Living in Woodbridge - Issue 2

ISSUE ISSUE ONE… TWO ...SUMMER AUTUMN2016 2016

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE Top 10 townowners… … just why are open we alltheir so happy?

Local home throw doors Life on the water … riverboat owners reveal all Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! Transformed theyear?… house Jojo nobody wanted Is grey just so… last Humes Brown on colours

YOURBRAND FABULOUS YOUR NEW FREE HOMES HOMES & & FREE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE

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AUTUMN IN WOODBRIDGE

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ince our launch issue landed through your letterboxes in July, we’ve been overwhelmed by the fantastic feedback.

So many of you say we’ve captured the spirit of Woodbridge, and thank you for getting in touch – it means a lot.

It encouraged us to go large this issue. So we’ve upped the number of pages, and packed them full of interesting and insightful stories from in and around town, as well as a letters page so you can have your say (page 46).

Recently, millions got to hear how happy we all are here in Woody, with a national survey confirming us as the 10th happiest town in the UK. Check out what local people really think on page nine.

Our homes focus also hit a chord with everyone, and in this edition, local interior designer JoJo Humes Brown kindly throws open the doors of her gorgeous bungalow, with its brilliant bold colours and mid-century vibe. But it doesn’t have to be about bricks and mortar, as our revealing riverboat feature shows, on page 14.

It seems that every conversation we have leads on to another story worth telling. To showcase the talent, diversity and amazing lives of those around us, we’ve started a new series – Woodbridge Lives. We’re kicking off with the talented Matt Driver, a passionate forager and former MasterChef contestant who is cooking up a storm.

If you’ve got a great story you’d like to share, do get in touch. In the meantime, have a very happy autumn!

Angela & Lyn

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Craig Drever & Lewis Webb info@livinginwoodbridge.co.uk www.livinginwoodbridge.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 us in this publication. Living In … Woodbridge 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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18 WHAT’S INSIDE 4 9 10 14 18 23 26 29 33 37 44

Woodbridge News Oh Happy Days!

The House Nobody Wanted Tales of the Riverbank Finders Keepers on the Deben Movers & Shakers Jesse Quin and his Old Jet studios Woodbridge Vibe Whisstocks Update Dog About Town Fun Days Out! ON THE COVER

‘Wonderful Woody’ acrylic painting by Samantha Barnes. £895 framed, £795 unframed.

Go to www.samanthabarnes.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

WOODBRIDGE 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ALL ABOARD! Woodbridge is on track to benefit from a direct rail service to London. It will pick up the Lowestoft to London line running into the capital four times a day, each way. Currently passengers from here have to change at Ipswich, which can add anything up to half an hour on to their journey to Liverpool Street.

The news follows the Department of Transport’s announcement that rail operator Abellio has won a nine-year franchise to deliver a major package of improvements to services in this region.

They include replacement of its entire fleet of trains, an improved ticketing system, faster trains across the network with better connections, and 55 per cent more seats available on their morning rush hour trains.

Local estate agent Antony BromleyMartin, of Bedfords on Market Hill, said the news is a huge boost for the town.

“The new service will open up the area more to daily London commuters, who wish to enjoy living in this beautiful part of England and still be able to work in the capital,” he said. “Also, with more and more flexible working, the London commuter who doesn’t have to do it daily will be equally incentivised to live here full time; rather than have a London pied-a-terre and return just at the weekend.

“It will make the London journey quicker, more comfortable, more convenient and much more pleasant. That, in turn, will benefit the town with more incoming visitors and tourists using our shops, pubs, bars and restaurants, and it will encourage London workers to be here full time, rather than just the weekends.”

An Abellio spokesman told Living In …

Woodbridge that they still have no firm dates as to when the new service starts, adding: “This is early days yet, but as soon as we know, we’ll let you know.”

Watch this space!

“A STORE THAT WOODBRIDGE CAN BE PROUD OF” Work is currently underway on the East of England Co-op’s new supermarket on the site of the former Budgens store in Hamblin Road.

The 7,000 sq ft store is now closed for extensive refurbishment works to create a new-look shop scheduled to open in late October. Not only will the new store offer a cash point machine but it will feature a Subway sandwich bar and a free home delivery service. Customers will also have access to free parking.

Joint chief executive for the East of England Co-op, Roger Grosvenor, says: “This new supermarket will look unlike any other East of England Co-op store.

“It will stock a wide range of the East of England Co-op’s multi-award winning Sourced Locally produce, and will also welcome all local producers currently stocking the Budgens store, alongside everyday essentials, Deli-to-Go, beers, ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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wines and spirits and an in-store bakery.”

The current East of England Co-op Daily and Subway on The Thoroughfare will remain open until the newly renovated supermarket opens its doors. Staff will then transfer to the new supermarket less than 400ft away, joining the current Budgens team, who have all been

employed by the local retailer.

Roger added: “It was important to us that we protected the jobs of those at our own Thoroughfare store and the former Budgens, who’ve been providing a service to the local community for many years.

“Over the coming weeks all of us at the East of England Co-op will be working hard to deliver a store that Woodbridge can be proud of.”

The Post Office, currently situated at the back of the Hamblin Road store with its own temporary entrance, will remain open during refurbishments, closing only briefly for roof works.

The East of England Co-op is hosting regular community events throughout the build for local residents to find out more about the plans and have their say. l For further details on the store, go to: www.eastofengland.coop/woodbridge

YOUTH CLUB APPEAL Pictured left: Caroline at the doomed building

WILD THING! Following on from the enormous success of the Wild Strawberry Cafe in Market Hill, owners Paul Ray and Adeline Hammersley have just opened up their next venture – the Wild Blackberry Cafe at Swann’s Nursery, Bromeswell (pictured). Their doors have been open since 12th September serving mouth-watering breakfasts, lunch, Allpress coffee and a selection of tea and snacks, seven days a week (Monday to Friday, 8am–3.30pm, Saturday 9am–3.30pm and Sunday 10am–3.30pm).

Caroline Rutherford, the manager of Woodbridge’s only youth club Just42, needs your help.

Caroline and her team at the Christian youth club were left in “enormous shock” when it was shut down at the end of August.

This came after Suffolk Coastal announced the Seventies building near Kingston Playing Field was going to be demolished due to decay.

Now she’s put in a planning application for a portable cabin and storage container to be used at the same site.

“We could then use the cabin as an office until the centre is rebuilt,” she said. “That’s the plan anyway! I’m just praying that the planning permission is granted and it all happens in October.” l If you can help, call 01394 380992

MAKEOVER FOR DEBEN POOL

Suffolk Coastal has unveiled ambitious plans to totally revamp Deben Pool.

Work at the leisure centre will start next year. Plans include adding an additional floor to the front of the building with purpose-built family changing areas and separate changing facilities for use by schools.

Two studios are also being provided, one which will incorporate a spin room and the other for fitness classes. These will also be available for community hire.

Also included will be a spacious new gym featuring modern equipment, and the pool area will feature a new health suite with a steam room, sauna and ice room.

Town resident and gym user Debbie Smith said: “This is fantastic news for the town and everyone who uses this facility.

It’s long overdue and adding another floor to the building is a great idea.”

Above: The new-look pool ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

WOODBRIDGE 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Left to right: John Mayhew at his Woodbridge home; the pilfered pot

“HANDS OFF MY BUSY LIZZIES!” It’s almost impossible to walk past John Mayhew’s Woodbridge home and not be dazzled by his bountiful front garden.

He may well be Suffolk’s answer to Alan Titchmarsh and it’s clear he knows his onions. Not only does he grow beautiful flowers but he’s an expert when it comes to growing organic vegetables. When he’s not working on his own front and back gardens, he’s helping his neighbours’ with theirs. Gardening is quite simply his life.

In fact, John says in many ways he

owes his life to his hobby following a major stroke 20 years ago that left him unable to walk, talk or work. “I set up both M&R Cars and Atlas in Woodbridge.

Running two taxi businesses was stressful and I was working too hard,” he recalls.

“After the stroke I turned to gardening and slowly I got my health back and it’s given me years of joy. It keeps me fit. My wife Gillian does a lot too.”

But for the last two years John claims their Clare Avenue home has been targeted by green-fingered thieves who

A TRULY MODEL POND

Picture kindly supplied by the Tea Hut

Picture: John Ferguson ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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have stolen their flower-festooned pots from the front wall.

“Last summer I had two pots stolen, then this summer it’s happened again,” he says. “It’s someone who comes early in the mornings and they must have a car, as the pots are too heavy to just carry away. The pots were filled with pink and white Busy Lizzies and are worth around £100 each.

“It’s a shame and makes you wonder who on earth would do something like that,” he adds.

In an unpredictable world it’s comforting to know that some things never change.

Our iconic model boat pond is celebrating its 35th anniversary since it was reopened in 1981. The pond, which was first built as a round oval in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary, was reconstructed as a rectangle in the Eighties with raised wheelchair-friendly walls.

Looking at the old photograph (left) it’s clear that the pond brought just as much joy back then to residents and visitors to the town, as it does today. In the early days they might have enjoyed a spot of skinny dipping but today the pond, overlooked by happy diners at the popular Tea Hut, is well used by members of the Woodbridge Model Boat Club.

Since 1982, the club has sailed all types of vessels, from submarines and paddle steamers to many different yachts.

Sailing competitions take place every Saturday throughout the year and Dragon Force yacht racing is held every second Tuesday in the month. Every Wednesday sees members gathering at the pond for a “social sail.”

Club chair, Bernard Chambers, who says the group will celebrate its own 35th anniversary next year, reveals: “This autumn the club will be holding its very first evening / dusk sailings with illuminated power models.”

