Puss In Boots follows the tale of Miller’s son Colin and his pet cat, as they strive against the odds to win the hand of princess Rose and rescue her mother, the queen from the evil Ogre. Puss, however, is no ordinary cat, he has been enchanted by the Queen of Catland, who has given him the ability to walk and talk just like a human and using his new found powers, Puss sets about a plan to defeat the Ogre.

All pantomimes need a dame and Paul Leech as Dame Cranberry is just fantastic and had the audience in fits of laughter from the outset, I may add not all of the jokes were in the script!

Grace Wellfare, makes a convincing Puss and kept in character throughout, whilst Simon Dodwell, makes an unlikely hero as Reckless Roger, the Ogre’s bailiff.

Puss in Boots also sees some great vocal performances, Julie Howes as Queen of Catland and Vicky Hart, Madam Clarissa, the school teacher both require a special mention, as does Julian Illman as King Rupert, who stole the show for this reviewer. Illman plays a king that could have just stepped off the set of a Disney movie and he has the most wonderful singing voice too.

With many influences from other productions, including Cats and Phantom, Company of Four have again produced an evening out to remember and it was clear from the cheers of the younger members in the audiences that all enjoyed the show.

Although an amateur production, Puss in Boots could give some professional pantos a run for their money. An evening of truly traditional family fun with plenty of laughs along the way – not all of them planned…

• Puss in Boots is at The Riverside Theatre, 10-18th February, box office daily 10am-8pm, 01394 382174.
www.cof4.co.uk

The duo have taken on a joint tenancy for the popular Adnams public house, The Cherry Tree on Ipswich Road, and are already planning some exciting menu changes and regular customer events.

James (left) and Andy (right) outside The Cherry Tree, Woodbridge.

He said: “I’m passionate about food and in particular about local ingredients and suppliers, so I’m really looking forward to creating a menu which maximises on that quality of regional produce.

“I’ve always wanted my own pub and am so excited about moving back to Woodbridge – a place which deservedly has an excellent reputation for food.”

Andy, 30, grew up in Woodbridge and having worked as a prison officer for almost 10 years, has been enjoying a change of direction into hospitality.

He said: “I needed a change and planned on doing a few shifts behind a bar whilst I worked out what I was going to do next. Within a few days I knew this was something I wanted to do more permanently and I was lucky enough to meet James who had the same ideas about how we felt a pub should be.

“We’re wanting to maintain and build on the terrifically loyal clientele which has built up at the Cherry Tree in Woodbridge in recent years, plus bring in a new and exciting menu with lots of seasonal produce.”

The pair have commenced their tenancy of the Cherry Tree this week and are looking forward to welcoming new and past customers.

Puss is no ordinary cat though. He is enchanted by the Queen of Catland and given the ability to walk and talk like a human – and he puts his new found powers to full use encountering a fierce Ogre, the Ogre’s even fiercer mother and the Ogre’s fearful henchman, rescuing a kidnapped Queen, and astonishing all who meet him.

To this magical mix add Dame Cranberry and her friend Susie, her other two ‘ever-so-slightly-bad’ sons, a rent collector who falls in love and becomes a hero, and a battle royal between good and evil – and you have a story to remember.

There are lots of laughs along the way, loads of audience participation, great songs, and fabulous dance routines and, of course, Company of Four colourful costumes.

Puss In Boots is at The Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge from Friday 10th until Saturday 18th February. Tickets cost £11.50, Concessions £10.50 and Child £8.50, with a Family ticket (2+2) at just £35.00 and they are available by contacting the Box Office on 01394 382174.

Wines
We’ve gone all pink just thinking about it. Start off celebrations with some fizz. How about Adnams Rosé Champagne (£24.99), or for a little less cash, there’s Adnams Fizz Rosé (£8.50). Half way between a red and a rosé is an attractive ‘Clairet’ from Château Penin in Bordeaux (£9.75). This has more weight than a standard rosé, but is not as full and heavy as a red wine, so a perfect choice for a Valentine’s day treat.

