April

WEEKLY EVENTS…..
Every Monday
Ballet, Tap & Modern Dance Classes, Witnesham Village Hall, for ages 3 to Adult, from 4pm, call Kelly on 07799 130967 or email kelly@enpointedancing.co.uk for more details, A Qualified Member of United Teachers of Dance
Mens Keep Fit, Westbourne Sports College Marlow Rd Ipswich, 7pm -9pm, Free First Time, Drop In or phone Eddie on 01473 403033
Line Dancing, Bramford Road Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Ipswich Sea Cadets – The Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide voluntary uniformed youth organisation. Most of our activities are based on the traditions and customs of the Royal Navy.Activities for 10-17 year olds, For more information see our website at www.tsorwell.co.uk or telephone (01473) 259508 or e-mail info@tsorwell.co.uk

Every Tuesday
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, Sidegate Lane Community Centre, 2pm -4pm Ballroom & Sequence Dancing £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
Irish Set Dancing, Newton Road Conservative Club, Ipswich, 8.15pm -10.30pm, friendly group of dancers who would welcome new members, including beginners. No partner required, come along on the night or call Mary on 01394 610553 for more details
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 for more information.
Chi Kung Class, Westerfield Village Hall, 6.15pm – 7.30pm, for full details, contact Jo email Dharmatree@yahoo.co.uk or call 077 46829197.
Yoga Class, Westerfield Village Hall, 7.40pm – 9.15pm, for full details, contact Jo email Dharmatree@yahoo.co.uk or call 077 46829197.

Every Thursday
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
Dance Classes, St Johns Church Hall, Woodbridge (from 31st March). 7.30 – 9pm £5 per couple. Ballroom – Waltz, Quickstep, Latin American and popular sequence.This is a very friendly class where Tea is served during break.

Every Friday
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.
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Fri 1st Apr
Monthly Meeting, The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, The Main Hall, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, 7.30pm, Frank Bright presents “On the wrong side of the Channel” or Life in German occupied Europe during World War 2, Admission £1:50 (members) £2:50 (non-members), New members may join on the night, No need to book – just turn up! For more information see our M.H.A.S. website: www.mhas.org.uk or call 01473 274300.
Jazz At Danceeats with Andi Hopgood, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich 8pm

Sat 2nd Apr
Car Boot, The Bull, Brantham, call 01473 328494 f
Crafts Craft Fair, Market Hall Saxmundham Free Entry Refreshments and lots of lovely crafts for more information, phone Tina on 01728604784
Spring Fayre, The Village Hall, Little Blakenham, 2pm – 4pm, Easter Crafts, Mother’s Day Gifts, Raffle, Tombola, Cake Stall, Plants, Bric-A-Brac, Children’s Activities & Competitions, Toys, Teas, drinks and home-made cakes, ALL proceeds in aid of St Mary’s Church, Little Blakenham
Suffolk Orchid Society Spring Show, St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, 10am – 4pm, displays of orchids, orchids for sale, repotting demonstrations and advice, refreshments including light lunches will be available

CALLING ALL DOG LOVERS! – The Pro Plan Roadshow will be coming to Holywells Park, Ipswich on 2nd April 2011. For dog owners, it’s an event not to be missed!
If you and your dog head down to Holywells Park on Saturday (2nd April) between 8am and 4pm,you’ll have the opportunity to get a free health check for your dog with Pro Plan‘s qualified vet nurse, chat to a team of experts about health and nutrition advice as well as ask any questions you may have about your beloved pet. Dog owners can take advantage of a huge exclusive discount on Pro Plan products. There’ll be free samples* and vouchers on offer and you’ll have the chance to find out about the new 5 Point Promise money back guarantee from Pro Plan.
By visiting the roadshow, dog lovers can also do their bit for charity and help support specialist assistance dog charity, Canine Partners. Your dog will be wagging its tail in excitement at all of this good news!
Entrance to the roadshow is free and gates will open from 8am to 4pm. All dogs welcome!
Don’t worry if you can’t make it down this time as the roadshow will be coming back to Ipswich on:
14th and 15th April, at Holywells Park

