Living in Woodbridge - Issue 20

ISSUE SUMMER 2016 / NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE ONE… TWENTY … OCTOBER

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE Bricks & mortar youropen guide!

Local home owners…… throw their doors Child zones?… meet on thethe couple with the Parent Pod! Tidalfree ways … safety water Is grey just so last Jojo Humes Brown on colours The haunting …year?… local ghosts

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OCT/NOV

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IN WOODBRIDGE & COASTAL …

Picture by Guy Fleming

H

ow can it be that it’s already October?

Time definitely seems to whizz by here at Living In … but as always, we hope this issue gives you an excuse for a sit down with a cuppa and a chance to appreciate all that makes this part of the country such a special place to call home.

In this issue, we’re bringing you a first – our Bricks & Mortar supplement. A full eight pages, we’ve gathered up some of the best names locally, so whether you’re looking for an estate agent, architectural service, soft furnishings or inspired interiors, it’s all here, starting on page 13.

For our topical story, we had a very interesting conversation with Barrie Hayter of the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts. The river plays such a key role in our communities, but it always needs to be treated with respect. Barrie explains more on page seven.

Sustainable fashion is the hot topic of the moment, with the likes of Vogue proclaiming 2019 as the year the industry started to take the issue seriously. Local fashionista Philippa Rudd shares some rather shocking stats on page eight, as well as top tips on how to dress well whilst still caring for our planet.

Having worked with the likes of Kylie, Ed Sheeran and George Ezra, this edition’s Mover & Shaker is Cenzo Townshend. Over the last 20 years, Cenzo has been involved in mixing some of the world’s best-selling albums, and on page 21 he shares what he loves about his work and his hometown.

This issue also sees the launch of another new occasional feature – The Day Job, and so on page 28 we find out about life as a voiceover actor. Remember, if you’re in an unusual line of work, we’d love to hear from you too.

You’ll also find all your regular favourite features, so happy reading, and we hope you enjoy issue 20.

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FAST FASHION – “QUICKLY MADE, BRIEFLY WORN READILY TOSSED.” – #REFASH

23

Angela & Lyn

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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

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

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25 WHAT’S INSIDE 7 11 13 21 25 28

Safety on the water Spooky happenings Bricks & Mortar Movers & Shakers Getting Winter-ready The Day Job ON THE COVER

Extension floor plans by Philip Ashenden Architecture. Read the full story of how he transformed a 1950s home on pages 16–17.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL NEWS

STRANDED!

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

W

oodbridge County Councillor Caroline Page has told how she was left in tears after desperate local residents appealed to her for help.

She claims they have been left isolated and cut off as dramatic and “catastrophic” cuts to buses, timetables and bus passes have seen many effectively become prisoners in their own town.

“The vulnerable, like the elderly and disabled, and young parents with buggies have been left stranded by this,” storms Caroline, who has started an online petition which has already received 1,500 signatures in support. “There’s been no joined up thinking.”

Caroline, a regular bus user herself, says she’s heard some heartbreaking stories lately from those affected.

“Cuts and amendments to the 64 bus route have left teachers unable to reach school, disabled people in Peterhouse Crescent without access to services, workers in Ipswich with no bus home after 6pm and no chance of evening hospital visiting by bus at all. If you have an elderly relative in the care home at Rendlesham and you live in Martlesham then you can no longer take the hourly 800, as it’s gone. I have met people who are severely affected by this – they are not being treated as human beings. It’s left me in tears, it’s very upsetting.”

In her petition to managing director of First Eastern Counties, Steve Wickers, as well as Conservative MP Therese Coffey and the deputy leader and leader of Suffolk County Council, she states: “The (bus) company made significant changes to the timetabling and route of their complementary 64 route: the buses no longer stop at the Woodbridge Peterhouse estate, and the last bus leaves Ipswich an hour earlier (at 17:50) meaning anyone leaving work in Ipswich later has to walk to Woodbridge from Tesco or the Park and Ride. Early-morning buses are also affected, as is hospital travel. There is no bus at all between Woodbridge and Martlesham Black Tiles.

“First Eastern Counties declare this is

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

F

rom this issue onwards, our newly named Living In … Woodbridge & Coastal magazine is spreading its wings further afield. It is now available for readers to pick up in many outlets throughout Southwold, Aldeburgh, Walberswick, Leiston, Framlingham, Orford and Felixstowe, to name but a few. Once

because these services were underused.

We, the passengers who use them, deny this. The services were both well-used and vital to many people with few or no transport choices.”

Caroline claims that many timetables have also been scrapped: “Even if you do show up for a bus you won’t know when it comes or, indeed, if it’s still even running on that route. It’s a catastrophic mess.’

She demands that these cuts and changes be “immediately reversed.”

Chris Speed, head of operations at First Ipswich tells Living In … Woodbridge & Coastal: “The adjustments we introduced on 1st September to some services within our network in Ipswich were made to meet the changing travel patterns of our customers using bus services across the town. We worked closely with Suffolk County Council and we discussed the proposed changes many weeks prior to them being introduced. Our dialogue did not raise any major concerns over the services scheduled to be affected, due to the low number of people travelling at those times. We understand that some of the changes may not have been welcomed by the ‘small number of people’ that use certain services at various times of the day, and they may have caused some inconvenience. But as a business, to run services that are not commercially viable, we would need some financial support to run journeys/services where there are only one or two people wishing to travel.”

But Caroline, who is leader of Suffolk County Council’s Lib Dem party, claims First failed to consult with those who mattered, adding: “They neither consulted with me (as county councillor) nor the passengers!”

Dr Thérèse Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal and secretary of state at the Department for Work & Pensions, tells us: “I have been contacted by a number of constituents concerning the number 64 bus and I understand their concerns.

While I recognise there are not many passengers, I have contacted the business director of First Eastern Counties. I will respond to my constituents with the outcome of my enquiries.”

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Changes to bus services have caused upset

Cllr Caroline Page has petitioned First Eastern

Local residents have been “severely affected” ISSUE SUMMER ISSUE ONE… 2016 / TWENTY … OCTOBER

LIVING IN NOVEMBER 2019

GOES LARGE again, many thanks to our loyal army of readers who have been with us from the start, sharing their news and support for their favourite magazine. l To send in your story or for further information on Living In …, email us at info@livinginsuffolk.com

WOODBRIDGE

Bricks Local & mortar home owners…… youropen throw guide! their doors Child zones?…

Tidalfree ways meet on thethe … safety couple with the Parent Pod! water Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown The haunting … local ghosts on colours

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

TOPICAL STORY

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S! S

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

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We all love our beautiful coast, but avoidable accidents keep on happening.

Barrie Hayter of the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts reports …

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T

have a risk of drowning in natural settings. here have been a few times this Teens and young adults tend to associate year I have walked along the River water activities with drinking and playing Deben and seen teenagers on around, while having a false sense of their kayaks/inflatable dinghies without swimming strength. buoyancy aids, and small children playing Inflatable craft, wind and riptides can in the mud with no obvious adult carry you into deep water quicker than supervision. The recent terrible incidents in which children have been trapped in the you think.

