Suffolk Money

Colin and Lou are back for Season 8, kicking things off with a practical, no-nonsense look at how to get your finances working harder for you. Whether you're looking to tidy things up or make smarter long-term decisions, this episode is packed with straightforward tips you can act on right away. They dive into seven key areas that can make a real difference: • Taking a fresh look at your household subscriptions and monthly bills and cutting the waste • Making sure you're getting the most out of your ISA allowances • Checking in on your pension contributions • Reviewing your financial adviser and the advice that you're getting • Thinking about charitable giving • Assessing your investments; where your money is and how it’s performing • Getting ahead of the game by preparing your tax return early As always, Colin and Lou keep things clear, focused on helping you make better financial decisions with confidence. To find out more about Kingsfleet and how they can help you take the first step towards the future you want, visit https://kingsfleetwealth.co.uk

It’s been a real song and dance producing our latest podcast, which is all about the wonderful team at CTC (Children’s Theatre Company)! Kevin Burch went to see them rehearse for their upcoming production of Annie Jr and met CTC principal, Bridie Rowe and, some of the very talented cast. Bridie explains all about the quality of CTC’s work and how this has impacted the hundreds of young people who have been part of its journey, since she launched the company 16 years ago. Starting as a Summer School, CTC now runs professional, full-time musical theatre courses, which sees graduates performing in world-class shows. Both courses are hugely successful, but it’s CTC’s award-winning productions that they’ve become most famous for. Currently rehearsing for Annie Jr, the cast of 84 will perform at Seckford Theatre in February half term. Soon after, rehearsals will begin for their big annual summer production, which will be staged at one of Suffolk’s top theatres. Bridie has assembled a “Dream Team” who share her vision and passion, going above and beyond every single day. Their joy of teaching is clear and Bridie knows how much training to perform can mean to young people; helping them in terms of confidence, teamwork, professionalism and the opportunity to make lifelong friends. To find out more, please visit https://thectc.co.uk where you can find out about forthcoming productions and https://ctccollege.co.uk to discover more information about their courses.

Each one takes about a week to make and they truly are things of beauty. They’re the hand-made and hand-painted teapots, produced by the talented team at Carters of Suffolk. Based at Stonham Barns Park, the business is now in the hands of John and Val Baldry. For our latest podcast Kevin Burch went to meet them and to see their extraordinary range, which is highly sought after by collectors around the world. John, Val and the team are rightly very proud of what they do, as the only company in the country that produces handmade teapots. From the initial block of clay through to the final brushstrokes, everything is done completely in-house. Not only can they craft orders from their existing two and a half thousand moulds, but they also take on bespoke requests. Most of their handmade, hand painted creations are produced in numbers small enough to make them truly rare and highly collectable. A pottery business and also a tearoom, this is a delightfully friendly and welcoming place. People can walk in and talk to the team to find out all about what they do. Their paint your own service is also unique in that there are no time slots and customers can choose to be there half an hour, or stay and paint all day! To find out more and to see the wonderful designs visit https://www.cartersofsuffolk.com

As many an entrepreneur will tell you, the key to success is spotting an opportunity and taking a leap of faith. That’s what happened with Ian and Sarah Williams, who took on an unloved patch of land on the banks of the River Stour and have transformed it into a highly successful holiday and leisure park. In this episode, Kevin Burch meets this dynamic duo, to find out all about Constable Park. Set in the heart of Constable Country overlooking Dedham Vale and the RSPB nature reserve in Brantham, Constable Park is a new holiday & leisure park. Welcoming day visitors and holiday makers, this has become a real destination for locals and tourists alike. People can enjoy a top-quality brunch before kayaking or paddle-boarding on the beautiful River Stour and, those lucky enough to stay can snuggle up in the cosy luxuries of a glamping pod. Sarah explains how she likes meticulously planning, whilst Ian has the vision, and how their complimentary skills have enabled them to transform a field of brambles into a desirable location that people flock to – not least for their Paddle, Pizza & Prosecco! To find out more please visit https://www.constablepark.co.uk

