For the love of becoming a family Written by Melanie Willis,

Published on September 9, 2023

Fireworks at Christchurch park, Ipswich

Dear Ipswich, How are tricks?

I love you because you are my home town and always have a special place in my life.

I’m proud to be Ipswich born and raised. I was born at Ipswich Hospital, attended school here, work here, was married here, and have lived here for most of my life. I’ve even started my family here, having two children with my husband (also an Ipswichian!) to enjoy the Ipswich love as they grow into adults. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family.

My top three things about Ipswich are:

Our parks

They are fantastic! I can’t think of any other town that has as many parks and open spaces to enjoy as Ipswich. They are so well looked after, all different, offering great walks, play areas and have events held in them too as a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

Our buildings.

We have some lovely buildings in the town – the Customs House, Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Town Hall, The Regent Theatre, Ancient House, Orwell Bridge, Endeavour House and the Willis Building to name a few that I particularly love. St Peters Street and Ipswich Waterfront are lovely.

Our Events.

I’ve always loved going to the Fireworks in Christchurch Park at the start of November with the funfair and Ipswich Music Day in the Summer plus events at Ipswich Waterfront or Holywells Park and of course watching Ipswich Town play football at Portman Road! These are my top things about Ipswich, but there are many more. It’s a lovely town, with many lovely people. It’s great to have the opportunity to show a love of Ipswich thanks to this campaign. Thank you to all involved!

Melanie Willis

Love Letters to Ipswich

For the love of taking another look - Ipswich.love

For the love of taking another look

I have lived in Ipswich and brought up children here over the last 30 years so it must be love!

For the love of taking another look - Ipswich.love

By Lucy Williams

For the love of hope and community - Ipswich.love

For the love of hope and community

And for all the broken hearts here. There are a million mending memoirs to tell. Of hope, and joy, and Community. In Ipswich my pride does swell

For the love of hope and community - Ipswich.love

By Rachel Charlotte Davy

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For the love of a home for your children

There is a beauty inside ipswich that i see everyday, and i really enjoy living here, i’ve made so many wonderful friends and memories that i will cherish forever.

Jason Green - a love letter writer

By Jason Green

St John’s Tennis Club Ipswich - Ipswich.love

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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 […]

By Henry Patten

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