Living in Woodbridge - Issue 13

ISSUE SUMMER 2016 / SEptEmbEr 2018 ISSUE ONE… thIrtEEn … aUgUSt

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE at home … with Davidthrow & Victoria!

Local home owners… open their doors savvy shopping … meet plastic-free townwith the Parent Pod! Child free zones?… the couple The good onyear?… the riverJojo Humes Brown on colours Is grey justlife so…last

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YOURBRAND fabUlOUs YOUR NEW FREE HOMES HOMEs & & FREE lIfEsTYlE MAGAZINE MaGaZINE LIFESTYLE

23/07/2018 22:54

Design • Build • Renovate At Chapel Properties we are highly experienced in managing building projects of all sizes from small-scale projects, refurbishments and landscaping to luxury, high-end new builds.

We love what we do and work hard to ensure that our clients know that their project is in safe hands with a constant flow of communication to keep them informed and involved at every stage. From initial consultation to the build completion, we bring all our experience and industry-knowledge to create the highest quality homes and construction projects.

OUR SERVICES: • Property development • General building contractor • New builds • Refurbishments • Extensions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Property maintenance • Project management • Listed buildings • Garden and landscaping If you have a project, whatever its size and scale, that you would like us to help with, then please get in touch. We offer a free advice and free quotation service.

Mark Crisp MCIOB CCM Chartered Construction Manager

Call 01394 610526 www.chapelproperties.co.uk

Images © Jackson-Stops.co.uk

QUAY POINT • STATION ROAD • WOODBRIDGE • IP12 4AL

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AUG & SEPT

8

IN WOODBRIDGE

W

ith the holidays now upon us, we hope you find time to sit back, relax and enjoy this, our thirteenth issue. When we launched back in July 2016 we were often asked if we’d run out of interesting stories to feature. Not a chance we said, and we hope you agree.

In this edition, we’ve caught up with some great local characters. Firstly, a big thank you to David Freeland and his wife Victoria, for welcoming us into their central Woodbridge home on pages eight and nine. David will be known to many for his DJ sessions around the town, but he’s also the creative mind behind our fab front cover design (thanks again Dave).

Another face known to many is Paul Newberry of the Turban Centre’s Fish Box. Celebrating 25 years in the business Paul kindly agreed to be our Mover & Shaker for this issue and shares his thoughts on life, fish and Woodbridge on page 11.

A big thank you goes to Charlie Zakss from Transition Woodbridge for her inspiring feature about how to reduce the amount of plastic we use in our everyday lives. Here she happily shares her top tips on how we can all become plastic free shoppers right here in town on pages 12 and 13.

We also like to celebrate local talent in all its forms. On page five on page five we showcase four extremely talented individuals in the worlds of sport, music and dance, and on page seven we learn more about the entrepreneurial talent of David Murray and Mark Sutherland.

Having given him a month or so to get settled, we felt the time was right to catch up with our very own mayor, David Mortimer. On page 15 he tells all about the latest windfall granted to deserving groups in and around Woodbridge.Finally, we loved meeting up with Alan Powell and Martyn Cook of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society. Indeed if you’ve noticed the newly cleared area of land opposite the Wickes store which has revealed a wartime pillbox, our piece will put you in the picture. On pages 18 and 19 they explain all about the huge role Martlesham played in aviation history.

Whether staying close to home for the holidays, or heading further afield, enjoy!

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

Angela & Lyn

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Keely Williams, Lewis Webb & Craig Drever info@livinginwoodbridge.co.uk 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 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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WHAT’S INSIDE 5 8 11 12 21 33

Woodbridge has got Talent Creative des res Movers & Shakers Plastic Fantastic A Story to Tell Dog About Town

ON THE COVER

John Ferguson’s amazing photo taken at Victoria and David Freeland’s fabulous vintage-inspired home in Woodbridge, full of arts and crafts including this creative culinary mobile.

See page eight and nine for more details.

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WOODBRIDGE’S GOT TALENT!

Picture by James Richardson

It seems that we’re not just (officially) one of the happiest places to live in the UK, we’re a rather talented bunch too. Meet some of the locals who are making a name for themselves in the wider world …

MARATHON MUM

I LOVE TO BOOGIE!

She cuts a familiar figure, working out at the town’s Airborne Fit classes at Tide Mill Way but soon Helen Davies will be representing England at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

Helen is no stranger to success.

In 2012, she recorded a personal best of 2:34 in the London Marathon, though her biggest achievements two years earlier saw her land a bronze medal for Team GB in the European Championship’s marathon in Barcelona, as well as running for England at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where she finished eighth.

Having her sons Kingsley and Hector put paid to her running career for a time, though she triumphed after a five-year break in 2017 at the Brighton Marathon, when she became ladies’ champion with a breathtaking time of 2:42. She also retained the title this year in a time of 2:38. Not bad for a busy mum of littlies!

Now Helen, who works at Sutton Hoo, is busy training for the Toronto race for the third time, her first being in 2008.

“It’s very special to be 10 years older and a mummy of two young boys and to still manage to make the selection criteria for this event,” she says. “It’s almost a bit surreal to be honest. I thought my representative opportunities would be over now, so I am delighted to cut the mustard despite the challenges of being older – 40 next year – and juggling the intensive training schedule around being a full time mummy.

“It will be an honour and a privilege to be running in the England vest on the 21st of October in this wonderful city again.”

The very best of luck to Helen!

For 11-year-old James Elias, taking part in The King’s River last year kick-started a whole new passion – dancing.

“I loved The King’s River as I got to act, sing and dance with people of all ages,” says James, who was so inspired he decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and join DanceEast in Ipswich.

From his taster session last September, he was hooked. Now part of Boys United, a male-only dance group for 10-to-16year-olds, they recently represented the East of England in a national festival, U Dance, staged at DanceEast and showcasing a selection of the best youth dance groups from around the country.

James and his fellow dancers spent the festival weekend (14th –15th July) taking part in performances, workshops and masterclasses.

He says: “It was actually an incredible opportunity and I was so excited for the show.

“I love dance because you can make it anything you want it to be – beautiful flowing movements or sharp strong movements. It’s a release.

“I would like to try breakdancing and maybe some ballet as my teacher says that’s really good for technique.”

Another Billy Elliot in the making?

Woodbridge’s Amy Brammer is passionate about carving a name for young women in the world of triathlon. The former Farlingaye pupil is about to compete in the 2018 Triathlon Age Group World Championships taking place in Australia this September.

“I’d like to be able to race at the 2019 World Championships and to go into that race having had some previous experience of big races and to be in good shape to perform well,” she says. Go Amy!

SINGING SENSATION Congratulations to Melton’s Louisa Falconer whose distinctive velvety voice is taking the town by storm!

Louisa recently released two tracks onto streaming platform Soundcloud.

Remind Me and Going Far are also testament to this teenager’s huge songwriting talent.

“It was nerve-wracking as I had no idea how people would react, but the feedback’s been great,” says the

Farlingaye A Level student. She’s now looking into songwriting courses for the future.

Picture by Nick Ilott

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TRIPLE SUCCESS

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For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team:

01394 615041 www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk A Co-educational Independent School in Suffolk for ages 4 to 18

Bursaries and Awards available for talented pupils

OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER THE ABBEY & QUEENS HOUSE: 10.30am - 12.30pm | AGES 4 -11

SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER SENIOR SCHOOL: 1.00pm - 4.00pm | AGES 11-18

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Left: David and Mark at work Below Left: Back in the day!

Top Right: Their first cube and David’s home Bottom Right: A work in progress

THE

CUBISTS !

Crippling London rents inspired two young Woodbridge designers to think outside of the box, paving their way to success …

A

t the age of 12 best mates David Murray and Mark Sutherland had much in common – skateboarding at the local park and sailing dinghies on the Deben. It was no real surprise when the former Farlingaye and Woodbridge School pupils went on to study design together at Farlingaye’s sixth form.

“We still laugh about our early failed

design projects from school, where I ended up making a sun-lounger that somehow ended up twice its intended size,” says David.

