Waterfront Life - February 2018

ISSUE 15 • FEBRUARY 2018

Lifestyle Magazine for Ipswich Residents, Businesses and Visitors

www.waterfrontlife.co

Proud supporter of

Cover photo by CHARLOTTE LAWRENCE using an Olympus VG-170

WATERFRONT Life

1 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

“

Editor’s WORD

January can be a bit hit & miss for a lot of people, for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it takes a little while to get back into the swing of things, but here at WL, we really did ‘hit the ground - that is 2018 - running’; with meeting after meeting and our Restaurant of the Year (ROTY) gala awards night.

Our meetings consisted of introducing our new BDM to existing partners, engaging with new supporters and generally feeling the love of our Waterfront neighbours.

On the 24th of January we held our ROTY finals at the Old Custom House and thanks to many contributors, especially ABP & Fleximize, we could not have wished for a better evening. It truly was a tremendous night. More of that in the following pages.

We have a lot to look forward to this year and a fantastic opportunity to cement our place as the no. 1 publication in the area; with topical editorial, bespoke advertorial, commentary on all news & current affairs, ROTY 2018 and a whole host more.

We will be adding peoplepower to our team during the coming months, so watch this space for opportunities or get ahead of the game and send over your CV and get ready to be part of our blossoming (and award nominated!) production.

CONTACT US 01473 35 35 12 info@waterfrontlife.co www.waterfrontlife.co FB & IG @waterfrontlifeips TWITTER @waterfront_life

Thank you to everyone and as ever…..please continue to feed back to us on all topics.

My very best wishes.

Richard Stewart

Contents...

“

What a start!

THE VIEW FROM THE SALTHOUSE ..................................................................................5 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2017 .....................................................7-9 THE SAINTS Featured Magazine ......................................................................................13-16 MYSTERY SHOP REPORT Hopsters ....................................................................... 20-21 WATERFRONT LEGAL Asbestos Still Taking Lives .........................................................25 WATERFRONT CHURCHES An Alternative Church ................................................. 29 2 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

WATERFRONT Port

OUR GRATEFUL THANKS WRITTEN BY DANIELLE STEWART

Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading ports operator with 21 ports and boasts the UK’s leading export port for agricultural products at Ipswich.

With its sweeping stone staircases and ornate carvings adorning the portico, you’d be forgiven for thinking Old Custom House was the home of royalty. Since 1844, this iconic building has dominated the Waterfront thanks to architect John Medland Clark (who won an award for its design) and, more recently, has provided a home for Associated British Ports (ABP) in Ipswich.

ABP has been a firm supporter of Waterfront Life since its inception, so naturally when we were planning the Restaurant of the Year Awards for 2017 and needed a unique, beautiful (and most importantly – neutral & Waterfront based) venue to host – Old Custom House seemed the perfect choice. We approached ABP with our request, and to our delight, they were only too keen to accommodate our cause.

Divisional Port Manager Paul Ager then kindly gifted us use of the conference facilities on the ground floor of Old Custom House, for the Awards evening held on 24th January. The style and décor of the building was a perfect fit for the event – historical structure and subtle artefacts, combined with the modern glass features and high-tech AV equipment, all leant itself to the formal ambience we had desired, whilst maintaining a maritime theme.

The conference floor has a grand, wooden foyer to welcome guests and visitors, with the use of matching wooden tables and comfortable seating areas; perfect for serving drinks and canapés and allowing guests to socialise, prior to meetings or conferences.

Adjoining the foyer are two evenly-sized conference rooms, complete with AV/TV equipment for presentations, a lectern and plenty of chairs and tables for sit-down gatherings; both rooms being equipped with air conditioning and heating systems.

In addition to the conference facilities, are modern and very well-maintained toilets, and ample kitchen/catering facilities with plenty of refrigeration and preparation space.

Catering for our own guests in this venue proved to be a breeze, and the ABP team were on hand to assist with technical support during the set up of the event, ensuring everything ran without a glitch.