You can’t get much more romantic than buying a bottle of St Amour from Beaujolais. It may be a bit of a cliché, but our St Amour is as charming as it sounds with substantial fruit flavours and enough body to pair well with red meat (£10.99). For white wine lovers, then treat your loved one to a bottle of Domaine de la Bongran. This is rich and creamy with a honeyed intensity that will matches perfectly with roast chicken. It’s £17.50, and a thoughtful choice for lovers of good white Burgundy.

Beer
If you’re anything like our Brewer, Fergus, wine won’t get much of a look in, but you can still be romantic by offering a bottle of sparkling beer. Our Sole Bay Celebratory Ale is sealed with a cork and at 10% alcohol, it’s a beery version of Champagne (£9.99). Serve it in a Champagne glass rather than a beer glass, it tastes better and adds to the sense of occasion. If you’re cooking something with a little ginger or spice, then Sole Bay Celebratory Ale is a good match to the warmth and the flavours. It’s also particularly good with beer-battered haddock, peas and chips!

The Champion Beer 6-bottle pack (£10) and 12-bottle Adnams Selection Box (£20) also make great gifts for lovers of good beer.

Spirits
For chocolatey desserts, or fruit-based puddings, the top spirit choice this Valentine’s Day has to be our new Morello Cherry Liqueur (£14.99). Duncan Gooch, Manager of our Southwold Cellar & Kitchen Store, has come up with a great new cocktail he’s affectionately named ‘The Bakewell Tart’. He mixes one part of Morello Cherry liqueur with an equal part of the almond-based classic liqueur Disaronno Amaretto. If you can get to Adnam’s Southwold store, try it! It’s a dessert in a glass!

Woodbridge Town Council along with Suffolk Coastal District Council, Sutton Parish Council and The Royal British Legion have signed up to an Armed Forces Community Covenant, a statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces.

The covenant formalises Wood-bridge support for soldiers based at Rock Barracks and gives access to a £30m funding pot created by the Ministry of Defence to support projects to strengthen the bonds between the military and the public.

Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Ross RE, Commanding Officer of Woodbridge-based 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), said, “Woodbridge and Sutton Parish are stalwart supporters of our soldiers and their families, a link that reaches back through the Town’s association with the RAF and USAF base at Sutton Heath.

“The signing of this covenant will only serve to strengthen the existing links between Woodbridge and it’s surroundings, and the soldiers. We are truly made to feel part of the community, which is a relationship that we place great value on and is already the envy of garrison towns across the country.”

Mayor of Woodbridge, Cllr Martin Sylvester said, “Woodbridge has long held the 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) in high esteem and on behalf of the Town and the Town Council, I am delighted to sign this Community Covenant to allow the 23 Engineer Regiment to access funding to improve and upgrade facilities in and around Rock Barracks.

“The first project to renovate a derelict building and create a village hall is a wonderful way to bring together personnel from the Barracks and local people who live in the Sutton Heath parish.”

These new appointments, together with the existing Board, bring the skills and expertise to further strengthen the Town and bring together the whole community to work together in partnership. Further help is still needed, which is essential and important to the work that can be undertaken for the Town.

Membership subscriptions are a key element of the support needed from the businesses in Town as is the assistance and help from Volunteers who provide valuable support to projects and events through the year.

Volunteer help is urgently needed for some of the following projects:

Organisation of the annual Easter Egg Hunt
General event help – planning, organising and ‘hands on’
Flyer/poster distribution and display

There are small working parties for many of the events and projects and it may even be a good opportunity to make new friends!

• Contact: Carol Thain on 07799 582874
Email: choosewoodbridge@gmail.com

Monday 6th February – Come and meet WTCM
With so many new faces we would like to invite you to join us for an informal social evening when you will have the opportunity to meet our new Chairman Elect Chris Harrold, myself and some of our colleagues on the WTCM board. We will be at the Bull Hotel on Market Hill from 5.00 – 7.00pm and we hope very much you will drop in and see us during the evening. Nibbles and a log fire will be provided – normal bar prices will apply. What better way to cheer up a Monday!

3rd – 18th Feb – Sant Studio Pop up Shop
Visit Sant Studio during these February dates for a fabulous selection of unique, vintage clothing, for men and women, from the 1940′s to the 1980′s.
More information from Sant Studio 01394 382346.