After school they studied art foundation at Suffolk New College sharing lifts into Ipswich with two other friends all crammed into Mark’s old Mini.

“We were both really inspired by how design could be a powerful instrument for societal and environmental change and went on to study it at uni,” he says.

“I went to Falmouth to study sustainable product design and Mark to Goldsmiths for design.”

After graduating the pair decided to

set up their own business, Project 2020 (so-named after the Paris Sustainability Agreement of 2020). “Neither of us liked the idea of working on commercial projects for large companies, we preferred to work on smaller projects allowing us to maintain our design values,” says Mark, who lives on his own narrowboat and travels London’s canals moving every two weeks to avoid paying hefty mooring fees. Indeed, it was their ingenious quest to help David avoid paying vast monthly rental fees in the capital, that became a turning point for their company.

David explains “We decided to build a cabin in our friend’s Blackheath garden with the primary brief being that it was cheap. Mark had recently written his dissertation on how planning laws could be subverted to create small dwellings.

“On building to conform to planning permission, we knew that the size and temporary nature of the structure was within permitted development. This, however, did not strictly allow the cabin to be used as a bedroom. Our initial thinking was that it was hard to prove a bedroom from a guest room, which was permitted.

I wanted something more concrete if I was to be living in this, so after more research we found our design also classified as a mobile home. This is because it had no permanent foundations, was able to be easily moved (modular), was under 6x20m in size - provided I use the main house for the bathroom, kitchen etc.

“After designing and building this cabin it has inspired us to look further into small space architecture and how planning regulations may be built around, in response to inflated house prices.”

David says he still lives in the cabin (pictured) having since moved to another garden, nearer their company’s Deptford HQ. “It’s comfortable and warm because it’s insulated on every side of the cube,” he says. “I pay £250 to rent there which saves me around £300-400 a month.”

Mark adds: “Our interest in planning restrictions still plays a big part in our design and builds of small spaces.”

Now both aged 23, the innovative pair are finishing their biggest job to date – creating seven cubes (pictured here as a work in progress), to be used as artist studios. “This has allowed the client to make use of an empty warehouse without huge investment into the building itself,” says David. Now they are bringing their work home …

He adds: “It has crossed our minds that Suffolk landowners may need to look for alternative methods of income and would like to explore how we can help, possibly through creating spaces for holiday lets on picturesque but unused land.” l For more information on their work, go to: www.project-2020.co.uk or look for _project2020 on instagram.

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A DESIGN FOR LIFE

Top Left: G&T time: Victoria and David in their garden Bottom Left: Their vibrant dining room is soon to have a reclaimed wood kitchen designed and installed by the-barn.co

Top right: David in their Mediterraneanstyle lean-to Bottom right: Their funky living room is super cosy Middle right: Love struck

David and Victoria Freeland’s fabulously funky 1960s home is testament to their creativity and design skills … Pictures by John Ferguson

T

he Freeland’s family home in central Woodbridge is crammed full of vintage gems and object d’art which means it’s almost impossible to hold a conversation for too long. After lots of ooh’ing and ah’ing we retire with a G&T to their fabulous Mediterranean-style garden to sit amongst the cooling palms, eucalyptus, bamboo and cherry trees which provide a

number of cosy shaded outdoor rooms all adorned with unique signs and exquisite pieces.

“We’re not gardeners though,” insists textile designer Victoria. “The woman who lived here before us was training to be a landscaper so we acquired a lot of plants and trees from her.”

The couple moved here from their childhood town of Brentwood in Essex 15 years ago after swapping glamorous design careers in London for a gentler pace of action here in Woodbridge.

“I had two interviews in one day,” recalls graphic designer David, who is also resident DJ at The Table restaurant. “One interview was at The Barbican in London and the other one was here at the town’s Top That! publishing.”

Victoria says: “I remember sitting outside the Riverside with my dad and our daughter Betty who was a baby at the time, and having lunch with David after he’d come out of the interview.”

David says: “I wanted that job straight away. It was like those crossroads you occasionally get in life, Woodbridge or London, but we made the right choice. I remember looking at the station, the pubs, restaurants, swimming pool and river all within walking distance of each other and thinking this place had everything we needed. I went on to work at Top That! (now called Imagine That

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ABOUT DAVID …

publishing) as a book designer for several years and had a great time there and we’ve never really looked back, have we?”

Mum-of-two Victoria agrees: “I still love going into London for my fill and to meet old friends but I love the community here in Woodbridge. The restaurants are great and nearly all the shops are independent.

And then there’s the Old Jet market as well all the local artists and creative makers who live here. We’re so lucky!”

Clearly Victoria, who teaches art at Farlingaye as well as running her own company (see below), has an amazing eye for a bargain.

Their house with its bold colours and sumptuously eclectic furniture is like a treasure trove. She says she religiously goes to the monthly market at Old Jet at Bentwaters where she’ll also buy clothes.

“It was like those crossroads you get in life, Woodbridge or London, but we made the right choice.”

“I like buying second hand stuff because A. it’s original so you don’t see other people wearing the same thing and B. it’s good for the environment.”

She says their house was a real spur of the moment buy. “It was a shell really,” recalls Victoria. “We looked around and weren’t that keen and so I told the agent we’d only give him a certain amount for it as we didn’t think it was worth more. And he just said: ‘Sold!’

David laughs: “And we were like; ‘no mate, we’re joking!’ ” But the couple soon came round to the idea and moved in. Both their dads set to work with them to help transform it into the lovely three-bed family home it is today.

“What I like about it here is that it’s cosmopolitan,” says Victoria. “We’ve got people from Hawaii, south Africa and Brentwood all on our street!”

Artwork in their house includes lots of statement pieces which encapsulate all that they’ve done in their lives (like the American road signs from their times travelling around the States). One of Victoria’s favourite items is a gorgeous tattooed embroidered heart in a frame (pictured) by local artist Jane MitchellFitch.

Now their lives are entrenched in the very fabric of the town.

Victoria adds: “Ten years ago it was very old school in Woodbridge but lots of people have moved in now and it’s so vibrant.”

She admits she really missed her London life at first. “Someone said; ‘it will take you ten years to feel like a local and it did.’ I liked the anonymity of London but nowadays I love being able to walk in to work and say hello to the postman, you can’t beat that!”

David not only designed our fabulous front cover but as a graphic designer of some 25 years has worked for many local companies helping them to brand and set themselves apart with his unique designs. He also builds websites with clients including local singer Caswell and Film Feast Suffolk. In between all this he freelances for a London marketing agency.

Growing up in Brentwood, Essex, David started out after school working for a magazine company which printed publications such as Marketing Week.

“It was more reprographic than design,” he recalls. “We had no Macs back then so it would be all by hand; cutting and pasting up artwork and painting out negatives. I liked all that scalpel work!”

“All that old school training has stood me in good stead for what I do today.”

The rest of his time nowadays is devoted to his work as a DJ hosting legendary nights around the town.

David says he started out on the decks at the age of 18 and it’s testament to his skills that he’s still making people dance 30 years later. l Find out more about his company at: www.freelanddesign.co.uk

ABOUT VICTORIA …

After studying at the prestigious Chelsea School of Art, Victoria went on to work in the fashion and interior print design industry for more than ten years, with her amazing designs ending up all over the world in shops such as French Connection, H&M and Juicy Couture.

She has worked as a design studio manger in London, a freelance textile designer and since having her children as an art and textiles teacher in high schools in London, Essex and Suffolk and for the last five years at Farlingaye.

Last year she launched the East Coast Print School delivering printmaking workshops held in superb places like Pin Mill Studio on the banks of the River Orwell or at the acclaimed Cooks Shed in Gobbits Yard.

“The courses are a real sanctuary for people, almost like a little holiday for the day,” she says. “I started it because so many grown-ups kept telling me how much they missed doing art or being creative. Or maybe they didn’t have a very good creative experience at school, so I thought; ‘surely we can do something about this.’ Also it was a good chance for me to start making prints again.

