Roundabout 50: March 2010

Please take your copy

Issue 50

March 2010

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O

LIFESTYLE CULTURE BUSINESS

free To A GOOD HOME!

Inside this month 77Ways to make your life greener 7721st Century John Constable 77Suffolk Coast and Heaths Connect

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3 Welcome to the March Issue As I’m writing this the sun is shining, the birds are singing and it feels like it is time to come out of hibernation!

It is fitting then that this issue should be focussed on all things green! We have advice for you on a range of ways to make your life greener, apart from making your conscience lighter it seems this will also make your wallet heavier as you’ll save money in the process!

Tel: 01394 412160

Published by: Seaglass Collective Ltd. Greenacres, Mill Lane Alderton, Woodbridge IP12 3DB Send your news to: Gemma Thompson editor@roundaboutsuffolk.co.uk To advertise: 01394 412160 sales@roundaboutsuffolk.co.uk www.roundaboutsuffolk.co.uk Roundabout Suffolk @roundaboutmag Design and production: Arthouse Publishing Solutions contact@arthousepublishing.co.uk Having problems getting hold of Roundabout?

Subscribe now for just £8, that’s a whole year of magazines posted direct to your door. Simply send us a cheque made out to “Seaglass Collective Ltd” with your address and we’ll do the rest.

Please note the deadline for the next issue is 17th March 2010

Suffolk’s Creating the Greenest County awards are due to happen on the 18th of March, this initiative aims to recognise all the great people in Suffolk doing there bit to make out county greener, you can find out more from www.greensuffolk.org There will be a gala dinner at Wantisden Valley to hand out the awards and we are very proud that our very own Karen Cannard has been shortlisted for an award! Read her latest advice on page 8.

Whenever you buy a product or service from any of our advertisers you will be doing your bit to help the environment, as they are all local you won’t have to worry about tonnes of carbon being pumped into the air to get them here. We also donate 5% from every advert booked to Suffolk Coasts and Heath Connect scheme to help conserve this beautiful area; you can read more about that on page 26.

We are also very proud to highlight some fantastic Suffolk businesses, from the warmly stylish vegetarian restaurant in Woodbridge to the solicitors doing their bit for the environment and a businesswoman producing organic, gluten free, divinely scented play dough.

Norman is taking a short break this month but we hope to continue his memoirs soon, please feel free to get in touch and let us know what you like about Roundabout and what you want to see more of in future issues, we had a great time this month enlisting your help to choose our cover, sadly the little frog below didn’t get enough votes to be our cover frog this time, if you want to join in the conversation online you can find us on facebook as Roundabout Suffolk or on twitter as @roundaboutmag.

And to all those mothers out there (especially ours!) Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You!

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21st Century John Constable?

The Art of Mark Beesley

By: Gemma Thompson

It’s rarely mentioned but one of Suffolk’s most famous sons painted industry not nature. During a conversation with Suffolk artist Mark Beesley he reminded me that ‘a lot of the East Anglian countryside is an open-air factory really, you have to take it as it is and see that it has it’s own beauty, a mixture of the natural and the manmade’.

Just like Constable painting the Hay Wain, Beesley shows the beauty in the way that man made structures interact with the more natural landscape.

He says “I’ve always been interested in environmental matters and nature generally. I suppose I am interested in wind turbines because I find them beautiful, they are much bigger presences than any of the other structures I’ve been painting. I think new things are often perceived as threatening, the initial reaction is that a familiar scene will be spoilt. People have an idea that they somehow ‘own the view’ and that it mustn’t change. But our landscape has always changed, there has never been a period when it has stayed static. So it’s going to carry on changing and we can’t just

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freeze it, particularly when it’s a landscape where people work.

Nowadays we are fairly divorced from the countryside; the vast majority have littel or no contact with it, apart from walking or driving through it. So we often don’t understand the processes going on countryside, and therefore tend to see it as landscape, forgetting that it is a working environment.

To my eyes wind turbines are very beautiful and I like the idea that I could use my work to make people look, and think, about their initial reaction to them. If they see that someone else is looking at these things differently, and portraying them in a positive way, they might start to think the same. I like abstract shape and patterns, the first wind turbine pictures I created are just the patterns made by the blades and the towers against sky or plain backgrounds, they don’t show the whole landscape.

Then I painted some with furrows in fields going off at angles, showing how the shapes reflect each other.

