The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022 by Birdy Publications Ltd

The

2022

FELIXSTOWE

MAGAZINE CELEBRATING GEMS OF THE FELIXSTOWE COMMUNITY

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The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Contents Page 3 Editor’s Note

Page 47 Kirton & Falkenham WI

Page 4-5 Message from the Mayor of Felixstowe

Page 48-50 Lucy Ainsley: Cervical Screen

Page 6-7 Sarah Cawdron Poetry

Page 51 Orwell Decorative & Fine Arts Society

Page 8-11 Felixstowe Community First Responders Page 12-15 Local Actor: Charlie Rich Appears in a Feature Film Page 16-20 Amanda Swims to France Page 22-23 All Things Woolly Page 24 Local Opera Singer: Christina Johnston Page 26-27 The Big Food Blog Page 28-32 DIScoverABILITY with Lisa Tyte Page 34-37 Radio Presenter: Rob Dunger Page 38 Book Review Page 39 A Magical Trilogy Page 40-43 H2D Nurses Page 44-46 Most Colourful Runner in Felixstowe

Page 52-53 In the Garden Page 54-55 Local History Page 56-57 Children’s New Library Facilities Page 58-59 Running Challenge with Shirls Page 60-61 Photo of the Year Page 62-63 Local Photographers Page 65 Fairtrade in Felixstowe Page 66-68 Tee Time with Oliver Lloyd Page 69-85 Community Listings Page 87-95 What’s On Guide Page 96-97 Just for Fun Page 98 Order your copy Page 99 Index & Directory

2022 EDITION

I’ve had to do a bit of travelling the past year and on two random occasions I met Felixstowe “diaspora”. They emphasised how much they missed the sense of community our town is so known for. I felt proud, particularly of the gems that make Felixstowe as special as it is and this edition is dedicated to those gems. As ever, the contribution and resourcefulness of our town has been heart-warming and I hope you enjoy the fantastic articles we’ve prepared for you. The Felixstowe App has proven to be a huge hit and I’d like to thank the community who have used it as their very own platform to share their stories and news. If our 2022 edition of the magazine leaves you thirsty for more, download The Felixstowe App for more wonderful updates, stories, events, listings and local discounts. I wish you all the very best for 2022. May it bring you happiness, success and good health.

TheEditor

Cover photo credit: Jay Saddler from Sugar & Spice Photography Email: info@thefelixstowemagazine.com Facebook: @thefelixstowemagazine Twitter: @felixstowemag Instagram: @thefelixstowemagazine Website: thefelixstowemagazine.com App Download: App Store or Google Play Store © 2014-2022 Birdy Publications Ltd (T/A The Felixstowe Magazine). All Rights Reserved. Address: 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JJR. Company number 08881555. Publisher: Birdy Publications Ltd. The views expressed by individuals in any letter or article are included at the discretion of the publishers are not necessarily the views of the Editor or publisher. Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this magazine and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the Editor and 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.

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022 3

Town Council A message from the Mayor of Felixstowe Happy New Year! As we enter a new year, I’d like to begin by wishing you the best for 2022. January for me – as it will be for many of you – is not only a time for reflection on the previous year, but an opportunity to consider the year ahead. I’m excited to see what this year has in store for Felixstowe. Over the previous year, as we emerged from successive lockdowns, I was finally able to meet so many of the inspiring individuals and organisations who have made, and continue to make, such a positive contribution to our town. The Walton Community Nurse Project, the opening of Felixstowe Library’s new children’s section, the new reading room at Felixstowe School, the launch of the Litter-Free Felixstowe song and the 100th anniversary of Kirton and Falkenham Women’s Institute are only some examples of the fantastic organisations and local projects unfolding in Felixstowe that I’ve been grateful to have the opportunity to recognise and support. It was a great pleasure to meet Chris, Kate and their dog Jet, who are walking the UK Coastline to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. The continued response from local charities and care 4

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

homes – an invaluable element of our town – was greatly inspiring to witness. These opportunities to meet with you are held dearly and enjoyed by the Mayoress and I. Covid restrictions permitting, I am excited to meet many more of you in 2022 and to learn about your wonderful contributions to the town. The Grove Surgery has continually provided a fantastic service to the town. I would like to pay tribute and to offer my thanks to the staff and volunteers. Thank you to Dr Feltwell, your team, the staff and the volunteers for your continued hard work and efforts to care for the town and the wider community. Looking forward to everything that this new year has in store, it is exciting

to see that plans are underway to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee in June. Her Majesty has exemplified service to this country and it is only fitting that we celebrate this achievement appropriately with a fantastic celebration in our community, here, in Felixstowe. 2021 saw some fantastic Mayor’s Charity Events that were great fun to host. We have even more planned for 2022 – so don’t miss out! January begins with the return of our much-loved Curry Night at the Bombay Night. In February, a Murder Mystery evening will unfold at the Alba Chiara restaurant and, in March, we’ve planned an evening of entertainment from the Ladybirds at the Orwell Hotel. If you’re looking to experience something different, why not come along?

As my term concludes in May, my final event will be the Mayor’s Ball – a Bond themed Casino Mayorale with live entertainment from Rachel Foskett. Tickets promise to sell out quickly, so look out for advertisement and book yours quickly! Please be mindful that, at the time of writing this article, current restrictions make it likely that current plans for events may be postponed, subject to change or cancelled entirely. I look forward to continuing to meet as many of you as possible and supporting as many organisations I can over the next few months until the end of my term. I wish you happiness and health in the year to come! Mark Jepson Mayor of Felixstowe The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Sarah Cawdron

Meet this lovely local lass, who recently found a talent for poetry!

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Hello, I’m Sarah Cawdron. I’m a local Felixstowe resident and have recently found a hidden talent for poetry. I didn’t really think that I had the talent to write poems, however, as I started to write, I find I can really get into it when I write about how I feel or how I imagine others feel and now, I really put my heart and soul into these poems. I’m quite a shy person normally - the quiet one in the corner, but these poems help me express how I feel. They can be about things I have read, heard or seen and sometimes are inspired by music. As ideas come any time of the day I always ensure a notebook and pen is never far away. I have never been very confident but I’m now finding the confidence by writing poetry. On the next page, is a poem that I have recently written. It’s a children’s lullaby - an idea that came to me in the middle of the night. I really hope that you enjoy reading it, and I really hope I inspire more people to give it a go x

Dream your Dreams Close your eyes little one Close your eyes and dream You can be anyone and go anywhere You can be anyone Just close you eyes And dream your dreams

Some dreams can be big Others can be small You have to choose but you can’t have them all Dreams can come true just have to work for them Some dreams just last a day but others can last a lifetime Not only through the night but during the day too Some you will remember and others will be forgotten But you carry on dreaming and working towards your dream No matter what the dreams are no matter how long it takes One day that dream will come true all you have to do is keep at it It might be tough but stick at it and keep on pushing on You can be anything you want to be and want to do Close your eyes little one Close your eyes and dream You can be anyone and go anywhere You can be anyone Just close you eyes And dream your dreams

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Felixstowe Community First Responders Here’s Daniel Jacobs, to give us an update of this amazing team of local gems! My name is Daniel Jacobs, I’m the Group Coordinator of the Felixstowe Community First Responders. I’d like to give you an update about our phenomenal team of volunteers who help look after the local community in their time of need and celebrate the successes that we have had over the last 12 months in the face of the challenges that the pandemic brought.

Our role is to stabilise patients and provide appropriate care and treatment within our skillset and provide reassurance to the patients and those around them before the arrival of the ambulance. In addition to responding to patients, we also work closely in the community in a variety of different ways. This includes: • Fundraising for new kit and equipment. • Visiting schools to speak to children about the work the Ambulance Service does.

For those who may not be aware of who we are or what our function is in the local community, here’s a little about us:

• Working with local organisations to teach simple lifesaving skills such as CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

So who are we?

• Public awareness campaigns to educate the public on our role within the community.

Felixstowe Community First Responders are a team of volunteers who provide emergency medical cover in Felixstowe, Trimleys and Kirton. We are trained by the 8

East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust and operate as a charity within their charitable fund.

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• Working with the local media (like our friends at The Felixstowe Magazine!) to promote the work that we do.

Why do we exist? As we live within the local area, we will often arrive before the ambulance crew. We often find that some simple monitoring and reassurance is enough for a lot of the calls we attend. However, some calls we attend are life-threatening and time-critical and with these calls, every second counts. This is where the ‘Chain of survival’ is important:

Statistically, a person’s chance of survival drops by 10% for every minute that passes where early intervention and defibrillation is not carried out. As Community First Responders are local, we can get the ball rolling with this much quicker and give the patient a better chance of survival. Studies have shown that if the first three links in the chain of survival (early access, CPR and defibrillation) are carried out, a person’s chance of survival can be improved between 25-40%. How are we dispatched? When you call 999 and ask for an ambulance, a call handler will take the

details about the situation. At the same time, a dispatcher contacts us as well as an ambulance crew with the details about the call. We will then use the ambulance kit provided, and our own cars under normal rules and road regulations to make it to the scene safely to provide treatment. We mainly go to life-threatening and potentially life-threatening emergencies, such as: • Cardiac / Respiratory arrest (resuscitation) • Unconsciousness/fainting • Convulsions / fitting • Breathing problems • Chest pains • Diabetic emergencies • Stroke • Choking • Allergic Reactions Whilst on duty, we carry a medical kit that contains a variety of lifesaving equipment in addition to what you’d expect to find in a standard first aid kit such as: • Defibrillator • Oxygen • Various oxygen masks • Airway tubes • Pulse Oximeter • Thermometer • Blood Pressure Machine • Glucose Gel

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

About your local team of CFRs We currently have 14 responders who are fully trained; with this increasing to 19-20 in the coming months. Our voluntary role is carried out in our free time, so we have a team with a diverse background of work locations and backgrounds; including BT, Patient Transport, Port of Felixstowe, hospitals to name a few. We have a broad age range (from the 20s to 50s and 60s) as well as a well-balanced mix between males and females. Some in our group started with no medical knowledge at all and were provided with the training that they need to become an effective part of patient care. Our call outs At the time of writing our group have been dispatched to over 380 calls and committed a combined 2700+ hours of cover in the Felixstowe area. Our team’s successes Our team of volunteers have pulled together and achieved a wide variety of tasks on top of responding. We began a recruitment campaign when we started with a team of seven. 10

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As mentioned earlier, this has grown to an impressive number of 14, with a few more awaiting their induction training which will bring us to 19 or 20 volunteers. This has allowed us to build up more resources towards caring for those in our community. I am pleased with the amount of interest we have had in people wanting to join our group, and this is very telling of the care and compassion that there is in our local community. Fundraising Fundraising has been another success that our team have worked hard on which has allowed us to further improve our ability to improve patient care and potentially save lives. These include: • Replacing old pulse oximeters (which we use to monitor a patient’s oxygen levels). • Purchasing new blood pressure machines and thermometers as part of an increase in our skillset. • Secured funding for smartphone devices that will allow us to be tracked and be dispatched faster. • Purchasing a fourth kit, including a new and improved type of defibrillator and allowing us more flexibility and resources to respond.

• Uniform for our new recruits. • Continued running costs on keeping phones topped up. As part of this, there are many people and organisations I’d like to thank who have made this possible. This includes (but is certainly not limited to):

collapsed in front of them; including the recovery position, CPR and how to use a defibrillator. These lifesaving skills are simple and easy to learn and forms part of the Chain of Survival which was mentioned earlier in this article.

• Rotary Club of Felixstowe

We are in the midst of planning another few sessions again and making this a regular occurrence. So keep an eye out for further updates on this if you are interested!

• Felixstowe Ladies Dart League

Final message

• Haven Health’s Voice

We hope that this article has been interesting to read and has opened your eyes to the hard work and dedication that our team have put into caring for the local community and saving lives. This is something we will be carrying on into 2022.

• East Suffolk Council

• ‘Beach Street’ – as one of the chosen charities for the year. • Our team who have also worked hard on charity tins and other sources of funding. We also provided two classes of CPR and defibrillator training to members of the public (totalling 20 people) in conjunction with Haven Health’s Voice. The sessions gave those who attended the confidence to know what to do if someone had

As always, we would like to express the importance of keeping safe when it comes to the pandemic and encourage you to keep up with the ever-changing guidance and follow it as best as you can. Daniel Jacobs Group Coordinator

151 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DR 01394 547090 - zoegibbsphotography.co.uk

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Felixstowe Actor, Charlie Rich Lands a Role in Feature Film! We’re so excited about this one! Not just because this lovely Felixstowe fella is breaking into the film industry with a new feature film releasing in 2022... ...but because his story is everything we adore about the individuals that make our community so special. This is an inspirational local tale of a person with a passion and purpose, and persisting despite the knocks to make their dream come true. Charlie is 32 years old, and was raised in Felixstowe. Though he studied at what was once Orwell High School (now Felixstowe Academy) this wasn’t where he first discovered his passion for acting. When he was just a wee young lad Charlie got his first taste of the magical world of theatre 12

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when performing as a star in his nursery school nativity play. This didn’t start off too well… little Charlie was pretty put out by the casting decision – aiming high for the role of Joseph, Charlie sadly didn’t make the part. “I didn’t even get to play one of the three wise men... or even a shepherd, but just a star! When I got home from learning who plays who, my mum asked what do I get to do in the play (so excited and supportive), but I was so put out I simply replied to her question with “twinkle a bit”. But when all was said and done, the little star was swooned by the costumes, the makeup, the lighting, the performers…

‘‘

...the hive of activity was invigorating to me!

and “set the stage” for Charlie’s dream to bring other characters to life in film. Another set-back was failing to get into drama school, but this didn’t deter our Charlie, and with a wonderfully supportive family who encouraged him in his passion for acting, he left for university and graduated with a degree in American Literature & Film. Charlie then took that leap in self-faith, and moved to London where his acting career began. And now, introductions aside, without further ado, here’s Felixstowe actor, Charlie Rich!

I have always been into performing since I was small. My dad was a lighting technician at Spa Pavilion and as a young boy I remember being in awe of him being part of this magical story-telling, where people would come to be transported to another world. I later performed at the Spa Pavilion and New Wolsey Theatre with Dennis Lowe Theatre company among others. What was your first significant film you’ve been in?

This year has been incredible in terms of opportunities. I had a small role in a short film and the director really liked how I performed. I was so lucky as he kept me in mind, and was so happy to be chosen for my first lead role in a feature film, Night Explorers: The Asylum, which will be released later this year. It’s directed by John K. Webster. The film is about a group of urban explorers (inspired by videos posted on YouTube by the likes of Sam and Colby, whose videos receive millions of views), who get the chance of a lifetime to explore one of the worlds most haunted asylums. They encounter something truly evil, which will test each individual’s strength of character, as well as their sanity.

I play Jimboy, a character who is driven by his desire for authenticity. Associated

I loved getting into the role of Jimboy and felt I truly understood him as a character. We have a lot of similarities, and it was a diamond opportunity to draw on those similarities and run with them. All under the guidance of the insanely talented John K Webster, I never stopped learning or enjoying my time in this production. Since then things have been snowballing.

‘‘

Charlie, your story is so inspiring and we’re so delighted for you with how you persisted to where you are today. What inspired you to be an actor?

Ooh, that sounds fun! Tell us about the character you play?

with a world that tends to aim for views and clicks rather than expose truths, the film looks at what happens to Jimboy and his friends when they come face to face with true evil.

I got to perform as an archer and dancer in Doctor Strange 2, and working directly with Benedict Cumberbatch.

Seeing his focus and creativity was a moment of indelible inspiration. That’s really something! Tell us about your role and the new feature film your currently filming. The film, called Morris Men, is set in Clactonon-Sea and follows plots of love at sea and vengeance, crime and honour. The film reimagines the British culture classic of Morris Dancers, and throws them into a wonderful world of action and adventure. The director is Gregg Masuak who is a veteran director with over 70 credits. He’s worked with the likes of Celine Dione and the Spice Girls. The film is written by awardwinning writer, Dom Morgan, and produced by his company, Guild of The Night. This company is particularly special because it gives fantastic opportunities to people with autism, allowing them to train and develop their interests and talents in movie making. My character in the film is, ‘Pillz’, a “bad boy” drug dealer, whose uncle is the kingpin of the town. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

It sounds brilliant! Who else stars in the film? The film stars Ross O’Hennessey as the towns kingpin, Frank Dean. Ross O’Hennessy is well-known for playing Lord of Bones in Game of Thrones.

‘‘

I was actually involved in a live performance promoting Season 8 of Game of Thrones at The Tower of London.

