Ipswich24 December 2017

DECEMBER 2017 Follow us on Twitter: IPSWICH24MAG

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

E E R F e azin mag

Red Rose Chain present: The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Avenue Theatre, 7th-31st December – www.redrosechain.com

The Luxury Travel Specialist

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

Christmas Shows at the Spa In December the Spa Pavilion theatre will not only be playing host to a family pantomime but has no less than four top musical shows to entertain you.

The region’s premier seaside theatre and restaurant complex starts off the month of December with Europe’s Official 1980’s MultiTribute Concert on Friday 1st which will feature 25 charttopping pop icons all authentically recreated with a live band and dancers. The show will see over 35 chart smash hits and tributes include Duran Duran, the Human League, Kim Wilde, Culture Club, Madonna and Wham.

Saturday 9th December sees a stunning tribute to Multi-Grammy award-winning legend and superstar – Sir Elton John with ‘The Rocket Man’. The audience will be taken back in time to enjoy all the hits including; Crocodile Rock, Philadelphia Freedom, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting and I’m Still Standing plus many more with flamboyant costumes and a dazzling lightshow.

The following afternoon the stage will be set for Rat Pack Live on Sunday 10th from 3pm. This show combines the fifties and sixties Vegas heydays with some Christmas Classics – Santa Claus is coming to town, Winter Wonderland, White Christmas and the Christmas Song whilst the talented cast bring you hits from Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and of course ol’ blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

The following Saturday evening join the Spa for Soul Legends on 16th from 7.30pm. Combining hits from the late great Barry White, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and James Brown plus many more.

Christmas Party Meal packages are available for 80’s Mania, Rocket Man and Soul Legends for an extra special pre-Christmas treat – with details available online or from the Box Office.

Finally it wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional family panto and this year the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company are taking audiences on a magic carpet ride to visit the wicked magician Abanazar, the brave Aladdin and his beautiful Princess (eventually!). It runs from Saturday 23rd December

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to Sunday 7th January and evening and matinee performances are available with discounts for family tickets. For the first time this year a set lunch will be available on Boxing Day by reservation only, whether or not you are seeing the panto that day.

Tickets for Aladdin and indeed all shows in December are available from the Spa Pavilion’s Box Office, which is open from 11am until 4pm, by calling 01394 284962 and Gift Vouchers towards any of these shows are also available which make a great Christmas gift. You can also buy your tickets online, 24 hours a day, at www.felixstowespa.co.uk The Spa’s bars and restaurants are open every day from 9.30am and two hours before performances for pre-show dining. You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

INSIDE THIS MONTH DECEMBER Merry Christmas:

As we approach the end of the year, Ipswich24 would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a joyful and healthy time and thank you for your support throughout the year!

At Home:

Our lifestyle section includes details for looking after your home – both inside and out.

Plus a fascinating article on our love of Gadgets.... what’s at number one?

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Stonham Barns:

Set in Suffolk’s countryside Stonham Barns offers unique retail outlets plus entertainment too.

28-29 Christmas round-up:

This month you’ll naturally find lots about Christmas including special town features for Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe as well.

Pantos, music, concerts and more...

Events Diary:

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

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Motoring:

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Our monthly round-up of all things motoring includes: News on important new changes to the Driving Test, plus advice on Christmas safety.

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Ford’s Focus with Daniel Ford

There aren’t many more daunting prospects than that of what is facing England cricket this winter. With the gloating voices of the Aussies still ringing in their ears, Joe Root’s side face the task of trying to avoid another horror show ala their brutal whitewashing in the 2013-14 campaign.

Sadly not many give them a chance of evading a similar fate this time, but why is there such doom and gloom around the team? Don’t they have any chance of winning?

On the other hand, there are some fundamental problems with the team that must be addressed.

Firstly, Alistair Cook has had eleven different opening partners since 2013 which speaks volumes about England’s troubles at the top of the order, the team are crying out for someone to stake their place for this role. If this does not materialise then it will cost the team dearly as a solid opening partnership will be crucial to any success. Unfortunately, the same issue applies for who will bat at number three with numerous candidates having tried and failed over recent years, someone needs to step up to the plate and fast.

To put it bluntly, yes of course they do! I can guess what you’re thinking (not that I’m any psychic Sally), what does some part-time armchair cricket fan know that the experts don’t? Nothing as it happens. Perhaps I just take a more positive outlook, I’m not pretending it won’t be challenging but I am adamant this side has the talent to at least push the Aussies all the way.

Ben Stokes, England have players that can take the game away from any opposition. It must be remembered that cricket is not just one with the

EXCITING CAREER

The most prominent example of this is team’s captain Joe Rooooooooot (as the fans sing in tribute), although not yet proven as a captain his batting quality is unquestionable and he is almost a cert to score some crucial runs.

Essex’s finest Alistair Cook also has a wealth of experience and run-scoring record to match, and it will be vital that he performs at the top of the order. However, it is as we move down the order it gets really exciting! In the form of players such as Moeen Ali, Johnny Bairstow and the dynamic

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bat and therefore it is crucial England excel with the ball to. This responsibility will mainly rest on the shoulders of seasoned performers Stuart Broad and James Anderson who as England’s top two leading wicket takers of all time certainly have the required pedigree.

To conclude, this England team is not without its problems, but it must be remembered that they aren’t playing against invincibles, this Australia team is not what it used to be! England must go into the series believing they can win and if they do that…well you never know!

DO YOU WANT TO EARN AS YOU LEARN? As a result of expansion and a move to new premises, Fizzwig Designs Ltd (the publishers of Ipswich24 Magazine) are now looking to recruit an enthusiastic indvidual to join their expanding sales team.

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The Bittern’s Booming!

Britain’s loudest bird, once extinct in the UK, has enjoyed its best year since records began, according to a new survey. The bittern – a kind of heron – is doing well following intensive conservation efforts.

Bitterns are highly secretive wetland birds and live most of their time within dense stands of reed, making them very difficult to survey. However, scientists count bitterns by listening for the male’s foghorn-like booming call, and this year numbers increased to at least 164, recorded at 71 sites.

That compares to 162 at 78 sites in 2016, and is a positive sign that bitterns are back from the brink and thriving.

The annual monitoring, organised by the RSPB, found that the number of booming males in Somerset increased by two, from 47 to 49 boomers, although there was a slight drop this year in the core areas in eastern England; Suffolk Coast, Norfolk Broads and The Fens. Booming was also reported from three new sites, and there was an increase in Wales this year.

Bitterns were considered extinct as a breeding species in the UK by the 1870s. Following recolonisation early in the 20th Century, numbers of bitterns increased to a peak of about 80 booming

males in the 1950s, but then fell to fewer than 20 in the 1990s, with similar declines witnessed in many other countries in Western Europe.

By 1997, there were only eleven booming male bitterns in the UK; these were mainly within Norfolk and Suffolk, with a small outlying population at Leighton Moss, in Lancashire.

Senior Simon Wotton, Conservation Scientist at the RSPB, said, “In the late 1990s, the bittern was heading towards extinction once again in the UK. But, thanks to conservation efforts to restore and create its preferred habitat of wet reedbed, the bittern was saved and we’re delighted to see another record year for this amazing bird.”

A combination of legal protection combined with funding through two EU LIFE projects have been vital in aiding the recovery of bittern. It is important that the levels of protection afforded to species

such as bittern are maintained or ideally enhanced following our exit from the EU. Almost half of Britain’s breeding bittern population occur within Special Protection Areas (SPAs), however more than half of our still vulnerable population occurs at sites which to date have no protection including many of those sites created through conservation projects. To ensure the Britain’s bittern population continues to recover, there is a need to continue the progress made to complete a robust and well managed network of protected sites.

2019 Art Trail The Big Reveal After the huge success of its ‘Pigs Gone Wild’ art trail last year St Elizabeth Hospice has officially launched its next event ‘Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk’ - which will be seen for 12 weeks in the summer of 2019.

The trail which is based on Elmer the patchwork elephant, the much loved character, has seen St Elizabeth once again join up with Wild in Art, who organised last year’s trail, and new partner Andersen Press who own the publishing rights to Elmer.

At the launch event in Ipswich’s Town Hall Mark Millar, St Elizabeth’s CEO, said, “We are delighted to announce our latest event ‘Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk’.

“Pigs Gone Wild’ was a huge success raising significant funds for the vital work we do at the hospice but also attracting over 250,000 visitors to Ipswich town centre and the Waterfront and contributing £1m to the local economy.

“The 2019 event, which coincides with both ours and Elmer’s 30th anniversary, is planned to be even bigger running for two weeks longer and with an anticipated 50 Elmer sculptures compared to the 40 pigs we had last time. It is great to once again be working with Wild in Art as they are one of the country’s top creative producers of high-impact, public art exhibitions and their experience was invaluable in helping us make ‘Pigs Gone Wild’ the success it was”.

Although the trail won’t be in place until June 2019 the preparation has well and truly started. Norman Lloyd, project manager of both ‘Pigs Gone Wild’

and now ‘Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk’ explained, “Work has been underway for a good six months already with a number of sponsors for the trail secured and, such was the success of the pigs for those companies that got involved, we even have sculpture sponsors signed up without even knowing what our next theme was going to be.”

“We are looking for sponsors for 50 large Elmer sculptures, which will form the main part of the trail, and these will be joined by more than 100 junior Elmer sculptures – smaller, but crafted just as creatively, by children in local schools and community groups. The junior Elmer sculptures will be displayed in small herds in town centre stores and venues for the 12-week period. The launch of our education programme will begin in January 2018 and our call for artists to create the designs for the Elmer sculptures will be in August 2018.”

• If you would like to find out more about ‘Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk’ and how you can get involved, please email Norman Lloyd at info@elmersbigparadesuffolk.co.uk or telephone 01473 723600

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

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

Ski Season nearly here

with Simone of Deben Travel

This month Simone from Deben Travel in woodbridge tells us of her experience river cruising in Germany.

Stepping out of the arrivals hall at Munich airport to find a smart taxi waiting to whisk us off to the classy MS Savor in the pretty town of Regensburg, Germany was a perfect and efficient start to our trip with Tauck.

We were blown away at how beautiful the ship was everything looked sparkling clean and all the lounges and public areas looked pristine. After a hot towel and fresh lemonade we were shown to our cabin which was surprisingly large, the bed was

huge and the decoration tasteful.

After unpacking we ventured onto the top deck and this is where we spent a lot of our time while cruising along, either soaking in the hot pool, playing golf or being looked after by the friendly bar staff who are always on hand to pamper us. The staff always seemed to know what you would like at which time offering you hot chocolate with rum and giving you blankets when there was a chill in the air or a lovely iced water when the sun was shining. We

also enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Wachau Valley and passing through the various locks.

There were a lot of highlights on the river cruise but I absolutely fell in love with Passau the city of three rivers where we attended a concert in the Cathedral which houses the largest organ in the world, it was surreal. Another favourite of ours was Durnstein, we decided to climb up to the castle which was extremely hard going this was worth it though for the stunning views from the top.

Concentration Camp Mauthausen was a very moving and emotional experience and somewhere I will never forget.

I would highly recommend the River Cruise for the service, fine dining and unique cultural experiences that only Tauck can offer.

Pop in to Deben Travel, 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge or e mail your requirements to team@debentravel.co.uk

Life-time of dedication for stonemasonry Spencer Wix Stone Mason Ltd has been up and running for five years now, and Suffolk is proving successful place to be.

“We love it here in Suffolk and we are going from strength to strength with a young team crafting out their own future out in stone,” said Spencer.

Spencer Wix has been a stone mason “all his working life,” having started his journey at the age of 16. With almost 20 years of experience behind him he provides an expert and tasteful service for memorials.

Spencer learnt the trade by starting with a two-year apprenticeship; he then went on to work for The Ministry of Defence hand carving headstones for the military. He also undertook a college course in Bath and worked for several years “sending work all over the world” before settling in Suffolk where he’s from and now based.

Stone masonry is a specialised trade and one where you have to have the expertise to shine through. This Spencer does have as he has several years of experience behind him. He can provide a variety of memorial services, and has also won a number of awards for his work and design.

“With our experience and service we are able to provide customers with a professional and sympathetic service, especially for those having memorial work done.” Spencer continues, “We provide families with the support they need in creating a memorial not only that provides a lasting memory, but is also one of the last things you can do for those you loved and treasured”.

Spencer’s showroom within Rendlesham Mews allows customers to come and view pieces of his work and get a feel for what they want. It is open Monday 3pm to 5pm, Tuesday by appointment, Wednesday 9am to 4pm, Thursday by appointment and Friday 9am to 11am.

• To learn more and to request a brochure, visit www.spencerwix.co.uk or call 01394 421046.

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PC Help with Paul Atkin of PC Help This month and next month I’m going to talk about those problems with PC performance and responsiveness that cause a lot of frustration when they arise – the oftreported “slow PC”.

Although the symptoms are similar – that seemingly interminable wait for the computer to do what you told it to do – there are lots of possible causes for poor perceived PC performance.

A cause I commonly find is that my client is trying to use the PC immediately after starting it up.

A PC does a lot of maintenance work in the background on start-up, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while, and until this is completed it won’t be able to respond quickly to your requests.

A workaround for this is to start the PC well before you intend to use it. I start my PC first thing in the morning and leave it on all day (perhaps making it ‘sleep’ when not in use), and only shut it down last thing in the evening; in this way it is always ready for immediate use (like a tablet, which most people rarely shut down completely). Even if you don’t use your PC very often, you should switch it on regularly (e.g. weekly) for a couple of hours, connected to the Internet, to let it download and install software and security updates.

In next month’s issue, I’ll talk about PC performance and responsiveness issues arising from broadband problems, software and hardware faults, and the PC’s specification.

WIN: DVD Series of Detectorists Can you dig it? Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones return for more comedy gold in a brand-new series of the award-winning Detectorists.

Following its broadcast on BBC Four Detectorists Series Three arrives on DVD alongside the box set release of Detectorists Complete Series One to Three including Christmas Special on 18th December courtesy of Acorn Media International.

We’re back on the trail again with Andy (Mackenzie Crook – The Office) and Lance (Toby Jones – The Girl), two friends who share a devotion to metal detecting. With their eyes on a particular plot of land, they both dream of the one big find which would bring history to life and change their lives in the process.

Having returned from Africa, Andy and Becky (Rachael Stirling – Snow White and the Huntsman), have moved in temporarily with her mother (Diana Rigg – The Avengers), with all the challenges that accompany living with the mother-in-law. Lance is trying to kick-start his relationship with Toni (Rebecca Callard – Ordinary Lies), but her living on a barge makes him queasy and his daughter staying at the flat leaves the situation rather precarious – with none of this being helped by the reappearance of his ex-wife. Meanwhile Lance and Andy’s search for gold continues as they face enemies old and new.

PRIZE COMP

— COMPETITION — Ipswich24 has got three copies on DVD of Detectorists Series Three to give away to lucky readers. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Detectorists Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 29th December 2017.

Q. In what country were Andy and Becky living before they returned to the village?

A good year for Ipswich Oddfellows December is a time to reflect on the past year before looking forward to what the next year may bring.

The Ipswich Branch of the Oddfellows is not an exception as we look back on 12 months of featuring in Ipswich24. We’ve had the opportunity to tell you something about the organisation and what we offer to our members. Friendship has been our main focus.

We’ve shared information about our local events from coffee mornings to cruises, as well as giving details about our 200 year history and access to our online archives. We’ve explained about our care of members and our support to charities which are inherent to the principles of the Oddfellows motto of “making friends, helping people”.

We’ve spoken to readers who have enquired about membership and have welcomed many to a number of different events.

The Oddfellows may be rooted in the past, but lives in the present and is planning for the future. We hope you have been interested in reading about the Oddfellows and will make your New Year’s resolution to pick up the phone and join us!

Just ring 01473 251867 and leave us a message, or email ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ ipswichoddfellows Wishing Ipswich24 staff and readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from the Officers, Members and Staff of Ipswich Oddfellows.

Get more out of life with the Oddfellows Events and activities to suit everyone Contact Lynne on 01473 251867 lynne.wyatt@oddfellows.co.uk The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB Ref 1731

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Get cosy with the Borrowers A DanceEast season would not be complete without something magical for children.

This Autumn Ipswich’s Jerwood DanceHouse will welcome a festive exclusive, from Wednesday 13th until Sunday 17th December.

By kind permission of The Estate of Mary Norton, and commissioned by DanceEast, The Borrowers will capture the imagination of children, families and people of all ages, based on Mary Norton’s muchloved book. It is a ‘see it first at DanceEast’ moment before the production will tour throughout 2018, offering DanceEast’s audiences the chance to get swept up in the world beneath the floorboards.

Contemporary dance, physical theatre and animation will bring this story about tiny people to life, taking the theatre on a magical journey of discovery as The Borrowers flee their home, overcome fear and danger, taste freedom and adventure before finally finding a safe place to make a new life. Set within an oversized world of beautiful hand-painted animation, created by artist Betsy Dadd, audiences can join Pod, Homily and their headstrong daughter Arrietty for this playful performance by Ojo Productions.

It is the perfect festive treat for all the family, suitable for age 5+ years.

Audiences can get even closer to this classic tale, exploring story of The Borrowers in a special workshop on Saturday 16th December, through movement, animation and music. No prior experience or special clothing is required to get immersed in the magical world of these tiny people who live under the floorboards, perfect for children aged seven to 11 years.

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

STUCK FOR THAT PERFECT GIFT? LOOK NO FURTHER… DANCEEAST MEMBERSHIPS SUIT ANY DANCE ENTHUSIAST AND LAST A WHOLE YEAR. Want to make a lasting contribution?

Donate now to support our work, and the benefits for those we help will last a lifetime. Give the gift of dance this Christmas, and help us provide more Great Dance for Everyone.

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FOLK ON THE BOAT The popular winter season of ‘Folk on a Boat’ concerts aboard the Sailing Barge Victor continues with Suffolk’s own Elly Tree, on Friday 15th December.

Elly Tree will perform their quirky acoustic folk/pop in the intimate and atmospheric saloon of the historic 19th Century Barge, moored on Ipswich Waterfront. The concert starts at 8pm. Tickets are £15.00, which includes a hearty hot supper. Victor also has a licenced bar.