Ipswich is about to stage its first ever Book Festival. Taking place over three days (from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th October), this will involve an incredible 43 events across 11 of the town’s top venues. So for our latest podcast Kevin Burch sat down to chat with Tony Felgate, one of the team behind this event, as it gathers momentum and promises to be the start of something quite special. Tony is a big fan of Ipswich and its rich history and cultural heritage. He explains why Ipswich needs a book Festival and how this will build upon its already strong cultural base of music and arts. Not only will Ipswich’s first Book Festival celebrate the transformative power of books but also many of our iconic and historic buildings. The beautiful Ancient House sits proudly in their portfolio of locations, as well as St Stephen’s Church, The New Wolsey, Dance East, St Clements Art Centre and many more. A ‘Book Festival for all’, this an event where everybody and anybody and will be welcome. The team’s vision is to establish the Ipswich Book Festival as a vibrant, inclusive, and imaginative literary event that attracts authors, readers, and book lovers from near and far. The jam-packed programme includes many children and family events, as one of the key aims of the Festival is to leave a legacy and ignite a love of reading. For more information visit https://www.ipswichbookfestival.com where you can also sign up to their newsletter. You can also follow @IPSWICHBOOKFESTIVAL on Instagram and Facebook

It’s all aboard the Orwell Lady in our latest podcast, as Kevin Burch meets director Emma Lightfoot, and Skipper, Gareth, to find out all about this dedicated family business. For more than twenty years, this historic vessel has been chugging up and down the River Orwell, giving day-trippers the chance to savour the beauty of the water and its wildlife. Appealing to locals and tourists alike, the Orwell Lady’s river trips are enjoyed by people of all ages, and their dogs! Emma and her team are passionate about ‘showing the river to as many people as possible’, doing as many as 12 trips a week in peak season. They offer everything from private parties to afternoon teas and corporate experiences, making good use of the dancefloor for disco nights! The Orwell Lady is very much part of our local scenery and a vital part of Ipswich’s business community too. Emma talks about how they like to collaborate with other businesses in the town, encouraging tourists to discover the many gems Ipswich has to offer. So if you’ve not seen the peregrine falcons nesting box under the iconic Orwell Bridge, or enjoyed the scenes of the river bank at sunrise (or sunset for that matter!), why not visit https://orwelllady.co.uk

In our latest podcast, we discover that, when it comes to brewing, small really is beautiful. Colin Low took a trip behind the scenes at Bruha Brewing to meet the team – Barry and Henry Chevalier Guild and Marc Medland – and learn about their three breweries, cask, keg and nitro stout. Based on the Suffolk border, right in the heart of barley growing country, Bruha Brewing was started by head brewer Marc, who is known for being one of the most skilled and adept brewers in the region. Marc and the team talk about the technical process of brewing and provide fascinating insights into everything from dry-hopping, through to why “nothing can beat a good cask ale, served in a pub that really knows what it’s doing”. For more information, visit https://bruhabrewing.co.uk

As a crime that affects both individuals and businesses alike, we all need to be vigilant when it comes to cybercrime. So in our latest episode, Colin Low chats to Gemma Theobald, Cyber Security Advisor for Norfolk & Suffolk Police, about her role in trying to prevent it from happening and the many ways we can all reduce the risk. With around 99% of crime involving some kind of digital element, Gemma explains the difference between cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime and cyber-dependent crime. Demystifying terms such as bulk-phishing, spear-phishing and spoofing, Gemma talks about the very real dangers they all pose and how to minimise the risks here. She has plenty of advice for individuals: from how to manage password security, to using sites such as https://haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email address has been in a data breach and of course, how to use social media more safely. For businesses, Gemma speaks about the need to improve the culture of cyber security and why this is so important. For more information, visit the National Cyber Security: www.ncsc.gov.uk The National Cyber Resilience Centre: www.nationalcrcgroup.co.uk Or you can contact directly Gemma by emailing: [email protected]