Courses cost £110 each which include a wonderful lunch. l For more info go to: www.eastcoastprintschool.co.uk

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MARKET SPECIALISING IN PRE-OWNED, NEW & NEARLY NEW DESIGNER CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, ART & HOMEWARE 24 MARKET HILL, WOODBRIDGE IP12 4LU

17 CHURCH STREET, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK, IP12 1DS +44 (0)7702 877081 www.vanil.co.uk Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am–5.30pm

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MOVERS & SHAKERS Paul Newberry is the sole owner (excuse the pun) of the popular Fish Box in Woodbridge …

Tell us about a typical day in your job …

The alarm sounds at 3.45am. The first port of call is the traditional smokehouses in Lowestoft. Here we collect our hot and cold smoked produce. Nothing beats the smell of traditional freshly smoked fish first thing in the morning. Next stop is the fish market, where we use several wholesale merchants to hand pick all our fish. Selecting the highest quality is of paramount importance. Once the vans are loaded, its time to head to the kiosk in Woodbridge. The hardest part of our job is sourcing the fish, the easiest is selling it.

“Jimmy Doherty is a regular customer” How did it all come about …

I’d worked on the fish market since leaving school and I took over the business from my father who retired back in 2005. The business originally started trading from a mobile trailer at the rear of Budgens. The little kiosk which stands at the end of the Turban Centre has been many things before it became known as the Fish Box. It has been a newsagents and pet shop. So when it became available, I saw an opportunity to open up and make myself a permanent outlet within the Woodbridge community.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of being in the town

always achieve more flavour in a pan!

What do you love most about Woodbridge …

It’s one of the finest towns in Suffolk. It’s a beautiful place with lovely people. And it offers great walks by the river. We share good and bad jokes each day with the customers. There’s nothing more satisfying than selling the very best fish knowing your customers will enjoy it!

Any funny moments …

Too many to mention. I remember one time towing my father’s trailer down the A12 one morning with my son Laurie when suddenly a wheel came flying past our passenger window! It turned out to be one from the trailer I was towing. It made me jump as I didn’t know what it was. Laurie and I spent the next morning scanning the hedge for it. My father’s vehicles were very unreliable. There was a time when I called the AA breakdown recovery service and they refused to come out as I’d exceeded our call-out limit for the year!

How has the fish market changed in the last 25 years…

It’s nothing like it used to be what with all the boats and characters that once were the life and soul. To be honest it’s heartbreaking to see the new industries taking over the market today. There remains just a handful of wholesale merchants. One of the core values of the business is supporting local suppliers and sustainable fishing methods where possible.

What’s your favourite way to cook fish …

Keep it simple. Depending on the thickness, for cod and salmon fillets we suggest twenty minutes in a pre-heated oven set at 180 degrees. Or, pan fry flat fish for four minutes each side in a hot pan with oil or butter. You

Any famous customers …

We serve many characters including TV regular Jimmy Doherty for his shows with Jamie Oliver.

Tell us a secret about yourself …

Many people wouldn’t know I used to be a retained fireman while working as a fishmonger for 20 years!. l The Fish Box is open Tuesdays - Saturdays 8am - 4pm.

Call: 01394 384939 or find them on Facebook @TheFishBox

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IN THE

BAG !

Charlie Zakss from Transition Woodbridge on how to live a less plastic life in the town…

P

lastic, I love it and I hate it.

It’s incredibly useful for so many things, very convenient, easy to use and … so ridiculously wasteful, it poisons our environment, our homes and our bodies.

Since watching Bag It The Movie: Is Your Life Too Plastic? in 2017 when Transition Woodbridge held a sell-out screening at the Woodbridge Library, my life changed. If you haven’t seen this movie – get it!

It makes you aware of plastic in your life and helps you through the minefield of what needs changing.

Changes, I believe we all want to make, to make our recycling bins a little less full of single-use plastics.

The incredible response we had after showing several plastic awareness films and the wonderful David Attenborough and the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 series has spurred Woodbridge into action!

The town is a great place to shop plastic-free, but where to start?

With re-usable cloth and vegetable shopping bags, a trip to the Market Garden Veg shop in the Turban Centre, the Springside shop on Melton Road, the Farmer’s Market at the Community Hall, held every other Saturday, or the Thursday market on Market Hill, fruit and veg can easily be plastic free - any packaging can be handed back if necessary.

For tea (yes there is even plastic in our tea bags) we love to visit the Woodbridge Emporium on the Thoroughfare, where you can buy loose leaf tea of many kinds and they are incredibly knowledgeable if you need a hand.

For cosmetics, shampoos and other toiletries, we love the Rainbow Apothecary who sell all the beauty products you can think of –

without plastic micro-beads hidden inside, again they are very helpful if you need assistance.

You can also re-fill old bottles here when you have run out. Oh and ladies – check out the Mooncup.

For all things picnic and kitchen – visit the Woodbridge Kitchen Company on the Thoroughfare. They sell paper straws, bamboo cutlery and plates, reusable coffee cups and water bottles and every sized little pots, perfect for storing food and which really help to make a plastic free packed lunch or picnic. For all your dairy needs Foulgers Dairy delivers fresh milk in glass bottles.

Go to: www.foulgersdairy.co.uk If you can get to Poppy’s Pantry in Melton – they sell so many amazing things - wholefoods, cosmetics, washing up liquids, soaps and shampoos, all plastic free and again they will refill old bottles. You can park right outside so it makes it easy if you are buying heavy things.

The Cake Shop will give you bread in a paper bag if you ask and of course the Tide Mill make their own flour – locally produced goods tend not to need plastic packaging.

Two amazing Transition Woodbridge members have even started new businesses, inspired by this very movement …

Beverley Rogers (pictured) recently launched her fabulous Bev’s Beeswax Eco Food Wraps which she sells on markets stalls and at Poppy’s Pantry retailing from £4 upwards, depending on size. These are ideal to help rid your house of clingfilm and can wrap sandwiches in the day or cover leftovers in a bowl in the fridge and they smell of lovely honey from Bev’s own bees.

Look for Beon Facebook.

And then there’s Cupboard Love – set up by Melanie Dwyer Menhams who was so inspired to make a

change that she started her own business selling all things plastic free that she couldn’t find.

From veg bags (pictured), reusable coffee cups, foods (like rice, herbs, pulses, nuts and dried fruit) to bathroom goodies including bamboo toothbrushes, shampoo bars, deodorant sticks and even toothpaste tablets! She can be found at Old Jet Market on 4th August (also a fantastic market for plastic free shopping) and at the Crafted Artisan Fayre in Bredfield on 11th August. Find her also on Facebook.

If out shopping and you need a drink, don’t buy one in a plastic bottle - why not refill your reusable water bottle at one of the many cafés now offering free water, thanks to a Transition Woodbridge and Rubbish Walks collaboration.

Find out more about Refill Suffolk www.refill.org.uk/refill-scheme/ refill-suffolk/ and look out for this logo on cafés and bars around Woodbridge.

If you’re out for a drink, The Red Lion and Coach & Horses have paper straws, The East Coast Diner have cut plastic milkshake cups in house and now serve them in a pint glass! You always have the option of refusing a plastic straw in any bar, do tell them why! Most coffee shops will fill a reusable coffee cup if you take your own, we’ve never been refused!

So, when you pop into town make sure you take your reusable bags and veg bags, reusable water and coffee cup, I promise you, you will feel great!

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

TOPICAL ISSUE

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

Transition Woodbridge is a community-led group that aims to strengthen the local economy, reduce the cost of living and prepare for a future with less oil and a changing climate.

Find them on Facebook or go to: l www. transitionwoodbridge. onesuffolk.net

Plastic-busting events around town …

“Another favourite activity of ours is litter picking! At the start of June, Transition Woodbridge and the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts along with 23 volunteers, collected 32 bags of rubbish (pictured) from both sides of the Deben!

We don’t have another litter pick planned at present but if anyone wants to organise one you can contact Suffolk Norse on 01473 341500 and they will lend you all the equipment. If you do, TW will be more than happy to promote it, just let us know! If you would like to join our friends Rubbish Walks, they are very welcoming and have regular events in and around Woodbridge. Go to: www.facebook.com/ “We collected rubbishwalks

32 bags of rubbish from both sides of the River Deben!”

