ICR Updates

News & Events

Catch up with the latest from Ipswich Community Radio.

14th May 2026

Community Garden Launches New Project To Connect People With Nature

Wild About Nature is an exciting new project launching at Ipswich-based charity ActivLives. It will involve the community in caring for nature and the environment. The project will bring people together to grow and garden sustainably. They will also maintain and develop areas for wildlife, and learn about beekeeping at our urban allotment community garden. … Continue reading Community Garden Launches New Project To Connect People With Nature

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10th April 2026

10 years strong – ActivSheds journey of woodworking with a heart

ActivSheds celebrates 10 years making, doing, repairing, upcycling and – most of all – making friends and finding support as part of their local community on Friday 8th May 11am to 2pm at ActivSheds, the CRESS Pavilion, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE Everybody is invited to come and meet members, look around at the facilities, … Continue reading 10 years strong – ActivSheds journey of woodworking with a heart

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1st April 2026

‘May’ Arrives Early at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway has taken delivery of this summer’s guest steam engine with the arrival of the Industrial 0-4-0 Saddle tank steam locomotive No. 1370, ‘May’. On a cold, grey and drizzly Tuesday at Brockford the Railway’s Ops team took delivery of the steam engine. After a complicated shunt operation to get ‘May’ into … Continue reading ‘May’ Arrives Early at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

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21st March 2026

Local hearing specialists bring back popular Charity Quiz for 2026

A local hearing care company is bringing back one of its much-loved charity quiz nights this spring. It will be raising funds for a cause close to the heart of the local community. All About Hearing, a family-run business with clinics across Suffolk, has recently opened its flagship practice in Kesgrave. It is continuing its … Continue reading Local hearing specialists bring back popular Charity Quiz for 2026

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Lorry outside Ipswich Transport Museum
14th March 2026

Ipswich Transport Museum

Peter Bedwell, Museum Volunteer, reports, “It’s that time of year again. Our Winter Work programme is drawing to a close and we re-open on Sunday March 29th from 11:00 until 16:00, at the Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9JD, when you can wander amongst all of our Transport and Engineering Exhibits, several of … Continue reading Ipswich Transport Museum

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11th December 2025

New Year’s Day Steam & Light Festival at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

A bright start to the New Year will be the Steam & Light Festival at Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway.  John Reeve says, “Join us on January 1st for your first steam train ride of the year and visit to the Historical Lighting Association’s display of fascinating vintage oil lamps dating from the Mid-Victorian … Continue reading New Year’s Day Steam & Light Festival at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

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3rd October 2025

The Fred Yule Memorial Lecture: The Future of Aircraft Propulsion and the Journey to Net Zero.

The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society will host The Fred Yule Memorial Lecture: “The Future of Aircraft Propulsion and the Journey to Net Zero” on Friday 7th November 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Stuart Yule MSc CEngFRAeS, who is a Business Technologist with Rolls Royce, will present the talk. In The Fred Yule Memorial Lecture, he will … Continue reading The Fred Yule Memorial Lecture: The Future of Aircraft Propulsion and the Journey to Net Zero.

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3rd October 2025

Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society: Wednesday 5th November

The Ipswich Group of the Suffolk Family History Society will meet on Wednesday 5th November at 7:30 p.m. They will welcome Timothy Easton with his intriguing talk “No Witches Here!” The talk will be all about protective symbols in houses and barns and the concerns of the people of their times. These, symbols in centuries … Continue reading Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society: Wednesday 5th November

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5th September 2025

Join ActivLives for their Autumn Plant Sale!

Where: ActivLives Chantry Walled Garden, Chantry Park, Ipswich IP2 0B When: Thursday 25th September 2025 from 10am to 2pm Access: Nearest parking is in Chantry Park car park, which is near the mansion off Hadleigh Road. Location details at the bottom of this web-page: activlives.org.uk/activgardens/chantry-walled-garden/ FOR DISABLED ACCESS, PLEASE CALL AHEAD – IAN 07599 951060 … Continue reading Join ActivLives for their Autumn Plant Sale!