The film also stars Jon Campling who played a Death Eater in Harry Potter. The film’s main character, Tommy, is played by Jamie Chambers who was in Fury and Kingsman. I’ve never stopped learning from him. Jamie is so present and generous as an actor, he was great to work with. 14

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Morris Men is action packed. Did you do your own stunts and fight sequences? I get to perform my own stunts in this feature which is a ton of fun. My background in karate really came in handy. Screen Combat is new to me so working directly with the likes of Jamie was a golden opportunity. Right from jump, I had to constantly up my game to keep up. The workshops allowed me to learn from these incredible performers who are highly skilled in a variety of fighting disciplines, including Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju Jitsu and Wrestling. When can we expect to see the film? It’s set for release in August 2022. You did so well to keep your eye on your mountain. What can you say to other young aspiring actors in Felixstowe? The main reason for me getting in touch with you guys, is because of an article I read at high school. It was about a performer from Suffolk who had gained

You’re not just a drop in the ocean... a place at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and it inspired me no end. Despite not getting into drama school myself I persevered, and I am now getting to be involved in some very exciting stuff! So it is my hope that this article might do that for some young performer out there. To inspire them to go for their dreams and to not take no for an answer. I wish all performers out there, young and old, the best! What a guy! So folks, keep your eyes peeled this year for Charlie’s two new films, Night Explorers: The Asylum and Morris Men.

WHAT YOU DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND CREATES RIPPLES YOU MIGHT NOT SEE. #BETHECHANGE

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We’re thrilled to let you know that Charlie is going to keep us posted on how everything goes. We’ll post all his updates on The Felixstowe App which you can download in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also follow Charlie on Instagram: @_charlie_rich_/

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Amanda Swims to France! She is some woman for one woman! Amanda Bowden shares her fabulous tales of the Channel Relay swim!

‘‘

“Nothing great is easy” Captain Webb said (first chap to swim the English Channel in 1875). I remember the day I was invited to go to a swimming pool - not to muck about but to swim lengths - with a solo English Channel, multiple channel relay, hard as nails, open water, marathon swimmer! Louise Stratford is her name. I swam twelve lengths. I was pretty damn chuffed with myself and left that pool thinking I had bossed the hell out of a swim. Fast forward a few weeks later and the same swimmer took me for my first ‘proper’ sea swim – as in swimming out of my depth, away from the shore, past the groynes in Felixstowe, Suffolk. I swam for about eight minutes and got sea sickness…

Fast forward four years later and I’ll tell you all about the time I swam to France with the 16

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most incredible bunch of swimmers one beautiful day in September 2021.

I was lucky enough to be selected for an English Channel relay team representing a charity called Swim Tayka.

This amazing organisation provides free swimming lessons and environmental education about clean water stewardship to underprivileged children who live along the Earth’s open waters; rivers, lakes and oceans. A Channel Relay works by way of a team of swimmers (five in our case) taking turns to swim for an hour at a time until French shores are reached. There are many concerns that are overcome through diligent training but it’s also in the lap of the gods if the

weather is kind to you.However, here are some common concerns shared by Channel swimmers. Which ones would you find tricky? • Will I become hypothermic – can I handle the cold? • Will I freak out swimming in the dark? • Will I be able to swim continuously for an hour, possibly three, four or more times? • Will I be disabled by seasickness? • Will I get cramp and have to abort my swim? • Will I get attacked by jelly fish/sharks/ seals/monsters etc? • Will I have to swim through sewage? • Will I lose the boat or will the boat lose me? • Will my goggles leak and I won’t be able to see/swim? • Will I start throwing up in the water? • Will I be too slow? • Will I get run over by a ferry? Not only do you need to be able to swim for an hour at a time in open water, you also have to pass a detailed medical and complete a qualifying swim which entails swimming continuously

in open water for one and a half hours in sub 16 degree water, exit the water for up to an hour, re-enter the water and swim for a further hour. So, after many months of training and preparation in Dover and in Felixstowe with my beloved friends from Felixstowe Seascapes (you may have seen me going back and forth along the shore in all weathers, pretty well all water conditions), the time came and we set off to meet the boat pilot at 1am on Sunday, 12th September 2021. My team consisted of Sophie, a midwife from Felixstowe, Lorna a vet from Nottinghamshire, Jonny an electrical engineer also from Nottingham and Claire, an occupational therapist and my good self, Amanda, dressmaking and sewing teacher, Felixstowe. The water in Dover Marina is mirror like, calm, dark, shiny, enticing, alluring, and deceiving. It’s deceptive as once the support boat leaves the marina you know, in your heart, you could be dealing with an entirely different set of conditions. That is precisely what happened to us. Off we went to Samphire Hoe in the pitch dark with the boat rolling and pitching, kit sliding on the deck, gripping to whatever I could. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

‘‘

I suddenly had the awesome realisation that we were committed, we were going, we were swimming to France.

Or so I thought. Sophie, swimmer one, simply an excellent human in all ways and a terrific swimmer, was all set to go, swimming costume on, Vaseline applied (to stop chaffing), guardian lights attached to her swimsuit and cap so we could see her in the water. Eddie our amazing, experienced, straight forward, no faffing about pilot appeared. “I’ve decided to take you back to Dover, it’s too dangerous to swim. We will see what the water is like in six hours and we can try again if the conditions are good.”

At night, a crew member shines a headlight on the surface of the water to guide the swimmer.

We turned around. We went back to the marina. We knew Eddie was right, we trusted him 100%. Nobody said a word. We arrived back at the marina, Eddie appeared again. “I’ve decided we are going to hold on here for about thirty minutes. Three other boats left after us and I want to see if they continue. If they do, it means the water has calmed so stand down and don’t leave the marina.” I didn’t stand down, I lay down and went to sleep. The adrenalin and sea sickness had got the better of me and I needed to power down. I was gently nudged by my team mate Sophie some time later. “Mrs Bowden, wake up – we have to swim to France now.”

Now, I have swum in the dark, I have swum in rough water, I have swum next to a boat. I had never swum with all three circumstances and I must say I was terrified and excited – I felt so desperately sea sick that swimming in pitch black, rough water was a welcome relief from the rolling and pitching on deck. Sophie nailed her hour and soon it was time for me to leap into the unknown to do my best as Swimmer Two. Now, I know what I’m good at and I’m really good at getting into cold water. I don’t faff about, get in, get on, get it done.

‘‘

I pulled myself out of my slumber, blinked, came to, got back on the boat; dazed, sleepy and anxious… Back of the boat, back to Samphire Hoe. 2.48 am. To start a Channel swim, the first swimmer jumps into the water, swims to shore. Clears the water, hands up waving to indicate they are ready. A claxon sounds and they re-enter the water and start swimming. 18

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Heavens to Betsy, I jumped and felt a surge of surprise as the darkness and cold enveloped me.

I rose to the surface, disorientated and thought what the bloody hell am I doing, this is madness. Luckily my pig headedness surged at this point and I started to swim to the light. The water was rolling and pitching with surface chop from the water, the annoying kind that disturbs your stroke. Swimming at night is a different technique to day swimming, you have to sight more

(look up from swimming) to work out where you are going as you don’t see as much when you are breathing. At some points the swell seemed to push me into the crux of the boat and I was brought up short thinking I was going to get squashed so I would change direction to get away from the hull of the boat. Open water swimming is as much about mental fortitude as it is about technique, in my humble opinion. One’s basic instincts can take over; fear of the dark, fear of the deep, fear of the swell, wanting to avoid swallowing water, wanting to avoid drowning, the conflict of swimming too close to a boat and being frightened of getting crushed or swimming away from the safety boat which is your life line. A whole heap of strong emotions which all tell you to get the hell OUT OF THE WATER and stop all this nonsense. Nah, I didn’t get out. I flipped it. I thought to myself I am actually swimming in the bloody English Channel. I AM SWIMMING TO FRANCE. I am strong, I am

capable, I am a team player. I can do this. I carried on. The dawn started to break and slivers of grey and indigo started to appear in the sky. The ink like atmosphere started to lift and a sense of rhythm replaced what I thought to be the flailing front crawl of the first thirty minutes of my swim. I settled and then, before I knew it, my team mates were beckoning me to come in, my first hour was up. Next on the platform, for her leap of faith was Lorna, a little power rocket of positivity and resilience with a smile that could smash crystal glasses. Our team took it in turns to support each other so there was always someone to help you get dressed, bring you a snack or drink or just look out for you. Once I had changed I had an overwhelming sense of nausea and exhaustion. I couldn’t say I was numb but I seemed to have lost my ability to communicate. I was sent to bed and shook with shock like I have never experienced

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before in my life. Despite thermal base layer, long sleeve t-shirt, jumper, sports robe, a duvet and a sleeping bag I still had uncontrollable tremors and then sleep took over. I was woken some time later as it was my turn to look after my swimmer. It’s amusing to think how territorial we all became about who ‘our’ swimmer was and that we, nobody else, had a duty of care to them. From a team perspective it was a brilliant idea to allocate ourselves to each other as thinking about somebody else stops you from worrying about oneself. I helped prepare my swimmer – Claire as her turn to swim beckoned. By this time the dawn had broken and the water had settled.

‘‘

A golden path of sunlight shone on the water, ethereal and stunning the majesty of the morning lifted and boosted us. We were doing so well, we had made really good progress.

Soon my turn to swim came again and this time it couldn’t have been more different. I felt strong, calm and in control. The conditions in the water were super with a favourable push from the tide and the sun shining on us. Out I came and once again I slept well with the added bonus of waking without feeling sea sick. I even managed to eat three jelly babies and have a cup of tea! The whole team were swimming their hearts out and with much merrymaking on deck with dancing, joking and cheering we knew we were swimming as well as we could. The French coast seemed to be so 20

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close but I cannot emphasise how misleading this can be. Eddie was only willing to say we were doing well and needed to carry on. The French inshore waters are notorious for carrying swimmers away within a few hundred metres of the shore. The swim simply isn’t landed until the swimmer clears the water and stands on French shores. Sophie swam her third hour like a sea goddess, beautiful to watch her long stroke eating up the metres and there was some talk that I might be landing the swim. In my heart I knew it was unlikely but what an incentive to get as close as possible. I LOVED my third hour of swimming. I felt like I have never swum so well in my life. Full of pride and joy for my team, for the epic day we were having, grateful for the skill and support of our crew and lovely Observer (kind of like a swim judge to make sure we all follow the rules and stay safe). It was time for Lorna to swim and we knew she was going to land it. She got a real wriggle on and after thirty-two minutes she stood up on the shore. Got greeted by a French dog and lovely family. Lorna then did a cartwheel… jumped into the water and swam back to the shore. Michael, one of the super crew members picked her up in the rib and brought her back to the boat. What on earth was she clutching? It’s traditional for Channel swimmers to pick up a pebble or shell to commemorate their swim. Lorna landed on a very sandy beach and couldn’t find a pebble so she picked up a piece of driftwood which bared an uncanny resemblance to a large dog turd. Like Kate Winslet on the front of Titanic, Lorna held her turd aloft, grinning from ear to ear before jumping back into the water and swimming to the boat. We had completed our swim in 12 hours and 32 minutes (unratified). Swim Tayka Team Brazil; Sophie, Amanda, Lorna, Jonny and Claire The most awe inspiring, wonderful, terrifying, amazing day… follow your dreams xxx Amanda theswimmingseamstress.co.uk

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

All Things Woolly! Meet the creator of the wonderful post box toppers, Debby from the Wool Baa in Felixstowe! My dream was always to have my own little wool shop where everyone could come in and socialise with like-minded people, and thanks to my amazing husband, Daren, here I am living my dream! We have great support from all our customers who come from all over, not just within Felixstowe - it’s like our own little community. The past 18 months have been extremely tough for all and having to be closed for 8 months due to covid, as I didn’t have a lot else to do, I decided to make some post box toppers - my attempt to bring a smile to people’s faces and brighten their day in a little way. 22

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They turned out to be a big hit, with many lovely compliments and charity donations from lots of Felixstowe residents. I’ve since done a Felix the Seagull Trail last summer and most recently yarn bombed the town centre for 2021 Poppy appeal. A group of creatives knitted/crochet over 1000 poppies! Get involved! Our next big project is Operation Knitmas Tree 2022! Done by an army of knitters, crocheters and sewists, this will be a huge community effort and will look spectacular. To participate all you need to do is knit or crochet 8” x 8” squares, any colour and design you like. Please drop off at the Wool Baa by beginning October 2022. We need a few thousand squares as would like to go big - so all are welcome to get involved. Debby 01394671186 thewoolbaafelixstowe@gmail.com

THINK BRIGHT ABOUT YOUR ADVERT from just £90 per year - info@thefelixstowemagazine.com

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FELIXSTOWE’S OPERA SINGER

Christina Johnston What a year for this talented soul despite all odds! Since broadcasting from their studio for online shows, Christina and her husband have performed 52 concerts in 52 weeks, all being completely different. “Having our studio allowed us the opportunity to continue performing and bring different musical shows to a larger audience across the globe.” From many operas and nineteen musicals to themed nights of Queen, ABBA, Elton John, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and many more, fans from across the globe tune in each week. “We have had an influx of requests since we finished last July to continue the online concerts, so we have decided to do a Bond Theme Concert and will do a live show once every two-three weeks for our international followers who can’t make the live shows in the UK.” Amongst the plethora of activity, here are just some of the highlights for our gal: 24

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Last summer Christina sang for Opera in the Park and with London Mozart Players in their A Prom at Crystal Palace and making her debut as a guest for Russell Watson with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She was such a hit, Russell asked Christina to join him again this year for Opera in the Park at Wherstead Park. Last year, Christina was chosen to sing for the Hollywood movie Wonder Woman 1984 as well as Mozart’s Voi Che Sapete. She was chosen to record at Abbey Road Studios in December and her voice will be featured on a number of commercials this year. Christina was chosen to be the voice and Ambassador of Purple Poppy Appeal, celebrating the animals of the war. The single, A Million Tears, has been backed by Her Majesty the Queen and fifty-two Commonwealth countries. It will be released 11th February. Finally, our talented vocalist will be performing in her own show on 17th June at The Spa Pavilion where she is now their Patron! For tickets, go to thelittleboxoffice.com. Phew! If that isn’t prolific creativity, we don’t know what is. Well done Christina!

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The Big Food Blog Our 2022 Big Food Blog is dedicated to vegetarian recipes from around the globe - Enjoy!

Mexican Chick Pea Tacos! 1 ripe sliced avocado 4 tbsp salsa (mild or spicy to your taste) Method Preheat oven to 220°/fan 200°/Gas 7. Drained and patted dry your chickpeas.Cut your red onion into thin wedges. Then add chickpeas, sliced pepper, tomatoes and red onion on a baking tray. The word taco comes from the Mexican word ‘tlahco’ which means “half or in the middle”, referring to the way it is formed. It also means wedge or plug! Ingredients 400g canned chickpeas 1 medium red onion 10 halved piccolo tomatoes 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced 2 tbsp spicy seasoning of your choice 1 tbsp olive oil 2 little gem lettuces, finely shredded 26

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Add the spicy seasoning and olive oil to the mix and toss together. Bake for 20 mins, turning halfway through. Add four taco shells for the last 3-4 mins, and bake until nice and crisp. Now for the fun part! To build your tacos, fill the shells with shredded lettuce, add a few spoonfuls of veg, and top each taco with sliced avocado. Finish with a spoon of salsa, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and voila! Disfrute de su comida (mexican for enjoy you meal)!

American Pecan Pie Brownies Ingredients Cooking spray 500g brownie mix, plus ingredients on the box 4 tbsp butter, melted 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup maple syrup 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp Kosher salt 2 large eggs 2 1/2 cup whole or chopped pecans Method Preheat oven to 175°. Grease a 9x13" baking pan with cooking spray and line pan with

Indian Butter Paneer

parchment paper. Grease parchment with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter according to box instructions and pour into pan. Bake for 20-25 mins, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep oven on. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Whisk in eggs until combined. Stir in pecans until coated. Top baked brownies with pecan topping, spreading evenly. Return to oven and bake for another 20 mins until pecan mixture is set. Let your delicious brownies cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

3/4 cup blanched almonds 2.25 cup heavy whipping cream 1200 grams paneer cut in cubes Chopped cilantro for garnish Method

Butter Paneer is also called Shahi Paneer or Paneer Makhani, and is simply a delicious vegetarian version of India’s cult classic Butter Chicken! Ingredients 12 tbsp butter 6 cups chopped onion 6 tbsp finely chopped garlic 3 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger 6 tbsp garam masala 6 tsp paprika 3/4 tsp cinnamon 6 tsp coarse salt 6 cups diced tomatoes

Heat butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add onions and slowly cook for about 20 minutes until golden brown (this is an important flavour-building step so don’t rush!). Add garlic and ginger and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in garam masala, paprika, cinnamon and salt; cook for one more minute. Add tomatoes and almonds; cook for two minutes. Add cream and carefully puree using an immersion blender bring to a simmer. Gently stir in paneer and cook until heated through for about two minutes. Top with cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread. Mmm... are you salivating yet? The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

LOCAL PERSON

Lisa Tyte

DIScoverABILITY: A friendship network and media platform for people living with disabilities In April 2021, DIScoverABILITY was born from a drive to make a positive difference in the world of disability; to build a friendship network, celebrate abilities, break down and challenge stereotypes, share ideas and tips that could help people with difficulties adapt and signpost people looking for help towards organisations that offer activities, resources, services and support. DIScoverABILITY’s routes As a wheelchair user with a painful connective tissue disorder and associated mental health challenges, I’ve been wanting to do this for years. I wanted something good to evolve from a lifechanging condition that has been a tempestuous rollercoaster since I was 10 and thanks to Rob Dunger (my DIScoverABILITY partner), Felixstowe Radio and my colleagues, DIScoverABILITY has given new purpose to my condition and has provided some great views from the top of the rollercoaster! Rob, who came up with the name for our venture, is brilliant to work with and has helped build confidence I never knew I could have. 28

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A view of the sea from the top of the rollercoaster One of my favourite views from the top of that rollercoaster was a walk/roll along the beach (for the first time in years) with Rob when we found Felixstowe’s very own, all-terrain, beach wheelchair, which is stored at Felixstowe Leisure Centre and free for everyone to enjoy. Being so close to the waves was a joy! Just pop into reception at the Leisure Centre, ask if you can use the wheelchair and relish some time on the beach. It’s a brilliant resource for the town and we hope it can be enjoyed for many years to come. DIScoverABILITY on air Through various media platforms, including the air waves, one of our main aims is to provide a positive, informative view of

Why is DIScoverABILITY so important to us?

disability and be a megaphone for people who strive to make a difference. If you’d like to listen to positive conversations, fun chats, meaningful discussions and great music on Wednesday mornings, tune in to Felixstowe Radio – 107.5 FM and www. felixstoweradio.org.uk – from 10am to 11am, just before Rob Dunger’s regular weekday programme from 11am to 1pm. Rob and I co-host our DIScoverABILITY programme with huge smiles! We’ve enjoyed chatting with amazing guests who live with physical, sensory, neurological and mental health related disabilities and conditions, their carers and companions, and lots of organisations (local and national) that make life easier for them all.

