YOUR FREE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO
ISSUE NO: 09
|
JANUARY
|
FEBRUARY
|
MARCH
|
APRIL
|
2020
NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS CELEBRATING 1000 YEARS OF THE ABBEY OF ST EDMUND
SCARESVILLE FAIRTRADE RETURNS TO FORTNIGHT KENTWELL HALL FUNDRAISING HERITAGE ICKWORTH OPEN DAYS UNCOVERED
RING QUEST RETURNS!
2020 Events in West Suffolk in partnership with
ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC / THEATRE COMEDY / DAYS OUT / INTERVIEWS w w w.w h a t s o n w e s t s u f f o l k . c o . u k
THE ATHENÆUM B ury S t E dmundS
Pick Your Perk Day Delegate Package ●
£34.00 + VAT PER PERSON
Dedicated duty manager on the day ●
Hire of the main meeting room ● ●
All standard AV equipment ● ●
●
£32.00 + VAT PER PERSON
Wireless internet access Flipchart and pens Delegate stationery
Three servings of refreshments (tea/coffee) ● ●
THE ATHENÆUM
Finger buffet lunch
B ury S t E dmundS
Pre-bookable parking Pick your perk
(choose one of the following)
1. Complimentary networking session after the meeting with a glass of sparkling wine or soft drink 2. Complimentary light breakfast before the meeting 3. Complimentary snack pots with the afternoon break 4. Complimentary break-out room *T&Cs apply
GIVE US A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR BUSINESS REQUIREMENT!
THE ATHENAEUM, ANGEL HILL, BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK, IP33 1LU enquiries.athenaeum.uk@sodexo.com | 01284 758 380 | www.athenaeumbse.co.uk THE APEX, CHARTER SQUARE, BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK, IP33 3FD enquiries.apex.uk@sodexo.com | 01284 758 390 | www.theapex.co.uk
HELLO, AND WELCOME to the first What’s On West Suffolk Magazine of 2020! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and we are looking forward to a very exciting year ahead in our region. 2020 marks the 1000 year anniversary of the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund. You can expect many celebrations this year across Bury St Edmunds to commemorate the occasion. In May there will be a procession of 100 Benedictine monks and nuns for the first time in 500 years since the dissolution of the monasteries. There will also be a number of community projects going on too; find out more about the occasion by turning to page 14.
As always, our pages are full of local events and information. Find out about the return of Ring Quest at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village on page 11 and what’s on at The Apex from page 31. You can find out more about all the events running across West Suffolk online at www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk What’s On West Suffolk is provided by West Suffolk Council (previously St Edmundsbury Borough Council) as part of the authorities support for leisure and the arts as well as healthier communities. Councillor Jo Rayner Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture and District Councillor for Abbeygate
CONTENTS
5
11 8 32
18
36
05
WEST SUFFOLK PARKS
09
MOYSE’S HALL MUSEUM
11
WEST STOW ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE & COUNTRY PARK
14
BURY ST EDMUNDS AND BEYOND
17
ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
18
BURY ST EDMUNDS THEATRE ROYAL
22
ICKWORTH HOUSE, PARKLAND AND GARDENS
23
KENTWELL HALL
24
HAVERHILL ARTS CENTRE
26
DISCOVER NEWMARKET
29
ARC SHOPPING CENTRE
31
THE APEX
39
OUR BURY ST EDMUNDS 2020 EVENTS
41
THE ATHENAEUM
42
NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS
43
SUFFOLK LIBRARIES
47
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2020
49
BURY ST EDMUNDS TOUR GUIDES
50
BURY ST EDMUNDS GUILDHALL
DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING Joe Marritt E: joe.marritt@micropress.co.uk
PRODUCTION TEAM Ian Clarke, Jennie Martin, Chloe Cawston, Georgia Watson (West Suffolk Council) T: 01284 758000 E: events@whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
Published by COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS
Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800
To advertise an event with us please contact: events@whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk Printed by MICROPRESS PRINTER LTD
Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Andrew Hirst T: 01502 725860 E: andrew@H2creativemedia.co.uk
ADVERTISING SALES Rob Fosbrook T: 01502 725876 M: 07780 430706 E: rob@H2creativemedia.co.uk
Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk
Diane Green E: diane.green@micropress.co.uk T: 07988 867483
Jade Soanes T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk Simon Tooth T: 01502 725838 E: simontooth@micropress.co.uk
TERMS & CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Countrywide Publications. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at the time of print, and you are encouraged to contact the businesses and venues prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Publisher including contributors. COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS IS A TRADING NAME OF MICROPRESS PRINTERS LTD.
spring GET READY FOR
Great deals on bikes, scooters, accessories and repairs at your local family bike shop this new year.
14 Chamberlayne Road Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP32 7EY (between Matalan & Homebase)
www.cycleking.co.uk
Photography: Phil Morley
1.
WEST SUFFO PARKS LK
SPRING WILDLIFE SPOTTING
2.
As we head towards the spring months, the days are slowly lengthening and by the Spring Equinox on the 21 March the day and night will be of equal length. During this time the spring sunshine is bringing about new life. Flower buds are �lourishing, animals come out of hibernation and birds are in full song.
3.
4.
5.
Here are a few things to spot on your walks in our parks during the springtime: 1. Migrant birds In March chiffchaffs and sand martins will arrive, before cuckoos, swallows and house martins join them in April. 2. Frogs and toads Look for frog spawn in our ponds and when you see some you’ll know spring is on the way! 3. Snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells Our parks are full of spring flowers, starting with snowdrops and daffodils from February and then bluebells in April. Nowton Park is well known for its stunning display of over 100,000 daffodils along Lime Avenue – a sight to see in spring! 4. Bumblebees Bumblebees return in March to search for spring flowers. The queen bee will feed and search for a site to nest and lay her first eggs which will become the worker bees. Spot her as she flies from flower to flower collecting pollen. 5. Ducklings Breeding season for Mallards generally sees ducklings arrive from March to July. This joyous sight will be seen throughout our parks during the spring months. Mallards lay between 8 and 13 eggs at one time and will sit on the nest for 28 days before they hatch.
Photos: Phil Morley
SOWING SEEDS FOR 2020 NOW IS THE TIME TO SOW YOUR SEEDS ready for a blooming good garden this summer. During February you can start to sow your seeds indoors and then outdoors from April or May. This is a fun activity that all the family can enjoy together. Easy to grow seeds include Cosmos, Nasturtium, Sunflower and Marigold. You’ll need seed compost, a container and watering can. Clean out the container and fill with potting compost. Pat down and then make a hole where the seed will go, you can do this with a pencil. Pop in the seeds and cover up with compost. Give them a little water and write a label so you know what has been planted in each container. Sit back and watch them grow over the coming months. Why not try growing sunflowers and have a competition to see which will grow the tallest!
05
T A G N I R P S WEST SUFFOLK PARKS SEASONAL EVENTS AT WEST SUFFOLK PARKS WOODLAND CHAIRS WORKSHOP
East Town Park, Haverhill Sun 19 Jan and Sun 16 Feb Woodland Chairs: Make your own unique green-wood chair. No experience necessary. This is an introduction of green woodworking. Using wood sourced from East Town Park, participants of any level can make a woodland chair. No complicated joints involved, and all tools are supplied.
It won’t be long until our parks come out of hibernation and blossom with new life once more. Get ready to see snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells, spot lambs, frogs and ducklings. It’s a beautiful time of year full of hope and rebirth. Our parks will be hosting a number of events to celebrate the season, including workshops, children’s activities and Easter hunts. Learn which materials to collect to make a fire and the art of lighting it. Cook on the open fire. Over 16’s only.
NATIONAL BIRD BOX WEEK
East Town Park, Haverhill Tues 18 Feb Help the rangers make new nest boxes for the park, and make and take home a box for the birds in your garden.
DEN BUILDING
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Wed 19 Feb Enjoy wild activities in Nowton Park woods. Build secret dens and shelters and camouflage them with leaves and brash. Make sure they are waterproof, because they will be tested! Learn fire lighting techniques and cook marshmallows over an open fire.
YOUNG ADULT BUSHCRAFT DAY
PRIMITIVE FIRELIGHTING
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Sun 19 Jan Come to Nowton Park for a day of coaching in primitive fire lighting. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the course. Suitable for 16 -101 years.
ADULT BUSHCRAFT DAY
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Sun 2 Feb Come to Nowton Park for a day of coaching in outdoor living. Learn to build various shelters using natural materials from the woodland. 06
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Sat 29 Feb Come to Nowton Park for a day of coaching in outdoor living. Learn to build various shelters using natural materials from the woodland. Discover which materials to collect to make a fire and the art of lighting it, then cook on the open fire.
WILLOW WEAVING WORKSHOP
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Sun 8 March Create your own handmade willow obelisk for your garden. Learn the process of willow weaving from park rangers and construct a beautiful structure perfect for growing sweet peas, beans and other climbing plants and vegetables. Refreshments are provided too!
ADULTS WILLOW WORKSHOP
East Town Park, Haverhill Sun 8 March and Sun 15 March A chance to make your own willow obelisk for sweet peas, clematis or other garden climbers. These create an attractive feature in the garden. All tools and materials, plus tea/coffee supplied. Bring a packed lunch if you wish.
STAR PARTY
Nowton Park Fri 27 and Sat 28 March If you’d like to discover more about the vastness of space and the endless wonders of the Universe, then look no further than your local Athenaeum Astronomy Association (AAA). They will guide you through the night sky, provide do’s and don’ts to observing and what equipment to use, whilst providing a great opportunity to discuss the cosmos with likeminded people. To find out about their regular meetings and their project to restore the Victorian observatory and telescope in the historical Athenaeum building in Bury St Edmunds, visit www.3a.org.uk Also, twice a year the AAA host Star Party events at Nowton Park, thanks to West Suffolk Council. This is a fabulous opportunity for adults and children to be guided through the night sky, engage with astronomy activities and learn about the cosmos. The next star party events will be on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March with tickets (£5 adult, £3 child) available through www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk.
WEST STOW -A CELEBRATION 420-2020
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park Sat 28 and Sun 29 March West Stow opens its doors with FREE entry to
NOWTON PARK’S AMAZING EASTER EGG HUNT
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Wed 8 & Thurs 9 April The Easter Bunny has hidden all of his Easter eggs in the Nowton Park Maze! Try not to get lost in the maze as you look high and low for his special Easter eggs. Collect a delicious chocolate treat when you find your way out. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny, he will be roaming about to greet you.
EASTER EGG HUNT
SPRINGO BINGO
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Thurs 2 – Sun 19 April Play bingo with a difference! Search Nowton Park for natural objects to tick off your list. See how many you can find! Collect your quiz sheet from Grounds café.
East Town Park, Haverhill Sat 11 April Easter fun for all the family – find the hidden tokens in the park, with a chocolate egg for every child and lots of special prizes. Meet at the visitor centre.
SPRING TRAIL
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Thurs 2 – Sun 19 April Follow the trail around Nowton Park and test your knowledge with our Spring Trail. Collect your quiz sheet from Grounds café.
KITE MAKING WORKSHOP
help celebrate 1,600 years since the AngloSaxons settled on the site. A chance to explore the village and museum, meet the staff and volunteers plus find out about all the exciting new village and park projects plus experimental archaeology planned for the site in the next five years. Tours, talks and handling sessions are all part of this celebration weekend.
East Town Park, Haverhill Tues 7 April The rangers will show you how to build a colourful kite, test fly it around the park and take it home to show off to all your friends. The workshop is suitable for 6-12 year olds. For more information or to book your tickets, or to find even more exciting events at West Suffolk Parks, visit
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk 07
Cloud Venus
FUTURE FOREST
08
The Three Graces
Future Forest can be found at High Lodge, Thetford Forest. It will be open to the public until 30 May 2020. Admission is free.