This is the fourth annual series of the popular ‘Folk on a Boat’ concerts and is set to be better than ever. Concerts take place the third Friday of every month throughout the winter. Other acts already booked to take part in the coming months include Double Take - fronted by singer songwriter, Jackie Ord - and Silbury Hill.

Further information, and tickets, are available at www.sbvictor.co.uk. Tickets may also be purchased at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01473 258070.

Trianon announce new season of Music

Trianon Music Group, the Ipswich-based organisation of choir and symphony orchestra with musicians from across three counties, has announced its 2018 season of major concerts and series of communitybased concerts starting with Twelfth Night Revels on 6th January 2018 at the Ipswich Corn Exchange.

Coinciding with Twelfth Night, the programme features plenty of memorable tunes and more than one opportunity for musical high-jinks. Tickets are now on sale from Ipswich Entertainments (01473 433100).

The major concerts continue with Musical Visitors (21st April) including music by Dvorak, Gounod and Stanford, and then Remembrance and Renewal (15th September) when Trianon will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War with a programme that includes music not only associated with that catastrophic event, but looking beyond to what happened afterwards. Details of these and more concerts can be found on Trianon’s website www.tmg.org.uk

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Angles Christmas offering The Elves and the has a touch of Ealing Shoemaker This Christmas get ready to slip on your favourite shoes, tighten your laces and hop on over to see The Elves!

You’ve heard the story of The Elves & The Shoemaker, now prepare to be wowed as Red Rose Chain sprinkle lots of festive magic all over this timeless Brothers Grimm tale. Expect a feel-good love story full of shenanigans, shoes, and something for everyone! Even little elves can make a big difference.

The countdown to Christmas is on in Elvedon, everyone’s scrambling to find the perfect gift, and all the shops are heaving - well almost all of them.

Lovelace’s Boots and Shoes hasn’t seen much action lately, but Elvira is hopeful, there’s still a few weeks left, right? Everyone needs shoes, and they’re the only shoe shop in town.

Elvira dreams of the perfect Christmas… and making an honest man out of Englebert, but it’s going to take some serious help from two very special visitors to turn things around! Together, can Elvira, Frank and the Elves work their magic to save the shop, overcome the odds and make all of Elvira’s wedding dreams come true… All before Christmas Day? Join Red Rose Chain to find out!

Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker is the perfect feel-good love story full of shoes, shenanigans and something for everyone this December!

The Elves & The Shoemaker will be at the Avenue Theatre, Ipswich from 7th until 31st December. To book tickets visit www.redrosechain.com or telephone the Box Office on 01473 603388.

Eastern Angles Theatre Company are back with another festive show. Created in their small and cosy but hugelyproductive base at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich, this year the company have turned to the 1950s Ealing Comedy ‘The Ladykillers’ for inspiration.

Eastern Angles are known for ‘spoofing’ well-known literary figures, books and films. In the past the likes of Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Lord Peter Wimsey and the Tudors of Wolf Hall have all come in for a comedic battering. Writer Harry Long has decided to set the story in Ipswich giving us the unlikely but pleasingly local title of ‘The Ladykillers of Humber Doucy Lane’.

Harry explains how the idea for the show first came about, “Initially, I thought it would be funny to see a group of hardened convicts trying to put on a very mannered production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

The second idea was to base something on the brilliant Ealing comedy The Ladykillers, where an innocent little old lady is unknowingly harbouring criminals. So, I put those two ideas together, and set it in Ipswich!

“The basic premise is that a group of convicts have broken out of prison, come to Ipswich and decide to stage a production of The Importance of Being Earnest. While the audience is watching the show, the criminals rob their houses. They are staying with a lady called Binky, a local theatrical digs provider, who once provided a room for Michael Ball and has never forgotten it. And mayhem ensues! I’d sum it up as a mixture of The Ladykillers, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Dude, Where’s My Car? and traditional panto.

It’s very much in the spirit of Ealing – a mad, character-led caper comedy.”

‘The Ladykillers of Humber Doucy Lane’ will be at Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich from December 6th until January 6th. The production will then move to the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge from 9th until 20th January. To book tickets visit www.easternangles.co.uk

TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS VISIT WWW.TICKETSOURCE.CO.UK/JUSTJAYDANCE 9

Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival, now in its thirteenth year, is attracting over 20,000 visitors which makes it one of the region’s major winter attractions.

There will be spectacular Christmas trees in Stowmarket Parish Church, Abbots Hall in the Museum of East Anglian Life and the town library from November 25th until January 6th. All three venues are in very close proximity of each other in the lively Mid Suffolk town centre.

It all started in 2005 with a modest eighty Christmas trees scattered around St Peter and St Mary’s Church and since then the Festival has grown year by year beyond all imagination with more trees being adorned with sparkle and festivity each time. The decorators from groups and organisations in the town are told to be creative and to think big and the result is absolutely wonderful which last year attracted over twenty thousand visitors to see the Christmas trees. People travel from all over the country and abroad with some making sure that their annual visit to see friends and relations in Suffolk fits in with Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival.

As well as traditional Christmas trees visitors have also found an optical illusion tree, one made from six hundred buttons and another from Lego bricks. The Stewards who are ready to welcome

you love to see faces light up as visitors walk through the big glass doors mouthing ‘WOW’.

tree knowing that they are not forgotten at this Christmas season.

In daylight they look bright and colourful, at dusk when the sun is going down they look stunning and then when it is dark it is like being in a warm and welcoming magical kingdom. The one way

Trees in Abbots Hall, in the award winning Museum of East Anglian Life, and only a stones throw from the Parish Church in the centre of Stowmarket will be displaying decorated Christmas trees to a Golden theme as they celebrate 50 years of being open to the public. Step back in time wandering around their Exhibition rooms and see Christmas trees adorned with decorations reflecting years gone by. See the toys that used to be hidden in a Christmas stocking not to mention the rest of the displays in the grand restored Queen Anne house.

Stowmarket library is a new venue this year, for those inspired by the Christmas Tree Festival the library will be collecting poems and creative writings to feature in a dedicated book to be published for next year’s Christmas Tree Festival.

route around the Church includes a stopping off point to relax and have a drink and a mince pie as you take in more of the enchanting Christmas atmosphere. A special moment for many is writing a prayer or the names of loved ones no longer with us and hanging them on a dedicated

Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival is a great day out for all the family whether you are one or one hundred and one. It is on the A14 in the heart of Mid Suffolk and open every day. All three locations serve refreshments so you can linger and take in the enchanting atmosphere.

For more details of opening times see www.stowmarketparishchurch.co.uk

Christmas magical panto

On her birthday Melody, the Little Mermaid, is granted legs for one day by her father the sea king Triton. Once on land she desperately wants to stay so she can win the heart of the boy she has fallen in love with.

Her father forbids it but Melody finds another more dangerous way to get onto land again. Soon not only is she in peril but so are the kingdoms of both Land and Sea. Does Melody find her love? Do her sisters and father manage to save her or will evil prevail? With Sea Hags plotting, Dames confusing things and some magical goings on, who knows what will happen.

Join the Deben Players at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge School for The Little Mermaid – A pantomime, by Simon Dodwell this Christmas and find out. Performances from the 22nd through to the 30th December 2017.

Check the website at www.debenplayers.net for full performance dates and times.

Tickets can be booked at debenplayers.net or by calling our box office on 0333 666 3366.

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Get in the Christmas mood Start Christmas in style this year as Neil Sands and his fabulous West End cast invite you to take a festive trip back down Memory Lane.

The new 2017 production of this dazzling Christmas show Christmas Memories will be appearing at The Ipswich Corn Exchange on Monday 4th December at 2.30pm as part of it’s eight week nationwide tour.

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

The Snowman on the way, before dreaming of A White Christmas.

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

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

Prepare to Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Panto

You know it’s Christmas when the New Wolsey Rock’n’roll panto opens its doors and this year audiences are in for a treat with a brand new pantomime – Red Riding Hood.

Written by Peter Rowe, and performed in the New Wolsey Theatre’s iconic actor-musician style, this brand new adaptation of the classic tale is brimming with fun, frolics… and flour!

Red Riding Hood owns the best bakery in Soggy-Bottom-In-The-Marsh but when the village party is scattered by the return of the legendary lone Wolf, the wicked Sir Jasper de Ville demands more rent to pay for the added security. So it’s all hands to the pudding bowl as everyone lends a hand at the bakers, even her grandmother, Dame Millicent Merry, famous for her firm buns and magnificent dumplings! Meanwhile, a handsome woodcutter has arrived in town, who isn’t all he seems to be…Can Red Riding Hood outwit Sir Jasper, avoid the clutches of the sly old wolf and find romance with the mysterious forester?

Book now for a howling good time!

Red Riding Hood – The New Rock’n’roll Panto will be at the New Wolsey Theatre from Thursday 23rd November 2017 until Saturday 27th January 2018.

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

Laurel Farm Café A family run Café serving great coffee & lovely homemade food FREE Wi-Fi & Parking Clara Bowe Vintage Shop antiques furniture, selling antiques, jewellery, vintage gems, clothing & restored treasures

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

Alongside Gemma is Angie Diggens, whose unforgettable voice made her a former winner of televisions Stars in Their Eyes. Their renditions of classical songs like Oh Holy Night and In The Bleak Midwinter are Show stopping. With backing from the very talented Golden Times, this really is an afternoon filled with pure Yuletide magic.

Described as “Like A Sparkly Christmas Card Come To Life” with its shimmering stage set, beautiful Christmas trees, glittering fairy lights, and even falling snow. Mixed with over 40 stunning costumes, this is the perfect pre Christmas treat, guaranteed to having you singing-

along from start to finish, bringing back many happy memories of Christmases past and warming your heart on the coldest winter’s day.

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

Freshly Cut Christmas Trees Lovely Handmade Wreaths Oven Ready Turkey & Chicken Gifts, Cards and Decorations National Garden Gift Vouchers Logs, Coal and Calor Gas Local PProduce Farm Shop

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.laurelfarmgardencentre.co.uk 11

Gift Idea A compelling new book tells the story of the impact that aviation had on Norfolk and Suffolk.

Many people will be aware that East Anglia was a key location for RAF and USAF bases during the First and Second World Wars and later the Cold War as well.

Although the presence of these forces has diminished over recent years, there are still many reminders both in remains and memories of the fascinating history of aviation in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Peter Gunn has now brought together many aspects of this history, chronicled by place-name in alphabetical order.

Subjets include airfields, war graves and memorials, but also the less obvius aeronautical connections in, for example, country houses, churches, pubs, buildings, streets and the local stories linked with them. Who knew that one airfield was at one time home to not one, but two Hollywood stars!? (My father certainly didn’t and he was at one time stationed at the base!)

The narrative incorporates descriptions with illustrations and OS grid references and a full index. The conties are bursting with aviation history and this detailed guide will delight both interestd locals and aviation enthusiasts as well as those who served who had family serving locally.

Either read it from cover to cover or dip in and out at leisure, this truly is a great gift (or if you don’t get it in the Christmas stocking, well worth treating yourself to!)

• Aviation Landmarks: Norfolk and Suffolk by Peter B. Gunn, £19.99 paperback available from good book stores or see www.thehistorypress.co.uk Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24

It’s Christmas and time to…

Make Cake and Eat Cake…

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

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, now is the time to start thinking about your Christmas cake.

At The Little Cake Place they can supply everything from the traditional Christmas cake to festive cupcakes, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Plus, if you are interested in trying your hand at your own cake then The Little Cake Place has a wide range of Christmas accessories to give your baked creations that added festive sparkle, from Christmas accessories, Boards, Ribbons and Cake Toppers.

Baking not your thing, however you still what to add your own festive stamp to your cake. Lucy can also supply undecorated fruitcakes for customers to purchase and decorate themselves, adding that personal creative touch.

At The Little Cake Place they create lovely cakes that, not only look amazing, they taste really yummy too!

Santa’s Grotto open from 18th November until Christmas Eve – Weekends only 11.00 – 16.00

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

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

…It’s all about the cake

Christmas Orders Now Being Taken Birthdays • Weddings • Celebrations • Novelty Cupcakes Sterfield, Suffolk, IP17 1NG 07925 177891 | shop@icrix.co.uk www.redhousechristmas.com 12

Tel 01473 744717 85 Dales Road, Ipswich www.thelittlecakeplace.com

Open 6 Days a Week Competitive Prices Free Customer Parking

WIN: Kidz Bop CD for Kids

Farmer Christmas comes to Baylham It doesn’t seem that long since we closed the farm for the winter but we’ve heard news that means we’re opening in December.

Farmer Christmas has again agreed to take time out from looking after Santa’s animals and to visit Baylham House Farm. For the first three weekends - 2nd-3rd, 9th-10th and 16th-17th – and then from 20th to 23rd of December, from 10am to 4pm, he will be in Baylham’s Christmas barn with his helpers, ready to talk to every boy and girl who wants to tell him their wishes for Christmas.

There is no additional charge to see Farmer Christmas and good boys and girls will be given a small gift. As it is for the child in us all adults will be charged as children (and for the adult in us all there will be complementary mulled wine and mince pies). It will be possible to buy tickets in advance and book a slot to see him.

PRIZE COMP

You’ll be able to see all your old friends, or make new ones, on the farm. The yard enclosures are filled with our pigs and cattle to keep them out of the worst of the winter weather, while the sheep are still out until they’re brought in for lambing.

KIDZ BOP records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids, taking today’s biggest hits and toning down any inappropriate or suggestive language but keeping the essence of the original song. And now the #1 music brand for kids in the United States, has its own British version and band that is made up of talented Lois, Twinkle, Ashton and Max all aged between 11 and12.

And what could be a better way to end your visit than with something available from the Farm Café. Be it a light lunch or a bacon roll, cake or cream tea, coffee or a luxury hot chocolate, you can be sure it’ll be a perfect end to a perfect day.

With entry prices at £3 for all and under four’s free, it would be difficult to find a more entertaining and better value attraction in Suffolk.

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

Their debut album reached #7 on the Artist Album Chart with over 55,000 sales and over 2.6 million combined streams to date. In total, it spent nine weeks in the UK Top 40 chart. This week they will be partnering with Hamleys toy store on live performances in store and they will also star in the upcoming Hamleys Christmas Parade.

In the US, KIDZ BOP is a music phenomenon and has sold more than 17,000,000 albums and had 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums.

KIDZ BOP 2018 which is being released through Universal Music by KIDZ BOP (UK), will include “Castle On The Hill”, “Symphony” and “Ciao Adios” all sung by The KIDZ BOP Kids. Music videos for “Stay”, “Ciao Adios”, “I’m The One” and “Castle On The Hill’, along with lyric videos for “Symphony” and “Your Song”, will also be produced and released on the UK KIDZ BOP YouTube Channel, adding to the 3 million UK YouTube views to date.

— COMPETITION —

Ipswich24 has got three copies of KIDZ BOP to give away to lucky readers.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: KIDZ BOP Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday 29th December 2017.

Q. Name the four talented 11 and 12 year olds that make up the UK band KIDZ BOP? 13

n Picking the perfect Christmas tree What better way to celebrate the festive season than with the most glorious Christmas tree. But other than size, what are the things to consider when buying your Christmas centrepiece?

Each tree species can be a little different in size, scent and needle retention so it’s difficult to know which Christmas tree to buy. Delight your family and guests this Christmas by using Forestry Commission England’s expert guide to picking the perfect tree for you.

NORWAY SPRUCE Considered the traditional Christmas tree, the Norway Spruce is best known for: - A wonderful shape and an abundance of branches – great for hanging lots of decorations!

- A lovely ‘Christmassy’ scent that’s perfect at this time of year Who does it suit?

With a long lasting scent and a traditional shape, Norway spruce are perfect for those who appreciate the classic look and smell of Christmas.

Tips To help your spruce retain its needles you need to place it away from any radiators/fires and water it every day.

NORDMANN FIR The star qualities of a Nordmann fir are: - Having soft foliage and an even shape – making it a joy to decorate!

- Glossy, dark green needles that have a whitish/light blue underside

Who does it suit?

With its big needles which are lovely and soft, Nordmann fir are perfect for those with young children.

Tips You will need a big space to show off a Nordmann fir in its full glory. For a 6ft tall tree allow approximately 5ft space.

LODGEPOLE PINE The Lodgepole pine is an ideal Christmas tree due to its: - Bushy appearance and luscious long green needles - Branches that point upwards which hold a wonderful pine scent Who does it suit?

With the best needle retention of them all, Lodgepole pines are perfect for those who like a long festive season and decorate their tree as early as possible.

Tips High ceilings are a must for this tree; make sure you measure the height of your room where you plan to put the tree before you go pick one up from the forest!

CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE Preventing needles dropping and the green from fading on your Christmas tree requires a little bit of care and attention. Follow our top tips for a longer lasting, healthier real Christmas tree!

1. Cut off 2.5cm from the trunk to aid with water absorption 2. Put the tree in a stand with the trunk immersed in water 3. Keep your tree in a cool, dry space. Away from radiators and fires 4. Water your tree regularly

Do you need to rebalance rejuvenate and re-energise?

WHY BUY REAL? Being experts in trees, woodlands and sustainable forestry, Forestry Commission England’s real Christmas trees are so good, even Santa has given his stamp of approval. But why buy real?

1. Real trees use 10 times fewer materials and five times less energy than artificial trees.

2. They are completely biodegradable.

3. They are grown in the UK 4. A tree is planted for every tree harvested

Colon Hydrotherapy beneets include: Relief from constipation and IBS, detoxifying and hydrating, helps to maintain regular bowel movements and proved skin complexion and energy levels.

There is so much more on offer when you buy your tree from the forest. You can meet Santa and enjoy a whole range of Christmas activities for both little and big kids to get into the festive spirit!

Our clinic specialises in colonic irrigation a relaxing, safe and gentle experience.

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It will also come with a certificate of authenticity to guarantee the trees quality, which will be signed by Santa himself.

• To find your nearest forest sales centre, or check out top tree tips on keeping your tree fresh and healthy over the festive holidays visit www.forestry.gov.uk/christmas

Wishing all of our Past, Present and Approved Future Customers a Very Merry Christmas Workshop

Caravan Sales

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Telephone: 01394 448609

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Panto cast will leave you full of beans

An all-star cast from stage, TV and radio will be entertaining audiences from all over Suffolk at this year’s Regent Theatre pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk.

