Ipswich24 December 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

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Perspective One of my favourite all time songs is Sun Screen*. You may know it, it is a spoken word piece that reflects the musings of a New York newspaper columnist, and has some lovely choice phrases of advice in it. Within the song are the following passages that have always resonated with me; 1. Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.

2. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday

Family Time So, here we are again. Another Chrimbo. The lists grow longer, the weather gets colder and the bill gets bigger.

I actually love Christmas. Yes, it would be very easy to moan about the whole yearly trial of Christmas – you know, the usual things… Cards from people you don’t know. Stores that will decrease their prices on the 26th, repeats on the telly, and sprouts. But it is the one time of the year that still unites us. Not just as a nation but as a family.

Years ago entire broods would be born, live and die in the same town. You were never that far away from brothers, sisters, mums and dads and children. Those days are going, if not gone. Families are now spread far and wide across towns, counties and countries. The one thing that can bring them all back for an all too brief get together is Christmas.

I often hear about the ‘real meaning of Christmas’ being lost over the years. Well that, for me, is matter of perspective. The debate about Christianity pinching it off the Pagans still rumbles on, the sense of guilt that those of no faith ‘should feel’ for being part of it, the commercial exploitation of it…

My perspective is thus; it brings my family together and we can celebrate those we love and those we have loved…Religious, agnostic, atheist or otherwise.

And that’s a good thing.

So for me, the real meaning of Christmas is what, in whatever guise, it means to you.

It was, ironically, a recent Tuesday afternoon that the call came. “Mr Hazell, your father has cancer.”

Where is it? “We don’t know yet.”

How bad is it? “We don’t know yet.”

What is the prognosis? “We don’t know yet.”

Will it kill him? “We don’t know yet.”

The ‘yet’ in all of this will be a few weeks away. That’s how long it takes to do a biopsy and get the results, apparently.

I am not new to receiving this news. The first time it happened I was twelve and it referred to my mother. Over the years it had happened many more times.

Whilst I hold great faith in medical science the ultimate result has always been the same – the early loss of a loved one.

So at this point, I refer you to the section above. We can moan about Christmas, but let’s get some perspective.

No matter what Christmas means to you, have a great celebration on the 25th. x *Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

Ufford Park Woodbridge helps boost three local charities Following reports that charities are starting to feel the pinch with donations, Ufford Park Woodbridge are proud to have been able to give back to the local community with their ‘Donate while you stay’ scheme.

Over the last two years, Ufford Park Woodbridge, thanks to their customers, have managed to raise over £4000 for charity, which has been split between the East Anglian Air Ambulance, St Elizabeth Hospice and Sports Aid. Upon check out at the Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa, customers were asked if they wish to donate an extra £1 towards the hotels chosen charities. On Tuesday 5th November, Ufford Park invited representatives from the three chosen charities to officially hand over the cheques.

Tarnia Robertson, Director at Ufford Park said, “We are

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delighted with the generosity of our guests who over the last couple of years has meant we are able to donate to three worthy local charities. Ufford Park has supported the East Anglian Air Ambulance for the last 15 years, raising over £10,000 for them. It remains very close to the Chairman’s heart.

But by supporting two other charities we felt we were spreading the money raised to help improve even more peoples lives.”

St Elizabeth Hospice’s Fundraising Partnerships Manager, Sarah Archer said, “We are very grateful to Ufford Park for raising such a wonderful amount for the Hospice. Our services cost £9.1 million a year to provide and we rely on the support of local businesses and the community to meet the majority of these costs.

The £1,348 raised could help pay for a Hospice at Home nurse for over a week who provide

specialist nursing care to patients in East Suffolk in their own homes.”

The money that has been donated to Sports Aid was the last part of a two year commitment leading up to the Olympics and so was split with Joshua Tonnar, from Bury St. Edmunds, who has just finished university and is a member of Molesey Boat Club who is now embarking on a full time career in rowing. He is currently training to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. Joshua said, “The money has come just at the right time to help me cover some of the costs for training and enter into competitions.”

Ufford Park Woodbridge plan to carry on with the scheme of ‘Donate while you stay’, which has already raised a significant amount for these three chosen charities and the Hotel will continue their support to the community.

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INSIDE THIS MONTH DECEMBER Seasonal Warning for parents

Exciting Season We preview the new season at the New Wolsey Theatre.

Cute and cuddly and bringing joy to everyone, however owning a pet is a very serious commitment.

8 28 Holiday Exhibition If you’ve already planned your Christmas then now is the time to turn your thoughts to summer holidays.

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The Essential Christmas Guide Shopping ideas, pantos and Christmas Concerts, days out and more....

Events Diary Looking for something to do this December?

Our monthly day-by-day guide and don’t forget there’s more on our website at www.ipswich24.co.uk

16&17

Ipswich24 wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas

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Live Music 24

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A varied selection of musical entertainment from choral concerts, jazz duos and the return to Ipswich of favourites Chas ‘n’ Dave, plus our full gig guide for the month of December.

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Happy Birthday Deben Travel!

It has almost been two years since Deben Travel opened on Woodbridge Thoroughfare and what an incredible two years it has been.

Never easy opening a new business, particularly when economic times are tough, but Deben Travel continues to grow including their new website, debentravel.com and two new staff members in recent months.

Owners Lee and Sarah Hunt put their success down to their excellent customer service along with being local and independent; this leads to many repeat bookings and word of mouth recommendations – the best form of advertising.

With a team of experienced Travel Consultants Deben Travel are able to research your holiday requirements with over 200 Tour Operators and they are also able to ‘de package’ your holiday to get their customers exactly what they require at the best possible price.

As we approach 2014 the ski season is warming up with many people booking the traditional ski resorts plus the relatively new ski destinations such as Bulgaria and Slovenia.” Said Lee, “We also see many people booking trips to visit the Northern Lights, either by cruise or simply booking a Reykjavik city break with a Northern Lights excursion.”

January and February are traditionally the busiest months in the Travel Industry with all the Tour Operators offering additional discounts, value added offers such as room upgrades and the all important free child places.

To help celebrate the second anniversary of Deben Travel they are holding a Holiday Show at Seckford Hall Hotel on Thursday 23rd January from 6pm to 9pm. Over 20 leading Tour Operators representing UK, European, Worldwide and specialist holidays will be on hand to discuss ideas and offer inspiration.

This is a great opportunity to speak to the experts and gain first hand knowledge of your potential holiday; there will also be many special offers to take advantage of on the evening.

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Get your Festive Jumper on and join in the fun • Darren Rozier, Mark Murphy, Sally Burch and Isaac Chennery.

Friday 20th December Christmas Jumper Day!

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BBC Radio Suffolk’s Mark Murphy is behind this novel idea to raise funds for Suffolk Family Carers by asking his listeners to dig out their festive sweaters for ‘Christmas Jumper Day. “You may remember the fun we had with comedy ties for Comic Relief and now we’re doing something similar for Suffolk Family Carers.”

Says Mark Murphy, “The idea is to

wear a Christmas jumper and pay say a fiver for the Suffolk Family Carers’ appeal. It would work brilliantly at work and would be like a Christmas dress down day.

Maybe you could offer a prize at work for the most outrageous Christmas jumper. Remember the more tasteless the better!”

BBC Radio Suffolk is working with Suffolk Family Carers to raise over half a million pounds to buy a mobile Family Carers Centre.

Suffolk Family Carers offer help and support to people who find themselves taking on the role of carer in a family, looking after a parent, partner or a child, often after a dramatic or sudden life event. The mobile Centre will enable Suffolk Family Carers to reach many of the area’s hidden carers in the more rural and isolated areas of our county. The mobile unit will provide much needed support, help and advice and it will also be a place where family carers can be listened

to. “We’re hoping to get as many people in Suffolk as possible to wear their Christmas jumper on Friday 20th December and raise money for the BBC Radio Suffolk appeal for Suffolk Family Carers.”

Continued Mark, “Our listeners were brilliant last time for Comic Relief with their comedy ties…So please help us out for this great cause and dig out your Christmas Jumper”

News from Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club Sunday the 3rd November 2013 saw the start of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club’s new Captains years of office.

Brian Kemp our Club Captain, Ann Spencer our Ladies Captain and George Copsey our Junior Captain who will be working hard for another great year.

The Club has had an exceptionally successful 2013 with each section of the Club winning a County Competition – the men winning both the Parks Trophy and the Stenson Shield, the Ladies winning

the Stearn Trophy and the Juniors winning the County Junior Championship.

The Captains Drive In was extremely well supported, starting with a Shot Gun Start, Greensomes Stableford Competition with 130 members taking part. The winners were T.Burn and T. Spurling with 42 points, second were M.D.Price and M.J. Price with 41 points ((on c/b) and third were D. Rusby and J. Rusby with 41 points. The winning ladies were Mo Pearson and Pat Cofield with 30 points (on c/b).

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Scout Christmas Crafts

News from ITFC Charitable Trust

On Saturday 7th December the 8th Felixstowe Scout Group are holding their Annual Christmas Craft Fayre at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe from 11am until 4pm. There will be stalls selling great gift ideas, refreshments and Father Christmas will be waiting in his grotto to meet all the boys and girls. Admission to the Craft Fair is free.

Calling all curry lovers

Folk Rock Legends return to Ipswich

Oysterband - One of the UK's top folk rock bands are performing at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on Friday 6th December. Since forming in 1978 they have toured 35 countries, played numerous festivals, produced 11 studio albums and collected five BBC Folk awards along the way, including one for their acclaimed collaborations with June Tabor.

A classic Oysterband set is promised along with new songs from a forthcoming new album due for release in January 2014.

The concert starts at 7.30pm when the support act - Suffolk based folk rock duo, "Silbury Hill" - take to the stage Tickets for the gig are available from the Regent Box Office on 01473 433100 and from the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

Charity Fair

Fort Carols

On Sunday 8th December, a Charity Christmas Fair will take place at Brackenbury Sports Centre, High Road East, Felixstowe from 10am until 4pm.

There will be around 60 stalls, live music, a raffle and refreshments.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Felixstowe Branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Felixstowe Support Group at St. Elizabeth Hospice. Entry is by donation.

A Christmas Carol Concert will be held at Landguard Fort on Saturday 7th December from 6pm until 7.30pm. Visit the Fort and enjoy a traditional Christmas Carol Concert. Admission is free, however all donations will go to the Felixstowe Seafarers’ Centre.

For more information visit www.landguard.com

As those dark winter evenings pull in and you can feel the crispness of the night air there’s nothing nicer than a delicious curry to warm you up, especially if it’s in good company and enjoyed with a great atmosphere.

The ITFC Charitable Trust is inviting you to join them for a rather special curry night on Thursday 5th December at the Bombay Nite in Walton. This particular night will feature a four course meal designed specifically for the Trust and on this exclusive fundraising night there will also be a quiz, some magic and a raffle with fun games throughout the evening to keep you entertained.

Tickets are £25 per head, which also includes a bottle of wine per table. The evening starts at 6.30pm and to book your table for the evening call The Bombay Nite on 01394 272131 or 01394 270136 and help to raise funds to help the Trust inspire those young people in Suffolk who are in need.

If you’ve got the quizzer bug then you could also put your team name down and join in the fun at the Ipswich Greyhound on Sunday 1st December – their annual Christmas Quiz this year will be in aid of the ITFC Charitable Trust and will be from 8pm – you’ll need to get in quick though as many of their tables have already been reserved.

Finally if you are one of the many ladies who joined the ITFC Charitable Trust for their first ever Ladies Pamper & Shopping Evening at the Suffolk New College last month you’ll know what a huge success the event was. There were over 35 different stands all featuring gifts and pamper products aimed at the ladies. The Ipswich School of Dance were on hand to offer dance taster sessions and over 200 ladies attended, resulting in the Trust raising over £2,100 - an incredible achievement for a brand new event. Such was the popularity of this first event with stand-holders, sponsors and attendees, it’s hoped this may become an annual one for the charity. For pictures from this special evening check out their Facebook page or log onto www.itfccharitabletrust.org.uk You can also follow @ITFC_Trust on Twitter.

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The Mayor’s charities The theme of the Mayor of Ipswich’s year of office is “Bringing Communities Together” and that is what Councillor Hamil Clarke MBE and the Mayoress, Mrs Daisy Weekes, have been doing since they became the town’s “first citizens” last May. The Mayor has chosen three official charities to support; all of which are dedicated to improving the lives of young people.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices EACH supports and cares for families with children who are suffering from life-threatening conditions in the region. They care for them at home or in one of their three hospices, including the one in Ipswich.