For those wishing to join, Bernard says they will always welcome anyone with an interest in modeling, whatever their skill. “We’re always willing to give help and advice,” he adds. l More details at www.woodbridgemodelboatclub.org.uk

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE! Following on from the story in our last issue about the black swan spotted on the River Deben, it appears there are now three!

They were snapped by eagle-eyed Sandra Watson from her beautiful riverboat Butterscotch (featured on page 14). RSPB Minsmere’s Ian Barthorpe says the birds, which are native to Australia, are almost certainly escapees.

“They do breed easily in captivity, so it’s possible that these three will attempt to breed,” says Ian, who also adds a word of caution to local people who own rare or exotic birds.

“Introduced non-native species are one of the biggest threats to wildlife globally, through increased competition, introduction of disease and predation, although black swans are unlikely to be detrimental to native wildlife. We urge anyone keeping non-native wildlife in captivity to ensure that they cannot escape into the wild,” he adds.

FARMERS’ MARKET Two Easton & Otley College students who scooped a prestigious award are now paving the way for future generations, says the proud head of their college. And they have proved that there’s renewed passion for the ever-growing agricultural industry.

Craig Thompson received the Suffolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year award at this summer’s Suffolk Show 2016 and Arnis Purins was the runner-up in the collaborative competition set up by Easton & Otley College, Fram Farmers and the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

David Henley, Principal of Easton & Otley College, says the competition will now become an annual event, as they strive to attract more young people like Craig and Arnis. “They are superb industry ambassadors,” he says. “As a college we are very keen to encourage more young people to consider a career in farming.”

As part of their apprenticeship, Craig, who works for Poplar Farm, and Arnis, who works at Hoo Farming, both attend Easton & Otley College once a week.

Craig says: “Farming is an up and coming industry, the technology involved is astonishing and the variety of work is brilliant. The opportunities out there are amazing – there are so many areas that you can go into and specialise in. There is good salary potential and you can work anywhere in the world.”

His fellow trainee farmer and runner-up, Arnis Purins, agrees: “The best thing about my job is the variety that the profession

offers. I thought about university but it is so expensive these days.

“To be recognised as one of the best in your field is a real boost,” he added. l Find out more at www.eastonotley.ac.uk

Right: Runner-up Arnis and winner Craig at work Below: Principal David Henley, Craig and Arnis with their awards

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OH HAPPY DAYS!

Kelly Vu, manager at Glamour Nails in Cumberland Street, reckons there’s no better place to bring up a family.

“It’s very friendly and the schools are all good,” she says.

“There’s a nice atmosphere here and it’s also quiet.”

According to a national survey, Woodbridge is the 10th happiest town to live in the UK

Almost 24,000 people across the country took part in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, with the results showing we’re in the top 10. Living In … Woodbridge took to the streets to find out what’s making us all so deliriously happy!

Here’s how Woody fared in the poll: 1. Leigh-on-Sea, East of England 2. Troon, Scotland 3. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber 4. Hertford, East of England 5. Lytham St Annes, North West 6. Shepperton, South East 7. Stanford-le-Hope, East of England 8. Shrewsbury, West Midlands 9. Hitchin, East of England 10. Woodbridge, East of England

Retired teacher Sandra Cullum and her daughter Victoria, a drama graduate, say they have good reason to be happy.

Victoria says: “My brother and I go for walks along the river every day, and every time we comment on how beautiful it is.

That’s saying a lot as we have travelled around the world!” Mum Sandra, who just bought a home in the Whisstocks development, wholeheartedly agrees.

Joan Grayson, who was born and bred here, reckons it’s always been a happy place.

“There’s the river and the park and it’s a bit more laidback than other towns,” she says.

‘Jimmy the Fish’ and Dave from Paul’s Fishbox knew the answer right away.

“It’s because we’re here!” says Dave.

Jimmy adds: “I live in Lowestoft and they’re nowhere near as happy!”

Jenny and Andy Barkley not only share a bike but they also have the same views about Woodbridge.

“It’s a good-size town – big enough without being impersonal,” says Andy.

For Jonathan Evans, from Woodbridge Violins based on Market Hill, the town hits all the right notes.

“The weather’s always good here and the river is beautiful,” he smiles. “It’s just a really great place to live.”

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THE E HOUSE NOBODY WANTED At home with local interior designer JoJo Humes Brown

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ver since she successfully blagged her way through an interview with Laura Ashley, JoJo Humes Brown has been completely smitten with the world of interior design. “I suddenly found myself working at the Chester store, with responsibility for window dressing and in-store displays. It was probably my best-ever job, as it gave me confidence to do other things.”

Woodbridge born and bred, JoJo returned to town from living up north 15 years ago. Having lived in a Victorian home in Melton, she and her family moved to their Seventies house in Dukes Park in autumn 2014. “I loved our home in Melton, but felt I had one big renovation left in me,” she says.

“This was definitely the house nobody wanted – it had been on the market for

almost two years. It was all red brick and had a strange layout, but instantly I could see its potential.”

With sometimes six at home: JoJo and her husband Duncan, plus children Cam, Nims, Teddy, and Beth when she visits, JoJo’s renovation plans are all about taking one step at a time.

“We moved house in the October and I challenged myself to throw a big Christmas bash, which then meant the split-level lounge and dining room had to be finished. From there, I moved on to the bedrooms, which are easier and less costly to decorate.

“We’re now just finalising plans to extend our oddly-shaped kitchen, which will fill the centre of the house with light and open up our view.

“It’s important to take the time to

Clockwise from left: Lots of natural light allows for bold colours in the lounge; the study area; JoJo with Hector; by the fireside; The-Barn.Co table and a chic seating area are flanked by gabion walls

Pictures: Adrydog

get to know how you’re going to live in a home. Sometimes it’s just me, Duncan and Teddy here, so the space has to be adaptable. That’s one of the great things about a bungalow – all the flexibility it offers. You also need to understand how the light works, as it can have a massive impact on paint colours and where to place furniture.”

Having worked at the now-defunct interiors shop Grace & Mulberry on Church Street when she first returned to Woodbridge, JoJo took the plunge to branch out on her own nine years ago.

“Things have really taken off in the last three years, due in part to my biggest and best investment – my van. I’m always out and about in it, so it’s hard to miss me.

“Major renovations take time, but so

much can be achieved with a coat of paint. I’m quite brave with my choices.

Yes, I like neutrals but I love colour more.

I don’t think an all-white room sticks in the memory. Mylands and Little Greene are definitely my go-to paint ranges.”

With the conversation turning to open-plan living versus a traditional dining room, JoJo says: “I still believe the dining room has its place but it needs to be integral to the home.

They need love and a great colour.

“I’ve added lots of that here but it’s still very much a work in progress. In my head I can see exactly how it will all be, and it’s looking great.”

JOJO’S RENOVATION CONTACTS BOOK l The-Barn.Co – Tony Knights is an old friend and has a really good eye. If I’m looking for something mid-century or unusual, his Friday Street shop is always first on my list. l Kent Blaxill – I absolutely love this place. The team members are really knowledgeable and helpful. I would be lost without them. l eBay – Great for searching out old chairs and eclectic pieces. I love mixing up styles.

“It was all red brick and had a strange layout, but instantly I could see its potential”

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Above, left to right: Coffee time outside the Seckford Street getaway; king-size comfort awaits in Beau Cottage

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL

PACKAGES

Chapel Properties’ Mark Crisp unveils a cosy but completely captivating cottage

L

ocated on Seckford Street in the heart of Woodbridge, it’s easy to find Chapel Properties’ latest addition to its holiday rental portfolio, Beau Cottage. Welcoming and stylish, it’s crying out for people to come, stay and enjoy.

The cosy cottage, on the corner of Queens Head Lane, has been completely renovated and now provides stunning one-bedroom accommodation, literally a moment’s walk from the King’s Head and shopping on Market Hill.

Available to let through both Chapel Properties and Suffolk Secrets, the former’s Mark Crisp says: “Providing everything you need, the open-plan living area includes a fully equipped kitchen and a wood burner, while upstairs the bedroom boasts a king-size bed and an en suite with free standing bath and walk-in shower.

“We’re also incredibly excited that, following their recent inspection, Visit England has graded Beau Cottage with its prestigious five-star rating.”

Chapel Properties’ first foray into the holiday lettings market, Ebenezer Chapel, can be found further up the coast in the pretty and popular village of Knodishall.

A few minutes from Aldeburgh, the chapel is a perfect retreat for coastal walks and visits to the local pub, which

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is no more than 100 yards away.

Mark says “We took the property in its original state and undertook a full renovation. The chapel now provides an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, plus two bedrooms (one king, one king/twin), a family bathroom and an en-suite shower room.

“This year’s bookings have been phenomenal thanks to Suffolk Secret’s marketing, and we’re looking forward to Beau Cottage enjoying similar appeal to people visiting Suffolk, or those who are based here but keen for a couple of relaxing days away.”

“Visit England has graded Beau Cottage with its prestigious five-star rating” Beau Cottage may be complete, but its full steam ahead for Mark and his team: “We like to keep busy and 2016 hasn’t disappointed. We’ve recently started on the new-build on North Hill, as well as renovating a property in Chapel Street for its new owner. We’ve also acquired a small development site in Bromeswell which we’re excited about, and which we hope to be marketing in early 2017.” l Telephone 01394 610526 or visit www.chapelproperties.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ON THE MARKET Above: Beautiful Beau Cottage’s open-plan living Right and below: Ebenezer Chapel near Aldeburgh

Tewkesbury House, Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh IP15 5PE

A brand new four-bedroom family home, and part of a small development of one other new dwelling and a refurbishment of a period semi-detached cottage, Tewkesbury House offers spacious living accommodation and off-road parking, near to Aldeburgh Golf Club.

