Living in Felixstowe - Issue 5 by Living in ...

ISSUE ISSUE ONE… FIVE …SUMMER SPRING2016 2018

LIVING IN

FELIXSTOWE Thinkhome big …owners… women on success Local throw open their doors Art for Cure … paving the way Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Ideal new in town Is greyhomes just so…last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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SPRING IN FELIXSTOWE S

pring has sprung … well nearly! And we’re full of joy that the cold snap is soon behind us. We’ve had such fun putting together this issue, which features even more talented and interesting folk from around the town. With International Women’s Day on 8th March we thought we’d mark the occasion by meeting some of the region’s most inspiring women, including town resident and BBC Radio Suffolk star Lesley Dolphin. A big thank you to her and everyone who agreed to be involved, and we hope you find their amazing stories as compelling as we do (you can find them on pages 10 –12). We also caught up with Felixstowe artist Clare Curtis. This hugely talented linocut artist will be exhibiting at Art for Cure – the acclaimed biannual exhibition which, to-date, has raised a staggering £275,000 for Breast Cancer Now and local services that support those suffering with the disease. The event happens over the forthcoming May Bank holiday weekend. Thanks also to Clare for her beautiful image of Felixstowe’s Spa Gardens, which we hope you agree makes for a fantastic cover shot for this issue. On page seven, Helen Greengrass, chair of Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance, reveals what Felixstowe is doing to meet its challenge to become the first dementia-friendly town in the region. It’s great to see the commitment of everyone across town; retailers, organisations and individuals alike pulling together to support this inspirational initiative. We were delighted when resident and talented photographer, Stephen Squirrell, got in touch to tell us about his favourite local cycle routes and in particular his ‘two rivers ride’. If you’ve been thinking about getting back on your bike, Stephen’s story on page 17 will surely spur you on. So we hope you’re able to sit back with a copy and a cuppa and enjoy.

Angela & Lyn

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

FELIXSTOWE

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Craig Drever and Lewis Webb info@livinginfelixstowe.co.uk www.livinginfelixstowe.co.uk Due East Media Ltd: 39 Seckford Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LY Registered in England number 10242873 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editor, nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Living In … Felixstowe does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, without prior permission of Due East Media Ltd.

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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9 11

WHAT’S INSIDE 7 Dementia-friendly Felixstowe 9 Art for a Good Cause 10 Women of substance 14 Dog About Town 15 Movers & Shakers 17 Get On Your Bikes! 18 Out & About ON THE COVER

Spa Gardens by Clare Curtis. Clare will also be exhibiting at Art for Cure www.clarecurtis.co.uk www.artforcure.org.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER ISSUE ONE… 2016SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

Picture: Generator Group

HOME FRONT!

onstruction work starts soon on the development of 197 homes in Ferry Road, with a marketing suite set to open in May. Generator Group was given planning permission for the development, which includes one third of affordable housing. Edward Orr, director at Generator Group, says: “We are pleased to be moving ahead with the delivery of this key housing site that will deliver a significant number of high quality new homes for the local area. Felixstowe’s housing needs continue to grow, particularly with ongoing expansion of the port. Our site occupies a prestigious

location within the town on the edge of Old Felixstowe and close to the coast and countryside, so we expect homes here to be in high demand.” The development will deliver a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, as well as apartments, to suit a range of residents. In total, there will be 131 properties for private sale and 66 affordable units. Generator will also deliver the associated roads, infrastructure, car parking, landscaping and public open spaces. As the site borders an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Generator

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Left: Generator says the designs sensitively complement the natural surroundings

maintains the design will sensitively complement the natural surroundings with a generous area of public open space at the centre of the development providing a focal point and also incorporating a children’s play area. This links with the site’s entrance via a tree-lined boulevard, while extensive landscaping, including a buffer of trees to the site boundary, helps it to blend with the surrounding landscape. l For details on buying a property at the site, call 01473 234800 or visit www.laureatefields.co.uk