Regent panto favourite Andrew Fleming (Britain’s Got Talent) is back as Simple Simon, along with George Sampson (BGT winner) as Jack, Roxie Pallett (Emmerdale and Dancing on Ice) as Jill, Connor Byrne (The Dumping Ground) as Fleshcreep, BBC Radio Suffolk’s Wayne Bavin, now a Regent veteran on his third panto, as Mayor Muddles, and Martin Ramsdin as Dame Trott.

Pantos are all about audience engagement and lots and lots of laughs.

Regent bosses are confident there will be plenty of those when Jack & the Beanstalk opens at East Anglia’s biggest theatre on 16th December. It runs until 2nd January 2018.

If you enjoy jokes galore, this family fun show is made for you. Get your tickets now and give the family a treat.

Jack & The Beanstalk is brought to the Regent by Enchanted Entertainment, and producer, Guy Pascall, said, “What a fantastic pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is going to be this Christmas at Ipswich Regent. For this year’s show we’ve been working on another breath-taking 3D projection sequence to add some extra magic to an already dazzling panto.”

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

Chance to see Christmas lights Everyone is looks forward to the big Christmas lights switch-on in Ipswich and, for the 24th year running, Disabled (Blue) Badge-holders can drive through Ipswich town centre on a Sunday evening in December to enjoy the lights.

On 3rd December, between 7pm and 9pm, they can enter the pedestrianised town centre at Major’s Corner and drive westwards along Carr Street, Tavern Street and Westgate Street, leaving at Matthew’s Street. A valid Disabled Driver (Blue) Badge must be displayed.

The scheme has been arranged by Ipswich Borough Council with support from the Police.

Don't get caught in the queues for parking!

Hop on board straight into town, travel all day for just £4.20 with our Family Ticket* With a bus on most routes every 10-20 minutes, make Christmas easier with Ipswich Buses!

For more information visit www.ipswichbuses.co.uk

0800 919 390

(*not available before 1000 on schooldays; for 1 adult and up to 4 children or 2 adults and up to 3 children)

15

It’s not too late!

£2 off

DEC17

With that crazy time of year fast approaching why not take a little time out and enjoy some ‘me time’ and make yourself a little something or just enjoy a yummy Hot Chocolate with all the trimmings?

Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café is the ideal place to unwind.

Open seven days a week and centrally located in Ipswich this quirky little café / studio is a great place to chill out and get creative. Don’t worry if you haven’t painted pottery before, everyone can enjoy this great activity and the friendly staff will guide you through the process.

Prices start from £5 plus a £3 studio fee per painter to cover your time in the studio, paints and glazing. Items are fired on the premises and ready for collection a week later. Don’t forget to cut out and use your discount voucher from Ipswich24. They even cater for the last minute shopper with the last guaranteed firing before Christmas on Sunday 17th December for a Christmas Eve collection.

Gift vouchers and take home kits are also available plus they run late night specials and workshops in preparation for the big day. How about organising a painting Christmas party or New Year get together? Catering is also available, from delicious coffee and cake deals to full buffets.

They also offer a mobile service too, so if you can’t get to the studio it can come to you, great for nurseries, schools, youth groups and care homes. Mobiles are fully staffed plus they don’t charge for their services just the products you paint, glazing and firing. Group discounts are also available and even fund raising opportunities! So if you have a 2018 activities calendar to fill why not give them a call?

So go on, pop down and take a look at their amazing range of stock and get inspired to make your gifts this year. Nothing is as special as a handmade gift, truly unique and personal. Open every day now until 2pm on Christmas Eve and if you are looking to get out after the big day then Pennikkity Pots looks forward to welcoming you from 11am on Wednesday 27th December.

‘Happy Holidays’ Check out Pennikkity Pots Facebook page for up to date info and offers.

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

www.pennikkitypotsceramicscafe.co.uk 16

Christmas Quiz Night The Hearing Care Centre is again organising one of Ipswich’s biggest quiz events, to help raise money for their chosen charity Hearing Dogs For Deaf People.

The Christmas Quiz Night is being held on Sunday 3th December 2017 (7.00pm), at Greshams Sports and Social Club, on Tuddenham Road, Ipswich and your support is needed to make it a fantastic night.

This is the fourteenth trivia fundraiser organised by the company, attracting over 200 people each time.

Teams for the quiz can include between four and six members.

Entry is £5.00pp (mince pies included), and there are great prizes for teams who come in the top five places.

Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre said, “Our quizzes are becoming more and more popular every time we have one. Put simply, they are a great night out in the run up to Christmas with friends and family”.

The Hearing Care Centre is also looking for local companies to either sponsor individual quiz rounds for a donation of £35.00 or to donate items for their prize draw, in return for some very good exposure.

• To purchase tickets call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or online at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz

n Christmas market is back in town

Back again to jingle your bells and get you in the spirit of the season is the Ipswich Christmas Market.

This annual highlight of all things festive will again have scores of stalls selling yuletide food, drink, decorations and presents as well as a bar, hot food stands and even a funfair for the young and young at heart.

The market takes place on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December with live entertainment and a children’s craft fair.

Don’t miss it … there is going to be more cheer and surprises than a cracker full of Brussels sprouts!

Opening times: Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm. Entry is free and the children’s craft fair costs £5.

The regular town centre market will continue as normal on the Friday and Saturday.

Festive Flowers & Gifts at Bedwells Florist

97 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP3 8JY

Flowers and Gifts for all occasions. Call us on 01473 251133

Follow us on Facebook — www.ipswich-flowers.com

Annual festive fundraiser for local hospice returns St Elizabeth Hospice has launched Woolly Pully Week which will take place from Monday 11th December to Sunday 17th December and is calling on local businesses, schools and groups to pull on their Christmas jumper and support the work they do in the local community.

Jodie Witham, community fundraising co-ordinator at the hospice, said, “Taking part in Woolly Pully Week is really simple. All people need to do is request a free fundraising pack from us, promote when they’ll be taking part in Woolly Pully Week and collect in everyone’s donations.

“The event was incredibly well supported by the local community last year and raised over £17,000 for the hospice. This year we want to encourage even more people to have some festive fun and support the charity in this way and our fundraising pack is crammed full of ideas to maximise the money raised during Woolly Pully Week.”

Schools, groups and businesses are already pledging their support to the hospice and almost 100 fundraising packs have already been requested.

For more information or to request your Woolly Pully Week fundraising pack, please go to stelizabethhospice.org.uk/joinwoolly or call 01473 723600

n Jingle Blues The Chicago Blues Brothers are back at Ipswich’s Regent Theatre this Christmas with a brand new festive show, “Jingle Blues”.

This two-hour song fest, with more than 40 hits performed live on stage, makes it the biggest Christmas party in town.

Infectious, dazzling, riotous, exuberant and spirited … the legacy of Jake and Elwood has been jump-started for a new generation with an energy that is impossible to resist. The Chicago Blues Brothers are on a mission to make your Christmas start on a festive roller-coaster that will have you clapping until your hands hurt and singing until your voice is hoarse with an on-stage party you can’t afford to miss.

The Chicago Blues Brothers: Jingle Blues – the Christmas Show is coming to the Regent Theatre on Thursday 7th December at 7.30pm.

• To book tickets contact the Box Office at www.ipswichregent.com or telephone 01473 433100.

n Remembering your loved ones The annual Christmas Remembrance Service will be held at Ipswich Crematorium’s West Chapel on Saturday 2nd December at 11am.

This is an opportunity to reflect and remember loved ones at this time of year. Everyone is welcome.

The service will include carols, readings and prayers of remembrance. Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.

If you would like a message of remembrance included in the service please contact 01473 433580 or email: bereavementservices@ipswich.gov.uk

Three floors packed with musical Instruments & Accessories

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

Dedicated Rehearsal Rooms 27-29 Norwich Road, Ipswich

Tel: 01473 214 331

www.westendmusic.com 17

Scout group goes from John strength to strength Bishop Such is the demand for places at the 11th Ipswich Scout Group, many more adults leaders are needed to satisfy the growing demand for places.

The group already provides exciting opportunities and adventure for hundreds of young people between the ages of six to 14. This helps them to work as a team, build their confidence and to take a constructive place in the community.

The group’s leader Mike Hollingsworth says, “Finding adult volunteers is the only barrier to providing many more scouting places for young people, existing leaders find scouting activities great fun and very rewarding”.

This ambitious group is located in the Castle Hill area of the town and needs new adult leaders to help start new sections for Beavers (6 and 7 years) and scouts (10 to 14 years) and to increase the size of all existing sections including Cub Scouts (8 to 10 years) Volunteers need a sense of fun, be enthusiastic and work as a team.

Safeguarding of our young people is paramount, all adults are provided with the training that they need to stay safe, do a great satisfying job and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

If you would like to know more contact the group leader Mike Hollingsworth via the website www.11thipswichscouts.org.uk to arrange an introduction.

“Scouting set me on the right path at a young age because I loved the outdoors and I loved adventure. It gave me the opportunity to discover new interests, explore new boundaries and build the confidence to achieve new goals. Scouting was the first step on a journey that led to me becoming an astronaut. With the right people, the right attitude and the right skills, anything is possible.” Tim Peake - Scouting’s Newest Ambassador.

Tim is joining Chief Scout Bear Grylls and his team of Ambassadors; Ellie Simmonds, Helen Glover, Anita Rani, Steve Backshall, Megan Hine, Chris Evans, Ed Stafford and Julia Bradbury to help promote Scouting nationally.

Well-attended races The Autumn Points race series was well attended with a range of dinghys.

Deben Yacht Club then moved on to the Terminal Series where there was also some good turn outs. It’s good to see the Laser fleet getting bigger with nine of them in a recent race.

In December there is only one race day, on the third, the last this year, concluding the Winter Series. Some sailors who cannot be without their racing until April head to Alton Waters for their Frostbite Series.

While there is less racing the working party is getting busy maintaining the 26 club boats and updating some of them. They are also making some improvements to the club house. This is also the time to plan the program for next year and in the New Year go for walks and listen to some interesting talks. There is normally a walk every month in January, February and March.

Starting from a pub where afterwards walkers have lunch together, indeed, members who only want lunch can turn up for that. The talks are also once a month and are open to members and non-members, usually about something boaty.

Here is an idea for Christmas. There has been research showing that experiences give more long term happiness than the quick fix of buying things so why not give someone (or yourself) the gift to try sailing next year?

It’s a skill that lasts a life time and can provide many happy and fun moments.

Deben Yacht Club will have beginners and improvers courses running early in the season, but do book in good time as they can fill up quickly. For any information about the club, see the website www.debenyachtclub.co.uk or call membership secretary Frances Alexander on 01394 385221.

18

Winging It Comedy superstar John Bishop is extending his sell-out UK tour and bringing his brand new show to Ipswich and other venues.

The Winging It show is John’s fifth UK tour – his last one was enjoyed by more than half a million people.

John Bishop has had an incredible career. Within three years of his first ever comedy gig, he was playing to sell-out audiences across the country and released the fastest selling stand-up DVD in British history.

Tickets are now on sale for his Regent dates on 23rd, 24th and 25th January 2018. All tickets cost £35 plus booking fee. To book your contact the Box Office on 01473 433100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com or telephone 01473 433100.

John Bishop is not the only comedy legend coming to Ipswich, next year – he joins Sarah Millican, Stewart Lee, Tim Vine and Jason Manford.

Volunteers help make our past an exciting present

Ipswich’s museums service has around 50 volunteers helping to deliver exciting events and exhibitions to people living in Suffolk and beyond.

Some volunteers have been assisting for many years, others have just joined. Together, their hard work adds up to more than 2,000 hours of time.

Councillor Carole Jones, Museums portfolio-holder at the Borough Council, said, “Our volunteers do a great job and I want to thank all of them for their dedication. They welcome visitors, gather feedback from them, help with conservation and, in one case, made a film showcasing our volunteers programme. They are invaluable to us and to Ipswich.”

Cllr Jones is pictured at Christchurch Mansion with some of the volunteers.

The volunteering film can be seen at www.cimuseums.org.uk/volunteering

Christmas at Landguard Fort Final preparations are underway for the all-new Christmas event at Landguard Fort in Felixstowe on Sunday 13th December.

Aimed at the whole family, and particularly children, the event includes a magical ‘Santa Trail’ through the Fort’s tunnels to find Father Christmas in his secret grotto. Along the way, children will be able to see elves at work checking their lists and making presents. Look out too for our enchanting Snow Queen! Twinkling lights, music and snow machines will add to the fun.

Around the Fort, visitors will be able to discover the Felixstowe Museum with a room full of interesting displays and artefacts, a local woodcarver demonstrating his art and costumed stallholders selling locally-made crafts and gifts - great for last minute Christmas presents.

A Christmas tree will adorn the Inner Parade where live music and entertainment will include the Felixstowe Community Choir, The Felix Stowaways, Tutti Frutti Voices and Colneis Junior School Choir. At 1700, everyone is invited to join in the traditional Carol Concert with the Felixstowe Salvation Army Band.

Other treats for children include a Reindeer Quiz Trail, face-painting, Christmas colouring-in and making lighthouse nightlights with Touching the Tide. Come and meet Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf and Marty Le Fox from Trimley Carnival too!

Paul Grant, Landguard Partnership Project Officer says, “This is the first time in the Fort’s long history that we have held a large Christmas event. It promises to be a fantastic afternoon of festive fun for all the family”.

Entry is just £5 for adults and children, and includes all the entertainment, activities and fun, including a visit to the ‘Santa Trail’ and a present for every child.

• You can book tickets online now at www.landguard.com and www.discoverlandguard.org.uk or just come along on the day. The event runs from 1pm until 7pm.

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Take a dip with a difference Are you brave enough to take a dip in the cold North sea on Christmas morning for your local hospice?

Join hundreds of other supporters as they take a dip in the icy water on Christmas morning at Felixstowe to raise vital funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Catherine Sheppard, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said, “The Christmas Day Dip is in its 14th year and it’s still such a popular event, with around 400 people lining the beach each Christmas morning ready to take the icy plunge!

“There’s always such a great atmosphere at the event, not only with the hundreds of people taking part, but with the thousands who turn out to watch. A lot of people do it in memory of their loved ones who were cared for by the hospice, and all the sponsorship money raised from the event goes towards improving life for local people living with a progressive illness.”

Be part of the festive fun and sign up now at stelizabethhospice.org.uk/dip St Elizabeth Hospice provides vital care and support to more than 2,000 patients and their families every year. It costs millions of pounds a year to run the hospice and they rely on fundraising events, donations and the income generated from its shops to meet the majority of these costs.

n Come and try Ice Skating Come and enjoy some ice skating this Christmas in Felixstowe.

Open daily from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd December, from 11am until 7pm. A grand opening by the Mayor of Felixstowe takes place on Wednesday 20th December at 11am.

There will also be rides for smaller

children and stalls serving food and drinks. Admission is free (including free skating). For more information telephone 01394 282086 or visit www.felixstowe.gov.uk

Wishing A of Our Customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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

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

N WIN: Family ticket for the most magical story of them all!

Aladdin dreams of marrying Princess Jasmine who is beautiful and well connected but the wicked magician Abanazar has tricked poor Aladdin into helping him to find a magic lamp.

It’s hidden in the hills inside a secret cavern and Aladdin soon finds himself trapped with only a pile of plastic jewels and a battered old lamp – will Aladdin realise to rub the tatty old lamp to get him out of trouble? Come and meet his hilarious mother Widow Twanky and his brother Wishee Washee who both dream of great riches and happiness.

Help Aladdin and his family to win the day and the Princess by joining in from your seat in true Panto tradition – oh yes you will!

PRIZE COMP

Enjoy taking your family on a magical carpet ride of a pantomime this Christmas with a family ticket to see Aladdin at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe.

— COMPETITION —

To get yourself in the draw to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see a Aladdin at the Spa Pavilion Theatre on Felixstowe’s seafront on Saturday 6th January at 11am all you have to do is send your answer to the following question to: Spa Panto Competition, Ipswich24, 12A Britannia Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PE or you can enter online at www.ipswich24.co.uk.

The Closing date for entries is Friday 15th December 2017.

Q: Who does Aladdin dream of marrying?

If you’d like to know more about this Panto or indeed any of the Spa’s shows leading up to Christmas call the Spa Pavilion Box Office on 01394 284962.

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

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

Lighting up Felixstowe this Christmas Father Christmas and one of his elves have made a flying visit to the seaside town of Felixstowe, as it prepares for a bumper festive season of events and activities.

the Lions are working in partnership with the Landguard Fort Trust and Landguard Partnership.

Santa was at the Lions Club of Felixstowe Christmas HQ to inspect his all-new grotto for 2017. It will be in action for the annual ‘Lighting Up Day’ - this year on Saturday 2nd December in the town centre. There will be a whole afternoon of music and entertainment, plus stalls and refreshments, leading up to the switching on of the Christmas lights by the Mayor at 5pm.

The new grotto supports a wonderful seasonal mural painted by artist Nickie Bain and is sponsored by Coes Outfitters of Felixstowe.

Father Christmas will also be in attendance at this year’s ‘Christmas at Landguard Fort’ event on Saturday 16th December - an event where

n Christmas at U.R.C.

Christmas is on the way and Felixstowe United Reformed Church (U.R.C.) is still without a regular Minister, the Rev’d Ivor Smith having retired earlier this year!

However, Sunday Services have continued with various lay preachers and others leading services.

December is no exception with lots already planned and, more than just services!

For instance, a Madrigal group will be performing/singing madrigals and carols in the large U.R.C. hall at the church, 2.30pm on Thursday 7th December.

The popular, very atmospheric Christmas Tree Service where attendees bring a gift to put under the tree and have a chance to light a candle on the tree, takes place at 3pm on Sunday 10th December.

“I cannot emphasize enough what a great atmosphere there is in the church on this candle lit occasion in this very friendly welcoming church.”

Says Penny Cutler. “Come along, bring your family, and enjoy it.”

Then there will be Carol Singing at Great Eastern Square (outside the car park entrance under cover) on Saturday 16th December. Members and friends singing carols will be raising money for Shelter. As you do your Christmas shopping at the Co-op make sure you leave by the exit to the car park and stop to listen or join in for a while with the Carol Singing.

