Ipswich24 - October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

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OCEAN CRUISES RIVER CRUISES The Luxury Travel Specialist

www.cruiseready.co.uk

Tel: 01394 799179

2 New Street, Woodbridge

Visit us online at www.ipswich24.co.uk for more information and events 1020_ips24_Oct.indd 1

16/09/2020 12:13

Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search – find Wally in Ipswich Museum!

This Halloween, Wally, the world’s favourite children’s book character – wearing a red-andwhite striped shirt and black-rimmed specs – will be travelling the country, appearing in museums, including Ipswich Museum! Families will be able to join the search for Wally as part of the Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search, organised by Walker Books and Kids in Museums, to celebrate the release of the new book, Where’s Wally?

Spooky Spotlight Search.

Over 75 museums around the UK have signed up to run the promotion, which is perfectly timed for Halloween. The activity will run in participating museums from 9th October until 1st November 2020 and will be tailored within each museum to comply with their social distancing measures.

Additional online activities will be available for those families choosing not to visit museums in person.

Families will be able to visit their local participating museum to hunt for Wally amongst their collections, as well as spell out a spooky phrase with letters hidden alongside mini Wally standees, and receive a special “I found Wally!” bookmark on completion of the search, as well as the chance to enter the Where’s Wally? and Kids in Museums grand prize draw competition to win an ArtFund Family Membership and a bundle of Where’s Wally? goodies.

Walker will provide participating museums with an array of supporting print and digital materials including mini standees, activity sheets, posters, bookmarks, pin badges for staff and social media assets.

For more information on the Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search at Ipswich Museum and how to book your tickets to visit the museum safely, visit ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/whereswally

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INSIDE THIS MONTH OCTOBER Magical Lights:

At Home:

We look at the top DIY projects as well as finding out the nation’s favourite meals. There’s advice on home repairs and more in our monthly lifestyle digest.

Strictly

Following last year’s successful launch, Helmingham Hall Gardens again open their festive illuminated magical trail.

17-23

Mad About 9 Pets: Motors:

Who’s the best driver – Mum or Dad? Plus how safe is your child’s car seat?

Following COVID the nation has seen an increase in dog ownership. Plus results of the new Pet Pagent and details on changing dog behaviour.

for dance fans:

Something to look forward to for Strictly fans as favourite Kevin Clifton announces a visit to Ipswich’s Regent Theatre.

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14&15 27-29 Competitions:

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Look out for some terrific prizes throughout this month’s magazine in our great free to enter competitions

Manorside Travel offer taxi, minibus and coach hire across Ipswich.

We have a wide range of taxis for long distance and airport transfers our minibuses can carry up to 8 passengers while our coaches can cater for up to 28 passengers passen and can be used for private hire, airport transfers, sporting events, weddings etc.

Call us today to book your taxi or coach transport

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WWW.MANORSIDETRAVEL.CO.UK 3

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16/09/2020 12:13

Good vibrations of Friendship in the Park Yes the sun was shining, and it was a glorious day to spend time with friends we hadn’t seen in months!

The Ipswich branch of the Oddfellows were celebrating their Friendship month with the event in Christchurch Park, which also launched the “SnapShot Competition”.

Social Secretary, Wendy Atkins said, “It was like a reunion, and as if we’d never been apart. The competition was included to help members engage with the event, if they were unable to attend on the day.

Members and guests alike set off in small groups (socially distanced of course) and strolled, chatted, and “snapped”. Two guests were so impressed with the real vibes of friendship that they have signed up for membership!

Wendy added, “We have plans for a varied (flexible) social programme throughout the next few months; ready to amend events as the ongoing situation dictates”.

October events include afternoon tea, crafts and online talks and quizzes.

Welcome back!

Friendship month may have come to a close but Oddfellowship goes on forever!

If you wish to find out more about the Ipswich Oddfellows (based in High Street) please contact the Branch Secretary Lynne Wyatt on 01473 251867 or email: ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk

A friendly invitation

Craftability have welcomed both new and old customers over the past few weeks and have been delighted to see them all!

Loo for a king frien local d gro ship up?

Why not give your local Oddfellows a try?

We have a mix of social events, both online and face-to-face, to get together, chat and enjoy friendship.

As you know, at Craftability they have a huge selection of materials and equipment for all types of crafts. Many of you have revisited projects during lockdown and have started to explore new skills too.

They are expanding their fabric and over the next few weeks will be taking delivery of some lovely new Christmas prints, poly cotton prints and more.

However, more excitingly some Glow in the Dark jersey designs – dinosaurs and mermaids to name a few. Ideal for masks and clothes Craftability’s Christmas range is out, and new items are being delivered almost weekly.

Many of you enjoyedther workshops which were held before lockdown. Due to the current restrictions Craftability will not be able to resume these for the foreseeable future. However, they will be putting together kits of many of the topics they were going to be teaching. These will come with full instructions and the materials which you need to compete the project. Included In the range will be – fabric tied Christmas wreath, traditional (artificial) Christmas wreath, painted Christmas angel, fabric Christmas tree, Christmas cards, hand sewn Christmas Elf. These should be available by the middle of October.

Craftability are also pleased to announce that they have increased their opening times and are now operating from 10am until 3pm Monday to Saturday Pop in and see them. You won’t be disappointed!

Our social events meet the new COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

So if you need company and would still like to meet-up with others, we’ll do what we can to make it as safe and comfortable as possible.

To find out more, just get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Lynne on 01473 251867 or Wendy on 07722 191437 or visit oddfellows.co.uk/events

Media ref 1665

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

for all your crafting needs Crafts, Gifts, Dolls Houses and Accessories 4 St. Lawrence Street, Ipswich IP1 1DN Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm

Tel: 01473 257550

www.craftability-ipswich.co.uk Email: sales@craftability-ipswich.co.uk

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16/09/2020 12:13

Strictly Star reschedules Burn The Floor tour…

Kevin Clifton and the sensational worldwide Ballroom dance company Burn The Floor return with a bang in 2021!

The tour, which was originally due to take place in the Spring of 2020 and was only a week away from opening when the UK went into lockdown due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, has been successfully rescheduled and now includes dates across the UK AND Ireland.

n Half Term at Baylham House Farm

It is always a pleasure to visit the farm but unfortunately this year Baylham House Farm are not able to hold their Spooky Spectacular as, due to current restrictions, all the witches, ghosts and ghouls are self-isolating.

You can still meet all your old favourites - who will do their utmost to tempt you to feed them and give them a friendly scratch behind the ears, enjoy a walk along the river or see what’s new on the lake.

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.

This fiery, energetic and revolutionary Ballroom production will, once again, set stages alight and show audiences why it is still the world’s leading Ballroom show after more than two decades.

Starring Kevin Clifton, one of the most successful professional dancers to come out of Strictly Come Dancing, Burn The Floor is the show to watch in 2021!

Clifton, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing after appearing in seven series, is arguably the most successful professionals to come from the show - he made an impressive five out of seven finals and won various glitter balls, including the main show with his celebrity dance partner, journalist Stacey Dooley in 2018, and the Children in Need and Christmas specials in 2019.

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, Tuesday to Sunday, until the October half term when it will be open all week. With entry prices at £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions, £3.50 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.

Having performed with Burn The Floor on Broadway, the West End, and all over the World, Kevin credits the show for igniting a spark in him and changing him forever as a performer.

In 2019, Kevin came ‘home’ to Burn The Floor, completing a sell-out, 5 star rated UK tour with the international dance company and he is thrilled to join his ‘dance family’ once again.

A mix of eclectic live music, jaw-dropping choreography and ground-breaking moves, this show has an abundance of infectious, rebellious energy and passion.

Feel the intensity of the passionate Tango, be swept away by the romance of the Waltz and be captivated by the sensual, alluring Rhumba.

“Not just a “feel-good” performance, we are seriously a “feel-fantastic” show!”

Don’t miss your chance to experience the pure dance joy of Burn The Floor when it comes to a theatre near you in 2021.

Kevin Clifton says, “Burn The Floor is the show that ignited a spark in me and changed me forever as a performer. Through Broadway, West End and touring all over the world this show has ripped apart the rule book, revolutionised our genre and inspired and shaped me as the dancer I am today.”

Burn The Floor will be at the Ipswich Regent, Ipswich on Wednesday 28th April 2021. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433 100 5

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16/09/2020 12:13

Flying extended at Owl Sanctuary Over the past couple of months, Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has been welcoming visitors back to the centre to enjoy over 80 owls and other birds of prey, many of them flying free…and very close!

In previous years of “normality”, the flying season would have finished at the end of September to enable the participant birds to rest up and moult in the aviaries over the autumn and winter months. This year, however, due to the shortened summer season and the necessity to limit visitor numbers entering the sanctuary due to coronavirus, the flying schedule has been extended.

Two daily displays, at 11.30am and 1.30pm will now continue until the end of October.

As admissions will still be restricted in number due to the continuing

need for social distancing and to maintain a safe and robust biosecure environment, advanced booking online remains essential.

After October, the sanctuary will continue to offer one flying session with full commentary at 1.30pm each day, throughout the winter months.

The falconry team will also be busy exercising a variety of the resident birds of prey between 3pm and 4pm daily and visitors are welcome to watch them training and interacting with their charges.

Within the centre’s two-acre site the red squirrels, meerkat mob and silver foxes can all still be enjoyed and the new S.O.S. 2 compound, complementary to the main site, offers additional picnic and strolling space surrounded by the magnificent native bird community which includes barn, tawny, little and long eared owls as well as the majestic golden eagles, Skye and Finn.

Meerkat feeding sessions continue to take place at 10.45am and 2.15pm daily.

The shy red squirrel colony and cheeky meerkat mob are located at either end of the pretty Woodland Walk in which ladybird houses, a bug hotel, a hedgehog teepee and established wildlife pond can also be found.

Sapphire and Diamond, the young silver foxes are now comfortably established in their species specific enclosure within the S.O.S. 2 compound. The whole site features level tarmac paths for ease of use for wheelchairs and buggies and wheelchair friendly picnic tables are also available.

The children’s play area has now re-opened, with clear instruction boards enabling all families to

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

Reg. Charity 1086565

@ STONHAM BARNS PARK on the A1120

A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND FASCINATING OWLS & OTHER BIRDS OF PREY • FLYING DISPLAYS DAILY • RED SQUIRRELS • FERRETS MEERKAT KASTLE PICNIC AREAS INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

OPEN DAILY from 10.00am Great Family Fun

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BOOK NOW ONLINE at www.owl-help.org.uk or by ‘phone on 03456 807 897 / Option 3

enjoy the inclusive equipment in a safe and secure environment. The custom built double width slide, wheelchair accessible roundabout and giant family swing are cleaned thoroughly throughout the day, as are all barriers, signage, seating and other touch points within the sanctuary.

Although the unique owlie gift shop is not currently in evidence, a small, select variety of gifts are available directly from stock on request in the reception area.

