Living in Woodbridge - Issue 14

ISSUE SUMMER 2016 ISSUE ONE… FOURTEEN … OCT / NOV 2018

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE Kitchen confidential … an eye fortheir design Local home owners… throw open doors Wedded … a pull-out special Child freebliss zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! A ghostly story … touches local lives Brown on colours Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes

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

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 QUAY POINT • STATION ROAD • WOODBRIDGE • IP12 4AL

Images © Jackson-Stops.co.uk

OCT/NOV

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IN WOODBRIDGE

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elcome to issue 14. In this edition we bring you a fab range of features, offering a snapshot of all the great things currently happening in this special town of ours.

With Halloween on the horizon, we catch up with local residents Julie Abbott and John West on pages six and seven. Their love of all things ghostly was the catalyst to them getting involved in the production of a new spooky movie – Winifred Meeks.

On pages eight and nine, lifestyle and food photographer Jemma Watts kindly opens the doors of her gorgeous home to us. The third generation of her family to live in this Cumberland Street property, Jemma generously shares her top tips on savvy buying and how creating a mood board is a fun and easy way to bring your interior design styling together.

Then, a first in Living In … Woodbridge – we’re delighted to bring you a special pullout-and-keep supplement – Living In … Bliss.

Over four pages we’re profiling some fab wedding venues and specialist companies, all dedicated to creating that perfect wedding day. What’s more, they’re all within a stone’s throw of where you live.

Focusing on the grittier side of life, starting on page 22, we look at the issue of homelessness in our region and the incredible work undertaken by the charity Selig, which is going that extra mile to help those in need.

Our Mover & Shaker for this month is Peter Hepworth. Known to everyone who follows the local music scene, Peter shares all on page 15. And on page 11, local dog trainer Steve Andrews talks candidly about his approach to dog training and his long-held passion for Dobermans.

With our regular features including a roundup of the latest news, Out & About and Dog About Town, we hope you can find a spare five minutes to sit down with a cuppa and enjoy before everything gets geared up for Christmas.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

WOODBRIDGE

Editors: Angela Hagan (T: 07930 184773) & Lyn Peters (T: 07909 544496) Designers: Craig Drever, Lewis Webb and Mel Gibson 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

Pictures by Julie Abbott, Jemma Watts and Adrian Green

Angela & Lyn

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WHAT’S INSIDE 6 8 11 17 22 34

Spooky times Cumberland Street des res Hot Dog Living In … Bliss Street Life Out & About

ON THE COVER

Stunning kitchen shot by local lifestyle and food photographer, Jemma Watts. Based in Woodbridge, Jemma kindly invited us to visit her home and shared her top interior design tips on pages eight and nine. If you’ve an interesting home, or maybe you run a fabulous business from your living room or outside space that you’d like to tell us about … call on 07930 184773 or 07909 544496.

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LOCAL NEWS

CAR PARK EXTENSION DIVIDES 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

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ork is set to begin on the merging of two car parks in the town to make an overall bigger one. A Suffolk Coastal spokesman told Living In … that construction will commence next month (November).

He says:“The work to extend parking at Station Road and The Avenue’s car park in Woodbridge has now been granted planning permission. This project has been developed in response to the call for more spaces from local businesses and the town council, as at certain times of the day the car parks operate at nearly 100% capacity. The project will see the creation of 68 new spaces and is costing £850,000.

“Work on the project is expected to start in November and will take around eight months to complete.

The current proposal is to undertake the work in four phases, with the station car park as Phase 1 (subject to agreement with Abellio and Network Rail, who own that site).

The phasing and compound area has been carefully planned to ensure maximum spaces are retained during the work and that the public has walking access to and from the river and Kingston Fields from the station for as long as possible.

“While there will be some loss of the current vegetation, the larger trees are being retained. New trees and vegetation will be planted to replace anything that is taken out; this is planned to be sympathetic to

the riverside setting. Other features, such as an electric charger for two cars, better lighting, new cycle racks, along with installation of bat and bird boxes are also proposed. Also, following consultation with local residents, speed humps are to be added to the project, to slow down traffic in the car parks.”

While many in the town welcome the news, others are less keen.

Local resident Kathryn Bryant, who walks her dog along The Avenue most days to access the river, says: “I don’t doubt that it would be good to have more parking but I think they should balance that with ensuring that we don’t lose what people like about Woodbridge. This is a lovely area and feels a little bit separate from the commerce of the town.

“I question whether we want to have one massive car park and still quite far away from all the shops. Not least one that people will use as a cut-through.”

In a letter to the District Council, Suffolk Coastal Friends of the Earth echoed the sentiment saying: “Loss of this green space will be greatly missed by local people. This part of the walk through to the riverside is delightful as it is, with mature trees and a small stream.”

Woodbridge mayor David Mortimer gave the plans a thumbs up, saying it will provide vital parking spaces for visitors to the town.

“The problem is that on a nice sunny day you get people coming

into the town and there’s simply nowhere for them to park, so they’ll go to Aldeburgh or Felixstowe instead. These 68 spaces will help in some way to stimulate the economy and get people shopping and supporting all the businesses locally.

“The project will see the creation of 68 new parking spaces and is costing £850,000” “This hot summer was a very busy time as we had tourists coming from all over to enjoy the town and looking for spaces to park. The parking problem needs resolving as more people will be visiting, what with Whisstocks and its new museum opening up plus the new coffee shop and various other outlets there. As well, of course, there’s the new houses being built in Martlesham which will bring another influx of people.”

PSST!

Did you know the forthcoming Jetty Lane Community Youth and Arts Centre is planning a much-needed footbridge across the ditch between The Avenue and Kingston Field to enable the centre’s users – and all other pedestrians and wheelchair users – to get to the field without having to walk along the road? Jetty Lane chair Caroline Page says: “We are also hoping to put in a footpath between the trees on the Jetty Lane side of The Avenue to make pedestrians safer.” Watch this space!

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A G N I T N U HA TALE! It seems that fate led three locals to work together on a ghostly feature film set in Suffolk …

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t was while Julie Abbott was volunteering at the Oxfam Book Shop in the Thoroughfare that she discovered her and a colleague, John West, shared the same interests. Town resident Julie explains: “We’d chat for ages about my favourite things - local history, Suffolk folklore and spooky stories! One day I posted something up on my Facebook page about the Irish film director, Jason Figgis, coming to Suffolk to film a new documentary which John saw. It just so happened that he already had a social media friendship with Jason via YouTube and so it prompted him to get in touch with him again.”

Actor John, who appeared in BBC Four’s Detectorists and works as a TV/radio presenter, historian and author, takes up the story: “We hooked up and we just connected really; we both love seventies horror and comedy. We met up and I introduced Jason to other parts of Suffolk.”

Indeed, it led to John becoming associate producer on Jason’s new documentary, The Haunting of M.R. James, celebrating the life of the Victorian author from Suffolk who wrote classic ghost stories (see on right). It was his work which inspired Jason to go on and write the ghostly film Winifred Meeks - on which John is now producer. John says: “I told Jason all about Julie and he was so impressed with her local knowledge, her wonderful photography and eye for locations, she is now location manager on Winifred Meeks!”

Julie, a former postwoman in the town, says: “I couldn’t believe that all our talks have led to this, it’s such an amazing

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WHO WAS M.R. JAMES?

Bill Fellows of Downton Abbey and opportunity and it’s also exciting times for film-making in Suffolk.”

Broadchurch fame and Sally George of Indeed, Julie, a singer who has Holby City, Casualty and Hollyoaks also performed in bands locally, will even star in the film. appear in the film playing the ghost of Writer and director Jason, who has worked in the past for Steven Spielberg as Winifred Meeks – she will also sing a well as alongside great names such as traditional folk song.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the John Hurt, Alan Rickman and Richard E Grant, told Living In … he’s very excited ghost,” she smiles. “I’m trying to capture her troubles and forlorn appearance by about the film, which will make its big practicing in the mirror. I actually scare screen debut next year. myself!”

“I have looked across Ireland and the UK It was through Julie’s introduction that for the best location as a backdrop to our the third local resident became involved in ghost story and although many of the the film - Woodbridge’s Frances locations had some of the right elements Catchpool, who is the film’s dress - none of them had all of the right designer. elements,” he says. “That is until I was Frances, who has worked for the Wolsey asked to film and direct a documentary Theatre in looking at the life Ipswich as a and work of the “I’m trying to capture wardrobe father of the short assistant and form English ghost her troubles and forlorn studied costume story, Montague appearance in the mirror, Rhodes James. It interpretation at the Wimbledon was in Suffolk that I actually scare myself!”

