Waterfront Life - March 2018

ISSUE 16 • MARCH 2018

Lifestyle Magazine for Ipswich Residents, Businesses and Visitors

www.waterfrontlife.co

Proud supporter of

Cover photo by DENYS SAIENKO using an iPhone 6s Plus

WATERFRONT Life

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Editor’s WORD

As I’m typing my March words, I’m looking out at tiny snowflakes falling on the Waterfront. It still always amazes me how, in whatever weather, the marina manages to look stunning. In warmer news….welcome to a slightly new look Waterfront Life. We are becoming more newsy this year and this edition features several out & out news pages, that will be developed over the coming months. We will bring readers updates on all developments in the area and invite comment from existing and new contributors, as well as including reader feedback.

This month, we are pleased to welcome Vision chair, Terry Hunt to our ranks. Terry is our latest regular contributor; bringing news & views from the Ipswich Vision project. We also welcome back our Business Directory section, which having been successfully trialled last year, will now become a regular supplement.

As we grow & grow your publication, we continue to invite feedback from all of our readers. Your input is vital to the uniqueness of our work and now that we will be featuring more & more current affairs content, reader opinion becomes even more important.

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

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

My very best wishes, Richard Stewart

Contents...

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New News and Features!

THE VIEW FROM THE SALTHOUSE ..................................................................................5 THE NEWS ....................................................................................................................................7-14 WATERFRONT LEGAL Equal Pay Issue ...............................................................................15 SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE ...................................................................22-23 MYSTERY SHOP REPORT Takayama ..................................................................... 24-25 WATERFRONT CHURCHES The Calling ....................................................................... 32 2 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

WATERFRONT Port

ABP BECOMES LATEST MAJOR STRATEGIC PARTNER IN STUDENT LIFE WRITTEN BY RICHARD 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.

Having been a significant financial supporter of Waterfront Life since its inception in 2016, ABP has recently responded to a request for support for a mental health project in Student Life. Regular readers will be aware that following collaboration with the University of Suffolk’s Students’ Union early last year, followed by further collaboration with Kesgrave High School, a supplement entitled ‘Student Life’ first appeared within these pages. Over the following months, the supplement grew & grew and in November, the decision was taken to separate the publications, both in print and online.

Since then, the steering group at Student Life has been developing a workshop to deliver into additional 6th forms and colleges in Suffolk this year; an important element of which is encouraging opendiscussion on mental health. ABP was subsequently approached to offer insight

into mental health in the workplace and dialogue was initiated with Dr Kate Blackford, part of the Compliance team at ABP and lead member of ABP’s Beyond Zero programme; focussing on improving safety, health and well-being across the business.

Kate’s first editorial content appears in Student Life this month and the well-known doctor is set to become a very valuable, regular contributor.

ABP has now confirmed its significant financial support to Student Life for 2018 and the student steering group is absolutely delighted to have secured this funding.

Paul Ager, ABP’s Divisional Port Manager – East Coast, Short Sea Ports is a staunch supporter. “Ensuring we support our people to be mentally healthy and resilient is paramount in creating a great place to work.

Not only does this optimise the performance of our people, but this in turn supports an organisation that performs well and attracts high calibre candidates.

We are proud to be part of continuing support for Waterfront Life and Student Life, and look forward to our participation in this very important topic”.

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V

BEHIND THE SCENES

THE VIEW FROM THE

SALTHOUSE WRITTEN BY RICHARD STEWART

WINE NIGHT The one thing people know for sure about the Salthouse’s regular Wine Nights is that they are always sold-out. So is this down to the quality of the wine ‘on sample’, the mystery & intrigue surrounding wine-tasting, the ambience, the accompanying food…..or all of the above? Having not been able to obtain a ‘golden ticket’ previously, our editor snapped up the chance for February’s exclusive night and attempted to decipher his ‘nose’ from his ‘legs’ Taxi booked. Suit on. Anticipation set to ‘excited’.

dinner menu and I was ready to be educated.

Guests were initially greeted in the lounge with a glass of Il Grigio, Brut – a very sophisticated flute of fizz and a definite stepup from its Prosecco neighbour. Taste-buds awakened, we were then shown through to a dedicated area of the Eaterie and the evening began in earnest.

A 2016 Ancilla Lugana accompanied the smoked haddock, a 2016 Tramin Pinot Noir joined forces with the wild mushroom ravioli, a 2016 Tramin Lagrein completed the braised beef shin and a 2015 Ca’Rugate Soave complemented the white chocolate pannacotta.

Now, I don’t know the exact science behind matching food with wine, but I can tell you that the scientists from Hallgarten Druitt and the Salthouse Harbour created a taste explosion. Supposedly I “don’t drink white wine”, but I happily sipped and then comfortably finished the Lugana. My favourite was definitely the Pinot Noir, but then I was impressed by all of the samples.

At £59.00 per head and with head chef Chris’ superb culinary skills thrown in, no wonder the nights are a major success.