We are incredibly thankful to ABP for their support, both with Restaurant of the Year and Waterfront Life as a whole, and would highly recommend Old Custom House as the perfect venue for any occasion.

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WATERFRONT Residential

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The apartment is well presented and benefits from Underfloor heating, En- Suite and Bathroom, Balcony views & Secure parking. There is also a Concierge service within the block. Neptune Marina is in the heart of the waterfront development giving access to the vibrant bars and restaurants and being within walking distance of the town and railway station.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

BREAKFAST AT THE

SALTHOUSE WRITTEN BY DANIELLE STEWART

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – a phrase we hear on a regular basis. But how does the Salthouse cater for this culinary start to our waking hours? We sent Danielle along to shadow head chef Chris McQuitty.

I met up with Chris and his team during a weekday breakfast service – although heading up the kitchen on any given morning, you will usually find Emilio, who is unnaturally cheerful at 6am!

“Breakfast quality is very important for a hotel,” Chris told me, “it’s often the final impression a guest will have before leaving us, and we need to get that right.” Fortunately, the Salthouse has an array of opportunity for ‘getting it right’. Approximately 90% of breakfast guests are those staying in the hotel, but the restaurant is also open to non-residents at this time. The extensive menu offers continental and cooked options, ensuring everyone’s morning appetite is satisfied.

a quick porridge or croissant and coffee, before heading out to work.”

Does the kitchen get any particularly bespoke or unusual orders? “We are very flexible in catering to everyone’s needs,” Chris explained, “we have gluten-free porridge and soya milk for those with dietary requirements, and we do have guests who prefer something like an omelette for breakfast, which we are happy to do. We even offer our bacon sandwiches ‘to-go’.” I asked Chris whether this extended to other breakfast options. “I’m not sure how well that would work with Eggs Benedict!” Fair point, well made.

Another nice touch is the room service option offered by the hotel – for no extra charge, you can have your preferred breakfast delivered to you in bed; just hang your menu choices on the door the night before. “This is particularly well received on occasions like Valentine’s Day,” Chris said.

With that in mind, I know where I’d like to be heading for breakfast in bed on the 14th..…

So, what are the most popular breakfast items on the menu? “The Suffolk Grill has always been a favourite, but Eggs Benedict is also becoming a lot more popular. Generally midweek, the Continental menu is favoured as we have a lot of business guests who enjoy 5 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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ROTY’S 2017

SPONSOR

RESTAURANT

of the year 2017 In February 2017, we wrote to over 50 eateries in the Waterfront, Saints and central south town centre area and invited them to the inaugural Restaurant of the Year awards. I say invited……we had a unique approach to the awards. The restaurants would be ‘told’ that they were entered, we would enter every single venue that had seating for at least 10 customers and critically, we would be employing local mystery shoppers, whose reports would end up deciding the winners.

NO PROFESSIONAL FOOD CRITICS, NO HIDDEN AGENDAS. NO WAY FOR EXISTING FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS OF WATERFRONT LIFE, IN THE FIELD OF HOSPITALITY, TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THE AWARDS IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER

….and so 12 experienced, local mystery diners were recruited and given 4 or 5 eateries each that had been allocated to them at random.

The following 8 months would see us carry out 4 rounds of judging: First Impressions – the kerb appeal The Second Impression – the digital footprint First Contact – going above & beyond The Visit – getting teeth into it Please turn over the page in a moment to see how the night went, but in the meantime, I would like to sincerely thank everybody who bid at our charity Auction of Promises and helped us raise just over £1000.00 towards Student Life’s mental health project.

Your generosity on the night was humbling.