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Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum - photo
13th August 2025

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society – September 2025 Events

Talk: “RAF Felixstowe – The People not the Planes”. The next Martlesham Heath Aviation Society monthly talk will take place on Friday 5th September, at 7:30pm. Catherine Buchanan will talk all about “RAF Felixstowe – The People not the Planes”. As many readers will know where the Felixstowe Docks are now very busy, the area … Continue reading Martlesham Heath Aviation Society – September 2025 Events

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13th July 2025

Middy Extension Opening – Public Opening 2nd & 3rd August 2025

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is pleased to announce that, following the submission for a Transport & Works Act Order, the application was approved on the 21st February 2025 by the Secretary of State for Transport. This means is that the Middy can operate trains over the full length of its line, already laid. Of course, … Continue reading Middy Extension Opening – Public Opening 2nd & 3rd August 2025

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7th July 2025

Mid Summer Programme at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

Vintage trains and added attractions most Sundays during July, at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway. Also known as the Middy, it is Suffolk’s award winning and only standard gauge heritage railway. 13th July – Railway 200 Celebration This year is the national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the first passenger trains running on the Stockton … Continue reading Mid Summer Programme at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

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Cartoon of children playing chess
17th June 2025

13th Martlesham Heath Chess Tournament on 29th June 2025.

The 13th Martlesham Heath Chess Tournament, and 2nd Fundraiser for Debenham High School’s Courtyard Garden, will be on Sunday 29th of June 2025. Venue: St Michael & All Angels Church, The Drift, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, IP5 3PL Format: 8 Round Swiss Blitz Tournament Sections: 1. OPEN (ECF Rated; All ages) 2. MINOR U18 (ECF Rated; … Continue reading 13th Martlesham Heath Chess Tournament on 29th June 2025.

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6th June 2025

Ipswich group, Suffolk family History Society – July 2025 Events

On Wednesday 2nd July at 7:30pm, Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society will welcome Cathy Shelborne. She will present ‘The Story of Admiral De Vere Broke’. He was a very successful Captain in the days of wind powered warships. The Broke Hall Estate in Ipswich, and the swimming pool at his old school, honour his … Continue reading Ipswich group, Suffolk family History Society – July 2025 Events

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20th May 2025

Walking 80 miles at 80

Doreen Savage walked 70 miles in 7 days in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation to mark her 70th birthday. Now, 10 years on, she has pledged to walk 80 miles in the month of May. This will mark her 80th birthday. Doreen’s ambitious new charitable endeavour is in aid of Ipswich based LivingGrief Bereavement. The … Continue reading Walking 80 miles at 80

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8th May 2025

Dovebrook Carriage Shed Appeal

The Middy’s unique Victorian 4-wheeled carriages need protection. The Mid-Suffolk light Railway (MSLR), affectionately known as the Middy, is the only standard gauge heritage railway in Suffolk. Our principle aim is to preserve the uniqueness of this Edwardian light railway which served rural Mid-Suffolk for nearly 50 years. Although no actual vehicles of the railway … Continue reading Dovebrook Carriage Shed Appeal

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Lorry outside Ipswich Transport Museum
25th April 2025

Ipswich Transport Museum May 2025 Open Day Dates & Special Events details

The Ipswich Transport Museum, located in The Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich, IP3 9DJ, will be open in May on the dates listed below. On Sunday 4th we are holding the 53rd Annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run with over 500 vehicles gathering in Christchurch Park prior to setting off on the run … Continue reading Ipswich Transport Museum May 2025 Open Day Dates & Special Events details

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24th April 2025

Spring is springing! Become a community garden volunteer!

Volunteer Open Day on Wednesday 7th May 2025, from 10am to 2pm. At The People’s Community Garden, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE activlives.org.uk/activgardens/peoples-community-garden/. Come and look around the garden, chat to staff and volunteers to find out about our volunteering opportunities activlives.org.uk/activgardens/get-involved/. “We have a variety of roles. From helping us to keep up with … Continue reading Spring is springing! Become a community garden volunteer!

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24th April 2025

New Campaign Launches For A Cancer Support Platform

Emma Adams from Ipswich and Mandeep Birdy from Felixstowe, have started a crowdfunding campaign. They aim to build an innovative new platform to support people living with cancer. Hope to Connect will be a platform for people with cancer who are experiencing loneliness. The platform will bring people living with cancer together. It will provide … Continue reading New Campaign Launches For A Cancer Support Platform

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9th April 2025

The Suffolk Local History: Bob Malster Prize 2025

Bob began his career as a local newspaper journalist in Suffolk, before moving into publishing. His historical interests were broad, as were his associations with many organisations. He also furthered a wide-range of historical knowledge and activities in Suffolk. His numerous publications made a huge contribution to the canon of local history in the county. … Continue reading The Suffolk Local History: Bob Malster Prize 2025