School of Art in I discovered JULIE ABBOTT the past, works incredible in a freelance locations and capacity in textiles and machine atmosphere for that particular film and I embroidery. soon realised when our locations manager Producer John West says: “It’s lovely for Winifred Meeks, Julie Abbott, came on how it’s all panned out and that all this board, that she was introducing me to all local talent has been used.” of the right elements for our film. Our The tense psychological thriller follows producer John West was instrumental in the story of successful novelist Anna bringing the team together in the UK James, played by The War Zone actress for Winifred Meeks and between him and Lara Belmont, who rents a remote rural Julie, they attached a fantastic crew to property in Suffolk to meet her book help bring the film to life. Suffolk has the deadline. She enjoys the seclusion of the perfect landscape, the perfect buildings imposing coastal former sea captain’s and the perfect atmosphere to tell a residence but it’s not long before she contemporary ghost story and we are very realises she’s not quite alone in the excited to begin shooting in October.” shadow-drenched room. Unwilling to quit Producer John says that filming starts the lease and be forced away from her on October 26th in locations like Orford pressing deadline, she investigates the Ness and Dunwich. He adds: “I love the history of the house and discovers a story creative process of film and this joint of religious fervour, madness and venture with Jason is just the start of a starvation in the terrifying shape of collaboration that will cover both feature former captain’s wife, Winifred Meeks. films and TV documentaries. Indeed, Soon Anna becomes chillingly aware we will be returning to Suffolk for another that she is sharing the house with this film, Night Photography, later in the year. deeply troubled and vengeful spirit and This will be a vampire thriller and will must make a fateful decision to leave or include up and coming actors and face up to the terrible force of her wrath. actresses from both Suffolk and Norfolk.”

Montague Rhodes James was known as the English master of the supernatural short story – in fact his enigmatic style of ghostly storytelling became known as ‘Jamesian.’ This Victorian bachelor grew up in Great Livermere near Bury St Edmunds and spent pretty much all of his working life in academia – after Eton he studied at King’s College, Cambridge and served as provost at both places until his death in 1936.

Many of his stories were written as Christmas Eve entertainment to be read aloud by candlelight to captivated college friends.

Suffolk was the inspiration for several of his tales, including Whistle & I’ll Come featuring the Martello towers, beach and golf course.

Great Livermere was the setting for the fictional Casteringham in The Ash Tree about a witch called Mrs Mothersole - this name is said to be taken from a gravestone at Great Livermere. * The Haunting of M.R. James will be released at the end of the year on DVD and available on Google Play and Amazon Prime as well as out on TV: channel yet to be confirmed. l For further info on John’s work go to: www.johnwestmedia.com

Opposite page: Movie poster Top left: Winifred Meeks crew – Frances Catchpool, John West and Julie Abbott Above: Jason Figgis ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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AN EYE FOR DETAIL Jemma Watts shares her passion for photography and interior design Pictures by Jemma Watts

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ince taking the plunge and following her dream to become a photographer, Jemma Watts has never looked back.

With that all important eye for detail evident throughout her stunning Cumberland Street home, Jemma says: “I’d always wanted to be a photographer from about 12, but my parents were hesitant about whether you could make a living out of it.” Having achieved a business degree from Oxford Brooks and embarking on a career in the graphic design industry, it was Jemma’s grandfather’s death that proved pivotal in her achieving her dream. “When he was dying, Grandad talked a lot about all he hadn’t achieved in his life. I was so affected by this and didn’t want to get to that age and be full of regrets. So, that was it – I became a photographer at the age of 28.”

Jemma remembers: “It was really tough at the beginning – especially having a bank balance that in the early days went permanently down rather than up.”

Luck quickly came into play when a restaurateur friend invited Jemma to meet with award winning photographer David Loftus who was doing a food shoot at his Haymarket restaurant. “David was so generous with his knowledge. He

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invited me to come along and assist at his next shoot, which happened to be with Jamie Oliver, and from there, everything clicked into place.”

Working as David’s assistant for two years, based in London, Jemma travelled the world assisting on shoots with Jamie, Gordon Ramsay, and Martha Stewart amongst others, whilst all the time soaking up everything he had to teach. “I then decided to go it alone, which involved hours and hours of cold calling, portfolio views and building relationships with art directors. My determination finally paid off and I found myself working with companies including Sainsburys and Waitrose and shooting a host of amazing interior design projects.

“My business degree and time spent in industry have proved invaluable to how I work. Being a photographer is about 80% running a business and 20% taking photos.

I’m also lucky that my job combines three of my favourite things – food, interiors and people.”

Sadly, in 2007 Jemma’s mum was diagnosed with cancer and as she says: “This was a dark time, helping and caring for mum before she died, and my photography was put on hold. My parents owned this house, which was originally owned by my grandparents, following their move from Hasketon, so this part of

“Being a photographer is about 80% running a business and 20% taking photos” Suffolk is in my blood. Unbelievably Grandma couldn’t find a buyer when she put it on the market back in 2004, so it was rented out when she went into care.”

Whilst the original use of the property isn’t clear, Jemma explains: “We think it was the coach house to the nearby main house, but, but whatever its use it’s very different to living in Hackney.” Single storey, with tall ceilings and so much more spacious than you’d imagine, Jemma has used her photographic eye for detail and her vast interiors knowledge to fantastic effect.

“I’m the third generation to call this home, so there’s a mix of furniture pieces that have been handed down, from Granny’s dowager’s chest which is fantastic for storage in the lounge, the mirror in the hallway that was in my

From top left: Jemma’s restyled kitchen using existing units; the hallway doubles as a home office Bottom: Jemma at home

childhood home and the 70s coffee table Mum bought as new.”

Passionate about interior design, Jemma adds: “Being savvy about where you buy and doing research to find reasonably priced versions of pieces showcased in magazines is half the fun for me.

“I’m also a firm believer in starting out with a mood board. A home needs to reflect your personal style and so for each room I’m decorating, I revisit my pile of magazines and tear out everything I like. Then, I lay them all out on the floor to see which images really stand out for me, and from there colour and texture themes develop.

Pinterest is another great way of doing this.”

Jemma’s home is full of upcycling and refurbishment projects, including the kitchen cabinets that were reconfigured and spray painted. “I also love adding touches of luxury. So, the curtains in the lounge were made by June Bellamy in a very reasonably priced fabric, but then June suggested edging them in a more expensive fabric to add texture and richness.”

Making the most of space available is also key. Jemma explains: “The hallway is quite wide, and so it doubles up as my home office and is the perfect spot for my vintage drinks trolley. The separate

loo has also been reworked to become a small but perfectly formed utility room.”

Investing time to find the best bargains Jemma shops a lot online: “Sites such as Wayfair and Brand Alley offer fantastic discounts, and to prevent being bombarded by emails, you can always unsubscribe straight after sale time.” Favourite shopping haunts closer to home include Vintage Mischief in Beccles, Snape’s vintage market and the monthly Old Jet market.

Autumn is full steam ahead as

Jemma explains: “I’m very excited to be launching my Airbnb in Kingston Road that’s been great fun renovating and filling with fab and fun pieces. My reputation is growing and so I’m working with lots of great local companies and people; and after three happy years at Old Jet, I’m just launching my own studio and workshop space at Brightwell Barns. Oh, and then, I’m keen to rework the courtyard garden.”

Above: Jemma’s mother’s 70s coffee table pride of place in the lounge; vintage drinks trolley; colour blocking the bedroom walls adds impact

l www.jemmawatts.com

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Visit our new Martlesham showroom for friendly advice, excellent service and to see our large selection of fabric and wallpaper books

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

WOODBRIDGE LIVES

HOT

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

Steve Andrews tells all about his common-sense approach to dog training Pictures by Adrian Green

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ith a reputation that’s spreading much further than Woodbridge, Steve Andrews can regularly be seen around town with his beloved dogs, Ruga, a Russian-born Doberman and Billy, his super cute Boston terrier.

Operating as a balanced dog trainer, 95% of the one-to-one work Steve undertakes with dogs and owners is all about positive reinforcement and 5% about correction; allowing the dog to know there is a consequence to unwanted behaviours.

