about fram
Issue Sixteen Look no further than aboutfram, the local magazine that packs a Suffolk punch!
THE WHITE HORSE RENDHAM FREEHOUSE
A traditional village pub www.whitehorserendham.co.uk 01728 663497
Pop to the co-op over t r o p p u s We
100 nd growers a rs produce
400 new jobs created and protected in our region
ÂŁ57 million ploughed back into the regional economy
Our Sourced Locally initiative supports and celebrates talented food and drink producers as well as highlighting the importance of shopping locally.
contents who’s about out & about about style about you about interiors
4 A dramatic couple
36 Light and shade
We chat to Robin Brook and Fiona McAlpine about why they like to make a drama
How Jenkins & Will are lighting up Suffolk with their beautiful contemporary lamps
6 Out and about
42 Making scents
A round up of local events
We go back to our roots and plant some heady fragrant roses in our borders
about the land
48 Lots of bottle
about design
12 Ooh bra bra Take stock of your wardrobe and offer your support
14 New Year. New You Fitness and beauty ideas to help kick start the year
18 A stamp of approval Why the Old Post Office in Wickham Market is looking first class
24 Get the look Mixing up the old with the new in our latest home emporium
28 about town The latest news about town
30 Veg-to-table Digging up fresh local vegetables with Alice Westrope from Humdinger Produce
We get a dollop of sauce from Jim Fennell of Salubrious Sauce Co
54 about taste From bake to cake with the cream of the crop
56 Suffolk vegetable chowder A hearty and comforting soup to warm the soul
59 Competition time Win dinner for two at The Crown at Woodbridge
62 Loop the loop A walk around Peasenhall has us going in circles
about town
about gardens
about food about taste round & about
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just the three of us... about us
Winter is upon us and the north wind doth blow, so in our latest issue of aboutfram we embrace the coldest season with bracing walks, warming soups and a fresh new start to 2018. Editorial Kathy Churchill Sales Sarah Clarke
aboutmedia info@aboutmedia.co.uk 01728 666352 www.aboutmedia.co.uk
Design Ferrar Design kerry@ferrar.co.uk
07884 433385 www.ferrar.co.uk
a bit about them...
! ner N I W ul din n
erf row ond The C w A e at ridg wo for t Woodb at 59
e
Dominic Whiten Coastal Creative Photography is a small, friendly business based near the Suffolk coast. about the land pg 30 and emporium pages www.coastalcreativephotography.co.uk
M: 07748 765582
Our thanks to Jenkins & Will and the Salubrious Sauce Co for the use of their images.
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Rufus Owen Rufus Owen is an experienced property and interiors photographer based in Suffolk. about interiors pg 18 rufus@rufusowen.com M: 07891 937167
Pag
Nature
Shops
Art snapemaltings.co.uk 3
who’s about
A dramatic couple Head to Framlingham on a weekday morning and you may spot playwright and radio dramatist, Robin Brooks and his wife, director and producer Fiona McAlpine, planning their latest drama. We decide to catch them in the act! Robin and Fiona have lived in Suffolk for the past twenty years, moving here in 1998 after falling for its charms. Robin had been commissioned to write a play to celebrate the centenary of the National Trust and was offered a house in Rendlesham. They had only visited Suffolk once before, a memorable trip to Aldeburgh to mark their engagement, but after spending more time here, and with an expanding family, decided it was right to up sticks and move to the country. They currently live in Peasenhall but also spent ten years 4
in Dennington when the children were at school at Thomas Mills. “I would drop the girls and then come to Framlingham, settle down at The Dancing Goat and write. Although I have long since stopped doing the school run, I still find myself at the Goat most days!” says Robin with a wry smile. Robin has had a very successful and longstanding career as both a playwright and a radio dramatist. His work, which includes dramatisations of renowned authors such as Iris Murdoch, F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Joyce, can often be heard on BBC
who’s about
Radio 4’s ‘Afternoon Play’ and the ‘15 Minute Drama’. Fiona has also had a very distinguished career as an actor, radio producer and director, working alongside such top names as Jeremy Irons, David Tennant and Stephen Fry. She was Head of Drama at Brandeston Hall for three years and now runs classes in Framlingham when she has the time. As well as a list of BBC productions, Fiona likes to work nearer to home when she can, and has been involved with the New Wolsey Theatre and in 2017 produced three short radio plays and a stage play for the Ink Festival. Last year, Robin and Fiona produced and directed ‘The Dark Tower’ by poet Louis MacNeice, which was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 for its Sunday night ‘Drama on 3’ programme. This iconic radio play had incidental music by Benjamin Britten, so it seemed appropriate to record it here
in Suffolk. “We used the beautiful setting of Orford Church and the actors had to perform in front of a live audience, accompanied by the BBC Radio Orchestra. It was quite an achievement, but we loved bringing the production team here to Suffolk.” They already have a busy schedule for their production company, Allegra. Fiona is currently working on an Angela Carter series for Radio 4, due to be aired in September, and in January Robin has two dramas coming to Radio 4, ‘Memento Mori’ and ‘4/4’ about a string quartet. Then on 4th March, ‘Byzantium’, written by Robin and produced by Fiona, will be broadcast on Radio 3. Based on historical events from the 11th century, it is intriguingly described as “a cross between I Claudius and Game of Thrones.” Now that sounds worth tuning in to! www.allegraproductions.com 5
out & about
January Until 27th Red Riding Hood The Rock ’n’ Roll pantomime returns to the Wolsey Theatre – expect fun, frolics and flour! 19th Fish night The Ship at Dunwich hosts a special fish night where diners will have an opportunity to sample an extensive menu of fresh, local and delicious fish and seafood dishes 20th Cinderella Puzzle House Pantomimes return to present a traditional family pantomime. 6
February Solve the puzzles, enjoy music, thrills, spills and fun! St Michael's Rooms, Framlingham T: 01379 384656 Make a Difference – Encore Suffolk Singers fifth fundraising concert in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust at Woodbridge Community Hall 21st Wedding Show From wedding dresses, jewellery and cakes, to photographers, stationery and honeymoons, view some of the best suppliers in the region. 11am-3pm. Ufford Park
27th-29th Big Garden Birdwatch Sign up at rspb.org.uk/ birdwatch to list the feathered friends who visit your garden during one hour over the weekend 28th Wedding Open Day Visit Bruisyard Hall, the country house wedding venue set in the rolling countryside just outside Framlingham. Free entry. Open 10am to 2pm
1st Harry Potter Book Night Galloping gargoyles! We’ve been working like house elves to make Harry Potter Book Night 2018 the best yet. 6.30-10pm Ipswich Museum 2nd-4th FolkEast Sanderling Sessions FolkEast are back to present a weekend of winter workshops, intimate performances and dance at Snape Maltings
out & about
March 12th-16th Knights and Princesses A fabulous day out for kids both big and small as you dress up as royalty at Framlingham Castle. 11am-3pm National Nestbox Week Take some wood, a hammer and some nails and let’s get building! RSPB Minsmere 17th Frozen Planet in Concert Join the BBC Concert Orchestra on a frosty expedition to the polar regions of the earth. Snape Maltings. 7.30pm
24th-25th A Winter's Exhibition 20 artists display their work at Great Glemham Village Hall. Free entry. 10am-5pm
4th Western Games To include Barrel Race, Keyhole race & Trail class. Bring your own horse/pony or hire one of ours. Valley Farm