Fresh Start - New Beginnings This is an Ipswich based charity supporting young people who have been sexually abused and helps them to make the difficult move from victim to survivor.

The Dame Vera Lynn Trust The Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children provides a specialist service for families of young children with Cerebral Palsy and many other motor learning difficulties. The Trust supports families with babies and children under five years of age at their centres in Sproughton, near Ipswich, and West Sussex.

A number of events have been organised to raise much-needed funds for these official charities. Details of which will be published in Ipswich24 in the coming months.

Pet owner’s are warned to take care with anti-freeze The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is urging pet owners to familiarise themselves with the signs of antifreeze poisoning in their pets to avoid unnecessary deaths.

As winter approaches, more and more people will be topping up the antifreeze coolant levels in their vehicles, and just a few spilt drops can cause serious harm to cats and dogs.

Key signs to stay vigilant for in your pet include: • Vomiting • Seizures (fits) • Increased urination • Excessive drinking.

The dangerous toxin found commonly in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste tempting animals to ingest the substance, should they find it on their paws or in an easily accessible place.

Antifreeze poisoning is a serious condition and can quickly lead to the death of a pet if treatment isn’t accessed quickly.

The warning comes following the news that an AHT staff member’s cat, which had ingested the substance, has sadly died.

Veterinary Nurse, Jody BlythTancock returned home to find her eight-year-old Bengal-cross, Marshal, acting strangely, displaying a severe stiffness in his posture.

Jody examined Marshal for any obvious problems i.e. cuts, bruises etc., but with no clear issues she suspected he had a sprain, most likely

from a fall, and kept Marshal indoors overnight to monitor his behaviour.

Over the course of the next 24 hours, Marshal did not improve and despite eating normally, he was also vomiting. Jody brought Marshal to the AHT’s Small Animal Centre as quickly as possible for further examinations and blood tests.

Tests revealed that Marshal’s renal values were incredibly high, indicating that Marshal had ingested ethylene glycol and that his kidneys were giving up. Over the next few hours Marshal was given fluid therapy at a high-rate to help his body recover. However, by this point his kidneys had completely stopped functioning, and the heart-breaking decision was made to euthanase him, to avoid any further suffering.

“Poor Marshal’s passing came as such a shock for so many reasons,” explains Jody. “The last thing I would have suspected was antifreeze poisoning, particularly as the cold weather was yet to hit. It was heart-breaking to watch him deteriorate so rapidly, and highlights how quickly you have to act when poisoning is suspected.

“I just hope that Marshal’s death will not be in vain and his story will help to avoid other animals suffering the same fate, and save other pet owners from suffering the heartbreak of losing their beloved pet.”

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance it is advised to contact your vet as quickly as possible.

The AHT also encourages car owners to use propylene glycol antifreeze where possible. Whilst it is still poisonous to animals, it is a lot less harmful than the ethylene glycol version more regularly used.

To ensure you’re not responsible for antifreeze poisoning in animals, please keep your car checked regularly for leaks, and keep antifreeze bottles out of the reach of pets.

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The New Wolsey announces Packed Spring 2014 Season The New Wolsey Theatre is excited to announce their programme for Spring 2014. This season the New Wolsey are introducing their #LoveYourTheatre ticket packages.

With big four musicals and big four dramas, audiences will be given the opportunity to book for more and save money.

Included in the Musical #LoveYourTheatre package are:

Translations

THE THREEPENNY OPERA – the New Wolsey’s co-production of Brecht and Weill’s musical masterpiece, with Nottingham Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, West Yorkshire Playhouse, and Graeae Theatre Company. Using a motley crew of cast, with well-known songs such as Mack The Knife, the New Wolsey will be welcoming back familiar faces from Our House, Reasons to be Cheerful, and also Will Kenning, fresh from four years’ service as the pantomime dame, who is playing the role of Tiger Brown. The New Wolsey’s Artistic Director Peter Rowe and Graeae’s Jenny Sealey will join forces once again to bring you their anarchic version of this adaption of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. All performances include live audio description and a creative combination of BSL interpretation and captioning.

Runs from Wednesday 12th until Saturday 22nd March.

MISS NIGHTINGALE – Matthew Bugg is back with his blitzy wartime blackout romance, following a five star tour which started at the New Wolsey Theatre last Spring. With period glamour and original songs, we are proud to be in co-production with the show as it embarks on another tour around the UK. They start in Ipswich from Thursday 27th March to Saturday 5th April.

BETTY BLUE EYES – Adapted from the screenplay by Alan Bennett of the film The Private Function, its fair shares for all in this take on Austerity Britain. This regional premiere of the smash-hit West End musical comedy is brought to Ipswich by the Mercury Theatre, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse and West Yorkshire Playhouse and runs from Tuesday 15th April to Saturday 19th April.

TOM – The music and story of an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent. With live rock and roll music and an electric actor-musician set-up, Theatr na nOg brings their production of the story of Tom Jones from Wednesday 23rd April to Saturday 5th April.

Included in the Drama #LoveYourTheatre package are: MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL – Talawa Theatre Company return with their 2003 production, in association with The Nation Theatre. Universally praised by critics and audiences, the original creative team have reunited to present Errol John’s mesmerising and heart-warming piece once more from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th February.

CLASSIC GHOSTS – Jack Shepherd stars in this ghostly double bill of spinetingling stories. The Signalman by Charles Dickens, and Oh Whistle and I’ll Come To You My Lad by M R James are bought to life by Middle Ground Theatre Company who return to the New Wolsey from Monday 24th February to Saturday 1st March.

REFUGEE BOY – the works of poets Benjamin Zephaniah and Liam Sissay are brought together in a heartbreaking and hilarious production that pulse with energy, love, loss and hope. This production looks to reach out and connect with the refugee community using creativity to celebrate diversity, to bring together and share stories. Runs from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th March.

TRANSLATIONS – English Touring Theatre presents this story of love and conflict as the British Army arrives to translate Gaelic place names into the King’s English. The New Wolsey welcomes back the producers of The Hypochondriac, Tartuffe and The Misanthrope from Tuesday 8th April to Saturday 12th April.

The New Wolsey Theatre’s Creative Learning department brings two big productions to the Spring season amongst many other projects they present throughout the year. Key highlights you can see this season are the Young Company’s production of THE ELEPHANT MAN from Thursday 24th April to Saturday 3rd May, and WHEN I GROW UP on Saturday 8th March.

Bernard Pomerance’s THE ELEPHANT MAN sees award winning visual theatre company Gecko collaborate with the acclaimed New Wolsey Young company to present this celebrated hit play about John Merrick.

WHEN I GROW UP is designed for children in school years five and six, and offers an understanding of the expectations on them as well as the

tools and language of aspiration. The show will then embark on a schools tour.

Accessible performances are expanding in this season, with a great range of ways to watch and hear theatre in Ipswich. The continuing support from Agent for Change Ali Briggs has seen the offer developed further with additional materials available on request such as scripts, a synopsis, introductory notes and touch tours.

As well as Captioned, Audio Described, and BSL interpreted performances throughout the season, Frozen Light’s production of TUNNELS on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th January sees a unique adventure for teenagers with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. An enchanting multisensory production that fuses live music, sign and movement, this show is for an audience of six teenagers, and their companions.

Fingersmith’s FROZEN on Thursday 27th March to Saturday 1st March sees a cast of four Deaf and two hearing actors bring a visual and physical theatre style to this play. It will be performed in British Sign Language and spoken English throughout the whole run.

The New Wolsey are proud to be supporting the work of the Romany Theatre Company with OUR BIG LAND – a provocatively dark atmospheric piece of theatre with the culture clash of Romany and nonRomany communities at its core.

Running from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th February at the New Wolsey Studio, the production will also feature live Romany Gypsy music.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents THE BIBLE: THE COMPLETE WORD OF GOD (ABRIDGED) on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th February. A rollercoaster ride from fig leaves to final judgement, these bad boys of abridgement tackle the great theological questions.

Other highlights include music treats from JONNY & THE BAPTISTS with the Stop UKIP Tour, RICHARD DURRANT - the guitar whisperer, THE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL, Opera Della Luna’s THE GONDOLIERS, THE BEN WATER’S BAND, and THE ULTIMATE LOUIS AMRSTRONG SHOW.

Find out more, book your tickets or make your reservation by calling the friendly Ticket Sales team on 01473 295900, or by visiting www.wolseytheatre.co.uk.

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The 2013 Santa Run Santa calling in to celebrate with the children

Have you put your child’s name down yet for the Children’s Christmas Party at Foxhall Community Centre in Ipswich on Sunday 22nd December?

The fun starts at 2pm with nibbles, a disco, some traditional party games and we’ve heard Santa is popping in with a sack full of presents too! Tickets are £2 per child with adults free, to add your child to the list of children already attending get in touch with Anna or Kieran at the Foxhall Community Centre (formally St Clements Sports & Social Club off Foxhall Road) by calling 01473 712544 or you can text them on 077893 33227 or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is hosting a new business Santa Run in Ipswich this year and budding Santa’s are needed to make the event a success.

The Ransomes Europark Santa Run takes place at 1pm on Friday 6th December. The route starts and finishes at Marshalls KIA and you can choose to run it once for a 2.5km distance or twice for 5km distance. It’s not a race, so participants don’t have to be expert runners. You can walk, jog or run - it’s up to you.

Hannah Bloom, EACH Suffolk Partnerships Manager, said, “We’re really looking forward to the Ransomes Europark Santa Run. It’s taking place during lunchtime,

so local businesses will be able to take part without having to take time off work. It’s a perfect excuse to have fun with your colleagues while raising funds for a vital local cause.

“We hope lots of people sign up and raise plenty of sponsorship to ensure we can continue to deliver care and support to life-threatened children and their families.”

Adult entry is £10 and includes a Santa suit or £8 without a suit.

Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship.

The staff will also be helping to get you into the festive spirit by opening from 11am until late all day on Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome members and non-members alike. Anna says, “These special dates are a time when parents can start their holidays and enjoy the festive period with their families.” She continued “The best part is celebrating with others and watching the children have a great time in a safe and sociable atmosphere, whilst the parents relax too.” The Foxhall Community Centre is open every day with a full Sky Sports Package on wide screen TV, a large, comfortable lounge, and discounted drinks and room hire for members.

• For more information check out their website www.foxhallcommunitycentre.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

•To join the fun you’ll be shortly be able to enter online at www.each.org.uk/santaruns or call 01473 276196 to request an entry form.

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Come meet FARMER CHRISTMAS Everyone knows Santa is very busy at this time of year and that’s why he needs lots of help to make sure that everything runs smoothly on the big night. The elves and reindeers often get a mention, but not many people give

a thought to Farmer Christmas – the guy who looks after the reindeers and all the other animals that Santa employs.

This year Farmer Christmas is raising his profile. He is taking time out of his Christmas preparations to visit

Baylham Farm. For the first three weekends in December, Farmer Christmas will be in his festive barn with some helpers of his own (possibly Gigi the goat or Pip the pig). He will be on hand to talk to any good girls and boys about their wish list for Christmas.

Being Santa’s right hand man, Farmer Christmas will then be able to pass any messages directly to Santa.

The rest of Baylham Farm will also open on these dates, including the farm café serving light lunches, cakes, some seasonal goodies and plenty of stocking fillers.

There are many animals to see and feed, including some of this year’s kids who are still small enough to

sneak through the fence and sit on your lap.

Admission charges are £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, £3 for children between four and 16 years old and under four’s are free. There is no additional charge for meeting Farmer Christmas and no need to book.

• The farm is open Saturday and Sunday, (7/8th. 14/15th & 21st/22nd December) from 10am until 4pm. The farm can be found around six miles west of Ipswich, off the B1113. Visit the website for more details at www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk or phone 01473 830264. Baylham House Farm, Mill Lane, Baylham, IP6 8LG

Santa Specials going fast at Mid Suffolk Light Railway For a magical Christmas treat for your younger children, a trip on a Mid Suffolk Light Railway Santa Special is not to be missed, but trains are filling up fast so early booking is recommended.

All seats must be booked in advance with up to two adults accompanying each child. Trains run from 10.30am until 3.30pm on 1st, 8th and 14th December (15th and 22nd already sold out). To book or for more information call 01473 890622 or visit www. mslr.org.uk/santabooking Steam trains will be pulled by ‘Wissington’, the Santa Special steam locomotive, from Brockford Station to ‘North Pole Halt’ half a mile away, where children up to 10 years old will have an individual visit to Santa in his Christmas guards van. Each child receives a present and there will be children’s entertainment and storytelling. The Stations, Brockford and ‘North Pole Halt’ and the Museum, shop and refreshment bar, will all be decorated in full ‘Christmasy’ style to give the visit a real party feel.