CARE ON THE BEACH

The Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) is coordinating the activity of relevant agencies in a bid to establish the source and extent of the PSP contamination. The agencies involved include Cefas, the Food Standards Agency, Local Authority Environmental Health alkers are still being warned to departments, the Marine Management make sure their pets don’t eat Organisation and the Environment Agency. anything found on the beach CEO of Eastern IFCA, Julian Gregory, says: after the death of a dog in “It is important that we take a measured Felixstowe Ferry earlier in the year. and joined-up approach in working to find It has been confirmed that the Siberian out what the extent of PSP contamination husky, who was visiting the area when it may be. At this point there is nothing to became ill after eating a shore crab, was indicate that species sold for human highly likely to have died from paralytic consumption such as brown crabs or lobster shellfish poisoning (PSP). This follows are affected but as a precautionary measure similar findings in relation to a golden we are sampling a range of marine animals retriever which died after eating fish to ensure that any on-going PSP (dab) on the beach at Cley in North contamination is identified.” Norfolk on New Year’s Eve. PSP is a Dr Andrew Turner, from Cefas, adds: Picture by Angela Hagan naturally occurring marine biotoxin. “There is no risk to people or animals from the While there is no risk to people or pets from seawater, seawater. The only risk is from ingesting PSP-contaminated recreational users of the coast, in particular dog walkers, animals found on the beach, so simple precautions should be are being advised to take simple precautions to prevent followed to ensure that pets and people do not eat anything their pets from consuming anything found on a beach. they find on the beach.” This may include keeping dogs under close control, on leads or muzzled, if considered appropriate, while l For full details, see www.eastern-ifca.gov.uk/paralyticwalking along the coast. shellfish-poisoning-incidents

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Clockwise from top left: One in 14 people over 65 have dementia in the UK; As a member of the Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance, the East of England Co-op’s ‘shopping in their shoes’ challenge enables colleagues (employees) to experience agerelated setbacks first-hand; local companies and organisations receive DementiaFriendly certificates

PIONEERING TOWN! “F

Felixstowe will become the first dementia-friendly town in the region, according to Helen Greengrass

elixstowe is working to become the first dementiafriendly town in the Suffolk Coastal District area, helping to make lives easier for those suffering from dementia, and provide support to their carers. Current estimates are that 12,800 people in Suffolk are living with dementia, and unfortunately this figure is expected to rise. Our aim is to make Felixstowe a dementia-friendly community and we’re achieving this through the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme – the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. I’m delighted to say Felixstowe now boasts 950 dementia friends, and over 40 business organisations have committed to becoming more dementia friendly. Becoming a dementia friend couldn’t be easier. Whether you attend a face-to-face information session, or watch the online video, you learn more about dementia and the small ways we can all help. From telling people about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, or being more patient at the supermarket checkout, every action counts. With support from Suffolk

Coastal District Council, the Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance has also secured the future of two support groups in the town. Run by dedicated volunteers, these groups provide much needed support, as well as giving those who attend the opportunity to make friends, enjoy conversation, and take part in activities in a friendly, inclusive and relaxed environment. The Memory Lane Dementia Support Group meets every Friday at The Salvation Army on Cobbold Road, and has received financial support from both the Rotary Club of Felixstowe Landguard and the Rotary Club of Felixstowe. The Felixstowe Parish Dementia Support Group meets monthly at St John’s Parish Church, Princes Road, and has been supported by both the church and Trinity Players. While 40 businesses in town are involved, from large high street names to Felixstowe independents, we would love to hear from any organisations keen to get involved. Dementia Awareness Week in May (21st – 27th) is a great opportunity to take that first step and we’re looking to encourage retailers and businesses to support National Memory Day on 24th May. Dementia could affect you, me or any number of your friends and

family. Becoming a dementia friend is an easy way to make a difference. I’d also like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has helped by volunteering their time, resources or pledging their support.” l Helen Greengrass is chair of the Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance. WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

l The Memory Lane Dementia Support Group meets every Friday from 11am to 2pm at the Salvation Army, Cobbold Road. l The Felixstowe Parish Dementia Support Group meets the second Wednesday of every month at St Johns Parish Church, Princes Road from 10am to 12 noon. l You can contact the Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance by email at fxtdaa@gmail.com or by calling 07717 150993. l You’ll find lots of information at www.dementiafriends.org.uk and www.dementiaaction.org.uk/ local_alliances/14357_felixstowe_ dementia_action_alliance

“Dementia could affect you, me or any number of your friends and family” ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

FELIXSTOWE LIVES

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

ART FOR A GOOD CAUSE

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Clockwise from top left: Clare specialises in lino cutting; intricate linocuts like this one, titled Glade, reflect Clare’s love of nature; her distinctive illustrations have brought book covers to life; in the studio