26th-3rd March Quartet This charming tale of four ageing opera singers is a celebration of the twilight years and the hilarity of growing old disgracefully! The Wolsey Theatre
7th-17th Rope A chilling thriller by Patrick Hamiton about two well-bred young men who murder a fellow student just for the fun of it. The Wolsey Theatre 10th Weave a Willow Hare Weave a stand-up hare from English willow with local basket-maker Jo Hammond. 10am-4pm Foxburrow Farm
14th-15th Guesthouse A grandmother, mother and a daughter set aside differences to decide the fate of their guesthouse. Eastern Angles at the John Peel Centre 14th-21st Astronomers Week at Haw Wood Farm A dedicated week for astronomical societies to enjoy the dark skies at Haw Wood Farm, Saxmundham 16th Raptors Revealed Member’s Exclusive to meet, handle and fly traditional falconry. Framlingham Castle 7
Additions – Alterations – All General Works Call Paul Andrew-Smith on 01728 720199 or 07392 334922
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GERALD WEIR FURNITURE Quality British Furniture Made to Measure
Workshops and Showroom can be found at Unit One, Sun Wharf, Deben Road, Woodbridge, IP12 1AZ. 01394 610900
www.geraldweir.com Choose from a brochure or discuss your own ideas 9
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about style
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Stylish winter dressing – from top to toe
4. Work shirt Spry Workwear £95 5. Snug black top Impulse £24
1. Colourful Turkish socks Olivie £19.95
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2. Stylish tweed caps Trulock & Harris from £25 3. Knitted mittens & gloves Ruby Tyger From £9
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6. Hercules Elvine Coat Urban Vintage £271 7. Studded belt Phoebe & Flo
8. Padded winter coat Joules at Ernest Doe £139
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9. Star jumper Ruby Tyger £52 10. Fab slippers Joules at Ernest Doe £24.95
about style
11. Silk & Tweed cocktail hairband Lucy Quinn £105 12. Long black boots Phoebe & Flo 13. Slouchy grey jumper Phoebe & Flo £99
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14. Cosy bobble hat Joules at Ernest Doe £19.94
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Handbags & gladrags about style
I am very excited to be let loose on the fashion column this issue. Trying to follow in Geraldine’s shoes will be tricky as I don’t think I can quite get away with her fabulous 4 inch stilettoes – I am more of a 2 inch ankle boot kinda’ gal, although I have to say, I am loving wearing these with a new velvet skirt that was under the tree this Christmas. Ah Christmas; the time of giving, which gets me thinking. Let’s be honest – all of us have items hanging at the back of the wardrobe or stuffed into drawers under the bed which have not been worn for some time. So, to make room for the lovely new pieces you are eyeing up, now is the time to have a good sort out. Be fearless – ignore the price tag: if you haven’t worn it, you don’t like it and, if in doubt, try it on and ask a passing teenager. You may not like the answer, but at least you will be getting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Charity shops will be delighted with your donations and if you have some quality items, why not organise a ‘Swish’ party with friends. There are also some excellent charity organisations which are in desperate need of clothes at this time of year. The Friends of Refugees Suffolk is always asking for warm clothing (take a look on Facebook for details) and another wonderful charity – Smalls for All (www.smallsforall.org) – will send your unwanted bras to Africa as they are a luxury many women living there cannot afford. Now that’s what I call support!
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GIFTS TEXTILES FASHION HOMEWARE
21 MARKET HILL, FRAMLINGHAM 01728 768052
MERAKI (v) to do something with soul, creativity or love; when you have a piece of yourself in your work
4B MARKET HILL, FRAMLINGHAM, IP13 9BA T : 01728 727481
4 High Street, Debenham IP14 6QH T 01728 860666 E getintouch@merakihair.co.uk F@Debenhamsalon OPEN Mon 9 – 6 | Tues 9 – 8 | Wed 9 – 6 Thurs 9 – 6 | Fri 9 – 5 | Sat 8 – 2
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about you
New Year. New You Go wild! Get in touch with your wild side in 2018 and embrace a new, more natural skincare regime. The Wild range, all handmade by Felicity Pryor, uses organic ingredients and can also be adapted to be both vegan and nut-free if required. Felicity’s Wild range includes: hand/lip/foot balms, body butter, healing balms, face moisturisers, face spritzers, scents, cleansers, toners, face/ eye masks and scrubs, and hair products. She even offers the choice of recycling the pots for a small reduction in price. Felicity Pryor: pryorfelicity@gmail.com Instagram /felicitypryor
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Mint condition Get in shape this year at Mint Fitness. With studios at both Earl Soham and Aldeburgh, this dynamic company offers a fab range of fitness classes including spinning, circuits, pilates and boxfit, as well as personal training and sports massage. The classes are fun, fast and motivating and there are no joining fees. Just visit the website and check out the new 2018 timetable and special offers. Book online then turn up and enjoy! www.mintfitness.co.uk
Skills for life Resolved to learn a new skill this year? As well as offering a range of yoga classes and healing therapies, TK Yoga in Framlingham also has an extensive programme
of training courses, including Yoga, Reiki, Acupressure, India Head Massage, Reflexology or Aromatherapy. Take a look at the website for more details and be inspired. www.tkyogaretreat.co.uk
Become a bouncer Boogie Bounce is a sensational full-body exercise programme on a mini trampoline with a stability bar. Each class is choreographed to chart-topping music, making it an extremely effective cardio workout with powerful strength and toning components. Join Caroline’s Boogie Bounce classes at The Barn, Wickham Market – it’s fab, fun, funky and fat burning. www.bookwhen.com/carolineboogiebounce
Thomas Mills High School Framlingham
A High Performing State Funded 11-18 Academy “Thomas Mills is an outstanding school” - (Ofsted) Exam results significantly exceed national standards Extensive extra-curricular activities Successful Sixth Form with a wide range of courses Excellent record of Oxbridge and Russell Group university entries A strong emphasis on pastoral care and guidance
To download a copy of our prospectus please visit www.thomasmills.suffolk.sch.uk or to arrange a tour of the school please call 01728 723493
The Paul & Joe collection is designed for a demanding and educated clientele who love what is beautiful and know what suits them. We have designs in stock for Ladies and Gents.
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The Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. H2SJP27913 01/18
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about interiors
A stamp of approval
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about interiors
We take a peek through the letterbox of The Old Post Office, a delightful one-bedroom annexe that has recently been given a first class refurbishment by Karen Wolff-Evans, interior designer and owner of the boutique store Fanny & Frank. Karen and her husband Bill have been part of the fabric and design of Woodbridge for fourteen years. They moved there from London to raise their family and Karen is the owner of Fanny & Frank, the fabulous lady’s boutique which she opened on the Market Hill in 2006. However last year, with the children grown up, bedrooms standing empty and two acres of grounds in constant need of attention, they decided it was time to downsize and turn their artistic energy to a new project. An imposing period property in Wickham Market with an annexe caught their eye, and after successfully outbidding eight other interested parties, they were handed the keys in June last year.