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Clockwise from top: Bev and her beeswax wraps; All aboard for a river clean; Plastic polluting our river; Cupboard Love stocks many plastic free goodies.

Films-wise, check out Dispatches from a Plastic Planet by local extreme surf photographer Tim Nunn on Sunday 9th September at the Riverside cinema at 2pm and sponsored by Suffolk Coastal’s Green Party.

Tim, who runs www.theplastic-project.com, made this film about plastic found in the most extreme parts of the ocean. The Plastics Project is led by this award-winning snapper, who will soon be moving back from France to Melton. He says: “I realised that you can’t go to these places and not turn your camera to what’s really going on; plastic covered beaches in the Arctic are not a new thing, so ten years ago I started shooting it and sharing it.”

There’s also a free (donations only) screening of Albatross, a beautiful film that highlights how dangerous plastic in the oceans can be, screened at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday 23rd November, where you will also be able to make your own plastic free Christmas wrapping paper (yes plastic and especially glitter can get into wrapping paper as well), and hopefully be inspired to be a little less plastic at Christmas time.

Go to: www.albatrossthefilm.com “

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An intriguingly designed 4 bed detached house set within grounds of approx.

1 acre STS.

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MAYOR

MORTIMER!

S

ome good news for a change! Woodbridge Town Council has allocated nearly £12,000 in grant funding to local organisations.

Applications received were greater this year than ever before. The total figure requested was almost double what was available to be given. We particularly wanted to support the endeavours of young people this year and I feel this has been reflected well in the awards.

Beneficiaries of the scheme include: 1st Woodbridge Scout Group, 432 (Woodbridge) Squadron Air Training Corps, Deben (Woodbridge) Swimming Club, Disability Advice Service, Woodbridge Cricket Club, Girl Guides - Seckford District, Jetty Lane Community Interest Group and Just 42, to name but a few.

It’s wonderful to be able to support groups by making these grants to support such a wide range of activities and is one of

In the first of a series of columns the town’s mayor, David Mortimer, who started his role in May, writes exclusively for Living In …

Woodbridge the high points of the civic year. The majority of the money went to young people’s organisations and we hope it was a welcome windfall. We encourage all groups and charities in the town who want to put in a grant submission to contact the town clerk for next year’s giveaway!

We also supported other organisations which help to keep the feelgood factor strong in our stunning town, like Woodbridge In Bloom and Woodbridge Riverside Trust.

All our endeavours at the Town Council are punctuated by this desire to watch our town grow and prosper. We want to encourage visitors to Woodbridge to come along and have a walk along the River Deben, enjoy an ice cream and spend some money in our fabulous array of independent shops and get those tills ringing. But mostly, to have fun! l For more details, go to: www.woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

A PASSION FOR

PÉTANQUE

As the love of this game has spread across the Channel, we find out more …

P

étanque is a game to enjoy on a sunny summer’s evening in France though these days it’s a growing pastime for many local people here in Woodbridge and across the county.

The game’s popularity has seen the Suffolk Coastal Pétanque Alliance manifest from a Sunday morning game before the pub opens to a full-blown league with divisions, county games and tournaments attracting players from across the country.

Michael Allum of the Bromeswell Boules Club says; “There’s now over fifty teams playing in the Adnams Suffolk Coastal Pétanque League, with more than 400 players, mostly based at pubs and clubs, village halls and public pistes, such as the one on Kingston Fields here in Woodbridge.

“Played by people of any age, we have players in the league as young as ten through to people in their 80s. In fact, tenyear-old Ballie Inglis, who started playing when he was seven, is currently playing in the under 18s England Junior Pétanque team.”

The rules of the game are simple. Played with metal boules weighing between 600 and 800 grams on a piste or car park, it can be played as triples, a team of three, doubles or singles.

With a playing distance of between six and 10 metres, a small coloured ball, or jack, is thrown and the aim of the game is get your boule as close to the jack as possible, or to knock out your

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Baillie, aged seven, enjoying his game

opponent. “But, like most games, it’s never as easy as you first think,” smiles Michael.

A competition at Aldeburgh seafront

l If you are interested in finding out more or giving Pétanque a go, please contact: Michael Allum at: mallum2@gmail.com

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Contact the experienced professionals: Tim Dansie, Jonathan Penn & James Squirrell LIW Issue 13 collected pages.indd 16

23/07/2018 22:54

A FRESH START … for hens!

Pictured: Wellcared-for hens will often live eight-to-10 years – a far cry from the 72 weeks at which they are slaughtered on commercial egg farms

Give a commercial hen a home and they will make a wonderful pet (and you may even get an occasional egg or two!)

I

f you’ve ever owned hens you might already know the level of work that goes into keeping them far outweighs what you take out.

They can be loyal, inquisitive, friendly and funny. And their eggs, if you’re lucky to be rewarded with them, are delicious – far tastier than any you could ever buy.

Fresh Start For Hens (FSFH) is a national not-for-profit organisation, run entirely by volunteers, and is dedicated to rehoming hens from the commercial egg production sector. Their mission is to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the plight of the commercial hen and to demonstrate that there are “alternatives to early slaughter.”

Their goal is to educate the public about the ethical benefits of buying free range eggs whilst still supporting British farmers.

Commercially speaking, all laying hens are slaughtered at the age of just 72 weeks, when their production drops slightly.

Their carcasses are worth very little and are usually sold for dog food, baby food or cheap, processed pies and other such food. The group works closely with British farmers and purchases the hens from the

From this …

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caged, barn and free range systems, just before their slaughter date.

Volunteer Donna Vidal-Cocker from the Ipswich branch of FSFH tells Living In … that they’re always on the lookout for good homes where these hens can live out the rest of their natural lives.

“We rehome hens to a diverse range of individuals wanting hens as pets or companion animals,” says Donna. “Hens have begun their new lives in town, city and country gardens, allotments, schools and residential care homes. You don’t need to have a big garden to keep a few hens, they will be grateful for the additional years of freedom you can offer them and reward you with their entertaining antics and probably an egg or two. To this end, we don’t rehome to people wishing to sell them on or for further commercial purposes. We do not rehome them for the table either.”

Donna believes she has helped to rehome many hundreds of hens since she’s worked as a volunteer for the local branch. “We have people coming back to us saying how attached they are to their girls!”

The group advertises its rehoming dates online (see below) with lists

… to this

of available collection points on its website. If no rehoming date is available, people can pre-register by completing an enquiry form.

FSFH asks for a minimum donation of £2.50 per hen and from that they pay the farmer for the hens, hire vehicles for transporting, pay for fuel and also vet bills for any poorly hens.

They are non-profit making and so any additional funds from the rehoming goes toward purchasing new crates, attending pet shows and general marketing costs.

“You don’t need to have a big garden to keep a few hens” Donna says they prefer it if people take a minimum of three hens (and a maximum of 25).

“However, we understand everyone’s circumstances are different,” she adds. “So if you want fewer than three, please go ahead and make your reservation and a member of our team will be in touch to talk about your individual requirements.”

Local resident, Annie Matthews, who started taking hens two years ago, says it’s one of the best things she’s ever done.

“The kids love our hens and all our girls have names – they rush into the kitchen every morning and cluck about telling us their business! They are very much part of the family.” l For more details on the latest rehoming, which will happen this summer, or if you’d like to volunteer to help locally, see www.fsfh.org.uk

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high

FLYING

If you do one thing this summer with the kids, take them to the magical Control Tower Museum at Martlesham Heath …

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estled in a quiet leafy corner of Martlesham Heath is a small control tower museum which played a major part in the history of British aircraft.

Lovingly run by volunteers of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, it is now a mine of information open to the public on Sundays and bursting with historical significance.

Crucially, it’s dedicated to those brave fliers of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the Royal Air Force and indeed the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) who flew from there; some never to return.

Chair of the group, Martyn Cook, and club secretary, Alan Powell, show us around this amazing building which was surrounded by runways and fields when it first started life as an aerodome in 1917 to test untried aircraft.