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RESTAURANT

of the year 2017 GAL A AWARDS NIGHT

AWARDS SPONSOR

VENUE SPONSOR

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The Winners BEST WEBSITE

BEST FOOD

AURORA

MARINERS

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

BEST SMALL COVER

SUBWAY (DUKE STREET) BEST WINE & DRINK

SALTHOUSE

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SALTHOUSE

9 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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After a trip to Vegas a few years ago he got the bug for Swing music and now performs as a solo artist, or as a duo with Ocean’s 2, bringing the great songs of the swing era to life; also with some great swing takes on modern classic pop songs.

Mark is also currently a guitarist with top Essex mod band The Most.

If you’d like Mark to perform at your event, visit www.markmcclaran.co.uk

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YOUR NEW

Saints PAGES

COMING SOON 13 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

The Future of

WRITTEN BY CATHY FROST

SHOPPING As the dust settles on another Christmas at Loveone, I am conscious of the slightly odd season it was. There were all the usual signs that the festive season had arrived but for many retailers on the nation’s High Streets it was a tricky time.

The fortune of my own business very much mirrored the national picture that is now emerging, a strong November but a weaker December. The once predictable last minute rush didn’t transpire, I had one of the quietest Christmas Eve’s in years.

It is becoming more obvious that the way we shop and engage with our high streets is changing. One winner last year may have been Black Friday but its effects were largely felt online. Will the discounting

bubble implode? How many businesses can survive the increasing trend for heavy and frequent discounting?

As a retailer now looking ahead to the coming year my considerations become far more complex than ever before. Simply filling the shelves and waiting for the sales to come is now not enough to guarantee success in today’s retail climate.

Retailer’s now need to consider their online presence and social media reach. Do you

blog or vlog or not? Are your customers being driven by convenience or price?

How important now is customer service and the personal touch? Is shopping on the high street becoming a quaint Saturday afternoon pastime that must now include coffee stops, lunch and a street market? Do you want added value to your whole experience?

Is a visit to the High Street number 3 on the list after online shopping and visiting an out of town retail park? And why? How important is the role of the high street within our community, does retail still have a place there?

These are some of the real issues facing retailers and consumers alike. Can you help fill in a few gaps?

What do you think about the future of shopping?

Rest assured I, like many retailers, are planning the year ahead and even looking forward to next Christmas. The high street is still an engaging and dynamic environment to work in. The key I guess is to remain responsive and listen to our customers and meet this challenge in more creative ways. Watch this space!

We would love to receive your views.

Please send your comments/answers to the questions that appear in blue to media@waterfrontlife.co One lucky reader will receive a £50.00 voucher to spend in any shop or restaurant in the Saints. Responses to be sent on or before 14 February 2018 and the editor’s decision is final.

14 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

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Big plans for

READ ALL about it

STREET FOOD AND ARTS FESTIVAL Plans for a new Street Food and Arts Festival for the Ipswich Waterfront are taking shape, as creative producers Iona Hodgson (We Create Projects Ltd) and Daisy Lees (Arts La’Olam) finalise plans and funding for ART EAT 2018.

ART EAT will bring together Suffolk’s inspiring artistic and culinary talent in an inclusive, vibrant and delicious exploration of creativity, culture and flavours for all the family.

Inspired by the flourishing creative and culinary cultures in Suffolk and in response to the recognised economic value of cultural industries, ART EAT intends to strengthen a new identity for the town by creating a unique event that puts Ipswich firmly on the cultural map of East Anglia.

Where possible, all traders, artists, musicians and businesses will be locally based and the festival will be free of charge. The festival hopes to attract up to 40,000 visitors over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd September 2018. The event will be carefully curated to allow space for the existing businesses along the Waterfront to be a part of the festival and promote themselves over the weekend.

ART EAT will see the Waterfront bustling with people of all ages enjoying live music, DJs, art installations, street food, art workshops, art exhibitions, and activities for all the family. So far the festival will also involve venues such as Dance East, La Tour Cafe, The University of Suffolk and many community groups and local charities. The Festival will be on a not-for-profit basis; organisers are currently seeking involvement and sponsorship from local businesses who would like to harness the many opportunities the festival will offer.