Built by A Star Developments, a partnership between Chapel Properties and Chec Developments, it comprises a family room, kitchen, living room, study, utility room, downstairs WC, four double bedrooms – two with en suites – and a family bathroom.

l For further details on Tewkesbury House, contact Chapel Properties or the Aldeburgh office of Flick & Son.

TALES OF THE

RIVERBANK …

The riverboat community is an integral, fascinating part of the River Deben’s heritage in the town. Here three sets of boat owners open their hearts and homes to Living In … Woodbridge and tell us about life onboard flashy motorhome but instead we chose a 1978 Mercedes 508, a classic old hippie van which was much more ‘us’.

We went travelling in her for six months and slowly got used to no longer being home owners or in busy jobs. I remember we slept Ginny: “Maybe it was a mid-life crisis, this a lot for the first few months! irresistible urge to change our lives. I was After a while, we started to think about in my early fifties and had been a lecturer what we were missing by living in the for 15 years and was buckling under the van, and the two things were: having a paperwork and scrutiny, although I always space to rehearse and develop our various loved the teaching side of the work. Time music projects, and wanting a ‘bolthole’ off due to stress allowed me to really somewhere that was a little off-beat. We reflect on our lives. After five days up in decided to rent a creative space for our the Lake District where I took some quality music at Bentwaters, and we had time alone, John and I had “The world is our always liked the idea of having a long, involved discussions about how to make some garden and we boat.

In April, we purchased our boat big changes in our life.

Altella and were fortunate to Shortly after that our son love it” find a mooring at Ferry Quay. The Ciaran decided to head off community here is lovely and welcoming, to university, so we took the opportunity and so many creative people have boats to press the reset button on our lives. We here. For Ginny, it is a coming home as she left our jobs, sold our house in Ipswich and grew up in Woodbridge. Although we spend moved into a van.” most of our time on the road, it’s lovely to come back to the town and enjoy the tides John: “This wasn’t a knee-jerk decision. for a few days before we head off out again.

We’ve been together for 30 years and we’d Old friends ask how we manage to live in always dreamt of doing this. After we sold small spaces and if we feel cramped. The the house we could have bought a nice answer is declutter, don’t hoard and be tidy and organised. As for being cramped, we have a van we can drive anywhere and can wake up somewhere different each day. We have the river as our front window view and a brilliant creative space to work in.

We are living life very differently these days, and our music plays a major part of this. We are working on various projects and our band Kiss The Mistress is about to launch its new CD, Waifs and Strays. Ginny plays cello, violin and sings and I play chromatic button accordion and melodeon. Life is great and we are looking forward to playing the festival circuit next year and travelling in between times. The world is our garden and we love it.”

Musicians Ginny Davies and John Ramirez divide their time between their Norfolk Broads cruiser Altella and travelling around in their beloved ‘hippie van’.

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Above: Ginny and John aboard Altella

Pictures: John Ferguson

Two years ago Sandra and Rob Watson, both in their seventies, made the extraordinary move from their large Woodbridge home of 38 years into a two bed Suffolk barge Butterscotch.

Above: Sandra and Rob Watson Right: Their beloved Butterscotch

Rob: “In view of our age, Sandra wanted to downsize to something smaller, yet every flat we looked at was either too posh or there were too many stairs or concrete! In the end we were showing one of our relatives around Woodbridge when we stumbled across this boatyard and spotted a tiny notice on the mast of this 12-year-old Suffolkbuilt barge saying ‘For Sale.’

makes you very disciplined. When we moved we met a homeless person in need of furniture so we were able to give away a lot to them. We passed on items like grandfather clocks to our children. It’s only ‘stuff’ and getting rid of it was quite cleansing.

Now I can’t imagine living in a conventional house again – so much energy goes into looking after them.

We live by the river’s rhythm here, and there’s so much beauty to see. Being in our seventies we know we can’t stay here forever but for now we’re both grateful and happy that we’re doing the right thing.”

“We live by the river’s rhythm” We just felt stress free about buying it and went ahead. We rented our house out and now our daughter is buying it. A couple of friends did say at the time: ‘Really? At your stage in life?’ but our four children were all excited for us. Shipping is in my blood, I used to be a captain on the ferries from Felixstowe to Zeebrugge. We’ve taken Butterscotch out several times along the Deben.”

Sandra: “Being short on storage

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Above: The former WWII RAF air sea rescue boat.

Right: Gilly at home

Gilly Freedom moved onto Astral, a former WWII RAF Air Sea Rescue boat in 1986. She’s one of the Deben’s longest-serving riverboat residents.

“My ex-husband and I moved here after we had to downsize in the Eighties. We’d lived in the country and couldn’t afford much, so I started phoning around the boatyards and was told about this. At the time it was just a hull full of rubbish. We cleaned it out and moved in and lived in a hell of a muddle with two dogs and a cat.

It was chaos! I was working at Ipswich Hospital at the time.

“I couldn’t have chosen to live anywhere better” It took a long time to civilise, having mains water installed, then electricity and the phone. Luckily we found good craftsmen to work on it. The sense of community is strong, my neighbour is

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a very good friend and it’s nice to know somebody’s there night and day.

The history of this boat is fascinating; it was built in 1943. It did its war service off Scotland and Ireland with a crew of 12 and all its artillery. It was decommissioned in 1945. Sometimes I get misty-eyed elderly gentlemen walking by saying; ‘I served on these in the war.’

“The views are just amazing, I could never afford them otherwise. I couldn’t have chosen to live anywhere better.”

ON THE MARKET Mary Ann, moored at Ferry Quay

Neals estate agents is marketing the one-bed Mary Ann, described as a former World War II troop carrier.

It is currently moored at Ferry Quay on a residential mooring. Offers in the region of £62,500. For more details go to www.nsf.co.uk

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FINDERS KEEPERS ON THE DEBEN “It was the river and its bounty that clinched our decision to up sticks and relocate”

W From the top: Matt offers up freshly foraged samphire stalks; now’s the time to pick dried hogweed; aromatic sea arrowgrass has the same flavour as coriander

alks along the Deben are one of Woodbridge’s pleasures, but for Matt Driver it’s a very different experience. A passionate forager and former MasterChef contestant, his eyes stay peeled, looking for tasty delights along the river’s edible landscape.

Relative newcomers to Woodbridge, Matt and his wife Diana decamped from Islington to Quay Street last September. “It was the river and all its bounty that clinched our decision to up sticks and relocate,” reveals Matt.

Settling in the town, it wasn’t long until Matt crossed paths with Vernon Blackmore, and the idea was hatched to host foraging suppers at The Table.

“Meeting Vernon was fantastic, and I really liked how foraged ingredients complemented all the locally sourced produce on our August menu, such as the crab croquettes with sorrel and sea arrowgrass.

“Good foraging rules are to only take what you need, and never pull out a plant’s roots” “Each season brings something different” continues Matt. “At the moment, there’s lots of samphire on the riverbank, along with sea aster, which is similar but with a lighter flavour. They go fantastically well with lamb, while sea arrowgrass ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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tastes like coriander. Good foraging rules are to only take what you need, and never pull out a plant’s roots – it’s technically illegal.

“Also, now’s a good time to collect dried hogweed seeds. Hogweed looks like giant cow parsley and makes the most delicious ice cream.” (See Matt’s recipe to the right.)

“Autumn is the time to forage for fungi. Ceps are always top of my list but are hard to find. However, giant puffballs are really delicious, easy to identify and quite prolific in this area.

“Foraging is all about looking at what’s around you,” adds Matt. Better yet, it costs next to nothing. “There’s not much kit required. A foraging knife is helpful though, especially if you get one with a brush on the end, so you can clean fungi as you find them.

“There’s also a couple of books I’d recommend. Richard Mabey’s Food for Free is a bible for foragers – new and old alike. Another great read is Mushrooms by Roger Phillips.”

The last year has been a busy one for Matt and his wife. “Moving to Woodbridge was a great decision.

I’m learning to sail at the DYC, which is brilliant fun. We’re also expecting a baby in November, and I know the town will be a good place for kids.

Islington seems a long time ago now.”

Pictures: John Ferguson

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

WOODBRIDGE LIVES

D ICE CREAM RECIPE FOR HOGWEE L MAKES ABOUT 600M INGREDIENTS HOGWEED FOUR HEADS DRIED LK MI FAT LL FU L 400M M 200ML DOUBLE CREA

SIX EGG YOLKS FOUR TBSP SUGAR

LD HOGWEED. YOU SHOU E SEEDS FROM THE SHAKE AND PULL TH BASH AND GRIND WITH A PESTLE AND SP. GET ONE OR TWO TB WDER, JUST START TO NEED TO MAKE A PO N’T DO U YO – R RTA MO N. A. THEN TIP INTO A PA RELEASE THE AROM IL, STIRRING TO M. BRING TO THE BO EA CR D AN LK MI E ADD TH VE FROM THE BOIL BURN THE MILK. REMO FOR 30 MINUTES. ENSURE YOU DON’T INFUSE GWEED FLAVOUR TO AND ALLOW THE HO R IN A BOWL, UNTIL G YOLKS AND SUGA EG E TH ER TH GE TO WHISK D CREAM MIX, THEN STRAIN THE MILK AN SMOOTH AND FLUFFY. D GENTLY BEAT INTO THE EGG MIXTURE BOIL AN THE PAN AND WARM BRING BACK TO THE IS NEW MIXTURE INTO ENED. TH T PU D. INE MB CO UNTIL TIL THICK T BOIL, STIRRING UN M GENTLY, BUT DO NO E, USE AN ICE CREA TELY. IF YOU HAVE ON A SHALLOW DISH LE MP CO OL CO TO ALLOW UR INTO E MIXTURE. IF NOT, PO VE FROM THE FREEZER, MAKER TO CHURN TH MO RE S. TE NU MI 30 ZER FOR YSTALS, THEN RETURN CR AND PUT IN THE FREE ICE E D BREAK UP TH AN IR ST TO AFTER ABOUT RK FO A USE E ICE CREAM IS SET, TH TIL UN AT PE RE R. TO THE FREEZE ERNIGHT. E IN THE FREEZER OV 1 1/2 – 2 HOURS. LEAV HAND, 15 MINUTES BEFORE FROM THE FREEZER P. TO ON ED UR PO Y TO SERVE, REMOVE FRUIT AND HONE H ES FR TH WI UP E THEN PLAT

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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Picture: Matt Driver

Above: The ice cream has hints of citrus and spice. Matt likes to serve his with fresh plums and a drizzle of honey Right: Gathering hogweed seeds

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

HOMEWORKERS

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SOUL THERAPY I

t’s easy to kick back in Lizzie Falconer’s serene townhouse nestling in the heart of Melton Park. And good job too, as her clients need to relax in order to tackle their problems. From addictions and phobias to stress and anxiety issues, Lizzie’s pretty much seen it all from the comfort of her own home.