Apart from the festive fun, visitors, especially children, can enjoy the unique atmosphere created at Suffolk’s only standard gauge (full sized) award wining railway museum. The Santa Special’s genuine Great Eastern Railway Victorian four wheeler coaches are a historical experience for any passengers, especially younger ones and are one of the main reasons why ‘The Middy’ is the current winner of the Heritage Railway Association’s Interpretation Award.

Priced at £10 per person including drinks and mince pies for everyone - even adults – this is a seasonal treat not to be missed.

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford Station, Station Road, Wetheringsett IP14 5PW. (Off the A140, follow the brown signs).

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Choral Concert for Christmas Ipswich Choral Society in conjunction with the Mayor of Ipswich presents Ipswich Sings Christmas!

Ipswich Choral Society step into the festive limelight to host their annual Christmas Community Concert extravaganza. “Ipswich Sings Christmas!” is an upbeat celebration of Christmas, bringing together local choirs, musicians and the community in general, this year in conjunction with The Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Hamil Clarke MBE. Back by popular demand, Lynne Mortimer from the East Anglian Daily Times is compère for the evening; introducing the guest performers and entertaining the audience with her unique insight on the festive season.

Local brass band Suffolk Phoenix Brass returns to perform seasonal favourites and accompany the traditional carol singing with the audience.

Ipswich Choral Society is delighted to also be joined at the Corn Exchange this year by two local groups: acoustic rock duo Silbury Hill and jazz group Phoenix Jazz. For that extra Christmas sparkle, the choirs from local schools Piper’s Vale Community Primary School and St. Johns Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School will be performing, including some special collaborations singing with Ipswich Choral Society.

Ipswich Choral Society use their annual Christmas concert to raise money for local charities each year. This year the concert will be raising money for

the Mayor’s chosen charities: East Anglia's Children's Hospices EACH (registered charity 1069284), Fresh Start - New Beginnings (registered charity 1149347) and The Dame Vera Lynn Trust (registered charity 1089657).

Come and join in the celebrations and help raise money for worthwhile causes at the same time!

Ipswich Choral Society in conjunction with the Mayor of Ipswich presents “Ipswich Sings Christmas!”

• Music Director: Stephen Rumsey • Compère: Lynne Mortimer (East Anglian Daily Times) • Suffolk Phoenix Brass • Silbury Hill • Phoenix Jazz • Local Primary Schools: o Piper’s Vale Community Primary School o St John's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Ipswich Sings Christmas!” will be at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on Saturday 14th December at 7.30pm. Admission (includes programme): Adults £11, Concessions £9, Children £4 (Please note: an IBC box office booking fee of £1 per ticket is included in these prices) Available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: telephone 01473 433100 or online at www.ipswichcornexchange.com.

The lights of Stowmarket’s famous Christmas Tree Festival are now switched on and will twinkle from now until the 4th January at Stowmarket Parish Church.

Over 250 trees are decorated by various groups and individuals within the town and, the talent that goes into creating such outstanding trees gets better each year. The aim of the Festival is to help us understand the Christmas story through being creative. As well as trees with lights and decorations there are also some more unusual ones such as the Optical Illusion tree and the mug tree.

The Festival will last until January 4th with the Church being open each day from 10am until 4pm (7pm Thursdays). Walking in the Church and seeing so many Christmas Trees sparkling is almost breathtaking and suitable for all ages. It really has to be seen to be believed!

There is access for wheelchairs and buggies with an area to sit and enjoy a drink and a mince pie half way round the Church. Any group or business wanting a Christmas outing during December is highly recommended to book a date for their own guided tour.

Entrance is free although donations are encouraged.

This is certainly a Christmas Tree Festival with a difference, which is why last year it attracted 20,000 visitors from all over the region and further afield. For more details please visit www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk or contact the Church Office tel 01449 678623 As well as Christmas Trees in Stowmarket Parish Church why not visit the town centre where you can take part in the Christmas Tree window spotting competition or enjoy a Christmas tree shaped biscuit in one of the cafes positioned in the main street lit up with Christmas tree decorations.

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Colchester and Ipswich Museums offering great family events this winter

Christchurch Mansion

During the long winter months, why not bring the children along to the great family activities that are being held at the Colchester & Ipswich Museums.

All six Colchester & Ipswich Museum venues offer fun, hands-on sessions that encourage children to express themselves through a variety of mediums such as art, music and literature.

Ipswich Museum has everything from mammoths to Egyptian artefacts, plus many other weird and wonderful curiosities. While,

Christchurch Mansion houses the biggest collection of John Constable paintings outside of London.

Colchester’s famous Castle is currently closed for renovation, but will open to the public in the Spring of 2014. Both Hollytrees and the Natural History Museum continue to run a full programme of events.

Make Christmas magical for your children by bringing them to see Father Christmas in the beautiful surrounding of Hollytrees, Colchester, on Saturday 7th December. Drop in sessions will

be between 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 4pm and cost £3 per child – gift included.

Over at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, on Sunday 8th December, children will have the opportunity to get up close to the Victorian toys from the Museum’s collection, as well as seeing Father Christmas. The Museum will be open from 10am – 4pm and it will cost £3 to visit Father Christmas. A gift will be included and he can be visited between 10am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 4pm If you’re planning some late night shopping, why not send Dad, Granddad or Grandma and children down to the Snowglobe event at Ipswich Musuem on Thursday 12th December. Join the Polar Explorer on his discovery of new and fantastical worlds. Drop in anytime between 3pm and 8pm. £3 for all activities – including storytelling and craft activities.

• Colchester and Ipswich Museums will be running an exciting events programme for the February 2014 half term and further information can be found on the website www.cimuseums.org.uk/what’son

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A Winter Wonderland comes to Stonham Barns

Stonham Barns Leisure & Retail Village have had a fantastic year so far, with a range of new and returning shows bringing many new faces to the site. However the year is not quite over yet and Stonham Barns have one last extravaganza for you and your family to enjoy…

And, they are delighted to announce that in conjunction with Charles Chipperfield Circus, Stonham Barns will be hosting a spectacular Winter Wonderland over the festive period!

Winter Wonderland will have a range of fantastic elements for you and your family to get involved with, including the Charles Chipperfield Circus shows, which is the 6th generation of the original Chipperfields Circus dating back to 1684. The first of the shows will begin on the weekend of 30th November and 1st December, alongside the returning Christmas Craft Fair, that will be filled with a range of Christmas present ideas and treats to get you in the festive spirit.

There will be four circus shows per day in the main Big Top tent, each is 45 minutes long and will be followed by a wonderful circus workshop down in the arena floor, which is all inclusive of your ticket price of £6.99 per person. Some of the acts you can look forward to seeing are the Wheel of Death, Romanian springboard troupe Ariel Silks, Ariel Trapeze Spiderman, and Picorette the Mexican clown, plus many more. The shows will be running from the 30th November until the 1st January with some

breaks in between. The box Office at Stonham Barns is open now to from 9am to 6pm daily to purchase tickets, as well as having the ticket hotlines to call too on 0844 888991 or 07500 365231.

Alongside Charles Chipperfield Circus there will be a host of additional attractions, including a newly improved skating rink, which will be indoors in the permanent marquee this year as well as having festive food and drink stalls to cater for you alongside. As well as a fantastic funfair, Santa’s Grotto, festive Christmas stalls and all the boutique shops ‘The Barns’ for your additional festive shopping needs!

Winter Wonderland is really going to be an incredible family outing no matter what age you are, with something to do for all the family it’s the perfect day out leading up to

and over the Christmas period. If you would like to know more about our upcoming Winter Wonderland please visit the website www.stonham-barns.co.uk, facebook page Stonham Barns LV or contact the events team on 01449 711 111.

All at Stonham Barns and Charles Chipperfield Circus are looking forward to welcoming you to their Winter Wonderland 2013.

Alternative Christmas Food & Gift ideas Are you Gluten Intolerant or Dairy Free? Do you suffer with Allergies or IBS? If the answer is Yes, then pop along to Rainbow Apothecary in Church Street Woodbridge (next to Barclays Bank) because they specialise in alternative and world foods.

Here are some of the alternative Christmas foods and snacks that they have to offer at Rainbow Apothecary; Gluten and Wheat Free: Stuffing Mix, Bread Mixes, Batter Mix, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies, Bread Sticks, Pasta, Breakfast cereal, Tea Cakes and huge amounts of yummy biscuits.

Dairy Free: Advent Calendars, Moo Free Chocolate, Dairy Free Cheese and Soya Free Cheese, Coconut Milk and other Milk Alternatives, Ice Cream, Cheesecakes, Coco Snowmen and Cream alternatives too!

Vegan and Vegetarian Foods: Lots of Sweets, Crisps, Biscuits, Worchester Sauce, Tofu, Nut Roasts, Meat alternatives, Gravy, Miso products, Mince Pies and Christmas snacks.

They also stock Wheatgrass, Barleygrass, Spirulina and Maca for your healthy Christmas Smoothies and Hangover cures.

Also, at Rainbow Apothecary they offer alternative and eco Christmas Gifts.

They have a wide range of Christmas Incense and Essential Oils. And, the Bodycare and Toiletry Section is full of Lotions and Potions with NO Parabens or SLS. There are Christmas crackers filled with hand creams and natural Christmas Bodycare selection packs from makes Jason, Weleda, Avalon, Tisserand, Faith in Nature, Tiana, Bentley Organic and Nelson to name but a few. They also have Yule and Solstice Cards and not forgetting the lovely ‘Organic Grumpy Yule Coffee’ by the Grumpy Mule company.

For more information on the above: email info@rainbowapothecary.co.uk, or telephone 01394 386777 or just pop in and say Hi!

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Festive New Wolsey At the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich they have two shows that should appeal to any age to make your Christmas experience a festive treat for all the family.

The rock’n’roll pantomime this year is Dick Whittington – where the streets are paved with the classics in this musical twist of a traditional tale. The best of pantomime with the greatest pop songs are all served up by an astonishing company of actor-musicians. The show runs from Thursday 21st November to Saturday 25th January – making it one of the longest running panto in the country.

The New Wolsey Theatre not only brings you their yearly instalment of the rock’n’roll panto, but also a cheeky, vibrant children’s show for those a little smaller. Stuff and Nonsense’s The Elves and the Shoemaker will be making themselves at home at the New Wolsey Studio from Tuesday 10th December until Saturday 4th January.

Elves and the Shoemaker is for shoemakers aged 3+ and their families, with shows at 11am and 2pm most days over December. There will also be signed performances on Friday 3rd January at 11am and 2pm.

For more information, and to make a booking or reservations, please contact the Ticket Sales team on 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk.

Delightful Christmas offering at DanceHouse Award-winning director and choreographer Arthur Pita premieres his new dance theatre show The Little Match Girl at DanceEast, Ipswich this Christmas, from Thursday 12th until Tuesday 24th December. A dance theatre adaptation after Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story, The Little Match Girl presents a magical festive treat for all ages four and above.

Arthur Pita’s new production tells the touching tale of an impoverished young street girl's hopes and dreams, beautifully told through dance, song and original live music.

A snowy stage sets the scene for an icy cold Christmas Eve, where The Little Match Girl paces the emptying streets trying to sell her matches. Cold, hungry and with just one final match flame to keep her warm, she sees a vision of her beloved grandmother. Leaving her troubled life behind, the little match girl is guided up into the night sky by her grandmother who takes her to the moon. Now, on a clear night, if you look closely, you might see the light of a shooting star, or is it a match burning brightly?

Arthur Pita (previously Associate Artist at The Place) has choreographed work for major international companies from the LA Opera to the Johannesburg’s Dance Umbrella and in the UK from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Phoenix Dance. His multi award-winning adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis has attracted critical acclaim since its premiere at the Royal Opera House in September 2011; winning Olivier, Southbank Sky Arts and Critics Circle National Dance Awards and has just enjoyed a sell-out run at the Joyce Theatre in New York this autumn.

Pita returns to DanceEast following his sell-out success with God's Garden in 2011. For The Little Match Girl, he is reunited with The Metamorphosis composer Frank Moon, who will perform his original score live on stage, with designs by Yann Seabra and lighting designs by Ed Yetton. Cast includes: Corey Annand, Valentina Golfieri, Kip Johnson, Frank Moon and Angelo Smimmo.

Open Heart Productions and DanceEast present The Little Match Girl with funding by Arts Council England.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 295230 or visit www.danceeast.org.uk

Players present Cinderella The most famous pantomime of them all, the classic rags to riches story Cinderella lives a life of drudgery and constant hounding by her step mother and step sisters. Her muddled and confused father, Baron Hardup, is powerless to intervene. He is also on the run from the bailiffs.

