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£18.99 a month Gym Membership. No long term contract. Benefits of the £18.99 a month membership includes: ■ Unlimited use of the gym ■ Induction to the gym ■ 100% money back guarantee ■ Short term commitment ■ Sign up as a member online
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Note from the Editor
Welcome to October’s edition of The Felixstowe Magazine This year marks 100 years after the beginning of World War I and 75 years after World War 2 - Anthony Pittaccio shares his personal war story on page 14, as a young sergeant in the British army back in 1944. I also feel very proud to share the story of young Blake, an eight-year-old local lad who has a rare bone condition. His mum, Lucy, tells us about the disease, Blake’s two younger brothers who are also affected by the condition, and the boys’ incredible ability to get on with their lives (p.17).
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Line...
There is a mysterious case of a line slipping off one of our features from last month’s issue; Brenda Shelley’s work with Ipswich Hospital’s Cancer Centre. Eileen, one of the patients, was giving their extraordinary story when, suddenly, the sentence stopped mid-way. So if you turned the page and looked back in vain to search for that sneaky little line, then do not worry... you were NOT going mad! Take a look at the page 15 where the elusive line has been found, added to Eileen’s story and reprinted. Wishing you all a happy October! The Editor - Mandeep Birdy
Cover by local vintage car fanatic, Stephen Flynn. Taken at the American Vintage Car Rally on Felixstowe’s seafront. Publisher: Birdy Publications Ltd, t/a The Felixstowe Magazine - 07929 979 073 - info@thefelixstowemagazine.com - www.thefelixstowemagazine.com Proofread by Katherine Kane. Delivered by Tony, Michelle, Elaine, Brian, Craig, Cameron, Ray and Jacqui The views expressed by individuals in any letter or article included at the discretion of the publishers are not necessarily the views of the Editor. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this magazine and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers of this publication will not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracies. Inclusion of advertisers in this magazine is not necessarily a recommendation but we do hope they give a good quality service. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publishers and contributors. We take complaints you make about our advertisers seriously. We have the following policy on this: first complaint about an advertiser is logged here in our offices, if we receive another complaint we write to the advertiser concerned and notify them we have had two complaints and if we receive another complaint we will no longer accept their adverts. If and when a third complaint arrives we will verify that all complaints received were genuine and inform the advertiser that we will no longer be promoting their business and inform them why.
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Page 5 Local Law Page 6 Cultural Food Corner Page 7 Gemma’s Crafty Cakes Page 8 Fairtrade in Felixstowe Page 9 Eileen’s Story and Local Facts Page 10 Basic Life Charity Page 11 Local Lad: Dean Page 14 Blake’s Story Page 15 Local Person: Anthony Pittaccio Page 16 Inner Wheel Club Fundraising Challenge Page 17 Art on the Prom Page 18 What’s On & Competition Page 19 Index of Advertisers
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Fully Licensed - Finest Indian Cuisine Fully Air Conditioned - Take Away Service Available food hygiene rating A warm welcome awaits you at the famous Blue Naan Restaurant Banquet menu available, dining in the restaurant, Sunday - Thursday. “Order all you can eat” - choose from over 100 dishes. £15.50 per head £10.95 under 12. Normal menu also available...
Come to our famous Tribute Nights Thursday 30th October 2014 - Elvis Thursday 27th November 2014 - ABBA New Year’s Celebration with DJ 31st December 2014 8pm til late on all Tribute Nights, and New Year’s Eve will be extra late! Set menu at just £35 per head. Contact Blue Naan to book your seat. Open 7 days a week, incl. Bank Holidays
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Local Law
5 More news from Jackamans’ budding Solicitor...
A Day in the Life of a Trainee Solicitor
I have now spent a good few months in the ever-busy Private Client team at Jackamans and I’m really enjoying my time there. This week I’ve been working on several Court of Protection matters for clients who are no longer able to manage their financial affairs as they have become mentally incapacitated.
It has been very interesting to deal with the consequences of not having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place; it certainly calls for a lot more paperwork, and a far longer delay in being able to provide the person in question with the funds they need.