“Hypnotherapy and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) are both ways of working with someone’s subconscious to assist them in overcoming habits, addictions or stress,” she says. “I help people to see their life through a new pair of spectacles.

“With hypnotherapy, clients are always aware of what’s going on around them. I can guide them by accessing a deeper relaxation in their psyche. We’re not born with insomnia or overeating issues, so I take people back, and together we get to the nub of where their issues began. The answer often lies in a person’s past.

“If they’re not too keen on ‘going under’ in hypnotherapy we’ll try NLP, a form of coaching which trains the brain to think in new ways.”

Mum-of-three Lizzie, who has treated many high-profile clients including Hollywood stars and members of the royal family, says the most common problems she encounters are food and alcohol addiction. “Although people also come to me with phobias,” she says. “One client was terrified of frogs, and another found buttons scary. These are very serious issues and my job is to get to the root cause of why they

Melton hypnotherapist, meditation teacher and NLP expert Lizzie Falconer has helped hundreds of people, including royalty, to quit their addictions

Above: Both Lizzie and her home exude a sense of calm Picture: John Ferguson

have these sometimes highly debilitating fears.

“I love treating children, especially teenagers.

One young girl I saw had a real phobia of moths.

When we started exploring it, we discovered it had all started as a child when she used to hear her parents rowing downstairs.

“One night, during an argument, she found a moth in her bedroom and became paralysed with fear. Her phobia grew from there. In my experience, if children have experienced a big trauma like abuse or divorce, they can’t make sense of it, so they find something they can make sense of and attach their fears to that.”

“The answer often lies in a person’s past” Lizzie, who also teaches meditation in the workplace to company employees, treats her home clients for an average of three to five sessions. “Some practitioners promise to ‘cure’ a client’s addiction in one session, but I don’t do that,” she says. “That would just lead to further dependencies and the problems would resurface. I like to get to the heart of the matter so they never have to come back to me again.”

Lizzie believes everyone has the ability to become addicted to something.

“I’m pretty strong-willed as I don’t smoke, drink, eat red meat or any sugar,” she smiles.

“Although buying shoes is my great weakness!” l www.lizziefalconer.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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MOVERS

AND SHAKERS

Vinyl disciple David Freeland is a well-known figure in the town’s thriving night scene (and he also designed our fabulous logo and front cover look!)

Tell us about your roles. I have two at the moment – I’m a DJ at the weekends and a freelance graphic designer during the week. Nice and busy!

Sounds fun, tell us about the highlights.

Playing back-to-back soul, funk and ska with Ben Horner at our Tune-Up nights at The Old Marnier. It gets totally jumping in there! Also, this summer, I have been DJing at Street Food Sundays at The Table and the Sundowners evenings at The Old Mariner with Ben. The music at those events is more influenced by the Eighties Ibiza sound and the West Coast of Seventies America.

Any plans? Just to keep sharing my music around town and helping local businesses grow as a graphic designer.

When did you move here? Thirteen years ago, with my wife Victoria and our family.

We moved from Brentwood in Essex as I got a job designing books at Top That Publishing in Woodbridge. Also Victoria’s family had moved to Suffolk, so it was perfect.

Why Woodbridge? The first time we came here, we sat outside The Riverside having

a lovely lunch, before looking around and realising the town had practically everything we needed. A pub or restaurant just about every 200 yards was a big bonus!

“I love seeing lots of tourists coming to the town – it makes you feel like you’re on holiday all the time” If you could have one wish granted for the town, what would it be? Can I have two?

That its excellent music scene continues to grow, and the children will be allowed a rope swing in Fen Meadow.

What makes Woodbridge special? I’m very proud to live here and feel hugely privileged.

I love seeing lots of tourists coming to the town, as it makes you feel like you’re on holiday all the time.

Tell us a secret about yourself. Victoria and I are addicted to watching American Pickers on Dave. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know why! l See David’s graphic design work at www.freelanddesign.co.uk Picture: John Ferguson

FOR THE RECORD

David will be spinning his discs at the final Street Food Sunday (delicious seafood!) at The Table on 2nd October.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SIMPER’S

SILVER HARVEST Local fish delivered to your home by local fisherman

T

he name Simper is known to most people around Woodbridge. And no wonder. The family has been linked to the river for four generations and has become synonymous with locally-caught fish and shellfish.

This autumn, the Simpers are launching a brand new service to make it that bit easier for us to buy their fabulous fish. Jonathan Simper explains: “Food provenance is becoming more and more important.

Users of our new service will be able to see exactly what we’ve caught and order directly from us.

“Fishing isn’t a job, it’s a life”

From top: Fabulously fresh mussels; a haul is brought aboard the Silver Harvest; Oysters are in season; Harry is joint holder of the title Young Fisherman of the Year

“This time of year it’s mostly skate, herring and cod, as well as our oysters, mussels and sometimes lobsters. Mid-autumn is also good for catching delicious Dover sole, both out at sea and in the river. Fishing, like farming, is all about seasonality.

“I’m sure our new service will appeal particularly to those wanting to eat truly fresh fish, whatever that may be. We’ll also be working closely with other fishermen we know and trust, but no fish we offer will come from further afield than Lowestoft – or Cromer, for those keen on their dressed crab.”

“So often the fish from our rivers and shores go elsewhere. But with this new direct delivery service, it’s very satisfying to know it’s being enjoyed locally.”

Using their service couldn’t be easier. Just register online at www.silverharvest.co.uk and Jonathan will send you regular updates on the day’s catch, as well as quantities available.

It’s then just a simple case of reserving what you’d like and paying via PayPal. The fabulous fish will be

delivered direct to your door.

“Our stock will be available on a first come, first served basis and the delivery area very much mirrors the circulation of Living In … Woodbridge,” says Jonathan. “So if you received this magazine through your front door, we’ll be more than happy to deliver to you.”

Jonathan’s son Harry and nephew James are in charge of the day’s catch. Their job is very much dictated by the weather and tides.

Harry is skipper of the Silver Harvest, a 22ft fishing boat which was built in Aldeburgh. Sharing the accolade Young Fisherman of the Year 2016, he is one of the youngest qualified commercial fishing boat skippers here on the east coast. Proud father Jonathan smiles, “We’re delighted he’s following in the family tradition and he’s already well aware that fishing isn’t just a job, it’s a life.”

Above: Out at sea with the Simpers Right: Fishing for herring, also known as the silver harvest

“The river is very much a part of Woodbridge” He adds: “The service we’re offering isn’t like an online supermarket shop. It’s local and is all about the day’s catch and being guided by the seasons.

As the river is very much a part of Woodbridge, and we’re so close to the sea, we just want people to enjoy fish how it should be – completely fresh.”

As co-founders of the Woodbridge Shuck Shellfish Festival, Jonathan and other Simper family members will be on hand during the event, down by The Tea Hut, from 29th September to 2nd October, for people to sample and buy their mouth-watering seafood. l www.silverharvest.co.uk, 01394 411025 ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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A HAMMER AND A

DREAM!

Keane star Jesse Quin spent months single-handedly turning a set of rundown buildings at the former US air base Bentwaters, into a lively creative hub, rehearsal studios and storage space now known as Old Jet

J

esse Quin is conducting a tour of his incredible rambling studios, Old Jet, based in Rendlesham. We are standing in a huge old echoey aircraft hangar, soundproofed decades earlier by the US Air Force so they could test their fighter planes at night.

“We’re putting on three festivals next year, a music one, a film one and a literary one,” reveals Jesse, who has toured the world with his award-winning band Keane.

Space. There is literally oodles of it at this atmospheric venue which Jesse took over back in 2014.

