Best of Suffolk Magazine

the best of

Suffolk JULY 2011 – JUNE 2012

Your annual A-Z guide to this unique county interiors | food | fashion | weddings | schools | festivals | events

£4.50

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Suffolk Welcome to the ninth issue of Best of Suffolk Magazine. We hope that this edition will continue to offer an engaging insight into what makes Suffolk the great county that it is. For those of you that are new to the magazine, it offers a succinct visitors guide to the best villages and towns, and highlights some of the key attractions and aspects of the region that no visitor should miss.

S

uffolk is indeed a glorious place with a wealth of fascinating elements. Its flat coastal topography and undulating inland geography lends itself to exploration.

Where to start? The villages and towns, the forests, the sea? There is so much to discover and so much to enjoy! For us who live here, it’s obvious what a magical place it is, timeless yet evolving; where there's always a newfound location or experience awaiting.

As you travel around you'll notice that the county has an abundance of local food. There are numerous farm shops and delicatessens and a disproportionate number of independent butchers, fishmongers and pick-your-owns. They are well worth a visit. You'll also find

superb local produce widely available on the menus of pubs and restaurants throughout the county, in a display of local ingredients that links the sea, the soil, wildlife, livestock and, most of all, its people.

Suffolk is such an irresistible magnet for visitors and for the many who move here to make the county their home.

It offers a superb quality of life, whether you are a young family starting out with your children, or perhaps older, retiring here and rediscovering a new energy in your lives.

We very much hope you enjoy this latest edition and, as previously, we warmly invite your feedback and suggestions for future magazines.

Jonathan Tilston Publisher

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Contents Publisher Jonathan Tilston Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd Managing Director Deanna Tilston Sales Executive Alistair Moon 07732 468797 Design Alan Brannan Design alanbrannandesign.co.uk Photographic Contributors Malcolm Farrow (Suffolk Picture Agency) Visit Britain Images Emma Kindred Tony Pick Editorial Contributors Ros Green Suzanne Richardson Trulock and Harris Polly Robinson Suffolk Book League Orwells Furniture Visit Suffolk

With special thanks to: All advertisers ŠTilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 2011 We welcome your information and comments.

Please send to: Tilston Phillips Magazines Ltd 141 Norwich Road Ipswich IP1 2PP 01473 286155 sales@tilstonphillips.com tilstonphillips.com

Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Beccles Bungay Bury St Edmunds Debenham Felixstowe Framlingham Hadleigh Halesworth Ipswich Lavenham, Kersey and Monks Eleigh Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare Newmarket Orford Oulton Broad and Lowestoft Snape Southwold Walberswick, Blythburgh and Dunwich Woodbridge Yoxford, Peasenhall and Sibton Across the borders East Bergholt, Flatford and Dedham Secret Suffolk Shooting in Suffolk Heritage coast Market towns The best of Suffolk interiors The best of Suffolk food Gourmet’s guide Food producers The best of the region pub guide The best of Suffolk fashion The best of Suffolk weddings The best of Suffolk schools Literary Suffolk The Olympics in Suffolk Pen and paintbrush Opening doors for your business

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A t0 Z of Suffolk towns

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Great days out in Suffolk Refresh and rejuvenate your body and mind by escaping to the revitalising experiences that Suffolk has to offer in abundance.

I

t is time to simply relax. Our many independent hotels have sumptuous furnishings and character by the bucket-load, our cosy cottages present a home-from-home experience and our B&Bs provide a warm and friendly welcome.

Situated off the A12 in 120 acres of historic parkland sits Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa; the perfect place to unwind.

Ufford Park has a fully-equipped health club including Soft Sauna, Aroma Steam Room, Thermal Suite Spa Hydro Pool, Mineral Grotto, and Relaxation Zone.

However, if you feel like doing something more strenuous, Ufford Park offers one of the top golfing venues in the East of England, including an 18-hole, par 71, championship golf course and 27-hole putting green.

Nestled in the beautiful rolling Constable countryside lies Stoke-ByNayland Hotel, Golf and Spa resort.

Consisting of two championship 18-hole

courses and a superb spa and leisure centre, it is one of the most sought-after venues in the East of England for both golf and leisure breaks.

If you require more retail therapy than relaxation, Suffolk provides an array of charming market towns that deliver retail extravagance. In Bury St Edmunds, famous for its large open-air market, independent shops very much complement the recognised high street retail experience offered by the Arc shopping centre – it’s the perfect mix of bespoke boutiques, cafés and high street shops. From farmers’ markets to fresh fish; designer clobber to vintage bargains; antiques to credit-crunching car boot sales, nowhere does it better than Suffolk. Once you have explored our towns and villages why not put your feet up and do nothing! Maybe read a book in a lovely country garden or catch up with friends or family while enjoying a cream tea or some locally-produced fruit juice.

Moving into the evening, Newmarket Races provides the perfect place to have a flutter on the horses, a taste of fine dining and some excellent live music. In previous years James Blunt and Jools Holland have graced the stage to provide the afterevent entertainment. It provides a great night out for all the family to enjoy.

Revived, you will be ready to experience our wide, open skies and landscapes which make for invigorating country or coastal strolls or cycling adventures. Our footpaths are plentiful and varied from open meadows, to forest trails to cliff-top paths. Exploring our countryside and villages by bicycle is recommended, too, but do not forget to drop by a country pub en route.

Indeed, walk or cycle the landscapes and enjoy the views by eating in one of our many restaurants or pubs that serve local produce. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Creative Inspiration A chance meeting with leading landscape artist Paul Evans inspired Julie and Andrew Knibbs to open their art gallery on the Suffolk coast.

Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts is now establishing a growing reputation for offering quality artworks at affordable prices, in relaxed surroundings.

Visit the gallery, situated prominently on the High Street and prepare to be inspired with a heady mix of contemporary art by more than 60 artists.

2 Avocets by Michael Richmond

Early Morning Crag Path by Graham Spice

A hard fought race by Janet Nelson

Little Terns by Robert Greenhalf

Stour reflections by Paul Evans

The Gallery

ALDEBURGH CONTEMPORARY ARTS

From the dangerously-collectable watercolour and acrylic paintings of Paul Evans, to the finely-drawn sepia etchings of Suffolk artist Derek Chambers. From the painstaking detail of Sydney Sykes still-life oils to the texture and colour of landscape painter John Lawrence. Compare the style of watercolours, oils and woodcuts by prominent wildlife artist Robert Greenhalf with the bold aquatint etchings of Susie Perring.

View unique ceramics, from the colourful raku of Pat Armstrong to the individually-crafted birds of Michael Richmond to the internationallyacclaimed sculptures of Peter Beard.

Be inspired.

Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts can be found at 187 High St, Aldeburgh. Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) 10.00am-5.00pm.

Telephone: 01728 454212 www.aldeburghcontemporaryarts.co.uk

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Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Famed for its associations with the composer Benjamin Britten, its festival and its fish and chips, the little town of Aldeburgh is charming

Old-fashioned seaside charm For artists, writers and nature lovers The High Street is lined with tempting shops and galleries offering some very tasty retail therapy. Browse here for quality fashion brands, unusual gifts, lovely arts and crafts, good books and all sorts of attractive ‘must-haves’ for the home.

Quaint and pretty houses decorate the seafront, and when the town fills up on high days and holidays you can understand why Benjamin Britten and his partner Peter Pears found the intrusion too great and swapped their home in Crabbe Street (marked by a blue plaque) for The Red House in Golf Lane, which continues to house the Britten-Pears Library.

The internationally-acclaimed music festival happens in June, most of it based at nearby Snape Maltings, and a growing and highly successful Literary Festival takes place in spring. In August the town fills with holidaymakers and the boating community heads for the Aldeburgh Regatta. The summer carnival is renowned for its Chinese lantern procession to the beach and firework finale.

The town offers a fine golf course, a long pebble and shingle beach, an

historic Moot Hall housing a small museum, cosy pubs, good restaurants, some sizeable hotels, its own cinema, and the parish church where Benjamin Britten is commemorated and where Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Britain’s first woman doctor and first female mayor, worshipped.

A seafront stroll in either direction comes highly recommended. Head south beyond the sailing club towards the largest of Suffolk’s Martello Towers and you reach the now-vanished Slaughden, a community that time and tide eventually removed and the birthplace of the poet George Crabbe.

Turn in the other direction, and continue north beyond the fishing sheds and boats that testify to the small but determined number of inshore fishermen who still land their catch on the beach, and you will see Maggi Hambling’s giant scallop shell sculpture crafted in homage to Benjamin Britten.

Continue travelling in this direction and you come to Thorpeness, a magical place created in the early 1900s by barrister and playwright Glencairn Stuart

Ogilvie, who turned a fishing hamlet into a model holiday village along fantasy lines that would have delighted his friend and ‘Peter Pan’ author, J. M. Barrie.

You will feel you are stepping back in time as you row a boat out on to the man-made Meare, view the 19th-century post mill (moved here bodily from a neighbouring village) or marvel at the glorious ‘House in the Clouds’, a gigantic folly built to disguise a water tower.

Thorpeness also has its own 18-hole links golf course, laid out by James Braid in 1922, which incorporates a hotel and country club, with bar and restaurant. www.visitsuffolk.com

THE ALDEBURGH LITERARY FESTIVAL March | ALDEBURGH CARNIVAL AND REGATTA august THORPENESS REGATTA AND FIREWORKS august the best of Suffolk

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THE DOLPHIN INN www.thorpenessdolphin.com 01728 454994

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With shops in Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings, CAraMel is going from strength to strength Personal experience and listening to staff, friends and customers are key to the selection of designers and clothing in Caramel.

They welcome women of every age, who enjoy good clothes that you won’t find in the bigger chain stores. The combination of enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, their love of clothes, and an extensive range of labels has been critical to retaining loyal customers and attracting new ones.

As Owner Susan Fletcher comments, “Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings are delightful destinations and I feel very proud to be part of an area that has so much to offer”.

She has recently introduced many gifts and accessories at the Maltings shop and is also a supplier of some fashionable handbags and laptop bags by Penelope and Parker, Pavoni and Makki.

There is a feel for comfort this year. leggings and easy to wear trousers and skirts with great tops and suede waistcoasts are a great way to achieve this look. For the colder seasons, they supply a range of beautiful cashmere jumpers and dresses as well as fabulous coats, hats and scarves.

The Pelican Bar and Grill Situated in the heart of Aldeburgh, directly on the seafront with fabulous views from the balcony and upstairs dining areas. The Pelican Bar & Grill’s menu changes daily so we can take advantage of the freshest seafood straight off the beach and keep seasonality at the core of our dishes.

Our friendly and relaxed atmosphere caters to all – we are child and dog friendly and have wheelchair access.

With free wi-fi, lounge and bar seating, to enjoy quality beer, wine and cocktails or just a cup of coffee and a place to read the newspapers in peace.

Make sure The Pelican is the place you visit.

There is no other restaurant in Aldeburgh like it.

The Pelican Bar and Restaurant Oakley Square, Crag Path Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BX Tel: 01728 454 233 www.pelicanaldeburgh.co.uk

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For an engaging read look no further than...

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If you would like to advertise in the next edition please call 01473 286155. View our digital magazines at www.tilstonphillips.com

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Beccles Right up at the top of the county, Beccles lies on the River Waveney at the southernmost tip of the Broads

Bustling Beccles

A thriving community, past and present

Beccles stands on the River Waveney, part of the Suffolk Broads but on the border with Norfolk.

Beccles was a thriving settlement well before the Norman invasion, and has a colourful history going back more than a thousand years. It has been a port for most of its existence and is able to receive ships large as well as small, making it an important trading centre.

The quay remains, and is still a lively spot, especially in summer, with daily boat trips and its own visitor and information centre, café, shop and children’s play area.

The imposing tower of St Michael’s church has clocks on three faces, but a blank north wall facing the river. Local legend has it that this is because Beccles folk would not give their Norfolk neighbours anything – not even the time of day! The church of St Michael’s is a striking landmark, and the tower is

sometimes open for very fit people to climb to the top and admire the stunning views. Horatio Nelson’s parents were married here, and his father was rector.

Unusually, the tower is separate from the church itself, because it would otherwise have slid down the cliff into the river!

For today’s visitors Beccles has a good mix of retail outlets, including wellknown national names and attractive local independents selling everything from antiques, gifts and cookware, books, rugs and furniture to model boats. There is an ample range of pubs, restaurants and cafés, as well as many other attractions including the awardwinning Upstairs Gallery.

Leman House, in Ballygate, is now home to Beccles & District Museum, and well worth a visit for its mix of displays about local life. It is a Grade 1-listed building and was endowed by Sir John Leman as a school back in 1632.

Sir John, scion of a well-known local family, made his fortune trading in butter and cheese and went on to become Lord Mayor of London.

The local high school still bears his name, although it is now sited elsewhere and caters for rather more than the original 48 boys. A number of wellknown people have attended Sir John Leman High School, including Nobel Prize-winner Professor Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, and the actor Sir John Mills.

Walkers can access the marshes on land granted to the town by Elizabeth I in 1584, an act commemorated on the town sign. The town also has a large common, complete with nine-hole golf course, where owners of grazing cattle still have ancient access rights. www.visitsuffolk.com

BECCLES CARNIVAL PROCESSION August | THE BECCLES FESTIVAL september

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5 GENERaTiONS

Of

NURSEy ShEEpSkiN

Of

BUNGay

Made to last in Bungay While much of the worlds attention has been focused on dazzling, technological advance, we have carried on using methods and know-how passed down the generations. from craftsman to craftsman to craftsperson (who says we do not move with the times).

Welcome to Nursey of Bungay. Take a look through our range of jackets, coats (including our reissue of the 1944 classic LC1), gilets, hats, gloves, slippers, mittens, online. Or more traditionally call 01986 892821 and speak to someone who knows about our clothes down to the last detail.

our famous Waveney Moccasin

Bungay Shop Opening Hours NURSE Y & SON LT D Winners of ‘The Daily Telegraph Sponsored Best Traditional Business section of the Countryside Alliance Awards 2010’

fEBRUaRy TO OCTOBER Monday – Thursday 10am – 12.45am 1.30 pm – 5.00pm friday 9.00am—12.00pm NOvEmBER aNd dECEmBER Monday – Saturday 10am – 5.00pm

We look forward to welcoming you to our factory shop here in Suffolk with a huge selection.

Handmade in Suffolk, England

JaNUaRy Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00.pm

CLOSEd Sundays and all Bank holidays Disable access available Free Customer Parking

See our full range at: www.nurseysheepskin.co.uk Nursey of Bungay, 12 Upper Olland Street, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1BQ. Tel: 01986 892821 Email: sales@nurseysheepskin.co.uk Brochures available on request.

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Bungay The little town of Bungay is a browser’s delight, whether it is history and legend you are looking for or antiques shopping

Black dog days

A browser’s delight of a village The Butter Cross provides an attractive centrepiece to the town and it is here that you will find the traditional Thursday market.

The town holds a number of special street markets during the year, including a big antiques market which stretches the length of Earsham Street and attracts thousands of visitors.

As well as antiques, the town has a whole range of individual independent outlets and galleries selling everything from wholefoods, wedding tiaras and wood carvings to pretty pottery, luxury gifts, lovely items for the home and terrific toys.

Bungay’s Norman Castle, much ruined over the centuries, is now administered by a trust and happily brought to life by

its own visitor centre, shop and welcoming café. Another uniquely local feature is the Bungay Town Reeve – which turns out to be not a place but a person – and is an ancient civic office that has survived from Saxon times!

In 1688 the Great Fire of Bungay devastated the town. The oldest complete building to survive was the round-towered Church of Holy Trinity, which narrowly escaped the blaze and has the plaque to prove it.

Another beautiful church, now redundant, is famous for an enduring piece of folklore concerning the infamous Black Dog of Bungay, which is supposed to have rushed into St Mary’s during a storm in 1577 and killed a number of the congregation. Today,

among other things, the Black Dog lends its name to the annual local marathon, run in April.

The town has some historic hostelries to enjoy and a series of accessible footpaths to follow. Bungay Museum is to be found in the council office, and local amenities include a golf course, sports hall, bowling green and indoor swimming pool.

Just a few miles out of town, St Peter’s Hall and Brewery makes an interesting and tasty spot to visit, The Otter Trust, at nearby Earsham, houses the world’s largest collection of these engaging animals which you can see at swim and play. www.visitsuffolk.com

BUNGAY FESTIVAL JuLy

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Bury St Edmunds Historic Bury St Edmunds, in the heart of west Suffolk, is one of the region’s biggest and best-loved market towns.

Medieval history

An Abbey, an Angel and a local Ale

The town’s namesake, St Edmund, martyred King of East Anglia, died in the 9th century but his shrine became the focal point for the development of one of the largest and most powerful abbeys in all the land.

You can wander round its ruins in the lovely Abbey Gardens, where the Abbey Gate and Norman Tower are the most complete surviving parts of the original vast complex. The gardens are now a pleasing public park, renowned for its bedding displays. The grounds include a children’s play area.

Hard to miss is the neighbouring St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the county’s only Anglican Cathedral, lately crowned with a magnificent 140ft-tower, which now dominates the skyline as if it has somehow always been there. A little farther along the street – and worth the walk – is another of the town’s fine churches, St Mary’s, where Henry VIII’s sister, Mary Rose Tudor, is buried.

Bury (as it is known locally) is a great place to explore by foot, with delights and surprises around every corner.

Among other gems, it can boast one of the oldest working theatres in the country and the smallest pub. Moyse’s Hall, now a museum, also happens to be among the most ancient of the region’s town houses.

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Charles Dickens famously gave public readings in the beautiful Athenaeum on Angel Hill, staying at the neighbouring Angel Hotel, which gets a mention in ‘Pickwick Papers’. Throughout the Middle Ages, Angel Hill was the site of the Bury Fair, attended by traders and entertainers from all over Europe. Today it still attracts visitors from home and abroad, but mostly serves as a car park.

Shopping is good, and offers a broad mix of well-known high street names and smaller independents. Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days when lots of colourful stalls fill the Buttermarket.

The Market Cross building in the Cornhill originally had an open marketplace below. Now it houses shops and a tearoom, with a vibrant art gallery and alluring shop above. There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, hotels, wine and coffee bars dotted in and around the town centre where you can find refreshment and take the weight off your feet.

Squeeze into the nearby Nutshell if you want to say you have visited the pub that the Guinness Book of Records lists as the smallest in Britain. Be warned that it features a mummified cat hanging over the bar, a grim reminder of the days when people believed that walling up a poor creature like this in a house would ward off evil spirits.

Some of the region’s best-known and best-loved ales are brewed in Bury and beer lovers will want to make a beeline for the Greene King Brewery Visitor Centre. Nearby is to be found the wonderful Theatre Royal, one of the few surviving Georgian playhouses in England. It reopened in 2007 after undergoing extensive development and renovation.

The Bury St Edmunds Festival always offers a rich and varied feast of cultural activity and takes place in May. www.visitsuffolk.com

BURY ST EDMUNDS REAL BEER AND FOOD FESTIVAL | BURY ST EDMUNDS FESTIVAL May

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Debenham Debenham is close to the source of the River Deben and appears to derive its name from Old English words meaning the village in a deep valley

A Roman settlement And a great history of success

It has been described as ‘unspoilt without being a showcase,’ which is pretty much spot on.

The River Deben has its source here and settlers have been around since Roman times. East Anglia’s Kings are said to have occasionally held court here, and Blood Field, on the outskirts, is apparently named after a great battle against the Danes.

The market cross (later converted to a school) and surviving 14th-century timber-framed merchants’ houses at the heart of what is now a conservation area show that this was also a major centre for the wool trade. In the 18th century dairy production held much sway hereabouts before pasture gave way to more arable farming. The railway never got here, but the village does have one of the first purpose-built Victorian police houses in the country. Today’s high school, leisure and youth centres are proof that this is a living and breathing community.

Some elegant shopping embraces bespoke furniture, a stylish houseware and kitchen shop and a children’s book

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shop with lots going on. Many are family businesses, some with long histories.

Follow the signs to the Teapot Pottery for a fun-filled exploration of the way the national drink has combined with people’s passion for collectables. Not only can you enjoy the mad designs you can stay and paint your own at the ceramic café.

En route to or from Debenham, several other places may catch your eye. Towards Stowmarket, Stonham Barns has every species of British owl plus various other birds of prey on show. Also on site is a variety of country shopping with a choice of crafts, gifts, clothing and furniture.

Not to mention golf, crazy putting and a restaurant.

Towards Ipswich, another worthwhile detour is Helmingham Hall, where you can visit the park and stunning gardens of the Tollemache family’s moated Tudor house. No less a gardening authority than Alan Titchmarsh counts this among his favourites. The house is not open to the public. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Felixstowe Felixstowe is one of Suffolk’s larger coastal towns, enjoying a long stretch of coastline and a reputation for little rain and lots of sunshine

Don’t miss the ferry A seaside town with a fort and a port It succeeds in blending elements of traditional seaside – sandy beach, pier amusements, ice-cream, candy floss, serried rows of beach huts – with daily life as a fair-sized centre of population with a huge modern container port on its doorstep.

A look out to sea soon reminds you of the traffic that today makes Felixstowe one of Europe’s biggest and busiest container ports. A visit to the dockside is fascinating and brings you also to the local museum and to the historic Landguard Fort which for centuries has been guarding this vulnerable river entrance from would-be invaders.

This area also supports an important coastal nature reserve.

Back in the town centre the mix of shops along and beyond the main shopping street embraces national chains as well as some enterprising and

intriguing independents selling fashion, cookware, second-hand books, flowers and chocolates. There is no shortage of eating places, here or along the front.

Or simply sit and enjoy the pretty gardens with their sea-views. There are echoes here of a bygone Edwardian elegance, and it was at a house near here that Mrs Simpson stayed while awaiting the divorce that would rock the British Royal Family and pave the way to the abdication of a King.

Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion is also at this end of town, offering a varied range of year-round entertainment and with its own restaurant overlooking the sea.

Continue out of town by the coast road that crosses Felixstowe’s golf course and you will reach the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry. Here you can take your pick of two good pubs or dine on fish and chips cooked by the ladies in the Ferry

Café – a wonderful institution popular with locals and visitors alike (and where they also serve a hearty breakfast).

You can buy fresh fish to take home with you down at the boatyard. Then take a walk out across the expansive countryside, passing the jolly houseboats and mud-flats that border the river and listening out for skylarks as you go.

Or, if you want to stay in sight of the sea, skirt the sailing club and get on to the path that heads back towards Felixstowe. From here you can see across the river to Bawdsey Manor, famous for its associations with the development of radar during the Second World War. A small passenger ferry travels the short distance between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay and in summer crabbing is a popular pastime from both jetties. www.visitsuffolk.com

FELIXSTOWE CARNIVAL AND FAIR auguST | ART ON THE PROM SEPTEMbEr

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It takes something special to stand out from the crowd

Why not try a little self-indulgence and experience a fresh approach to affordable styles of head turning jewellery at Polly Pringle Silver.

With a distinctive outlet in Suffolk offering an intimate and somewhat magical atmosphere, Polly Pringle continues to create a unique shopping experience for her growing band of loyal customers.