The house was formerly the home of the Taylors, an important and well-respected family in Wickham Market who had lived there since the 1950s and the annexe, which is believed to have been added at the turn of the century, was originally built to serve as the village Post Office. On an old postcard that Bill has been given you can see where a central door would have opened to the street; back then a bustling highway which would have been awash with traders, townsfolk and travellers en-route to London. Since they have moved in, Karen and Bill have focussed on several larger projects within the main property, 19
about interiors
such as a new roof, which now sports a wonderful dragon gargoyle that they had at their old property but never found a home for, but it is still very much a blank canvas. The Old Post Office however has had a complete transformation as Karen is aiming to rent it out occasionally as a holiday let. It has been beautifully done and as soon as you step inside you see the quality of the fabrics and of the fixtures and fittings. The partially glazed front door opens to small lobby where an old straw hat hangs on a wooden coat rail and there is room to slip off your boots after a countryside stomp. The sitting room is naturally light thanks to three large windows that have been cleverly decorated with a fleur-de-lis pattern designed by Bill that provides both privacy and interest, and Mulberry blinds can be lowered once evening falls. To one corner, 20
Karen has laid a breakfast table to show what guests might expect; freshly baked bread, pretty china egg cups, vintage crockery, folded napkins and even sumptuous sheepskin throws to sit on. A collection of original paintings and prints hang from the picture rail, an unusual Victorian wardrobe commands one wall and to the centre, the original 1930s art deco fireplace is home to an open fire which Bill has kindly lit. It is all very tasteful and the huge snuggler armchair by the fire really does tempt me to just sink down and take the rest of the day off. Moving through to what would have been the old sorting room, you discover the gorgeous double bedroom. This has been decorated in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, a colour that perfectly complements the deep damson of the Designers Guild blinds
about interiors
and cushions that sit plumply on the crisp white bed linen. Pendant lights from Garden Trading hang either side of the bed and a gothic mirror reflects some decorative shelving opposite. Karen certainly has an eye for design and is a regular visitor to local antique shops such as Marlesford Mill just up the road where she has picked up many treasures over the years. In the bathroom, also painted Hague Blue, they have put in a large shower, heated towel rail and a pretty painted vanity unit, and a mosaic of colourful patterned floor tiles adds a hint of Italian renaissance. The kitchen has been redecorated so that is feels fresh and light and with a back door that leads directly out onto a small east-facing terrace, it is perfect for sunny courtyard breakfasts in the summer.
This is a charming place, welcoming but with luxurious touches that create a very calm and relaxing space. It will soon be available to rent via Owner’s Direct, although the family have already enjoyed its homely comforts and have booked themselves in for a return visit soon. Karen and Bill now have the main property to tackle; an exciting two year restoration project that will restore it to its former glory. I promise to return to see the end result and as I leave I ask them to keep me posted!
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Mandi_reclaim_73x102mm_Portrait_0118_Layout 1 08/01/201
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1. Scented candle Olivie £19.95 2. Pretty coat hangers Ruby Tyger £6.95 3. Olive board Leo’s Deli £31
about interiors
4. Vintage duck decoy Dix Sept £95
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Get the look
5. Oak footstool Luxmoore & Co £135 6. Snape Maltings
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about interiors 7
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Leather notepad cover Doe Leather £185
8. Handmade felt dachshund Ferrar Design £18
11. Marlesford Mill 12. Decorative spoon rack Dix Sept £110 Stockists on page 64
9. The Fireplace Framlingham
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10. TG Green Cheese dish Dix Sept £28
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All award! about town L-R Morag McInnes and Anthony Agar from Infotex with Terry Barrow from Sax Music Fest
Bringing harmony to Saxmundham Sax Music Fest, the annual free music festival in Saxmundham, is seeking people with skills in the various areas of business and the arts to join the team of its newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC). This process is well under way with a compelling five-year plan completed and Woodbridgebased digital marketing agency, Infotex, confirmed as lead sponsor for 2018. Terry Barrow, organiser of Sax Music Fest, said: “It’s a very exciting time for us and we’re keen to welcome more people to the team. We’re looking for people who have the time, skills and enthusiasm to help us to roll out our business plan and bring music and arts to more people in the area. We’ve run the event for coming up to five years and we’re looking for people who will be with us for the next five years, helping us build the CIC through planning, marketing, finance and community outreach.” Those interested in finding out more about joining this dynamic team of music lovers should contact Terry Barrow on 07771 877454 Photo credit: Simon Ballard
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Station House Community Connections has won the 2017 Taylor Woodrow Partnership National Railway Heritage Award in the category of ‘improvements to or restoration of an historic railway or tramway building or structure in any ownership, in a jointly funded project’. Presented by Fred Garner, Managing Director and Director for Rail at Taylor Woodrow, and Mark Wild, Managing Director of London Underground. The award was made for the restoration of the former station house in Campsea Ashe (Wickham Market Station). “The standard and quality of all the projects shortlisted for the ten awards was outstanding. We are proud to be amongst the winners and truly grateful for the recognition. The Station House really has been the work of many rather than just a few and the support of our funders has been tremendous. An incredible amount of goodwill and enthusiasm from volunteers and our Society members has been inspirational.” Robert Webb, Secretary of Station House Community Connections.
New roots in our community The first few months of the year can be trying for all of us, especially those of us with mental health issues, but Framlingham based Worry Tree Café is here to help. The café was launched in May 2017 by Hour Community and Millie Mitchel following her personal battle with mental health issues. “Mental health is not something that is easily fixed but I have found just being given a chance to listen and talk to others who amazingly think and feel like you has helped me on my journey and I wanted to offer that ear to others.” It was dreamt up in her garden while looking for somewhere to go herself and now has 15-45 people, from 15-80yrs old, popping in every week for a cuppa and support and comfort from likeminded people and practitioners.
Do you have a news story to share? Our next issue is out in mid-April so if you’d like your item to be considered, please email sarah@aboutmedia.co.uk by the 7th March. It’s free to be included.
about about interiors town
Open from 4.30 – 6.30pm every Friday at The Day Care Centre, Mills Meadow on Fore Street. For more information, call 07960 193520 or email theworrytreecafe@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheWorryTreeCafe
Sending our best wishes After 29 years as a postman in Framlingham, Fred Sparrow retired at the end of December. During his time in employment, he saw many changes in the town and his cheery contenance will be missed by all, not only Roger and his team at The Post Office but also residents who have known him since he began his rounds back in 1988. Here’s to a well-deserved retirement Fred!
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about the land
Veg-to-table 30
about the land
We go digging with Alice Westrope and uncover the story behind Humdinger Produce, a company that is growing and hand-harvesting fresh, high quality Suffolk vegetables for local farm shops, delis and restaurants. East Anglia has long been known as one of the finest agricultural areas in the UK and farming is still an integral way of life for many local families here in Suffolk. With its rich productive soil, fields of golden wheat, rippling seas of barley and yellow swathes of oilseed rape are a familiar sight and towards the east of the county, the freedraining sandy loam is particularly perfect for vegetable production. Known as the Sandlings, this beautiful and diverse area is where six family farms – which collectively farm over 35,000 acres – joined forces to produce a range of high quality, award-winning vegetables to supply the larger supermarket chains such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and M&S.
Operating under the name Suffolk Produce Limited and 3 Musketeers Ltd, the farms involved include RH & R Paul Farms, Capel St Andrew Farms, Mann Farms, Wantisden Hall Farms, A W Mortiers and Westrope Farming. As long-standing Suffolk farmers, they care deeply about the land and the impact they have on the countryside and are all accredited to the highest environmental standards. However, in spite of this, there was a feeling of frustration amongst the families that ironically, local people might be driving right past their fields on the way to buy vegetables from the supermarkets; vegetables which, unbeknown to them, were actually supplied by Suffolk Produce Ltd and 3 Musketeers Ltd.
