to ten and a half years, Join for fun, friends, outdoor adventure, camps and visits, Call Mary on 07821 979509 for further information, Orwell Panthers Athletic Club for athletes with disabilities, aged 10+, Northgate Sports Centre between 6.15pm - 7.30pm, See website “orwellpanthers.co.uk” for more information Transcendental Meditation Suffolk®, Free introductory talks 10.30am/7.30pm Maharishi Peace Palace, Gardenia Close, Rendlesham, IP12 2GX. To register online visit uk.tm.org/suffolk or phone 01394 421 136 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 07986261503.

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

EVENTS

guide

Every Thursday

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 Art Group, Harkstead Village Hall, Harkstead, 10am – 12pm, all welcolme, 01473 787633 Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber 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 Art Group, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10am – 12pm, £2 per session, 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

The Lion’s Club of Felixstowe Car Boot Sale, 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 27 —

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 26

*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 4 sin Pa ess ge Se cti on

Business2Business Business serving Business

£5k up for grabs for small businesses n Businesses at least one year old and turning over between £50,000 and £500,000 now have a chance to win £5,000 in a new monthly cash competition.

Small Business Grants is a free-to-enter initiative from leading business advice website SmallBusiness.co.uk, giving promising businesses the chance of a cash prize in return for filling in a single online form.

Whether you are running a cafe, operating a business from home, or perhaps managing a franchise, you will need funds to establish and grow your company.

Depending on the type of business, this requirement may vary from a few hundred pounds to multiple thousands.

However, it is often the case that business owners struggle to find the funds they need. The Small Business Grants initiative, in association with Travelers, Shelley Stock Hutter, Melt and A City Law Firm, will help small businesses in this area, offering monthly financial assistance and benefits to maximise their chance of success.

The application process is simple - all business

owners have to do is fill in a form talking about their business. They should detail key achievements, using figures and examples where possible, such as turnover growth, key contracts won, partnerships forged, or anything else that helped their company move forward.

At the end of each month, a shortlist will be compiled of the top applicants, which will be sent to a panel of judges, made up of leading entrepreneurs and

insight into just how a cash injection can benefit small businesses and help them flourish.

Whether you need the money to market your offering, invest in technology, or perhaps take on some part-time staff, Small Business Grants is an easy, free, and exciting way to further your business.

Ben Lobel, editor of SmallBusiness.co.uk says, “For years, our readers have been asking how they can get hold of grant funding, and while there are a few initiatives out there, they often require applicants to jump through hoops to get the money they need to invest in growth.

industry authorities. The winner for that month will be announced in the middle of the following month.

“Small Business Grants offers monthly cash to leading small businesses of any sector, no strings attached. All you have to do is fill in a single application form to give yourself a chance of winning. It really is as simple as that.’

In addition to receiving cash, grant winners will benefit from editorial coverage exploring how they used the money; articles that offer an interesting

Applications for the Small Business Grants initiative can be made here. Only one application per business per quarter is permitted. Good luck!

MENTA helps Ipswich businesses with data protection changes

S

taying up to date with business legal changes can be a real headache. Especially now, with the biggest change in data protection in 20 years taking place on the 25th of May 2018. It should be marked in business owners’ diaries as the date when the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) becomes law.

With the diverse range of companies, sole traders and home-based businesses in Ipswich, MENTA has organised a free event where you can find out how GDPR will affect you, your business and what you must do to prepare.

This event is being sponsored by the BSI Group and MENTA are hosting it at Copdock Hall on Tuesday the 7th of November, starting at 9am. Invited speakers will explain what the challenges are for businesses and offer solutions and ideas on how to meet the new requirements.

Alex Till, CEO of MENTA, said, “We understand we need to help businesses of all shapes and sizes prepare for this change and have arranged for a training session to be held in Ipswich, as a follow on from the event at Copdock Hall. This will ensure businesses can get to grips with the finer details in a small group environment. The masterclass will be facilitated by Robert Masson, of The DPO Centre, who is an expert in GDPR and will provide you with practical steps to ensure compliance prior to the May 2018 deadline.”

To reserve tickets for the GDPR conference at Copdock Hall or masterclass in Ipswich go to www.menta.org.uk or call MENTA on 01284 760206.

WELL DONE BUSINESS

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Business2Business Business serving Business

Have you got the UK’s happiest workers?

The search is on to find Britain’s happiest workers and workplaces for the National Happiness Awards 2017. And this year, in addition to honouring the country’s happiest organisations and employees, the popular awards are expanding to look for the most upbeat teams and future leaders.

The National Happiness Awards were the first of their kind and were launched to honour the people and places in the UK making a difference through happiness. Nominations are now open in the categories of Happiest Workplace, Happiest Employee, Happiest Team and Happiest Future Leader.

The awards were launched last year by international learning and development company Laughology will be held at the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD).

Workplace happiness is a serious business, and happiness as a commercial concept has gained much traction in recent years. Laughology has been a pioneer in the field and is a market leader in delivering innovative training solutions across the private and public sector.

David Brents need not apply. The National Happiness Awards aim to recognise the serious business of happiness, rather than workplace jokers.

Judges will be looking for examples of positive programmes and actions which promote engagement and support.

Laughology founder and CEO, Stephanie Davies said, “No one can be happy all the time and at Laughology we help organisations creating environments

for realistic happiness. This means giving people the skills needed to face challenges positively, t be resilient and to solve problems. The National Happiness Awards are designed to honour the people and places which are making real differences through positive actions and happiness.

We know that happier people are healthier and more productive and increasingly businesses are understanding this, which can only be a good thing.”

Francesca Scott of The Outward Bound Trust, Cumbria, which won the award for Happiest Workplace last year, said, “We worked hard to make The Outward Bound Trust somewhere vibrant where people want to come and work and couldn’t believe it when we were announced as the winner. The media interest since the awards has been good.

Staff within the organisation have been thrilled. It is something that will help us, particularly in terms of recruitment and encouraging people to come and work for us.”

The awards are sponsored by Simply Better Events. Nominations for all categories are invited via the Laughology website at www.laughology.co.uk/ happiness-awards/national-happiness-awards-2017, where full details are available.

The award ceremony will be held on November 17th at CIPD Wimbledon, London SW19.

Entries close on October 20th.

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Business2Business Business serving Business

The Apprenticeship Levy: most fundamental change in education system in years

T

he introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy is likely to boost social mobility by enabling employers to recruit emerging talent from a wider range of backgrounds.

That is according to the latest research from talent acquisition and management consultancy, Alexander Mann Solutions: The Apprenticeship Levy – How to turn a major social change (or an unwanted tax) into a robust talent strategy.

The white paper, which is based on in-depth interviews with organisations including Barclays, BT, CapGemini, GE, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover and Santander amongst others, finds that the introduction of the Levy is allowing employers to pipeline talent from previously marginalised groups in what one contributor has labelled as, ‘the most fundamental change in our education system in years’.

encouraged employers to review existing talent strategies and consider different audiences and wider talent pools. Degree level apprenticeships allow individuals to train for four years with a good salary, making this level of qualification accessible to a larger proportion of people.

“One major consequence of the Levy is likely to be a re-definition of the term ‘apprentice’. As this white paper demonstrates, a new breed of apprentice could soon overtake those who have the means to spend three years on a university campus after school. Particularly when you consider that, at the point of graduation, employees who come down the apprenticeship route are often more ‘work ready’ and ‘business savvy’ than their conventional universitytrained counterparts.”

Separate research from Alexander Mann Solutions supports this view, with 71% of employers foreseeing that the Levy will ultimately create a new route into the workplace to supplement or rival graduate intake.

Tim Campbell, Head of Client Services, Emerging Talent, Alexander Mann Solutions, comments, “The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy has

Ipswich business network names Charity of the Year

Business Succession Planning

An Ipswich business group has pledged its support to a local charity for the coming year.

The Business Woman’s Network (The BWN), which holds monthly networking meetings at Hintlesham Hall on the first Wednesday of every month, named Fresh Start – new beginnings its Charity of the Year.

Fresh Start offers a therapeutic service for children and young people up to the age of 21 who have reported being sexually abused.

The BWN Ipswich co-ordinator, Lucy Smith, said, “We are thrilled to be supporting such a worthwhile local charity. Fresh Start makes a huge difference to children’s lives, helping children to rebuild their future. Helping the children to try and make sense of the confusion and feelings. It supports family members too. However, the charity has a waiting list and we want to help those children. We at The BWN want to contribute and support so the charity can continue to help children and their families in these awful situations.”

The BWN Ipswich meet at Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich, for more information or to book a place visit www.thebusinesswomansnetwork.co.uk iii

Business2Business Business serving Business

Entrepreneurs who write a business plan more likely to succeed

n STAGING DATE – UPDATE

Aviva has revealed that the proportion of UK businesses setting up their workplace pension after their staging date has reached a record high.

During the second quarter of 2017 (April, May & June) almost 1 in 5 (18%) employers applied to set up their workplace pension with Aviva after their staging date (the date given to them by The Pension Regulator) had passed. Those businesses put themselves at risk of a fine for not complying with auto-enrolment regulations and limit their options when choosing a workplace pension as not all providers will accept ‘late stagers’.

Entrepreneurs who write formal start-up business plans are 16% more likely to be successful, new research from University of Edinburgh Business School and RWTH Aachen University reveals.

Edinburgh’s Professor Francis Greene and Aachen’s Christian Hopp studied the characteristics of over 1,000 entrepreneurs and their start-ups over a six year period.

The findings suggest that it pays to plan, and that planning is more beneficial when the challenges are greatest. High-growth oriented entrepreneurs are 7% more likely to plan, and those with innovative, disruptive ideas are 4% more inclined to plan then their peers.

Entrepreneurs seeking external finance are also 19% more likely to commit their vision to paper.

“Writing a plan can make all the difference when it comes to making a start-up profitable,” says Greene.

“In some entrepreneurship circles, it is fashionable to act, improvise, and pivot than to waste time on a plan that won’t survive first contact with the customer, but a plan helps detail the opportunity to be seized, what success looks like, and what resources are needed.

“Plans are vital for fundraising because it builds legitimacy and confidence among potential investors. It reassures staff, suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholders. If an entrepreneur wants to raise money and grow quickly, they’ll want to write a plan.”

These findings were recently published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal.

The rise of the ‘late-stager’

Aviva’s data shows a clear rise in the proportion of companies missing their staging date. Just over a year ago in Q1 2016, only 1% of employers wanting to set up a pension with Aviva had passed their staging date. Fast-forward to now and that figure has increased 18-fold.

At the same time, the proportion of companies sorting out their auto-enrolment obligations more than two months in advance has seen a steady decline, from a high of 40% of applicants 12 months ago to just 19% in Q2 2017. This is in some part to be expected as we approach the end of companies having to establish their pension scheme in accordance with a staging date. More recently formed, and therefore on average smaller employers, are now going through AE.

The end of the ‘late-stager’

From October this year the rules around setting up a workplace pension are changing.