Thursday, 16th February – Archaeopteryx! an illustrated talk by Mike Swindells – 7.30pm
In aid of and organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Woodbridge Group. Tel: 01394 411237

Sunday, 26th February – Flea Market at the Community Hall
In aid of, and run by Action for Medical Research

• Contact: Carol Thain on 07799 582874
Email: choosewoodbridge@gmail.com

Every Friday
PLATINUM KARAOKE with WES, The Inkerman, Ipswich, 8pm

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Wed 1st Feb
SUFFOLK COLLEGE SHOWCASE NITE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich

Thu 2nd Feb
SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS SESSION, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
WEEBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
VIC MARTIN, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton
KLOWN’S KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Fri 3rd Feb
STAMMER + support, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
STONE THE CROWS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
BONESHAKERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
WHO’S WHO, The Malthouse, Ipswich
ACOUSTIC NIGHT, The George, Hadleigh
THE SHRINKS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
BACK STREET, The Pickerel, Stowmarket
WORDS & MUSIC, The Selkirk Inn, Ipswich
CHELSEA FRANIS, The Bull Hotel, Woodbridge

Sat 4th Feb
DEAR SLEEPER + support, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
SHAMEFUL BEHAVIOUR, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
MICKY FLYNN, Old Times, Ipswich
TIME OUT, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
THE INVITED, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
DOG IN A SIDE CAR, The George, Hadleigh
ABOUT A GIRL, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Sun 5th Feb
JAZZ JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm
BONESHAKERS, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3pm
HAT MAN, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
JACKIE & THE QUAY NOTES, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3.30pm

Tue 7th Feb
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Wed 8th Feb
BLUES JAM NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Thu 9th Feb
FOLK JAM, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
THE PICKS, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
KLOWN’S KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Fri 10th Feb
ULTRAZANG presents THE POPES OF CHILLI TOWN + TWO STEPS TWICE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
BLAMEY ROVERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
ROXOFF, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
TAKE TWO KARAOKE, The Selkirk Inn, Ipswich
ROCKIT, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
THAMES BURIAL, The grinning Rat, Ipswich
23X, The Pickerel, Stowmarket

Sat 11th Feb
SKA’D 4 LIFE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £5
COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
MATT WHITE & THE EMULSIONS, The George, Hadleigh
LAB RATS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
CHARITY NIGHT, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave

Sun 12th Feb
SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring GIPPING VALLEY STOMPERS, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm
BACK PORCH, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich, 3.30pm
CAMELFOOT RAIDERS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Tue 14th Feb
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Wed 15th Feb
BLUES JAM NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Thu 16th Feb
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
THE MARTELLS, Olive’s bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton
ASTROBOY, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
KLOWN’S KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Fri 17th Feb
DOUBLE BARREL + support, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
GUNPOWDER RUNNER, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
JOHNNY WILLIAMS & LYNETTE MARIE, Olive’s bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton
SIMON HENLEY, The Old Times, Ipswich
TALK OF THE TOWN, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
FIGHTING FICTION, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
PANIC IN DETROIT, The Pickerel, Stowmarket
HAT MAN, The Selkirk Inn, Ipswich,
A GUY CALLED RICH, The Bull Hotel, Woodbridge
DARK ERA, The Grinning rat, Ipswich

Sat 18th Feb
NEW TOWN KINGS + support, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3, 16+ ID required
THE BLACK SMOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
SHATTERED, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
B4, The Plough, Ipswich
BONESHAKERS, The Marlborough Head Hotel, Dedham
REZINWOLF, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
KEVIN BARRY, Kesgrave Social Club, Kesgrave
THE MARTELLS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Sun 19th Feb
MATT WHITE AND THE EMULSIONS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
LADY GAGA TRIBUTE, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3.30pm
STEVE HOOCKER BAND, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich

Tue 21st Feb
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Wed 22nd Feb
BLUES JAM NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Thu 23rd Feb
FOLK SESSION with PETE & GUEST, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
WEBBY’S JAM NITE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
KLOWNS KARAOKE, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
MARTIN & LEWIS LIVE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
WORDS & MUSIC, Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton

Fri 24th Feb
BRINGING BACK THE BLUES! The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £5 includes a chilli supper
STRUCK BATS, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
CONFLICT WITHIN, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich
EAST TOWN PIRATES, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
KUDOS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
KISS KARAOKE, The Selkirk Inn, Ipswich
POWDER MONEY, The Pickerel, Stowmarket
COLOURBLIND HEDGEHOGS, The Grapes, Bury St Edmunds

Sat 25th Feb
SOUTH OF THE BORDER, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, £3
SAXONISED, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, £4
ARE WE THERE YET? Olive’s Bar, Orwell Crossing, A14 East, Nacton
SERENITY ZEST, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich
THE SPACE ROCKS, The Cork Bar, Felixstowe
CAMELFOOT RAIDERS, The Plough, Ipswich
THE RISING, The Pickerel, Stowmarket
BACK PORCH BAND, The George, Hadleigh

Sun 26th Feb
LAST SUNDAY JAZZ LUNCH featuring LA FONTAINE ENSEMBLE, The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich, food from 12pm, jazz from 2pm
THE BLACK SMOKE, The Grinning Rat, Ipswich
LIVE MUSIC, Venue 77, Ipswich, 3.30pm

Tue 28th Feb
AIMEE’S KARAOKE, The Royal Oak, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich

Wed 29th Feb
BLUES JAM NIGHT, The Spread Eagle, Ipswich

Every Tuesday
Senior Singers, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 10.30am – 12pm, Male & Female singers, 55 plus, join in this ling established & friendly group of singers, No auditions, Call Maggie on 01473 713597,
Badminton Cub looking for new members, beginners or more experienced players are welcome, 7.30pm to 10pm, refreshments and cake included, For further info contact Robert on 01473 711799.
Dance & Music Improvisation, Northgate Arts centre in Ipswich, 7pm -8pm (studio available from 6.45 – 8.15pm for warm-up and warm-down) £5 / £3.50 (freelance dance artists and concessions) Telephone 07830755070
Yoga, Halifax School, Prince of Wales Drive, Stoke Park, 7.30pm – 9pm, 01473 690762
Pyjama Drama, Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, 9.40am Rainbows, 10.30am Raindrops, 11.15 am Dewdrops, Drama & creative play classes for children up to the age of 7, for more info contact Jane on 0844 272 6579
Martlesham Heath Country Market, The Pavilion, The Square, Martlesham Heath, 9am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale. For further information Tel 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk
Ipswich Folk Dance Club, St Johns U.R.C, Cowper St, 8pm – 10pm. Experience not necessary, as all dances are walked through first, and then called. For full details call 01473 212085.
Tea Dance, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 2pm – 4pm, £2, Includes tea and biscuits, for further information tel 01473 257593.
Knit ‘n’ Natter Group, Bags of Handles, Walton, Felixstowe, 6pm – 9pm, Knit, Natter and browse through hundreds of knitting magazines available to the group.

Every Wednesdays
Voices Together, award winning female singing group. Whitehouse Baptist Church, Waterford Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm – 9pm. Friendly rehearsals. No auditions. Easy listening music. Interested? Call Kath 01473 652351
Pyjama Drama, Brackenbury Sports Centre, Felixstowe, 9.40am Rainbows, 10.30am Raindrops, 11.15 am Dewdrops, Drama & creative play classes for children up to the age of 7, for more info contact Jane on 0844 272 6579
New Voices is a friendly, enthusiastic choir who sing a wide variety of choral music. 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Seventh Adventist Church, Rope Walk, Ipswich, New members are welcome. Email info@newvoices.org.uk

Every Thursday
Pyjama Drama, Ipswich Sports Club, Henley Road, Ipswich, 9.40am Rainbows, 10.30am Raindrops, 11.15 am Dewdrops, Drama & creative play classes for children up to the age of 7, for more info contact Jane on 0844 272 6579
Ipswich Country Market, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, 10.15am to 11.30am, Local Food, Handmade Crafts Open to all, Free Entry,
Coffee and Chat: informal coffee morning with activities, 10.00am – 12noon All Saints Church Hall Blenheim Road, Ipswich

Every Friday
Pyjama Drama, Village Hall, Capel St Mary, 9.40 Rainbows, 10.30am Raindrops, 11.15am Dewdrop, Drama & creative play classes for children up to the age of 7, for more info contact Jane on 0844 272 6579
Ballroom Dancing, Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton, Felixstowe, 7.30 – 9pm, £5 per couple. Waltz, Quickstep, Latin American and popular sequence, a very friendly class where Tea is served during break.