I have painted several pictures of wind turbines in the fens, which is a very man made landscape. Anyone who complains

about structures in the fens spoiling the natural landscape is talking nonsense, there’s nothing natural about this landscape, that’s why it’s all straight lines! I like to play with those lines and capture the echo’s. East Anglia is a very ordered part of the country because is so intensively farmed, and is a man made landscape with it’s buildings, barns, and bales. The turbines really are just another example” His work is not often exhibited but he will be part of Gill Thomas’s Suffolk Dozen’s exhibition at Peter Pears gallery in April, and in May he will be part of the Ipswich Arts Society Annual exhibition in the Town Hall.

He also exhibits at the RE+New Gallery in Woodbridge. Go and have look at his work for yourself and enjoy a different view of our beautiful county.

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Lime green or Emerald Which shade are you?

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be particularly green, a casual observer might disagree, especially if you are a regular user of public transport, save energy in your home or hardly throw out any food waste.

There was a time when people’s lifestyles were naturally green but no-one ever considered them as such. Local shops and markets were the norm, enabling communities to buy local food without travelling great distances. For those who had to travel, public transport might have been the only option. Then back in the home, most meals would have been cooked from scratch and leftovers would have been efficiently kept for the next meal. Lots more families grew their own vegetables and would have even kept chickens.

Fast-forward to the 21st century with our plentiful supply of cheap staple goods and consumer luxuries delivered by streamlined massmanufacturing, intensive agriculture and transport systems, the idea of being green is something that as a society we now have to work harder to achieve, and this applies to both consumers and manufacturers alike.

With so many messages about reducing your carbon footprint, it’s easy to feel that you’re being pressurised to change your lifestyle. It’s also understandable that with so many ideas, it can be tricky knowing where to start and be satisfied that you are doing enough. Then there are the newspaper headlines that question whether global warming is actually happening and whether it’s something we can do anything about it.

As ordinary citizens, it really is difficult knowing which way to turn. And it all comes down to a matter of trust as well as developing your own knowledge about what to do for the best.

9 By: Karen Cannard, author The Rubbish Diet blog

My interest in environmental matters arose when I took a Zero Waste challenge in 2008. Until then I was unaware that the simple matter of sending my household food waste to landfill created a greenhouse gas that is 20 times more powerful than CO2 as a contributor to global warming.

I also discovered that global warming was actually a red herring and that environmentalists were not really talking about our weather getting hotter but more significantly debating the effects of climate change as a whole and how this would affect a range of issues from localised flooding and drought to the economic futures of agricultural areas and the delivery of their products into the food supply chain.

Coupled with that is the issue of peak oil and how oil reserves are in decline. Consequently, to protect their businesses from risk, companies are now installing renewable energy systems to save oil during manufacturing, using recycled materials such as plastics to reduce dependency on virgin oil as well as shrinking excess packaging and changing to lighter-weight materials that are more energy efficient to transport across the country or indeed the world.

If companies can make changes on a large scale, by comparison it can only be easier for consumers to make smaller changes at home. It might not always be practical to install renewable energy technologies in our houses, but easier options are available to us, such as insulating our homes. Also remember to turn off appliances and lights that are not being used, reduce the temperature on washing machines and air-dry clothes as much as possible. When shopping, consider car-sharing with a friend and look out for refillable or reusable products as well as those made from recycled materials. Then, back at home, recycle what you can with the facilities that are available as our

empty packaging can be put to much better use than simply being buried in the ground.

So no matter where you are on the green rainbow, there may be something else that you might like to do for yourself, your business or your community. And if you’re keen to find out more, check out the following resources for inspiration.

10:10 – cutting 10% of emissions in 2010 Challenging individuals and organisations to reduce carbon emissions by 10% www.1010uk.org

Act on CO2

Raises awareness of the impact of car travel on CO2 usage as well as other examples around the home. http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk

Energy Saving Trust

Energy efficiency and energy conservation advice to combat climate change. www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Love Food Hate Waste

Ideas for reducing portions and using up leftovers www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Suffolk – creating the greenest county

Helping individuals, businesses and communities respond to climate change www.greensuffolk.org

Suffolk Recycling

Waste reduction ideas and a guide to recycling in Suffolk www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk

The Rubbish Diet Challenge

Challenging you to slim your waste in just 8 weeks www.therubbishdiet.co.uk

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Legally Green

By: Marie Allen of Gotelee & Goldsmiths Solicitors

Ipswich solicitors win award in fight against climate change ”Going Green” is so important these days and big businesses compete with each other in the race to go green. It’s easy for the multimillion-pound captains of industry to cut massive emissions but what about the rest of us? If you can’t compete, should you even try? Absolutely! That was the answer we gave at Gotelee & Goldsmith Solicitors. With our very own Mrs Strawbridge, otherwise known as Sallie Davies, and the firm’s Business Practice Manager, Brian Scott, at the helm, the firm has made a sustained and concerted effort to cut its carbon emissions and the general environmental impact of its activities.