At the moment, existing companies are given a staging date by which time they must have a workplace pension scheme in place.

However, as announced by The Pension Regulator, any new company starting up from the autumn will have to set up its workplace pension as soon as it takes on an employee.

Andy Beswick, Managing Director of Business Solutions at Aviva, said,

“Auto-enrolment has been running for five years and been a great success so far in getting more people saving for their retirement. But our data shows that as we move towards smaller businesses needing to set up auto enrolment pensions, more employers are struggling to prioritise their workplace pension.

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“These companies don’t tend to be blessed with big HR departments or benefits consultants and therefore have to do it themselves, alongside the accounting, the payroll, the admin and actually growing their business and making it successful.

“If there are employers who have been putting it off, now is the time to take action.

The industry has done a pretty good job of making the process as simple as possible and by going online employers can now find all the information they need and set up their pension scheme.

“Don’t put yourself at risk of a fine. Embrace the workplace pension as a tool that can actually improve your business and act as an important incentive for your employees.”

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— continued from page 26 —

Every Sunday

6pm, For more information go to www.stonhambarns. co.uk or call 01449 711111

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

Sat 7th Oct

Fri 29th Sep

Sun 8th Oct

Ride For Life, EACH Treehouse, St Augustine’s Gardens, Ipswich, Ride for Life is an exciting new cycling challenge giving you the opportunity to cycle across East Anglia. Whether you’re a regular cyclist or new to the sport, looking to participate as part of a group or solo - this is the perfect challenge for you! Visit the website for more information and of course, to sign up! www.each.org.uk/support-us/events-diary/details/ridefor-life-2017 or telephone 01473 276193

Sat 30th Sep

Vinyl and CD Fair, Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Felixstowe, 9am – 5pm, From Blues, Classic Rock, Jazz and Hip Hop, to Soul and Disco, whether you are shopping for discounted CDs, cut priced DVDs or rare vinyl, you can save a small fortune, making it the perfect event for any bargain hunter. Admission free. There will be a collection bucket in the hall and any donations will be gratefully received by Crohn’s and Colitis UK, 07974 157788

Sun 1st Oct

American Car Show, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT, Gates open from 10am, For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111 Suffolk Blue Cross Fun Dog Walk, Starts on the seafront near Manning’s Amusements at 10am, walk to bottom of Maybush Lane and back again - 1.5 miles each way, so 3 miles in total. Check points along the way to offer assistance. Entry by donation on the day, 0300 777 1480, www.bluecross.org.uk Antiques & Collectors Fair, The Ipswich Hotel, Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, 9am – 3.30pm, Admission £2, Seniors & Students £1.50, 01702 410171

Tue 3rd Oct

Menta Trade Fair, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 11am – 7pm, the event, now in its 9th year, will welcome more than 100 businesses, entry is free, for more information and to reserve your tickets visit www.menta.org.uk

Fri 6th Oct

The New Orleans Delights Jazz Band, Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, 2.15pm – 4.30pm, £5, to book phone 01473 720524 Monthly Meeting of The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, The Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath, IP12 4PB, 7.30pm, talk - Les Hambling (ex Royal Navy submariner for 25 years) takes us on a journey to the Arctic through the eyes of a Submariner ending up in Nuclear Submarines, £3 for members, £4 for non-members, Pay on arrival on the night, You can join the Society on the night, Look on the Society web-site www.mhas.org.uk

Sat 7th Oct – Sun 8th Oct

The 95th Rifles, Landguard Fort, Felixstowe, 10am – 4pm, Come and join the 95th Rifles military reenactment group. A weekend of soldiering, musketry and drill, Normal admission charges for the Fort apply.

01394 675900. www.landguard.com East Anglian Falconry & Countryside Fair, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT, Gates open from 10am-

Silbury Hill, The Angel, Debenham, 8.30pm, entry free

Apple Day, Foxburrow Farm, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA, 12pm – 4pm, Apple identification, tasting and juicing, Apple games and crafty makes, Storytelling, Donkey rides and facepainting (additional charge) Guided orchard walks, Live music, Gifts for sale, Sausage wagon, homemade soup and cakes, £3 Adult, £2 Child, No need to book. Sorry no dogs, Telephone 01394 380113, www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/ Model Railway Exhibition, Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Sea front , Felixstowe, 11am – 5pm, Annual exhibition featuring the hand-built steam engines of the Gauge One Model Railway Association, See their huge layout in the hall, Numerous other exhibits.,Organised

by The Lions Club of Felixstowe, All profits to Lions charities, Adults £4, Children (under 15 years) £1, 01394 273514, www.felixstowelions.org.uk

Thu 12th Oct

Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting, Rushmere St Andrew Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere, Ipswich, IP5 1DH, 7.30pm ‘Extremadura & Corfu’, an illustrated talk by Chris Courtney former Ipswich Group Leader, Admission: Local Group members £2.20 (concessions apply), Non-Members £4.00, Juniors £1.00.

Sat 14th Oct

Old Felixstowe Community Market , Old Felixstowe Community Centre, 10am – 12pm, Drop in to this Community Market for bargains and refreshments.

Organised by the Old Felixstowe Community Association, Admission free, 01394 272466, www.oldfelixstoweca.org.uk 1st Kirton Scout Group Autumn Jumble Sale, Kirton Church Hall, Near Felixstowe, 2pm – 4pm, Plenty of bargains, plus refreshments (tea, coffee and soft drinks), Help raise money to build a new Scout Hut, All welcome, Admission 30p, www.1stkirton.suffolkscouts.org.uk

Mon 16th Oct

Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Bourne Vale Social Club, Halifax Road, Ipswich, IP2 8RE, 7.30pm, speaker – Gerald brown, Topic – French Railways, the Current Scene, £2.00 per head, Further information call 01473 405116

Tue 17th Oct

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, Contact 01473 714839, All welcome, East Suffolk National Trust Association Meeting, Rope Hall Kesgrave, IP5 1JF, 7.15pm, Talk by John Field on the history of The Ipswich Wet Dock. Free parking, NT and non NT members welcome. £3 pp. Website www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

Fri 20th Oct

Silbury Hill, The Alma, Harwich, 8.30pm, entry free The Orwell Singers Charity Concert, Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Admission £6, Including refreshments, In aid of Families in Need

EVENTS

guide

Sat 21st Oct

Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting at EWT Wrabness & River Stour for waders, wildfowl and winter birds, Meet at 10am at car park Wheatsheaf Lane, Map ref TM167315. 2-3 hours, 2-3 miles, Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

The 24th Ipswich Scouts Monthly Jumble Sale, Scout Headquarters 330a Bramford Road Ipswich IP1 5AX, 1pm – 3pm

Sun 22nd Oct Craft Fair, Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market, 10am - 4pm, Lots of stalls, free entry, free parking, refreshments available.

This is a fundraising event organised by Needham Market Community Council.

Wed 25th Oct The Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society Meeting, Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH, The Seddon Atkinson Story, illustrated by Richard Grey, Visitors welcome admission £3.50 via rear door includes refreshments, Details Martyn 01473 422145/ Peter 01394 420490

Fri 27th Oct Halloween Night & Laser Show Spectacular, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT, From 4pm, For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111 EACH: Felixstowe Glow Walk, starts/finishes at the Felixstowe Leisure Centre, 6pm – 8pm, A magical and mystical walk along Felixstowe promenade for children of all ages, 2 miles in length, Children (aged 3-14 years) £7, includes head boppers, a medal and refreshments. Adults (aged 15+) £2.00, Children under three free, Fancy dress encouraged, There will be a prize for the best home-made costume, In aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), 01473 276196, www.each.org.uk/support-us/eventsdiary/details/ felixstowe-glow-walk-2017

Sat 28th Oct Pre-Loved & Nearly New Table Top Sale, Ropes Hall, Kesgrave Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, 10.30am – 1pm, Refreshments Available, Free Parking, Free Admission, Tables £5 - to be booked in advance by contacting Maggie 01473 259899 Vinyl and CD Fair, Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Felixstowe, 9am – 5pm, If you are a dedicated collector of a band or artist, or simply want to pick up some great music at affordable prices, you can find just about any type of music to browse and buy. From Blues, Classic Rock, Jazz and Hip Hop, to Soul and Disco, whether you are shopping for discounted CDs, cut priced DVDs or rare vinyl, you can save a small fortune, making it the perfect event for any bargain hunter, Admission free, There will be a collection bucket in the hall and any donations will be gratefully received by Crohn’s and Colitis UK. 07974 157788.

Sun 5th Nov Hadleigh Food & Craft Fair, The Town Hall/Guildhall Complex, Hadleigh, 10am to 4pm, Entry Adults £1, U13s free, disabled access 50p

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

Help rescue a homeless animal Before you rush out and buy your new puppy spare a thought for the many animals currently staying in rehoming centres.

Many of the dogs handed over to be rescue centres are for reasons through no fault of their own such as illness or a change of circumstances.

Aside from the rewarding element of giving dogs a second chance at happiness, when adopters choose to rehome a dog from Dogs Trust the adoption cost (which is £120) includes microchipping fees, vaccinations, neutering as well as having advice for life from their team of training and behaviour advisors.

Dogs are also given a month’s worth of flea treatment, pet insurance for a month, food for a week, as well as a complimentary collar and lead.

the best one, but they recognise that people sometimes want to buy a puppy from a breeder and so they have put together some very important information to consider when obtaining a new puppy.

behavioural problems, please report this to the Pet Advertising Advisory Group.

a good opportunity for you as well, since you can see the conditions your pup is being raised in.

Kennel Club registration is no guarantee that the breeder is responsible. If you are looking for a pedigree puppy, have a look on the Kennel Club website for Kennel Club Assured Breeders of the breed

Remember: - Never buy from a pet shop

Older dogs often find themselves looking for a new home in their twilight years and are sometimes overlooked. This is a great shame as dogs make lovely companions at any age!

You can teach an old dog new tricks! Older dogs still enjoy mental stimulation and training as long as it is not too physically strenuous.

They tend to have better manners, come housetrained and are not as destructive as a puppy. An older dog is often calmer and more relaxing to be around too.

Christmas Fair

& Autumn Homing Day

SAT. 4TH NOV 12-3pm Come along and meet the cats in our care who are eagerly awaiting their forever homes.

Do please come along and support us. www.ipswich.cats.org.uk

Buying a puppy from a breeder can be hit and miss if you don’t know what to look for or which questions to ask. You could end up with a sick or dying puppy that - even if he survived - might be plagued with lifelong health and behavioural problems. If you have bought a puppy from a classified ad or website that has proved to be poorly or have

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28

- Do not buy a puppy if you have any doubts about the breeder or situation – even if you want to rescue it.

But before you put your deposit on a puppy, be sure to consider an older, rescue dog.

The Dogs Trust understand that there are lots of ways to get a dog.

However, they think re-homing is

at St Augustines Church Hall, Bucklesham Rd, Ipswich

- Avoid anywhere advertising more than three different breeds

Established for over 40 years

you’re interested in. A good breeder will probably have a waiting list for puppies; a happy, healthy dog is worth the wait.