I’ve also been drafting a number of Wills which contain an international element, be it holiday homes in Spain or family assets held in countries from which people have since moved. It’s so important in these cases to ensure that any Wills made abroad are not revoked or interfered with by a UK Will in order to avoid any confusion, and also to understand any forced heirship rules which may apply in
the other country and scupper even the best-laid plans. With so many new things to learn, time is flying by and before I know it I’ll be starting in the Commercial department. As always, I’ll be sure to keep you posted with my progress. Fiona Sturgeon
This article provides only a general summary and is not intended to be comprehensive. Specific legal advice should be taken in any individual situation.
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Felixstowe’s Cultural Food Corner Celebrating the many culinary cultures Felixstowe is proud to have...
Romanian Sour Meatball Soup Ingredients for Meatballs: 1 lb ground lean beef or pork (or a combination) 2 slices bread 1 small finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons uncooked rice 2 tablespoons water Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Soup: 1 small finely sliced onion 1 bunch lovage leaves or celery leaves or parsley leaves, finely chopped 1 peeled parsley root 1 peeled parsnip 4 peeled carrots 1 lb beef or veal with bones 4 tablespoons tomato paste Salt as needed 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar, or to taste Sour cream for garnish (optional) Hot pepper (optional)
Method: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring 6 cups of water to the boil. Add sliced onion, parsley root, parsnip and carrots. Add beef or veal with bone. Bring back to a boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface, reduce heat and simmer partially covered. Meanwhile, make the meatballs by first soaking the bread in water or milk and then squeezing it dry. Mash the soaked bread in a large bowl. Add the ground meat, finely chopped onion, rice, water and salt and pepper. Wet hands slightly and make small meat balls. Set aside. When the vegetables in the saucepan become tender, return it to boil and carefully drop in the meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes. When the soup is almost done and the meatballs come to the surface, add the tomato paste and stir well.
Add the lovage and season with salt and vinegar. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a hot pepper on the side. You are now ready to devour this delightful dish!
Fruit & Flowers Fantastic home grown and local produce always available!
Garden CafĂŠ opening soon
We offer the town a traditional family-run greengrocers. Owned and run by Paul and Elvita Branch, they have around 25 years experience in this trade and aim to give the people and businesses of Felixstowe a wide choice of fresh fruit and vegetables with excellent service!
Opening times: Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm
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Gemma’s Crafty Cakes
Having opened her shop on High Road East in Felixstowe, Gemma Rattle has certainly put the icing on the cake for us all. So excuse us while we stop drooling, and let’s get Gemma to tell you about her Crafty Cakes...
“One afternoon, my aunty Bev showed me how to make a rose from icing. I was hooked. I booked in on a course at Suffolk College in basic cake decorating and then went on to do a few more courses. I still go to classes as I’m always learning.
My Nan taught me how to make a Victoria sponge when I was about eight and I still use her recipe. My partner and I decided to to look for premises to make and decorate celebration cakes in Felixstowe, because there is nothing like it in the town. So I opened Gemma’s Crafty Cakes in October 2013. It’s been so busy since we opened and I make around twenty cakes a week. I think what people like the most is the personal and bespoke service. They can have whatever they want, but sometimes the challenge is how to make it, for example Gru’s minion from Despicable Me (see photo). Sometimes a cake can take 3-4 hours to decorate but there’s always a lovely sense of satisfaction when it’s completed. I have two children, so being able to run my own cake shop has a lot to do with family support.” What are you waiting for? Go visit Gemma and see her wonderful sculptures of delicious scrumptiousness! 111B High Road East, Felixstowe, IP11 9PS tel. 01394 672296 or mob. 07967 216225 gemmarattle82@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: Gemmas Crafty Cakes
111b High Road East, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9PS t. 07967 216225 t. 01394 672296 e. gemmarattle82@hotmail.co.uk f. Gemmas Crafty Cakes
Gemma Rattle SJ Summers Butchers Top Quality Beef, Pork and Lamb Locally Sourced Fresh Farm Turkey, Chicken and Geese (order early) With Don’t Forget your Chipolatas Christmas creeping up, and Sausage Meat! 111 High Road West Felixstowe, IP11 9AJ 01394 282 408
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16 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7AU
Krzy’s Deli Shop
Felixstowe’s only Polish deli and grocery shop is now selling: Alcohol and Beer, Fresh Bread, Smoked Meat and SO much more... Yummy! COME AND VISIT US!
10 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7HD - 07475 756132 - www.basketfood.co.uk
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Local News
A story from Jenny Brabazon, committee member of Felixstowe Fairtrade Forum. Jenny writes...