“There’s something magical about Bentwaters,” he says. “You’ve got all the

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Above: Clothing designer Jason Carter Below: Figurative painter Jelly Green

(who have taken the beauty of the Suffolk “You’ve got all beautiful photos for this countryside mixed with this incredible Cold War the beauty of the article). They were both for studio space architecture and all its Suffolk countryside desperate and decided to come here. history,” he says. “When The timing was great – I looked around, it was mixed with this I’d just finished the kitchen. exactly what I wanted to incredible Cold War Slowly and surely more people create – a work hub for moved in.” people in the arts. architecture” Now Jesse, who grew up “It’s also a space in Framlingham, can be proud of his thriving for bands to rehearse and record, and empire which has put Suffolk firmly on the somewhere we can offer storage and even creative map. shoot space for filming. It had everything Around 30 highly talented musicians, I needed and more.” photographers, clothes designers and artists But he admits there were moments when produce brilliant work from there. Jet Studios he wondered if he’d taken on more than he also offers recording studios and storage to could handle. bands such as Mumford & Sons. And plans “It was early 2014 and it was cold and are afoot to host many exciting events. “It’s dark,” recalls the guitarist. “And there was no exciting times,” adds Jesse. lighting or heating. The ceilings were falling down and were rotten. I turned up with my l For more information on Old Jet, go hammer and a dream! I was on my own for to www.oldjet.co.uk pretty much nine months.” l Check out photographer Nick Ilott’s work Woodbridge-based Jesse says his wife, at www.nickilottphotography.co.uk Jules, mum to their two young children, l For interiors photography, go online always trusted that it would all come good. to www.craiggirling.com “She was very supportive! “ he smiles.

“I started ripping things out and painting Pictures: Nick Ilott and Craig Girling rooms. But there was one point where I’d been here for so long on my own just blasting away and I was sick of it. I was running out of enthusiasm and was heading towards another cold winter when quite by chance I happened to separately meet two photographers, Nick Ilott and Craig Girling

Left: Keane star Jesse Quin Above: The kitchen before and after he took his hammer to it

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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WOODBRIDGE VIBE …

Woody is well-known for its strong musical links, here’s a round-up of what’s on in the area. If you’ve got any DJ nights, gigs or concerts planned, please let us know at info@livinginwoodbridge.co.uk and we’ll also put the word out on our Facebook page.

Marco Spina

29TH SEPTEMBER: Morphology’s jazz gig at The Crown, 7.30pm 1ST OCTOBER: Marco Spina’s “Redefinition of Disco” DJ Night at The Angel, 9pm – midnight 2ND OCTOBER: The Table’s final Street Food Sunday with DJ David Freeland, 6pm – 9pm 2ND OCTOBER: Sea Shanty legend Jim Radford headlines at the Shuckfest

2ND OCTOBER: Ben Osborne’s Psychedelic Shuck, venue TBC

29TH OCTOBER: Ben Osborne’s Psychedelic Shriek at The Red Lion

8TH OCTOBER: Gin & Swing Tallulah Goodtimes and The Frolics at The Angel

29TH OCTOBER: Marco Spina’s Halloween Party DJ Night at The Angel, 9pm – midnight

9TH OCTOBER: Free autumn brass concert at Woodbridge Community Centre, 3pm

4TH NOVEMBER: Woodbridge Dance Folkus, Burnesh Parish Rooms, Melton, 7.30pm

14TH OCTOBER: Marco Spina’s King’s Head Club Night, 9pm – midnight

5TH NOVEMBER: “Redefinition of Disco” DJ Night at The Angel, 9pm – midnight

15TH OCTOBER: Seventies Night at the Bull Hotel (optional fancy dress), 8pm

11TH NOVEMBER: Marco Spina’s King’s Head Club Night, 9pm – midnight

15TH OCTOBER: Marco Spina’s “Festa D’Autunno” DJ Night at The Angel, 9pm – midnight 16TH OCTOBER: Elvis Tribute Night & Buffet at Ufford Park Hotel 28TH OCTOBER: Marco Spina’s King’s Head Fright Night, 9pm – midnight

Tallulah Goodtimes

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SOLD

“NEVER HAS THERE BEEN A BETTER

TIME TO SELL” Brexit, the relocation of the football ground, and the return of a mainline rail service.

Jonathan Penn and James Squirrell explain the impact of recent developments on the town’s property market…

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onathan, you have 30 years’ experience in the local market.

What makes Woodbridge such a hotspot? It’s a fantastic place to live and caters for all, with a wide range of recreational activities and schools in both sectors. The Thoroughfare is thriving and the River Deben is a major draw. In short, Woodbridge ticks lots of boxes for lots of people.

How does its popularity affect the local property market? The desirability of the area causes inward pressure from a multitude of directions. The town can’t keep up with this level of demand as it physically can’t get much larger, and it’s this imbalance that’s causing upward pressure on property prices.

Above: Property experts Jonathan Penn (top) and James Squirrell

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James, you specialise in the Woodbridge market, where does this demand come from? It’s coming from all generations: young people who want to move into town, families looking to relocate and benefit from the great schools, and retirees looking for peace and quiet.

Saying that, Woodbridge is working hard to satisfy this growing demand with significant construction schemes

planned. They include the relocation of the football ground, and a large development planned off Woods Lane.

Will the newly-announced direct rail service to London impact on the property market? Yes, definitely.

Suffolk remains the cheapest county in which to buy property that’s within easy commuting distance of London.

Once reinstated, the service opens up the town to those who commute daily and who’d previously discounted it due to having to change trains in Ipswich.

“Woodbridge is working hard to satisfy the growing demand” What advice would you give to people looking to sell in the future? It’s worth banking some great external photos during the summer months, while gardens still retain their colour and appeal. These shots won’t date and are often incredibly useful to show prospective buyers when selling over the autumn and winter months.

It’s also vitally important to instruct the correct agent for the job. You’re

SOLD

SOLD about to enter into an intense relationship for an unknown period of time, and so trust is key. Sometimes it’s worth appointing an individual over a firm if you strike up a good rapport. The big ‘no-no’ is appointing the agent who offers the highest marketing price, or the lowest fees. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

Clockwise from top left: Homefield, Little Bealings; Woodbridge’s only Huf Haus; Jarvis Cottage, Melton; The Old Chandlery and Vellum House, both in Woodbridge.

SOLD

How do you see Brexit affecting the local market? It has caused general economic uncertainty, which the housing market is not immune to. We’re already seeing a tightening of supply, as many would-be sellers choose to sit tight and monitor the economy. This reaction has created a 30-year low in available housing stock and this restrictive supply is now, in part, shaping the current market.

Any final thoughts? With increasing demand to own property in Woodbridge aided by the post-Brexit market conditions, our advice to potential vendors is there has never been a better time to sell if you’re looking to maximise value. ● For full details of available properties, call Jonathan or James on 01473 218218 or visit www.jackson-stops.co.uk

UNDER OFFER

An exciting new LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT FOR LIVING, SHOPPING AND Enjoying

whisstockswoodbridge.com

THE TALK OF

THE TOWN

The developer at the heart of the Whisstocks project gives us an exclusive glimpse into the £10m development set to redefine the waterfront – and overleaf we learn more about the exciting community space

T

wenty years since it closed its doors, it’s great to see new life being breathed into the old Whisstocks boat building site.

Julian Wells, the man in charge at FW Properties, talks with passion about a project he holds dear to his heart.

“We first got involved about four years ago, when I was invited to come and have a look at the site by Investec Bank, funders of the development,” he says. “Coming from our Norwich offices, I arrived here in Woodbridge, walked around the corner and what I saw simply took my breath away.

“Without doubt Whisstocks has to be one of the best sites in East Anglia.

But we knew from the outset that for it to be successful, the support and commitment of everyone in town was key.”

With FW Properties on board and the green light from Investec, new plans were developed for the £10m site, with Julian and his team working with acclaimed Suffolk architects, Paul Weston and Charles Curry-Hyde.

“The design had to be gritty and reflect the heritage of the site, rather than a 21st century gentrification of

the quayside,” says Julian. “We’re delighted with the approved plans.

Both Nunn’s Mill and Deben Wharf, which includes the chandlery restaurant, are to remain collectively known as Whisstocks – a name change was never on the agenda.

“So many members of the community have played key roles in driving plans forward, but the late Charles Notcutt will always be remembered for his championing of the project, and his determination to make it work for the town and its people. There will only be one tree planted in the development, and it will be in memory of Charles.”

Top to bottom: Artist’s illustration of Deben Wharf and Riverside Square; the future panoramic view from the chandlery restaurant

“The design had to be gritty and reflect the site’s heritage” With its mix of residential and commercial space, the development is causing lots of excitement, and the Nunn’s Mill site is on target for completion at the end of this year.

“Savills in Ipswich is overseeing residential sales and already a good number of units have been sold,” says Julian. “What’s great is the people interested in buying are

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so keen to be part of this vibrancy that makes Woodbridge special.”

There are lots of rumours around town about who’s going to take on the new chandlery restaurant, but Julian’s remaining tight-lipped.

“We’re exploring three good lines of enquiry, but I can say that none of these are Jamie Oliver or Jimmy’s Farm restaurants,” he reveals.

Penn Commercial and Gilbert Bath are responsible for the retail elements of the scheme.

“Two shops will be located at Nunn’s Mill and already we’re in discussions with potential tenants,” he says. “Across on the riverside there’s a further 6,500 sq ft of retail accommodation and several

local quality retailers are in early negotiation with us.”

As Julian took on the project, he brought his parents to Woodbridge to show them what had been keeping their son so busy. Sadly, since then, both have passed away, but his father’s poignant words on that day have never left him.

“Dad could see I had a huge responsibility towards the bank but he felt my biggest duty was to the people of Woodbridge – to get this project right. And those words will stay with me and guide through every decision we make.

“This is a very special place and I’m a truly lucky man to be part of its regeneration.”