Over the last few months, we’ve met countless like-minded human battery chargers (our DIScoverABILITY Buddies) with important messages to share...

‘‘

... giving society a different view of what it’s like to live with a disability or care for someone who does.

If you’d like to be a guest on our programme, do find DIScoverABILITY on Facebook and send us a message. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

‘ Lisa with Rob Dunger

When our DIScoverABILITY Buddies share their stories, Rob and I get a buzz when judgmental views and stereotypes are challenged, abilities are showcased and positivity is shared.

‘‘

We feel warmth when someone tells us they feel less alone, feel they’ve been heard and represented, or discover an organisation or resource that can bring them enjoyment or make life easier.

It’s about being heard and giving others the chance to use us as their megaphone, in the hope that it’ll make a positive difference to someone and help implement changes in society. 30

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With everyone Rob and I have met, and I support this on a personal level, the general message is that although a disability can be a huge part of your life, it doesn’t define you. We’re all human beings, whether we live with a disability or not, and we’re all living our own, individual normality. A few people have told me I’m an inspiration because I work, and although kind comments are always appreciated, I’m not an inspiration at all. I’m just a human, like everyone else, who has found a job I’m able to enjoy while sitting down. On that note, I never want someone with a disability to be devalued for not being able to work. The physical and mental health effects of a disability can be incredibly complex. The person living with those effects is an expert on themselves and I strongly believe that their expertise should be trusted and respected. From personal experience and that of others Rob and I have met through DIScoverABILITY, sympathetic reactions, unnecessary eggshells, inaccessible environments and, on far too many occasions, hostility from those who judge

situations when they don’t know the full story, are all common occurrences.

‘‘

Together, we want to help society understand that although we might need extra help at times, we’re living life with determination and positivity relative to our individual circumstances.

We want to help sweep away those eggshells, showcase how welcomed and valued we feel when we can access environments and opportunities like everyone else, and, by sharing our stories, we’d like to encourage kinder, non-judgmental reactions in society – highlighting the fact that not all disabilities and health conditions are visible and when they are, it’s a proper joy when we’re not pigeon-holed into boxes based on stereotypes. Your best is always good enough

We all wear a superhero cape in our own way – and if we need to take it off, hang it up in the wardrobe and climb into bed for the day, that’s ok too. Being here for each other There have been many occasions when I feel completely naff and Rob cheers me up – he’s particularly good at telling smile inducing jokes! As part of our friendship network with our DIScoverABILITY Buddies, we have a laugh, share good times and enjoy plenty of positivity, and, between us, we also share lots of good listening ears when they’re needed.

‘‘

Another important message Rob and I are keen to highlight is that your best is always good enough. There can be a lot of pressure on people who live with disabilities and long-term health conditions to push themselves, work in a job that’s going to cause them harm or distress, be thankful that their situation isn’t as bad as someone else’s, be an inspiration to others, wear an ‘I’m fine’ mask… be a Paralympian… Rob and I love celebrating the achievements of others; from running, walking, hobbling or wheeling marathons to finding the physical and emotional strength to get out of bed in the morning. We believe that

everyone, whether they live with physical, sensory or mental health challenges or not, deserves to be valued and celebrated for who they are, not for what they achieve in the eyes of society. Achievements are relative to the individual and shouldn’t be minimised because they’ve been measured and compared to epic feats that make the news.

Whether you’re new to living with a disability, fed up with the challenges of a long-term condition, feeling low or just need a good rant, please do contact us – we’d like to be here to help as much as we can.

Fancy being a DIScoverABILITY Buddy? Get in touch… We’re a welcoming bunch of buddies with a drive to make a difference, enjoy new friendships and celebrate our The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

abilities. We challenge taboos, enjoy open conversations, help break down barriers, have a good laugh and support each other when it’s needed. We’re not a club, there are no fees, obligations or regular formal gatherings – it’s all about inclusive, pressure-free networking, personal connections with new pals and building friendships with people, of all ages, who know what it’s like to live with a disability or condition. Whether you live with a disability or health condition, or are a friend, supporter or carer of those who do, you’re welcomed with open arms. Find DIScoverABILITY on Facebook, send us a message and tell us about your superhero cape! The drive continues As you can see, there’s a lot of passion behind our venture. Living with a disability or long-term health condition can be isolating, lonely, frustrating and life-changing in so many ways, and we’d like to provide an effective bridge for anyone who might be struggling. We’d like as many people in society as possible

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to learn new ways to view, include and respect people with disabilities. We’d love people to see DIScoverABILITY as a helpful platform where they can get their story out there or promote their support services, and we look forward to celebrating even more fabulous people (and their superhero capes) as DIScoverABILITY grows. Lisa Tyte DIScoverABILITY co-host with Rob Dunger who you can read about in the next article. Facebook @DiscoverabilitySocial Email Rob: rob@robdunger.co.uk Email Lisa: lisatyte@hotmail.co.uk

We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way.

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Rob Dunger THE VOICE OF

FELIXSTOWE RADIO STUDIO 4

Many of you might know the warm, vibrant and creative presenter, but does anyone really know the real Rob Dunger?

I was born and raised in Erdington, Birmingham - at the time, Erdington was referred to as “the village” and it really did have a real village feel. I went to school in Edgbaston which I really liked at the time. There was a lovely community feel which really stayed with me.

Well, we were delighted to spend some time with Rob and really get to know this wee gem! So without further ado, here’s the great Mr Dunger and more about the voice behind Felixstowe Radio’s Studio 4!

I had a marvelous childhood. I have two siblings – I’m the baby of the family and we’re all very close.

Rob, tell our readers who you are and where you’re from.

I actually moved from Birmingham to Worcester. I worked at WH Smith and at one point was the youngest manager at the age of 21.

I live currently in East Bergholt but have been in love with Felixstowe for many 34

years, and have been a presenter on Felixstowe Radio for 4 years now.

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What did you do before Felixstowe Radio came into your life?

Not long after, my partner at the time suggested we start a flower import-export business. It was very scary, but very exciting. We imported flowers from Holland and no one was importing Dutch flowers into England at that time, due to the recession. Holland is the flower capital of the world so we brought a huge selection over… my favourite flower is a stunning small white flower called Lily of the Valley. When Tower Ramparts shopping centre was built in Ipswich, there was a bidding process to secure a site. There was a kiosk on the bottom floor which we managed to get and we were there for fifteen to sixteen years. It was a huge florist, and we had one of the biggest turnovers with twelve staff.

‘‘

In total I was in the floristry business for 20 years. I loved it and because of all the trips to Holland I’m now fluent in Dutch!

Wow! How did you get into radio? It was completely by accident! Lesley Dolphin was one of the main presenters for Radio Suffolk. She did a show on local businesses and one was broadcast from my shop. It was a real success. As florists we used to go out a lot to clients so I was wellknown in the local business community and for that reason, Leslie invited me to review newspapers on her show. It was fun but even then I had no plans to do anything on radio. On Saturday, one of Lesley’s staff left and there was no one else to answer the phones for her show, so I said I’d do it. Later the big boss said to me he wanted to see me after the show. I really thought I was in trouble, so I was surprised when he said he wanted to give me an hour every Sunday to be a presenter-trainee! They trained me up and I got to learn all the tricks of the trade

before I trained others. Not long after that, I started to stand in for other presenters. As it turned out, the rent at the Tower Ramparts kiosk went up, so it was time to move on. Luckily, someone asked if I wanted to sell my business so within a month I’d sold the business and was offered a full-time job with the BBC on Radio Suffolk! I was lucky and everything fell into place perfectly! How did you get from BBC Radio and go to Felixstowe Radio? I had some dark times and became quite introverted. I actually didn’t realise how much pressure being a presenter Radio Suffolk was. My mission is to get bosses to recognise the phenomena of such situations and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for… but the signs of overwhelm are obvious. One day I took a walk down in Flatford one morning. There was mist over the river and I heard a noise… swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. It was a flock of geese and saw them fly over the mist and off into the distance. It was beautiful moment. It was a moment that I thought, “No one can take from me.” This nature and beauty… and that was a turning point for me in my life. So, I decided to take a break and became a Mathematics Instructional Coach at Easton & Otley College for a year. It was so rewarding. I just loved it! Huge Vale was one the presenters from Felixstowe Radio, and he was actually once my guest on Radio Suffolk. He invited me to come and be a presenter at Felixstowe Radio. That was about 4 years ago and I haven’t looked back since. That’s quite a journey… and with all your experience they must have loved having you join the team! We have some great characters in our team. We’re like any family… you’ve got a mad uncle, a wild child and the divorced parents. Just like any healthy dysfunctional family! But the loyalty is there and we learn from each other. I’ve just written a training manual for future presenters to help them, The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

The Right Reverend Alan Hopes. Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia

With the Archbishop of Cantebury

so I can pass on any tricks and tips I have from my BBC days. Is your role as a presenter on Felixstowe Radio voluntary? Yes, it’s completely voluntary. The presenters actually pay £10 a month to keep it running. Also I do 2 hours each weekday. It takes about 5-6 hours to prepare the shows, so it’s a lot of work for us all. What’s the worst thing you’ve done on live radio? I’ve had things go wrong… I kicked us off air for an hour by accident (laughs)! Have you had any celebrities on the show? I once interviewed the Archbishop of Canterbury. I’ve had so many politicians except Teresa Coffey on the show… she’s on wish list if she stops skirting around me (laughs). I’ve interviewed many businesses, charities and faith leaders.

‘‘ 36

I’ve even gotten to interview the talented and mysterious Uri Geller, and even Basil Brush and Sooty!

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Always looking for a good story!

Who has been your best guest? I once gave my programme over to White High Junior School and I loved what they did with the air time as presenters! I love that I can do that kind of thing on my show… It’s only with a versatile community radio that you can do that. On a national radio guests get 10 mins, but on a local radio, I can give them half an hour and they can really do something with it. It was a lot of fun. What would you say inspires you? I’ve always loved Felixstowe but I’ve now fallen in love with Felixstowe. The community is so, so strong. It’s so lovely and so friendly. You’ll meet people who belong to one organisation or group and they also belong to another organisation or group… there’s so much crossover and the town is so networked. I think Old Felixstowe Community Centre is the centre of the universe! If you want to find something you’ll find an expert there. Where would you love to take radio moving forward? I’d like to have a bigger presence in the town. Daytime radio has to be very community oriented and I’d like to do more outside broadcasts. Our strength is just how ‘local’ we are. Sounds like a great move! What more is there to you that the good people of Felixstowe might like to know?

Ever the charmer with Mrs Wicker

Rob with DIScoverABILITY’s Lisa and the Mayor

I got married last year and my husband lives in Amsterdam. We spend a week together once a month. Some of my married friends really envy that! We’re both interested in a lot of history. We visit castles and English Heritage sites. Walberswick is magical and one of my favourite places in the world. And we hear you’re one of the co-founders of the DIScoverABILITY show? I always wondered what more can I do with the radio show… what difference can I make. Well, one day I was doing a programme about cocktails and I got an email from Lisa Tyte saying how she loved piña colada. I contacted her and got her onto the show where we talked about piña colada and cocktails. When she arrived she was in a wheelchair and we talked about a radio show about disability. And so, DIScoverABILITY was born! Once a week we do something on the positive side of disability… the ABILITY.

Photo courtesy of BBC Radio Suffolk

It’s an amazing project! We loved hearing about the concept from Lisa. Last question for you Rob, what was the craziest thing you ever did? I once did the full monty for charity in front of a full audience!! I even have a newspaper clipping of it! Lol – what a gem! You can hear Rob on the radio every weekday lunchtime between 11am and 1pm on Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm. robdunger.co.uk facebook.com/dungerman twitter.com/DungerRob

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Book Review

A book review of The Therapist by B. A. Paris

As with her previous books, B.A. Paris’s latest novel, “The Therapist”, does not disappoint. Released in July of 2021, it’s full of the intrigue and mystery for which she is famous. Her latest tale will keep readers in suspense from beginning to end. Alice Dawson has just left her life-long home in the country to move into a newly renovated house in London with her boyfriend Leo. Although the home is spacious, beautiful, and bright, something about it gives her an uneasy feeling. At first, she blames it on living in a strange place, but as time goes by, she begins to realize there’s something more to it. And, the neighbours in her exclusive gated community of The Circle, although friendly enough, seem to be hiding something. With a tragic past of her own, and no family to speak of, Alice is desperate to make friends, especially with Leo being away so often on business. But, when she learns of the horrific history of the house and the fate of Nina, the female therapist who used to live there, she quickly realises that everyone in The Circle, including the man she loves, has been keeping secrets from her. At first, she feels betrayed and angry, but as she starts to uncover more and more of the buried secrets of the people around her, including Leo’s, she doesn’t know whom she can trust. When she discovers that someone has been entering the house at night 38

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and leaving unusual and sometimes frightening gifts behind, and with what she now knows happened in the house two years prior, she begins to fear for her life. As she makes plans to leave The Circle and Leo and return home, little does she know that someone intends to stop her - for good. And it might be the person she least suspects. Filled with twists and turns in every chapter, with interesting characters who keep readers guessing, “The Therapist” makes it hard to pin down who is friend, foe, or even a killer. When the truth finally comes out, it’s even more shocking than imagined. B.A. Paris is the internationally bestselling author of five previous novels, including “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Breakdown.” She lives in the UK with her husband and is hopefully busy writing her next unforgettable story. Written by Susan Baldani author of articles about small town life, décor, books and food. suebaldani@yahoo.com www.mywritingwall.com Twitter @mywritingwall

A Magical Trilogy Divided by Magic 21st Century London. A terrorist group calling themselves The Magic Circle is causing destruction across the city for Normals and Augurs everywhere. The very status of Augurs, people with magical abilities, is in question. Normal 18-year-old Curtis Mayes wants nothing more than to ask the girl of his dreams, Ella, out. But soon he's thrown out of his depth and into a world of secrecy and lies. Will Curtis be able to protect Ella, and ultimately all of Augur kind, when death threats and Anti-Augurism, even on is own his doorstep? Broken by Magic No one is safe, nothing is sacred. Curtis and Ella are in hiding while Normals in the City are terrified after the events last year that left Curtis paralysed and London in turmoil. Unable to find peace in the English countryside they return home, only to find the Magic Circle, the Augur terrorist group, still searching for them.

Curtis, a Normal, struggles to find his place in an unfamiliar world, defenseless and unable to protect his powerful Augur girlfriend when she needs it the most. When things go from bad to worst at home, Curtis is forced to choose between his new family and the one he left behind. But with enemies at every turn, alliances made and broken, and friendships tested, can Curtis and Ella stay together? An action-packed sequel to Divided by Magic, containing new bonus content! Shattered by Magic Curtis's life is upside down. Ella is missing. The Duke has kidnapped her and there's no trace of them to be found across the country. With the help of the Augur Terror Unit, Curtis and his friends work day and night to try and find any clue, or what the Duke might be planning. But things go from bad to worse when Carlton Munday escapes from prison. Somehow the Ella's kidnapping and Munday's escape must be connected. Turning to unlikely allies for help, Curtis, Jer, Lou and Marco embark on one final crazy plan to turn things around, but what will they lose in the process? The epic conclusion to the Divided by Magic trilogy! www.rebeccadanese.com The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

‘ Felixstowe’s H 2 D Nurses Two of Felixstowe’s finest retired nurses travel the world to provide their unique TLC! We get asked lots of questions when we meet people about our trips and how we got started so we’re going back to the beginning. Heather’s story In 2009 I found myself living alone for the first time in my life without ties or dependants. I can’t remember a flash of light or realisation of what I wanted to do but I knew I loved learning about other cultures and I kept saying “the world is my oyster.”

