The Ipswich Flyer Magazine January 2024
In the Ipswich January 2024 edition of The Flyer Magazine has an January update from local groups and community news. And we also many local events happening in January in Ipswich and District. We also have the regular news from local community groups and charities in this free local magazine.
The Ipswich Flyer Magazine January Mayor’s Update
I am resting my vocal chords in January 2024.
The mayor was invited to so many carol services. That she is all but ding-dong-merrilyed out although there is nothing more warming than some determined singing!
Ipswich Mayor January 2024
I know Christmas has been a tough time for many people. The cost of living crisis has meant families. Also, have had to make hard choices over the festive season and the New Year may be just as difficult. And especially over the winter months. I sincerely hope the situation will ease.
Ipswich Charity
Charities that help those in need have been working hard to raise funds. I visited the Salvation Army Christmas fayre. And met some of the people and musicians who play and collect donations at various locations. And the warmth of the welcome made up for the outdoor winter chill.
I was also able to enjoy a number of Christmas lunches and get-togethers. And if you are reminded of the several Christmas dinners Rev Geraldine Granger (Dawn French) in The Vicar of Dibley. And I am happy to report that I did not suffer a similar overdose of Brussels sprouts – which I love, by the way.
Fair Trade Ipswich
Fair Trade, Ipswich, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. The town is lucky to have a Fair Trade shop dedicated to selling goods from producers. And who are a part of and are supported by the Fair Trade organisation.
The Fair Trade symbol is mark of quality. And ethical trading practices. And I was able to meet some the people who originally formed the Fair Trade Group. Also which gained Fair Trade Status for Ipswich in 2008.
The temperatures plummeted in early December. But there was a cosy atmosphere at Ipswich Transport Museum. And where I took a short bus ride that cost me one old (1966) penny. For younger readers that is worth less than half of a metric 1p.
The museum was lit up with more than a mile of overhead LED fairy lights. A rough calculation would reckon on that being 18,000-plus bulbs. Magical.
It was a pleasure to meet up with my friend John Loades, master of the fairground. His fairground organ was playing and John was being ably assisted by his grandson, who is fast developing the skills of a mechanical engineer, specialising in traditional fairground equipment.
Those who visited Helmingham Hall when The Antiques Road Show was recorded in 2018 may remember seeing John’s amazing miniature fairground on display.
2024 Ipswich January
Then, after Christmas, there were a few quiet days as everyone ate leftovers – bubble and squeak; collapsed trifles; cold meat and pickled onions.
Now we are in 2024 and I am more than halfway through my term of office but there is still a lot in store with the mayor’s fundraising Quiz Night, and ball still to come. And, of course, Burns Night is the first for 2024. It will be my first and, sadly, I do not have a tartan – I don’t think there is a Mortimer plaid.
I am also looking forward to visiting my first school, Sprites (Lane) later in January.
I went to the Infant School when it first opened in 1959. I was aged four.
The school colours were royal blue and yellow I loved wearing them.
In 1961, aged six, I was one of the infant pupils who waved a union flag when the Queen’s entourage passed by, on its way back from the Civic College which Her Majesty had opened. At least, I would have been waving the flag had I not left mine at home…
And in 1962, I was among the Sprites children chosen to go to the Suffolk Show where we saw Princess Alexandra. The schools that were there each had a tent and we took our crate of mid-morning milk and a packed lunch with us.
It was very much agricultural, in those days. If my memory serves me aright, the Flower Show took place on Christchurch Park shortly after the Suffolk Show.
On January 6, Trianon Music Group will be celebrating New Year Revels at Ipswich Corn Exchange and will be channelling a little of the Vienna New Year concert by featuring works by Strauss and Lehar. I look forward to a waltz.
Finally, I wish all Ipswich Flyer readers a peaceful and happy New Year for the sake of auld lang syne.