Sun 3rd April
Family Mothering Day Service, Holy Trinity Church, Ipswich, all welcome, 11am
Mothering Sunday Lunch, Dunwich Heath, 12pm – 2pm, Treat your mum to a well-deserved 2 course lunch, hot drink and posy in our Tearooms. Adults £15, Child £6. For more information call 01728 648501 (Option 3).
Modor Daeg (Mother’s Day), Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, 10.30am – 5pm, Celebrate the love and wisdom of mothers throughout the ages from AD600 to today with free entry for every mother to this historic site. Discover the role mothers and stories of maternal love that have made Sutton Hoo history. Indulge in a delicious mother’s day meal in the café.
Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum open Sunday, RAF/USAAF Martlesham Heath, Control Tower Museum, 2pm – 5pm, Admission is FREE (Donations Appreciated) For more information see www.mhas.org.uk or call: Russell Bailey on 01473 435104, or Robert Dunnett on 01473 624510
Concert, St Andrew’s Church, Felixstowe, 3pm, Clarinet Recital – Music by Brahms, Adults £10, Children Free, www.felixstowemusic.com
Ipswich Choral Society presents America, The Great School, Ipswich School, Ivry Street, Ipswich, 3.30pm, 01473 735878, www.ipswichchoralsociety.org
Antique and Collectors Fair, Hotel Elizabeth Copdock, Nr Ipswich, 9am-4pm, (£2 entry).
Waterfront Music School Annual Concert, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 2.30pm, Book on 01473 225269, www.stpetersbythewaterfront.co.uk

Meet the Animal Mothers and enjoy a lunch at the Cafe at Colchester Zoo. Treat a mum to something really special this Mother’s Day, when you visit the many animal mums at Colchester Zoo! There’s a ‘Meet a Mum’ trail to follow leading you to some of our most popular and recent mums and their babies, along with extra talks and feeds taking place throughout the day! Visitors will also be able to enjoy an especially themed live animal show in the Wild About Animals Theatre and get stuck into Mother’s Day crafts in the Discovery Centre making your own Mother’s Day card! Spoil your mum even further by enjoying the Mother’s Day menu in Cafe UmPhafa! With tasty options including homemade quiche lorraine and poached salmon fillet along with mouth watering desserts including chocolate brownie cheesecake and summer fruit meringue supplied by Tiptree Patisserie; this is the perfect way to pamper mum with a delicious meal. Plus you can pre-book your Mother’s Day meal online now and receive 10% off the price of two courses, visit the website at www.colchester-zoo.com

Thu 7th April
Introduction to Family History Website Workshop, Ipswich Record Office, 2pm £10, 01473 584541

Sat 9th April
Talk by Dr John Blatchly – The Postmaster’s Plunder, Ipswich Record Office, 10.30am, £5.50, 01473 584541
Constable Country Ramble: Walking in the Footsteps of Constable, Flatford Mill, Flatford, 10am – 1pm,
3 hour guided ramble to visit some of the places and views which inspired the artist John Constable, including the site of his parents home, in the village of East Bergholt and follow the route he would have taken when he walked to his school in Dedham. £6, booking essential on 01206 298260.
Nearly New Sale, Brantham Village Hall, New Village, Brantham, 11am to 1pm, Sale of quality nearly new children’s clothes, toys, books, DVDs, prams and baby & toddler equipment. Admission 50p per family. Things to sell? Please call 0774 8644624 for details. All proceeds to St Michael’s & Brookland Young Explorer’s Pre-schools, Brantham.

Sun 10th April
Easter Craft & Food Fair, Town Hall Complex, Hadleigh, 10am – 4pm, Admission £1
Civic Celebration of Community Parade, Ipswich Town Centre
Introduction to Permaculture Design, Weekend Course,People’s Community Garden, Halifax Rd, Ipswich, Info: www.townandbridge.org, 07530 407302 susannah.robirosa@townandcountry.org.uk
RNLI 2011 Welly Walks, Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station, £5.00 per person, 01473 822837 www.rnli.org.uk/wellywalks
Votes for Women 1911, Arlington’s Brasserie, Ipswich, 6.30pm, All women welcome to come and celebrate the action of Ipswich suffragettes 100 years ago, who spent the night here to avoid completing their Census forms, in their campaign for Votes for Women. Tickets £12.50 www.arlingtonsbrasserie.co.uk, 01473 230293.

Mon 11th Apr – Mon 25th Apr
Easter Bunny Quiz Trail, RSPB Minsmere, 9am – 4pm, fun Easter quiz trail around the reserve, answer all the questions correctly and get a chocolate treat at the end. Cost £1.50 per child, including chocolate treat. Normal entry fee for adults, and children must be accompanied.