Photo: The Forestry Commission
future will not be able to survive and prosper unless they are sustainably managed, and the responsibility for ensuring that this happens will be carried forward by future generations. In the one hundred years since the founding of the Forestry Commission after the First World War, the UK’s forests have grown and prospered. Today the Commission manages over 1,500 woodlands and forests spread over approximately 250,000 hectares. In recognition of this centenary milestone in the Forestry Commission’s history, Future Forest is both a celebration and a call to action, using drama and the age-old power of storytelling to instil within the public a desire to protect the forests of the future.
Photo: Parker Harris
Photo: The Forestry Commission
AS PART OF ITS CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS, THE FORESTRY COMMISSION has developed Future Forest, a dramatic sculptural installation designed by Artistic Director Tom Piper MBE. The installation features life-size sculptural figures created by internationally renowned artist Lisa Wright. The artists present the figures as custodians of the forest, tasked with protecting it for the benefit of future generations. They illustrate the vital role that trees and woodlands play in safeguarding the future of our planet, their youthful forms aligning them with the next generation whose role it must be to act as custodians of our forests. Tom Piper’s innovative approach to structure and space is well known from his most recent large-scale collaborative project, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London. For Future Forest, Tom is working in a forest environment for the first time. He has designed a series of structures inspired by the different forest landscapes that they sit within – a majestic avenue of Corsican Pine trees, a ghostly clearing and a view from the forest edge looking out onto a dramatic expanse of open land. Tom’s structures will be animated by the placement of Lisa’s figures within them. Lisa has made the figures using bio resins, a greener alternative to traditional plastics, which yield a smooth and durable finish. Taking the form of a host of well-known characters from the Classical canon, the figures embody the spirit of endurance. Though they are rooted in the past, they have survived into the present and doubtless will survive into the future too. Each individual element of this project is designed to raise awareness of the fact that resilient though they are, the forests of the
David and Daphne
Photo: The Forestry Commission
Marathon Boy
Photo: The Forestry Commission
THE FORESTRY COMMISSION unveils a major new sculptural installation at Suffolk’s THETFORD FOREST to celebrate 100 years of forestry
Forest Venus
Find out what Moyse’s Hall Museum has in store this spring CONVERSATIONS WITH CURATORS
Sun 12 Jan to Sun 23 Feb An exhibition of mixed media artwork delivered by Suffolk charity Lockarts based upon collections held by St Edmundsbury Heritage Service. Curators in St Edmundsbury Heritage Service selected objects that fascinated and appealed to them on a personal level. This selection was then presented to Lockarts, an art in mental health organisation, to re-interpret them in their own inimitable way. Objects include a hairball from the stomach of a bull, a sequinned flapper dress and a magic lantern. Artworks include ceramics,
textiles and sculpture. To accompany the exhibition there will be a drop-in family workshop on Thursday 20 February, 11am-4pm, and a chance to meet the artists on 18 and 26 January and 2 and 8 February, 12pm-3.30pm.
5 REASONS TO VISIT MOYSE’S HALL
FEBRUARY HALF-TERM
1. COMMEMORATE THE 1000TH YEAR OF THE ABBEY OF ST EDMUNDS by discovering the Museum’s collections that document the foundation of the early town.
Get ready for science workshops and terrible tales over half term! More details will be added over the next few weeks to our website, along with more events and academic lectures to be announced. Check out www.moyseshall.org for up to date news, events and information.
2. Prison paraphernalia and remarkable collections relating to the notorious RED BARN MURDER, plus fascinating insights into superstitions and witchcraft in the town. 3. THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT GALLERY with an overview of 275 years of military history. 4. THE WORLD CLASS COLLECTION OF HOROLOGY including rare timepieces bequeathed by musician and clock collector Frederic Gershom Parkington. 5. Fine artworks by renowned LOCAL ARTISTS MARY BEALE AND SYBIL ANDREWS.
09
Panto: The Sleeping Beauty Panto 1, 3, 4 Jan, various times Joker (15) Film Tue 7 Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pm NT Live: Present Laughter Live Cinema Fri 10 Jan 7.00pm ROH: The Sleeping Beauty Live Cinema Thur 16 Jan 7.15pm The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Drama Fri 17 Jan 7.30pm The ELO Encounter Music Sat 18 Jan 7.30pm History Sunday No.1 History Sun 19 Jan 7.30pm Dead Men’s Eyes Drama Thu 23 Jan 7.30pm Robbie & Friends Music Fri 24 - Sat 25 Jan 7.30pm Five Star Swing: Hits from the Blitz Music Sun 26 Jan 5.00pm LIGHT SIDE: A Journey with David Prowse Film Mon 27 Jan 7.30pm Downton Abbey (PG) Film Tue 28 Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pm ROH: La bohème Live Cinema Wed 29 Jan 7.45pm I Can’t Believe it’s not Buddy! Music Fri 31 Jan 7.30pm Graffiti Classics Music/Entertainment Sat 1 Feb 7.30pm History Sunday 2020 No.2 History Sun 2 Feb 7.30pm Judy (PG-13) Film Tue 4 Feb 2.30pm & 7.30pm Spitfire Solo Drama Fri 7 Feb 7.30pm Sack Sabbath Music Sat 8 Feb 7.30pm
Buzzing Comedy Drama Thu 13 Feb 7.30pm Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties Comedy Fri 14 Feb 8.00pm Ale Martin: A Romantic Evening Music Sat 15 Feb 7.30pm History Sunday 2020 No.3 History Sun 16 Feb 7.30pm Treasure Island Children Mon 17 Feb 2.00pm Abominable (PG) Children (Film) Thu 20 Feb 2.00pm UNDIVIDED: Ultimate Boyband Tribute Show! Music 21, 22 Feb 7.30pm Caught on Camera History Sun 23 Feb 7.30pm ROH Ballet: Double Bill: The Cellist/Dances at a Gathering Live Cinema Fri 28 Feb 7.15pm For Services Rendered AmDram (SDS) Tue 3 - Sat 7 Mar 7.45pm History Sunday No.4 History Sun 8 Mar 7.30pm Sudbury Flower Club Visiting Demonstrator Community Mon 9 Mar 7.30pm Undermined Drama Thu 12 Mar 7.30pm Keep it Cash Music Sat 14 Mar 7.30pm The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast Live! East Anglian Special Comedy Sun 15 Mar 7.00pm Hazel O’Connor Music Tue 17, Wed 18 Mar 7.30pm Leather & Lace Music Fri 20 Mar 7.30pm History Sunday 2020 No.5 History Sun 22 Mar 7.30pm
ROH: Fidelio (New Production) Live Cinema Tue 24 Mar 7.15pm The Bikes of Wrath Film Thursday 26 March 7.30pm Red Skies Eastern Angles Friday 27 March 7.30pm Petty Criminals Music Saturday 28 March 7.30pm ROH: Swan Lake Live Cinema Wednesday 1 April 7.15pm Captain Breadbeard’s Bready Brilliant Comedy Cookbook Comedy Friday 3 April 7.30pm Jazz Workshop Workshop Saturday 4 April 3.30pm Claude Deppa / Clare Hirst Jazz Band Music Saturday 4 April 7.30pm History Sunday 2020 No.6 History Sunday 5 April 7.30pm Eddy the Teddy: Teddy’s Sports Day Children Monday 6 April 2.00pm A Brief History of Music Music Wednesday 8th April 7.30pm Paul McCaffrey: Lemon Comedy Thursday 9th April 8.00pm And Then There Were None AmDram (Quay Productions) Thu 16 - Sat 18 April 7.30pm ROH: Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci Live Cinema Tue 21 April 7.00pm Ivan Brackenbury supports Tom Binns: The Psychic Comedium Comedy Fri 24 April 7.30pm ‘Money for Nothing’ Dire Straits Tribute Music Sat 25 April 7.30pm I, Elizabeth Drama Wed 29 April 7.30pm
the above is only a selection of what’s on... for our full listing please visit our website
Ickworth Uncovered A Home of Great Art This January experience a theatrical transformation of Ickworth’s collection with a brand new House exhibition created by design collective The Decorators, working with lighting designers Studio Dekka. Alongside Ickworth’s biggest ever roof conservation project to protect the grand Rotunda and all its treasure within, join us as we embrace the newly darkened interior with an innovative exhibition, celebrating some of Ickworth’s finest collection items. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth Exhibition open from mid-January. @trustnewart © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Image: Titian - An Unknown Man
At West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village we are lucky enough to have a year round list of events and activities. Throughout the colder months, and into the spring, visitors can enjoy talks and see re-enactments, as well as explore the village and museum itself.
11
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
420 to 2020 Anglo Saxons at West Stow Sat 18 Jan 1600 years after the first English settlement, find out about the reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village on a guided tour. Discover how the latest archaeological techniques can uncover life in the past at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. After the tour there will be the chance to explore the museum before an illustrated talk to discuss what was already known and the new information from 2008. This session lasts about an hour and includes original early Anglo-Saxon (c.420-650 AD) object handling. The Ice Age Art and the modern mind Sat 1 Feb Enjoy a lavishly illustrated talk on the latest discoveries about Ice Age Art and how these reveal the thinking of our ancient ancestors. These extraordinary pieces of art were created up to 40,000 years ago and the talk will discuss what they tells us about ourselves. The talk includes some portable art and some cave wall art from Britain and abroad. This session lasts about an hour and includes original Upper Palaeolithic (c.10, 000 - 50,000 years ago) object handling. Ring Quest Sat 15 to Sun 23 Feb The popular Lord of the Rings themed family challenge is back for February half term, bigger
12
than ever! As well as the Ring Quest trail, there will be the huge spiders of Mirkwood and a dragon guarding its treasure. Complete the Ring Quest and find the rings and runes to save Middle Earth. See the exhibition and visit the Hobbit Hole, Mirkwood, meet Halbarad the Ranger of the North and try your hand at archery. The Real Middle Earth Sat 15 Feb and Sun 23 Feb History, myth and language combine to explore how, why and where The Lord of the Rings story began. Find out about the links between Tolkien and the Anglo-Saxon world on a guided tour starting at midday and lasting about an hour. After a break to explore the village and museum, enjoy a lavishly illustrated talk on Tolkien’s original inspiration for Middle Earth. Find out how this vision was developed on the film set in New Zealand and in the widely
RING QUEST RETURNS FOR 2020
We speak to Alan Baxter from Arnor Heritage Projects to �ind out more about the event
acclaimed fan film about Aragorn’s family, set in West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. This session lasts approximately an hour and includes a chance to see and handle some replicas from the films. The Greatest Knight – William Marshal Sat 7 March Enjoy a well-illustrated talk about our little known but greatest knight, William Marshal, who was involved with the 1215 Magna Carta and held off the French invasion of 1217. He lived at a time when the concept of chivalry was tested at tournaments and the concept of honour was tested by King John. This session lasts about an hour and includes original Medieval object and replica handling. Neanderthals and Us Sat 28 March How close are we to Neanderthal people? Find out about the people who looked and behaved just like us in a lavishly illustrated talk of about an hour. It introduces the very latest archaeological techniques and discoveries on the people who lived here around 400,000 years ago. The event includes a chance to handle original objects from this period; preceded by an hour long guided walk to a nearby site with the earliest hearth evidence in Britain.
What can we expect from Ring Quest 2020? The main difference in 2020 will be that there are two opportunities to really delve deeply into the world of Tolkien’s Middle-earth at each end of the event. On Saturday 15 February and Sunday 23, the Real Middle Earth talk and tour will be offered in the afternoons as an extra for enthusiasts. We are running two talks as so many wanted to take part last year. Also, on the first weekend of Ring Quest we hope to have some more Middle Earth characters in the Village. Elves and warriors of Middle Earth from the Ormsgard reenactment group will be with us. But the main part of the event is always the Ring Quest challenge itself. For those that haven’t been before, how would you describe Ring Quest? Ring Quest started in 2002 because people were very keen to get outdoors in February half term. Ring Quest, with its Tolkien inspired verses, runes and hidden words is a great way for all the family to enjoy an outdoor activity together. The Tolkien books and the films have made the fantasy world attractive to a very wide audience and more recently the ‘Game of Thrones’ popularity shows we still enjoy fantasy, dragons and magic. Those who take part in the adventure have to follow clues to find runes, which in turn can make a ‘word of power’. One set of clues is in the world of men, in the Anglo-Saxon Village, the other set is in the world of Elves and Dwarves in the Country Park – both sets need to be found and that takes about an hour each. In addition, there is a small exhibition in the visitor centre, a Hobbit hole, information boards around the site, Mirkwood full of huge spiders, a dragon and Halbarad, a Ranger of the North who can help you improve your archery. Sometimes an Orc visits!