Hazard recognition and safety mud and others being washed away by precautions are key to water safety and tides reminds us that our rivers, lakes and drowning prevention because the nature beaches are dangerous places if the of injury and death differs correct provisions are not depending on each age in place.

“Be safe and group.

And water safety The specific risks to the saves lives. enjoy the River Deben are the tides Once the weather river!” which are extremely warms up, let’s face it, strong and will carry you water activities are fun. four miles an hour. The mud can be soft But if you’re going to spend time near, in and you can sink quickly and get stuck. or on the water, safety should be the first And if the tide’s coming in, you can be in thing on your mind. trouble in minutes.

For young children, the risk comes Inflatable craft may look like fun but with the inability to swim and the lack the tide and wind will carry you along the of attention from an adult. When a child river. For swimmers, there are some very drowns, many parents say they only large boats that use our river and they looked away for a split second, and they can’t always see swimmers. Stay away probably did. Drownings can occur in an from the active boating areas unless you instant and unsupervised children are at are an experienced river swimmer. Also, great risk of falling into pools or drowning bear in mind that there are many sharp in bathtubs or sinks. obstacles under the water that will hurt Once we learn how to swim however, you if you swim or fall onto them. Many we tend to assume water safety isn’t don’t realise that the water can be something we need to think about. extremely cold and this will zap all your We can swim, so where’s the risk? But energy quickly. drowning rates are higher among those Be safe and enjoy the river!” aged 15-24 than those younger than five.

Just because you can swim and don’t l The Woodbridge Sea Scouts will be require parental supervision to be in a hosting a water safety talk next year. body of water doesn’t mean your risk has For more information, contact 5th disappeared. While young children have Woodbridge Sea Scouts Group Scout a risk of drowning by falling into a pool Leader, Barrie Hayter, on Gsl@5wss.org.uk or being alone in a bathtub, young adults

WATER SAFETY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS: n Never go into the water if you can’t swim. n And if you can’t swim; learn. Any age can receive swimming lessons. n ALWAYS wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid while boating or taking part in boating activities. n Never swim alone or in an unsupervised area. n Know your swimming strength. n Don’t play roughly around water.

Never push, jump on or hang on to others in or around water. n Never drink alcohol while taking part in water or boating activities.

Alcohol affects your motor skills therefore making it harder to swim, float, keep balance or drive. n Never leave your child alone or take your attention off of your child around water. If you need to leave or are too distracted, take your child out of the water. n Never consume alcohol when supervising children in the water.

Alcohol can diminish your judgement and ability to perform CPR in case of an emergency. n Don’t rely on a lifeguard’s supervision or judgement. Always keep your eyes on your child. n Remember that children are rarely able to wave their arms or call for help while drowning. Never rely on a signal.

19 ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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Left: Mix and match your outfits to maximise how much you wear everything

THE

women. Paying living wages to these workers would add just 1% on average to the retail price of a piece of clothing, but sadly the much-coveted global brands aren’t interested.

Profit is their obsession.

Polyester is the fast fashion fabric of choice due to its low cost, versatility and wrinkle-free properties. But, as a synthetic petroleum-based fibre, worryingly more than 70 million barrels of oil are used to make polyester each year. And when the garment finds its way to a landfill it takes over 200 years to decompose.

Fast fashion items are often worn less than five times, kept for roughly 35 days and produce over 400% more carbon emissions per item per year than garments worn 50 times and kept for a full year.

The solution? Firstly – buy less and wear more. And change our shopping habits. If you’re planning a night out, don’t go and buy a new, fast fashion item. Look through your wardrobe and take any items that you no longer love for re-sale or to the charity shop before purchasing a new or pre-owned item. Choose s someone who has worked in the fashion mindfully – really consider how many wears you industry for many years and could say I’m might get from it, check the item is well made and pretty fashion savvy, I was astounded when that the brand mirrors your core values. We need to I watched Stacey Dooley’s BBC Three TV curate our wardrobe so that it’s a documentary, Fashion’s Dirty Secrets and wonderful blend of well-loved clothes discovered that the fashion industry is “Buy less and that we have owned for many years, the second largest industrial polluter. pieces, and a few core, Fast fashion is a term coined by wear more” secondhand well-made new items that you can build retailers and designers to describe around. Wearing your favourite pieces the phenomenon of imitating styles more often and asking the brands you love to and trends seen on the catwalk and recreating them implement more circular solutions, where products at a much lower price and quality to deliver them are reused and recycled and waste is minimised, must quickly to the mass market. But fast fashion comes be the way forward.” at a price – a catastrophic impact on both the environment and economy.

Many of these garments are produced in factories l Philippa Rudd runs Grundisburgh-based pre-owned where the workers are some of the lowest paid in the designer boutique, Matisa Market. For full details, world and roughly 85% of all garment workers are visit www.matisamarket.com

PRICE OF

FAST FASHION

Local fashionista Philippa Rudd explains why we need to think more about how our clothes are made

A

“

DID YOU KNOW? l Since the 1960s textile waste has increased by 811% in the United States (Environmental Protection Agency) l Garments are the second highest at-risk product category for modern slavery (Global Slavery Index 2018) l Clothing is responsible for releasing 16 times more microfibre pollution into the ocean than cosmetics (Ellen Macarthur Foundation 2017)

l Secondhand clothing is expected to make up one third of wardrobes by the year 2033 (Thredup Resale Report) l Since 2016, buying secondhand clothing for environmental reasons increased 22.5% (Ethical Consumer Markets Report 2018)

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL LIVES

Love Match

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

A

“When we started at Woodbridge, devoted husband-andI was expecting my middle wife doubles partnership at Woodbridge Tennis Club daughter,” recalls Margaret. “We used to bring the children to the celebrated a landmark club and have them sitting on a game, set and match recently, rug while we played a few sets marking their 50th anniversary of tennis.” As the children grew up, as members of the popular club. the pair would take Tennis fans Max it in turns with and Margaret the babysitting Pemberton, so they could who live still indulge in nearby “We’re not ready to their passion.

Waldringfield, put down our rackets While Max, have been who was a playing the just yet!” keen league sport in the town player when he was for half a century, younger, no longer plays and the pair still regularly competitively, he and Margaret enjoy getting on court for some firmly believe that tennis has been social tennis twice a week. an essential part of their happily Indeed, 83-year-old Max even married life. “We enjoy the fresh air met Margaret, 82, on a tennis court and it’s kept us active and fit, and at nearby Charsfield and romance it’s something we can do together,” quickly blossomed among the aces he says. and topspin winners. The pair went “We also enjoy the club on to have four children who were atmosphere and everyone is so also soon courtside regulars at friendly. We would recommend it Woodbridge from a young age.

2019 09 Living in Woodbridge Festive Season.qxp_130mm h x 92mm w 13/0

for any young couple.

“We want to keep going and we’re not ready to put down our rackets just yet!”

Proof that a couple who play together, stay together!