Every Saturday
Mini-Market, Manning’s Amusements, Sea Road, Felixstowe, 10am – 4pm
Pyjama Drama, Kesgrave Community Centre, 9.15am Rainbows, 10.15am Rainbows, 11.15am Sunbeams, Drama & creative play classes for children up to the age of 7, for more info contact Jane on 0844 272 6579
Kesgrave Country Market, Kesgrave Scout H/Q Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, 9.30am – 11.30am, home-made, home-grown, and home-crafted items for sale, further information Tel. 01473 623849 or www.martleshammarket.co.uk

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Thu 2nd Feb
Charity Pamper Evening, The Zone, Suffolk New College, Ipswich, 6.30pm -8.30pm, £10, includes a welcome drink at 6.30pm and your chosen pamper treatment starting at 7.00pm, book on 01473 432641

Fri 3rd Feb
Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, 7.30pm, The Lives of some who served at Martlesham Heath presented by Alan Smith

Sat 4th Feb
Storytelling and Activities, Flatford Mill, 11am – 12pm, Hear Silly Suzie Goose and look out Silly Suzie Goose by Peter Horacek. Followed by animal based craft activities, Meet at Bridge Cottage, Normal admission charge applies. Activities/per person: Free, Booking is essential
0844 249 1895
Valentine’s Craft Fair, The Welcome Hall, Trimley St Mary, IP11 0TN, 10am – 3pm, Raffle and Entrance Fee in aid of the British Heart Foundation, Entrance Fee 50p
The ultimate street dance day! Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 9am – 5pm, £25, 01473 295230

Sun 5th Feb
Ransomes & Rapier Reunion of past staff, Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Rd, Kesgrave, 12.30pm – 5pm, £2, 01206 734581

Wed 8th Feb
Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society meeting, room 4, Castle Hill Community Centre, High Field Road, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Talk by Adrian Corder-Birch – Our Ancestors were Brickmakers and Potters, Free Entry with a retiring collection,
Scholars Concert, Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, 7.30pm, musicians from the school, www.rhscommunity.co.uk
Guided Walk including afternoon tea, meet outside Raven Public House, 2pm, £6pp, Theme: Flights of Fancy, book on 01473 258070
Talk, Suffolk East Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere, 7.30pm, “Knitting is not about Socks” by Dianne Ninnmey, visitors welcome,

Sat 11th Feb
Along the Stour to Langham, Flatford Mill, 10.30am – 1.30pm, An experienced guide will lead you on a 3 hour (7 mile) walk along the Stour Valley, following the river upstream through the villages of Dedham and Stratford St Mary to the beautiful church at Langham before returning to Flatford, Normal admission applies. Activities/per person: £6 per person, Booking essential 0844 249 1895. 5% booking fee applies
Craft Fair, Felixstowe Leisure Centre, 12.30pm – 5.30pm, Free Admission
Valentine’s Dance, St. Clements Sports & Social, in aid of local RSPCA Branch

Sun 12th Feb
Concert, The Ward Quartet, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Felixstowe, 3pm, Tickets £10 children free, book on 01394 670633, www.felixstowemusic.com

Mon 13th Feb
Hoot’s WOW Welly Walk, Mill Meadow, Needham Lake, 10.30am – 11.30am, children £2, accompanying adults free, recommended for ages up to 8yrs

Tue 14th Feb
Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society Meeting, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Rd, Ipswich, 7.30pm, doors open 7pm, Illustrated Presentation by Russell Harvey/Maersk Shipping – its History & Future, members £1, non members £2
Family Morning – ‘Forest Fun’, Foxburrow Farm, Melton, 10.30am – 12.30pm, An adventure in the wood following a mud face trail, building animal homes, soil painting and lots more, Children £3.50, Adults £1.50, Please book, 01394 380113
Talk, Felixstowe Area Social Club for Retired Persons, Old Felixstowe Community Centre, 2.15pm, Janet Dann – “A Way with Words”. New members always welcome. Please call Matthew Robertson, 01394 282202 for more information.