The winning combination of contemporary, modern and exotic designs sourced from around the world and timeless elegance provides something to catch the eye, whilst also highlighting a good balance of price points. It maybe an understated necklace in Mexican silver or perhaps discover your fun side with a vibrant resin bracelet from her funky Danish range, guaranteed to raise a smile.

The Parisian jewellery is Polly's range she is most proud of. A carefully chosen selection of silver-plated pewter, designed and handmade in Paris all exclusive to Polly Pringle Silver.

The designs are not for the faintheartedâ&#x20AC;Ś they are bold designs of understated elegance and enduring quality. Very modern and very distinctive and are very quickly becoming collector's pieces.

The interior of the shop is small and intimate, with soft lighting that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, set against the cool, clean lines of the carefully chosen white & oak shop interior. Unlike many other retail jewellers, Polly Pringle Silver steers away from locking everything behind glass cabinets, instead inviting you to handle the jewellery.

Polly Pringle (her real name) founder and busy mother of three began her career some 15 years ago at Camden Lock Market. Having moved from the big city, her experience and enthusiasm found herself back in her native Suffolk, expanding into shops which offered her a much wider opportunity to explore and stock a broader range of jewellery.

Polly's aim is to create a thriving outlet for unusual, beautiful jewellery that cannot be found on the high street.

With friendly and knowledgeable service, Polly and her team are on hand to help you choose the correct present or to select an item of jewellery to go with a certain outfit.

What ever your needs we shall endeavour to cater for you.

R

7a Market Hill Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9AN Telephone: 01728 724772 Email: pollypringle@btconnect.com www.pollypringle.co.uk

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Framlingham Recently voted one of the best places to live in Britain, Framlingham has been described as ‘the essence of the English market town’

Ancient castle ramparts A fortification of royalty, power and status Steeped in history, its biggest visitor attraction is its wonderful 12th-century castle, which could have stepped from a children’s picture book and is one of the finest surviving examples of its kind you will see anywhere. Built by Roger Bigod, one of the Earls of Norfolk, it has been adapted and used as many things over the centuries, including a poor-house and a court. Today it is in the care of English Heritage and hosts a programme of events and re-enactments that greatly enhance a visit.

The castle also contains a small museum of fascinating domestic and agricultural bygones amassed by local collector Harold Lanman, along with photographs and pictures and a complete collection of the Framlingham Weekly News from 1859 to 1938. It is here, too, that you can find echoes of a clockmaking industry that once made Framlingham tick.

Once you have ‘done’ the castle, head for the Market Square which forms part of a conservation area at the heart of this thriving community. Here you will

find quality shops to explore and eateries that range from a café to a coaching inn.

The mixture of independent retail is happily traditional and caters for the needs of the locals as well as for visitors keen to spend their money on something to take home. On your way home, pay a visit to The Crockery Barn, situated on the B1077 towards Ipswich.

A quick tour of the town includes everything from a ducking pond and Tudor almshouses to a Victorian pillarbox, which is still in use. Also not to be missed is the beautiful church of St Michael’s with its magnificent tombs and effigies.

The area surrounding the castle, Framlingham Mere, is another Bigod legacy and makes for a lovely walk.

It provides a haven for wildlife as well as offering views of the castle and of Framlingham College, a private school founded in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert in 1864. Former pupils include the artist Alfred Munnings. www.visitsuffolk.com

FRAMLINGHAM ARTS FESTIVAL SPRING – aPriL | SUMMER – JuLy | AUTUMN – OCTObEr

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Ruby & Ted Delightful things for girls and boys from newborn to 10 years!

CafĂŠ & Cakes Come and enjoy a morning coffee and delicious homemade cakes, a light lunch or afternoon tea.

All food lovingly prepared on the premises using local ingredients wherever possible, Paddy & " .$ $ + 0 . 440& 30 Teapigs teas.

Celebration cakes made to order.

Opening Hours M-F 9am to 5pm Sat 9am to 3pm 22A Well Close Square Framlingham Woodbridge Suffolk IP13 9DS tel 01728 723444 email info@kittyscakes.co.uk www.kittyscakes.co.uk

Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 4.00pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays 28 Station Road, Framlingham, Suffolk IP13 9ED Tel: 01728 724460 www.rubyandted.com

Within walking distance of the historical castle and just a short drive from the coast The Lemon Tree Bistro in Framlingham is the ideal choice for any occasion.

Pop in for coffee, lunch or dinner and enjoy the fabulous treats on offer. Children are more than welcome and as such we offer a completely homemade menu for them at lunchtime and in the evening.

Visit seven days a week and experience the best produce to be found in the local area including Suffolk brewed beers, Coffee roasted just down the road and a menu full of fabulous ingredients.

Service is paramount, so please call with any enquiries and we will be more than happy to help.

The Lemon Tree Bistro Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9BE 01728 621232 www.thelemontreebistro.com

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RETRO 21

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RETRO 21 focuses on mid 20th Century Modern Designed items including furniture, lighting, art glass, artworks, storage solutions, 60’s prints, custom made vintage lampshades and cushions. Specifically specialising and acquiring Scandinavian pieces of beautiful rosewood furniture and Danish leather chairs.

Designers vary and have included Marcel Breuer, Kai Kristiansen, Rodney Kinsman, Poul Henningsen, Verner Panton, Terence Conran, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Olsen, Greta Jalk, Ernest Race, G Plan, E Gomme, Ib Kofod Larsen, Tom Dixon and many more.

Our aim is to offer an interesting shopping experience where you can buy something totally unique for your home or as a present. All items in the shop have been carefully sourced and restored to look as near to original as possible. We also stock a small selection of new items including glasses from Dartington and other housewares from a Danish company called Menu.

We can also source items for you.

OPENING HOURS Monday, Thursday, Friday 10.00 – 1.00 and 2.00 – 5.00 Saturday 9.30 – 5.00 21 Market Hill Framlingham Suffolk IP13 9BB Telephone: 01728 720028 / 07908 639179

www.retro21.co.uk

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Hadleigh One of the East Anglian towns that derived its prosperity from its wool and cloth industries. It has a 15th-century timber-framed Guildhall and many fine examples of timber and brick listed buildings

A perfect little town Make a date with history in Hadleigh

To get a sense of its historic heyday you need look no farther than the main street, where timber-framed houses and decorative plasterwork – often conveniently dated – soon establish that this was once a town grown rich, like nearby Lavenham and Long Melford, on the proceeds of wool and cloth.

Seek out St Mary’s Church, which understandably attracted the artistic attentions of both Gainsborough and Constable (Turner, too) and you will also find the town’s picturesque timberframed Guildhall and Tudor redbrick of the tower of what was to have been Archdeacon Pykenham’s grandiose Deanery (the rest never got built).

Agriculture also underpinned the local economy and regular livestock sales were once held in the marketplace. You will find the restored Corn Exchange nearby, now used as council offices.

The town’s long High Street presents an intriguing mix. Literary types can idle over books new and second-hand, there is a shop with everything a doll-lover could need, and others to tempt those with a weakness for shoes – or sweets!

There is a deliciously tiny delicatessen, and one of the bigger premises belongs to that rare bird an independent hardware store, where you can buy everything from a sit-on mower to a saucepan. Market Day is Friday and the town is usually bustling on a Saturday.

A choice of pubs, restaurants and cafés cater for most of the casual visitor’s needs. And if it is a bigger culinary experience you are looking for, then that is here, too, in the shape of an innovative local business offering cookery courses.

A stroll around some of the back streets will give you a better idea of the size and scope of what is clearly a community-focused town with much

THE HADLEIGH SHOW May

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to offer the tourist (rather than the other way around). On a nice day, that stroll should definitely take in Toppesfield Bridge (one of Suffolk’s oldest) and the town’s pleasant Riverside Walk – with a picnic perhaps. The River Brett, which winds its way from the north edge of the town, goes on eventually to join the River Stour in Constable Country.

Between Hadleigh and Sudbury lies Boxford, a pretty village with a stream running through and an attractive 17thcentury church nestling beside the village school. Its timber-framed pub, the Fleece, is famous for hosting jazz gigs that have turned this medieval village into a Mecca for music-lovers.

More famous names than you can shake a stick at have performed here since the club started, almost by accident, back in 1993, and it is worth checking out the programme (and the availability of tickets) if you plan to be there on a Friday night. www.visitsuffolk.com

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THE CUT

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Arts and Entertainment Centre

The Cut is one of Halesworth’s treasures. Once a maltings, it is now an exciting independent arts centre that provides exhibitions, workshops and classes for the local community and beyond.

An annual event is the HighTide festival, a fortnight of plays by professional actors, producers and directors, screenings and readings. In October this is followed by The Halesworth Arts Festival with international performers and artists.

The Malt Room is a wonderful space for exhibitions, as is the Concourse which also houses The Cut Café. The Alan Bates Theatre accommodates an audience of 220 on raked seating. Cinema is every Wednesday, showing recent releases, classic favourites, foreign films and documentaries.

Three times per year there are Open Mic nights when local talent can tread the boards.

If you are interested in Creative Writing, Tai Chi, Yoga, Belly Dancing, Pilates, Youth Theatre, Singing and much more, The Cut is the place for you.

8 New Cut, Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8BY Office 01986 873285 www.newcut.org email info@newcut.org Café and Galleries opening times: Mon – Sat 10 – 4pm Box Office opening times: Tues – Sat 11am – 2pm 0845 673 2123 boxoffice@newcut.org

www.newcut.org

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Halesworth While it is easy to see why visitors focus on the coast when they get this close to Southwold, the little town of Halesworth is worth making a short detour inland to visit

A heavenly haven

With a thoroughfare to inspire all tastes There is a pleasant shopping centre with interesting and individual shops and businesses focused on everything from fashion and food to furniture. Visitors often remark on the wonderful selection of shops, saying they were not aware such places still existed, thus making their visit even more memorable. There is also a market every Wednesday.

The town can be reached by rail as well as by road, and if you arrive by train your very first port of call should be the town’s museum, housed at the station. Not far from here is The Cut, a vibrant local arts centre providing space for dance, drama, film, exhibitions and music, all housed in a converted Maltings with its own café.

Halesworth packs a lot of history.

Dating from Saxon times, the town’s population doubled in the 17th century, by which time it could boast various coaching inns and taverns like the Angel

and White Hart, which are still very much in evidence. In the 19th century it became a major centre for brewing and malting, and wherries would have sailed up to Halesworth’s quay from Blythburgh and Southwold. The last such trip was in 1882.

You can still locate the house where local maltster and keen botanist Sir William Hooker lived, and where his son Joseph was born. If you are wondering where you have heard the name before, the plant-hunting father and son eventually became consecutive directors of Kew Gardens in London during Queen Victoria’s reign. Rather more somberly it was in Halesworth in 1862 that Victorian policeman, Ebenezer Tye, was murdered. The man convicted of the crime was the last person to be publicly hanged in Suffolk.

Coming up to date, Halesworth’s Gig in the Park, held in early August, is a major event on the music festival scene. At the end of August is the renowned Halesworth Antique Street Market organised by The British Heart Foundation. The annual ‘Thoroughfare’ takes place towards the end of June. It is a big food, drink and crafts fair that attracts thousands of visitors and helps to raise funds for local causes.As well as its park, Halesworth has the Millennium Green, created from 44 acres of grazing marsh close to the town centre. Here, if they are lucky, nature lovers may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher, an otter or a water vole. www.visitsuffolk.com

HIGHTIDE FESTIVAL aPriL / May

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Ipswich Ipswich is one of the fastest-growing and changing places in the East of England

Historic port and town With an exciting Waterfront development One of the main up-and-coming areas in Ipswich is the Waterfront. Redevelopment here is going on apace. With the attractive Victorian Custom House surviving as a centerpiece, there are tempting bistros, bars and an art gallery to explore alongside the smart apartments, a classy hotel and busy marina. Exciting developments include a prestigious dance-house for the region and a new university.

The port of Ipswich has been an important one since Anglo Saxon times and the ships that sail up river under the massive span of the Orwell Bridge still include commercial traffic as well as pleasure craft and the increasing number of private yachts that moor up here.

River trips are available.

Check out St Nicholas Street and the other small thoroughfares that run between the Waterfront and the town centre for small independent shops, restaurants and bars.

The Buttermarket and Tower Ramparts shopping centres flank the main street in the town centre, and it is here you will find most of the usual high street names, plus pubs, coffee shops and wine bars.

Do call in at the grand Victorian-built Town Hall and the contemporary Ipswich Art School Gallery in High Street where you will find exhibitions of contemporary visual and decorative arts, crafts and community history. Entry is free to both.

An outdoor market is held outside the Town Hall on the Cornhill on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you arrive by rail look out for the cluster of small shops selling snacks, beverages, highly-individual gifts, bags, scarves and jewellery on Platform One. Not far from the railway station is Ipswich Town Football Club, home of the Blues.

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Ipswich is rich in history – not all of it immediately obvious. A guided tour is your best bet, and you can pick up details from the Tourist Information Centre, housed in St Stephen’s Church, one of five redundant medieval churches that are gradually finding new and interesting uses. Nearby, in the Buttermaket, is the lovely timber-framed Ancient House with its elaborate exterior plaster carvings. It is worth taking a look inside, but be prepared to come away with more than you bargained for – it is now an outlet for Lakeland.

A short walk from the centre brings you to Christchurch Park, an unexpectedly vast green space right in the middle of town which comes complete with its own Tudor mansion, children’s play area, arboretum, tennis courts, bowling green and even a croquet

lawn. Lots of events are held here including a Music in the Park day which is part of Ip-art, the town’s lively and expanding annual arts festival fortnight in June and July.

Christchurch Mansion is run by the local museum service and has periodroom settings and a gallery displaying the town’s renowned collection of paintings by Gainsborough and Constable. Ipswich Museum, sited in the High Street, also has much to see, including a life-size recreation of a woolly mammoth and a Victorian natural history collection complete with (real) 17ft giraffe in a towering glass case.

On the edge of town is the volunteer-run Transport Museum. www.visitsuffolk.com

SUFFOLK SHOW | PULSE FRINGE FESTIVAL May / June | IP ART June / July MARITIME IPSWICH FESTIVAL august | HARVEST AT JIMMY’S septeMber 30

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Stimulate your senses Dine in our boutique restaurant where Simon Barker and his team prepare modern British food sourced locally.

Wherever you sit you can enjoy the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures and interesting nic-nacs.

In summer, dine alfresco and watch the harbour from our patio.

Book a table now and enjoy.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Neptune Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AX. Reserve by telephone 01473 226789.

www.salthouseharbour.co.uk

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Lavenham, Kersey and Monks Eleigh Lavenham claims to be England’s finest medieval town. It is easy to see how it must have looked in the prosperous Middle Ages, with most of the buildings dating from between 1400 – 1500

Picture perfect!

Tudor timbers and a medieval wool trade The older buildings are to be found around the marketplace where once they held bear-baiting contests. Lavenham’s 16th-century Guildhall is now owned by the National Trust, and on your travels you should also find a Great House (now a hotel) and a Little Hall. The Wool Hall is another half-timbered treasure and it does not take long to see how the Crooked House (now an art gallery) got its name.

The magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul has the tallest tower in the county, and as you might expect, is one of the best ‘wool churches’ in Suffolk.

Guided walks are regularly available and will introduce you to all this and more.

Inquire also about audio tours.

In among the streets of half-timbered cottages and fine town houses lie a variety of interesting and attractive gift and china shops, including some you may not expect (like the one featuring knitwear from Peru!) There are

booksellers and a whole collection of lovely and lively art galleries in which to browse and buy. And enough tearooms, coffee shops, restaurants and hotels to prevent you from going at all hungry or thirsty. On a sunny day it is difficult to think of a more idyllic spot to peoplewatch than from a pavement table.

Despite its tourist appeal, do not imagine that Lavenham is preserved in aspic. The local community is very much alive as you will discover if you arrive on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The picturesque and perenniallyappealing village of Kersey is always worth a detour, whether you combine it with a trip to Lavenham or set out to reach it from nearby Hadleigh or Boxford.

However you come upon it, the chances are that you will instantly recognise the scenery from a hundred calendars, photographs or paintings.

Lined with thatched cottages and tiled

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and half-timbered houses, its steep main street leads down from the church at the top to the ford or water-splash at the bottom, which is seemingly always attended by requisite ducks paddlepatting about, waiting to have their pictures taken.

Between Lavenham and Kersey lies the beautiful village of Monks Eleigh.

The 14th-century flintstone church looks down over the picturesque village green which is boarded by a collection of fine, typical Suffolk thatched cottages.

For a small village, Monks Eleigh has two fantastic destinations to visit. The Swan Inn, renowned for its awardwinning cuisine, and Bridge Farm Barns, where you can stop for a traditional cream tea or light lunch and browse the wonderful array of unusual products, gifts and crafts on show in the barns. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Bridge Farm Barns N

estling in the picturesque village of Monks Eleigh, in between Hadleigh and Lavenham, Bridge Farm Barns is one of those wonderful discoveries you make when touring through the British countryside.

Old Suffolk farm buildings have been converted into independent retail businesses and a wonderful tea room where you can indulge yourself in a homemade breakfast, coffee and cake, lunch or a delicious afternoon cream tea!

The Corn Craft Gift Shop is an Aladdin’s cave of unusual gift ideas that you won’t find on the high street. You will also find an amazing selection of cards –something for every occasion!

The SummerHouse is home to a selection of stylish & inspirational ideas for your home and garden and for the children, then Black Barn Toys & Games

Open seven days a week Mon–Sat 9.30am-5.00pm Sun 11.00am-5.00pm Easy to find on the A1141

is paradise! Here you can find a truly traditional toy shop with a great selection of wooden and educational toys for the younger ones.

Also on site is a small plant nursery which stocks a delightful selection of cottage garden plants.

Marlborough Tiles has a showroom of its hand painted wall and floor tiles at the barns. Marlborough Tiles has been producing tiles in England since the beginning of the last century and many of their tiles are still handmade in Marlborough today.

You can easily spend several hours at Bridge Farm Barns browsing around the wonderful array of different products on show, take in a morning coffee, have another browse and then stop for a delicious homemade lunch, before a further wonder around this peaceful setting.

There really is a little something at to interest any aged member of the family.

You will also find good Suffolk service and a buzzing atmosphere as the shops and tea room are well supported by local people – this is not just a tourist destination.

Bridge Farm Barns was originally set up as family business making Corn Dolly’s in 1970. The complex is still very much a family concern and although Corn Dolly’s are no longer the main focus of the business, visitors can still see the largest collection of these unique crafts that you will find anywhere in the country.

So if you are looking for a taste of ‘real’ Suffolk, then you can’t go far wrong than putting Bridge Farm Barns on your list of places to visit.

For further information please contact Tel: 01449 740456 www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk

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Specialists in handmade rugs and carpets Visit our stunning 18th century showroom with its beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary rugs Our restoration and conservation workshops, one of the largest in the UK, are always open to the public Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5.30pm

The Old White Hart Long Melford, Sudbury Suffolk CO10 9HX 01787 882214 www.persiancarpetstudio.co.uk Customer Parking

A in n ee UE ss G O V

Come and learn how to make jewellery in this quirky and unique boutique in the heart of Long Melford, Suffolk

Workshop dates now available at... www.thebead-boutique.co.uk or call 01787 464909 Looking for something ‘special’ for a big occasion, need a statement piece?

In-house jewellery designer and silversmith, Jessica Clarke, is on hand to create and produce bespoke pieces tailored for you.

Simply call to discuss your design needs.

Beads | Buttons | Pearls | Semi-Precious Gemstones | Tools | Classes | Repairs Aerial House, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JR

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Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare Many of Suffolk’s historic good looks – fine churches and beautiful old buildings – date back to the days when its villages and towns grew rich on the cloth and wool trade

A charming trio

Long on charm and historic interest Long Melford is a case in point.

Not only does its parish church dominate the village in spectacular style, it still has not one but two great Tudor Halls to choose from. Both are open to the public. Melford belongs to the National Trust, Kentwell is privatelyowned and has made a specialism of ‘living history’ recreations.

Long Melford certainly lives up to its name. There are nearly three miles of it and its broad main street is edged with façades that allow you to trace architecture down the ages – Tudor, Georgian and Victorian all supporting a mix of dwellings, shops, inns and restaurants Shopping is distinctly upmarket.

And it is not all antiques. Come here also to dip into sumptuous interior design, Italian shoes, books, art and pottery. Renowned for its eating out, Long Melford has some fine places to

lunch or dine and foodies will have a field day.

Pretty as a picture, nearby Cavendish has long enjoyed a popularity with the photographers who scour the country for idyllic scenes of English country life.

Hard though it is today to imagine either of these genteel villages in turmoil, Long Melford and Cavendish were in the thick of the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, led by neighbouring Sudbury. Chief Justice of the day was Sir John Cavendish, a local man who lost considerable popularity through the affair and who (or so the story goes) hung on to the door handle of Cavendish church in a (vain) bid to avoid his own dose of summary justice.

You can still see the very handle.

Cavendish is not preserved in the past, however, and the lovely church and charmingly-grouped pretty pink, thatched cottages on the green are just part of a village community that still has

a small primary school, and can offer a choice of welcoming hostelries.

While you are in this part of Suffolk, be sure to call in on nearby Clare.

It packs a lot of history for such a small town, and has some excellent local shops and watering holes.

A town trail will take you around the chief sights and sites. Look out for the Ancient House, which houses a tiny museum. Clare Priory, founded in 1248, is the mother house of Britain’s Augustinian Friars and in use as a religious retreat, but the grounds and Priory ruins are open to the public. And do not miss wonderful Clare Castle Country Park where you can see what is left of the old stone keep, stretch your legs, or follow the history trail. www.visitsuffolk.com

LONG MELFORD STREET FAIR July | CLARE PRIORY CRAFT FAIR July

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The National

Horseracing

Museum

Discover the stories of racing – the people, the horses and the history.

From the early royal origins of the Sport of King’s at Newmarket to its modern-day heroes, explore the collections and take a look behind the scenes of the dynamic and colourful world of horseracing.

Practical Gallery Ride the horse simulator and experience the excitement and energy of a race. Understand what it is like to be a real jockey and dress up in your very own racing silks. Talk to our Practical Gallery staff and hear what life is like as stable lad, jockey or trainer – straight from the horse’s mouth!

Shop & Café Open all year, our shop stocks fun and imaginative horse racing and horse related gifts.

There is also an extensive range of prints, paintings and sculptures. The licensed café serves a fantastic selection of hot and cold dishes freshly prepared onsite.

Admission to the café, garden and shop is free.

Equine Tours Equine classic tours are available for individuals, groups and coach parties.

To find out about the museum opening times, visit our website or telephone.

The National Horseracing Museum & Tours 99 High Street Newmarket Suffolk CB8 8JH Telephone: 01638 667333 Email: admin@nhrm.co.uk

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www.nhrm.co.uk

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Newmarket There is no getting away from the fact that the thing that brings most visitors to Newmarket is horse racing. But if your only visit here is made on a busy race day you will not see the town as the locals see it

Plenty to bet on

An historic equine legacy and the sport of kings If you happen to drive in from the right direction and at the right time of day, it is not at all unusual to pass a string of horses being ridden to or from exercise on the gallops. You may even have to stop to let them cross the road. On a fine and slightly misty morning it is like watching a painting by Degas come to life.