Cinders’ only comfort is her best pal Buttons.

Prince Charming is holding a ball where every eligible maiden in the land is to attend. Can this be the chance Cinderella has been waiting for? Will she go to the ball? Will her wicked stepmother and ugly stepsisters intervene to stop her? Will Buttons ever tell Cinders that he loves her?

Come and find out at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge School this Christmas as the Deben Players present “Cinderella” by Andy Kimber. Performances from Saturday 21st December 2013 to Wednesday 1st January 2014. To book tickets visit debenplayers.net or call the Box Office on 01394 276770 or call in person at the Felixstowe Tourist Information Centre.

Accept your Royal invitation to the greatest pantomime of them all. A fantastic new production filled with madcap madness, mayhem, tuneful tunes, where you will laugh, hiss and boo.

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Co-op Juniors Magic Dickens at Christmas

There’s a distinct feeling of humbug at Snape Maltings Concert Hall this December as Ebenezer Scrooge takes to the stage in a new Christmas Spectacular! production by the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company.

Based on the timeless Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, the new show features all the familiar characters, including Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley and a whole bevy of ghosts in the form of Christmas past, present and future.

“We’ve taken a fresh look at the Christmas Carol story,” says musical director Nigel Virley, who has also written the script.

“We add our unique blend of signature song and dance numbers which enhance the fabulous Dickens tale. It’s many people’s favourite Christmas story, with strong characters and Scrooge’s journey from miser to funmeister!”

Scrooge a funmeister? In the experienced hands of performer Richard Rumbellow, who created the role at the Ipswich Regent back in 1997, audiences at Snape are guaranteed laughter in equal measure with the stunning staging, costumes and effects for which the group are famous.

With a cast of more than 100 and hundreds of costumes, the spectacle of the show has found a regular audience for the last eight years at Snape Maltings.

“There are lots of moments of stage magic,” reveals co-director Pauline Walker. “We have a great creative team who constantly come up with new ideas of how to stage such a large show with strong choreography and a new setting every year.”

Christmas Spectacular! is at Snape Maltings Concert Hall for 12 performances from Friday 13th until Sunday 22nd December. For performance dates and times, visit www.coopjuniors.co.uk.

For tickets, call the box office on 01728 687110 or book online at www.aldeburgh.co.uk/spectacular. Tickets are from £10 to £24, with group discounts. Coach companies also offer combined travel and show tickets.

Following the huge success of The Taming of the Shrew at Jimmy’s Farm this summer, theatre company Red Rose Chain has announced that they are returning to the Farm for a special Christmas show for all ages. Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ short story, The Magic Fishbone has already wowed audiences and critics and is returning for performances at the Aspall Barn at Jimmy’s Farm from December 19th to January 5th. The Magic Fishbone of the title comes to life as an amazing puppet created by WarHorse Assistant Puppetry Director, Jimmy Grimes and puppeteered by regular Red Rose Chain actor Joel Johnson. Joanna Carrick said, “We loved working at Jimmy’s Farm and we couldn’t wait until next summer to return! The Magic Fishbone will appeal to our Theatre in the Forest audiences with To book tickets to see The Magic Fishbone you can call the Box Office on 01473 603388 or visit www.redrosechain.com

Voyage to Neverland Join Wendy, Michael and John as they take a trip to Neverland with the boy who never grows up… Peter Pan! Take part in their pantomime adventure this Christmas at the Ipswich Regent theatre from 20th until 30th December. With an all-star cast, lush sets and costumes, impressive live music, energetic dance routines, lots and lots of laughter and flying that will thrill the child in all of us, come and see Peter Pan soar to new heights at Ipswich Regent this Christmas. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit wwwipswichregent.com

A Bronte Christmas

Eastern Angles Theatre company are back with a hilarious new Christmas spoof featuring the famous Brontë sisters. Created by Eastern Angles Artistic Director Ivan Cutting with music and lyrics from Simon Egerton this zany new comedy entitled The Brontës of Dunwich Heath & Cliff can be seen in Ipswich, Woodbridge and Peterborough.

This year audiences will be pleased to see the return of Eastern Angles’ familiar format using a cast of energetic actor/musicians playing a whole host of mad-cap characters.

The first port of call for The Brontës of Dunwich Heath & Cliff will be the cosy Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich where the show will open on December 4th. Eastern Angles have been performing their anarchic Christmas shows at this venue for the past 25 years. Second stop will be the Seckford Theatre in the grounds of Woodbridge School where the show will run from 14th until 25th January.

Eastern Angles describe their productions as a ‘wacky alternative to the traditional Christmas pantomime’ – the shows include quick-fire banter, catchy tunes and hysterical comedy performances.

Taking the mickey out of the gothic novels of the Victorian literary sisters and their Suffolk cousins ‘plain Jane’ and ‘mad Cath’ Eastern Angles have come up with an outlandish storyline featuring Kate Bush inspired hair, a bumbling parson, a hunky Heathcliff and a wild hen party! This literary spoof will follow in the footsteps of Mansfield Park & Ride and Round The Twist, which lampooned Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

To book your tickets for Ipswich and Woodbridge call the Box Office on 01473 211498 or visit www.easternangles.co.uk.

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW Every Monday

Every Wednesday

Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich. 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Ballroom and Latin class, Goals Centre, Grimwade Street, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 07736306519 Yoga, Holbrook Village Hall 9.30am - 11am, Suitable for beginners and intermediates, Contact Cathie 07734469038/ 01394 388379 for details Yoga, Henley Community Village Hall, Ashbocking Road, 7.45pm – 9.15pm, 01473 690762 Badminton, Claydon High School Sports Hall, 7pm to 9pm, Social badminton, all welcome, Further information contact Don 01473 747596 Suffolk Promenaders Square Dance Club, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, Only £2.50, tea and coffee provided, contact 01473 422663 or 01473 415785for further details Badminton, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 7.30pm - 10pm, Social Badminton further information contact Alan 01473 437707

Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Ipswich, 2pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Fran Rousham 01394 671642 Ballroom & Latin Dance Classes, Sidegate Community Centre, Ipswich, 7pm - 10pm class fees £3, For details phone 01473 713046 Dance Class for people with Additional Needs, 22 Bond Street, IP4 1JE 1.15pm – 2pm, 07736306519 Voices Together, award winning female singing group, Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 9pm. Friendly rehearsals. No auditions, Easy listening music, Interested? Call Kath 01473 652351 Ballroom and Latin class, Sidegate Lane Primary School, 7pm – 8pm, 07736 306519

Every Tuesday Art Group, meeting at J Parker Studios, Ivy Cottage, Wenham Road, Great Wenham Beginners welcome tuition available, for details 01473 313100 www.jparkerstudios.co.uk Cycle Speedway, Great Blakenham Cycle Speedway Club Training, Juniors and newcomers 6pm - 7.30pm, Seniors 7.30pm 9.00pm, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham (Next to Village Hall) Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, performing a variety of music including chart hits, musicals and classical. If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this ling established & friendly group of singers, No auditions, Call Maggie on 01473 713597, Dance & Music Improvisation, Northgate Arts centre in Ipswich, 7pm - 8pm (studio available from 6.45pm - 8.15pm for warm-up and warmdown) £5 / £3.50 (freelance dance artists and concessions) Telephone 07830755070 Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk Ipswich Folk Dance Club, St Johns U.R.C, Cowper St, 8pm - 10pm. Experience not necessary, as all dances are walked through first, and then called, for full details call 01473 212085.

Tea Dance, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 2pm - 4pm, £2. Includes tea and biscuits, for further information call 01473 257593.

Knit ‘n’ Natter Group, Bags of Handles, Walton, Felixstowe, 6pm – 9pm, Knit, Natter and browse through hundreds of knitting magazines available to the group.

16

Every Thursday Jive and Swing Classes, Felixstowe Conservative Club, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Further info 01394 282285 Wot's up 18+ Community Club at Castle Hill Community Centre, 5pm - 9.30pm, Free taster session, more info call Mags 07926428432.

The Club is manly Learning/Physical Difficulties but they would like to reach out to Mental Health, The Elderly, Head injuries Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information contact Adrian 01473 464920 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, 10.15am to 11.30am, Local Food, Handmade Crafts Open to all, Free Entry, Coffee and Chat: informal coffee morning with activities, 10am – 12pm All Saints Church Hall Blenheim Road, Ipswich

Every Friday Ballroom Class, United Reformed Church, Ipswich St, Stowmarket, 7.30 - 9.30pm, further info 01394 282285 Ballroom and Latin class, Dance East, Jerwood House, Foundry Lane, 7pm – 8pm, 07736306519 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre Ipswich, 2pm - 5pm, £2.50, per session, New Members very welcome, for more details contact Tony Crane on 01473 410740

Every Saturday Cycle Speedway, Great Blakenham Cycle Speedway Kids Club, 10.00am – Midday, A variety of activities connected with Cycle Speedway, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham (Next to Village Hall) For more info contact Terry on 07860 262112 Wot's up 18+ Community Club at Castle Hill Community Centre, 10am - 5pm, Free taster session, more info call Mags 07926428432,

EVENTS

guide

The Club is manly Learning/Physical Difficulties but they would like to reach out to Mental Health, The Elderly, Head injuries

Every Sunday Lions Club of Ipswich Car Boot Sale, Portman Road Car Park, Ipswich (Weather permitting), Gates open at 6.30am, Pitch fees - car £5.00, Car & Trailer £10.00, small van (Escort size) £5.00, large van (transit size) £10.00 all payable on entry, Refreshments and toilets on site, Other details visit www.ipswichlions.anglianet.co.uk Ballroom and Latin class, 22 Bond Street, Ipswich, 7pm – 8pm, 07736306519

Sun 1st Dec Ipswich Transport Museum Open Day, Old Trolleybus Depot Cobham Road Ipswich, Open11am to 4pm Adults £5.00 Children £3.00 Concessions £4.50 Family ticket £14.00 (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) Under 5s free www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

Mon 2nd Dec A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Rubens Banqueting House ceiling’, Ipswich Institute, Ipswich, 2.30pm, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture

Tue 3rd Dec Lunchtime Concert, St Mary Le Tower, Tower Street, Ipswich, 1.10pm, Winter Series Mark Wilde Tenor, Philip Sunderland Piano, Free with a retiring collection

Wed 4th Dec Orwell Decorative Fine Arts Society - We Three Kings: Music Arts, Legends and poetry inspired my Magi, Rushmere St Andrew, Tower Hall, Ipswich, 2.15pm, £5 Donation Welcome, 01473 710921

Thu 5th Dec – Fri 6th Dec Fluffy Music presents a Christmas Kerfuffle A different take on the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Tickets £10, Conc £8, www.fluffymusic.moonfruit.com 07747048574

Fri 6th Dec East Anglian Film Archive Film Show ‘Read All About it’, Records Office, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, 10.30am, Free Admission Ipswich Hospital Band, St. Augustine's Church, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £6, Tickets available from: St Augustine's Church office, Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 11.30am or by phone on 01473 728618 Proceeds to go 50/50 to St Augustine’s Church Annex Fund and Ipswich Hospital Breast Care Ward The Pre-Christmas Meeting of The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, Old Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath, 7.30pm, Admission £1.50 for members, £2.50 for nonmembers, who are most welcome, Tickets not required - just turn up in good time on the night.

Sat 7th Dec Christmas Cracker, Ipswich Transport Museum Old Trolleybus Depot Cobham Road Ipswich, 11am – 4pm, the final opening day of the season is a family day with a Christmas theme with decorations and music in the museum

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Have your Event Listed Free!!

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW helps to get into the festive mood, Adults £6.50 Children £4.00 Concessions £5.50 Family ticket £18.00 (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) Under 5s free www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk A Cavalier Christmas – A special seasonal presentation by John and June Sutton, Christchurch Mansion Lower Tudor Room, Ipswich, 2pm, Tickets £5, 01473 250070 Holbrook Choral Society, Orchestra, and Chapel Choir present Handels Messiah Holbrook, Royal Hospital School, Nr Ipswich, 7pm, £15 Concessions £10 Vintage and Modern, Festive Market, Woodbridge, www.debenevents.com Christmas Concert - St Peters Band, St Peters by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich, 7pm, Tickets £6, 01473 225269 Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting at RSPB North Warren for geese and wildfowl.

Meet at 9am at Thorpeness car park. Map ref TM472596. 4 hrs. 7 miles. Contact 01473 258791, All welcome.