As Steve says: “For some my approach is contentious, as they follow the purely positive concept of training, but I believe that a positive only approach, with no corrections, regardless of the behaviour is why the dog world is in such a turmoil.”

Keen to distance himself from labels such as dog whisperer, Steve is very matter of fact about the work he does. “There’s nothing mystical about it. My training philosophy is based on good old common sense; reinforcing that whilst we love our dogs unconditionally, they are not humans and need a blueprint of taught behaviours to follow. In fact, much of my work is all about teaching the human and training the dog.”

Steve’s love of dogs stems from when he was a youngster. “I remember when I was ten or 11 and going to the Watts, a little shop that used to be on Bredfield Street at the back of Woodbridge School.

There was a pack of cards, like the old-fashioned tea cards, featuring different breeds and that was that – I saw those and was obsessed. Dad then gave me the money to go back and buy them and I’ve still got them today.”

Aged 18, Steve got his first Doberman, a breed he has been pasionate about for over 30 years. “Zane was my world. But looking back, I did pretty much everything wrong when buying him. We bought him impulsively, without having undertaken enough research into his background, and my understanding of training and behaviours was almost non-existent.”

“Much of my work is all about teaching the human and training the dog” Running a painting and decorating business alongside his dog training for many years, Steve has now hung up his painting overalls and works exclusively with dogs and their owners. “The business is doing really well and the decision to take on the training paddock next to the Tea Hut means I have the most perfect ‘office’ in town.”

Offering one-to-one training Steve explains: “Training needs to start when a puppy is young, but obedience training shouldn’t be the starting point. Initially it needs to be about working on healthy socialisation behaviours, teaching a dog to behave neutrally in all environments. We then move on to building confidence between the handler and the dog and it’s my job to

Top left and right: Steve with Ruga and Billy Below: The cards that ignited Steve’s passion for dogs

find out what motivates the dog to want to behave well.

“The more you can teach your puppy in the first year, the better-behaved adolescent dog you will have. This training then becomes the behavioural blueprint for both the dog and the handler.”

Never tiring of going to work, Steve says: “These days I’m working with clients from Norwich to Surrey and am often referred by vets. I’ve also started working with local charity, Suffolk Animal Rescue.

But, what I enjoy most is when it all comes together for both dog and the handler.

Juno is a great example. A 13-month-old Doberman owned by a local family, dad wasn’t initially keen to get a dog, but the rest of the family finally swayed him into agreement. Having sought my advice on breeds, we’ve been working together since Juno joined the family and dad is now one of the most aware and capable dog handlers I’ve seen.” l Steve is a member of ARDO (Association of Responsible Dog Owners), ABDT (Association of Balanced Dog Trainers) and IACP (International asocciation of Canine Professionals) www.steveandrewsdogtrainer.com ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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For you, your family and your business...

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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The Midas Touch!

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

As Tilley & Grace opens up in Woodbridge, owner Sally Hicks tells all about this ever-evolving chain of shops …

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s with most success stories, it all started with an acorn of an idea.

Sally Hicks had been busy bringing up her four children and supporting her husband in his business ventures when she decided – in her mid-fifties - to do something just for her. Always immaculately turned out with a lifelong love of fashion Sally stumbled, quite by chance, across an outlet in Spain selling the most exquisite jewellery and decided to sell it at a local charity event at home.

“I remember some ladies from a nearby stand loving the jewellery and asked if I could supply them with some pieces.

It appeared I had an eye for spotting products that would sell very well at a competitive price and unwittingly stumbled into the world of wholesale!”

It soon became apparent that Sally could no longer run the business from home and moved into a small office and employed her first member of staff.

Five years on and business is booming.

Sally’s husband has joined the business and daughter Sarah (pictured below modelling a Tilley & Grace outfit) has also come on board to help streamline.

And it’s all paid off. The family have just opened their fifth shop – in the Thoroughfare – and now have a 30-strong team working for them. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved” explains Sally “I have never worked for anyone before.

I had no idea how to run a business and had to learn on the job!”

Tilley & Grace is now synonymous with affordable jewellery and women’s clothing and accessories. Pop into any of their shops - they also have stores in Aldeburgh, Southwold and Holt – and we promise you will be very pleasantly surprised. Take

“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved. I had no idea how to run a business and had to learn on the job!” their 100% pure silk scarves… showcased in a glorious range of vibrant colours and ravishing prints for just £35, yes you did read that right – just thirty five pounds!

Or their luscious Kellie cashmere scarf at £69 and the sumptuously soft Grace Cashmere Poncho at £75. Their opulent jewellery collection is a must particularly in the run-up to Christmas – their Adele ring is just £10. These prices are, frankly, unbeatable and yet their products are

Top: The new Woodbridge shop is bursting with colour Below: The softest leather purses; daughter Sarah modelling a Tilley and Grace outfit

such great quality. Like their lovely range of soft leather handbags and wallets their Maddox wallet is possibly the cutest, softest purse you might ever see. Available in lots of colours and very reasonably priced at just £35.

As an added incentive their loyalty scheme is proving very popular – for every £10 you spend you get a stamp, collect 12 stamps and you’ll receive a 10% discount.

Once you’ve shopped at Tilley & Grace it’s almost certain you’ll return. Indeed, one of their most loyal returning customers actually ended up working for them and now manages one of their stores!

“We have grown quickly but couldn’t have achieved what we have without a very loyal team of staff,” says Sally.

“The girls look after the shops as if they were their own and our customer service is second to none! The only problem is they can’t resist buying a new outfit every week!” l Fancy a £75 shopping spree in the new Woodbridge store? Simply pop in to 47 Thoroughfare and leave your details for the chance to win a gift voucher of that value. The winner will be picked at random on October 11th. For more details go to www.tilleyandgrace.co.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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MOVERS

AND SHAKERS

Talented singer songwriter Peter Hepworth is a well-known figure on the local music scene …

Tell us about your singing - how did it all come about?

I was nine years old, my aunt came to visit us with her ‘professional Irish Folk singer’ boyfriend who performed a couple of songs for us all on his guitar, and from that moment, it was all I wanted to be a part of. That’s one thing I love about music; the fact that you can hear a song, and all of a sudden it can change your whole life.

What has been your best gig and why?

The other day I performed my new song, Pale Blue Blankets, about my little girl. It wasn’t a big gig, it didn’t earn me much money, but I connected to the music I was performing and to everyone in the audience, and some people cried. I will be recording it next month and releasing it over Christmas time.

Musically-speaking, what are you most proud of?

In 2006 I won my category in a national songwriting competition.

It gave me a sort of self validation as a songwriter and performer which I previously lacked. It’s astounding what self confidence can do for you. From there I started working with a producer, which then led to getting signed to Liverpool-based label Chromium.

Through them we released a single and I was hitting the London circuit hard; for the first time I felt like I was being taken seriously as an artist.

Tell us about the Blue Bus Tour?

I took a 1962 split Screen VW Campervan and converted it into a

mobile, solar powered, mini festival stage and drove around the country putting on pop-up gigs in various woods and fields with various musical friends. Before long we were asked to set up at established festivals including Latitude, Wilderness, Glastonbury and countless more. We brought the bus back to Woodbridge and started Festeaval down by the Tea Hut acquiring the likes of Beth Orton, Bastille, Turin Brakes, Scott Matthews and Ryan Keen and countless more high profile artists to perform here. In many people’s eyes, this was one of the main vehicles that kickstarted Woodbridge’s excellent live music scene. Our other new annual event is the Woodbridge Hootenanny which was a brilliant success. Keep an eye out for next year’s one!

And you have recently become a Dad ...

My new universe. It’s like the boundaries of my capacity for love have been removed. Time moves so fast now and we’re making every second count. I’ve never been so happy.

What do you love about Woodbridge?

I’ve lived on a Dutch barge on the river for over ten years and that connection to the wilds of the Deben will forever be in my blood.

It can be staggeringly beautiful. I love that I met the love of my life here and that my little girl was born here and our families are nearby. I love the incredible music scene and that on certain weekend nights you can walk past one pub

to another and different music fades in and out. I love the walks in and around the area with our mischievous Jack Russell Olive.

What’s not to love!

And you’re selling your riverboat and moving to terra fima?

The barge was a part of me for years. We had many adventures up and down the coast and I’m sure many people will miss the parties.

Tell us a secret about yourself?