Of course, regular Sunday morning Services will continue, 3rd December is Advent Sunday and Peter Dawes from the church will lead that. John Webb from further afield will lead Communion on 10th December, the church Choir will lead Lessons and Carols on 17th December and on Christmas Eve, 24th December, Mrs. Allison Smith and the Congregation will be involved in that service. All the above mentioned Sunday Morning Services begin at 10.30am.

“No, I haven’t forgotten Christmas Day itself!” continues Penny, “We are very pleased to have Rev’d Diane Smith of Trinity Methodist Church leading our 10.30am Service that day and to have the congregation from Trinity Methodist Church join with us that morning to Celebrate Christmas Day. “Of course, any others who wish to celebrate Christmas Morning with us are welcome to attend. And no, nor have I forgotten the 31st December when we are very pleased to have Mr David Stone from Ranelagh Road Christian Fellowship join with us and lead our service on December 31st.

“We hope there is something here for everyone to enjoy – young or old.

We look forward to greeting you, your friends and family at one or more of these activities. Felixstowe U.R.C. wish you all a very Happy Christmas!”

Penny Cutler Felixstowe United Reformed Church

John Gooch from the Lions says, “Santa was thrilled with his new grotto and cannot wait to meet the children and their families of Felixstowe on Saturday 2nd December for Lighting Up Day. We have also been working hard on putting together this year’s Christmas lights in the town centre.

Please come down and join in the fun and help support the work of the Lions”.

• You can check out and download the Christmas in Felixstowe Information Sheet, packed with events and activities at: www.visitfelixstowe.org.uk/latest-news/christmas-in-felixstowe

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TEL: 01394 283021 FAX: 01394 272386

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n Scouts Post

The Scouts spread some Christmas cheer with their special postal service covering Felixstowe, Walton, The Trimleys, Kirton and Falkenham.

Red collecting boxes will be open from now until Tuesday 12th December at Co-op Solar, Felixstowe Library, The Card Centre, Conkers Pets and Plants, Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Morrison’s, The Bread Basket (Walton), Michael’s Butcher’s Limited (Old Felixstowe), Goslings Farm Shop, Garden Centre and Cafe (Trimley St. Martin), Roselea Nursery Farm Shop (Trimley St. Martin) and Farmlands Paper Shop (Faulkeners Way, Trimley St. Mary).

The cost is 25p per card; post the correct money along with the cards into one of the boxes. Please write the full address with postcode and any special instructions on the envelope clearly. All cards will be delivered by local scouts and leaders by Christmas Eve. This service helps the 7th Felixstowe Scout Group to raise much needed funds.

Note: Felixstowe have officially joined with the Ipswich scheme to provide a link between the towns, so cards can be delivered to locations in Ipswich too. See www.scoutspostipswich.org.uk for info.

n Party on down to the Spa This year for the very first time the Spa Theatre, with their two sea view restaurants, are offering you the chance to join them for a fantastic, festive Christmas Party Night.

The Lounge Restaurant will be showing off its new lighting and dance floor so that you can enjoy a three course meal followed by dancing and music until midnight from only £30 per person. These special Christmas Party nights (party size 2-120) are to be held on Friday 15th, Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd December. There’s also free parking available on site (limited availability with prior booking only, overnight if needed).

Call the Spa on 01394 284962 for a copy of their special Christmas menu and to make your reservation.

Bored of the usual Boxing Day? How about lunch out after all that hard work entertaining the family? The Spa Pavilion will be open and offering a delicious Boxing Day Lunch from 12pm until 2.30pm strictly by reservation and pre-order only. Sit snuggly and warm and enjoy the stunning sea views whilst someone else takes care of the catering! Two courses from only £23.50 and three courses for £28.50 (Children £15/£20) Still stuffed from Christmas Day? Join the hordes of others enjoying a brisk walk along the prom right in front of the Spa. Call in for homemade cake, sausage rolls and mince pies which will be available with piping hot teas and coffees all day from 10am until 5pm.

For more information visit www.felixstowespa.co.uk. You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

• The Spa Pavilion would like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

Santa & Rudolph around town!

The Santa and Rudolph trailer makes it’s usual tour of Felixstowe every weekday evening between the 1st and 23rd December from 6pm until 8.30pm.

Plus they will be seen at Landguard Fort on Saturday 16th December from 10am until 4pm, Hamilton Road on Tuesday 19th December from 10am until 4pm and at Morrison’s on Saturday 23rd December from 10am until 4pm.

Jointly arranged between the local branch of Save the Children and the Felixstowe Rotary Club, the Santa and Rudolph trailer aims to give all families, particularly children, a great Christmas experience as well as raising money for Save the Children and Rotary Club supported charities.

Friday 1st: Grange Farm Avenue and all roads off.

Monday 4th: Fairfield and Glenfield Avenue, Beatrice Avenue, Dellwood, Fleetwood and Lynwood Avenue, Landsdowne Road, Rosemary Avenue, Colneis Road, Links Avenue and Upperfield Drive.

Tuesday 5th: Town centre roads bounded by and including Tomline Road, Hamilton Gardens, Chevalier Road, Felix Road, Gainsborough Road and St. Andrews (west).

Wednesday 6th: Walton - Maidstone Road and all roads off Cornwall Road, Seaton Road and High Street.

Thursday 7th: All roads between Langer Road and Sea Road and all roads off Carr Road down to Adastral Close including Manor Road and Terrace.

Friday 8th: Walton High Street, Exeter Road, Taunton Road, Recreation Lane, Church Lane, Ataka Road, Treetops Lane, Ascot Drive and Gulpher Road.

Monday 11th: Town centre - Valley Walk, Garrison Lane, Newry Avenue, Surrey Road, Goyfield Avenue, Chaucer Road, Princes Gardens, Princes and Queens Roads from St. Andrews Road to Wolsey Gardens plus Orwell Road and all roads off.

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Tuesday 12th: Grange Road and all roads off (Mill Lane to railway bridge), Coronation Drive and all roads off, Mill Lane, Stour Avenue and Wadgate Road.

Wednesday 13th: Maybush Lane, Priory Road, Marcus Road, St. Georges, Church Road and roads off, Looe Road and roads off, Sunningdale/Wentworth Drives and Quinton’s Lane.

Thursday 14th: St. Andrews Road (east), Croutel Road, Brook Lane, Picketts Road, High Road East, Foxgrove Lane, Thornley Road, Rosebery Road, Bath Road, Quilter Road, Barton Road and Constable Road.

Friday 15th: Wesel Avenue and all roads off plus Grange Road up to Mill Lane.

Monday 18th: Trimley St. Martin, St. Martins Green, Mill Lane and roads off.

Tuesday 19th: Trimley St. Mary - Sprites Hall Lane, High Road, New Road, Chatsworth Crescent, Addington Road, Station Road, The Avenues and St. Mary’s Close.

Wednesday 20th: Kirton.

Thursday 21st: Trimley St. Mary Faulkeners Way estate.

Friday 22nd: Western Avenue and Westmorland Road and all roads off.

Christmas at Barretts of Woodbridge The quality home furnishings department store Barretts of Woodbridge has once again gone all out with their Christmas displays. Owner and Director Jill Barrett shares how the team plan and design, starting many months before the rest of us even dream of the Christmas to come!

“Here at Barretts we start planning for Christmas as early as February with the Spring Fair at the NEC. This year we decided for the first time to attend the biggest Christmas show in Europe - Christmas World in Frankfurt. It was a great experience, we picked up lots of new and exciting products. We found some wonderful wooden German Nativity Pyramids and Light Arches, which fit in really well with our Hygge look - incredibly popular this year.

“For our window displays, we wanted to create something really eye-catching and different – so when we saw some beautifully decorated mannequins at one of the shows we knew they would be perfect. Another find was the lit Village Scenes which we are showing in a gorgeous snowy forest window.

We even have a snow machine to complete the look!

“If you come to the store after dark, you will see the stunning laser displays at the front and rear of the building - already causing quite a stir. And don’t forget there’s the ever popular German Musical Snow Globes, plus all the traditional festive ware to help make your home a Christmas wonderland.”

So, a visit to Barretts of Woodbridge is simply a must for all the family this Christmas!

Do you hear what I hear?

On December 8th and 9th the Riverside Theatre’s very own Choir will be sprinkling Christmas sparkle live on stage at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge.

The R100 Musical Theatre Choir will be performing ‘A Christmas Cracker’ of a concert. With favourites such as ‘Carol of the Bells,’ ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ ‘Let it Snow,’ and ‘Winter Wonderland,’ to name but a few from their well known musical repertoire.

The Choir has a wealth of experience in musical theatre and harmony singing, with some members having appeared in some of London’s finest West End Musicals, including, Oliver, Miss Saigon, Me and My Girl, and the world famous Les Miserables.

Remember, you never know what’s in the Cracker till you pull it…!

Tickets are available in person from the Riverside Theatre’s Box Office, by booking online, or by calling 01394 382174.

So come and join the festive party!

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We’re off to see the Wizard Journey to the mystical Land of Oz and get into the Christmas spirit early this year with a song and dance Christmas Spectacular by the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company.

This year’s original story is inspired by the characters in The Wizard of Oz and features Dorothy Gale, the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow who challenge the Wicked Witch of the West and set off for a musical adventure through the Land of Oz to recover the spirit of Christmas.

Audiences travel from all over East Anglia for this

annual festive treat with its infectious combination of music, dance and sheer spectacle, which opens on 1st December for 12 performances until 10th December.

“We celebrate Christmas in a unique way with this production,” says director Rebecca Darcy. “The young cast bring an energy and enthusiasm to some fabulous, familiar musical numbers that the whole family can enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to be back at Snape Maltings for our 13th year of Christmas Spectacular, and that so many people choose to make our show an annual event. The spirit of Frank Baum’s

100 Voices

The 100-voice Woodbridge Choral Society will present its annual Christmas season concert at 7.30 pm on Saturday evening 2nd December 2017, in St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge.

The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn will be the featured work, conducted by Andrew Leach. Robert Gardiner will be the tenor soloist, Adam Maxet the bass soloist, and Charlotte Trepess the soprano soloist. Jessie Ridley will lead the WCS Players.

Tickets are on sale by calling the Honorary Treasurer, Richard Lyon, at 01473 620 775, or be emailing him at treasurer@woodbridgechoralsociety.org. Tickets can also be purchased from Browsers Booksop in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge, or through any member of the choir.

characters lives on in this special festive story which has been written exclusively for Snape,” she added.

As the biggest youth production in the UK, the Christmas Spectacular boasts a live orchestra and jaw-dropping stage effects. It is packed with familiar musical numbers performed by a cast of almost 100 in stunning costumes.

• Book tickets at snapemaltings.co.uk/spectacular or call 01728 687110. For more information visit coopjuniors.co.uk. Tickets are from £15, with special discounts for groups and over 60s.

There’s free parking and no booking fee.

Christmas Fayre Enjoy a festive day out at the Sutton Hoo Christmas Fayre on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November from 10.30am until 4.30pm. The Christmas Fayre is bursting with inspiring ideas for your present list!

From Creative crafts and unusual gifts to Artisan food and drink, plus Christmas music and winter

story telling. Take a break from shopping in the café for tea and cake or enjoy a glass of mulled wine outside around the yule log.

Admission is £3 for Adults and £2 for Children, including entry to the site. (NT. Members free). For more information telephone 01394 389714.

Alice in Wonderland

Librarian Theatre are a touring theatre company visiting Woodbridge Library with an original stage adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” on Saturday 16th December at 7.30pm.

Formed in 2015 to work in partnership with libraries, Librarian Theatre use their varied spaces to make top-quality professional theatre accessible to all, while at the same time supporting library services. This production is supported by a grant from the Arts Council.

Entitled “Alice in the Cuckoo’s Nest”, the play is a modern re-imagining of Carroll’s work and, as well as portraying the well-known characters that Alice meets, the production does not shy away from the darker sides of the story, tackling the theme of mental well-being in an open and sympathetic way.

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Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4 for students (aged 12+) and are available from the Library in person or on 01394 446510 or from the Librarian Theatre website:www.librariantheatre.com The show lasts approximately one hour with no interval.

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The comic side of Sherlock Common Ground Theatre Company presents Sherlock Holmes and the Hooded Lance, with Julian Harries as Holmes and Dick Mainwaring as Watson.

Julian dons the famous deerstalker yet again for a classic comedy Christmas mystery with all the Common Ground trimmings - sparkling wit, ingenious staging, hilarious songs, and surreal flights of festive fancy.

Julian and Dick continue their long-standing acting partnership - their first Xmas show together was Julian’s The Ghost of The Old Rep, for Eastern Angles Theatre Co. We are also delighted to welcome, in her first Common Ground show, Holmes and Watson faces their stiffest challenge yet, in the shape of the Hooded Lance, their newest and deadliest adversary, who is hell bent on spoiling everyone’s Christmas and being really annoying!

Can our intrepid duo save the festive season from the clutches of this dastardly demon. Can they cook his goose, or will he crush their baubles and make prize turkeys of them?”

Created by writing team Pat Whymark and Julian Harries, best known for their hugely successful Christmas shows for Eastern Angles Theatre Company (including last year’s smash hit, Stoat Hall) and for their own company, Common Ground.

Sherlock Holmes and the Hooded Lance will be at The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge on Friday 15th December at 7.30pm and Saturday 16th December at 4.00pm and 7.30pm. To book tickets call 07928 765153 or visit www.commongroundtc.co.uk

Christmas Concert

The Woodbridge Choral Society will present its annual ever-popular Christmas season concert at 7.30pm on Saturday evening 7th December 2017, in St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge.

With more than 100 experienced singers, the 130 year-old choir is one of the most highly-regarded performing arts organisations in the Suffolk Coastal area.

The programme will feature Franz Joseph Haydn’s masterpiece, The Creation.

Robert Gardiner will be featured as the tenor soloist and Charlotte Trepass will be the soprano soloist. The WCS Players will be led by Jessie Ridley.

The Choral Society’s Musical Director Andrew Leach will conduct the concert.

Tickets are on sale at £12, with a £7 price for students. They can be ordered by calling the Choral Society’s Honorary Treasurer, Richard Lyon at 01473 620 775; or by emailing him at treasurer@woodbridgechoralsociety.org.

Tickets can also be purchased from Browsers Bookshop on the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge, or through any member of the choir.

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

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New Range of Cakes & Bread Tasting Event on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December at e Bakehouse from 9.30am to 2pm including exciting new Christmas range

Free pack of Mince Pies with purchases £5 and over Come and join in the festivities including mulled wine 21 NEW STREET • WOODBRIDGE 25

Every Monday

Carpet Bowls, Tuddenham St Martin Village Hall, 6.30pm, New members welcome - come and try to see if you like it, only £1 per session. For more details contact Ray 01473 610067 Beginners Ballroom and Latin Class, Kesgrave High School, Main Road, Kesgrave, 7pm, Tel: Sharon (AISTD) 07946 347167 Graham (AISTD) 07790 230651, All levels welcome, No partner necessary, £5 Body Moves & Dance Class, with Linda, St James Catholic Church Hall, 482 Landseer Rd, Ipswich, 7.45pm - 9.15pm, A Fun & Friendly class, try a free taster session for more info Call Linda 01394 273033 Badminton, Sidegate Lane Community Centre Ipswich 7.30pm -10pm £2.50 per session new members welcome for info contact Ann 01473 726423 Pilates, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 1.45pm - 2.45pm, £5 per class, New members welcome. For further details contact 07763 456078.

Badminton, Handford Hall School, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 7.15pm - 9.30pm, experienced players and beginners always very welcome, for a free taster session or more information please contact Adrian on 01473 464920 Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, from 1pm. Beginners always welcome. Tel: 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com

Every Tuesday

Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 10pm, £2.50 per session, New members welcome.

For more details contact Tony Crane 01473 410740.

Table Tennis. All standards and ages 7.30pm to 9pm, Lindsey Village Hall (next to the church), Lindsey (near Hadleigh), IP7 6PP, £2, further information 07768 828362 Art Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072 Co-op Ladies Choir meet at The Co-op Education Centre from 2.15pm to 3.30pm, Come and join this busy choir, performing on average 15 times a year, A friendly group, who enjoy singing to a high standard, If you would like to join us please contact Lynn Scannell 01473 710820 Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this long established & friendly group of singers, No auditions. Call 01473 879817 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 Memory Lane Cafe for people living with dementia, including carers, cared for and bereaved. 11am - 3pm - £1 entrance fee - light lunches and activities available - The Rosary Club, Bramford Road, Ipswich Tel 07795 587425 for more info

Every Wednesday

11th Ipswich Wednesday Cubs, Chesterfield Drive Scout HQ, every Wednesday, during term time, 6.30pm to 8pm, For boys and girls from seven and a half to ten and a half years, Join for fun, friends, outdoor adventure, camps and visits, Call Mary on 07821 979509 for further information, Ipswich Croquet Club, Fynn Valley Golf Club, from 1pm. Beginners always welcome. Tel: 01394 671642 or fran@franrousham.plus.com New Beginners Dance Classes at Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, IP4 4HZ, from 7-8pm.

There is an 8-10pm class is for Improvers. £3.00pp members. 01473 422427.

Creative Writing Group, Arlington’s Brasserie, 13 Museum St, Ipswich IP1 1HE, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, First session free, for further information ring Mai on 01473 711639 or go to suffolkwritersgroup.com Co-op Singers meet every Wednesday in term time from 7.30pm to 9pm, Co-op Education Centre Fore Street Ipswich.

Car parking is available - entrance from Waterworks St. New members welcome, no auditions, For further information telephone Margie 01473 727829 or Julie 07986261503.

26

Art & Craft Group, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, all welcome, for details phone 07443 630072

Every Thursday

Body Moves Dance Class with Linda, Girl Guiding Building, Garrison Lane, Felixstowe, 7.30pm - 9pm, A fun & friendly class try a Free Taster Session for more info call Linda 01394 273033 Cafechat, The Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queens Way, Ipswich, 10.30am -12pm, A free drop in group for the elderly. For more info 01473 710721 Yoga, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 10am - 11am, £3.30 per class, New members welcome, For more details contact 01473 727796 Art Group, Harkstead Village Hall, Harkstead, 10am – 12pm, all welcolme, 01473 787633 Carpet Bowls, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich, 2pm – 4.15pm, £2.80 includes tea & Biscuits, for further information telephone 01473 725274, Woodbridge Country Market, Woodbridge Community Hall, next to Deben Pool, 10am - 11.15am, Local Home Produced Food, Plants, Vegetables and Hand made crafts for sale, Comfortable tea room to meet your friends, Open to all Free Entry.

Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Douncy Lane, Ipswich, 10.15am - 11.30am, Lots of home baked and handcrafted items available as well as Coffee and Chat: informal coffee morning with activities, 10am – 12pm, All Saints Church Hall Blenheim Road, Ipswich

Every Friday

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

Every Saturday

The Lion’s Club of Felixstowe Car Boot Sale, Sunday Market site, Sea Road, Felixstowe, 8am – 1pm, Free entry to the public, Car boot pitches £6 for up to 3 tables Volleyball with Ipswich Ravens, St Alban’s School, Ipswich, 2pm - 4pm, Beginners or experienced, adults (£6) and juniors age 13 upwards (£3), Call or text Steve 07584 636669 Free Volleyball with Ipswich Ravens, 2pm - 4pm in Christchurch Park, Beginners or experienced, adults and juniors age 9 upwards, Call or text Steve 07584 636669 Saturday Story Time, Woodbridge Library at 10.30am.

For 2-5 year olds. Drop-in sessions. Free!

Every Sunday

Frog Squad Sunday Kids Club, Salvation Army Bramford Road, 11.30am to 12.15pm, all children from 3 to 12 very welcome for stories singing and games

23rd Nov-27th Jan 18

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto: Red Riding Hood at The New Wolsey Theatre. Box office 01473 295900 or www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Fri 1st & Sat 2nd Dec

Late Night Shopping. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Open Until 8pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Fri 1st - Sun 3rd Dec

Visit Father Christmas, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Friday 5-7pm. Saturday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm.

Sunday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

EVENTS

guide

Fri 1st Dec

175 Years of Ipswich Dock Life. A look into Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Image Archive with Stuart Grimwade.

A Festive evening onboard SB Victor at 7.30pm. Tickets from Tourist Information Centre 01473 258070.

Talk: Airships …Technological dead-end…. or the Future? In the early 20th Century the future of aviation seemed to belong to airships, could they make a comeback? The Community Centre, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Heath IP12 4PB. Starts at 7.30pm. Entry £3 for members, £4 for non-members.

Sat 2nd-Sun 3rd Dec

Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Farmyard & Craft Fair.

Suffolk Punch Trust, Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Woodbridge, 10.30am - 4.00pm.

Farmer Christmas, Baylham Rare Breeds Farm from 10am.

Sat 2nd Dec

Winter Wonderland. St Mary’s Church, Walton, 7.30pm. Winter themed melodies light choral and traditional song – Felixstowe Harmonies and guests. .

Tickets £12, Box office 07954 465430.

Pop Chorus Christmas Concert at St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Lower Somersham, 7.30pm. £7.50 inc refreshments. Call 01473 830710 or 01473 830068 Felixstowe Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on, Felixstowe Town Centre all day, lights on at 5pm.

Festive Concert by the Woodbridge School Chamber Orchestra at Woodbridge Library, 7.30pm. £8 (students £4) includes interval drink and mince pie. Tickets from the Library or calling 01394 446510.

Christmas Bazaar. Seaton Road Methodist Church, Felixstowe, 2 till 4pm. Lots of stalls plus Father Christmas maybe dropping in.

Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, 10.00am-Noon.

Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto, Long Shop Museum, Leiston.

Winter Wonderland, winter themed melodies, light choral and traditional songs. with Felixstowe Harmonies and guests. St Mary’s Church, Walton, 7.30pm. Tickets £12, 07954 465430 Silbury Hill (folk music), Sweffling White Horse, 8.00pm, entry free.

Sun 3rd Dec

Santa Special, Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Brockford.

Booking essential see www.mslr.org.uk The Christmas Cracker, a day of Christmas Celebrations at Ipswich Transport Museum Gippeswyk Singers Celebrate Christmas. St Mary’s Church, Hall Farm Road, Great Bealings, 7.30pm.

Mon 4th Dec

Christmas Memories with Neil Sands and his brilliant West End cast are back with their 2017 Christmas production which has been described as “like a sparkly Christmas card come to life”. Corn Exchange, Ipswich.

Box office 01473 433100

Tue 5th-Sat 9th Dec

Charity Christmas Tree Festival. The Salvation Army, Cobbold Road. Also stalls and refreshments. (Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Tues 5th Dec

VMCC Club Night, Ipswich School Sports Centre, IP5 1DE, 8pm. Interested in motorcycles over 25 years? of age then come along – www.ipswich-vmcc.co.uk

Wed 6th Dec

Christmas Craft & Gift Fayre. Fynn Valley Golf Club Witnesham. A wide variety of stalls, including cheeses, pies, handbags jewellery, handmade cards and artwork, ceramic picture tiles, candles in tea cups etc. Free Parking Refreshments available all evening. Entry £2.50 includes a glass of mulled wine. iao EACH. 6pm - 9pm

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

Carols For All. Salvation Army, Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, 7pm (doors open 6pm).Admission by ticket, £5 from Milpets, 3 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket.

Thurs 14th Dec

Visit Father Christmas, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Friday 5-7pm. Saturday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm.

Sunday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Monthly Meeting Suffolk Family History Society, General History and Family History Quiz . The Co-Op Education Centre,11 Fore St, Ipswich at 7.15 p.m. (earlier this month due to Christmas). Members £2, non member £2.50. Call Howard for more info, 01473 274300.

Otley House Christmas Tour, Otley Hall, Hall Lane, Otley, 6.30pm. A popular way to start the festive celebrations followed by mulled wine and nibbles in the Great Hall, lit by candle light and roaring log fires. See www.otleyhall.co.uk Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting. Christmas Social Evening with ‘bring and share’ finger buffet plus ‘Extremadura and Corfu’, an illustrated talk by Chris Courtney, former Ipswich Group Leader. Rushmere St Andrew Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere, Ipswich, IP5 1DH. 7.30pm. Admission: Local Group members £2.20 (conc apply), Non-Members £4.00, Juniors £1.00. All welcome.

Fri 8th Dec

Fri 15th & Sat 16th Dec

Thurs 7th- Sun 31st Dec

The Elves, Red Rose Chain’s Christmas offering at The Avenue Theatre. Box office 01473 603388.

Fri 8th & Sat 9th Dec

Late Night Shopping. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Open Until 8pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Fri 8th - Sun 10th Dec

Only Fools & Horses Comedy Dinner Evening, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. To book a table go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111 Felixstowe Late Night Christmas Shopping throughout the Town Centre A Christmas Cracker, presented by The R100 Musical Theatre Choir. The Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge, 7.30pm. Box office 01394 382174 Sleeping Beauty at Felixstowe Library 7pm. Enjoy a recording of Matthew Bourne’s ballet. Tickets £8, under 18’s £7.50. Pre-booking essential. 01394 694880.

Silbury Hill (folk music), Black Horse, Stratford St Mary, 8.00pm, entry free.

Sat 9th & 10th Dec

Santa Special, Mid Suffolk Light Railway. Take the train to meet Santa. Booking essential see www.mslr.org.uk

Sat 9th Dec

Pop-up Craft and Gift Shop, Gallery 2, The Town Hall Ipswich. 10am-4pm. Free entry, lots of handmade gifts.

Xmas Concert with the Belstead Singers at Halifax Primary School, Prince of Wales Drive, Ipswich. Adults £4, children £1.50 from 01473 410210 A Christmas Cracker, presented by The R100 Musical Theatre Choir. Lots of Christmas favourites at The Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge, 3pm & 7.30pm. Box office 01394 382174 Henley Christmas Fayre, Henley Community Centre, Ashbocking Rd, 10am-3.30pm. Loads of stalls, refreshments & bar. Free admission.

Monthly Jumble Sale, 24th Ipswich Scout Group HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside Railway Bridge), 1pm-3pm . Come and bag a bargain.

Dorian Singers Christmas Concert, Felixstowe United Reformed Church, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Tickets £10, 01394 274395

Sun 10th Dec

Concert: Messiah, Handel’s masterwork performed by candlelight at St. Mary-le-Tower Church, Ipswich, IP1 3BE. Tickets £15. For more information contact: stmaryletower@hotmail.com or 01473 225610 Christmas Tree Service, Felixstowe United Reformed Church, Tomline Road at 3pm. Bring a gift to put under the tree. All welcome. Admission free

Wed 13th-Sun 17th Dec

The Borrowers. The perfect festive treat for all the family, based on the much loved book. DanceEast, Ipswich Waterfront, more info www.danceast.co.uk

Wed 13th Dec

Wild Tots for 1 – 5 year olds and their carers. Outdoor play led by Forest School leader. Foxburrow Farm, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton, 10.30am-12noon. Child £4, adults free. Book: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/

Late Night Shopping. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Open Until 8pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Fri 15th - Sun 17th Dec

EVENTS

guide

Christchurch Park Ipswich. Meet at 10.00am at Soane Street entrance. Approx 2 hrs. Map ref TM165448.

Contact 01473 714839. All welcome.

Wed 20th -Sat 23rd Dec

Felixstowe Ice Rink, synthetic rink at Great Eastern Square, 11am-7pm. Admission free (including free skating).

Wed 20th Dec

Aladdin. at Fynn Valley Golf Club, 6-9pm, adults £10, members £8, children £5 call 01473 785267 to book.

Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd Dec

Late Night Shopping. Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Open Until 8pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Fri 22nd - Sun 24th Dec

Visit Father Christmas, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Friday 5-7pm. Saturday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm.

Sunday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Fri 22nd Dec

Felixstowe Late Night Christmas throughout the Town Centre

Visit Father Christmas, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. Friday 5-7pm. Saturday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm.

Sunday 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm. For more information go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111

Sat 23rd Dec

Fri 15th Dec

Sun 24th Dec

Felixstowe Late Night Christmas Shopping throughout the Town Centre Folk on a Boat, on the Sailing Barge Victor with Elly Tree. Starts 8.00pm. £15.00 including hot supper.

Tickets at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01473 258070, info from www.sbvictor.co.uk.

Sat 16th-Sun 13th Dec

Jack & The Beanstalk, Star-studded panto at Ipswich Regent. 01473 433100

Sat 16th & 17th Dec

Santa Special, Mid Suffolk Light Railway. Take the train to meet Santa. Booking essential see www.mslr.org.uk

Sat 16th Dec

Christmas at Landguard Fort.Felixstowe’s BIG festive family treat! Visit Santa, plus craft stalls and music.

12-7pm.

Only Fools & Horses Comedy Dinner Evening, Stonham Barns Leisure and Shopping Village, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT. For more information or to book a table go to www.stonhambarns.co.uk or call 01449 711111 Alice in Wonderland, Woodbridge Library, 7.30pm.

Performed by Librarian Theatre a touring theatre company. The play is a modern re-imagining portraying the well-known characters but does not shy away from the darker sides of the story. Tickets £7.50, £4 for students (aged 12+) from the Library or on 01394 446510 Christmas Extravaganza, North West Ipswich Big Local Trust, Castle Hill Community Centre. 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

Father Christmas, Punch and Judy, Choir, Raffle, craft stalls and more. Free entry Father Christmas arrives by Thames Barge at Snape Maltings, 12.30pm, followed by the opportunity for children to meet him in the House & Garden shop.

Tues 19th Dec

VMCC Club Night, Ipswich School Sports Centre, IP5 1DE, 8pm. Interested in motorcycles over 25 years of age? then come along – www.ipswich-vmcc.co.uk Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round

Shopping -

Christmas Farmers’ Market, Snape Maltings, 9.30am – 1.30pm Crib Service with Nativity Play, St. John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, 4pm. Dramatic telling of the Christmas story suitable for all ages - but particularly children.

Mon 25th Dec

St. Elizabeth Hospice: Christmas Day Dip. Are you brave enough to join the early morning dip on Christmas Day? At 10am will take part in the annual Christmas Day Dip.

Wed 27th Dec

Martlesham Heath Airfield History Guided Walk, walk off all the Turkey and Plum Pudding!!! Starts 1.30pm, duration about an hour. Meet at The Control Tower, Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX. No need to book. Walk is FREE but donations to Museum Funds welcome.

Thurs 28th Dec

Turkey Buster Guided Walk, starts Tourist Information Centre at St Stephen’s Church, St Stephens Church 10.30am. Join the popular ‘Turkey Buster’ walk to work off some of those extra calories. Must be booked in advance. Call 01473 258070 for contact details.

Sat 30th Dec-Tues 2nd Jan 2018

Hairspray, By the CTC, performing the ultimate swinging 60s musical, Apex, Bury St Edmunds www.theapex.co.uk

Sat 30th Dec

Copdock Medals & Militaria Fair, 10am-2pm, (early entry before 10am £5). Admission £3, under 14s Free.

Copdock Community Hall, Old London Rd Copdock.

Info 07810 311977 or 07749 764937

COPY DEADLINE FOR JANUARY

Friday 8th December

Email: info@ipswich24.co.uk

27

*Submissions listed subject to space availability.

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

Christmas at When two neighbouring Stonham Aspal farmers joined forces in the mid-1970s to set up a pick your own business on their fields, they could hardly have imagined the legacy they would leave behind.

Stonham Barns in 2017 is almost unrecognisable from these low key beginnings. Now a modern and blossoming shopping and holiday destination there is virtually nothing that the venue does not have covered.

Stonham Barns is unique in its mixture of tourist attractions, facilities and events combined with a range high quality holiday accommodation and bespoke, boutique shops.

Whether they are day-trippers arriving on one of the coach loads from around the country or holidaymakers staying on the campsite, in their caravan or in a holiday lodge on site, guests at the Constable Country destination have never been so well served.

There is everything from golf, fishing, the world renowned conservation charity the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, a Vauxhall car museum and the Teapot Pottery which sells its creations in shops such as Harrod’s and Macy’s. Kids can burn off the calories on the bouncy pillow and on the vintage train and tractors while families can browse the gift shops stocking everything from antiques and collectables to aquatic life and ceramics.

Stone Rose Crystals Crystals Rocks Minerals Open 7 days a week

Gemstone Gifts & Jewellery stonerosecrystals@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk IP14 6AT 28

Stonham Barns also hosts regular shows and events throughout the year from car and truck shows, to battle re-enactments, music shows, children’s festivals, a falconry fair, steam show and the ever popular East Anglia Potato Day, kicking off 2018’s events next February.

The current owner, Alan Forward, who bought the venue in 2011, is the driving force behind the new-look Stonham Barns with new family attractions due to open next year.

He explains what lies behind the site’s rising profile on the Suffolk tourist scene, “We do everything we can to look after our guests and make sure they have a superb day out with us. We have really pushed ahead with redeveloping the site to be in harmony with its surroundings and make sure we can offer everyone who visits a great day out.”

Alan places great emphasis on Stonham Barns being at the heart of the community and reflective of the venue’s history – not only does he sponsor three local football teams, the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Parkinson’s UK - but many of the original barns and buildings from the original pick your own venture have been revamped as part of the modern day complex.

Alan adds “One of the best things is the fantastic feedback we get from guests who haven’t been before or who last visited some years ago – that is what drives us on to make Stonham Barns bigger and better. We have great plans for 2018 – watch this space!”

Discover natural beauty at Stone Rose Crystals Stone Rose Crystals at Stonham Barns near Ipswich and Stowmarket in Suffolk is a haven for crystal collectors and enthusiasts of all ages.

A delight for young collectors there are plenty of bright tumblestones, ‘crack your own’ geodes, colourful mineral specimens, sparkly clusters, and a good selection of fossils.

For holistic healing and meditation there are wands, pendulums, skulls, palm stones, and a massive range of stones both polished and rough to suit your preference. Plus they also stock CDs, incense and candles.

There’s a vast array of hard to find, rare and mega-rare stones, specimens and clusters as well as eggs, spheres and large display pieces.

For gift hunters a super display of carved animals, angels, agate slices and bookends, pendants, bracelets, tea light holders and Himalayan salt lamps.

This is truly an Aladdin’s cave of a shop, full to the brim with all sorts of crystal goodies so if you love crystals this is the place to come!

Stone Rose Crystals is open seven days a week and can be found at Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, IP14 6AT.

Christmas at

Late Night Shopping at Stonham Barns Due to the success of last year’s late night shopping evenings at Stonham Barns they are hosting them again this year. If you like to leave your Christmas shopping until December then this is an ideal opportunity to come along and buy that perfect gift for your family and friends.

The shops will be open until 8pm every Friday in December until Christmas giving you the opportunity to wonder around a bit longer than usual. At Stonham Barns you will find a great choice which include furniture, treasured toy shop, tea pot pottery and

ceramic painting, crystals, beautiful antiques, jewellery, aquatics and reptiles, vintage items, hairdressers, spa bath and beauty products, Bellflower Garden Centre, clothing, restaurant and much more.

Once you have done your shopping you might like to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

There is plenty of free parking on site, giving you lots of room to park your sleigh to fill up with all of your gifts.

A visit to Stonham Barns this December will provide you with lots of festive ideas to make your Christmas extra special.

Christmas Party is a must for Fools & Horses fans!

On Friday 8th and Saturday 16th December Stonham Barns are hosting The Only Fools & Horses Comedy Dinner Show where you will be served a three course dinner and enjoy interactive entertainment where the audience dine in Del Boy’s very own restaurant.

The show starts at 7.30pm in the bar and you sit down for dinner at 8pm.

During dinner you will be entertained with all of your favourite bits from the classic sitcom. There’s everything from BATMAN and ROBIN to BLOW UP DOLLS, from HOOKY GOODS to club singer, TONY ANGELINO’s infamous performance of ‘Crying’. DEL BOY’s up to his old tricks, RODNEY’s on the run from DAMIEN, TRIGGER’s lost his broom and UNCLE ALBERT’s desperate to sing his sea shanty.

Classic comedy chaos as only the Trotters could serve up. You know it makes sense! Lovely Jubbly!

Advance tickets only - £35 per person. To book your ticket, view menu or for more information visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk or telephone the Stonham Barns events office on 01449 711 111.

All your Christmas needs, from Christmas Trees to Lights, Decorations and Gift Ideas

Visit Father Christmas at Stonham

This year when you visit Stonham Barns you will find Father Christmas with his reindeer in his grotto at the Bellflower Garden Centre. He will be welcoming you and your children every Friday from 5pm until 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 12pm and 2pm until 4pm in December until Christmas.

