Love Letters
Read the latest love letters to Ipswich.
For the love of Dot Cotton
Ipswich was a town that started as a small-town community, but eventually flourished into the city we know today. It began with a castle that was built in the 1600s but that was later demolished in the 1700s. Wool, Leatherwork, blacksmiths, butchers, and bakers were the important industries that created a flourishing shipbuilding industry in […]
For The Love of Creative Opportunities
During my school years, I thrived in art subjects, effortlessly achieving good grades. Occasionally, I even won creative competitions, with the most memorable being a poster for British Gas. However, due to a lack of guidance, limited support, and the less advanced state of the internet back then, I found myself entering the retail and […]
For the love of an old house
I have always had a deep love of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture ever since I was a small child and used to visit my grandparents sprawling Edwardian home just outside Ipswich. As I grew up, I knew I felt safe and inspired by these sorts of homes, but I could never really put my […]
For the Love of Rediscovering the Treasure Trove of Ipswich: How the New Wolsey Theatre Brought Me Back Home
Ipswich has always had a way of popping up in my life. Growing up in Colchester, I often found myself hopping on the train to Ipswich, lured by its quirky indie cinema and the unforgettable shows at what was then the Wolsey Theatre. Those early trips sparked my lifelong love affair with the arts and […]
For the love of Community and Diversity
There’s a warmth in my heart every time I think of you. You’ve been more than just a place to live; you’ve been my home, my sanctuary, and the backdrop to my life’s story. Your streets, parks, and ancient trees aren’t just landmarks, they’re a part of me. From the moment I was born, you’ve […]
A converted Colchester boy
As a born and bred Colchester boy, I didn’t used to care too much for Ipswich, if only for the fact that I thought the football team was grabbing fans from my favoured team Col U! But, having moved here in 2017, I proudly call Ipswich (well, Bramford to be fair) my home. It provides […]
For the love of Holywells, Gainsborough and Cups of Tea
World renowned 18th Century artist Thomas Gainsborough lived in Ipswich for nearly a decade, yet the only known work of the town is the iconic painting of Holywells Park. So what makes the park so special? Its charm lies in its serene ponds, ancient trees, and the remnants of its Victorian past. Running a café […]
For the love of Tennis
I started playing tennis in Ipswich, at what was ‘Next Generation’ and is now ‘David Lloyd’, when I was about 5 years old. I grew up in Manningtree, just down the road, and can’t tell you how many times me and my family drove along the A137 from Stutton School, into Ipswich. I’ve played in […]