US! COME AND VISIT R O H C U O T IN GET rg.uk www.weststow.o 18 87 T 01284 72 sbc.gov.uk try 3:30pm E weststow@sted am – 5pm (last en 10 ily Da : es tim Opening Summer) in Winter, 4pm in
What are the main links between Lord of the Rings and the Anglo Saxons? Tolkien was a Professor of Anglo-Saxon language and an authority on Beowulf and his world, so it is not surprising that his writing is full of references to this past pagan world. He was aiming to restore this English mythology which was destroyed when the Normans won the Battle of Hastings. You may be surprised to hear that he attributes his inspiration to an Anglo-Saxon poem which mentions a place called Middle Earth. Some of Tolkien’s key characters speak AngloSaxon and whole chunks of the Beowulf story can be found hardly changed in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Orc, Ent and Elf are all Anglo-Saxon words from Beowulf. Tolkien takes aspects of the Anglo-Saxon world and enhances them for his writing, there are lots of other examples highlighted in the Real Middle Earth talk and tour. Can you tell us a bit more about the fan film that was created at West Stow and why they decided to film there? West Stow was used as one of the key locations for the ‘Born of Hope’ fan film, which follows the story of Aragorn’s father and Aragorn’s childhood before he is taken to the Elves. In the fan film Aragorn is born at West Stow! The Anglo-Saxon Village served as the location for Taurdal, a Dunedain Village, because its wood and thatch reconstructions were perfect for Tolkien’s early medieval world. The Dunedain are Aragorn’s people, also called Rangers of the North, who are the ‘line of Kings’ who will eventually rule Middle Earth but are continually hunted by the forces of evil in the form of Orcs in this film. ‘Born of Hope’ was released in 2009, it runs for about an hour and can be watched online. So far nearly 50 million people have watched it. We were especially pleased last year when the actor who played young Aragorn came along to our Real Middle Earth tour and talk.
olk, IP28 6HG , West Stow, Suff than one hour. Icklingham Road ur or £2 for more ho an to up r fo sses available Parking: £1 olders. Yearly pa H e dg Ba ue Bl r ith an Adult £1 per day fo ge Ticket, £10 w ita er H ily m Fa a – free with Heritage Ticket. or £15 without a Heritage Ticket
13
Celebrating
1000 YEARS of the ABBEY OF ST EDMUND
In 2020, Bury St Edmunds will celebrate the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund by King Canute 1000 years ago with a series of special events
14
A
in Norfolk and Ely in Cambridgeshire and an exhibition of seven manuscripts from the Abbey Scriptorium, being reunited in their place of origin for the first time since 1539. Composer John Rutter will be writing a special Millennium anthem for the Abbey of St Edmund and the 73rd Aldeburgh Festival will open at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on 12 June, as part of the 1,000th anniversary celebrations. This will mark the first ever opening night performance at the cathedral, as well as the first time that Aldeburgh Festival has opened outside of the Suffolk coastal area in over 50 years. Community projects include a mosaic at the arc shopping centre with contributions from the public and a monthly changing sculpture on display in the crypt within the Abbey ruins, where the shrine of St Edmund would have stood. The Bury St Edmunds Festival in May will also be staging concerts to mark the anniversary. The celebrations are being coordinated by the Abbey 1000 Group, which is made up of organisations in the town, alongside the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership. Commenting on the programme, Andrew Speed, Chairman of the Abbey 1000 Group said; “2020 will be a year of celebrations! Cultural, musical, religious and civic functions will highlight the 1000 years of the Abbey’s foundation. The Abbey 1000 Group, working closely alongside the Cathedral and the Heritage Partnership, aim to offer a broad range of events from musical concerts to religious
YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS A highlight during the anniversary year will be the gathering on 23 and 24 May and procession of 100 Benedictine monks and nuns, plus 400 others, from communities across Britain and possibly from abroad for the first time in 500 years since the dissolution of the monasteries. They will be joined by Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Other special events include a pilgrimage from St Benet’s Abbey
Photos: Phil Morley
year of celebrations is being coordinated by the Abbey 1000 Group, alongside the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership, with a programme of events leading up to the weekend of St Edmund’s Day on 20 November 2020. The first Patron Saint of England and King of East Anglia, Saint Edmund was enshrined in the Abbey consequently lending his name to the town, which was built around it. The shrine brought visits from across the UK and abroad, including Royalty, as the Abbey became one of the most famous and wealthy pilgrimage locations in England. The Abbey was destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. Edmund’s bejeweled shrine was plundered but Edmund’s body was missing. His whereabouts are still a mystery to this day, but it is thought he is buried somewhere in the Abbey’s grounds. The Abbey is also known for its important role in the Magna Carta story. A group of Barons met at the Abbey in 1214 and swore an oath to compel King John to accept the Charter of Liberties, a proclamation of Henry I. This act led directly to the Great Charter or Magna Carta, agreed at Runnymede on 15 June 1215. The people of Bury St Edmunds have celebrated this link for hundreds of years with the town’s motto ‘Shrine of the King, Cradle of the Law’, which refers to the historic links with King Edmund (the first patron saint of England) and the Barons’ meeting. Today, the Abbey remains are extensive and include the complete 14th century Great Gate and Norman Tower, as well as the impressive ruins and altered west front of the immense church, St Mary’s Church and parts of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. They are surrounded by the beautiful Abbey Gardens, an awardwinning 14-acre park, and visited by 1.3million people from all over the world every year.
“2020 WILL BE A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS! CULTURAL, MUSICAL, RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC FUNCTIONS WILL HIGHLIGHT THE 1000 YEARS OF THE ABBEY’S FOUNDATION. “ pageants culminating in a spectacular light show on St Edmund’s Day Weekend.” Local companies, schools and community groups are being challenged to stage their own events to raise ‘£1,000 for 1000’ with proceeds being donated to the anniversary year’s charities. These are St Nicholas Hospice Care, St Elizabeth Hospice and EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospices). Rev Canon Matthew Vernon, from St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Chairman of the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership, said: “This is a historically significant year for the Abbey and Bury St Edmunds and we are looking forward to joining with other organisations in the town to celebrate through the wonderful events and activities we have planned. We encourage others to hold their own events to celebrate too!” New branding has been specially developed for the anniversary year. The gold and white squares depict the crypt where St Edmund’s shrine was in the abbey ruins, the most important part of the abbey. The gold crown and purple colouring pay tribute to the Abbey’s royal connections as Saint Edmund was King of East Anglia. A fly through video of the Abbey of St Edmund ruins showing how the great Abbey Church and the Shrine of St Edmund would have looked during its heyday is being produced using cutting edge CGI as part of the marketing for the celebratory year. Sue Warren, Brand and Marketing Manager for Bury St Edmunds and Beyond, the town’s tourism brand, added; “This is a historic year for Bury St Edmunds and we will be working hard on marketing the town to potential visitors regionally and nationally to make the most of this newsworthy opportunity.” For more information on the anniversary and the events planned visit www. abbeyofstedmund1000.co.uk
15
Taste test food and drink products and be paid for your opinions on them! Signing up is easy just follow the link in the details below Like trying new food and drinks? Why not become one of
our taste testers and get paid as well! Our clients want to know what true customers think about their products. By signing up to become a panellist, not only will you be helping to make a difference to future product development, but you will also be rewarded for your time. • Sign up and register. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE and quick. Join us by completing our registration form www.goodsenseresearch. co.uk/ online-registration/WOISuffolk.htm. Once your signed up we will email you asking to complete your registration. This sometimes goes to junk so watch out!
• Food and product testing. GETTING PAID FOR YOUR OPINION!
Once registered, you’ll be sent emails letting you know when we have a test on. You can click on a link tin the survey to find out more about the test and whether you eat the product we are testing and then book a space should you want to come along.
• Online Surveys. EARN POINTS AND GET REWARDED. For
every online survey you complete you will be awarded at least one point, for some surveys you may be awarded more. Once you have accumulated 10 points we will exchange it for a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on anything you wish. If you are invited to take part in an in-house research panel, you will receive a high street voucher for your time.
Everyone is welcome
01284 705787 | ellie@goodsense-research.com
10 Brunel Business Court, Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AJ
www.goodsenseresearch.co.uk/online-registration/WOISuffolk.htm
ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL 2020 IT’S A SPECIAL YEAR AT ST EDMUNDSBURY, as 2020 marks a thousand years since the site of the former Abbey and its surrounding lands were committed to the worship of God. Join the Cathedral in its celebrations throughout the year with a variety of special events that will honour this milestone in Suffolk’s history. You can visit the Cathedral’s website and social media pages for regular updates, or pop-in for a wander, an evensong, or even a comforting slice of one of its famous cakes at the Pilgrim’s Kitchen. The Cathedral staff will gladly enlighten you on everything going on in the coming months… GUIDED TOUR: NEW YEAR’S DAY WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY It’s 2020! Be the first to experience glorious St Edmundsbury in the Millennial year of God’s love in Suffolk. MESSIAEN: LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR JAMES THOMAS SUNDAY 12 JANUARY, 5PM The Cathedral’s very own Director of Music, James Thomas FRCO will be giving a performance of this unique reflection on the birth of Christ. Messiaen draws on a variety of influences, including birdsong, in creating this meditative masterpiece shrouded in mysticism and might. On the theme of ‘meditation’, watch out for another in-house musical event series presented by Assistant Director of Music, Richard Cook, in which selected works of the organ are accompanied by reflective readings – coming this year, new to 2020. EXHIBITION: TREE OF LIFE & OPEN HEAVEN JACQUI PARKINSON TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 4 APRIL Artist Jacqui Parkinson continues her national tour of Tree of Life – a trio of vast stitched panels depicting the Tree of Life in three iterations; the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Tree of Life’s promise of a new heaven and new earth, and as the Tree on which Christ died to offer life. This dramatic work is paired with Open Heaven – a thought-provoking installation of an impressive rope ladder, which ascends the lofty heights of the Cathedral to represent the connection of earth to heaven.
VERDI: REQUIEM BURY BACH CHOIR SATURDAY 7 MARCH, 7 PM There is hardly a more dramatic expression of the Requiem mass than the one written by Verdi. With full orchestra and an impressive line-up of soloists, join us this March for a foundationshaking rendition of this choral titan. SERVICES SUNDAY 19 JANUARY, 3.30PM - Epiphany Candlelit Procession: come and experience beautiful liturgy reflecting on the meaning of Christ’s birth. SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY, 10 AM CANDLEMAS: Jesus as a ‘Light for Everyone’. Wednesday 26 February, 7 pm ASH WEDNESDAY: marking the start of the Christian season of Lent. SUNDAY 5 APRIL, 10 AM Palm Sunday Procession marks the start of the most holy week of the Christian calendar. SUNDAY 5 – FRIDAY 10 APRIL Visit the website for Easter Services including the Good Friday Town Procession. SUNDAY 12 APRIL 6 AM, 10 AM & 3.30 PM Easter Day liturgies: Christ’s Resurrection brings healing and strength to our lives. THURSDAY 23 APRIL 5.30 PM St George’s Day Sung Mass as we pray for our nation. For more information about services, events and visiting the Cathedral, please visit the website at www. stedscathedral.org, or �ind us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS, 01284 748720.