Fairtrade in Felixstowe Ian Akers, manager of Cafe Libra, with a customer
There are a lot of places serving fairtrade food and drink in Felixstowe, but we wanted to find out why some aren’t - for example do they have concerns about price, availability, quality and taste or maybe they’ve just never thought about it. What we’re finding is that price is often the main reason. What we’re hoping to do is to help them find suppliers locally who can supply fairtrade at the right price.
However, one place which already enthusiastically supports fairtrade is Cafe Libra at the library. Alan Muchal, chairman of the Forum, and I went to see Fiona Nicholls, the marketing information and events coordinator for Realise Futures who run the cafe, Ian Akers, the manager of the cafe itself and Matt White, their contract and improvement manager.
40% of Realise Futures staff have some kind of disability or disadvantage.
I hadn’t realised before that Cafe Libra is one of seven community cafes in Suffolk, including the cafes at St Lawrence’s Church in Ipswich and the tea room at Ipswich Town Hall.
To find out more about Cafe Libra, visit the website, www.realisefutures.org or social media:
They told us that the cafe is open 9.15am to 3.45pm Tuesday to Saturday and serves fairtrade tea and coffee, including green tea and decaffeinated coffee, sugar, cocoa and biscuits.
Fiona and Matt said that these outlets are committed to ethical principles and are run by Realise Futures, a social enterprise which helps find jobs and promote independence for people with disabilities and disadvantages in the workplace.
Ian, the manager, told us he has seven staff. He said that the cafe provides a community service which fits in well with the service of the library. He said that their fairtrade products are very popular. He said: “We know that fairtrade really makes a difference to growers and producers in developing countries so they can afford things like healthcare and education for their children. At Realise Futures we strive to benefit the local economy and to be good for the environment so we avidly support fairtrade products.”
Twitter: @Realisefutures Facebook: www.facebook.com/realisefutures.
If this article has interested you and you would like to join the Forum free of charge please ring our Secretary Stephen Wyatt on 01394 671033 or visit www.felixstowe-fairtrade.org.uk
The Sweet Hut
Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3-18
Whole School Open Morning
Saturday 4th October 2014, 9.30am-1pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
Wednesday 15th October 2014, 7pm For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk
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Over 300 jars of traditional sweets Finest Belgian Chocolate Snowy Cones Jelly Belly Hand Made Cornish Fudge Pick & Mix
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Local Facts
That Missing Line
Felixstowe facts by Phil Hadwin...
Eileen’s Story
Through the Ages Known as Mr Felixstowe in most corners of our great town, Phil tells us some weird and wonderful facts... • In 1951 there were fifty caravans in Felixstowe and for the 1964 season there were seven hundred, providing accommodation for about 2,000 people.
• During the Dock excavations in 1964, a Dutch gin bottle was found after having been buried for about 250. It is thought that Dutch smugglers, with gin on board, set fire to their boat after being outwitted by local Customs officers. • H. G. Wells, the famous author, came to Felixstowe for a holiday in 1914.
• In October 1961 a Trade Fair was held at the Pier Pavilion with 25 stands, attracting over 6,000 visitors. • The railway link between Ipswich (Westerfield) and Felixstowe, conceived and implemented by Colonel George Tomline, was opened on 1st May 1877.
• Felixstowe`s first cinema was the Victoria Cinema, which opened in 1915 on the site of the Victoria Concert Hall, built in 1885. It later became the Three Arts Theatre, Courts furniture store, and is now Argos. • Quilter`s Cliff Hotel (architect H W Buxton) was opened in 1906 with a hundred rooms. It was used as a military hospital during the First World War.
• Will C. Pepper`s “White Coons” performed in Felixstowe from 1906 until 1914. They then performed again in Felixstowe in 1920. • Butlin`s Amusement Park had a Monkey Island, which was built in 1933. It was dismantled in 1937 and the • monkeys, along with other animals from the Park`s zoo, were sent to Skegness Zoo. • Jack Rattle, of donkey fame, was nicknamed “Bullet!”
• In the 1891 census Felixstowe had a population of one 1684, and neighbours, Walton, 1923.
• The old thatched building on the corner of Maybush Lane and High Road East was the Old Pig and Whistle pub, possibly a smuggler`s haunt. Its licence was transferred to The Grand Hotel, at the bottom of Bent Hill, in 1877.