If you are interested in finding out more about how sponsoring ART EAT could benefit your business, please get in touch with Iona on hello@wecreateprojects.co.uk . To download a Sponsorship information pack, please visit www.wecreateprojects.co.uk/arteat-festival 16 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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CHUTNEYZ New Indian Bistro in Ipswich

WRITTEN BY DANIELLE STEWART When I saw the signage going up on Duke Street for a new Indian restaurant, I immediately became intrigued. I had often wondered why such an eaterie was missing from an up-and-coming and hugely diverse community such as the Waterfront, and as I browsed the restaurant’s website, I realised immediately what set them apart from your ‘typical’ Indian restaurant:

real, authentic, 100% Indian cuisine; an impressive bar with Cobra beer on tap; and a mouthwatering menu without a bhuna or phal in sight - something owner Rahul, 35, tells me “you won’t find within a 30 mile radius”.

This ethos was reiterated when I went to meet Rahul and co-owner Simon, 37, at ChutneyZ on a sunny Monday lunchtime.

Simon and Rahul are both local to Ipswich, with their culinary expertise spanning over 30 years, including experience working in

Michelin starred restaurants and 7* hotels in India. Owning a restaurant at their young ages is an amazing achievement for these two experienced chefs, and the location for such an investment was an easy decision. “We have been interested in this unit close to the Waterfront for over two years: it is in the heart of a vibrant, upcoming and young area, with a large Asian community, as well as the student population from the University, and the surrounding businesses and offices.”

Rahul told me, “We aim to cater for everyone.”

Rahul and Simon’s motto is simple: provide good food, at an affordable price.

And wow, do they live up to this! The Waterfront Life team was treated to a few of ChutneyZ’ signature dishes; the Platter for Two, and the Thaali (both of which come as vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties). The attention to detail in the dishes is incredible; even the garnish was displayed in a manner you would expect to see in a top London restaurant. And the taste? I could only compare the delicious mix of spice, flavour and texture, to the food I sampled when I was fortunate enough to visit India last year. When you

18 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

consider that the entire meal would have cost less than £20, and three of us left ChutneyZ feeling very well fed, the value for money is astonishing.

When I asked Rahul about his and Simon’s passion for keeping ‘hands-on’ in the business, he made it very clear that the restaurant was not only their business, but their passion. “Simon and I are the two main chefs,” he explained, “you will always find one of us – if not both – here.

ChutneyZ is completely food-driven, something we are very proud of and hope to get across to customers.” The young entrepreneurs are also keen to expand their horizons beyond the Waterfront: weddings, outside catering and local food festivals are firmly on ChutneyZ’ agenda.

This food-driven passion comes across loud and clear when dining at ChutneyZ; the open-faced kitchen allows diners to see the professionalism and flair going into creating the works of art that are served to those walking through the front door. The menu choice goes well beyond the likes of a chicken tikka masala or vegetable biryani – this is real, traditional Indian food; served by Indian chefs with the desire to make their mark on the Waterfront. And if the service and food we have experienced is anything to go by, I have no doubt ChutneyZ will have great success in our community.

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contact@chutneyzipswich.co.uk www.chutneyz.co.uk 54 Duke Street 19 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

MYSTERY SHOP REPORT

“FRESH, CLEAN & INVITING WITH A NON-BLOKEY ATMOSPHERE” HOPSTERS, ST NICHOLAS STREET TIMING: WEEKEND LUNCHTIME

Hopsters is a craft ale and specialist spirits retailer that opened its doors on The Saints in late 2017. Selling local, national and imported beer, the venue seems to be gaining a cult following. To see what the fuss was about, we sent our mystery shopper – Andy – along to the quaint shop.