Felixstowe artist Clare Curtis explains why the forthcoming Art for Cure exhibition is so special Pictures by Lyn Peters and Clare Curtis

rt for Cure has become a Suffolk phenomenon, having raised a staggering £200,000 for Breast Cancer Now (previously Breakthrough Breast Cancer) and £75,000 for local services that support those suffering with breast cancer. The brainchild of Belinda Gray, who completed treatment for breast cancer in 2014, the biannual exhibition has become the go-to art show in East Anglia and returns to Glemham Hall on the bank holiday weekend, 5th – 7th May. Felixstowe artist Clare Curtis has been involved with Art for Cure from the outset. With a reputation for her stunning linocuts, Clare says: “Art for Cure is absolutely staggering. It’s not just about the art, but the setting, the organisation, the food, everything. It’s just a great day out.” During the three-day exhibition, 50 per cent of all art sales are donated to Art for Cure by the artists and, as Clare says: “It’s standard practice for galleries to take 50 per cent of the price of an artwork, so from an artist’s perspective it’s fantastic to know

your work is helping to support such a great cause.” Taking inspiration from plants and the natural environment, Clare’s work is available as limited edition prints – this issue’s front cover is Clare’s work depicting Felixstowe’s very own Spa Gardens. She also works as an illustrator, producing stunning book covers for publishers, as well as packaging for renowned organisations like the National Trust and, closer to home, Adnams. “Linocut is such a varied medium, which is what I love about it,” Clare continues. “There’s a lot of planning before you start, then there’s the skill of the cutting and the physicality of the printing. As each of my limited edition prints is hand-printed, I like that you never quite know what you’re going to get. If a print involves four colours, that means four different lino blocks are needed to layer up the colour, making every print slightly different and original.” Looking forward to this year’s event, Clare adds: “Being part of Art for Cure is a real highlight for me. Roll on the May bank holiday, I say.”

“Being part of Art for Cure is a real highlight for me” DISCOVER MORE

For full details of Art for Cure 2018 and details of other participating artists, visit www.artforcure.org.uk See www.clarecurtis.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Trail Blazers!

With International Women’s Day around the corner, Living In … Felixstowe is celebrating just some of the incredible women who are making waves locally …

MINNIE MOLL – JOINT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OP

he’s one of the region’s most influential business leaders and was given the royal seal of approval when HRH The Prince of Wales appointed her as his Ambassador for Responsible Business in the East of England. It seems there’s pretty much nothing Minnie Moll can’t turn her hand to. She’s enjoyed an extraordinary career which has seen her rise to the very top of her field, even conquering the traditionally male-orientated world of advertising back in the 80s which, in terms of fair play and equality, must have seemed like the Wild West! Waiting to meet Minnie in a beautiful, ornate room at the East of England Co-op

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

HQ in Wherstead, with sweeping views of the Orwell Bridge, one might expect to meet a somewhat formidable character, who has helped to build the company into the thriving success it is today despite a shaky economy. Instead, it’s a breath of fresh air to be greeted by a warm and approachable mum-of-two with a cracking sense of humour and some very wise words for younger women forging their way in the workplace. It’s not easy being a woman in business but Minnie says she owes a lot of her success to her love of self-development, describing herself as a “life-long learner”. “I learnt early on the importance and power of it,” she says. She started out working on the reception of a trendy ad agency in central London in the 80s. With her bright pink hair, inquisitive mind and quirky looks, she was popular and soaked up everything there was to learn with her “bird’s eye” vantage. She very quickly moved into

advertising, working her way up from account executive through to account director. It must have been a pretty male chauvinist world she found herself in? “There was some extraordinary stuff going on in the 80s in advertising, people chucking computers out of windows in anger and it was a hotbed of creativity,” she grins. “Yes, there was conscious bias and lots of sexist stuff going on but there was a meritocracy so, in a bizarre way, if you were good and you worked hard, then you would rise.” And rise she did. Minnie eventually arrived at acclaimed ad agency HHCL (which created Ronseal’s ‘Does what it says on the tin’ ad), where she went on to work on the Tango drinks account, working with the creative team on the now-legendary ’You know when you’ve been Tango’d’ campaign. Two decades ago she remembers telling her boss that she’d fallen pregnant with twins and his reply was: “Well at least that’s a damn sight more efficient.” She roars with laughter. “But it was,” she insists. “I’ve seen it with friends getting pregnant, then going back to work after having the baby and having to go off again to have another child. My career was only disrupted once. It shouldn’t have made a difference but it did. “And without question there was a time when I felt like I wasn’t doing either role well enough.” Minnie, who became managing partner at HHCL, says she was lucky to have the support of her husband Mark Riley to fill in any gaps and sometimes “keep the socks clean” at home. She believes motherhood can enhance business skills equipping women to multitask and gain perspective. “Sometimes when I was in a really tough meeting and someone was being difficult I’d think: Yeah, I’ve given birth to twins … do your worst! “ As with most working mums, it was

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

AMAZING WOMEN

LESLEY DOLPHIN – BBC RADIO SUFFOLK PRESENTER

Local home owners… throw open their doors

Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod!

Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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Overleaf: Meet more amazing women … Picture by John Ferguson

Lidl were changing shopper behaviour. always a juggling act. She cites occasions “I think my colleagues would agree when she had seconds to get into a highthere’d been a period of underinvestment powered summit meeting, having handed the twins over to Mark as she was doubled in our stores and there was an absolute need to engage an entire new generation parked in central London, or the time with the ‘Co-op Difference’. she was working from home, signing off “So as a brand there was a real a million pound advertising spend on the challenge.” phone, and “my daughter toddled in and But Minnie, as ever, said: ‘Mummy I’ve was super organised, done a poo!’ He “Sometimes when I arriving with a 100-day laughed on the other plan formulated with end!” she adds. was in a really tough the help of a trusted She says at one meeting and someone business coach, and it stage she was lucky her to hit the enough to work with was being difficult I’d helped ground running. And one of her role models, the late Anita Roddick, think: Yeah, I’ve given she’s never looked back. who founded The birth to twins … do “It has been Body Shop. transformational,” “She was so your worst!” she says. “The whole inspiring,” she recalls. business has worked “The Body Shop back so hard and what’s really rewarding is then was extraordinary. Here was this we’ve achieved some brilliant stuff.” woman with this authenticity – she had In the last financial year its underlying this tousled mane of auburn hair and trading profit was 17 per cent up. she wore Dr Martens shoes! “So that, in a way, is the ultimate signal “It helped me believe that leadership that everything you’re doing is working didn’t have to be stale, pale and grey and that’s all in a really challenging time,” and that you absolutely could be she says. a woman leader.” There’s much to boast about, too long to Minnie went on to carve out roles as list here, but she’s particularly proud that partner at JFDI and ?What If!, the the East of England Co-op was named innovation giant, where she worked as Alzheimer’s Society Large Business of the global marketing director, and then to Year in 2016–17. Notcutts in Suffolk as executive director “I really get a buzz from little old East of marketing. Anglia beating the rest of the country,” she Four years ago she started at the East of smiles. “All our work building awareness England Co-op as one of five joint chief surrounding dementia was recognised. executives (she’s the only woman) We’re proud that 85 per cent of our focusing on engaging their members and colleagues (staff) have voluntarily customers and developing the brand. undertaken dementia training. As a co-op Her work was cut out for her. it is in our DNA to support communities.” “I walked into a perfect storm,” she Minnie adds that she’s a great fan of recalls. Winnie the Pooh and has often quoted this A scandal at the Co-op Group, which is immortal line to her daughters: ‘Promise an entirely separate business to the East me you will always remember you are of England Co-op, was causing a lot of braver than you believe, stronger than you reputational confusion plus there was seem and smarter than you think.’ a supermarket price war and Aldi and

esley Dolphin has worked in radio for many years and now enjoys huge ratings with her weekday magazinestyle show on BBC Radio Suffolk. “I took on afternoons in 2009 and although I tweak it every so often it’s been as it is now with the longer sofa guest feature and Dolphin’s Dart for several years,” she says. “I think it strikes a chord with people who love living here and it’s at a time of day when people can listen for a little bit longer.” Lesley, who moved to Felixstowe with husband and fellow Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy last year, believes she has been lucky with her career. “I don’t think I ever came up against obvious discrimination, and it’s not possible to know whether I didn’t get certain jobs because I wasn’t a man or because I wasn’t as good!” she says. “What I can say is that I have a job that I love and in a county that is the best, and not many people can say that.” The mum-of-two says she was inspired early on in her career. “The person who gave me my first taste of radio was a woman called Ann Hunter. She presented the mid-morning show at BBC Radio Leeds and came to give us a lecture at Bradford University. I blagged a visit back to the studios and she took me under her wing. She got me working behind the scenes and eventually doing technical work and radio reporting. I owe my whole career to her.” Despite the success of her show, she says what she’s most proud of is all she’s achieved in her personal life. “In the grand scheme of things, my family with my two sons and Mark, and our new house in Felixstowe are my best achievements. However, my trek up Kilimanjaro was a huge moment in my life too – 14 of us did it to raise money for the new Treehouse children’s hospice for EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices). The climb wasn’t easy but it was the huge response when we got back that will stay with me forever. People were so generous. I had a couple of anonymous donations of hundreds of pounds just dropped into our reception! We raised nearly £50,000. I shall always be very proud of that. “