17
Buddy Holly & the Cricketers Jack & the Beanstalk
An Evening Without Kate Bush
The Glee Club
Bowjangles
In Loyal Company
Roald Dahl
The Comedy of Errors
Small Worlds
18
THE FIRST THEATRE ROYAL production of the year, Shirley Valentine, gets the season underway with style. Keddy Sutton stars in this revival of Willy Russell’s heartwarming and vibrant comedy from Fri 31 Jan to Sat 15 Feb. Later in the season, there will be a reimagining of Oliver Twist – a Charles Dickens’ classic tale taken to new heights by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Young Company between Thu 9 to Sat 11 April. There’s plenty of drama taking place at Theatre Royal this season. The Dame, on Wed 19 and Thu 20 Feb, will see Peter Duncan giving a ‘powerful and moving’ 5 star performance. Eclipse Theatre present The Gift, from Thu 27 to Sat 29 Feb; expect an outrageous play about imperialism. Dead Good is VAMOS Theatre’s brand new full-mask production which will take place on Tue 3 March. In Loyal Company is the incredible true story of a missing World War II soldier, written and performed by his great nephew, for one night only at Theatre Royal on Wed 4 March. Northern Broadsides are back with Quality Street, J.M. Barrie’s delicious farce, from Tue 10 to Sat 14 March. In Harpy, National Treasure Su Pollard gives a razor-sharp bittersweet onewoman performance on Wed 18 March. Tilted Wig Productions present Lady Chatterley’s Lover, from Tue 14 to Sat 18 April, DH Lawrence’s sensual book that changed Britain. Out of Joint return with The Glee Club, the story of a musical revolution from Tue 21 to Sat 25 April. Laughter is guaranteed with Griff Rhys Jones returning to the theatre with his brand-new stand-up show, All Over The Place on Sun 1 March. John
Shuttleworth’s Back… is giving him trouble when he returns to regale audiences with an evening of his classic songs on Fri 27 March. Mark Thomas uses his trademark style of storytelling and stand-up in 50 Things About Us on Sun 19 April. The musical maestros of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (Fri 24 and Sat 25 Jan) will conjure up two new brand-new and hilarious musicals based on audience suggestions and for the first time at Theatre Royal they will also present their children’s version, The Showstoppers’ Kids Show too (Sat 25 Jan). A joyous reimagining of classic P.G. Wodehouse characters sees three actors hurl themselves from role to role with Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense from Mon 24 to Wed 26 Feb. Apollo Theatre Company present another radio classic on stage – Round The Horne (Mon 23 and Tue 24 Mar). London Classic Theatre present Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpiece of social climbing in 1970s surburbia, Absurd Person Singular from Tue 28 April to Sat 2 May. Lovers of music and dance have lots to look forward to with tributes to big name musicians including Buddy Holly, Barbara Streisand and Frankie Valli. Oh! What A Night (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons) will be coming to the theatre on Fri 21 Feb and will be an evening not to miss! Streisand; The Music, The Lady, The Legend, A Celebration of Barbara Streisand, will be on Thu 5 March. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers will visit us on Sat 28 March. Comedy string quartet Bowjangles presents a theatrical musical journey through myths and legends in Excalibow on Fri 6 March. Movie musical lovers will get their chance
WHAT’S ON
AT THE THEATRE ROYAL Bond - An Unauthorised Parody
John Shuttleworth
Oh! What a Night
JANUARY/FEBRUARY SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL Fri 24 and Sat 25 Jan
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: GYPSY CARNIVAL Thu 12 March
THE SHOWSTOPPER KIDS SHOW Sat 25 Jan
BURY CONCERT BAND A NIGHT AT THE WEST END Sun 15 March
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Fri 31 Jan - Sat 15 Feb. Sat 15 Feb, 2pm Touch Tour, 3pm Audio Described and Captioned Performance LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Gabriella Dall’Olio Thu 13 Feb THE LITTLE PRINCE Tue 18 Feb THE DAME Wed 19 and Thu 20 Feb OH! WHAT A NIGHT Fri 21 Feb
Name Griff Here Rhys Jones
Dead Cool The Little Prince
RAPUNZEL Sat 22 and Sun 23 Feb JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE Mon 24 – Wed 26 Feb THE GIFT Thu 27 – Sat 29 Feb
Giselle
The National Trust Fan Club Greg Byron
MARCH GRIFF RHYS JONES: ALL OVER THE PLACE Sun 1 Mar DEAD GOOD Tue 3 March
STREISAND. THE MUSIC. THE LADY. THE LEGEND. Thu 5 March
The Gift
to join the circus with Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman on Sat 7 March. Ballet Theatre UK present Giselle (Wed 25 and Thu 26 March), a haunting classic in its full glory set to the stunning music by Adolphe Adam, and Ballet Central will present their 2020 showcase, including a captivating and diverse repertoire created by internationally acclaimed choreographers. Families are in for a treat with plenty of fun coming to the stage. Protein presents The Little Prince on Tue 18 Feb and Immersion Theatre return with Rapunzel (Sat 22 & Sun 23 Feb). Tall Stories Theatre are back with Room on the Broom (Thu 19 – Sun 22 March) and as ever, Theatre Royal is proud to play host to local companies; Irving Stage Company present their version of classic musical Chicago (Tue 31 March – Sat 4 April).
IN LOYAL COMPANY Wed 4 March
HARPY Wed 18 March ROOM ON THE BROOM Thu 19 – Sun 22 March ROUND THE HORNE Mon 23 and Tue 24 March GISELLE Wed 25 & Thu 26 March JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH’S BACK Fri 27 March BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS Sat 28 March APRIL CHICAGO Tue 31 March – Sat 4 April LUNCHTIME CONCERT: THE MIRLITONS FLUTE CHOIR Thu 2 April GOLF DAY AT STOWMARKET GOLF CLUB Thu 9 April OLIVER TWIST Thu 9 – Sat 11 April LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER Tue 14 – Sat 18 April
BOWJANGLES PRESENTS EXCALIBOW Fri 6 March
MARK THOMAS: FIFTY THINGS ABOUT US Sun 19 April
SING-A-LONG-A: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Sat 7 March
THE GLEE CLUB Tue 21 – Sat 25 April
QUALITY STREET Tue 10 – Sat 14 March. Sat 14 March, 3pm – 2pm Touch Tour, 3pm Audio Described and Captioned
ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR Tue 28 April – Sat 2 May
19
enjoy a complimentary kir royale For you and your guests when dining To redeem, simply present this advert on arrival
CĂ´te Brasserie Bury St Edmunds 52 ABBEYGATE ST, BURY ST EDMUNDS, IP33 1LB
01284 702 799 | www.cote.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds Offer valid until 30.09.21 at CĂ´te Bury St Edmunds only. One complimentary glass of Kir Royale per person 18 years and over ordering a main course. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or set menu.
P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E
THE PERFECT SPOT for any occasion Where do you go when you fancy great French food without going to France? Côte Brasserie!
THERE ARE LOTS of French restaurants in Suffolk, but for reliably good, authentic French cooking, at reasonable prices, you can’t go wrong with Côte Brasserie. Open every day, from breakfast through to lunch and dinner, Côte is a great choice for any occasion. The restaurant is on Bury St Edmund’s historic Abbeygate Street, in a grand building that was formerly a bank. The interiors are contemporary but influenced by the famous brasseries of early 20th century Paris. With artdeco style light fittings, long leather banquettes, and gold leaf on the walls, they feel equally appropriate for a business breakfast, a casual lunch, or a special occasion. There is also a beautiful hidden garden at the back, complete with heaters and shelter so you can enjoy al fresco dining at any time of year. Visit Côte in the morning and you can enjoy delicious, flaky croissants, served with artisanal French jams. If you prefer a more substantial breakfast however, there is a wide range of hot dishes on the French-inspired menu. The Eggs Florentine is perfect for an indulgent weekend brunch, made with thick homemade Hollandaise and softly poached free-range eggs. Or, try the French Breakfast, with boudin noir, French streaky bacon, scrambled eggs, grilled field mushroom, and toasted brioche. Choose a hot drink and a juice as well, and benefit from Côte’s great value breakfast ‘formule’ for only £10.50 per person. High quality food at value for money prices is a running theme at Côte, so whichever time you visit, you can be sure you’ll find something delicious to fit all budgets. The lunch and early evening set menu is only £11.50 for two courses on weekdays. As Côte’s menus are based around the best of seasonal produce, there is always something new to enjoy, alongside a few ever-
present favourites. Classic dishes such as French Onion Soup and Charcuterie Board are often to be found on the starter menu. For mains there is a great range of steaks served with crisp frites and a choice of sauces, alternatively look out for seasonal specials such as Cassoulet de Toulouse. But it’s not just the food and prices that are great at Côte, it’s also the atmosphere. The friendly and welcoming staff are just the right level of attentive to ensure you are well looked after, and they’ll
COMPLIMENTARY
Kir Royale
Dine from Côte’s À La Carte menu before the end of September and enjoy a complimentary Kir Royale per person ordering a main course. Simply present this article to redeem.
help with recommendations from the extensive French wine list. Be sure to leave enough room for dessert as Côte’s classic French desserts are not to be missed! There is a rich dark chocolate mousse and a traditional lemon tart with Normandy crème fraiche and raspberries, which are both excellent choices. Rumour has it that their home-made crème caramel is the best you’ll find on this side of the channel!
www.cote.co.uk
21
Photo: Jemma Finch
H T R O W K IC HOUSE, PARAKRLDAENNDS AND G
ICKWORTH UNCOVERED art opportunities brought to National Trust places all over the country. The Rotunda inside will also look very different, working with set designers The Decorators and lighting company Studio Dekka, to use innovative lighting displays to highlight Ickworth’s unique architecture and spectacular collections. Items never seen before will be on display, including a loving gift of a silver mirror from the 3rd Earl of Bristol. A further grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will see this new experience within the Rotunda. Experience the re-imagining of Ickworth’s classical design, alongside Ickworth’s biggest ever roof conservation project this New Year. A brand-new Multi-Use Trail will officially launch in spring with a ‘Run for the Roof ’ sponsored run on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March. The new route offers a 9.4km circular route through the historic parkland. It will open beautiful areas of the estate that in the past have been enjoyed only by those able to handle
the rough ground; the trail will help everyone explore the estate whatever the season. As we move into spring, experience the changing seasons and see the estate come to life with lambs frolicking and beautiful blooms starting to appear. Make this Easter one to remember with the whole family and have fun in the great outdoors with Cadbury’s Egg Hunts in the Albana, archery on the North Lawn and seasonal crafts in the Gallery. Ickworth is the perfect place for adventurers of all ages. For more information, including opening times, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/Ickworth Photo: Jim Woolf
THIS NEW YEAR VISIT Ickworth to blow away the cobwebs and explore the abundance of natural beauty in its vast parkland and gardens. Walk amongst striking snowdrops as they carpet the paths and take the opportunity to learn more about their history and varieties with gardener-led tours. In February half term, come along to join in with children’s activities and delve into Ickworth inspired crafts. You can also make the most of those crisp winter days to adventure outside to enjoy the play area, get delightfully muddy in the den building area with an explorer backpack, and discover the magical dragon in the stumpery. In 2020 a radically different view of the Rotunda greets you whilst exploring the estate, now shrouded in scaffolding to allow work on the £5 million conservation project entitled ‘Ickworth Uncovered.’ Visit from mid-January as Ickworth unveils a contemporary art installation and new house exhibition as part of these works. For the art installation, Ickworth will be partnering with international artist Pablo Bronstein and David Kohn Architects as they use recycled materials to reveal a playful and extraordinary alternative to the Rotunda’s traditional grand façade. Inspired by the beauty and power of classical architecture they will re-imagine the Rotunda whilst it is encased in scaffolding and continue the aspiration of the Earl-Bishop for Ickworth to house and display art work from around the world. The collaboration with Pablo Bronstein and David Kohn Architects has been made possible thanks to a grant from Arts Council England and has been commissioned through the Trust New Art programme, which sees contemporary
Photo: Jim Woolf
The Estate is undergoing exciting conservation work in 2020, as well as unveiling contemporary art installations and a new exhibition
KENTWELL HALL
THE FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING will soon be visible at Kentwell Hall, with the stunning white blankets of snowdrops on their way. Bright yellow winter aconites will cover the woodland walkways and paths, and we’ll know that the days are ready to get longer and brighter. Kentwell Hall, in Long Melford, is known as ‘Suffolk’s best kept secret.’ The estate has over 12 hectares of formal gardens and parklands, and it was recently voted in the top 100 gardens by readers of ‘Garden News’. The visitor season starts in mid-February with the gardens opening for snowdrop walks and spring bulbs. These are quickly followed by the dazzling displays of daffodils that adorn the lawns and moat banks; they are truly a sight not to be missed. Whilst in the Walled Garden the pastel colours of the fruit blossom compliments the vibrant colours on the primroses and violets. Spring officially starts on the 19 March and coincides with the first of the newborn lambs from Kentwell’s flock of rare breed Norfolk Horn Sheep. Visitors can enjoy seeing the newest arrivals in the Stable Yard with their mothers (and may even be lucky enough to see a lamb being born), while the older ones will be outside in the paddocks. Kentwell’s Tudor Eastertide and Giant Egg Hunt Family Event will take place from the 9 -13 April. Visitors will experience life as it was in Tudor England, assist in making traditional Hot Cross Buns and join in the many Easter activities, whilst the whole family can go on a hunt to find the hidden eggs! Kentwell’s tea rooms are open during the day and will serve up a range of homemade dishes using its own produce and locally sourced ingredients. A little known fact about Kentwell Hall is that its gardens and surrounding farmland are managed organically and within the
Photos: Paul Sillence
Does Christmas and New Year already seem like a distant memory? Have no fear, spring is just around the corner!
estate only environmentally friendly products are used. As well as offering a number of fantastic, family-friendly events throughout the year, the Hall also has group tour options if you’d like to get a number of friends, family or a club together for a private tour of the Hall. There’s plenty to look forward to at Kentwell this season.