LOCATION Spot on! The Saints area (St Peter’s Street, St Nicholas Street & Silent Street) is the ideal location for a retailer of this nature. Hopsters joins a large number of bespoke, independent venues that give these streets a certain feeling, that is hard to find in a town centre. SCORE 5/5 FIRST IMPRESSIONS The building is a period property, that sits well alongside its neighbours. The frontage is small, but in keeping with the surroundings. You get the impression that the venue is very bespoke and unique and I guess that’s what management is hoping for. SCORE 4.5/5 GREETING I had to engage an initial greeting, although the gentleman concerned was partly with other customers. It wasn’t the warmest of starts and didn’t fit with what I was expecting from the visit, so far as the start had eluded to. SCORE 2/5 THE PERUSE The shop is reasonably well stocked with varied bottles and cans. There is a fridge and side shelving, plus a window display. The window is definitely dressed ‘one-way’ and doesn’t make enough of the space available that customers inside the shop can see. It could be that an order was on its way, but the shop looked a little sparse. However, the stock definitely has a unique feel about it and it’s absolutely unlike visiting a supermarket’s beer section. 3.5/5 SERVICE After the slightly wobbly start, I was given excellent customer service from both ‘Ed’ and ‘Stevo’. These guys are passionate about their shop and stock, telling me

20 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

their background (Greene King) and enthusing about various beers. We discussed gift boxes and I was told that the ethos was to engage guys and girls and ensure a non-blokey atmosphere.

This certainly comes across. SCORE 4/5 INDEPENDENCE The Saints is an artisan shopping area of Ipswich, sometimes bizarrely overlooked by residents and Hopsters fits right into this artisan feel. You immediately get the feeling of an independent retailer in this shop and Ed and Stevo add to this appeal. If I wanted a generic bitter or stout I might go to the supermarket.

However, if I want independent advice and bespoke ales, I will shop at Hopsters.

SCORE 5/5 STANDARDS The shop is fresh, clean & inviting.

There are exposed beams and a well thought out standard of décor. The staff are well-presented and the overall feel is welcoming and casual. SCORE 4.5/5

Hopsters joins a retail area that deserves to thrive. The choice of location for a bespoke ale shop is spot-on and feels right. Ipswich lacks outlets of a similar nature and if the venue continues to adhere to its owners’ philosophy, then artisan beer, ale, stout etc will fly out of the door. Supermarkets have bullied their way into selling cut-price alcohol and driving independent retailers out of business. Hopsters should buck this trend and rightly so.

OVERALL SCORE

21 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

4.1/5

WATERFRONT Counsel

IPSWICH COUNSEL WRITTEN BY LIZ HARSANT

Liz Harsant was elected Councillor in 2002 to represent Holywells Ward and in 2004 became Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, in a joint administration (Conservatives / Lib Dems) for 6½ years. Amongst other things, community spirit is one of the reasons that Liz writes for Waterfront Life.

When I first became a Councillor in 2002, the Waterfront and surrounding areas looked so different. Now when we travel down Duke Street we have the newly refurbished restaurant right on the corner called The Forge; and if you haven’t been I can highly recommend it - the ambience is incredible. Next door is Sanchez’s paper shop which has been there for many years and is now called Bargain Booze! This shows the times we are living in when what was predominantly a paper shop had to branch out to keep going.

A little further on we have the Travelodge, the first hotel in this area and adjoining the hotel is Mahzen; a superb and very well used Mediterranean restaurant. Many small businesses and food outlets have

opened along one side of Duke Street but when you look across the road you see the ugly car park which I still call Shed 8, but has a much posher name Duke Orwell Quay Car Park! The car park itself is well used, but the perimeter is so badly kept and in spite of many requests to the University, we see little improvement. A few years ago, I did manage to get some daffodils planted on the corner of Duke Street and University Avenue and it will be interesting to see if they pop up this year.

Further along Duke Street you will find Aqua Pharmacy; such an asset to this area but suffering because Suffolk County Council will not allow a layby outside this chemist, which would be such a help and with other businesses opening along this stretch, it would help local commerce to survive in a hard competitive market.