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about the land
A much more satisfying solution would be to sell a small proportion of their vegetables directly to their customers – and so in late 2014 Humdinger Produce was founded. Headed up by Alice Westrope, part of a second-generation farming family that has been growing onions, carrots, parsnips and potatoes on the coastal sandy soils in Suffolk for over thirty years, Humdinger is passionate about supplying farm shops, delis and restaurants with incredibly fresh, locally grown veg. “We hand-harvest all of our vegetables to order, and our team of pickers will sometimes be out in the fields by 5am so that we can deliver to the shops as soon as they open. We walk the fields with our growers every week to do quality control checks and tag each field so that all the veg can be traced back to the exact field where it was grown.” This combination 32
of quality and freshness means that the vegetables they supply are full of flavour and are far superior to any that have been imported. I roasted one of their butternut squashes recently and it was wonderfully rich and buttery with a lovely caramelised texture. As well as butternut squash, the range of vegetables Humdinger can supply includes banana shallots, parsnips, red and brown onions, swede, different varieties of potato such as Camel, Monte Carlo and Maris Piper and, another of my favourites, rainbow carrots whose gorgeous mix of Purple Sun, Yellow Stone and White Satin cannot fail to brighten any supper dish. One of Alice’s main priorities is to get the Humdinger range into as many local farm shops and retail outlets as possible so that we all enjoy these Suffolk grown vegetables. So far, the
about the land
response has been incredibly positive as their freshness and quality has done most of the talking. “I went to see the buyer at Jimmy’s Farm and had all my facts and figures prepared but as soon as I opened the bag he was bowled over by their freshness and placed an order there and then.” As well as Jimmy’s Farm, Humdinger is also stocked by Suffolk Food Hall, Friday Street and Framlingham’s Leo’s Deli and they currently supply the kitchens of the TA Collection hotels. With a general trend towards being more aware of what we eat, how produce is grown and the environmental impact this has, never has there been a better time to launch such a brilliant scheme as Humdinger. “If we can encourage people to shop locally and can educate future generations about the importance of good
quality food we can hopefully start to make a difference.” By choosing their vegetables you are not only supporting your local farmers and dramatically reducing your food miles, you are also treating yourself to the most delicious, freshest vegetables you can imagine. The definition of ‘humdinger’ is a person, thing, action, or statement of remarkable excellence or effect. And, after spending time with Alice, I think that sums up the company perfectly! If you are interesting in stocking vegetables by Humdinger or would like to book an educational visit to your school or establishment, please get in touch on 01394 460004. www.humdingerproduce.co.uk Twitter @HumdingerProd Facebook @humdingerproduce
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Life | Land | Business
Whatever life brings we’re always there for you Our friendly, local solicitors are on hand to advise you on a host of legal matters, including buying and selling property, family breakdown, making a will or developing your business.
Call 01473 611211 barkergotelee.co.uk
41 Barrack Sq, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking
Saxon Fencing S & Landscaping High quality agricultural, equestrian and domestic fencing and landscaping services throughout East Anglia
WE SUPPLY A LARGE RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY OUTDOOR APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR, AS WELLS AS A FULL RANGE OF BRANDED HUNTING, FISHING AND SHOOTING EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES.
Contact us for a free estimate, advice, or to discuss your individual requirements 34Tom Bridges
| Framlingham, Suffolk | T 07527 351 744 | E saxonfencing@outlook.com
Opening Hours Mon 8:30am - 5:30pm Tues Closed Wed-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Thurs 8:30 - 5:30pm Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8:30 - 5:00pm T 01394 385567 3 Wilford Bridge Road, Melton, IP12 1RB www.stuartoutdoors.com
Trulock & Harris A wide range of quality clothing, boots and accessories by AIGLE, BARBOUR, CHRYSALIS, HOGGS, LE CHAMEAU, MUSTO, SEELAND & others
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FRAMLINGHAM | Broadwater Road, Framlingham IP13 9LL Tel: 01728 723963
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about design
Light and shade
36
about design
We point the spotlight at Jenkins & Will, a partnership of two artisan craftsmen that is producing a range of beautiful contemporary lamps made from seasoned local ash and handmade porcelain shades, whose designs take inspiration from the litter washed up on our shores. This creative collaboration is between James Jenkins, who has set up a traditional tweed weaving studio on the Sudbourne Park estate, and Steven Will, a ceramicist who moved into the old blacksmith’s forge next door. Like many good ideas, it evolved over a cuppa. James had popped round to see Steven and was discussing his plans to design a hand-turned wooden lamp for his wife’s Christmas present when he asked if Steven could make him a bespoke ceramic shade. Steven was delighted. He created a plaster cast from a discarded cardboard coffee cup he had salvaged from the jetsam washed up on the beach; its conical shape
lending itself perfectly to being reinvented as a lamp shade. From this mould he then hand cast a batch of faintly translucent porcelain shades; the stippling of the cardboard making a wonderful honeycomb effect that throws out a gentle glow when lit. “We made about a dozen to start with and they all sold. Poor Katie didn’t even get her Christmas present as they were so popular.” Over a year on, and James and Steven’s understated range of lamps are proving to be very popular. Both are still busy with their own businesses, but about four times 37
about design
a year they produce a small batch of lamps that they sell via their website and a selection of local shops, amongst them, Vanil in Woodbridge and the Rowe & Williams gallery in Yoxford. As we warm ourselves by the wood-burner in Steven’s studio, James tells me a little more about his weaving company, Mabel & Co. In 2015, he rescued an authentic Harris Tweed treadle loom from an abandoned cow byre on the Isle of Lewis and has spent the last two years painstakingly restoring it so that he can produce a range of British tweed. “Exactly two years to the day after setting off on that epic 2,000 mile return trip, I sat down and wove my first full width of cloth. It was an amazing feeling and I can’t wait to create a range of organic tweeds using woollen yarn from local Suffolk flocks.”
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During this restoration project, James had the privilege of working alongside Dick Murphy, an amazing character who runs the estate’s 1930’s sawmill. Whilst at the mill, James spotted some beautiful seasoned olive ash boards, which Dick had planked from a fallen tree on the estate, and it was these that he first used for the lamps; their naturally pale colouration making them the perfect neutral backdrop for Steven’s shades. James saws the boards to size and then hand-turns the bases using a traditional treadle lathe before fitting the slim rounded uprights off which the shades hang. The range of lamps now includes a small desk light, a large desk light, a wall light, a pendant and a floor light, and all come with a choice of braided flexes in a choice of colours that they sourced from Italy.
about design
By now Steven has made us a brew, which we sip out of his gorgeously textured mugs. He has only been at Sudbourne for just over a year, moving there after one of his tutors on the ceramics course he was attending in London mentioned that there was a spare studio. Originally the blacksmith’s forge, the space is now filled with examples of both his cast and hand-thrown ceramics: cups, teapots, bowls and vases, all of which effortlessly capture the beauty of the local landscape. “I love to explore the beaches; foraging the high tide-line for items that might make interesting plaster moulds for my ceramics. Coffee cups, jelly pots, trifle dishes – they all have a wonderful symmetry when cast in porcelain, and I love the fact that these mundane objects can be turned into something beautiful.” Steven also loves to experiment with the
glazes he uses on his hand-thrown mugs, mixing local clay with different types of wood ash to create a delicate speckling effect. Each mug is labelled with the particular ash that has been used in the glaze: willow ash from the scrub, reed ash from the rivers and even oak ash from the smokehouse at Pinney’s, which gives them a unique traceability. The lampshades all are glazed with a clear wood ash, which rather aptly comes from the wood-burner in the studio where James burns the off-cuts from the stands. I love the simplicity of these lamps and the fact that their understated elegance shines a light on the beauty of the Suffolk landscape that they were once part of. www.jenkinsandwill.com
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It takes more than a nice truck to make a good move... ...but it certainly helps!