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I started nursing in 1971 in Belfast then working part-time when my children came along and through several house moves ended up in Suffolk in 1992 due to my husband’s job. I immediately felt at home living in Hadleigh in that rural setting where people were friendly and neighbourly, just like Bangor Northern Ireland, where I was born. I had trained in general nursing in Belfast, later becoming a registered mental nurse in Ayr in Scotland in 1975. I have worked for NHS and in private hospitals and when I moved to Suffolk I had my first experience of working in a nursing home. While I had been living in Glasgow in the 1980’s I had trained as a reflexologist and found complementary therapies fascinating, later training in different modalities including hypnotherapy, Reiki Healing and Meridian Tapping.

I met Pam in the 1990’s, our paths crossed and we had lots in common, nursing and her husband is also from Northern Irleland. In 2009 I was starting to talk about wanting to do a charity trip, travelling to all continents to assess need and plan where I would support whenever I was no longer physically able to travel.

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As time has gone by and our trips have been achieved I’ve come to realise how much of the world’s population is in need of medical aid, as a basic human right.

I have never viewed our work from a political standpoint but only humanitarian. I persuaded Honor Dines, then Pam to go with me and we set up H2D volunteers, later, as Honor dropped out, we changed the name to H2d Nurses. Pam’s Story I started nursing in 1977 in Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield which is close to Ponders End where I was born and brought up. I am a North London girl at heart! Before nursing I was a secretary and worked in the city after leaving school. I wanted a more exciting and worthwhile career which I felt nursing would give me, with more opportunities, which it certainly has in recent years! There were only three men in the class of ’77 and my future husband was one of them. We got together had our daughter in 1981 and then our son in 1984. I worked nights at Chase Farm for a while before getting a job on the twilight shift, 6-10pm, in the community around Edmonton and North London which suited childcare much better and I knew

community nursing was where my heart lay for the future. After my son was born my husband got a job at Ipswich Hospital which brought us to Suffolk. After a couple of jobs in nursing homes I fulfilled my ambition and got a job as a Community Nurse and progressed my career to District Nursing Sister in Bildeston and Hadleigh. It was around this time that my friendship with Heather evolved and grew into the lifelong buddies that we are today!!! When she spoke about her vision of charity trips to different continents over the world I very quickly and without any persuasion jumped on board, seeing it as a way of using my qualification to support wider world communities and gain experience and knowledge of diverse populations. On reflection I feel I have gained far more than I have given in our trips, we come home feeling humble and grateful for all we have in this country. This is what motivates me and drives me to continue. Fundraising Planning our first trip and fundraising took a lot of effort, trial and error. Social media was not what it is today so we put up posters to spread the word and involved friends and relatives. We organised events including a quiz at the fire station Felixstowe. We sold home-made pickles, jam and wine to work colleagues. The wine was unique to say the least and occasionally exploded in the cupboard under the stairs. We attended car boot sales, auctioned a quilt made by Honor and raffled a Christmas cake in Cuppa. We set up tables in our front gardens and sold donated goods there or sold items on marketplace. Our first trip was to Nepal. We stood in Mumbai airport at 3am, the three of us having a group hug, saying, “We can’t believe we have made it this far!” We were a strange sight from the usual gap year students. We shared a tiny room with mosquito nets on bunk beds and not much else. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

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The children called us “The Three Grandmas” and kept asking what age we were. They couldn’t believe that old women in their 50s could travel so far.

We taught them how to knit. They ended up with knitted bracelets, hair bands and pompoms to name but a few. We visited a local primary school and gave out a suitcase full of knitted toys. In 2012 we went to Peru to work with street children. They were bright, smart third generation kids who had been rescued and then educated. Our biggest difficulty was the altitude and upset stomachs. Our plan for 2013 was to go to Africa, Honor decided she had done enough globetrotting and we cajoled a midwife friend to take her place. We booked to work in a hospital in Ghana but unfortunately Heather was unable to go at the last minute Pam’s story of Ghana Jillian and I stayed in a hostel the first night and during an introductory talk from a local doctor his mobile phone kept ringing. It turned out to be an emergency call out to a public hospital to a lady having difficulty giving birth. The experience was gruelling and memorable! Conditions in the hospital were prewar, equipment was antiquated and staff attitude and practices appeared archaic compared to the UK. There was no difference in the hospital that we volunteered in. I was on the male ward which consisted of 80 men of all ages and all conditions. The hospital was run by nuns and was maintained with donations only. Some of the men had walked miles to get

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

to the hospital from outlying villages which had made their conditions worse. Their families brought food in to them and if they didn’t have sheets or pillows they lay on the bare mattresses which were usually stained and musty. Jillian and I went to a local market on our last day and bought pillows and bedding with donated money. Following this trip Heather was back on board. We tried Bulgaria, working in a Dementia Home, it was fraught with difficulties as the co-ordinator wasn’t in the country and we ended up working with the gypsy community or visiting hospitals with our donations. Back on plan we returned to Ghana where we were booked to work in a hospital in Accra. Our accommodation was a compound on the beach in Jamestown, a fishing port area of the capital. The property accommodated the host family and about twenty foster children situated between an abattoir and a canvas shanty town of fisherman. We went to the hospital on our first day and it was well resourced and affluent. We decided to leave as we had come to work with those who needed our help, not those who can afford to pay for healthcare. Next we spent a frantic day buying equipment and setting up our own health and wellbeing clinic on the beach. We treated and advised on things like high blood pressure, diabetes, wounds, aches and pain. I was an assessment and treatment nurse and I offered reflexology and Reiki healing.

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It was exhausting as it was usually 33C, no running hot water and several days no water at all.

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One day our host said ISIS is in town going door-to-door looking for recruits. We didn’t believe her but later learnt it was true!

The next night we heard lots of shouting and dogs barking and became frightened only to find several cows had broken through the perimeter fence. The following year we went back to the same place and saw several patients we had met previously, but unfortunately the project ended and we couldn’t return for a third visit. In February 2020 we travelled to Delhi to work in the slums of Faridabad. We worked in Clinics run by doctors who taught us some Hindi and got us to triage the patients by observation. They had no equipment and very few medicines. We learnt a lot from the doctors and were encouraged to diagnose and treat. we managed mainly with sign language. We stayed in a house with a lot of student nurses from Liverpool which was noisy and frenetic. We arrived back a couple of weeks before lockdown with very bad chesty coughs.

We have been saddened to hear from India during the pandemic, medical services were withdrawn from the slums and many people were left to die in the street. During the pandemic we planned our next trip and in October 2021 we went to Greece to work in a refugee camp. We were very apprehensive before going as we were used to poverty and unsanitary conditions but not used to the trauma refugees have experienced. This is the first time we had worked with British doctors, and we even shared a bedroom with one British doctor and a Moroccan interpreter, both male. We feel privileged to be accepted into other people’s communities. Humbled to hear stories of hardship, deprivation and abuse. We are humanitarians, nonpolitical while travelling, our only desire is to promote health and wellbeing and encourage hope of a better life. When complimented for our courage, Pam says, “This is just what we do now.” What gems these wonderful Felixstowe nurses are! You can keep an eye on the ladies updates on their webiste or The Felixstowe App, and if you’d like to make a donation go to: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pamelaquinn-996 H2dnurses.co.uk The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

When it comes to vibrant colours Gavin King wins first prize!

Of all the runners we’ve met, Gavin has to have the most fun running gear and the biggest smile. Here he is to tell you about his best routes and ways to get motivated and get you trotting off in no time! I’ve been told I’m obsessed, I’m crazy, but honestly I’m just in love with running. I started running back in 2014 but during lockdown I started running a lot more regularly and since August I started a run streak, running every day. I can often be seen running along the promenade, up and down the seafront, especially when it’s ParkRun on a Saturday morning but mostly you will see me running the footpaths around Trimley marshes, following them as far as Nacton shores. The footpaths that link Felixstowe to Ipswich are an amazing place to run, there are lots of little loops coming away from Trimley Marshes and Trimley foreshore that take you across fields, along the river and through woodlands. This time of year they can get a little muddy in places.

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Confidence is key to staying on your feet.

Although sometimes I find you just have to walk little sections so you don’t end up slipping over (which has happened to me numerous times now). You can see lots of nature at the right time of day too, I regularly see herds of deer, badgers, foxes and owls as well as lots of squirrels and rabbits. I often just slip off into

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Felixstowe’s my own little world, taking it all in and the time and miles just disappear. My first challenge of the year is called the Frozen Accumulator. For those that haven’t heard of this sort of thing before, it works like this. Day 1 – 1 mile, Day 2 – 2 miles, Day 3 – 3 miles... and this continues all the way to day 31 and 31 miles. Each run has to be continuous, which means no stopping for a long break (toilet breaks are allowed, thankfully), and no splitting your miles up throughout the day. It’s very likely you’ll see me out over this next month. I’m easy to recognise, I’m tall, I’m in bright tops, crazy shorts and usually a matching hat. This is typically where the “Gav you’re CRAZY” comments start coming in. I’m so in love with running and bright colours that I

Most Colourful Runner started my own business with my best friend selling bright, colourful running tops, ‘We Run Bright’. which has been great for me because with the amount of running I do and time spent slipping in the winter mud I always need a good supply of clean tops to wear. The start of a new year often brings new resolutions, a desire to improve fitness and quite often a lot of us turn to running. It’s accessible, it’s free and it can be done practically anywhere. Getting started and staying motivated though can still be tough as those of you who already run are likely to agree. Felixstowe’s ParkRun is a great way to start. It’s an inclusive, free running event that you can sign up to online and you get to

run with a group of like-minded runners on Saturday mornings. It doesn’t matter what pace you run, you will be welcomed by all. It starts at just next to Felixstowe Pier. The course covers 3 miles/5km which you can run, walk or a little bit of both and what’s great is when you sign up online, you can keep a record of your times. ParkRun text or email you your time, this helps you keep track on your progress helping you improve over time. Setting yourself little monthly goals are a great way to keep you motivated. You could set yourself the goal to run a certain distance over the course of a month, break that down over a week and celebrate little victories along the way. If you don’t have a watch that can track your runs, a great app The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

to download on your phone is Strava, the standard version of the app is free which allows you to record your activities and saves them for you to look back on to see your progress.

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Getting out on your own can be tricky but finding yourself a running partner can give you that little extra encouragement you need...

...especially if you sign up to a race together and have the same goal to work towards. Why not ask someone you know if they fancy joining you for a little run? Felixstowe and its surrounding has some great places on offer for you to run and explore. The promenade is a great choice when you’re unsure on how far you feel like running. Run as far as you feel, turn around and head back, you can even tie it in with grabbing some coffee or lunch from Beach Street or one of the other restaurants, cafes or bars on offer. If you’re a little more like me and want to get away from the tarmac and onto some trails then head on up to Trimley St. Mary, drive down Station Road and park up in the car park heading to the Marshes and explore some of the footpaths on offer. I can be found on Instagram and I’m always happy to offer advice, tips or even have someone tag along on a run, drop me a message and say, “Hi”. @run_with_gav @werunbright What a lad! Now we know what you’re thinking... “Where can I grab a t-shirt like Gav’s?!” Go to werunbright.co.uk for some fantastic bright running gear suitable for men, women and children! Yup... You can thank us later (wink)! 46

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Kirton & Falkenham W I

Felixstowe at your fingertips

A wonderful welcoming group for ladies in Felixstowe

Kirton and Falkenham Women’s Institute is part of the Orwell Group, which is one of the nineteen groups that constitute SEFWI, Suffolk East Federation of the Women’s Institute. Founded in 1921, Kirton & Falkenham WI has around 40 members. Meetings are normally held at 2pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Kirton & Falkenham Village Hall, Falkenham Road, Kirton IP10 0QW. For meetings in early 2022, please confirm the venue with our Secretary. If you would like to know more about Kirton & Falkenham WI, becoming a member, or if you would like to come along to a meeting to see what we do, please do get in touch. We are always delighted to greet new members and can assure you of a warm and friendly welcome. www.kirton-suffolk.info/wi/wi.html sefwi.org.uk/institutes/kirton-falkenham

NEWS, EVENTS, LOCAL OFFERS

PUBLISH YOURS TODAY!

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Lucy Ainsley’ This lovely local lass shares her passion to help women across Felixstowe with Cervical Screening. Here she is to tell you more... I’m Lucy Ainsley Project Co-ordinator for the Cervical Screening programme being run by the Suffolk GP Federation. We are running a project called Very Important Invitation throughout Suffolk to increase the take up of Cervical Screening. The project is something I feel very passionate about. Having three disabled children I really want to support patients with a disability and offering equality within the healthcare industry. I live in Felixstowe in Suffolk and having a busy work-life balance I understand how difficult finding time to attend appointments can be. How guilty are we of opening a letter and popping it on our to do list, to only find that weeks later the letter is still in the same place and we have not done anything about it? My personal experience During lockdown in 2020 I received my recall letter from NHS England and booked to attend my Cervical Screening. I have always found going for a Cervical Screening tricky. I have a tilted cervix which makes taking the sample a little more challenging. I’ll be very open and honest and say it’s uncomfortable but it certainly didn’t hurt me.

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’s Mission to Help Women I met with a lovely nurse at the Grove Medical Centre who explained the process and although both in masks and operating in new ways, I felt supported to have the procedure and sample taken. I was provided with a modesty sheet and asked if I wanted a chaperone in the room.

Lucy’s Role as Project Co-ordinator

Thankfully the test part is over really quickly. I don’t think it’ll ever be easy to strip off from the waste down, however, having young children...

We have a number of targeted focus groups that have already been identified as needing extra support.

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...I know how important looking after my own health is and needs must.

The nurse explained to me that she is looking for human papillomavirus (HPV) and not cancerous cells. Having a smear test looks for the early signs of HPV which can go on to cause cancer. A few weeks past and my letter returned to say I have changes in my cells and required an appointment in Cytology Clinic. Cytology is the exam of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens. It’s mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. Following some treatment, I was discharged from the Cytology Clinic and invited back to have smear tests on a more regular basis. I now know how vital regular screening is and that prevention is better than cure. Thankfully in my case I have found attending screening an easy process and have fully understood the procedure.

Part of my role on the Cervical Screening team is to work with patients who: • Find attending smear tests difficult. • May have never of been screened. • Have had a negative experience in the past.

• Women who have never had a smear • Women aged 25-49 – no smear in 4 years • Women aged 50-64 - no smear in 6 years • Deprivation • LD and Mental health • LGBTQ+ • BAME Our project has three nurses, two covering East Suffolk and one nurse covering West Suffolk. Our health educators work both within GP practices to increase the uptake of patients as well as at community level: attending events, workshops and offering health education sessions in school, colleges and universities. We have recently had pop up health stands at fresher’s week, in supermarkets and at Ipswich town football club fan zone. We have recently hired a Cervical Screening communications and events administrator who is actively seeking events we can attend to support patients, if anyone has any idea on events we could attend or any suggestions, we are always welcome new ideas, so please contact Rosie by email: rosie.leggett@suffolkfed.org.uk I feel very privileged to come in to work everyday and to be able to offer support The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

to patients, I enjoy helping people and each day I learn something new. For me something that is very important is that every contact with patient counts, it could be an initial conversation regarding booking an appointment to attending an appointment alongside and anxious patient. Being kind, listening and offering patients time to express themselves in a safe and confidential environment is paramount. Suffolk GP federation run and extended access service seven days a week operating evenings and weekends. We understand that patients have busy lives and that attending a GP appointment during opening hours is not always possible. My message would be to please remember to book your cervical screening when you receive your invitation. If you require any confidential support, advice or have any questions about screening please get in touch by email or contact me by telephone. We are here to support you.

Contact details 07931264153 sgpfed.veryimportantinvitation@suffolkfed.org.uk suffolkfed.org.uk Our social media: Facebook: facebook.com/Cervical. Screening.Access Twitter: twitter.com/InvitationVery Tiktok: vm.tiktok.com/ZM8cUoK4R/ Instagram: instagram.com/ veryimportantinvitation?utm_ medium=copy_link To book an appointment in our GP+ extended access service you can call your GP in working hours and request an extended access appointment or you can book via our booking request form and we will call you back to arrange a suitable time. Book an appointment https://bit.ly/CervicalScreening-Bookings

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of all the funeral arrangements Call us 24 hours a day • Dignity Funeral Plans with Trust Fund • Complimentary Legal Services Membership • Arrangements can be made at your home if preferred

Gordon Rodwell Funeral Service, 79 St. Andrews Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7BW

Tel: 01394 671999 50

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Orwell Decorative And Fine Arts Society Are you interested in the history and inspiration behind art and would like to learn more? We may well be the society for you. Our talks are held on the first Wednesday of each month and are given by professional guest speakers selected by us. The atmosphere is relaxed, the subjects are varied.