Mon 11th Apr – Tue 12th Apr
Tots And Co And Sprinkles Dance Classes, DanceEast, Ipswich

Mon 11th April
Den Building, Thornham Walks, Suffolk, IP23 8HH, 10am-3pm, Free, www.thornham.org.uk, 01379 788345
Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale, Holywells Court,Felix Road, 10am to 12.30pm, in aid of the Treehouse Appeal Free Entry

Tue 12th April
Family afternoon-‘Befriend a Bee’, Foxburrow Farm, Nr Woodbridge, IP12 1NA, 2pm-4pm, Children £3.50, Adult £1.50, Book on 01394 380113
Spring Arts and Crafts, Ickworth House, Park & Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, 11am – 4pm, Family activity day celebrating the season with arts and crafts including fun felt making, fabric jewellery and fabulous furry sheep. Recommended ages 4 – 11, £2.50 per child, plus Park and Garden admission.
Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society, Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Rd, Ipswich, Allelys Heavy Haulage/Darren Budd, 7pm, members £1/non members £2

Wed 13th Apr – Sat 16th Apr
Ipswich Gang Show 2011, Great School Theatre, Ivry St, Ipswich, 7.15pm, matinee on 16th at 2.15pm, 01473 657082, www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk

Wed 13th Apr
Lunchtime Concert, St Andrew’s Church, Felixstowe, 1pm, adults £5, children free, bring your lunch, drinks provided, admission free with collection on door, A concert of sacred music – Esen Thorley/Harriet Bennett
Walk with the Warden, Dunwich Heath, 10am – 12pm, A two-hour guided walk with the warden exploring the fascinating wildlife of Dunwich Heath. Please meet outside the Information Centre opposite the Coastguard Cottages. Tickets £5, Please book in advance on 01728 648501.
Suffolk Book League – Chris Mullin, St Joseph’s College Library, Ipswich, 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm, Members £4, Non Members £7.50, Students Free – www.sbl.org.uk
Birdwatching for Beginners, RSPB Minsmere, 9.30am, (2.5 – 3 hours), Many people have started birdwatching at Minsmere. Join us on this beginners’ walk where you will learn how to use binoculars properly and which field guides are best for you. You can then use this information to enjoy watching birds as we show you some of Minsmere’s wildlife. Normal admission applies
Street Bollywood Dance Class, DanceEast, Ipswich

Thu 14th Apr
Family Woodland Ramble, Ickworth House, Park & Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, walks start at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm, Explore your senses on a guided walk for children in a woodland environment. Smelly cocktails, scavenger hunt, bark rubbing and more. Tour begins at the Information Kiosk. Children £1.50, plus Park and Garden admission. Booking essential on 01284 736127.
Lunchtime Concert, At Museum Street Methodist Church, 1pm – 1.50pm, Ipswich Arts Association, Rushmere Hall Primary School Choir, Admission Free
Royal Horticulture Society Lecture, The Community Hall, Woodbridge, 7.30pm, Talk by Bob Flowerdew – No Work Gardening, WHS/RSH Members £6.50, Non members £7.50, Tickets available from Judy Olliff on 10394 386431
Dancebeats Dance Class, DanceEast, Ipswich

Fri 15th Apr
‘Murder in the Meadow’, be a detective and look for clues to solve the murder mystery, Foxburrow Farm, Nr Woodbridge, IP12 1NA.10am-2pm, for 6-10 yr olds. £6 each, Book: 01394 380113, Foxburrow.education@suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Family History Workshop, Ipswich Record Office, 10am, £10, 01473 584541
The Keeper’s Daughter Theatre Co/Hamlet, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich, 7.30pm, Book on 01473 225269, www.stpetersbythewaterfront.co.uk

Sat 16th Apr
Bealings Annual Plant Sale, Bealings Village Hall, 10am-12noon, admission £1 including refreshments, 01473 735565
Talk by Clive Paine/Medieval Gilds and Gildhalls, Ipswich Record Office, 2pm, £5.50, book on 01473 584541
Car Boot Sale, Brantham Bull, call 01473 328494
to book
Early Morning Birdsong, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, 6.30am – 8.30am, Enjoy the beautiful sounds of birdsong on this early morning guided walk. Followed by a warming breakfast in the cafe. £14, booking essential on 01394 389714. Meet outside visitor reception.
Suffolk Record Office Open Day, Gatacre Road, Ipswich, 10am – 12.30pm, Have you ever wanted to find out about Suffolk Record Office and how you can use the archives and resources to undertake your family or local history research? Come along and find out. There will be a Second Hand Book Sale in aid of the Friends of the Suffolk Record Office, View a display of archives purchased by the Friends of the Suffolk Record Office. Stay for a talk by Clive Paine on Medieval Gilds and Gildhalls at 2pm, only £5.50. Call 01473 584541 to book your place on the talk.
Community Market and Table Top Sale, Old Felixstowe Community Centre, Ferry Road, 10am – 12pm, Free admission