Above: The Pembertons have entered a sixth decade as members of Woodbridge Tennis Club

l For further information on how you can join the club, go to www.woodbridgetennis.org or call membership secretary, Adrian Yates, on 01473 735663.

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For further information, please contact: woodbridgecommunity hall@gmail.com

high spirits As Halloween looms later this month, Living In … meets psychic medium Ryan Gooding

“

O

h Woodbridge is very active,” smiles Ryan, as we enjoy a drink at the newly-acquired pub he runs with husband Darren. “It’s full of ghosts. In fact,” he leans forward, “most of the calls I get asking for house clearance come from Woodbridge,” he reveals.

To the layperson, house clearance involves moving unwanted ghosts out of properties at the request of spooked owners.

And later this month, Ryan, dubbed ‘the modern medium’, will be holding a psychic evening in Woodbridge, in which he will give attendees messages from loved ones who have ‘passed over’.

You may have seen his events publicised locally or even caught him on TV, on shows such as Loose Women or Celebrity Haunted Mansion. Meeting Ryan in the flesh, he’s unexpectedly shy and softly spoken, yet he talks with a passion and authority about the gift he says he inherited from both his parents.

“Growing up in Ipswich, one of five children, my parents were psychic too,” he says. “This was quite a problem when I was a teenager, as they always knew what I was really up to! If I’d told them I was going to a friend’s house and actually we all went to the pub, I’d get home later and my dad would be like: ‘I know where you’ve been!’”

Ryan claims he first became aware he could see dead people when he was aged around four.

“There was a lady spirit who lived in our house. I could see and hear her, and my older brother was terrified when I spoke to her, but I loved her and wasn’t scared at all!”

Ryan’s school friends and teachers soon began to realise that he was different from the other kids.

“I could see ghosts around them and would tell them things about their families that they’d later tell me I just couldn’t have known. One of my teachers was quite freaked out when I used to go on about seeing her late dad standing next to her.

“I think, being a child, I wasn’t aware of the significance of what I was saying – I’d had no real experiences of death. But now I’m older – I’m 29 – I can see the impact this has on people. And it can help them a lot; it answers many questions. But at the same time, you can’t just throw this sort of thing around. “

“Woodbridge is full of ghosts” He says he’s helped many people over the years – from those left heartbroken after a murder, to people who suspect their partners have been unfaithful to them and they want to know for sure.

So how does he receive these messages?

“I have a spirit guide called Kathy who helps me,” he smiles. “I knew her when she was alive and lived down the road

from us in Ipswich. My dad and I used to do her garden once a week to help out, as she was quite elderly. In many ways, I owe everything I am to Kathy, as she helped give me the confidence to accept myself.

She was almost like a nan figure.”

Ryan says he’s looking forward to his forthcoming show in Woodbridge.

“I used to work at the local Specsavers years ago, just one day a week, and I’d often walk up the Thoroughfare and see so many ghosts!” he smiles. “It’s very active here – there was one shop in particular where you’d walk in and, as the people were serving you, there’d be a lady in the background in a long grey dress and her hair tied in a bun. I didn’t dare start talking to her or everyone would have thought I was mad!”

Enjoying his rise to fame, Ryan is also celebrating a new venture – taking over the running of the Golden Hind pub in Nacton Road in Ipswich. “We’ve got lots of ideas for the place, including psychic events and evenings; it’s all very exciting,” he adds. l An evening with Ryan Gooding, 25th October, 7pm, Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road. Tickets £10 (plus booking fee) in advance or £15 cash on the door. Early booking advised as his events usually sell out fast. Call 07523 858516. All proceeds from this event go to St Mary’s Playgroup in Woodbridge, a charity-run playgroup based in Burkitt Road, offering childcare for children aged 2-11 years.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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LIVING IN BRICKS&MORTAR! YOUR PULL-OUT-AND-KEEP GUIDE TO ALL THINGS PROPERTY ...

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ouchell Limited, formerly Banyard & Houchell, has traded from its historic site in Grundisburgh Road for over 70 years.

Founded by bricklayer Gavin ‘Happy’ Houchell in 1933 with his carpenter friend Reg Banyard, the firm employed a staggering 156 full-time members of staff at its peak and was renowned in the area for its housebuilding, both for private clients and the local council, including reparations and rebuilding after the Second World War. When Gavin died in 1982, his son David relocated his own building design and planning consultancy business to the Woodbridge site, in order to oversee both companies and offer a unique design and build service from the same premises.

A property management firm, Houchell

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

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“We value the relationships we develop with our clients, many of whom have been coming to us for decades for everything from a leaky tap to a new family home.”

Homes, later followed to extend the range of services offered.

David’s vast experience in the industry is key to the ongoing success of all three businesses.

“We pride ourselves on our unrivalled knowledge of the local area, its culture and its heritage, based on 86 years of experience in preservation, maintenance, restoration and modification of period buildings,” he says.

“We value the relationships we develop with our clients, many of whom have been coming to us for decades for everything from a leaky tap to a new family home.”

Houchell Limited is a member of the Federation of Master Builders, offering first-class services in all aspects of

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It is also Gas Safe and OFTEC registered for the installation and servicing of gas and oil fired boilers, heating systems and appliances. Hunters of reclaimed building materials should also pay a visit to their builder’s yard, arranged around a stunning 16th-century Suffolk barn, for a treasure trove of salvaged goods ranging from roof tiles and chimney pots to unusual ironmongery. They even sell water softener salt in granular or tablet form! l For more details, call 01394 383838 or go to www.houchell.com

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GIFTING THE FAMILY HOME Is it a good idea to gift the family home to your children?

I

t can be but there are many issues to think about and risks to consider before you take that leap of faith. Some of our concerns about outright gifts of the family home are: n Financial difficulties of the recipient.

The recipient of an outright gift owns the asset received. It will be taken into account as one of their resources on bankruptcy and it may be lost to creditors. n Divorce of the recipient. Assets owned outright are taken into account as part of the resources of the parties to a marriage

or civil partnership in a divorce or dissolution settlement. n The recipient might be in receipt of means-tested benefits. Those benefits could be reduced or stopped as a result of receipt of assets. n The recipient who dies before you. If a child dies, an asset given to them outright may pass by Will or the ‘Rules of Intestacy’ to a third party and control of the asset can be lost.

Instead of transferring the family home outright, it is worth considering whether alternatives such as a well drafted Will or Lasting Power of Attorney are more appropriate. However, a powerful alternative to an outright gift, if you decide that you wish to transfer your

d p agency ltd

BESPOKE WINDOWS & DOORS

property, is the creation of a family trust.

A trust is a separate legal entity which is owned by your nominated ‘trustees’. How the trust operates is governed by the rules you make when it is established.

If you are considering transferring the family home into a family trust, or indeed making an outright gift, please do not hesitate to call us to discuss your options.

We offer a free thirty-minute consultation where we can think about all the options available to you and decide on a clear course of action.