Gotelee & Goldsmith is an established, wellrespected firm with offices in Ipswich and Hadleigh. It was one of the first businesses in Suffolk to engage the services of a Business Environment Adviser and to sign up to the Legal Sector Alliance, a group of law firms committed to tackling climate change. “We needed to do something,” says Sallie. “On a walk around our offices after hours we found every single photocopier and printer left on all night as well as lights and even computers left fully on. We had to accept that this was happening at the weekends too. We were determined to cut our energy consumption and our carbon emissions.”

The firm recognised the important role that each individual can play in the battle against climate change, and tried to engage its staff in its activities from day one. “I had decided that the key to getting my colleagues on board the green thing was to use humour not lectures,” says Sallie.

“So, I stood in front of them at our AGM two years ago and laughed about us all being doomed and asking everyone to switch the “bl**** lights off”.

The firm has succeeded in raising awareness of environmental issues and all members of staff are encouraged to do what they can, whether that is recycling tea bags or cutting down the amount of paper that is used. A monthly intranet newsletter (“Hot Air”) is produced internally to keep staff abreast of environmental and associated developments, both inside and outside the firm, and employees are encouraged to put forward ideas for increasing the firm’s contribution.

All these changes are paying off – we won the 2009 LawNet Corporate Social Responsibility Award for contributions to the local community including its work on environmental issues. But more importantly it has meant a 20% reduction of our electricity and 30% reduction of our gas consumption over two years; we changed our energy supply to carbon-neutral electricity; and changed our waste management provider to maximise the level of recycling. We’re not perfect.

Our compost bin is a shambles, and we still struggle with our heating. But we have made a difference and will keep on going until our carbon footprint is the size of a new born baby’s……

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Bike to Work Scheme

By: Simon Fella

How it can help you help the Planet!

It seems energy prices are creeping up and fuel prices are rising again, indeed as I write, petrol is about £1.13 at my local petrol station. Like you, I’m not looking forward to my Council Tax bill hitting my doormat with a resounding crash in April, and, is it just me, or does the weekly shop get a more expensive every week?

How can we all save a bit of cash? Well, if you live less than 5 miles from work there is a Government incentive called the “Bike to Work” scheme that allows employees to buy new cycles without the VAT element, a significant saving on the price. Administrated by your employer it’s taken via “salary sacrifice” from your gross wages over (usually) a year so you’ll pay a little less to the taxman as well. Add these reductions in tax to the VAT saving and the price of the bike falls even further! It’s not often H.M. Government

gives something away, is it? …but hold on, you didn’t use the car and you’ve saved some money in petrol! Now, it might only be a quarter of a gallon but in a week that’s over a fiver! If you ride to work for only six months in the better weather that’s a saving of over £130.

Never considered a bicycle? Why not borrow a bike from a friend and try riding to work for a week or two and see how you get on? Most people can cycle 5 miles in half an hour at a steady pace (10 mph). Next time you’re in the car try driving at 10mph and you’ll see how easy and relaxed a pace it is.

Money aside for a moment, there is another, more serious, side to all of this. By not using the car, you’ve not contributed to carbon emissions and pollution. The planets resources are finite and the less we can use each day the further these resources will go. If enough of us make an effort then together we can make a difference.

We’ll be saving the planet as well as money!

So, you’ve bought your new bike and the “gear” to go with it, (lights, lock, mudguards, helmet etc) and you’re going to start riding to work. Don’t do what I did and try to get there faster than Chris Hoy because, like me, you’ll be a quivering, sweaty mess when you get there!! Take it easy at a steady pace that you can maintain, after all you’re going to work not competing in the Tour De France! And take the time to have a look around and get some fresh air. You’ll feel good about helping save such a great planet and I find I arrive at work feeling awake and ready to go!

You never forget how to ride a bike.

What you do forget is how much fun it is!

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, and while that may be true, what you do forget is how much fun it is!

Simon Fella Moons Cyclelife, Norwich Road, Ipswich 01473 464611

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Should you be an Eco-Motorist?

What does ‘Eco’ in this context actually mean?

Why does the term Eco-Motoring tug at our inner consciousness? Does the word ‘Eco’ represent Economy, or Eco Friendly, or both? By writing this article I hope to get us all thinking about this in 2010 a year which has already seen an increase in VAT on fuel and predictions of at least a 10% increase in fuel prices. Are we doing enough in this Credit Crunch to get out and about for less?