Come along bring the children and receive a special gift from Father Christmas for only £2.50 per child, whilst you are here say hello to the Rudolph and Dancer. Then visit the many other attractions and maybe stop for a drink or bite to eat at the bistro.

Come for the day and get in the Christmas mood by visiting Father Christmas with your family.

For more information visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

at Stonham

Barns

EVERY FRIDAY IN DECEMBER UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Open until 8pm Spend a leisurely evening browsing the many independent shops before stopping off for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Visit Father Christmas EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY IN DECEMBER UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Fri 5-7pm. Sat 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm.

Sun 10am-12 noon & 2-4pm

IN THE BELLFLOWER GARDEN CENTRE

• Garden & Indoor Plants Bellflower Garden Centre Ltd, Stonham Barns, • Garden Products Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, IP14 6AT • Animal & Pet Feeds Tel: 01449 711 103

0 £2.5 child

per and receive t special gif

Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT

www.stonhambarns.co.uk 29

Christmas concern as Pester Power of 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

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.

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.

Benefits of a raw diet

Recent research has revealed two thirds of our dogs suffer from some sort of health issue such as allergies, dental or stomach problems.

Bad breath is the most common problem (26%) and over 20% admit their dog is overweight. Despite this, over 60% of owners aren’t aware that poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of health issues such as these, which can be vastly improved by changing to a raw diet.

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,

Of the owners surveyed, the research has also revealed a lack of understanding of what really goes into our dogs’ food. Almost a quarter (23%) of dog owners admit to paying little or no attention to what’s on the label of the current dog food they purchase and over 10% say they don’t really know what’s healthy or nutritious for their furry friend. Interestingly, men (32%) are less likely to check the label on their dog food versus women (36%) and similarly women (29%) are more aware of what’s healthy for their dog compared to their male counterparts (27%).

Raw feeding aims to give dogs a diet appropriate to their digestive system and as close as possible to what they might have eaten as wild animals. It has been shown on countless occasions to make an extraordinary difference to a pet’s health and wellbeing.

Craig Taylor, Managing Director of Natures Menu, said, “As a nation, we all care so much about our furry friends and this should extend to what we’re feeding them too. Standard dog food often may seem like it’s the best for your pet, but on closer inspection many contain ingredients such as sugars, meat meals and meat derivatives that just aren’t as healthy or nutritious.

“Raw feeding not only has its benefits in terms of nourishment and easy digestion, but has also been shown to help alleviate a number of health issues, such as chronic skin and digestive problems. If your dog is suffering from any sort of health issue, we always recommend speaking to your vet for advice but switching to raw could really make a world of difference.”

There are a number of factors that point towards a health problem in dogs. Here are the ones to look out for which could indicate an underlying issue, all of which are often easily alleviated by a change in diet:

Handmade Treats For Your Dog

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

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

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1. Bad breath 2. Poor digestion 3. Dull fur, dry or itchy skin 4. Change in activity levels or behaviour 5. Lack of appetite TV Wildlife Expert Chris Packham, who feeds his poodle Scratchy raw, said: “I’ve seen a massive difference in Scratchy since switching to a raw diet. He has so much more energy and the condition of his coat and teeth have improved massively. I would really encourage people to check what they’re feeding their dog and take note of any health issues they might be experiencing - I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a raw diet to any fellow dog owner.” www.naturesmenu.co.uk

n Bag to basics to stamp out dog poo problems With 8.5 million dogs in the UK, it’s safe to say we are a nation of dog lovers, but a recent survey

by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and Keep Britain Tidy reveals that as many as 1.1 million dog owners could be bagging but not binning their dog’s poo.

The survey uncovered that 13% of dog owners have admitted to doing the unpleasant task of bagging their dog’s poo, but not going the final step to put it in the bin. Of those owners 54% cited a lack of available bins on their daily walks as the reason for not disposing of their dog’s bagged mess, while 30% said it was because the bins they encountered were too full. 52% of people surveyed said they had seen people leave bagged dog poo on the fence or in a bush and around half of people surveyed admitted that seeing bagged dog poo left behind made them feel extremely annoyed.

To help tackle the problem and remind people that any bin can be used to dispose of dog waste, Dogs

Trust has teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy to launch an initiative which creates unique dog walking routes via bins, using stickers, route

local authorities will adopt the scheme and encourage dog owners not to leave their bagged dog poo behind.

Lee Paris, Campaigns Officer at Dogs Trust says, “It’s shocking that while the majority of dog owners are responsible when it comes to picking up after their pooch, many will go to the trouble of bagging their dog poo but not binning it. We are delighted that we have been able to work with Keep Britain Tidy on this pilot scheme, introducing dog walking routes via bins. It has been such a big success and I hope this will encourage more people to bag and bin their dog’s poo. There’s a huge misconception that only dedicated dog bins are allowed but any public bin can be used to dispose of dog mess – it’s so easy, there really should be no excuse!”

markers and maps to guide dog owners to their nearest available bin. The brand new scheme has been rolled out to parks in six dog fouling hotspots in the UK. There was an overall 38% uplift in the number of people bagging and binning their dog’s poo following the two month pilot programme.

The charities now hope that more

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

Playtime is important for our furry friends as it provides mental and physical stimulation. Our pets love toys as much as children do, but when thinking about a suitable gift for this special time of year, there are a few things you need to consider: A toy designed for a child maybe not suitable for a pet. ‘Human’ toys often come with potential choking hazards for pets. Dogs are usually tougher on their toys than children, so their toys have reinforced seams. Dog chews can be made of a digestible material and must be devoid of any foreign objects, such as string, that can cause injury and illness.

Cats love to play with ribbon or wool, but this much-loved game can quickly take a turn for the worse. The string may tangle around your cat or get caught and pose a choking hazard. Never leave your cat unattended when playing with these.

No toy is indestructible, so to make them last rotate weekly and keep a variety of toys available to your pet.

For help and advice when choosing the right toy for your pet this Christmas, speak to your local pet shop. Pets Place offers a fantastic range of supplies for all your pet’s needs. It’s always nice to treat your dog to a groom for Christmas, but remember to make an appointment. The Grooming Lounge at Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Stowmarket gets booked up early, so don’t delay.

31

n 5 ways to Save Energy (and Money) this Christmas We all love Christmas but how many of us ever stop to consider how much waste we produce over the festive season, and, how much energy we waste whilst we’re at home – or away?

ItDoesTheJob.com, specialists in low energy living have come up with some simple ideas to help rethink the way we approach Christmas and help reduce our costs. When you read these ideas you’ll see how simple, sensible and natural they are and wonder why you don’t practice them throughout the year. So now’s your chance to start making a difference - AND save money while you’re enjoying yourself!

1. Staying at home for Christmas - Turning your thermostat down by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bills by up to 10% giving an average saving of £60 a year - according to the Energy Saving Trust.

- Turn lights off when you leave a room - Switch electrical appliances off standby when you’ve finished with them and only charge laptops and mobiles when you need to 2. Cooking and entertaining - Buy locally (turkey/vegetables) to reduce food miles and carbon emissions

- When cooking sprouts keep the pan lid on – it can reduce boiling time and energy consumption by 10% - Defrost food overnight rather than using the microwave

3. Gift buying - Give an hour of your time – rather than a gift.

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4. Festive decorations - Choose a sustainably sourced Christmas tree – ideally a potted one. After Christmas carefully move it outside to grow and use it again the following year - Use newspapers/magazines/junk mail to make colourful chains and decorative shapes - Make tree decorations from corks, citrus peel and colourful sweet wrappings - Create your own ‘living’ table centrepiece (see picture). Here’s how: www.itdoesthejob.com/tablecentrepiece-sustainable-christmas-decorations 5. Visiting family or friends - Turn your heating and hot water down while you’re away - Bring dishes to help with entertaining rather than a gift they might not use - Use a car sharing website – split the travel costs and cut down on carbon footprint And we’ve got plenty more ideas to help reduce the cost of your Christmas! Check out lots more inspiring and money saving ideas at www.itdoesthejob.com

#December #TinsellyTunes #SeasonalSongs Hard to believe we are here at the final month of yet another year - time is whizzing by way too fast and everybody seems to be saying that now! This year has seen its fair share of loss, changes and adjustments and everyone will have their own reflections and memories as 2017 draws to a close.

But the holiday season, overly commercial though it has now become, brings with it lots of great nostalgic music from eras gone by.

I can’t imagine December without turning on the radio and hearing Noddy Holder, Roy Wood and the late lamented Les Gray or rather Slade, Wizzard and Mud respectively – their Christmas songs have proved timeless, along with many others - Bing Crosby, Boney M, Elton John, Carpenters, Elvis, even the Goodies and the Wombles, so many more too. We are certainly not short of any Christmas songs but one in particular stands out for me this year.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in Liverpool for the day and decided to go on the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. Very informative and most interesting to see where these guys grew up and the houses they lived in. Such normal everyday homes (nobody had a cleaner in those days, haha!) and I took pictures of John, Paul and George’s houses.

We could only see John’s house from the top of the bus but it was the one that was the most poignant for me. A Christmas song with an anti-war message that never fails to make me stop and think. So here are Lennon’s words from 1972 that are just as meaningful now.

So this is Christmas And what have you done?

Another year over And a new one just begun

A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear

And so this is Christmas I hope you have fun The near and the dear ones The old and the young

And so this is Christmas And what have we done?

Another year over And a new one just begun

A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear

And so this is Christmas I hope you have fun The near and the dear one The old and the young

And so this is Christmas For weak and for strong For rich and the poor one The world is so wrong

A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear

And so happy Christmas For black and for white For yellow and red ones Let’s stop all the fight

War is over If you want it War is over Now

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n Over 75s urged to claim FREE TV Licence

As winter approaches, TV Licensing and Volunteering Matters are encouraging people in Suffolk to volunteer their time by joining a social group, mentor programme, or sparing an hour each week to form a friendship over a shared interest.

Cody Want, spokesperson for TV Licensing South East and London said, “Over 75s consume more TV each day than any other age group, so the weekly TV schedule can provide a great opportunity for volunteers to share their favourite

regular programme in the company of an older person, particularly as winter draws in and great TV seasons begin. Volunteering Matters can help by matching up people wanting to help another person tackle loneliness and social isolation.

“Anyone aged 75 can claim a free TV Licence for their main address and over 45,000 people in Suffolk and four million people across the UK, already enjoy the benefits of the concession.”

Oonagh Aitken, Volunteering Matters Chief Executive said, “The fact that TV Licenses are

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free for people over 75 is a great help to many.

Applying for one is easy to do and TV Licensing can help you apply over the phone” Anyone 75 or older can apply for a TV Licence online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/over75info or call 0300 790 6073 for help with the application.

The free licence is not granted automatically so anybody who becomes eligible needs to make sure they apply. If you live with someone aged over 75, their free licence will cover all viewing in the property.

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Christmas Guest Survival Guide This Christmas, homes up and down the land will fling their doors open and welcome a multitude of friends and family.

Inevitably, this can test festive cheer and challenge the notion of peace on earth and goodwill to all men.

But fear not! Here is a simple house guest survival guide to keep the true Christmas spirit alive.

Having a house full of guests over the Christmas period can be stressful.

Subsequently, many dread the festive season instead of looking forward to what should be a special time of the year shared with family and friends.

Planning ahead can make Christmas visits a really festive affair for everyone.

Having family and friends to stay over the Christmas period should be a real pleasure, and guests should be made to feel very welcome. However it’s important to have a good strategy to ensure that goodwill prevails.

Christmas Guest Survival Guide Festive Tips: 1. Confirm visitor dates and number of guests well in advance to avoid a last-minute panic.

2. It is essential to ensure that guest departure dates are quite specific. Do not give your visitors any opportunity to outstay their welcome!

3. Decide well ahead of time where is the best place in your home to accommodate your extra guests.

4. Clear any clutter from the room and make space for your guest’s belongings in a wardrobe or drawer.

5. Check any special dietary requirements with your guests.

6. Prepare a shopping list and avoid the Christmas rush by placing any orders well in advance.

7. Remember, it’s your Christmas too and for you to remain the angelic host throughout the festive season a few ground rules are required.

8. Always ask for help with the cooking and washing up. There is no point in crashing around in the kitchen feeling resentful because nobody offered to assist.

9. Head for bed if you’re feeling tired! An exhausted, cranky host will put everyone on edge.

10. Try to stick roughly to your normal routine.

11. Insist that basic house rules are followed such as wiping feet, playing music at a tolerable volume and definitely no Christmas carols after 10pm regardless of how much mulled wine has been consumed.

12. Don’t offer non-stop entertainment. You are the host, not the headline act.

13. If it’s time for your guests to leave, do not be afraid to say so.

14. Most of all, sit back, relax and share this wonderful time of the year with your loved ones.

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The most loved Gadgets The iPhone is officially the greatest gadget of the last 80 years, according to a nationwide study.

Researchers polled Britons of all generations and asked them to vote the inventions (big and small) that they could not have lived without, with the iPhone - created by Apple and English designer Jonathan Ive, proving the most popular for both young and old, according to 56 percent of the nation.

Second in the definitive list came the Microwave (53 percent), built

by Percy Spencer using radar technology from WWII in 1946 which became hugely popular in the 1980s when the microwave sparked a convenience, ready meal revolution.

The colour TV emerged as third in the list (52 percent), with BBC2 broadcasting its first colour pictures from the Wimbledon tennis championships - presented by David Vine in 1967.

By mid-1968, nearly every BBC2 programme was in colour however

TOP 20 MOST LOVED TECH

OF THE LAST 80 YEARS ACCORDING TO BRITONS 1. iPhone (2007) 2. Microwave (1983) 3. Colour TV (1968) 4. Refrigerator (1959) 5. Washing Machine (1960) 6. iPad (2010)

it wasn’t until 1976 that colour TVs outnumbered their black and white rivals due to the high price of the early colour sets.

The refrigerator, which first became popular in the late 50s and changed the way we shopped as a nation, came fourth and the washing machine came fifth.The research of 2,000 Britons was conducted by Currys PC World to mark 80 years since Charles Kalms opened the first ever Dixons store in Southend on Sea, Essex in October 1937.

Technology historian Seren Evans Charrington who was also involved in the research said, “As technology is constantly developing to benefit our daily lifestyle, it’s interesting to look back over the years and see how products have evolved and what has stuck around through the decades.

“Eighty years ago, cameras were items you would buy specifically to capture your memories, then

you’d have to wait weeks for your local chemist to develop the film – 20 years later and this was revolutionised by Polaroid cameras.

“Now fast forward to today and the majority of us simply get out our phone to take a quick snap.”

The research also revealed the most loved tech by decade with the clock radio (40s), the black and white TV (50s), the electric washing machine (60s), the colour TV (70s), the microwave (80s), the Play Station (90s) and the iPhone (2000s) being the most popular.

The 90s was the most influential decade for technology according to 33 percent of those polled, while a further 30 percent thought the 2000s were the most important.

According to the data the average Brit spends £858 a year on domestic tech and gadgets for their home, with people from Birmingham spending the most - £973.

7. DVD Player (1997) 8. Computer Modem (1958) 9. Electric vacuum cleaner (1969) 10. Sony Playstation (1995) 11. iPod (2001) 12. Plasma TV (1997) 13. Compact Disk (1976)

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19. Smoke detector (1968) 20. Apple 2 PC (1977)

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Perfect Friday Nights Heating on, curtains drawn, a Chinese takeaway and two episodes of a Netflix series have been revealed as elements of the perfect Friday night, according to Britons.

Researchers carried out a nationwide poll to reveal the ingredients for the ultimate Friday evening- and discovered 83 percent of us will be locking the doors and staying in on a Friday night rather than venturing out to be sociable.

Eight in ten of the adults polled said they are glad the winter is here as it is an excuse to stay in – with curtains drawn (62 percent), a tidy house (60 percent) and dishes washed up and put away (52 percent) all tasks which must be completed before total relaxation can commence, according to the survey.

A spokesperson for Anglian Home Improvements, which commissioned the study said, “As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder, you just can’t beat a night in.

“This research shows that treating yourself to your favourite food and drink, and chilling out in front of the TV is a great way to unwind after a long week at work.

“It’s important for Brits to seek comfort in cosy nights in, and so many of us enjoy creating the perfect environment for spending quality time at home.”

The survey also revealed that in an ideal world, British women would love to spend an evening on the sofa with the actor Tom Hardy, whereas men said their ideal celeb to cosy-up to would be Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

THE PERFECT FRIDAY NIGHT, ACCORDING TO BRITONS 1. Getting home from work by 5pm 2. Curtains drawn 3. A tidy house 4. Dinner dishes washed up and put away 5. PJs of comfy clothes put on by 6.30pm 6. A Chinese take away 7. Ice cold beer (men) Large glass of red wine (women) 8. Two episodes of your favourite Netflix drama 9. Your other half with you 10. £32 spend on food and drinks 11. Scented candles lit 12. 30 mins on Facebook 13. 13 mins scrolling through Instagram 14. 10 minute chat with mum 15. Central heating on 16. Locking all the doors and windows

When it comes to the perfect Friday evening beverage - the nation’s men opted for an ice-cold beer to wash down their take-away - while women reckon a large glass of red is just what the doctor ordered.

Seven in ten loved-up Brits said they would like to spend the perfect night in with their other half, however 29 percent admitted they actually prefer having the house completely to themselves.

And according to the poll of almost 2,000 Britons by Anglian Home Improvements, £32 would be spent on food, drinks and snacks for the ultimate evening in – with PJs or comfy clothes on by 6.30pm at the very latest.

The survey also found on a perfect Friday evening, the typical adult will spend 30 minutes scrolling through Facebook, a further 13 minutes is spent scrolling through Instagram and there will be 10 minute chat with mum or dad on the phone.

Four in ten said having food delivered to your door is the very best way to enjoy a night in and over half said the heating must be cranked up.

Nearly a quarter of those polled said a night in wouldn’t be right without a real fire and half insist on locking all the windows and doors in order to be able to truly relax.

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due to leaves

Passengers on rural branch lines have suffered less disruption due to ‘leaves on the line’ so far this autumn.

Train operator, Greater Anglia has reported a 4% improvement in the punctuality of branch line services, compared to this time last year – despite leaves falling at a faster rate.