What inspires a rock star? In this week’s episode Kevin Burch speaks to author and 1960s icon, Jenny Boyd, who will be bringing her new book to Suffolk next month. Jenny is set to join a fabulous line-up of speakers at the annual Felixstowe Book Festival, and tells Kevin all about how she came to write “Icons Of Rock: In Their Own Words”, following her many interviews with the stars. Having been married to Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac) and with George Harrison and Eric Clapton as brothers-in-law, Jenny rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in music in the sixties. A former model, Jenny went on to study psychology and developed a fascination with the creative process behind rock music. Her interviews with rock stars included everyone from Don Henley of the Eagles, to Joni Mitchell, to the Beatles. Jenny’s book delves into the world of rock ‘n’ roll, reflecting on her candid conversations with rock legends and exploring song writing, creativity and addiction. The Felixstowe Book Festival runs from 25th – 29th June and Jenny will be joining other esteemed authors, such as the Rev Richard Coles and Esther Freud. To find out more please visit the festival website: https://felixstowebookfestival.co.uk

Nestled along the shores of most British seaside towns, the traditional beach hut provides a time-honoured form of escapism. Though never much bigger than a garden shed, they are highly sought-after and often command high prices. So in this episode, Kevin Burch takes a trip to the coast to find out more about their enduring appeal, by talking to an owner, an expert on seaside culture and an estate agent. Barbara Grace and Alan Sarfas tell Kevin all about their beloved Felixstowe hut, “Idle Hours”, which they’ve owned for 24 years. As a retired couple, they visit their hut every day and adore everything about it; from the stunning sea view to the sense of community. Historian and author, Kathryn Ferry (who's written about beach huts, their history and seaside culture) has some fascinating insights about beach huts, including their significance to British heritage. And finally, Jason Lewis from Felixstowe estate agents, Scott Beckett knows all about why people buy for longevity and how the humble yet homely beach hut appeals to all generations.

So many charities are doing such brilliant work, but almost all, without exception, are struggling finding the money, to not just continue doing what they’re doing, but to grow. One example is the Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, based near Hadleigh, which uses horses to help children and adults who have disabilities. Kevin Burch has been to meet the team for our latest podcast, including chairman Debs Bennett, Martha (a regular, long-term rider at the centre) and Jan Derbyshire (Hon President). As Debs explains, this proudly independent charity welcomes about 150 people of all ages through the doors every week. However, even whilst run by volunteers, the centre costs in excess of £80,000 a year to run and, covering these costs is a constant battle. Lessons are tailored to the ability and needs of each rider and the benefits they receive is nothing less than remarkable. As well as the therapy, they gain new levels of confidence, self-esteem, and independence, which can have profound effects on their physical health as well as mental wellbeing. If you’d like to find out more about this wonderful charity, please visit www.shelleyrda.com

Emma Waddell is a very different kind of entrepreneur. She firmly prioritises being truly happy above money, and her happiness comes from creating beautiful dolls houses to the very highest standard. In this week’s episode, Kevin Burch visits Emma in her ‘paradise’ workshop, as Emma explains how she left the world of finance to set up her own business, Dolls House Grand Designs. With over 40 years of experience with dolls houses and miniatures, Emma is recognised as one of the best in her field. She has a magical talent for designing and building dolls houses, before kitting them out with the most intricate furniture and fittings. Each dolls house features craftsmanship to the highest possible level, and Emma explains how her skill sets include everything from carpentry and electrics through to roof-tiling, plumbing and painting and decorating – all on a small scale. Like all entrepreneurs, Emma has had to work very hard to build her excellent reputation. And in doing so, she’s earned the pleasure of working with big brands such as Jo Malone and Tiffany, making sets and props for their high-calibre adverts. These houses span all ages and cultures and Emma is passionate about encouraging young people into the trade; with so many skills involved, such as creativity, design and even architecture. To find out more, please visit https://www.dollshousegranddesigns.com