Good breeders will not let a puppy go until he is at least eight weeks old. Some prefer to wait until 12 weeks. They should want to meet and interview you before the puppies are born or a few weeks later. This is

When re-homing an older dog what you see is what you get.

Their personality has already been shaped, so there should be no surprises in the future.

• For more information about the Dogs Trust, some of the animals in their care looking for homes and to find out more information about buying a puppy visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

#October #Yellow #Smiles Brrr, getting a bit chilly out there now as we embrace the coming of October, the official start of Autumn. Astrologically, Libra and Scorpio share this month and of course we all get an extra hour as we put the clocks back on Sunday 29th. The rather lovely calendula (pictured) is the flower of October and very bright and perky it is too!

Yellow flowers make you smile right? They do with me anyway.

So what could be better news than that 5th October is World Smile Day! The idea of World Smile Day was coined and initiated by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist

from Masssachusetts, the man who created the famous Smiley Face in 1963!

That image went on to become the most recognisable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

As the years passed, Harvey

46% of Brits say they are “fine” with having this “disgusting” object in their kitchen…

Domestic appliance repair company Go-Assist.co.uk has asked 2,000 british men and women where their washing machine is kept.

The question comes after property presenter Kirstie Allsopp caused a heated debate on twitter when responding to a post from an American journalist confused with the location of this appliance in some British homes.

Allsopp’s tweet stated “It is disgusting, my life’s work is in part dedicated to getting washing machines out of the kitchen.”

Go Assist’s research found that 46% of British people disagree with the 45 year old TV personality, admitting they keep their washing machine in the kitchen and are absolutely fine with it being there.

A retweet by the presenter explained that it was mainly due to hygiene reasons that she holds this strong belief. “Never understood how food prep area = dirty socks. Never kitchen. Never.”

In contrast, only 12% of respondents stated their washing machine was in their kitchen but they were unhappy about this and wish it could be somewhere else, if space was permitting.

When asked where washing machines should be kept if a homeowner has no utility room, Allsopp replied, “Bathroom, hall cupboard, airing cupboard” A fifth of survey respondents said this is where their appliance is kept.

Three per cent of respondents said they keep their washing machine in their bedroom.

Kirsty later joked, “Can I safely move away from Twitter for the evening without everyone having a white goods wig out?”

however became concerned about the over-commercialisation of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace.

Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day. He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world.

The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.

Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we. He declared that the first Friday in October each year would henceforth be World Smile Day. Ever since that first World Smile Day in 1999, it has continued every year in Harvey’s home town and around the world.

After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his name and memory, with the slogan “improving this world, one smile at a time.” The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day each year.

So let’s do an act of kindness this month and help one person to smile – not forgetting to smile ourselves of course! Maybe you will make your cleaner smile as you thank her for doing a good job of your housework. Or, one of your children or grandchildren when you praise them for something well done. A neighbour for taking in your package when you were out. The check-out chap, the bin man, the bus driver or indeed a random stranger.

That’s my plan this month, I love to make people I don’t know smile so this month I have a perfectly good legitimate reason to do just that, I will have a great month smiling and making others smile and hope you do too. Even if you just put more smiley faces in your text messages, do join in!

If we can make you smile by taking the hard work out of your housework, you know where we are, call us free on 0800 878 6388.

And, if you would like to see if you can become one of our valued cleaners, call us on 0843 289 6858.

We will be smiling when you do!

Would you like a Maid to Clean your home?

29

How one auntie has captured the attention of the baking industry across the globe We are currently living within an economy where consumers are looking for more unusual experiences when giving a gift, and are getting more ‘savvy’ about where their food comes from. This is where mumsbakecakes comes in.

During the height of GBBO a personal battle was being undertaken which ultimately resulted in a ‘light bulb’ moment for one cake loving Auntie who created www.mumsbakecakes.co.uk now an international phenomena taking the baking industry by storm! www.mumsbakecakes.co.uk links people looking for cakes with bakers who deliver ‘by hand’ in their local areas.

Orders are being generated from ex-pats and the military in Asia, Australasia and Europe where cakes and cupcakes are being hand delivered back in the UK with beautiful messages of Love.

The distribution of wealth is apparent across the globe whilst also ensuring that local UK bakers are receiving orders, delivering very locally to them and making unsuspecting recipients smile all day long with one-off bespoke gifts of cakes and cupcakes. Mums Bake Cakes, just like our mum’s used to make has been developed from a need to send a niece a gift for her final birthday aged 43. With a bucket list which included cakes from top restaurants, the final gift could only be cake! Unable to source a baker local to her niece Paula enlisted the help of a baker and endured a 600 mile round trip to deliver the cake to her niece. ‘This would have been simple for flowers- but wasn’t, until now, available for cakes!’ Paula’s niece ultimately lost her battle with Cancer- but had given Paula her full support to go on and create an ‘Air BnB’ for cakes!

What better time, with the British Bake Off come back on our screens, to start using creative skills to capture the mood of the nation and to contribute to family incomes across the UK.

n The books we leave behind

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Dan Brown, E L James, Les Dennis, Robert Ludlum, Paula Hawkins, Nigel Farage, Donald Trump, Wayne Rooney, JK Rowling and Jo Jo Moyes are this year’s permanent guests on B&B bookshelves We’ve all taken books on holiday and left them behind for others to read, either to share the joy or because we’re sure that we’ll never read the book again.

Now a poll of 6,600 B&B owners by eviivo, the online booking specialists, reveals the well-thumbed books most likely to be left behind by guests over the last year. The list includes romantic and literary fiction, horror, thrillers, autobiographies and children’s books.

The most prominent fiction books were Paula Hawkins’ ‘The Girl on the Train’, Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ and EL James’ ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. One owner said that he had tried to take left-behind copies of the Da Vinci Code and Fifty Shades of Grey to a local charity bookshop several months ago but that the shop had a “No Shades and no Code, thanks” sign in the window, reminiscent of the ‘No Stairway’ sign in the guitar shop window in Wayne’s World.

Autobiographies left behind suggest that holidaymakers chose the company of Les Dennis, Wayne Rooney, Nigel Farage, Donald Trump, Paul O’Grady and Michael McIntyre.

Feedback from owners also gives an insight into the specialist subjects of some guests. Instruction manuals and guide books included the Kama Sutra, ‘Zonas Erroneas’, Saucy Places in Blackpool and a maintenance manual for a 1998 Skoda Octavia. Other rarities included a French version of Sleeping Beauty, a folder of back-issues of the TV Times and a copy of ‘Knitting with Dog Hair’.

“It’s an interesting insight into the escapist fantasies of Bed and Breakfast guests,” said Tom Messett from eviivo. “It’s good to see romantic fiction doing so well and the odd thriller. The more obscure and specialist books are a bit of a surprise, but I guess a stay in one of Britain’s great B&Bs is all about getting away from it all and letting your hair down, even if that means wading through the maintenance regime for an old Skoda.”

The most common classics left behind were by Rudyard Kipling, Jane Austen and Mary Shelley. Agatha Christie novels were also a common accidental bequest.

Children’s leave behinds were rare, but JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books took pole position. David Walliams’ books also featured highly.

Tom Messett added, “One owner remarked that she’d only ever seen romantic novels left behind, which she said felt as good as a good review, because it suggested that guests were in a great mood during their stay.

n Flower Club Meeting

The October meeting of the Deben Flower Club will be held on Tuesday 10th October at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall. When Wendy Munnion from Maldon Essex will be demonstrating “Tempus Fugit”. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration and Wendy’s arrangements will be raffled. Visitors are always welcome £4. Please email wa@sandlings.co.uk If you would like directions or further information.

n Six million people don’t know their neighbours by name The average UK adult knows just four of their neighbouring households by name, a study from Aviva recently revealed. One in eight people surveyed say they know none of the names of their closest neighbours, equating to more than six million UK adults in this position.

The proportion of people who don’t know their neighbours doubles amongst those aged 16-24, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they know none of them by name.

Similarly, less than a quarter of UK residents (24%) say they would call any of their neighbours ‘close friends’, although this does increase slightly with age, to 29% amongst over 55s. People from the West Midlands are mostly likely to call their neighbours close friends, while those in Wales are least likely.

Trust is strong within UK communities however, in spite of this apparent lack of intimacy, the study found that trust is strong amongst UK communities.

Nearly three quarters (73%) would trust a neighbour to look after a delivery for them, 38% would trust a neighbour with a spare set of keys and 36% would be happy for a neighbour to look after their home while on holiday.

Amongst pet owners, 40% would trust a neighbour to care for their animals, and 31% of parents questioned would be happy for neighbours to look after their children.

Fresh local food on the menu at Minsmere

Visitors to the café at RSPB Minsmere can be sure that fresh local food is on the menu after the venue achieved a Bronze ‘Food for Life Served Here’ award from the Soil Association.

Minsmere is one of eleven RSPB nature reserves to achieve a Served Here award, with the charity holding nine Bronze and two Gold awards across the UK. As a conservation charity, the RSPB is keen to lead by example when it comes to serving food that makes a difference. This means reducing the impact of nature reserve catering on the environment, for example cutting the high carbon emissions usually involved in transporting food over long distances.

At RSPB Minsmere, the fresh ‘Marybelle’ milk used in the café’s delicious lattés, cheese scones, and cream teas, comes from a local dairy just 12 miles away, at Walpole, near Halesworth.

RSPB Minsmere Visitor Operations Manager Louise Gregory said, “RSPB Minsmere is committed to giving our customers a great choice of good, local food and drink. We want everyone who enjoys a meal at Minsmere to feel confident in the knowledge that it reflects RSPB values for reducing food miles wherever we can, supporting local suppliers and producers, who share our belief in working for a healthy and sustainable natural environment, and providing you with a wholesome, well-balanced menu offering excellent value.”

To attain the Bronze award, cafés need to have reached a certain set of standards. At least three quarters of the food on the menus should be freshly prepared on site or in a local kitchen. All meat served must be from farms that meet, as a minimum, the UK’s welfare standards. Due to its environmental impact, the RSPB aims to reduce the amount of meat consumed by offering tasty alternatives, however meat on the café Food for Life Served Here menus is UK farm assured through the Red Tractor scheme.

Eggs should be from free range hens and menus must be free of any endangered fish featured on the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘fish to avoid’ list. Food is also free from additives like aspartame, MSG, artificial trans fats and GM ingredients. Finally, seasonal ingredients produced outdoors in the UK are used in the menus.

In addition to gaining the Food for Life Served Here awards, the RSPB’s cafés also serve bird friendly coffee grown specially for the organisation in coffee plantations in Nicaragua which make space for nature. At present the RSPB do not serve any tuna in cafés because there is not a catering source that covers all aspects of sustainability, for example fish stock status, fishing methods and by-catch. The RSPB continues to work with suppliers to improve sustainability standards to bring them in line with some of the tuna that is now available in supermarkets.