The operator says that a number of measures put in place with Network Rail to keep the rails clear of leaves - which make rails as slippery as black ice have resulted in fewer delays with a new £500K braking system on branch line trains having the biggest impact.

Like ABS on cars, the new system stops train wheels locking when braking so that they do not become damaged in slippery conditions. This is fitted to most of Greater Anglia’s fleet, and for the first time this year has been fitted to nine Class 156 trains which operate on the branch lines.

Greater Anglia’s Head of Performance and Planning, Keith Palmer, commented, “We’re pleased that the work to fit new brakes to our branch line trains is already helping to improve performance meaning fewer delays for passengers. The first two weeks of November are traditionally when we see the most delays due to leaves on the line, so we are not complacent and will be continuing to work with Network Rail to tackle leaves on the line as the season progresses.”

Other measures to tackle leaves on the line include clearing trees and bushes away from the lineside; using a Railhead Treatment Train to jet leaf mulch off the rails using a high pressure spray; using automatic sanders fitted to trains which deposit sand onto the rail, cleaning the rail and helping the train to grip; using real time data sent from the train’s on board computer to the Greater Anglia control room to target slippery areas of track; and the installation of an additional wheel lathe at Norwich Crown Point depot to quickly repair any wheels that are damaged by slippery rails. The Class 156s should not need to visit the lathe as often now that they have had WSP fitted, making branch lines services more reliable.

New kit for Kesgrave players A local football team will look the part in their hunt for silverware this season, thanks to a new sponsorship deal with Bovis Homes.

AFC Kesgrave under-15 boys’ team will be sporting brand new kit thanks to funding from the house builder, which is currently building the first homes at its new Ribbans Park development in nearby Ipswich.

As part of the new sponsorship, the team will be wearing humming birds, as they sport the Bovis Homes logo on their new home kits, which includes a red and blue striped jersey, blue shorts and blue socks.

“We’re very excited to be part of the community here and to have the opportunity to support a local club like AFC Kesgrave,” said Bovis Homes regional marketing manager Candice McCabe. “I’m sure it’ll be a successful campaign for the team and we wish them the best of luck!”

Steve Noon, manager of Kesgrave under-15s said, “We’re very grateful to Bovis Homes for supplying our new kit. AFC Kesgrave is a relatively new club [founded in 2007] that has grown from the ground up and we’ve always relied on the support of the local business community. We’re hopeful of having a good season, and we at least know we’ll look the part!”

Bovis Homes has a long history of supporting the local communities in which it builds and is proud to be joining forces with the football club, which plays in the Suffolk Youth Football League.

A celebration of colourful Cornus To create a beautiful garden with year-round appeal it’s essential to pick the best plants, and few celebrate the seasons more than colourful cornus.

Commonly called dogwoods, these reliable and hardy shrubs provide a luscious leafy backdrop to summer flowers. As a final fanfare their foliage is transformed into a rainbow of colours through autumn before fluttering away to reveal brilliant wand-like stems.

This seasonal transformation is just the start of a host of new planting partnerships that can be enjoyed right through until spring. During winter the brightly coloured stems of dogwoods catch sunlight to create dazzling displays. Small gardens might only have space for a single plant, so position it where the low piercing winter sunlight will shine through, catching stems in its spotlight.

No wonder varieties have been given names like ‘Winter Beauty’ and ‘Midwinter Fire’ as the intense rays of the sun really bring those fierycoloured stems to life. Take a look at the whole range of shrubby dogwoods to discover varieties with different foliage and stem colour combinations from ‘Flaviramea’ with green leaves and golden-yellow stems, ‘Spaethii’ with variegated, yellow-edged green leaves and red stems, or the white margined leaves and red stems of ‘Elegantissima’.

In addition, many shrubby dogwoods also carry clusters of tiny flowers through summer. These are usually a creamy-white colour, and these often lead on to form dense heads of white berries in autumn.

Shrubby dogwoods grow well in almost any soil, even moist sites and heavy clay ground. They’ll grow best in a sunny position, but will tolerate some

Otter-ly Adorable

A tiny otter pup - who weighs just 1.2kg - was rushed into RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre by animal collection officer (ACO) Naemi Kilbey after he fell 15ft into a tank at a sewage works in Suffolk and couldn’t get out.

A worker at the sewage works in Stowmarket Road, Stonham Aspal, near Stowmarket, spotted the little otter pup in the storm tank and pulled him out before calling the RSPCA for help.

ACO Kilbey said, “The poor little pup had fallen 15ft into a septic tank at the water authority. He’d been washed into a storm tank and was covered in sewage.

“Thankfully, one of the workers spotted him and pulled him free before he drowned but there was no sign of his mum anywhere.”

ACO Kilbey collected the little otter but was very worried about him.

“I honestly thought he was going to die en-route to our wildlife centre in Norfolk,” she said. “He was totally flat when I picked him up and seemed really weak and poorly.

“I tried to heat him up and give him fluid and rushed him to East Winch where they got him straight under a heat lamp.

“He was much more lively by the time I left and was even trying to take a bite out of the care assistant’s finger! It’s always a good sign when they’re feisty!

“He was very lucky and I really hope he pulls through and can, eventually, be released back to the wild where he belongs.”

shade. Contrasting colours always work well when developing planting combinations, so consider planting groups of two or more dogwoods together.

Also try planting dogwoods in large patio containers to create seasonal displays with a difference, under-planting them with low winter bedding, leafy perennials and small shrubs.

There are dozens of plants to choose from as partners for dogwoods. Some can be planted behind them as a background to enhance the visibility of their stems, while others provide flowering companions through winter. Several low growing plants, like bergenia and heuchera, can be planted around clumps to carpet the ground, or underplant with early flowering bulbs like snowdrops, crocus and narcissus.

Cornus are a wide and varied family of shrubs and small trees, so if dogwoods take your fancy check out the rest of the family to discover other great garden performers like the Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’) and flowering trees like Cornus kousa and ‘Venus’. Also look out for the Cornus mas, the Cornelian Cherry, which forms tiny clusters of yellow flowers on bare winter stems that turn into glossy-red cherry-like fruits later in summer.

Choose carefully and your garden displays really will become a celebration of colourful cornus.

Top tips for planning and planting 1. Where dogwoods are specifically being grown for their winter stems they’ll need annual pruning. This is simply done by cutting all stems down to their woody base close to ground level every spring. This encourages new stems to develop during the year, and it’s these you’ll enjoy the following winter.

2. If you fancy having a go at propagating your own dogwoods then try taking hardwood cuttings. Once leaves have fallen, lengths of stem can be prepared and inserted into slits in the ground filled with gritty sand. Heal in firmly and keep watered if conditions are dry. Cuttings should root over spring/summer and produce well rooted new plants by next autumn. They’re fun to take, so check online for full advice on taking hardwood cuttings.

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Looking after our feathered friends this winter During cold weather birds become more vulnerable and are more likely to come into our gardens to seek refuge. When temperatures drop below freezing, birds struggle to find the natural food they need to stay alive and have to rely on the public’s generosity to help them out.

To encourage the survival of our birds, people should provide food like meal worms, fat-balls, crushed peanuts, dried fruit, seeds and grain to compensate for birds’ natural food which is covered in snow and ice and impossible to get to.

Leftovers like grated cheese, porridge oats, soft fruit, unsalted bacon, cooked rice, pasta and the insides of cooked potatoes are also a good source of energy for garden birds, and water for both drinking and bathing is vital.

The RSPB is asking people to follow a wild bird winter survival plan that will help wildlife during the harshest weather: 1. Put out feed regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as grated cheese, pastry and porridge oats.

2. Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.

3. Ensure a supply of fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water.

4. Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.

5. Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrests and many other species.

6. Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for the smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year.

When the weather conditions take a turn for the worse there is often a noticeable change in the behaviour of wildlife. Birds will try to replenish

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energy lost overnight first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon with a spurt of activity.

During winter birds must feed at an increasing speed, but must also take plenty of rest to conserve energy. Many birds become more sociable to improve their chances of survival during cold weather, flocking together to improve their chances of locating food, and huddling together during the critical night-time period to help conserve body heat.

Another approach birds take to combating the big chill is to fly to milder regions in search of areas less-affected by the weather where food is still readily available. This can create a sudden and dramatic change to the birdlife of an area.

More information about helping garden wildlife is available at www.rspb.org.uk

wellbeing

Hearing App helps hearing fitness Oticon HearingFitness™, the first hearing aid app dedicated to hearing fitness, won a CES Innovation Award in the Software and Mobile Apps category.

Just like an exercise tracker, HearingFitness monitors the wearer’s “hearing fitness”—the impact of hearing on their overall health—and provides advice and encouragement that helps the wearer hear better and stay healthy.

With hearing loss ranking as the third most common chronic health issue in the U.S., one affecting more than 48 million Americans, closer attention to hearing health can reduce the risk of other ailments, including dementia.

The Oticon HearingFitness app is used in conjunction with Oticon Opn™ internet-connected hearing aids, and tracks hearing aid use, listening environments, and other behavior, collating the data with measurements of heart rate, sleep patterns, and other health markers from other wearable devices to give hearing aid users advice and encouragement on ways to hear better, protect their hearing, and stay healthy.

Midnight Walk returns with a new venue A local charity’s flagship event will return in 2018 and a new venue will mean that even more people can take part.

Last year, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Midnight Walk sold out weeks before the event. This time, organisers have changed the venue so that those that missed out last time can join in the fun and support the charity which helps local people living with a terminal illness.

The Midnight Walk will take place on Saturday 12th May 2018 and this year will have a neon and sparkle theme.

Rebecca Jedrzejewski, events and challenges fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said, “Last year’s Midnight Walk was phenomenal. 2,500 people took part and over £200,000 was raised for the hospice; enough to cover the cost of one weeks’ care across the hospice and in the local community.

“We have many people who have taken part in multiple Midnight Walks and we always like to offer our supporters variety. Because of this, and the need to increase capacity, in 2018 the event will begin and end at Trinity Park, a well-known and popular venue in the town but, crucially, around three miles from the hospice, allowing us to include the charity as a stop off along the walk, giving supporters the opportunity to remember loved ones we’ve helped to care for.

“The new neon and sparkle theme will mean that we retain the popular neon theme that people have come to know and love about the event but, by adding the sparkle, we have something else fun to play with when it comes to outfits and face paint.”

A new venue also brings with it two new routes for walkers to choose from; either six miles or ten miles. Both routes include a visit to the hospice on Foxhall Road to allow supporters the opportunity for quiet reflection and to hand a message on the memory tree.

Further details about plans for the night, including entertainment, will be revealed over the coming months.

Registration for the Midnight Walk 2018 is now open and tickets are priced at £10 for those who sign up before 31st January 2018. Tickets will then be priced at £15 each. To purchase your ticket, visit stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ midnightwalk

Suffolk Denture Studio

Local Clinical Dental Technician providing a full Denture Service in Ipswich and surrounding areas.

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

“The HearingFitness app helps people with hearing loss understand how their behavior and hearing health habits can influence how effective their treatment is,” said Don Schum, PhD, Vice President of Audiology at Oticon.

“Hearing plays a huge role in people’s overall health and well-being, and HearingFitness, paired with Opn, encourages routine use of hearing aids to improve hearing and the ability to engage in social settings.”

A growing body of evidence indicates the benefits of maintaining hearing health. Most recently, a July 2017 study on dementia prevention, intervention, and care has concluded that, from midlife, hearing loss (and the social isolation it often causes) is the biggest risk factor in later development of dementia.

HearingFitness depends on three elements: 1. Oticon Opn™ hearing aids analyse sound environments, measure and track hearing aid use, and export recorded data to the Oticon HearingFitness™ app for further analysis.

2. The Oticon HearingFitness app receives data from Oticon Opn hearing aids and analyzes current sound environments, listening effort, total daily hearing aid use, and historical usage data. Based on actual use and relevant user feedback, the app helps users optimize use of their hearing aids.

3. Back-end analytics will evaluate anonymized user data for insights involving general health, lifestyle, and social dependencies to guide users toward healthier habits.

“HearingFitness empowers users to learn about their hearing and take charge of their long-term health and well-being through their hearing habits,” said Schum.

“They gain a sense of belonging to a new generation that’s on top of their hearing and health, instead of being defined by it. But most importantly, HearingFitness encourages users to wear their hearing aids more and helps generate data that will lead to better hearing care and, ultimately, better and more rewarding lives.”

For more information visit www.oticon.global.

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www.eehomecare.co.uk 41

wellbeing

Women On Wheels rescheduled A date has now been set for the rescheduled Women On Wheels event in Rendlesham after October’s event was cancelled due to bad weather.

The cycling event which supports the Suffolk Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal has been rearranged in the spring, on Sunday 22 April 2018.

Women and girls of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the event at Army Rock Barracks, Sutton.

There will also be plenty of activities for everyone to get involved in on the day including a one mile dash competition, balance bikes for children, the Royal British Legion and information from local cycle shops.

Cllr TJ Haworth-Culf, cabinet member for Customers, Communities and Leisure at Suffolk Coastal District Council, said, “We were sad to have to cancel October’s event, but we’re excited to be back in the spring and are ready and raring to go!

“We’d like to thank our organisers and participants for their continued support, including the WI who provided refreshments for the event and we hope we’ll inspire some more to join us for this fun cycling challenge.

“As the two rides take place on the airfield at Army Rock Barracks, it’s a safe and quiet place for cyclists to ride on at their own pace. We’re not looking for professional cyclists to join in, but rather, those who are maybe unsure about getting back on a bicycle and looked for a relaxed but fun event to take part in.

“Last year we had a real party atmosphere with a mixture of ladies and girls taking part, and, at the same time we raised nearly £500 for the Suffolk Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, which was fantastic.

The 5km starts at 11.30am for £5 and the 15m ride starts at 10:30am for £15. Under 16’s are free if accompanied by an adult and all money raised

from the event will go to the Suffolk Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Females of all ages can register online at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/leisure/ sportandleisuredevelopment/women-on-wheels You can also inspire others to join in on the fun on the group’s Facebook page: Anyone who had originally booked to take part were given the option to transfer their booking onto the rescheduled event or receive a refund.

If you would like to contact our event organiser, Sarah Shinnie, please email sarah.shinnie@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01394 444652.

Improve your life with Hypnotherapy

Stop Emotional Eating – Lose Weight - Quit Smoking Stuart Daniels is a Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Woodbridge, on the Suffolk Coast. He specialises in emotional eating and smoking cessation.

Stuart has been helping clients for years to change their behaviours and beliefs to lose weight, beat addictions, and feel calmer and more in control of their lives.

Hypnotherapy is a safe, fun and enjoyable experience that facilitates rapid change at a sub-conscious level.

Stuart frequently works with clients who would label themselves emotional eaters.

They feel they are out of control, and they cannot stick to any diet. He helps them to regain control of their eating and drinking habits by changing their beliefs about food, and boosting their motivation & selfbelief.

Stuart regularly helps clients to quit smoking

Offering a professional, caring approach to Osteopathy and Acupuncture.

Over 18 years experience

permanently by changing their beliefs and behaviours, and boosting their motivation to stop once and for all. There are many reasons people smoke, such as physical addiction, habit, and as a coping mechanism.

Hypnotherapy is very effective at dealing with these underlying causes.

If you would like help to stop emotional eating, lose weight, or stop smoking, please contact Stuart for a consultation, and start the process of change.

Stuart is currently offering a 20% discount to Ipswich24 readers who mention “Ipswich24” when they book.

Offer Expires 1st March 2018. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Email: Stuart@StuartDaniels.co.uk Call: 07478 030 531 Web: www.stuartdaniels.co.uk

Stuart Daniels Hypnotherapy Stop Emotional Eating – Quit Smoking Eliminate Anxiety

Call: 07478 030 531

AQUA PHARMACY, 52 DUKE STREET, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK, IP3 0AQ

Saturday appointments and Online booking available www.orwellosteopaths.co.uk 0747 246 5828 42

Email: Stuart@StuartDaniels.co.uk Facebook: @StuartDanielsHypnotherapy Web: www.stuartdaniels.co.uk

wellbeing

n Do you know your calories?

Brits are drastically underestimating the calorie content of the foods they eat, according to a new study.

Researchers quizzed men and women in the UK on their calorie intake and found the majority of us underestimate exactly how calorific our favourite foods are.

In fact, the study by Laughing Cow showed the average adult estimates there are just 270 calories in a large portion of cinema popcorn, when in fact there can be up to 965.

Brits were also way off the mark when asked to guess the calorie content of a bowl of granola – the average adult guessing that a 100g bowl contained 145 calories, but the reality is closer to 450.

A supermarket pepperoni pizza, a staple of many UK freezers contains a staggering 1,100 calories, but respondents guessed an average of 355.

And a large portion of fries is likely to contain as many as 445 calories, however Brits thought it was just 270 - while a double stacked burger has around 500 calories, but the respondents guessed 380.

The study into the nation’s eating habits revealed that while the average Brit tries to consume 1,920 calories a day, due to the number of snacks consumed throughout the day, the true intake is around 2,635, on average.

More worryingly, over a third of respondents (36 percent) weren’t EVEN sure what a calorie is, with two thirds saying they often completely lose track of the number of calories that they consume each day.

Alexandra Labaisse, Brand Manager at The Laughing Cow comments, “Too often we are reaching for snacks that, when we think about it properly, we don’t want. Whether it is a soggy sandwich left over after a meeting or a bowl of salty crisps that you devour on auto-pilot in front of the TV, it is clear we will simply graze without much thought.

Many Brits are also clueless when it comes how many calories men and women need to maintain their weight, with as many as 12 percent thinking men need as many as 3,000 calories to stay the same weight, when actually it is 2,500.

Almost two in ten women (18 percent) had no idea what a typical woman needed to consume to maintain their weight.

The poll of 2,000 Brits also found that 17 percent of adults exceed their calorie allowance every day of the week, with the average adult in the UK checking the calorie content on packaging just four times a week.

A quarter of adults said if they knew how many calories their favourite snacks and treats contained, it would stop them from eating them.

Six in ten adults said they were amazed when they learnt how many calories were in their beloved foods and soft drinks.

Wine, lager and cola were among the only foods where adults over estimated the calorie content.

New Year; New Career Fit Club Training Academy was set up in 2014 to supply fitness industry based courses to the people of Norfolk and Suffolk on a blended learning basis allowing for classroom learning, practical experience and home study.