For now let’s make a start by looking at everyday money saving ideas. If we spend less on fuel it means we’re using less, and therefore reducing our carbon footprint too. A true win-win scenario.

Here are some ideas. Have you seriously considered these?

A car battery doesn’t give you free power Our cars have a host of very convenient safety and comfort features. Let’s think about some you switch on from inside the car. Heated screens, heated seats, air con, car heating, other plug ins such as mobile phone chargers, MP3 Players, Sat Navs and the list goes on. I’m not suggesting we should stop using these as many ensure that you are comfortable and safe.

These gizmos do however substantially add to your fuel consumption and therefore cost you money to run, not to mention the CO2 impact.

If you need them, use them. If you don’t, remember to unplug them or turn them off. This is the car equivalent of the Stand-By switch we are told to not use in our homes now.

Thinking distance economy

Let’s get one thing straight. Driving economically doesn’t mean driving so slowly that we hold up all the traffic. It’s about driving smoothly. Remember back to your Physics lessons at School and the amount of energy required to get a heavy object moving. A one and a half tonne car requires most of its’ fuel to get it moving from a standstill, hence urban and city driving usually uses more fuel than cruising along the motorway. The trick is to plan ahead and avoid inertia (speeding up and slowing

By: Kelsey Stone

down rapidly) and instead concentrate on what lies ahead and maintain a steady safe speed at a safe enough distance to judge how to approach traffic and other road obstacles. This steady approach is better for your safety, your passengers, your fuel consumption, your pocket and your CO2 output. It also makes your drive far more enjoyable, arriving at your destination calm and stress free. Think of this enhanced driving skill as giving yourself “Thinking Distance” and this will enhance your driving skills into a real craft.

Car sharing

Most of us travel for most of the time in our cars on our own. What about those other seats?

What about all this spare space and capacity we carry around with us? Why not join a car sharing scheme and substantially reduce your motoring costs at the same time? If we all did our bit then we would all be using less fuel, there’d be less cars on the road, less congestion and of course much less CO2. Visit www.suffolkcarshare.com for details.

Earn cashback with a new eco-car

Car manufacturers want us to buy their iconic stylish new offerings with features like zero or £35 annual road tax, high MPG, low CO2 and innovations like Stop/Start which cuts out the engine at standstill. The problem is that most of us can only afford a used car without these new features.

There is another way, and help is at hand. Buy a new Mini, Smart ForTwo or Fiat 500, sign up to www.adonabumper.co.uk and you can earn up to £80 cashback per month for displaying a lifestyle Ad on your rear bumper. This effectively means half price motoring, or put another way a brand new low CO2 Eco-Car loaded with planet saving technology for the same price as a 3 year old used car. No contest I say.

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19

S.O.S! (Save our skins!)

The skin is our largest organ. It protects us from the elements and can absorb substances as well – amazing! In fact it is claimed that up to 60% of what we put on our skin ends up in our bloodstream. That can be a good thing, but it can also be a problem.

We are increasingly warned that the numerous chemicals and additives in many skin creams may cause us harm. It is claimed that these have not been properly tested on humans and the longer term effects are not fully understood. Maybe this is why we are experiencing increasing cases of skin conditions such as eczema and a wide range of intolerances and allergies. Some additives used in many commercial skin products have even been linked to cancer.

It has always seemed sensible to me as a massage therapist, to only use the purest and natural products on my client’s skin. The

By: Rose Helm, Deep Tissue Massage Therapist

vegetable oils I use are produced to optimize their purity so that they are as nourishing and effective as possible.

There are two main groups of oils – vegetable and mineral. Mineral oils are synthetic as they are extracted from petroleum and they work by creating a thin film on the surface of the skin, which can clog pores and prevent it from ‘breathing’. They do not have any vitamins and disrupt the body’s natural ability to absorb fatsoluble vitamins.

Vegetable oils are ‘good’ oils. They are more easily absorbed and contain vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. These oils can stimulate the skin to function more effectively, help improve circulation (especially during massage) and make it more soft and pliable. The best of these ‘good’ oils are those with polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as sunflower, hemp seed, evening primrose and grape seed oils. Skins that lack these fatty acids can suffer rashes, eczema and dry skin.

If you are concerned about chemicals in your system from these products I have a Spring Detox for you. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, Spring is represented by the liver. At a time when energy is starting to rise, it is also the time to remove any stagnation from the long winter months. Here is a simple massage you can do for yourself as part of your detox programme. First apply a firm rotating pressure in the soft flesh that sits between your big and second toes to stimulate the liver. Try massaging this area for a few minutes once or twice a day, several times a week. You may feel some tenderness or a dull achy sensation when you apply pressure but this is quite normal.