• Find out more about RSPB Minsmere at www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere

Neighbours help people to feel happier. More than half of people questioned (52%) said that knowing neighbours can make people feel safer in their homes, while 47% agreed that being acquainted with neighbours can make them feel happier. One in five people (20%) said they would like to get to know their neighbours better.

And in spite of not always knowing people by name, there is apparently an abundance of goodwill amongst communities, with four fifths of people questioned saying they help out their neighbours with a wide variety of tasks, from looking after homes while people are on holiday (23%), keeping a spare set of keys (21%) and looking after pets (11%).

Adam Beckett, Propositions Director for Aviva says, “People are more mobile than in previous generations, so it’s easier to see friends and family who don’t live nearby. This, combined with the pace of modern life, can mean that we don’t always know the people who live closest to us.

“However, our research shows that there can be real benefits to getting to know neighbours, both practically and emotionally. It’s great to have people who can look out for one another - as well as their homes and belongings - and provide support when needed. This in turn can have a really positive effect on people’s wellbeing.”

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Things the over 60s DO NOT miss about being younger Ferrying the kids around, having a boss who breathes down your neck – and the daily stress of running a family home, have emerged among a list of things the older generation DO NOT miss about being younger, according to a new study.

Worrying about your weight, being woken up by the sound of an alarm clock, and the constant juggle of work and childcare also emerged as aspects of life the nation’s retirees are MORE than happy to have left behind.

Researchers polled adults aged 60 and over and asked them to list the life activities they do not hanker after, including sitting exams, worrying about what people think of you, cooking meals for the family every night - and waiting for pay day.

Ironing school uniforms on a Sunday night and hosting the family Christmas were also we are glad to see the back of in our golden years.

Of those polled, 87 percent said, although they enjoyed their youth and miss certain aspects of it – they are just as happy now as they ever were, with nearly two thirds (63 percent) saying they are happier now than they have ever been.

More than half said their relationship with their spouse was at its best now – with half saying it was due to not having the stress of work and running a family home.

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

A spokesman for retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone who commissioned the survey of 1,500 over 60s, said, “Many of the things the

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older generation don’t miss involve work – and that comes as no surprise.

We are all looking forward to the day we don’t have to endure the commute to the office and deal with the stresses that our jobs place on us.

“But it is interesting to see the stress of running a family home and the struggle to get on the property ladder also both made the list of things older people DON’T miss about being young. For many, getting older means downsizing and that’s a welcome move.”

Of those polled, 28 percent have already downsized with nearly nine in ten retirees claiming it has made life much easier.

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

Other plus points of selling-up the family home for a smaller property included cheaper utility bills, less DIY and maintenance and not being put upon to host all the big family parties.

Freeing up equity in the home and having a better social life were also listed as benefits of downsizing according to the over 60s.

The poll found 67 was the perfect age to downsize; but of those who haven’t, four in ten said they can’t face the upheaval of a move. And 15 percent said their current property has many emotional ties.

A spokesman for McCarthy & Stone added, “Deciding on when to downsize takes a lot of consideration. It’s a big step, but once the decision has been made many retirees have a whole new lease of life.

“We continually receive feedback from McCarthy & Stone homeowners on how moving to a Retirement Living development has helped them to lead an independent and activity lifestyle. They have no worries about safety and security and all the benefits of being in a community of like-minded individuals – no wonder they are enjoying all the freedom our later years can bring!”

WHAT THE OVER 60S DO NOT MISS ABOUT BEING YOUNG 1. Being at work five days a week 2. Having to get up to an alarm clock 3. Having to be up and out the house at a certain time 4. Revising for and sitting exams 5. Enduring the daily commute to work 6. Financial worries 7. Having to dress suitably for work everyday 8. Working with people you don’t like 9. Having a boss who breathes down your neck 10. Getting children up and ready for school 11. Juggling work and family commitments 12. Waiting for pay day 13. Tidying up after the children all day long 14. Worrying about what other people think 15. Having awkward first dates 16. Never having a lie-in 17. Ironing school uniforms on a Sunday night 18. Not being confident in myself 19. Packing everything but the kitchen sink for family holidays 20. Struggling to get on the property ladder 21. Juggling afterschool activities and parents evening etc 22. The stress of running a family home 23. Worrying so much about my looks 24. Worrying so much about what the scales say 25. Cooking large family meals every night 26. Competitiveness amongst friends 27. Having to do DIY at the weekends 28. Cooking several different meals for the family every night 29. Doing a big weekly food shop 30. Having to host the family Christmas 31. Having to socialise with other parents 32. Spending all day staring at a screen 33. Being called out as an emergency service when kids breakdown

HOME SECURITY

Securing your home is child’s play with National Home Security Month This October, National Home Security Month (NHSM) is back to beat the burglars with even more top tips and advice for keeping your home, family and belongings safe and secure.

The initiative, which is sponsored by security specialist Yale, is returning for its fifth year to raise awareness of the importance of home security and urge Brits to think about how they protect their properties. This is because despite home security providing protection and peace of mind, in the UK it is estimated that a quarter of Brits still have no home security measures in place at all!

Security products such as alarms and new door locks are often treated as a reactive purchase after an incident has happened, as opposed to proactively preventing a burglary in the first place. That’s why October 2nd marks the start of National Home Security Month 2017, which will be trying to change this perspective and to keep Britain’s homes secure.

Running throughout the month, the campaign will highlight a different element of security each week. The first introduces NHSM and provides simple tips and advice on how to protect your belongings over the darker autumn and winter months. During the week NHSM’s official supporters will be hosting competitions and giveaways as well as sharing discounts and offers.

The second week locks in on the traditional home security solutions that are often overlooked but can make a huge impact such as cylinders, window locks and home safes. Week three is future focused exploring the growing smart security industry. This will provide insight into the smart home and how you can secure your property at the touch of a button. From Smart Door Locks to Smart Home Alarms, CCTV kits and IP Cameras, we’ve got it covered!

To coincide with the clocks going back, week four is raising awareness of home security during the darker nights and how to make sure the exterior of your home and any outbuildings are fully protected. Finally, week five provides seasonal advice to combat the increase in thefts and domestic damage around Halloween and Bonfire Night.

NHSM is making security simple. The website will have a host of resources for homeowners to get the latest security and product advice as well as useful tips to from key supporters.

• For more information or to find out how you can get involved, please visit www.homesecuritymonth.com, email info@homesecuritymonth.com or search for ‘home security month’ on Twitter and Facebook.

n Police urge vigilance after telephone scams Suffolk Constabulary has been made aware that a number of residents have recently been contacted on the telephone by a caller claiming to be from HMRC (the tax office) stating that the person owed money in unpaid tax. Threats of arrest were then made if the outstanding amount was not paid.

One victim was instructed to purchase iTunes vouchers and then telephone the fraudster back and give them the voucher serial numbers. Early indications are that an elderly woman has lost £1,500 to this scam.

HMRC will never make phone calls, use text messages or email to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty and will never ask for payment in this way.

In addition, Suffolk Constabulary would urge that all local businesses brief their staff about this scam and ask that any member of the public who requests to purchase large amounts of iTunes or similar vouchers are offered support and the police contacted if there are concerns.

For advice on keeping yourself safe against scams, please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/crime-prevention-z.

For more information on this type of crime do visit: www.actionfraud.police. uk/news/alert-fraudsters-claiming-to-be-from-hmrc-jun17 Alternatively, report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud using their online reporting tool www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 1232040.

You can also sign up to the Trading Standards weekly email alert on rogues and scams targeting Suffolk at www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight 33

n Choosing Stone Flooring for Your Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of any home - and choosing the right type of stone flooring for this busy area is a really important decision. In most properties, it’s the area that will see the most hustle and bustle – not to mention muddy boots, paw prints and a fair few spillages - and whichever stone you choose, it needs to be robust and practical.

Grout colour is often a long way down the list of things to consider, but choosing the right shade can make or break an installation. Very pale grout can look great on day one but it will very quickly become dirty. Whichever colour you choose, make sure that, like the stone flooring, it’s correctly sealed. Larger slabs, which are very popular, also have fewer grout lines, which can be beneficial in high traffic areas.

Unlike many other materials, stone flooring will last a lifetime, so although it may cost a little more, it’s a sound investment. When comparing different designs, we’re often steered by trends – with colour and pattern playing a big part - but it’s worth looking closely at the practical aspects before making that final decision.

Looking after your stone flooring

Once your stone flooring is sealed and ready to be lived on, make sure that you’re stocked up with a suitable detergent.

Many types of stone are sensitive to the acid that you’ll find in general floor cleaners; overtime, they will damage the sealant and could etch the stone flooring. To look after your floor, choose a pH-neutral formulation that’s designed for natural surfaces.

Quality, concentrated cleaners can often be used at different dilutions, so you’ll also be able to use the same product for an occasional ‘deep clean’.

Stone flooring colour options

Very pale stone flooring is a great option in terms of design. Light colours suit most colour schemes but it’s best to be realistic if the outdoors often comes into your kitchen. More mottled designs, in a mix of shades, like pale honey-toned Midas or Heritage, with its warm colour flecks, can be a lot more forgiving. Surface finish is important too; more textured stones tend to hide the dirt but a lot of texture can create a bit of a dirt trap.

So, look out for a design where the high and low points aren’t too dramatic.

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Get your garden buzzing Over the last few years, the health of the UK honey bee population has been a subject of real concern. Poor weather, loss of habitat, the destruction of colonies by disease, and the continual uncertainty regarding the impact of pesticides have all affected the honey bee.

PRI ZE COM P

But why does this matter?

Perhaps the most important reason is because bees are pollinators that are absolutely vital to our food chain. One third of the food we eat would not be available to us were it not for pollinators, of which honey bees are the most prolific. In the UK, about 70 crops rely on, or benefit from pollination.

Creating a buzz in the garden

Whatever the size of your garden or window box, everyone can do their bit to help the honey bee: • Don’t cut ivy back! It is one of the only food sources for bees in the autumn so keeping some intact once it is mature and flowering helps the bees stock up before winter.

• Leave an area of your garden to grow wild – dandelions and forgetme-nots can look pretty and provide a great source of nectar for bees.

• Eat more local honey and enjoy the taste of food that has travelled ‘bee’ miles not ‘air’ miles.

“Bees have been foraging on a wide variety of plants this summer. As it was such a cold spring here, there was still blossom on the crab apple, apple and pear trees,” says local beekeeper Louise.

“They’ve also been spotted in great numbers foraging on big mauve poppies and recently on giant sunflowers and borage plants.”

National Honey Week

National Honey Week takes place this month so we’re taking a look at how the sweet stuff is made.

A honey bee will make on average about a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime; plus about a million flowers will have been visited to make just one pound of honey. Bees make honey from nectar; they gather this sweet sticky substance from flowers and mix it with enzymes in their stomachs, storing it in the wax, hexagonal honeycomb.

In a good year, honey bees will make far more honey than they need for themselves. Beekeepers take any spare honey from the hive and cut off the wax so that the honey can be extracted. Good beekeepers always make sure bees have more than enough honey left in the beehive, as this is their food supply too.