For further information, head to www.kentwellhall.co.uk Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9BA www.kentwell.co.uk/events 01787 310207 enquiries@kentwell.co.uk
23
me nd
Visit Haverhill Arts Centre this season and enjoy a variety of performances and events BROADCASTS & CINEMA
ANDRE RIEU – 70 YEARS YOUNG
SATURDAY 4 JANUARY, 7.00PM Charlotte Hawkins welcomes cinema audiences from around the world to André’s castle in Maastricht for a birthday celebration. During the party, André talks to Charlotte about his life and music. STAGE
THE NUTCRACKER
SUNDAY 5 JANUARY, 2.00PM The Royal Ballet perform this classic Christmas treat. A recorded broadcast. STAGE
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
MONDAY 20 JANUARY, 7.15PM An enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells in this landmark production of Petipa’s classic ballet, to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music. Watch The Royal Ballet in this live broadcast. STAGE
KINKY BOOTS, THE MUSICAL
TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM Kinky Boots filmed live at the Adelphi Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, is strutting onto the big screen! With songs from Grammy and Tony award winning pop icon Cyndi
Stan & Ollie
24
Lauper and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), the musical is based on the film written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. MUSIC
UNCLE FUNK
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 8.00PM Party on down with the funksters for a night of non-stop floor fillers. MUSIC
POP DIVAS LIVE!
THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY, 6.30PM Get ready for the best songs from all your favourite female stars in one fabulous funpacked show. Little Mix will cast some Black Magic and Taylor Swift will Shake It Off as four enormously talented girls bring you up close and personal with the greatest female pop performers of today. MUSIC
THE SWINGING BLUE JEANS
FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM While The Beatles might have led the way, The Swinging Blue Jeans were up there with The Searchers, Billy J Kramer and The Dakotas, and Gerry and The Pacemakers in flying the flag for Merseybeat across the globe. The group have become synonymous with having a good time
BROADCASTS & CINEMA
TONY STOCKWELL
and today the band still work up a party atmosphere that will have everybody dancing in the aisles.
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY, 7.30PM Remarkably compelling, amazingly detailed and always humorous, the popular star of TV’s Street Psychic, Psychic Private Eyes and Psychic Academy, Tony Stockwell demonstrates his belief that those who have passed can communicate with their loved ones. (For entertainment purposes).
MUSIC
THE FUREYS
WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL, 7.30PM Legends of Irish music and song renowned for their hit songs I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, The Green Fields of France, The Old Man, Red Rose Café, From Clare to Here, Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway, Leaving Nancy, Steal Away and more return to Haverhill.
To see the full programme, including our cinema screenings, go to www. haverhillartscentre.co.uk To book tickets go online or call 01440 714140.
FAMILY
EXCITING SCIENCE
TUESDAY 7 APRIL, 11.00AM AND 2.00PM WARNING….WARNING…..EXTREME FUN ALERT! This brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from four years and upwards, as we put the “Exciting” back into “Science”. With fun and fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster! So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop…and splurt. FAMILY
RAPUNZEL, A TANGLED MUSICAL ADVENTURE
WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL, 2.00PM, 6.00PM A brand-new staging of the popular fairy tale featuring a original music and lyrics, high energy choreography, loveable characters, colourful sets and costumes and an opportunity for the audience to meet the characters after the show.
THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT
A gift voucher from HAC is the perfect solution for birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas or any other occasion that requires a special present. Visit www.haverhillartscentre.co.uk/gift-ideas/ to buy online.
25
Make sure a trip to Newmarket is on your list for 2020 to visit the Home of Horseracing, and so much more… NO VISIT TO SUFFOLK is complete without a stop in Newmarket to see what makes the Home of Horseracing such a special place. This charming Suffolk market town has a long and storied history that has close ties to the Royal family, and it is those links that have also led to the unique spectacle that takes place every single morning without fail. Come rain or shine, the town’s equine residents make their way up Warren Hill, a scene captured by some prolific artists of bygone eras. These paintings can be spied during visits to Palace House, the home of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art or when taking tours of the historic Jockey Club Rooms. But it is not just about horseracing. Newmarket is also home to wonderful restaurants, fantastic independent retailers, and a vibrant nightlife. It also lends itself as the perfect place to base yourself before venturing
into surrounding areas like nearby Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and Ely. You can also go behind the scenes and learn all about what makes Newmarket tick. Discover Newmarket is the town’s official tour guide and their website also has loads of information regarding where to stay, restaurants to eat at and things to do when visiting the area. Another popular attraction in Newmarket is The National Stud. Visitors can take a public tour between February and October and learn
George IV was a prominent patron of horseracing and of Newmarket
more about the history of the stud while also meeting the foals in the paddocks. Visitors are also encouraged to spend some time at Palace House, which sits just off the High Street, and explore the fantastic National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art. Opened in 2016, this fascinating venue houses an impressive collection of British Sporting Art inside the remains of the sporting palace that once belonged to King Charles II. Palace House runs exhibitions and events throughout the year with George IV: Royalty, Racing and Reputation running until the April 19 2020. For more information on what Newmarket has to offer, visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk. You can find out more about taking a tour, where to eat, stay and things to do when visiting the area. Sign up to the monthly newsletter for special offers and promotions.
KING GEORGE IV: ROYALTY, RACING AND REPUTATION
PALACE HOUSE, NEWMARKET UNTIL 19 APRIL
GEORGE IV not only assembled an unrivalled collection of art but was also a prominent patron of horseracing and of Newmarket. This exhibition looks at his passions, his pursuits and his controversies – notably the notorious Newmarket scandal of 1791. Variously cast in the public imagination as a dissolute wastrel, builder of the Brighton Pavilion or the slow-witted dupe of his scheming butler in the TV classic Blackadder, George IV is one of British history’s most fascinating 26
- and misunderstood - �igures. Now, a new exhibition at Palace House in Newmarket will explore George’s legacy as not only a great patron and
collector of art, but also as a prominent and, at times controversial, patron of horse racing. www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
Another popular attraction in Newmarket is ‘The National Stud’. Visitors can take a public tour between February and October and learn more about the history of the stud while also meeting the foals in the paddocks. 27
NEED SOME RETAIL THERAPY TO GET YOU THROUGH THOSE JANUARY BLUES HEAD TO
ARC SHOPPING CENTRE
ARC SHOPPING CENTRE
Arc shopping centre is Bury St Edmunds number one shopping destination and it’s easy to see why! ALONGSIDE A VARIED and exciting retail offering, arc is home to four delicious restaurants, Wagamama, Byron Burger, Carluccios, and Nandos. Arc shopping centre creates memories for all the family, hosting regular events such as meet and greets with film and book characters, educational workshops and lots more fun! The fun doesn’t stop there, arc shopping centre gives you the chance to WIN amazing prizes each month. A monthly winner is selected to win various different and fun competition prizes, working with the local arc retailers and other businesses, all part and parcel of arc’s monthly Facebook competition - Love From arc. Prizes include meals and theatre trips, products from the exciting stores in the centre and packages including night stays and days out for the family too. For full event information, please visit www.arc-burystedmunds.com
29
Future Forest
A dramatic art installation commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the Forestry Commission, the sculptures and the stages they’re set in highlight the vital role trees and woodlands will play in protecting our natural environment for the future. The figures are based on classical sculptures and represent custodians of the forest, tasked with protecting it for the benefit of generations to come and were created by artists Tom Piper MBE and Lisa Wright. The art installation is at High Lodge until May 2020.
Forest Live
FORESTRY ENGLAND’S
High Lodge, Thetford Forest A perfect destination for families of all ages who enjoy the great outdoors among the trees and on the trails. There is cycling , walking and orienteering way marked routes, Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep Farmageddon Glow Trail and don’t forget to say hello to the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Gruffalo and his friends too who are hidden in the deep dark forest. The Wildplay zone has a new feature exploring the Hidden Heritage of High Lodge and an interactive walk through the sites past.
Held annually in beautiful forest locations across the country, Forest Live is a major live music series managed by Forestry England. With everything required for a great night out, our concerts are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops. This year’s line-up at High Lodge includes:
• Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Bird Thursday 18th June
• Will Young & James Morrison Friday 19th June
• Madness
Saturday 20th June
•
TBC
Sunday 21st June
Income generated from ticket sales helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.
For more information and details of all the activities at High Lodge, Thetford Forest visit:
www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge
In 2013, the garden was gifted to Perennial, the only UK charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. Whilst there, treat yourself to tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes in The Bothy Tea Room, pick up a souvenir gift or take a bit of the garden home with you by purchasing one of the plants propagated on site.
© Marcus Harpur
Fullers Mill is an enchanting and tranquil waterside retreat spanning seven-acres. It combines light dappled woodland with a fabulous collection of rare and unusual shrubs, perennials, lilies and marginal plants, collected over the course of 50 years by the creator of the garden, the late Bernard Tickner MBE.
Seasonal opening times: 1 April – 30 September 2020 Wednesday & Friday 2pm – 5pm | Sunday 11am – 5pm Entry: Adults £5 or £5.50 if you choose to gift aid your admission Annual membership for 2 adults is available for only £20 Free entry for under 16s | Group visits welcome by prior arrangement
Fullers Mill, West Stow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6HD T: 01284 728888 | E: fullersmillgarden@perennial.org.uk | W: fullersmillgarden.org.uk FullersMillGarden
@FullersMill
Fullers_Mill_Garden
Registered Charity Nos 1155156 | Scotland SC040180
0023_Perennial Fullers Mill Ad 130x196_STG4.indd 1
06/12/2019 09:35
Strictly Stars head to If you were glued to your screens watching BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn, you may be delighted to hear that you can see the stars dancing in all their glory at The Apex in 2020! KICKING THINGS OFF on 28 January, Dance to the Music is a glamorous dance show, created by ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional, Kristina Rihanoff. The show portrays the evolution of dance, from the roaring 20s, with the Charleston and tap dances, through to modern day ballroom and Latin, linked by a light-hearted script with plenty of humour and showbiz anecdotes. Hosted by Jake Quickenden (who found fame on the X Factor and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here), and including talented and versatile South African dance team Marcella Solimeo and Dylon Daniels from Dancing With The Stars, the show features lindy hop, jitterbug, rock ‘n’ roll, hustle, funk, disco, breakdancing, street, hip hop, contemporary ballet, salsa and the spectacular Argentine tango! Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima will be heating things up on 10 March with his new show, Havana Nights. This fast-paced, innovative show sees the Italian Latin champion and his partner Giada in an exciting mix of Latin dances, along with entertaining group numbers with their supporting dancers. The Ballroom Boys double act, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone return to The Apex on 2 May with their brand new show Act Two. After the roaring success of their five star rated 2019 tour, the fabulous Strictly stars promise another evening of old-fashioned dance, comedy and song, with beautiful costumes and world-class routines, including the Viennese Waltz, the Foxtrot, the Rhumba and of course…the Argentine Tango. Also returning after last year’s sold-out show – Giovanni Pernice will light up the stage with all of your favourite Ballroom and Latin dances on 1 and 2 June. Along with his cast of professional dancers, beautiful choreography and a fabulous soundtrack, Giovanni’s new show This is Me pays homage to the music and dances that have inspired his career. Heading into summer, Neil Jones will present his new show Gingerland on 29 June, when he will show you the reason he’s a three-time World, eight-time British Champion and well-known choreographer in the world of Ballroom dancing. For more information, or to book tickets, ring The Apex box office on 01284 758000 or see the website www.theapex.co.uk.