2nd February 2022 La Serenissima; The Golden Era of Music in Venice 2nd March 2022 Irma Stern (1894-1966) Flowers and Faces of South Africa 6th April 2022 Dismantling the Devil’s Acre - Slums that shamed Victorian London 4th May 2022 Lord Fitzwilliam and His Bequest to Cambridge 1st June 2022 Bombing with Banksy & Co. - The Graffiti and Street Art of Shoreditch and Spitalfields. The meetings start at 2pm and last about an hour. Tea and coffee are available from 1.30-2pm. We always welcome new people, but please ring Wendy Robbins on 01394 823807 before the day as exceptionally popular lectures have limited spaces. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

IN THE

Garden Felixstowe’s gardening twins share their expert knowledge and experience Abelia, a shrub named after Clarke Abel, a naturalist born in Bungay in the 1780’s, come in nearly 50 different varieties and flower from early summer to October which accounts for their popularity. Most are semi-evergreen but all varieties have stunning flowers. A new variety for 2021 is Sparkling Silver which grows to 3 feet tall with green leaves edged with silver. In very cold weather a mulch around the roots is advisable and prune to keep Abelias in shape, removing old branches in mature plants. It is argued that roses are the most favoured plant in any garden. It may be a single hybrid tea, a floribunda, or a rambler. The deep maroon velvety petals of Papa Meilland with its heady scent is a reminder of childhood. The coppery pink flowering Albertine, a rambler, is ideal for an arch, wall or trellis and makes a wonderful display in June. Compassion, a coral-pink climber has a longer flowering season but requires good pruning. Another popular shrub/ climber is the mid-pink double Gertrude Jekyll, named after the writer and gardener. Madame Isaac Pereire, a deep magenta Bourbon hybrid, has wonderful fragrance and is most suitable for an obelisk, whereas 52

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Rugosa roses are versatile and even make a good hedge. For a formal rose garden there is a huge selection of hybrid teas. However, some hybrid teas, like Peace, are vigorous, so choose carefully and ensure there is contrasting colour throughout the summer. The Jackmanii group of large flowering clematis look good interwoven with climbing and rambling roses. Another climber are vines, decorative or edible varieties, which make the perfect shade cover on south facing pergolas. Matthiola incana, the annual more familiarly known as stocks, are highly scented, like sweet peas, and come in similar colours of white, pink, magenta, lilac and purple. These annuals are a must have for many gardeners. The white flowering Phlox paniculata David is a late summer perennial for the border. Cherry Pink and Sweet Summer Candy are good pink varieties. Hawkshead, a hardy fuchsia perennial, has white flowers throughout the summer. The red and purple flowers of Mrs Popple

is a familiar favourite. Lady Boothby, a climbing variety is in deeper tones.

multiple white lace cap flowers emerging from both lateral and terminal buds.

The mass of pink flowers of the Devon dianthus with the purple spires of the lavender are complimented by a purple leafed hebe in the photograph. Hebes, a genus from New Zealand, come in a huge variety of types and are well suited to coastal gardens.

Containers and planters are useful for growing herbs, strawberries, tomatoes, chillies or beans if space is limited. Many new dwarf varieties of plants are now suitable for pots enabling people without a garden to have a bit of nature on the patio or balcony. Geraniums mixed with lobelia will give lasting colour all summer long particularly when spent flowers are removed and remember to water during hot spells.

Sedums, recently renamed Hylotelphium, are most reliable herbaceous border plants. The succulent leaves come in shades of pale green to purple with flowers ranging from white, pink to deep burgundy. Notable varieties include Autumn Joy, Matrona, and Stardust. Touchdown Teak is a new variety with burgundy flowers. The plants can easily be divided when the centres lose their vigour. They are ideally suited to a sunny well-drained spot in poor soil alongside ornamental grasses, such as Miscanthus or Pennisetums. Grasses selfseed profusely so the seedlings can be removed and planted elsewhere. The arum lily, Zantedeschia, makes a good splash of white in summer. Divide the clump when mature. Hydrangea Runaway Bride Snow White, the RHS Plant of the Year 2018, has

Written by Heather Pratt

Heather and Vivian Pratt 01394 283976 - t.wins@hotmail.co.uk The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

FELIXSTOWE

History

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The perfect summer’s day with locals relaxing by the bandstand c.1925 Credit: Thank you to Justin Grimwood for providing these photos from his personal collection of postcards. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

The perfect reading corner and hideaway for young Felixstowe bookworms! Thanks to the Friends of Felixstowe Library and local organisations, children in Felixstowe have been enjoying brand new library facilities which were installed during lockdown. The project to refurbish the well-used area at the library was driven by the Friends group with lots of support from many organisations and businesses in the community. The new facilities have transformed the children’s area with new bright and colourful furniture including a hideaway den, new flooring, shelving and storage, with seaside decorations. The new facilities can be enjoyed by children of all ages. The new area has already been very popular since libraries opened up more fully in recent months, with around 250 children signing up to the Summer Reading Challenge at Felixstowe Library last year.

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Sarah Wilson, Chair of the Friends of Felixstowe Library said:

“The Friends of Felixstowe Library have been delighted with the results of this project and we’ve been overwhelmed by the wonderful response to our appeal.

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

“We’re very grateful to Felixstowe Town Council, the Felixstowe Peninsular Community Partnership, County Councillor Graham Newman, East Suffolk District Councillor Tracey Green, Suffolk Libraries, the Port Community Fund and East of England Co-Op.” The Friends of Felixstowe Library also thanked the Youth Forum for their contribution of a large number Environmental books. Steph Merrett, Felixstowe Library Manager, added: “It was really exciting to see the new facilities installed and now being used by so many children. Children particularly enjoy the 'starlight hideaway' and the beach hut reading den.”

Felixstowe Children Enjoy New Library Facilities The new seaside-themed children’s library area officially opened on Saturday 11th September 2021 by the Mayor of Felixstowe, Councillor Mark Jepson and all the funders were invited to see the new facilities in use. The library team hope that the new facilities will be enjoyed by babies, toddlers, children and students. It will provide a super location for the many library events. You can reserve books through the online catalogue www.suffolklibraries.co.uk. Don’t forget the library’s e-services, eBooks, eAudiobooks, films, music and courses. If you’re not yet a member, you can join online and start borrowing straight away.

Two happy winners of last year's Summer Reading Challenge

If you have any queries, you can contact the Felixstowe Library on on 01394 330850. The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Shirls’ Running Challenge Meet Shirls, one of our app bloggers and a 51-years-young Felixstowe runner With an encouraging guide for those who need a little extra helping hand getting fit, Shirls might even get to see some of you on her runs in the morning along the beach front! Without further ado, here’s Shirls!

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Everyone knows that deciding to make a new big life change can be tough to stick to!

Especially after a life-long habit of having no filter on your mind for weeks, allowing yourself to eat and drink whatever is going! Then to suddenly tell yourself, NO to everything is very difficult! I know! I am going to be rolling downhill instead of running in the beginning! I am having to go back to basics with my running, so I am starting my running training plan, which a running buddy shared with me, and beginning at the start of the year, I’m taking the first step to a healthier fitter me!

Photo credit: Marathon News

I’m going to share the training plan with you, so you are welcome to join me! Please make sure you always check with your GP before starting any exercise plan! We certainly don’t want injuries before we get to our goals! When doing the plan, always stretch after and drink loads of fluids. I will share my progress on The Felixstowe App and on my Instagram page: @shirlsdupie. If you use the plan, it would be great if you can share how it’s going for you. It’s going to be tough in the beginning but so worth it! Let’s do this, and get running, not rolling! Happy running! Love Shirls

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The Challenge RUN 1

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 WEEK 7 WEEK 8 WEEK 9 WEEK 10

RUN 2

Walk for 3 mins, run for 1 min. Repeat 5 times (20)

RUN 3

Walk for 3 mins, run for 1 min. Repeat 5 times (20)

Walk for 3 mins, run for 2 mins. Repeat 4 times (20)

TIP: Look for opportunities to inject a little more activity into your daily routine, such as more walking, cycling or stair climbing. Walk for 2 mins, run for 2 mins. Repeat 6 times (24)

Walk for 2 mins, run for 2 mins. Repeat 6 times (24)

Walk for 2 mins, run for 3 mins. Repeat 5 times (25)

TIP: Swap unhealthy snacks like crisps, biscuits and sweets for nutritious ones like fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, oatcakes, yoghurt or dried fruit. Walk for 1 min, run for 2 mins. Repeat 7 times (21)

Walk for 1 min, run for 2 mins. Repeat 5 times (21)

Walk for 2 mins, run for 3 mins. Repeat 5 times (25)

TIP: Try to keep your tummy muscles pulled gently in as your run to assist good posture and protect your back. Walk for 1 min, run for 3 mins. Repeat 6 times (24)

Walk for 1 min, run for 3 mins. Repeat 6 times (24)

Walk for 1 min, run for 4 mins. Repeat 5 times (25)

TIP: Don’t expect every run to feel increasingly easy. Everyone has good and bad days - be patient with yourself. Walk for 1 min, run for 4 mins. Repeat 5 times (25)

Walk for 1 min, run for 4 mins. Repeat 5 times (25)

Jog for 10 mins, walk or rest for 2 mins. Repeat (22)

TIP: Remember - this running programme, or any programme, isn’t set in stone. Progress at the pace that suits you. You have been sensible enough to give yourself plenty of time so there’s no rush. Walk for 2 mins, run for 8 mins. Repeat 3 times (30)

Walk for 2 mins, run for 10 mins. Repeat 3 times (36)

Jog for 12 mins, walk or rest for 2 mins. Repeat (26)

TIP: Don’t ignore any aches, pains or niggles your are experiencing. Take a couple of days off to see if they go away and if not, consider seeing a sports physio to have your running style assessed. Walk for 1 min, run for 10 mins. Repeat 3 times (33)

Walk for 1 min, run for 10 mins. Repeat 3 times (33)

Jog for 15 mins non-stop. Rest for 3 mins. Repeat (33)

TIP: Reward yourself for getting this far. Perhaps by buying yourself some extra special running socks or booking a massage. Walk for 1 min, run for 10 mins. Repeat 3 times (33)

Walk for 1 min, run for 10 mins. Repeat 3 times (33)

Run for 20 mins (20)

Jog continuously for 20 mins (20)

TIP: Get into the habit of carrying water with you - it will be essential later on when runs get longer. Also, ensure you drink enough fluids before and after so you stay well-hydrated. Run for 25 mins non-stop (25)

Run for 25 mins non-stop (25)

Jog for 15 mins non-stop. Rest for 2 mins. Repeat (32)

TIP: Steep inclines and descents will challenge out technique - so try to find flat surfaces. If you do hit a hill, aim to maintain the same effort level rather than the same pace as you had on the flat. Run for 30 mins non-stop (30)

Run for 20 mins non-stop (20)

Jog continuously for 30 mins (30)

TIP: Recruit a friend to train with. Or find a running group or club to help you stay motivated and to get the lowdown on great local routes, meets, physios and stories.

* Challenge courtesy of Marathon News

Photo of the Year OUR 2022 COMPETITION

An awesome photo captured by Luke Macaulay, with help from fellow photographers, Steven Bailey and Stewart Finley To enter next year’s competition, simply email us your entry to: copy@thefelixstowemagazine.com. 60 The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

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Felixstowe Photographers HONOURABLE MENTIONS FOR THE 2022 PHOTO COMPETITION FACEBOOK GROUP: @FELIXSTOWEPHOTOGRAPHERS

Nick Murrell

Kevin Roper

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Carl Earrye Carl Earrye

Hana Studnicka

XAV Photography & Adventures

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022 Sophie Debenham

Nick Murrell

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Fairtrade in Felixstowe Being a Fairtrade town since 2009, here’s Alan Muchal to tell us more... My name is Alan Muchal and I am the chairman of the Felixstowe Fairtrade Forum. Felixstowe has been a Fairtrade Town since 2009 and has an active committee which has organised many events around the town. We also have about 200 registered supporters who receive regular updates on activities and can take part in elections to the committee. The Town Council is represented on the committee and is actively engaged. We also have support from churches, businesses, voluntary organisations and schools. Unfortunately, since the start of the pandemic in 2020, we have been unable to hold many of the events that we would normally do. Fairtrade Fortnight last February/ March, when we would have normally hosted our ‘Fairtrade Family Fun Day’ at the library, was one casualty. We did, however work with other Fairtrade Towns in Suffolk to organise a special ‘Suffolk Fairtrade Fortnight’, in October – directed mainly at schools and young people. A highlight was a live link up, via Zoom, with Patrick Kaberia in Kenya. Patrick is a Fairtrade Farmer who undertook a tour of Suffolk in 2016 – starting off with a dawn breakfast in Felixstowe Town Hall. Three schools were chosen to put questions to Patrick – including local school Trimley St Mary. Nine other Suffolk schools also took the link.

sister Nancy and Lawrie Issett then living in Felixstowe. Nancy (aged 7) wrote a piece explaining why we should support Fairtrade Farmers and Lawrie (age 10) wrote a poem on the same theme. Fairtrade Fortnight 2022 takes place from 21 February to 6 March. With current uncertainty about Covid we are not sure we are going to be able to hold our full range of activities again this year. We are, however, planning some outdoor events and will be working with other members of the Suffolk Association of Fairtrade Towns (SAFT) to organise a recruitment campaign to encourage more people in Suffolk to become active supporters of Fairtrade. Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Buying Fairtrade products ensures that producers receive a fair price for their goods – always look out for the distinctive Fairtrade logo to ensure that products genuinely meet all Fairtrade standards, including sound environmental practices. For more information on the Forum, and Fairtrade generally visit our website at felixstowe-fairtrade.org.uk. New members and supporters are always welcome. There is no charge for membership of the Forum and you can join via the website. Alternatively email our secretary Stephen Wyatt at: secretary@felixstowe-fairtrade.org.uk.

We also organised a competition, sponsored by the East of England Co-op, which was jointly won by brother and The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Tee Time with Oliver Lloyd Local lad updates us on all things golfing: a summary of last year, upcoming events and a few extras! I’m Oliver Lloyd and I will be writing a golf-based article of this month’s golfing events, news, tips and much more. A little about myself: I’ve been playing golf for two years, I’m a member at FFGC with a current handicap of 23. I’ve been loving the sport ever since

New Mizuno Now I’m sure everyone has heard the phrase “nothing feels like a Mizuno”.

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I started playing. It was a passion in my spare time, and I try to play as much as possible. I know it can be a cruel and fickle game, but we all come to love it for what it is. My main enjoyment is being outside, getting exercise, meeting people and having fun with mates. I’m really delighted to be able to write this article for your enjoyment, as much as mine! Golf Skills Challenge – Putting Here is a quick little challenge - you can do the putting green as a warm up and see how many you can make and also improve your putting in the off season ready to smash it when spring comes! 66

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Well, this year they will release not one, not two, but three brand new Mizuno irons onto the market.

They are called Mizuno Pro 221, Pro 223, Pro 225. The 221 is a blade-style and aimed at the better golfer, the 223 is a cavity back aimed for most golfers and then 225 is a larger, and more forgiving, aimed for the higher handicap. They are coming in very expensive though. They have packed loads of technology into the clubs however for £1149 - £1349 it’s a lot of money for a set.

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Technology-wise they have a Coretech multi-face for even ball speed distribution across the face, grain flow forged neck and face from Hiroshima Metal and a soft copper underlay to give it that “buttery feel,” and tungsten perimeter weighting for higher ball speed. Loft-wise they are very traditional in the 221 getting stronger in the 223 and even stronger through the 225 to help with the distance control.

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• Turn in every score for handicap purposes. (Look at Golf England for General Play Cards and NonCompetition Cards). • Respect the rules and regulations of the course you are playing (usually found on the back of the scorecard). Don‘t: • Move or talk while someone in your group is hitting the ball (or about to hit). • Ask your opponent what club he/she hit.

Mizuno is known for being one of the leading manufacturers in irons and their new 3 set line-up looks to follow in that domain.

• Walk across the line of another player’s putt on the green. • Hit your shots until the group in front of you is well out of range. (If ball is heading towards people or off your hole SHOUT FORE!) • Ever play when lightning is in the area. • Hold up other players. (Take your time with shots so you’re ready but don’t take all day to hit a shot).

Etiquette for Beginners

PGA Tour Percentages

Last year saw a huge influx of people taking up golf and the sport has grown so much lately. If you are one of the players who is new to the sport I find it handy to have a few tips to help you around the course to not feel too much of a newbie. Here are some basic etiquette tips to help you along your way.

Now we all sit and watch PGA pros and how they play and aspire to go round a course like they do but it’s actually surprising to see some of the tour average stats. Here are a few which may make you rethink how bad you think you may be. Tiger Woods notoriously said he will miss a green 1 in every 5 shots from 100 yards! YES 1 in 5 and this is one of the best golfers in the world.

Do: • Play at a reasonable pace. (If you lose a ball you have 3 minutes to try find it). • Repair ball marks, replace divots, and rake bunkers. • Pay attention to the rules as they are laid out and administered by the R&A and the USGA. • Have the player who is farthest away from the pin hit first on each shot. • Let the winner of the previous hole tee off first at the next tee. (On 1st tee player with lowest handicap should go 1st). • Take a caddie whenever possible.