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UK HOUSE MOVES
OVERSEAS MOVES
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HAMILTONS N AT I O N A L & I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E M OVA L S
www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk Hamilton House, Speedwell Way, Harleston Industrial Estate, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 9EH info@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk Tel: 01379 790013 40
Charnwood Milling Co Ltd
Feeds for all animals
Whether you are looking for something romantic, somewhere for a large family get-together or a dog-friendly property, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday home with Suffolk Hideaways.
From alpacas to zebras!
Call us on 01728 666 300 or visit suffolkhideaways.co.uk
Saxtead Rd, Framlingham IP13 9PT T 01728 622300 E feeds@charnwood-milling.co.uk www.charnwoodmilling.co.uk
Thinking of letting your holiday home? We are always looking to expand our portfolio, so why not give us a call?
mowing, trimming, hedging, landscaping, fencing, digging‌
We are a local, reliable, family run garden maintenance & landscaping company. We will provide you with an honest and reliable service ensuring anything from a perfectly cut lawn to enjoy all year round, to the new fence or patio you have been promising yourself. Visit our website www.mymow.co.uk to meet the mymow team and see what our current customers think of us. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. Central Suffolk contact Rob on 07747 037 503 or email at rob@mymow.co.uk Coastal Suffolk contact Ed on 07867 626 300 or email ed@mymow.co.uk Either of us will be happy to take your call!
41
about gardens
Making scents The rose is the most quintessential of all garden flowers. A much-loved favourite in any border, their beautiful blooms can brighten even the darkest corner and to me their heady fragrance is summer personified.
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about gardens
With winter upon us, the stripped back skeleton of your garden may now reveal a space where a new rose would be ideally placed. It is generally believed that the bare-root plants are of better quality as they have a wider root spread than containerised plants and, as these are only available until the end of March, now is the time to start digging! Firstly, look carefully at where you have space as this will determine the type of rose to choose – a climber to cover a wall, a vibrant shrub to add more colour to an existing border or a vigorous rambler to trail over an arch or pergola to create a wonderful display. That decided you just have to select a colour – an almost impossible task as there are 100s to choose from – but specialist growers such as David Austin have an excellent selection and your local nursery will also be able to help.
Once you have your desired bare-root rose back home make sure you give it a good soaking so it is fully hydrated before planting. While it is having a drink, work over the soil and dig a large hole (approx 2ft wide by 2ft deep) and then add a dollop of well-rotted manure and a generous sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi to the bottom, which will give the roots a good head-start. Position your rose in the centre of the hole, carefully spread out the roots, fill in with soil and then lightly tread down to make sure the rose is securely anchored. Now give it another soaking before you head inside for a well-deserved drink of your own to celebrate future summers of scented blooms.
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about gardens
Garden resolutions The indulgence of Christmas is over and the New Year's resolutions: diets, getting fit etc. have already begun to fade. As gardeners, our resolutions can be more achievable. Number one on my list is to keep a gardening journal. This has proved invaluable over the years – you can look back at what you planted in that border or what vegetable needs to not be planted in that patch again, keep lists of seasonal jobs to be ticked off, the seeds you ordered and the gardening successes and the failures. So far, our weather has not been very seasonal, except for a couple of cold snaps and a splattering of snow, so you can always find a job to do outside. Throughout the year I like to walk around the garden on a daily basis to see if all is well, doing little jobs as I go. When I walk in winter
Tales from the potting shed 44
January Clean moss from paths Book your mower for servicing Check stakes on trees and loosen if necessary
it is easy to spot a glaring bare patch which will give an opportunity to plant a shrub, a small ornamental tree or an evergreen to give structure to the garden. Another gardening resolution that I have in mind is to try something new. I love to arrange flowers freshly cut from the garden. There has recently been a mini revolution for home grown flowers and there are at least two local businesses that are doing very well at producing flowers for weddings and other occasions. In the past, cut flowers were widely grown across Britain and these would have been sent up to London by train to be sold at the flower markets. So, this year I plan to grow lots more annuals so that come the summer I can enjoy gathering my own blooms to display at home. Good gardening in 2018. Gloria Bell
February Cut away old leaves from hellebores as the flowers start to emerge to keep them healthy Dig up a few snowdrops and pot them to enjoy Tidy and clean greenhouse in preparation for spring sowing
March Complete pruning of roses Remove perennial weeds with roots attached Check your tetanus jab is up to date
ROGER GLADWELL DESIGN. LANDSCAPING. CONSTRUCTION
01728 638372 07785 966221 sales@rogergladwell.co.uk www.rogergladwell.co.uk
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S M Aldred
Woodland Services
Woodland maintenance across East Anglia Any type of woodland, from very small to very large! Coppicing, thinning and extracting timber for both conservation and wood fuel production. Firewood processing & sawmilling service also available.
Call Shane 07917 876 572 www.woodland-services.com Book your Perfect Suffolk Escape 4 Star Luxury Cottages & Studios and Caravan and Motorhome Club CL
“Beautiful self catering accommodation.” Mollett’s Farm, Main Road, Benhall, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 1JY 46
Tel: +44 1728 604547 Email: bookings@molletts.com
www.molletts.com
ASK THE EXPER T: PROTECTING FINANCES ON DIVORCE Barker Gotelee Solicitors is here to offer practical legal advice to help you and your family. Q. Two years ago, my husband and I separated after 20 years of marriage. With the youngest of our two daughters now flying the nest, it seems the right time to finalise our divorce. I’m scared of the implications, however. While I had a good career and will have a pretty good pension, I don’t have the money to buy a house big enough for the girls to come and stay in. What can I do? A. At Barker Gotelee, we have a great deal of experience in handling similar scenarios and can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
The first step is to understand the assets owned by both parties. You and your husband should look to put together financial documentation which shows the extent and value of the marital assets. Once financial disclosure has been collated and exchanged between the parties, detailed advice can be given on the financial claims you have against your husband and vice versa. We would then look to try and negotiate settlement terms with your husband, or advise you on the many different options you could use to negotiate a settlement with him directly. If you are able to agree mutually acceptable terms we will be able to record the terms in a formal financial order, which can be put forward to the Court for approval as part of divorce proceedings.
41 Barrack Square, Mar tlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking
Using a specialist family law solicitor ensures that this process takes place as smoothly and as cost-effectively as possible. DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR FAMILY TEAM? Whether you need advice relating to divorce, or for any family law matter, our specialists are here to help. For an initial consultation, contact us below, quoting About Fram magazine.