All the qualifications delivered by Fit Club Training Academy are awarded

by Active IQ and are REPS registered so will allow employment or selfemployment opportunities after qualification and insurance is obtained. This delivery format allows Fit Club Training Academy to keep the cost of the qualifications down and the ability to provide payment plans. The flexibility of the courses will allow those who want a career change into the industry and those who just want to upskill their current qualifications to do so whilst in employment. The courses will be delivered out of Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre based in Stowmarket which will allow practical experience in their gym whilst learning the skills of the trade.

So, if you have been thinking about training to get into the fitness industry but not sure where to start then visit the website for more details on the units covered in each qualification. Start the journey towards your new career today with the Diploma in Fitness Instruction & Personal Training with no prior experience or qualifications needed or upskill your Level 2 Fitness Instruction to Personal Training in just four months.

For more information visit www.fitclubtrainingacademy.co.uk

ACTUAL CALORIE CONTENT v WHAT BRITS THINK THE CALORIES ARE: 11. Slice of chocolate cake (70g) - actual calorie content: 310; Brits think the calories are: 255 12. Milk chocolate bar (45g) - actual calorie content: 240; Brits think the calories are: 200 13. Bowl of granola (100g) - actual calorie content: 450; Brits think the calories are: 145 14. Prawn crackers (50g) - actual calorie content: 285; Brits think the calories are: 150 15. Peanut butter (2 tablespoons) - actual calorie content: 365; Brits think the calories are: 155 16. 1 poppadum - actual calorie content: 125; Brits think the calories are: 100 17. Large Cinema Sweet Popcorn (198g) - actual calorie content: 965; Brits think the calories are: 270 18. 1 supermarket pepperoni pizza (490g) - actual calorie content: 1,100; Brits think the calories are: 355 19. Large fries - actual calorie content: 445; Brits think the calories are: 270 10. Double stacked burger - actual calorie content: 500; Brits think the calories are: 380 43

wellbeing

Smile – it’s nearly Christmas!

If you want your smile to dazzle this Christmas one of the easiest, most cost effective and long lasting ways is with tooth whitening. And with the festive special offer now available at Harbour Dental Care in Ipswich, there’s no better time!

Tooth whitening is now just £200 until 31.01.18 – that’s a saving of £58! Hurry while stocks last.

Are you happy with your smile?

If we feel confident about our teeth, we are more likely to smile fully and unselfconsciously. There are lots of benefits smiling brings, so spread some joy this Christmas with a beaming, brighter, whiter smile.

If you have any niggles about your teeth that you’d like corrected before the festive party season gets into full swing, then speak to us. Our dentists and hygienist can offer a range of affordable treatments.

Fresh breath

After a thorough hygiene session your mouth will feel super clean. If you’re worried that your breath is anything less than minty fresh, then arrange an appointment with our hygienist.

Snow-white smiles

Dazzle this Christmas with a brighter, whiter smile. Tooth whitening is quick, easy, long lasting and can give your smile and your spirits a real lift.

Same day smile makeovers

We are firm believers in minimally invasive dentistry wherever possible and offer composite bonding that conserves healthy tooth tissue and naturally strengthens the remaining tooth.

This quick, painless and reversible technique is particularly useful when creating less invasive crowns, bridges and reconstructions, closing unsightly gaps and revitalising old or worn teeth, making them whiter.

Layers of super-strong and long lasting filling material is perfectly colour-matched with your teeth and built up to look like natural teeth - with amazing results.

Invisible fillings

Having a mouthful of metal fillings can make some people feel self conscious about smiling and laughing freely. If you would like to find out more about replacing any amalgam (metal) fillings with tooth-coloured ones that blend with your natural teeth, please give us a call.

Our door is always open to new patients, so please feel free to pop into our lovely, welcoming practice on the High Street. We look forward to meeting you soon.

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

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01473 253599 44

27 High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH

www.harbourdentalcare.co.uk

wellbeing

Christmas swaps to save your teeth Mince pies, selection boxes and champagne are sure to become diet staples as the festive season gets underway, with normal health routines often taking a back seat.

The season of sugar can be seriously detrimental to oral health and constant snacking and drinking puts our teeth at risk of cavities, which could result in starting the new year with a trip to the dentist.

White Glo’s team of in-house dentists have put together a guide to the best Christmas food and drink hacks, to enjoy the seasons tempting treats, while still maintaining good oral health.

The great debate on where to find the best mince pies fills news feeds throughout December, but to cut down on the sweet stuff, choose Waitrose all butter mince pies which contain 11.5g of sugar per pie, compared to over double in Sainsbury’s (24.8g) and Tesco’s (20.5g) treats.

Chocolate and biscuit selection boxes are another essential part of getting in to the holiday spirit, but with the likes of Quality Street, Cadbury Hero’s and Chocolate Oranges containing over 58g of sugar, try opting for Ferrero Rocher or Lindt to almost half your sugar intake, down to 39g.

Ditching the chocolate biscuits in favour of festive shortbread is another way to give teeth a break, with Walker’s shortbread containing just 11.3g of sugar, compared to the 38g in Fox’s famous Christmas selection.

When it comes to the big day itself, hidden sugars in cranberry sauce and honey roast hams, not only rack up the calories, but also put teeth under attack for up to up to an hour after eating. If turkey without cranberry sauce is hard to imagine, choose Coleman’s version for just 4.1g of sugar per tablespoon, compared to well over double found in the ASDA (13g) and Sainsbury’s (10.9g) equivalent.

Further tips to minimise damage to teeth this Christmas includes choosing Asda for Christmas cake, for 32g of sugar, compared to the 41.8g found in Tesco’s version. To slash sugar even further, opt for a non-iced cake such as the Waitrose non-iced rich fruit Christmas cake, which has just 24g.

ASDA is also the recommended place to pick up Christmas pudding, as it contains 40g of sugar, compared to the 52g or 49g from Morrisons and Iceland respectively.

While Tesco doesn’t fair favourably for Christmas cake, it is the place to shop for traditional German stollen cake, as its Finest range contains just 11.5g of sugar, compared to the 20.8g found in Morrison’s range.

Trifle, Panettone, and bucks fizz are just a few of the other indulgences to satisfy millions after the main meal. While opting for a smaller portion is advice many struggle to stick to, simply shopping at the right place could drastically reduce damage to teeth.

Suffolk Bereavement Support In the lead up to Christmas it is easy to assume that the festive period is an enjoyable time for everyone. At Suffolk Bereavement Support (SBS) they are only too aware however, that Christmas can also be a sad time for anyone who has lost someone close to them, even if they are surrounded by friends and family.

Like other annual events and anniversaries Christmas can be a trigger for all sorts of thoughts and memories. Although these are perfectly normal they can be troublesome because they may open the floodgate that takes us back to the overwhelming pain of loss.

Memories, of course, can be positive to and are how our loved ones continue to live on within us. In time, those triggers that once caused sadness can be replaced by a sense of love and remembrance.

All too often, as friends and family of the bereaved, we can think we are helping by trying to keep the mood positive and sometimes this can even lead to us sweeping any talk of people we have lost under the carpet when in fact, the opposite approach is a more supportive one. What I mean is that we can help the bereaved by allowing them the space to talk about who they have lost and to express their feelings openly. If you can manage it this could be your greatest gift to anyone in this situation.

If you or anyone close to you might benefit from joining one of the groups SBS meet in Hadleigh (afternoons) and Capel St Mary (evenings) and their service is free to Suffolk residents. People (18+) of all ages are welcome.

For more details please contact them and they will be very pleased to help: www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk; sbsg246@gmail.com; 01206 299832.

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wellbeing

Diet and exercise could help improve asthma Researchers at the Bispebjerg University Hospital, in Copenhagen, worked with a group of 149 non-obese patients who were assigned to one of four groups.

One group followed a diet high in protein and with a low glycaemic index (low GI) and at least six portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

The second group took part in exercise classes three times a week. The classes varied from low to high intensity activities.

The third group took part in exercise classes and followed the diet, while the remaining control group did neither. A total of 125 people remained in the study for the full eight weeks.

The researchers questioned patients about their asthma symptoms and quality of life, as well as testing their fitness, and the strength and output of their lungs.

Those who underwent both diet and exercise changes rated their asthma symptom score 50 percent better compared to the control group. Those who followed either the diet or exercise programme on average rated their asthma symptom score 30 percent better than the control group.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Policy and Research at Asthma UK, said, “Some people with asthma feel anxious about exercising because it can make them feel breathless or trigger asthma attacks, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to take part in physical activities. In fact, as this study suggests, if you have asthma a healthy lifestyle can improve your quality of life.

“The central principles of a healthy lifestyle – exercising regularly, keeping your weight healthy and stopping smoking – can all benefit your asthma as well as your wider health. As long as you’re looking after your asthma well, and your symptoms are under control, you can enjoy any type of exercise.”

Would you like help on hand 24 hours a day?

At a local government forum recently; we were discussing possibilities for sustainable growth and development in East Suffolk – with particular emphasis upon investment and improvement of mental health and well-being. In one presentation I was reminded of advice offered by central government in the form of five principles: 1. Connect: with the people around you, with family friends colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Martin Wilks, C.Psychol.

2. Be active: go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle, play a game, garden, dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most important, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

3. Take notice: be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

4. Keep learning: try something new. Rediscovering old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike.

Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set the challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

5. Give: do something nice for a friend, or stranger. Thank someone.

Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you This is well researched advice and I’m happy to note that all five principles are thoroughly explored in the eight week mindfulness course, particularly principal three. There is still time to book for the new year course – see the advert below.

Spike Milligan - perhaps at a time when he instinctively knew he may need to invest in his own fragile mental health – offers us simple inspiration with principle five in this poem:

SMILING Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner and someone saw me grin, When he smiled, I realised, I’d passed it on to him!

I thought about that smile, then realised its worth,

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

A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the earth!

So if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected, Let’s start an epidemic, quick and get the world infected!

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

46

Call me, 07950802613 if you think I could help – 1 to 1, couple or group?

Changes to Driving Test

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that the driving test in England, Scotland and Wales will change from Monday 4th December 2017 to include following directions from a sat nav and testing different manoeuvres.

The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.

The changes will only apply to car driving tests to begin with.

The four driving test changes

1. Independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes The independent driving part of the test currently lasts around 10 minutes.

During this part of the test, you have to drive without turn-by-turn directions from the driving examiner.

This part of the test will be made longer, so it’ll last around 20 minutes - roughly half of the test.

2. Following directions from a sat nav During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav.

The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52) and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.

You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.

You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it.

One in five driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

The examiner will still mark the test in the same way, and the same things will still count as faults.

The overall time of the driving test won’t change. It will still take around 40 minutes.

DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said, “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.

“Making sure the driving test better assesses a driver’s ability to drive safely and independently is part of our strategy to help you stay safe on Britain’s roads.

“It’s vital that the driving test keeps up to date with new vehicle technology and the areas where new drivers face the greatest risk once they’ve passed their test.” www.gov.uk

3. Reversing manoeuvres will be changed The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor.

You’ll be asked to do one of three possible reversing manoeuvres: - parallel park at the side of the road - park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do) - pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic 4. Answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving The examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions during your driving test - these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

You’ll be asked the: - ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving - ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers All car driving tests taken from 4th December 2017 will follow the new format. This includes if: - you fail a test before then, and retake your test from 4 December 2017 - your test is cancelled or moved for any reason, and your new test date is from 4th December 2017 The pass mark is staying the same. So, you’ll pass your test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.

For all your motorcycling needs, from 50cc up, helmets, clothing and servicing! www.orwell.co.uk

Search Orwell Motorcycles

200 Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0AQ 01473 257401 47

Accident write-offs To highlight the new insurance write-off categories that recently came into effect, used vehicle checker mycarcheck. com has revealed the UK’s top five write-off hotspots.

Following a consultation involving insurers, car makers, the police and the salvage industry, the A, B, C and D write-off categories will be replaced with new codes: A (scrap), B (break), S (structurally damaged repairable) and N (non-structurally damaged repairable).

Mark Bailey, Head of CDL Vehicle Information Systems, which owns My Car Check, said, “Some parts of the country are much worse than others when it comes to write-offs, with London particularly renowned for it. On average, over 18% of vehicles we check are listed as having been involved in a crash, around one in every five. For Morden, in the first half of this year, the risk of buying a write-off was more like one in three.

“Used car buyers should note that the new S and N categories will reflect the severity of accident damage, whereas the old C and D categories focused on the cost of repair. This is vital information, particularly regarding category S, because the consequences of being involved in a further smash in a car that hasn’t been properly structurally repaired could be horrific. As before, category A and B write-offs should never return to the road.

“Leaving the safety aspect aside, there’s the impact on desirability and value.

A category N write-off which has had cosmetic damage repaired should still cost substantially less than a similar vehicle with clear history. In a survey a couple of years ago, 79% of mycarcheck customers said they wouldn’t buy a write-off. That’s why it’s so important to check before you buy.”

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

A nightmare before Christmas Windscreens Repaired and Replaced • Door Glass • Sunroofs • Van Conversions

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

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The risk of having an accident between 5pm and 8pm during the weeks following the Autumn clock change rises by a shocking 12%, according to unique analysis of five years of driving data and claims from over 400,000 policies by Insure The Box, the global pioneer of telematicsbased car insurance, and a champion for young driver safety.

Overall, there is a 12% increase in the risk of having an accident in the four weeks following the clock change. With 43% of Accident Alerts recorded

by Insure The Box, occurring after 5 o’clock in the evening, the company believes the Government has missed an important opportunity to include night time training for new drivers.

The telematics black box fitted to each policyholder’s car sets off an alert to Insure The Box when a significant impact is detected. This enables the firm to contact the driver as well as alert emergency services where necessary.

On average in 2016, Insure the Box contacted the emergency services directly nine times a month in response to an Accident Alert.

The data from the telematics box also enables Insure The Box understand the DNA of accidents, having accumulated over three billion miles of driving data and associated claims, so that it can engage with drivers to encourage safer driving.

Simon Rewell, Road Safety Manager for Insure The Box said, “The evenings immediately after the clock change will, for many young drivers, be their first experience of night time driving and coping with reduced visibility and headlight glare.

“We know from our own analysis that more accidents occur at night than during the day so it is disappointing that the new driving test coming in on 4th December does not make any reference to driving in darker conditions. This would have been a strong opportunity to significantly improve confidence and road safety amongst young drivers.

“It is also worth bearing in mind that our analysis is of drivers at an average age of 23 with telematics policies, who will be more conscious of their driving behaviour, so the risk faced by young drivers without telematics policies is likely to be much greater. For some, the Autumn clock change could create a nightmare before Christmas and we would urge all drivers to take extra care.”

Is the mileage right?

The number of cars on UK roads showing mileage discrepancies is costing motorists over £800 million every year according to hpi, the UK’s leading authority on vehicle checking services.

The automotive data experts say the number of cars affected has also risen to one in 16. The figure has worsened from one in 20 cars less than three years ago.

Revealing of the figures coincides with a brand new online video featuring Barry Shorto, head of industry relations at cap hpi.

It provides useful insight and information on what to look out for and how the NMR (National Mileage Register) can help crackdown on the problem.

The illegal practice of clocking takes place when drivers look to deliberately defraud second-hand car buyers when selling.

Barry Shorto said, “The problem of clocking and mileage discrepancies in used vehicles does appear to be worsening and that’s bad news for motorists and car retailers as they are left to foot the bill. There are a

number of reasons why clocking is on the up. Technology is partly to blame as the continued development of tools to alter digital odometers and the access to this technology online is becoming increasingly easier. The boom in mileage-related finance arrangements such as PCP and PCH may also be playing aggravating the problem.

“Our new video provides valuable guidelines as to how to avoid buying a vehicle with a mileage discrepancy. It explains how to spot if a car has been clocked and how the National Mileage Register instantly provides a red flag should a car have suspect mileage.”

The HPI Check includes a mileage check against the NMR as standard, now with over 200 million mileage readings. hpi also confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has

outstanding finance or safety recalls against it or has been writtenoff, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit.

Mr Shorto added, “We urge retailers

and consumers to conduct a vehicle history check to spot a mileage discrepancy before they buy..”

Register (NMR) checks and investigations have grown by over a third in the last five years.

Watch hpi’s mileage discrepancy video at www.extras.cap-hpi.com/clocking

Traffic is getting worse

Congestion on the UK’s major roads, which carry two-thirds of all traffic, has increased in the last year according to more than half of the motorists surveyed for the 2017 RAC Report on Motoring.

Fifty-six per cent of the 1,727 drivers questioned for the annual study said they believe traffic has got worse on motorways, high-speed dual carriageways and A-roads.

Motorways – which alone carry 21% of all traffic despite accounting for just 1% of UK roads – are seen to have suffered the greatest increase with 61% of motorists saying congestion and journey times have worsened in the last 12 months. And, more than a quarter (27%) of this 61% claim the change has been considerable. High-speed dual carriageways and urban A-roads were both felt by 58% of motorists to have become more congested. Rural single carriageway A-roads fared slightly better with only 45% stating congestion had worsened.

In terms of the greatest motoring concerns highlighted by drivers in the 2017 Report on Motoring, 8% of drivers cite traffic congestion and slower journey times as their number-one worry from a list of 23 common motoring concerns, making it the joint fifth highest ranked issue in the annual RAC survey. The only bigger concerns are the illegal use of handheld mobile phones at the wheel (16%), the condition and maintenance of local roads (10%) and the cost of fuel (9%). The cost of insurance was also cited by 8% of motorists as their top concern.

Concerns about slower journey times are even more pressing among those who drive for work with 11% of business drivers identifying this as their number-one concern.

Government statistics support the concerns of motorists that emerged in research for the Report on Motoring as road traffic estimates for 2016 show motorists drove 252.6bn vehicle miles, which is a 2.2% increase on the previous year and the highest annual car traffic estimate ever.

RAC chief engineer David Bizley said, “With unwelcome evidence of increased congestion, it is essential that the schemes to increase capacity of the strategic road network which form part of the he first Road Investment Strategy are delivered to plan. The recent news from Highways England that some projects have been delayed is therefore very unwelcome. And with work well advanced on development of the second Road Investment Strategy which will be implemented from 2020/21, it is vital that proposals are included to debottleneck the most congested stretches of the network which were not included in the first Road Investment Strategy.”

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