The interaction with the Sommelier from the host merchant was both informative & non-intrusive and my wife and I were able to enjoy a superb evening dining experience, as much as we enjoyed the education.

I am definitely not a wine buff – whatever that actually means. I know what I like and what I don’t and the closest I get to a pattern of purchase behaviour, is buying French or South American….at or under 13 percent ABV. So, seeing an online menu consisting of Northern Italian whites & reds was a challenge I was very happy to accept. Add to that a very appetising looking 4-course 5 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

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Latest News & Updates for Ipswich Waterfront and Surrounding Area 7 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

Compiled and Edited

by Danielle Stewart danielle@waterfrontlife.co

Memories

OF THE WATERFRONT On 15th February, we were fortunate to be invited along to a special screening event of The Hold’s Digital Stories; a selection of fond tales of the Waterfront area, as told by local residents, and visualised with photographs and drawings relating to each individual memory. The project has been born from a collaboration with Suffolk Record Office, the University of Suffolk, Suffolk County Council, and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Brought to life by Ipswich-based media company Chronicle Digital Storytelling, founder John Royle explained the concept behind why digital storytelling is the future of bringing records from the past, to the present: “Photographs don’t give a meaning to a story;

adding a voice brings a new level,” he said, before explaining that compiling stories from the past is similar to prospecting for gold; you have to sift through a lot to find the real gold nuggets!

Here are some of the gold nuggets we were able to hear at the event, related directly to Waterfront living, industry and regeneration.

What aspects of the Waterfront area are YOU most fond of? Email media@waterfrontlife.co with your memories and stories, and one will be chosen to feature in next month’s issue!

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“My first memory of the docks…derelict, empty…slightly grimy, post-industrial!”

“Living here is really interesting.”

“Since 2010, the whole area has kind of…transformed!”

“It was busy in the 60s…lots of movement, activity and grime.”

“IF YOU HALF SQUINT, IT KINDA LOOKS LIKE MONACO!”

“Ever since I was 14/15, I’ve wanted to live on a boat… living on the Waterfront is the nearest I’ll get!”

“Up on the 6th floor…almost like a birds’ eye view of what is going on…there’s lots of activity.”

“You can walk from town to the Waterfront and feel like they are two completely different places.”

“WE’RE HALF AN HOUR TO THE COAST, AND HALF AN HOUR TO THE COUNTRYSIDE.”

“I REMEMBER IT BEING A VERY STRONG WORKING AREA.” “1960 was the first time I found the Waterfront…I turned left instead of right and finished up on the docks. It was really frightening…I’d never seen it before!”

“The reflections…the sunrise over Holywells Park…the most gorgeous sunsets behind the Winerack!”

“SINCE THE MID-90S, IT’S BEEN AN EXCITING JOURNEY OF INVESTMENT COMING IN.”

“I love the smells, the buildings, the shapes, the square outlines, the Mill…and the lovely warm smell of the wheat.”

“Isaacs is a wonderful example of taking a historic building…a remarkable job of bringing it back as a venue.”

“It’s changed a lot, but it’s

still just as beautiful but in a different way.”

“In my opinion, it’s the most successful regeneration scheme between the Thames and the Humber!”

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The

WINERACK Back in 2010, financial trouble saw an exciting part of Waterfront development halted. An empty, grey shell was all that remained of City Living Developments’ – the initial developers – dream, and for the best part of a decade since, the Regatta Quay building has become the landmark known (fondly or otherwise!) as ‘The Winerack’.

The site gained interest on and off by potential buyers, but it wasn’t until 2017 - when it was acquired by John Howard, managing director of Ipswich Wharf Developments – that one of the tallest buildings in Suffolk was finally given the chance to realise its potential.

Earlier this year, the building contract was given to R G Carter Ipswich, and they have swiftly taken the bull by the horns, with the site already being occupied by construction workers and vehicles. May 2018 will see the erection of a tower crane as construction gets fully underway, with the work due to be completed by Christmas 2020.

With these exciting developments in what was once seen as an eyesore on the Waterfront landscape, and the new businesses and residents the Winerack will bring to the area with its 149 residential units and 5,000 sqft of commercial space, it looks set to become one of the most eagerly anticipated projects in Waterfront history.

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UPPER ORWELL CROSSINGS With all the obvious regeneration of the Waterfront going on, it’s very easy to forget one of the most heavily-invested projects currently underway, just slightly out of view. In 2016, funding was approved for a radical solution to Ipswich’s infrastructure problems, in the form of the Upper Orwell River Crossing.

The project will have a major impact on the Waterfront and surrounding area, and as such we intend to give our readers an update every month on any changes, delays or progress.