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Banner for Suffolk Libraries Blank Page Project
27th March 2025

Suffolk Libraries brings back Blank Page creative workshops for Easter holidays

Suffolk Libraries’ Blank Page Project is an exciting programme providing high-quality creative activities for 10-16 year-olds run by professional local artists during school holidays. The Easter 2025 workshops start on Monday 7 April and run until Thursday 17 April.  The workshops take place at the following libraries: Beccles, Felixstowe, Gainsborough, Great Cornard, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lowestoft, … Continue reading Suffolk Libraries brings back Blank Page creative workshops for Easter holidays

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Advert for Naomi Brangwyn's solo exhibition
27th March 2025

Walking in Glass

Local artist, Naomi Brangwyn, will be holding a solo exhibition at The Craft House Gallery, Thoroughfare, Woodbridge  IP12 1AA. The exhibition will run from Wednesday 9th to Tuesday 15th April, and will be open from 10am ’till 5pm daily. Naomi says this is a ” large collection of new work inspired by my walking in … Continue reading Walking in Glass

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23rd February 2025

John Godber’s Northern Soul play ‘Do I Love You?’ comes to Ipswich!

‘Do I Love You?’ is an hilarious dance-fuelled play. From the writer of ‘Bouncers’ and ‘Teechers’, it’s coming to Eastern Angles Ipswich in May! Join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul. What started as a College project has grown into a passion, but the … Continue reading John Godber’s Northern Soul play ‘Do I Love You?’ comes to Ipswich!

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Mid-Suffolk Light Railway - logo
22nd February 2025

3-loco Gala Steam Up for Easter weekend at The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

Three locos will be in steam for the first big weekend of the 2025 season at The Middy. At Suffolk’s only standard gauge preserved railway, they will be working the trains during both Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April. ‘Sir Berkeley’ is an 0-6-0 saddle tank built by Manning Wardle of Leeds in 1890, and, … Continue reading 3-loco Gala Steam Up for Easter weekend at The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

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24th January 2025

Physical activity support in Suffolk: Still time to complete the survey

Deadline for completing this survey is 31/1/2025. Have Your Say on Physical Activity Support in Suffolk! Professor Valerie Gladwell (BMedSci, PhD), from the University of Suffolk, says, “We want to hear about your experiences and views on physical activity support in Suffolk. Your feedback will help develop research that matters to local people.” To give … Continue reading Physical activity support in Suffolk: Still time to complete the survey

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24th January 2025

Stellar Acappella in concert at the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House

Friends of the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House are delighted to welcome Suffolk’s premier all-female acappella group, Stellar Acappella, to the Meeting House for a special evening of ‘The Sounds of Stellar Acappella’. When: Saturday, 15 March, 7:00 pm Tickets available from:  tinyurl.com/soundsofsa. Cost: Friends of the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House £10; General admissions £12; under … Continue reading Stellar Acappella in concert at the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House

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22nd January 2025

Spotlight Suffolk: Green Future — Hype or Hope?

When: 27th February 2025, 5.45–9.00pm Location: The Hold, Ipswich, IP4 1LN Join us for a crucial discussion on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the viability of a sustainable world for future generations as we currently experience it. This event will dive into whether current sustainability initiatives are genuinely transformative or simply … Continue reading Spotlight Suffolk: Green Future — Hype or Hope?

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22nd January 2025

Cancer Awareness Day, Saturday 8th February

To mark World Cancer Day, Cancer Support Suffolk is hosting a cancer awareness event for all. Other organisations and support groups will join us at the event. They are: Very Important Invitation (cervical screening) Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation Wellbeing Suffolk Breast Friends Ipswich Hospital Macmillan Cancer Care Navigators Healthwatch Suffolk Community Action Suffolk East … Continue reading Cancer Awareness Day, Saturday 8th February

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11th January 2025

Record Fairs

The ever popular Record Fairs will be returning to Suffolk in 2025. Fairs will be held in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Felixstowe, throughout the year. The fairs are a great place to grab a bargain, whether you prefer CDs or vinyl. Ipswich Record Fairs Venue – St Stephen’s Church, Ipswich IP1 1DP Time – 10am – … Continue reading Record Fairs