Sanctuary staff will take the temperature of all visitors on admission to the centre and are always on hand to assist with any bio-security and mobility questions which may arise.

To book tickets in advance, please go to www.owl-help.org.uk

Get creative

PRIZE COMP

For a creative Christmas for the whole family, Eggnogg’s award winning Colour-in Giant Poster/Tablecloths will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Made of durable paper it's robust enough to be folded away and brought out again and again.

Award winning Eggnogg are the colour-in specialists. Graphic designer and illustrator, Kate Edmunds, founded the company six years ago when her two children were five and seven. She started designing colour-in tablecloths and postcards for kids. What started as a kitchen table business quickly grew, and Eggnogg now sells more than 40 products across Europe, the US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the Middle East. Eggnogg is stocked in major stores like John Lewis, Habitat, Waterstones, Fenwick and Liberty, many independent high street retailers, and as on Eggnogg’s own website www.eggnogg.co.uk. The Eggnogg Colour-in range includes paper tablecloths, placemats and card books, fabric kit bags, pencil cases, and pillowcases. Eggnogg also undertakes bespoke work with collaborators such as National Trust, Little Dish and The Royal Albert Hall to name but a few.

For the full range of Eggnogg’s colour-in products visit their website at www.eggnogg.co.uk

— COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 has got two Eggnogg’s award winning Colour-in Giant Poster/ Tablecloths to give away to a lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning both the Christmas and the Great Britain Table cloths just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime contact telephone number to: Eggnogg Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 30th October 2020.

Q. What colour is Rudolph the reindeer’s nose?

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16/09/2020 12:13

Can you name the new addition to Elmer’s Herd?

The local community is being encouraged to enter a competition to name the latest member of St Elizabeth Hospice’s much-loved herd of Elmer elephant statues.

new Elmer to celebrate the organisation’s work in a colourful display.

A talented artist in her spare time, Sarah also designed and painted ‘Thirty Ears – The Harey Mammoth’ sculpture which appeared in Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk art trail. A design which combined both 30th anniversaries of St Elizabeth Hospice and popular children’s character Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by author David McKee.

From Artiphant and Bee Kind to Elefont and Tigelephant, Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk art trail brought trunk loads of colour to Ipswich, brightening up the lives of many while helping to raise funds for the independent Suffolk charity, St Elizabeth Hospice.

Now there is a new and smaller addition to the herd featuring a design which showcases the work carried out by the charity and its staff in supporting patients and the local community.

Designed and decorated by Sarah Edwards, a nurse at St Elizabeth Hospice’s inpatient unit, the new Elmer will take residence in the hospice’s garden following the result of the public naming competition, which is open until 20th September, with the winner receiving the opportunity to unveil the sculpture during a ceremony in the hospice garden.

“I’ve tried to portray the hospice and its services as a kind of oasis and helping hand in times of need,” explained Sarah.

In the summer of 2019 Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk formed an art trail through Ipswich, before raising more than £260,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, via supporting fundraising activities and an auction held at Ipswich Corn Exchange, which saw all 55 Elmer statues moving to new homes.

“The hospice’s garden feature prominently in the design as its central to our Ipswich home and patients and their families see it as a place of comfort, both physically and emotionally.

“It’s such a special place where many visitors have had to visit their loved ones from during the coronavirus outbreak as we reduced visiting in our inpatient unit, in order to meet government guidelines, so it seemed an ideal backdrop for the design.”

From the hospice’s young adult service Zest to its 24-hour phone support line OneCall, as well as its Covid-19 fundraising campaign #HereTogether, they are all featured in the ornately decorated

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness. Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

To enter the competition, for a fee of £2 all of which goes towards St Elizabeth Hospice, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/name-theelephant-competition-tickets-119872739591.

To find out more about St Hospice call 01473 727776 www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

Elizabeth or visit

Extra chances to visit the Ark Noah’s Ark, or “VerhalenArk”, is the world’s only floating exhibition of Bible stories.

Covering 2,000 square meters and 4 floors, the Ark is a half-sized replica of Noah’s original boat; a symbol of hope no matter what you believe.

Throughout the “museum-ship” are enchanting exhibitions and displays of wooden sculptures telling some of the most popular Biblical stories including Adam & Eve, Moses and David & Goliath plus a 12ft tall ‘Tree of Life’. The 70m long vessel is currently docked on Orwell Quay, Ipswich and is open to public with an extended visit to the town until approximately March 2021.

Open everyday from 10am until 6pm tickets are available at the entrance. Booking only required for groups of 20 people or more, school groups are welcome.

20% discount on Mondays.

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16/09/2020 12:13

Visit Stonham Barns Park this October S

tonham Barns Park have been busy making sure it is a safe place for everyone to visit. They have adopted a strict biosecurity protocol to disinfect all surfaces and touch points throughout the park. Face coverings must now be worn in the shops and attractions, strict social distancing and there are hand sanitizing stations widely available.

This bustling family complex on the A1120 tourist trail is filled with an abundance of attractions and activities to suit all, providing a wonderful family experience in the Suffolk Countryside.

On Sunday 4th October on the Showground Stonham Barns are hosting the Suffolk Mini Show with Covid-19 protocols in place. This is part of the Mini Barn Bash weekend but is open to the general public to enjoy and will include show and shine show, club displays, minis for sale, mini games, trade stands, auto jumble and refreshments. Tickets on the gate Adults £5.00. Under 15 FREE. There is also the very popular Car Boot every Sunday throughout the year. Something else to look forward to and coming in November is the annual Christmas Craft Fair with a great variety of gifts to choose from.

Visit for the day and you will find lots to keep you busy. There is the Golf Park with eight different golfing activities including Smugglers Bay Adventure Golf.

The Teapot Pottery and Tea Room with a range of teapots for sale or paint

your own, whilst you are there have a pot of tea or coffee and a piece of home-made cake. Two fully stocked fishing lakes ideal to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing, shopping village with a wonderful range of unique shops and businesses. The Bistro which serves home-made delicious food seven days a week.

Children’s indoor soft play barn, seasonal fairground, train rides and bouncy pillow. The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary which is home to over 80 beautiful owls, other birds of prey, Meerkats and red squirrels and much more.

Are you looking for that last minute holiday? Then stay in the holiday park.

You can bring your own caravan, tent or motorhome, hire a luxury furnished bell tent which sleeps up to four people or a four and six berth fully furnished holiday home in our holiday park. Contact 01449 711 901 for more details. If you wish to come back again and again 11 months of the year, there is also the option of buying your very own holiday home.

Stonham Barns is a ‘dog friendly’ site, but they must be kept on a lead.

The park is also disabled friendly. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or their social media pages ‘StonhamBarnsLV’

Superheroes Don’t Get Scared is an insightful, funny, rhyming tale which encourages children to face their fears and find their inner superpowers.

PRIZE COMP

Scared Maisie Brown dreams of being a fearless superhero – because they never get frightened, right? But when Dad and Mum explain that even the strongest, boldest and bravest hero can sometimes feel afraid, and that’s perfectly fine, Maisie realises there's a superhero in all of us.

With fun characters, rhyming text and a wonderfully relatable, take-away message w this heart-warming book is an amazing addition to any ‘little hero's’ bookshelf.

This picture book is also brilliantly illustrated with stunning, colourful artwork by acclaimed illustrator Clare Elsom which children, parents and teachers alike will love.

“Helping children understand their emotions as well as identifying the same feelings in other people is an important step in their emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. Superheroes Don’t Get Scared is a brilliant and insightful book, which normalises the experience of fear and anxiety, as well as encouraging children to face their fears and find their inner (super) powers.” Lauren Callaghan Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Co-founder and Clinical Director of Trigger Publishing Superheroes Don’t Get Scared, written by Kate Thompson and illustrated by Clare Elsom, published by Upside Down Books is out now and availabl at all good book shops.

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got two copies of Superheroes Don’t Get Scared 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 daytime contact telephone number to: Superheroes Don’t Get Scared Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 30th October 2020.

Q. Name the little girl who dreams of being a fearless superhero in the new book Superheroes Don’t Get Scared?

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16/09/2020 12:13

Illuminated Garden Trail: Helmingham Hall Gardens Make the most of the dark winter nights by stepping into a magical world of light, colour and sound, as you explore the grounds of Helmingham Hall adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland.

An unmissable event to start off the festive season! Begin the trail by crossing Helmingham Hall’s famous drawbridge (pulled up every night since 1510) and warming up with a complimentary mulled wine within the courtyard seeped in over 500 years of historical charm. Continue through the gardens absorbing the magical sights and sounds,

gather around the fire pits to toast marshmallows for s’mores and end the evening browsing the Stables Shops where you may be able to find some early Christmas gifts!

The Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall runs from 18th November until 13th December, Wednesday - Sunday, 4.30pm until 9.00pm (timed entry every 30 minutes with the last entry at 7.30pm on week nights and 8.00pm at weekends) The Coach House Tearooms will be serving a range of hot and cold festive treats.

For more information and tickets please visit www.helmingham.com

Tide Mill Museum wins 2020 Tripadvisor Award Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum have announced it has been recognised as a 2020 Travellers’ Choice Award winner based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic.

According to Tripadvisor ‘award winners exemplify travellers’ ultimate favourite, top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe’.

John Carrington, Chair of the Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust, said, “It’s a little intriguing that a mill that has been on the site in Woodbridge for 850 years is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide according to Tripadvisor, founded in Massachusetts 20 years ago. Since the Covid19 pandemic struck we have switched a lot of effort, with great success, to online marketing and this reflects the efforts of our Volunteers at a time when the Mill, like so many attractions,

has had to forego some valuable visitor revenue. The Trustees are immensely grateful for the work our team has done to justify this Award” “Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners' achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality.

Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”

An unmissable event to start off the festive season!

A magical world of light, colour and sound, transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland.

18th November - 13th December, Wednesday - Sunday, 4:30pm - 9:00pm

(timed entry every 30 minutes with the last entry at 7:30pm on week nights and 8:00pm at weekends)

The Coach House Tearooms

will be serving a range of hot and cold festive treats.

For more information and tickets please visit www.helmingham.com 9

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16/09/2020 12:13

To holiday or not to holiday…

W

ith so many of us having to cancel our travel plans this year we certainly need a holiday to look forward to in 2021.

At Deben Travel and Cruise Ready, they have been receiving more enquiries than ever for overseas travel that will provide something a little different. And, one of which will offer a socially distanced experience.

If you are looking for a holiday to escape the crowds here are their top 5 breaks.

Maldives

Made up of 1190 coral islands of which only 200 are inhabited the Maldives is the perfect island escape. With resorts ranging from laid-back bare-foot bliss to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world we can find an island to suit all tastes and budgets.

Private Villa

A villa with private pool is possible throughout the world however at Deben Travel they find the Greek Islands and Italy ideal for a mix of beach and countryside. Hire a car to explore the destination or find a villa that has everything within walking distance.

Sailing Holiday

Experienced or new to sailing Cruise Ready, can arrange a holiday as part of a flotilla around the Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey or even Thailand. For that bit of luxury they can also arrange yacht charter.