A Christmas Carol, Raydon Church, 7.30pm, Tickets £7 including light supper, children under 12 free, 01473 310320, in aid of St Mary’s Fabric Fund

Sally Voakes and Kieth Krykant, Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, 1pm – 1.50pm, Admission is free, with a retiring collection of £2pp, 01473 836973 Christmas Wreath Workshop, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm - 10.30pm, £23, 01473 405882

Fri 13th Dec – Sat 21st Dec Co-op Juniors present their Christmas Spectacular inspired by A Christmas Carol, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 01728 687 110

Fri 13th Dec The Horn Factory, St Peters By the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.45pm, Tickets £10 Dame Vera Lynn Trust ‘Christmas Concert’, Felixstowe Conservative Club, High Road West, Ipswich, 7pm, Tickets £5, 01473 652880 Christmas Tours at Otley Hall, Otley, Otley Hall, Ipswich, 6.30pm – 9pm, £14, 01473 890264 Constabulary Christmas Choir, Felixstowe Conservative Club, 28 High Rd West, Felixstowe, £5, 01473 857678, www.dvltrust.org.uk

Sat 14th Dec

Festive Gifts and Decorations Market, Ipswich, Fore Street, 10am – 4pm, Christmas Merchandise, Food, Toys, Clothing, Handmade Jewellery, Crafts, Vintage and more, Entertainment throughout day, More information jay@waterfrontaction.co.uk Mary’s Tea Dances Howard and Chris, Kesgrave Community Centre, Kesgrave, 2pm – 4.15pm, £4.75 inclusive of Tea and Cake, 01449 720185

The Pantaloons Theatre Company present Grimm Fairy Tales, St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 2.30pm, Price £12, 01473 225269 Ipswich Choral Society in conjunction with the Mayor of Ipswich presents Ipswich Sings Christmas, Ipswich Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, Adults £11, Conc £9, Children £4, Box Office 01473 433100 Christmas Dance music from 50s and 60s, Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Ipswich, Over 30’s, 8pm - 11.45pm, £8 in advance, 01473 624538

Mon 9th Dec

Sun 15th Dec

A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Wren St Pauls Cathedral’, Ipswich Institute, Ipswich. 2.30pm, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture

Ipswich Jazz Club Presents ‘Josh Kemp Quartet’, California Social Club, 195 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Doors Open 7.30pm, www.ipswichjazzclub.co.uk Gabriel’s Greetynge, Joglaresa (Voice, Harp, Fidel, Citole, percussion & bagpipe directed by Belinda Sykes, Town Hall, Hadleigh, 6pm, £18 reserved, £12 unreserved, Box office 01206 366 603

Sun 8th Dec

Tue 10th Dec Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society; 100th Bomb Group by Richard Gibson, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, 01473 422145 Lunchtime Concert, St Mary Le Tower, Tower Street, Ipswich, 1.10pm, Winter Series Kathryn Parry Violin, Paul Turner Piano, Free with a retiring collection Christmas Market, 4th Floor, Felaw Maltings, Ipswich, 10am – 2pm, Raffle and proceeds to St Elizabeth’s Hospice, 01473 407000

Wed 11th Dec Suffolk Wildlife Trust; The Armur Leopard in Peril, Illustrated by David Prynn, St Margaret’s School, Bolton Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Admission £2.50 Suffolk East Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild - "Christmas Inchies" A practical evening making small Christmas related items, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere, 7.30pm, Visitors welcome.

Thu 12th Dec Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting, Christmas Social Evening with finger buffet Sidegate Lane School, 7.30pm, Admission: Local Group members £2.00 (concessions apply), Non-Members £3.00. All welcome, For more information contact 01473 423213.

Mon 16th Dec A Dozen Masterpieces; illustrated talks by Hugh Belsey ‘Wright Experiment with an Air pump’ Ipswich Institute, Ipswich, 2.30pm, £80 full course or £8.50 per lecture

Tue 17th Dec Lunchtime Concert, Ipswich, St Mary Le Tower, Tower Street, Ipswich, 1.10pm, The Choir of St Mary Le Tower, Free with a retiring collection Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Christchurch Park, Ipswich. Meet at 10am at Soane Street entrance, 2 hrs. Map ref TM165448, Contact 01473 714839, All welcome.

Wed 18th Dec Woodbridge Christmas Carol Concert, St. John’s Church, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 7pm

Thu 19th Dec – Sun 5th Jan The Magic Fishbone, Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, Ipswich, Full Price £19, Over 60s £16, Concessions £10, Available from the Tourist Information Centre 01473 258070

EVENTS

guide

Thu 19th Dec RAF Honington Military Wives and Band Concert of Carols, Bury St Edmunds, Cathedral, 7.30pm, 01284 758000 Monthly Meeting, Ipswich Branch, Suffolk Family History Society, The Red Cross Hall, Chevallier Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Admission £2 per person for Society members £2.50 per person for non - members, who are welcomed, you can join at the meeting if you wish, Tickets not required - just turn up.

Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Coop Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich, 2.15pm, £2, 'Ipswich Rail' - a presentation by former Railway fitter Tony Carter, Further information 01473 405116

Sun 22nd Dec Michaelmas Michael, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, an afternoon of Chrissmassy entertainment with Mike Hurrell and mates, Christmas lunch available 12pm – 2pm,

Mon 23rd Dec Ipswich Christmas Carol Concert, Augustine’s Church, Ipswich, 7pm

Wed 25th Dec Christmas Day Dip in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice, Felixstowe Beach, www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Sat 28th Dec Turkey Buster Guided Walk, Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, 10.30am, £3pp, Book on 01473 258070

Tue 31st Dec Sailing Barge Victor – ‘The Main Ingredient’ will be stepping aboard the Sailing Barge Victor with an evening of champagne, live music, delicious canapés, and a sail down the Orwell to see the Harwich fireworks, 9pm Depart 1am return, £76pp limited spaces for availability and to book please contact 01473 786688

Copy Deadlines

January Issue: Friday 6th Dec. Free Events Listings are published on a first-come basis, priority to charitable events and our advertisers.

No guarantee can be given of inclusion.

Priority will be given to non-commercial ventures.

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk putting “LISTINGS” in subject title or Post to: PO Box 774, Ipswich IP1 9FW

Ipswich24 cannot be held responsible for cancellation of any event, if in doubt please contact the venue or organisers of event.

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A Pretty Christmas Every year Tranmer House on the beautiful Sutton Hoo estate is transformed into a hive of Christmas activities and celebrations.

Set in the rolling Suffolk countryside with fantastic views of Woodbridge, it’s the perfect place to start feeling festival. The Pretty Family, who lived there in the 1930’s, loved having guests over, so why not come and be ours?

Every weekend, from now until the 22nd December, Tranmer House will be dressed for Christmas, complete with choirs, crackers, Christmas tree and a real festive feel!

The King’s River Café will be serving a range of warming seasonal dishes and treats that you can feast on whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery and views. Estate paths via the hauntingly beautiful mounds are the perfect place to go on a winter’s walk.

Open 11am until 4pm all weekends until the 22nd December, normal admission applies.

Lunchtime Concert

Winter Solstice

There will be a Lunchtime Concert by the Friends of Woodbridge Library at 12.45pm on Tuesday 17th December. Percussionist extraordinaire Richard Hubbard will be joined by Andrew Gosden and his singers to bring a programme with a Christmas flavour, plus the odd surprise items to Woodbridge at this festive time. Entry is free, however any donations will be gratefully received.

Celebrate Winter Solstice at Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge on Saturday 21st December from 2.45pm until sundown. Visit this ancient site on one of the lowlights of the pagan calendar with Time Team’s Dr Sam Newton. Learn about the Anglo-Saxon midwinter feast and discover how traditions have survived down the ages on this special tour of the mounds. This event costs £10, hot drinks and chocolate Yule log included, booking is essential by calling 01394 389700.

Carols on the Hill There will be Carols on the Market Hill in Woodbridge on Monday 23rd December from 6pm until 9pm. The event, which has been orgainised by The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, will include everyone’s favourite Carols and there will also be a special guest appearance of Father Christmas.

Christmas Street Fair A mammoth Christmas Street Fair will be held throughout the town of Woodbridge on Sunday 1st December.

Organised by the Choose Woodbridge Partnership the Fair, which takes place from 10am until 5pm, will see the Thoroughfare and Cumberland Street full of stalls selling a wide range of Christmas gifts, and festive food, many of which is from local producers.

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Festive Fayre at Poppy’s Pantry The days are getting shorter and colder, Christmas is just around the corner, and at Poppy’s Pantry social enterprise they have lots of different things to make your winter warm, toasty and Christmassy.

The wholefood shop has a wide range of yummy food and drink to see you through the holiday season or to give as gifts. At Poppy’s Pantry they stock local foods, hampers, and special

dietary food items as well as a range of eco-friendly gifts, toiletries and cleaning products.

Their catering van sells only the best local butchers sausages, bacon and free range eggs along with local bread and rolls from the cake shop; they have locally roasted coffee and a selection of teas as well as homemade cakes and soups and a good vegetarian and gluten free menu.

When Oddsocks are OK and other funky gift ideas Off The Wall Accessories in Woodbridge may be small but it’s stocked to capacity with unique, fun and affordable trinkets and the owners are always on the lookout for new, quirky lines to add to their already extensive selection of fashion accessories and funky gifts.

Costume Jewellery, Body Jewellery, Hats, Bags, Scarves, Gloves and an extensive range of Hair Accessories fill the walls, in colour co-ordinated, spot lit clarity.

Viva Beads are back, but re-launched under the new name ‘Jilzara Beads’. Named after the designer of the beads, Jil Manzara, they are just as beautiful and individual as the previous brand and still available in matching earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

African Butterfly Clips, usually only seen and sold at craft fairs, are also available at Off The Wall. Hand beaded in Africa by the ladies of the Ndebele Tribe, these clips are unique, easy to use and best of all come with a one-year guarantee.

Off The Wall has added Trolley Dollies to the list of fashion accessories that they sell and continue to stock the ever popular Magic Topn’Shorts, Magic Boxers and Magic Socks.

Oddsocks, sold in packs of three or in boxes of six odd, but coordinating socks remain a firm favourite and the range has grown.

Covering ages from birth to adult men, there are oddsocks for everyone.

Fairly traded, hand knitted, pure wool fleece lined hats and arm-warmers from Nepal are always a welcome addition in the winter and make super Christmas gifts.

Gift Vouchers, super accessories and fun affordable gift ideas are in abundance, so whether it’s “Oddsocks”, “Black Yak” or “Jilzara Beads” you’re after, pop in to Off The Wall for a browse and be inspired!

Here’s what I’m getting my family for Christmas: Grandma who is diabetic is getting a special hamper with some yummy no added sugar jams and biscuits that she can snack on guilt free.

Aunty Vi is getting a jar of local honey and a bottle of apple juice from the fruit farm down the road.

My three year old niece is getting a cute little green radicals tee shirt and her new baby brother is getting a sleep suit and a selection of baby products.

My husband is getting some bamboo pants….yes bamboo!!! They are the softest pants around!!!

My teenage cousin is getting some candles and joss sticks and a beautiful bowl made form half a

coconut shell that’s lacquered bright purple in the middle and is fairly traded.

My vegan friend is getting some booja booja truffles and a fun woolly hat that looks like a frog And…I am treating myself to some bath oils and candles.

I must remember to buy some dairy free Father Christmas chocolate’s too and gluten free Christmas cake!

The Poppy’s Team look forward to welcoming you to their enterprise.

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Get Festive on Fridays in town

There will be many bands and musicians of all shapes and sizes to get you bopping away and feeling festive as you wander around the town. Prepare to enjoy musical performances from Farlingaye

A face painter will be on the Thoroughfare on Friday 6th December and a knife thrower will be taking up residence in the car park at The Angel on Market Hill.

On each Friday there will be a troop of Elves from the Ormiston Trust at the bottom of New Street helping children to write letters to Santa who, on 13th and 20th will be in his Grotto on Market Hill.

Moving on to Thoroughfare, at the Turban Centre there will be Chestnuts Roasting care of Market Garden Produce. The Cake Shop

are opening their pop up café, The Fire Station, which will be serving all sorts of festive warmers and Woodbridge Wines are doing a special Christmas wine and port tasting and serving Mulled Wine

and Egg-Nog as well as a range of tasty deli-style nibbles for you to try!

With so much to see and do, Woodbridge really is the place to do your festive shopping this Christmas.

Make your Home that extra special this Christmas.

With the season of cheer upon us add that extra sparkle to your home.

Whether it be a new carpet or a stunning new rug at Archway Carpets they have something to suit you and your tastes!

