The Ipswich Flyer September 2023
In the Ipswich September 2023 edition has an September update from the Mayor of Ipswich. And we also many local events happening in September in Ipswich and District. We also have the regular news from local community groups and charities.
News from The Ipswich Mayor September Update
School’s out for summer
And so, the Mayor has had fewer schools to visit but still had a great time meeting young people at holiday events in the town.
One of the things that makes being Mayor such a hugely enjoyable role is being able to meet people from different communities in Ipswich. The sea cadets recently undertook a 24-hour “rowathon” along the river, by the waterfront. I started off the stalwart crews who rowed all day, and all night through torrential rain to raise money for a new pontoon; a fantastic effort.
Mayor’s Events Ipswich
I have been able to cut some ribbons – one at the opening of the new Travelodge hotel, right by Portman Road. It is ideally placed for anyone arriving in Ipswich by train.
I was also able to cut a ribbon to officially open the new community garden at The Hive, in Norwich Road. The garden is one of a number in Ipswich that have been created with the help and support of Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
After the volunteers managed to dig out all the debris buried out there (eg carpets and empty cooking-oil cans) the area was transformed into a welcoming place for the local community, local beetles, bees and all manner of insects, which now have their own hotels.
But it’s not all about six-legged creatures. The consensus among the people who enjoy going to The Hive, was that a pizza oven would be a great addition to the garden and I was thrilled to have a slice of one of the first to be cooked.
Inside Out Community, in Ipswich
I was very pleased to twice visit Inside Out Community, in Ipswich, which promotes wellbeing by running inclusive arts workshops – in visual art, drama, music and dance. On my first visit, I took part in a watercolour session where I, my consort, and a friendly group of people painted wildflowers. It was a happy and restful experience, and I was given a lot of encouragement… and no criticism at all. As for my painting… well, it was okay.
The following week, I was invited back to Inside Out as it celebrated its 20th anniversary, recognising the achievements of its founders, volunteers and participants.
For some, it was an emotional occasion and it was clear to me that Inside Out with its warm and non-judgmental approach, has helped to change lives for the better. (You can find out more at www.insideoutcommunity.com).
Ipswich Buses
At a celebration of 120 years of Ipswich Buses, I realised that my first journey on an Ipswich Bus must have been in 1955, the year I was born… so I have been travelling with Ipswich Buses for more than half its life. On this latest occasion I rode on the no.16 from the Transport Museum to Constantine Road bus depot (“Hold very tight, please, ting-ting”) and then on an open-topped bus back to the museum. It was fantastic to see so many people lining the route, waving, and taking photos.
Back at the museum, I was allowed – and I think you may only get to do this if you’re the mayor – to sound the horn on the wonderful tram.
Wolsey 550 Celebrations
It has been a big month for the continuing Wolsey 550 celebrations. Cardinal Sir Thomas Wolsey, Lord Chancellor of England, was born in Ipswich 550 years ago. His big dreams for his home town were dashed when he got on the wrong side of King Henry VIII.
But this year and next we are celebrating his legacy. Although the only part of the great school he had planned is its gate by the waterfront, a school (now Ipswich School) was founded in the town, thanks to Thomas Cromwell – Wolsey’s protégé.
As the most powerful Englishman next to the King, Wolsey’s rise was even more extraordinary because his father was not an aristocrat… just a middle-class Ipswich merchant.
I was able to accompany Cardinal Wolsey (ably played by writer and historian Phil Roberts) as he received his cardinal’s hat, brought by boat to the Ipswich quayside. We processed to The Hold, where the hat (loaned by Christchurch, Oxford) will be on display until October 29. Also on loan (from Trinity College, Cambridge) is a first folio of Shakespeare’s works – opened at the page in the play Henry VIII, where Wolsey speaks. Other fascinating exhibits are from the Suffolk Archives’ collection.
Do not miss it; see that hat. The exhibition is free and open 10am-12.30pm and 1pm-4pm, Monday to Friday with late opening on Thursdays until 9pm. Opening times are 10am-4pm at weekends. You can book your free tickets at www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
The Mayor, Ipswich