But first, let’s recap on what we already know about some of the benefits of the scheme: • The project is estimated to cost £100m to complete • Total journey times will be reduced by 18-27% during peak times • More jobs and businesses will be brought to the area • Currently unused land will be regenerated • A separate crossing for cyclists and pedestrians will improve access

WHAT NEXT? At the time of press, Suffolk County Council had just announced where the preferred crossing sites will be (as depicted below). The details of the structure and design of the crossings are subject to change, but will be announced later this year.

We attended a Public Information Event on the project in early March, and will be providing an update from this in April’s issue.

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CHAIRING THE

VISION

“AN INCOMPLETE DREAM”

With the Cornhill project firmly underway, and the heightened sense of anticipation surrounding exactly what is going on in our town centre, I met with the Ipswich Vision chairman Terry Hunt to find out more behind the project. But before we delve into the ‘what/where/when/why’ about the Vision; let’s find out a bit more about WHO is at the head of the table…

Terry Hunt has been a recognisable name in Suffolk for decades; growing up in Cretingham near Framlingham, before eventually making his way into the county town, to his current home just on the outskirts of Ipswich. Terry studied at Brandeston Hall, which led to receiving a scholarship to attend Fram College.

Following this, Terry upped sticks to study history at Reading University; but in his heart, journalism was the path he wanted to follow.

Upon graduating from University, Terry applied to every local newspaper he could find. An avid ITFC fan, he dreamed of becoming a football reporter, and when the East Anglian Daily Times offered him their

first ever graduate position in 1979, he took it with both hands. After 14 successful years of reporting, bringing him to Ipswich in 1984, Terry’s career soared to new heights when he became the editor of the then Evening Star, shortly followed by the EADT in 1996. Since then, Terry had lived and brought up three children in Ipswich, citing it as “my town”.

Terry says that the idea of the Ipswich Vision came from 30 years of frustration with not seeing Ipswich live up to its potential. Within a 70 mile radius of London, Ipswich underperforms “most of the other towns and cities”; being an hour by rail, and having excellent road links to the rest of the country, not to mention

12 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

having the UK’s busiest container port just 12 miles away. Terry believes Ipswich also has “legitimate claim to call ourselves the oldest English town; being the longest continuously inhabited Anglo-Saxon town”.

Ipswich also has no less than seven Arts Council-funded organisations; begging the question “why shouldn’t Ipswich be the

City of Culture?”

Another driving force behind the Vision is Ipswich’s reputation amongst other Suffolk residents. Terry says that he often visits out-of-town villages, and there is almost an “intake of breath” when he tells others that he lives in Ipswich – almost like it’s a shame! But Ipswich has had many impressive draws: Gary Avis - Royal Ballet performer - grew up in the town; and when he brought the ballet back to his birthplace in 2016, it drew crowds of out-of-towners into the area to sold-out shows. Add to this the success of the endearing ‘Pigs Gone Wild’ trail in the same summer, and Ipswich had never been more of a desirable Suffolk town to visit.

Terry believes the Cornhill has always been “underwhelming”; hence the new project to revamp it swiftly progressing.

With businesses such as Pret a Manger signing the dotted line to move into the town centre, Terry feels more and more investors will be attracted to the area upon completion of the town square regeneration.

Ipswich Vision was born in 2015 from Ipswich Central’s “Turning the Town Around”; a literal idea, Terry says. The idea of the main shopping street in the town centre being on an east/west axis (from Carr Street to Westgate Street) means that the three main ‘segments’ of the town

TERRY HUNT - the Waterfront, the town centre, and Christchurch Park – are not well connected.

Terry believes that anyone coming to Ipswich to visit the Waterfront and not heading into town, or vice versa, should be able to make that easy connection by utilising the north/south route via The Saints and the Cornhill, right up to the Park. This is the same for the ‘business corridor’ of the railway station, through Princes Street and into the town.

But who are Ipswich Central, and why do they have so much say on what happens in our town?

“Made up of seven partners, all of whom have a huge interest or influence in the future prosperity of Ipswich,” Terry says. “As far as I’m aware, this is a unique situation, which gives Ipswich a much more powerful and unified voice.” These seven partners all want one thing: a much more successful and prosperous Ipswich; for Ipswich to fulfil its full potential; and for Ipswich to be a county town which drives Suffolk. They are the “people who make the big decisions,” Terry tells me, before stating that it was ‘obvious’ exactly who should be involved – including the University of Suffolk, the Councils, Ipswich Central and local MPs among them.

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The Vision team are currently working on eight different work streams, which will eventually turn into proposals and potential projects. These will be pitched to the Local Enterprise Fund – also on the Vision board – in order to gain extra support for the ideas to go ahead.

Terry says that his input on the board comes less from his professional status, and more from the idea that he is “the

ordinary bloke in the street, sitting at the head of the table” – representing nothing and nobody, except the voice of the town itself. With a solid background in – and a passion for seeing Ipswich succeed Terry has the ultimate ability to “ask daft questions”; safe in the knowledge that his answers won’t fall on deaf ears.