10 Riverside Framlingham Woodbridge IP13 9AG T: 01728 724 737 W: www.fairweatherlaw.co.uk E: jpringle@fairweatherlaw.co.uk

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ON

VISION E

If you’re planning an extension, it’s time to think outside the box

ver popular and a cost-effective means of increasing the size of your home, an extension can tick all the boxes. Here, we catch up with Woodbridge residents Helen and Alan, and their designer, Philip Ashenden, to find out how his scheme transformed a 1950s home into something rather special.

Alan takes up the story: “We bought our house in Woodbridge back in 2016, always knowing we would be extending the property. The house was originally built in 1957 as officers’ accommodation and in our minds, we were looking for a straightforward two-storey extension to create a large kitchen dining area, two further bedrooms and an en-suite.

“But what we hadn’t expected when we commissioned Phil, was a home beyond anything we could have hoped for.”

Phil takes up the story: “At our first onsite meeting Alan and Helen’s early idea was for a rectangular addition to the rear of the property. However, as the house sat in the middle of a very large ‘corner plot’ garden I encouraged them to explore other alternatives.”

Embracing the idea, the design that was quickly settled on was a twostorey elongated wing that flanked the neighbouring boundary. Phil continues:

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

16

“This enabled the couple to make the most of the unusual shaped site and retain as much garden as possible. It also created a west facing enclosure/courtyard area within the garden, perfect for outside dining and entertaining in the afternoon and evening sun.”

Helen says: “We’d never given much thought to the shape of the extension but now it’s integral to the house as all its angles complement the plot. Phil’s design also meant there was still enough room in the garden to replace the original much needed garage.”

The final design uses the full amount of space the couple were entitled to use, adding an additional 860sq feet to the property.

“Phil took care of all the planning issues,” says Alan. “As with any build, there were a few challenges along the way, but the house we now have is very close to Phil’s original design.”

Continuing Phil says: “Internally, we opened up the previously small and dark entrance corridor and created a large double height feature window which offers views of the garden as soon as you come through the front door and lets the light flood in.

“We also stepped the extension down by 300mm from the original house in order to lessen the impact on the neighbouring property. The change in level also provides an interesting internal dynamic.”

The concept for the ground floor is very much designed around open plan living and the step-down to the kitchen/diner area, along with the change in angles

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE There’s also a shower room and bathroom helps to visually demarcate each space. in addition to our en-suite, so plenty of Helen says: “Having a kitchen, dining space for everyone.” and small living area together works When asked that all-important really well, but it’s also great to have a question about budget, Alan says: separate lounge with wooden bi-fold “Overall, we did go slightly over budget, doors, so we can all be in the house but that was mainly due to investing in enjoying the space differently. A favourite those key elements for practical reasons area is the utility space in the kitchen, or for a wow factor. For example, the which gives everything a home needs and bespoke wooden keeps the kitchen open staircase streamlined and “What we hadn’t expected makes the house, fuss-free. and was handmade “I also love when we commissioned by local firm, how the light floods in and the Phil, was a home beyond Ashbocking Joinery.

Then, knowing the different sight lines anything we could have foot traffic through throughout the the kitchen diner house, so even if hoped for” we opted for very I’m in the lounge good quality floor area by the kitchen, tiles so they’re still looking great in 15 I can still see who’s coming down years’ time.” the stairs.”

When asked about their favourite At first floor, the extension provides elements of their new look home Alan a large master bedroom with walk in quickly replies: “I love the different angles wardrobe and en-suite, and an additional there are throughout the house. I also smaller bedroom. The master bedroom like that there’s a sense of intrigue as it overlooks the new courtyard area and in doesn’t give much away from the front of order to make the most of this outlook, the house.”

Phil included large double doors and “For me, what I love most is Phil’s sidelights along with a Juliet balcony. vision,” adds Helen. “Our original ideas Helen says: “Originally upstairs we had were very mainstream, and Phil delivered two bedrooms and a box room, but now a home that’s ten times more interesting both our children have equal sized rooms than we thought possible for our budget. which was important so they can have I wouldn’t change a thing.” friends to stay, and we have a guest room.

TOP TIPS

EXTENSION

n Select your architect/ designer

carefully and don’t necessarily opt for the cheapest. A good architect/ designer will save you money in the long run. n Carry out pre-design due diligence, for example, check what’s underground, check tree roots, party wall issues etc.

These can affect budget and overall cost. n Create a list of priorities or a ‘wish list’ but be open minded to how these could be created or incorporated. n It’s always worth having a good idea of what the top end of your budget is.

However, don’t forget to factor in VAT and if possible, allow for a contingency pot for unforeseen expenses. n If working with a tight budget, focus your money on the structure, spaces and light. Decorative features can be more easily added or altered over time.

Ashenden Architecture Ltd 14 Deben Mill Business Centre Old Maltings Approach Woodbridge IP12 1BL www.ashendenarchitectureltd.co.uk 01394 788768 admin@ashendenarchitectureltd.co.uk

Top left: Helen and Alan’s streamlined kitchen Above left: The woodburner becomes key feature in day room Bottom left: Extension nearing completion Far left: First floor plans as proposed Left: Master bedroom en-suite ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

17

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Snape

£475,000

An attractive and spacious 4 bedroom detached family home located between Woodbridge and Aldeburgh along the Suffolk heritage coast. The property comprises: Ent hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms and a bathroom. enclosed garden backing onto fields and double garage. EPC: D

Woodbridge Guide Price £349,000

A modern and spacious 3 bedroom mid-terrace house situated close to the town centre, river and railway station.

Enclosed garden and garage. EPC: D

Grundisburgh

Wickham Market Guide Price £250,000

A 2 bedroom detached bungalow near the Market Square. The property benefits from Gas c/h, UPVC double glazing, enclosed garden and off-road parking. EPC: D.

Guide Price £270,000

A well presented three bedroom semi-detached house comprising: Entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, garden room, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, 2 further bedrooms and family bathroom, studio (formerly the garage). off-road parking. EPC; C

COMING SOON

2 bed Cottage central Woodbridge with a garage Guide Price £375,000.

Woodbridge Guide Price £250,000

A spacious 4 bedroom detached house with a large garden. Within walking distance of Farlingaye school, local shops and bus services. EPC: E.

Ufford

£750,000

A charming 4 bedroom detached property which was built by the current owner.

The property comprises: Ent hall, study, dining room, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen/breakfast room, boot room, master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, 3 further bedrooms, two with Jack & Jill en-suite and a family bathroom.

There is a detached annex, mature gardens and ample parking. EPC: C.

Melton Guide Price £235,000

A spacious 2 bedroom detached bungalow with gas central heating, double glazing, enclosed garden and garage.

EPC: D.

Ufford

Ufford Guide Price £385,000

A modern 4 bedroom detached house which offers plenty of space, enclosed garden, garage and parking.

EPC: D.

Guide Price £750,000

SALE AGREED.

MORE DETACHED PROPERTIES WITH LAND REQUIRED.

Woodbridge Guide Price £395,000

An attractive 3 bedroom Victorian semi-detached house just a few yards from Woodbridge town centre.