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

AMAZING WOMEN

Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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TANYA RUFFLES – OWNER AND MD OF RB AGENCY

up a legion of clients both locally and t started life in a back bedroom during nationally. the economic crash, and now RB RB Agency started out in her back Agency is one of the region’s leading bedroom against the backdrop of the advertising, PR and marketing agencies 2010 crash when her husband, Merrick, with an annual turnover of £1.3million was struggling to find work in his and a staff of ten. construction job. Funded by the sale of The dynamic businesswoman at its their house, he urged Tanya to go for it helm is Tanya Ruffles, who is hands-on in and the firm now has 20 clients including its day-to-day running as well as strategic the East of England Co-op. management and growth of clients and “All our clients say there’s something so personnel. All this, plus being a devoted different about RB,” says Tanya, who owes mum to a five-year-old son as well as a lot of her success to having a learning battling and recovering from stage 3 and development breast cancer last coach, Jacqui year. Her strength, Warren. “We have it seems, lies “You have to find this a big part to play in turning any inner strength to run your and I’m so proud situation – good it was what or bad – into own business, dig deeper that my vision was a positive. seven years ago – “So many people than you’ve ever done though I never think it’s the before in terms of your thought we’d be end when you’re quite this big!” diagnosed with own stability.” “You have to find cancer, but it can this inner strength be the beginning to run your own business, dig deeper than of something wonderful and a reason to you’ve ever done before in terms of your fight harder than you ever have,” smiles own stability. You really need to look after Tanya over a cuppa in her bright and yourself and be on form every day for 52 airy office looking out onto gorgeous weeks a year and even weekends.” countryside in Felixstowe. Now on a mostly organic diet having Tanya first started out in retail, working lost 23lb since her gruelling chemo with her dad businessman, Peter Barnes, treatment ended last year, Tanya says she’s who owns the family business Barnes of happier and healthier than ever and she’s Ipswich and The Bed Factory. She soon enjoying spending quality time with her spread her wings and rose through the family. retail ranks, managing a superstore and “I’ve finally found that all-important then onto selling radio advertising for Vibe work-life balance and discovered a lot FM and later SGR FM. about myself along the way.” she adds. She was a natural and soon built

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

MANDEEP BIRDY – EDITOR AND OWNER OF THE FELIXSTOWE MAGAZINE

andeep is normally out and about interviewing people locally, so it was nice to turn the tables and get to know her! Following a successful career in Brighton designing local magazines, Mandeep, who is also an artist, moved back to her hometown in 2012 where she worked for a while teaching art to children. In 2014, she put her skills to good use and launched the first monthly edition of her magazine and has never looked back. “Bringing out a magazine, you really get to know the community on a whole new level,” says Mandeep, who owes her work ethic to her inspirational parents and the many successful people she has come to know over the years. “It’s a real privilege and lovely when local businesses put their support and trust in you. It’s also a privilege to be part of the Felixstowe community and to be able to promote the gems amongst us as well as various activities.” Mandeep, a firm believer in selfdevelopment and business coaching, made changes recently, which have paid off. “Turning into a subscription magazine meant I could increase the pagination and fill the magazine even more with all the things our readers love. We now have over 5,000 subscribers. “It’s doing really well and because of this, we’re about to launch our Ipswich magazine soon.” So what is her biggest achievement in terms of her business? “That I did it and it’s still going!” she smiles. “The amount of times I hear people saying: ‘I wish I’d done this or that.’ But I believe you have this lifetime, so make it count – if you have a dream or a goal, go for it!” l International Women’s Day 2018 is on Thursday, 8th March.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Bringing you all the latest business news from around the local area

MUSEUM SUCCESS Congratulations to the Felixstowe Museum, which has won ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction” at this year’s Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards. Jan Willis, one of the volunteers at the museum, said “The museum is thrilled to have won this prestigious award. It is a huge achievement and rewards all the hard work of the volunteers based at the museum”. Based at the Landguard Peninsula, the museum includes 14 galleries displaying military and social history; and even the building has a story to tell as it was once a submarine mining establishment. Stephen Rampley, marketing and events co-ordinator at Visit Felixstowe, adds: “This is a great honour for Felixstowe. The town should be very proud.” l Felixstowe Museum reopens to the public on Easter Sunday – 1st April 2018. www.felixstowemuseum.org