So, with all the excitement ahead and the numerous projects in the Vision pipeline; what are Terry’s top three hopes for the project to achieve in 2018?

“Obviously, the first one is the Cornhill – due to be completed in October. This will be done in plenty of time for Christmas shopping. The Cornhill is the biggest, the most high profile, and the most important public space in the town centre. Just to leave it as something pretty mediocre and very tired…it’s pretty uninspiring. What

kind of message does that send about the town? If you come to Ipswich on business, you get off the train and the station looks like a commuter station now…you walk up Princes Street and then get to the Cornhill… it would make anyone think we don’t care about our town square!”

Terry truly feels that once the project is unveiled in October, the perception of the town – and particularly the town centre – will change dramatically. A motivating fact that Terry tells me, is that if each shopper who visited Ipswich spent just one hour longer in the town, it would generate a further £26 million each year. Taking this into consideration, the spend on the Cornhill project is worth every penny to the future of Ipswich’s economy.

The second hope for 2018? “Changing the perception of Ipswich,” Terry says. “We need both the people living in Ipswich – and in fact the whole of Suffolk – to just start being a little fairer and not so dismissive about it.

You know the two words most people use… one begins with S, one begins with H!! And that just isn’t fair.”

Completion of the Waterfront is the final thing on Terry’s agenda, although he knows this will take a little longer than 2018 allows. “To make the Winerack, not a wine rack!” Terry laughs – adding that the decision to keep the tongue-in-cheek nickname for the symbolic building is a great move.

The ultimate goal for the Vision? “I am determined that I will one day go out to a nice cocktail party in Woodbridge or Framlingham, and people will start saying nice things about Ipswich. Ipswich is a large town and all large towns have their issues, but people are wrong to dismiss it out of hand.”

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WATERFRONT Legal

EQUAL PAY ISSUES WHAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE DOING WRITTEN BY LUCY PAKES The BBC’s equal pay nightmare continues – following the outrage expressed during last summer over discrepancies in pay for male and female presenters, Carrie Gracie’s revelations about editorial staff leaves the broadcaster continuing to make headlines rather than simply reporting them.

So, what should employers be doing to avoid falling into the same trap?

1. Regularly review pay levels for men and women doing the same role. If there is a difference, review whether there is a justifiable reason for this. If not, take prompt action to remove the discrepancy.

2. One commentator interviewed on Radio 4 suggested that part of the reason for the BBC discrepancies was that men are more likely to ask for a payrise than women.

To overcome this, employers should look to have a regular pay review process that includes all employees, with payrises outside this process only granted in exceptional circumstances and for reasons the employer can justify. The pay review process can also be used as the time to address any anomalies.

3. Larger employers could also consider introducing some form of job evaluation process, to review the comparative value of roles across the organisation. Supermarket giant ASDA is currently facing a claim from workers (predominantly female) based in its stores that they should be paid similar rates to colleagues (predominantly male) in the distribution centres. A formal job evaluation process can help not just with identifying an appropriate pay level for individual roles but also introduce a degree of systematic fairness when looking at different roles across the organisation.

The principles of the Equal Pay Act have been with us since 1970 but pay gaps between the sexes still remain in many sectors. With the deadline for Gender Pay Gap reports for larger employers now imminent and the publicity over the BBC, perhaps the aspirations of the Act are now coming closer to being fulfilled.

Lucy Pakes HR Advisor T: 01284 544210 E: lucy.pakes@ashtonslegal.co.uk

for all your legal needs 01473 849949 15 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ERF RO N T L I FE

WATERFRONT Counsel

HOLYWELLS PARK 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.

A hidden gem often not as well known or as popular as Christchurch Park, but believe me it is the most beautiful Park you could wish to visit. I have been using the Park for many years; when my children were young; when I was a dog walker; and then with my grandchildren - but now I just enjoy the peace and tranquillity Holywells Park offers.

Holywells was home to the Cobbold family for over 150 years and before that was part of the Manor of Wykes Bishop, held by the Bishops of Norwich from the 13th Century. We now have that small street on the Waterfront called Wykes Bishop Street.

The Cobbolds sold the estate in 1930 to Lord Woodbridge, who subsequently bequeathed the land to the Town Council who opened it as a park in 1936.

In 2001, I was part of a small group of local residents who formed the Friends of Holywells Park and since then so many changes have happened. In 2012 we received Parks for People funding which allowed the park to be regenerated.

Among the improvements made possible by the grant was the renovation of the Stable Block which is now a visitor centre; with an education area & function room and a lovely café which is such a joy for us all. The Conservatory that lived in a tin casing for many years is now a multi-function area which can be used for all kinds of events. The play area is such a fun area for children and greatly improved from the days when my children were young. And there is a new toilet facility and ice cream kiosk – essential as all parents will agree.

I’m very proud of Holywells Park both in my role as a Councillor and as the Secretary of the Friends Group. I have made long lasting friendships through my involvement with the Park and because my late husband Russell loved the park as well, I planted a lovely oak tree in his memory which gives me great pleasure when I walk through the park.