The independent shop in Woodbridge has an amazing range of carpets in store from hardwearing luxury wools to contemporary Stripes. And, with their in home selection service, outstanding customer service and product knowledge you will not go wrong choosing your new carpet from Archway Carpets.

What if you already have a lovely carpet but you want to add something different. Well at Archway Carpets you will find a fantastic range of rugs. With designs for children or modern designs for any room in the home Archway Carpets really should be your first choice for the quality and service that can only be found from using an independent store!

Aspire Rug

The fun will be spread from the Riverside Theatre up Quay Street and Church Street to Market Hill, down New Street, along the Thoroughfare and, of course through the Turban Centre. Music will be at either end of the Thoroughfare and on Market Hill.

School, The Churches Together Choir, Electro-swing by Tallulah Goodtimes, Songs from the musicals from Woodbridge School, The Abbey Chapel Choir, Folk music from Justine de Mierre, a superb saxophone octet and wood band at The Kings Head, music from DJ Ben Osborne and chums and, of course, local legend Pete Hepworth will also be performing.

Brockway Vogue Stripe

On Friday 6th, 13th and 20th December the historic town of Woodbridge will be full of festive cheer with shops opening late, street entertainers, special offers, Christmas food and drink and special Christmas activities.

Most of the superb shops are opening until 9pm and the fantastic range of restaurants and bars are putting on lots of special Festive Friday offers.

• To arrange your home visit call 01394 386684 or info@archwaycarpets.co.uk you can of course call into the store at 7 Church Street Woodbridge.

Toytown – offering Exceptional Service Toytown Toymaster in Church Street, Woodbridge is now in it’s thirtieth year of trading in the town.

The bright and cheerful shop has been restocked to a higher level with every brand name imaginable, including Lego, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, Tomy, Fisher-Price, Schleich Animals and accessories and also Airfix kits to name a few. As well as a large range of games and jigsaws by Gibsons.

Toytown has lots of items to make Christmas extra special.

Nothing is too much trouble when you step into this family-run concern. Peter and Linda are always waiting to give help and advice.

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Woodbridge Festive Market holders include a young glass designer from the Royal College, an architectural model-maker who produces unique laser-cut Christmas decorations, a designer who makes papier-mache decorations, and a young fashion designer who creates women’s clothes and underwear.

Sarah Hill of Deben Events, says, “We’ve invited traders who are selling really interesting and alternative ideas for uniquely special Christmas gifts for all the family. The Woodbridge Festive Market is well-established on Suffolk’s seasonal calendar as a destination where you’ll find things that you can’t get elsewhere.”

Visitors can also expect to find everything from chestnuts roasting on locally made portable outdoor fire cooking systems from Meltonbased Roadii; Suffolkmade homewares, jewellery, leatherware, toys and soaps.

Jac says, “We’ve also got some great local charities coming along on the day, such as the Woodbridge Brownies, the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, and the RSPB who will be selling packs and gifts that are perfect for nature lovers.”

Seasonal local food and drink is also high on the market’s menu, ranging from locally produced and bottled sloe gin, James White

juices, an enticing selection of cakes, desserts and sweets, and Newbourne Farmshop selling seasonal vegetables, alongside a selection of Christmas trees of different heights.

Sarah says, “Woodbridge is always a special place to be at Christmas,

WHERE FASHION & FUN MEET

The Woodbridge Festive Market takes place in the Suffolk town’s historic market place and inside the Shire Hall from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 7th December.

Around 50 traders will set up around the town’s annual Christmas tree for a very relaxed seasonal shopping experience. Jac Cassidy of Deben Events, organisers of the market, says, “We’ve invited some lovely traders to come along this year, so visitors find unusual gifts all in one place and stock up for loved ones. It’s also a lovely setting in an historic Suffolk market town and has a particularly festive atmosphere.”

The hand-picked range of stall

and the market on the hill will be set-up around the town’s Christmas tree, so it’s perfect for some shopping, browsing and chance to meet up with friends.”

For more information www.debenevents.com

visit

Earrings Necklaces Bracelets Body Jewellery Bags Scarves Gloves Hair Accessories Hats Charms Fashion Tights Umbrellas

74 The Thoroughfare WOODBRIDGE Open: 09:00 Monday —

– 17:00 Saturday

Accessories

Tel: 01394 385 010

e-mail us at OTWAccessories@aol.com 21

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Are you brave enough to take an early morning dip on Christmas Day? On Wednesday 25th December hundreds of St Elizabeth Hospice supporters will be taking part in the tenth annual Christmas Day Dip in the sea off Felixstowe. Registration has opened so if you are thinking of taking the plunge, sign up today!

Last year over 400 people took on the sponsored challenge to raise money for the Hospice and around 500 dippers are expected to mark the event's tenth anniversary, this year.

Many find it a good way of starting Christmas Day, which can be a difficult time for someone who is grieving.

St Elizabeth Hospice’s events fundraiser Emily Sullivan said, “Christmas is a lovely time of year to give something back and remember a loved one. The Christmas Day Dip has grown in popularity every year and the tenth one is going to be bigger and better! We hope it will raise over £40,000 to help us to

continue to support people in East Suffolk and South Norfolk who have a progressive illness.

“Why not come along first thing, do your dip with friends and family watching, then go home to open your presents and enjoy your Christmas dinner. It’s a great way to start the festivities.”

At 10am when the horn sounds everyone will enter the cold sea opposite Manning’s Amusements on Sea Road.

The registration fee is £5 per person and participants are asked to raise sponsorship. Or participants can opt to pay £10 to receive a Christmas Day Dip T shirt.

Last year the event raised around £40,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, an independent charity which costs £9.1 million a year to run to provide services free of charge.

Register online at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk. Or for more information contact the fundraising team on 01473 723600 or email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

Christmas at Felixstowe URC Shops are becoming full of Christmas displays and urging us to buy presents for each other. Perhaps we should all stop and think about why we are celebrating Christmas.

It is a major festival in the Christian Church – what we celebrate is the birth of Jesus, Son of God. Wise men brought him gifts, Shepherds were guided to him by a Star. May Christ be the centre of your Christmas Celebrations this year. Services over the Christmas period at Felixstowe U.R.C. are as below: 1st December 10.30am 8th December 10.30am 15th December 10.30am 15th December 3pm 22nd December10.30am 24th December 4pm 25th December 10.30am 29th December 10.30am

Advent Worship led by Mrs. Daphne Savage Worship with Holy Communion led by the Minister Worship led by Mr. Peter Dawson Christmas Tree Service led by the Minister Service of Readings and Carols Family Celebration of Carols Christmas Day Service led by Minister Songs of Hope and Praise led by Mrs.Daphne Savage.

Why not put these dates in your diary now to be sure not to miss them.

Particularly note the time of the 3pm Christmas Tree Service on 15th December, always popular, and the time of the Family Celebration of Carols at 4pm on the 24th December, another popular service and of course the Christmas Day service at 10.30am.

Come along and bring all the family and any visitors staying with you to celebrate the Christmas.

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An Aladdin’s Cave of Gifts J & C Webb is well known for their wide range of leather and vinyl handbags, wallets, evening bags, executive and brief cases, Parker pens, umbrellas and travel and sports bags.

However, step inside this Aladdin’s Cave in Orwell Road Felixstowe and you will find that the shop is packed full of lots lovely items, many of which would make great gifts

for your loved ones this Christmas.

J & C Webb is Felixstowe’s only Authorised Radley Stockist and has a wide range of the latest Radley products in store. Plus, you will also find lots of other leading brands at the shop too including Tula, Boo, Troop Bags and Mywalit.

Having recently taken delivery of their Christmas stock you will also find a large range of Christmas gift ideas including specialist Stieff Bears and Jelly Cat. So if you’re wandering through Felixstowe make

sure you visit J & C Webb, where you are sure to find that special something for that special someone, or maybe even a little gift for yourself!

Felixstowe Christmas Craft Market and Lights Switch On will take place on Saturday 30th November from 10am until 5pm at Hamilton Road and Felixstowe Triangle Canopy. There will be a Traditional Christmas Craft Market and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights by the Mayor.

There will be a fantastic range of gift and food stalls to browse along Hamilton Road, including the Lions Club food and charity stalls at The Canopy along with Santa's Grotto, carol singing and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

A candle/torch parade leads up to the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.

Trimley Carnival Christmas Fair The Trimley Carnival Christmas Fair takes place at the Trimley Sports and Social Club, Trimley St. Martin on Saturday 7th December from 11am until 4pm. There will be a number of craft and gift stalls, refreshments, tombola and a raffle at the fair. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the BASIC Life Charity to aid with their Christmas food parcels. Admission is free.

Christmas Market A Handcrafted and Homegrown Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 8th December at Broadway House, Orwell Road from 10.30am until 3pm. If you are looking for an unusual gift for a loved one then this market is the place to go, as here you will find a truly personal gift lovingly made by local crafters. Unique tree and window decorations, gifts, flower arrangements, jewellery, knitting, bags, pottery, woodwork and cards. Refreshments. There will also be a raffle for the Felixstowe Branch of the Stroke Survivors Association. Admission free. Further information from theresablake@hotmail.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival A Charity Christmas Tree Festival will take place at the Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe from Tuesday 10th until Saturday 14th December. Visitors will find a wonderful display of decorated and glittering Christmas trees (around 40) from various charities and organisations.

Also charity stalls, refreshments and lunches are available. There will be a Grand Opening of the Christmas Tree Festival by the Mayor on Tuesday 10th December at 6pm. This will be followed by a short carol service. Admission is free, with donations welcome. For more information visit www.felixsa.org.uk

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Santa takes to the streets

Santa and Rudolph will be doing the rounds when they visit Felixstowe from Monday 2nd until 23rd December.

The Santa and Rudolph trailer will be making its usual tour of Felixstowe’s streets and homes every weekday evening between 6pm and 8.30pm. In addition, they will be seen in Hamilton Road on Saturday 14th December from 10am until 4pm and at Morrison’s on Saturday 21st December from 10am until 4pm.

The tour is jointly arranged between the local branch of Save the Children and the Felixstowe Rotary Club, and aims to give all families, particularly children, a great Christmas experience as well as raise as much money as possible for Save the Children and Rotary supported charities.

Routes for Rudolph 2013 are as follows:

Monday 2nd - Western Avenue, and all roads off, plus Westmoreland Avenue and all roads off.

Tuesday 3rd - Roads between Garrison Lane and Highfield/Penfold Road, and between St. Andrews Road and Wolsey Gardens.

Wednesday 4th - From end of Mill Lane along Grange Road towards Morrisons, including all roads off Wesel Avenue.

Thursday 5th - Trimley St. Martin, St. Martins Green, Mill Lane and roads off.

Friday 6th - Roads between High Road East and Upperfield Drive and, between St. Georges Road and Rosemary Avenue.

Monday 9th - All roads between Langer Road and Sea Road, and all roads off Carr Road down to Adastral Close.

Tuesday 10th - Walton, including High Street, and all roads off Taunton Road, Recreation Lane, Church Lane and Gulpher Road.

Wednesday 11th - Trimley St. Mary and Faulkeners Way estate.

Thurdays 12th - Valley Walk, along Garrison Lane to Newry Road, Surrey Road, Goyfield Road, up Mill Lane, Grange Road and Wadgate Road.

Friday 13th - All roads between Beatrice Avenue and Rosemary Avenue and between Links Avenue and High Road East. Also, Fairfield Avenue and all roads off.

Saturday 14th - Hamilton Road 10am – 4pm

Monday 16th - Coronation Drive, Elizabeth Way, Philip Avenue, Stour Avenue and roads off.

Tuesday 17th - Grange Farm Avenue and all roads off.

Wednesday 18th - Kirton.

Thursday 19th - Walton, roads enclosed by High Street, Maidstone Road and Cornwall Road.

Friday 20th - Trimley St. Mary, Sprites Hall Lane, High Road, New Road and roads off, Station Road, The Avenues and St. Mary’s Close.

Saturday 21st - Morrison’s 10am – 4pm Monday 23rd - Roads between High Road East and Cobbold Road/Montaque Road and roads between Hamilton Road and Bath/Rosebery/Picketts roads.

Gift problems solved!

The countdown to Christmas is truly upon us now! Each year it gets more difficult to come up with an idea for that special gift for the people we care about. We become so stressed out that shopping is a chore not a pleasure, this is not how it is supposed to be.

Problem solved! A visit to Delvaux in Felixstowe will open your eyes to a fantastic choice of gifts to appeal to every age and taste with prices to suit everyone.

The shop is packed with lots of gorgeous items, stocking everything from jewellery and accessories to beautiful ornamental gifts, bronzes, handmade glass, paintings and sculptures.