Shopping starts at the pretty little clock tower and stretches all the way down the main street. Here you can take your pick from bargain outlets to traditional stores – with enough in between to keep most people interested.

Fashion shops cater across the board, and while you can certainly find a racegoing outfit, fancy footwear or a frilly brolly (as insurance against the weather on ladies’ day perhaps) it is not only the racing fraternity who come here to shop.

Newmarket sausages, made to historic and closely-guarded recipes, are a local delicacy and something to take home with you (although you can also find them on sale on the internet these days).

There are restaurants, pubs and hotels catering to different pockets, tastes and clientele – whether they have just won a fortune or spent one! Eating out can meet a choice of tastes, ranging from an upmarket pizza to a celebration curry.

Coffee and teashops plug the gap.

You cannot really come to Newmarket and ignore its unique history and connections with racing. To find out more about Newmarket’s raison d’être visit the National Horseracing Museum which is easy to find and also has its own shop and café. Take time, too, to walk along Palace Street and see the carefullyrestored 17th-century Palace House, which was King Charles II’s royal residence when he paid his not-infrequent visits here to indulge his passion for racing.

Be aware, too, that Newmarket racecourse is now the venue for some very big rock and pop concerts during the summer racing season. www.visitsuffolk.com

NEWMARKET FESTIVAL July

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Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant What could be more delightful to contemplate than a leisurely and peaceful few hours viewing the beautiful area of Orford Ness from the river while fine-dining aboard the former Admiralty MFV supply boat, the Lady Florence?

The 50ft Lady Florence carries 12 passengers in spacious comfort, so you might want to make up a party of your own, or join up with others for a brunch, lunch, dinner or sunset cocktail supper cruise. Cruises operate all year round, regardless of weather and tides, with a cosy coal fire in winter. An informative commentary, bringing the fascinating area to life, is given throughout all Lady Florence cruises.

This mysterious, historic and unearthly part of Suffolk could not be seen in more apt or comfortable circumstances than from aboard the Lady Florence, cruising the calm waters within the Rivers Alde and Ore for either two-and-a-half or three-and-a-half hours.

On a brunch cruise (9.30am-noon), a three-course American-style meal is served, including hash-brown potatoes and hot American muffins and apple pie and cream. The cruise operates all year round.

During the three-and-a-half hour à la carte lunch (noon-3.30pm) and dinner (4.00-7.30pm) cruises, Lady Florence meanders upriver, past Aldeburgh to within sight of Iken and Snape. She returns past Havergate Island, the RSPB’s

bird sanctuary famous for the elegant and graceful avocet, the RSPB’s logo, and the National Trust’s 10 mile length of atmospheric Orford Ness to Shingle Street, where the river enters the North Sea in all the drama of its racing tides, raging surf and barren shingle banks, the inspiration of writers and artists for centuries.

In September, October and March, when it is not light enough for the dinner cruise, the romantic sunset cocktail supper cruise operates from 4.00 - 6.30pm.

Recognising that appetites on the water are sharp, and with a strong commitment to local seasonal food, menus include smoked mackerel pâté, honey-baked ham and loganberry and apple crumble, all prepared freshly to order on board.

Orford boasts two famous smokehouses and a renowned butcher. A fully-stocked bar is open throughout the cruises, including a selection of fine South African wines imported directly from the Cape vineyards.

In the EADT Tourism Awards in 2009, Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant was Winner of the Best Day Out in Suffolk Award, the only category voted for by members of the public rather than industry professionals.

In 2008, Lady Florence was a Finalist in the Best Day Out category and Winner of the Leisure and Recreation Award.

Booking information, colour leaflets and gift vouchers are available.

You can watch a short video clip of all three cruises filmed on board Lady Florence during actual live customer cruises on the website.

Telephone: 07831 698 298 Email: info@lady-florence.co.uk www.lady-florence.co.uk

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Orford The journey from Woodbridge or Melton to Orford is a pleasant one, and all the better for showing off a different Suffolk landscape of forest and heath

A hamlet with a heritage High towers and fabulous seafood The village itself is a delight and will not disappoint whether you opt to stretch your legs or head for the nearest hostelry.

It is only when you wonder why they built such a big castle keep here that you realise Orford was once a seaport of strategic significance and that, like so much of Suffolk, it has an amazing history. A couple of centuries ago someone actually wanted to knock the castle down, which would have been a disaster not only for today’s tourist trade but also for shipping which uses it as a landmark.

Another fine landmark is St Bartholomew’s Church, where some of Benjamin Britten’s finest works received their first public performance. Indeed, there is a commemorative statue to Noye’s Flood.

For such a small place it is remarkably well-served by restaurants, hotels and pubs, including the Butley Oysterage, which celebrates an obvious local delicacy. And the local smokehouse produces further Suffolk fare you will not want to go home without. Curiously,

there is a craft shop, usually with lovely basket-ware outside, which doubles as an exhibition space (upstairs) for underwater studies. It turns out that the owner is a keen diver who has recovered some fascinating treasures off Orford and Dunwich over the years.

The quay is always a lively place, with ferry trips across the river and longer cruises available aboard the Lady Florence. Havergate Island is a bird reserve, popular with waders and the RSPB’s emblematic avocet. Over on the long shingle spit that is Orford Ness it is not just the astonishing wildlife that has attracted human interest. It has been the testing site for various military experiments, including atomic weapons research. Today the National Trust is peacefully in charge. The waters around the Ness can be treacherous, which did not deter the smugglers of yesteryear but did cause numerous shipwrecks until the lighthouse was built. www.visitsuffolk.com JAZZ AT THE PAVILION July

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The Guildhall of Corpus Christi, Lavenham

Set in the Market Place of one of England’s most enchanting medieval villages, Lavenham Guildhall is a stunning timber-framed building containing a fascinating local history museum. Tranquil courtyard garden, gift shop and pretty beamed tearoom.

Open March, Wed-Sun 11.00am-4.00pm April-October, daily 11.00am-5.00pm November, Sat-Sun 11.00am-4.00pm

‘Here, following tradition is never a timid choice, because the Aldeburgh tradition, as put in place by its founders ... is so dynamic’ New York Times

for music and the arts

A PLACE OF ENERGY AND INSPIRATION

Tel: 01787 247646 / Email: lavenhamguildhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

To find out more, visit www.aldeburgh.co.uk

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Castles

Magical places of times past

suffolk is blessed with having one of the best-looking castles it is possible to imagine outside a picture book, especially for young visitors who are still at an age to enjoy dressing up and brandishing a wooden sword.

photography: orford Castle, rod edwards

F

ramlingham Castle dates from the 12th century when Robert Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) was busy making his mark on East Anglia.

Its fabulous curtain wall and 13 towers look just as a castle should, even if the Tudor chimneys (added later of course, and mostly dummies) give the place an oddly homely look. They are testament to the ‘modernising’ that went on during another important period in the castle’s history. For it was from here that ‘Bloody’ Mary and her supporters rallied on hearing of the death of Edward VIII. The highlight for many visitors has to be a walk around the top of the curtain wall, where there are stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

It is also fun to circumnavigate the castle from outside the walls, where a deep ditch gives a great sense of scale and will help to wear out any young knights you happen to have with you. Inside the walls there is a surprising amount of space, providing an ideal arena for the various historical events and re-enactments that take place here.

The other magical place for castle aficionados of all ages is Orford. Today only its lofty keep remains, but that is impressive enough on a number of counts, including its unusual shape and design. Once you have scaled the mound it sits upon, you can climb up inside the building to the roof and admire the view from 90 feet up. You can also enjoy the legend of the 12th century merman, caught in a fishing net, whose ghost is still said to remain.

If two castles are not enough, there are at least two or three other sites in Suffolk that are worth a visit. At Bungay, you will find the remains of another Bigod legacy, mainly in ruins, but with a visitor centre alongside. And a whole country park surrounds what is left of Clare Castle and Eye Castle, offering a peaceful spot from which to contemplate a far-from-tranquil history (and yes, those Bigods were involved again.)

Orford and Framlingham Castles are both in the care of English Heritage; check opening times and admission prices on the website www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Great days out in Suffolk

Cycling...

A county of gentle hills and leafy country lanes, Suffolk has just about the perfect terrain for cycling. Add to that the numerous excellent cycle paths and routes that weave through its bustling market towns and picturesque villages, complimented by a fabulous array of excellent pubs and cafés serving local foods en route, and it’s an enchanting proposition for everyone regardless of age or endurance.

T

he more hardened cycling enthusiasts may like to follow the route of the Tour of Britain, which fittingly begins its Suffolk leg in the magnificent four-storey 14th Century Abbey Gate in Bury St Edmunds, definitely one of Suffolk’s jewels in the crown. The route continues through the Medieval Wool Towns taking in Lavenham and Long Melford before passing through County Town, Ipswich, en route to 15th Century Helmingham Hall, family home of the Tollemache family and famous for its five hundred year old deer park and Grade 1 listed Gardens. Moving swiftly on, it then winds through some of Suffolk’s most delectable chocolate box villages

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including historic Debenham and Eye, before slipping over the border into Norfolk at Diss.

Those who favour a less arduous ride should head towards the glorious Suffolk coast. Take the time to explore the Deben Valley with its ancient Anglo-Saxon Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo. Perhaps cycle down to Orford Quay for a pint at The Kings Head or pop into Aldeburgh for some delicious fish and chips.

Alternatively, take a trip to Constable County where you can savour the delights of the Dedham Valley at your own pace.

There are also ample opportunities to get off the road: the popular option for families with young children. Thetford

Forest on the Suffolk Norfolk border has some of the best mountain bike facilities in the eastern region with miles and miles of way-marked single track and red and black courses. Meanwhile, the Rendlesham Forest Centre, located towards the east of the county, has two excellent off road family cycle trails on sand, gravel and grass.

And if you’ve left the bikes at home, don’t despair there are loads of places to hire bikes. Alton Cycle Hire for one is ideally situated on Alton Water near Ipswich, while for the romantics out there Byway Bikes near Darsham on the Suffolk Coast has a fleet of tandems for hire! www.visitsuffolk.com

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Oulton Broad and Lowestoft Uniquely, this bit of north Suffolk offers seaside, countryside and a glorious stretch of inland waterway all side by side.

Gateway to the Broads A unique blend of landscapes Oulton Broad forms the southern gateway to the Broads National Park, which mostly lies in Norfolk. While there is plenty to do and see on dry land, there is no doubt that if you spend any length of time here you will have to board a boat at some point, if only for a day trip.

The choice of craft ranges from a Victorian steam yacht to more modern cruisers. There are other water-based activities to be enjoyed here, too – from fishing to windsurfing.

The world’s first working hovercraft model was tried and tested at Oulton Broad. Having experimented with the idea using a strange assortment of household items, Sir Christopher Cockerell created a working model with a boat-building friend and tested it out here in 1956.

While you are in Oulton Broad pay a visit to the Lowestoft Museum situated in Broad House where you can catch up on 1,000 years of local and domestic history and see some prized Lowestoft porcelain.

Nature lovers can have a field day spotting rare and exciting plants and wildlife at Carlton Marshes, which has a visitor centre and where specialities include freshwater snails, dragonflies, water voles and insectivorous bladderwort. Oulton Marshes is another local reserve where a similar patchwork of watery habitats can be safely viewed from a footpath.

Other ‘must-sees’ include nearby Somerleyton House, once the country pile of Sir Morton Peto, the Victorian entrepreneur and ‘maker’ of Lowestoft, who developed the town’s harbour and rail links.

And the East Anglian Transport Museum, at Carlton Colville, provides a day of fun and nostalgia among the buses and trams.

This bit of Suffolk refers to itself as the Sunrise Coast and Lowestoft has some of the biggest beaches along the Suffolk coast.

The most easterly town in Britain, the fortunes of this old port and seaside resort have waxed and waned alongside the fishing and holiday industries, and the extraction of North Sea gas and oil.

Today the focus is on renewable energy and Britain’s second largest off-shore wind farm can be seen at Scroby Sands, just a few miles up the coast.

You can still find the narrow pathways known as the Scores, which, in the 19thcentury, led down to a village-sized community which lived right on the beach. There is more history to explore at the Lowestoft Maritime Museum, the Royal Naval Patrol Service Museum and War Memorial Museum in the pretty Sparrows Nest Gardens.

Pleasurewood Hills on the outskirts of town is a popular amusement park of manageable proportions with a pleasant family atmosphere and something for most age-groups. www.visitsuffolk.com

OULTON BROAD DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL May | LOWESTOFT SEAFRONT AIR FESTIVAL august

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Simply Snape Maltings The Maltings is a wonderful place with a collection of independent shops and galleries, take a stroll along the river paths, enjoy a bite to eat in our CafĂŠ or Tea Shop.

Open every day from 10am.

Free car parking www.snapemaltings.co.uk t: 01728 688 303

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Snape Strange but true, the little village of Snape was once bigger and more commercially active than its seaside neighbour of Aldeburgh

photography copyright © Malcolm Watson 2011

photography copyright © vernon layton 2007

A magical setting

And a meander through neighbouring villages Occupying an important bridging place on the River Alde, it has a long and fascinating history stretching back to Anglo Saxon and even Roman times.

Nowadays it is best-known as a major centre for the musical arts, and it is here that the world famous Aldeburgh Festival, founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, has its hub.

But it is not just at festival time that Snape’s converted Maltings merit a visit.

A major visitor attraction, it comes as no surprise that this monument to Victorian enterprise was one of the largest of its kind when founder Newson Garrett drew up his plans. Today, a whole complex has grown up around the famous concert hall, opened in 1967 by the Queen (who had to do it all again a few years later after a devastating fire).

Spread out over the site you will find a collectors’ centre crammed with bygones and antiques; a fabulous house and garden store; stylish outlets for country clothing and children’s things; a craft shop; an art gallery and a shop selling

cards and books. There is a café, too.

The setting for all this is perfectly lovely with views out over the river and marshes to Iken, well complemented by a Barbara Hepworth sculpture in the foreground.

Currently, Johnny and Alesha Gooderham are overseeing an imaginative regeneration phase that will cleverly incorporate housing into the heart of the site, along with a new centre for musical excellence and a greatlyexpanded homes and gardens section with a ‘deli’. Ultimately, they hope to set up a heritage centre here, too, which will help visitors to explore the history, and natural history, of this unique site.

There are very good local pubs serving food, and the concert hall has a restaurant and wine bar attached.

Heading back towards the A12, it is worth calling in at the Friday Street farm shop and tearooms at Farnham, where they sell a surprisingly wide range of goods and produce. www.visitsuffolk.com

THE ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS June | SNAPE PROMS 30 July – 29 august 2011 ALDEBURGH FOOD AND DRINK FRINGE FESTIVAL 23 septeMber – 8 oCtober 2011 the best of Suffolk

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summer: open from 9.00am Winter: open from 10.00am admin@southwoldpier.co.uk www.southwoldpier.co.uk 01502 722105 open for evening meals, please call to check availability

eat

I

f you are a fan of piers (and, ideally, no seaside should be without one) allow Southwold Pier to introduce you to a different level.

Lovingly renovated and restored when others of its kind were struggling or being swept away, it is an object lesson in how to put 623 feet of tradition to effective 21st-century use.

Nostalgia meets new waves.

From its family-oriented amusement arcade to its themed shopping opportunities, the pier is a perfect reflection of all things Southwold.

British seaside nostalgia is given a judicious tweak to meet the modernday aspirations of holidaymakers and day-trippers who, let’s face it, have moved on a bit since the pier’s Edwardian heyday. In those days the principal purpose of the pier was to facilitate docking of the pleasure steamers that plied the East Coast – a delight that is occasionally revived now that the pier is once again operational.

While it remains the aim of the pier’s proprietors to be able to provide for every seaside holiday necessity – from beach games to picnic sets, tasteful souvenirs to sticks of rock, buckets and spades to pocket-money toys – visitors can also browse among a classy range of lifestyle goods and come away with something highly desirable for the home (holiday or otherwise).

The pier’s choice of eateries offers a similar mix of traditional fare and flair which can take you from a hearty breakfast through morning coffee to

shop

play

lunch, high tea and supper. Enjoy a squid & mackerel burger or a delicious plate of oven roasted cod served on warm chorizo, tomato and butterbeans, or simply stick to good old-fashioned fish and chips (which can also be taken away).

Along the pier, and farther out to sea as it were, that seaside essential, a windbreak, has cleverly been built in so that The Clockhouse customers can enjoy the alfresco experience even on more bracing days whilst enjoying a glass of something and a half pint of locally smoked prawns.

It is this variety and range that makes the pier a perfect one-stop lunch and shopping destination in and out of season – important when you consider that the pier is open 364 days a year (don’t go on Christmas Day).

What is there to do besides shopping and eating? As well as the arcade games there is Tim Hunkin’s ‘Under the Pier Show’ featuring famously unique handmade machines that are guaranteed to raise a smile. And a thriving fishing club ensures that the anglers casting their lines for slip sole, mackerel and bass provide their own end-of-the-pier show.

If you can’t tear yourselves away from Southwold, we have just the answer: Don’t go home! Stay in one of our 2 beautiful holiday homes. Both are just minutes from the beach, shops and other local amenities. And when you stay, we give you a 10% discount on everything you buy at the Pier – now that’s the perfect holiday.

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Southwold With its signature lighthouse, pier and colourful beach huts, Southwold is often depicted as the sort of old-fashioned seaside that everyone thought had vanished

Suffolk’s coastal jewel Sophistication with a nostalgic edge

While it is true that this compact and pretty seaside town evokes nostalgia for simple pleasures and a time gone by, it has also become increasingly trendy.

And although simple tastes are still catered for, there are a lot more sophisticated things going on – particularly when it comes to shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs.

If you have not visited Southwold before, there are a number of must-dos: Sample a glass of Adnams beer within sight – and smell – of the famous brewery, situated in the very heart of the town; visit the beautiful Church of St Edmund and see Southwold Jack (also on the wall outside the brewery); speculate on the going rate for one of the brightlypainted beach huts; look for amber on the beach (or just go to the Amber Shop

and look at it there); visit the pier; stand on Gun Hill beside the ancient cannons and imagine you are watching the historic battle of Sole Bay out at sea; drop into the Sailors’ Reading Room; walk down to the harbour; go shopping.

Traditional and long-established favourites rub shoulders with newer arrivals in the main shopping street, where you will find shoes, quality clothes and fashion, art, souvenirs, bric-a-brac, gifts, interior design accessories for the home and a traditional sweet shop! There are good local food shops, too, including a delicatessen, butcher and two greengrocers who cater for the permanent residents as well as the holiday-makers who fill the town in summer. Adnams also has its newly built wine cellar and kitchen store here.

Southwold Museum is a little gem.

The Southwold Summer Theatre season runs from July through to midSeptember, and the small but perfectlyformed Electric Picture Palace has a programme of films old and new. There are plenty of places to take coffee, tea or lunch and some fine places to dine.

Down at the harbour there is even an eatery in a glorified fish shed where you can take along your own wine to dine on the latest catch! There are walks or cycle rides to be taken over the marshes, along the beach (in both directions) and across the common, where you will also find the golf course – so listen out for cries of “Fore!”. www.visitsuffolk.com

LATITUDE HENHAM PARK July | WAY WITH WORDS noveMber

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Great days out in Suffolk

Festivals...

Only an hour from the capital, Suffolk’s cultural pedigree is second to none.

Not only is it the birthplace of artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough, and classical composer Benjamin Britten, it’s home to contemporary artist Maggi Hambling whose iconic ‘Scallop’ sculpture sits on Aldeburgh Beach commanding a constant stream of visitors with its majestic beauty.

S

uffolk’s pedigree that shines through with a feast of festivals.

A year round programme secondto-none that boasts an eclectic smorgasbord: everything from theatre to dance, classical music to community arts through to contemporary poetry and medieval archery, all seasoned with some delicious Suffolk produce courtesy of the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival at Snape Maltings.

And it’s this pedigree that shines through the county’s feast of festivals. A year round programme second-to-none that boasts an eclectic smorgasbord: everything from theatre to dance, classical music to community arts through to contemporary poetry and medieval archery, all seasoned with some delicious Suffolk produce courtesy of the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival at Snape Maltings.

HighTide Festival, the world’s first Producing Festival of new plays, is the perfect place to get started. It provides an exciting platform of new writing, films, panel debates, adult and children

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workshops, with many of its plays transferring to the National Theatre and the West End. Then, of course, there’s the International Aldeburgh Festival located on the beautiful Suffolk Coast. A worldrenowned meeting place for classical music lovers, the festival offers a cornucopia of delights including superb concerts, master-classes and free performances on Aldeburgh beach.

While everyone has Latitude Festival near Southwold on their radar with its international bands and comedians jostling for the ‘top spot’, there are still plenty of other smaller festivals to enjoy.

Take the lovingly-curated familyfavourite ‘Harvest at Jimmy’s’, which takes place at Jimmy’s Farm. Otherwise known as the ‘Festival of Food & Music’, this end-of-summer celebration showcases the best of the British food

scene alongside a soundtrack of the some of the UK’s finest bands.

Likewise, the Aldeburgh Documentary Festival, directed by actress Diana Quick: an absolute gem in the Suffolk arts calendar that has been luring inspiring filmmakers to the Suffolk seaside town for over 16 years; Maritime Ipswich Festival, a salty feasting that celebrates the Waterfront’s remarkable nautical heritage with live traditional bands and dancing, historic visiting vessels and fireworks, and the delectable impressive Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, Europe’s leading contemporary poetry festival, which reaches the places other literary festival dare to tread!

To find out more about all the wonderful festivals and events taking place across the county, have a look at the county’s ‘one-stop-shop’ festivalssuffolk.com

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Walberswick, Blythburgh and Dunwich Sweeps of marsh, sandy heathland, rich in wildlife, create the backdrop to this corner of Suffolk, much of it protected and designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty

Three coastal treasures An arts heritage village with stylish shopping Pretty Walberswick, beloved of artists and writers, lies on the coast, across the river from Southwold. You can easily walk between the two, the only decision being whether to cross the Bailey bridge or secure a passage on the tiny foot ferry.

Arriving by boat and passing the harbour huts, you can either follow a path through the sand-dunes to the beach, or continue up the main street to the village green, where you will find lovely crafts and art shops and galleries, a tea shop and visitor centre. There is another good tearoom, with a garden, farther into the village. And some good pubs.

Each year, the British Open Crabbing Championship is held at Walberswick, attracting hundreds of visitors. So be warned, if you visit here on Sunday, August 1, the place will be mobbed by children carrying buckets and lumps of bacon on string!

Farther along the coast you will find Dunwich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or what is left of it. Much of the early town famously disappeared under the sea a very long time ago.

Most visitors sensibly head for fish and chips by the beach or a pint in the pub while contemplating the enormity of the disappearance of what was once a thriving medieval township. The rot set in after a devastating storm in 1328, when 400 houses and a number of churches were destroyed. Dunwich lost its harbour and its trade to Walberswick and as coastal erosion continued to do its stuff the town was slowly reclaimed by the sea.