The wonderful Eileen
Due to the mysterious disappearance of a missing line, we are reprinting Eileen’s story from September’s Cancer Information Centre in Ipswich Hospital. The illusive line has now been found and restored to it’s rightful position...
Eileen found out about the incredible Cancer Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital which offers a wide variety of support groups and activities for anyone affected by cancer. Eileen found that her life has been changed because of the volunteers and staff who put their heart and soul into their job at the centre. She endured two bouts of cancer and on each occasion the centre has been a huge support for her personally and physically. It took a while for her to cross over that threshold to get help, however, when she finally made the decision, she was overwhelmed by the friendliness and indiscriminate kindness she received. To her, the centre is now part of her family; the volunteers, the staff and fellow patients all have each other to learn from, to confide in and to sometimes simply just have a cuppa with. As well as the incredible HOPE course (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively), which turned her life around, there are also complementary therapies like reiki, counselling and some forms of massage. All the activities including the art workshops are co-ordinated by the centre managers Louise and Michaela, administrated by Julie and supported by their wonderful team of volunteers.
There’s also the ever popular Book Group run by local lady Brenda Shelley (see September’s issue for Brenda’s inspiring story). Many cancer patients find their memory and focus suffer due to the illness and also the chemotherapy, so the Book Group is a great help to improve these abilities. Eileen says it’s helped her hugely. For those of you who are worried about your own treatment, who don’t know who to talk to, who don’t know what to talk about in regard to your treatment, or perhaps you are a friend or family member of a cancer patient, Eileen has this to say to you: “I really do encourage you to pop in to the centre and meet Brenda and the staff there. They are truly magnificent people and I certainly would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for them...The people here have accepted me into their hearts. It’s a sanctuary here and once you step over the threshold, you’ll find friends for life.”
Food Bank - Community Support Books Into Breakfasts & more...
Your Charity Helping Your Community
See our news on page 10 The
BASIC Life Charity
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Felixstowe - 01394 272618 Walton - 01394 279400 www.basic.org.uk
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Local Charity & Their News
Basic Life, Community News to Your Door
From the initial idea in 1997, through our acceptance as a registered Charitable Trust in 2000, Felixstowe based BASIC, an independant Charitable Trust, has been able to assist many groups, organisations and individuals with financial, practical and general support. We are a ‘people’ charity and believe our mission is to support those in need and to provide assistance for those who are otherwise prevented from realising their own charitable goals.
October always seems to herald a new season in Felixstowe. As the holiday makers depart and the weather changes, we can now look forward to those darker evenings and Sunday walks beside a windswept sea!
At BASIC we’ve been stocking up on all the autumn and winter essentials. Thanks to the massive generosity of local people, we have hats and scarves, overcoats and gloves ready for those intrepid outdoor types. At the same time we have lots of books, jigsaws and board games for those who prefer cosy nights by the fire.
Earlier in the year we ran a competition where we asked for photos of local scenes from local people for a calendar. The quality of the pictures entered was amazing and we’re now selling the finished product in each of our shops. We think the calendar will make a great Christmas present and what could be better than seeing pictures of Felixstowe on your wall throughout the year? All profits from the calendar sales help us to maintain our work in the community. Calendars are available for £10 each from our shops.
As we look back over the summer it seems that Felixstowe held fantastic event after fantastic event with the Carnival, World War 1 commemorations and, more recently Art on the Prom, being just some of the highlights.
At BASIC we want Felixstowe to become known not just the town which produces these fantastic community events, but also as a town where people look out for each other and where there is genuine support for those less fortunate. We are proud and privileged to be able to meet many of the local needs as they arise and are so grateful to the warm-
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hearted local people who enable us to do so.
Our ongoing “Blake Project” has now reached a total of around £1400 thanks to donations via our Just Giving page! Food Bank referrals continue to come in very regularly and our school breakfast projects are again enabling local children to get ‘the most important meal of the day.’
Our October 2015 Calendar Page In addition, we continue to Photo by Stephen Squirrell make donations for those in real need when appropriate and in August and September, we were able to help many local families with the provision of school uniforms.
So as we enter the winter season and celebrate the summer we’ve had, we hope that we can provide assurance to the lonely, vulnerable and unfortunate members of our community that they are not alone at this time. Together we can continue to make our town even more magnificent!