CHOICE CUTS A month since opening the doors of Orwells Butchers on Walton High Street, Martin Wells is delighted he came to Felixstowe. “I have a butcher’s business in Ipswich town centre and had been looking for the right opportunity to come to Felixstowe for a long time. Then, Williams Butchers on the High Street closed due to retirement and

DISNEY COMES TO TRIMLEY Who would have thought that a passion for 1940s clothing would result in a Disney costume designer coming to Trimley to source clothing for the forthcoming movie, Christopher Robin? “That’s exactly what happened,” says Lucy Yeo, of 1940s Style for You. Lucy, who runs the business with her mum, Cathy Stafford, goes on to say: “The costume designer had found our Etsy shop, and liked what she saw, but didn’t want to buy online. So she headed up to Trimley and we had everything laid out, so she could select pieces for the film.” Lucy and her mum, who has been a 1940s re-enactor for the last 15 years, both love their job. “We sell at lots of events, but we also sell through our Etsy shop, so our clothes and pieces can go anywhere in the UK or around the world. Quite a lot heads to America.” With 1940s events hosted virtually every weekend around the UK from April to October, demand is huge for Lucy and Cathy’s vintage pieces. “Re-enactors are a big market for us and we also buy lots of stock from them as they change their wardrobes. We also work with people who just love dressing in vintage fashion and those involved in living history projects.” 1940s Style for You came about in 2011. With Lucy a stayat-home mum bringing up her young family, and Cathy having taken early retirement, the time was right for an exciting new venture. “Disney coming to visit was amazing,” adds Lucy, “We just hope they want to come shopping with us again.” l Christopher Robin stars Ewan McGregor and Hayley Atwell and opens on 3rd August. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/1940sStyleForYou

everything came together.” Receiving great feedback about his meat, Martin says what he likes best about his new venture is the banter he enjoys with his customers. “They’re all very friendly and so polite. It’s hard when you take over a business that has enjoyed a good reputation, as the bar is set high, but customers are very trusting.” Working full-time at Walton, Martin needed a manager in his Ipswich store. “I’ve had one chap work with me for 15 years, and so I’ve promoted him to manager, which is a great opportunity for him to move up and I’m confident my business is in very safe hands.” Martin is particularly pleased that lots of younger families are coming to him to buy meat and his freezer packs. “If I can encourage and educate younger families that shopping at a traditional butcher is no more expensive than buying meat from a supermarket, I’ll be a happy man.” l Search for ‘Orwells Butchers, Walton, Felixstowe’ on Facebook

NEW JOBS FOR TOWN It’s exciting times ahead for one of the UK’s fastest growing supermarkets as Lidl UK opens the doors of its new store. Creating 40 new jobs locally, the store on Walton Avenue forms part of Lidl UK’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans, and will include an in-store bakery, longerstyle tills with dual packing, customer toilets and baby changing facilities. With more than two thirds of Lidl UK’s products British sourced, Colin Rimmer, the supermarket’s regional head of property, says: “It’s great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area.” With no signs of Lidl UK’s success slowing, the supermarket reportedly enjoys a 5 per cent share of the market.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

DOG ABOUT TOWN “My name is Rufus and I am a Hungarian wire-haired vizsla. I am four but haven’t realised it yet, so am as bouncy as I was as a puppy. In fact, it’s rare for me to remain still long enough for a photo – but as you can see I can strike a good pose when my photographer is quick enough to capture it!

I am four but haven’t realised it yet, so am as bouncy as I was as a puppy” Felixstowe is the best place ever for a lively boy like me, as I am able to run around on the beach or in the beautiful countryside that surrounds us here – what a lucky boy I am and no wonder I always look so happy!”

MOVERS

AND SHAKERS

as the day we opened. We get a wide variety of guests, with a lot of business customers during the week and holiday makers at weekends. We are seeing more and more people taking their holidays in Felixstowe, and many longer stays during the summer. Events in our function room are definitely bringing more hotel guests from outside the local area to Felixstowe and many of them become returning guests, which is always pleasing to see. Any plans for the future? I’m really pleased with the recent development of our Simpsons function room and want to expand on this possibly with some more of our own events. We are looking forward to the many weddings and events booked for 2018 and letting more people know that we have this facility available. Since opening, Simpsons has hosted weddings, marriage vow renewals, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, retirement parties, business meetings, baby showers, christenings and corporate events – the possibilities are endless!