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YOUR NEW

Saints PAGES

COMING SOON 17 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

13 • F E B R U A RY 2018 • WAT E R F RONT LIFE

High Street

HEAVEN

CO-WRITTEN BY CATHY FROST & DANIELLE STEWART

After the fantastic response we had in our last issue regarding ‘The Future of Shopping’, we have decided to follow up this month with a celebration of all things High Street!

Many physical retailers are concerned that the nature of shopping on the High Street is a thing of the past; with companies like Amazon, ASOS and AO offering convenient shopping options from the comfort of your sofa on a Sunday night. But as our survey results showed, physical stores on the High Street still hold a very valuable place in the retail sector.

Many readers commented that the frequent closure of so many shops was ‘saddening’; stating that being able to see, feel and test the products before you buy is one of the biggest advantages of visiting a shop.

Clothes shopping also rated highly on the list of priority on the High Street – most of the responses we received mentioned that clothing is difficult to buy online, unless

you know the fit and quality of material is going to be exactly what you want, thus giving credit to a huge range of options available on the High Street.

Local consumers also LOVE the ‘personal touch’ when it comes to shopping in person; customer service was one of the biggest factors in drawing our readers onto the High Street, rather than looking online.

Add to that the ability to catch up with a friend over a coffee or lunch, or relieving boredom & loneliness through community engagement; encouraging interaction & accessibility to all. These are still some of the biggest draws of hitting the town for a spot of retail therapy.

This month, we want to know: what’s YOUR favourite part of High Street shopping?

Email media@waterfrontlife.co, with the subject ‘I Love the High Street Because…’ and let us know! Alternatively, head to our Facebook page and comment on the related post. We’ll choose a winner at random to receive a £50 voucher to spend at any shop or restaurant in the Saints.

Competition closes 11:59pm on 25 March 2018.

18 • MARC H 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

AT THE LOCK

W W W. J O H N O L I V E R S . C O M

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

Events in March 2018

Regular Groups at Quay Place

Learn to Speak Childish Thursday 22nd March, 6pm – 7.30pm If you’d like to better understand your children’s behaviour and communicate better, come along to this free session.

Poppy Craft Mondays, 10am – 12pm Join our free group to make 2,018 poppies to commemorate Armistice Day on 11th November 2018.

Easter Family Fun Day Friday 30th March, 10.30am – 2.30pm Free activity day for families on Good Friday, including an Easter trail, crafts and a homemade Easter Bonnet competition.

Weddings at Quay Place Looking for a great venue to hold your wedding reception?

We have a dedicated team & some wonderful wedding packages. For more details email weddings@quayplace.co.uk.

Sporting Memories Mondays 10.30am – 12pm This free group brings together anyone over the age of 50 to talk about sport.

Colouring Group Mondays, 2pm – 4pm If you like colouring and find it difficult to get started, come join our free group.

Craft Group Wednesdays, 1pm – 3pm Make and do something new alongside others at this free event.

Quay Place, Key Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BZ quayplace.co.uk 01473 569696

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

WATERFRONT Maritime

NAVIGATING

The Orwell WRITTEN BY ANDY PARKER When looking out onto the Orwell from its banks, one sees a calm and peaceful river flowing from an urban port-town to a busy container port. It seems even calmer on a clear sunny day when several barges and yachts sail past quietly. Without noise, rough waves or being able to see under the water, these boats float past without any issues, making the river seem tranquil and easy to navigate.

However, under the surface and when the tidal Orwell recedes, you can see the meandering river and how shallow it can be at low tide, with large areas of marsh and mudflats. For hundreds of years pilots assisted boats up the Orwell from the estuary to the town, or part way from Pin Mill to Ipswich. Tight bends in the

river hampered vessels’ progress following narrow channels, and shoals many times entirely prevented large craft approaching the town. Vessels had difficulty negotiating areas of the river, such as Mulberry Middle and Back-Again Reach, leading to the town port and before the Wet Dock was built the port consisted of wooden sided quays, mudflats and marshland, something totally indistinguishable to today’s modern quays and Wet Dock.

These and many other navigational issues on the Orwell have been there for hundreds of years and, as ships visiting Ipswich grew bigger between the 1500s and late 1700s, the river needed to be made more navigable and in many places needed widening and dredging. It was one of the reasons and necessities for the Wet Dock in the 1830s.

This map of the Orwell from 1872 shows how hard it could be to navigate the river, with all its shoals and channels. It is true that today navigation along the Orwell is easier than ever before thanks to modern technology, but along with most of the East Anglian coast, it is still difficult for many sailors and those that can master these waterways are set to sail the world. As Hammond Innes, the great novelist, famously stated; “The man or woman who serves their sailing and navigational apprenticeship on the coastal waters of East Anglia can subsequently sail all other waters with reasonable confidence.” Hammond Innes

W W W. I P SW CH R I T I M E T R U ST.O R G . U K 21 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ERF ROIN T ML A I FE

WRITTEN BY JON SOUTHGATE

SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

What does it take to become a

FIREFIGHTER?

outcome? and we need an example under each heading to demonstrate full understanding.