L A C O L T R SUPPO UNITY COMM
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Local Lad
11
Making Contact by Dean Wales
Don’t you find it intriguing how you can go through most of your life without something, and then become incensed when a device or service that’s been around for what seems like just a blinking of an eye is momentarily unavailable? I mean, look at the beloved mobile phone for instance. I walked around for decades, making sure I had
“just-in-case” change for a phone box – do they still pong by the way? – and yet now, if I go out without my trusty Blackberry, I react like I've left the house without my trousers on. Okay, that has actually happened once but that’s a story for another day.
I've recently purchased a fitness tracker. For those who avoid lycra vests, chafing shorts and stinky Nike Lunar glides (love the orange flash on those by the way), it’s a device you wear like a watch, which nauseatingly reminds you that you’re a lardy sloth who’d break out into a wheezing fit from just thinking about a spin class. Well, that’s another thing I can’t seem to do without now. I throw a hissy fit every time I forget to clasp that to my wrist these days. But, what has surprised me the most is – wait for it – my new contactless debit card from Lloyds. You cannot imagine the sheer delight I felt when I opened up the crisp
white envelope from my bank and discovered the kale-coloured oblong of plastic, adorned with pop-art style lime-green dots, the ebony steed and that glorious little symbol. It’s uninspiringly called the ‘Contactless Symbol’, by the way. I couldn’t wait to rush out to my local shop to choose something for under £20, and, with a flick of the wrist pay, for it; yes, ladies and gentlemen pay for it without entering my PIN! I thank you!! So imagine my horror and disgust when I whipped out my matt-finished, polyvinyl chloride acetate rectangle of joy, only to discover that... it didn’t work!
I demanded to know why, when they proudly displayed the ‘Contactless Symbol’, was my card declined; the total of my goods was, after all, below the £20 threshold! With a fake smile and slight roll of the eyes, the twentiessomething shop assistant replied: “It might be because you’re trying to pay with your Caravan Club membership card, sir.”
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Inspiring Person Meet Blake an 8 year old boy who lives in Felixstowe. At first glance Blake looks like a fit and healthy eight year old boy, but he is actually suffering from a very rare debilitating bone condition.
Blake Ainsley
Blake recuperating after one of his many surgeries in Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital
Hereditary multiple exostoses - also known as diaphyseal aclasis, is a rare medical condition in which multiple bony spurs or lumps (bone tumours) develop on a child.
Exostoses are typically benign. However, in some instances these tumours become malignant and require frequent monitoring. Blake has an extremely severe case of this rare 1 in 50,000 bone condition, and is prescribed oral morphine for his pain relief. Blake’s younger siblings, Ashton aged 5 and Max aged 1, have also been diagnosed with the same illness. Treatment for all three children is ongoing and the only treatment centre is the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately for Blake and his family, there is no government funding available towards travel and accommodation expenses for the eight hundred-mile round trip. Along with the support of Graham Denny, the founder at The BASIC Life Charity, Blake and his family have been able to fundraise to provide funds for travel expenses. Blake is a real inspiration to his friends and family. Despite being in constant pain and requiring a wheelchair for long distances, he rarely feels sorry for himself and will always try his very best at anything that is asked from him.
Academically, Blake is very intelligent and spends a lot of time reading and writing.
Blake is a role model to both his younger siblings Blake, Max and Ashton and his family hope that with his strength and determination to succeed, both Ashton and Max will also cope as well as Blake does.
If you feel you would like to the help the family please feel free to stop by the BASIC Life Charity shop to donate or visit The Basic Life Charity’s Just Giving page: https://www. justgiving.com/BlakesAppeal/ Would you like to advertise or do you have a story to tell? Just drop us a line at info@thefelixstowemagazine.com
Mystery Shopper
At the Cliff Top Cafe
When did ‘bread’ become a dirty word? In a low carb, low GI world we eat less bread without a sense of guilt. Gone are the days when a stack of buttered bread was a fixture of our childhood tables. But then when did ‘bread’ become an airy sponge which boasts the least calories
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My husband, the carnivore, has a hot bacon roll most mornings, because bacon is the answer to most problems and almost every prayer.