In my early twenties I was once in a band called Colour House and sang children’s pop songs dressed in colourful costumes from the open top deck of a London bus as part of the New Year’s Day Parade around Trafalgar Square to about a million people. Very rocky and roll! l For more details on Peter’s music go to: www.peterhepworth.co.uk

LIFE ON THE RIVER …

Peter’s magnificent 21m classic Dutch barge, Johanna Klareina, is currently for sale with Nicholas Estates. Moored at Ferry Quay and built in 1906 it enjoys panoramic views of the River Deben. For more details, call 01394 610595.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

15

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a s S h op p

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

LIVING IN

BLISS!

Call us 8am - 10pm every day

Your pull-out-and-keep guide to all things wedding ...

BREATHTAKING

GUIDE PRICE £800,000 - £900,000

Yarmouth Road, Melton

This charming period property boasts an abundance of beds and lawn are a beautiful setting for summer gatherings. The grounds have an air of a garden pantry distinctive features including turrets, a stunning open to them, with sleeper borders ideal for vegetables, fireplace, original doors, flooring and even an original herbs or flowers and the trellis with established clematis fitted dresser in the kitchen. With rooms overlooking YOUR BRAND produces NEW Local home owners… throw open their doors climber vanilla scented flowers twice a year. established trees, the Church and beyond, it is also FREE HOMES & Child free zones?… meet the couple with the Parent Pod! perfectly placed for good access to the railway station, AtMAGAZINE first floor there is a split level landing leading to LIFESTYLE Is grey just so last year?… Jojo Humes Brown on colours River Deben and the shops and facilities the main bedroom and two further bedrooms and within Woodbridge. bathroom. The elegant touches in the main bedroom

HAPPY EVER UFFORD!

are once again another example of how sympathetically Arranged over four floors with the further addition maintained this home is. The main bathroom has a walk of the tower, there is a multitude of adaptable space in shower with modern vintage tiling, which is perfectly on offer here. The fireplace in the formal lounge is The Ufford Park Hotel’s newly launched Twilight Wedding in keeping with its period and withpackage the further addition the striking focal point of the room. Ideally tucked of a clawfoot bath, it feels like stepping back in time. offers a perfect solution for couple’s keen to enjoy a ceremony later away from the main living area, the lower ground floor has a superb laundry is another inroom the and dayleading and off move straightThe onsecond to enjoying the floor landing hasparty. double curtains opening reception room ideal for a cosy family room/snug. into the guest suite. Steps lead to sitting area and then to undertake weddings daybathroom. of the week, we’re atering to 200 guests, the Twilight Walking through the hallfor toupthe dining kitchen, there is a dressing area andonenevery suite Leading from able to be more flexible than many other venues and package is proving extremely popular with a real feeling of country estate living with a recess for the landing are steps leading up to the tower where five always do our best to accommodate couple’s preferred those marrying for a second time as well as a range cooker asbudget-conscious well as a Belfast sink.

French doors windows give stunning elevated views of Woodbridge dates.” younger couples. Evangeline From just £3,999 (based on 100 guests), the Twilight Wells, events manager, “The aim of our and beyond. from here lead outside, where explains: the flagged patio, flower

C

Twilight package is to create wedding day memories that will last a lifetime, which will not break the bank.

Guests can arrive from 3pm for a wedding service at 4pm. This is followed by our delicious locally sourced Suffolk selection buffet, rather than a full wedding Call breakfast, andJo thenat it’sthe timeWoodbridge to dance the nightoffice away at the disco, which is included in the package price.”

“Twilight couples also have the benefit of a dedicated wedding co-ordinator, and we happily share our contacts full of wedding 8ambook - 10pm everysuppliers, day to ensure they have the wedding of their dreams. As we’re able

Wedding package includes: ceremony and reception room hire, arrival drinks, Suffolk selection buffet, chair cover and sashes, disco with uplighting and backdrop and overnight stay for the happy couple.

01394 382 244 haart.co.uk

l To find out more call the Ufford Park Hotel wedding co-ordinator team on 01394 385555 ext 302 or visit www.uffordpark.co.uk Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1QW T: 01394 383555

of WOODBRIDGE

EMILIE RILEY HAIR

B

“

eing invited to be part of a bride’s wedding day is a pleasure I get to experience most weekends during the peak wedding session... I get to relive my big day over again,” says freelance hairstylist Laura Middlemiss of Emilie Riley Hair.

“My preferred style is romantic, Grecian, natural bridal put-ups, and it seems to come naturally to me.” Offering a full service, Laura’s work includes everything from blow-dries for mothers of the bride to half ups and curls for the bridesmaids and full extravagant creations for the bride, working with head jewellery or flower crowns and securing the all-important veil in place just before the bride walks out the door.” l www.facebook.com/emilierileyhair l T: 07802 245950

WEDDING BLISS! Planning your wedding and don’t know where to start? Look no further as we’ve kicked off the research for you …

O

nce upon a time a bride and groom-to-be would have to travel far and wide when putting together all the elements of their big day. But now Woodbridge and the local area is simply bursting with fabulous independent wedding specialists who can take the headache clean out of sourcing all those ingredients for that perfect wedding.

Take Travel With Jules, for instance. This award-winning local travel agency offers a whole range of bespoke global honeymoons as well as overseas weddings, all with full financial protection. Owner Julie Croucher, an experienced globe-trotter who specialises in safaris having worked in Africa herself, and her team are specialists in planning trips

Travel With Jules are specialists in planning trips of a lifetime

KAYE SOUTER FLOWERS

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ased in Rushmere St Andrew, professional freelance florist Kaye Souter offers consultation appointments in her workshop/office at which brides-to-be can view her portfolio and discuss at length their requirements for their special day.

Taking into consideration the bride’s influences and wedding themes, Kaye suggests a range of floral ideas and designs to suit both expectations and budgets. Then, on the wedding day Kaye delivers, personally where possible, all the bridal flowers and works in conjunction with both wedding and reception venues to ensure the wedding couple’s wishes are met. l www.kayesouterflowers.co.uk l T: 01473 723372

Wedding couple at Victoria Falls

PAUL THOMPSON EVENTS

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n established event catering company, Paul Thompson Events is based at the Cookhouse, Ipswich. Paul and his team work closely with a number of leading local venues including Butley Priory, Pettistree House, The Old Neptune House, Ipswich and Ringshall Grange, Stowmarket.

Paul Thompson Events will work closely with you to create your dream event and his dedicated and professional team will guide you through building a bespoke menu, leaving you and your guests to experience a delicious meal, expertly prepared and with seamless delivery.

For further details please contact the team. l info@paulthompsonevents.co.uk l www.paulthompsonevents.co.uk.

www.bushfirephotography.co.uk

of a lifetime. Travel With Jules carries out extensive research & plans all the detail, removing the stress so you can focus on enjoying yourselves. Call Travel With Jules on 01728 748209.

For all your wedding wine and champagne needs, Smashing Wines in Woodbridge, imports the most wonderful and natural, biodynamic and organic wines as well as a fine selection of fizz. Run by Clement, Tom and Rebecca they offer expert advice on how much to order and what to match to your wedding meal without blowing your budget.

For bridal wear, Amelia and Alice at 18 Market Hill is a must. Dresses from Charlie Bear, Halfpenny London, Rosa Clara and Sassi Holford sit alongside gorgeous Ghost London bridesmaid outfits. Call them on 01394 445082.

WEDDING PETS So many of us would love to include our dogs on our wedding day, but with the focus on having a fabulous time and looking after family and friends, it may not always seem possible. Kesgravebased Amanda’s Ark offers a professional dog chaperone wedding service and can accompany your dog to your big day, for inclusion in your pre and post ceremony wedding photographs. It also offers home dog boarding both before and after your big day.

Owner, Amanda Fraser Fish, tells us: “I have over 18 years’ experience in dog handling and animal care and am fully insured and licensed. Amanda’s Ark take full responsibility for your dogs on the day, which means that your best pals can be part of the wedding photographs, but without one of the wedding party having to be on ‘dog handling duty!’ Our focus is always on the health and safety of the dogs, the public and the venue, whilst at the same time ensuring that we can create the best situations for their involvement in your wedding photographs.” l For more details, go to: www.amandasark.co.uk

SMASHING WINES

S

mashing Wines knows the importance of selecting the perfect wines for the big day!

As French wine specialists concentrating on natural and organic wines produced by small producers, this independent store offers wines you won’t see on the supermarket shelf, and that don’t bust the budget.

