Skip to main content

For the love of finding connections Written by Polly Rodwell, Retired Teacher

Published on September 13, 2023

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

Dear Ipswich, I love you!

I really love Ipswich and I’m so sad to see people putting it down. Yes, as with all towns of this size, we have problems: closed shops, potholes, and poverty to name just three. But Ipswich has so much to offer!

Our parks are amazing: a family could spend several days in Christchurch Park and still not experience all it has to offer, and all free!

And what about the free music festivals, the free activities on the Cornhill, the Pulse Festival, the eateries, the theatres and the dance school?

And, contrary to what you read on social media, people in Ipswich are friendly and helpful. Only a couple of days ago, we found a toddler running through town in a panic because he’d lost his family. A young couple took it upon themselves to scour the town. They found the father and brother and ran back to tell us he was on his way.
So many good things but my final love is our hospital. We are so lucky to have it.

Polly Rodwell
Retired Teacher

Love Letters to Ipswich

For the ‘Love on your side’ - Ipswich.love

For the ‘Love on your side’

A love letter to Ipswich as the town that shaped a life — from Broke Hall Primary School to friendships that still gather.

For the ‘Love on your side’ - Ipswich.love

By Rachel Dalton-Thorpe

For the love of accountability and aspiration - Ipswich.love

For the love of accountability and aspiration

A love letter to Ipswich and its potential — one resident's years of challenging perceptions and raising the county town's game.

For the love of accountability and aspiration - Ipswich.love

By Lynn Turner

For the love of Dot Cotton - Ipswich.love

For the love of Dot Cotton

A love letter to Ipswich's long story — from a lost castle and 13th-century shipbuilding to the trades that built the town.

For the love of Dot Cotton - Ipswich.love

By Annabelle, Ellie, Marika, and Reece

For The Love of Creative Opportunities - Ipswich.love

For The Love of Creative Opportunities

A love letter to Ipswich and second chances — from a childhood of art prizes to finding creative opportunity later in life.

For The Love of Creative Opportunities - Ipswich.love

By Sammi Wong

Recent news
Around Ipswich

Our weekly pick of events in Ipswich – September 14 2026

What’s On in Ipswich This Week: Inspiring Gatherings, Culture and Days Out Whether you are…

Around Ipswich

Ipswich Christmas Fayre returns to town centre

The festive season is taking shape in the centre of town, bringing a welcome chance…

Education

Seeds of Hope & Action Exhibition Comes to Ipswich This Autumn

A summary of a number of events and activities coming up in Ipswich under the umbrella of Seeds of Hope

Around Ipswich

Ipswich schoolchildren bring the town’s history to life with new digital heritage trail

A blog summarising the new Blue Plaque unveiled in Ipswich by children from Broke Hall Primary School and describing the launch event of Ipswich Trailmakers in the presence of the Mayor of Ipswich and local MP

To top