Kristina Rihanoff
Havana Nights Giovanni Pernice
Ian Waite and Vincent Simone
31
TWICE AS NICE World-renowned harpist CATRIN FINCH is set to perform at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds twice in 2020
32
CATRIN FINCH is a remarkable musician. One of
the world’s leading harp players, her career has featured both solo performances with the world’s top orchestras and, more recently, collaborations with leading world music artists. These include Toumani Diabate and, most successfully, Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita, with whom she forms “one of the most popular world music acts of this decade” (Songlines Magazine). The internationally renowned harpist and composer has been delighting audiences with her performances since the age of five, achieving the highest mark in the UK for her Grade 8 ABRSM exam at the tender age of nine, before going on to study at the Royal Academy of Music.
THEIR FEMALE DANCER, IN A GORGEOUS DRESS FROM SOME 19TH CENTURY BALLROOM, SWIRLS IN A DEADLY-LOOKING COURTING RITUAL ROUND A STAMPING MALE, AND A SENSUAL PAST BREATHES AGAIN. – The Independent on Cimarron at WOMAD 2009
In 2000 she had the honour of reviving the ancient tradition of Royal Harpist to H.R.H, the Prince of Wales, a position she held until 2004, and which was last held during Queen Victoria’s reign in 1873. Back in 2007, showing her versatility in different musical genres, Catrin embarked on an exhilarating tour of Wales with Colombian joropo band Cimarrón, a collaboration they repeated in 2009 and 2010.
Ten years later, Catrin and Cimarrón are touring the UK again, and there’s a rare chance to witness this thrilling global collaboration at The Apex on Tuesday 4 February. The 6-piece Grammy-nominated Cimarrón perform joropo dance music from the cattle-rearing plains of the Orinoco. Led by harpist and composer Carlos Rojas, their music is rooted in their mixed heritage of African, Spanish and indigenous cultures. Cimarrón make wild, untamed music that preserves the spirit of freedom found in one of the world’s most untouched regions. Fast paced and powerful, it’s music features impetuous singing and fierce virtuosity of strings and percussion. Their instruments include four-stringed cuatro, harp, maracas, Peruvian-flamenco cajón, Brazilian surdo, Afro-Colombian tambora, stomp dance as percussion and tribal indigenous whistles never seen before out of Latin America. Catrin first collaborated with Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita in 2013, on the album ‘Clychau Dibon’, which won awards from fRoots and Songlines magazine and earned two BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Nominations. This successful collaboration continues to this day, with their second album ‘SOAR’, released in April 2018 to huge critical acclaim and 5-star reviews for their live shows from The Guardian and The London Evening Standard. Catrin will return to The Apex on Monday 8 June, with Seckou Keita and their special guests, Vishtèn. Flagbearers for their unique Acadian musical tradition, Vishtèn are a multi-instrumental trio comprising twin sisters Emmanuelle and Pastelle LeBlanc from Prince Edward Island and Pascal Miousse – a direct descendant of the first colonial families to inhabit Quebec’s remote Magdalene Islands. Their expansive sound features tight harmonies, layered foot percussion and a compelling blend of fiddle, guitar, accordion, whistles, piano and bodhrán.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.theapex.co.uk or telephone 01284 758000.
A JAW-DROPPING SET FROM AN OUTSTANDING BAND.
Photo: Angela Vives
- Folk Radio on Vishtèn.
33
JANUARY – MARCH 2020
MUD MORGANFIELD TUE 14 JAN 7.30pm / £20*
ELKIE BROOKS
FRI 24 JAN 7.30pm / £33.50* Last few tickets! ______________________________________
THE RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS
TASMIN LITTLE & PIERS LANE WED 5 FEB 7.30pm / £22*, £17* (£6* U25s)
SUN 26 JAN 7.30pm / £23.50* The Soho Songbook. ______________________________________
DANCE TO THE MUSIC Charismatic Chicago blues from the big, powerful voice of the son of Muddy Waters. ______________________________________
SUSIE DENT
TUE 28 JAN 7.30pm / £29* With ex-Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff. ______________________________________
INTO THE GROOVE
THU 30 JAN 7.30pm / £28*
THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS WED 15 JAN 7.30pm / £23*
One of the last opportunities to hear Tasmin playing live. Works by Amy Beach, Bach, Franck, Szymanowski. ______________________________________
NATHAN CARTER
THU 6 FEB 7.30pm / £32.50*
THE LEVELLERS
WED 12 & THU 13 FEB 8pm / £28.50*
The Queen of Dictionary Corner. ______________________________________
SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
THU 16 JAN 7.30pm / £26* ______________________________________
BUBLE MEETS SINATRA
THE SHOWDOWN FRI 17 JAN 7.30pm / £24* Jamie Flanagan as Michael Buble & Kevin Fitzsimmons as Frank Sinatra. ______________________________________
THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS
SAT 18 JAN 7.30pm / £25.50* A Night at the Movies. ______________________________________
Tribute to Madonna. ______________________________________
THE 545
FRI 31 JAN / £5 With Connor Adams, Reno & Rome, False Hearts, Queen Dogs & Leon O’Leary. ______________________________________
Irish Country star & his band. ______________________________________
EAChO
FRI 7 FEB 8pm / £23.50* With The Marley Experience. ______________________________________
SAT 1 FEB 7.30pm / £21* East Anglian Chamber Orchestra bring works by Kodaly, Tchaikovsky & Mendelssohn. ______________________________________
CATRIN FINCH WITH CIMARRÓN TUE 4 FEB 7.30pm / £19* (£6* U25s)
SUN 19 JAN 7.30pm / £27*, £22* (£6* U25s) Works by Bach, Shostakovich & Arvo Pärt. ______________________________________
THU 23 JAN 7.30pm / £25.50* Phil Walker & his band.
SAT 8 FEB 7.30pm / £16* An exhilarating evening of Russian music. ______________________________________
BENNY GOODMAN’S CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT
______________________________________
ROY G HEMMINGS
SAT 15 FEB 8pm / £26.50* Motown & Philadelphia. ______________________________________
HERMAN’S HERMITS
SUN 16 FEB 7.30pm / £25* Hits include ‘There’s A Kind Of Hush’ & ‘No Milk Today’. ______________________________________
MILKSHAKE! LIVE
MILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL WED 19 FEB 12noon & 3.30pm / £17.50* (£16* U16s) £62* Family
THE ESSENTIAL 60s SHOW
T.REXTASY
THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES
WOLSEY ORCHESTRA
MON 10 FEB 7.30pm / £23* (£6* U25s) Pete Long’s All-Star Goodmen Orchestra bring the repertoire from the famous concert. ______________________________________
BRITTEN SINFONIA
TUE 21 JAN 7.30pm / £24.50* The only official live T.Rex tribute. ______________________________________
THE BOB MARLEY REVIVAL
Celebrated Welsh harpist & 6-piece Colombian band Cimarrón, who make wild music with impetuous singing, stomp dancing, strings & percussion.
TUE 11 FEB 1.30pm / £22.50* The FOD Band bring top hits from the 1960s. ______________________________________
ED BYRNE
TUE 11 FEB 8pm / £26* Last few tickets!
Starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight & the Floogals!
BOOK TICKETS AT WWW.THEAPEX.CO.UK • 01284 758000
SACCONI QUARTET & JON BODEN THU 27 FEB 7.30pm / £22*, £17* (£6* U25s)
ALTERED IMAGES
SAT 7 MAR 8pm / £23.50* standing (£25* seated)
facebook.com/theapexofficial
twitter.com/theapexvenue
BURYSOUND 2020 GRAND FINAL
Fri 20 Mar time tbc / £5 Legendary music competition. ______________________________________
SUFFOLK SINFONIA
SPRING CONCERT SAT 21 MAR 7.30pm / £14* Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Dvorak’s Violin Concerto and Symphony no 7. ______________________________________
VOICE SQUAD The ex-frontman of Bellowhead joins the Quartet for a reprise of Elvis Costello’s 1993 collaboration, The Juliet Letters. ______________________________________
THE JIVE ACES BIG BEAT REVUE
THU 20 FEB 7.30pm / £21*
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK 2020
1980s indie music stars led by Clare Grogan. ______________________________________
SUN 22 MAR / £tbc Charity concert by the vocally versatile choir. ______________________________________
HAVANA NIGHTS
AURORA ORCHESTRA
TUE 10 MAR 7.30pm / £29*
MON 23 MAR 7.30pm / £27*, £22* (£6 U25s)
FRI 28 FEB 8pm / £21* standing (£23* seated) LIVE/WIRE’s AC/DC Show plus WHITESNAKE UK’s tribute to David Coverdale’s band. ______________________________________
BURY FRIENDLY ORCHESTRA
SPRING CONCERT SUN 1 MAR 6pm / £11* Works by Sibelius, Verdi, Hamish Macunn, Crusell & Korngold. ______________________________________
BLAZIN’ FIDDLES Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists bring swinging jive. ______________________________________
HONKY TONK ANGELS
FRI 21 FEB 7.30pm / £23* Tributes to Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn. ______________________________________
TUE 3 MAR 7.30pm / £21* Fiddles & bows ignite in a blend of ensemble & solo sets from Scotland’s Highlands & islands. ______________________________________
RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN DELUXE WED 4 MAR 8pm / £18*
THE ROY ORBISON STORY
Latin dances from Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima. ______________________________________
BRUBECKS PLAY BRUBECK
WED 11 MAR 7.30pm / £23.50* (£6* U25s) Dave Brubeck’s sons play hits such as ‘Take Five’ and ‘Blue Rondo a la Turk’. ______________________________________
THE MUSIC OF PRINCE
SAT 14 MAR 7.30pm / £24.50* standing (£26.50* seated) By New Purple Celebration. ______________________________________
An extraordinary memorised performance of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. ______________________________________
FISH
TUE 24 MAR 8pm / £33.50* standing (£36* seated) ‘Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors’, plus songs from new album ‘Weltschmerz’. ______________________________________
NINEBARROW BAND WED 25 MAR 7.30pm / £17*
RODDY DOYLE
SUN 15 MAR 7.30pm / £19* An entertaining evening with one of Ireland’s best-loved writers. ______________________________________
SAT 22 FEB 7.30pm / £25*
KOJO ANIM ______________________________________
FASCINATING AIDA
THU 5 MAR 7.30pm SOLD OUT! ______________________________________
SHOWADDYWADDY By Barry Steele & Friends.
FRI 6 MAR 7.30pm / £21* standing (£23* seated) Retro-inspired rock & roll.
WED 18 MAR 7.30pm / £20.50* Britain’s Got Talent comedian launches his debut solo tour. ______________________________________
With full band for new songs & stunning arrangements of old favourites.
AN EVENING OF
ERIC & ERN
THU 19 MAR 7.30pm / £23.50* ‘I never thought I’d see Morecambe & Wise live – I think I just have!’ – Ben Elton.
* Concessions may be available, categories change according to event, see website or ring for details. Ticket price already includes booking fee where applicable.