Glass Igloo

See the Northern Lights in style plus lots of other winter activities available. Finland and Sweden are the ideal destinations for an igloo stay.

Motorhome

Deben Travel can arrange motorhome rental Worldwide including the UK and Europe.

Explore your chosen destination at your own pace, with motorhomes sleeping up to six people, popular countries to visit are Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

All holidays booked at Deben Travel and Cruise Ready are ABTA or ATOL protected. If you book a holiday and the UK government advise against travel your holiday cost will be refunded. Some exceptions do apply and they can discuss this with you at time of booking.

Deben Travel. 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

Tel: 01394 615620. www.debentravel.co.uk Cruise Ready. 2 New Street, Woodbridge. Tel: 01394 799179 www.cruiseready.co.uk

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 53A The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AH www.silversunjewellery.co.uk Telephone: 01394 382114 Email: Silversunjewellery@gmail.com Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm Sundays – Please phone in advance

Exclusive Food Market comes to Showground The Suffolk Agricultural Association is delighted to present a top quality Food and Artisan Market at Trinity Park, Ipswich, home of the Suffolk Show, organised by Suffolk Market Events, when a fantastic range of the very best producers from our region will be together under one roof. Over fifty stalls will fill the fantastic space selling a wonderful array of local produce including hot food for consumption on site and handmade crafts. Open 10am until 2pm on Saturday 17th October, with free entry.

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… And we don’t just mean Halloween!

With the government guidelines constantly changing and the ever present fear of a second lockdown all businesses are having to constantly adapt to ensure their survival and Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café is no exception.

Following the wonderful support from their customers new and old during the summer months this quirky little independent business, based in the centre of Ipswich, is busy planning its Autumn and Winter programme.

From Monday the 21st September the café and studio will be open from 10am to 4pm five days a week remaining closed on Wednesdays and Sundays until October half term. A booking system will be in place with tables available at 10am, 12pm and 2pm for painting, guaranteeing your table for a minimum of an hour and a half.

Booking can be made via their Facebook page ‘Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café’ or calling the shop on 01473 216865.

Alternately, you can just turn up and chance it too! Café only customers do not need to pre-book plus there is a lovely outside seating area to enjoy n Cheeky Little Bumpkin with waitress service.

The studio will be open all week for the half term holidays and from November to Christmas will reopen again on Sundays although they will still remain closed on Wednesdays.

Safety measures have been put in place to keep everyone safe during your visit, including a one way system, sanitisation station, socially distanced tables, catalogues to browse the ceramic to minimise handling and personalised painting equipment. If you are still feeling uncomfortable about staying to paint the studio is offering paint at home kits too containing full instructions and equipment you just need to return your masterpieces for glazing and firing.

The new maximum group guidelines have added more restrictions to follow but Pennikkiity Pots has risen to the challenge with ‘Super Six’ party bookings for Birthdays, Hens and Baby Showers plus private ‘Bubble’ bookings and mobile paint at home kits. Also small Clay Classes are currently being planned with daytime and evening sessions being scheduled.

So with the Halloween stock on the shelves and dare we say it Christmas ceramics just waiting to be painted why not pop along and enjoy some quality time either on your own or with friends and family you won’t be disappointed!

Book a ‘Spooky Six’ Halloween Table Can’t Trick or Treat this Halloween, why not book a table for six to paint exclusively in the upstairs party room? At £15 pp this special deal includes a spooky ceramic, studio fee, creepy cupcake and witches brew drink plus treat bag. Available from 1st October until Saturday 24th inclusive.

New interactive map of Ipswich Have you ever wondered about the history of your part of Ipswich? What sorts of things have been collected to show the story of Ipswich’s evolution?

Ipswich Museums love sharing the history of Ipswich by welcoming people to Ipswich Museum and Christchurch Mansion for Heritage Open Days, but as things are a little different this year, they thought they’d try something new too.

To co-inside with the national festival, you can explore the town’s past through the new interactive digital map.

It shows objects from the museum collections which were made, found, used and lost in Ipswich. Just click on each marker to find out more.

Ipswich Museums want visitors to be curious about Ipswich and its past, and to get a sense of place from the museum collections. Special thanks go to local Ipswich Makerspace member Phil Willis for helping to create the original version of the map, which featured in the 2018 exhibition You Are Here: The Making of Ipswich.

Portfolio holder for museums Cllr Carole Jones said, “The map is a wonderful way to discover more about Ipswich’s past. Our town has a fascinating history and it’s great that people will be able to explore the museum collections through their connections to places in Ipswich.”

Collections and Learning Curator Melanie Hollis said, “What’s lovely about the map is that you don’t have to read pages and pages of information to find out more about the town - these little snippets of the past, about people who used to live here, make it quite fun to explore and to build up a picture of Ipswich’s history.”

Ipswich Museums will be adding more objects to the map now that it’s online, so you can keep coming back and finding out more about the town around us and under our feet.

• Discover the map and start exploring Ipswich’s history at ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/localhistory

Discover Ipswich at your pace

Have fun discovering Ipswich with two self-guided, quirky, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt.

Buy in booklet or instant download format. Are you curious about Ipswich?

Looking for an unusual and quirky activity which gets you out in the fresh air whatever the weather? Take one of the self-guided walks with a treasure hunt theme – looping around the better-known sights, as well as some of the more unusual and quirky ones, which combined make Ipswich a charming place to explore! You’ll get everything – detailed directions, maps, clues (with answers in the back!), and interesting snippets about the history of Ipswich and the people that have shaped it. Buy in booklet or instant download format (to use on your mobile device or to print at home) and explore in your own time. One booklet is enough for four people of all ages to enjoy. Enter code Fantastic20 at checkout for a 20% discount on any two or more purchases from Curious About. Explore, Discover, Enjoy!

See www.fantasticforfamilies.com to check dates, times and prices.

£2 off

OCT2020

What a Nightmare!

*

When you present this advertisement

* Discount cannot be used against group deals, workshops or café items.

Ipswich IP1 3DJ Telephone 01473 216865 info@pennikkitypots.co.uk Call or email for opening times or visit us on Facebook

www.pennikkitypotsceramicscafe.co.uk 11

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Personal Injury Claims: is there a time limit?

Claims for compensation for personal injury and loss can arise out of road traffic incidents, accidents at work, accidents on holiday, in a public place or on private property, following a slip, trip or fall, and as a result of defective products or services to name but a few examples.

But if you wish to bring a claim for personal injury against, either a person, company or other potential compensator, you have to ensure that you have commenced any court action within strict time limits, failing which you may lose the opportunity to claim for your losses completely.

So what are those time limits?

The Limitation Act 1980 states that the time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury, or if later, three years from the date of your knowledge of the following; - That the injury sustained was significant / serious enough to justify bringing legal proceedings.

- That the injury was either completely or partly attributable to an act or failing on the part of someone / some body else.

- The identity of that person / body at fault.

Generally, the rule is that if you have not commenced your claim for personal injuries and issued that claim in the Courts by the three year cut off period, then you will no longer be able to pursue your claim.

There are however variations on the above time limits depending upon different types of personal injury claim. For example: - Accidents abroad and injuries sustained whilst travelling in an aeroplane, boat or international train may have a lesser time limit (often less than or two years).

- Claims brought through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority where you have been the victim of and sustained injury as a result of a violent criminal act or offence, which also have a two year limitation period.

- In Fatal Accident claims, the time period for a dependant to bring a claim is three years from the date of death, or if later, from the dependants’ knowledge as referred to above.

- If you are under the age of 18 and have suffered an injury and loss then you have three years from the date of your 18th birthday.

- If a person is of unsound mind / is disabled at the time of the accident / incident that caused the injury and loss, then time will not start to run until their recovery.

There is some scope for the Courts to extend the time limits imposed upon claims for personal injury in exceptional circumstances, but it is a balancing act taking into account the degree to which each party will be prejudiced if any extension is granted.

The message therefore has to be that if you have been injured and sustained loss, take active steps to bring your claim against the person / body at fault as soon as possible to prevent being time-barred at a later date and losing the opportunity to claim completely.

If you have had an accident and suffered injury in the last three years, but weren’t sure whether you could make a claim, please contact the team at Prettys on 01473 232121 or e mail Louise Plant at lplant@prettys.co.uk

Do you know what your kids are watching?

New research by the British Board of FIlm Classification (BBFC) has revealed that more than half of children aged six to 15 choose what to watch all or almost all of the time, without help from their parents.

The research, by YouGov, showed that as many as half of six year olds are regularly making their own decisions about what to watch without asking mum or dad. Four in 10 parents say they’re worried about the effect watching disturbing or upsetting content might have on their development.

Six in 10 parents of 12 to15 year olds think that films and TV can be a useful springboard in starting difficult conversations with their children around topics like mental health and sexuality.

And interestingly, three quarters of teens agree.

When it comes to parents with young children, two thirds with four to 11 years olds say that content can help them start conversations about relationship breakdown, death, illness or bullying. And their children also agree.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said, “It’s clear from our new research that young people and their parents need the right information to help them choose content well. It’s vital for children’s healthy development, and parents’ peace of mind, that they’re confident they’re pressing play on something that won’t cause harm or upset.

“It’s very encouraging that parents - and their children - are approaching each other to talk about depictions of issues they see on screen. That’s why we have comprehensive ratings info on our website, alongside our trusted and well known age ratings, which gives everyone an idea of what to expect.”

Girls are much more likely to talk about their mental health with a parent after watching content on a streaming service - with a quarter of six to 15 year old girls saying they’ve approached a parent after seeing something, compared to less than one in five boys.

The BBFC has launched a brand new website, which gives parents information about age ratings and ratings info at their fingertips. The fresh, intuitive layout means that parents will be able to quickly access vital information about what category defining issues films and TV shows on streaming services contain - making it easy to check what content contains, and help parents navigate those tricky topics.

The BBFC is also relaunching their website specifically aimed at children and educators, CBBFC.

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What’s all this I keep hearing about full fibre – what’s the big deal…?

In short, full fibre connections can deliver gigabit-capable broadband speeds.

That’s a dramatic upgrade on what most people currently use and makes all sorts of things – like gaming, streaming TV and working from home – much easier in terms of speeds and data handling. More importantly, full fibre networks offer far greater reliability than copper-based networks while being cheaper to maintain and operate – meaning more reliable internet for you!

More than just speed

Full fibre is about more than just making streaming at home easier – it can be genuinely transformative for communities. By taking a whole area approach, CityFibre will be meeting

current and future digital requirements of an entire community including residents, businesses, public services and mobile operators. With world class digital infrastructure at its heart, Ipswich will be ideally positioned to attract and foster new businesses creating jobs and enhancing its reputation as a great place to live, work, invest and visit. It will also support advances in the provision of healthcare, education and mobile services.

When can I get it?

live services expected to be available by the end of the year. CityFibre are building the an “open” network which a variety of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will use to offer broadband services to residents.