A good stomach massage can help improve the natural movement of the gut, but any massage can help as part of a detox programme as well as helping you de-stress!

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Return to Innocence My passion is toxin free skin care and helping others to understand the ingredients used in their toiletries. I have been doing this since 2006 when I met and began working with my dear friend Brigit Strawbridge of BBC2 show ‘Its Not Easy Being Green’ and started writing natural skin care articles for Brigit’s charity the BigGreenIdea.org and as Skin Care moderator of her forum.

I started Innocent Oils with the ethos of producing the finest toxin free, 100% vegan, super eco natural products available. Through this I’ve seen many children suffering various skin complaints and allergies often exacerbated by their toys such as Play Dough.

In fact I have lost count of advice requests for suitable alternatives to products that often have to be avoided by these kids. Sufferers of gluten and wheat intolerance, eczema, ADHD & Autism, allergies and or joint pain know how carefully products need to be selected. Play dough topped the list as it comes into close contact with the skin and often gets nibbled by kids no matter how carefully they are supervised.

Play dough has always been a fantastic sensory development aid for children. The down side is that unless you have the time to make your own, it’s very hard to know exactly what

By: Helen James of Innocent Oils

is in the dough your children are playing with.

I gave out alternative recipes so often I decided to create an alternative myself and add it to the range, bringing back hours of squidgy fun for children and saving parents the trouble of making it themselves from scratch every time!

Every part of the process of making O! Dough needed to be considered from a sustainability, health and environmentally friendly perspective, right down to the packaging. The ingredients used are entirely vegan, petrochemical free, gluten free, natural and non-toxic. The oil used is botanical and skin nourishing, the salt is Himalayan Crystal Salt (the only play dough product using this) and the colours from non-toxic plant and vegetable extracts. The packaging is fully biodegradable cornstarch PLA plastic, ensuring the whole tub and contents can be composted without harmful effect to the soil.

O! Dough remains squishy longer and if left out over night it can easily be revived next day by simply using it again. Using O! Dough as a therapeutic product enables the user to gain all the benefits of sensory development in a fun and subtle way, particularly useful for those not keen on massage or touch.

I believe that making O! Dough from my point of view as a natural skin care producer rather than as toy maker, means I am well placed to ensure that O! Dough will be the best dough product on the market for those seeking a non-toxic, glutenfree alternative to regular play dough. I am very excited about launching O! Dough and I am discussing gaining full organic accreditation with The Soil Association!

Advertising feature Helen James, Innocent Oils www.innocentoils.com contact@innocentoils.com 01473 622816

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23

Eco travel

By: Peter Cansick of Johnson Stevens Travel Ltd

Keeping your footprints ‘Green’ We’ve all seen the notices on the walls in hotels about saving water and not washing towels so often, all in the cause of the ‘environment’ but how many hotels are just jumping on the eco bandwagon to save money and how many are really serious about their impact.

Travel in general and flying in particular has been the subject of the wrath of eco warriors ever since we saw vivid pictures of stranded polar bears and the ice cap melting quicker than a Cornetto in August.

It is true to say that flying and travelling in general has impacted on our world and this is why many organisations and manufacturers are actively involved in making tourism more friendly to the environment because make no mistake about it, people will still travel and as the population increases and gets more disposable income so will the desire to travel.

Airports and airlines are constantly working together to reduce local noise disruption by reviewing flight paths resulting in some impressive savings in fuel and subsequent pollution. One such measure recently recorded a saving of 6% in fuel and more than 33 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Two hotels in London have just received silver awards under the Green Tourism for London scheme with such initiatives as setting up an in-house ‘environmental taskforce’ to monitor energy savings. One has even set up beehives on the roof to both safeguard the bee population and create its own honey. Small steps, but important nonetheless.

Countries that rely on tourism also recognize try to safeguard their precious assets. Namibia has incorporated protection of its environment into their constitution reinforcing this by giving local communities the opportunity and rights to manage their wildlife through common conservancy projects.

These initiatives however are worth nothing if we don’t support them, small things like taking shorter showers, turning lights off, buying local produce and souvenirs. All of these assist the local economy by providing employment in the community and reducing your use of what can sometimes be scarce commodities.

Travel is not the bogeyman many of us think, we just have to be aware of our impact on the planet and take steps to reduce it. sales@johnsonstevenstravel.ltd.uk 01394 275711

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Helping you keep your life in balance If you want to get some relief from stiff or painful muscles, or need some time out from a busy working life, then massage can help.

With an introductory discount on your first appointment – why wait?