The trials and successes of Clare Town FC have been captured by photographer Geoff Price in a new exhibition at The Apex Gallery this spring
IN THE STICKS
36
WHEN CAN A FOOTBALL TEAM finding itself mid-position in an end of season league table proclaim itself successful? That would be when we learn the club survived some deeply challenging circumstances that would have shaken any Premier League club; two changes of manager, a mass exodus of players, even an unplayable pitch, early on (all the more extraordinary therefore that the Reserve team secured for itself a promotion). This was the drama that unexpectedly unfolded during the 2018-19 season for Clare Town FC, a grassroots Suffolk football club established in 1886, which for the past eight years has played in the Cambridgeshire County League. The trials and successes punctuating the season are captured imaginatively in an exhibition to be held at The Apex by photographer Geoff Price, who recently moved to Clare. He was inspired to celebrate something that was occurring at a local level and in so doing discovered that in so-called ‘ordinary lives’… everything happens. As it transpired, the photographs marked the end of an era for a club which had enjoyed, for several years, a close-knit, family feel. What unfolded was a process of change, a time of transition. They documented the tribulations but ultimately also the creation of a firm foundation upon which to rebuild a first team, going forward. The pictures also hint at some of the very real challenges grassroots football faces, up and down the country. Sir David Crausby MP, head of the Save Grassroots Football campaign summed it up: “Poor pitches, weeks of play lost to bad weather, no changing facilities, no showers, increasing pitch fees, poor families priced out and other families deterred by the shoddy conditions… The result is not surprisingly that participation is falling.” Not so for Clare Town FC who courageously came through the 2018/19 season regardless of the major obstacles they faced. ‘In the Sticks’ is testament to the resilience and spirit of the players in the face of adversity at grassroots level, and it is also a celebration of the unique Suffolk landscape in which their football is played. In the Sticks Photographic Exhibition by Geoff Price at The Apex, Bury St. Edmunds, runs from Thursday 27 February – Sunday 22 March 2020. Free Admission.
This season’s
EXHIBITIONS Visit The Apex Gallery throughout the spring months for a number of exhibitions held within the striking architecture of Bury St Edmunds’ beautiful venue BURY PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Until Sunday 19 Jan Beautiful images produced by talented local amateur photographers.
RPS NATURE GROUP
Tuesday 21 Jan - Sunday 23 Feb Landscapes, seascapes, nature, photojournalism and creative work by The Royal Photographic Society’s East Anglian members.
IN THE STICKS
Thursday 27 Feb - Sunday 22 Mar Geoff Price’s photographic documentary of a season in the life of Clare Town Football Club.
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE APEX
Wed 29 Apr – Mon 25 May Celebrating The Apex’s 10th birthday with Geoff Price’s beautiful exhibition of photographs that capture everyday life at The Apex.
The Apex Gallery opens from Mon to Sat 10am-4pm. Occasionally the art gallery is closed to the public. If you are travelling specially to see an exhibition, please call the Box Office on 01284 758000 before your visit. The Apex Gallery is situated on the first floor. Drinks bought from Aspretto in the foyer can be taken upstairs, so feel free to relax on the sofas with a drink and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. www.theapex.co.uk/gallery 37
Independent cycle shop for expert advice and top quality products
Workshop & Servicing - 0% Finance - Bike Fitting Cycle to Work - Demo Bikes - Reserve & Collect Revel Outdoors 19-20 Brentgovel Street Bury St Edmunds IP33 1EB Tel: 01284 761954 www.reveloutdoors.co.uk
Also providing brand-specific spares via our websites: GiantBikeSpares.com CannondaleSpares.com
or just relax in a deckchair, when you can enjoy the Our Bury St Edmunds beach here in the town centre. At the Whitsun Fayre you’ll find it outside Moyse’s Hall Museum and for the Food & Drink Festival in August it will be in Charter Square at arc shopping centre. Another attraction that’s hugely popular at both events is the mini-farm where children can meet a range of cute farm animals including pygmy goats and a miniature horse. The Whitsun Fayre will offer a range of stalls with a strong focus on plants and flowers for keen gardeners, as well as crafts, food and much more across the town centre. There will be lots of street entertainment,
Don’t miss Our
Bury St Edmunds
free events in 2020 We look ahead to the exciting events taking place in Bury St Edmunds this year
face painting, astronomy workshops and fairground rides too. The Our Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival has become one of the favourite foodie events in the region and last year received a recommendation from a national newspaper as one of its top food festival picks of the August Bank Holiday. One of the highlights is the cookery theatre outside Moyse’s Hall Museum. It sees celebrity chefs sharing the stage with some of the town’s own restauranteur stars. Work up an appetite for the variety of international and home-grown cuisine on offer, pick up local delicacies from the Farmers’ Market or browse the many other stalls that make up this event. For more information, please visit; www. ourburystedmunds.com
Photos: Rob Holding
MAKE THE MOST OF THE NUMEROUS FREE activities in Bury St Edmunds town centre this year – with something for every member of the family to enjoy. Our Bury St Edmunds organises two of the big bank holiday annual events – the Whitsun Fayre at the end of May and the Food & Drink Festival at the end of August. Both of these are two day events and at each of them the urban beach is one of the highlights of the weekend. No need to trek all the way to the coast to make sandcastles, watch Punch and Judy
39
Situated just 5 miles east of Bury St Edmunds, juncti tio on 46 of the A14. Food served Tuesday to Saturday 12-9pm Full Menu Sunday 12-6pm—Sunday menu and Roast dinners 3 Real Ale pumps on off ffe er with rotati tin ng guest ales from around East Anglia Choice of lagers * All wines by the glass 2020 Events at The Bear 20th January—Comedy Supper with Suff ffo olk Punch Comedy club
17th February—Theatre Supper with Laurie Bolger 22nd March—Mother’s Day set menu 11th & 12th April—Easter Gin Festi tiv va l
RESTAURANT
FOOD HALL
OUR FOOD
The Elveden Inn menu is changed frequently. This enables us to maintain low food miles, use the freshest ingredients and high-quality produce.
DRINK WITH US
EVENT HIRE
Our Grundon Room is the perfect space to use for any event. From birthdays and baby showers to meetings and training groups.
Elveden in the Guinness family home, so we have ensured that our Guinness tastes just as good as it does in Ireland. You’ll have to try it to test us on that!
STAY WITH US
Stay for the night in one of our beautifully appointed boutique-hotel style bedrooms.
NEW ROOMS FINSHED IN 2019!
The Elveden Inn
Brandon Road (B1106) Elveden IP24 3TP
The Elveden Courtyard Restaurant offers relaxed and casual dining, from breakfast through to afternoon tea. Private venue hire is also available for functions and gatherings.
We proudly represent more than 50 local artisan producers of fine food and wine. Fresh meats and cheeses, bakery, fruit and vegetables, pickles, jams and chutneys, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets are all abundantly represented. Our favourite products from suppliers further afield compliment the local fayre to help create TEA ROOM HOME & GARDEN what we believe to be a discerning and Our tea room “Tea Pots & Post” is open Our Home & Garden shop has a vast enjoyable shopping experience. daily, serving you good quality home selection of gifts and decorative items cooked light meals from locally sourced for your home, a lovely selection of produce. You can also just pop in for a plants and garden ornaments. We also The Elveden coffee and one of our delicious have a range of children’s toys and Courtyard homemade scones or cakes. Uniquely books. London Road our tea room also contains our village Post Office.
Elveden IP24 3TQ
YOUR EVENT, OUR EXPERTISE The Athenaeum and The Apex mean business in 2020
nights, large seminars, as well The Athenaeum as internationally recognised entertainment acts. The experienced events team have created excellent day delegate packages for each site that ensures your conference needs are not only met but exceeded. In addition, you can pick a perk which means adding a complimentary extra to your delegate rate. For example - you could opt for an additional breakout room, snack pots or a light breakfast prior to your meeting. Maybe a networking session with a glass of sparkling wine or soft drink would help to get your does mean that no onsite parking is available, company name out there? A range of tailored however, there are several large public car parks extras are available to choose. close by and parking permits can easily be All conference delegate rates include room arranged for your delegates at no additional cost. hire, multiple servings of tea and coffee, lunch Prices start from £32pp + VAT and are choice, AV equipment and stationery. Free available from 6 January 2020 through to end of Wi-Fi runs throughout both venues. Due to March 2020. both venues being easy to find, close to the (T&Cs apply dependant on delegate numbers main shopping areas and local amenities, this and rooms available). The Apex
Photot: Simon Kennedy
BURY ST EDMUNDS is a central area for business and commerce, and the town boasts some excellent conference facilities. Within easy access of Cambridge, Norwich and Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds is a convenient location for business summits, meetings, team-building days and workshops. The Apex and The Athenaeum are two such venues in Bury St Edmunds which are linked by the hospitality and catering partner, Sodexo Prestige, as part of the Prestige Venues and Events collection. Sodexo is partnered with some of the country’s best loved venues including museums, sports stadia, heritage sites and popular visitor attractions – providing first class hospitality at some of Britain’s most prestigious events, including Royal Ascot, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Henley Royal Regatta, RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and The Open Golf Championship. The Athenaeum is a well-known and loved listed building in the heart of the town. Iconic in its stature, steeped in history and beautiful elegance, it is the ideal venue for proms, parties, wedding receptions, as well as business conferences. The Apex, although much newer, has become a hub of the community providing awards ceremonies, company celebrations, theme
TO DISCUSS YOUR BUSINESS EVENT CONTACT: The Athenaeum: 01284 758380 enquiries.athenaeum.uk@sodexo.com www.athenaeumbse.co.uk The Apex: 01284 758390 enquiries.apex.uk@sodexo.com www.theapex.co.uk 41
New Year...
New DANCING
If you love BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and have always dreamed of having a go yourself, why not pop by the Strictly Saturdays events at The Apex. These classes are free to attend and will give you a taste of ballroom, Latin and rock and roll dancing. www.theapex.co.uk
SUGARCRAFTING
For those with a creative streak and flair for baking, The Bury St Edmunds Sugarcraft Club could be a new sociable group for you. Every month the group meet to enjoy demonstrations and workshops to develop their skills of sugarcraft and other forms of cake decorating. Find out more; www.burystedmundssugarcraftclub.co.uk
Ideas
Try something new in 2020
The start of a new year is often the time when we change up our routines and add inspiring hobbies and activities we’ve always wanted to try. That could be dance lessons, crafts, taking up a musical instrument or learning a language. We’ve found a number of options in the West Suffolk area that might encourage you to try something new in 2020. SINGING
PAINTING
Art and craft activities can be a fun way to relax after work. If you’d like to let your creative side be free in 2020, then you could come along to one of the Booze and Brushes Paint Nights at The Apex. Bring a friend, or make some while you’re there, and enjoy a drink or two while you learn to paint. During each event you will be guided to create a painting, step-by-step, from start to finish, making it ideal for beginners. www.theapex.co.uk 42
Joining a choir can be a fantastic way to meet new people and raise your spirits. If you enjoy singing for fun, then you could go along to VivaVoices, a community choir for men and women of all ages, regardless of experience. There’s no audition, all you need is a love of singing and enthusiasm. The choir sings a mix of pop, rock, musicals and classical songs. VivaVoices takes place in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Stowmarket. Find out the latest dates and times here; www. vivavoices.com
LEARNING A LANGUAGE
This could be the year that you finally learn another language. Perhaps you’d like to speak more fluently on your holiday, or you’d like to try something completely new. West Suffolk College has a number of classes and courses starting at beginner’s level. You could learn French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, German or Sign Language. Visit www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course for the next available sessions.
What’s On At
Bury St Edmunds Library…
At Bury St Edmunds Library there’s more than just books! The Library believes there is something for everyone and offers a stimulating and exciting programme of groups and activities for all ages. Best of all, most of them are free to attend!
ADULT ACTIVITIES
TALES FROM YOUR TABLE – A NEW BAKING CLUB!
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
First Friday of the month, 2-3pm. Share your favourite bake recipes with a different theme each month.
WEDNESDAY TALKS
PRE-SCHOOLERS
10.30-11.30am. A variety of talks about history, art and culture.