To find out more about the network and be kept up to date with progress visit https://www.cityfibre. com/residential For more general information or to learn more about CityFibre, visit www.cityfibre.com/ gigabit-cities

The build in Ipswich represents an investment

by CityFibre of around £35 million, connecting nearly every premises in the town. The build is well underway in the north west of the town with

How a Start Up Loan Farmers’ Market could help your business

Ipswich Farmers Market has been huge success since launching last April and organisers have been thrilled by the support from locals of Suffolk’s county town!

Start Up loans for businesses have been around since 2012 but last month marked a milestone as the 75,000th loan was made.

In that time just under 5,000 of these Government-backed loans were issued to small businesses in this region – and while the average sum borrowed here is just over £8,000, a total of more than £41million has been paid out in the East of England by the Start Up Loans Programme.

MENTA offers opportunities to help people in Suffolk looking to start or grow their business in this way. Working with partner organisations to deliver the funding, we’ll support you during the process. Their business advisors are always happy to help you explore the loan or grant option that’s right for you and your business.

Since the pandemic started in the UK, there’s been a significant rise in the number of Start Up Loans issued. Between May and July this year almost £32million was drawn down – an increase of nearly 40% on the same period last year.

For local entrepreneurs MENTA has partnered with Transmit Startups to deliver this scheme. The loans are unsecured personal loans that can only be used for business purposes. Sums available range from £500 to £25,000 over a loan term of between one and five years with a fixed annual interest rate.

It’s easy to apply online by visiting the funding and loans area of the MENTA website. MENTA will help you through the application process including advice on drawing up your business plan and cashflow forecast. There are no fees attached to a Start Up Loan or any of the associated services.

If you are 18 years or older with a viable business idea but no access to finance and your business is either not yet trading or not more than two years old, MENTA can help you take the next step of your journey.

Visit www.menta.org.uk/funding-loans.

Top quality stalls coming to the new Cornhill each month include award winning beef, pork and lamb, craft batch gin, homemade brownies and cakes, vegetarian and vegan options, jams, preserves, local honey and more. There is also delicious hot food including buttermilk chicken from Peck and wood fired pizza plus freshly brewed coffee. On the first Sunday every month, the market brings fresh energy and life into town, come and join a great day out! Open from 10am - 2pm with free entry on the Corn Hill, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1DH. The next Farmers Market is on Sunday 4th October.

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16/09/2020 12:13

madaboutpets

Covid encourages dog ownership to soar but ‘Which dog’ is for You? n Since the appearance of Covid-19 pet ownership has been on the increase.

Lockdown has brought a variety of changes to our lives and for many families adding a new canine friend has been a popular choice due to lockdown and months of isolation.

Problems arise once a new puppy or dog is brought into the home and understanding the right type of care to give can be a struggle.

Perfect-Pets books have published a new guide entitled Which Dog? An Essential Guide to Britain’s 20 Most Popular Breeds. Beautifully illustrated with colour photos it is a book that all the family can enjoy that helps dog lovers decide which breed is best for them and offers tips on the type of care they will need.

Owning a new dog certainly has its rewards but knowing which dog to choose can be a difficult choice to make. Some breeds require highoctane activity while others enjoy quieter solitude. The type of home an owner has may or may not be suitable for the type of breed that is desired. In the beginning a puppy is very cute but depending on the breed that same puppy can grow into a very large dog that needs a great amount of attention, space and exercise. This can be disconcerting for some owners who might prefer a smaller dog, or a dog that has a

quieter nature that requires less fuss.

In general, pet ownership has increased due to Covid-19. A recent survey has found that nearly half of all pet owners in the UK added at least one new furry friend during lockdown and 10% of British households currently without pets intend to get one in the next six months. These are staggering statistics but with 37% of pet owners working from home during the height of the pandemic it was inevitable that owners would get

Saturday 26th Sept ❖ 10am-4pm

CHIP n SNIP CAMPAIGN Come and get your voucher to get your feline friend chipped and neutered (open to residents in IP1-IP11)

—

Saturday 17th Oct ❖ 10am-4pm

PAWSOME TEA EVENT

Cake Sale from our shop at 20 Queen St, Ipswich, IP1 1SS

—

Tuesday 27th October

BLACK CAT DAY

10th Anniversary of this event and we have lots of black kittens needing homes

For further information call us on 0345 371 2069

www.ipswich.cats.org.uk

Do please come along and support us.

closer to their pets and be tempted to bring another one into their home.

Lockdown has also brought the darker side of dog breeding into the spotlight, as demand soared.

Google searches for “buy a puppy” increased by 166 percent since lockdown was announced on 23 March 2020. The increase in demand has caused an upswing in prices for puppies which is a worry for breeders and charities.

Siberian Husky breeder Stephen Biddlecombe points out they have been inundated with emails from prospective owners. He says, “A puppy is a puppy only for a few weeks and then that puppy grows into an adult, an adult dog, and you’ve got a completely different animal on your hands, as you can see.”

It is feared that not all breeders are acting appropriately. The Kennel Club’s Bill Lambert said some breeders had hiked their prices and there is concern that some buyers would look abroad, where welfare standards can be lower. He said, “We are hearing stories that some breeders are actually profiteering.”

As many workers return to their

jobs and children go back to school there is a worry that the novelty of owning a new puppy or dog will wear off and they will be abandoned or dropped off at a rescue centre.

Since Covid-19 rescue centres have seen an increase in the number of abandoned dogs as rising unemployment hits record levels.

There has been great interest by the public to adopt or foster dogs during the crisis however Dogs Trust said, “Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but it is a lifelong commitment which must be carefully considered. As our saying goes, ‘a dog is for life’ and, in this case, not just for self-isolation.”

Bringing a new dog into a home comes with responsibilities so it is important to research and think carefully before buying a dog or adding any new additions. PerfectPets Books have an extensive range of Essential Guides for dog and cat lovers that offer advice and information to help owners provide the best care possible. Books such as First Aid for Dogs, Dog Rescue and Dog Training act as great complements to Perfect-Pets’ most popular dog breeds Essential Guides.

So, if you are wondering which dog is for you and want to be prepared in order to give the best care possible visit: www.perfect-pets.org

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MAD ABOUT PETS

Pet Pageant winners announced n After hours of deliberation from the judging panel, the winners of St Elizabeth Hospice’s first ever fundraising Pet Pageant have been announced.

From handsome hounds and cuddly cats to all exotic furry, feathery and scaly friends, there was an array of pawsome entries into the virtual Pet Pageant.

Organised by the independent charity, which improves life for people across Suffolk living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, the pet pageant featured a number of categories for owners to showcase their cute companions including Best Smile, Best in Show, Golden Oldie and Extraordinary Exotics.

Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said, “Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who entered their cute pets into our first ever Pet Pageant and making it a great success. We have all enjoyed seeing the numerous adorable photos and the judges had to make some tricky decisions to decide who the worthy winners should be!

“Lockdown has hampered our ability to hold our regular schedule of popular events so to be able to host a virtual event like the Pet Pageant has been a great way for us to raise funds whilst observing government Covid-19 guidelines.”

Launched in July, the Pet Pageant saw lots of entries from pet owners across Ipswich and Suffolk into the virtual competition to help support St Elizabeth Hospice during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Best in Show award was won Roxy by and her owner Sue Tunaley.

“I entered Roxy as I thought that a photo taken at a family barbeque was perfect for the Best Smile category”, said Sue Tunaley.

“She is a lovely dog and has been with us for almost a year now and is very well behaved and good with other dogs and people. Her only issue is she will jump on anybody’s lap with no warning and is often found on the kitchen table looking out of the window!”

While Jessie Leggett, whose daughter Esmae and horse Peanut won the Junior Handler category added, “Esmae can’t wait to tell Peanut the good news. They have been best friends for four years now and as Esmae has a genetic condition that affects her muscles, being able ride Peanut is amazing exercise for her and so good for her balance.”

All funds raised by the £2 entry fees have contributed to St Elizabeth Hospice’s #HereTogether campaign, an appeal launched by the hospice to counteract the financial impact of Coronavirus on the charity. After lockdown saw the temporary closure of all its 31 retail shops and postponing of all fundraising activities which are vital income sources needed to support the provision of its end of life care and bereavement services.

To donate towards St Elizabeth hospice’s #HereTogether campaign visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/SEHCoronavirusAppeal or to find out more call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

Changing dog behaviour

Over a quarter of owners say their dog has developed at least one new problem behaviour during lockdown, according to new research released by Dogs Trust.

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity has issued the first results from research investigating the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on dogs and their owners. The charity surveyed over 6,000 dog owners in May this year about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on their dog.

Those who took part were asked about their dog’s routines, walks, enrichment and time spent alone during and before lockdown.

The majority of owners (55%) reported that their dog’s routine had changed a lot, including having less walks – as owners stuck to government guidance - and being less likely to be allowed to run off-lead. Worryingly over a quarter of dog owners reported that their dog showed at least one new problem behaviour during lockdown.

Behaviour problems are easier to prevent than treat, so The Dogs Trust are encouraging owners to take steps now to change the tale and ensure problems don’t develop when things return towards normal.

The risk of dogs developing separation anxiety is an urgent concern raised by Dogs Trust. This is particularly the case for puppies, who may never have had experience of being left home alone during the lockdown.

Suddenly leaving these pups alone once we go back to our ‘new normal’ lives is very likely to lead to separation anxiety.

For information on how to prevent and mange problem behaviours, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/changethetale. Owners can also find lots of advice and training videos through Dogs Trust Youtube Channel.

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Families and businesses are being asked to prepare for some pumpkin fun this Halloween whilst supporting a crucial Suffolk charity.

Fresh Start New Beginning is the county’s only provider of therapeutic services for children and young people who have been victims of sexual abuse, and is launching this fun competition to raise vital funds.

Families and businesses are being asked to carve their most spooky, spectacular or crazy pumpkins ready for Halloween, and to send photos of their creations into the charity.

Entries will cost just £2 and the best 10 creations will be showcased on social media after the judging day held on Halloween.

The top household entry will win a family ticket for Easton Farm park and the top corporate entry will win a Suffolk Food Hall hamper.

Families and friends are encouraged to get the competition going between households and businesses are asked to get their staff competing for the top prize.

Income and Operations Director Patsy Johnson said, “We hope that lots of people will want to get involved with our fun Halloween competition this year.

“Coronavirus has impacted on our operations significantly, as we’ve lost the ability to host public events that we depend on for fundraising.

Many of our corporate supporters are also reducing their charitable support due to their own struggles as a result of the pandemic.

“Sadly, we’re also preparing for a surge in demand for our services as children return to school and referrals begin to be made, so we need as much community help as possible in raising funds to help us secure and grow our services.

“Please do get involved, share information with your friends and family, and let’s see some amazing pumpkin creations this Halloween.”

Entries are open on 1st October and close at midnight on 25th October.

Photographs of pumpkin creations should be sent to hannah@fsnb. org.uk or send via our social media and a £2 entry fee can be paid via our website www.fsnb.org.uk reference pumpkin. A winner will be announced on the FSNB Facebook page on 31st October 2020.