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

Now, whilst we seek all of the above, a Firefighter also has to be pretty good at working under pressure, working at heights, working with casualties, working in water, working with animals, have an understanding of chemistry, an understanding of human physiology, be compassionate, follow orders, be good at working with other agencies, understand the elements of combustion…to name a few additional skills!

Hello again, by the time you read this, we’ll be in full swing with our first recruitment campaign for full-time Firefighter posts for around 10 years, so I thought I’d use the opportunity to explain just what it takes to do the role!

As you can imagine, competition is intense and only the best applications get through the various sifts. Last time we ran the process, we received around 3,500 applications! Below I’ll include some tips on what to consider if you find yourself applying for a job. We’re seeking applicants with a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths, evidence of good fitness and teamworking skills, plus:• Commitment to Diversity and Integrity • Openness to Change • Confidence and Resilience • Working with Others • Effective Communication • Commitment to Development • Problem Solving • Situational Awareness • Commitment to Excellence • Planning and Implementing We ask for evidence around those personal qualities and attributes in the form of 1/ What was the situation?

2/ What did you do? 3/22 What was the 2018 • MARCH

•

All of the above are relevant skills for both full-time and part-time Firefighters; because everyone does the same job (although some stations / crews have specific specialisms) so evidence on an application really does have to stand out!

If you’re completing an application or putting a CV together, make sure you give yourself full credit for your achievements.

Most of us will say “we did this or we did that”, but don’t be shy in claiming what you specifically have done; remember, a career may depend on what you write!

I’d strongly advise you to do some research on how best to complete an application, run it by someone before you submit it - but above all, read questions through twice so you fully understand what is being asked – we all know what we mean, but getting that message across is a real art!

The main aim of your application is to make an employer think “wow, we really must have this ERF person inT our WAT RO N L I FEorganisation!!”

A FOCUS ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN THE HOME Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Prevention team are working hard across Suffolk to reduce the risk of accidental fires in the home. Great progress has been made over the years with smoke alarm ownership at record levels.

Last year, nationally, 4,732 fires were caused by faulty electrical appliances, including recalled items, the equivalent of 13 fires per day across the UK. Faulty goods were responsible for 20% of all electrical house fires, causing hundreds of casualties and in some cases death.

Despite this, new research shows that one in five consumers are willing to put themselves in danger by continuing to use a product they know has been recalled for safety reasons.

If an electrical appliance has been registered, the manufacturer can contact its owner if the product needs to be recalled. However, new figures show that only 23% of consumers register their electrical appliances. The top 3 reasons people give for not registering include “It’s too much hassle”, “I meant to but I forgot” and “I didn’t think it would have any benefits”.

messages to promote other products.

Manufacturers are starting to do their bit but consumers can help considerably by ensuring all appliances are registered.

If you have moved into a home where white goods have been left by the previous owner it is important to have confidence that they are not subject to a recall.

Tenants should ask the landlord whether the appliances included in the property have been registered. www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/recall www.registermyappliance.org www.suffolk.gov.uk/suffolk-fire-andrescue-service Test your smoke alarm #isyoursworking

Many people don’t understand why manufacturers ask them to register their appliances.

Almost two thirds of consumers think it’s so they can be sent marketing 23 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

MYSTERY SHOP REPORT

“WE WERE SPOILT FOR CHOICE ” TAKAYAMA, FORE STREET TIMING: FRIDAY LATE EVENING

Takayama is a cosy, modern restaurant that opened on Fore Street in summer 2017. Specialising in an array of Japanese and Korean dishes – including sushi, teriyaki and tempura – the venue has already racked up an impressive 4.9 stars on Facebook, and is TripAdvisor’s number 3 rated restaurant in Ipswich. I visited on a busy Friday night to see how they fared.

LOCATION Takayama is on the busy part of Fore Street, and is highly visible to passing traffic. Parking in the area is limited to restricted bays and pay & display car parks, but with the restaurant being so central it is easily walkable from the Waterfront and surrounding area. 4/5 FIRST IMPRESSIONS The exterior doesn’t give much away – the blinds seem to remain constantly closed, giving the impression that the restaurant is either shut, or reserved for a function.