Finally, I would just like to mention the concrete planters. I spent many years persuading the University to steam clean them – which they have done – and to replant them which they have done. But can’t we have some flowers like they do on the Continent….so cheering for everyone.

What do you think?

22 • FEBRUARY 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

Quay Place brings together wellbeing and heritage by offering a range of therapies, classes and training. Quay Place is also available for room hire and wedding receptions.

February & March 2018

Regular Groups at Quay Place

Animal Capers - Free Family Fun Monday 12th Feb, 10.30am - 2.30pm. Free half-term activities for children aged 0-11yrs.

Poppy Craft.

Mondays, 10am - 12pm

Small Talk, Big Steps Thursday 15th February, 6pm - 7.30pm. Find out how you can add a little sparkle to your conversation skills.

Huddl Ups with Suffolk Mind Friday 9th March, 9.30am – 12.30pm. Learn more about addictive behaviours in your child or young person.

Sporting Memories.

Mondays, 10.30am - 12pm Colouring Group Mondays, 2pm – 4pm Craft Group Wednesdays, 1pm - 3pm

Rejuvenate at Quay Place Sunday 25th February Rejuvenate your Body and Mind, with a whole day of learning how to relax, and setting goals to improve your wellbeing. Includes an overnight stay, breakfast at the 4* Salthouse Harbour Hotel, a full-body massage, lunch and mindfulness workshop.

01473 569696 • www.quayplace.co.uk • Quay Place, Key Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BZ 23 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

T H GA Y JO N S O U W R IT TE N B

SU

& RESCUE FFOLK FIRE

TE

SERVICE

ANIMALS

Rescues of a different nature Jon Southgate is a Station Commander, his role being that of Deputy District Commander of the South District of Suffolk’s Fire & Rescue Service.

Dogs down holes, squirrels up poles, kittens under floors, frightened boars, birds trapped in netting, even horses & cows getting wetting (sorry about that one!)

Those are just a few of my personal animal rescues but, across Suffolk, almost every firefighter has a funny story to tell about this often-overlooked aspect of our role.

There’s national guidance in place for our crews to follow and we go even further to ensure the safety of rescuers and the animal, whatever the size. We’re working more closely with vets in Suffolk to agree and test protocols in rescuing large animals, to ensure a much more measured and ultimately safer approach.

We now agree rescue methods, escape routes and wait for the vet to sedate an animal, before we attempt the rescue. Crews might wear water rescue gear if the animal is in a ditch or river. We also have our boat to utilise, which allows firefighters to get straps on the water side of the animal. Then by attaching to our off-road Unimog crane, we can safely lift the animal to freedom.

We can spend hours trying to effect a rescue and even though we may be successful, sometimes the trauma of the confinement is too much for the animal and they might still have to be put down. Most of us are pet owners and it is a real roller coaster of emotions sometimes.

So, my scariest moment? Whilst off duty at the Hadleigh Show; walking past the show bulls and seeing one get startled and trample its handler - I had to time it right but dived in and pulled him clear of the flailing hooves before giving him first aid!

The owner later contacted the fire service to say he’d made a full recovery but it goes to show, we’re always there to help the public!

Believe it or not, a kick or a flick of the head from a horse or cow can easily break a bone of a well-intended rescuer and we must avoid that at all costs. Even the owner is at high risk as they often try to calm their animal, so we have to manage some very high emotions.

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WATERFRONT Legal

ASBESTOS CONTINUES TO CAUSE THE LOSS OF LIVES

WRITTEN BY PHOEBE OSBORNE Currently 4,500 people in the UK die each year from asbestos related diseases, half of which die from mesothelioma; a fatal form of lung cancer caused by inhalation of asbestos dust. Other asbestos diseases include asbestos related lung cancer, pleural thickening and asbestosis which can also lead to death.

Most people who have been exposed to asbestos never suffer any illness, but those who do develop symptoms 20, 30 or 40 years later, are diagnosed during retirement or whilst working to care for families. It is no longer only construction workers, plumbers and carpenters who are being diagnosed. In the last decade, an increasing number of their spouses, along with teachers, former pupils, and nurses have been diagnosed with mesothelioma; showing that you do not need to work directly with asbestos to be at future risk.