They also offer hot sausage rolls, salads and pre-made sandwiches and rolls. There is a pre-order cake service, the one I spied would have fed the Grand Army of the Republic.
I admit to the joy of a simple slice of thickly sliced bread with butter. They are committed to reducing the salt in their baked goods, but I haven’t noticed a reduction in flavour. I haven’t quite succumbed to skipping down the road swinging my shopping basket, but it is a lovely feeling buying good quality, fresh bread for my family.
Maybe the answer in a world where we are mindful of our health and weight is to eat really good quality, local food... just less of it!
All bikes come with new state of the art long range life p04 battery.
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As sole UK importer of BM Electric Bikes we are in a position to offer top quality electric bikes at affordable prices. We offer test rides on all our ranges. All bikes come with full warranty and full after-sale servicing with spare parts in stock. 35 Cobbold Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7EN 01394 670144 - 07952 653 916 - www.power-bikes.co.uk
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or the lowest GI? Recently I’ve enjoyed walking to ‘The Breadbasket’ in Walton. My son loves their cinnamon swirls, which are an occasional treat because they are the size of his head!
The Bread Basket, 263 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe. 01394 276584.
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15
Commemorating the Anniversaries of World War 1 and World War 2
Anthony Pittaccio’s Story
It all happened 70 years ago, when, in the midst of the 5-month long WW2 battle for Cassino, at the centre of the Gustav Line, I met a group of men who so impressed me that I wanted to be part of them. With my mother and two sisters I went to Cassino in 1939 from England to visit my mother’s family there. Business reasons prevented my father from joining us. War broke out and we were stranded in Cassino but with caring and loving relatives. The men I met were from the 23rd New Zealand Infantry Battalion; a country I knew nothing about and whose position I would have had difficulty in pointing on a map. But they were generous, friendly, amusing, with not a shadow of arrogance, and as I was later to learn, extremely brave. They were great ambassadors of their unknown to us country, and they were by far the favourites of all the different nationalities that fought in Cassino.
They were camping in a field adjacent to the house my family was sheltering in at the time. I got to know a few of them quite well, so on the day they were leaving I asked if I could join them. I was over the moon when, in spite of my 14 years of age, they said yes. I was attached to Company HQ and acted as the battalion interpreter. The battalion 25-year old Colonel presented me with the honorary rank of Sergeant, as befitted interpreters. The battalion went on to fight at the Gothic line, the Senio and other battles, and I stayed with them until they disbanded in late 1945.
As an interpreter, my duties were varied. On one occasion our cook, Fred, and I went out to try and find some eggs. It was towards the end of the fighting in Italy and no one knew exactly where the front line was. With our 15hwt truck we approached a farm along a narrow road when, some 100 yards away, we saw two German soldiers coming out of the farm house, fully armed. To our great alarm, we realised that we were unarmed. There was an iron rod in our cab (for what purpose God only knows) so Fred opened the door, lowered the window, and told me to crouch behind the door pointing the rod as if it was the barrel of a gun, (if we tried to turn or reverse the truck they might have fired at us). He then went bravely up to the Germans and told them to drop their guns, which to our great surprise and relief they did. Fred picked up
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The 14 year old Anthony. their rifles and told the Germans to get into the truck. So we went back to camp with no eggs but with two prisoners.
On another occasion, our small CHQ group encountered 500 fully armed Germans who wanted to negotiate a surrender. My task was to find the nearest Italian partisan HQ and ask them to stand by in case we needed them. As with the war, the 23rd passed into history, but its spirit continues to live in all of us who were involved, with a deep feeling of pride, and with me, gratitude.
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Local Club
Inner Wheel Club of Felixstowe The Inner Wheel Club of Felixstowe is part of the International family of Inner Wheel women’s clubs. We have close links with Rotary and we meet twice monthly for lunch-time and evening meetings, promoting friendship and supporting local, national and international charities. In June we celebrated the setting up of the Felixstowe Club, 75 years ago, here in Suffolk. Before our Annual General Meeting, Rotarian Brian Davies gave us a short talk on Thembalothu, a Charity in South Africa, providing aid to HIV victims, including vulnerable children and also financing home care and schooling. We were impressed and moved by Brian’s presentation and we hope to support the Charity. During the AGM, President Sheila Phillips was made an Honoured Member of our Club in recognition of her long and devoted service to the Felixstowe Inner Wheel Club, as well as acknowledging her involvement in many ways at both District and National level of Inner Wheel. At this meeting, Sheila presented the Club with a framed copy of the Charter, recognising the significant milestone of celebrating our Club’s 75th Anniversary.