In the first episode of our new series, we look at the work of the dedicated youth charity, Inspire Suffolk, which helps thousands of young people realise their potential every year. Colin Low chats to Terry Baxter about how Inspire came to be and, his role in leading the team of this independent charity. Starting from a sporting background in 2013, Inspire now works with more than 7,000 young people each year, empowering them to achieve a better future. For those who have little support, the transition from school or college into adult life can be very challenging. Inspire runs a variety of personal development, wellbeing and employability programmes, designed to help build confidence levels of these 16-25 year olds and give them the skills and support to make positive decisions. To find out more about this charity and the positive impact it has on young lives and their communities, visit https://inspirecharityuk.org

Welcome to the first episode of 2025. We’ve now produced over 100 podcasts since we launched Suffolk Money four years ago, all supported by Kingsfleet. Ahead of a new series starting next month, we look back on some of the memorable moments from 2024, with our sincere thanks to all the guests who joined us last year.

In the run-up to Christmas we test the mood on the High Street, in our latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. For our last episode of 2024, Kevin Burch took a trip to Bury St Edmunds to talk to Mark Cordell, who works with his team to promote the town and Julian Milton, who runs a gift shop called Loft and Spires. Despite all the financial challenges the retail industry has been through and is currently facing, both remain optimistic about this festive season and beyond. Julian explains how his independent shop, like many others in Bury, thrives by not only offering interesting products that can be bought impulsively, but also by offering outstanding customer service. His ethos is shared by many local business owners, who understand that by working together they can ensure Bury maintains its outstanding local and national reputation. As CEO of the Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID), Mark explains how he and his team make sure the town looks after its local repeat customers, as well as marketing Bury nationally as a town that people want to visit and spend time in. Already known as the Foodie capital of Suffolk, Mark is also keen to build Bury’s reputation as the best customer service town. BID provide advice and guidance to over 400 town centre businesses, to help them in achieving this and nurture a collective approach to ensure Bury St Edmunds remains an attractive prospect to locals and visitors alike. For more information about Loft and Spires, visit https://www.facebook.com/loftandspires And you can find out more about Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID) on their website: https://www.ourburystedmunds.com

In this week’s Suffolk Money podcast, supported by Kingsfleet, we look at the hospitality industry, as it prepares – post Budget – for the hectic and financially critical festive period. Kevin Burch meets someone who knows the industry better than most; Jamie Smith, who runs Jamie Lee Smith Catering and who’s currently celebrating a landmark 25 years in the business. Many will also know Jamie for the outstanding reputation he’s built at 16 Steakhouse; one of the highest-rated restaurants Ipswich. Formerly Greshams and attached to Venue 16 (a popular wedding and events venue), Jamie reinvented his business here during lockdown, when he couldn’t continue outside catering due to Covid restrictions. Jamie knows the importance of staying ahead of the game, and has managed to thrive by staying flexible, positive and making sure he always has the right product to sell. Embracing the different challenges that he and his carefully assembled team face every week with their high class outside catering service Jamie clearly knows where his market is and how to please his customers. His fascinating insights range from the importance of the festive season (having already made plans for Christmas 2025), to the value of watching countdown every day! To find out more about the business, visit https://jamieleesmithcatering.co.uk

Ahead of Remembrance Day, we have a fitting guest for our latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. Kevin Burch meets Adam Simpson-York, who has set up an initiative online, to try to reunite wartime medals and memorabilia with the families of the veterans who owned them. Adam’s story is a truly philanthropic one and his reputation now proceeds him, due to the success he’s had this far in "returning the lost property that should never have really been lost". He finds and researches memorabilia that is being sold on ebay – anything from WW1 medals through to photos and named antiques and even bibles – and then traces their living relatives. A natural problem solver, Adam enjoys a mystery and his findings have brought joy to many – including Queen Camilla herself! Kevin also meets Sam Moles, who Adam has helped with his detective work. Sam describes the elation he felt on receiving the detailed information that Adam bestowed him with about his memorabilia and the importance of the family connections made. If you’d like to find out more Adam’s Facebook page is called Medals Going Home https://www.facebook.com/MedalsGoingHome