There is a small museum where you can check it all out.

Dunwich Heath coastal centre and beach is a nature reserve and conservation area owned by the National Trust. There are lovely walks, and families with children can find plenty to do. Maps and further information are available from the converted coastguard cottages where there is also a licensed tea-room and shop.

Blythburgh lies a little farther inland, along the River Blyth. You cannot miss its church, sometimes known as the Cathedral of the Marshes. Vastly out of

proportion to the size of its surroundings, Holy Trinity manages to distinguish itself in a county full of special churches, and is truly worth a visit. The devil himself is reputed to have called here, hotfooting it from Bungay during the awful storm of 1577 and leaving telltale scorch-marks on the door.

The village itself is bisected by the busy A12, church one side, pub the other. www.visitsuffolk.com

SUFFOLK GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; GLENHAM HALL May the best of Suffolk

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Woodbridge A centuries-old tradition of boat-building continues down at the quayside where the chief visitor attraction is the picturesque Tide Mill

Delightful riverside views Plenty to discover

A centuries-old tradition of boatbuilding continues down at the quayside where the chief visitor attraction is the picturesque Tide Mill, a rare surviving example of its kind. It was restored in 1973 and has working models and various displays inside.

The railway station is also at this end of town, as is the swimming pool, cinema and Riverside Restaurant, which will serve meals to fit in with film performances, and a branch of Adnams wine cellar and kitchen store.

A pleasant walk with views along the Deben will take you past a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area towards Kysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill, now owned by the National Trust, and once a favourite spot of the Victorian landscape painter, Thomas Churchyard. If you keep going you can walk over the hill and all the way round and back into the town centre.

Everywhere you go there are interesting streets of pretty houses to explore. In the town centre there is a good selection of specialist shops, many of them independents, selling books, foodstuffs, local provisions, fashion,

shoes, gifts, china and furnishings.

There is another good kitchenware shop here, too. The town can also provide some very attractive pubsand restaurants. Recommended coffee stops include one of the bookshops.

For centuries, Market Hill was the nucleus of the town and here, you will find the Shire Hall, which is home to the town council and also to a museum dedicated to the Suffolk Punch heavy horse. Here, too, is another very attractive cluster of little shops and tempting eating places.

The Shire Hall building dates back to 1575, and the time of Tudor bigwig and local benefactor, Thomas Seckford, whose name lives on in a Seckford Street and the beautiful period Seckford Hall, now a hotel. You can discover more about Thomas Seckford and other famous townsfolk at Woodbridge Museum, which also records the spectacular finds at the nearby Anglo Saxon ship burial site of Sutton Hoo, now in the care of the National Trust.

WOODBRIDGE REGATTA AND RIVERSIDE FAIR June WOODBRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL august 50

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History of a different kind is to be found at Buttrums Windmill, in Burkitt Road, a restored six-storey tower mill which you may catch sight of as you approach the town. If you are inclined to venture farther afield, there is also much of interest at the Air Museum at nearby Parham, one of a number of former USAF bases positioned in this part of East Anglia during the Second World War. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Sibton White Horse Inn Suffolk

Sibton is set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside yet just five miles from the A12 and only ten miles from the Heritage coast. Here you will find the White Horse, built during the sixteenth century, it’s a rather fascinating pub, definitely one of those pubs that are a joy to discover.

Off the beaten track with the sound of bird song rather than traffic, and a somewhat feeling of time standing still, the White Horse is the perfect place to drink, eat or stay overnight. Whatever the reason for your visit you will find the hospitality friendly and relaxed, from the welcoming ambience to the attentive service.

Call the White Horse a gastro pub and you won’t be thanked. Neil and Gill Mason have painstakingly maintained all the traditions of this wonderful country pub and yes it’s a foodie heaven, but drinkers and guests don’t miss out either.

Enter the pub to be surprised, no gimmicks here, just pure origins of years gone by. The pub has many areas in which to enjoy real ales, fine wines and of course some great food. The bar with its charming raised gallery has a real pubby atmosphere where locals and travellers engage, and then there is an elegant dining room with its heavily beamed low ceiling and a secluded courtyard that is reminiscent of a Mediterranean garden in the summertime.

Housed in an adjacent converted building are six most comfortable rooms, well appointed and offering the comforts expected of a four star silver rated inn. With ample parking, many rooms overlook the green and the fields beyond.

The White Horse has picked up many awards including Suffolk’s Best Dining Pub in both 2008 and 2009, Suffolk’s Best Bed and Breakfast Finalist 2010 and an AA Rosette for their culinary excellence in 2011.

One extra touch, the White Horse has its own kitchen garden where chef’s can be seen picking their daily produce; it does not get fresher than that.

Sibton White Horse Inn, Halesworth Road, Sibton Nr Saxmundham, Suffolk. IP17 2JJ. Tel: 01728 660337.

Email: info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

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Yoxford, Peasenhall and Sibton Head slightly inland from Suffolk’s heritage coast and you will find yourself in an area sometimes known as the ‘Garden of Suffolk’

Two of a kind

On the London to Yarmouth route

The delightful village of Yoxford lies at its heart and can be reached by rail as well as by road, providing you realise that the station is actually at nearby Darsham.

Yoxford’s pretty main street incorporates a mix of architectural periods and styles, and is a good deal quieter now than it must have been a couple of centuries ago when all the London-to-Yarmouth traffic came this way, providing coaching inns like the Griffin (here since the 14th century) with a roaring trade. Yoxford has a church with a spire and good brasses and there are local shops and pubs to enjoy.

The village is surrounded by glorious swathes of parkland belonging to no fewer than three big private country house estates, Cockfield Hall among them. This is where Elizabeth I had her cousin Katherine Grey (younger sister of the even more ill-fated Lady Jane) placed under house arrest following her stretch in the Tower of London. She died soon after and is buried here.

A stone’s throw away from Yoxford, the smaller village of Peasenhall is also interesting, not least because it has an industrial as well as an agricultural past, having become a major production centre for a new and improved early 19thcentury seed drill invented by one James Smyth. The church is right next door to where the Suffolk Seed Drill Company used to be.

Having been selected for mention by no less a champion of local produce and producers than Rick Stein, today’s local hero is the proprietor of Emmett’s village stores. Trading here since the 1840s, Emmett’s sells all sorts of delicious things but is most famous for its traditionally-made bacon and hams, and in particular its Suffolk black ham.

Visitors are welcome not only to buy, but to observe these being produced on site.

Also worth a visit is Sibton, an unusual kind of village that spreads itself around the perimeter of Peasenhall in the shape of a horse shoe. Once known for its 10th

Century Cistercian Abbey, today Sibton is known for its multi award-winning pub, The Sibton White Horse; a charming centuries-old pub where chefs can be seen picking fresh produce from the pub’s kitchen garden.

If you head off towards the coast you will find you are not far from Dunwich, the once great town famously lost to the sea, and Minsmere, the nature reserve run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. www.visitsuffolk.com

PEASENHALL PEA FESTIVAL May | YOXFORD ARTS FESTIVAL august the best of Suffolk

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and The Shed

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The art of relaxed retail…

Ding, ding – more often than not the doors are wide open, but sometimes not.

“Hi, how’s things? Feel free to have a wander around. There are no ‘no go areas’ on the ground floor and no secret passwords. The kitchen looks a bit like you might be invading private space, but you’re not. We use it to make a brew.

If you need any assistance, just yell.

There’s a few of us around and someone will soon come and help.”

You have tipped into the worlds of Carolyn Smith and Les Rayner, who inhabit, present and, as they say, ‘throw together’ Campaign and The Shed.

In an age when ‘throw it away’ is a matter of fact, almost unconscious act of daily life, how refreshing to meander and poke around a pair of establishments where ‘second time around’ are the watchwords and ‘very unhurried’ sums up the atmosphere.

Of course, the artefacts, old and new, are not just thrown together. Far from it.

Things may appear to teeter on the point of tumbling (and they do from time to time), but look a bit closer and you can see that an eye is at work. How else could it come about that rust sits contentedly next to fine fabric and a cheap, primary colour plastic comb can hold its own centre stage with mahogany and brass.

I don’t know how to do this stuff, but these two do.

Whether it’s the bits and bobs in the bottom of an old box, or forgotten ironmongery from the back of a shedland cupboard, or maybe a finely restored English croquet lawn folding chair that you’ve gazed at in the window of Campaign, I urge you to venture inside. There will be a gem to admire, discuss and perhaps purchase. The feel is domestic, sort of ‘way back when’.

It’s attainable and very, very friendly.

Finally, don’t miss the garden. If it hits the spot, it will really hit your spot.

It’s small, wild and unlooked after in a looked after way.

You can visit Campaign and The Shed at Peasenhall on the A1120, three miles inland from Yoxford on the A12 (IP17 2HJ).

Opening times are Wednesday to Saturday, sunny Sundays and all through Bank Holiday weekends – 10am to 5pm.

Contact numbers are on the door of Campaign and, if closed, it’s not a pain if you care to telephone.

Shop Studio and workshops

01728 660550 01728 660238

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Across the Borders Suffolk has much to offer, but there is much to be said for venturing farther afield

North, south and west

Journey to the edge, for the best of the rest With its lovely long coastline taking care of the eastern extremities, there is a three-way choice of cross-border terrain as Suffolk meets Essex to the south, Cambridgeshire to the west and Norfolk to the north.

In the south west of the county, where Suffolk rubs shoulders with Essex, you can weave your way through beautiful countryside that has links both to Constable and to Gainsborough. Any one of a number of pretty villages will justify a detour. Stoke-by-Nayland, for example, offers appealing pubs and eateries, a lovely church and challenging golf courses. And the historic village of Bures actually straddles the county boundary with children living on the Essex side of the River Stour crossing a footbridge to reach their school in Suffolk.

Just over the border into Essex lies the small (some say England’s smallest) town of Manningtree. It enjoys a dubious claim to fame as the place where, in the middle of the 17th century, Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins began to cast his long shadow.

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With its Georgian façades hiding even older architecture, there are some interesting shops, good pubs and places for tea. Its rail links with London mean this is where many workers start or finish their daily commute. From the train there are attractive views over the river estuary and if you alight at the station here you may be pleased to discover a rather quaint pub-like bar on the platform.

Follow the waterside (and the swans) a short distance and you will come to the neighbouring village of Mistley. This area was once at the heart of the brewing industry and evidence of the old maltings and quay can still be seen. Mistley also once had (unrealised) ambitions to turn itself into a spa. The incongruous Mistley Towers (designed by Robert Adam) and Swan Basin in the High Street are pretty much all that remain of this venture.

You will find places to eat and drink here, too.

Heading out west in Suffolk it pays to get a little lost and to meander off the beaten track through some of the delightful villages around and beyond Clare and Bury St Edmunds. Many have excellent pubs. Carry on to Newmarket and you will find yourself criss-crossing the border with Cambridgeshire. The county border cuts right across the town and its famous racecourses.

Aiming north, the market town of Diss just tips into Norfolk and has its own mere (another name for a lake). Nearby, Scole offers inns and antiques and if you travel a little farther over the border you will find Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum – a nostalgic delight for train-lovers of any age.

The River Waveney provides a natural border with Norfolk and over in the north east, Suffolk encompasses the southern tip of the Broads, a unique stretch of inland waterway eagerly beloved by those who love messing about in boats. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Bressingham – now in its fiftieth year, is a unique day out for all the family

For where else would you be able to ride on a Victorian roundabout, indulge a passion for all things steam-driven, wallow in nostalgia for one of television’s best-loved comedies and glory in gardens that offer a glimpse of horticultural heaven?

Add a couple of railways running around and across the site, a genuine old signal box, a museum, restaurant and picnic place, and the mix soon promises something for everyone, young and old alike.

Privately owned by the Bloom family.

Adrian Bloom and his father Alan each created a six acre garden, the Dell and Foggy Bottom. Together with the other

linking gardens, there are now over 8,000 species and varieties on display.

Alan Blooms’s other passion – for steam led to Bressingham becoming home to a fine collection of traction engines and locomotives.

The Dad’s Army Collection is another piece of serendipity. Some of Bressingham’s vehicles were used in the much-loved sitcom when it was filmed around Thetford. Bressingham has extended the wartime spirit by recreating Walmington-on-Sea in its museum.

Situated close to the town of Diss, Bressingham’s main season runs from Easter to the end of October, with steam and non-steam days throughout.

There is also a special –events programme running throughout the summer. Visitors can ride through the glorious gardens on one of the four working railways or step back in time on the working Victorian steam carousel ‘the Gallopers’, the beautiful painted horses that eternally travel ‘up and down’ and three-abreast around Bressingham’s restored steam carousel.

There is always something for all the family at Bressingham. You can even stay as a bed-and-breakfast guest in Alan Bloom’s old home of Bressingham Hall.

Or failing that, take home a Bloom’s bloom from the adjacent garden centre.

Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, Diss IP22 2AA. Telephone: 01379 686900 For more details visit www.bressingham.co.uk or www.bressinghamgardens.com

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INTEGRATE YOUR HOME WITH TECHNOLOGY CONSTANTLY CHANGING, IT’S NO SURPRISE THERE’S AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR INTEGRATED MULTI-ROOM SYSTEMS. BANG & OLUFSEN OF COLCHESTER HAVE THE INSPIRATION AND GUIDANCE TO GIVE YOU THE PERFECT INSTALLATION Move the Bang & Olufsen experience from room to room BeoLink® is the inherent ability of Bang & Olufsen equipment to “talk to each other” and allow you to enjoy audio and video anywhere in your home across televisions, audio equipment, and loudspeakers.

Your Bang & Olufsen products come together controlled seamlessly via the same remote control, Beo6. In addition, BeoLink is the perfect core for integrating your home entertainment and home automation system from a single control point. Enjoy multi-room music, video and more – Blu-ray in the living room... watched in the bedroom. The Blu-ray disc playing in the living room can be viewed in the bedroom by a click of a button. BeoLink can deliver all your news, information, and entertainment to any room in your house whether on a television screen or through loudspeakers. Don’t worry about cables, we have wireless solutions. Simple and easy to use Internet radio from the dining

room... playing in the kitchen. A loudspeaker in the kitchen retrieves any music you want from the system in the living room. With the addition of a small control eye, any BeoLab loudspeaker can be “intelligent”.

Master Link Gateway, the full integration solution By adding Master Link Gateway to your BeoLink solution, the control of your entire environment is taken to another level. One click and you can dim the lights, close the curtains, and adjust the room temperature. Connecting Bang & Olufsen audio visual products and home automation systems, Master Link Gateway facilitates smooth two-way operation, and gives you full control of your home all from the easy to use Beo6 remote control with intuitive controls that are a joy to operate.

Bang & Olufsen of Colchester Tel: 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk

JOIN THE BAND AND ADD THE BASS. Couple BeoVision 10’s sharp LED backlit LCD image with BeoLab 6000’s full range no-fuzz sound, and look every player in the eye. Then add BeoLab 11 for clear, vibration-free bass, and be their guest.

Just go to bang-olufsen.com/beolab11 and find out more.

Or visit our showroom and meet the band sooner than you think.

Bang & Olufsen of Colchester 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DN Tel: 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/colchester

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East Bergholt, Flatford and Dedham There is no doubt at all who this beautiful bit of Suffolk belongs to

A close-up of Constable country Stop off at Dedham Vale and Stour Valley

The artist John Constable was born in East Bergholt in June 1776 and went to school in nearby Dedham. His love for his native countryside, so manifest in his paintings, still defines what many people see in their mind’s eye when they think of a quintessentially English landscape.

Even if you have never knowingly seen a single copy of ‘The Haywain’ (and it is hard to imagine how you have avoided it) you will not regret getting better acquainted with Constable Country.

You can see Constable’s celebrated river scene, complete with Willy Lott’s Cottage, when you visit Flatford Mill, the area’s biggest tourist attraction.

Today it is part of a complex in the care of the National Trust which accommodates a visitor centre and a field studies education centre as well as a teashop and a restored dry dock.

A longer walk along the River Stour will

reward those with the time to take it.

Before moving on from East Bergholt make a point of seeing St Mary’s Church, where Constable is said to have fallen in love with the rector’s granddaughter, Maria Bicknell. East Bergholt Place garden and arboretum also come highlyrecommended, with the gardens especially lovely in spring and early summer.

Follow Constable’s path to Dedham, another of the area’s ancient towns built on the wool trade, which is where the artist went to school. It has some excellent local shops and is well-known for the Art and Craft Centre, housed in a converted Victorian church, where local artists are given a showcase and where shoppers will delight in three floors’ worth of interesting and attractive browsing, plus a vegetarian restaurant and tearoom.

It would be a shame to miss a look inside Dedham’s glorious church, another St Mary’s also with Constable connections.

And check to see whether your visit will coincide with opening times of Castle House, a museum and memorial to another famous artist who once lived here – Sir Alfred Munnings. (1878-1959).

There is an abundance of pubs and tearooms hereabouts, with some very lovely hotels and restaurants offering some wonderful food. If you cast your net to include other nearby villages, like Nayland and Stoke-by-Nayland, you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Visitors who stray a little farther over the border into neighbouring Essex will find more of interest to enjoy at Manningtree and Mistley. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Secret Suffolk

...where seeing is believing

T

he fact that it is so close to London means the county exerts an increasing pull on those who need easy access to the capital but do not necessarily want to bring up their kids or spend every weekend there. Keep your eyes peeled if you enjoy celebrity spotting.

Fortunately, there are still places and things about Suffolk that not a lot of people know. If in doubt, head for a church. There are hundreds of them, and few will fail to reward a visit. If you are feeling fit there are 50 miles of wonderful and walkable coastline with an abundance of nature to enjoy. For those who prefer two wheels to two legs the Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route is a 100mile circular signed route taking in many beauty spots.

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Alternatively, Thornham Walks at Thornham Magna just off the A140 offer something a little more manageable.

Or pay a visit to Alton Water, a reservoir not far from Ipswich. Do not be taken in by what looks like a church in the nearby village of Tattingstone. Known as the Tattingstone Wonder, it is a secret disguise for the 18th-century workaday cottages that the local landowner did not want marring his view!

Another secret glory of Suffolk are its rivers and river estuaries. Waldringfield is a pretty little boaty place within easy reach of Ipswich. Or travel out along the Shotley Peninsula under the Orwell Bridge to find the waterside community of Pin Mill and enjoy a view across the moorings where picturesque sailing

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There was a time when pretty much the whole of Suffolk was a well-kept secret. Nowadays it is happy to share its many charms with all sorts of visitors and incomers, and ramblers, golfers, sailors, artists and bird-watchers all flock to their favourite spots.

barges are a common sight. En route look out for the small village of Freston and Thomas Gooding’s fabulous folly, a sixstorey Elizabethan tower overlooking the estuary of the River Orwell.

Shingle Street is not so much a secret as an enigma. Rumours have long abounded that ‘something terrible’ went on here during the Second World War, with speculation revolving around chemical warfare, a friendly-fire incident or a thwarted German invasion. Certainly the village was evacuated during the war and never went back to the little fishing hamlet it once was. This atmosphere of secrecy extends to nearby Orford Ness, now peacefully in the hands of the National Trust, but once the test site for various hush-hush military

establishments, including Atomic Weapons Research. A boat-trip out to this shingle spit is a must for naturelovers as well as those enthralled by military secrecy.

If you are in the mood, there are plenty of old RAF and USAF airfields, often with volunteer-run museums attached, where you can relive the Glenn Miller era and discover what little places like Wattisham, Parham and Rougham did in the war.

It is worth bearing in mind, too, that secret Suffolk is rich in privately-owned medium-to-grand houses, steeped in a history you would not otherwise be privy to, which have converted to something new like providing up-market B&B.

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Shooting in Suffolk

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S

hooting is a very popular pastime all year round in Suffolk. Shooting takes a number of forms, but shotgun shooting is the most popular and diverse.

Game shooting is centred on the winter months; roughly from September through to February.

On the game side there is rough shooting, pigeon shooting, wildfowling and formal game shooting. Much of the countryside that we enjoy today in Suffolk and throughout the UK has been influenced by game shooting.

Many of the rural estates that make our county unique had their woodlands set out with shooting in mind.

Although game shooting does not appeal to everyone it does have benefits for the countryside and wildlife as a whole. Land where game shooting takes place is tended by a gamekeeper, who feeds the game and protects it from predation, which promotes the wild bird and mammal population in general.

Clay pigeon shooting is an all-year-round sport, but is probably busier during the warmer seasons. Within clay pigeon shooting there are various disciplines including sporting, trap and skeet. But broadly speaking, clay pigeon shooting started as a way of simulated game shooting for practice. Today it has evolved into an Olympic event at its highest level, yet it is still a sport that is open to all.

As well as the fresh air and exercise, which can be gained from clay pigeon or game shooting; it is game shooting that also gives access to many parts of the county that you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t otherwise see.

Youngsters and women are making increasing inroads into the shooting field. Closely supervised tuition is obviously a must for those starting in the sport. A thorough understanding of safety when shooting makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

For youngsters, an introduction into shooting helps to instil a greater sense of responsibility and trust in themselves.

Jason and Kate Harris Trulock & Harris

MORE THAN JUST A GUNSHOP! A wide range of quality clothing, boots and accessories plus a well-stocked gun room Trulock & Harris Ore Trading Estate Framlingham Suffolk ip13 9ll Telephone: 01728 724 776 www.trulockandharris.com

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day cruisers for hire

Take your pick from our fleet of luxury day cruisers featuring galley with two ring hob & sink, seating areas & WC. Two destinations to choose from Ferry Marina at Horning or Waveney River Centre at Burgh St Peter View our fleet & book online at www.daycruisers.co.uk Ferry Marina Tel: 01692 631111 Waveney River Centre Tel: 01502 677343

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!"# $% && # ' ( "# $% && # ' (

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We stock most makes of Shotgun, Rifles and Air Rifles Ladies, Childrens Clothing & Boots Sporting Guns Fishing Tackle & Equipment Full Range of Fishing Accessories & Fresh Bait

Stockists of Le Chameau Laksen Hoggs Aigle Beretta Deer Hunter Musto Top Gun Stag Hucklecote Driza-Bone

Stuart Clay Traps Ltd 3a & 3b Wilford Bridge Road Melton Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1DG Tel: 01394 385567 Email: sales@stuartsgunsandtackle.com

www.stuartsgunandtackle.com

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Nestling on the beautiful Suffolk coast lies one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected and scenic golf courses.

Thorpeness Golf Club a Suffolk Seaside Gem

D

esigned by the renowned Scottish architect and five times Open Champion, James Braid, and opened in 1923, Thorpeness Golf Course is laid out in 150 acres of wonderfully natural heathland and is situated only a few hundred yards from the North Sea. The golf correspondent and course designer Donald Steele wrote that it was reminiscent of the inland glories of Sunningdale and Woodhall Spa. The course has a PAR of 69 and Standard Scratch of 71 and, whilst being one of East Angliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sternest tests for good players, is also highly enjoyable for the holiday golfer. Typically, for heathland courses, Thorpeness has wonderful, quick draining, sandy soil that makes it playable throughout the year, without temporary greens.