Keeping all the memories alive today is a job in itself and Martyn and the other members of the society are grateful to the support they received from the former American air servicemen who enabled the museum to open its doors in 2000.

“Before that it’d been a sports and social

club but they gave us money to help set this all up, without that money we would never have got started,” says Martyn.

You need to set aside a good couple of hours to take in all that happened at this site which is home to some amazing and rare artefacts spanning two world wars and beyond.

Outside in the car park it boasts an impressively restored retaining wall made of sandbags, otherwise known as revetments and once used as barricades to provide protection from blasts or to prevent aircraft from over-running when landing. “There are only eight or nine revetments such as this left in the entire country,” says Martyn.

There’s also a 40ft long air raid shelter on site which visiting children love to explore.

Martyn says: “You go down the stairs into this metal chamber and when the kids are here we shut the door and flash a torch light. They love going into the air raid shelter and we play a siren just like in war time bombings.”

The museum even boasts its very own ghosts!

“There’s said to be a ghostly WAAF (a female air force member) who walks from here across the Heath, although I’ve never seen her,” smiles Martyn, who confirms there has been other strange happenings at the museum too.

In it’s heyday it was a huge site with a control tower (built by the Americans), runways and aerodome. Nowadays it’s a fraction of the size.

A potted history …

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

THE MUSEUM

HISTORIC SUFFOLK

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

Far left, main pic: Heyday! The control tower with a timeless-looking P51 Mustang Smaller pic: Alan and Martyn at the museum Bottom left: The museum as it is today

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

This page from top: During World War II it was a hive of activity Alan and Martyn show off just some of the memoribilia on display

“The kids love going into the air raid shelter and we play a siren just like in wartime bombings” It’s hard to imagine that where the new Wickes store now stands on Anson Road in Martlesham Heath, it was once the site known as B Flight where pre-war airliners and bombers such as the Wellington and Bristol Blenheim were evaluated.

Martyn and Alan have tale after tale of daredevil flying achievements of heroically epic proportions, mostly only seen on the big screen.

Indeed, royalty and dignitaries such as Winston Churchill and Sir Henry Tizzard (chief scientific advisor to the government) visited. It really is worth a trip. l The Museum is open every Sunday 2-5pm until the last weekend in October. For more info or details of group or corporate bookings, go to: www.mhas.org.uk

The station was officially opened in 1917 putting Martlesham firmly on the map as the premier national centre for the testing and evaluation of aircraft and armaments.

In 1924 it became known as the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (AAEE) and was divided into two sections – No 15. Squadron which tested all new armaments and bombs and No 22. Squadron which tested all new military and civil aircraft before being accepted or rejected.

Until the outbreak of World War II, it played a major part in aircraft history and was second in importance only to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough.

Between the wars, the site boasted many notable aviation achievements – far too many to mention here but one worth remembering is the RAF’s first parachute section which was formed at Martlesham Heath; ten brave men, otherwise known as the ‘loonies,’ drafted in to test out parachutes! Then in 1928 there was the amazing Squadron Leader Jack Noakes with his maiden flight on board the Beardmore Inflexible with its breath-taking 157ft wingspan – the largest wingspan in the world. Many of the country’s top aviators were stationed there at one time or another.

The outbreak of war saw the AAEE moved to the safer location of Wiltshire where its work continues today.

During the war, Martlesham also gained a worldwide reputation as a Battle of Britain station and saw many pilots and squadrons come and go including Sir Douglas Bader.

In 1943 the Americans arrived in the form of the 356th Fighter Group which took up residence with three squadrons of P47 Thunderbolts which were later replaced by the timeless-looking P51 Mustang. They stayed until the end of World War II when limited experimental flying continued with the Blind Landing Flight and the Bomb Ballistic Unit taking up residence. The last Battle of Britain flight over the City of London was made from there.

In March 1979 aircraft flew from Martlesham for the last time drawing an unforgettable chapter in aviation history to a final conclusion.

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23/07/2018 22:54

to tell

©Markus Bidaux

A STORY

Catherine Larner provides a sneaky peak of literary peeps coming to town There are a number of familiar names visiting Woodbridge this autumn - authors, broadcasters and personalities who are speaking at venues throughout the town as the guests of Browsers Bookshop.

Tickets are already on sale for events with former Springwatch tv presenter Kate Humble and historian Dan Snow, who will both be speaking in early November, and politician Alan Johnson will describe his life in terms of the music he has enjoyed, when he visits in December.

But in September three authors are set to visit. Novelists Patrick Gale and Lavinia Greenlaw, will be in town as well as barrister Sarah Langford, who will share her observations on the British legal system through her acclaimed new book ‘In Your Defence’.

LAVINIA GREENLAW Lavinia Greenlaw is an acclaimed poet and has written for radio, tv, film, and as a librettist. She will be visiting Browsers to present a new novel, her third. Called ‘In the City of Love’s Sleep’ it tells of two people – a museum curator and an academic – meeting in middle-age and seeking to build a relationship, overcoming the odds.

Lavinia grew up in Essex and is a frequent visitor to Suffolk. This will be a fascinating evening on Tuesday 4th September, at 7.30pm, exploring her inspiration for this book, but also her wide-ranging writing career as a whole.

© Isaac Hargreaves

©Sophia Schorr-Kon

SARAH LANGFORD Sarah worked for 10 years in criminal and family law and, through eleven cases in this book, explores how people cope when they are at their most vulnerable and exposed. She examines how she feels towards the defendants in the dock, and she challenges us all to consider how our attitudes and actions can shape not only individual cases, but the legal system itself.

This very personal account is a compelling read.

It is revealing and inspiring, funny and poignant and, above all, beautifully written. Sarah will be speaking at the bookshop on Saturday 8th September at 7.30pm

PATRICK GALE Patrick Gale is a hugely popular, much-loved novelist who has delighted us with 17 novels, often set in his home county of Cornwall, books such as ‘Notes from an Exhibition’ and ‘Rough Music’. But his last book, ‘A Place Called Winter’, was a departure, a historical novel set in Canada, and it won him even more fans.

He will be visiting Woodbridge on Friday 14th September, at 7.30pm, to introduce his new book, called ‘Take Nothing With You’.

Inspired by Patrick’s own childhood, the book visits a middle-aged man confronting mortality, looking back on his ten-year-old self. This boy, Eustace was an only child growing up by the sea, discovering a passion for the cello, contending with the complicated relationships of those around him.

Woodbridge School Hall will be the venue for the Patrick Gale event, where he will be joining me in conversation. Looking forward to his visit, Patrick says: “I love East Anglia. I find something completely magical about places with a big horizon. On a summer’s evening you see these incredible forty-foot shadows with nothing in their way. You just see for miles.” l Full details of all events and ticket options are available at Browsers Bookshop, 60 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

Tel 01394 388890

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HAPPY HOUNDS As Project Winston at the RSPCA’s Martlesham Centre gets underway, we went on a visit to find out more

C

aring for almost 500 animals in 2017, it’s fair to say our local RSPCA, the East Suffolk and Ipswich branch, is always busy.

But, the centre, located just off the Felixstowe Road, in Martlesham, has just got busier.

Construction works for Project Winston are now underway and completion of the £420,000 development is expected in October.

“This is a very big deal for the centre,” says Kim Puttock, the charity’s branch manager. “When completed Project Winston will provide us with an isolation block and four additional kennels, the latter replacing kennels built over twenty years ago.”

The isolation block will provide two kennels, one larger than the other. Kim explains: “This is where dogs with conditions such as Parvo and Kennel Cough will be cared for. Many of the dogs that come to us are larger breeds, hence the different sized kennels; the bigger kennel will also be invaluable when we’re looking after a poorly litter of pups, or siblings.

“The four existing kennels being replaced are hard to clean, keep warm and to maintain.

The new kennels will be a gamechanger for the dogs we care for.”

The construction project is named after Winston, a Newfoundland that came to the centre back in 2013 as a cruelty case the charity was involved in.