Adopt a Beehive

For people who want to learn more about beekeeping, or to help the honey bee in other ways, the BBKA has its “Adopt a Beehive” scheme, where members of the public can adopt a beehive from one of ten different regions in the UK, including Louise’s bees in the east.

It costs £36 to Adopt a Beehive for one year, and in exchange you receive a welcome box of bee-related goodies and updates throughout the year from your beehive and beekeeper. All the profits from the scheme are ploughed into environmental and education projects to help save the honey bee, so you can help these vital pollinators this Honey Week without getting your hands sticky.

— COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 have one Adopt a Beehive set to give away, with the winner receiving a year’s subscription. For your chance to win this fabulous prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime contact telephone number to: Adopt a Beehive 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 Tuesday 31st October 2017.

Q. What is honey made from?

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n 1 in 3 Brits eat same lunch every day A new study has shown that one in three Britons sit down to exactly the same lunch every single day.

Researchers took a look into the lunch habits of the nation’s work force and found a third of Brits confess to eating the same thing day after day.

Of the 1,500 workers polled by Deliveroo as part of their “lame lunch amnesty” - a further 70 percent admit they are stuck in a lunch rut, with ham sandwiches emerging as the most likely midday meal we enjoy on repeat.

Cheese sandwiches came second in the dreary lunch stakes, while tuna came third and egg mayo came in fourth place.

In fact, four in ten green eyed Brits admit they are jealous of colleagues who have interesting and varied lunches, however 16 percent said they can’t be bothered to do anything about it.

The research showed a quarter of all employees now eat their lunch at their desk, although 14 percent said they venture outside on the rare occasion that the weather is nice.

However, a solitary one in twenty eat their lunch in their car every day, the findings showed.

Nearly three in ten respondents said what everybody is eating for lunch is a hot topic of conversation among their work place – with the average worker discussing lunch options for around 13 minutes a day.

The poll also found the typical worker polishes of their lunch in just 17 minutes, on average.

And, according to the study, the average Brit has a repertoire of just three lunches on rotate, so it’s no wonder one in five said their colleagues take the mickey out of their dull meals.

Buttered toast, egg sandwiches and sausage rolls were also among the dreary lunches that workers regularly eat.

TOP 25 MOST POPULAR LUNCHES 1. Ham sandwich 2. Cheese sandwich 3. Tuna mayo sandwich 4. Egg mayo sandwich 5. Superfood salad 6. Spicy chicken wrap 7. Jacket potato with filling 8. Fish and chips 9. Leftover pasta dish 10. Caesar salad 11. Pasty 12. Prawn sandwich 13. Tuna nicoise salad 14. Tomato soup and roll 15. Microwave noodles 16. Just toast 17. Carrot and coriander soup and roll 18. Coronation chicken baguette 19. Bacon and Brie baguette 20. Minestrone soup and roll 21. Jumbo sausage roll 22. Cous cous salad 23. Curry 24. Beans on toast 25. Duck wrap

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n Children as Young as FIVE Outsmarting Parents Today’s children are growing up in homes undergoing the biggest technology revolution since the internet - and a new study from British Gas has revealed that kids as young as five years old are outsmarting mum and dad when it comes to technology in the home.

British Gas, in partnership with leading developmental psychologist Dr Sam Wass, has explored the positive impact smart meters and other technology will have on the next generation. Over the course of four weekends in June and July, ten families were put through their paces to see how they understand, interact with and experiment with smart technology.

TASK ONE

When tasked with unlocking a smart device by cracking a specially programmed code as fast as possible, children reigned victorious.

Each participant had three minutes to complete the task with children scoring better than their parents in every family, cracking the code and turning on the tablet 17.8 seconds faster on average.

TASK TWO

Families were also shown a series of videos showing smart home technology in action and were asked questions about what was happening on screen and what was making it possible. 85 per cent of children (17 out of 20) attributed mental states (thoughts, desires, knowledge and interests) to the technology, compared with only 20 per cent of adults (4 out of 20).

This task suggests that fundamental differences may exist between how children view new technologies, and how adults do.

TASK THREE

Lastly, the children were asked to describe and draw their idea of a ‘magic house’, including their very own smart bedroom. They were encouraged to think big about what features they would have in their home. Demonstrating creativity and willingness to experiment, the children visualised magic buttons for midnight snacks, voice-controlled heating and colour-changing lighting, lollipop forests and the ability to be transported elsewhere.

Dr Sam Wass, developmental psychologist at the University of East London explains, “Smart homes are a huge shift for all of us. But the next generation of children is acquiring the ability to use these new technologies at a rate that often surpasses their mum and dad. We’re calling these four to ten year-olds Generation S - S for Smart.

“Our evidence offers insights into

“We are fostering a generation of very tech-savvy kids” why children are starting to overtake their parents’ technology knowledge and capabilities. Growing up in a home that’s connected and smart, from smart meters to voice controlled lights, is fostering a generation of very tech-savvy kids.”

So what impact will growing up in a world of smart meters and other connected devices have on tomorrow’s workers, entrepreneurs, thinkers and voters?

In addition, British Gas research carried out with over 2,000 parents with children under the age of 11 years old revealed that half (50%) of parents admit their children already know more about technology than they do and are more confident using smart devices than they are.

Energy efficiency goes hand in hand with being tech savvy: more than half of parents with smart meters (52 per cent) said their child likes to understand how much energy their household is using and uses their smart energy monitor to track usage and costs. Many also admit their kids were more interested in their smart meters when installed, than they were. Of those who live in smart homes, 60% said they would be more likely to buy other smart home products if their child explained the benefits to them.

Assessing the impact on youngsters for the future, 79 per cent of parents say technology plays a vital role in education, while three quarters (74 per cent) agree that today’s generation of children will have more opportunities thanks to new technologies.

Among children of primary school age, six in ten (60 per cent) think their parents should get smart meters to help them save energy and agree that they know more than mum and dad when it comes to smart technology.

John Geen, Smart Energy Expert at British Gas, said, “As young children grow up in an increasingly smart

home environment, their interest in technology such as smart meters develops much earlier in life. Soon they’ll be running these households more efficiently than their parents and using technology to save energy will be second nature to them.”

British Gas is at the forefront of this movement, having installed more

than four million smart meters in people’s homes and with 500,000 Hive hub customers in the UK. For more information on smarter, more connected homes visit www.britishgas.co.uk/smart-home

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Bumper berry haul as n Storage Hunters stars at Corn Exchange rains ripen harvests

Sean Kelly, the fast-talking (fast-shouting) star of TV’s Storage Hunters will be bringing tales of his life to Ipswich’s Corn Exchange next month.

In The Stars of Storage Hunters on Sunday 1st October at 8pm, Sean will be joined by his wacky colleagues T-Money and Green Mile as he tells tales of his crazy life.

And what a life it has been! Sean has done everything from holding top secret military clearance, serving a combat tour in Iraq, catching shoplifters as an undercover store detective in Italy and travelling all over the world.

The show will end with an auction finale and customers are invited to bring along a cheeky item from home to go under the hammer. All proceeds will go to Help For Heroes.

This is the first time the stars of Storage Hunters have ever been on the stage together in the UK, so don’t miss it. Tickets at £23 (including booking fee) are on sale now at www.ipswichregent.com by telephone the Box Office on 01473 433100 or in person at the Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen’s Church.

There is an age guideline of 12-plus and under-14s must be accompanied by a full playing adult.

UK gardeners, as well as birds, have been gladdened by a bumper berry haul this autumn, says the Royal Horticultural Society.

A warm and dry start to the year followed by July and August rains contributed to many berry-yielding plants, including spindle bushes (euonymus), firethorn (pyracantha), and crab apples, ripening early. As a result, they are less susceptible to the autumn rots and moulds that blight many in the later weeks of autumn and means we are set for a longer than average display of seasonal colour.

The bountiful showing of reds, blacks, yellows and purples contrasts the plight of apples, whose flowers were stifled by a spring frost in some regions.

With ornamental berries flowering later and their smaller fruits ripening more quickly than apples, gardeners will find some consolation this autumn.

Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturist at the RHS, said, “The public should revel in the wealth of colour that will dot gardens this autumn, while plant centres are likely to see a surge in sales of those plants now displaying their beautiful berry wares.

“Edible varieties feature less at this time of year but autumn raspberries are yielding lavishly and mulberries are still producing their luscious fruits.

All of the berries will have matured in the warm spells this September and contrast gloriously with autumn colour from October, before being consumed by birds including blackbirds, finches, starlings, fieldfares and redwings and other wildlife.”

Open day at beautiful gardens The Place for Plants in East Bergholt will hold an open garden for NGS on the 8th October from 1pm until 5pm.

This beautiful 20-acre garden originally laid out at the turn of the last century by the present owners great grandfather is full of many fine trees and shrubs, many seldom seen in East Anglia. There is also a fine collection of camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons, topiary, and the National Collection of deciduous Euonymus. Admission is £6 for adults with children free. Home-made teas are also available. For more information telephone 01206 299224.

YOUR LOCAL REMOVALS SPECIALIST

We offer the following services at very competitive rates.

• Full or part house removals • Moves to and from storage • Single items • Home and office clearance • Fully insured • Free no obligation quotes • 24/7 availability

Phone: 01284 339799 / 01473 356377 info@wehelpyoumoveit.co.uk www.wehelpyoumoveit.co.uk Find us on Facebook

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wellbeing

Join DanceEast’s Challenge 1000 and help provide great dance for everyone DanceEast is challenging 1,000 people to donate £5 each, to help the organisation continue delivering vital work for older movers, and make a huge difference to health and wellbeing through dance.

DanceEast’s Challenge 1000 is part of its wider Great Dance for Everyone campaign, aiming to provide rewarding dance and movement experiences for everyone. It is pioneering dance classes and projects to promote health and wellbeing, and therefore enhance lives. With the help of 1,000 generous people, DanceEast can continue this vital work, and provide more enjoyment, fulfilment and satisfaction for everyone, including older movers.

Currently DanceEast works with people with Parkinson’s and Dementia, as well as focusing on preventing falls and injury in older people through dance. DanceEast’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme, its recently relaunched Care to Dance? (previously Dance for Dementia) and its new StowMovers sessions for those over 55 in Stowmarket demonstrate just some ways in which it promotes health and wellness via dance. No dance experience is necessary to take part and sessions are open to all, providing both social and physical benefits through dance.

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A Dance for Parkinson’s participant at DanceEast said, “I have found it beneficial in so many ways…it has helped with my speech; my walking has improved; my self-confidence has improved. Dance helps us forget all our troubles.”

Through its Challenge 1000, and Great Dance for Everyone, DanceEast will be able to build a community of older movers that are both healthier and happier.

To donate, text GDFE17 £5 to 70070. You can also donate by phoning the DanceEast Box Office on 01473 295230, in person at the Jerwood DanceHouse, or online at www.danceeast.co.uk/donate DanceEast is a registered charity and now is the best time to support its work. Until 2019, all donations will be doubled by Arts Council England’s Catalyst: Evolve Scheme, helping to create great dance for everyone.