Stephanie Baker is one of the directors of the acclaimed Fludyers hotel and restaurant in Felixstowe … Tell us about your role. I am actually a chartered accountant so am very much involved in the financial side as well as managing the day-to-day running of the business. It’s almost like four businesses with the hotel, bar, restaurant and all the weddings and events in our Simpsons function room, so there is definitely plenty to keep me busy! What drew you to The Fludyers? I was previously working for a large international firm of accountants and got bored of the desk job. Joining The Fludyers, I welcomed the challenge of making it the best hotel and restaurant in Felixstowe. Tell us about the history of the place. The Fludyers has been in the same spot since 1839, and apparently a machine gun was installed in the restaurant during the Second World War! We acquired the property and undertook major refurbishment, including the modern extension, before the hotel reopened in 2013. Most local residents are used to the way the building looks now but it’s always a reminder

of how much has changed when customers returning to the area after a number of years are shocked by the transformation! What’s the highlight of your job? The highlight for me is definitely the customers. I enjoy meeting a wide variety of people and seeing guests relax and enjoy themselves. It’s great knowing they have had a brilliant time with us! A lot of local residents are frequent customers but many from outside the area, even overseas, return to The Fludyers regularly. So we get to know them and what they like – whether it’s a particular room or table, or their favourite meal. We host a lot of celebrations, not only in the function room but also for guests celebrating special occasions with a hotel stay or meal in the restaurant. It’s nice to know they choose to celebrate those special events with us. Tell us about the hotel side of the business. The bedrooms are all finished to a high standard and we really take care to ensure they stay as pristine

What do you love most about Felixstowe? The sense of community. Ever since moving here when I was younger, I have noticed how friendly the local people are, and a real sense of community spirit that you don’t see so much in other places. If you could have one wish granted for the town, what would it be? I hope Felixstowe continues to benefit from the current investment in local businesses and new homes whilst still maintaining the friendly community atmosphere.

“Customers returning to the area after a number of years are shocked by the transformation” Tell us a secret about yourself. I’ve learnt that some things are best kept secret! Well, it’s not really a secret so much, but I love animals and love seeing different animals when I travel. I went to Australia last year and got to meet a lot more unusual animals than I had ever seen in UK zoos. I’d never heard of the quokka before I went to Sydney but they are adorable and have been described as the world’s happiest animal! l For more information go to www.thefludyers.co.uk

Pictured: Stephanie in The Fludyers bar, which specialises in real ales ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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GET ON

YOUR BIKES! Felixstowe is bursting with fabulous routes to walk and cycle. Here, town resident Stephen Squirrell takes us on his favourite ‘two rivers ride’ …

“N

Pictures by Stephen Squirrell

ow retired childminders, my wife Maggie and I have lived in Felixstowe for 30 years. What we love is that, although we have a town centre house, we can be out somewhere really pretty and quiet in the countryside or by the sea within 10 minutes. Our favourite bike ride is what we call the two rivers ride, the Deben to the Orwell, which you can do via various routes that are 12 to 18 miles in length, depending on how fit you’re feeling! We often take a flask and some sandwiches and stop at various points along the way, our favourites being: the entrance to the River Deben to watch the boats come and go; Kingsfleet, with its large number of swans; Falkenham church boasting fantastic views down to the river; and lastly on the cliff at Levington bay on the River Orwell overlooking the marina. From our house we mainly head down to the prom or, if it’s busy there, to the Grove, with Felixstowe Ferry being the first stopping point. After some time there (I never tire of taking pictures at the Ferry) we continue along the River Deben path, past the houseboats and out into the country. This is an area well known to bird watchers for the large variety of waders; we have been lucky enough to see bittern and bearded tits here along with a quick flash of blue as a kingfisher whizzes past! After about a mile you reach Kingsfleet, a long narrow lake where I caught tench when I was a boy. The farm track past the lake