When someone is diagnosed with an asbestos disease they should contact a solicitor to seek advice about bringing a legal claim against their former employer.

We regularly obtain payments using the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) – this is available where the defendant company has no insurance, or when no defendant company can be found.

Sadly, some victims are only diagnosed with mesothelioma at inquest, but it is not uncommon to settle a claim after death, based on witness evidence and investigation work.

Phoebe Osborne Phoebe is a Solicitor specialising in asbestos related disease claims. She is recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Solicitors (APIL) as an accredited Litigator.

T: 01473 849949 E: phoebe.osborne@ashtonslegal.co.uk

for all your legal needs 01473 849949 25 • FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

The Principal Residential Block Managing Agent Across The Ipswich Waterfront If you would like a free, no obligation, proposal and quotation for the management of your block please contact us; 01473 216 200 enq@ews.co.uk 31 Lower Brook Street Ipswich IP4 1AQ

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WATERFRONT Maritime

ROYAL NAVY in Ipswich

WRITTEN BY ANDY PARKER Ipswich has historically had strong links with the Royal Navy and, whilst it may not have been as strong as the likes of Portsmouth or Chatham, it is and has been a key port town. In the 18th century, warships and trading East Indiamen merchant vessels were built in the town’s shipyards - press gangs roamed the docks “recruiting” for ‘Nelson’s Navy’ and sailors billeted in the town’s inns, taverns and brothels.

The history of the Royal Navy in Ipswich over the last century goes back to First World War submarines being repaired in the town. Then during the Second World War, armed trawlers protected merchants and the fishing fleets operating from the port and east coast. Since then the town’s links to British naval vessels has lessened but has never been forgotten. Visits by the Royal Navy occurred many times after the Second World War, including the submarine HMS Opossom and the frigate HMS Ariadne in the 1970s. Occasions still remembered by those that experienced them first hand.

It was in the 1990’s that one Royal Navy vessel won the heart of the town; HMS Grafton, an anti-submarine warfare frigate visited in 2006 before being decommissioned. The last visit by a Royal Navy warship was the Minehunter HMS Quorn in 2014. Its complement marched through the town with the Freedom of the Borough and was welcomed by various naval associations on the quayside next to the University of Suffolk’s James Hehir Building.

However, due to unfortunate budget cuts in the Royal Navy, HMS Quorn has been decommissioned as of December 2017.

Who knows what the future looks like for the link Ipswich has with the Royal Navy? We may not have the new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers sail under the Orwell Bridge and to the port, like HMS Grafton. However, I’m certain that the lock gates will stay open for any Royal Navy vessel again. Ipswich, like many towns around the country, is keen, I’m sure, to keep its historic and current links with our armed forces. Especially due to the closeness and fondness much of the town has for the likes of HMS Grafton and HMS Quorn and the brave men and women that serve and have served on all Royal Navy vessels.

IMAGE CREDIT IMT ARCHIVE HMS ARIADNE ON CLIFF QUAY 1975.

WWW.IPSWICHMARITIMETRUST.ORG.UK

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WATERFRONT Churches

An Alternative

CHURCH

only use them at the weekend or in the holidays. It’s nice for them… but it doesn’t do much for the resident community. The church risks being like that. Its buildings can stand idle much of the time, taking up a lot of space, but doing very little… until Sunday rolls around.

While our worship spaces are best suited for worship and seminar purposes, we try to make our church halls available for other uses that may benefit the local community. Sometimes these are events and activities we run - most of which are open to all! Just recently we held a quiz night at Holy Trinity church hall. We also use St Luke’s hall on Cliff Lane for a Wednesday morning parent and toddler group (Grapevine), a Wednesday afternoon children’s club (Kids’ Rock) and a Thursday morning cafe (Coffee Pot).