In fact the only problem you will have doing your Christmas shopping at Delvaux is choosing what to buy! Maybe you can even treat yourself just a little?

So there we are, Christmas made easy. Take a trip to Delvaux in Felixstowe and enjoy your whole shopping experience.

• Delvaux can be found at 116 Hamilton Rd (opposite Prezzo).

Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm November/December

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Bands, Gigs, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classical & Competitions

Exciting programme of music announced for 2014 by Trianon Lovers of opera and operetta will enjoy local music group Trianon’s January 2014 concert.

The programme includes Lehar’s Carnival March, music from Cole Porter, Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera and a medley from Les Miserables.

Music Director Chris Green says, “We have a wonderful variety of music planned for 2014 when our Choir celebrates its 50th birthday.

One of the highlights is the popular Music Makers by Elgar, which will be performed in April. The

programme also includes Mascagni’s Intermezzo and Borodin’s Symphony No 2.”

In September the group performs music from George Butterworth, John Rutter, John Williams, Vaughan Williams and Karl Jenkins. 2014 is the centenary of the First World War and the programme depicts life before the war. It commemorates the outset of war and celebrates the return to peace which followed.

All three performances are at the Ipswich Corn Exchange and start at

7.30pm. Trianon also performs four community concerts at smaller venues in Suffolk to raise money for local charities.

All the 2014 concert dates, times and venues are published on Trianon’s website at

www.tmg.org.uk. Look out for the royal blue programme brochures, which are available at the Ipswich Tourist Information Office. Trianon are on Facebook and Twitter @MusicTrianon.

Dorian Singers It is that time of the year when the Dorian Singers are tuning up to bring you another wondrous Christmas Concert with music to lift the spirits and raise the roof welcoming in Advent. The music is a great mix of old and new.

The ever popular Handel works to be performed are two coronation anthems written for George II in 1727 using texts from the King James Bible - the rousing Zadok the Priest and Let Thy Hand be Strengthened.

Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, a choral piece written for Christmas in 1942 it is in eleven movements of which eight will be sung. It was originally written in Middle English with the beautiful words taken from the English Galaxy of Shorter Poems. This will be a fitting tribute in this centenary of Britten's birth.

Also on the programme will be carols

by Bob Chilcott. Bob Chilcott is a foremost composer and conductor of Choral works in Britain today. He

began his musical life as a chorister and university student at King's College Cambridge and until 1997 was a member of that glorious group 'The King Singers', the choir will sing 'In Time of Snow' and ' Midwinter' a setting of the poem by Christina Rossetti, In the Bleak Midwinter.

The audience will be able to take part in the evening, by joining in with some popular Christmas Carols.

All this under their musical director David Tempest and accompanist Judith Inge, The Dorian Singers Christmas Concert will be at the United Reform Church, Felixstowe on Saturday 14th December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 (£7 concs) and are available from The Card Centre Bent Hill, Felixstowe,choir members and on the door.

Interval refreshments are included in the price.

This year the Dorian Singers will be sending proceeds to their chosen charity MENCAP.

Gig Listings Deadline Deadline for January issue: 6th December 25

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Have your Gig Listed Free!!

Email: gigs@ipswich24.co.uk Post: PO Box 774, Ipswich, IP1 9FW Sun 1st Dec JAZZ JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm – Jazz from 2pm WORDS & MUSIC, The Crown Hotel, Manningtree, 3pm THE HUMDINGERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich DOUBLE BARRELL, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Crown, Claydon LEGEND, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich THE DIE HARDS, The Stag, Stowmarket, KARAOKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich

CONSTELLATIONS OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Wed 4th Dec Thu 5th Dec WORDS & MUSIC, The White Horse, Felixstowe SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich KLOWNS KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Fri 6th Dec WALKWAY, The Royal Oak, Ipswich MAD DOGS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich DOUBLE BARREL, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich TOM BAXTER, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe SILBURY HILL, (SUPPORTING OYSTERBAND), The Corn Exchange, Ipswich

Sat 7th Dec SCOOTER CLUB XMAS PARTY, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich SMOKIN’ HOGS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich PURE PASSION, The Royal Oak, Ipswich THE OUTLINES, The Plough, Ipswich 80-2-90, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich FRETZ, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe ULTIMATE EVERLEYS, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave SILBURY HILL, The White Horse, Sweffling

Sun 8th Dec SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH, featuring, THE GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich KURT AND THE GANG, The Royal Oak, Ipswich T BONE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich

BAZ EIGHT BALL, The Royal Oak, Ipswich DARIEN PROPHECY, The Mulberry Tree, LIVE WIRE, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe SILBURY HILL, The Crown Glemham DIESEL, The Plough, Ipswich IAN HIGHLAND & TWILIGHT, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Sun 22nd Dec

Tue 3rd Dec

WEEKLY BLUES JAM, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

GIGguide

• Silbury Hill

Sat 14th Dec

REDFLAG 77, DANGERS CLOSE, CASUAL NAUSEA, BACK TO THE POINT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich, £3 TERRY LEE TRAVIS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe FOLK SESSION, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

Mon 23rd Dec

SILBURY HILL, The Corn Exchange, Ipswich, THE MAKESHIFTS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich MORPHEUS, The Plough, Ipswich NEW TOWN KINGS, SMACKJOINT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich, £5 SOUTH OF THE BORDER, The Cock Bar, Felixstowe ROCK FATHERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich CURT & ROD, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich

ELLY TREE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3

Sun 15th Dec

RATZINASACK, The Royal Oak, Ipswich KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe THE SPACE ROCKS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe

WORDS & MUSIC, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe SILBURY HILL, Labour Club, Ipswich Central, 1.30pm

Mon 16th Dec THE EARLY XMAS PARTY, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3

Tue 24th Dec HAT MAN, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich INFRARED, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe SHATTERED, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe

Fri 27th Dec FISTI KUFFS, The Royal Oak, Ipswich JOHNNY ONE EYE, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich BITS N PIECES, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Sat 28th Dec

Sun 29th Dec LAST SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, Food from 12pm, Jazz from 2pm KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe

Thu 19th Dec WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich WORDS & MUSIC, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton

Mon 9th Dec SCIENCE MADE US ROBORTS, DOMESTICS, ALBION, TICKSTURDS, The Royal Oak, Ipswich, £3

• Hurricane Alley

Tue 10th Dec

Tue 31st Dec

KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Thu 12th Dec FOLK JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich THE A TEAM, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton WORDS & MUSIC, The White Horse, Felixstowe WEBBY’S JAM NIGHT, The Royal Oak, Ipswich

Fri 13th Dec EAST TOWN PIRATES XMAS GIG, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich MENUMITENO, The Royal Oak, Ipswich MATT WHITE AND THE EMULSIONS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich PAUL PRYCE, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe WORDS & MUSIC, Greshams Sports & Social Club, Ipswich 26

• Suspect Device

Fri 20th Dec BLACKOUT BOMBS, NED & RORY, MICK SQUALOR, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3 THE DOWNSETTERS, Spread Eagle, Ipswich SUSPECT DEVICE, The mulberry Tree, Ipswich DOUBLE DECKERS, Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe BACKSTREET, The Royal Oak, Ipswich KARAOKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich

BEACH PARTY AT THE BOAT, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, 9pm – 1pm, £10 (ticket only), inc buffet KARAOKE WITH BOZ, The Dolphin Hotel, Felixstowe DOUBLE BARREL, The Mulberry Tree, Ipswich NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich LIVE MUSIC, The Royal Oak, Ipswich, £5 on the door HURRICANE ALLEY, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe TERRY LEE TRAVIS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich CURVES, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave

Sat 21st Dec INSIDE OUT XMAS GIG, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, 2pm

Ipswich24 Magazine cannot be held responsible for cancellation of events.

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Chas & Dave Return Over 30s dance Chas & Dave began writing and performing songs together in 1972, having been friends since the early sixties. Now celebrating their 50th Anniversary by recording their first original album in 27 years, which is a mixture of vintage rock & roll songs and new renditions of their own rockney classics. The album also features special guest stars such as Jools Holland, Buddy Hollys drummer Jerry Allison & Hugh Laurie.

Chas & Dave reached the top twenty in 1979 with “Gertcha”, which became a nationwide catchphrase. This was followed by “The Sideboard Song” (Got My Beer In The Sideboard Here). In 1980 they hit the charts with “Rabbit”, which reached No.8 in the charts and a No. 2 record in 1982 “Ain’t No Pleasing You”. This was followed by further hits “Margate”, and “London Girls” In 1986 they had a top six record with “Snooker Loopy” They have also written title songs for TV shows ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘Only Fools & Horses’ Chas & Dave are great musicians and know how to give an audience a good time. They have gained a cult audience of both young and old and due to public demand they are about to be seen together on stage once more.

Chas & Dave will be at The Corn Exchange in Ipswich on Sunday 8th December. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com

On December 14th 2013, the Christmas "Over Thirties" dance will, again, be held at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave. The entertainment for the evening will be provided by local 60's/70's band "Rave-On" and also local entertainer Gwyn. The evening will start at 7.30pm with Gwyn doing a mix of music from Dean Martin to music of today. After a short break, Rave-On will perform for the rest of the evening until 11.45pm. There will also be a draw with a donation going to the St. Elizabeth Hospice. Tickets are priced at £8 and can be obtained in advance by contacting Keith on 01473 624538 After the New Year, on January 25th 2014, "Curt n Rod" will be performing at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave. This will be a normal over 30s club night and everybody is welcome, including non-members.

Starting at 8pm and going through to 11.45pm, and you just pay on the door. For anybody who hasn't attended the club before, there is a well stocked bar at very reasonable club prices. The dance floor is situated with tables all round it, apart from where the stage is, so there's no fighting to get to the dance floor. There is also hot food available if required. For those coming from further afield there is also free car parking, and those living closer can walk to the club and stagger home!

Soul at Christmas

New Year’s Day Concert A New Year's Day Viennese Concert is to be held at Woodbridge Community Hall on Wednesday 1st January 2014 at 2.30pm The concert of traditional Viennese and Light Classical Music and song is with full orchestra and singer. To book fully inclusive tickets at a cost of £12.50 each telephone 01394 383393. Ticket price includes entry to the concert, a free programme, a mince pie and a celebration drink and also includes free entry to the draw.

Please book early to secure your place at this wonderful annual event.

This is a Woodbridge Community Council fund-raising concert to raise funds for local events, projects and activities.

Jazz Duo – Sally & Keith Sally Voakes (voice) and Keith Krykant (guitar) have performed professionally on the jazz scene for many years. Their work has taken them all over the UK, Europe, Dubai and on American jazz cruises. Sally has a warm timbre to her voice, which is complemented by the articulate playing of Keith’s classical guitar. Their repertoire is based around the ‘American Songbook’, but they also write their own material and weave classical pieces into their arrangements, blending Bach with Bacharach, Vivaldi with Van Heusen! Keith will also feature one or two of his own compositions from his recently completed guitar suite ‘Krysm’. www.sallykeithjazzduo.co.uk

Jazzduo Sally Voakes and Keith Kryant will be at the Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich on Thursday 12th December from 1.00pm to 1.50pm. The kettle will be on the hob at 12.30pm for tea and mince pies.

Although admission is free, a retiring collection of £2 will be appreciated.

This is to defray expenses incurred in hosting the series.

More details can be obtained from secretary@ipswicharts.org.uk www.ipswich-arts.org.uk or Tel. 01473 836973 22

This year Suffolk Soul Singers are taking their Christmas Gig to the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket on Sunday 8th December at 3pm.

Suffolk Soul Singers is a 30 strong community choir project in Ipswich for men and women, specialising in rich four-part harmonies of Soul and Gospel music.

Supported by a professional band, this live performance by Suffolk Soul Singers will be an upbeat music experiences full of energy and excitement. This gig is guaranteed to get toes tapping! With a core repertoire taken from classic soul and gospel roots, this “Christmas Special” programme will include more contemporary artists, modern gospel music, soul, reggae and pop.

Suffolk Soul Singers defies convention by being a truly inclusive and accessible community choir. Members are not expected to read music, or to audition to gain a place, with all the harmonies are learnt by singing each song together, phrase by phrase. Membership of Suffolk Soul Singers is based entirely on passion for the music and a commitment to giving the best effort each week in rehearsal and at gigs, under the leadership of our fantastic Musical Director, Andi Hopgood.

Andi is a Suffolk-based professional vocalist, specialising in jazz and soul music.