Wed 15th Feb
Guided Walk including afternoon tea, Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, 2pm, £6pp, Theme: Christchurch Mansion and its links with the town, book on 01473 258070
Hunt for Treasure Island, Needham Lake, IP6 8NU, 12pm -3.30pm, children £3, accompanying adults free
Wildlife Wardens – ‘Survival Skills‘, Foxburrow Farm, Melton, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Fire lighting, camp fire cooking & charcoal making for 10-15 year olds, £6 each. Please book 01394 380113

Thu 16th Feb
Monthly Meeting. Ipswich Branch, The Suffolk Family History Society, The Red Cross Hall, Chevallier Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, An illustrated talk by Carrie Willis entitled “Images of Witches”, £2 per person, New family history researchers are warmly welcomed, Advice and help is freely available to all researchers, For more information on the branch, and the talk, contact Howard King on Ipswich (01473 274300)

Fri 17th Feb
Night Hike, Thornham Walks, 6pm – 8pm, £3 per child, 01379 788345
Activity Day ‘Live ‘n’ deadly’, Foxburrow Farm, Melton, 10am – 2pm, Find the clues and solve the wildlife crime. For 6 – 10 year olds, £6 each (discounted for siblings), Please book 01394 380113

Sat 18th Feb
Indoor Boot Sale, Sproughton Tithe Barn, 9am – 12pm, café in courtyard, to reserve a table phone 01473 749418
Ceilidh Dance, Bealings Village Hall, 7.30pm, with Itchy Feet and caller Elaine Barker, Advance tickets available from 01394 383329 or by emailing christine@sills12.fsnet.co.uk, Tickets: Adults £8, Youth (10-16) £4, U 10s Free, Family (2 adults 3 children) £20 (Suffolk Folk discount £1)

Wed 22nd Feb
Suffolk Wildlife Trust – Illustrated Talk by David Healey/Wildlife of Costa Rica, St Margaret’s School, Bolton Lane, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £2pp
Lunchtime Talk, Priory Park, Ipswich, Friends of the Ipswich Museums, With Pudge at Dunkirk – Barbara & Gary Butler, talks start at noon followed by lunch, booking essential, 01473 287716

Thu 23rd Feb
Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Pioneer Hall, Co-op Education Centre, Fore Street, Ipswich, 2.15pm, £2, Illustrated Talk by Al Pulford – When The Sane Have Gone To Bed, Railway Night Photography and Digital Imaging

Fri 24th Feb – Sat 25th Feb
BalletBoyz, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape, 7.30pm, Tickets: £22, £18, £14, £10 (under 18s £2 off), Box office: 01728 687110, Make some room. Make some noise. Here comes the Talent.
The Forest, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, Tickets: £10 / £6 (concessions) Group Saver: £30 (4 tickets), Box office: 01473 295230, A thrilling performance for everyone five and over!

Fri 24th Feb
Inspired! A practical teacher training day, with Wayne McGregor, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 9.15am – 3.45pm, Tickets £35 (including lunch), Box office: 01473 295230

Sat 25th Feb
Gardening Talks, Stowupland Village Hall, 2.30pm, Plant Heritage members – free, Non-members – £3.00, Please pay at the door Tea & cake £1, `Women Gardeners` by Dr Catherine Horwood. Catherine has just moved to Clare. She is an author of many books, the latest being `Gardening Women – their stories from 1600 to the present day`
Talk by Stuart Bowell/Pub Games in Suffolk, Ipswich Record Office, Gatacre Rd, Ipswich, 10.30am, £5.50, 01473 584541
Concert, St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, www.chrisrowbury.com
Open Lunch Box, 35 Highfield Road, Ipswich, 11am to 3pm, Come along for Sarnies, Cakes and Beverages, find out more about the work St John Ambulance does, try your hand at CPR and bandaging, Free admission donations welcome. Please contact Karen on 07738 259794 or email karham.bass@btinternet.com, In aid of St John Ambulance

Sun 26th Feb
Volunteer Day, Thornham Walks, 10am – 3.30pm, 01379 788345
Mon 27th Feb
Ipswich Transport Society Meeting, Bridge Ward Club, Austin Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, £2, Illustrated talk by Nigel Mann – The West Somerset Railway,

Tue 28th Feb
Felixstowe Society Meeting, St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Felixstowe, 7.30pm, Member – David Isbister, will tell us about the demise of some fascinating London Underground Stations, members £1, visitors £2.