It also doesn’t allude to what type of restaurant it is, so you’d be forgiven for having passed it many times without spotting the small photographs of their dishes located just by the entrance. 2/5 INTERIOR Takayama is decorated in a simple, modern, and authentic fashion. There is a lovely water feature as you enter, which lends to the authenticity, and tables are decorated with modern crockery and chopsticks. There is an ‘open’ aspect to the kitchen area, where you can see fresh fish being prepared for sushi and sashimi. 5/5 GREETING Once inside, we were greeted immediately with a friendly smile and asked if we had a reservation – I could see why, the place was full! Fortunately, we only had to wait less than five minutes on a comfy sofa, before a table was ready for us. 5/5

24 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

THE MENU I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of variety on the menu – all the usual dishes you would expect to see were there in 4-5 varieties; yakisoba, tempura, teriyaki…And some more unusual dishes I hadn’t heard of, including bibimbap and deopbap.

Add to this, three pages of sushi and sashimi (including mixed platters for the indecisive!) and we were spoilt for choice. 5/5 FOOD I had never eaten in an authentic Japanese/Korean restaurant prior to my visit to Takayama, and having read the good reviews I had high expectations.

I can safely say, these were met! We ordered chicken and vegetable gyozas and tori karaage (deep fried chicken thighs with soy flavoured sauce) to start; these came out after a very short wait. Our main meals followed the same suit – naturally, we wanted to try one Korean and one Japanese dish, and settled on bulgogi deopbap and tonkatsu. The food was full of flavour, fresh, hot and delicious. 5/5 SERVICE Our server was attentive yet subtle; showing up to take away empty plates within moments of us finishing. I asked for some recommendations and some differences between dishes; these were given, but in little detail, and I ended up choosing an alternative.

All in all, slightly more enthusiasm over the menu and particular dish recommendations would have gone a long way in this category. 2.5/5

Takayama certainly lives up to its Top 10 rating on TripAdvisor, and deservedly so with its food standards.

The menu is well priced, sitting just below those of a nearby chain competitor, but not so low that it makes you question the quality of food.

Our experience of dining here, as a whole, was excellent, and with such a specialist and authentic restaurant of this standard in our local area, I hope they maintain their reputation and thrive.

OVERALL SCORE

25 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

4.1/5

I DEFINITELY NEED A VAN! WRITTEN BY DANIELLE STEWART

On a cold, grey, drizzly Monday morning, I woke up and surveyed the utter chaos that stared back at me from inside my Waterfront apartment. Today was Moving Day, and after nearly four years of living in my cosy 2-bed flat (and the corresponding accumulation of various items of furniture, kitchen gadgets and forgotten packs of IKEA tealights), I had a LOT to do.

Fortunately, I foresaw the British weather and lack of transport options available at short notice, and decided to book myself a removal company to take some of the burden away. I didn’t need absolutely everything done for me; I’d already sent off various friends and family members with car loads of cardboard boxes, and

my plan of action to have everything into my new house by mid afternoon was only hindered by the fact I wasn’t 100% sure I would fit two sofas into the back of a VW Golf.

Having come across Ipswich-based U Need A Van during a last-minute need for some items transported in January, I decided to give Daren a call and find out his availability and pricing for the job in question. Daren – and brother Dean – have been in the business for 12 years; building a solid reputation on their careful, organised and stress-free service. By no means was I looking for a ‘cheap’ service (with cheap, comes not-so-cheerful when it relates to breaking precious belongings!) and Daren advised me that – like Stella Artois – U Need A Van are “reassuringly expensive!” Daren booked me in for midday on Monday and just like that, the stress of the move was taken away from me.

26 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

Rolling back to Monday afternoon, and Daren pulled up at the agreed time. He and Dean brought various transport props up to the apartment with them, including cushioned skateboards, quilted mattress covers, strapping and trolleys. They carefully and efficiently dismantled the larger items, before escorting them down to the two vans set up outside (with cones alerting any passers by to the ongoing movement – very health and safety conscious). Even the smaller items that I had planned on using my best Tetris skills to fit into my car, they threw in the van too (thankfully, not in the literal sense).

Before I knew it, my entire home was empty, and I had barely lifted a finger. As my partner had taken the car to the new house, I wasn’t looking forward to a half hour walk, but Daren kindly offered me a lift with him in the van, which I gladly accepted after surveying the black clouds.

Upon arrival at the house (and despite the troops of people who had already traipsed through with wet feet) I was pleasantly surprised when Daren and Dean laid dustsheets on the floors before removing the items from the van, enquiring with each piece which room it was to be placed in. After a solid 3 hours of work, I finally remembered I hadn’t offered either of them a drink; only to be told that the vans are fully equipped with facilities for food and drink, meaning they can be as productive as possible without the need to break away from the job.

Around 5:30pm, Daren informed me that there was nothing left in the vans, and that they were on their way.

I thanked them profusely for their excellent, professional service, and for saving me from what would have been a long and very stressful day.

Prior to deciding on U Need A Van’s services, I had obtained quotes from local ‘man-with-a-van’ type set ups, and I could have easily decided on a cheap as chips option. Having seen first hand exactly what level of quality and experience you get by a slight increase in price, I am extremely glad I decided not to! Daren and Dean provided me with exactly what I needed and more; their teamwork and dedication to making the move as easy as possible radiated at every moment and it’s easy to see why they are “Your Best Move By Far”!