T H E

LONGSHED

e target for completion of the new facilities is early summer 2017

e company developing the site will have invested around £800,000 in new comm long boat shed, an improved ‘open space’, the Whisstocks waterfront quay an Above: Illustration of Nunn’s Mill development, due for completion at the end of the year new building for the Woodbridge Town Museum – all gifted to Woodbridge town

By next summer the old Whisstocks boatyard will be transformed into a fabulous community space. Woodbridge Riverside Trust’s Annie Leech explains all

A

event, based on music and libretto s one of the trustees of the specially commissioned for the Woodbridge Riverside Trust occasion, will begin in Whisstock’s Annie Leech has some busy open space, with the River Deben as months ahead of her. a backdrop. It will feature students Annie, who’s responsible for the from local schools and members fundraising, explains: “It’s fantastic; of local choirs, working alongside works are moving ahead and we’re now able to see the first signs of the a professional artistic team and professional musicians. community buildings, the Longshed The Longshed will be at the heart and the Heritage building, which along with the open space are being of the community-owned space and will see the Deben’s long tradition of gifted to the town. Combined with boat building return to the site. the Tide Mill, the area will become The shed will accommodate a real hub for Woodbridge, but first Above: An artist’s a reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo we need funds for fitting out both illustration of what as well as provide room Thiscould is where we need These images Longshed look like when long it isship, up and running the Longshed could show what thebuildings. for smaller boat-building projects. the help of everyone. look like when up “A total of £70,000 is needed to fit Annie says: “The workshop space is and running planned to provide opportunities out the Longshed. About a quarter Below: Bird’s-eye view of work for local people to get involved. This of that has been raised via private under way could be through projects such as and some corporate donations. building skiffs, led and organised Money raised from the community is really important in demonstrating by local groups, or watching the local support for what we are doing. progress and maybe taking part in some aspects of the long ship build.”

We will also apply for match-fund Annie adds: “We want people to from national organisations Architect’s drawing ofgrants the Longshed workshop and mezzanine feel this is truly their space. This is such as the Landfill Trust.” a golden opportunity to make our The Riverside Trust is putting on riverside very special. Everyone can a fantastic gala performance, The help to raise the funds needed to King’s River, on the late May bank make it all happen.” holiday weekend next year. The

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ● You can find out more about the Trust’s plans on the posters on the hoardings around the Whisstocks site.

Alternatively, you can go online to www.woodbridgeriversidetrust.org ● To donate, contact Annie Leech at annie.l@woodbridgeriversidetrust.org or head to the website.

Picture: Tim Curtis, Video East

workshop (5500 sq. ft.) and mezzanine floors are designed to accommodate th ion of a full-scale reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial ship, s smaller boatbuilding projects, exhibitions, arts and educational activity. activities in the Longshed will be run for people to join in, enjoy and learn

You can help fit out the new community Longshed ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

34

- future home to the Sutton Hoo ship reconstruction Advertising opportunities are already available

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

IT’S ALL IN THE

DETAIL 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Planning 50 dream weddings a year, Ufford Park’s Janice Green reckons she has the perfect job!

W

hen it comes to tying the knot, Ufford Park’s expert wedding planner, Janice Green, has seen it all.

Hosting more than 50 weddings a year, Janice says she’s never happier than when she’s fussing over the finer nuances of her couples’ big day.

“While the bride and groom’s attention is on the whole day, a great wedding is down to the detail – and that’s my job,” she says.

“Each of our couples has such a different vision of their wedding and my role is to make it a reality. We can do traditional, quirky, and everything in between.”

Not much seems to phase Janice, who has arranged every kind of wedding conceivable.

“We’ve hosted a stunningly elegant Great Gatsby wedding, and there’s a truly glamorous Hollywood one planned for the new year. My favourite has to be the future bride who heard about our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed Christmas party and decided that’s how she wanted her wedding!”

For those looking for a more intimate occasion, the hotel’s Afternoon Tea Wedding comes with a vintage twist. This package is hugely popular, especially with people marrying for a second time.

Janice says: “Our facilities come into their own when wedding guests are coming from further afield. The bride and groom know everyone is really being looked after – relaxing in the spa or the bar, enjoying a round of golf, or little ones having fun at our Congo Rapids Adventure Golf.

“Everybody was so helpful and they went out of their way to make every moment fantastic.”

KRIS & CHARLOTTE LOCKERT

“Weddings these days no longer need to be booked years in advance. Our ability to host ceremonies on any day enables us to be as flexible as possible. The quickest wedding I’ve ever arranged took just under three months.

But I would always advise couples to talk to the registrar first, get a date, and then come and see me.”

With a bursting black book to envy, Janice happily shares her contacts with couples to ensure they have the best services available and at a budget to suit them. “While many are happy to make arrangements themselves, I’m always on hand to assist couples and liaise directly with suppliers on their behalf.

“As the big day gets closer, I often hear from my brides three or four times a week. Planning a wedding is an intimate experience and they really put their trust in me.

I’m often invited to attend, which is lovely, and it’s very rare I don’t see my bride on her big day. It’s a complete privilege and I always feel very honoured.”

From the top: Kris and Charlotte Lockert on their big day; confetti flies; Ufford Park’s Janice Green; wedding cake with a twist Pictures: Andy Chambers Photography and Paul Nixon Photography

PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY?

To contact Janice and find out more about Ufford Park’s wedding packages, call 01394 383555 ext. 302 or visit www.uffordpark.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

35

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE LAP

OF LUXURY A fun-filled stay at Happi Days means your best friend gets the break they deserve – and you get peace of mind

G

one are the days of feeling guilty about leaving your beloved dog in the care of others. Happi Days offers an all-round service to ensure your pooch is having the time of its life.

Realising local people needed a high standard of canine care in their absence, Helen Brown set up Happi Days in 2008.

“I’d had the idea of a dog crèche for about 18 years and finally put my idea into action,” she says.

“We’ve now got centres at both Martlesham and Rendlesham, which provide indoor cosy rooms, play halls, and three acres of outside space. We also have cosy overnight facilities in Eyke.

“We have such positive feedback as dogs leave us looking happy” “From the start I wanted to offer more than the traditional form of dog care, and for owners to be able to pick up their dogs knowing they have had a fun day and burnt off all that excess energy.”

Happi Days is not just a crèche, it offers so much more. Every canine whim is catered for by Helen and her enthusiastic team. They offer ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

36

a range of doggie activities that include fun agility classes, a hair salon, a canine snack shop and hotel-style accommodation with private, heated rooms.

“We also keep a daily diary of what the dogs get up to, which is uploaded to social media and will also feature on our new-look website, so owners can see what fun their dogs are having,” says Helen.

“We have such positive feedback, as our dogs leave us looking really happy and having had a good time.”

Owners can be assured that security is a top priority at Happi Days. All areas, including the three acres of woodland, are double gated and have 6–8ft fences. The indoor cosy rooms and play halls are totally dog friendly and safe. The staff are experienced and fully qualified in their fields, and all dogs are grouped by temperament so that the busier ones can play separately to those wanting a more relaxed pace.

FIND OUT MORE

Contact the Rendlesham centre on 01394 420468 or Martlesham on 01473 623661.

See www.happidayscentre.co.uk

DOG

“I was four when I came to Woodbridge to live with my heroes – my dad Graeme (pictured), mum Rebecca and their daughter, Georgia. They’d launched a Facebook campaign to rescue me from a negligent home on the other side of the country.

When I first arrived, Dad says I didn’t know how to play, let alone relax. I wasn’t used to anyone spending time with me, so it took a few months for me to appreciate the finer things in life, like a tummy rub! The only thing I brought from my old life was my name: Diesel. Now Dad reckons I’m just a big kid, a bit like him really! We both look younger than our years. I’m nine but he’s not so keen on me revealing his age!”

ABOUT TOWN

* This article is dedicated to Richard Miles, 1942–2016, Graeme’s much-loved dad and a devoted friend to Diesel.

Picture: John Ferguson

5* HOLIDAYS FOR DOGS! • One-to-one stay • Strictly no kennels • A personal relationship • Complete piece of mind • Free registration CURRENTLY RECRUITING HOST FAMILIES TO JOIN OUR EXCEPTIONAL TEAM..

• dog loving, home based • wonderful healthy way to spend time, plenty of exercise and fun.

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September October 8th &month 22nd 2nd and 4th24th, Saturday of every NovemberCommunity 12th & 26thHall Woodbridge December 10th & 17th 9am - 12.30pm Community Hall WeWoodbridge are inviting applications to become 12.30pm our first9am ever–Artist in Residence.

Closing date 20th August 2016.

Love your local market!

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SIXTH FORM

OPEN EVENING Tuesday 1 November 6.30pm For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team.

01394 615041

admissions@woodbridgeschool.org.uk www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk Extensive bus routes across Suffolk Bursaries and Scholarships available

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Picture: Charlie Nicholson

PHOTOGRAPHY

CAMERA CLUB! 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

He’s snapped the shutter on musical icons like Beyoncé and David Bowie, and here John Ferguson shares how he lights his award-winning photos

“1

When I photographed the late David Bowie several years ago in a poorly lit hotel room, I had just 15 minutes to take a great shot. I used my go-to lens, the Nikon 50mm F1.2, not only for its sharpness and quick focusing, but as it rectifies shaking. I was nervous! It’s ideal for gloomy conditions, as its widest F-stop allows lots of light into the lens.

To make it even trickier, Bowie was wearing a dark suit. So I used a white reflector panel,

2

with which you can bounce light off your subject.

I take a portable lighting kit on shoots, but for the layman there are flash guns, which can cost as little as £10. To maximize the light, tilt it at the ceiling to bounce the light off that.”

3

l For details of John’s stunning black and white photography, go to studioluxe.wishpond.com/ portrait. For a free consultation, call him on 07710 613934

Above: The legend himself Picture: John Ferguson ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ART

THE AUTUMN OF OUR 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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Our resident artist Samantha Barnes is really starting to feel the love around town – can you sense it too?