“He was a huge soppy boy,” says Mary Taylor, honorary treasurer of the branch. “We asked staff and volunteers about naming the new kennel development, and Project Winston just seemed right. He was with us for three months and in that time, he found a place in the hearts of everyone here. Sadly he died about fifteen months after finding his forever home but Winston’s mum, Kara Redman, was one of our guests when we celebrated the start of the groundworks.”

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Licenced to care for 21 dogs at any one time, demand is such that very rarely are there empty kennels.

Whilst the total cost of Project Winston is £420,000 the charity still needs to fundraise for the final £100,000. Mary explains: “Each RSPCA branch operates independently, and we receive no government or lottery funding. Much of the money being used for Project Winston has been generously donated in legacies or through successful grant applications. There’s lots of plans to raise the final £100,000 as we don’t want to dip into our reserves, including another open day on Sunday 2nd September and a new ‘buy a paw’ scheme will be launched shortly.”

With 18 staff at the centre and working in its three shops and veterinary clinic, the charity is also supported by an incredible team of over 200 volunteers, caring not just for dogs. “We also look after and find forever homes for cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, small mammals and birds, so there’s never a dull day,” smiles Kim. Always keen to hear from people looking to volunteer, especially to help at the many events they attend over the summer, Mary adds: “We’d also love to hear from anyone interested in becoming a trustee who has financial or HR experience. Volunteers with those skills would be a godsend.”

After three years of fundraising the whole team at Martlesham is very excited that Project Winston is all systems go. “We think Winston would definitely approve of our plans,” smiles Kim. l If you would like to donate to Project Winston, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/Winston For more information, visit: www.ipswich-rspca. org.uk

“The new kennels will be a gamechanger for the dogs we care for”

Top Left: Project Winston gets underway. Blue the lurcher is currently looking for a new forever home.

Top Right: Winston on the right with his friend Bungle Above: The RSPCA’s fundraising open day in May

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A WORLD OF POSSIBILITY Houseboat owners Roland and Martine invited us to visit Constancie and share some of her magic Pictures by John Ferguson

L

ife is what we make it, or so the saying goes. Roland Mann and Martine Oftedal, along with children Charlie, aged 10 and Jasper, who is three and that all important half, are a perfect case in point. They ooze a passion for life.

With their houseboat Constancie, moored along the river path on the way to Melton, this family is all about living a good life; whether that’s by being virtually off-grid (their only bills are Council Tax and a landline), opening a café in their garden, home schooling the children or arranging workshops enabling people to share their skills and capabilities. If that’s not enough, Roland is a boat builder, martial arts teacher and musician to boot.

But, Constancie is a houseboat with a difference. “We’re lucky that along with the boat, which has permanent mooring rights as she has been here over 30 years, we have a 340ft garden, which opens up a world of possibilities,” smiles Roland.

Having been bought in 2010 it was three years before the family of three as it was then, moved in. “She needed a lot of working doing to her and parts are still work in progress,” says Martine. “Both the children are boat babies. Jasper was born here onboard Constancie and Charlie was born on Cromarty, a boat we owned that is moored at Ferry Quay.”

With river views endlessly changing and stunning sunrises and sunsets part of everyday life, no day is the same onboard.

“But, you can still get restless,” says Martine, who hails originally from Stavanger in Norway. “A few years ago, I found I was getting tired of day-to-day chores but was reading a book about a woman running a café from a narrow boat. I thought yes I can do that.” So, The Hive at Constancie was born. Always best to check opening hours on Facebook, the Hive is based in the houseboat’s garden and proved an instant success. “The first day we opened was beautifully sunny and families sat for hours enjoying themselves; a couple of children even stripped off and jumped into the brook that runs through the garden. You have to feel comfortable in a place to do that,” says Roland.

“Another café guest kept saying how magical the space was, and how it was filled with love.”

The garden is enchanting. Bursting with trees and a brook complete with ducks running through it, it’s home to The Hive, as well as a traditional yurt, workshop, forge and trampoline. “The yurt has hosted several exhibitions, including a great one by our friend and local artist Graeme Struthers, as well as various workshops and musical events. We’ve also celebrated Christmas there with a great big tree in the middle,” adds Roland.

But things are all set to change. The family is looking to sell-up and head to a new life in Ireland. “We went there a few years ago on holiday and just loved it, and the time feels right to embark on our next adventure. There’s bits of Woodbridge I’ll miss, especially the river,” says Martine, “but life moves on. Already I’m looking forward to a time when we’ve moved into the smallholding of our dreams and can create a truly sustainable life style. Roland is currently renovating a smaller boat, so who knows we may even set sail to our new life.”

An hour in the company of Roland, Martine and the children transports you to a different place, a world of positivity and an appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.

In the frenetic times we live, what a shame that can’t be bottled.

Top left: Constancie comes with stunning river views Left: onboard living Top right: the enchanting 340ft garden Above: Charlie and Jasper enjoying the good life

l constancie.wordpress.com

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BUSINESS AS USUAL

Here’s our round-up of the latest news from around and about town

DEMO DAY WITH NEFF

STAYCATION ANYONE? According to a recent survey

by VisitBritain, 59 million of us enjoyed holidays in the UK last year. Thanks to cancelled flights and a fluctuating pound, it seems it’s all just too stressful going abroad for many of us, and staycations are expected to rise again this year with 74% of Britons expected to stay in the country.

With that in mind, Oaks Caravans is offering some sizzling summer deals on its lovely vehicles, all fully serviced and CRIS registered. Owner Lee Brown says he’s noticed an increase in his customers enjoying staycations: “People no longer want to spend hours and hours standing in hot

As part of Anglia Factor’s 50th birthday celebrations, the kitchen and bathroom specialist is hosting its very own ‘birthday party’ themed Neff cookery demonstration day on Saturday, 22nd September, 10am–4pm at airport queues, miserably watching their flights being put back or cancelled.

“With a caravan you have so much more freedom to just pack up and go. And what with this lovely weather, there are so many fantastic places to explore that will not cost a fortune, and the kids will enjoy it too.” l Call 01394 448609 or see www.oakscaravansales.co.uk

BOOMING BUSINESS Woodbridge-based architectural practice Ashenden Architecture continues to go from strength to strength. The practice was established in 2015 and moved to its current office in Deben Mill Business Centre in early 2017. Company director Philip Ashenden says: “With the continued buoyant housing market and the government’s push to build homes, project commissions are coming in thick and fast, particularly in the residential sector.”

The practice takes on a range of work from extensions to one-off houses and specialises in small or large housing development schemes

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of two to 500 homes.

“We do a lot of work in Woodbridge and the surrounding areas,” says Philip. “Woodbridge is a wonderful town full of attractive and expansive styles of architecture. We’ve taken on several projects recently on local listed buildings which always create fun and interesting challenges. We also have numerous projects on site or about to start, so it’s an exciting time for our practice.” l Go to www.ashenden architectureltd.co.uk

WAXING LYRICAL With a growing number of GP surgeries reducing their wax removal services, one local hearing care company has joined forces with two local surgeries to try to help.

The Hearing Care Centre, based at Framfield Medical Centre in Woodbridge, and Wickham Market Medical Centre in Wickham Market, will be offering both ear syringing and microsuction techniques at its private ear care clinics, held on alternate Mondays, 9am–1pm Given the company’s highly regarded reputation

its Martlesham showroom.

The perfect chance to see the latest Neff products in action, Neff’s home economist will also be on hand, making a host of delicious meals to try throughout the day, explaining the benefits of the appliances and answering any questions visitors may have.

Daniel Barr, owner of Anglia Factors says: “We’d love for everyone to pop in and say hello and see the latest Neff products here at our showroom. A drop in-event, there’s no charge to come along, but we will be arranging a collection for our chosen local charity, Art for Cure.

“We understand that investing in a new oven and hob is a big deal, and informal events such as this provide a great opportunity to try before you buy.” l See www.angliafactors.co.uk in the area, both surgeries invited audiologist Karen Finch and her team at The Hearing Care Centre to launch the new service and help offer its patients an alternative to having to wait long periods for an appointment. l For more information, call 01473 230330 or visit www.hearingcarecentre. co.uk/waxremoval

ENGINEERING GET-TOGETHER Local Bentwaters company Amarinth Manufacturing recently enjoyed a visit from the Ipswich Engineering Society. Members of the society, which was founded in 1899, had their engineering knowledge put to the test as they were split into teams and spent the afternoon undertaking a number of interactive training sessions and practical tasks.

