DOGS ABOUT

Hello, my name is Elsie and I’m a two-and-a-half year old Lakeland Terrier. Aren’t I gorgeous? I am a very lucky doggie having such a wonderful family to live with, especially my lovely mummy Jill Barrett. She brings me into Barretts of Woodbridge every day and I play with all the staff before we open.

Another reason I’m so lucky is that my parents - Jill and Michael - love taking me on long walks and for days out in their caravan. This is one of my favourite pictures of me with mummy Jill (below left) enjoying a walk in the Peak District!

If you’d like to meet me, come to Barretts of Woodbridge in the Thoroughfare about 11am in the morning before I’m walked home, avoiding Mondays (which is my day off, of course).

RETURN TO SENDER!

My name is Elvis and I’m a 14-year-old border terrier who is never happier than when I’m with my humans Chris and Averill from Woodbridge.

At my age I have slowed down a bit but that doesn’t stop me having fun. My humans think I’m losing my sight and hearing which I use to my advantage so I can get my own way even more!

Recently we took a trip up north and walked into the hills and when I got tired, I had to be rucksacked off the mountain (pictured right). I loved every minute!

l Have you got a dog who would like his or her 15 minutes of fame? Email your best photos to: info@livinginsuffolk.com

What’s new in your lively local arts scene?

Angela Hagan has the lowdown …

MIGHTY FORCE!

Abstract paintings by Boo Compton and graphic needlepoints by Sally-Ann Elliott will be on show at the Aldeburgh Gallery, 143 High Street from 13-19 July. This talented duo has teamed up to bring a vibrant exhibition full of colour and energy.

Sally-Ann is a talented interior stylist and artist, who recently relocated her family to rural Suffolk from north London. She has combined her experience of interiors and textiles with her passion for art and now creates her own bespoke pieces inspired by textile patterns and her love of colour and graphic shapes.

Boo is an abstract artist, living in rural Suffolk, who creates distinctive abstracts which embrace strong visual dynamics, colour and often texture. Her work is regularly exhibited, and she has a worldwide collector base. l Find them on Instagram @thredwell @boocomptonart or Boo’s work at boocomptonart

BERTHA HITS THE ROAD!

Following on from the recent success of their ‘Pop-up & Draw’ session at Dunwich Beach, artist Samantha Barnes and her beloved caravan, Bertha, have more dates coming up.

The summer sessions will take place on Sunday 11 June at Dunwich Beach and Saturday 5 August in Southwold (exact location to be confirmed) in which visitors are provided with drawing boards, paper, pencils, a suggestion sheet of exercises and bags of inspiration. Sam says Bertha has been a real hit with clients, one described her as a “mobile beach hut.”

“She is a magnet for chat - perfect!” says the Woodbridge-based artist, who will also be running her popular Art Lunches at her magical studio on Saturday 12 August and Thursday 21 September from 10am-5pm. l Visit: samanthabarnes.com

Felixstowe Book Festival

Launched in 2013 Felixstowe Book Festival at Harvest House is a celebration of ‘Books by the Sea’ where audiences meet authors in a welcoming atmosphere. This year, festival patron Esther Freud (pictured) will be in conversation with her sister, novelist Susie Boyt, discussing their most recent books, I Couldn’t Love You More, and Loved and Missed. Their talk will cover the themes of mothering, addiction, loss and love and the inspirations that lead them to become writers.

Authors include Terry Waite, Siobhan Daniels, Robin Ince, J.M Hewitt, Angela Harding and Lily Graham.

l To book, go to: felixstowebookfestival.co.uk

Back To The Ballroom

Barrie Houghton and Bill Pryde last held a joint exhibition in 2015 at what was the Peter Pears Gallery, now revitalised as Ballroom Arts in High Street, Aldeburgh. In ‘Paint Print Clay Wood’ they will be joined by Jon Warnes and Loesje Sanders in this wonderful show of talent, running from 29 June to 4 July, 10am to 5pm, across the two galleries; the Courtyard and the Ballroom.

l For more information, go to ballroomarts.org

Finding Freedom

Gallery East is bringing a big splash of Cornwall to Woodbridge in an exciting new solo exhibition by Cornish artist Neil Canning called Finding Freedom. Neil is a leading UK contemporary artist, part of the new generation of St Ives artists. Originally from Oxfordshire, he spent seven years in Wales before moving to Cornwall in 1997. He lives and works in a small village outside Marazion, near Penzance. The coast and moors of this beautiful and dramatic peninsular give his work colour, space and a sense of drama.

“Neil carries the torch of Cornish abstractexpressionismonwards.His canvasesareperfectlybalanced:the coloursdisplayingthemoodand vibrancyoftheland,themark-making the boldness and flux of the atmosphere.Heexpertlyconveys Cornwall’sbouncinglight,capricious weather fronts and ocean thrum.This exhibition,FindingFreedomatGallery East,isamasterclassincomposition and emotion.”

KateReeve-Edwards,Art writer l Finding Freedom runs until July 1 at Gallery East, 24 Church Street, Woodbridge. Contact the team for a catalogue on: team@galleryeast.co.uk Visit: galleryeast.co.uk

Travel Counsellors

Like many others, Sarah Glyde made a big career decision after the pandemic.

“A year ago this June, I set up my own business as an independent travel agent, working from home in Woodbridge,” she says. “And what a year it has been for travel!”

Indeed, having to press pause on our travel plans for what felt like an eternity left many travellers on the lookout for exciting new experiences and adventures.

“And more off-grid and wildlife holidays, more authentic ways to experience local culture as well as more responsible ways to travel,” says Sarah, who admits she’s a self-confessed safari addict!

Having spent 20 years in Africa herself, it’s no wonder she’s a whizz at arranging all manner of trips “from city breaks to complex journeys all around the world.”

“When it comes to holiday planning, I do all the work, so all that’s left for you is to pack and get to the airport (I can even help with that too). What’s more I can offer some of the best financial protection in the industry, as I’m part of the award -winning Travel Counsellors network.”

Any tips for holidaymakers?

“For anyone wanting to travel in 2024, start looking now,” she says, “popular destinations from the Amalfi Coast to Masai Mara are already filling up in peak season. To pinch Nike’s slogan - just do it!” l Contact Sarah on, 01394 480006 or, sarah.glyde@travelcounsellors.com

AWARDWINNING CAMPSITE!

Congratulations to the owners of Sunnyside Campsite near Halesworth after it’s been voted a top-rated UK farmbased site.

This lovely back-to-basics campsite, complete with a stunning natural pond, is run by former art teacher Sally Basset and her architect husband Richard.

Sally says: “We’re pleased we are bringing people to this very special part of Suffolk - helping to support other local businesses and our community owned pub ‘The Racehorse’ which is just a few minutes stroll away.” l Check it out, sunnysidecampsite.co.uk

Vintage Sister Pop Up At Vanil

17 Church Street, Woodbridge

Thursday 6th-Saturday 8th July, 10.30am – 5pm l Find out more at, vintagesister.co.uk and vanil.co.uk

The stylish, pre-loved clothing brand, Vintage Sister, are doing a three-day pop up in interior store, Vanil. Former fashion designer, Kim, and fashion buyer, Andrea, worked together for years with leading fashion brands before setting up Vintage Sister. “We are very particular about the look of our brand,” says Kim. “We go for pieces that are timeless and minimal, and mainly for the 1970s-1990s. We love cool shapes, and try to source a good variety of sizes.” Kim, who has a knack for “knowing how to make women feel and look good”, will be on hand to give styling advice.