Above: ‘Dancers’ by Samantha Barnes

WHAT’S ON ART-WISE IN (AND AROUND) WOODY

24th September Samantha is hosting a huge studio sale of her works at The Art Retreat, 44 Chapel Street, 10am–5pm.

7th–8th October Mixed media workshop with Suffolk artist Valerie Armstrong at Art Safari’s riverside studio on Ferry Quay. Must be pre-booked on 01394 382235. 10am–4.30pm 21st–27th October Quad Art exhibition, Quay Gallery, Snape Maltings, near Aldeburgh. Oils, watercolours, pastels and sculptures. Free entry.

10am–5.30pm, Sunday 10.30am–4.30pm 16th–20th November Cribfest and Madonna & Child, St Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh.

Religious art, showcasing nativity cribs from many cultures. 10am–5pm, Sunday 2pm–5pm

N

“

ow is traditionally the time of year that artists hang up our painting aprons and get out to various fairs and galleries.

September to November sees us coming out of our studios, like little hedgehogs venturing out after hibernation, wide-eyed and ready to sell our wares.

You can take full advantage of that by coming to the nearby exhibitions and events (see left) and showing your support to our local creatives. There is so much talent in our lovely town and your support is their lifeblood, even if it’s just a few ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’.

My favourite view at this time

of the year is at Kyson Point. I take a cardigan and a flask of tea, and watch the boats bobbing about on the river. The water seems to turn a beautiful dark blue-grey colour, and the fresh air hitting the surface is divine. It’s inspiring” l www.samanthabarnes.com

FELTON GALLERY A new studio gallery has opened in the town. Felton Gallery shows the work of artist Kate Felton and is open by appointment and on Saturdays at The Corner House, 1a Hasketon Road, Woodbridge.

Go to www.felton.gallery

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

architecture

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

Above: Open plan living from PlaiceHaward

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

BUILDING ON

THE FUTURE

Should we all be using architects to design that dream extension or could we cut corners and do it ourselves? Living In … Woodbridge investigates

F

inding the right architect can be a real advises. “Look for someone who listens minefield, particularly if you’ve never carefully to your needs, is enthusiastic and who inspires you. They also need used one before. There’s lots to think to be able to ably demonstrate to you about when you embark on a big or small build, from complex planning issues, their technical and project/financial management skills. Good architecture financial constraints and fear of offending and design is a shared journey.” neighbours to navigating the reams of Some might be tempted to bypass ever-changing building regulations. an architect completely and opt for On top of that, you’re expected to find alternative services a brilliant architect who isn’t “Good architecture (as in Nick Nicholson’s booked solidly for the next experience, see right). two years, to mould all and design is But is this actually those wild Pinterest-inspired thoughts cluttering your a shared journey” a false economy?

Chris says: “People head into one cohesive, who engage architects and technologists affordable achievable design. quickly become aware of the importance Confused? Us too! of having a fully trained and enthusiastic So we asked founding partners Nick professional on board. Even on a relatively Loomes and Chris Game of PlaiceHaward small project, a good architect will add Architects in Woodbridge and Southwold, value through careful consideration of the to give us some pointers. issues associated with building projects.

“Architects generally compete for work, That way costly pitfalls can be avoided. so it’s a good idea to interview several “In our industry, we have professional before making your final choice,” Chris

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

40

4kw 15 panel photovoltaic array configured in 3 rows of 5 panels - clamped to standing seams of Zinc roof

“Would you choose to use an architect?”

VM Zinc standing seam system (Pigmento Plus Blue) on VMZinc breather membrane on 22mm sarking boards (by Svenskhomes).

18mm WBP plywood screw fixed to rafter feet with stainless steel countersunk screws and wrapped with VM Zinc to form Zinc fasica

D18

D19

Exposed rafter feet to be stained black

D18

22 x 145mm Sweet Chestnut cladding on 45 x 45mm spacer batten on 34 x 70mm treated SW battens

WF17 1.2 W/m2K

IDF02

IDF06

SEE SVENSKHOMES DRAWING K-07-02 AND PLAICE DRAWING A08-02 FOR DINING ROOM FLAT ROOF DETAILS

WF01

WF13

F20 BATHROOM

D07

Bauder single ply roofing membrane

F13 LANDING

WF11

IDF06 Glazed roof to rear lobby specification to be agreed

IDG04

Solid timber joists by Svenskhomes 18mm WBP Fascia clad with VM Zinc (up and over)

1,500

WG13 VM Zinc downpipe

WG08

G01 HALLWAY

WG01 IDG01

IDG05

Walls to be l Supa , ensuring all penetra vapour control layer are well taped / sealed to maintain air s

600

D02

D01

G11 LARDER

G10 UTILITY

WG10 IDG02

250

47.150 GFL

0.18Wm2K based on P/A of 0.47

D02

WF16

25mm Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 on 50mm Kingspan OPTIM-R on Svenskhomes deck & firrings.

45 x 150mm treated SW joists at 600mm cts as per Svenskhomes details 22 x 145mm Sweet Chestnut soffit

WG07

G05 DINING ROOM

IDG05

2,395

2,395

G06 SNUG

295

0.13 W/m2K 65mm sand and cement screed incorporating underfloor heating on 500 gauge separating layer on 85mm Celotex FF4000 insulation on 1200 gauge polythene dpm on 150mm beam and block floor - as per Structural Engineer's details.

18mm WBP plywood screw fixed to rafter feet with stainless steel countersunk screws and wrapped with VM Zinc to form Zinc fasica

245

338

15

D21

D04

IDG08

IDG07

D03

WG11

WG10

2,450

185

VM Zinc standing seam system (Pigmento Plus Blue) on VMZinc breather membrane on 22mm sarking boards (by Svenskhomes).

D20

49.883 FFL

2,421

F17 BEDROOM

2,275

2,144

WF03

1,825

119

0.13Wm2K 7.5°

D04

D01 MIN 250mm VOID (VENTED & DRAINED)

SECTION C2 - C2

SECTION C3 - C3

SECTION C4 - C4

4kw 15 panel photovoltaic array configured in 3 rows of 5 panels - clamped to standing seams of Zinc roof

D19

734

0.13W/m2K

D07 7.5°

266

This scheme may be subject to Town Planning and other necessary consents. Ensure Building Control are notified 48 hours in advance of building works starting on site. Refer / comply with all approvals and associated conditions.

D07

Dimensions, areas and levels where given are only approximate and subject to site survey.

All dimensions are to be checked on site. Any discrepancies or variations are to be reported to the Architect before work commences. Figured dimensions only are to be taken from this drawing.

600

This drawing is to be read in conjunction with all relevant consultants and / or specialists drawings and specifications and any discrepancies or variations are to be reported to the Architect before affected work commences.

PLEASE NOTE - TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE THIS DRAWING REPRESENTS AS BUILT CONSTRUCTION

F16 ENSUITE

2,141

2,397

F15 MASTER BEDROOM

1,875

IDF05

TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH SVENSKHOMES DRAWINGS

This drawing is COPYRIGHT

0

1

0

2

3

4

1

5

2

6

7

8m

3

4m

1,275

0.16W/m2K

2,100

1.2W/m2K

WF19

50

49.883 FFL GR RS CG Issued By

22/02/2016 02/07/2015 25/06/2015 Issue Date

As Built Issue Knauf Supafil insulation added to store walls Omission of sedum roofs - CONSTRUCTION ISSUE Comment

This drawing is COPYRIGHT

295

13

338

28 225

22

E D C RevID

D05

1.2W/m2K

G07 LIVING ROOM

WG01

2,100

2,733 Floor to Floor

2,661 To top of posi joist

IDG05

2,395 Floor to ceiling height

1,500

1,500

1.2W/m2K

D-09

WG07

CHURCH VIEW LAND TO REAR OF BECKETTS THE STREET, NORTON, SUFFOLK

D02 65mm sand and cement screed incorporating underfloor heating on 500 gauge separating layer on 85mm Celotex FF4000 insulation on 1200 gauge polythene dpm on 150mm beam and block floor - as per Structural Engineer's details.

600

600

Plaice Design Company Ltd, The Round House, 1 St John's Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1EB. t: 01394 610844, m: 07403 260595 email: info@plaice.org.uk www.plaicemaking.net Professionals in Landscape. Architecture. Interiors. Cost & Environment.

Job Title

D-01

Left and below: “A good architect will add value” Drawing Name

150

85

65

47.150 GFL 0.18Wm2K based on P/A of 0.47

CROSS SECTIONS

D03

Status

AS BUILT

300

Drawing Scale @ A1

SECTION C1 - C1

1:20, 1:50

Job Number

PL0041

GSPublisherEngine 627.10.12.100

Drawn By

Checked

CG

Drg No

Revision

A05-04 E

Pictures: PlaiceHaward

qualifications and we have to comply with our respective governing bodies’ codes of conduct. That means we’re allowed to use the title Chartered Architect (RIBA) or Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) and must hold adequate professional indemnity insurance.”

“Employing an architect is not for everyone, but one of the reasons to do so is their ability to design” Nick adds: “Ultimately, employing an architect is not for everyone, but it must be stressed that one of the main reasons to do so is their ability to design. This doesn’t mean simply drawing seductive pictures but rather guiding you through the process of meeting your requirements, working closely with you at every stage, and ultimately providing a bit of magic.” ● Call PlaiceHaward on 01394 610844 or visit www.plaicehaward.co.uk

“Not always!” says Woodbridge’s Nick Nicholson, who designed his own extension himself.

“Following a bad experience with an architect we decided to design our relatively simple extension ourselves and just pay a draughtsman to draw up the technical plans for a builder to work from. We felt this way we could keep a tighter control of the design we wanted and not end up with some grandiose idea which went way above budget.