How do you breathe new life into neglected buildings? One man who knows is property developer and investor John Howard, who’s our guest in the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. Having worked on more than 4000 schemes in 88 different towns and cities across the UK, John’s career spans more than 40 years. In this episode, he tells Kevin Burch all about how it all began, lessons he’s learnt and advice he’d give to others, in what has become a highly competitive industry. Many will know him for his involvement in high profile schemes, such as the Wine Rack in Ipswich, which had previously sat neglected for many years. He has also just taken on another complex challenge in Suffolk’s tallest structure, The Mill, on the town’s beautiful waterfront. John talks about the importance of getting out and talking to people, how he is driven by those he works with, the buzz he gets from doing deals; and how he’s like his dog, Mable; “enthusiastic and up for it”, wanting to make the most of every day! As one of the UK's most experienced property developers and investors, John also hosts seminars and has written several books, based on his own vast industry experience. To find out more, visit www.johnhowardproperty.com

Earning money from doing what you love is something many us aspire to and, in this weeks’ episode of Suffolk Money, Kevin Burch meets somebody who is doing this with remarkable success. Cally James runs Hippy Hut Pottery, near Bury St Edmunds, which she opened in 2022. Here, from her beautiful garden studio, Cally runs workshops and weekly classes for her pottery students. Most are regulars, who enjoy doing something fun, creative and therapeutic. Cally also makes sure she has time in her week to focus on her own work and experiment with new products; which include everything from ceramic birdboxes to garlic bowls! The Hippy Hut itself was built by Cally and her husband for an astonishingly low cost. As Cally takes Kevin on a tour, they visit the kiln room and she explains where the real investment lies and the reason for her seeking a start-up business loan. When her initial kiln suddenly broke, Cally needed to quickly find nearly £10K to replace it, to keep her business going. She applied for a loan to cover the cost and was delighted to find that government-backed start-up loans offer good terms and conditions, plus help and support throughout and after the process. Her success story has now landed her the role of an ambassador, promoting the value of start-up loans for small business, through the British Business Bank. Cally talks enthusiastically about how such loans can help other small businesses to thrive, with valuable mentoring and support as part of the package. To find out more about Hippy Hut Pottery visit https://hippyhutpottery.co.uk And to find out more about start-up loans, simply visit gov.uk and search for start-up loans

We have a wonderfully uplifting story in the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet, as Lesley Dolphin takes us on a tour of the Pathways Care Farm near Lowestoft. Described as ‘an oasis of calm’ it supports countless vulnerable people, helping them to build confidence, learn skills and ultimately be part of something really special. Founder and Director, Geoff Stevens, tells Lesley how his past experiences of running a business, working with disadvantaged people, and also caring for parents with Dementia, all led him to this point. Having left the corporate world, he’d made it his mission to find a way of looking after people, no matter what their difficulties are; helping them fulfil their goals and live their lives. Geoff takes Lesley on a tour of the Farm, where they meet volunteers and farm workers alike; including Laura, Charlotte, Katie and of course Geoff’s wife Den. Here, everybody is equal and has complete ownership of what they do with their day. With a clear vision from the start of what he was trying to achieve, with the help of his amazing, dedicated team, Geoff has developed a farm that was completely derelict and covered in brambles, to the beautiful 13-acre site it now is today; with everything from polytunnels to grow vegetables and paddocks for pigs and alpacas – to chickens in Peckingham Palace! Having created this place of calm, amidst the hustle and bustle of busy, troubled contemporary life, Geoff has more ideas and would love to add a care home aspect to Pathways Care Farm. Not only would this be for people in their later years – helping them to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life – but also for young people who are struggling with education and need a place where they can learn and contribute to society. To find out more about Pathways Care Farm please visit: https://www.pathways-care-farm.org.uk