Contact our Family Law Team bg@barkergotelee.co.uk
NICOLA FURMSTON
Call 01473 611211
AMANDA ERSKINE
barkergotelee.co.uk
47
about food
Lots of bottle
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about food
Who doesn’t love a large dollop of sauce, generously thumped from the bottle and eagerly awaiting the dip of a chip? We chat to Jim Fennell of Salubrious Sauce Co to find out what saucy little numbers this local producer is bringing to the table. We meet at the Marlesford Farm Café, a convivial ‘boardroom’ for many selfemployed workers, and over coffee Jim tells me what prompted him to turn his career upside down and pour his passion into a bottle. “I was working in Financial Services and, approaching a significant birthday, realised that I needed a new challenge. I have always been a real foodie and love to cook and experiment with recipes and flavours. We were having a big weekend breakfast and after the usual red sauce/brown sauce family debate, I thought ‘Why not try to make my own new sauce?’” It was the starting point of a culinary
adventure that would lead to Jim starting his own business, taking on a work unit at Bentwaters Park and to the creation of four fabulous new sauces. Salubrious Sauce Co was founded in early 2016 and the first sauce to get the thumbs up from Jim’s friends and family – the most honest tasting panel you can possibly ask for – was The Original Breakfast Sauce; a reassuringly thick tomato-based sauce with a deep rich flavour that makes it the perfect partner to the full cooked English. Next came The Original Chop Shop Curry Sauce; a big hit of flavour with a mix of spices,
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about food
coconut, mango and caramelised onions that holds its own against good ole’ fish and chips, and then The Original Sunday Lunch Horseradish; a robust sauce with hints of mustard, honey and rosemary that is fast becoming part of their customers’ traditional family roast. Whilst developing the recipes, Jim sought advice from school friend Paddy Bishopp of Paddy & Scott’s and fellow foodie, the late Julian Pollard of Scarlett & Mustard, both of whom were able to share their own experiences of setting up a new business. He also drew inspiration from one of his childhood friends, Jamie Oliver, a real champion of the food industry who allowed him to believe he could achieve his dreams. “It’s hard starting something from scratch. I am so grateful to all those people who were willing to offer their help and give 50
me invaluable insights into the food business.” And, as the orders started to build, Jim soon realised that he could do with a more permanent helping hand, so he turned to Conrad Whelan, another long-term friend who had been a great supporter of his venture from the start. “We are very different. Conrad has a great business mind; he deals with the commercial sideof things, which leaves me to get creative, both in the kitchen and on the drawing board as I also do the branding and design.” Jim retrieves some of his bottles from the next-door table. The branding is great fun. On the label, a British bulldog stares indestructibly back at you. “I wanted something to represent the British roots and tradition of the brand. We had a bulldog called Monty when I was a
about food
teenager, so he seemed the perfect mascot.” For the Breakfast sauce he wears a union jack shirt and a bowler; for the Chip Shop sauce, a nautical stripe jacket and a fishmonger’s hat and for the Horseradish sauce, a dapper waistcoat with a bow tie and Trilby. Monty also has another outfit for me to admire – a sheriff’s star and a Stetson – which he wears for the branding of the latest addition to the range, The Classic BBQ Sauce; a rich smoky sauce, with a wonderful balance of flavours that combines the sweetness of molasses with the heat of spice and is delicious as a marinade for your BBQ meats or just slathered over a burger. Just two years in and all the Salubrious Sauces are proving popular, with bottles flying off the shelves. Gone are the long afternoons spent putting labels on by hand
– weekly orders are now in their 1000s – and Jim and Conrad are excited about future plans to expand the range. As well as being stocked by many local cafés, pubs and farm shops, they have broadened their reach and their sauces can be found at some prestigious addresses such as Fenwicks of Newcastle and Lidgates Butchers in Holland Park, London, and they can also be added to your online shopping basket via Ocado and award-winning butcher Farmison & Co. Jim and Conrad should be proud. It’s a great brand with huge potential; after all who doesn’t like a little bit of sauce on the side… www.salubrioussauceco.co.uk
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EXCELLENT ALES AND GOOD FOOD
T 01728 685758
www.earlsohamvictoria.co.uk
E XCELLENT A LES
T: 01728 723455
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AND
G OOD F OOD
www.thestationframlingham.com
One of the oldest pubs in Suffolk in a beautiful village setting. Chef Louise handcrafts the seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients. Stewart serves a selection of local ales and an expanding array of single malt whiskys. Lovely beer garden with village church backdrop. Water bowls and biscuits provided for friendly dogs!
The Street, Pettistree, Nr Wickham Market, Suffolk IP13 0HP
THE BELL AT CRETINGHAM Situated in the picturesque village of Cretingham, The Bell is the perfect country pub. It's that time of year again, so come in from the cold and enjoy a hearty meal or a few drinks with friends. With the log burner alight, feel instantly warmed and relax in the friendly atmosphere. Whether it's a meal for two, or a larger party, we can cater for all. If you prefer something more substantial, take a seat in the restaurant. Fish Platters, Ploughman’s and Sandwiches. Steaks, Pies and Daily Specials. OPEN MON - SAT 11.30am-3pm & 5.30pm-11pm SUN 12noon-4pm & 7pm-10.30pm Telephone 01728 685419 The Street, Cretingham IP13 7BJ. WWW.CRETINGHAMBELL.COM 53
the framlingham
about taste
cook book
From bake to cake with the cream of the crop Are you a culinary creative? Framlingham Business Association is producing a charity cook book containing local recipes for launch in Autumn 2018 and is looking for contributors. Do you have a family recipe that you’d like to share? It can be a family favourite, a recipe handed down over generations or just something you have invented
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and regularly enjoy. If there is a historical or amusing story behind the recipe even better! As well as recipes, the association is also looking for any self-penned stories, poems, photographs or sketches relevant to Framlingham and the local area. If you would like to be considered for inclusion, please email cookbook@frambnb.co.uk with your ideas before the end of March.
Preserving good taste If you are among the many purchasers who have now run out of the fabulous preserves made and sold by local foodie Richard Whitaker, get ready to clear some space in your cupboards as he will be selling his delicious homemade range of Jams, Preserves and more at his pop-up at ‘Carousel’ from February 7th-13th, returning July 18th-24th and October 3rd-9th. With mouth-watering combinations such as Fennel & Orange and Blueberry & Basil, our taste buds are already tingling at the prospect!
about taste
Pick up a pint today
We say potato!
‘If we can trace our beef, pork, lamb and eggs back to the farm why is milk any different?’ and this was the thinking behind a newly installed milk machine at Palfrey & Hall.
The East Anglian Potato Day is one of the few events in the country dedicated to the humble potato, a mainstay of the British diet and very much part of our local heritage.
Working with Jason and Katharine Salisbury of Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses, who run a herd of guernsey and jersey cows, butchers Shaun & Deglan now sell their deliciously creamy fresh milk straight from the parlour in their newly converted premises in Debenham. With glass bottles available that can be filled and reused time and time again, we’re sure you’ll be making a return visit soon.
The event, which is held at Stonham Barns, has been running since 1996 and is organised and run entirely by volunteers from the Suffolk, Ipswich and Norfolk organic gardeners’ groups. It attracts hundreds of people of all ages from all over East Anglia, eager to explore trade and craft stands, sample local food and take part in activities like chip tasting and seed potato swaps and of course, buying their seed potatoes for the rest of the year.