Sun 17th Apr
Concert, St Andrew’s Church, Felixstowe, 3pm, Come and Sing the Brahms Requiem, rehearsal for singers at 1pm, admission for audience and singers £10 children free, Pre-booking for singers 01394 670633 – www.felixstowemusic.com
Souper Sunday, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, 12pm – 3pm, Sample a range of delicious, locally inspired soups in the café. Normal admission and small charge for food.
Ipswich RSPB Local Group Field Meeting at Barking Woods for woodland birds and wildflowers. Meet at 2.00pm at Barking Church. 3hrs, 4-5 Miles.

Mon 18th Apr – Sat 23rd Apr
Spring Market, Giles Circus, Ipswich

Tue 19th Apr
Easter EGGstravaganza’, Foxburrow Farm, Nr Woodbridge, Trails, crafts and egg activities, 2pm-4pm, Children £3.50, Adult £1.50, Book on 01394 380113
Tarts, Toffs & Toilets Tours, Ickworth House, Park & Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, 11am and 2pm, Family tours exploring the secrets of Ickworth House, discover the spanking machine for naughty teddy bears, find the hidden toilet in the bedroom, try one of Mrs Sangster’s cakes. Park and Garden admission applies, booking essential 01284 736127.
Ipswich RSPB Local Group Midweek Walk round Bridge Wood. Meet at 10.00am at Orwell Country Park car park. 2 hrs. Map ref TM188408. Contact 01473 714839. All welcome.
Alien Fun Day, Rendlesham Forest

Wed 20th Apr
Quiz & Dinner, The Bull, Brantham, two course dinner & Quiz entry £12. Dinner from 6.30pm, Quiz starts 8pm, in aid of The British Heart Foundation

Thu 21st Apr
Woodland Play Day, Thornham Walks, Suffolk, 10am – 3pm, www.thornham.org.uk 01379 788345
Monthly Meeting, Ipswich Branch, The Suffolk Family History Society, The Red Cross Hall, Chevallier Street, Ipswich, 7.30pm, “Billy and Charlie Forgeries – A Victorian Scam”. Robert Halliday describes a couple of rogues who produced fake “medieval” archaeological artifacts in a foundry on the south bank of the Thames. The amusing story tells when their forgeries were exposed – and the “experts” and collectors they hoodwinked. Real forgeries will be displayed at this illustrated talk.

Fri 22nd Apr – Mon 25th Apr
Suffolk Spring Garden Show, Trinity Park, Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, www.aztectevents.co.uk
Eostre Egg Trail, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, 10.30am – 5pm, Follow the Easter Egg trail around Sutton Hoo. Yummy Egg included! £2 plus normal admission.

Fri 22nd Apr – Sat 23rd Apr
Easter Egg Trail, Dunwich Heath, 10am – 4pm, Follow the trail, find the clues, solve the puzzle. Trail leaflet available from the Shop. Cost £1.50, booking not required.

Fri 22nd Apr – Sun 24th Apr
Framlingham Food, Drink & Music Festival, Framlingham College, Framlingham,

Fri 22nd Apr
Easter Bunny Day with Pets at Home, Ickworth House, Park and Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, 11am – 3pm, Hop over to Ickworth for a family activity day with rabbit-related fun. Meet the bunnies with experts from pets at Home in Bury St Edmunds, follow the bunny trial and have a go at making bunny-tastic Easter decorations. Children £2.50 plus Park and Garden admission. For more information call 01284 736127.