With a prize for the winning

team, managing director Oliver Brigginshaw said: “We were delighted to host the visit and it was great to spend time with so many interested and interesting engineers. We’re already looking forward to planning a repeat event.” l See www.amarinth.com

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FILM FEAST SUFFOLK FIRES UP!

“I

Neil McGlone dishes the details

’m delighted to say Film Feast Suffolk is officially up and running, with tickets for all events on sale at the festival’s dedicated website (www.filmfeast.co.uk).

So what is on I hear you cry!

With our Michael Palin launch event on August 2nd selling out in less than three weeks, two other events during the summer are planned to whet your appetite.

The Fire Station will be hosting a screening of Jim Jarmusch’s comedy Coffee and Cigarettes on Friday, August 31st and Honey + Harvey is hosting a screening of the film Chef along with a delicious selection of Cuban street food available on the evening, inspired by the film.

The opening night of the festival is Friday, 5th October and our gala event (dinner and film) is a screening of the American comedy Big Night

starring Stanley Tucci, Ian Holm and Isabella Rossellini.

The amazing meal featured in the film will then be recreated by our partner restaurants, The Riverside, The Table and The Galley.

Gala tickets are strictly limited so we’d advise booking these well in advance in order to secure a place.

Saturday, 6th October starts with our Kid’s Feast screening of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder, closely followed by the documentary Wasted! – narrated by chef, Anthony Bourdain.

This screening will be followed by a panel discussion about the issue of food waste and what is being done in our own region to tackle it. Representatives from the local council, Green Party, Transition Woodbridge, Suffolk Waste Partnership, The Teapot Project and the East of England Co-Op will take part in the debate.

Saturday’s gala event is the hilarious Japanese film Tampopo, followed by a three-course dinner featuring a selection of ramen noodle dishes inspired by the

film at our partner restaurants.

Sunday, 7th October kicks off with an interview with our patron, Ruth Watson (The Hotel Inspector, Country House Rescue) and the Times journalist and columnist India Knight, so expect a lively discussion!

Award winning baker David Wright, from The Cake Shop will be live on stage at The Riverside, with a cooking/baking demonstration.

The evening sees a gala event screening of the multi-awardwinning film Babette’s Feast, which is followed by a three-course meal replicating the film’s banquet scene.

To close the festival, Alexander Payne’s Oscar-winning wine comedy Sideways will be shown, and Alexander will be joining us either live via Skype on the evening or recording us an exclusive introduction to our screening. The Closing Night Festival Party winds up the weekend at the Riverside bar.

Festival partner cafes are also involved each evening. l Full details of events and tickets are online at www.filmfeast.co.uk or call The Riverside on 01394 382174.

From top: The superb Sideways; Japan’s Tampopo; India Knight will be appearing

YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING, HEATING AND BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT SPECIALIST T: 01394 421321 W: www.gilesplumbingandheating.co.uk E: info@gilesplumbingandheating.co.uk Building 62 Bentwaters Parks Rendlesham Suffolk IP12 2TW

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“I AM ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED” SAYS MRS SUE BANNISTER OF HER KBB INSTALLED KITCHEN “I am delighted with the work KBB carried out and my new kitchen is superb. The quality of the workmanship is professional, and I cannot praise them enough. The kitchen incorporates all modern conveniences, but discreetly, and all is beautifully completed.”

THE KBB CENTRE One of the largest independent kitchen and bathroom retailers in East Anglia, The KBB Centre is owned and managed by brothers, Roger and Patrick Peck.

Its stunning showroom on Dales Road, Ipswich, provides over 5,000 square feet of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom displays, with an unrivalled choice of doors, work surfaces, appliances, tiles, bathroom accessories and fitted bedroom furniture. “We are a family run business with family values and have been offering customers a first-class service for the last 15 years. Only using our own in-house plumbers, plasterers and electricians enables us to offer a unique fully managed service,” says Roger Peck.

SAMSUNG FAMILY HUB™ FRIDGE FREEZER Available to view in our showroom, the Samsung Family Hub™ truly is a twenty-first century fridge. This revolutionary refrigerator includes a Wi-Fi enabled touchscreen that lets you manage your groceries, connect with your family and entertain like never before.

• Know what you have with Food Management • See inside your fridge from anywhere with three built-in cameras • Get a freshness reminder from the Family Hub™ touchscreen or your smartphone

• Stream music and radio, mirroring your TV family entertainment La rge Showroom: 85 Dal e s Road, Ipsw i c h , S u f fol k IP 1 4 J R www.t h e kbbce n t re.co. u k Tel : 01473 7422 00

•

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BOOMTOWN RATS! Suffolk pest control expert Chris Clarke on why we should all be keeping our gardens clean and tidy this summer‌

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than 200 rats in any one year. Rats are becoming a major problem.�

Chris says he’s worked out how to solve this unwelcome explosion in the rat population. “People need to be educated more. They’re dropping rubbish on the streets or the bins are overflowing as they’re only being emptied every two weeks. You get fast food places with bins and rubbish left outside or people just chucking their leftover burger boxes from the car. It’s giving the rats a constant food source. It’s the humans which are the problem not the rats. If we kept things nice and tidy then there wouldn’t be such a problem.� l For more information on all of the services Chris offers, go to: www.crcpestcontrol.co.uk or call him on 07909 520 592.

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ummer wouldn’t be the same without barbecues in the garden but many of us will be attracting unwelcome gatecrashers. “I always say to customers make sure you tidy up before you go to bed or the rats will move in,� says Chris, who’s run his own company for five years and been involved in pest control for 20. “The more clean and tidy your garden, the less likely you’ll have them. Saying that I went to a customer’s garden recently and it was immaculate – it turned out the owners were feeding a stray cat at nights. If you have chickens or pets in your garden, you’ll almost certainly have rats just a few feet away. “Actually the main thing they look for is a water supply as they need it every two hours. Food-wise, they’ll quite literally eat anything – from each other to road kill, snails, dog mess.

But what they need is a constant water supply so they’ll often be near bird baths or ponds. They love living under decking and sheds.�

Chris says a female rat is capable of spawning many, many more. “She’ll have around 12 babies every three to four weeks and up to 17 litters in a year, so she could have more

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Pictured left: Members of the award-winning Gotelee team: (L-R) Francesca Reason, Howard Catherall, Helen Crapnell and Murray Gibson Above: Due diligence is a doddle with the Guardian app

SMARTPHONE

SUCCESS Gotelee’s innovative app gains industry recognition for the top local legal team

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hilst we all understand the personal services offered by a firm of solicitors, such as conveyancing, will making and mediation, Gotelee is breaking the mould when it comes to supporting its business clients.

And receiving industry recognition for its efforts too.

This, a first-to-market app, the Gotelee Guardian, is for those involved in e-commerce distribution.

The technology was recently awarded the Innovation in Technology Award at the annual UK Warehousing Association Awards, hosted at the Dorchester, London.

Howard Catherall, transport and logistics law partner at Gotelee says: “The aim behind the Guardian app is to help those involved in businesses such as fulfilment houses and warehousing, to comply with product safety rules.

“Simple to use, Guardian generates a clearly documented audit trail to demonstrate that a product safety due diligence check has been completed on

a specified date and time. A report is then generated, which enables the fulfilment house or warehouse keeper to take the appropriate action to help ensure that unsafe products do not leave the premises.”

As it’s Gotelee’s first foray into app development, everyone is delighted that their efforts have been recognised by the UK Warehousing Association.