Our stunning Grade II listed mansion is set within eight acres of countryside and has been carefully and lovingly renovated to provide a unique, luxury care environment that prides itself on delivering the highest quality of care and support.

We beleive in putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. Every resident at Westerfield House is treated with dignitiy, respect and as an individual with their own life stories, experiences, preferences and opinions. We shape our environment and the individualised care we deliver around the wishes and needs of our residents.

COME VISIT US Only by visiting Westerfield House can you truly appreciate this wonderful setting Please get in touch to arrange a look around and to discuss the care options we offer.

Call or email us to book an appointment T: 01473 232974 E: admin@westerfieldhouse.co.uk

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wellbeing

Rock your way to fitness New and coming to Ipswich, POUND® is the world’s first cardio jam session inspired by the energising and fitness fun of playing the drums.

Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND® transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out. Ripstix® add 1/4 lb extra weight to each movement which throws the body off balance, creating contraction in the core and stabilization system.

It’s a full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training.

Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to all ages and abilities.

POUND® is brought to you by fitness instructor Emma Louise Atkinson. Emma experienced in many areas of fitness and already runs classes in Ipswich for Zumba, a fitness dance class of simple moves taught using hand signals to rhythms of salsa, Bollywood, merengue, cumbia and all international flavours, at All Hallows Church Hall, Landseer Road/Reynolds Road, Ipswich on Thursdays from 9.30am until 10.30am.

And, CLUBBERCISE® a fun, easy-to-follow dance based fitness class with a blend of aerobic and dance moves using CLUBBERCISE® trademark flashing glow sticks providing a bonus arm workout taught in a darkened room with disco lights CLUBBERCISE® is available at several locations in the town.

• For more information about new fitness sensation POUND® or any of Emma’s other workout classes you can contact her by calling 07786 656208.

NEW CLASS FOR IPSWICH Pound® is the world’s first Cardio Jam Session inspired by the energizing and fitness fun of playing the drums.

Mondays @ Cedarwood Primary, Wilkinson Drive, Grange Farm 6.05-6.50pm

Fridays @ Inspire, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich 7.40-8.25pm

Wednesdays @ Inspire, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich 8.10-8.55pm

£5 per person 16 years & over - contact to book a space

Also

The wonders of generous ginger

Lots of common garden herbs and spices are not only useful for flavouring and spicing up dinner, but many have also been used for over hundreds of years in medicinal practices. Popular ingredients based on their health properties include turmeric, thyme and ginger.

Simon Bandy, General Manager of the nutritional supplements brand Health Plus says, “Ginger is a strange knobbly root that originated in Asia. It not only tastes great in food and drinks but it has so many benefits too. The natural oil from ginger – gingerol – is the main bioactive compound, responsible for much of its properties.”

Here, Simon talks about the benefits of ginger from consuming it to using it for massage: Improve circulation - Ginger has blood thinning properties and is known as a vasodilator – meaning that it helps to open up blood vessels and allows more blood to pass through, thus improving circulation around the body.

Warm up and relax with massage - Ginger can also help to warm you up on a cold day and is great if you are suffering from cold hands and feet due to poor circulation.

Aids good digestion - Medical studies have shown that ginger speeds up the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, and lessens discomfort during digestion.

Ease pain - As a naturally anti-inflammatory, ginger can be very useful to those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, menstrual cramps, and some types of headaches.

Recover from coughs and colds - We often reach for the hot honey and lemon if suffering from a cold, but adding a generous slice of anti-viral ginger to the mix will help to ease the symptoms and lessen the duration of the virus.

Lower blood sugars - Although this area of research is relatively new, good results are showing that ginger may also have powerful anti-diabetic properties. Larger studies will be needed for more conclusive research however.

Simon concludes, “Although it can be habitual to reach for the pharmacy potions when feeling poorly, it is often the natural, cupboard essentials that can offer relief without unwanted side-effects. And if you don’t usually have ginger in the house, keep a bottle of tincture or supplements in the cabinet.” www.healthplus.co.uk

Mondays @ Cedarwood Primary, Wilkinson Drive, Grange Farm 7-8pm or 8.10-9.10pm —

Wednesdays @ Inspire Lindbergh Road, Ipswich 7-8pm — Fridays @ Inspire Lindbergh Road, Ipswich 6.30-7.30pm £5 per person, £2.50 for your own glowsticks (one off purchase), 16 years and over.

NOT suitable for epileptic sufferers due to disco lights

EMMA LOUISE ATKINSON

07786 656208 Facebook: clubberciseipswich

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To advertise in the WELLBEING section Call Abi on 01473 351270

wellbeing • Artist’s impression of the new Deben Pool & Fitness Centre

Work starts on new look Deben Pool Work has started to transform Deben Pool into an exciting, modern leisure centre.

The project to reinvent the leisure centre is set to cost over £3 million as part of Suffolk Coastal’s plans to invest in its leisure centres to encourage more people to become fit and active.

Deben Pool closed it’s doors on 31st August for a 10 month period to transform the facility into a state-of-the-art leisure centre.

regarding their membership during the closure period.

The full closure of Deben means that during this time the operators, Places for People Leisure will be relocating as many staff as possible.

The new facility opening next summer will create more job opportunities, with people being recruited two to three months prior to opening.

During the refurbishment work there will be some loss of car parking, reducing by 27 spaces (23 in front of the Community Hall and four spaces elsewhere in Station Road car park) and there will be no access to the front and left-hand side of the leisure centre.

The new leisure centre has been designed with the Council’s leisure development partner, Pulse Fitness and operators Places for People Leisure and includes a new, spacious gym, featuring modern equipment and the pool area will feature a new health suite with a steam room, sauna and ice room.

The plans also include the addition of a new floor to be added to the front of the building, with purpose built family changing areas and separate changing facilities for use by schools and the provision of two studios, one to incorporate a spin room and the other for fitness classes, which will also be available for community hire.

Suffolk Coastal’s investment of £2.5 million in the new leisure centre has been boosted by £500,000 in Sport England National Lottery Funding.

The work to develop the leisure centre is part of the Council’s five year programme to improve leisure facilities for the district and to encourage more people to become more active.

All current members at Deben have now been contacted by Places for People Leisure

Suffolk Coastal has been working with nearby businesses to minimise any disruption. During the closure the Community Hall will be remain open as usual and access to the skatepark is not affected. Cllr TJ Haworth-culf, cabinet member for Customers, Communities and Leisure, said, “We’re excited to be starting work this September to reinvent Deben Pool, which marks the start of our complete redevelopment programme.

“The new and improved leisure centre is set to reopen next summer and will offer the whole community modern facilities and the latest equipment, that come at no additional cost to the tax payer.

“We would like to thank members of Deben Pool for their support for the redevelopment so far.

During the closure, members and visitors can use our other facilities at Leiston, Felixstowe and Brackenbury.

“A key part of our Business Plan focuses on increasing access to quality leisure facilities and activities as part of our commitment to getting more people fit and active. We hope Deben will be the ignition for our complete leisure redevelopment to create facilities our communities can be truly proud of.”

If you would like to stay up to date with the progress of the Leisure programme, sign up to receive the regular newsletter by contacting: leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk 41

Myths of a relaxing bath

A national survey conducted by Faith in Nature reveals that only 4% of us find time to luxuriate in a relaxing bath, revealing that the ‘relaxing bath’ is just a myth.

Indeed, the term ‘I’m off to soak in the bath’ heard so often is most likely to be a figment of the person’s imagination. They are far more likely to go home to browse Facebook or watch an episode of Poldark on catch up.

Backed up by Peter Kinderman, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool and lead educator of the course on the FutureLearn social learning platform: ‘Psychology and Mental Health: Beyond Nature and Nurture’ who said, “People aren’t maximising opportunities which make them happy. We could be making better choices about how we spend our time.”

The poll revealed that the majority of Britons prefer an efficient and functional shower instead of a bath.

According to the survey, 79% of Brits, more than three quarters of the population, say they focus on speed and attention to cleanliness rather taking their time with a long soak in the tub.

Of the remainder, only 4% of Brits prefer to take a long and luxurious bath with candles or scents, 4% enjoy listening to music or singing their way through washing and 4% of Brits find themselves daydreaming instead of washing.

The majority of people’s bathing habits do not change when it comes to weekend bathing as nearly 61% of Brits keep the same shower routine seven days a week.

Surprisingly, men (21%) are more attentive than women (14%) when it comes to their cleanliness ensuring nothing is left unwashed. It is men who spend longer bathing than women at the weekends, leaving time pressed females to carry on their weekday routines throughout the weekend.

Faith in Nature’s recipe for a relaxing bath • Ban all digital devices from the bathroom

• Turn on some soothing music - no loud beats • Dim the lights and light some candles • Tell your family that you need 30 minutes of alone time • Add some relaxing bath foam. Lavender is recommended for its soothing and calming qualities • Enjoy!

For more information about Faith in Nature, visit: www.faithinnature.co.uk

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We can offer you a number of services including:● Same day denture repairs while you wait 1 HOUR DENTURE ● New Dentures by appointment REPAIR WHILE YOS U ● Full denture service WAIT! Call us now on 01473 716226 or 07789 071536 Open 7 days a week including evenings and weekend 42

As I make a start on my editorial piece for this months Ipswich24 magazine I’m on the last day of my holiday with family.

I’ve driven them to the pool but returned to my laptop because “I’m too busy to swim” One of my many tasks that I brought on holiday with me is to read a pre-publish copy of a new addition of the book “Mindfulness for busy people”. The author, an ex-student of mine and manager of a Martin Wilks, C.Psychol. successful psychology service in the city of London, has again asked me to contribute a recommendation quote for the back jacket. So I am combining tasks and writing about the phenomenon of “busyness” for this month’s editorial.

Coincidentally, a couple of weeks back, there was an interesting BBC radio four analysis on the same topic. I suspect that contemporary human beings can become addicted to their version of the “I’m so busy” story. In an odd way - stressful as it is to hear ourselves pushing and cajoling ourselves: to hurry, to rush, to not waste time and to constantly add new items to the to-do list, - it is also quite ego affirming. As if we might measure our self-worth by how many to-do list items are completed in the day. And naturally, many workplaces may likewise be impressed with our apparent worth when we stay on, after contracted hours, martyrs to the cause even if we are on the edge of burnout!

I recall a period of life when my mind was constantly offering up the statement “I just don’t have enough time!” The paradox of being in the grip of that statement is that even when there are a few moments to spare we tend to fill them with new busynesses to stave off the anxiety we might experience if we allow ourselves to simply “be” in those few spare moments without filling them with more doing. Eventually, I came up with the statement “I have all the time I need to choose my priorities” That helped quite a bit with the doing for the sake of doing, though it took further time and insight to recognise that I could prioritise “being in the moment” over “doing what I can with these moments”.

“Oh, I’d better watch the time” - there’s another statement likely to stress us out (you can almost hear the sharp intake of breath, feel the rush of adrenaline?) The book I am reviewing offers a simple exercise. They recommend using an old-style clock-face rather than digital display.