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9th December 2024

The amazing Electric Alchemy Band is coming to Stowmarket

The Electric Alchemy Band will bring electrifying fusion to Stowmarket, on Thursday 16th January 2025. Doors & Bar at 7:30pm for 8pm start, at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Church Walk, Stowmarket, IP14 1ET. Tickets: £16 (concessions £12 – over 65, Students/Children and Disabled). Book on-line at https://www.johnpeelcentre.com/whats-on or phone: 01449 774678. Book … Continue reading The amazing Electric Alchemy Band is coming to Stowmarket

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16th November 2024

Brentwood Mac play Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre on 30th November

Brentwood Mac is an Essex based band who have quickly established themselves in the tribute band scene. They have just performed their 16th consecutive sell-out concert and are performing at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre in Ipswich on Saturday 30th November, starting at 7:30pm An outstanding tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac, Brentwood Mac … Continue reading Brentwood Mac play Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre on 30th November

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10th November 2024

Ipswich Remembers

The Ipswich War Memorial Project will have three exhibitions displayed around Ipswich, during the period of Remembrance. St. Margaret’s Church The First World War memorial inside St. Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, remembers 115 men from this parish. The Project has 53 portraits of these men which, thanks to the kindness of the Reverend Sarah Geileskey, are … Continue reading Ipswich Remembers

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30th September 2024

Tribute To A Legend

Earlier this week, Ipswich Community Radio lost an absolute legend, Ozzie Sibley after a short Illness, at the Age of 79. Ozzie joined ICR in 2003, in our Portman Road Days & was soon appointed Studio Manager by our then Station Manager, Nick Greenland. As well as this, he went on to present “This’n’That”, “The … Continue reading Tribute To A Legend

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14th September 2024

Family History Fair on Saturday 19th October 2024

The Suffolk Family History Society present: Family History Fair Fascinating talks, plus interesting displays and stalls from Family History and related organisations. Programme: 11:00 – My Ancestor was an Agricultural Labourer. 12:00 – Break 13:30 – ‘The Last Revolt’ of the Agricultural Labourers: The Swing Riots in Suffolk & Norfolk, in 1830. 14:30 – Break … Continue reading Family History Fair on Saturday 19th October 2024

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14th September 2024

The Real Royal Flying Corps

The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society welcomes: Andy Robertshaw Renowned author of many books on Aviation and Military Topics. Andy presents an insight into ‘The Real Royal Flying Corps’ (which became the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1917). He will discuss the myth of the Great War Airmen, the truth behind the Fighter Aces and … Continue reading The Real Royal Flying Corps

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14th September 2024

Shadowing Peter Pan

Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society presents: Elizabeth Talbot – Auctioneer and Valuer Known and seen on BBC TV Programmes such as ‘Flog-IT’ and ‘Antiques Road Trip’ as well as local radio, Elizabeth leads us a personal journey, from childhood to the present day, via Scotland, middle England, to Thorpeness and Lowestoft in Suffolk. Her … Continue reading Shadowing Peter Pan

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14th September 2024

Grand Opening of Award-Winning Luxury Cat Hotel In Creeting St Peter

The latest addition to the Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel Group is Longcroft Creeting St Peter, near Ipswich in Suffolk. It will be the 26th hotel to open under the successful Longcroft brand. Plus it will be a welcome addition to the very popular hotel already operating in Bury St Edmunds. Longcroft Creeting St Peter is … Continue reading Grand Opening of Award-Winning Luxury Cat Hotel In Creeting St Peter

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5th September 2024

Popular quiz night returns in support of deaf children and their families

A local hearing care company is back with another one of its popular charity quiz nights. The night will raise funds for children living with deafness. All About Hearing, a family-run business with two hearing care clinics in Ipswich, is holding the event. It will be in October, in aid of the National Deaf Children’s … Continue reading Popular quiz night returns in support of deaf children and their families

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5th September 2024

What’s On in September 2024

September Sickle Cell Awareness Month: On Friday 13th September there will be an evening of music, food, information and dance. It will start at 6.30pm and be held at Inspire, Lindbergh Rd, Ipswich, IP3 9QX. For more information visit sicklecellsuffolk.org. Fill your September with friendship! September is  Oddfellows Friendship Month. Events include Cream Tea at … Continue reading What’s On in September 2024

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Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
17th August 2024

Mid Suffolk Light Railway – August 2024 Events

Mid Suffolk Light Railway – Suffolk’s award winning only standard gauge heritage railway. Steam trains and added attractions every Sunday. There will be steam train rides in genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches. Plus the Mid- Suffolk Light Railway’s August programme has an added attraction every Sunday during the month. 18th August BMW & Royal Enfield Bike … Continue reading Mid Suffolk Light Railway – August 2024 Events