Welcome to the first episode of season six of our Podcast, Suffolk Money. Today, Kevin Burch takes a deep dive into the story of the Broomhill; from its magnificent past, through to the exciting regeneration scheme that has secured its future. Recognised as one of the finest outdoor pools in the country, Broomhill first opened in 1938. However, as Mark Ling (Chairman of the Broomhill Pool Trust) explains, when indoor, heated pools became more fashionable, the town struggled to financially support the aging lido and, Broomhill was forced to close. Having now been shut for more than 20 years, our iconic open air pool is now on the cusp of a £10 million transformation and could re-open within just two years. Mike Read MBE (Trust President) and Will Ludkin (Project Architect) tell us all about the exciting regeneration scheme and how this is dovetailing nicely with the current renaissance of open air swimming. All have been working hard to maintain the strong, art deco identity of the original building and preserve its heritage for future generations. But, unlike the old days, the pool will now be heated to make sure it can remain in use all year round, making it a much more sustainable model than ever before. To find out more about Broomhill’s regeneration, come along to the open weekend on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September from 10am until 4pm – everyone’s welcome! Or for more information please visit https://broomhillpooltrust.org You can also watch a short film version of the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbYnbVF4gGA

While having a baby is wonderful, the initial costs of sourcing newborn essentials can actually be quite overwhelming for those who may be struggling financially or have little support. Here, the Moses Project Suffolk plays a vital role. So for our final episode of Season 5, Colin Low went to meet team members Becky and Nicky, to find out more about this incredible project and how the volunteers support families in Suffolk . They explain how the Moses Project provides a moses basket, full with everything a new mother may need; from baby clothing, blankets, nappies and bottles, through to toiletries for both baby and mother… and of course a cuddly toy! Referrals for the baskets mainly come from professionals working with new mums. The team of dedicated volunteers then sort donations and carefully put together the baskets, before delivering them to local family hubs across Suffolk for collection. The project was started in 2016 and in that year, 16 baskets were distributed to new mums in need. The project has grown over time and, last year an astonishing 182 baskets were delivered. Each basket helps a new mother to give her baby a safe place to sleep and the basics they both need to be able to thrive. By taking the pressure off the mother and showing that there are people who care, at a time that can be quite over-whelming, they really make a difference to families in need. To find out more about the brilliant work they do, please visit https://www.facebook.com/themosesproject

We have a fabulous guest for this episode of the Suffolk Money podcast, supported by Kingsfleet, and one who is well-known for her energy, enthusiasm and positivity. Bridget McIntyre, MBE, has lead an incredibly successful business career, but is now focussed on helping to bring out the best in others, through the social enterprise venture and charity she founded in 2010. As Lesley Dolphin went to find out, dream on is a ladies’ boutique with a remarkable difference. Based in the delightful market town of Eye, this is a CIC (Community Interest company) where all their profits from selling clothes and their styling service are used to help others. From funding complimentary makeover days – for people recovering from cancer or undergoing treatment, and for those who make an exceptional contribution to others – to free development programmes via their sister organisation The Blossom Charity, this social enterprise is all about improving people’s lives and helping them to gain confidence. Everything that Bridget offers, demonstrates her kindness, warmth and positivity. She is passionate about delivering sustainable change for all who attend her workshops, and has a refreshing take on the point and purpose of money. You can find out more by visiting https://dream-on.co.uk or https://theblossomcharity.co.uk

A couple who’ve established an award-winning business in Halesworth, making artisan venison and game pies and sausage rolls, are the focus of this week’s episode from Suffolk Money. ​As consumers, we’re keener than ever to know where our food comes from and precisely what’s in it and, Lynn and Steve Tricker run a small but hugely successful business, where traceability is at the heart of everything they do. In this week’s podcast, Kevin Burch meets the husband and wife team – both born and bred in Suffolk – to find out all about Truly Traceable and their highly ethical approach to deerstalking and butchering fully traceable meat. Everything is handmade in small batches from their Suffolk home and beautifully encrusted in Lynn’s justly famous buttery pastry! You can find out more about their mouth-watering pies by visiting their website at: https://www.trulytraceable.com