The fairways wind their way through pine trees and silver birch, flanked by gorse and heather, giving a feeling of tranquillity and seclusion. Besides these

usual heathland hazards, Thorpeness has a short pond hole and its signature hole, the 3rd , runs beside and easily in reach of the famous Meare.

The head greenkeeper, Ian Willett, is extremely proud of his course and, in particular, the abundance of flora, fawna and bird life that thrive there throughout the year. The course has won a number of environmental awards and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Night Jars, Hobbies, Linnets and Woodlarks can all be spotted and the sound of the booming Bittern can sometimes be heard from the Meare.

In the latter part of 2010, substantial investment was made in upgrading the golf course, greatly enhancing its playability. This includes six tees, the alteration to seven holes and the addition of new bunkers, swales and hollows.

The golf course is an important part of the total offering of the village of Thorpeness. Originally conceived at the

start of the 20th century, the Ogilvie family developed the holiday village over the next 50 years and today, almost 100 years after the opening of The Meare and The Country Club, it still appeals to families looking for an active, outdoor holiday with contemporary standards, in much the same way as when Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie, assisted by his friend JM Barrie, had his original dream.

The 36 bedroom Thorpeness Hotel, which combines to provide the club house, offers a full bar service and an excellent choice of food served throughout the day. The hotel has a terrace and lovely gardens that run down to The Meare, where guests can enjoy a drink or a meal while watching the boating activity or wildlife on the lake.

Tuition is available from two PGA qualified professionals and there is an excellent practice ground.

Thorpeness Golf Club offers seasonal green fees and flexible membership.

For more information, contact the Pro Shop: 01728 454926 or visit: www.thorpeness.co.uk Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness, Suffolk IP16 4NH

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THE TILLEY Acknowledged as the finest outdoor and adventure hat in all the world.

LOCAL STOCKISTS: ALDEBURGH O & C Butcher (Outfitters) Ltd 01728 452229

CAMBRIDGE Open Air 01223 324666

BECCLES Coes Mans Shop 01502 712283

CANVEY ISLAND Camping & General 01268 692141

BILLERICAY Allweathers Summerhill Garden Centre 01268 293712

FELIXSTOWE Coes Mans Shop 01394 282414

BISHOP’S STORTFORD Nomad Travel Store 01279 653694 BURNHAM MARKET The Hat Shop 01328 738267 BURY ST. EDMUNDS Cotswold Outdoor 01284 749310 Stepping Out 01284 763150

FRAMLINGHAM Trulock and Harris 01728 724776

IPSWICH Action Outdoors 01473 211647 W D Coes 01473 256061 Cotswold Outdoor 01473 250883 Fox’s Chandlery 01473 689111 KINGS LYNN Goddards 01553 772382 Norfolk Country Clothing 01553 776617

GLANDFORD Cley Spy 01263 740088

LOWESTOFT Coes Mans Shop 01502 573751

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MALDON Maldon Outdoor Leisure 01621 853108

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NEWMARKET Goldings of Newmarket 01638 664682

NORWICH Cotswold Outdoor 01603 232223 Gallyons Country Clothing 01603 622845 Go Outdoors Ltd 0845 113 0293 Norwich Camping & Leisure 01603 717600 SAXMUNDHAM Suffolk Marine Centre Ltd 01728 605522 ST IVES R E Cadge Ltd 01480 462194 STOWMARKET Outdoor People 01449 675511] WROXHAM Norfolk Marine 01603 783150

For a full list of UK retailers or to request a brochure, please call 0800 374353 or visit www.Tilley.com

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Heritage Coast

The Suffolk coastline An enchanting, beautiful shoreline

photograghy: Rod Edwards

The 48-mile-long Suffolk Coastline is a most enchanting, beautiful shoreline with a mixture of solitude, romance, mystery, music and history all dominated by the North Sea which has, over thousands of years, eroded the East Anglian coastline.

There are two commercial ports along the coastline, Felixstowe and Lowestoft, fortunately situated at the northern and southern extremities of the Suffolk coast.

This leaves what is known as the Heritage Coast situated between the built-up areas, a scattering of small towns and villages along the shore interrupted by the Rivers Blyth, Ore and Deben. Each settlement has its own characteristic quality.

Walberswick is a charming village situated, along the River Blyth, ‘a place for romance and artists’. Bridges built over small inlets in the early 20th century were called ‘kissing bridges’.

To the south, isolated Shingle Street has an air of solitude combined with secrecy, because of Second World War activities.

Aldeburgh is very historic. Its ancient Moot Hall is evidence of this. A large Martello Tower is all that remains of

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the small port of Slaughden, part of Aldeburgh lost to the sea. The influence of Benjamin Britten envelopes the town, especially during the Aldeburgh Festival.

The small village of Dunwich is all that remains of a great medieval port with its 17 churches, chapels and monasteries all lost to the sea by storm and coastal erosion. Evidence of the former medieval city is visible around the village.

The ruinous Greyfriars Monastery comes into view at the western approach to Dunwich. In the grounds of the present church are the ruins of a leper chapel, and one of the buttresses from the last church to fall down the cliff, All Saints, has been re-erected in the churchyard.

Walking along the clifftop, the remains of All Saints graveyard is marked by a lone gravestone. Human bones protrude from the eroding cliff face. An excellent museum in St James Street portrays the loss of the medieval city.

The classic seaside resort of Southwold, with its lighthouse in the middle of the town, is to the north of Dunwich. This is the home of Adnams Brewery, creator of many fine ales. Attractive houses line the many well-kept greens. A new pier adds to the attractive beach area and boats of

all sizes and types are moored on the River Blyth in the south part of this prosperous town.

In between the various settlements are beautiful areas of marshlands and sandy cliffs. The notable Minsmere Bird Reserve occupies one of these areas, adjacent to the National Trust Dunwich Heath. To the north of Southwold are the Easton, Covehithe and Benacre Broads, a haven for wildlife and occupied by man in the early medieval period.

The true Suffolk treasure is Orford with its 12th century royal castle.

The unspoilt town is situated on the River Ore. Across the river is Orford Ness with its banded lighthouse standing on a 10-mile-long shingle spit extending from Aldeburgh. Part of the spit is now owned by the National Trust. Orford is renowned for good food, especially seafood, available in its restaurants and shops. The town radiates history.

The massive tower of St Bartholomew’s Church seems to have been built in competition with the castle keep – both are 90 feet high. Orford Museum is housed inside the castle. Suffolk Underwater Studies Museum is above the Craft Shop.

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Market Towns Needham Market, Stowmarket and Wickham Market. Suffolk is full of small and individual market towns or large villages, the majority of which will happily reward a visit

Historic high street havens Architechtural and retail delights

Just off the A14, heading inland from Ipswich, Needham Market stretches along a lengthy High Street sprinkled with intriguing buildings and small shops that invite closer inspection. Housed in the Old Town Hall is an antiques and collectors’ market. Elsewhere, you can shop for enviromentally-friendly paint and building products, curtains, garden accoutrements, fashion and country clothing and even hire a fancydress costume.

The town’s historic market disappeared along with much of its prosperity at the time of the Plague in the 1660s. Happily, much of architectural interest has survived and the whole of the High Street is now a conservation area. The church has an amazing hammer-beam roof.

Needham Lake and nature reserve is a fabulous local amenity at the site of erstwhile gravel extractions. A few miles west is Stowmarket, home to the Museum of East Anglian Life which delivers a blast of the rural past across an enormous outdoor site within walking distance of the town centre.

Wickham Market, off the A12 between Woodbridge and Aldeburgh, about 15 miles from Ipswich, is a large village rather than a town. It is a gem of a place with some interesting retail including a shop specialising in quilts. Shoppers in

the know travel quite a distance to buy the local butcher’s sausages, female fashion and accessories. Wickham Market is conveniently close to a number of other attractions including Easton Farm Park, where there is a lot to see and do and Valley Farm, the only Carmague Stud in the country, which offers a range of horsey activities.

Close to the Essex border the town of Sudbury lies in a loop of the River Stour and was important during the glory days of the wool and silk weaving trade. Once a river port, the last industrial building by the riverside is occupied by the Quay theatre.

The artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727 -1788) grew up and went to school in Sudbury and his birthplace, the elegant Gainsborough’s House in Gainsborough Street, is a delightful museum housing a permanent collection of his paintings, drawings and etchings.

Gainsborough’s statue overlooks Market Hill (where markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays).

The surrounding mix of shops includes plenty small independents as well as bigger high street names and you do not have to look far to find a comfortable place to eat or drink. www.visitsuffolk.com

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Quality and craftsmanship provide the benchmark for success at Ashbocking Joinery Situated just north of Ipswich, Ashbocking Joinery is a family-run company which aims to combine traditional workmanship with todays precision computer-aided drawing systems.

Employing qualified and skilled workmen and using environmentally friendly methods in our 2,500sq ft joinery workshop, the company maintains the highest standards.

They cater for domestic orders as well as commercial and their experience and traditional woodworking skills mean they undertake specialist jobs including work on listed buildings and churches.

A friendly and welcoming company, their door is always open to people who want to discuss their joinery needs - whether they are an architect or someone who just wants a replacement window.

Nothing complements a home more that a hand-crafted door and while replacement windows are a considerable expense to any homeowner Ashbocking Joinery Ltd produces handmade windows that are not only affordable but made to last.

Manufacturing and fitting quality staircases is another of their specialisms and the company can also supply a variety of purpose-made internal furnishings, ranging from wine racks to reception desks.

High quality, well designed, precision built products will have an excellent life span and maintain an economical service. The nature of our products ensure that experience and craftsmanship are fully utilized to suit all of our clients requirements.

Experts in: DOORS WINDOWS STAIRCASES CONSERVATION PROJECTS MOULDINGS AND INTERIORS DOMESTIC FITTINGS COMERCIAL FITTINGS CHURCH INTERIORS

Ashbocking Joinery Ltd, Commercial Barns, Helmingham Road, Askbocking Telephone: 01473 890018 www.ashbockingjoinery.co.uk

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the best of Suffolk

Interiors

Silk and rose ticking stripe cushion. www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk

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Kitchen Trends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; daring to stray from the traditional...

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For more than two decades we have combined beautiful design, classic cabinetry skills and a passion for wood, to create individual kitchens, cabinets and furniture that is Made for Life.

Over recent years, the style and purpose of the kitchen has certainly changed – ever-more popular is the blur between the boundaries of the reception rooms with open plan, multi-purpose living areas being top of the wish list.

To achieve a highly individual, bespoke look, create a fusion of styles and interesting shapes. Opt for a sleek, bold, but simple style, with developing work surfaces.

As far as colour is concerned – anything goes! Dynamic brightly coloured gloss looks awesome and there is a wide sprectrum of colours available for glass splash backs and lacquered finishes.

The muted tones of greys, greens and neutrals are still popular and complement these latest super efficient materials.

Whilst styles change, storage priorities still take centre stage, especially for re-cycling. Waste disposal unit sales are on the increase, and ‘going green’ is here to stay!

Appliances need to be aesthetically pleasing, technologically advanced and energy efficient.

If you are planning to purchase a new kitchen, be sure to choose a designer who is in tune with your ideas but who will also push the boundaries and possibilities to create a totally individual look.

Contemporary and modern choices for worktops and kitchen units SILESTONE – Combines strength and durability and is the only quartz material to have an antibacterial agent built in during the manufacturing process: Microban.

PARAPAN – A stylish and contemporary choice for cupboards. Manufactured to the highest specifications, durable and moisture resistant. It is extremely workable and can be thermo formed into curves.

CORIAN – If you can imagine it, you can probably create it with Corian – It can be carved, routed, or worked like wood, moulded, thermo-formed or inlayed... the design ideas are almost limitless.

DECO-GLAzE – unlimited colours – heat resistant to 400 degrees. Never stains, non porous, ultra hygienic and guaranteed for 10 years – a brilliant choice for both work tops and splash backs.

GRANITE – the strongest of all the building stones, making it extremely durable, never wearing or fading, and uniquely applicable. Choose a honed granite for a flat or low sheen alternative to the highly reflective polished stone.

This will give a softer look in a more modern kitchen.

Beautifully hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, cabinets & furniture Showroom and Parking: Halifax House, 497-499 Wherstead Road, Ipswich IP2 8LL Telephone: 01473 680091 Email: sales@orwellsfurniture.co.uk www.orwellsfurniture.co.uk

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established for over

years

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Showrooms: 212 Mile Cross Lane, Norwich NR6 6SE T: 01603 404644 31 Newgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9QB T: 01502 711210

www.mulberrykitchens.uk.com

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GERALD WEIR BESPOKE FURNITURE HANDMADE IN SUFFOLK SHIPPED WORLDWIDE

A. The ‘Emporer’ cabinet in solid Walnut with Wenge handles B. The ‘Emporer’ television stand in solid Walnut C. The ‘Nakashima’ table with a natural waney edge in solid Walnut for a brochure please call: +44 1394 610900 or email: info@geraldweir.com Gerald Weir’s showroom and workshops can be found at: Unit 1, Sun Wharf, Deben Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1AZ www.geraldweir.com

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BRIGHTWELL – Suffolk’s destination interiors showroom

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Nestled in a beautiful valley amongst rolling Suffolk farmland, the showroom not only offers privacy and parking but inspiration from it’s stunning room scenes and courtyard.

Interior designers Holly and Julie Nicholls invite you to see for yourself.

T

he showroom is situated in a delightful renovated barn which is set out like a home, with living and dining spaces, stunning bedroom – as well as a bespoke kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, outdoor living area and courtyard. With over 2000 square metres of displays those who take a trip to this spacious and truly inspiring showcase from mother and daughter team Holly and Julie Nicholls will leave brimming full of ideas that they can incorporate into their own homes.

Holly and Julie believe their business was born from necessity. Julie explained “when designing our own homes, we found it impossible to source interiors locally. We feel if you’re spending a lot of money on something, you want to see it for yourself, not from a brochure.

Everything on show here is for sale so you don’t always have the long lead times.”

Each season we hand pick an exquisite collection of sought after designer pieces

from across the world. We are the exclusive UK supplier of many brands we stock so you are guaranteed to see something unique. As an example we are the exclusive stockist for East Anglia of Kingcome Sofas which is such an honour.”

“Our style is classic but with a mix of eclectic and contemporary elements.

We source fabrics from Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, and each year we go to Paris for the “Maison and Objet” show, along with many other European fairs to be at the cutting edge of design” Holly added “visiting an interior designer can be daunting but we want to make it a pleasant experience. You can visit us for a coffee and browse the showroom at your leisure; we will listen to your requirements and discuss ideas and trends that are available within your budget. Once we have enough information together we will produce a

bespoke presentation for you. We offer a design service from start to finish or can simply help with those all important finishing touches”.

Holly has the technical know-how having studied at London’s prestigious Inchbald School of interior design, while Julie has many years of designing and making over properties locally – including her own stunning farmhouse family home and grounds in which the showroom sits. As a result the Brightwell Interiors contact book is packed not only with suppliers of beautiful objects to dress your home, but “tried and trusted” builders, garden designers and decorators who can ensure you also get the style and quality of finish you’ll love for years to come.

If you would like to join the mailing list and find out more about upcoming offers and events please email: info@brightwellinteriors.com

To find out more contact Brightwell Interiors on 01473 611130 visit the showroom at: Brightwell Hall Farm, Brightwell, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0BE We are open Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm or by appointment the rest of the week. www.brightwellinteriors.com the best of Suffolk

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Jayrest Interiors

the Best of British

Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh prides itself on local manufacture, local staff and traditional values.

Lynda Keeble talks about her beloved 40-year-old family business.

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Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh is renowned for quality handmade furniture and upholstery. It is 40 years of successful family business and passion that has built up a local reputation that is second to none. Started by Alan James, it is now his children, Lynda Keeble and Tony James, who run the show, creating quality furniture and fabrics at reasonable prices. From humble beginnings in Ipswich the much-loved family venture has been nurtured into larger premises and now has a factory and adjoining showroom at Lady Lane Industrial Estate in Hadleigh.

Lynda puts the ongoing success down to passion and reputation. She says: “Being well-known for quality and value is a huge advantage. The business has come on leaps and bounds, with new designs and fabulous fabrics being created all the time. Inspired upholsters, machinists and sales staff at Jayrest take pride in every single job that they do, from start to finish.”

A huge advantage for customers coming to Jayrest is the fact that the factory is right next door to the showroom. Never again will you have to worry about unpredictable delivery times. Another asset to the business is that Jayrest takes pride in being one of

the few remaining British manufacturers still in existence. Lynda comments: “The British furniture trade is still going through a difficult time with many British businesses forced out by cheaper, imported furniture.

We are proud that we have found the niche in the market for the people who want the quality and the service that we can offer, as well as keeping the local economy strong and local people in jobs. Also, there are no high street overheads, and our customers are often surprised by the reasonable prices for wonderful products.”

It is the bespoke service and attention to detail that really sets Jayrest apart from some other furniture manufacturers and retailers. Lynda explains: “I love what I do. I understand that the whole thing can be daunting for customers and an expensive mistake if they get it wrong.

“I try to make the experience in our showroom an enjoyable one where customers feel comfortable. I get great pleasure in seeing a customer who really doesn’t know how to go about refurbishing a room, then giving then a little guidance to help them walk away with something that they are thrilled with.”

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HENHAM PARK, SOUTHWOLD, THE SUNRISE COAST, SUFFOLK

Having celebrated its sixth sell-out year, Suffolk’s number one festival, Latitude, will be back again in July, 2012!

Join us in the beautiful setting of Henham Park for the very best in music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, literature, art, film, poetry and dance...

“Latitude remains king-pin of the multi-arts festivals” THE OBSERVER

“Showstopping music, crowd-pleasing comedy, startling theatre and much more kept the 35,000 spirits high” EVENING STANDARD

“The word ‘boutique’ could have been invented for the eclectic Latitude – it boasts the best indie headliners of the summer as well as top theatre, poetry and literary talks in the magical Henham Park” ELLE

“It remains the finest medium-sized festival there is, offering not only the prettiest setting but the best range of entertainment... we’ll be back next year like a shot” SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

WWW.LATITUDEFESTIVAL.CO.UK

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the best of Suffolk

Food

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About beating the Bikers and showcasing Suffolk food at its best!

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A profile of Chris Lee – Head Chef The Bildeston Crown

hampioning local food is a good place to start when describing Chris. It is a subject about which he is most definitely passionate. It would be wrong, however, to give the impression that Chris has always been waving the flag for Suffolk. He was born and bred in Kent but later moved to Northampton where he gained his qualifications at Northampton College and stated developing his very own unique style.

The big break in Chris’ professional life came when Suffolk farmer and businessman, James Buckle, decided to buy The Bildeston Crown in November 2003. In The Bildeston Crown and Chris, James had the opportunity to showcase produce from his farms. Although not self-sufficient by any means, James is very happy to see his red poll beef and Suffolk lamb as regulars on the menu.

Chris is also more than happy working for a farmer: “How many chefs can boast that they are using meat farmed just down the road on the owners’ land? As chefs we enjoy seeing the boss take such great pride in what he farms for us to use and the resulting dishes we create are, we believe, Suffolk food at its very best.”

Meeting James and being offered the opportunity to build The Bildeston

Crown to become the place to eat in Suffolk, quite literally marked Chris Lee as a chef to watch. He quickly attained AA two rosette status but by 2007, this had increased to AA 3 Rosettes. In the same month the restaurant entered the pages of The Good Food Guide with great style, naming Chris Lee as joint winner of the national Up-and-coming chef award. This was amongst the first of Chris’ plaudits. Only a year later, Times reviewer Giles Coren was equally positive with praise, calling the Bildeston Crown “the best little progressive kitchen in Suffolk”. The Times continues to recognise Chris’ talent recently including it in a feature on the “20 Best Restaurants with Rooms”. Other accolades include winning Taste of England category in VisitEngland’s The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 and picking up “Best Restaurant” in the Suffolk Food & Drink awards 2010. Chris has also represented Suffolk on tv. In 2009 he found himself in front of the cameras when he took on The Hairy Bikers… and beat them in a cook-off in which Restaurant diners decided who had created the dish that best defined Suffolk. Perhaps not surprising for a chef whose aim is to put Suffolk on the map as a foodie destination!

The Bildeston Crown, High Street, Bildeston, Suffolk IP7 7EB Telephone: 01449 740510 www.thebildestoncrown.co.uk

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the best of eating out Hintlesham Hall Hotel Ipswich

Seckford Hall Hotel Woodbridge

Hintlesham Hall’s award-winning cuisine is not just for formal dining or celebrations.

Seckford Hall Hotel near Woodbridge has to be one of Suffolk’s premier 4 star hotels, set in the most wonderful setting.

The hall is a stunning venue in which to savour a lighter bite from Harry’s menu, our informal dining menu. The eclectic, mouth-watering selection of dishes can be enjoyed in any of our sumptuous public lounges.

With its elegantly laid tables and monastic oak panelling, the main Hotel Restaurant has been awarded two prestigious AA Rosettes in recognition of the high standard of cuisine on offer.

A less formal bistro-style experience awaits you in the Club Restaurant, which is housed in a converted Tudor Tithe barn with outdoor seating, offering light lunches and teas by day and a stylish bistro by night. You will find a wide selection of dishes in both restaurants, with an emphasis on seasonal local produce.

Depending on the season, you can choose to eat by a roaring log fire or, in summer, dine alfresco on our extensive terraces and enjoy our magnificent gardens.

Either way, you will be served by our professional, friendly team. Harry’s menu is available from 7.30am to 10.30pm daily so why not pop in for a steak sandwich and a coffee or maybe a plate of pasta and a glass of wine?

I I I I I I I I

For a quick business lunch, or to catch up with family and friends, enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the Tudor Bar and Lounge.

Available Monday to Saturday lunchtimes, enjoy tasty home cooked food, including sandwiches, bar meals and snacks.

Magnificent 16th Century Manor House Hotel Excellent location – 4 miles west of Ipswich Award winning restaurant – 4 Red Stars Harry’s Menu for casual dining, available all day Stunning conference rooms (exclusive use available) Licensed for Civil Ceremony – Beautiful gardens Helipad – Health Club – Associated Golf Course Complimentary broadband WiFi internet access throughout

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a gourmet’s guide Wentworth Hotel Aldeburgh

Sibton White Horse Sibton

Overlooking the shingle beach, the Wentworth provides a wonderful setting for morning coffee, an informal lunch or a candlelit dinner.

The Sibton White Horse Inn is the perfect destination for those conscientious foodies seeking high quality food without the formalities you find in most restaurants.

In addition to the restaurant, there are comfortable lounges, a sun terrace and a newly-designed garden, all with terrific sea-views. The cooking style is a combination of classicalmodern English with Mediterranean influences.

Awarded ‘Suffolk’s Best Dining Pub’ in both 2008 and 2009, Head chef Michael McMullan and his team added an ‘AA Rosette’ to their collection in 2011. The food is fresh, local and prepared with extreme care, far away from being pretentious.

Look out for chefs picking fresh produce from the pubs very impressive Kitchen garden.

All dishes are freshly prepared from local produce, including seafood from Butley Oysterage, poultry, game and beef from farms in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Owned and managed by the Pritt family since 1920, the hotel has a relaxed and informal ambience, attracting frequent visits by local residents and guests from farther afield.