Beautiful rear garden. EPC: D

Woodbridge Guide Price £875,000

A brand new 4/5 bedroom detached house with a lift to all floors in the centre of woodbridge with parking. To be built to buyers requirements.

WITH OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Ufford

Guide Price £375,000

A beautiful 3 bedroom 17th Century cottage with a good sized garden double garage and off-road parking EPC: D

Melton Park Guide Price £595,000

SALE AGREED

MORE DETACHED HOUSES ON MELTON PARK REQUIRED PLEASE

Woodbridge Guide Price £650,000

A superb 4 bedroom period town house in the centre of Woodbridge which dates back some 500 years.

Lovely south-facing garden and roof terrace. EPC: E.

Melton

Guide Price £690,000

Otley

Guide Price £475,000

A modern 4 bedroom detached house with a very light and contemporary feel offering spacious family accommodation within walking distance of local schools, shops, pub and railway station. Ent hall, cloakroom, study, kitchen, dining, family room, sitting room, master bedroom with en-suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, double garage. EPC: B

A spacious 4 bedroom detached family house in the highly desirable village of Otley. The property benefits from south-facing garden and garage. EPC: E

LAND WANTED

With or without planning permission top prices paid Woodbridge Guide Price £159,950

A spacious 2 bedroom ground floor apartment in central Woodbridge the property is restricted to over 55’s.

Linda Mortimer MNAEA

contact Linda Mortimer MNAEA Little Bealings £1,000,000 10 acre building plot with planning for a 5000sqft detached dwelling. superb views over Fynn Valley.

Dale Mortimer MNAEA DipDEA

Thomas Mortimer

01394 386688

Pat Masson

Rosemary Barnard

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THE STOUR RIVERBANK

GUIDE £895,000

SUTTON HOO

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £1,500,000

• Enjoying a riverfront position • Panoramic views across the estuary • 2 reception rooms • 1 bed annexe • Cart lodge garaging • Floating workshop/studio available by separate negotiation

• Superb lodge in an idyllic setting • 2 reception rooms • 4 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • Triple garage with studio • Barn/workshop • Riverfront gardens • Private jetty • In all about 10 acres

PIN MILL

SHINGLE STREET

GUIDE £650,000

• Charming Georgian cottage • Tranquil setting • 2 reception rooms • Study • 3 bedrooms • Stores • Sheltered & secluded gardens • In all about 0.4 of an acre • Offered with no onward chain

GUIDE £610,000

• Semi-detached cottage • Facing directly onto the beach • Stunning coastal views • 2 reception rooms • 3 bedrooms • 2 bath/shower rooms • Parking • Garage • Private garden

THE NATIONAL AGENTS LOCALS RECOMMEND

01473 218 218 ipswich@jackson-stops.co.uk Tim Dansie

Jonathan Penn

James Squirrell

MOVERS SHAKERS

&

As one of the UK’s leading mixing engineers, Cenzo Townshend’s day job sees him working with the stars. But he loves to call Woodbridge home …

How did you get your first break in the music business?

I started out as a DJ and have always loved great sounding, exciting records. I quickly realised that while I really enjoyed playing records, it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to be a part of making records.

I applied to every London studio for a job and was lucky enough to be taken on as a ‘tea boy’ by Trident Studios in Soho.

“I enjoy watching the expressions on clients’ faces – the likes of George Ezra, The Specials and Lewis Capaldi – when I collect them from Woodbridge station” Having worked with some of pop’s biggest names – tell us some of your career high spots?

One of the great things about my work is the wide range of artists I have the privilege to work with.

Some highlights of my career so far have been working in Dublin with U2 and The Cranberries, mixing Chasing Cars for Snow Patrol, mixing Lungs – Florence + The Machine’s first album, and working with The Maccabees and

Editors right from their first albums onwards.

Other highlights include: Everything Everything; The Specials’ latest album; Ed Sheeran – who is a genius; Jamie T; Bloc Party; George Ezra; The Feeling; the latest Lighthouse Family album; and mixing the new Keane album that’s just out.

With Ed Sheeran recently playing to sellout crowds in Ipswich, have you any plans to work again with Suffolk’s favourite son?

Ed Sheeran is a very supportive client of ours, as he is with all Suffolk businesses.

There are plans in the pipeline for another recording project in the near future.

Based at Decoy Studios, just outside Woodbridge, how do recording clients like coming to Suffolk?

They all love Woodbridge, as I knew they would, which ultimately gave me the confidence to move my mixing work here from London and open Decoy Studios.

I enjoy watching the expressions on clients’ faces – the likes of George Ezra, the Lighthouse Family, Suede, Oh Wonder, The Specials and Lewis Capaldi – when I collect them from Woodbridge station on their first visit to town.

Most clients travel from outside Suffolk, but there is a really thriving music scene here, which we’re proud to play a small

role in. Clients who live and work locally include up-and-coming producer Simon Britcliffe, and new acts Caswell, Salvador and Bessie Turner, each of whom opened for Ed Sheeran at his recent Ipswich shows.

If anyone’s trying to break into the business, what advice would you give them?

Immerse yourself in the work you want to do; step outside your comfort zone wherever possible and always practise.

Don’t give up.

Suffolk born and bred? What do you love about Woodbridge?

No, I was born in Milan, but I’ve lived in and around Woodbridge on and off since I was a nipper. My wife, Rachael, is Suffolk born and bred. We married here and moved back to Suffolk when our children, Luca, Fia and Luisa, were imminent. We now live on Market Hill, which we love, with our youngest daughter, Luisa.

My clients are always blown away by the friendliness and very high standards of The Anchor, The Riverside, The Table, The Royal Bengal and The Ufford Crown, and as some are here for weeks on end, the variety of restaurants and amenities Woodbridge has to offer is invaluable.

Tell us a secret about yourself?

At this point, I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather live.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

21

M ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Smiles all round

Top: Sarah Weston has over two decades of experience in dentistry Above: MyDentist’s new handheld scanner and a Clear Correct aligner Top right: An affordable single arch aligner Right: Clear Correct user Blu Nicholls

yDentist’s Sarah Weston is holding aloft the new scanner that will revolutionise her patients’ dental experience.

This amazing state-of-the-art 3D scanner, part of the 3Shape TRIOS range, spells the end of those uncomfortable impressions taken from your mouth.

“You open your mouth and we run it along your teeth and that’s it!” she smiles.

“It gives us a 3D computer image from which we can make perfect crowns, bridges, mouthguards and implants, amongst other things. It is a big coup to have such a fabulous piece of equipment like this – it makes treatment for the patient quicker, more comfortable, and with far more reliable end results.”

This ticks lots of boxes for Sarah and the team at MyDentist – including an environmental one too.

“It gets rid of so much paper, plastic jiffy bags and of course there’s no postage – we are always looking at ways of reducing our footprint, which is great.”

What else is new at the practice?

“Well, we’ve also introduced the Clear Correct aligner system for moving teeth, which we’re very excited about,” she says. “Not only is it giving our patients great results, it is very reasonably priced compared to the alternatives available in the marketplace.”