Charity shop guru visits Hospice stores Accessing the impact of Covid-19 on the customer experience From vinyl records and vintage furniture to prom dresses and everything in between, charity shops are Aladdin’s caves full of preloved clothes and other items.

However, with Covid-19 and government restrictions surrounding social distancing, how has the shopping experience changed for those who love searching for hidden gems?

After lockdown saw the temporary closure of all of its 31 charity shops, in July independent Suffolk charity St Elizabeth Hospice began a staggered reopening of its retail arm across East Anglia.

Since then the hospice has been taking in between 700-1000 bags of donations every day at its two retail centres at Martlesham Heath and Holywells, in Ipswich, where a newly assembled, dedicated team accepts the items before they are placed in secure vans, offsite for 72 hours before being distributed to the charity’s network of shops.

While in store, to adhere to government Covid-19 guidelines, customers are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and hand sanitiser has been made available for use upon entering and leaving all shops. As well as this, customers have been observing one way system rules when shopping and queuing and contactless payments are being encouraged by the St Elizabeth Hospice retail teams.

One loyal customer excited to see the hospice’s charity shops reopening is Elene Marsden, or Preloved Chica, as she is more widely known online.

Elene, who lives in Ipswich and has been shopping in charity shops for over 20 years, explained, “I was first in the queue to visit St Elizabeth Hospice’s shop on Heath Road, Ipswich when it opened. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first with the new measures in place, but it was very well organised with a one-way flow of traffic and hand sanitiser at the entrance. I felt reassured that St Elizabeth Hospice charity shops had taken the safety of its staff and customers seriously. I am very comfortable visiting charity shops again.

“Yes, things are different but that’s to be expected but I still haven’t lost my passion for preloved clothes. You can pick up some wonderful bargains while feeling good that you’re supporting your local hospice at the same time.”

Elene’s passion for supporting St Elizabeth Hospice is a personal one. Her husband, Steve was cared for by the hospice until his passing in February 2017. She couldn’t have wished for a better place for Steve to spend his final days.

“I was very impressed with the work St Elizabeth Hospice does in helping patients and their families during difficult times. I had firsthand experience with this. I am always keen to raise funds and promote the hospice in any way I can. That’s why I always donate my clothes to their charity shops as well as promoting the hospice on my Preloved Chica Show on Ipswich Community Radio.”

As well as presenting on Ipswich Community Radio, Elene is also known to many as Preloved Chica, she has a YouTube channel, is active on Instagram and has her own Preloved Chica website where she shares her charity shop purchases with others across the globe. She offers a preloved styling service to her customers, giving advice on how to style clothes and where to find the best-preloved bargains.

Elene added:,“Charities like St Elizabeth Hospice rely on fundraising and donations to survive, so I feel it is really important that people venture to their local charity shops to see what they can find. By purchasing preloved items you are also helping the environment by keeping clothes out of landfill.”

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness. Centered on an individual's needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

• For full information on all St Elizabeth Hospice retail shops visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/coronavirus-information/shop-information

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AT HOME

athome

DIY Must Do!!

LIFESTYLE INTERIORS EXTERIORS GARDENS

How homeowners are using extra time inside to improve their houses Millennials are getting handier around the home since lockdown measures began, according to new research.

In fact, a poll of 2,000 homeowners found that compared to other generations, millennials have been the busiest, with 81% having tackled a home improvement project since March.

The study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Bernzomatic®, a manufacturer of handheld blow torches, examined the various home

improvement projects homeowners completed while stay-at-home orders have been in effect, and why they’ve taken them on.

For 65 percent of those polled, a project was done to save money while 49 percent simply needed something to keep themselves busy while being in lockdown.

Overall, the average homeowner has already attempted four different 10 HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BRITAINS LOOK FORWARD TO CREATING BEFORE CHRISTMAS 1. New lighting system 2. Bathroom renovation 3. Kitchen renovation 4. Fill a driveway crack 5 Create handmade gifts 6. Improve patio landscape 7. Complete woodworking projects 8. Replacing flooring 9. Replace the windows 10. Replacing countertops

home improvement projects since March — guesstimating a savings of over £160 just by trying a project themselves.

All this, without the help of an outside contractor (47% opted not to), taking these homeowners from DIY-ers to “figure it out yourself-ers.”

From painting in the house (32%) and working on landscaping

projects outside (29%) to recaulking (27%) and re-tiling kitchens and bathrooms (24%), homeowners have kept themselves busy these past six months.

Keeping busy may have just led to new hobbies. Seventy-three percent of those who tackled a home improvement project on their own revealed that afterward they felt resilient enough to keep taking on more projects and 67 percent of homeowners look forward to tackling more projects in the future.

“There is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment after your first successful DIY project to make you want pick up the toolbox and search for the next,” said Janna Stanford, senior marketing manager at Bernzomatic. These past few months have inspired people to finish that project that may have been sitting on the to-do list. From backyard patio renovation to removing caked on caulking, paint or rust, a torch is the tool that can be used in endless ways for projects around the house.”

And there’s more to be done, as 71% of homeowners still say their home is a ‘work in progress’.

It’s no wonder that half of the homeowners surveyed (50 percent) plan on doing a DIY home improvement project before the end of this year. Twenty-nine percent plan to work on landscaping projects outside, while 57% plan on taking on projects ahead Christmas.

Projects include bathroom and kitchen renovation, filling driveway cracks, fixing the patio landscape, and replacing countertops and kitchen floors.

Having the right tools to get these projects done is paramount to success. But with more than half (58%) of British homeowners attempting a home improvement project only to realise they did not have the proper tools to accomplish the task successfully, it may be time for a toolbox upgrade.

“Never underestimate the power of a

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BRITAINS TACKLED DURING COVID-19 1. Painting in the house 32% 2.Working on landscaping project outside 29% 3. Re-caulking 27% 4. Re-tiling kitchen or bathroom 24% 5. Plumbing 23% torch to get the job done,” said Anika Gandhi, a DIY lifestyle blogger at Anika’s DIY Life. “It is the one tool that I can use in dozens of ways to keep my house in tip top shape and this holiday I look forward to using a torch on wood to create unique, decorative pieces that’ll liven up my space for entertaining guests.”

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AT HOME

Improving energy efficiency for private tenants n According to a recent report, East Suffolk Council has one of the best records in the country for tackling energy efficiency in private homes to help tackle fuel poverty and carbon emissions.

In April 2018, the Government introduced the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to

improve private rented housing, barring landlords from starting new tenancies for properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of F or G – the lowest grading. In April 2020, this rule was expanded to cover all tenancies – old and new.

East Suffolk Council has spent many years promoting free and discounted insulation, offered to homeowners and landlords by the energy companies. Any landlord who failed to act to improve the warmth of their properties will now face financial consequences as East Suffolk Council have made the enforcement of these standards a priority. It is committed to ensuring all tenants – social and private – are living in warm homes that are good for their health and their wallet.

Of the 268 authorities included in the report, East Suffolk Council is in the top six with one of the best records

for tackling enforcement actions, having issued 87 compliance notices and seven financial penalties, with fine totalling £24,000 for MEES breaches to date.

Having declared a climate emergency in July 2019, proactively enforcing MEES also supports the Council’s green commitments as improvements in energy efficiency are directly linked to a reduction in carbon emissions.

Cllr Richard Kerry, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Housing, said, “Not only are cold homes miserable to live in but known to contribute to ill health and it also has financial and environmental costs when heat is wasted through poor insulation.

“Tenants don’t always have a choice of moving to another property and ultimately, our priority is to improve living conditions for all tenants, regardless of their circumstances, by enforcing the improvements and

penalising landlords who have not carried out what has been required by the change in law.”

Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment, said, “I am proud of the work East Suffolk Council carries out to enable landlords and housing associations to join us in our vision to be environmentally efficient in all our frontline services.

“Not only does better quality housing reduce costs for residents, it also reduces the resources needed to heat and care for our homes, and by making small changes now, we can make a big difference over time.

“The environment is not just about the grass and the trees outside our windows – it is about how we live our lives, and ensuring we live in energy efficient homes leads to a better and cleaner environment for everyone.”

COVID has made us re-evaluate Half of adults are determined to change the way they live as a consequence of Covid-19 – by developing closer bonds with neighbours, supporting small businesses and giving to those less fortunate.

A study of 2,000 Brits found 56 per cent are re-evaluating everything about their lives, with 47 per cent consciously choosing to value the smaller things in life. A further 52 per cent believe the pandemic has made them appreciate the work of the local community and charities, and a fifth

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have also connected with a new charitable cause as a result.

More than a quarter of adults have volunteered for a particular charity during the pandemic, with one in 10 doing so for the first time. Other ways adults have made positive changes include improving their work-life balance, exercising more and taking better care of their health in general.

The research was commissioned by Remember A Charity who encourage people to leave a gift to charity in their will once friends and family are taken care of.

Figures show legacy giving is now worth more than £3 billion to the charity sector, helping to fund a third of Cancer Research UK research work and six in 10 RNLI lifeboats.

Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, said, “Our research clearly shows that recent events have made many of us re-assess our lives, priorities and values and what we consider as important. Our communities and charities across the UK have provided us with plenty of support throughout this challenging

period; and likewise, are struggling themselves.

“To look after our communities and future generations, it’s important to help safeguard our charities and the incredible work that they do. One way is by leaving a gift to charity in your will once family and friends have been taken care of. It’s a fantastic way to create your own personal legacy and pass on something wonderful. Even a small amount can make a huge difference.”

The study also found four in 10 adults have a growing appreciation for their local area, while nearly half now recognise the importance of natural and rural places around them. And more than a third are supporting small businesses by spending locally.

Almost four in 10 believe the pandemic has shone a light on how fortunate they are, making them want to change how they live and give back to those who aren't as fortunate.

It also emerged two-fifths worry about how their children will remember them once they’ve passed.

As a result, 47 per cent of the nation want to be remembered for being charitable and supporting a cause they are passionate about – a seven per cent increase from the pre-Covid era in 2019. Almost half want to be remembered as being caring while 43 per cent want to be thought of as generous.

Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, added, “Over the last 20 years we’ve seen an incredible number of people choosing to leave a portion of their estate to their favourite charity in their Will, which is wonderful to see.

"We're a charitable nation and it'd make an enormous difference if the numbers of people choosing to leave a charitable gift in their Will continues to rise."

‘Snip the straps’ off face masks The RSPCA are urging people to ‘snip the straps’ from disposable face masks, as they reveal that they’ve helped more than 900 animals caught in litter since the start of lockdown.

Dumped face masks have become a new hazard to wildlife since the pandemic started and the RSPCA have received reports of animals tangled in the ear straps of single-use masks since it became law for the public to wear them in shops. One such incident includes a gull who was found to have a face mask tightly round his legs in Chelmsford, Essex.

Despite the face mask causing swelling to his legs, the bird has now fully recovered - but it’s just one example as to how dangerous face masks can be to animals.

Chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said, “For many years the public have been aware of the message to cut up plastic six-pack rings before throwing them away to stop animals getting tangled in them, and now we are keen to get out the message that the same should be done for face masks too - as very sadly, animals are susceptible to getting tangled up in them.

“Now that face masks are the norm, and may be for some time to come, this message is more important than ever as thousands of these masks are being thrown away every day. We’re concerned discarded face masks could become a significant hazard, particularly to wild animals and birds.

RSPCA officers have had to rescue animals from getting tangled in face masks and we expect that this may go up as time goes on, so the best thing to do is to simply cut the elastic ear straps in half before throwing it away.”

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AT HOME

Wasteland turned into wildlife garden Residents of Westerfield, Suffolk, have won funding to turn a large area of wasteland at their local rail station into a wildlife garden.

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, Westerfield Parish Council and the Community Rail Network offered grants towards the project - devised by the rail station’s volunteer adopter, Sandy Burn – which is aimed at improving the wellbeing of local people and providing a haven for wildlife.

Sandy and a small team of volunteers will work with 1st Westerfield Cubs to transform 72 square metres of land adjacent to the Ipswich-bound platform by planting over 200 native plants including perennials, grasses and wildflower seed.

Informational lecterns will also be installed in the garden in partnership with the Suffolk Butterfly Conservation Trust and Friends of the Earth to help people identify the bees and butterflies they spot.

The Cubs will also contribute to the space, planting herbs in a specially made planter which will be installed on the Lowestoft bound platform for local people to help themselves.

This will also help the children to develop an understanding of the role of bees and pollination, along with the different uses of herbs in cooking.

Check your roof before Winter As we enter Autumn and the weather turns colder it’s time to turn your attention to your roof.

It’s now that you may notice your flat roof is leaking or you may just want to get it checked over ahead of winter, when ice, snow and increased rainfall can play havoc with a poorly maintained flat roof.

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In addition, Sandy is working with Network Rail on the project who are helping to provide access to water at the site.

She said, “Creating a station garden with a diverse variety of pollinating plants with different flowering times will provide a visual and memorable experience for local people and commuters, bringing benefits to the well-being of all who visit the station.

“People in the village are very

interested in the project. Residents from the nearby Fairways care home for adults with learning disabilities go to the station on a regular basis to look at the trains and the station with their carers so I hope that the new planting will also help to improve their sensory input and well-being when they visit.

“The plants will also help capture pollutants, store carbon and reduce the emissions in the atmosphere.”

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said, “We are very grateful to Sandy and her fellow volunteers, Laura and Yvonne, for the amazing work they are doing at Westerfield and to the Community Rail Network for providing funding for this project.

“It’s great to support a project that is involving so much of the community with their local railway station.

“Wildlife friendly projects at stations like this are helping the railway in East Anglia to lead the green revolution by being a much greener way to travel - and our new fleet of trains will contribute even more thanks to their more environmentally friendly features which reduce CO2 and particulate emissions in the region further still.”

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AT HOME

Sunday Roast named nation’s favourite The classic Sunday roast – and all the trimmings – has been named the nation’s favourite meal.

A study of 2,000 UK adults revealed the top 50 best-loved dishes, which also included a full English, pizza and curry. In true British fashion, fish and chips featured in the top 10, as well as scones with cream and jam, sausage and mash and shepherd’s pie.

The study also found that more than six in 10 adults will turn to their favourite foods for comfort, while 36 per cent treat themselves to their preferred dishes on the weekend as a reward.

A spokesman for Crisp ‘n Dry, which commissioned the research to mark its 50th anniversary, said, “There is nothing like tucking into your favourite meal – especially when you’ve made it yourself.

“Whether it’s something simple like sausage and mash, or a full-blown Sunday roast, nothing compares to that sense of achievement and enjoyment when you can sit down to eat a tasty dish.

“Our study has also shown that Brits won’t stray far from their roots with a number of British staples making the list.

“Although it’s also great to see some more exotic meals within the top 20 such as curry and stir fry.”

The study also found chilli con carne, jacket potato with cheese and beans and toad in the hole to be among the best-loved meals, as well as British staples such as steak and chips, cottage pie and sausage rolls.

But while a third enjoy these foods because they are filling, 27 per cent love them because they are nostalgic and remind them of their younger years.

Nearly a fifth turn to their favourite meals after a bad day, but 59 per cent will just eat them as and when they please. Half of those polled will feel happy when they eat any one of their preferred foods, while a quarter will even feel relaxed.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 65 per cent enjoy cooking and 62 per cent of Brits would even describe themselves as a ‘good cook’.

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A further 63 per cent like to experiment when slaving over a hot stove, and more than half will typically cook their favourite dishes themselves rather than relying on someone else to make it for them. But 39 per cent admitted their preferred dishes taste better when made by someone else. Some have no choice though as one in 20 don’t have no idea how to cook their favourite meal.

A spokesman for Crisp ‘n Dry added, “Learning to cook is a process that takes time, and when you learn something new, you’re not always likely to get it right first time.

“We’ve been supporting families for 50 years now with a product that helps them – whether it’s browning and basting or roasting and frying.

“As they say, practice makes perfect, and sometimes you find that you like things a certain way the more and more you cook them.

“But there are other times when the reason you love a certain dish is because of the one someone else makes it.”

Top 50 best dishes according to Brits: 1. Sunday roast with all the trimmings 2. Fish and chips 3. Full English breakfast 4. Curry 5. Roast potatoes 6. Roast chicken meat 7. Chips 8. Pizza 9. Christmas dinner (with turkey) 10. Bacon sandwich 11. Lasagne 12. Steak and chips 13. Scones with cream and jam 14. Roast beef meat 15. Sausage and mash 16. Spaghetti Bolognese 17. Stir fry 18. Shepherd’s pie 19. Cottage pie 20. Beef burger and chips 21. Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) 22. Scrambled egg 23. Ham, egg and chips 24. Chilli con carne 25. Salad

26. Beans on toast 27. Sausage rolls 28. Omelette 29. Jacket potato with beans and cheese 30. Ham and cheese toastie 31. Fajita wraps 32. Toad in the hole 33. Pasta bake 34. Cornish pasties 35. Beef stew 36. Steak and kidney pie 37. Macaroni cheese 38. Sweet and sour chicken 39. Chicken and mushroom pie 40. Fish finger sandwiches 41. Tomato soup 42. Chicken burger and chips 43. Thai curry 44. Baked salmon and new potatoes 45. Paella 46. Meatballs 47. Boiled egg and soldiers 48. Fishcakes 49. Chicken kebabs 50. Scotch eggs

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AT HOME

Achieving your ‘perfect’ home It takes an estimated £26,000 of renovations to achieve the ‘perfect’ home after moving in, according to a new study.

Research polling 2,000 adults found just 38 per cent consider their property to be perfect – and were completely happy with their abode by the age of 43.

Renovating the kitchen had the biggest impact on achieving the perfect place, followed by a living room makeover and a new bathroom.

Other changes people made to get their home just as they wanted it were re-tiling the bathroom (39 per cent), installing new windows and replacing the front door.

ners did to Top 30 things homeow ms roo 1. Re-painted interior om 2. Installed a new bathro r 3. A new front doo

A further 34 per cent landscaped the garden.

The study commissioned by glass specialist, Pilkington United Kingdom, also revealed that of those who have their perfect home, 48 per cent said they will never move again.

But it also emerged that it took an average of five years after moving in before homeowners felt their place was just right.

Julia Berkin, from Pilkington United Kingdom, said, “The research proves it’s all of the little changes which make a big difference to a property.

“Why move when you can improve?

It’s clearly worth the patience, the

e: achieve their perfect hom

outgoings and even the disagreements to live in your dream home as a result.

“The list of things people did to their properties in order to achieve the perfect place vary from decorating and extending to letting more light in by adding windows and opening up rooms.

“It’s interesting to see how people are adapting their homes, especially given the amount of time we’re spending in them currently while they double up as workspaces.”

The research also found more than a quarter replaced all the interior doors to improve their abode and make homes feel lighter and more open plan, while a fifth extended the property and 14 per cent added a conservatory or orangery.

When it comes to what makes the perfect home, two thirds (66 per cent) said that it is ‘very important’ to have lots of natural light.

As a result, 12 per cent even installed additional windows, while 35 per cent added double glazing.

But 33 per cent named a lack of money as one of the barriers to

overcome in order to be able to create the perfect home, while others blamed planning permission difficulties (16 per cent) and even disagreements with the other half (15 per cent).

It also emerged that of the 62 per cent who are yet to achieve their ‘perfect’ home – an eighth think they will achieve it and are currently working on it, while 17 per cent are in the planning process.

The study also found that when it comes to inspiration, a quarter of homeowners turn to TV shows, while 16 per cent browse online.

Almost one in five (19 per cent) even scroll through estate agent websites to inspire their renovation projects.

4. Re-tiled the bathroom er 5. Got rid of old wall pap 6. Changed the lighting s 7. Installed new window

8. Installed double glazed 9. Landscaped garden

windows

10. A new heating system out the house 11. New flooring through r of the house 12. Re-painted the exterio 13. New interior doors for privacy 14. Enclosed the garden

15. Built an extension / wood burner 16. Installed a fireplace to a home office 17. Converted a bedroom n kitchen/diner 18. Created an open pla e / potting shed 19. Installed a greenhous

rior wall to open up space 20. Knocked down an inte garden 21. Added decking to the ngery /ora ory 22. Built a conservat separate from the kitchen 23. Added a utility room s for more natural light 24. Installed extra window 25. Loft conversion t windows 26. Added Velux skyligh floorboards 27. Exposed the natural 28. Added an en-suite to a room 29. Converted the garage tyle shower 30. Added a rainforest-s

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AT HOME

Eating cheese is fine but don't argue bedtime if you want a good night's sl n Arguing before bed, exercising late and checking work emails really do affect your sleep – but eating cheese and taking daytime naps may make no difference, according to experts.

TV medical professional Dr Ranj has debunked some of the popular myths about sleep, including claims that everyone needs to get a full eight hours a night. Eating a light snack before bed is also unlikely to affect your quality of sleep.

However, tucking into a full meal shortly before going to sleep, using a phone at night and the temperature of a room will affect your chances of getting a decent kip.

It comes after a study of 2,000 adults, by Furniture Village, found being too hot or cold, needing to go to the toilet and stress levels are among the top reasons for having a bad night’s sleep.

According to Dr Ranj, there is little evidence to support the idea that eating cheese before bed gives you vivid dreams or nightmares, and that in fact, cheese is a source of B vitamins which can help you sleep. But 11 per cent of those polled believe tucking into cheese last thing at night will result in poor sleep.

Reading too late, which is considered to be true by 14 per cent of those polled, is also unlikely to leave you unable to sleep and actually helps you to wind down, especially if done on a non-electronic screen. And while 31 per cent believe that everyone should get eight hours sleep in order to class it as good, Dr Ranj believes that different people require different amounts of sleep – with the average adult needing anything between seven and nine hours.