turns into narrow country lanes as you reach the very pretty Falkenham church – it’s particularly beautiful early in the year with the churchyard full of snowdrops. Here you can decide whether to take a shorter route back into Felixstowe or continue through Kirton to Levington marina, which is a favourite windsurfing spot of mine. It’s always good to stop by the marina to watch the action on the River Orwell and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some old wooden barges. Now heading back towards Felixstowe, you pass Loompit Lake with its large colony of cormorants and the odd trout jumping! At the end of the lake you have to make another decision: turn left and follow the pretty tree-lined path up to Trimley, or continue along the river path to the nature reserve at Trimley Marshes. Both are great routes. If you choose the reserve way, you can stop at the bird hides, where you might catch a glimpse of avocets and a hunting marsh harrier. At the end of the long track to the reserve you can turn left, coming out into Cordys Lane, cutting through Blofield fields and crossing the footbridge over the dock spur. Roads then lead you out near Morrisons. If you turn right, the path takes you to a viewpoint seat overlooking the docks, and down to a couple of level crossing gates to cross the rail tracks where the container trains leave the port. If you are feeling really energetic after making it safely through the busy dock (best to stick to the cycle

paths as there are loads of lorries), you can carry on to the dock, to View Point Cafe and out along the wooden walkway at Landguard to check out one of the best local beaches. It’s then just a couple of miles back across the common and along the prom to get home for a welcome cuppa. The ride takes between two and three hours depending on which route you pick and how many times you stop to take a picture!”

From top: Maggie by Loompit Lake, Levington; map of their route; Stephen and Maggie by the River Orwell at Trimley Marshes

“It’s always good to stop by the marina to watch the action”

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Puzzle Room Challenge

Suffolk Food Hall Thursdays – Sundays With the growing popularity of puzzle rooms, here’s your chance to solve Prof Campbell’s vanished lab-room challenge or escape the Gamekeeper’s bothy. Both scenarios are based in farm buildings underneath the Orwell Bridge, with the adventures encapsulating the heritage and farming background of the site and surrounding area. Suitable for ages nine to 90, this is the perfect way to test your wits in a race against time. Book online at www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk/puzzle-room

OUT &

ABOUT

Spring is in the air – here’s our pick of some great things to do in town and further afield

Drill Time

Landguard Fort Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 15th April If you’re a fan of all things military head to Landguard Fort to see the fabulous 95th Rifles undertaking a weekend of musketry, soldiering and drill. Taking us back in time, this re-enactment group provides a glimpse of army life in the Napoleonic era. Whilst in Felixstowe, the 95th Rifles will offer living history insights into life at the time, as well as practice drills and tactics used over 200 years ago on the battlefields. Normal admission charges to the Fort apply. www.landguard.com

Make a date with the Easter Bunny

Jimmy’s Farm Friday, 30th March – Monday, 2nd April Easter wouldn’t be the same without the Easter bunny. So how about treating your little ones to a trip to the Easter Grotto at Jimmy’s Farm? Not only do they get to meet Mr Bunny and all his furry friends, but each child will receive an Easter egg and a cuddly rabbit toy, as well as entrance to the wildlife park. Book your visit online at www.jimmysfarm.com/product/easter-grotto

Fairtrade happenings

Library Friends

Felixstowe Library Saturday, 7th April If you enjoy everything Felixstowe Library has to offer, joining the newly formed Friends of Felixstowe Library is a great way to show your support. The new group will help raise funds to provide improvements to existing library facilities, hold events for members and promote the wide range of library services available to everyone. With a membership of £1 a year, the new group is open to all Suffolk Library card holders, as well as other interested organisations. This first meeting is being hosted at the library from 10.30 to 12 noon and provides a chance to meet the new committee and put your ideas forward for fundraising and potential improvements to Felixstowe Library. ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

26th February – 11th March With this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight taking place from 26th February to 11th March there’s lots of opportunities across town to show your support of this fantastic initiative. The fortnight gets off to a great start with Mayor Cllr Nick Barber attending a coffee morning at Trinity Methodist’s Church on Orwell Road on 26th February at 11.15am. Then, on 3rd March there’s a family fun day at the library from 10am to 4.30pm with games, competitions, prizes, tombola and refreshments. A further coffee morning is planned for 10th March at the United Reform Church on Tomline Road, from 10 to noon. Fairtrade goods will be available at all three events. Felixstowe became a Fairtrade town in 2009 and to find out more visit www.felixstowe-fairtrade.org.uk

FERRY ROAD, OLD FELIXSTOWE

Coming soon to Felixstowe This summer you have the opportunity to own a high-quality home in a truly exceptional location, a short walk to the beach and set in beautiful countryside.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Local home owners… throw open their doors Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours

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We know Felixstowe…. Call for a free, no obligation, valuation

156-158 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DS 01394 275276 | www.wainwrights.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016