01473 414150 07982 253751

The Indian Harvest Tandoori Restaurant 01394 410555

The Swan Inn

Book now for Mother’s Day

and don’t forget our special 2 Course Sunday Lunch just £7.95

Village Pub with en suite accommodation 01394 411366

The perfect combination

39 GROVE ROAD, WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK IP12 4LG

TEL: 01394 382202

E: reception@grovehousehotel.ltd.uk W: www.grovehousehotel.ltd.uk

The Street, Alderton Woodbridge IP12 3BL

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Eat your Greens!

Vegetarian Cuisine has a stylish new home.

If you haven’t been to The Cross recently then you may be surprised to learn it’s had a complete overhaul and is now Woodbridge’s first vegetarian restaurant and wine bar. Gone are the alcho-pops, pine panelling and fruit machines and in their place are velvet sofas, chandeliers and an eclectic mix of antique and modern furniture. A far cry from the tree-hugging hippies the word ‘Veggie” conjures, The Cross is now a glamorously stylish environment to meet friends or enjoy a delicious meal.

“It’s a great atmosphere to relax with a good glass of wine”, says owner Julie Officer, we have over 30 different wines, 18 of which are served by the glass (all of which are vegetarian and vegan).

We’re also Woodbridge’s only cocktail bar!

Having put a lot of effort into researching some of London’s best hotel bars, we’ve been inspired to only use quality spirits with fresh fruit and premium Frobisher juices, we’re definitely more “Sex in the city” than “sex on the beach”.

The imaginative menu consists of delicious meatfree dishes that tantalise the taste buds without tormenting the waistline. Customers are left feeling guiltless and satisfied, something that has surprised its meat-eating critics. And with vegetarian black pudding on the menu they hardly noticed that there hasn’t been any meat on their plates. This is great news for the health conscious, especially since nutritionists are now recommending that we all eat at least two vegetarian meals a week

as part of a healthy diet. Studies have shown that vegetarian’s with a well balanced diet, low in fat and high in fibre, often have a lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and some forms of cancer.

Customers coming to The Cross range from the strictest vegans, coeliacs, lactose intolerant, slimmers, cancer patients and meat eaters that just want something different. Used to catering for specialist dietary requirements, they advise that if you are a vegan coeliac with an allergy to chillies to give them a call a day or so before to ensure there’ll be options for your specific needs and tastes.

There’s definitely nothing quite like The Cross in the area. If you’re a real ale drinker and love the many pubs Woodbridge has to offer then this may not be your cup of soya cappuccino. But it is the only bar in East Anglia to serve Budvar original larger, Budvar dark larger and a mixture of the two. With an over 21s policy, it’s attracting a 30+ clientele that enjoy a cheeky bottle of wine, or a dirty martini. Who would have thought that a vegetarian restaurant would be just the excuse you need to dress up. It just goes to show that everyone should keep their (v) options open.

Advertising feature The Cross, 2 Church Street, Woodbridge IP12 1DH 01394 389076

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Charity begins at Home When we took over Roundabout both my sister and I knew we wanted to find some kind of charitable scheme to support, and as we are all about Suffolk, we wanted it to be something that would benefit both this fantastically beautiful area and the people in it. However we hadn’t expected to find something so quickly or something that we both felt was too important to be ignored!

As soon as we found out about Suffolk Coast and Heaths Connect scheme we were in instant agreement that this was what we were looking for.

So what is the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Connect scheme?

We are lucky enough to live near or along some of the least developed coastline in southern England. In 1970, it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Well, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit works in partnership with a wide range of local groups and organisations, to ensure this beautiful landscape and its special wildlife are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

By: Gemma Thompson They developed the Connect scheme as a way of forging a partnership between visitors, local businesses and conservation. Connect business members collect donations from their customers, which are used to fund conservation projects within the AONB area. Look out for the Connect logo when you hire a bicycle or go out for a meal - it means that the business is committed to conservation. At Roundabout we do it slightly differently, instead of asking for donations we contribute 5% of every advert booked, so if you use any business in this magazine you will be helping the scheme – just make sure you let them know where you heard about them!! However if you do want to donate there is a paypal button on our website for your convenience.

Another member of Connect – Polly Robinson of Food Safari had this to say about the scheme “Food Safari runs field to fork days which are very much connected to the unique landscape of the Suffolk Coast so supporting SC&H’s through Connect is our way of giving something back to the area. We want visitors to the area, now and in

27 the future, to appreciate the natural environment and we’re grateful to SC&H’s conservation projects for safeguarding and promoting that. We donate £1 from every booking made for a Food Safari event to the Connect scheme.”