You could try it now if there is an old-fashioned timepiece in view?

Simply take five minutes to watch the time! Noticing how monkey mind races off with all the should, oughts and have-to’s, and then simply practising that key mindfulness skill of recognising when our attention is on thinking, disentangling from the thought trains in order to come back to the intentional focus: the minute clockwork movements of the moment.

Yes, I will write an endorsement of it as a self-help book. But I’ll also point out to all those “too busy to do a course” people that there’s no shortage of busy people doing all the self-help books they can in whatever few spare moments they may have had. It’s a subtle thing, this distinction between doing and being. We explore it in our eight week courses – if you’re reading this Ipswich24 hot off the press then there are still a couple of days left to book our September courses - though I’ll refrain from saying “Hurry – still a couple of days left” – sounds too much like the faked urgency of marketing. Perhaps make a resolution to take our new year course? And watch this space

Kay Fletcher Fitness is celebrating 10 years of business In September 2007, Kay Fletcher opened her very first weight loss and fitness class and 10 years on, she is still going strong.

When Kay started in September 2007 she was running her business as a Franchisee of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness. However, just over three years ago, the franchisee company folded, so Kay, along with her niece Kelly, decided to go it alone and launch Kay Fletcher Fitness they have never looked back!

“Whilst it was lovely having a household brand name when I started, it did restrict what I could do with the business,” said Kay, “Now I can offer a wide range of exercise styles along with a choice of healthy eating plans so there is something to suit everyone, what ever their fitness goals are.”

Every week Kay and Kelly provide 10 weight loss

and exercise classes where they offer sound nutritional advice and a 45 minute workout.

“During the last 10 years we have seen some fantastic weight loss results and it is so nice that even when our members reach their goal weight, they still continue to attend our classes to take part in the exercise but also to keep a check on their weight.” Kay continued.

Since Kay and Kelly have been running Kay Fletcher Fitness they have expanded their nutritional knowledge and are now able to offer a sensible healthy eating plan based on calorie and portion control along with a clean eating plan which is supported by their online Eat Clean Workout Mean plan.

In addition to their regular weekly weight loss classes, they also have a variety of other exercise only classes including Fitness Pilates, Bootcamps, Zumba and Kettlebell Hiit.

Kay Fletcher Fitness continues to grow and more recently Kelly qualified in the new equipment free combat inspired HiiT (High Intensity Interval Training) class Totally Shredded and she now runs three regular classes every week. For more details visit www.TotallyShreddedKesgrave.uk.

To celebrate 10 years of classes Kay and Kelly are holding a Charity Saturday Morning Workout, which will raise funds for local charity Fresh Start-new beginnings. This event is open to non-members and you will get a chance to try out some of the different styles of exercise they offer. You can turn up and pay on the day or alternatively call Kay for more information.

• For full details of all classes please visit the website www.KayFletcherFitness.com or call Kay on 01473 613397

invite you to a

Charity Workout in aid of

Saturday 30th September at Ipswich School Sports Centre,

wich IP5 1DE The Street, Rushmere St. Andrew, Ips n from 8.30am) 9.00 - 10.30am (registratio ceeds going to the Charity Entry fee is just £5.00 with all the pro plete a health screening form) to com (Non members please arrive at 8.30

tcher Fitness class this is an If you have never been to a Kay Fle y have to offer and you will excellent opportunity to see what the process. also be helping a local charity in the l have l be open at the venue so you wil At the end of the event, the cafe wil s. to nd out more about their classe a chance to talk to Kay and Kelly

97 herFitness.com | Call 01473 6133 etc yFl Ka y@ Ka | com ss. tne rFi www.KayFletche

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wellbeing

Survey reveals Britons don’t know that dementia is fatal The survey of 2049 UK adults was commissioned to determine how much the British public know about dementia and its symptoms.

Despite more people (38%) fearing they may develop dementia, compared to cancer (26%) and heart disease (6%), many (11%) aren’t sure of what the

symptoms of dementia are at all, apart from memory loss, with (81%) of Brits thinking difficulty remembering recent events is a symptom of dementia.

Sixty two per cent of those surveyed know that dementia can cause unexpected and uncharacteristic anger, but 68% didn’t realise that

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Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia can cause inappropriate sexual behaviour such as making inappropriate remarks.

Alarmingly, it was revealed that 11% of Britons are unsure of what the symptoms of dementia are at all, however, it is reassuring to discover that 87% believe early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease and other causes of dementia can make a difference to the future health of the individual. Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Medical Director of Re:Cognition Health says, “Early intervention and accurate diagnosis of the specific cause of a person’s cognitive decline are key to ensuring the individual receives access to the correct and best treatment, at the earliest possible stage, before their symptoms have progressed to those of dementia. In order to receive an early diagnosis, it is essential to recognise symptoms as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this survey highlights that the general public is not yet sufficiently well informed; there is a massive lack of awareness.”

Early symptoms of cognitive impairment which may lead to dementia include: • Short term memory loss • Repeatedly asking the same questions • Changes in behaviour - unexpected / uncharacteristic anger and changes in mood • Confusion • Getting lost in a familiar environment • Forgetting words / problems with speech and language • Loss of sense of direction / disorientation • Difficulty in performing everyday (seemingly normal) tasks • Misplacing items • Difficulty making decisions and planning • Issues with balancing and spatial awareness • Becoming passive and disinterested • Problems with calculation “If you, or a loved one are experiencing one of more of these early symptoms, I advise you, strongly, to seek prompt medical advice. An early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and other causes of cognitive impairment, leading eventually to symptoms of dementia, will give you the chance to change your quality of life and eventual outcome, for the individual and their families,” adds Dr MacSweeney.

Campaign to heighten awareness of blood cancer

The Make Blood Cancer Visible campaign launches as extent of low public and patient awareness of the condition across the UK is revealed Around a third (32%) of the British public know that lymphoma and / or myeloma are common types of blood cancers - with some mistakenly thinking that melanoma (16%) and haemophilia (11%) are blood cancer types. Furthermore, over one in three (38%) blood cancer patients admit that they had never heard of their specific type of cancer before diagnosis.

These are the results of two surveys recently announced to coincide with the launch of Make Blood Cancer Visible - a campaign that sees Janssen and nine blood cancer patient support groups join forces for the first time, to bring much-needed attention to blood cancer across the UK during September, blood cancer awareness month.

According to the Make Blood Cancer Visible public survey implemented by YouGov and funded by Janssen, only one in ten people (10%) are aware that there are over 100 different types of blood cancers, and only 12% of people selected blood cancer as one of the top five most commonly diagnosed types of cancer. Worryingly, 30% incorrectly thought that vomiting, nausea, double vision and / or headaches were the most common warning signs of blood cancer. Similarly, the Leukaemia CARE patient survey, reveals that before diagnosis, a staggering 80% of those surveyed did not think their symptoms would turn out to be blood cancer. In addition, 38% admitted that they had never heard of their specific type of blood cancer before their diagnosis, and knew nothing about it.

Despite the lack of public awareness, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer or a related disorder every 14 minutes. For more information about the campaign and the different types of blood cancer, please visit www.makebloodcancervisible.co.uk.

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wellbeing

Back Care Awareness Week - Back Pain in Education The annual Back Care Awareness Week, run by BackCare, the UK’s leading charity for those impacted by back or neck pain, is to take place between 2nd and 6th October. The theme this year is Back Pain in Education.

Back pain is one of the top common causes of absence from work throughout the country. It costs the UK economy around £15 billion every year as over four million working days are lost as a result of the condition.

Furthermore, about 80% of the UK population will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

BackCare decided it was important to run a campaign targeted at children and young people as many of the back and neck pain problems experienced by adults are due to them not looking after their backs during childhood and teenage years.

Dr Brian Hammond, the Chair of BackCare said, “Early teaching of children and young people of the importance of taking care of their backs, and the consequences of not doing so, is bound to have a positive effect on the health of their backs as adults.”

He added, “There are simple things children and young people can do, such as sitting properly and not for too long, exercising regularly, stretching and lifting correctly. They also need to know how to carry their school books and equipment in a way that does not harm their back or neck.”

BackCare has packs for distribution to schools, colleges and other educational institutions. They contain posters, leaflets, booklets, bookmarks, and pamphlets.

All of these items give sound advice and guidance on various aspects of the back and how to look after it. They are available from BackCare at a cost of £9.95 per pack plus postage and packaging.

This year’s campaign is being run in partnership with a community interest company, known as kidsbacks4thefuture. This Essex based company, run

by Lyndee Oscar, a registered osteopath with 25 years experience, has done some effective and innovative work with schools.

For more information about this year’s Back Care Awareness Week visit www.backcare.org.uk

2nd-6th October 2017 Top Tips for a Healthy Back

1. Exercise your back regularly - walking, cycling, swimming, (especially back stoke) 2. Try to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle 3. Learn to lift heavy objects using the correct lifting technique. Always bend your knees and hips, not your back 4. Carry larger loads in a comfortable rucksack using both shoulder straps, and avoid sling bags 5. Maintain a good posture – avoid slumping in your chair, hunching over a desk, or walking with your shoulders hunched 6. Try to take a short break - every 30 minutes - from sitting 7. Quit smoking. Smoking can reduce the blood supply to discs between the vertebrae, and this could lead to disc-degeneration 8. Endeavour to lose any excess weight 9. Check that your bed provides the correct support and comfort for your weight and build, not just firmness.

10. Learn relaxation techniques to help manage stress. Stress is a major cause of back pain

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Gum disease sufferers are 70% more likely to get dementia Ipswich dentist, Malcolm Harbour, from Harbour Dental Care, would like to highlight a new study that has found people with long term gum disease are 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

The research, published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, looked at more than 25,000 people to examine whether patients aged 50 or older with severe gum disease - also called ‘chronic periodontitis’ - had an increased risk of developing the disease.

Although they did not determine any direct causal link between the two diseases they did discover that people who suffered from long standing gum disease, of ten years of more, were up to 70 percent more likely to then develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Dentists, hygienists and leading UK health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, have long recognised close links between poor oral health and general health and believe that by paying closer attention to our mouth we will be able to better maintain better overall health later in life.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “The links between oral health and diseases which effect other parts of our body are becoming increasingly apparent with every new piece of research. Studies such as this can be hugely significant in helping us to understand how we can maybe help reduce our risk of developing

different diseases and as a result, improve the lives of millions of people in the future.

“The good news is gum disease is an entirely preventable and treatable disease, by ensuring good, consistent, oral health everybody can avoid gum disease and its associated risks.

Avoiding gum disease can be as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using interdental brushes daily and regular visits to the dentist.”

Treating gum disease can be done by your dental team, who will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth. We will also show you how to remove plaque successfully yourself.

If you live in or around Ipswich and have any concerns about your dental health please contact Harbour Dental Care. Our fully qualified hygienists would be only too happy to help provide hygiene care and advice.