Relaxed and informal, you can enjoy a meal in the bar with its charming raised gallery, the elegant low beamed dining room or in the spacious well tendered gardens. Wherever you eat or drink for that matter you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome by owners Neil and Gill Mason and all of their staff.

A fine seaside Hotel & Restaurant where you can relax and enjoy great hospitality

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The Wentworth Hotel, Aldeburgh, Suffolk Tel: 01728 452312 Fax: 01728 454343

Sibton White Horse Inn

Email: stay@wentworth-aldeburgh.co.uk www.wentworth-aldeburgh.com

Halesworth Road, Sibton, Nr Saxmundham IP17 2JJ Telephone: 01728 660337 Email: info@sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk www.sibtonwhitehorseinn.co.uk

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the best of eating out The Townhouse Restaurant Ipswich

Bistro on the Quay Ipswich

Situated in the heart of Ipswich The Townhouse offers an intimate ambience, providing for a relaxed & unhurried approach to dining & service. We offer a variety of English and European cuisine courtesy of our experienced kitchen team, led by our fantastic Italian Head Chef, Michele.

Bistro on the Quay is situated within a row of historic wet dock buildings in the centre of Ipswich’s waterfront redevelopment area which combines modern and traditional buildings resulting in a dramatic skyline. The restaurant is housed in a former salt warehouse overlooking the new marina and is easily accessible by foot, car or sail.

All of our food is prepared fresh in situ; produce is sourced locally wherever possible. With space for 70 diners, our small dedicated team are always on hand to meet your needs, whether it be a large celebration or a romantic dinner. Our top floor restaurant is also available for private parties from Tuesday to Thursday, pop in for a chat and we can discuss your requirements.

So if you would like to sample something from the menu, or simply prefer to join us for a beverage in our intimate & cosy bar, you are extremely welcome.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Bistro serves excellent food and wine at sensible prices in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Both fixed price and à la carte menus are always available, a light lunch menu is also on offer Monday-Saturday.

Private dining is also available by special arrangement in the upstairs dining area which can accommodate up to 30 people.

This is an ideal venue for meetings, boardroom lunches, intimate wedding breakfasts and celebration meals for friends and family, with menus tailored to your individual occasion.

Reservations Lunch noon-2pm daily, noon 2.30pm Sundays Dinner 6.30-9.30 (closed Sunday evenings)

the townhouse restaurant

Special Light Lunch Menu Situated on the historic waterfront of Ipswich

4a Orwell Place, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BB Telephone: 01473 230254 Email: info@thetownhouserestaurant.com www.thetownhouserestaurant.com

Bistro on the Quay Wherry Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AS Tel: 01473 286677 www.bistroonthequay.co.uk

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a gourmet’s guide Brudenell Aldeburgh

Thorpeness Hotel Thorpeness

Dining at the Brudenell is not pretentious, nor is it extravagant.

It is relaxed and informal and provides a wonderful setting for a variety of occasions… and special occasions. Our AA two rosette restaurant has panoramic sea views with a décor that is inspired by the vibrant colours that can be found on the coast throughout the year.

Thorpeness Hotel is situated in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Meare. Its spacious restaurant offers an elegant, yet relaxed ambience and lends itself well to a variety of special occasions.

Our menus are the inspiration of head chef, Francis Moore, who has a veritable passion for using the very best ingredients that he can find to produce simple dishes that ooze unadulterated flavours.

Suffolk has the reputation of being the country's richest producer of locally-grown organic food and Francis pays homage to this with his firm ethos of using sustainably and ethically sourced local produce. The outstanding and consistent feedback which he receives in testament to this.

Dine alfresco... just a pebble's throw from the beach in Aldeburgh

The informal Patio Bar offers an exciting selection of light bites, including warm ciabattas, succulent local sausages, homemade Aspalls cider-battered cod and a variety of other dishes. The patio, which overlooks landscaped gardens, is ideal for alfresco dining in the summer.

Open daily for morning coffee, lunch, light snacks, afternoon tea and dinner. The hotel has a reputation for its traditional Sunday lunches.

SUNDAY ROAST AND PUDDING CLUB 2-COURSE LUNCH JUST £10.95

Discover the Terrace at the Brudenell where our idyllic seaside setting and fresh local food blend effortlessly with indulgence and informality.

The Brudenell Hotel, The Parade, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5BU Telephone: 01728 452071 Email: info@brudenellhotel.co.uk www.brudenellhotel.co.uk Follow us here:

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Indulge in a succulent roast or hearty main course, followed by a mouth-watering homemade dessert. Choose from traditional British favourites or a selection of five creations from our pastry chef's personal recipe book. The menu changes each Sunday, so there is always something new and exciting to tickle your taste buds.

2-course Sunday lunch, including a main course and dessert, just £10.95 per person. For those with hearty appetites, there is a selection of starters, all at sensible prices.

Served in our stylish restaurant every Sunday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm Pre-booking is essential To book your table, please call 01728 452176 or email info@thorpeness.co.uk Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness IP16 4NH www.thorpeness.co.uk Follow us here:

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the best of eating out The Galley Woodbridge

The Orangery Restaurant Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket

The Galley is run by people who are passionate about food and who come from a long tradition of offering hospitality in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Our two AA Rosette Orangery Restaurant is renowned throughout Suffolk and much further afield for its imaginative and exceptional menus. Our Executive Head Chef, James Fairchild, uses only the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from local suppliers wherever possible.

The restaurant is set in one of the most enviable locations in Woodbridge, on historic Market Hill overlooking the Elizabethan Shire Hall and market square.

The menus for lunch and dinner are created by the owner and chef Ugur Vata and include daily specials and light lunches.

The selection of ingredients is guided by the availability of local produce and the combination of flavours never fails to delight.

European and Modern British cooking styles influence the choices available that are always perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. Six-dish Mezze and Turkish Delight ice cream are just two of the unique dishes on offer.

A private dining area is available at no additional cost for celebratory meals and all the family is made welcome with a special healthy childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu. Live jazz evenings, wine samplings and special menu nights are all part of the excitement of dining at The Galley.

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We have an expertly selected wine list to tempt you which complements our menus beautifully and includes everything from the finest Champagnes to the most exquisite Bordeaux.

For a more informal dining experience and a great place to enjoy drinks with friends, the Roxana Bar offers fantastic value and weather permitting, you can soak up the atmosphere on our beautiful terrace.

Whether you are planning a Sunday lunch in Newmarket, a special celebration or drinks with friends, we can guarantee your experience at Bedford Lodge Hotel will be a memorable one.

PRIVATE DINING AL FRESCO DINING DINNER AND LUNCH MEN U SUNDAY LUNCH MENU LIGHT BITES & SANDWICH ES AFTERNOON TEA

A warm welcome awaitsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7BX. Tel: 01638 663175

www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

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a gourmet’s guide Milsom Hotels and Restaurants the finest places to eat, drink and stay…

The Milson Group of hotels and restaurants is rather special.

It all started with Le Talbooth, the flag ship of the group.

With its idyllic garden setting beside the river Stour. The restaurant is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or an elaborate celebration in the marquee on the upper terrace.

On the ground floor the Ha’penny Brasserie has a relaxed, contemporary feel, serving delicious fish and chips and like milsoms in Dedham is open all day with no booking – perfect if you’re arriving by sea!

Also in Dedham is milsoms, a contemporary bar/brasserie with an AA rosette, where you can eat outside under the huge architecturalsail. There’s a no booking at milsoms so turn up when you please – the full menu is available from noon until 9.30pm(10pm on Saturdays) so there's no rush.

A short drive away is The Pier at Harwich, a unique property in an equally unique location. The Pier is right beside the quay in Harwich old town and has two superb restaurants.

The Harbourside with two AA rosettes on the first floor with fineviews over the Stour and Orwell estuaries. It specialises in locally caught seafood and also serves the best steaks in town!

Last but by no means least, milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a magnificent Georgian mansion in 38 acres of lawn and woodlands. The kitchen champions local Suffolk produce and the restaurant is open all day from noon again no booking is required.

To sum up – five fabulous restaurants all with individual style and character with real synergy of food, atmosphere, service andtrue hospitality - where you can also stay!

Visit our website www.milsomhotels.com and see for yourselves.

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the finest places to eat, drink, stay...

Hall Road, Kesgrave 01473 333741

Gun Hill, Dedham

01206 323150

Stratford Rd, Dedham The Quay, Harwich

01206 322795

01255 241212

Gun Hill, Dedham

01206 323150

Stratford Rd, Dedham

01206 322367

discover more at www.milsomhotels.com

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Food producers

Sampling food at its source Staying in Suffolk doesn't just involve seeing beautiful countryside, walking alluring coastal paths or discovering the rich history of the buildings... it's also about sampling the wonderful locally produced food.

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uffolk's agricultural heritage is a long and proud one. We're recognised as having one of the most productive, dynamic and progressive farming sectors anywhere in the world and boast a large number of established food and drink manufacturers as well as countless restaurants using locally sourced products.

Supplying a roll-call of internationallyrenowned large-scale manufacturers, including the likes of Muntons, Greene King, Birds Eye, Adnams, Premier Foods and Aspall, Suffolk ingredients are found everywhere - from Maltesers and Branston Pickle, to a pint of Old Speckled Hen. Many of these are now common household names and have certainly made their mark in Suffolk. From Aspall Cider, established in Suffolk since 1728 and Palmers Bakery, providing the local community with warm bread since 1752, to the likes of the relatively new Paddy and Scott’s, coffee roasters based in Earl Soham, and Nethergate Brewery in Clare, famous for its coriander beer, Suffolk has proved a haven for those who are passionate about fresh, local produce.

Agriculture plays a strong role in Suffolk and, interestingly, this county was the birthplace of Lady Eve Balfour - the founder of the Soil Association. It's no wonder then that as well as arable farming, poultry and pig production are important areas of activity. In fact, an impressive 20% of the UK's organic, outdoor-reared pork comes from our county and we have the highest population density of pigs as compared to any other county.

Among others, the free-range pork from Jimmy Butler's herd of 18,000 pigs in Blythburgh has proved a popular choice among shoppers. His policy of using no antibiotics or growth promoters coupled with a strong commitment to sustainable farming has earned him the prestigious 'Pig Farmer of the Year Award' from Farmer's Weekly.

Another farming name emerging from the depths of Suffolk is Jimmy Doherty: owner of Jimmy's Farm. Made popular from the TV show, the 93-acre farm was derelict for fifteen years before Jimmy took over in 2003. Now a full working farm, the area is home to rare Essex pig

breeds as well as a 30 acre woodland, nature trail, Farm Shop, Adventure Play Area and Field Kitchen and accepts visitors seven days a week. 2009 saw the first ever festival here: Harvest at Jimmy’s. Bringing together the best music and the best food from all around, Harvest aims to provide an inspiring and relaxing end to summer. Last year's lineup included the likes of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, James Martin, Gino D'Acampo, KT Tunstall Athlete and Jose Gonzalez and this year's plans are just as attractive.

It's apparent that fresh, locally sourced food is an integral part of Suffolk life.

While large-scale production remains Suffolk's focus, our smaller producers have successfully responded to the demand for high-quality, niche food and drink products that are locally made and can be traced to their source. The result is a diverse range of products – everything from free-range pork and hand-made cheeses, to rapeseed oil, organic chickens, cider, beer and oysters.

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photography Emma Kindred

Such a mouth-watering menu of freshly caught fish, home-grown meat, delectable vegetables, herbs and mouthwatering fruit, means nothing less than a number of award-winning farm shops, farmers' markets, restaurants, pubs and eateries spread across the county for all to delight in.

There is a huge variety of restaurants and cafes which have proved popular with locals, tourists and food critics alike: examples include the famous Fish and Chip shop in Aldeburgh, Main’s Restaurant in Yoxford, the Bildeston Crown and The Kings Head Laxfield.

Affectionately known as the Low House, to name but a few. For those who like a drink or two, there are also vineyard and brewery tours galore: why not visit Shawsgate vineyard in Framlingham, Adnam's brewery in Southwold or Green King in Bury St Edmunds?

Farmer's Markets, local shops and Food Festivals also give visitors a chance to sample some locally produced food: Food shops such as Focus Organic in Haleworth, Black Olive in Southwold, Aldeburgh Market (shop, café), Leo’s in

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Framlingham, Middleton Farm Shop, Pump Street Bakery in Orford, or Alder Carr near Needham Market are just some of the fantastic shops stocking a diverse range of fresh produce. Eye Country Market is well worth a look - this was shortlisted on the BBC Good Food Programme Best Food Market 2009, and other farmers markets include those held at Snape Maltings, Southwold Farmers market on Fridays held behind the Adnams Kitchen & Garden store, Stowmarket Market Place and Woodbridge. A current list of the farmers' markets available during your stay is available to view at: visitsuffolk.com The Suffolk Food Hall is also one for the list. Providing a showcase for quality local food, this is a popular place for visitors. It houses multiple food specialists all under one roof and is also home to a cafe stocked full of local produce and a restaurant boasting fantastic views of the River Orwell.

Finally, if you're in the area during September and October, Aldeburgh's Food and Drink Festival is a must.

Showing over 80 exhibitors with organic vegetables, fresh and smoked fish, rare breed meat and game, cheeses, frozen yoghurt, jams, beer, wine and lager, the festival is a fantastic introduction to what's on offer in Suffolk. The main festival weekend event includes talks, workshops and cookery demonstrations from top chefs. For more information visit: aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk Alternatively, if you want some more hands on experience, why not go on a Food Safari? Described as 'gourmet food experiences', this business offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of Suffolk's best food and drink producers, which aren’t usually open to the public. Through its workshops , encompassing farm walks, tours, butchery classes and cookery courses, you can meet committed local producers, hear their fascinating stories and gets hands on experience. These events cover a diverse range: those wanting to explore a pig farm are able to visit Blythburgh Free Range Pork, near Southwold, see a pork butchery demonstration and attend a hands-on sausage-making workshop. Alternatively seafood lovers are able to visit the traditional oyster beds and smokehouse of Pinney's of Orford, where the Pinney family have been smoking fish using whole oak logs in a smokehouse and cultivating oysters for over fifty years.

Visitors here can learn how to carve a whole smoked salmon and shuck oysters before enjoying a delicious seafood lunch at Butley Orford Oysterage. Other Food Safari days include bread making, wild food foraging, game butchery and cookery and children’s events. For more information about these events and workshops, please visit: foodsafari.co.uk As a county, Suffolk has a diverse and wonderful landscape and this is reflected through the delightful range of local food, which is produced in this region.

From Coppella fruit juice and Lowestoft's fresh fish to award winning pork and mouth-watering cheese, sampling Suffolk's food and drink at its source really is a special experience.

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Food producers The Wild Meat Company

Peakhill Farm Organics

The Wild Meat Company is one of Rick Stein's Food Heroes and has been highly praised by Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall. It was established in 1999 by Robert Gooch and Paul Denny with the aim of taking the muck and mystery out of buying, preparing and eating game. All their game is harvested from their own or neighbouring farms and estates in East Anglia. Robert has worked in farming all his life and knows many of the farms that harvest the game. Paul, a gamekeeper's son is a qualified butcher and is the expert in preparing meat for the table. wildmeat.co.uk

The White Family have been farming at Peakhill, near Saxmundham, for nearly 40 years and from the start always had a 'wildlife-friendly' and have been certified organic since 2000.

As well as their 40-strong suckler-herd of South Devon cattle they grow organic vegetables and salads. Rob White is a passionate advocate of local and organic food production and all the animals live as naturally as possible, spending as much time as possible outdoors. Peakhill's meat and vegetables can be bought at the farm. peakhillfarm.co.uk

Pinney's Of Orford

Sutton Hoo Chickens

Back in the 1950's Richard Pinney took the first steps to resurrect the oyster beds at Butley Creek, where oysters had been cultivated for centuries. Alongside the oyster beds he created a smokehouse using a unique but traditional method using whole Suffolk oaks. A restaurant and shop, The Butley Orford Oysterage, in Orford's pretty market square followed in the 1960s. Three generations on, the family is still running the enterprise. Their own fishing boats produce a regular supply of fresh fish, including sole, mullet, lobster and crab and fish is still smoked daily in the Smokehouse at Butley Creek. butleyorfordoysterage.co.uk

The Nash family rear-free range and organic chickens on grassland next to the ancient Sutton Hoo burial site with beautiful views across to the river Deben and Woodbridge. It's a combination of factors that help their Suffolk White chickens taste so good, firstly they have time to grow; intensively reared birds are often killed at 5 weeks, Sutton Hoo chickens average at 12 weeks; secondly the chickens always have access to fresh grazing grass; and thirdly they've got 40 acres of space to run around. All this contributes to a happier, leaner and more naturally grown bird with great texture and tone, and a delicious flavour. suttonhoochicken.co.uk

Shawsgate

Stokes

Shawsgate is one of East Anglia's oldest commercial vineyards producing a range of white, red and rosĂŠ wines from seven different grape varieties, and is perhaps best known for its Bacchus dry wine, which has consistently won national and international awards over the last five years. The winery itself was built in the late 80s and is equipped with over 300 stainless steel tanks based on a New Zealand model. shawsgate.co.uk

Stokes Sauces is the main brand of dressings, sauces, condiments and mustards produced by Rick Sheepshanks under the umbrella name of Essfoods. Other brands are Suffolk Mud and Staverton Ewe whilst The Suffolk Saucery makes products for other leading brand names such as Jamie Oliver and Gressingham Foods. The key principles of Stokes Sauces are: production in small batches; use of the best and finest ingredients and making and taking time to do it right. Rick's vision was to produce the best tasting preserved sauce you can buy in a jar. stokessauces.co.uk

Blythburgh Free Range Pork Blythburgh Free Range Pork has made a name for itself as the premium pork brand in the UK market. The secret to its quality is that the pigs are truly free range with no antibiotics or growth promoters resulting in a happier, slower growing pig and ultimately a better flavour. Father and son, Jimmy and Alistair Butler have been a widely praised for their commitment to sustainable farming and are winners of the Farmer's Weekly 'Pig Farmer of the Year Award'. freerangepork.co.uk

Suffolk Farmhouse Cheese Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses is a family-run business established in July 2004 by Jason and Katharine Salisbury. From the milk of their own herd of pedigree Guernseys, they produce fine handmade cheeses by traditional methods including Suffolk Gold and Suffolk Blue. They also make other dairy products and rear their own beef and pork. suffolkcheese.co.uk

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10 ways to eat 'slow'

1. Give yourself (some) pleasure. Indulge all your senses. Eating well doesn’t have to be serious!

2. Bring the seasons to the table. Each season rediscover the pleasure of tastes you haven't experienced for a year.

3. Think global, eat local. Search out farmers and producers near to your home through farmers markets, farm shops and delis. Not only does this reduce food miles but it keeps your money in the local economy.

Polly Robinson runs Food Safari I founded Food Safari because of passion for sourcing, cooking and eating the abundance of good food available in Suffolk. Here are my tips for how to shop, cook and eat well and most importantly enjoy!

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4. Eat something you have grown… and grow something you eat. Food you’ve grown yourself is surely the best tasting food in the world!

5. Meet farmers, growers, artisans and specialized sellers in person. Farmers’ markets, Country Markets and food festivals are great places to start.

6. Be Inquisitive. When in a shop, restaurant, bar or supermarket, ask questions about where the products from or how it’s produced.

7. Choose meat and fish with particular care. Search out free-range or grass-fed meat and choose line-caught and sustainable fish species.

8. Cook! It’s the best way to know exactly what you are eating! Creating food to share with family and friends doesn’t is satisfying and doesn’t need to be a chore.

9. Shop wisely. Buying local produce isn’t necessarily more expensive than shopping in a supermarket. Like for like small producers and retailers often provide better value as well as better quality.

10. Become a taste explorer. Share your pleasure in shopping and eating good food with children, family and friends.

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An interview with Chris Theobald It has been three years since talented Head Chef, Chris Theobald, joined the team at the Dolphin Inn, Thorpeness. Here, Suffolk born Chris, gives us a quick insight in to the man behind the menu.

If you were not a chef, what would you have like to have been?

From an early age I was always interested in cooking. It’s something that I have always enjoyed doing. I did think at one point that maybe I would like to go into journalism, writing for a newspaper or magazine, but at heart I always knew that I wanted to be a chef.

Heard you entered the x-factor, maybe you wanted to be a singer?

Yes I did go for an audition; it was a few years ago now. The previous year I thought that the person that won really wasn’t very good, so my thinking was that if they could win then anybody had a chance. So off I trotted one bank holiday Monday in May to the O2 arena.

Needless to say it was a wasted effort.

I sang my song, Elton john your song, only to be told that I wasn’t what they were looking for.

So what would I find in your fridge right now?

My own fridge at the moment is pretty full, just been on a shopping spree. I have strawberries, grapes, cheeses, chutney, and yoghurt, always beer in there too so after a busy shift I can just relax.

What is the most peculiar thing you have ever eaten?

I once worked in a place where our next door neighbour was a forager. He would often come back with lots of different things, ferns that you see growing in forests and on road sides, you eat the shoots before they open up in to the leaf.

What is your worst kitchen disaster?

Probably before I started cooking professionally was my worst disaster.

I was cooking soup in a pressure cooker on the stove. This was the first time using one so didn’t really have much knowledge of them. However I removed the pressure cap on top of the pan before letting the pan cool and the pressure reduce. The soup came blasting out of this tiny hole, covering the ceiling and everything around me. Not a good experience

What is your favourite food to cook?

I love to cook food where all the ingredients can be cooked in one pan, such as a casserole, hotpot or risotto.

These foods are so flavoursome when cooked properly and have a real richness. So simple to cook, yet so tasty and satisfying.

What would be your last request dish?

If I were ever in a situation where I only had one dish left to eat I would like it to be a proper roast chicken dinner, with all the trimmings, lots of roast potatoes and lots of gravy.

Check out Chris’ blog to find out what he is up to in the kitchen – www.cheftheobald.com or you can follow him on twitter @ funky_banana 01728 454994 info@thorpenessdolphin.com www.thorpenessdolphin.com

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Stuart and Inga are enthusiastic landlords and have created a wonderfully welcoming pub that also offers cottagey rooms, and genuinely great food.

The Golden Key Tucked away off the Snape’s main road, this attractive pub has a low-beamed lounge with an old-fashioned settle curving around a fireplace that is home to a wonderful open fire during the winter months. The checkerboard pamment-tiled floor and horse brasses add to its traditional allure, whilst the contemporary menu is a delight.

As owners of the established Metfield Bakery, Stuart and Inga know a thing or two about food, so it’s no surprise that they utilise the freshest of local ingredients and bring a contemporary foodie twist to some classic pub dishes.

You are likely to find such dishes as baked crab, crushed new potato & avocado salad with aioli; pan fried wild sea trout, samphire, broad beans & local bell tomatoes, together with line caught cod served with fat chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce as well as the delicious homemade beef burger that comes with melted cheese & bacon, toasted sourdough and those wonderfully freshly-fried fat chips.

Puddings include pancakes stuffed with fresh blueberries and vanilla ice cream, raspberry posset and chocolate brownie.