Since 2001 over 50 different projects have been funded thanks to Connect. These have included tree clearing, walks leaflets, interpretation boards and they helped fund Snape Community Woodland which involved the local primary school as well as helping Coldfair Green Primary School to create a Sandlings Heath area in their school grounds.

Birds have benefitted from habitats being created or improved, by supporting the Suffolk Community Barn Owl project over 200 nestboxes have been erected throughout the AONB. Connect helped Waldringfield Wildlife Group build a raft to encourage common terns to nest and islands made from cockle shells were created at Minsmere for little terns to nest.

SUFFOLK RADIATOR COVERS Made to Measure Wide range of grills Removable front panel for easy access to valves.

A modern and stylish solution to conceal old unfashionable radiators safely in your home

Connect could never succeed without the commitment of its member businesses. Their donations enable a wide range of conservation projects to take place and help to raise the profile of Connect. A list of current Connect Members and more information can be found at www. suffolkcoastandheaths.org John Adcroft, proprietor of Ufford Produce & Provision Co is another member of the scheme, he says “our business supports local food producers, but if it wasn’t for the care with which this area is conserved we would have less holiday makers, customers and producers so it’s important for us to give something back. We keep a donation box on our counter so every time people shop with us they can support Connect as well as supporting local farmers and food producers.”

We hope you’ll support Connect too, and enjoy the wonderful area we live in.

01394 421445 • 07947 907147 98 Bentwaters Park, Rendlesham, Woodbridge IP12 2TW

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What’s on...

If you have an event email it to us at: editor@roundaboutsuffolk.co.uk or visit our website and add it there!

Arts, Crafts and Fashion Until 12 June

Exhibition - Colin Moss, 1914-2005: Artist & Teacher

• Gallery 3, Ipswich Town Hall Galleries • 01473 432863 • visualarts@ipswich.gov.uk • www.townhallgalleries.org.uk

17 March, 9.30 am to 12 noon

CoastalNet Monthly Networking Meeting • Ufford Park 25 March, 7 am to 9 am

People Buy People Monthly Networking Meeting • Glasswells on Ranelagh Rd in Ipswich

1 – 28 March

Comedy

Exhibition: MICHAEL CARLO - recent observations of the effect of season and climate on the Suffolk landscape • John Russell Gallery,

7 March

7 – 8 March

Jokers Comedy Club - Rudi Lickwood, Rob Brown, Paul Dennis and MC Craig Murray • Manor Ballroom, Ipswich

Bella Donna Bridal Fair, Free entry • Manor Farm, Henley • www.belladonnabridalfairs.com

Dance

21 March, 1 pm to 3 pm

Fusioin - An evening of Dance • 01394 615015 • boxoffice@woodbridge.suffolk.sch.uk • Seckford Theatre

Nearly New Sale in aid of the National Childbirth Trust, £1 entry • www.nct.org.uk • Stoke High School, Ipswich 26 March, 7.30 to 10.30 pm

Charity Fashion Show by The Store and other businesses of Saxmundham. Preview of our new season’s styles, Drinks & canapés, Raffle, Mini make-over revealed, Tickets priced at £10 each available to buy from The Store (telephone 01728 633005) • Saxmundham Market Hall 27 March, 10 am to 4 pm

‘I Make Fun Stuff’ craft fair • Ipswich Town Hall Galleries • 01473 432863 • visualarts@ipswich.gov.uk • www.townhallgalleries. org.uk

16 & 17 March

19 & 20 March

Bonachela Dance Company - The Land of Yes and the Land of No • Jerwood DanceHouse, The Waterfront, Ipswich

Kids 13 & 14 March, 10 am to 4.30 pm

Jimmy’s Science Festival - Featuring a range of practical science workshops, live music, activities and exhibitors around the farm, with ‘Science Bloke’ Marty Jopson on stage • 01473 601770 • Pannington Hall Farm, Wherstead • www.essexpigcompany.co.uk 27 March, 11 am to 12.30 pm

ArtOne Contemporary - Mixed Media by Gallery Artists • John Russell Gallery Wherry Street Ipswich

FINDING ALICE - An interactive adventure for children involving characters we all know and love. • www.wolseytheatre.co.uk • 01473 295900

Business and Networking

Music, Festivals, Food and Drink

3 March

1 March

29 March – 13 June

Friends in Business - book a space via friendsinbusinessuk.ning.com • Basepoint, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9SJ 10 March, 12 noon to 2 pm

Athena Lunch Monthly Networking for Women • Belstead Brook Manor Hotel, Ipswich, 11 March, 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm

Quills Ladies: ‘Cake Decorating’ - the art of crafting sugar flowers.