The comfy Clear Correct removable

aligners gradually move the teeth into position, giving the user something to smile about.

“A single arch is £1390 and a dual arch is between £1990-£2990 depending on the complexity, so it really is a significant reduction,” says Sarah. One happy customer of hers, Blu Nicholls (pictured below), wholeheartedly agrees: “The Clear Correct aligners have been so easy to wear and I have noticed my teeth have moved within the first month. Sarah has been amazing with it all and I would highly recommend it.”

The clinic is no longer taking any more NHS patients but is offering an affordable private service called MyOptions with a check-up costing just £32. A wide range of finance options are also available to help spread any cost. l For more details about MyDentist, based at Old Maltings Approach Business Centre in Woodbridge, call 01394 382694.

Jennyfer Long Nutrition 20th

Nutritional Therapist DIP CNM, mBANT, CNHC

Anniversary

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE New Street Market is a treasure trove of style and sophistication right in the centre of Woodbridge.

Here, we catch up with the fabulous five that make this concept store so special Open Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5pm New Street Market, 70 New Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DX

HOMESPUN, the Woodbridge based fashion company has greatly expanded their collection. Not only does Homespun make the finest cashmere knitwear, but now they make their own jeans and beautiful cotton clothing and homewares.

Homespun works with family owned companies around the world to produce top quality, ethically made clothing and gorgeous pieces for your home. The whole collection is designed by Sam DennyHodson, a Woodbridge resident, and offers a beautifully edited section of top to toe dressing. In addition, the Homespun shop offers the added benefit of international labels such as Margaret Howell and Joseph Cheaney shoes all in the stunning surroundings of New Street Market.

Newly opened and the latest edition within New Street Market, R&R is a great way to Relax and Revive within an oasis of calm and tranquillity.

Boasting two luxurious dual treatment rooms along with calming manicure and pedicure areas, R&R offers 60 different treatments, including Caudalie facial and body treatments.

A full range of beauty treatments is also available including threading, Fake Bake, treats for your hands and feet, manicure, pedicure, varnish or gel application. For our wax treatments, including hot waxing, we use Outback Organics.

Sarah, formerly of Seckford Spa and Flawless Image. is delighted to welcome you to this beautiful space. Bespoke parties, exclusive use and special celebrations can be organised.

Call Sarah on 07766934486 or email randr.nsm@gmail.com

PASCALE is a wonderful homewares store within the vibrant New Street Market.

The store is full of beautiful, products you won’t find anywhere else and are sourced from all over the globe.

At PASCALE you will find a mix of the unique, handmade and artisanal, with the well designed, functional and mass produced, plus some carefully curated vintage pieces too. Many of the products we sell are exclusive to PASCALE, blankets knitted in Scotland, candlesticks turned in Ipswich, ceramics made near Bressingham and in Cape Town, bathmats woven in Bedfordshire. We are now online too - visit our webshop pascalestore.co.uk

GREENROOM welcomes visitors with a striking selection of specimen house and garden plants, botanical gifts and the finest fresh Dutch flowers.

A family-run business, Greenroom enjoys a reputation for its happy cheerful service and helpful team, always on hand to help you get the most from your visit. Cut flowers that really stand out are delivered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with an emphasis on quality and seasonality.

Almost any plant can be sourced, and design visits can be arranged to ensure you get the right plant for the right space, along with the perfect container, of course.

Greenroom Furniture designs and makes beautiful tables, benches and more for both inside and out. On display in the Canteen at New Street Market, just pop in and take a look.

CANTEEN is the perfect, light filled, café and deli at the back of New Street Market.

Our food is focused around the freshest produce, locally sourced and always seasonal. Breakfast served from 8.30 features Turkish and shakshuka eggs, homemade granola with fruit compote and Pump St Bakery Vienoisserie.

The daily changing lunch menu includes a lovely, seasonal soup and a choice of two ‘plats du jour.’ We’re famous for our delicious and unusual salads often featuring wild and foraged ingredients, homemade pickles and fabulous flatbread. In the deli wxe sell the very best charcuterie, cheeses, olives everything from oils and vinegars to the finest pantry staples. The whole experience is ridiculously pleasant.

www.newstreetmarket.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

13 23

Caring is at the heart of everything we do...

Part of the Healthcare Homes Group

Extension and refurbishment complete - spacious and elegant rooms available HealthcareHomes

healthcarehomes.co.uk

Haughgate House, Haugh Lane, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1JG Tel: 01394 386249

Together we respect, with compassion we care, through commitment we achieve

FREE FINANCIAL GUIDANCE – DROP IN FOR A CHAT WITH YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER, TOM CROWTHER.

For you, your family and your business Tom will be offering free financial guidance in Woodbridge on Saturday 16th November. Located in the meeting room at Woodbridge library from 1pm to 4pm. No need to book an appointment, just call in and see him to discuss your financial needs.

If you are unable to attend, you can contact Tom directly on 01473 408425 or email crowthert@wmibl.co.uk www.woodwardmarkwell.co.uk Woodward Markwell is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 146449.

Company Registration Number 2492078. Address - Friars House, 2 Falcon Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1SL.

01394 388605 Offices in Woodbridge, Ipswich, Hadleigh and Felixstowe www.gotelee.co.uk

Getting winter-ready Local nutritional therapist Jennyfer Long shares her top tips for eating yourself to good health this winter

“

W

e all know the benefits of a healthy diet, but when the weather changes it’s easy to embrace those carbs and let our healthy summer lifestyle fall by the wayside. So, without beating yourself up, here are some easy tweaks that will keep you fighting fit all winter long.”

Protein Protein-pack each meal in order to keep energy levels up. This also stops you snacking on sweets and carbs.

But if you need a little extra between meals, make it something healthy like an apple and a small handful of nuts.

Vote for veggies If you’re not a great fan, challenge yourself this winter to make vegetables your best friend. Whether it’s leafy greens, ironpacked spinach or brightly coloured squash, peppers and carrots bursting full of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin K. These days, we should all be aiming to eat a mix of eight vegetables and fruit a day, but also try and reduce the toxins you put in your body by opting for organic when you can.

Vitamin C Key to boosting the immune system, vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant found in berries, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and more.

Omega 3 fatty acids Try to eat oily fish such as salmon and mackerel at least twice and week, and remember seeds and nuts aid brain health and can help those suffering with depression and anxiety.

Vitamin D With sunshine now in short supply, it’s difficult to get enough of this vital vitamin over the winter months. Boost your supply with a good vitamin D supplement which helps keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It’s also a great mood improver.

Raid the spice cupboard Add herbs and spices to whatever you’re cooking.

And don’t forget ginger, turmeric (a powerful antioxidant), garlic, rosemary and thyme all have amazing anti-inflammatory properties.

Embrace fibre Soluble fibre is found in apples, nuts, oats (perfect for breakfast), beans, lentils and vegetables.

Fibre aids the digestive system and helps to reduce inflammation.