Average Drive - 296.7 Yards (everyone pushing for 300 but tour average is less). Average FIR – 57.06% (just under half of tee shots hit miss fairways). Average GIR – 67.49% (3 out of 10 shots will miss greens). PGA Profession Putting Averages 3ft – 95% 6ft – 65% 9ft – 43% 12ft – 30% 15ft – 22%

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Upcoming Tour Competitions Jan 6-9 - Sentry Tournament of Champions, Plantation Course at Kapalua, Purse 8m Jan 13-16 - Sony Open in Hawaii, Waialae Country Club, Purse 7.5m Jan 20-23 - The American Express, PGA West, Purse 7.6m Jan 26-29 - Farmers Insurance Open, Torrey Pines, Purse 8.4m Feb 3-6 - AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Purse 8.7m Feb 10-13 - Waste Management Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale, Purse 8.2m Feb 17-20 - The Genesis Invitational, Riviera Country Club, Purse 12m

Written by Oliver Lloyd Instagram: @oliverlloydgolf

Feb 24-27 - The Honda Classic, PGA National, Purse 3.7m

SJ Summers Butchers Just £20

1lb Bacon 1lb Stewing Beef 1lb Chicken Breast 1lb Pork Steaks 1lb Mince 1lb Sausages 1 Dozen Large Eggs

£50 Feast

Joint of top side or rolled rib 2 1/2lbs leg or shoulder of pork 5lbs Mince 2lbs Chicken Breast 2lbs Stewing Beef 2lbs Bacon 1 Dozen Large Eggs

01394 282 408

111 High Road West Felixstowe, IP11 9AJ 68

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Community listings & Useful Contacts... DUE TO COVID-19, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE ORGANISATION OR GROUPS AS DETAILS MAY HAVE CHANGED

Town Council & Politics Felixstowe Town Council Town Hall, Felixstowe, IP11 2AG 01394 282086 www.felixstowe.gov.uk Town Clerk townclerk@felixstowe.gov.uk Deputy Town Clerk debbie.frost@felixstowe.gov.uk Mayor’s Secretary mayor@felixstowe.gov.uk Planning Administration Officer sarah.morrison@felixstowe.gov.uk Cemetery/Allotments janine.smith@felixstowe.gov.uk Administration Assistant janine.smith@felixstowe.gov.uk Felixstowe Town Mayor Cllr Mark Jepson mayor@felixstowe.gov.uk

Councillors (by ward) Mick Richardson Marshes Ward 07946 028517 mick.richardson@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Nick Barber Coastal Ward 07876 757268 nick.barber@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative

Steve Gallant Coastal Ward 01394 276336 steve.gallant@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Doreen Savage Coastal Ward 01394 285895 doreen.savage@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative

Steve Wiles Coastal Ward 07986 566225 steve.wiles@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Darren Aitchison Coastal Ward 07838 215 964 darren.aitchison@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Independent/None

MAP OF WARDS

Seamus Bennett Coastal Ward 07818 664751 seamus.bennett@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Liberal Democrats The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Graham Newman Port Ward 07802 397905 graham.newman @felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative

Sharon Harkin Coastal Ward 01394 671758 sharon.harkin@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Mark Jepson Coastal Ward 01394 278622 mark.jepson@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Margaret Morris Walton Ward 01394 274345 margaret.morris@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Labour Mike Deacon Walton Ward 01394 211146 mike.deacon@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Labour Kimberley Williams Walton Ward 01394 284180 kimberley.williams@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Labour

Andy Smith Port Ward 01394 283283 andy.smith@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Stuart Bird Port Ward 01394 275128 stuart.bird@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative Tracey Green Port Ward tracey.green@felixstowe.gov.uk Party: Conservative

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SUFFOLK COASTAL: Dr Therese Coffey MP therese.coffey.mp@parliament.uk 02072197164

Political Parties Labour Branch Secretary - Mary Wyatt https://www.suffolkcoastallabour.org. uk/branches/felixstowe-blp/ Conservatives Chair - Graham Newman Chairman 07802 397 905 chairman.scca@gmail.com suffolkcoastalconservatives.org.uk Liberal Democrats Chair - Jan Candy contact@eastsuffolk-libdems.org.uk eastsuffolk-libdems.org.uk Green Party suffolkcoastal.greenparty.org.uk UKIP www.ukip.org

Transportation

Museums & Theatre

Great Anglia (train services) 0345 600 7245 contactcentre@greateranglia.co.uk www.greateranglia.co.uk felixstowe-bus-train-times.co.uk

Felixstowe Museum

Felixstowe Bus Service (First Ipswich Buses) First Ipswich Customer Services (Operates Routes 72, X7, 75, 76, 76A, 77, 77A, 978) 0345 606 6067 felixstowe-bus-train-times.co.uk Ipswich to London Coach National Express Coaches 0871 781 8181 (Mon to Sun 8am-8pm) www.nationalexpress.com Harwich Harbour Foot & Bicycle Ferry

Viewpoint Road, IP11 3TW 01394 674355 (answerphone) felmuseum@btopenworld.com felixstowemuseum.org Palace Cinema Crescent Road, IP11 7BG 01394 282787 boxoffice@palacecinemafelixstowe.com www.palacecinemafelixstowe.com Spa Pavilion

01728 666329 customerservice@harwichharbourferry.com www.harwichharbourferry.com FACTS

01394 282857 The Portakabin, Garrison Lane Car Park, Felixstowe, IP11 7SH admin@factsbus.org.uk www.factsbus.org.uk

Undercliff Road West, IP11 2DX Box Office: 01394 284 962 Restaurant, Bar & Café: 01394 336 336 fb: @SpaPavilion Costume hire Felixstowe Musical Theatre A very extensive wardrobe available for hire to other groups, or individuals wanting fancy dress at very reasonable rates. www.felixstowemusicaltheatre.co.uk 07881 820923

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Arts & Performance

Music in Felixstowe

Felixstowe Art Group

The aim of the group is to build a community of artists and facilitate learning and development of skills as well as being a social group. Weekly painting sessions and demo evenings twice a month. If interested in joining then please fill in the contact form on our website or call into our Bent Hill Gallery. Member benefits include entitlement to display paintings in the gallery and in the annual exhibition. www.felixstoweartgroup.org Orwell Art Group Kirton and Falkenham Performing Arts Kirton & Falkenham Performing Arts - KAFPA - stages two productions each year and also gets involved in other village events. We are in Suffolk, a few miles inland from Felixstowe. New members are very welcome and we very much appreciate our regular and loyal friends and audiences. enquiries@kafpa.org.uk. www.kafpa.org.uk Felixstowe Sewing School A crafty and sewing haven in Felixstowe run by Amanda Bowden, (BTEC Distinction, BA Hons Fashion, PGCE) this small and very friendly sewing school offers classes, and lessons for the beginner and novice. 07787 981 493 amanda_bowden18@hotmail.com www.felixstowesewingschool.co.uk Orwell Decorative And Fine Arts Society Promoting the Fine Arts. Based in the Ipswich area and our members are drawn from all around East Suffolk. We meet monthly for illustrated lectures with national and international experts, study days, day-trips to important and notable buildings in the area, an annual tour to an interesting region farther afield, and the opportunity to participate in events and activities promoted by the National Association. www.orwelldfas.org.uk 72

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We embrace most genres of music and also host a very popular lunchtime series given by young Suffolk musicians. 01394 670633 www.felixstowemusic.com Felixstowe Music Theatre Starting in 1966 and affiliated to N.O.D.A (National Operatic and Dramatic Association). Over the years we have supported many charities and produces award winning shows. www.felixstowemusicaltheatre.co.uk The Company of Four 07935 333457 info@cof4.co.uk www.thecompanyoffour.co.uk Orwell Connection Choir The Orwell Connection Choir enjoy meeting weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Convent in St John’s Road, Felixstowe. We sing a broad range of music from musical hits to excerpts from popular sacred works. We perform concerts throughout the year. orwellconnectionschoir@gmail.com Felixstowe Live Gig Guide fb: Felixstowe Live Gig Guide Felixstowe Harmonies A 45-strong vocal harmony group which performs songs from the light classical repertoire, folk, jazz and blues to pop, swing and songs from the big band era. felixstowe.harmonies@gmail.com www.felixstoweharmonies.co.uk

Charities, Service Organisations & Support BASIC Life Charity An acronym for Business And Service In Christ, BASIC endeavours to provide encouragement and support to those in our community who may be less able than ourselves and to enable people irrespective of their race or religion to be provided with the BASICs of life: Shelter, Food, Education, Recreation and Spiritual guidance. BASIC has two retail shops in Felixstowe and Walton. Felixstowe Shop & Deliveries 17 Hamilton Road, IP11 7AJ 01394 272618 Walton Shop & Head Office 312 High Street, Walton, IP11 9QJ 01394 279400 basiclife@live.co.uk www.basic.org.uk British Heart Foundation 78 Hamilton Road, IP11 7AF 01394 282339 www.bhf.org.uk RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution)

Boost

A small charity based in Felixstowe, existing to pioneer partnerships between faith and education. We work relentlessly to show love, hope and change to the young people with whom we work. www.boostfelixstowe.org.uk Salvation Army With Life Together Groups at various times and locations. Our Community Centre is open throughout the week from 10am 3pm to help assist with with everything from running our Food bank to help with signposting. We also employ a youth worker who helps run youth projects throughout the year, as well as regular groups such as Young Dreamers, our performing arts group for 11-25 year olds that take part in evening concerts to full scale productions. Felixstowe Corps, Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL 01394 276502 info@felixsa.org.uk www.felixsa.org.uk

Our volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and our seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. Our Flood Rescue Team helps those affected by flooding. Judy Jones - Hon secretary 01394 282090 njones500@aol.com www.rnli.org.uk Inspire Suffolk A local charity running courses for 16-25 year olds to build confidence, skills and support them into work, education and more, and sport activities for children.

Lions Club Providing humanitarian need, youth programmes, supporting the local community, health initiatives, partner projects and more. www.felixstowelions.org.uk Level Two Youth Project To promote the welfare of young people (age 7-25) living in Felixstowe and surrounding villages, through supportive relationships and positive experiences, designed to enhance their personal and social development. 54 Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL 01394 272521 www.leveltwo.org

www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

John LeVay Care Information Centre A wonderful centre used by many in Felixstowe, which provides support, advice and information for patients and their carers living with, and beyond, cancer. 01473 715748 Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance The Felixstowe Dementia Action Alliance aims to make Felixstowe a Dementia Friendly Community. We will do this by engaging with local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of dementia. We also liaise with people with dementia and their carers. Helen Greengrass: 07717 150993 fxtdaa@gmail.com https://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_ alliances/14357_felixstowe_dementia_action_alliance Befriending scheme The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for vulnerable people (16yrs+), including those with learning disabilities, mental health needs, older people, and other isolated groups. We also provide lots of volunteering opportunities with extra support for those who need it.

Felixstowe Listening Service A service of Inspire Counselling and Training and has been active in Felixstowe since 2012. Since we began over 120 clients have received our support whilst many churches, groups and individuals have undertaken training in aspects of pastoral care, listening skills and counselling. We believe that we have equipped many people to provide constructive and effective care for others and that the outworking of this is being demonstrated in the community. 01473 217694 contact@inspirecounselling.org.uk www.inspirecounselling.org.uk Coastwatch Felixstowe Coastwatch has over 60 highly trained volunteers who man the lookout in twos or threes helping to keep our beaches and inshore waters safe. 01394 670808 www.coastwatch-felixstowe.co.uk Walton Parish Nursing

01787 371333 info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk www.thebefriendingscheme.org.uk Memory Café For people living with dementia and their carers to come along and meet everyone. We would like to encourage anyone who is interested to help either as a volunteer, or as potential sponsors to pop in and meet us. We can show you around, introduce you to the new facilitator Tony Lazell, and demonstrate to you how important this facility is for people living with dementia in Felixstowe. For refreshments purposes if you would like to pop in please let us know. We were formally known as Synergy Cafe. fxtdaa@gmail.com Salvation Army, Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL The Parent Hub https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/the-parent-hub/ Social Services 0808 800 4005 Open Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5:20pm and Friday, 8am to 4:20pm. Calls are free from landlines and most mobiles. 74

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Walton Parish Nursing is a Christian charity who support people in the Walton community towards whole person healthcare. This is care for the person’s overall well-being, incorporating body, mind and spirit. Walton Parish Nursing is “owned” and supported by three churches in the Walton area of Felixstowe: Maidstone Road Baptist Church, Seaton Road Methodist Church and St Mary’s Anglican Church. Lorna - 07969 901001 John - 07909 888703 contactus@waltonpn.org.uk www.waltonpn.org.uk

Positive Pals Positive Pals is a friendly, self help group based in Felixstowe for those suffering with ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia and their carers. Although based in Felixstowe we welcome members from across the Felixstowe peninsular. We currently meet once a month in the local community centre where we enjoy a good chat over tea/coffee with the occasional invited speaker or outing. Because we are all in the same health situation we can offer genuine understanding, support and a listening ear for those in need or just a friendly chat over drinks. 01394 279840 info@positivepals.org www.positivepals.org Felixstowe Household Waste Recycling Centre Closes on Wednesdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Carr Road, IP11 3UT www.greensuffolk.org/recycling/HWRC/ felixstowe-hwrc/

Groups & Clubs Felixstowe Society Chairman - Jan Garfield chairman@felixstowesociety.org www.felixstowesociety.org Felixstowe Walkers Join us for a healthy walk amidst wonderful scenery. All walks start at 10.30am (unless otherwise stated) and last for about one hour. www.felixstowesociety.org Kirton and Trimley Community Action Group fb: @KirtonLandGrab contact@kirtontrimleycag.com www.kirtontrimleycag.com Old Felixstowe Community Association Pauline Varden 01394 278105 secretary@oldfelixstoweca.org.uk https://www.oldfelixstoweca.org.uk/ Felixstowe Bridge Club

To report fly tipping: 0345 606 6067 waste.management@suffolk.gov.uk Citizens Advice Bureau We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. 2-6 Orwell Road 0808 278 7866 www.felixstowecab.org.uk

We are a small, friendly club that meets on Tuesday afternoons at the Suffolk & Felixstowe Bowls Club. The club is situated between Platters Road and St Edmunds Road. You might like to contact the Club Secretary in advance. Please come along and join us. You will be made very welcome. 01473 727537 www.bridgewebs.com/felixstowe/ Felixstowe Scribblers Our Writers Circle. Meetings are held at The Room at the Top in Felixstowe Library, normally on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm - 10.00pm. Check the weblog for details of meetings. Due to the implementation of room hire charges, membership fees now apply. There is an annual fee of £25. 07976931811 scribblers.1@btinternet.com http://scribblers2010.blogspot.com/ The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Felixstowe Photographic Society

Established since 1948 for the advancement of Photography as an Art and a Science through the mutual assistance and friendly criticism between its members. The society welcomes anyone who has an interest in photography, where we provide a friendly atmosphere combining monthly and annual competitions with guest speakers, members’ workshops and demonstrations.

U3A East Suffolk The University of the Third Age (U3A) in East Suffolk is a thriving cooperative offering educational, recreational and social activities for its members, who are in their ‘third age’ — the time after they have finished working full-time or raising a family and have the time and opportunity to pursue their interests or try something new. Most members are located in the south-eastern area of Suffolk including Ipswich, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Saxmundham, and surrounding towns and villages. Secretary on 0300 123 3913 www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk Colneis Flower Club

www.felixstowephotographic.org.uk Felixstowe Old Peoples Welfare Association (F.O.P.W.A.) The Senior Citizens Centre

An “open house” to the over 60’s - both resident and visitors to Felixstowe. It is not a Club, so you don’t have to “join” or pay a membership fee, to be able to come in. It is provided as a haven for Senior Citizens to rest, have some tea/coffee or other light refreshments, meet or make new friends, use our Wi-Fi facility or just sit quietly in the company of others. Come by yourself or with someone else and stay for a few minutes or a few hours. We do not provide any medical or respite care services. We have tried to create the atmosphere of a friendly and welcoming lounge - so no organised activities. 01394 278061 richolland1@btinternet.com http://fopwa.onesuffolk.net/senior-citizenscentre/

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Flower arranging clubs and societies joined together in 1959 and formed the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) with help and advice from the Royal Horticultural Society. The Association has been a unifying and guiding influence to thousands of men, women and juniors whose love of flowers has opened up a new world of creativity. Meet 3rd Thursday at 7.30pm except August and December. Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road, Felixstowe IP11 9NB www.nafas.org.uk The Felixstowe Master Mariners The object of the Club is to maintain and foster, locally, social and professional comradeship amongst Master Mariners, and to afford the opportunity for discussion of matters nautical and general interest, to sponsor selected projects of special nautical interest, and, for that purpose, to meet regularly at luncheon or dinner, at a place selected by the Committee. mastermariners.uk

Felixstowe Garden Club

For Children & Youth Kirton and Falkenham Parent and Toddler Group £1.50 per family. Kirton Church Hall 07807983119 fb: @Kandftoddlers Trimley Tots Parent and Toddler Group

Caroll Wallace - Secretary 01394 272695 info@felixstowegardenclub.co.uk http://felixstowedistricths.onesuffolk.net/ Speakers of Felixstowe A club dedicated to helping people improve their confidence and enhance their speaking skills. Keith - Secretary 01728 604174 www.felixstowespeakers.org.uk Felixstowe Conservative Club Membership, snooker, BT Sports & SKY Sports, music, bingo, Quiz Nights, pool, poker, bowls, bridge and whist, darts, function room hire. 28 High Road West, IP11 9JB 01394 282633 info@felixstoweconservativeclub.org.uk www.felixstoweconservativeclub.org.uk The Felixstowe Area “N” Gauge Model Railway Group

We are a small group for parents or grandparents with children birth to 5 years that meets once a week, we have a large play area with lots of toys. We have tea, coffee and drinks and biscuits. The Welcome Hall, High Road, Trimley St Mary, Felixstowe, IP11 0TN 07824 309712 Felixstowe Nursery School Felixstowe Nursery School is a small private nursery taking children from two to five years. It has been in its present location since 1987. During this time we have seen hundreds of happy children pass through our care. Ambulance Hall, Ataka Road, IP11 9DH 07905 504005 admin@felixstowenursery.co.uk www.felixstowenursery.co.uk Old Felixstowe Nursery We aim to enable children to realise their full potential in every aspect of learning and development through stimulating play within a friendly, happy and caring environment.