From fantastic fizz for when the bride is getting ready to delicious dessert wines to end the wedding breakfast, as well as everything in between, Smashing Wines is passionate about the wines it offers. Private tastings, reduced prices on wedding orders, and all wines offered on a sale or return basis is just part of the Smashing Wines way. l www.smashingwines.co.uk l T: 01394 394007

TRAVEL WITH JULES BESPOKE HONEYMOON PLANNERS

W

e have been booking honeymoons and overseas weddings for years and are experienced at creating the perfect dream trip of a lifetime (even if the couple have different views on what to book!)

Through our insider contacts we have access to thousands of honeymoon offers worldwide, so whatever type of experience you are looking for we can offer added benefits.

Our free of charge HONEYMOON GIFT SERVICE can help raise the value of your honeymoon and can buy you upgrades for flights or special treats!

Make an appointment to come and see us at our office in Easton, or give us a call, and let us take the stress out of planning your trip of a lifetime! l www.travelwithjules.co.uk l T: 01728 748209

BULL INN

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he wonderful Bull Inn, situated on Market Hill directly opposite the Shire Hall and St Mary’s Church, is an ideal venue for smaller, more intimate weddings, catering for up to 55 guests in their recently refurbished function room.

Whether you are looking for a three course meal, hot or cold buffet or have your own menu ideas, pop in and talk to them they can help you plan your perfect day. Sample menus are available on their website: www.bullinnwoodbridge.co.uk l reception@bullinnwoodbridge.co.uk l T: 01394 382089

D

ating back to Elizabethan times, the Shire Hall was built in 1575 by Thomas Seckford and hosts 25 weddings there a year.

Available for ceremonies on weekdays and Saturdays, town clerk Kate Lacey, says: “We can accommodate up to 60 guests at a ceremony and work with our bridal couples ahead of time to ensure they have access to dress the room as they wish. The wedding party is also welcome to use the hall as a backdrop for their wedding photos.”

Angela Hagan, editor of Living In …

Woodbridge is a Shire Hall bride and says: “Getting married there was such a joyous experience - and every time I walk past there now many

SHIRE HALL HAPPINESS For couples looking to tie the knot at a civil ceremony the Shire Hall on Market Hill ticks all the boxes.

years on, I always smile. There’s something very intimate and romantic about it and it connects you to this wonderful town even more.”

For the wedding party the Market Hill has it all, with the building surrounded by the pastel splendour of the town’s ancient inns and restaurants which are perfect for a traditional reception.

In our books Shire Hill is the perfect wedding spot in town. l To find out more about booking your civil wedding ceremony contact Woodbridge Town Council on 01394 383599 or to find out more information visit: www.woodbridgesuffolk.gov.uk/weddings

Pictures by Rhona Murray

BUGGY LOVE!

Putting on weight after having a baby is a common problem … even for men! Living In… Woodbridge’s devoted teen dad Sam Darr on his latest fad: pram running.

“I

whilst spending time as a family and looking after Neave. f by chance you’ve been sat by the Woodbridge So, obviously, we brought her along with us! riverside between the hours of 5pm and 7pm on any We might’ve looked like a pair of idiots running evening over the past few weeks, you may have been together in our running gear with a pram and startled by a sweaty, bearded man charging towards occasionally shouting ‘NEAVE WAKE UP!’ (as we were you with a pram! running way before her bedtime) but it was good fun. It You could have had one of many different reactions to felt like we were spending conscious quality time this: ‘Why is this man doing this?’ together and getting fit at the same time.

‘Why is this cruel father forcing his child to exercise Unfortunately, due to ‘personal with him?’ preference’ and definitely not due ‘Has this man come out for a run “That baby could to laziness, three became two as and stolen a baby?’

Rhona decided that she hated I promise you, I can answer fall asleep at a dirty running. Neave and I had been all of those questions. Because warehouse rave as abandoned and I had to find my I, compromiser and ‘make do’er motivation to run from a grinning of the year 2018, am the fabled long as she was being five month-old baby.

Woodbridge pram runner! pushed around!”

But when I took Neave with me For months, I had hesitantly on my first run without Rhona, we two-stepped either side of the line realised that it was an even better formula than before. I dividing ‘go for a run’ and ‘you don’t have time.’ I’d was still keeping fit, Rhona was having a bit of peace and somehow managed to put on more weight during my quiet and the baby was winding down for the evening. partner Rhona’s pregnancy than she had herself and, That baby could fall asleep at a dirty warehouse rave as although I maintain I did so out of genuine sympathy, I long as she was being pushed around. It’s an odd was keen to shift it after our daughter, Neave, was born. concept, I’ll accept that. But it’s a concept that works for As a working Dad, I love to relax with my family. My my family and moulds itself nicely to our situation, so I’m daughter is only awake for a couple of hours after I get happy to carry on with it. home before she heads off for some broken sleep, so to If you, like me, find yourself making excuses for not take 45 minutes every other night to work-out made me keeping healthy, my advice to you would be to ease it feel as though my priorities were a bit skewed. into your everyday life. Don’t try and shoehorn an intense But, as my partner and I tucked in to a second workout in to your otherwise sedentary routine; you’ll takeaway of the week, we looked at each other with implode. Make it work for you and you’ll really enjoy it. guilt. I lie; we ate our chow mein first and then looked at P.S. If you see someone running towards you with a each with guilt. We knew that our lifestyle wasn’t a large pram, please move!” healthy one, and we had to do something about it before we forgot how to pronounce the word ‘cucumber.’

We made our weekly food shop more health-conscious, PRAM BAM, THANKYOU MAM! and with that a lot more expensive, and had a look l Just had a baby and want to get fit, like around for ways that we could both keep active whilst Sam, without being parted from your looking after our daughter properly. We found the NHS’s littlie? 13 Fitness runs the Buggy Fitness Couch to 5K programme which promised to turn us from Club which is a chance to restore your slobs into 5k runners in nine weeks and decided to give it body confidence and have fun with other a go. parents. Boxing, core and toning exercise But, taking turns every evening going for a run would to music. Free parking, toilets and have taken away a large chunk of our evening time WhatsApp support. Call: 07522 007002. together as a family. We had to think of a way to get fit ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

21

STREET LIFE

Julia Hancock, business manager of Selig, the charity which runs the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter project and Hope Into Action, talks frankly about homelessness and what we can ALL do to help …

A lot of people think they are helping the homeless when they give money, but it’s not necessarily the case is it?

Sadly no. The first thing people need to know is that homelessness is a much broader issue than just rough sleeping. And rough sleeping is a very different issue to begging and a lot of public perception is that begging and rough sleeping and homelessness are all the same and they’re really not …

In my job I very quickly learnt to separate those three things. I realised that some people who beg are not homeless and very few people who are homeless beg and, in my first hand experience of working with the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter over two winters now, most people who beg are using that money to fund substance abuse. And that’s come from what they’ve told me and from what I have seen; that is not me being cynical.

It’s a complicated issue …

Yes but I try, wherever possible, to bust these myths about begging because it’s a big problem. When I say; ‘please don’t give money to people begging,’ they might think that I’m being hard-nosed or that I’ve somehow ‘turned’ and that the system has brainwashed me. We see the effect of begging - when guests come back to the night shelter after they’ve blown the lot on drugs, it’s utterly heartbreaking. If I could stand by beggars on the street and plead with people to not give them money then I would. It’s destroying their lives.

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

22

What sort of drugs?

Predominantly class A and illegal prescription drugs. I’m yet to meet a drug user who only uses one drug. In my experience they use whatever they can get and the more money they can get, the more dangerous stuff they can buy.

Begging is tough because it provides them with an economy they can manage and whilst managing that they don’t tackle anything else. With our guests who beg, the minute they wake up they are out of the door like whippets on a starter line - they want the best spot to beg from in town, they feel dreadful and they want their fix. If they’re doing well they then don’t come back to the shelter as they would rather beg and get more money and more gear rather than come and have dinner and be out of the cold. And that is just awful. So they’ll be telling people who walk past that they need money to stay in a hostel but the reality is that it’s doing the exact opposite – it’s keeping them out of accommodation and more importantly their day becomes entirely about the business of begging and (drug) using rather than attending vital medical or housing appointments. One guest recently told me that at the height of his use, he was getting enough money to be injecting nine times a day. That is utterly horrific.