At our June Meeting we all enjoyed a most interesting talk given by Richard Holland about Felixstowe’s twin town Wesel (Germany). The friendship started 40 years ago when the Wesel and Felixstowe Fire Services met up and
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it has gradually spread to include other organisations and the local Council. It has become a great hub of activity, sharing reciprocal hospitality. Richard explained how the town of Wesel (twice the size of Felixstowe) was practically destroyed in the Second World War by the Allies, during their final push towards Germany. However, it has been cleverly rebuilt and is a pleasant town to visit, especially at various Carnival times which they organise so well. One of the many links here is keeping St Nicolas Fest on December 6th. Gillian Smith takes over from Sheila as our President and we wish her well in the year ahead. Anne Poole
£420 Raised
GB Railfreight are keen charity supporters, last year raising over £20,000 for AGE UK.
This year’s chosen charity is Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and, to kick off our fundraising, we held a cycle event at our Felixstowe office. The challenge was to to cycle the distance from our HQ in London to our owners’ Europort’s offices in Coquelles, France. Due to the business needs of the office the only way we could achieve this was to have a couple of exercise bikes positioned in the office and team members pedalling away! We completed the distance of 187 kms in just over 6.5 hours and raised £420 – not a bad start!
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Local Event
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Artists and Visitors Return to Felixstowe for Art on the Prom Art on the Prom, the contemporary art exhibition and one of Suffolk’s annual calendar highlights, was back again on September 7th. With over 100 participating artists, along with music and dance, the seafront heaved with stunning creativity throughout the day. Celebrating its eleventh year, the event included paintings, ceramics, photography, glass, jewellery and textiles. There was also conceptual art by Margaret Wyllie, who created an art installation with recycled materials on the beach. Free activity workshops led by qualified artists included willow weaving, painting and clay modelling. Entertainment was provided by the Suffolk Concert Band, Felixstowe Community Strings, the Tutti Frutti choir and a young cheerleading group, Team Spirit. Art on the Prom organiser Stephen Wyatt says, “After such a fantastic year in 2013, we’re excited about this year’s Art on the Prom. It’s grown as an event year-on-year because there’s something for everyone.”
Photo by Gillian Atacocugu
Stephen’s wife and co-organiser Mary Wyatt says, “The public are in for a treat this year as we have many new exhibitors, fantastic free-of-charge activity workshops and it will be a day of non-stop family fun.” Art on the Prom is organised by unpaid volunteers. It is a non-profit making event which aims to promote economic well-being and foster a pride in the community, so if you’d like to be involved with next year’s event, please contact the organisers via www.artontheprom.org.
Children participating in art workshops
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What’s On Listings We try and ensure the listings are correct BUT please check with the organisers of activities when attending for the first time.
Sunday 12th October
Model Railway Exhibition @ 11am - 5pm The Lions Club of Felixstowe is holding this exhibition at the Felixstowe Leisure Centre. Entrance is £4 for adults and £1 for children over 5 and under 16yrs. Contact John on 273515 or john@gooch83.co.uk
Tuesday 14th October
Felixstowe Art Group Wake up to Watercolours @ 7.30pm Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe. Demonstration by Claudia Myatt. Members free, guests £2 Further info 01394 276975 www.felixstoweartgroup.org
Wednesday 15th October
A Trip Through Time @ 7.30pm Felixstowe Recorded Music Society, presented by Hilary Norman. United Reformed Church Hall, Tomline Rd Visitors £2.50 incl refreshments More info from Eileen, 01394 275052
Saturday, 18th October
Felixstowe Mencap: Extravaganza of Music, Song and Dance @ 7pm At the ‘New’ Academy, High St, Felixstowe IP11 9QR, to raise money towards a replacement minibus. This is an inspiring concert by professionals of all abilities, including Wheelchair Dancing, Singing & Signing, The Has Beens, The Bellylicious Babes, Spin Off from DanceEast etc. Tickets are on sale at the BASIC Charity Shops and on 212522. Cash only please. £10 or £8 conc. Children Free.