The group is essentially a gathering of likeminded modellers, with the aims of sharing ideas and information, and the opportunity to combine skills on larger projects. 01394 277211 www.felixstowengauge.org.uk

At Old Felixstowe Nursery we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality pre-school education available. As a long established nursery we are very well resourced and have experienced preschool/nursery nurses who will work closely with your child. We encourage each individual child to be the best they can be.

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

Old Felixstowe Nursery The Grounds of Kingsfleet School Ferry Road, IP11 9LY 01394 275466 oldfelixstowenursery@btinternet.com www.oldfelixstowenursery.onesuffolk.net/ Felixstowe Twins Club 94 Maidstone Road, IP11, UK felixstowe.twin.club@gmail.com www.twinsclub.co.uk Little Hoppers 01394 286998 littlehoppers@live.co.uk www.little-hoppers.co.uk The Oaks Nursery We are located in The Oaks Children’s Centre in Grange Road, Felixstowe. Our nurturing ‘home from home’ environment is carefully designed to encourage children to learn independently in a safe, secure environment that promotes equality and values diversity.We provide all meals and promote healthy eating. Our cook prepares a healthy home cooked lunch for the children using fresh ingredients. Grange Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2LA 01394 694752 info.headoffice@alpha-nurseries.co.uk Twinkle Toes Pre-School Our aim is to provide a caring and safe environment where each child can express themselves as an individual. The Hall, Methodist Church, High Road, Trimley St. Martin, IP11 0RN 07763 816224 twinkletoespreschool.weebly.com/ Little Kickers

It’s an approach that has bagged us numerous awards and helped us expand globally over the last 12 years. We’re continually improving and updating our classes.. The Welcome Hall, 198 High Road, Trimley St Mary, IP11 0TN 07762341982 shatcher@littlekickers.co.uk

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

St Andrew’s Pre-School We are a committee run pre-school offering high quality sessional childcare for children from 2 - school age. St Andrews Church Hall, St Andrews Rd, IP11 7EB manager.standrews.preschool@gmail.com secretary.standrews.preschool@gmail.com 01394 278326 or 07815200925 www.standrewspreschoolfelixstowe.co.uk Fairfield Infant School and Colneis Junior School Our staff and governors work hard to make sure that the two schools work together to nurture, challenge and inspire all our children to give and achieve their best both now and in the future. We are very proud of all our children’s success and delighted to celebrate the steps they take during their time with us. We value the support of parents as our partners in children’s education and we aim to work with you to provide the best possible education for the children at Fairfield and Colneis. Fairlfield: 01394 283206 fairfieldoffice@fairfieldandcolneis.co.uk Colneis: 01394 284052 colneisoffice@fairfieldandcolneis.co.uk www.colneisjunior.co.uk Maidstone Infant & Causton Junior School Pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, willingness to learn from their mistakes and development of emotional and social skills ensure that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Maidstone 01394 283375 maidstoneadmin@maidstoneandcauston.org Causton 01394 283374 caustonadmin@maidstoneandcauston.org www.maidstoneandcaustonschool.org.uk Trimley St Mary Primary School Situated in the village of Trimley St Mary on the outskirts of Felixstowe. Our larger than average community school dates back to 1904 and has grown as the village has grown with a strong sense of belonging care and support. Our school is a friendly and welcoming setting, fostering strong community links, which works closely with families and other agencies to support all children to achieve and be successful in their own right. 01394 284130 office@trimley.net http://trimley.net/

Langer Playgroup

St Edmund’s Hall, Langer Road, IP11 2HL 07961 825637 or 01394 277966 langerplaygroup@gmail.com The Play Pit We are a privately owned nursery and maintain the highest of childcare standards which include the National Guidelines. 01394 276005 theplaypit123@yahoo.com www.theplaypit.com Felixstowe Academy We have a clear vision for the Academy and believe very much in developing each and every one of our students so that they can achieve their true potential. We provide the opportunities for success; we develop in our students the skills that they will need in the future; we help them develop as individuals but emphasise their place within the community, helping them to think about and care for others; we guide our students to enable them to become independent learners and good team members. 01394 288228 office@fxs.org.uk https://fxa.org.uk/ Colneis Girl Guides Colneis Division consists of two districts; Felixstowe and Walton, and Orwell and Deben. We have a brand new division headquarters in Felixstowe which is within walking distance of all the local amenities. Within our Division we have a Division Ranger unit, 4 Guide units, 7 Brownie units and 5 Rainbow units. http://girlguidingsuffolk.org.uk/divisions/ colneis/

356 (Felixstowe) Squadron - Air Cadets One of the best, if not the best, Youth Organisation in Felixstowe. Lots of things going on and lots of opportunities to take part in. Have a look at our Facebook page for updates on some of our recent activities and pictures. You don’t have to join the Royal Air Force or go flying if you don’t want to! We have a lot going on, so I’m sure you’ll find something that will challenge you! Carr Road, IP11 2TP 01394 673419 www.356atc.co.uk 7th Felixstowe Scout Group We are one of four groups in Felixstowe but we are the only group with outdoor space which we use for traditional scouting skills. The group is well founded and offers scouting for children from the age of six to fourteen when they have to move on to an Explorer Unit. www.7thfelixstowescouts.org.uk Felixstowe Sea Scouts

1st Felixstowe Sea Scouts are looking for more young people to join the adventure and more volunteers to help. Ready to begin your adventure? Contact the group leader Steve Pocock 07590 019593 or to find out more. Weekly Friday meetings (term time) The activities and opportunities vary but what is the same is that each will empower you to make friends, learn skills and try new things. Examples are: Archery and Table Tennis, Day and Night Hikes, Sailing Opportunities, Camping, FREE FOUR WEEK TRIAL 07590 019593 stevepocock1066@yahoo.co.uk fb: @felixstoweseascouts

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Churches Churches Together in Felixstowe

St Mary’s Church Walton High St, Felixstowe IP11 9DS 01394 670090 www.stmaryswalton.org.uk St Andrews Church St Andrews Road, IP11 7EB 01394 670940 St Peter & St Paul Church

Its strength comes through people from different traditions finding new ways to work and worship together. We come together for a few events each year, as well as supporting each other in prayer throughout the year. churchestogetherfelixstowe.org St John’s Church Orwell Road, IP11 7PW 07814 949828 Christ Church Grange Farm Ave, IP11 2XD 01394 282204 www.christchurchfelixstowe.org.uk Trinity Methodist Church 26 Hamilton Road, IP11 7AN 01394 275047 https://fpmc.methodistic.org.uk Bethesda Baptist Church Cavendish Road, IP11 2AR 01394 270187 www.bethesdafelixstowe.com Felixstowe United Reformed Church Tomline Road, IP11 7PA 01473 402721 www.felixstoweurc.org.uk Seaton Road Methodist Church Seaton Road, IP11 9BT https://fpmc.methodistic.org.uk River of Life Church 2 Carr Road, IP11 2FS 01394 273700 riveroflifechurch.net Maidstone Road Baptist Church 18 Maidstone Road, IP11 9ED 01394 822173 www.mrbcfelixstowe.org.uk 80

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Church Road, IP11 9NF www.oldfelixstoweparish.org.uk Temple of Light 28 Beach Road West, IP11 2BQ 07886 534931 www.templeoflightfelixstowe.com Ranelagh Road Christian Fellowship Ranelagh Road, Felixstowe IP11 7HA 01394 284439 admin@ranelaghfellowship.org.uk www.ranelaghfellowship.org.uk Convent of Jesus & Mary 63 Orwell Road, IP11 7PP 01394 282386 https://stfelixfelixstowe.uk/convent-of-jesusand-mary Saint Edmund’s Church Langer Road, IP11 2HR 07814 949828 St Felix Catholic Church 8 Gainsborough Road, IP11 7HT 01394 282561 https://stfelixfelixstowe.uk/ Trimley Free Church 182 High Road, Trimley St Mary, IP11 0SS 01394 276171 Trimley Methodist Church High Road, Trimley St Martin, IP11 0RL https://fpmc.methodistic.org.uk

Festivals, Events & Markets Art on the Prom

Art on the Prom is one of Felixstowe’s largest free community events organised by a small group of volunteers. We are grateful to them and our sponsors for their backing. If you would like to be part of the great team that helps to make this event such a success, please contact us at:

The Ipswich to Felixstowe Car Rally Up to 500 vehicles can participate in the event, starting in Christchurch Park, Ipswich. The vehicles make a 10-mile (16 km) journey to the promenade of Felixstowe, where they line up and remain there for a large part of the day. Traditionally held on the first Sunday in May, the vehicles assemble in Christchurch Park at Ipswich from 8.30 to 10.30am, then start to leave for Felixstowe at 11.00am, where they are displayed along the promenade during the afternoon (from about 12pm onwards). Ipswich Transport Museum enquiries@ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk Felixstowe in Flower

felixstoweartontheprom@gmail.com www.artontheprom.org Suffolk Open Studios Suffolk Open Studios is a collaborative organisation run by artists for artists and art lovers. www.suffolkopenstudios.org Felixstowe Carnival contact@felixstowecarnival.org www.felixstowecarnival.org Festival of Fabric Bringing together specialist retailers with a love for and expertise in fabric, haberdashery, dressmaking, knitting and sewing patterns, vintage sewing machines, knitting and crochet accoutrements all under one roof. Shop for anything needed to make vintage style clothing. With vintage DJ, pop-up cafe and an exhibition of clothing, fashion accessories. You can also participate in sewing and crafting workshops with a vintage feel by employing wonderful teachers. Festival enquiries: Amanda Bowden 07787 981 493 www.facebook.com/festivaloffabric/

A festival for the whole community in transforming the town with flowers each summer. Whether by entering one of the floral competitions (which include gardens, floral containers, commercial premises, residential homes, public houses, hotel and guest houses, tallest sunflower, or school-led projects such as painting, grow-bags and environmental displays), or by sponsoring floral baskets or prizes, Felixstowe in Flower encourages people of all ages to care for their environment. sue.faversham@felixstowe.gov.uk Rob’s Spiritual Awareness A non-profit for good causes. Series of events held monthly with healers and stall holders. robert.lummis@ntlworld.com

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Bart’s Bash

Community Markets and Table-Top Sales Drop in to our Community Markets for bargains and refreshments, on the second Saturday of each month. All markets are in the Community Centre, 10am to 12pm, admission is free. www.oldfelixstoweca.org.uk 01394 278105 secretary@oldfelixstoweca.org.uk

A global sailing race taking place at 100s of venues, with 1000s of sailors in 100s of different classes of boat around the world. Known as ‘The Largest Sailing Race in the World’, the Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club invite you to be part of this. Open to all sailing clubs, yacht clubs, schools, universities, scout groups, sea cadets, windsurfing clubs, individuals and any venue globally. Bart’s Bash gives the sailing community a united opportunity to remember Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, a double Olympic medallist who tragically lost his life whilst training for the America’s Cup in 2013. www.bartsbash.com Felixstowe Book Festival Now going into our fifth year, Felixstowe Book Festival has become one of the highlights of the East Anglian Arts Calendar.

Christmas Tree Festival As well as seeing a display of decorated Christmas trees from various charities and organisations, you can browse charity stalls. The Christmas Tree Festival opening includes a short Carol Service. Refreshments will be available each day. Salvation Army Church Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL www.christmastreefestivals.org/felixstowe/ Christmas Lights Switch on Event With children’s parade, music, and so much more, this event is organised by the Felixstowe Lions Club. fb: @lionsclubfelixstowe Christmas Day Dip

Meg - Festival Director meg@megreid.co.uk 01394 279783 www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk Mannings Sunday Market Felixstowe’s well-established Sunday Market with a variety of stalls. 1 Platters Rd, Felixstowe IP11 2DL www.manningsamusements.co.uk Felixstowe Country Market A wide range of preserves, garden produce, homebakes and crafts up for sale. All goods are home made to the highest standards. Tea and coffee also available. Every Friday morning between 10am and 11am. Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club 182 High Road West, IP11 9BB 01394 282108 ftalc@outlook.com www.ftalc.co.uk

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Are you brave enough to take the plunge? Join us and hundreds of fabulous supporters on Felixstowe Seafront on Christmas Day morning. In aid of St Elizabeth Hospice it takes place on Felixstowe sea front on 25th December at 10am. It’s fun, a great way to start your day and importantly helps us care for patients 365 days of the year. Tickets are priced at just £13 until registration closes. See website for details. We all meet on Felixstowe sea front in front of Mannings Amusements. stelizabethhospice.org.uk/christmas-day-dip/

Hall Hire

Sports

Old Felixstowe Community Centre Ferry Road, IP11 9NB 07494 599265 www.oldfelixstoweca.org.uk

Felixstowe Leisure Centre Community sports and leisure hub with soft-play area, indoor bowling green and swimming pools.

St Marys Church Hall 1 Cage Lane, IP11 9BH 01394 670090 www.stmaryswalton.org.uk

75 Undercliff Road West, IP11 2AE 01394 694600 www.placesleisure.org/centres/felixstoweleisure-centre/

Felixstowe Town Hall Undercliff Road West, IP11 2AG 01394 282086 www.felixstowe.gov.uk

Brackenbury Sports Centre Our classes are social, fun and a really good workout. They range from low impact to the more intense and guide you through every step with our fantastic instructors. You can enjoy it with a friend or meet new people each week.

Conservative Club 01394 282633 info@felixstoweconservativeclub.org.uk www.felixstoweconservativeclub.org.uk St Edmund’s Parish Hall Langer Road, IP11 2HN 07814 949828 Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club 182 High Road West, IP11 9BB 01394 282108 www.ftalc.co.uk

High Road East, IP11 9JF 01394 270278 www.placesleisure.org/centres/brackenbury-sports-centre/centre-activities/ classes/ Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club

Seaton Road Methodist Church Seaton Road, IP11 9BT 01394 282023 www.seatonroad.org.uk St John’s Church, Felixstowe Orwell Road, IP11 7PW 07814 949828 Trinity Methodist Church 26 Hamilton Road, IP11 7AN 01394 275047 www.trinity-methodist-church-felixstowe.co.uk

A friendly and relaxed environment. Felixstowe has a thriving and welcoming indoor bowls club situated on the first floor of the Felixstowe leisure centre. Competitive bowling for ladies and men takes place during the day and in the evenings.

Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club Ferry Road, IP11 9RZ 01394 283785 https://ffsc.co.uk/

Felixstowe Leisure Centre Undercliff Road West, IP11 2AE 01394 694600 www.felixstoweibc.com

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Felixstowe Rifle Club

Felixstowe Walkers Join us for a healthy walk amidst wonderful scenery. All walks start at 10.30am (unless otherwise stated) and last for about one hour. The Felixstowe Walkers are part of The Felixstowe Society and regular walkers will be expected to become members of the society. Annual membership is £7, or £10 for two adults at the same address. Details of membership send a SAE to: felixstowewalkers@hotmail.co.uk

The club was formed in around 1900 as the Felixstowe Rifle Club and used the Army Ranges at Landguard Common (now part of the nature reserve). During World War 2 it became Felixstowe Home Guard Rifle Club. At that time it used the present site with the permission of Mr Clement-Smith and the Drill Hall in Garrison Lane. In 1955 the title was changed back to Felixstowe Rifle Club (FRC) which was the beginning of the club as it is today. Felixstowe Rifle Club High Street, IP11 9UB www.felixstowe-rifle-club.co.uk Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club The only links golf course in Suffolk and one of only 246 true links courses in the World. secretary@felixstowegolf.Co.Uk andrew.Robinsonpga@yahoo.Co.Uk Ferry Road, IP11 9RY 01394 286834 www.felixstowegolf.co.uk Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club For all abilities, ages & aspirations We have 9 grass courts available during the summer season and 9 floodlit courts (3 acrylic, 3 macadam and 3 artificial grass) for play throughout the year, all overlooked by a spacious clubhouse. We offer a number of regular club sessions for members, including Tuesday evenings (6:30pm) and Sunday mornings (10am).The club has mens, ladies and mixed teams in the Suffolk league, A Friday Night League for all ages and abilities and runs an extensive coaching programme for adults and juniors. 37 Bath Road, IP11 7JN secretary@felixstowetennis.co.uk https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/felixstowe lawntennisclub

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Felixstowe Runners We are a friendly local running club with about 200 members in Felixstowe and surrounding areas. We welcome new members of all standards. We organise three road races each year – the Kirton 5 mile (part of the Friday Five series), the Coastal 10 (a 10 mile race along the seafront in Felixstowe) and the Martlesham 10K. In addition we have many less formal events in and around Felixstowe. We also have a very active junior section, meeting on Wednesday evenings. http://frr.org.uk/ U3A The University of the Third Age (U3A) in East Suffolk is a thriving cooperative offering educational, recreational and social activities for its members, who are in their ‘third age’. Contact us on information about our sports activities and membership. 0300 123 3913 admin@u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk https://www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk/ Felixstowe & Walton United Football Club Felixstowe & Walton United are a semi-professional football club playing in the Isthmian Bostik North Division, which is level Four of the National Football League. 4A Dellwood Avenue, IP11 9HT 01394 282627 webmaster@felixstowefootball.co.uk www.felixstowefootball.co.uk Felixstowe & Corinthians Cricket Club Dellwood Avenue, IP11 9HT 07738 199152 rjones@suffolkcricket.org https://fandc.play-cricket.com/

Felixstowe Rugby Coronation Sports Ground Mill Lane, IP11 2LN www.felixstowerufc.co.uk Felixstowe Hockey Club

Medical Grove Medical Centre Grove Road, IP11 9GA 01394 283197 www.grovemcfelixstowe.nhs.uk Felixstowe Community Hospital Constable Road, IP11 7HJ 01394 338410 Howard House Surgery 31 Orwell Road, IP11 7DD 01394 282706 www.howardhousesurgery.co.uk

A friendly club that welcomes players of all ages and abilities. We have been established as a club in the coastal town of Felixstowe since 1905 (3 years before hockey was introduced as a sport into the Olympic Games in 1908). The club plays all of its matches on all-weather pitches, with home games being played at the Felixstowe Academy (Maidstone Campus) in Felixstowe. Felixstowe Community Hub Maidstone Road, IP11 9EF www.felixstowehockeyclub.co.uk Felixstowe Badminton Club The club has two men’s teams, two mixed teams and a ladies’ team in the Ipswich & District Badminton League. 07801 150654 Brackenbury Sports Centre, High Road East, Felixstowe, IP11 9JF. http://suffolkbadminton.co.uk/clubs/felixstowe.html

Haven Heath Grange Farm Avenue, IP11 2XD 01394 670107 www.havenhealth.nhs.uk Orwell Clinic (iCaSH Suffolk) The family planning center in Ipswich also serving Felixstowe. Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9QX 0300 300 3030 www.icash.nhs.uk East of England Coop Pharmacy 189 Hamilton Road, IP11 7DT 01394 282325 Hado Pharmacy 135 Hamilton Road, IP11 7BL 01394 286277 NHS 111 NHS 111 is much more than a helpline – if you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, you can call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser. Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one. NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately if necessary.

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What’s On in Felixstowe FELIXSTOWE’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVENT GUIDE IN PRINT DUE TO COVID-19, PLEASE ENQUIRE BEFORE ATTENDING

Mondays

A V A GO Art Group

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 7.30am-9.30pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 01394 694600

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 7.30am-9.30pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 01394 694600 Parent & Toddler Group (term-time only) 10am-11.30am Parents/carers enjoy a chat whilst the children play together. There are organised activities for the children, drinks and biscuits. Salvation Army, Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL. 01394 284610 info@felixsa.org.uk www.felixsa.org.uk Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association 10am-4pm At Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061 BASIC Pop-Up Shops @11am - 12noon Trimley Welcome Hall, 182 High Road, Trimley St Mary, IP11 0SS. Visitors simply buy a bag for £1 (a maximum of 2) and help themselves. There are absolutely NO questions or qualifications - simple. Everybody is welcome. 01394 276171.

Tuesdays

1.30-4.30pm For pros and amateurs. Refreshments incl. £3. St Edmunds Hall Langer Road 01394 275690 Felixstowe Community Choir

7.30pm At the Orwell Hotel Hamilton Road £4p/p on the door felixstowecommunitychoir.org.uk Ballroom Dance Class 7-9pm Beginners and intermediate dance classes. £10 per couple. Trimley St Martin Memorial Hall 01394 282285 07801 933173

Parents and Toddlers 10am (term time only) Felixstowe United Reformed Church Tomline Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7PA Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association 10am-4pm At Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061 The Felixstowe Master Mariners

(every third Tuesday) A luncheon meeting at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club. secretary@mastermariners.uk www.mastermariners.uk

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Felixstowe Bridge Club

A small, friendly club that meets on Tuesday afternoons. Tea / coffee and biscuits are available. A host system operates and so a partner is guaranteed. Suffolk & Felixstowe Bowls Club Between Platters Road and St Edmunds Road 01473 727537 bridgewebs.com/felixstowe/

Deben Flower Club

(Second Tuesday of the month) Kirton Church Hall. £5. 448415/ 286626. Dance Lessons Children’s and adult beginners and intermediate. St. Edmund’s Hall Langer Road 07757 217456 BASIC Pop-Up Shops

Felixstowe Garden Club Society

(Every second Tuesday) Old Felixstowe Community Centre 01394 284647 Over 50’s Walking Football in Felixstowe 1pm IIf you are interested, all you need is a pair of trainers, jogging/sports bottoms. In winter this group plays under floodlights.New members to groups are welcome. Brackenbury Sports Centre High Road East, IP11 9JF 01394 270278

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@11am - 12noon St Phillips Hall, Wadgate Road, Felixstowe, IP11 2LP. Visitors simply buy a bag for £1 (a maximum of 2) and help themselves. There are absolutely NO questions or qualifications - simple. Everybody is welcome. 01394 670090. The Felixstowe Area Social Club for Retired Persons (2nd Tuesday of each month) 2pm Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road. Call Stephen or Carol Cox on 01394 809794.

Badminton 7pm (Sept-April) Felixstowe United Reformed Church, Tomline Road, IP11 7PA Orwell Connections Choir 7.15pm The Choir started in 1986, we are a happy friendly group of singers, to enjoy singing together and to perform charity concerts. Come and join us, no auditions required. The Convent, 63 Orwell Road. 07570 110660 orwellconnectionschoir@gmail.com Felixstowe Scribblers (First and third Tuesday) @7.30pm ‘The Room at the Top’, Felixstowe Library, Crescent Road IP11 7BY. Long established writers’ group that was formed over 40 years ago. A variety of homework assignments are set to be read out at the following meeting, with feedback provided. New members welcome. Annual fee of £30, or £5 per meeting. Refreshments. Felixstowe Harmonies 7.30-9.30pm (during school term) St. Mary’s Church Hall, High Road, Walton, Felixstowe. felixstowe.harmonies@gmail.com. felixstoweharmonies.co.uk t: @FelixstoweChoir fb: @felixstoweharmonies Anglo Scottish Dancing 7.30-9.30pm £3 per session (first one free). Term starts 10th Jan throughout year excluding school holidays. Contact Libby Wragg 01473 721270 Trinity Methodist Church Hall 26 Hamilton Road IP11 7AN

Wednesdays

Friends Together

Street Dance

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 7.30am-9.30pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 01394 694600 Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association

10am-4pm At Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061 Music & Movement 10.30am Gentle exercise to music with time for coffee and a chat. Felixstowe United Reformed Church Tomline Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7PA Pushchair Pitstop (Every third Wednesday) 11.30am-2.30pm Pop in for a free coffee and a cake. Nappy change and a natter. Bring and take baby and toddler clothing toys and more. Everything is FREE! St Edmund’s Church Langer Road Contact Penny on 07901 950768.

6.30-7.30pm For 7-15 years old. Brackenbury Sports Centre. 07549130959 justjaydance.co.uk

1-3pm Friends Together meet weekly for tea and coffee, occasionally a guest speakers or other activities. We offer a varied programme, which includes Christian music and a Christian “thought” in every meeting. Men and women of any age are most welcome to attend. Salvation Army Cobbold Road, IP11 7EL 01394 284610 info@felixsa.org.uk www.felixsa.org.uk Carpet Bowls 2pm Felixstowe United Reformed Church Tomline Road Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 7PA

Cuppa Book Club Evenings. Cuppa, 81 High Road West IP11 9AA. Run in conjunction with the Felixstowe Book Festival, the Cuppa Book Club will focus on authors attending the Festival. Admission free. Refreshments available to purchase. felixstowebookfestival.co.uk. Variations Choir @7.15-9pm The Function Room Conservative Club 28 High Road West IP11 9JB 01394 273306

Thursdays

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club

7.30am-9.30pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 01394 694600

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Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association 10am-4pm At Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061 Felixstowe Twins Club

Explorers 5-6pm Informal time of singing, crafts and story time for children aged 5-11 years. Salvation Army Cobbold Road IP11 7EL 01394 284610 info@felixsa.org.uk www.felixsa.org.uk

Speakers of Felixstowe

Over 50’s Walking Football in Felixstowe

10am-12noon The sessions run every week including during the school holidays, when we welcome older twins and siblings into the group. Orwell High School, IP11 9EF. felixstowetwinsclub.co.uk BASIC Pop-Up Shops

(Third Thursday of the month) 7.30pm A warm welcome awaits. The Brook Hotel, Orwell Road, IP11 7PF felixstowespeakers.org.uk 6.30-7.45pm IIf you are interested, all you need is a pair of trainers, jogging/sports bottoms. In winter this group plays under floodlights.New members to groups are welcome. Brackenbury Sports Centre High Road East, IP11 9JF 01394 270278 Felixstowe Con Club Bridge Club 7-10pm Playing rubber and duplicate on alternative weeks. Tuition can be made available for those interested. Call Don on 01394 282959

@11am - 12noon St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Church Road, IP11 9NF. Visitors simply buy a bag for £1 (a maximum of 2) and help themselves. There are absolutely NO questions or qualifications - simple. Everybody is welcome. 01394 670940. 90

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The Felixstowe Area ‘N’ Gauge Model Railway Group

(First Thursday of the month). 7.30pm 01394 277211 felixstowengauge.org.uk Photographic Society

All welcome. felixstowephotographic.org.uk

Martello’s Ladies Circle (First Thursday of month) 8pm Pauline Owen Old Felixstowe Community Centre 07972 118 576

Felixstowe Country Market

BASIC Pop-Up Shops

Fridays

Various activites for children

To find out about the variety of children’s activities please contact: Felixstowe Library Crescent Road 01394 694880

9.30-11am (closed Bank Holidays) Homemade preserves, eggs, garden produce and crafts. sandra.meyrick@btinternet.com At The TRIANGLE, Felixstowe temporarily then Felixstowe Library, Crescent Road, (opposite car park) IP11 7BY. 01394 272003 www.country-markets.co.uk Baby & Toddler Group

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 7.30am-9.30pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 01394 694600

@11am - 12noon River of Life Church, Langer Road, Felixstowe. Visitors simply buy a bag for £1 (a maximum of 2) and help themselves. There are absolutely NO questions or qualifications - simple. Everybody is welcome. 01394 276171. Carpet Bowls 2pm Felixstowe United Reformed Church, Tomline Road IP11 7PA

Rob’s Spiritual Awareness Centre

Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association

10am-4pm At Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061

(Term time only) 10-11.45am A relaxed group for mothers, parents and carers with babies and toddlers. £1 per family. United Reformed Church 47 Orwell Road IP11 7NY

(First Friday of the month) @7-10pm Open to all faiths, denominations and beliefs. £2. Trimley Welcome Hall Trimley High Street robert.lummis@ntlworld.com

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Saturdays

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 8am-4pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 75 Undercliff Road West IP11 2AE 01394 694600 Baby Ballroom Lesson 9am £3 St. Edmunds Church Hall Langer Road 07757217456 Parkrun

Felixstowe Country Market (Second Saturday of the month). 10am-11.45pm Homemade preserves, eggs, garden produce and crafts. Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road. 01394 272003 www.country-markets.co.uk

Sundays

Felixstowe Indoor Bowls Club 8am-4pm Felixstowe Leisure Centre 75 Undercliff Road West IP11 2AE

BASIC Pop-Up Shops @11am - 12noon Every Second Sunday From 1pm St.Michaels & All Angels Church. Visitors simply buy a bag for £1 (a maximum of 2) and help themselves. There are absolutely NO questions or qualifications - simple. Everybody is welcome. 01394 276171. Felixstowe Sunday Market

Litter-Pick with Litter-Free Felixstowe

9am A 5km timed run, register once online before you run. Open to all. Free entry. The event takes place at Undercliff Road W, IP11 2AE https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ felixstowe/ Felixstowe Old People’s Welfare Association 9.30am-12.30pm Pop in for a cuppa. Meet old and new friends and relax. Senior Citizens Centre Broadway House Orwell Road 01394 278061

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9am Manning’s Amusements Sea Road, IP11 2DN 11.30am-1pm This group was created to ensure we tackle the issues of litter across the town to ensure that no plastic waste ends up in the sea. It is a local response to the global crisis in our oceans - we want to protect wildlife and the entire Eco-system. We want to act as a community and inspire everyone including residents, visitors, businesses, shipping lines and hauliers to take action. We will be organising litterpicks to include beaches, parks, woodland & hedgerows and grass verges. Let’s make Felixstowe the UK’s first Litter-Free town - let’s do this together. Various locals. Join our facebook group for details:@Litter-free Felixstowe

Sunday Lunch with The Felixstowe Area Social Club for Retired Persons

(bi-monthly) 2pm New members welcome. Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road Call Stephen or Carol Cox 01394 809794

Jazz East at The Alex

Evenings The Alex 123 Undercliff Road West www.jazzeast.vpweb.co.uk. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that event details are correct, please check with the organisers when attending for the first time. With thanks to all organisations and Visit Felixstowe for their event information. To submit an event for the magazine email us at: info@thefelixstowemagazine. com.

PROMOTE

YOUR EVENT

HERE

The Felixstowe Magazine - 2022

WALK IN THE PARK What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

SO SO...

2022 Joke My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.

Answers Quiz Answers

1. Green 2. Red 3. Iron Man 4. Nana 5. 1869 6. Southend-on-Sea 7. 1977 8. Moana 9. Windsor 10. RAF 11. Torquay

12. Alexander Fleming 13. Holborn and St Pancras 14. Three (Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler) 15. Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson 16. Mandarin 17. Miss Trunchbull 18. 1986 19. Pineapple 20. Julia Gillard (2010-2013)

Where in Felixstowe 1. Horse sculpture outside library 2. The old Deben School in Garrison Lane 3. Narrow house next to lighting shop in Cobbold Road 4. Plaque/sculpture is on the flats in Walton adjacent to Recreation Road and Walton High Street. Brainteaser: Short. 96

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TOUGH AS NAILS!

QUIZ QUESTIONS

Where in Felixstowe

1. What colour are the seats in the House of Commons? 2. What colour is found on 75% of the world’s flags? 3. Which film was the first to be recognised as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

4. What is the name of Wendy’s dog in Peter Pan? 5. What year was Heinz established? 6. Which seaside is home to the longest pier in the UK? 7. What year did Elvis die? 8. The song ‘How Far I’ll Go’ features in which Disney film?

9. What is Queen Elizabeth II’s surname? 10. Which new British military force was established in 1918? 11. In which English seaside town was ‘Fawlty Towers’ set? 12. Who discovered Penicillin? 13. What is Keir Starmer’s constituency? 14. How many times has Katie Price been married? 15. What is the name of Boris Johnson’s newborn son?

16. What is the most spoken language in the world? 17. What is the name of the headteacher in Roald Dahl’s Matilda? 18. In what year was the Chernobyl disaster? 19. In tennis, what piece of fruit is found at the top of the men’s Wimbledon trophy? 20. Who was the first female Prime Minister of Australia?

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COMMUNITY INDEX TOWN COUNCIL & POLITICS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY App The Felixstowe App............Inside front cover Butchers SJ Summers.............................................6 & 68

TRANSPORTATION

MUSEUMS & THEATRE

Charities DIScoverABILITY.............................................32 BASIC Life Charity.........................................64

Electrician P.A.H. Electrical...............................................6

ART & PERFORMANCE

CHARITIES & SUPPORT

Funeral Services Gordon Rodwell Funeral Service................52 Human Rights Education Youth for Human Rights................................33 Music Jive Aces..............................................21 & 94 Photography Services Zoe Gibbs Photography...............................11

GROUPS & CLUBS

FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

CHURCHES

FESTIVALS, EVENTS & MARKETS

HALL HIRE

SPORTS

MEDICAL

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Radio Felixstowe Radio...........................................95

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