A classical musician too and a graduate of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Andi creates bespoke musical arrangements just for Suffolk Soul Singers, giving this choir a unique sound and presenting a fresh perspective on soul and gospel classics.

Tickets, priced at £10 and £8 (Conc.) can be obtained from the John Peel Centre, www.johnpeelcentreforcreativearts.co.uk.

For more information visit www.suffolksoulsingers.org.uk £2.50 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to the Stepping Stones Nursery in Stowmarket.

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The Tractor Boy Column To start off, I would just like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

For this month’s article I have decided to write a piece on youth football in East Anglia. A couple of weeks ago I went to watch a friend play for Colchester PDC (player development centre) against Norwich PDC. I was very interested to see the quality of football at this reasonably high level…

The first thing that came to my attention was the lack of physicality in the game, there were no full-blooded tackles, and it was practically a noncontact game. However, maybe the reason for this was that the two teams

Suffolk’s youngest sports pundit

were so focused on passing; they moved the ball incredibly quickly and did not allow the opposition to get close to them. Most of the game consisted of players trying to impress the crowd with overhead kicks and step overs and various other skills. Some of the passing football from both teams was top quality stuff, but at times they just needed to have a go, if you don’t shoot you are never going to score! Children nowadays are being taught to keep the ball at all costs. This can sometimes lead to errors, such as for Colchester’s opening strike. A Norwich player was robbed while trying to pass it instead of just clearing his lines and the striker gleefully stole it of him and slammed it into the back of the net with aplomb.

One nil to Colchester!

Eventually after all four quarters (20 minutes for each) the game finished 2 - 1 to Norwich; however it was not for once the score line that mattered most to the players. Instead the managers got them to focus on themselves, how well did they think they played individually? This may not have made for a great game, as each player was more focused on themselves than the team, but will this innovative way of coaching help them for the future, I do not know!

Overall an interesting rather than thrilling game but one I don’t regret going to see. The lack of physicality made the game a bit tepid to be perfectly honest, however it was littered with moments of individual magic, and it did not take a genius to

see there were some talented players on show. If any of these players ever make it into a football league first team is anyone’s guess, I might have been in the presence of a future legend, but until their games have fully developed and only then will the coaches be able to tell the amazing from the average!

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

Christmas concern as pester power from children makes one in four parents buy a dog Research has revealed that children are wearing the trousers when it comes to decisions about dog ownership, as one in four dog owning households admit that pester power from their children made them decide to buy a dog.

Furthermore, one in ten says that their children chose the breed or crossbreed that they ended up buying. With more and more people turning to the internet to buy a dog, it seems that the tech-savvy younger generation are having a greater say than ever over our nation’s choice of dog and the Kennel Club is concerned that this will translate into hundreds of dogs being bought on a whim in the lead up to Christmas, particularly as the research found that one in ten people still buy dogs as presents.

The Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs survey has also revealed that too many people are buying a dog without realising that there are great differences between the care needs of the different breeds and crossbreeds, which is why so many dogs end up in rescue homes when people cannot later cope with the dog they choose. One in ten admits that they did no research about their chosen breed but bought their puppy because of the way that it looked and a further 40 percent say that they chose their puppy because they liked the way that the breed looked overall.

According to Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations, ‘wrong breed’ and ‘can’t cope’ account for 15 percent of the dogs that need to be rehomed, a situation that could be easily avoided with the right research. Only 17 percent of people in the Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs survey say that their choice of dog was influenced by whether it would suit their lifestyle.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said, “Children have a major influence on their parents’ decision to buy a dog in the first place, and then over which type of dog they buy. In the lead up to Christmas we want families to be thinking carefully about whether a dog is right for them, and if so which breed would suit their lifestyle, rather than buying on a whim, and this is what the Discover Dogs event is all about.

“We have released the Discover Dogs homework packs to help children get all of the information that they and their parents need to make the right choice about their lifelong companion. This ranges from the type of dog they buy, where they buy it from, and what that dog will need throughout its life.”

The Young Kennel Club is open to children aged six to 24 years old and it helps young dog lovers to learn new skills, understand more about dogs, to build confidence and to make new friends. The homework pack can be found at www.discoverdogs.org.uk/buyingadog.

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Health and Wellbeing Stuff the Christmas Hangover this Year with Natural Hangover Remedies with JULES BUTTON of Rainbow Apothecary A hangover is a side effect of Alcohol consumption that causes a disruption to your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. These disruptors can include headaches, a poor sense of wellbeing, constipation or diarrhoea, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, dizziness, emotional imbalances and aggression.

A hangover means your body is dehydrated. It craves potassium, natural sugars and other vital vitamins and minerals. Here are a few Natural Remedies that could help you reduce the side effects of alcohol and help your body to recover quicker.

Coconut Water Try coconut water as means to prevent a hangover from happening in the first place. Drinking coconut water before, during (try using it in mixed drinks) and even right before crashing out can help replace vital nutrients.

Coconut water contains valuable electrolytes of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate.

Tiger Balm I really love this stuff...Tiger Balm is a popular topical ointment used traditionally in Asia as a multi-purpose remedy. It is blended from camphor, menthol, cajuput oil and clove oil and

is known for its analgesic and blood flow promoting properties. It is not made for hangovers, but it is one of the best topical headache cures around. Dab the potent salve on the back of your neck and temples, then sit back and relax.

Reflexology The ancient healing practice of Reflexology is a known remedy for many ailments, hangovers included. It will help to rub your aches and pains away while assisting to speed up liver detoxification. Make sure you have your Reflexology treatment booked the day after your Christmas Party!

Wheatgrass Wheatgrass is a natural detoxifier. It is said to cleanse the body's blood and water, whilst hydrating and energizing the cells. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass helps clear your insides out, naturally deodorising, maintaining pH balance, healing the intestines, and delivering powerful antioxidants and enzymes to support the body both inside and out. Drink a glass at the end of the night for instant detoxifying and hydration and again in the morning.

Bananas You might have heard that bananas are favoured by athletes because they

contain potassium and it’s that same reason that makes them great hangover cures. When you’re hung-over, your body has lost a lot of potassium that needs to be replenished, so eating a banana when you wake up will provide much needed relief. Or, if you’re still able to stand to eat one after you get home from drinking, having a banana before you pass out will help start your recovery even sooner.

Honey Honey is one of those miracle foods that has so many applications and helping hangovers is one of them!

The fructose in the yummy honey helps your body metabolize the alcohol and it also contains potassium, just like bananas.

Carbohydrates If you're on a low-carb diet, ditch it just for today. One of the best ways to stop that queasy feeling is to go against what your body is telling you and eat something, preferably a healthy portion of carbs to soak up all of that alcohol in your stomach. It's best to go with something bland like bread and butter or plain pasta.

Tomatoes There's a reason why people love drinking Bloody Marys the day after

going on a bender - it's rich in the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that the booze robs your body of and it contains fructose which aids in metabolising alcohol in your system.

One way to stop the room from spinning is to drink some tomato juice mixed with a little cayenne pepper, sugar, and lime Water Sorry, I know I go on about Water but I really could not compile a natural hangover cure list without including good old H20. It's tried and tested and it will work especially if you include some of the other remedies above.

Try and drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol or even alternate your drinks with water when you’re at the party!!

Have a good Christmas everyone and remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive!

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

Achy Joints and Winter Blues with Craig Cordiner I often hear people complaining about aching joints as the weather turns. One of the causes of these aches is Osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to as wear and tear.

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joint cartilage becomes worn sometimes resulting in pain, inflammation and altered use. It can have a considerable impact on a person’s life.

Manual Therapy may also be beneficial. Have a look into Osteopathy, Chiropractic or Physiotherapy, see if any friends have a recommendation for you. I, of course, have a natural bias towards Osteopathy.

Craig Cordiner has been an Osteopath working in Suffolk for over fourteen years. He has just opened a new Clinic in Aqua Pharmacy on Duke Street, near the marina where he offers Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and Acupuncture.

If you, or someone you know, has Osteoarthritis, here are a few things to think about to help you manage the symptoms and allow you to achieve the things you want to do.

Find a routine and pace that works for you. Balance is important, activity will help to reduce stiffness but overuse may be uncomfortable. Plan your day so any heavy activity occurs later, when there are more opportunities to rest afterwards.

Exercise is an important part of managing Osteoarthritis. Try to find something you enjoy and can achieve. If you are unsure about what will suit you personally, consult with a health care professional.

Medication helps. Visit your GP, discuss any concerns you may have and pick up a suitable prescription. Review your progress regularly with your GP. There are many supplements on the market, of those available, limited research has suggested Glucosamine Sulphate may be helpful.

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Health and Wellbeing Are you allergic to your Christmas Tree?

Do you always start sneezing in December? Just accept it as an inevitable cold at this time of year? Well, maybe it’s your Christmas tree to blame and you’re suffering from Christmas Tree Syndrome!

Christmas trees can harbour all sorts of allergens, so when you bring them into your front room, this could be the trigger for your seasonal sneezes and sniffles.?

Around 35 per cent of people in the UK suffer from an increase of hay fever like symptoms at Christmas, with real trees causing most problems. Symptoms include an itchy nose,

watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and, for asthma sufferers, an acute flare of wheezing and shortness of breath.

For instance, pollen grains can collect in the bark of a real tree, not from the pine tree itself, but from other plants.

These can then be released into the air when the tree is brought indoors, and cause hayfever symptoms in sufferers. The condition is known as Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Live Christmas trees can also collect mould on their trunks and needles, and trees that have been stored for a while will have collected more mould as well as dust. Moulds release spores, which can cause allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as rhinitis.

And it’s not just real trees that can be a problem. Artificial trees can also

trigger the sneezes. If you have stored your tree since last year, it will have accumulated a layer of dust that will be dispersed when it is disturbed.

Hosing down your tree before taking it into the house, or after getting it out of storage, can help get rid of some of the mould and spores – though it’s probably best to get someone who isn’t allergic to do this!

Putting up the tree as late as possible will help minimise the risk, whilst an air purifier may also help. Or you could try applying a pollen barrier balm around your nostrils to help stop the allergens getting up your nose. www.haymax.biz

Suffolk diabetes sufferers rise by 1,203 There are now 1,203 more people with diabetes in Suffolk than there were a year ago according to a new analysis by Diabetes UK. The analysis shows that 46,678 people in Suffolk are now thought to have diabetes, which has gone up from 45,475 in 2012. This means that 7.6 per cent of people in the area are now thought to have the condition, and Diabetes UK has warned that this proportion is expected to rise further over the next few years.

It is projected that 8.3 per cent of people in Suffolk will have diabetes by 2020, a rise that is expected to comprise mainly of new cases of Type 2 diabetes, which already accounts for about 90 per cent of diabetes cases nationally. Risk factors for Type 2 include being overweight; having a large waist; being over 40, or over 25 if you are from South Asian background; or having a close family member with diabetes.

Diabetes UK has responded to news of the increase by urging people in Suffolk to make sure they know the

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risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and have their risk assessed if any of these apply to them. People can do this at a Tesco pharmacy, their GP surgery, or online at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk and a risk assessment can act as the start of the process of people reducing their risk; about 80 per cent of cases of Type 2 could be delayed or prevented through making healthy lifestyle changes.

The charity is also concerned that many people wrongly think diabetes is a relatively mild condition and so do not see the need to find out more about their own risk, whereas in fact it can lead to devastating health complications such as blindness, amputation, stroke and heart attacks, and ultimately to early death. This is why Diabetes UK has been running a hard-hitting advertising campaign, which is funded by the charity’s National Charity Partnership with Tesco, to highlight the possible consequences of having Type 2 diabetes, including the devastating

impact it can have on people’s families.

Sharon Roberts, Diabetes UK’s regional manager for the Eastern region, said, “It is alarming that the number of people with diabetes in Suffolk has gone up by 1,203 in a single year and addressing this situation needs to be one of the top health priorities in the area. Given that the increase in diabetes cases is mainly due to a sharp rise in Type 2 diabetes, we need to get much better at preventing cases of Type 2.

“A vital first step towards this is to ensure both that people realise how serious it is and also that they understand their own personal risk so that if they are at high risk they can make the lifestyle changes that can help prevent it.

“This is why we need to raise awareness that if people are over 40, overweight, have a large waist, or have a family history of diabetes, they need to get a risk assessment, as should people from who are South Asian and aged over 25.

“I know that we all have busy lives and that thinking about future health can be uncomfortable, but it is only if people in Suffolk grasp the nettle and get their risk assessed that we can start to bring the rise in diabetes in the area to an end.”

While most cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle, about 10 per cent of cases are Type 1 diabetes, which tends to occur in younger people and is not linked to lifestyle or weight at all.

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