Dr Ranj, who is Furniture Village’s new sleep ambassador said, “Sleep is as vital to good health as diet and exercise, and it’s often easier, yet many

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people believe in popular myths and rely on home sleep remedies, which may not work.

“While the general impression is everyone needs eight hours of sleep, different people require different amounts of sleep - some people need less and others more.

“The common myth that eating cheese effects sleep actually has no impact at all and in reality may be associated with more pleasant dreams and while having a small snack before bed is usually fine, a large meal can make it uncomfortable to lie down and keep you awake.

“Electronics should also be avoided for at least an hour before bed as the light emitted by devices can interfere with the sleep-inducing hormones that our brains produce.

“If you can’t sleep, it can help to do something else – like reading, ideally on a non-electronic screen – for a short period of time before trying again.”

The study also found just 19 per cent of those polled believe their overall diet affects their sleep quality and only a tenth feel the same about smoking - both of which Dr Ranj confirmed do have an influence.

Typically, the average adult leaves two hours between eating and going to bed, while just over an hour is allowed between a drink and sleep. But while Dr Ranj believes that having a snack shortly before going to bed is fine, a large meal could cause disruption. He also added that drinking to stay hydrated is important, but too much too close to bedtime could mean latenight trips to the loo.

Worryingly, 43 per cent of those polled via OnePoll admitted they ‘struggle’ to sleep, with more than a third even researching how to improve their shuteye. On average, adults take 32 minutes to drift off once they’re in bed and wake up twice during a standard night. But more than two in five believe their sleep has worsened with age and 63 per cent have struggled when in a bed which isn’t theirs, such as at a hotel.

A spokesperson for Furniture Village said, “The research proves that, particularly in these uncertain times, people are focused on both the quality and the quantity of their sleep, with many seeking out strategies – which may or may not work – to help them sleep better.

“Dr Ranj has helpfully debunked some of the more common myths around sleep, like eating cheese before bed and getting a strict eight hours of sleep every night. As well as before-bed routines and night time habits, we know that the quality of an individual's sleep can also be affected by his or her bed and mattress.”

Sleep myths debunked

Eating cheese affects sleep – FALSE It’s commonly believed that eating cheese before bed gives you vivid dreams or even nightmares – but for most people it has no effect at all, and for others it may actually be associated with more pleasant dreams. Plus cheese is a source of B vitamins that can help you sleep.

Having a lie in on the weekend affects sleep – TRUE It’s tempting to catch up on lost sleep at the weekends, but this can disrupt your sleep pattern overall. Reclaiming sleep debt slowly over several nights is a safer way than having one big lie-in.

Reading too late affects sleep – FALSE Reading before bed can help you wind down (ideally on a non-electronic screen). If you can’t sleep it can help to do something else - like reading - for a short period of time before trying again.

Smoking affects sleep – TRUE Smoking affects our breathing, lung health, and overall health which can all have a direct impact on the quality of our sleep.

Having an argument before bed affects sleep - TRUE Increased stress levels can disrupt sleep, so an argument before bed isn’t a great idea.

Getting less than eight hours affects sleep – FALSE Different people require different amounts of sleep. The average adult probably needs around 7-9 hours, but some people need less and others more.

Napping during the day affects sleep – FALSE For some, napping during the day is just part of their routine. For others, napping too much means they may struggle to sleep at night.

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AT HOME

gue at s sleep!

Needing less sleep as you get older – TRUE As we age, our sleeping patterns change. It’s quite normal for older people to require less sleep at night, but nap for a short time during the day.

Eating too close to bedtime affects sleep - TRUE Having a small snack before bed is usually fine, however, eating a large meal too close to bed could keep you awake as it may make it uncomfortable to lie down as well as cause indigestion or heartburn.

Overall diet effects sleep – TRUE Eating a diet which has a variety of different food providing important nutrients is helpful for sleep. For example, food rich in B vitamins and vitamin D, magnesium, iron etc. can all help you sleep better as part of a balanced diet.

Drinking caffeine close to bedtime effects sleep – TRUE Caffeine is a stimulant and ideally avoided in the six hours before bed time.

Caffeine is also a weak diuretic meaning that it makes you go to the toilet more.

Using your phone at night affects sleep - TRUE The light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the sleep-inducing hormones that our brains produce, so should be avoided for at least an hour before bed.

Watching TV in bed affects sleep – TRUE While watching TV can be a great way to relax, the light they produce can interfere with production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Exercising late affects sleep - TRUE Exercise is great for general health and helps you sleep better at night.

However, exercising too close to bedtime is stimulating and can disrupt your sleep.

Stress levels affect sleep - TRUE Stress causes the production of various hormones in our bodies that keep us alert. Being stressed a lot therefore tends to make sleeping more difficult.

The temperature of the room affects sleep - TRUE Your bedroom should ideally be cool and comfortable. If it’s too hot or too cold then you may struggle to sleep.

Drinking alcohol affects sleep - TRUE Alcohol can make you drowsy, but it changes the type of sleep that you have and makes it less restful.

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wellbeing n I am the ONE in TEN After years trying to conceive an Ipswich woman was eventually diagnosed with PCOS, a common cause of infertility.

Having a period just once a year – sometimes less - had become the norm for Rachel Woodward (34), who now knows that she has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting around one in ten women in the UK. Although Rachel had experienced two of the classic symptoms of PCOS since she was a teenager – irregular periods and facial hair - it was only after her husband Arren read an article about PCOS in a magazine that the couple realised this might be the reason that they had been unable to conceive.

Rachel is now backing a campaign by UK PCOS charity Verity to raise awareness of the condition by painting one of her fingernails purple to represent the one woman in ten who has PCOS and talking about the impact of the condition and her journey to become pregnant.

“When I couldn’t get pregnant I felt as though I had failed as a woman,” says Rachel. “If I had been more aware of my PCOS symptoms I would have got advice sooner than I did.”

Bourn Hall Fertility consultant Dr Arpita Ray says that PCOS is a hormone imbalance that can cause resistance to insulin, which can impact, egg production in the ovaries and make it difficult to maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) of 18 to 24.9. “Not all women with PCOS struggle to conceive but for those who have irregular periods losing weight can help to stimulate ovulation,” she says.

Rachel and Arren were referred to Bourn Hall clinic for IVF treatment after other interventions had failed to stimulate her ovaries to produce eggs regularly. At Bourn Hall Rachel was advised to lose some weight as she was 13 stone and 5’4”. “I was a little offended at first, I didn’t consider myself to be overweight,” says Rachel, who used to play cricket at county level. “I am quite sporty but I swallowed my pride and took the advice on board and lost a stone and a half on a low-carb, high fat diet in just a few months.”

The weight loss helped and after successful IVF treatment the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter Adele some nine months later. Rachel managed to maintain her weight and even lost an additional half a stone, helping her to feel more confident and healthy. Her commitment has had an unexpected reward.

bought one test so I rushed back to the supermarket to get another one just to be sure!”

When Rachel broke the news to Arren later that evening she says he “nearly fell over! He had always wanted more children and couldn’t believe it.

“We had to go for a dating scan as having no periods we literally had no idea how pregnant I was,” laughs Rachel. “It turns out that when I took the pregnancy test I was already seven weeks pregnant!”

Rachel and Arren’s son Eoin was born in April this year – in the middle of lockdown – and big sister Adele dotes on him.

“It doesn’t matter what she is doing if Eoin wants something or I need help with him she is there by my side. I wasn’t allowed to change his nappy without her being there for the first seven weeks,” says Rachel.

“I think young women with the symptoms of PCOS need to be aware that it might impact their fertility in later life if they don’t maintain a healthy BMI. I know that it would have been much easier for me if I had known a lot earlier what I was dealing with.”

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WELLBEING

Oddfellows provides ‘happy constant’ for lonely John A grandfather who was bereft when his wife of 51 years was taken into a care home has praised a friendship group for its ongoing support throughout the pandemic.

John Leggett, 73, from Ipswich, said his life was turned upside down when his wife Mary went into hospital after a fall and never returned home, instead being moved into a nursing home with 24 hour care.

But he says the support of the Oddfellows – which has remained constant throughout the pandemic – has been a lifeline.

John, who is a member of the Ipswich branch of the friendly society, said, “The Oddfellows is one of the few places I go where I feel totally comfortable.

“It’s like a family, it’s lovely to just have someone to chat to, but you also get an emotional support that you can only really get from your peers or people who perhaps have been through a similar thing.

“My wife is always on my mind, but lots of people ask about her and it makes me feel good to talk about our happy memories. Our relationship has changed a lot because of the dementia but the Oddfellows is a happy constant.”

He added, “Lockdown was hard because we couldn’t go to our regular

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meetings. The Zoom calls took a bit of getting used to, but I was given a lot of support to work it out and I know what I’m doing now.

“I’m not going out but I’m still enjoying a lovely social evening with some very pleasant company, I thought it was fantastic. What was also nice was that it was open to Oddfellows members across the country, so there was a man from London talking about the foxes and his garden, and a couple from Yorkshire talking about their experiences, it was great!”

John, who is a father of two and grandfather of five, is sharing his story as part of the Oddfellows Friendship month, which takes place every September as an opportunity for non-members to go along to a series of specially held events in order to meet members and learn about the group and its benefits.

John said even though he is able to see Mary regularly, with twice weekly video calls during lockdown, her absence from the home has left him feeling lonely and isolated, a gap which the Oddfellows goes some way to filling.

He said, “We were a very happy couple, we did everything together, so when she wasn’t there it was very uncomfortable. It’s not grief because I get to see her, but our lives have changed dramatically.

“We didn’t think about it at the time, but we were equal, we cared for each other. It’s interesting because now she’s in a care home I realise how I needed her just as much as she needed me, both for the social and the welfare side.”

John, a retired cabinet maker and landscape gardener, investigated the Oddfellows after spotting a familiar face on one of its adverts and realising it could be a great way to socialise.

He said, “I had thought about the Oddfellows and sent off for information but hadn’t really done anything about it. One day I was looking through a magazine and I saw the face of someone I knew in the advert for Oddfellows.

We were friends through the RSPB so I asked her a little bit about it when I saw her next and she encouraged me to join.”

He added, “It’s been very worthwhile. I feel comforted that Mary is being looked after and my time at Oddfellows is a bit of company for me. I’ve been to other groups and they just haven’t been for me, you go in and listen to a talk or something and then that’s that. At the Oddfellows someone always comes and sits with you and has a chat, it’s lovely.”

The Oddfellows was originally set up in 1810 to offer workers and their families insurance should they fall on hard times. Today, the Society continues to provide help to its members through difficult periods, with care, welfare and financial support.

Lynne added: “Friendship isn’t just for the good times. Friends provide support through thick and thin – and so do the Oddfellows. Many people think we just put on social events, but the Oddfellows, like your friends, provides so much more.