We’re talking books in the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet, as we look ahead to Felixstowe Book Festival, which runs from 26th – 30th June 2024. Launched in 2013, Felixstowe Book Festival is a celebration of “Books by the Sea” and is an important part of the year for the Festival’s loyal audience; local people who love reading. In this week's episode, Lesley Dolphin talks to author Alexandra Carey, who’ll be interviewing bestselling fellow writer Rachel Hore during the event. Alexandra also tells Lesley about the thrill of writing her own first novel, The Light That Bends Round Corners, which proved a revealing experience! To find out more about Felixstowe Book Festival and to book your tickets, please visit https://felixstowebookfestival.co.uk

We’re off to the coast for the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet, as Colin Low pays a visit to the fascinating Radar Museum at Bawdsey. Graham Murchie, the current Chair of Bawdsey Radar, explains how radar was actually developed here on the Suffolk Coast and, how instrumental Bawdsey Manor was to winning the First and Second World Wars. Housed in the original Grade II listed transmission bunker, the Museum provides a unique window into the history of radar and of the people who worked there. It’s truly remarkable that the work which took place there during the 1930s was so secret, that even when the King asked one of the team what she did, she wasn’t allowed to tell him! Set in a truly beautiful, remote location, this award-winning museum really is worth a visit. To find out more, please visit https://www.bawdseyradar.org.uk

1,400 years ago, a great King of East Anglia was laid to rest in a 90ft ship, surrounded by his extraordinary treasures. The discovery at Sutton Hoo in 1939 remains one of the greatest archaeological finds in British history and, 77 years later, a team of boat builders and volunteers began taking on the ambitious project to build a replica of the Anglo Saxon burial ship. In this week’s episode of Suffolk Money, Kevin Burch takes a trip to The Longshed in Woodbridge, to check on the ship’s progress and meet Master Shipwright, Tim Kirk and his dedicated and passionate team of volunteers. Construction work started in 2016 to resurrect the King’s ship to its full, awe-inspiring glory. Tim tells Kevin about the many challenges the charity faces; from sourcing high-quality oak to generating the income needed. As a registered charity, the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company is crowd-funded and volunteer-led, and the passion and enthusiasm for the project is clear from the plethora of people involved. The ambition is to end up with a sea-worthy and operational ship, with a launch date scheduled for Spring 2025. For more information about The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company, please visit https://saxonship.org where you’ll find plenty of pictures and information about the charity’s work.

Don’t underestimate how doing good is good for business…. This is the key message from serial entrepreneur, business coach and mentor, Scott Russell, as he talks with Colin Low in this week’s episode of Suffolk Money. Scott speaks candidly about his fascinating experiences in business; from his first entrepreneurial steps – selling roasted chestnuts at his local market at the tender age of twelve – through his role in creating a string of highly-successful companies. One of his most well-known businesses is, of course, Paddy & Scott’s, which soon gained the reputation for the best tasting coffee. Success quickly followed and sales progressed from stalls at local shows and events, to the shelves of national supermarkets. The really exciting part of this story, however, came in 2016, when Scott and his team went to Kenya to create their own farm, which ultimately changed the way coffee is traded. By cutting the supply chain down and sharing the retail margin with the farmers, they changed the ethos of the business and created a truly ethical coffee brand. Nowadays, Scott mentors and coaches CEOs and entrepreneurs, and is also a shareholder and director of digital media company called Quench, where he proudly reports to his son! Oh and not to forget Scott’s most recent venture, which has been to join the board of our County’s newest digital radio station, the brilliant Suffolk Sound, as an investor and non-executive director. This really is a jam-packed listen!