W W W. U N E E DAVA N . COM

It got to 5pm and Dean broke the news that my boyfriend’s handy work in putting together a wardrobe had backfired; the back had fallen away from it! He must have sensed an oncoming domestic…ten minutes later, he popped back to the kitchen and informed me they had fixed it, after “I saw the pained look on your face!”.

27 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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WATERFRONT History

ALL ABOUT…

SUFFOLK RECORD OFFICE and THE HOLD WRITTEN BY AMY RUSHTON

SCHOOL DAYS School days often loom large in people’s memories and the Record Office holds many other records that can shed light on school life in times gone by. These include photographs, oral history recordings, punishment books, school magazines, posters and programmes and sometimes exercise books and other work completed by the pupils. Log books were compiled by head teachers and include inspectors’ reports and details of day-today occurrences in school, attendance and reasons for absences, accidents and illnesses of the staff and children, weather

conditions, visits to the school (including the school nurse), punishments, local celebrations, awards of prizes, grants etc.

They are particularly informative during both the First and Second World Wars showing the impact of these events on school life whether it be children knitting socks for soldiers at the front or accounts of air raids affecting school attendance.

Admission registers give dates, ages, residences, father’s occupation, date and reason for leaving, previous and next place of education. They are a great place to start if you are planning a school reunion but are also an excellent source for family historians.

Dorothy Flatman remembers the Ipswich Ragged School in one of her digital stories collected by Chronicle Digital Storytelling (see www.chroniclestories.co.uk/thehold). Ragged schools were established by philanthropists to provide free education for poor children. This type of school began when Portsmouth cobbler, John Pounds, provided a school in 1818 free of charge for the poorest children. In 1844 Lord Shaftesbury helped to found the Ragged School Union.

These photographs of children at the Ipswich Ragged School by Richard Dykes Alexander (1788-1865), pioneer

30 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

photographer and member of the prominent Quaker banking family are from a photograph album held in the Ipswich Record Office. Alexander gave much of his time and money to the foundation of benevolent societies - the Anti-Slavery Society, Bible Society, Peace Society – as well as philanthropic causes for the benefit of the people of Ipswich. He was actively, indeed passionately, involved with the Temperance Movement, and built at his own expense the Temperance Hall in High Street, Ipswich. He was also active in various educational movements and was a founder of the Ipswich Ragged School. In 1849 he supplied the money for a school to be set up to provide at least some education for children ‘too poor, too ragged, too filthy, too ignorant, for ordinary instruction.’

The boys are pictured with the master Joshua Newman. (Suffolk Record Office Ref K420/1/61). The school’s premises were originally in St Clement’s Lane but later moved to a building in Waterworks Street.

The girls’ Ragged School was in Bond Street. The photograph below is one of several of the schools held at Ipswich Record Office (Ref K681/1/262/1283).

Children at the Ragged School photographed by Richard Dykes Alexander

The Ragged School (K681/1/262/1283)

31 • MARC H 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

WATERFRONT Churches

The

CALLING

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.

There was a loud rumble of thunder and out of nowhere I heard a voice say, “Tom, I want you to be… a vicar!” Maybe that’s how we imagine people are called…the reality in most cases - and certainly mine - was quite different.

Growing up, I never thought of being a minister. Not least, because I was personally ambivalent in matters of faith. I grew up in church because my parents took us every Sunday. But despite familiarity with the language, culture and beliefs of Christianity, Jesus was to me like mis-directed mail; “unknown at this address - return to sender”.

At 19, I went to university in London where a friend said, “Come and try my church… and try the University Christian Union.”

I did - and both had a profound effect on me. It was during this time I met a speaker called Andy. He gave 4 talks from John’s gospel; his words about Jesus struck home with such force, I knew he was real (Jesus, that is, not Andy… though Andy was real too!).

All Christians are called; to serve God in the local church in whatever way they can.

But some are called to have oversight, leadership and teaching responsibility within the church, I seem to be one of them.

I began to explore this possibility of ordained ministry. I wasn’t entirely sure about the idea, but other people who knew me well encouraged me. There was quite a long discernment process involving reading, interviews, visits to other churches and eventually a national selection panel, called a BAP. The final decision is well and truly in the hands of others - experienced people seeking God’s will for your life and the church. I was recommended for training.

I studied at theological college in Oxford for 3 years before a curacy (think vicarapprenticeship) in Leicestershire. In 2014, that ended - it was time to move.

People often ask me “does the church just deploy you and you go where they send you?” as if clergy have no choice in the matter. It’s not like that at all. You trawl through the vacancies and apply for the ones that appeal, much like any other job. We weren’t sent to Ipswich. We chose to come - called by God to a unique opportunity in a unique town. office@ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk

32 • MARC H 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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33 • MARCH 2018 • WAT ER F RO N T L I FE

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