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10th August 2024

Ben Brown will have his ‘Blue’ EP launch show at The Smokehouse, Ipswich

Ben Brown saw the digital release of his début solo EP ‘Blue’ on July 12th. As he was on the road, opening for Frank Turner on his UK headline tour, Ben didn’t get to celebrate in style. So he has announced details of a ‘Blue’ EP launch party for Friday August 30th, at The Smokehouse … Continue reading Ben Brown will have his ‘Blue’ EP launch show at The Smokehouse, Ipswich

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6th August 2024

Arsenic’s Toxic Legacy: People, Places, Pasts and Peppermint

Suffolk Family History Society, Ipswich Group presents: Neil Dickinson presents: Arsenic’s Toxic Legacy: People, Places, Pasts and Peppermint In the 19th and 20th centuries, arsenic and its compounds appeared to offer marvellous solutions particularly in medicine, fashion, design and pest control so long as a blind eye was turned to the problem of its dreadful … Continue reading Arsenic’s Toxic Legacy: People, Places, Pasts and Peppermint

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3rd August 2024

What’s On in August 2024

Cultural Community Day: Friday 16th August, 11am-3pm. Attractions include the Wellbeing Bus, face-painting, cultural dancing, police car, badge making, Lego exhibition, sports activities for Children and much more. Bring a Picnic. Supported by Anglia Care Trust Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, Victim Support, Lighthouse , Future Female Society and The Ferns. More information … Continue reading What’s On in August 2024

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5th July 2024

Missing From Home

The Ipswich Group of the Suffolk Family History Society present: Missing from Home, a talk by David Ennifer David Eniffer, well known for his work with and for the Essex Family History Group presents, ‘Missing from Home’, this time as a ZOOM stream into the hall. This talk is about those ancestors who seemed to … Continue reading Missing From Home

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4th July 2024

What’s On in July 2024

Ipswich Life Saving Club: teaching vital lifesaving skills to children. At Fore Street Pool Ipswich, IP4 1JZ. Suitable for various sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. A Skill for Life. Find out more via ipswichlifesavingclub.com.  5 A Side Tournament: The ‘Kirton Cup’, a Charity/Club Fundraiser. Grab bragging rights, and the top prize! Saturday 13th … Continue reading What’s On in July 2024

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15th June 2024

The Old Oak

Cinema In Stansfield Presents . . . To mark international ‘Refugee Week’ we are pleased to announce that our June screening will be esteemed director Ken Loach’s: ‘The Old Oak’ When: Friday 21st June, at 8pm Where: Stansfield Village Hall Cost: All tickets £5 on the door ~ Licensed Bar ~ ‘The Old Oak’ is … Continue reading The Old Oak

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15th June 2024

Join a FREE, garden-based course to support positive mental well-being!

ActivLives are offering a 12-week programme, Gardening In Mind. There will be an Open Day on Wednesday 26th June  2024. It will be at the People’s Community Garden from 10am to 2pm. Just drop in to look around, find out more, or sign up. Gardening In Mind is a 12-week programme in the welcoming, inspiring … Continue reading Join a FREE, garden-based course to support positive mental well-being!

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13th June 2024

Returning to France; The Suffolk Regiment in Normandy, 1944

On Friday, 5th July, the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society will hold their monthly meeting. This month, Taff Gillingham will speak on: Returning to France; The Suffolk Regiment in Normandy, 1944 Taff Gillingham is an expert and enthusiastic speaker on the Great War and World War 2, particularly as it relates to the Suffolk Regiment. Synopsis … Continue reading Returning to France; The Suffolk Regiment in Normandy, 1944

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6th June 2024

Research Evening with the Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society.

Family History Research Evening! Thinking of starting to research your Family History? Or have you got some way and are now stuck? Have you been lucky and had an amazing success? Share your problems or triumphs with us. If you have problems, we will give free advice and encouragement. It would be helpful to let … Continue reading Research Evening with the Ipswich Group, Suffolk Family History Society.

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18th May 2024

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Monthly Meeting: Friday 7th June 2024

On Friday 7th June, at 7:30pm, Timandra Slade who will present: From a Hard Place to a Rock This is an extraordinary story of the escape, and perilous Journey home, of members of her family and fellow escapees from the Germans in 1940. Using first-hand accounts of soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force on the … Continue reading Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Monthly Meeting: Friday 7th June 2024

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