Sunday lunch roasts are served on large antique platters for two or more to share – pink roast beef, garlicky roasties, slow cooked shoulder of Gloucester Old Spot pork, or local leg of lamb.

Within the pub there are a number of dining locations, a low-beamed dining room with stripped pine furniture, and outside are two terraces – one that perfectly catches the morning sun and another that is a sheltered suntrap for lazy summer evening. Both have contemporary wood and steel tables and chairs under large green parasols, and plenty of hanging baskets.

Adnams Bitter, Broadside and Explorer are on tap, and you’ll find a sensible selection of well-priced wines together with great coffee.

The Golden Key Priory Lane, Snape, Suffolk, IP17 1SA Telephone: 01728 688510

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Pub Guide

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Pub Guide Whether you are looking for refreshments on a hot sunny day, or a cosy corner on a winter’s evening, our guide can point you in the right direction…

The Crown Snape

The Crown Inn Snape is located in the village of Snape between Aldeburgh and Orford on the Suffolk heritage coast. With its old beams, brick floors and probably the finest double Suffolk settle in existence around the inglenook fireplace which makes it so welcoming in the cold months of winter, we also have a spacious garden which is ideal for summer dining. With a strong emphasis on food, our menu offers dishes cooked from locally sourced seasonal produce including our own home reared meats and produce from our own allotment. We are only 5 minutes walk from Snape Maltings and we offer pre and post concert dining. (booking is advisable)

01728 688324 www.snape-crown.co.uk Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SL

The Anchor Woodbridge

The Moon and Mushroom Swilland

A wonderful 16th Century pub situated just across the road from the River Deben, the Woodbridge Tide Mill and Marina. Featuring a real old-style interior with gorgeous oak beams and open fires. Since taking over two and a half years ago,Vernon Blackmore and his team have established the pub as the best place to go for quality traditional pub food and also East Asian dishes derived from Venon’s traditional heritage. Superb Greene King real ales and an extensive wine list just adds to its appeal. Improvements this year include more outside seating to the side of the building to add to the already popular tables to the front. All year round its the place to visit. See you soon!

Nikki and Martin welcome you to their award winning C16th Inn. A pub for all seasons. In spring and summer enjoy a delicious homemade meal outside amongst our gorgeous vines and flowers with a glass of superb New World wine.When the nights draw in come inside and sit near a blazing log fire and treat yourself to some fine game or a casserole while drinking award winning local cask ales. Whatever your taste we will have something for you.

Visit us soon!!

01394 382649

01473 785320 www.moonandmushroom.co.uk

19 Quay Street, Woodbridge IP12 1BX

High Road, Swilland IP6 9LR

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Pub Guide

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The Shannon Bucklesham

The Ship Inn Levington

Conveniently located between Ipswich and Felixstowe and a stone’s throw from Orwell Country Park, The Bucklesham Shannon is run by cousins Stella and Julie. It’s a traditional Suffolk Pub that is well known as a great place to eat. All of the pub’s food is sourced for it's seasonality, fresh nature and wherever possible from local suppliers such as Five Winds Farm and The Cheese Wheel of Woodbridge.

They offer cask marque ales, fine wines and delicious freshly made food, including all their desserts that are created in the pub’s kitchen.

They have a daily specials board that reflects the fresh seasonal produce available and, on request, can cater for most types of dietary requirements. There is a warming log fire during the autumn and winter months and delightful alfresco dining for summer and spring months. With a light and spacious dining area, The Shannon, can additionally cater for both large and small functions.

The Ship Inn at Levington, overlooking the beautiful banks of the River Orwell, is thriving under the new ownership of Susan and Adrian Searing. With the experienced manager Paul Kruse at the helm, this popular pub continues to produce some of the finest food in the Ipswich area. Using local produce wherever possible, this kitchen offers very varied choices, innovative recipes and many favourite classics, combining to give guests an excellent dining experience. The exciting new wine list has been created by Willy Lebus of Bibendum Wines, and it offers choices for all palates and all wallets. It is hard to beat the sensation of sitting on the terrace in the early evening sun sharing a chilled bottle of wine – certainly one of life’s little pleasures, and right here on your doorstep… So whether you are ambling the riverside paths, or bringing an important client to lunch, The Ship at Levington is a real treasure, for a memorable meal with professional service.

01473 659512

01473 659573

www.thebuckleshamshannon.co.uk

www.theshipinnlevington.co.uk

Main Road, Bucklesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0DR

Church Lane, Levington, Ipswich IP10 0LQ

Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard Woodbridge

The Affleck Arms Dalham, Newmarket

The antidote to your busy day. Located in the historic town of Woodbridge Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard was built in 1540 and is one of the last two steelyards left in England, it is also grade 1 listed so it is steeped in history. You can be sure of a warm welcome. Our food is home made from fresh local produce and our menu changes often. We have a large tranquil beer garden, dogs and children are welcome and we host live music every weekend. We are a cask marquee accredited with three guest ales each week.

Situated six miles from Newmarket and the famous racecourse, in the thatched village of Dalham, The Affleck Arms dates back to the 16th century. This friendly pub offers a cosy restaurant and a sleepy bar with original beams and a prominent inglenook fireplace. It carries Cask Marque accreditation, two cask ales from local breweries and holds annual beer-fests every June. The home-cooked food is exceptional and very well-priced catering for families, racegoers and walkers. There is a large car park at the rear, front riverside garden overlooking this picturesque Suffolk village, en suite accommodation available.

01394 382933

01638 500306

www.yeoldebellandsteelyard.co.uk

Email: the.affleck@live.co.uk

103 New St (off Market Hill), Woodbridge IP12 1DZ

The Affleck Arms, Brookside, Dalham, Newmarket CB8 8TG

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Pub Guide The Tuddenham Fountain Tuddenham

The Plough Sutton

The Fountain is an informal bistro style restaurant set in an ‘oldieworldy’ 16th century country pub, located in the lovely village of Tuddenham St Martin, in the heart of the country but only three miles north of Ipswich. The pub serves excellent food and wines in a warm and friendly atmosphere with individually priced and fixed price two or three course menus. There is also a blackboard featuring fish and other specials of the day. Both menus are available seven days and six nights a week For those sunny summer days The Fountain has a lovely covered and heated patio area for 60 people and a wonderful lawned garden, seating 80 people. Private Dining is available in the ‘Giles Room’, which can accommodate up to 36 people; ideal for meetings, private lunches and celebratory meals with friends. We are open Monday to Friday 12-2pm, 6-9pm; Saturday 12-2pm, 6-9.30pm; Sunday 12 to 3pm, closed evening.

The Sutton Plough is conveniently located in the small village of Sutton, some three miles from Woodbridge and close to the famous Anglo-Saxon burial site, Sutton Hoo – a top Suffolk attraction. A warm and welcoming pub, it recently underwent a complete refurbishment and retains the classic features of a country pub: beams, open fire and good home-cooked local produce. The pub has a large beer garden and welcomes families and well behaved dogs. With an exciting and changing menu using locally sourced ingredients and offering food at sensible prices, the owners of The Plough offer good, local produce with a great range of beers and ciders that is appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

01473 785377

01394 411785

www.tuddenhamfountain.co.uk

www.thesuttonplough.co.uk

The Street,Tuddenham, Ipswich IP6 9BT

Sutton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DU

The Brewery Tap Ipswich

The Brewery Tap is a brilliant English pub and restaurant right next to the old Tolly Cobbold brewery in the heart of Ipswich Docks. We sell spectacular real ales and we've based our menu on locally–sourced produce. Jeremy Moss brews Cliff Quay ales directly behind the pub and we're proud to serve them over our bar. Alec brews the mighty fine Calvors Lagers in Coddenham, just next door to Jason & Katherine Salisbury, who happen to supply our Suffolk Gold & Blue cheeses. The back leg of one of their pigs (fed on the whey from the cheese making process) is curing in our beer cellar and is now our Orwell Air Dried Ham. Our four Marans hens and Indian Runner ducks supply most of our eggs and our raised pork pie won second prize at the Aldeburgh Food Festival! We've got areas to suit everyone – from groups wanting a meeting space, to guests wanting a proper celebration.

01473 225501 www.thebrewerytap.org 1 Cliff Rd, Ipswich IP3 OAY

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Independent shopping

Looking for something different?

Independently run shops are an integral part of Britain's heritage.

K

nown as ‘a nation of shopkeepers', our country has a wonderful array of small, independent shops for us to delight in.

However, with the increasing strength of multiple retailers and national chains, a high street of independent shops now seems as rare as gold dust. Luckily for us, Suffolk still has plenty locally run businesses to tempt shoppers.

High streets across the country often all feel the same – crammed with corporate giants, national chains and boring, bland shops selling similar things. Although these can offer good money-saving ideas, it is the uniqueness, creativity and character of independent shops that make a shopping experience so special and diverse.

Not only that but spending in small independent shops also helps the local economy. Recent studies suggest that independently run businesses create higher-paying jobs and reinvest in the local economy at a 60% higher rate than national chains.

Suffolk, with its many small, pretty, market towns, is a shopper’s dream come true – and with thriving, independent shops lining the high streets shopping has never felt less guilty.

Popular places such as Framlingham, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds blend tradition with modernity through their bustling markets and successful and unique local shops. These markets are a long-standing tradition (the one at Bury St Edmunds dates back to before the days of William the Conqueror).

The Great British Vintage Markets held at Snape, Woodbridge and Ipswich (check website for details) are also worth a visit.

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Fashion

Image courtesy of Coes of Ipswich

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Farmers’ markets are thriving in many Suffolk towns, including Lavenham, Snape and Woodbridge. Tasty local food is a common theme running through Suffolk and there are delightful delicatessens and food shops dotted around. Why not try the Maltings at Snape, Richardson’s smoked fish house at Orford or the butchers in Earl Soham?

The small town of Harleston, on the border with Norfolk, is particularly popular with its range of independent shops, including Kate Fisher Ceramics, Just Truffles, a chocolatier producing handmade chocolates on the premises,

Image courtesy of OC Butcher

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and The Harleston Gallery, which showcases the work of practising artists.

The town is also known for its Harleston and Waveney Art Trail and Festival.

Coes in Ipswich is worth a mention as a third-generation family business with various branches in Suffolk. Coes was established in 1928 by William David Coe and has always prided itself on offering a wide range of quality clothing.

Southwold has a strong reputation for its eclectic mix of independent shops and has become increasingly popular among celebrities. The chic boutiques are perfect for those wanting exclusive

and elegant pieces that no one else will be wearing.

Another shop in Suffolk worth noting is the Quilters Haven in Wickham Market – a shop and teaching area that is heaven for all those interested in textile crafts.

These pretty towns and villages pride themselves on the quality of their independent shops and take great pleasure in providing excellent service for their visitors.

So, go on... why not treat yourself to something different and help the local economy, too?

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Stunning Designer Shoes, Handbags and Accessories GIAnMArco LorEnzI | GAIA D’EStE | StuArt WEItzMAn | PurA LoPEz | MASSIMo truLLI | FrAnDAMI

33 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1LW 01284 760011 | www.nicolasexton.co.uk Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday: 11.00am – 3.00pm

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Cabana is East Anglia’s first one-stop holiday boutique. Prompted by the surge in people taking sunshine breaks all year round Cabana opened its colourful oasis in September 2006.

With swimwear in every shape and size (sizes 8-26, cups A-I) plus mouthwatering cotton and silk kaftans, dresses, linens, beach bags, flip flops plus roll-me-and-go hats.

Cabana is confident it can make every lady feel fabulous on the beach.

Cabana also stocks a full range of luxury lingerie, nightwear and leisurewear.

Come in for a bra fitting today.

We are happy to help.

Vix • Maryan Mehlhorn • Seafolly Eda • Lidea • Gottex • Charmline Heidi Klein • Moontide • Holster Helen Kaminski • MyaBlue • Debbie Katz Aubade • Marie Jo • Prima Donna Marjolaine • Hanro • Falke • Philip Kingsley 26 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1NE Tel: 01284 700204 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www.cabana-uk.com

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ELIZABETH GASH KNITWEAR Elizabeth Gash Lorry Marshall The Quernstone Elemente Clemente Sophieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wild Wollens Mary Davis Knitwear Noa Noa Flax Backstage Cut Loose Adini Natural Wave Sea Salt Margo Selby Capri 86 St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 766045 36 Market Place, Lavenham Tel: 01787 248561 Open 10.00am-5.00pm daily (Bury St Edmunds, closed Sundays) www.elizabethgash.com www.discoverlavenham.co.uk

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Eliz a b e t h G a s h

S

itting on Lavenham’s picturesque market place in a pretty timber framed building, is knitwear designer Elizabeth Gash’s eponymous first shop. Her second opened only two years ago in Bury St Edmunds and is down St. John’s St, one of the longest runs of independent retailers in Britain.

Step inside either shop and you enter an Aladdin’s cave of colour, texture and pattern. Both shops have traditional oak beam interiors with shelves stacked with knitwear and clothes in jewel-like colours, the urge to forage is irresistible.

Most of Elizabeth’s knitwear is inspired by the beautiful designs of eastern nomadic textiles and rugs. Her distinctive graphic patterns and deep rich colours owe much to traditional kilim designs. The range, which can be made to measure, includes jackets, waistcoats, hats, bags, scarves and cushions, and each piece, no matter how small, is imbued with Elizabeth’s trademark flair for colour and pattern.

The success of the shops in Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds is the culmination of more than20 years’ hard work. Elizabeth started her knitting career with a stall in Covent Garden, and as her following grew, she took on more knitters and sold her knitwear to other select shops and a knitwear catalogue ‘Penny Plain’. It was ten years ago, after encouragement from a friend, that the first shop was opened in idyllic Lavenham, a short drive from her home in Rattlesden. All of Elizabeth’s work is undertaken here in Suffolk: Elizabeth designs and makes the swatches on her knitting machine, and then the garments are hand framed locally in beautiful Scottish silk and lamb’s wool yarn This veritable treasure trove of gorgeous knitwear has become a showcase for leading British textile designers. Having sold from a stall for so many years, Elizabeth’s aim in opening a shop was to create a thriving outlet for unusual, beautiful garments made by talented designers living in the UK. Stocking a carefully-chosen selection by Lorry Marshall, Bill Baber, Sophie’s Wild Woollens, Mary Davis and the Quernstone. It has become an absolute must visit for wool lovers.

As well as a fantastic array of knitted designs, Elizabeth has included clothes by Flax, SeaSalt, Noa Noa, Cut Loose, Backstage, Natural Wave , Adini and Elemente Clemente, all hand-picked to complement her own range perfectly. And even accessories are catered for: she has got a great range of bags, scarves and gloves, and a beautiful display of semi-precious and silver jewellery, including pieces by jewellery designers Annie Mundy, Travels Afar and Sara Withers, Bags by Monica Boxley and Tamara Fogle and Scarves by Margo Selby.

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B-4 DAY 2 FLIE /DA GER TE

FORTIS’ tradition is supporting the development of new technologies like the world’s first self-winding wristwatch, the legendary Harwood Automatic, in the early twenties. Today, as well as in the past major developments in watches result out of sportive or military requirements.

Thus the FORTIS Official Cosmonauts Chronograph was developed upon request and became the official equipment for space missions and onboard the International Space Station ISS in 1994.

Later, a mechanical alarm function was developed to complement the automatic chronograph movement: The worldwide unique alarm calibre, the patented FORTIS F-2001 C.O.S.C. certified Chronograph Alarm.

This year’s highlight is a limited edition of automatic wristwatches that commemorates a very special mission: “MARS 500”. Organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the FSA Roscosmos a scientific experiment will end in November ‘11 after 520 days.

For the first time in space exploration a real-time simulation of a flight to planet Mars takes place in the Moscow based institute for biomedical problems (IMBP), in a special isolated habitat environment of the scientific research centre. FORTIS is the official mission time keeper and presents the B-42 BLACK MARS 500 as Day/Date and as a chronograph, both in a limited series, bearing the official mission logo.

ER IEG PH L A F 42 GR B- NO RO CH

B M -42 A DA R Y/ INE DA M TE AS T

ER

Official supplier to aviation and space The world’s first manufacturer of automatic wristwatches since 1912 swiss Catalogue and further information: www.fortis-watches.com

ION D EDIT LIMITE ATIC M SPACE

5 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1DH Tel: 01394 389666

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U F F O R D PA R K H E A LT H & S PA W H E R E I T I S A L L A B O U T YO U Luxury Thermal Suite with Hydro Pool, Mineral Grotto, Foot Spas, Aroma Steam Room, Soft Sauna, Feature Showers, Relaxation Zone & Ice Fountain.

Day Spa Experiences from £20pp.

Residential Spa Breaks from £85pp.

Open to non members, 7 days a week.

For more information please call 0844 8479409 or visit

www.uffordpark.co.uk/spa Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW.

U

UFFORD PARK HEALTH & SPA

Best Western Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa Looking for somewhere to relax, revitalise or restore?

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Then look no further than the Ufford Park Spa near Woodbridge in Suffolk.

Set in 120 acres of parkland this 87 bedroom hotel with golf course and luxury spa is everything you would expect and the reason why it is the ‘gateway to Suffolk’s heritage coast’ and within easy access of Norfolk just off the A12. Come for the day with friends or your partner or make a weekend of it.

With spa experiences starting from as little as £20 per person for our twilight experiences – the ideal escape after a busy day with the children or at the office! And 1 night Spa Breaks from only £85pp – how soon can you get here.

The purpose built thermal suite offers a series of heating and cooling experiences based on the ancient ritual of bathing. The suite includes a hydropool, aroma steam room, soft sauna,

mineral grotto, feature showers, foot spas and relaxation area with complimentary cool filtered water and selection of herbal teas. Your experience does also include access to the 15M deck level swimming pool and gymnasium – for those looking for a little work out perhaps before they enter the spa.

The spa is also the perfect solution for a special birthday party, your hen celebrations, a romantic anniversary or a corporate informal meeting – it can also be hired for exclusive use* if you want something really special (*Min. numbers apply).

Ufford Park Spa is open 7 days a week and open to non members.

Call 0844 847 9409 to book or visit www.uffordpark.co.uk/spa

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the best of Suffolk

Weddings

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the consummate mix of opulent rooms, exceptional food and magnificent scenery help create a wedding of great distinction and where dreams can become a reality.

Wherstead Park a new and exciting wedding venue Set in beautiful landscaped grounds overlooking the River Orwell and Wherstead Parish Church, it paints the perfect canvas for an intimate and personal bespoke wedding at any time of the year.

When choosing Wherstead Park we guarantee exclusive use of the venue; The Grade II Listed Georgian Mansion, steeped in history and full of character has a choice of rooms each with its own distinctive décor and charm, providing a unique and memorable experience.

Alternatively the Atrium, at the heart of Wherstead Park provides a stunning contemporary space with its very own temperate climate all year round.

Adorned with fully grown ficus trees that have been around long before Katherine and William made it fashionable, adds a unique element to the surroundings.

Whether you are looking for a small boutique wedding for 50 or a guest list of 300 we have the capacity to do it in style.

With its opulent staircase or the Romeo and Juliet balcony, to the handcrafted English oak pergola with climbing roses, the croquet lawn and gardens or the impressive full height Atrium, there are lots of photo opportunities whatever the weather.

With space to entertain, space to relax and acres of space to play we think weddings at Wherstead Park are pretty special occasions and be assured that from the moment you have made up your mind to hold your wedding celebrations with us we will take control.

Lesley Frost our Commercial manager has over 25 years’ of experience and will systematically work through your plans and ideas and undoubtedly throw a few

new ideas into the melting pot until you have the ultimate plan, by design. From the first introduction until the grand finale she will guide you every step of the way culminating in the definitive wedding celebration.

We don’t do off the shelf packages simply because our couples are all individual and unique and deserve to indulge themselves in a once in a lifetime experience, the cost simply depends on how lavish you want to celebrate.

Exclusive venue hire is however surprisingly affordable and very much within reach of most couples.

In addition the venue has just been granted its Wedding ceremony license which means from September onwards, couples have the opportunity to exchange their vows at Wherstead Park and with a choice of rooms, including the magnificent hall and galleried landing in the mansion your guest list can extend from 30 to 300.

Exquisite food and seamless service are essential ingredients when planning a memorable wedding breakfast and is the reason why we have chosen Patricia Sharman and her team of talented chefs to be the exclusive caterer here at Wherstead Park. With over 30 years’ experience and a fine reputation, using local produce and fresh ingredients at every opportunity Patricia Sharman and Company has created a large repertoire of signature dishes that make up a comprehensive collection of menus.

Wherstead Park is a very unique venue and Lesley refers to it as a ‘blank canvas’ in which to create a master piece, each wedding is very special and memorable for all the right reasons.

For further information please contact Lesley Frost on 01473 786001 or email lesley.frost@eastofengland.coop Alternatively browse our website www.whersteadparksuffolk.co.uk

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Your perfect

wedding at...

At Wherstead Park you can share in 300 years of history within the elegant and traditional setting of The Mansion, or enjoy the spacious and contemporary style of The Atrium.

• Exclusively yours – we promise that your wedding will be the only wedding on the day • We cater for the small and intimate to the big and beautiful • Licensed for Civil Ceremonies • Exemplary service every step of the way • Exquisite food tailored to suit you • 25 years of experience to guide you to your perfect day • Acres of beautiful landscaped grounds for those special wedding photos and room for children to play

whersteadparksuffolk.co.uk Call Lesley Frost on 01473 786001 Email lesley.frost@eastofengland.coop Wherstead Park, Ipswich, IP9 2BJ

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Let us turn ‘Once

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Diamond Engagement and Wedding Ring Specialists

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5 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1DH Tel: 01394 389666

Imagine a moated Tudor Hall set within a 400 acre deer park, with magnificent Grade 1 listed gardens as the backdrop for one of the biggest days of your life. Helmingham Hall Gardens has to be the most exciting new venue for a country wedding.

Take advantage of the gardens and surrounding parkland as an exquisite background to your photos whilst your guests enjoy Champagne and canapés in the Parterre before heading to the marquee situated in front of the Hall for the evenings celebrations...

With many flexible packages available should you wish us to host your entire day, reception only or simply just use the gardens as a backdrop to your photos, do not hesitate to contact us today.

For more information please contact us: tel: 01473 890799 email: events@helmingham.com

www.helmingham.com

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From the moment the engagement ring is placed on your finger, the excitement of planning the perfect wedding day begins.

Weddings in Suffolk The daunting prospect of choosing the right venue or considering the myriad associated details means it is so easy to become overwhelmed by how much needs to be done.

Getting married in Suffolk has many advantages. It makes little difference whether you are aiming for a swanky ceremony or prefer to keep your special day a slightly lower-key occasion – classical and traditional – the Suffolk countryside and its stunning heritage coastal areas have everything you need to create a wedding with personality.

The venues in Suffolk take a special pride in offering you and your guests the finest quality of service to make your dream wedding a reality – complete with your very own personal touches.

There is something to suit everyone – from locations right beside the sea to idyllic settings deep in the heart of the countryside. Choose from the wealth of traditional halls steeped in history or opt for one of the new contemporary venues.

Suffolk has it all.

Crucially, with this being possibly the biggest day of your life, each detail must be just right and a Suffolk wedding is guaranteed to deliver at every level.