Howard continues: “Our intention was always to create an app that benefits the whole logistics community and not just our clients. We’re delighted that it’s now available as a download for all smartphones, and receiving industry recognition for our efforts was the cherry on the top.” l The Gotelee Guardian app is available to download for £19.99 from the App Store and Google Play. l To find out more about Gotelee’s Transport and Logistics legal offering, call 01473 298190 or visit www.gotelee.co.uk/ business-services/road-transport

HERE TO HELP Supporting business clients from start-ups to industry leaders, Gotelee has the expertise to help. Whether that’s providing legal advice and updates on regulations affecting your industry, or helping to make your business run easier, Gotelee’s business services cover:

l Business crime lawyers l Business immigration l Business law l Commercial dispute resolution l Commercial property l Debt recovery l Employment law l Planning l Regulatory

For more information about the business and personal legal services offered, visit www.gotelee.co.uk or call the Woodbridge office on 01394 388605.

“Our intention was always to create an app that benefits the whole logistics community” HOWARD CATHERALL, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS LAW PARTNER

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www.nhcwoodbridge.co.uk 24A The Thoroughfare Woodbridge IP12 1AQ 01394 380580 Call today for your 15-minute no obligation consultation with one of our therapists to help determine how we can best meet your needs

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SEPTEMBER Fundays With two new festivals launching in our region, we caught up with the organisers to find out more …

UFFORD ART FESTIVAL 14th – 16th September A hotbed of creative talent, the villagers of Ufford are coming together this September to host the inaugural Ufford Arts Festival.

A bumper creative weekend is in prospect, celebrating art in all its forms and bringing together talented villagers, as well as those from further afield.

“Our aim is to make the festival as inclusive as possible and we’re encouraging everyone locally to get

MANSION ON THE MOON 8th September A brand new music festival comes to Ipswich this September. Mansion on the Moon takes place at Trinity Park and promises to be a festival with a difference. “We’re very excited to have The Libertines as our headline act, and we’ve also pulled together a line-up of fantastic local talent that will blow everyone away.

From Woodbridge’s Caswell with

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involved or come along and enjoy a great day out,” says Nick Crocker who sits on the organising team.

“With events as diverse as a literature trail, which invites you to visit six Ufford gardens and listen to magical prose and poetry, to an art competition for children, the world’s smallest art gallery in Ufford’s traditional red phone box, and even a workshop on how to take great shots on your smart phone. And, with a focus on the environment, there’s a scarecrow and sculpture competition, encouraging

her electronic soul and pop sound to Ipswich-based Bessie Turner, whose debut single was streamed more than 10,000 times in the first twelve hours of being released, there’s something for everyone,” says organiser, Emma Dinmore.

“It’s amazing what can be achieved when you’ve got a passion to make things happen. Key for us is that the festival is accessible and affordable; we came up with the idea at the end of last year and it’s all come together amazingly well. Harry Griffiths, who is part of the organising team, has a wealth of experience putting on major national events such as Hyde Park’s Big Summer Time which has crowds of more than 400,000, and he’s been very generous in sharing his contacts.” With 20,000 tickets

people to use found or recycled objects to create their entry.”

The Museum of Beyond will also be attending the festival. This innovative travelling museum sees the present through future eyes and imagines what future generations might make of all the plastic we use and discard. Professional storyteller Shaun Ibbs will be bringing his very own brand of magic to the weekend with sessions for both children and adults.

On the Saturday afternoon Shaun will be found at the Ufford Crown, telling his adult yarns, and being ably assisted by local musician, Peter Hepworth.

Events across the weekend will be hosted in St Mary’s Parish Hall, next to St. Mary’s Church, and in the Ufford Community Hall on The Avenue. “We’re also delighted that both our village pubs, the Ufford Crown and the White Lion, are joining in the festivities,” adds Nick, “and will be offering festival choices in addition to their usual menus”.

Sandy Greenard, Chair of the festival says: “When I moved here just over two years ago I was immediately struck by how much creativity there is within the village.

I thought an arts festival would be a great way to celebrate this, as well as inviting others to enjoy these very special surroundings.” l Full details of the festival can be found at www.uffordartsfestival.org Pictured Top Left: The Museum of Beyond

available for this year’s event, Emma and the team have big plans for Mansion on the Moon. She adds: “Already we have a licence to almost double the size of the show for next year.”

Pictured from the left: Woodbridge’s Caswell with her downtown electronic soul sound l Tickets can be purchased online headlining act, at www.mansiononthemoon.com or The Libertines from the Ipswich Regent box office

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

PETS

DOG ABOUT TOWN 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

My name is Bruce and I’m a two-year-old Italian spinone. My family got me from Sicily in October 2016 and I’ve settled into Suffolk life very well. I live with my mum and three teenage human siblings in Ufford and I’m told I’ve transformed family life.

I’m loyal and affectionate. If I’m not being playful, I’m a chilled out dude – mum says that must be the Italian in me! I’ve got to be the luckiest boy around as I’m walked in a pack most days in the nearby forests. When I say walked, it’s actually more like bouncing and prancing for miles and miles. I love a drop of coffee and cake and for a night out I’m rather partial to the King’s Head of an evening as they do a nice pig’s ear as a treat.

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Alton Water

Less than 20 miles from the centre of Woodbridge, Alton Water has it all. From beautiful countryside walks, to hiring a bike and heading off on either the four or eight-mile designated cycle tracks, there’s heaps to do. If you fancy getting wet, the water sports centre offers sailing, windsurfing, rowing and paddle boarding for both beginners and those who know what they’re doing. With some of the best fishing available in Suffolk, under 18’s can even fish for free. If you fancy prolonging your stay, book a camping spot for a night at the new caravan and camping site, and watch the sunrise over the reservoir in the morning.

8th – 9th September Woodbridge

Having taken a break in 2016 to make way for the new Whisstock’s centre, this biennial weekend is all about celebrating the river. Great for kids and adults alike, the fun kicks off at 10am and runs to 6pm on both days, with free events taking place along the riverside walk from the Tide Mill to the Tea Hut gardens. With a host of boats on hand to enjoy, there’s also music, shanties, Saxon re-enactments and so much more. Food and drink will be in plentiful supply and even in the Tide Mill (normally £5 per person) is free to visit during the festival. l www. maritimewoodbridge.org

l www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk/alton-water

© www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk

Simple Pleasures

Maritime Woodbridge is back!

Head down to River Deben, or further up the coast to Walberswick and spend an afternoon crabbing in the sunshine.

Walberswick has been home to the annual British Opening Crabbing Championship since 1981, so you’re guaranteed to meet a host of fellow crabbers who will hopefully share their top crab catching tips.

All you need is a bucket, a weighted piece of string and some bacon for bait. To keep things nice and safe our top tip is to use a line that comes with a bag for the bait rather than a hook.

Framlingham Castle Made even more famous by Ed Sheeran’s Castle on the Hill, Framlingham Castle is well worth a visit this summer.

With a host of events planned, there’s re-enactments, medieval architects club, jousting, and there’s even a castle siege you can take part in. For those with a sense of adventure, why not sign up for a castle sleepover on Saturday 18th August?

Booking is required for all events. l www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlinghamcastle/events

OUT &

ABOUT

With the holidays now upon us, here’s some great ideas to keep the kids entertained this summer...

Crazy Golf with a difference

If you’re a fan of crazy golf, why not try Congo Rapids?

Modelled on Florida style adventure golf courses, Congo Rapids can be found at the Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge.

A great hour or two of family fun, there’s journeys across water lagoons, life sized dinosaurs, an erupting volcano, an abandoned temple and much more.

Simply turn up and play - family tickets are also available. l For more information, www.congorapids.co.uk/woodbridge

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Forest Sci Fi Happenings

One of the most significant UFO incidents to happen in the UK was reported at Rendlesham Forest back in December 1980.

Whilst no tangible evidence was left at the time, the Forestry Commission’s UFO Trail is a great trip out for all those who love sci-fi.

With the Alien Trail leaflet, available from the Forest Office, there’s a special message to be decoded from the symbols to be found along the trail, along with a replica of what the UFO sighted in 1980 is believed to have looked like. To find the UFO simply follow the arrows on the three-mile forest trail.

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l For more information, www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/

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Call us today on 01473-852782 or visit www.woodbridgelodge.care LIW Issue 13 collected pages.indd 35

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