A fresh start at Weaver’s Tearooms Mother and daughter team Sara and Bethany Benstead, both local to Framlingham, took over Weaver’s Tearooms in Peasenhall in November 2017 and have exciting plans afoot for 2018. “Weaver’s has been a much-loved tearoom for many years and we are looking forward to serving up delicious homecooked food in our newly redecorated café. We’ll be using meat from Creasey’s butcher and local produce wherever possible, with an emphasis of freshly prepared, seasonal menus and plenty of lighter options as well as old favourites.” Why not pop in after doing the aboutfram walk around Peasenhall?
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about taste
A humdinger of a Suffolk vegetable chowder Using only the freshest Suffolk vegetables from Humdinger, this warming winter chowder is full of nourishing goodness.
Ingredients ½ butternut squash – peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch dice 3 parsnips – peeled and cut into 1-inch 1 sweet potato – peeled and cut into 1-inch dice
2 carrots – peeled and cut into 1-inch dice ½ fennel bulb – quartered and thinly sliced Course sea salt 5 tablespoons of rapeseed oil 1 onion – diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 litre vegetable stock 2 Maris Piper potatoes – peeled and cut into ¾ inch dice 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs 250ml dairy whole milk
Method Heat oven to 400 oF/200 oC/Gas mark 6 In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel with 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet, season with sea salt and roast for approx. 40 minutes – turning occasionally – until tender and browned in places. While the veggies are roasting prepare the base of the soup. Add 3 tablespoons of rapeseed oil to a large saucepan and fry the onion slowly until soft (approx. 10 mins), then stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes before gradually adding the vegetable stock. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. 56
Now add the diced potatoes and thyme. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. Remove from the heat. Pick out the thyme stems and discard. Stir in the roasted vegetables. Scoop out about 3 ladles of the vegetable chowder and using a blender, puree until smooth. Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan, stir in the milk and then place back on the heat and bring up to a gentle simmer. The chowder should be thick, rich, and creamy. Season to taste, pour into bowls and garnish with cracked pepper and a sprinkling of thyme.
MONDAYS
Monday Madness! A two course menu for £10, 12 – 6pm. Not available in school holidays.
TUESDAYS
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 12pm - 5pm all £7.50
Curry Evening Worldwide curries weekly. It could be Pan Asian, Malaysian, Goan or Thai, to name a few: Meat, Fish & Vegetarian with all the accompaniments.
WEDNESDAYS
Venison Bourguignon, roast lardons, button mushrooms & baby onions with creamy mash
Burger Time Jonny’s Homemade Burgers with a different style each week. Expect the likes of Wagyu beef, venison, pulled pork, lamb, yellown tuna, Portabello and Halloumi
FEBRUARY
THURSDAYS (From Easter)
JANUARY
Fish pie, cheesy herb crust & baby potatoes
MARCH Suffolk spring lamb hot pot with seasonal vegetables PLEASE ASK IF YOU REQUIRE INFO ON THE INGREDIENTS IN THE FOOD WE SERVE
Win lunch for 2 by signing up to our monthly draw Simply email info@sailloftsouthwold.uk with the title “monthly lunch draw” and we’ll add you to our data base. We promise not to bombard you with emails, just our monthly events and news.
Music Night Live music from 7.30pm Varies from jazz, rock, easy listening to light classical and modern covers, who knows?! Free admission
FRIDAYS
Steak Night Tuck into an 8oz Suffolk sirloin steak, Café de Paris butter, fries and slaw. £15.95 includes a glass of house wine or a pint. Not available in school holidays
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
Pull up a chair and soak up the atmosphere with our tasty brunch classics. Traditional Roast served on Sundays, 12–5pm
L@TheSailLoftSW C /TheSailLoftSouthwold 53 Ferry Road, Southwold IP18 8HQ www.sailloftsouthwold.uk info@sailloftsouthwold.uk 01502 725713 OPEN 10am TO 11pm MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10am TO 5pm SUNDAY.
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Competition!
W a din won in de n Theer for rful t Wo Crow wo at odb n a rid t ge
Win a three-course dinner for two, with a glass of Prosecco and a bottle of house wine to share, at The Crown at Woodbridge.
The Crown at Woodbridge offers all that is great about escaping to the country. With old fashioned innkeeping in a modern setting, we boast ten magnificent boutique bedrooms, a bustling bar and a real Suffolk food experience. We are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Enjoy rustic and refined dishes, with simple, high-quality ingredients coming alive on the plate. Our lively cocktail bar serves everything from local ales, beers and ciders to the latest trend gins and cocktails and we also have an extensive and well-balanced wine list. And, if you fancy making a night of it, our luxurious yet affordable bedroom retreats, created by award-winning London-based designers Bentheim, boast goosedown pillows, crisp cotton bed linen and underfloor heating with high-quality toiletries.
For your chance to win this fantastic prize, simply answer this question correctly: Q: How many luxurious bedrooms does The Crown at Woodbridge have? Send your answer to prize@aboutfram.com quoting The Crown in the subject header. The competition closes at 23.59 hours on 31st March 2018. Terms and conditions aboutfram will automatically add your email address to its own database for marketing purposes. Your email address will not be shared with any other companies apart from The Crown. Please indicate in your email if you do not wish to be contacted by either aboutfram or The Crown and we will delete your email address from our records. The prize is not redeemable for cash.
www.thecrownatwoodbridge.co.uk 59
Meet, Eat, Drink, Relax, Shop A little gem in the beautiful Alde Valley Mon – Fri: 8.00am – 4.00pm
Sat: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Wheelchair access • Disabled toilet • Baby-changing • Parking Licenced • Cyclists and walkers welcome • Dog friendly Juniper Barn, Rendham IP17 2AZ 01728 663773 www.juniperbarnsuffolk.co.uk 2 miles off the A12 on the B1119 between Framlingham & Saxmundham
A NEW BREED OF DOG GROOMER Studio 7a, Earl Soham Business Centre, Framlingham, Suffolk Tel: 01728 684470 www.suffolkdoggrooming.co.uk
Fram DIY Fram DIY & Building Supplies Ltd Everything for DIY & Trade Open 6 days per week Free Delivery
Tel 01728 723505 | Fax 01728 724022 Station Rd, Framlingham IP13 9EA
Peter Hall Flooring A Name you can Trust
Established 1959 and providing a first-class fitting service to clients in East Suffolk
Graham Dugdale
Taxi/Private Hire Airport & Business Travel
Come and visit us for a wide range of carpets, vinyls & more to suit every taste & budget
34 High St, Wickham Market, IP13 0QS www.peterhallflooring.com | 01728 746416
T: 01728 724499 M: 07918 732081 E: enquiries@charter-drive.co.uk Jaguar XF Estate
Fully Licensed
SWANN’S NURSERY Now Open
The Wild Blackberry Cafe & Pixie Jo’s Emporium
For all your Gardening Needs Shrubs, Trees, Conifers, Hedging & Fruit Trees
Open 7 days a week
Tel: 01394 460127 www.swannsnursery.co.uk Follow us on Facebook Swann's Nursery, Eyke Road (A1152), Bromeswell, Woodbridge IP12 2PN
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Landscape construction and tree surgery with quality, comprehensive services in both trades. Check out my testimonials and trust your next project with Paragon Landscapes and Tree Services.