Wed 29th Feb
Volunteer Afternoon, Foxburrow Farm, Melton, 2pm – 4pm, Find out about the Education work at Foxburrow Farm, the holiday activities and events they run and practical conservation work parties, For an introduction to the farm, a short walk and a taster of what’s on offer to schools and find out how you can get involved.
Discovering Minsmere, RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Westleton, Suffolk, 9.30am (2.5 – 3 hours), learn about the reserve’s birds and other wildlife, as well as the habitats, the guides will show you Minsmere’s varied wildlife, give tips on good fieldcraft, and help you to get the most from your visit to one of Britain’s premier bird watching spots. Suitable for all abilities, Adults £7, RSPB members £5, children half price, booking is essential. Call 01728 648281 or email bookings.Minsmere@rspb.org.uk

Suffolk Coastal’s Full Council voted in December to approve the LDF’s Core Strategy, which sets out how future development in the district should be controlled over the next two decades.

“We have had to carefully balance our district’s two great advantages of a vibrant economy and of being, because of its natural environment and the ‘quality of place’ of our towns and villages, one of the most attractive places in the country to live, work and play,” said Cllr Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning.

“We have been working for 10 years to finalise a plan to simultaneously enhance these two advantages. Our Core Strategy has stringent rules and policies to safeguard our environment with sufficient measures to ensure we have the good quality developments we need in the future, without threatening what makes our district so special.

“We have a blueprint for the future that will carefully balance the need for the growth in homes and jobs needed to ensure a strong modern local economy, against our commitment to protect our splendid environment, both natural and built. The next stage is for an examination of our policies in public by an independent planning inspector, and the public can now flag up any relevant areas of concern for consideration,” added Cllr Smith.

The Pre-submission Core Strategy and associated documents are being officially published today (January 25) and the public have six weeks until 5.15pm on Wednesday, March 7 to make comments during what is formally called the publication period.

It is legally the opportunity for anyone who is satisfied or dissatisfied with the document, which is formally titled “Pre-Submission Strategy & Development Management Policies Development Plan Document December 2011”, to make formal representations to the inspector about its soundness.

The document sets out in strategic terms the Council’s overall approach to future development for the period to 2027 and can be seen at Melton Hill’s planning helpdesk during normal office hours, at local libraries or on the Council’s website www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourdistrict/planning/review/corestrategy/presubmission/

Those making representations should explain whether they consider the document to be ‘legally compliant’ and/or ‘sound’, or otherwise, and the reasons for that view. It is recommended that those wishing to make representations use the online comment system http://suffolkcoastal.jdi-consult.net/ldf/ or the ‘representation form’, which along with guidance notes (formally titled “The Statement of Representations Procedure”), can be downloaded from the website, obtained from the planning helpdesk, or by contacting the planning policy team on 01394 444761 or development.policy@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk

Before making representations people are recommended to read the guidance notes on the Council’s website, which give the official legal explanations of what is meant by Parliament’s definitions of ‘sound’. These can also be found in Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12), paragraphs 4.36 – 4.47, 4.51 and 4.52, which can be seen on www.communities.gov.uk – search for “PPS12”.

“After this six week period, the document and the representations received will be submitted for Examination in Public, and the planning inspector appointed by the Government will identify issues from those suggested for debate during sessions open to the public.

“On completion of the Examination in Public, the inspector will consider all of the written representations and evidence put forward as part of the examination and will write a formal report, which will determine whether the document has been found ‘sound’ and ‘legally compliant’ and will include recommendations for possible changes. These are binding and the Core Strategy will be amended accordingly before it is formally adopted,” added Cllr Smith.