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

Healthy gums, healthy body Combined dental & hygiene visits now £83!* *Quote ‘Ips24’ when booking. Offer ends 30.11.17. Full price is £108.

Gentle dental care

Improving wellbeing

Transforming smiles

Our welcoming team takes a preventive approach to dental health and wellbeing

Research links gum disease to serious illnesses - so visit us to keep your gums healthy

Our talented dentists offer private cosmetic solutions and tooth whitening

01473 253599 46

27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH

www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk

wellbeing

Taking love back to basics The online dating bubble has burst and singles are craving human contact again Waiting is a thing of the past. We live in the instant generation where we expect an Uber to arrive in less than three minutes, a takeaway to be at your doorstep within the hour and clothes to be delivered to your door the same or next day.

We are not patient anymore and singletons across the country agree.

The rise of the dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble has reached its peak and things are changing.

forbid someone would ask someone on a date to their face! There is a new wave of online dating being started by brands such as NOW Dating.

Recently named as one of the best dating apps of 2017. They promise to connect real people at great venues for real dates in the moment.

This balance of online and offline allows singles to find other people available for a date at the same

time, invite (no face to face invitations, phew!), and date real people.The beauty of this is that you don’t get fake, silent or predatory matches. You meet real people and get to know them over a real date.

Online dating is becoming less online as singletons resist the urge to swipe and give in to their craving to create real experiences, now!

Disengaged dating app users are getting fed up of getting matches that never speak, reply or actually want to meet (other than for hook ups!). Single people of all generations are getting repetitive strain injury swiping through endless ‘potential partners’ with no progress whatsoever.

The world and our place in it is changing. Dating is no different. Singles across the country and abroad are avoiding these frustrating situations by looking to find dates. Literally there and then, at the touch of a button, in the moment.

Just like celebrities such as Ed Sheeran take time off from social media, more and more singles are looking to take their dates offline.

The online dating bubble has burst and people are craving human contact and real experiences again.

The hangover that apps such as Tinder and Badoo have left is that now people do not know how or where to start meeting potential dates and heaven

Living in harmony with a vegetarian Author Ben Cijffers perfectly describes it as a “life-changing vegetarian accident”; falling in love with a woman who doesn’t eat meat. As a man used to loading up his plate with choice cuts of meat, Cijffers set out on a mission to make the relationship work while honouring their wildly-different dietary lifestyles.

He succeeded with gusto. In ‘A Lion in the Allotment; a Carnivore’s Guide to Living With a Vegetarian’, Cijffers shows how people on all ends of the meat and plant spectrum can cohabit with wild success.

This book is a humorous and informative guide to the ethics, science and practicalities of meat eaters and vegetarians living together. It’s all about helping you live in harmony with people who don’t share your choices. If you’re a meat eater who lives with a vegetarian or vegan, or visa versa, then this is the book for you.

With practical and informative sections on domestic arrangements, cooking, fridge etiquette, nutrition, eating out and more, this is an indispensable guide for anyone living in a mixed carnivorous/vegetarian household.

“Don’t be fooled by the title,” explains the author, “This book is written to make the lives of vegetarians and vegans better by helping their meat eating co-habitants understand and respect their choices.

“Icover the best way to organise a fridge so a vegetarian partner doesn’t have to come into contact with or even see the meat products their cohabiting carnivore has in the stocks.

“Topped off with a wealth of delicious recipes, there is no reason for anyone not to buy this book!”

‘A Lion in the Allotment; a Carnivore’s Guide to Living With a Vegetarian’ is available now. For more information and to purchase, visit the book’s official website: www.lionintheallotment.com.

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.

——————————————————————

Call us on 01473 228877

www.eehomecare.co.uk 47

1 in 5 drivers say an accident would stop them using phone in the car Not even the thought of causing an accident appears to be enough for some drivers to permanently break the habit of illegally using a handheld phone at the wheel, research for the RAC’s Be Phone Smart campaign has found.

While 60% of drivers said causing an accident would make them stop for good, the RAC is surprised the figure is not significantly higher given that the consequences can be so severe in terms of the impact on human life.

When given a range of scenarios which might make a driver immediately stop using a mobile phone illegally, being personally responsible for causing an accident came top, followed by being caught or the threat of being caught by a police officer (55% and 54% respectively), knowing the victim of an accident where handheld phone use was a factor (54%), and causing a near-miss (53%).

The findings suggest a sizeable minority of drivers still do not see anything wrong with using a handheld phone illegally because they believe they are not likely to cause an accident or be stopped by the police. This is despite the clear risk of distraction while

using a handheld phone – as shown by a number of high profile cases reported in the media – and the fact that police forces are now much more visible in their enforcement of the law on mobile phone use.

The figures also highlight how being sat in stationary traffic increases the likelihood of drivers reaching for their phone and using it at the wheel with over half (57%) of those who admitted to using a handheld phone saying this was when they were most likely to do so. This suggests that addicted motorists are struggling to resist the temptation to use their phone, and perhaps use it to seek relief from the boredom of traffic jams.

Pete Williams, spokesperson for the RAC’s Be Phone Smart campaign, said, “It seems reasonable to expect that causing an accident while using a handheld phone would be enough to force every driver to change their ways. But our data suggests otherwise – while six in 10 motorists told us they thought that would motivate them to kick the illegal habit, that indicates a remarkable four in 10 didn’t think it would.

“This is a worrying statistic and suggests that some drivers are still failing to see just how distracting using a handheld phone at the wheel can be, even though it has been illegal in the UK since 2003.

“But there have been some positive changes in recent months. Alongside the new tougher penalties, police forces are giving the offence greater focus with regular high-profile operations targeting offenders. As our research shows that the actions of the police could be key in making drivers change their ways, this has to be very welcome. Both the RAC and THINK! have also launched awareness-raising campaigns to explain the risks and urge positive action among motorists.

“Technology is gradually evolving too, to encourage drivers to do the right thing when they get behind the wheel. We are pleased that one of the most widely used smartphone operating systems, Apple’s iOS used on iPhones, is about to have an update that will offer a ‘drive safe’ mode. This will join a range of apps already available for Android, such as Agent, which encourage smarter phone use in the car or cab.”

What drivers told us would make them permanently stop using a handheld phone at the wheel: • Being responsible for causing an accident while using a handheld phone (60%) • Being stopped by a police officer (55%) • The threat of points and a fine (54%) • Knowing the victim of an accident where the person responsible was using a handheld phone (54%) • Causing a near-miss while using a handheld phone (53%) • Being the victim of an accident themselves (51%)

Windscreens Repaired and Replaced • Door Glass • Sunroofs • Van Conversions

• Knowing someone who had caused an accident while using a handheld phone (48%)

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

• A national awareness campaign highlighting the risks/penalties (33%)

Tel: 01473 214611

48

• Seeing footage of a driver causing an accident (41%) • Media coverage of drivers being sentenced for using a handheld phone at the wheel (36%) • Fear of losing their job if they got caught (34%)

• A family member asking them to stop (32%) • Availability of a free ‘drive safe’ app for their smartphone that limits its operation while driving (30%)

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: BMW R Nine T On the motorbike, scooter and moped sector, mycarcheck.com’s Mark Field said, “BMW’s R Nine T takes the look and appeal of a retro classic and brings it bang up to date with a superb level of equipment and build quality. Rider aids are limited to just ABS, but the R Nine T is loaded with exotic parts – Brembo brakes, Akrapovic exhaust and S1000RR forks – and it handles brilliantly. The 1170cc air-cooled boxer engine is perfect for this bike with 110hp and loads of torque. Coupled with the Akropovic exhaust, it produces a wonderful sound and the spoked wheels are a great finishing touch. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £8,500 to £9,500 for a

good used example and check before you buy because, of all the BMW R Nine T models we’ve checked so far this year, a much higher than average percentage were previously written-off.”

As to market trends, Field said, “It is hard to put a brave face on the sorry state of the new bike market. New registrations continue to decrease month on month compared to last year and it is the smaller capacity, entry-level bikes that are struggling most. The only crumb of comfort is the growth in 650cc and 1000cc sectors, but these are to seasoned bikers at a time when you would think smaller capacity bikes would be a tempting and economical choice for the next generation. By contrast, dealers report that used bike sales are up on this time last year. With new sales so slow, the biggest issue facing the used motorcycle market is the availability of good quality stock.”

As to market trends, Wheeler said, “With the new 67 registration plate released at the start of September, the focus for most dealerships is predominantly on new vehicle sales. The happy byproduct of this was an influx of trade-ins and plenty of good quality used cars coming into the market. For secondhand car buyers now can be a great time to grab a bargain as dealers will be looking to turnover their stock quickly to make room for new acquisitions.”

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.

Used car of the month: Land Rover Discovery 4

Vehicle valuation manager at mycarcheck.com, Jon Wheeler, said, “With enough space for the kids, the dog and the weekly shop, the Land Rover Discovery 4 ticks all the boxes as a go-anywhere family car. It was subject to many upgrades from the previous model, notably an improved interior, better driving dynamics and a larger capacity 3.0 litre diesel engine, which is cleaner, more frugal and brought some welcome extra power. Repair costs can be expensive though, so it is well worth seeking out an example with full service history. Of all the Discovery models we’ve checked so far in 2017, a very low 6.97% were previously written-off, a higher than average 15% were on finance and 0.62% were stolen.”

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

01473 60 40 20

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 49

Haxley and Ruffles Roofing Contractors

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

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

haxleyandruffles@gmail.com www.haxleyandruffles.com

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Tel: 07873 442187

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

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Clear-View Removals

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

Removals & Deliveries

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

Decking, Fencing, Pergolas, Sheds - New or Repair Free Estimates

Tel: 07599 018700

Local Tree Surgeon

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

Call 07764 960436

Or email rob.prior@magicman.co.uk 50

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

Ipswich24 reserve the right to pass on competition entry details to third parties, If you do not wish you details to be passed on please state so on your entry.

PROCARE

M.D.S. Roofline

Fully insured Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Service including End of Tenancy cleans

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Competitive prices and all work guaranteed!

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Fun, friendly, affordable driving lessons in Ipswich

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

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• Business cards • Leaflets • Brochures • Pull-up Banners • Vinyl Banners We can print and design almost anything, at a price you can afford!

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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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BLOCK PAVING REFURBISHMENT SPECIALISTS

We pressure clean, reinstate sunken areas, refill joints, weed treat and apply acrylic sealant.

R. MATTHEWS

|

Est. 1986

Mob 07779 240248 201631

Tel 01473

For a Free Quote

Windows, frames, gutters (cleared and/or cleaned), conservatory roofs, and all internal cleans.

David Steele 07880 337381 01473 729347

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

Does your TV need a re-tune?

New Domestic Appliances and TV Products Supplied

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Greenfuture

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

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

All electrical work undertaken 24hr call out

Luke Edwards 01473 399173 07800 753339 ledwards.electrical@yahoo.com 51

Book promptly to avoid disappointment Contact John on 07393 360 081 / 01394 420 647 Email: jacleaningone@gmail.com