M 07767 072 713 | www.paragonservices.co.uk
The Railway Inn - come and see! Dog and family friendly traditional pub, serving local real ales and home cooked food. Sunday Roast 2 courses for £10 • Seasonal Specials Dedicated room for Sky Sports, BT Sports, Darts and Pool 10 HIGH STREET DEBENHAM SUFFOLK IP14 6QJ 01728 861113
2 Whitehouse Cottages Bedfield Road, Earl Soham Woodbridge IP13 7SH
T: 01728 724760
www.railwayframlingham.co.uk
Servicing Repair Commissioning Installation Technical services
Clima-Tech
F-GAS
Heat Pump Specialist
Ashley Shemmings Tel: 01728 684437 / Mob: 07966 182774 ashley@clima-techservices.co.uk / www.clima-techservices.com
OIL
.
RENEWABLES
.
ELECTRICAL
GIFTS TEXTILES FASHION HOMEWARE OPEN MON-SUN 10AM-5PM
21 MARKET HILL, FRAMLINGHAM
01728 768052
Do you know who you are? Want help finding your ancestors and building your family tree? Projects can start from scratch or from where you are stuck East Anglian Genealogist – Free consultation and quotation on request Phone Simon Last on 07740 600128 Email: charnwoodresearch@virginmedia.com Web: www.charnwood-genealogy.com : www.facebook.com/charnwoodgenealogy
ALAN ROSS REMOVALS & STORAGE
THE WHITE HORSE RENDHAM FREEHOUSE
Full & part packing services available. Experienced in moving pianos & fine antiques. Packaging materials supplied. “Don’t risk doing it yourself...let us take the strain!” 01728 668900 / sales@alanrossremovals.co.uk www.alanrossremovals.co.uk Units 1 & 2, Station Works, Main Rd, Darsham
A traditional village pub serving food, Suffolk ales, wines and cyders. For live music, events and special evenings check our website www.whitehorserendham.co.uk on the B1119 between Framlingham and Saxmundham Telephone 01728 663497
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round & about
Loop the loop The pretty village of Peasenhall is our destination for the walk this issue. We park along the main street and then pile out to pull on an assortment of wellies, hats and gloves. The sky may be a brilliant blue, but the January wind is lazy, not bothering to go around you, just cutting straight through. Looking at the map we discover that there are lots of circular loops from here that allow you to either do a long energetic walk or a short stroll if you just want to stretch your legs. As usual our group is split – all those with bobble hats pointing at a loop smaller than a cheerio and all those without, more in favour of an onion ring! We set off up Church Street, just opposite Emmett’s, a wonderful deli with a café that is one of several watering holes in the 62
village. As we march up the hill we admire a pretty row of cottages that would once have housed the workers from the Seed Drill Factory that was founded here at the turn of the 19th century by James Smyth. Further up the hill, a pair of ancient iron gates that look straight out of a Sherlock Holmes thriller, catch our attention. We linger until Sarah mentions the story of a maid who was murdered in a big house near to the church and quickly hurry on. To the left, a footpath takes us along a wide farm track across open countryside and here the dogs enjoy a run while we pull down our hats against the wind. Just before a wooded copse, we turn left over a footbridge and at the rise of the hill can just see the ruins of Sibton Abbey, once one of the only
round & about
Cistercian Abbeys in East Anglian. When we reach the road towards Sibton, we turn left and follow a well-worn path along the side of a small tributary of the River Ox. This runs the whole length of the village and at one of the bridges we cross over to the grassy triangle in front of Weaver’s Tearoom and the magnificent Medieval Hall; once a coaching inn it is now owned by the Landmark Trust. Loop 1 completed! The bobble hat brigade begins to mutter but we press on and take the road out towards Walpole, skirting the perimeter of a large manor house to the left. The lane leads down past a row of cottages and then on the right we see the welcoming sign of the Sibton White Horse. A few glances are exchanged between Damian and Martin and before we know it we are sat outside with a drink. Out comes the map and our options
are considered, loops discussed. Another pint and several bowls of chips appear. The bobble hats seize their chance and push for a short walk home and, with thoughts of onion rings slowly fading, we leave the pub and head back the way we came. Just before the bridge, a footpath sign to the right leads through the trees along a muddy track which then emerges into open farmland. We traipse along the headland, collecting some dinner plates of rich Suffolk soil on our boots, before dropping down to Mill Road. Here we turn left and wander back down the hill, happily flicking mud off our boots. At the crossroads we turn left again and are back where we started. Off come the bobble hats and we are now united in a common desire to head home for a warming drink and a lazy Sunday afternoon with the papers. 63
Stockists
about you Felicity Pryor pryorfelicity@gmail.com Mint Fitness Moat Park Earl Soham. IP13 7SR T: 01728 684473 www.mintfitness.co.uk TK Yoga Retreat T: 01728 724625 www.tkyogaretreat.co.uk Boogie Bounce www.bookwhen.com/ carolineboogiebounce
Photography credits Dominic Whiten Coastal Creative Photography www.coastalcreative photography.co.uk Rufus Owen www.rufusowen.com
Rufus Owen www.rufusowen.com
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about interiors
about style
Dix-Sept Antiques Dix-Sept Antiques 17 Station Road Framlingham. IP13 9EA T: 01728 621505 www.dixsept.co.uk Doe Leather www.doeleather.co.uk Ferrar Design T: 07884 433385 www.ferrar.co.uk Leo’s Deli 17 Market Hill Framlingham. IP13 9AN T: 01728 724059 www.leosdeli.co.uk Luxmore & Co Bridge Farm, Friday Street Brandeston. IP13 7BP T: 01728 685890 www.luxmooreandco.co.uk Marlesford Antiques Main Road (A12) Marlesford. IP13 0AG T: 01728 748076 www.marlesfordmill.co.uk Olivie Market Hill Framlingham www.oliviestudio.co.uk Ruby Tyger No 1 The Mews Market Hill Framlingham. IP13 9AN T: 01728 724470 www.rubytyger.co.uk Snape Maltings Snape. IP17 1SP T: 01728 688303 www.snapemaltings.co.uk The Fireplace Crown & Anchor Lane Framlingham. IP13 9BL T: 01728 621212 www.fireplaceframlingham.co.uk
Dix-Sept Antiques Ernest Doe Broadwater Road Framlingham. IP13 9LL T: 01728 723963 www.ernestdoe.com Impulse Fashion Market Hill Framlingham. IP13 9AN T: 01728 724969 Lucy Quinn Millinery T: 07771 693446 www.lucyquinnmillinery.com Olivie Market Hill Framlingham www.oliviestudio.co.uk Phoebe & Flo Well Close Square Framlingham. IP13 9DS Ruby Tyger No 1 The Mews Market Hill Framlingham. IP13 9AN T: 01728 724470 www.rubytyger.co.uk Spry Workwear www.spryworkwear.com Trulock and Harris Ore Trading Estate Framlingham. IP13 9LL T: 01728 724776 www.trulockandharris.comndharris. Urban Vintage 4b Market Hill Framlingham Tel: 01728 727481 www.urban-vintage.com
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UPCOMING OPEN MORNINGS Framlingham College Saturday, 10th March 2018 09.30 - 12.00
Framlingham College Prep School ‘iCanatFram’
Saturday, 3rd March 2018 09.30 - 12.00 A range of activities will be available
Framlingham College Prep School Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, 17th March 2018 09.30 - 12.00
Booking essential! Book online or email us on admissions@framcollege.co.uk
FRAMCOLLEGE.CO.UK/OPENMORNINGS Framlingham College ∙ College Road ∙ Framlingham ∙ Suffolk ∙ IP13 9EY
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T: 01728 723789 ∙ E: reception@framcollege.co.uk