Sat 23rd Apr
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, Holy Trinity Church, Ipswich, all welcome, 10am-12noon
Constable Country Ramble: Springtime in the Stour Valley, Flatford Mill, Flatford, 10.30am – 1pm, Enjoy a 2.5 hour (4 mile) guided ramble through the beautiful landscape of the Stour Valley, using quiet footpaths to explore the rich tapestry of fields and woods that were the inspiration for the artist John Constable. £6, booking essential on 01206 298260.
St George’s Day Parade, Ipswich Town Centre,
Easter Fun Day, Holywells Park, Ipswich, 11am-2pm

Sun 24th Apr – Mon 25th Apr
All About Dogs, Trinity Park, Suffolk Showground, Ipswich, www.aztecevents.co.uk
Easter Egg Trail, Ickworth House, Park & Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, 11am – 3pm, Easter eggs have ‘eggsploded’ on Ickworth’s grounds. Join an Easter trail to find your Easter treats. Children £2.50 plus Park and Garden admission. For more information call 01284 736127.
Easter Egg Hunt, Melford Hall Long Melford, Can you find the Easter eggs hidden in our garden? Complete the story by finding the hidden eggs and claim your chocolate prize. £2.50 per child.
Easter Extravaganza, Sufolk Punch Trust, Hollesley, as spring really kicks in meet all the new chicks, ducklings, piglets, foals, and hopefully lambs! Take part in the Easter bonnet competition and paint your Easter eggs and join the daily Easter egg races. www.suffolkpunchtrust.org
Easter Egg Hunt On The Farm, Easton Farm Park

Sun 24th Apr
Bird Watching Cruise aboard sb Thistle with Essex Wildlife Trust, Ipswich Waterfront, 10.30am-4.30pm, £45pp, www.top-sail.co.uk
Easter Egg Trail & Easter Bonnet Competition, Thornham Walks, Suffolk, IP23 8HH, 2pm – 4pm, www.thornham.org.uk, £3 per child
Warden Walks, Flatford Mill, Flatford, 11am, Join the Area Warden for a guided tour of the countryside he manages around Flatford. Free event.
The Great Egg Hunt, Dunwich Heath, 11am – 3pm, Enjoy family activities in the Heath Barn Field Study Centre and follow trails onto the heath to claim a chocolate prize. Competitions and crafts too. Tickets £5 per child, booking not required.
Easter Dinner, Brantham Bull, book now to avoid disappointment

Mon 25 Apr
Breath taking carpets of bluebells over 20 acres of woodland, Haughley Park, 2pm –5.30pm.

Wed 27th Apr
An Insiders View of the Chelsea Flower Show, St. Margaret’s School Hall, Bolton Lane, Ipswich, Illustrated Talk by Jane Bastow, 7.30pm, £2, on the door. All welcome, In aid of Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Thu 28th Apr – Fri 29th Apr
Akram Khan: Gnosis, Snape Maltings Concert Hall A stunning fusion of traditional kathak and contemporary dance,

Thu 28th Apr
Ipswich RSPB Group Indoor Meeting, Sidegate Lane School, Ipswich, 7.30pm AGM followed by ‘Blue House Farm Nature Reserve’. An illustrated talk by Alan Shearing, Fundraiser for Essex Wildlife Trust, Admission: Group members £1.80, Non-members £3.00, concessions apply, refreshments included. All welcome. Contact 01473 423213.

Fri 29th Apr
Royal Wedding Garden Party, Glemham Hall, Suffolk, www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk
Night Walk With Jon Tyler, Rendlesham Forest

Fri 29th Apr – Mon 2nd May
Billy Elliot The Musical, Co-op Juniors, Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge, 01473 295900www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/billyelliot

Fri 29th Apr – Sun 1st May
“Royal” Ale Festival, The Bull, Brantham, Sample “Kiss me Kate” and “Royal Wedding” ales, Fri – Live music, Childrens bouncy castle, BBQ

Sat 30th Apr – Sun 1st May
Large Model Airshow, Rougham Air Field, Top pilots will be flying models ranging from WWI to present day warbirds. There will be a number of civilian aeroplanes, including The Concorde and Pitts Special. Stars of this years show will be the giant Victor Tanker and Vulcan bombers. Radio Controlled Tank and fantastic Car action also feature at this years event.

Sat 30th Apr
Railway Walk, Melford Hall, Long Melford, 10.30am, A guided four-mile walk retracing the route of the former Eastern Counties Railway line linking the medieval wool towns of Lavenham and Long Melford. Meet at Lavenham Guildhall tearoom for refreshments and a short introduction before starting your walk. At the end of the walk, enjoy refreshments at Melford Hall and listen to a brief history of the house. Refreshments and admission included. £13, booking essential on 01787 379228.