This might make people feel bad who have given money in the past…

I know but the average lifespan of someone with that lifestyle is mid forties.

Even in Ipswich people in that world are dying that young. And begging is funding it so it’s a really difficult message to deliver. Also, I know how believable beggars are. I have learnt to try very hard

to remember all of this in my work.

Another myth to bust is that people who beg are not entitled to benefits.

Nearly everyone I know who is begging are entitled to benefits, so this perception that they need money to live - they don’t.

Actually, they don’t have any overheads, their benefits are going further than someone who is trying to, say, pay their rent and bills. Life on the streets is also brutal. There’s a huge amount of violence associated in the local drug world.

Should we give them food and drink?

From what I’ve been told by people who beg they often stockpile food to eat later – they hide it behind them so they don’t look like they’ve been given anything. The danger is that a warm burger and chips or sausage roll might be being eaten four hours later or more and it could upset their stomach. My advice would be to give them something which keeps, so a cheese sandwich would be far better than a hot meal.

It seems homelessness even arrived in Woodbridge recently – a lot of people were moved to help …

Compassion is a great quality and I don’t want to discourage anyone here but there’s a lot of help out there (see below).

We do hear reports of people kindly donating items like clothes, shoes and duvets. It’s hard to understand, I know, but believe me, that stuff will be taken to a Cash Converters and sold. We had a night shelter guest last winter who was a drug user and her feet were in a very bad way – we do have lovely volunteer podiatrists who come in and help. But we knew she needed decent shoes so I went to a charity shop and found a new pair which fitted her perfectly … she’d sold them by the following night. Everything comes behind their addiction. I learnt a huge amount from her.

We have focused on begging so far, what sort of people arrive at the night shelter as rough sleepers?

Anyone, literally anyone. Very often you will walk into the shelter and it’s hard to differentiate between the guests and volunteers, it’s alarming. There are

common themes to homelessness – often a relationship might break down and it will be the male partner who leaves the house so that the female and children can stay. It might be the death of a partner or parents that lead to people being without a home. We have some guests with a cash flow blip and fall into arrears with a private landlord who shows very little mercy and before they know it, they’re out. There’s the ‘hidden homeless’ where people are sleeping in their cars or on other people’s sofas. Universal credit is really tough and is impacting on to a lot of households and pushing people into debt that’s very hard to get out of. The introduction of zero hours contracts hasn’t helped nor the bedroom tax. An important thing to consider is that, for most of us, if any of these things happened then our friends and family would step in and help and it wouldn’t take long for us to get back on the right track. For the people who end up coming to us it will be that they haven’t got that support network.

It’s very sad …

Yes it is. If they’re arriving here saying nobody will put them up and they’ve no

countless professionals to help these people and my experience of them is that they all go that extra mile. It’s a sector full of compassionate people – even if you’re being told that nobody’s doing anything for them. Go to: www.streetlink.org.uk Also, tell them about the housing option team at their local library and maybe ask them if they have reported themselves as homeless to the local

“If I could stand by beggars on the street and plead with people not to give them money, I would; it’s destroying lives” help, then there’s often something much more complicated there.

Substance abuse, mental health and behavioural issues are all interlinked and are the main reasons why a support network might have stepped away or given up. And there’s no quick fix. The problems are complex and often go back years and years and it will take a lot of trust and support to start to unpick that.

So what is the help out there for them?

There is an outreach worker in Suffolk Coastal who makes sure these people get the support they need. So there are paid professionals who want to find these people and work with them. Mrs Miggins, who might be walking past, really doesn’t have to take the problem on herself. In Woodbridge the council’s housing options team hold sessions to give great housing advice at the library on Mondays and Fridays.

So what else can we do to help?

The first thing to do is to consider the implication of your response to a beggar and I would really recommend talking to them and asking first if you can get them a drink or something to eat - but not if you feel, in any way, that your personal safety is at risk. Maybe ask their name and say you want to report them to Street Link - you have to register online, you can’t phone now, but I think it only takes a minute and then be aware that there are

council? Fascinatingly, a lot of homeless people haven’t. Though another myth to bust is that not everybody has a right to be housed. If you or I became homeless I doubt we’d be considered as priority unless we had children or were vulnerable health-wise.

Can people give money another way?

Yes supporting charities and organisations already working in the field is vital. Hope Into Action is a charity set up to to fight homelessness by finding homes rather than just a bed for the night. We have got two houses locally – one in Woodbridge and the other in Ipswich – though excitingly, we hope to have another two in the next year. We want our tenants to have a fresh start, they’re just guys or girls renting a house. People can invest in the house and they will get a return for their money – not the going rental rate but they’ll also know that their investment is doing a lot of good. We have turned lives around (read ‘James’s’ story overleaf).

Being homeless is traumatic for people, it’s like they’ve fallen off the conveyor belt of life and they feel like they’re never going to get back on again. We can help them get back on again. l Do you want to help? The Ipswich Night Shelter is currently recruiting volunteers.

For more information on that and the work of Hope Into Action go to: www.selig.org.uk Continued ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

23

BREATHTAKING

Yarmouth Road, Melton

REBUILDING LIVES …

Homeless father James Owen tells Living In … that Hope Into Action helped turn his life around.

J

ames (whose name has been changed to protect his identity) has lived for a few months now in a local Hope Into Action house which offers homeless people the chance of supported accommodation within the community.

There is another such house in Ipswich and two more on their way. James says his life spiralled when he went to prison and lost his children but his new home has enabled him to “meet new people and make a new start.”

Selig’s Business Manager, Julia Hancock,

says: “James is one of our newest tenants.

He moved in with just one bag of belongings but by the end of the first week he had new clothes, a bicycle and a cupboard full of food. All thanks to our supporters. James has found a part-time job and has started a course. We are incredibly proud of his determination to rebuild his life.”

How it works is that a church and/or investors will provide the funds for Hope Into Action to acquire a house. The rent or housing benefit received will pay a return

This charming period property boasts an abundance of distinctive features including turrets, a stunning open fireplace, original doors, flooring and even an original fitted dresser in the kitchen. With rooms overlooking established trees, the Church and beyond, it is also perfectly placed for good access to the railway station, River Deben and the shops and facilities within Woodbridge.

Arranged over four floors with the further addition of the tower, there is a multitude of adaptable space on offer here. The fireplace in the formal lounge is the striking focal point of the room. Ideally tucked away from the main living area, the lower ground floor has a superb laundry room and leading off is another reception room ideal for a cosy family room/snug.

Walking through the hall to the dining kitchen, there is a real feeling of country estate living with a recess for a range cooker as well as a Belfast sink. French doors from here lead outside, where the flagged patio, flower

onCall the investment.

Into Action willday us 8am Hope - 10pm every provide the tenants with professional support in the form of referrals, needs assessments, key working, sign-posting, tenancy, benefits, rent collection etc. And the church will provide tenants with a sense of community through befriending, GUIDE PRICE mentoring, practical support and prayer.

- £900,000 Julia says: £800,000 “Being able to help someone build their way back to independent living is a real privilege. During the last few months two of our tenants have moved from one of our Hope into Action homes in to their own one bedroom flats. We helped them move and continued to work with them for a few weeks to make sure they were settling in. They know that they can contact us at any time in the future if they need us - but they are both now able to maintain a tenancy, thanks to lots of loving support from our volunteers and staff.” l If you’d like to invest in a house or for further details, go to: www.selig.org.uk call 01473 487010 or email office@selig.org.uk

beds and lawn are a beautiful setting for summer gatherings. The grounds have an air of a garden pantry to them, with sleeper borders ideal for vegetables, herbs or flowers and the trellis with established clematis climber produces vanilla scented flowers twice a year.

At first floor there is a split level landing leading to the main bedroom and two further bedrooms and bathroom. The elegant touches in the main bedroom are once again another example of how sympathetically maintained this home is. The main bathroom has a walk in shower with modern vintage tiling, which is perfectly in keeping with its period and with the further addition of a clawfoot bath, it feels like stepping back in time.

The second floor landing has double curtains opening into the guest suite. Steps lead to sitting area and then a dressing area and en suite bathroom. Leading from the landing are steps leading up to the tower where five windows give stunning elevated views of Woodbridge and beyond.