TOT ROCK
Thursdays fortnightly, 10.30am-12noon. An hour of calm activity, all welcome.
Monday Storytime Every Monday, 10.30-11am. Every Tuesday, 10.15-10.45am. Songs and action rhymes for toddlers, 18mths+.
ADULT COLOURING KNIT & NATTER
BABY BOUNCE
Thursdays fortnightly, 2-4pm. A knitting and social group for all abilities.
DUPLO STAY AND PLAY
Last Wednesday of the month, 2-3pm. An opportunity to meet new people and recommend books you have enjoyed, in a casual setting.
Every Wednesday, 10.15–10.45am. Songs and gentle nursery rhymes for children, 0-18mths. Every Thursday, 10-11am.
SUNDAY CRAFT
Every Sunday 10.30am-12noon. Paper craft with a theme.
OPEN BOOK GROUP
OPEN SPACE
Every Monday, 2-4pm. A place to drop in, chat and think.
PUZZLE GROUP
OLDER CHILDREN LEGO CLUB
Thursdays fortnightly, 10am. The place for doing and sharing jigsaw puzzles.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB
Every Monday, 10am. Have fun, make friends and expand your vocabulary.
Saturdays fortnightly, 10am –12noon.
Saturdays fortnightly, 12-4pm.
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT the eLibrary?
SCRABBLE CLUB TOP TIME
Every Friday, 10am-12noon. A weekly social group for older people with arts and crafts, games, book group and talks.
If you have a computer, tablet, smartphone or eReader, then take advantage of our extensive eLibrary, with free access to thousands of the latest eBooks, eAudio, magazines, newspapers, music, indie/arthouse films and documentaries. Your Suffolk library card enables you to sign up for any of these services including access to apps and instructions for your device. Visit the website www. suffolklibraries.co.uk for more details. Website: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/burystedmundslibrary Instagram: www.instagram.com/burystedslibrary Twitter: www.twitter.com/BuryLibSuffolk
OPENING HOURS
Mon 08.30-17.30 Tue 08.30-19.30 Wed 08.30-17.30 Thu 08.30-17.30 Fri 08.30-19.30 Sat 08.30-17.00 Sun 10.00-16.00
43
PROMOTION
Meet the countryside experts Have you got a holiday home? Are you thinking of buying an investment property? Suffolk Cottage Holidays are here to help…
WHETHER YOU ARE looking to add property to your investment portfolio or would like to make an additional income from a second home, holiday letting is a great way to maximise on returns. Due to the weekly rates that holiday homes can demand during peak seasons, the annual total can inflate and still make up for the low season when occupancy rates can be lower. Different tax rules mean that unlike residential lettings, holiday lettings are treated as trading businesses. This difference has resulted in changes to residential landlord’s tax allowances and relief. Suffolk Cottage Holidays are the county’s only countryside specialist holiday cottage letting agency. The company works closely with homeowners to maximise their property’s revenue potential. The team provides free advice to clients and understands that each homeowner has different aspirations for their home. Whatever your reasons for wanting to let, Suffolk Cottage Holidays will work closely with you to ensure you maximise the financial performance of your property.
The team use their specialist knowledge of holidaymaker expectations, and an objective point of view, to advise on all aspects of your property from bedroom configurations and décor to kitchen equipment. Suffolk Cottage Holidays is one of a nationwide family of locally managed brands owned by The Original Cottage Company, along with sister brand Suffolk Secrets. Being part of this family gives us a very special offering – the best of both worlds – local and national strength! The company has seen tourism levels in Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages soar over the past year. There has been a considerable growth in the numbers of homeowners wanting to explore the investment potential of holiday lettings in the local area. Combined with the huge increase in short breaks by 68% year on year, the customer demand for holiday lets far outstrips supply, providing a real opportunity for investors. Get in touch to arrange an appointment for free no-obligation advice and information about income and booking volumes that your property could generate.
Email m.desborough@suffolkcottageholidays.com or call 07989 069601 www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/let-with-us 45
Pizza Town TRY
BURY ST EDMUNDS BIGGEST
28” pizza!! £49.99
including six drinks (alcohol included)
BOOK YOUR TABLE ON:
01284 754444
1b Barton Retail Park, IP32 7BE NEXT TO FARM FOODS ON MORTONHALL
WWW.PIZZATOWNBURY.CO.UK
Friendly equestrian centre in Stonham Aspal • Weekly showjumping competitions • British Dressage venue • Indoor and outdoor arenas for hire • Cafe and viewing arena
01449 711962
w w w. topt h or n aren a . c o. u k
HOO E
Taking place between Monday 24 February and Sunday 8 March, Fairtrade Fortnight will champion the campaign for equality with events, activities and fundraising
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT returns this spring to continue the Foundation’s work to support the people who grow the ingredients and materials for our food, drinks and clothes. The campaign will focus on cocoa and the special role female farmers play in the process with the overall aim to encourage living incomes. It is thought that a cocoa farmer in West Africa needs £1.86* a day to achieve a living income, however a typical cocoa farmer in Cote d’Ivoire lives on around 74p** a day. During the two-week event, businesses and individuals will put on fundraising events and activities to fight for fairness. In 2019 the campaign had 10,000 new supporters joining the journey, and over 50 partners involved, including Greggs, Ben & Jerry’s, Co-op and many more. It’s a timely reminder that the decisions we make when we buy goods in our wonderful shops in Bury St Edmunds make a real difference to many people all over the world. There are 1.66 million people working in Fairtrade certified producer organisations and they benefit directly when you choose Fairtrade goods. Not only do they get a decent wage and better working conditions, but their communities get better houses, schools, clinics, toilets, libraries, and many other benefits through the Fairtrade premium. During Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, the Bury St Edmunds Fairtrade Town Partnership will continue its mission to ensure that all farmers are paid fairly for their work and are able to earn a living income. Farmers like those of the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative in Ghana who grow cocoa for the wonderful Divine chocolate. You see, not only do the farmers get a better deal, but so do you. Fairtrade products are made to the highest quality. Whether it is tea, coffee, chocolate, fruit, handicrafts or any of the hundreds of Fairtrade products available, you know you will be buying a first-rate product. So, why not join us and buy Fairtrade goods, and help make this world a little bit fairer?
*WIP estimation based on the Living Income Community of Practice **This is the estimated daily income per household member based on a typical cocoa farming household To find out how you can join in the campaign visit; www.fairtrade. org.uk/en/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight
Follow the Bury St Edmunds Fairtrade Partnership on Facebook @burystedmundsfairtrade
47
BOWLING OFFERS OVER 50’S 3 games for £6
(available Mon- Fri 10am - 6pm)
KIDS FOR A QUID (Sunday 11am -midday) FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 2 games and 2 drinks £10 per person CHARITY GROUP £2.50 per game (available Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm)
4-6 Market Hill, Brandon, IP27 0AA | (01842) 813111 | email: info@mrgsbowling.co.uk
w w w. m r g s b o w l i n g . c o. u k
Suffolk’s best kept secret...
A calendar full of events including themed, children’s and historical days
Moated Tudor house and stunning gardens with character and individuality for a great family day out
• Lambing • Tudor • Multi Period • WW1 • Magical and Mysterious • Halloween • Christmas • Children’s Outdoor Games Area • Woodland Adventure Trails • Tea Rooms
www.kentwell.co.uk Kentwell Hall | Long Melford | Suffolk | CO10 9BA
2020 TOURS OF BURY ST EDMUNDS DARK WINTER EVENINGS are the ideal time to venture out to enjoy a ‘Ghostly and Macabre’ tour and explore the darker side of Bury St Edmunds. Your tour guide will recount chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, foul murders, witchcraft and spooky sights and sounds. As you walk through the haunted churchyard and hear about the dastardly deeds committed there in years gone by you will understand why we say that this tour is not for the faint-hearted. ‘Ghostly and Macabre’ tours take place on Friday evenings, usually once a fortnight, until the end of March. What better way to round off the working week! Book online at www.burystedmundstourguides.org. (Minimum age 14.) This year Bury St Edmunds will be celebrating its own Millennium, with 2020 marking 1,000 years since the founding of the abbey which made the town famous. A wide range of events is taking place in the town throughout the year to mark this historic occasion. They will include new guided tours, designed specifically to focus on the rich history of the abbey, from its early days right up to and beyond its ultimate destruction - by an English king. For over 500 years the Abbey played a major role in the life and development of the town, as Bury grew from a small, insignificant settlement into one of Europe’s most important religious sites. To a large extent the abbey and the town depended on each other, yet the partnership was far from peaceful. Your guide will tell you about the turbulent events which took place in and around the abbey. Many of these had national and even international importance, and some still play a part in our world today. These daily tours, from May to October, are your opportunity to find out more about St Edmund, including the facts and also the legends which grew up around his story. Learn about the daily life of the monks and how their abbey grew from its humble origins into a hugely important place of pilgrimage for many thousands of people. Visitors ranged from humble peasants to kings and queens, all coming to Edmund’s shrine to pay homage to the man who at one time was England’s patron saint. Full details of the new tours will be published at www. burystedmundstourguides.org, where you can also book online. In addition, tickets will be available from the Cathedral Tourist Information Point.
49
ONE MILLENNIUM. ONE BUILDING. ONE THOUSAND STORIES... The Guildhall has been transformed into a visitor attraction and community hub where people can discover the past, present and future of Bury St Edmunds. There is a ‘travel through time’ experience, as well as activities, events, talks, workshops and exhibitions. The venue can also be hired for weddings and special occasions. SPRING EVENTS
THE ART OF MEMORY Sat 23 February An interesting journey from classical Greece to the medieval church and its arrival in the court of James I. Memory expert and author of ‘A Mosaic Palace’, Martin Faulks, will be your guide on this fascinating journey that takes you right into the royal court of James I. Adults £6.50, concessions £5.
LOST IN BURY ST EDMUNDS Sat 18 January, 11am A talk by Martyn Taylor. Adults £6.50, concessions £5. WRITERS’ RETREAT WITH JACKIE CARREIRA Sat 8 February, 10am-5pm £50 including refreshments & light lunch Immerse yourself in the creative process in the unique, inspiring surroundings of the oldest civic building in Britain. On hand with support and encouragement will be Suffolkbased author, Jackie Carreira. Award-winning novelist and playwright, Jackie has a First-class Degree in Creative Writing and is a member
of the Society of Authors. She said; “This is a wonderful and rare opportunity as we will have exclusive use of the Guildhall in Bury St Edmunds, one of the town’s most beautiful facilities. In the company of fellow writers, and without distractions, you’ll be inspired to stop procrastinating and get writing!” 1000 YEARS OF COSTUME – A TALK BY KINDRA JONES Sun 9 February, 2pm Adults £6.50, concessions £5. 1,000 Years of Costume: From the conquering Normans to the waist obsessed Victorians, see how fashions came and went over a millennia. Kindra Jones will bring this changing timeline of fashion to life before your very eyes as she pads, flattens and squeezes her silhouette to match each era. Using her personal collection of museum quality historical reproduction clothing, she will show how religion, politics and necessity have shaped garments over time. 50
“WOULD I WINE WITH YOU?” Fri 14 February £15 per person. An alternative cheese and wine evening – guess which wine goes with which description. KINETIC SCIENCE FAIR Sat February – Tues February £4 per child (adult goes free)
SOUND TRADITION – CONCERT Sat 21 March Adults £10, children £6. For more information, to book and to see the full list of events at the Guildhall, please visit;
www.burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk
Check o our web ut for offesite rs
Awesome Laser Tag fun within our 6000sq ft multi level arena
Amusement Arcade
Highway 66 Mini Bowling
Available for Birthday Parties, Corporate, Team Building, Stag & Hen, Cafe & Licensed Bar
U16’s LASER PARTY Our birthday parties are suitable for ages 6+ and include 2 or 3 action packed games of laser tag. Get exclusive use of the arena when booking 20 or more children.
£15 per person with 2 games of laser (90 mins) £18 per person with 3 games of laser (120 mins)
Planet Laser, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3SP | 01284 220102 | www.planetlaser.co.uk