Non-members £3 • Caroline 07775 620226 • Seckford Hall, Woodbridge

Count Your Friends, Rules of Romance & Who’s Driving? Bears Driving!

- 3 great bands in one great venue! FREE ENTRY and cheap drinks!!

• The Summer House, Ipswich 4 March

Jane McDonald • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent. co.uk • 01473 433100 6 March

Black Pudding and Pork Butchery - Stuart will demonstrate how to

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cut up a whole pig. He’ll also show you how to roll and stuff a whole loin, and what to do with the rest of the pig. We’ll also then crack the secrets of black pudding making, £25 per person including lunch • Metfield Cafe, Snape Maltings, Snape • 01728 687980

14 March

6 March

18 March

Mother’s Day Lunch - A delicious three course meal with a gift for all mums! £22.50 per person. Under 10s £10 • Fynn Valley Golf Club, Westerfield (B1077)

The Outlaws - Four middle aged ugly blokes who guarantee great entertainment • Limes Hotel, Needham Market

GIFT OF GAB ( BLACKALICIOUS ) LIVE In IPSWICH • The Swan, King Street, Ipswich

8 March

19 March

Who’s Bad - Three decades of Michael Jackson’s music • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100

St Patrick’s Celebration - Ronan Tribute Act and 2 course Irish themed meal, £17.50 • Fynn Valley Golf Club, Westerfield

10 March

22 March

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - ever-popular classical masterpieces • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100

24 March

Concert and Swing Bands perform a variety of blues, swing and pop numbers, free • St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge

11 March

Concerto Concert, free • St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge

Abbey School Easter Instrumental Concert • Abbey School, Woodbridge

25 March

11 March

Jethro Tull • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100 12 March

Junior Concert - Seckford Sinfonia, Just Jazz and other instrumental groups from the Junior part of the School can be heard along with the Junior Choir, which includes all of Years 7 and 8 • St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge

Cat Madden - Great covers and her own brand of acoustic folksypop.

• So Bar, Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds 27 March

Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100 28 March

Desperado: THE HEART OF THE EAGLES TOUR 2010 • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100

From a beach hut to a palace

Suffolk Interior Design Service

From a single cushion to a whole house we make and design it all.

Bespoke furniture, designer fabrics, eco-friendly paint, wallpapers and fabrics.

See web site for details or call to arrange a no obligation home visit. www.S-I-D-S.co.uk ❧ Tel: 01394 420782

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What’s on...

Nature, Health and the Great Outdoors

Theatre

6 March, 7.30

Bawdsey Bird Club Talk - “Are Garden Birdwatchers Real Birdwatchers?” £2.50 (£1.00 under 18s) • The Great Hall, Bawdsey Manor

NOISES OFF - “a play about a play within a play which could quite conceivably be the funniest play ever written” The Guardian • New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich • www.wolseytheatre.co.uk • 01473 295900

20 March

15 – 20 March

St Elizabeth Hospice’s Great Xscape: Find your way back from a secret location – no maps, money of phones allowed – to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice. Teams of three or four friends, colleagues or family wanted for this exciting challenge. Fancy dress optional. Rachael Mittell • 01473 723600 • www.stelizabethhospice.co.uk.

16 & 17 March

Quizzes March 25

Until 13 March

Riverdance: The Farewell Tour • Regent Theatre, Ipswich • www.ipswichregent.co.uk • 01473 433100 FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT - Touring bands tells their woeful stories of debt and despair and weave a cautionary tale that pulls on our heartstrings. They might not be able to pay the bill but they can still top it • New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich • www.wolseytheatre.co.uk • 01473 295900

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT FOR HEARING DOGS - Hearing dogs change lives. They alert their deaf owners to sounds we take for granted, providing greater independence, confidence and security. Most are selected from rescue centres or donated as unwanted pets. It costs £5,000 to train and keep one hearing dog for its entire working life.

19 & 20 March

Quiz teams can include between 4 - 8 members. Entry is £5.00pp, including a sandwich supper and the opportunity to win lots of prizes.

FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE - International film stars Kelly McGillis and Rolf Saxon star in this lavish new production of Terrence McNally’s classic love story, set in 1980s New York.

• New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich • www.middlegroundtheatre.co.uk • www.wolseytheatre.co.uk • 01473 295900

To buy tickets call Matthew at The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or buy online at www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz.

MEETING JOE STRUMMER - A passionate punk comedy celebrating the man who set the agenda for a generation • New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich • www.the-future-is-unwritten.co.uk • www.wolseytheatre.co.uk • 01473 295900 22 – 27 March

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