“It’s not just lockdown that can cause people to lose touch. Bereavement, caring responsibilities, moving away, family leaving home, retirement and many other life changes can leave anyone, no matter their age, open to feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Anyone interested in giving the group a try is invited to give them a call 01473 251 867 or email lynne.wyatt@oddfellows.co.uk.

Future events are also listed online at www.oddfellows.co.uk/events.

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04/05/2019 10:58 16/09/2020 12:14

Who’s best: Mum or Dad? n Children think dad is a better driver than mum – but believe he goes too fast and suffers the most road rage.

A study of 1,000 six to 16 year-olds whose parents both drive found 43 per cent named dad as the ‘best’ behind the wheel, while only 29 per cent opted for mum.

Reasons for choosing him as the best driver include the fact he drives for his job, has a van and is the designated holiday driver for the family. But almost two thirds claim their dad drives the fastest while 42 per cent think he experiences the most road rage.

Despite this, 35 per cent of youngsters prefer being in the car with their mum, naming her as the parent most likely to join in with car games, such as I Spy, while on a journey.

Tiffany Wilcox, from MG, which commissioned the research to celebrate the family friendly model range, said, “The results paint an interesting picture of family car journeys and how kids see their parents. Everyone remembers family road trips from when they were younger, the discussions which are had, games that are played and music choices.

“It’s amusing to have an insight into children’s views of their parents' driving habits and clearly the results show dad wins when it comes to driving but mum is more fun to be with in the car.

“Families don’t have to compromise on practicality and style with our family model range and the built-in technology will help keep the kids entertained on both long and short journeys.”

The research also found dads win at all driving techniques, including

being best at both reverse and parallel parking, hill starts and threepoint turns. Children also think their dad is more successful than mum at switching lanes on a motorway and parking in tight spaces.

And two thirds said their old man is better at changing a tyre compared to just eight per cent who favoured their mother. It also emerged men are more likely to take the driving seat for family car journeys, according to 65 per cent of the youngsters polled.

But this may be because half of the respondents said their mum is more susceptible to getting lost and having to ask for directions.

Unfortunately for women, 46 per cent of children also said their mum is most likely to bump the vehicle on a kerb or another car, compared to just a sixth who believe their dad would do this.

Mums play the best music though, according to 40 per cent of children, while only 31 per cent prefer dad’s tunes. Although, 63 per cent of youngsters admitted to preferring to listen to their own playlists in the car to avoid hearing their parents’ choice.

Dads were found to be most strict when driving, with the top in-car rules including no arguing (36 per cent), no wrappers or rubbish to be left in the vehicle (48 per cent) and no shoes on the seats (41 per cent).

On the other hand, mums were typically found to be more talkative while in the driving seat.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 31 per cent of kids prefer being in dad’s car with half

of them stating this is because it’s bigger, while 27 per cent put it down to the fact it has more technology, such as Apple Car Play.

A quarter favour their mum’s vehicle due to it being a nicer colour (26 per cent), having comfier seats (49 per cent) and because the roof comes off (12 per cent).

Tiffany Wilcox, from MG, added, “It’s interesting to see how family dynamics play out while on the road, especially through the eyes of children.

Our range of family SUVs aim to make journeys with the kids easier, thanks to the top tech available in each model.

"With a seven-year warranty across the range, and NCAP 5 star Safety Rating awarded to numerous

models (MG HS & MG ZS EV), our cars are family-friendly, reliable and exceptional value for money."

Find out more about what kids really think about their parent's driving at https://mg.co.uk/ suv/behind-the-wheel/travel/ mum-vs-dad

Mum vs Dad Top 10

1. Fastest driver – dad

2. Most road rage – dad 3. Most likely to get lost – mum 4. Most likely to bump the car – mum 5. Best at parallel parking – dad 6. Best at reverse parking – dad 7. Best at parking in a tight car park space – dad 8. Best at switching lanes on a motorway – dad 9. Best at hill starts – dad 10. Best at doing a three-point turn – dad

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Getting back on the road again A fifth of motorists have struggled to get to grips with driving again - after being off the road during lockdown.

The average UK car is driven more than 7,000 miles per year - or an average of 583 miles per month, according to MOT data. But a survey of 2,000 motorists revealed that during August 2020 the average driver has covered just 90 miles with 30 per cent driving 25 miles or fewer.

With so little driving, 18 per cent have struggled to get back to normal behind the wheel of a car.

Of those who have found it difficult to adjust to being back on the road, 28 per cent had stalled their car, 21 per cent had scraped their wheels on the kerb and more than one in five have forgotten to indicate.

Four in 10 motorists said they hadn’t visited a filling station over the past 28 days, with 12 per cent admitting that they had forgotten which side or end they fill up or charge their car.

The survey, carried out by Hyundai, also revealed almost half (48 per cent) of motorists are concerned that the standard of road users' driving will be worse now restrictions have started to be lifted. More than four in 10 (44 per cent) think road users have been driving faster during lockdown, with just 10 per cent believing they have been driving more slowly.

The study follows numerous cases where police forces across the UK have spoken out about shocking driving during lockdown. However, one third of the drivers surveyed said they have been driving more cautiously since the start of the pandemic.

Hyundai conducted the research as its showrooms across England reopened following new guidelines from the government.

To boost road safety, the car manufacturer’s Kona Electric model is fitted with ‘Smartsense’ - which is made up of numerous pieces of intelligent technology designed to protect occupants as well as people outside of the vehicle.

This includes radar and camera sensors on the Kona Electric which can automatically brake if it detects a possible collision with a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist.

It ties in with research by the manufacturer which revealed that since the start of lockdown, 18 per cent have had a near-miss with a cyclist as either a driver or pedestrian.

More than four in 10 (44 per cent) of those surveyed by OnePoll for Hyundai admitted they were concerned about the prospect of an increase of cyclists on the road.

A spokesperson for Hyundai UK said, “Absence can make the heart grow fonder and our research

found that 45 per cent of motorists have missed driving because of lockdown.

“Like with many things, there can be a few teething issues after a break and driving is no different.

"With a little care and practice though, I’m sure that motorists will soon get their confidence back behind the wheel.”

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Top 10 errors made by drivers since lockdo wn

Stalled Struggled to parallel par k Forgot to indicate Scraped wheels on ker b Had to think carefully abo ut what each pedal does Not checking mirrors wh en pulling away Forgot where the filler cap was Forgot to turn the ignitio n key Not shut the door proper ly Not put their seatbelt on

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Parents unaware of dangers of second-hand child car seats New research from Churchill Car Insurance reveals 2.8 million parents have purchased or been gifted a used secondhand car seat for their child, with a further 500,000 buying an unused but previously owned one.

Advice and guidelines state to not use a second-hand car seat, and to never use one after it has been involved in a collision or suffered a knock. Research suggests that parents are perhaps unaware of this as 627,000 parents - 14 per cent of those who have used a secondhand car seat – have done so knowing it had been in an accident or suffered damage of some kind.

Furthermore, one in six parents (18 per cent) who purchased a secondhand car seat did not know its history at all, while over a third (35 per cent) did not get instructions on how to install it correctly when they bought it.

Although the second-hand figures are high, most parents do adhere to the recommendations as 19.4 million (57 per cent) did buy a brand-new car seat when preparing for their first child, with a further 2.4 million (seven per cent) receiving a brand-new car seat as a gift. When looking at parents of two or more children, 40 per cent (10.5 million) bought or were gifted new seats, while 36 per cent (9.3 million) used the same seat they had used for their first child.

Despite the current law stating that children must use a car seat until they are either 135cm in height or 12 years old, further research revealed a quarter of parents with children in this scope (24 per cent) – some 2.7 million people – do not use one. 1.2 million parents (ten per cent) said this is because their child was too embarrassed to sit in a car seat, while 1.1million (ten per cent)

don’t think it is necessary for their child. A further one in 10 parents – 1.1 million people – admit they don’t force their child to sit in a car seat because their child says it is uncomfortable.

While there is a divide when it comes to used and new car seats, analysis shows that parents are in agreement when it comes to driving styles with a child in the car.

Road collision data suggests that motorists are more likely to drive safely when a young child is in the vehicle. In fact, statistics suggest that the younger the passenger is, the less likely the car is to be involved in a collision.

In 2018 there were a total of 4,205 car passengers aged nine or younger involved in vehicle collisions on UK roads. This accounts for just three per cent of all casualties over the course of the year. By comparison, children aged nine or younger account for 12 per cent of the population.

Children are also less likely to be seriously harmed in collisions as just six per cent of casualties to children result in severe injury or death, compared to 16 per cent of adults.

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Jane Morgan, Business Manager at Churchill Car Insurance, said, “We know the cost of raising children really adds up and that an offer of an expensive item such as a secondhand car seat, that looks brand new, is hard to turn down. However, the

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When in doubt, don't borrow, buy, or sell a used car seat – it's just not worth the risk.”

If you have a child car seat fitted to your car at the time your vehicle is involved in an incident, Churchill Car Insurance offers a unique proposition for policy holders to replace or cover the cost of a new car seat.

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n FORD'S FOCUS with Daniel Ford

Record breaking Sitting ruminating about what to choose as the focus for this month’s article I decided some background noise may help focus my mind and so I put on my new podcast addiction that of ‘Tailenders’. This involves Radio 1 DJ Greg James, Maccabees guitarist Felix White and English cricketing legend Jimmy Anderson vaguely referring to cricket from time to time but mainly getting up to all sorts of horseplay.

Listening to the notoriously serious Anderson joking around inspired me to not only celebrate him but also try and shine a lot on the man behind the bowler.

James Anderson is the world’s greatest ever fast bowler having just recorded his 600th test wicket, he now has 37 wickets more than second placed Glenn McGrath. One of the most remarkable things about Anderson is his longevity, he has been a member of the England test time for 17 years now which is phenomenal for a fast bowler, to put this into perspective during his test career he has bowled over 33,000 balls. For non-cricket fans this might not mean much so to dress it up another way in bowling these balls he has ran over 400 miles at pretty much full tilt as he steams in to serve up delivery after delivery.

These stats make it all the more remarkable then that he is often criticised for perhaps not having the most happy demeanour, imagine being stuck in the Indian or West Indian or Sri Lankan heat with unbearable levels of humidity, that alone is bad enough. Now imagine you have to sprint in for 10 paces and bowl a ball, now imagine that you have to do that for anything up to 150 times in one day, now imagine you’ve bowled 100 of these deliveries and haven’t picked up a single wicket, now imagine on your 101st delivery you bowl and absolute beauty and the batsman edges it, now imagine that your teammate drops the ball. I can only speak for myself here but personally I wouldn’t be best pleased!

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The reason behind Anderson’s grim demeanour on the pitch is what makes him so successful, he is the ultimate competitor and is totally focused on getting the wickets to lead his team to victory so when someone prevents him from getting these wickets he is understandably annoyed. When he steps away from the pitch though he appears to be a genuinely good guy who always has time for his many fans, he may not be Britain’s most well-known sporting icon but perhaps he should be…

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