Friday 24th October
Grand Autumn Ball @ 7.30pm to midnight The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe. In aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. With dancing to the talented duo “Liqueur”. A delicious fork buffet with coffee and mints, and an excellent Grand Draw with a multitude of exciting prizes to be won. Tickets at £25 (to include the buffet) are available from Liz Woodmass 448226 and Maureen Pinner 448445.
Tuesday 11th November
Hobbs Memorial Lecture with slides @ 7.30pm With the Felixstowe Art Group meeting
at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe. Mary Moore describes her 40 years at the Forge designing for her blacksmith husband. Members free, guests £2. 01394 276975 www.felixstoweartgroup.org
14th and 15th November
Fawlty Towers – Live on Stage @ 7.45pm Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach IP5 1JF £8.50. Stage Door Theatre Company presents three episodes from Fawlty Towers at each performance. For more details, call 01473 295900.
Mondays
Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club Monday - Friday @7am - 10pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre. 694600.
Tuesdays
Dance Lessons St. Edmund’s Hall, Langer Road Children’s and adult beginners and intermediate. 07757 217456.
Wednesdays
Story Time @ 1.30 and 2pm Felixstowe Library. Sessions for children.
eggs, garden produce and crafts. All goods are home made. 272003. www.country-markets.co.uk
Saturdays
Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club @ 8am - 8pm (Sat & Sun) Felixstowe Leisure Centre. 694600.
Sundays Jazz East at The Fludyers @ 7.30 - 10.30pm Jazz Club at the Fludyers, Undercliff Road East. Some of the UK’s greatest Jazz artists with the region’s best musicians. Great music, great venue and great atmosphere! FREE.
COMPETITION For your chance to win a set of family tickets (2 children and 2 adults) for the fireworks display at the Felixstowe and Walton United Football Club, just answer this question:
Felixstowe & Walton United Football Club are known by what nickname? Email: katerouse@hotmail.co.uk
Competition closes at midnight on 26th October 2014
Good Luck!!!
Thursdays
Drama Club for 6-13yrs and Adult Latinasize St. Edmund’s Hall, Langer Road 07757 217456.
Felixstowe Twinsclub Time: 10am - 12.00noon Grounds of Felixstowe Academy (old site), Maidstone Rd, IP11 9EF www.felixstowetwinsclub.co.uk
Felixstowe Job Club @ 10am – 12noon At Felixstowe Library. Friendly advice, guidance and support for those looking for work or a new job. Internet access and support on using computers for on-line job search and applications. Contact Charlie Hill, Project4, 0771 559 6487
Photographic Society @ 7.30pm Broadway House, Orwell Road. All welcome to attend/join the group. FREE.
Fridays
Felixstowe Country Market @ 10:00-11:00am at the Trades and Labour Club in High Road West. Range of preserves,
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Index Accountant CHASE Accountants Limited..................................18 Advertisers’ Offer Buy Local...................................................cover & 11 Bikes B.M. Electric Bikes.................................................14 Builders Arthur’s Building.....................................................18 Butchers SJ Summers Butchers..............................................7 Cafe Cafe on the Corner....................................................7 Cakes Gemma’s Crafty Cakes.............................................7 Carpets & Flooring Greyfriars................................................................10 Charity BASIC Life Charity.....................................................9 Education Ipswich High School..................................................8 Electric Bikes B.M. Electric Bikes.................................................14 Electrician P.A.H. Electrical.......................................................15 Estate Agent Wainwrights............................................cover & back JSM Property..........................................................17 Financial Care Financial Peace UK....................................cover &19 Fitness The Felixstowe Leisure Centre..................................2
Garage Services KW Autos..................................................................3 Gift Shop The Sweet Hut..........................................................8 Green Grocers Fruit and Flowers......................................................6 Krzy’s Deli Shop.......................................................7 Gosling Farm............................................................6 Hearing Care Hearing Care Centre...............................................10 Marketing Website Buy Local...................................................cover & 11 Massage Anel Bennett.............................................................9 Painter & Decorator Russell Taylor..........................................................15 Restaurant Blue Naan.................................................................4 Thai Hut..................................................................16 Recruitment Agency A & S Recruitment..........................................12 & 13 Solicitors Jackamans..................................................cover & 5 Sports The Felixstowe Leisure Centre.................................2 Sweets The Sweet Hut..........................................................8 Taxi Helpful Cabs.............................................................3
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