Image courtesy of Seckford Hall Hotel

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W&M SMITH

We stock a huge range of florist sundries including:

• Smithers Oasis® range in almost its entirety • Glassware of all shapes and sizes • Large selection of silk, latex, parchment and dried flowers • Bridal accessories • Ribbons • Baskets and much much more NO ACCESS FOR CHILDREN All major credit cards accepted

Come along and wander at your leisure in our spacious location Monday & Thursday 10.00am-7.00pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00am-5.00pm Open 10.00am-4.00pm selected Saturday & Sunday

The Pightle Barn, Blacksmiths Lane, Middlewood Green, Stowmarket IP14 5EU Tel: 01449 711014 Fax: 01449 711815 Email: wensmith@lineone.net

www.wandmsmith.co.uk

Searching for the perfect wedding?

Look no further, visit… www.milsomweddings.com Stunning Locations Inspirational Food Finest Accommodation Exceptional Service Online Planner Call Milsom Weddings on 01206 321102 for further information.

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The Limited Edition Mikimoto Debutante Necklace

THE ORIGINATOR OF CULTURED PEARLS SINCE 1893

THURLOW CHAMPNESS & SON, 14 ABBEYGATE STREET, BURY ST EDMUNDS. SUFFOLK IP33 1UN TEL: 01284 754747 WWW.THURLOWCHAMPNESS.COM

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the best of Suffolk

Schools

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A future built on opportunities Our aim at Ipswich School is to provide girls and boys with an education that encourages them to become balanced, confident and fulfilled young people.

Academic and sporting success as well as high standards in music and drama Scholarships available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Strong pastoral provision and commitment to personal development Preparatory School for girls and boys aged 3-11 Full, weekly and occasional boarding Extensive network of bus clubs covering the whole of Suffolk and north and east Essex

For further information please contact the Registrar.

I PSWICH S CHOOL Co-Educational Day and Boarding School Circa 1399

Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG

Tel: 01473 408300 (Senior School) Tel: 01473 281302 (Preparatory School) www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk Ipswich School is a charity (reg no 310493) educating children

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CO-EDUCATIONAL, BOARDING AND DAY 2 TO 13 YEARS

LEADING INDEPENDENT PREP SCHOOL

“Orwell Park provides an excellent, academically challenging, stimulating, happy and fulfilling, all-round educational experience for its pupils.”

ISI Inspection 2009

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES AVAILABLE 2011-12 OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 8 October 2011, 10 am-12 noon Saturday 4 February 2012, 10 am-12 noon Saturday 12 May 2012, 10 am-12 noon

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to arrange a visit t: 01473 659225 e: admissions@orwellpark.co.uk www.orwellpark.co.uk

Registered Charity Number: 310482

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A modern approach in a traditional setting...

Rowland Constantine, Headmaster of Orwell Park School in Nacton, near Ipswich writes: Orwell Park School is a long established, co-ed prep school in one of the most beautiful school settings in the country.

Boys and girls up to the age of 13 attend as day pupils or boarders – full, weekly or flexi! At some stage in their time at Orwell, most children will ask their parents if they can board? Why ?

THe PARenTAl vIeW Many adults’ view of boarding, especially at a young age, is based not surprisingly on their own experience: they loved it or they hated it. Or their lack of experience: we didn’t board and we have never thought of letting our children board.

Whether they boarded or not, today’s parents will be pleasantly surprised to see for themselves what a school such as Orwell Park is like: modern in outlook, flexible in the number of nights children board and above all, full of young boys and girls who are enthusiastic about school, whether as day pupils or boarders.

At Orwell Park, children board because they want to. Why?

A FlexIble APPRoAcH

ReASSuRAnce To PARenTS

At Orwell Park, no child feels pressurised into boarding because boarding is offered on a flexible basis, possibly only one night per week to start with. Parents of flexi-boarders chose boarding nights to suit family circumstances and, of course, what is best for their child. Boys and girls may choose to increase the number of nights spent boarding if they wish. Alternatively, if they do not wish to board at all, their view is respected and the subject will only be raised again if and when it comes from the child, after discussion within the family.

In their busy working lives, Parents can be reassured that their children are well cared for during and beyond the normal school day. Academic expectations are high at Orwell Park; so is the quality of pastoral care, considered ‘Outstanding’ in the most recent Ofsted Inspection.

HeAlTH And WelFARe The quality of care is excellent and in the school’s most recent Ofsted Inspection, boarding provision was judged ‘outstanding’. All those involved in boarding care (houseparents, matrons, cooks, cleaners) are totally committed to the health and welfare of the boys and girls. Food, which is locally sourced, is appetising and healthy. Dormitories are bright, spacious and clean.

FRInGe beneFITS The fringe benefits of boarding, especially in today’s busy world are many but, above all: the liberation of time including those school journeys!

- to enjoy work, play and the company of friends; the development of selfconfidence and independence; a sense of ownership and loyalty towards school.

Parents are warmly invited to come and see Orwell Park for themselves and talk to the boys and girls both day pupils and boarders. I am confident that you, and your children, will enjoy the experience!

TIme To WoRk And PlAy Usually, the decision to board will be driven by the desire to ‘be with friends’ once the normal school day is over.

Where else in today’s world can a child play in complete safety with a couple of dozen friends after school?

At Orwell Park, boys and girls enjoy the exclusive use of all facilities after school: the grounds, the swimming pool, and activities organised in the evenings such as golf, sailing, Brownies or Boys’ Club.

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Ipswich School: on top form Two Ipswich School students are heading for American universities this year.

Catriona McDonald is taking up a place at Harvard, and Chloe Hunnable has been offered a hockey scholarship at Connecticut. In addition, twelve Sixth Formers will be continuing their studies at Oxford and Cambridge colleges.

“This is our best year yet for successful Oxbridge and Harvard applications,” says Nicholas Weaver, Headmaster. “Over half who applied have gained places.”

It follows a big take-up of languages such as Russian and Spanish, which Ipswich School offer for Years 9-13. “We also teach Mandarin Chinese for Sixth Form Enrichment, and this has been very popular as an after-school club for younger pupils.”

In the sporting arena, Ipswich School provides a supportive and stimulating environment for its rising stars, such as Olympic hockey hopeful Harry Martin who played in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. As well as being one of

the top English hockey-playing schools, Ipswich School’s sailing and fives teams are also making an impact on the national scene, and two pupils are worldranked karting and karate champions.

For those with busy lives, boarding on a weekly or termly basis is an attractive option. Ipswich School’s conveniently-located Westwood boarding house, providing single and shared study bedrooms, is a lively and homely community.

Ipswich School Henley Road Ipswich IP1 3SG. Senior School: 01473 408300 Preparatory School: 01473 281302 www.ipswich.suffolk.sch.uk

MODERN EDUCATION, TRADITIONAL VALUES AND A PROVEN REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE A leading co-educational boarding and day independent preparatory school. We offer small classes where the individual needs of every child are placed at the core of all that we do.

Scholarships offered at 7+ and 11+.

Bursaries available – please do enquire.

Escorted train travel.

01263 837 324 | office@beestonhall.co.uk www.beestonhall.co.uk Registered Charity No. 311274

“Boarders receive an exceptional level of support from staff.”

Ofsted 2011

OPEN MORNING SATuRDAy 17TH SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 10.00AM. ALL WELCOME

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Stepping up with confidence a smooth transition A smooth transition from primary to secondary education can make all the difference to a child’s future. Get it right and they thrive, get it wrong and they can be lost, with repercussions that can affect their whole lives.

T

he Royal Hospital School approaches this crucial period with great sensitivity and genuine care, providing a secure and welcoming environment in which children are allowed the time and space to find their feet and grow in confidence.

Based in two Junior Houses, one for boys and one for girls, day pupils and boarders quickly settle in and together discover an exciting world of new possibilities and experiences.

Housemistress and Head of Lower School, Joanna Hewitt is completely committed to their welfare “we work very hard to ensure that the day pupils integrate with boarders so that they are part of the House. During these first two years in the Lower School, day pupils and boarders grow and develop together and friendships are forged, many of which will last for life.”

FIRm FoundATIonS In this secure atmosphere the children’s natural appetite for knowledge is fostered. Joanna Hewitt enthusiastically explains “this is a unique period in a child’s school life and we place great importance on the foundations laid at this time. During these two years we aim to develop a hunger and motivation for learning as well as teaching values for later life, instilling confidence and assisting every pupil in his or her personal development outside of the classroom.”

Great emphasis is placed on nurturing individual talents and every child is encouraged to aim high and achieve their full potential. In small classes they enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum.

Alongside the core disciplines the pupils are introduced to a wide variety of other subjects, providing them with the best possible choices when they progress to GCSE.

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TAke A look FoR youRSelF

neveR A dull momenT Life at The Royal Hospital School is very full and hard work is balanced by a breath-taking range of opportunities outside the classroom. The new £3.6m Music School is a fantastic facility that can only enhance the school’s established reputation for excellence in teaching and performance. And with over 96 acres of playing fields there is an enormous choice of team and individual sports Lower School pupils join one of four

teams and internal events generate healthy competition and enthusiastic support, as does the packed fixture list of inter-school matches. Add to this a unique opportunity to learn to sail during the first year, and a wide programme of after-school activities, ranging from Riding, Golf and Scouts to Jewellery Making, Cookery and Sci-Fi, it is easy to see why there is never a dull moment here.

A video, ‘Starting Out’, gives a flavour of life for new pupils at The Royal Hospital School and can be viewed on our website www.royalhospitalschool.org, where parents seeking the perfect transition for their children can also find information about Open Mornings.

Open Days 1 Oct, 12 Nov & 12 May

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The co-education or single sex conundrum Various studies have been conducted over the years on the merits of single sex education. However, ultimately it is up to the parent to decide which environment would best suit their child.

Just as there is a lot of be said for a school that tops the league tables year after year one must also remember that this might not suit every child. Not every child is the same, and the independent sector affords parents the opportunity to ‘shop around’ to discover a school that suits their child’s attributes. So, whatever a parent’s view is on single sex versus co-educational question there is a school to suit their choice. Parents are offered an array of options to consider including ‘boys only education’, ‘boys and girls taught separately’ as well as the more usual ‘coeducational’ set up. Parents are therefore advised to consider all types of schools when choosing the best education for their children.

There is nearly twice the number of girls’ schools to boys’ schools in ISC membership yet with over 100 and 200 respectively it shows that there still is a lot of choice for parents both new and experienced to the sector.

Most, if not all, schools will have open days allowing parents to visit the school to see exactly how they run and how their child will fit into the community. Schools are happy to discuss the pros and cons of a single sex education as well as a coeducational one and it is certainly something that can be fully explored when you begin to narrow down your choice of school. Schools will understand that parents may have questions and reservations, and will be happy to discuss any concerns on this and a whole range of other issues which are important when choosing a school.

The best course of action for any parent beginning their search for an independent

school, single sex or otherwise, is to visit the ISC website and click ‘School Search’.

This search allows you to select your specific criteria in order to locate schools that are appropriate. Within this process you can select ‘Girls’, ‘Boys’ and/or ‘Co-ed’ schools. So, if you’re open to both styles of education you are able to click both boxes.

The key in searching for a school is to limit your search only where necessary and not to discount hundreds of schools based on the fact that a single sex or co-educational education is an unknown quantity. Go ahead and request a prospectus; read inspection reports; pick up the phone; pay the school visit; ask questions! You will be pleasantly surprised. liam butler Senior Information Officer The Independent Schools Council Information & Advice Service www.isc.co.uk

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Woodbridge School Success can be measured in so many ways and fulfilment comes through so many routes. Boys and girls at Woodbridge School have the chance to find their niche and develop their self confidence across the broadest possible canvas in an environment that encourages achievement wherever it might flourish.

A

t heart we provide the best possible academic base for our pupils whether they seek places at the top universities, or look instead to music or art college and drama school.

Whatever their direction, we seek to give them the ideal foundations on which to make informed decisions for themselves and about the world they will help to mould.

The quality and range of extra curricular activities are outstanding.

Music and drama exceptional and are central to the lives of many of the pupils.

Our musicians perform internationally, with singing and string playing a particular strength, and our actors and actresses perform in the state of the art Seckford Theatre. However our students are just as happy outdoors, whether

competing locally or nationally across the sporting spectrum, learning leadership and life skills as part of the vibrant and immensely popular voluntary Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, or helping as sports leaders at local primary schools...

Every year pupils put charity at the heart of a wide range of activities, raising money for local, national and international causes. From cake sales to fashion shows, from the annual 100-mile bike ride to themed evenings and Balls, the students have helped to raise some £500,000 in the last decade.

Woodbridge School’s international exchange programme was the first in the region and has developed over the last ten years; today it is possible for students

to travel the globe on cultural exchange programmes: India, China, Australia, South Africa ,Oman, France, Spain, Italy, Estonia, Germany and more… not to mention the sports and music tours.

These opportunities, along with all the others on offer, provide our students with such a wide and diverse education that they will be well prepared as adults to deal with tomorrow’s world.

Woodbridge offers a number of scholarships and means tested bursaries to pupils who may need financial assistance. These awards are often given in recognition of outstanding academic potential, but are also offered to those with exceptional talent in music, sport, drama, art or chess.

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Suffolk has a wonderful cultural heritage, where you can visit places that writers have lived and set their works.

Words with meaning...

There’s nothing better when you are on holiday than reading books that have a connection with the area that you are visiting. Below are a selection of some of our favourite local writers taken from The Suffolk Book League’s Leaflet: Literary Suffolk.

George Orwell

Writers who lived in Suffolk George orwell (the alias of Eric Blair, 1903- 1950) who took his name from the Suffolk river and is remembered especially for his political satires Animal Farm and 1984, lived at Montague House, High St Southwold, during the thirties. His novel The Clergyman’s Daughter is partially set in the town. There is a plaque on the house commemorating this.

Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925) who was born in Norfolk and educated at Ipswich School, bought The Grange at Kessingland as a holiday home in 1990, five years after the publication of his successful novel King Solomon’s Mines.

Here he wrote The Poor of the Land in 1905, a survey of the plight of the agricultural worker, and here, in 1914, his close friend Rudyard Kipling came to stay.

Rosamond lehmann (1901-1990) a best selling novelist of the twenties and thirties with Dusty Answer, A Note in Music and The Weather in the Streets, owned Coach House Cottage Yoxford, from about 1971 to 1987. These books, and her later works, have recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.

At Martlesham near Ipswich Judge John drabble (1906-1982), father of Margaret Drabble and AS Byatt, lived at St Mary’s just off the A12 when he became a County Court judge for Suffolk.

He wrote two novels Death’s Second Self (1971) and Scrawsby (1977). You can still take the walk he loved, along by the Deben at Waldringfield.

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A writer in the tradition of John Clare, Richard Jefferies and Ronald Blythe, Roger deakin (1943-2006) wrote that he had lived through the poignant closing years of what might be called the old rural Suffolk: the northern stretch of the county broadly defined by the valley of the River Waveney Walnut Tree Farm, on the northern edge of the green at Mellis near Diss, was the inspiration and start of many of the journeys recorded in his books. The idea for Waterlog came when he was swimming in his moat, and decided to gain ‘a frog’s eye view of the

country’ by swimming across ponds, pools lakes and rivers up to Scotland.

In his last book, Wildwood, his own woodland inspired him to explore some of the world’s oldest forests, learning a few of the traditions arising from the human love of wood.

The American crime writer, Patricia Highsmith (1921-1995) lived at Bridge Cottage, Earl Soham from 1964 to 1967.

There she completed The Glass Cell and wrote A Suspension of Mercy.

Hammond Innes (1913-1936) the successful adventure and thriller writer lived at Ayres End, The Green, Kersey.

In novels, such as The Mary Deare or Campbells’s Kingdom he saw himself as one of the ‘last romantics’ in the tradition of Rider Haggard, RL Stevenson or Rudyard Kipling. His novels were described by the Guardian as ‘man’s everlasting struggle against the enormous stature of nature’.

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literary Suffolk Children’s Writers Arthur Ransome (1884-1967) set We Didn’t Mean to go to Sea on the Orwell when he was living at Broke Farm at Levington (1935-1939). Ransome also wrote Secret Water set in Hamford West, near Walton-on –the-Naze, in Essex, while he was living at Harkstead Hall, on the Shotley Penisular (1939-1941).

When King’s boatyard had finished building Ransome’s boat Selina King, he gave a dinner for all the workmen at The Butt and Oyster, Pin Mill on 29th September 1938.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star must be one of the earliest rhymes we ever learn as children. It surprises people to discover it was actually composed, rather than handed down in folklore, and the author Jane Taylor (1783-1824) grew up in Lavenham. Her father, Isaac Taylor, was a successful engraver who moved from London. The house, Shilling Old Grange, now marked with a blue plaque, was large enough for his growing family. Briefly the family moved next door into Arundel House, but when war with France broke out in 1793, and the European market was closed to English engravers and printers Isaac Taylor faced ruin and was forced to move to a tiny house in Colchester. He trained all his six of his children as engravers, even the girls.

By 1803, Jane and her sister Ann were writing verses for The Minor’s Pocket Book, and when publishers wrote and offered payment in books or cash they responded enthusiastically, ‘Books good but cash better’. Twinkle, Twinkle was included in Rhymes for the Nursery (1806) and one of Jane’s hymns, Lord I

would own Thy Tender Care, in Hymns for Infant Minds (1810) for which she also did the engravings, is still included in Hymns Ancient and Modern. In Lavenham Guildhall the National Trust have a permanent exhibition on the Taylor family, including paintings, books and personal belongings.

In 1945, far away from Malibu, dodie Smith (1896-1990) sat down to write a novel set in a house in Wingfield Suffolk 1934, a house which was part of a castle.

In I Capture the Castle, the heroine, Cassandra Mortmain, remembers ‘How strange and beautiful it looked in the late afternoonlight. I can still recapture that first glimpse- see the pale yellow sky, the reflected castle stretching towards us on the brimming moat, the flpating patches of emerald- green water weed’. Wingfield Castle is not open to the public but you can still see the Castle and its moat from the road, The Castle was licensed to be built in 1382 after the Peasant’s Revolt.

Later, Dodie Smith settled in Finchingfield in Essex where she wrote One Hundred and One Dalmatians and put the evil Cruella de Ville living in the fictional village of Dympling, near Sudbury.

Another castle, Framlingham, has been important to Anthony Horowitz and he says it is where his love affair with Suffolk began. ‘what has always delighted me’, he said,’are the Tudor chimneys that rise, incongruously, above the walls.’

Framlingham Castle is the setting for one of the early, pre Alex Rider stories, The Devil and His Boy and the extraordinary chimneys are the starting point for the adventure, set in the reign of Elisabeth 1.

Suffolk hosts three literary festivals a year THe AldebuRGH lITeRARy FeSTIvAl This annual festival of literature is organised by the Aldeburgh Book Shop on a weekend at the beginning of March.

01728 452587 www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk THe AldebuRGH PoeTRy FeSTIvAl An annual festival of contempoary poetry is held at the beginning of November and is held around various locations in Aldeburgh town centre.

Organised by The Poetry Trust.

01986 835950 www.thepoetrytrust.org WAy WITH WoRdS Whilst a number of national literary festivals are organised by Way with Words, they hold a five day literary festival in Southwold every November.

01803 867373 www.waywithwords.co.uk

lonG melFoRd book FAIRS Regular monthly book fairs in Long Melford with many independent book retailers exhibiting.

01284 723512 thebookman@btinternet.com www.longmelfordbookfairs.co.uk

To read the complete leaflet online please go to: www.sbl.org.uk Founded in 1982, the Suffolk Book League promotes the pleasures of reading by bringing distinguished writers to speak in Ipswich.

You can join the Suffolk Book League at via the website or by post. Although you are not required to be a member in order to attend events, membership ensures that you receive the quarterly newsletter Book Talk as well as reduced price entry and the ability to purchase advance tickets.

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Great days out in Suffolk

Olympics...

Only just over an hour from the Olympic Village but a million miles away from the madness and mayhem of London, Suffolk is absolutely delighted to be opening its doors to the world in 2012.

The county is especially thrilled to be playing host to a bevy of international athletes and their families from Brazil and Canada to Azerbaijan and Rwanda, all of who will be based in Suffolk in the run up to and during the Olympics. Why did they choose Suffolk? For the same reason as above: Suffolk is easy to get to from London and it’s a breath of fresh air in a crazy world.

The Suffolk Olympics officially get underway with the Torch Relay celebrations in Christchurch Park in Ipswich on 5th July. Expect a ‘red carpet reception’ and an explosion of musical talent as Suffolk shows the world that it knows how to celebrate in style.

Another Olympic celebration in the county to look out for is the Aldeburgh World Orchestra, which is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Very much Aldeburgh Music’s ‘baby’, the Orchestra involves bringing together 124 of the World’s best emerging musicians for a European tour that includes a performance during July at Snape Maltings Concert Hall along the beautiful Suffolk coast. www.visitsuffolk.com

© Britainonview / Craig Easton

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Pen and Paintbrush

Artists and authors Continuing to draw inspiration from Suffolk’s landscape, coastline and way of life.

T

here is definitely something about Suffolk that inspires the creative. Artists and writers just cannot get enough of the place.

For art lovers the joy lies in tracking the famous, like Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, and seeing the fields, woods, rivers and great big skies that inspired their works.

But there are other wonderful paintings and other celebrated names to check out. To find out what is where, get hold of a copy of the brilliant Oil Paintings in Public Ownership for Suffolk, recently published by the Public Catalogue Foundation. And even then, you will only be scratching the surface.

Alfred Munnings went to school in Framlingham and lived at Dedham.

Southwold and its pretty neighbour Walberswick have attracted the likes of Philip Wilson Steer and the architect

and designer Charles Rennie Macintosh (who painted pictures of the local flora).

Do not miss out on the wealth of contemporary art either. Maggi Hambling’s giant scallop shell on Aldeburgh beach is not the only modern talking piece.

Authors, past and present, are similary drawn to Suffolk. Dickens includes a number of recognisable Suffolk locations in his works. Those queens of crime, Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, both have Suffolk connections.

George Ewart Evans, whose books of reminiscences conjure a bygone Suffolk, lived at Needham Market. Adrian Bell, father of Martin (he of the white suit) wrote of rural life from his own Suffolk experiences and had a home at Redisham near Bungay.

Kathleen Hale‘s beautifully eccentric Orlando (the Marmalade Cat) A Seaside

Holiday, features the feline family enjoying the delights of a post-war Aldeburgh – thinly-disguised as the fictional Owlbarrow.

George Crabbe was born next door to Aldeburgh at vanished Slaughden and is commemorated in the same parish church as the composer Benjamin Britten, who took the poet’s fisherman Peter Grimes and turned him into an opera.

John Lydgate, the ‘monk of Bury’, took his surname from the Suffolk village of Lidgate where legend has it he found sanctuary as a young and nameless boy in the latter part of the 14th-century.

Lydgate had huge literary pretensions and churned out ballads, hymns and poetry by the yard for his Royal patrons, little of which remains. He was a great admirer of Chaucer. What Chaucer thought of him is unrecorded.

Woodcut by Judy Stevens. www.nbillustration.co.uk

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