“The church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members” So said former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple. It’s worth us re-reading that quote to feel its full force, especially those of us in the church, who may be prone to forgetting it. We’re here really as a channel for the good of people around us, whoever they may be. And that applies also when it comes to our buildings.

But our halls are available for local people to hire out as well. The purpose needn’t be ‘religious’ in any way. Sometimes people need a suitable venue for a birthday party or family reunion. Perhaps there’s a club or a group that needs a space to meet whether weekly, monthly or quarterly.

For example, there’s a dance group that hires the hall at St Luke’s every Monday afternoon and a toddler group has used St Helen’s hall every weekday morning for years. One of the best uses of Holy Trinity Church hall in recent times has been the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter, who provide a safe, warm place for the homeless of the town to spend the cold nights. We’re delighted when our buildings can be a benefit to everyone - especially nonmembers!

A lot of heat gets generated in areas (predominantly sea-side communities) where properties are bought as second homes by people who live elsewhere and

If you ever need to hire one of our halls, please contact office@ ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk or call 07419 746281

WRITTEN BY REV. TOM ROUT

Tom Rout is vicar of the Ipswich Waterfront Churches (St Helen’s, Holy Trinity and St Luke’s) and Anglican Chaplain to the University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College. He is married to Nicola and father of 3 young children.

• FEBRU ARY 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE You can always get in29 touch via tom@ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk or t.rout@uos.ac.uk

WATERFRONT History

ALL ABOUT…

SUFFOLK RECORD OFFICE and THE HOLD WRITTEN BY AMY RUSHTON

Elizabeth was famed for her Valentine’s Day parties. It was surely deliberate that the year after Elizabeth’s death, her friend Laetitia Jermyn completed a memoir of her on Valentine’s Day, 1825. In her memoir, included in “Poems by Elizabeth Cobbold with a Memoir of the Author”, Laetitia relates how for “nearly twenty years the hospitable mansions of the Cliff and Holy Wells were enlivened by an annual party on the evening of St Valentine’s Day”.

These parties are described as full of entertainment and amusement, but also “great taste and elegance”.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we take a look at love in the Archives!

During the party, guests who were unmarried were invited to pluck out of a basket a folded paper sheet within which were paper cuts on a Valentine’s Day theme, like the one shown below of a fortune teller.

As Valentine’s Day approaches at Suffolk Record Office, we often think of the beautiful nineteenth century paper cuts in our collections, produced by Elizabeth Cobbold (1765 – 1824). Paper cuts (not the painful kind!) were popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as sentimental keepsakes or as a form of portraiture. The pastime is still very popular today, with patterns and designs easily available online.

Elizabeth Cobbold is recognised as an intellectual, having published poetry and a novel from a young age and she also pursued interests in natural history, languages and the arts; she was a keen supporter of charitable works too. Her light-hearted Valentine’s paper cuts were cut in plain uncoloured paper and afterwards mounted on to red or (like the example) blue paper. She typically composed a poem to accompany them.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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THE POEM HERE READS:

Cross My Hand, Worthy Sir, and I’ll freely relate What for you is inscribed in the records of fate; Whatever of Magical Skill you can fancy.

Of Palmistry’s Lines, or expert Chiromancy I know, and am skilled in Egyptian Astronomy, But an adept am chiefly in grave Physiognomy.

I know by the turn of your Nose and your Chin At Cards you must lose and in Battle must win; By the Lines of your Brow and the Form of your Eyes, One may venture to fancy you valiant and wise.

What more of your Fate would you wish me to prove?

Would you know if your Lot is successful in Love?

A Hint shall suffice, and, since Myst’ry my trade is, That Lot you must read in the Eyes of the Ladies

Other Valentine’s Day gems in our collections include the charming little postcard below. Like the paper cuts, a bit different to today’s commercial Valentine’s Day cards!

Postcard from early 20th Century (K1321/1)

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