ALONG WITH A HEALTHY DIET, WE ALSO NEED TO FOCUS ON: SLEEP From reducing stress to lowering your blood pressure and helping to maintain your weight, the benefits of a good night’s sleep can’t be overstated. And remember to keep those phones and tablets out of the bedroom. The blue light they emit can delay the release of sleep-inducing melatonin, increase alertness, and can even reset our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, to a later time.

EXERCISE Make this the season to take up the couch potato to 5k challenge, sign up for a yoga class, or commit to a half-hour brisk walk every day. Staying active during the autumn and winter not only beats those seasonal blues, but helps strengthen your immune system – perfect for keeping those coughs and colds away.

HYDRATION Whether with water, soups or herbal teas, keep those fluids coming throughout the day for ultimate body health. l Jennyfer Long is a nutritional therapist and offers consultations at the Woodbridge Pharmacy.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

25

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Our autumn round-up of local news!

ACCESS ALL AREAS! Did you know that premium membership at Deben Leisure Centre also entitles you to use the facilities at the newly reopened Leiston and Felixstowe Leisure Centres?

Starting from as little as £35 a month, the membership means you have access to all areas at the three sites, which includes the gym, swimming, classes and health suites.

Just like at Deben, Leiston Leisure Centre has undergone a dramatic facelift recently which has seen it open, amidst much fanfare, with a completely refurbished pool

THE NEW FACE OF MOOSE

and lovely poolside thermal suite with features like a sauna, steam room, ice station and heated beds. With a brand new gym and two new dance studios, it really is well worth a visit. l For more information, visit Leiston Leisure Centre at Red House Lane in the town. Call 01728 830364. Felixstowe Leisure Centre is based on the Seafront. Call 01394 694600.

Picture by Stewart Fallis

EVENINGS @ THE COOKS SHED

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Woodbridge-based The Cooks Shed in Gobbitts Yard, recently under new ownership, is developing some exciting new dining possibilities.

In addition to Friday and Saturday evenings, from mid-October it will be open on Thursdays. These will be more comfort-led evenings, providing an exquisite take on hearty favourites such as pies, hotpots and stews.

Co-owner Matt Driver, says: “We want to offer a few real belly-warming plates, with, of course, our usual attention to flavour

26

and detail. There will also be some rather special wines to enjoy.”

Bookings are also now being taken for group Christmas dining, for lunches or dinners. Matt’s business partner, Vlad, adds: “Christmas at The Cooks Shed will really be something special. Entirely seasonal and very festive, we’ll be offering some truly inspired menu surprises.

“We can’t wait for people to see and, naturally, taste what’s on offer.”

Search for ‘Cooks Shed’ @CooksShed

Sam Cook has recently acquired clothing, gifts and homewares emporium Moose, based on Market Hill.

She says: “I officially took over ownership from Karen Hill at the start of September and I’m loving it.

“I’m keen for Moose to be known for offering great style at affordable prices and for caring about where our products come from. So I’m working with lots more

LETTINGS SUCCESS! Launched by Jamie Curran in 2016, letting agent IP12 has made its mark across town.

Jamie says: “Statistically the number one letting agent for the last 24 months, we’ve just relocated to larger

UK- based companies, including the ever-popular womenswear brand Chalk, as well as Fairtrade ones such as Ochre, whose beautiful merino wool jumpers we’re stocking.

“We’ve also always been known for a touch of sparkle and this season won’t disappoint. From partywear to bags and accessories, there’s something for everyone.” l Telephone 01394 382691. premises on Church Street and are busy managing over 100 properties that vary in rental from £450pcm to £4,000pcm.”

Offering transparent fees and an honest approach, 75% of IP12’s business comes from recommendation. Jamie adds: “Not a day goes by when we don’t receive positive feedback. Now a team of four, we’ve got big plans for 2020, including taking on another member of staff.” l www.iptwelve.com

BESPOKE JOINERY With extensive experience in the timber industry, and being passionate about timber as a sustainable raw material, dp agency works with some of Europe’s premier manufacturers of windows.

Using high-quality engineered redwood, hardwood and Accoya – the latter of which offers unrivalled sustainability, stability and durability – dp agency offers endless possibilities. From casement and sash windows, to bifold, sliding, French and front/back doors, each one

is made to endure, and to enhance your home.

Nick Apperley of dp agency adds: “Our products offer individuals, specifiers and contractors the benefits of high specification bespoke joinery, whether for replacement or new build, at excellent prices and with great personal service.” l www.dpagency.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

business profile

T he M erch an t ’ s T ale 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

Susanna Cook’s incredible eye for design has seen her come full circle …

A

s a child, Susanna Cook visited the antique shop in Church Street, formerly owned by the MeyseyThompson family. She recalls peering through an open doorway leading to the hall and, beyond that, an exquisite back garden, not knowing that one day she’d own the place.

“My mother loved taking my sisters and me around all the antique shops back then,” smiles Susanna, as the sunlight floods the gorgeous kitchen she has so lovingly refurbished. “I was a great collector of things. When other children had posters of pop stars on their walls, I had shelves full of vintage food packaging!”

Her eye for detail is evident in each and every nook and cranny of her sumptuous Grade II listed home, which dates back to the early 1700s. This kind of detail goes beyond a skill, it’s honed after decades of working at the top of the design industry – her forte is in food packaging and brand identity. You will have seen Susanna’s work – many times – without actually knowing her name, but more of that later.

“Sarah Meysey-Thompson, who ran the antique shop here, always had such great window displays,” recalls Susanna, who moved her work and home life from London to Woodbridge just over two years ago.

It was never her plan to move into this property. In fact, she was about to exchange on another when she heard that it was available to buy and jumped at the chance.

“We went through all the deeds, as every owner has passed them on to the new buyers, and they date back to the 1730s! It was fascinating to read all the different people who lived here, including a number of merchants, and I just loved this idea of carrying on the tradition and calling it The Merchant’s Table. After all,

my business is all about food and it’s all about the table too. To me, everything starts at the table, whether it’s a romance, a letter, a book, a meal …”

Behind the shop’s inviting facade, Susanna, whose earlier career designs include the packaging for Bendicks of Mayfair and McVities, runs the acclaimed Allies Design Studio. This busy agency creates branding, packaging, literature and overall styling for aspiring food clients.

These include Pump Street Chocolate, La Fromagerie, The Great British Bake Off and Ginger Pig, to name but a few. All well-known, their trademarks being provenance, respect and quality.

“I call it respectful retailing,” she says.

“It’s the same at The Merchant’s Table – we have great respect for the customer and for what we sell, the craftsmanship that has gone into it, and its origin, and so do all our design clients too.”

These principles run through her veins.

Brought up in Pin Mill, the oldest of three creative girls, their late father Bryan, the ultimate merchant, ran a successful butcher’s business, having received his Master Butcher training at Smithfield Market college and his apprenticeship in Harrods, he then took over the third generation family business.

“The Merchant’s Table has evolved as a natural extension of the collaborative work we do within the design studio,” Susanna smiles. “Working with food and drink, we have always been fascinated by the table and what it represents to different people: a place to share creativity, experiences, knowledge and food.