Call Jo at the Woodbridge office

01394 382 244

8am - 10pm every day haart.co.uk

of WOODBRIDGE

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Our round-up of all that’s happening locally on the business front …

ONE FOR THE CHAPS Recently opened on Church Street is gentleman’s outfitters Taisce – a welcome addition to Woodbridge’s portfolio of independent shops.

Pronounced ‘Tash-ka’ (Irish-Gaelic for ‘to store the things you value’) the store is a treasure trove of stylishly curated menswear, all made with quality, innovation and sustainability in mind.

Owner Tom Leeper says: “It’s important to us that we know who makes our clothes and that they’re durable. Our jackets and coats for example have Teflon woven into the fabric so they can be worn whatever the weather.”

Having been brought up in

Thomas Mortimer, 16, has joined his mother, Linda and brother Dale, in the family business, Mortimers estate agency, on Church Street.

“It’s lovely having Thomas join the family firm but it will be a long time before he’s valuing property,” says Linda. “Whilst working with us, Thomas will be studying

hard and plans to take his NFOPP level three award in the Sale of Residential Property, and then progressing on to train for his Dip DEA.” l www.mortimersestate agents.co.uk

SCANDI SHOWROOM WOWS CUSTOMERS!

Suffolk, and with a grandmother that lived in Woodbridge, Tom is delighted to call town home.

“I’ve also been given such a warm welcome by all the other shopkeepers in Church Street and on Market Hill; we couldn’t have got off to a better start.” l www.taisce.co.uk

UNLOCKING PROPERTY WEALTH For homeowners looking to release capital from their property to embark on home renovations, pay off outstanding debts, help the grandchildren with a deposit for a house, or take that holiday of a lifetime, Premier Equity Release can help.

Independent brokers based in Needham Market, the company reviews all lenders in the market and offers clients the best options to meet their needs.

Tracey Lucas of the company says: “Increasingly, equity release mortgages are looking attractive to homeowners over 55 as there are no affordability checks and interest rates are fixed for the lifetime of the loan. You can choose

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Ipswich-based Volvo retailer, Donalds Garage, celebrates the opening of an impressive new multimillion-pound showroom at Futura Park.

Relocating from their old site on West End Road, the new site follows Volvo’s Retail Experience concept, which reflects the brand’s Scandinavian design philosophy. The Showroom area follows a typically

Nordic open-plan theme but, crucially, 40% of the available floor space becomes ‘the living room’ – a luxurious oasis with wood and leather furnishings.

Large interior glazing allows service customers to see into the workshop to watch technicians attend to their cars.

Dan Le Cocq, retailer principal at Donald’s Garage, says: “Our recent refurbishment isn’t just about a change of furniture, it’s designed to make our customers feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas. l www.volvocars ipswich.co.uk

OFFERS OVER …

whether to repay interest and the loan is only repayable when the second person in a couple dies or goes into permanent care.

“The lifetime mortgages on offer open up a world of possibilities to homeowners and we’re happy for people to visit us in Needham Market to learn more, or to make home visits.” l www.premierequity release.co.uk

On a recent visit to Cornerstone Residential, the local Rightmove rep reported that sales conversions stood at 50% locally. But as David Farrow says: “We were then delighted when he told us our Rightmove conversion rate stands at a healthy 69%”.

Never taking on an instruction for the sake of simply having a larger portfolio, and often adopting an ‘offers over’ philosophy, the Market Hill-based agency allows a property to find its own value in the marketplace.

“Buying a house shouldn’t be on a first-come-first-served basis,” continues David.

“A successful sale is all about determining what both sides –

vendors and sellers – believe is a fair price for a property.

“Those first weeks are prime for achieving the highest price. Our job is to encourage maximum footfall to viewings, which in turn offers more options for the vendor.” l www.cornerstone residential.co.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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“I WAS KBB’S VERY FIRST CUSTOMER WHEN THEY SET THE BUSINESS UP MANY YEARS AGO AND SO THIS IS THE SECOND KITCHEN THEY’VE PUT IN FOR ME. They’re great lads - anything I wanted tweaking wasn’t a problem for them. We came up with different ideas together and they were very professional and accommodating. I know other people who have used them who have been really pleased too.” Sophia Forman

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.

RAY PAYNE OF HINTLESHAM HALL SET KBB A TALL CHALLENGE ... TO REFURBISH AND DESIGN THE LUXURY HOTEL’S BATHROOM SUITES “With 32 individually designed and decorated bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, we are always looking to find that little extra in terms of style but reminding ourselves we are a hotel and whatever fixtures, fittings and design we choose has to be practical and durable. Working with KBB we have created new bathrooms at the Hall that have thrilled our customers and have helped those rooms to be one of our most frequently requested from repeat guests. Given a brief from the hotel, KBB provided expert advice in choosing the right fittings for the bathroom suite we had envisaged at the Hall.”

L a rg e S h ow ro o m : 8 5 D a l e s Ro a d , I p sw i c h , S u f fo l k I P 1 4 J R www.t h e k b b ce n t re.co. u k Te l : 01 473 74 2 2 0 0

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

FORWARD PLANNING

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

Now’s the time to be thinking about how you’d like your garden to look for 2019, says Justin Bewick

interpreting the brief and once the design is finalised and approved, we then deliver a garden you’ll be proud of.”

Ensuring every element of a client’s vision is incorporated is key for Justin Snipe Landscaping & Construction and his team. “It’s important to get the fullest brief possible to ensure no elements are overlooked and in years to 0 7 ith 7 4summer 7 8 0garden 5 5 9colours 9 come the conversation is all about the almost a distant memory, dream garden having been created, www.snipelandscaping.co.uk Info@snipelawns.co.uk now’s the time to think rather than what was left out.” ahead and start planning Appreciating that everyone needs to for the garden you want to enjoy in work within a budget, a full quotation is 2019. always provided prior to commencing a “This time of year, it’s easy to turn our project. “We don’t like to surprise backs on everything that’s happening customers with any hidden extras, so outside. But, in fact it’s the perfect time our quotations break down every aspect to start planning any changes and of the job including materials, labour getting inspiration for new groundwork and the hire of any plant equipment we projects or may need. considering new We also include “We don’t like to planting themes,” quotes for a says Justin Bewick of range of different surprise customers Snipe Landscaping material options. and Construction.

Revamping a with any hidden “Increasingly garden can extras” clients come to us in require the autumn, keen to compromise, progress garden design projects during which is often achieved through the the winter months, so that everything is choice of materials selected, for example planted up, growing and ready to be treated softwood rather than oak enjoyed next spring. hardwood, or composite pavers versus “Perhaps your garden is classically natural stone.” themed, and you’ve always have always Requesting an initial deposit prior to hankered for a more contemporary feel. the commencement of works, and Or, you’re keen to add a cart lodge or phased payments during the period of garden studio in which to pursue your the project, Justin and the Snipe team artistic hobbies or start a new business pride themselves on doing a job well. As from. But,” adds Justin, “a new look he says: “Once we’ve started working for doesn’t necessarily mean a total revamp. a client, we’re frequently asked to return “Sometimes the addition of a new to do other jobs for them or they interesting feature or the introduction of recommend us to family and friends.” new textures is all that’s needed to With its new website just launched transform an outdoor living space. This Snipe Landscaping and Construction is could be in the form of on-trend gabions, going from strength to strength. metal cages filled with natural stones, “Sometimes I have to pinch myself to introducing a slate pathway; or investing remember how far we’ve come since in a modern hardwood pergola. And, founding the company back in 2015 and don’t forget maintenance-free lawns how great it is to be doing something could be the perfect answer if you’re not you love. And now, like many of our keen on mowing the grass.” clients, I’m looking forward to planning Working with Snipe Landscaping and creating some new garden spaces all means there’s no need to hire multiple ready to be enjoyed in 2019.” contractors to complete your garden transformation project. As Justin says: l To get in touch with Justin, call 07747 805 599 “With an expert team to hand, skilled in l For more information go to: taking-on all aspects of garden design www.snipelandscaping.com and planting, we work with you,

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From Top: A classic pergola enhances a paved area; a covered area is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the day; elegant planting brightens up the smallest of spaces; horizontal fencing adds on-trend look and feel; a contemporary pergola

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

EVENTS

JUST FOR LAUGHS! A beginners’ improv course has just started in town, and it sounds like a scream …

“D

on’t prepare; just show up!”

That’s the advice given by Alex Menhams, a facilitator, trainer and coach, and his colleague Justine de Mierre, a professional performer and facilitator herself. Both are local and are running a six-week improv course at St John’s church hall which sounds like a barrel of laughs.