We were lucky because I know how to draw to scale from my own job as a garden designer, which obviously helped the whole process enormously.

So using my design, our draughtsman drew up detailed technical plans for our builder and we subsequently managed the build ourselves.

In the end we got a beautiful home out of it all. And crucially we’d only paid the draughtsman hundreds of pounds, as opposed to the thousands we would have handed over to an architect.

My advice to people considering a draughtsman is to go for it – but only if it’s a straightforward build. The bigger the budget, the more it makes sense to engage an architect.”

‘Yes!’ says local Warren Peters, who valued the services of an architect on a tricky build.

“We used to live in a rural farm cottage and employed a conservation architect when planning a major extension.

That route gave us different design options we would never have thought of ourselves.

Never dismissive of our ideas, he definitely brought new perspectives to the project and significantly improved on our initial thoughts.

There were other benefits when it came to matching exterior features of the cottage, as his attention to detail was second to none.

The end result was an extension in line with the value of the cottage, and which provided a good return on investment when we finally went to sell.

We’d all like to project manage but can often end up micromanaging and that is when budgets can start to spiral out of control. One of the roles of an architect on a full service contract is to bring the project in on budget.”

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Notcutts Garden Centre Ipswich Road Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4AF Tel. 01394 386666 8 Fornham Business Court Hall Farm Bury Drift Fornham St Martin Suffolk IP31 1SL Tel. 01284 760222

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

GARDENING

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

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Right and below: Out with the old, in with the new – Mark loves transforming his clients’ gardens

SEEDS

OF CHANGE!

T

person to choose the right path to take.

As we are now approaching the best time of year for planting and landscaping, have a look and decide whether your garden is looking out of date and dull.

“Shrubs that were so favoured 20 years ago have become enormous lumps that need pruning every year” Many outside areas that are now becoming over-mature are those created in the Eighties and Nineties. With pastel shades of early summer perennials, these look rather dull compared with the tastes of today. Those shrubs that were so favoured 20 years ago, such as Photinia ‘Red Robin’, have now become enormous lumps that need pruning every year. Soon it will be the turn of 21st century grasses and pleached hornbeams to go the same way.”

OLD HAT

“

rends in gardening change slowly.

The main reason is, of course, that plants take time to mature.

Gardens that set new fashions are usually several years old before they are photographed and written about. The plants used then become more popular, but take time to be grown and filter through to nurseries. It’s a slow turnover.

Once a garden has been built and planted, the owner may change it over the years, but more often it will stay the same. That leads to dated, overgrown gardens that have lost their way. The decision of what to do about rebuilding then becomes more difficult as memories, and money spent, are locked into the landscape.

The financial investment in patios and walls can be quite substantial, and they are often expected to last far longer than the materials are designed for. So 50-year-old patios with cracked and crumbling concrete slabs are left as monuments to the builders of the past.

Using a garden designer makes the process easier, if not easy. Someone without those emotional attachments is a better

TRENDING NOW

Woodbridge garden designer Mark Kneebone on the case for breathing new life into your garden this year

Miscanthus

Pleached hornbeams

Photinia ‘Red Robin’

l For further details of Mark’s work and latest projects, call 07775 620868 or go to www.mark-kneebone.com

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

43

The Shuck Returns

Thursday 29th September – Sunday 2nd October Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this year’s Woodbridge Shuck Shellfish Festival promises to be the best yet. The town will be teeming with chefs, foodies, musicians and more. Events include the superb Shuck Shack pop-up restaurant at The Tide Mill (pictured left) and the Shuck Weekender at The Tea Hut (below), which will feature live music and where moules frites will be dished up, using mussels straight from the Deben. There will even be the chance to buy fresh fish from Simpers of Suffolk, and take it next door to The Crown’s stall for it to be cooked exactly how you like. Whatever you do, don’t miss this fabulous foodie event! www.thewoodbridgeshuck.org.uk

FUN

DAYS OUT! Autumn may be on its way but it’s not time to hunker down just yet. There are loads of local events worth heading to Martial the Troops

From Wednesday 5th October Ever fancied giving tai chi a try? Ray and Dawn Norris started their first class in Ufford three years ago, and are now launching their fifteenth in the region.

Offering low-cost access to this marital art, a new weekly beginners’ class will be held from Wednesday 5th October at Ufford Sports and Social Club at 5.45pm.

That first session is free to newcomers, and thereafter it costs £3.50. www.suffolktaichiacademy.uk

Paws for Thought

Sunday 23rd October What better way to keep warm on an autumnal dog walk, than with the satisfactory glow that comes from raising funds for a deserving charity?

Dog owners are being invited to take their pooches on a sponsored stroll in the grounds of Glemham Hall, in an event titled Paws with a Cause. Join in, and you can raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, while enjoying a wonderful walk in beautiful Suffolk parkland. You can start at any time between 10am and 2pm, and there are three different routes. Register, and download a sponsor form, at www.eaaa.org.uk/events ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

44

Fun Frights at the Farm

Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th October Take your little horrors to Jimmy’s Farm in the run-up to Halloween and enjoy a whole host of spooky activities. It will be wands to the ready at the Wherstead attraction as they lay on a Witches and Wizards Hunt, as well as of oodles of fun for those who plump for their petrifying pumpkin games. And for military-mad littlies, Jimmy’s team will be hosting the spectacular Battlefield Live, a realistic combat experience using the latest in infrared weapon technology. www.jimmysfarm.com

Go Wild

Autumn at RSPB Minsmere is always hugely busy, with thousands of birds returning from all parts of the world to overwinter on our shores. But Minsmere is also about much more than those winged wonders. Why not join the talented team from Dig Ventures, as they carry out an amazing archaeological dig around the ruins of the 12th century Leiston Abbey, looking for evidence of an ancient harbour and possible links to piracy? Or, for something more active, or if you’re a keen photographer, why not hire out one of Minsmere’s guides for a 4x4 safari around the reserve, to observe one of the UK’s biggest herds of red deer rutting at close quarters? www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere

Retro Dub Heads to Bentwaters

Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th September If you love all things VW, Retro Dub Suffok is a definite for your diary. Hosted at Bentwaters for the first time, the organisers promise non-stop festivities over three days. In honour of its Rendlesham Forest venue, there will be a UFO and space theme for Saturday night, with prizes awarded to the best dressed man, woman and child at the site of ‘Britain’s Roswell’. www.retrodub-suffolk.co.uk

Sing, Sing, Sing

Wednesday 28th September The Rabble Chorus (pictured above) comes to town this autumn. The community choir can be heard at Woodbridge Methodist Church, performing a charity concert to raise funds for both church repairs and Adoption UK. The uplifting evening gets started at 7pm. www.therabblechorus.co.uk Saturday 8th October Staying with music making, in early October, St Mary’s Choir will be holding a Choral Open Day. Everyone’s welcome, whatever their age or ability; the day will start with rehearsal workshops at 10am, leading to a performance at 4pm. There’s no charge to take part and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Bob Pegnell on 01394 386822.

Find out about the choir here: www.stmaryswoodbridge.org ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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LETTERS...

FROM YOU So good, even the cows in Ufford read it!

Picture: John Ferguson

“Informative” The magazine was delivered to our cottage in Melton yesterday – congratulations. It is really interesting and informative – I have learnt a lot about the town and its businesses which I didn’t know and some good ideas for days out and around in Woodbridge.

Long may it continue!

Picture: Lyn Peters

If you’ve got something funny, interesting or topical to tell us, please drop us a line at info@livinginwoodbridge.co.uk. Unfortunately we can’t reply to each and every one of you but the best letters will be featured in the next issue

“Cover to cover” I just wanted to thank you and also congratulate you on your new magazine. I have just sat down and read it from cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I live in Ufford so it was so lovely to get a copy delivered to us. I look forward to getting my next copy in the autumn.

Well done.

Lesley Ufford

Gillian Harrison Melton

“More media coverage than Ms. Kardashian” I thoroughly enjoyed your new magazine and hope it is a big success – commercially and from a personal satisfaction perspective.

I thought you may like to see a view of my courtyard garden.

Although I have pointed out to Mr Blackmore that he gets more media coverage than Ms Kardashian, my garden is very fortunate to live equidistant from the Table and the Anchor, as both have excellent food, service and beverages, I don’t spend as much time in the garden as I should!

‘Buzzing’ - the Table in Woodbridge

“Incredible transformation” I don’t know whether it’s something in the air but Woodbridge seems to have gone from being a sleepy little town that time forgot to undergoing an incredible transformation, what with all the building work going on in the town. The restaurants and pubs are buzzing! I’m delighted to be part of it all.

H. Morgan Woodbridge

Steve Lemon Woodbridge

“This can’t be right” I am writing to ask if anyone else in Woodbridge has, like me, a child travelling into Suffolk One every week day who is having to wait until a ridiculous time at Ipswich rail station to get home. The trains run back to Woodbridge every 17 minutes past the hour apart from the one hour that all the college kids need – the 4.17pm. There is no service then despite the nearby college breaking up at 3.45pm, so he has to wait in Ipswich until the next train home which is 5.17pm. When I asked Abellio why there wasn’t any trains at that prime time, I was told Sizewell B had rented out the lines between 4 and 5pm.

But for what? Surely this can’t be right or fair to the local community?

Mrs L. Stickley Woodbridge

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour.

When arranging a funeral, we know it’s the details that make the difference.

It’s the little things that count We’re here every hour of every day.

Call our 24 hour careline on

01394 385456

for your nearest funeral director visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

Planning & Design New Build & Extensions Renovations & Restorations Project Management 1 Quayside, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1FA www.samueldavidconstruction.co.uk 01394 780045