“The Merchant’s Table has given us the opportunity to bring exceptional makers, artists and producers together in one place and collaborate with them to create limited editions you will not find anywhere else. These pieces directly link

to and around the table.”

The shop, which is open two days a week, sells unique contemporary objects for the home by independent makers and artists.

It also hosts workshops and events by some of her favourite suppliers, which sell out fast (see box below).

“We have such fun,” she smiles. “It’s very intimate, people come here and leave having made great friends.”

For Susanna, it seems that more than 20 years at the top of her profession have all come to fruition under the one roof.

And long may it continue! l Go to www.themerchantstable.co.uk and www.alliesdesign.com

Coming up at...

The Merchant’s Table: n Darsham Nurseries Autumn Supper, Thursday, 17th October, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, £65 Nicola Hordern, Head Chef of Darsham Nurseries, returns to The Merchant’s Table to serve a very special seasonal supper. n Building Feasts Cooking Demo & Supper, Saturday, 16th November, 7.00pm – 9.30pm, £65 Hanna Geller Goldsmith and Jeremy Coleman cook up a feast which includes their infamous Building Feasts’ Fridge Basics – marinated feta, a vinaigrette and a pickle (all used in the recipes).

To book a place or find out more, email susanna@themerchantstable.co.uk or call 07709 352437.

Insta: @the_merchants_table

THE DAY JOB …

In the first of a new series, we meet local voice-over actor Danny Watts

I

Picture by Isaac Peral Photography

“

“To keep cool, I quietly stripped off and finished the session (almost) naked!”

dabbled in the music industry as a songwriter, producer and studio engineer in the late 90s, and voice acting always resonated with me. But it wasn’t until 2008 that I sent out a stack of CDs searching for a voice agent. After a few months of waiting, I finally received a call from an agent, asking for a meeting. A month or two after that, my first TV commercial job, for a kids’ game called Make ‘n’ Break from Ravensburger, was booked.

Then I recorded my first international TV commercial, for Drambuie. After this, there followed work for the likes of Panasonic and BBC Sport. Over the last ten years, I have recorded in a variety of sectors from commercials and corporate promos to e-learning and film.

Every job is unique and last year, during the height of an incredibly hot summer, I was booked to record eight different characters for the

one video game! The director worked with me remotely via Skype, so I was alone in the studio; so to keep cool, I quietly stripped off and finished the session (almost) naked!

I absolutely love voice acting, but even after a decade of recording, I’m still learning. The VO (voice-over) industry has changed vastly since I first started, and the rejection after an audition is still one of the most demoralising parts of this job.

As technology has improved though, the recording process has become simpler. I now predominantly record at my studio in Woodbridge and have clients direct sessions from all over the world via Skype or Zoom. So what’s next? The dream job is animation, Pixar – I’m waiting for that call…” l If you’d like further information, or to hear Danny’s voice, go to www.VoiceArtistDan.com

YOUR LEADING LOCAL LETTING AGENTS 12

PRO FE SS I O N A L . I N D E PE N D E N T. H O N E S T.

01394 783012. iptwelve.com

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

DOG ABOUT TOWN

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“

y name is Mabel. I’m a mini dachsund and I’ll be three in January. My human pets are Tim and Aimee from Woodbridge and, frankly, they hit the jackpot when they got me from a breeder in Kent. They’ll tell you I can be quite a madam and I’ve heard the word ‘diva’ used around the house, though I’m not quite sure what that means.

I’m never happier than when I’m playing with my ball on Kingston Playing Field, having a belly rub or munching on Granny Linda’s superb cake! I don’t like the rain though and will walk around puddles, which can add a bit on to a journey when you have such dainty legs.

Another pet hate of mine is vacuum cleaners or, worse still, getting up early in the morning. Saying that, there’s pretty much nothing I won’t do for a treat!”

One-to-One Training | Behaviour Modification | Product Sales

Contact Steve on 07799 777049, email andrews66@btinternet.com or visit the website at steveandrewsdogtrainer.com

PETS

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

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

EVENTS

Drumming to the Groove

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

Wooden Roots, Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham Friday, 25th October and Friday, 22nd November If you fancy trying something new this autumn, how about spending an evening at an Honour the Grove drum meditation workshop?

Hosted by drummer Eddie Mann and part of Wooden Roots’ Tranquillity Friday programme, the workshop is all about drums and rhythms inspired by West African djembe music.

In the first half of the session you learn a set of rhythms on djembes and play them as a group, and then the second half is 40 minutes of non-stop drumming.

Open to all levels, booking is essential, and drums are available to borrow. It takes place at Building 136, Bentwaters Parks. www.woodenroots.com

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

OUT

Gifts Galore

Seckford Hall, Woodbridge Tuesday, 15th October The perfect chance to get ahead with your Christmas shopping, the Suffolk Gift Fair (a member of the Charity Fairs Association) features more than 40 fabulous stallholders from all over the country selling leather goods, jewellery, clothes, toys and games, accessories for the house and garden, kitchenware, stationery, delicious things to eat and drink, and much more.

Raising funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the fair is open from 9am – 3pm and admission costs £5. www.facebook.com/thesuffolk giftfair

AND ABOUT!

Here’s our selection of things to do locally and further afield

Great War Grandparents

Leiston Community Centre Monday, 21st October Well worth a mention is the October meeting of the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group.

Local medal collector and researcher David Empson will be bringing some of his medal collection to the evening, but will also be sharing his top tips on how to research family members who served in either or both world wars.

David also asks that attendees bring along any family medals or paperwork they have.

The evening starts at 7.30pm with an admission charge of £3 for non-members.

For more information, you can visit www.aldevalleyfamilyhistorygroup. onesuffolk.net or contact Angela Skelcher on 01728 830949.

Sausage Sizzle

Framlingham Sunday 13th October If you’re partial to a tasty banger, then the Framlingham Sausage Festival is for you. With sausage tasting and judging from 10am – 4pm, the winners will be announced at 5pm.

With 11 sausage producers entering this year’s competition, each one will be enticing visitors with an array of meat or vegetarian options. There’s also entertainment for all the family, workshops, and a host of stalls to browse.

A day ticket including tasting pass is available at £6 per person, or a group or family ticket for four people is £20 including tasting passes. www.framlinghamsausagefestival.com

Who’s Afraid of the Park?

Trinity Park, Ipswich Friday, 25th and Saturday, 26th October With Halloween just around the corner, head to Trinity Park for a terrifying trail that brings you face-to-face with your fears on a haunted journey through the unknown.

Setting off in groups of eight every three minutes, this event is not for the fainthearted. It’s recommended for people aged ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

30

14+. Under-18s will need someone 18+ to participate with them.

Slots are from 6.30pm –10pm.

Parking is available at Trinity Park for £1 per car, and all proceeds go to St Elizabeth Hospice.

New for this year’s event is an exclusive Escape Room experience, available for groups of six once you have registered your place – do you have what it takes to take on the 10-minute challenge? www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ whosafraid