“People tend to over-plan what they do,” explains Alex, who has delivered leadership development training to companies ranging from Shell through to Adnams.

“Anyone can do improv – it’s just about having a good time. It will help in lots of ways, but not necessarily in ways you expect.

It’s about letting go, really.

“We are programmed to try to get things right and not make mistakes but the bits that go wrong are often the funny bits. People get a sense of confidence and learn to get better at collaborating. But mostly, it’s fun.”

Alex says you don’t need any past

acting, comedy or improvisational experience to join the course – just an open mind.

“And it’s not stand-up – you won’t be alone on a stage and you won’t be telling jokes. And no, you don’t have to be funny – just come as you are and we’ll take care of the rest.”

Each session consists of a few light-hearted warm-ups, some exercises and games to learn – new skills which will help create entertaining scenes and characters as part of a team.”

So, what about first night nerves?

“The best things come with butterflies,” he smiles.

“We ran some taster events earlier in the year and they were a success – most of the people who came on them are coming back. They’re a mixed group of all ages.”

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

“Anyone can do improv – it’s just about having a good time” Left: Course coaches Justine and Alex teach participants the improvisational skills of play, spontaneity, character and story

l If you’re interested in joining Alex and Justine’s next taster event, go to www.theunqualifiedyes.com

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Sixth Form Open Evening TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2018 | 6.30pm

01394 615041 www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

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

THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CARE …

A happy and fulfilling life with new friends

R Clockwise from top: The centre is located on the outskirts of the village near the forest; residents enjoy a homely living environment; a varied menu is provided and dietary needs are effectively met

endlesham Care Centre is a modern luxury care home in the village of Rendlesham close to the market town of Woodbridge, offering the highest standards of residential, nursing and dementia care.

Rated ‘Good’ by the CQC across all areas, the home offers a choice of beautifully appointed rooms with bespoke care plans designed to suit each resident. The highly-skilled nurses and carers take the time to get to know all residents and to listen to their individual stories to provide a lifestyle at Rendlesham they’ll love, that’s designed so they can call it home.

The home manager, Joanne Rix, and her team have been chosen for their ability to create a home with care and wellbeing as central principles, where residents are encouraged to enjoy maximum independence.

With a light and spacious

environment, residents can spend time with new friends in the shared lounges and dining rooms. Our activities coordinator provides a varied programme of events suited to the residents’ wishes and needs, from trips to local sights and shows, to quizzes and entertainment in the lounge.

Rendlesham Care Centre is also ideally equipped to provide residential support for elderly people living with different types of dementia, including: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Korsakoff’s syndrome.

We’re proud that the awardwinning care includes a full range of residential, nursing and specialist dementia support, including trial stays, short-stay breaks and convalescence.

Caring Homes has 22 years’ experience of delivering high quality award-winning care across the UK and was founded by mother

YOUR BRAND NEW FREE HOMES & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JOANNE RIX HOME MANAGER, RENDLESHAM CARE CENTRE “As the manager of Rendlesham Care Centre I enjoy nothing more than meeting new people and listening to the stories they have to tell. Everyone is different, and this should be reflected in the care they are given. I want to ensure that both the care teams and residents at Rendlesham are happy living and working here. Rendlesham is a lovely home with a real family feel created by the care team and residents that live and work here.

Our care centre is ideally equipped to provide residential support for elderly people living with different types of dementia, including: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Korsakoff’s syndrome.

Our award-winning care offers a full range of residential, nursing and specialist dementia support, including trial stays, short-stay breaks and convalescence.” and son Helena and Paul Jeffery.

In 2016 the company received a Princess Royal Training Award for its Living in My World in-house dementia training programme.

FIND OUT MORE For further information or to book an appointment to view Rendlesham Care Centre: l Freephone 0808 223 5401 l www.caringhomes.org/ rendlesham l Rendlesham Care Centre, Suffolk Drive, Rendlesham, Suffolk IP12 2TP

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TURKISH STREET FOOD ISTANBUL

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The Galley Restaurant 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 4LX 01394 380055 www.galley.uk.com

ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

DOG

PETS

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

“Often called a cutie, my name is Luna and I’m a chihuahua/ Yorkie cross. I’m quite a big girl now – I’m one year and nine months old – and just love hanging out at home with my owner Emma and her parents Kim and Miguel.

I live in Tunstall and life couldn’t be rosier. My sister Mabel only lives next door with Emma’s neighbour Nicky, and my other sister, Bella, lives with Emma’s sister Yolanda. We girls are always catching up with each other.

One of my favourite places ever is the playing field just behind our house, as I can run free and there’s so many good smells to enjoy. I have to admit I’m not so keen when we go on adventures in the forest as it’s full of non-doggy smells and, being on the petite side, I’m always a bit anxious about who I might encounter.

At my happiest in the company of my family and other humans, I’m quite the ace when it comes to tricks, and am very pleased with myself as I recently perfected my high five.”

Pictured: Local dog Luna is a cross between a chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier, otherwise known as a chorkie

Dessert Delights

The Froize, Chillesford Thursday, 25th October If the idea of spending an evening enjoying a host of delicious desserts appeals, then book your ticket for this one-off special pudding club, organised

by The Hearing Care Centre.

The evening gets underway with a selection of Suffolk tapas,

followed by a feast of homemade desserts guaranteed to take your breath away.

And, when you can eat no more, there’s entertainment, foodie competitions and a prize draw, with all proceeds going to the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Tickets are £20 per person – call 01473 230330 or visit www.hearing carecentre.co.uk/puddings

Creatives on the Hill

Shire Hall, Woodbridge Saturday 13th October/Saturday 17th November Hosted every third Saturday of the month (10am – 2.30pm) on Market Hill, Woodbridge Creative Arts celebrates the fab local artistic talent we have here in town and provides a regular showcase for members’ art (see Adrian Mills, above) including paintings, prints and handmade jewellery.

Seize the chance to start your Christmas shopping early with some unique and beautiful gifts, or why not treat yourself? www.facebook.com/woodbridgecreativearts

OUT

AND ABOUT!

Here’s our round-up of some fab things to do here in town and further afield Rough Stuff Riding

Butley Sunday, 4th November For cyclists keen to head off-track, this year’s Rough Stuff 25k charity ride is a must. Organised by Woodbridge Rotary, the ride kicks off at Butley Village Hall with the first group of cyclists leaving at 9.30am and thereafter at short intervals. For the brave and the bold there’s an optional additional 5k route.

Registration and entry forms are available on the Rotary Club website and registration on the day is available from 8am. Entry fee is £6 and cycle helmets are mandatory for insurance purposes.

All proceeds are being split between Bike Active, a charity based at Alton Water which supports cyclists with special needs, and other charities supported by Rotary. Sponsorship forms are also available for riders wishing to raise funds for personal charities. www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk ISSUE ONE… SUMMER 2016

34

Getting Arty Online

Anywhere, Anytime This one’s a bit different but well worth a mention. Local artist Samantha Barnes has started a Facebook group – The Can Do Art Club. Open to everyone who fancies doing something arty, it’s the perfect forum to reignite an artistic passion, or taking your first creative steps.

To join is free and the club includes enjoyable exercises as well as ideas for projects in painting, drawing and more.

With 140 members already, sign up to find out more and enjoy! www.facebook.com/groups/ candoartclub/

Spooky Family Fun

Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge Friday, 26th October A fang-tastic way to celebrate Halloween this year is at Ufford Park Hotel’s Family Fun Disco. Suitable for children of all ages, the spooky fun kicks off at 6pm and wraps up at 11pm way before any vampires

are out and about. The perfect opportunity to have a good old family boogie, tickets cost £9.50 per adult, £3 for children aged 5–12, and 0–4 years go free. Nachos and chips are available to buy.

Due to popular demand, tickets must be purchased in advance. www.uffordpark.co.uk

Town or Country?

Top Quality Residential Care We can guide you through every step and arrange a visit to the Kingsley home that best suits your needs.

Woodbridge Lodge for the best residential care

Call us today on 01394 380 289 or visit www.woodbridgelodge.care

5 Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4JJ Allonsfield House for tranquil country living and quality care

Call us today on 01728 747 095 or visit allonsfieldhouse.care

Church Farm, Campsea Ashe, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 0PX We provide the following key services, Residential care

Dementia care

www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk

Respite care