Did you know that there’s only one standard gauge heritage railway in Suffolk? On this week’s episode we’re “All Aboard!” as we meet the team at the wonderfully nostalgic Mid Suffolk Light Railway, or ‘The Middy’ as it’s affectionately known. Kevin Burch took at trip up the A140, to meet some of the army of volunteers who run the railway. The Middy attracts in the region of six thousand visitors each year, and Ian (Chairman of the Trust), John (Marketing Manager), Don (retired US airforce pilot) and David (who wears many hats!) tell Kevin all about the fantastic events they have planned for the coming months, as two major projects draw tantalisingly close to fruition. If you’d like to know more about The Middy, please visit www.mslr.org.uk

Our latest Suffolk Money podcast is a really uplifting story about a local charity, which helps young people who could otherwise slip through the net when it comes to education, training and employment. The charity is called Fresh Start and Colin Low went to their new second-hand furniture shop and café in Carr Street (Ipswich) to find out all about the secret of its success and meet the ever-smiling Café Manager, Tina Sinderby. Tina talks about how she came to join the charity and how her life has changed since. An inspirational figure within the group, her positivity is infectious, as is her passion for giving young people new opportunities in a friendly, family environment. From barista training to building flat pack furniture, young people are offered work that will give them a real sense of purpose, pride and confidence in themselves. You can find out more about Fresh Start by visiting https://www.freshstartcharity.org And you can also find the charity’s page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/771100990098652

Traditional garden sheds can often be quite solitary in nature, but Men’s Sheds is quite the opposite. A UK wide network, this is all about social connections and friendship, whilst sharing skills and knowledge. There are several Men’s Sheds in Suffolk (including Stowmarket, Debenham and Bury St Edmunds) and for this week’s podcast, Kevin Burch took a trip to visit Stour Valley Men’s Shed in Long Melford. Here he meets Colin Muddimer, as well as Dave, Graham and many other members, who tell him all about their non-profit organisation; how it came to be and the vital sense of purpose it gives to men in the local community. Everyone is made to feel welcome and it is the perfect place to socialise, make friends and learn new skills. Giving many a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, it also provides a safe space to allow men to deal with mental health challenges and share any problems or health concerns. To find out more please visit https://menssheds.org.uk

This week is a special landmark for Suffolk Money Podcast, as we release our 100th episode! We’ve met and spoken to some truly amazing guests since our launch back in 2021, and this week is no exception; as Lesley Dolphin took a trip to meet customers and volunteers at the Community Shop at Sproughton. Opened in 2010, Sproughton Community Shop has become a vital resource for the village and the surrounding area. However, as shop manager, Stacey Palmer explains, it has faced plenty of challenges along the way and, especially after the pandemic, its future was very uncertain. But thankfully, due to the passion and perseverance of the team, the shop is still in business and continues to provide a wonderful service. Not only does it sell a fantastic range of local, quality products that draw customers from far and wide – from Pinney’s fish to fresh, free range eggs, local honey and meat from Oak House Farm – but also seasonal produce and an array of store cupboard ingredients; including gluten and dairy free products. Stacey and her team of directors and volunteers all work hard to offer the best service they can, which includes social events such as Meet-up-Mondays and Soup Shack. They are always looking for more volunteers, and those who already give up their time here say it’s one of the best ways to get to know people in the village. If you’d like to find out more please visit Sproughton Community Shop and friends’ page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Sproughtoncommunityshop

2024 marks the 140 years since the launch of the Chamber of Commerce in Suffolk. This landmark anniversary is being celebrated with a special project called C140 and, in this week’s podcast, Colin Low talks to Molly Williams (Project Officer for C140) and Paul Simon (Head of Public Affairs) about the history of the Chamber, its work today and the importance of C140. With an outstanding heritage of being relevant to the business community for 140 years, the Chamber has not only impacted business and commercial activity throughout this time, but also the wider community and the people of Suffolk too. C140 celebrations will include an exhibition, plus activities that honour the history of the Chamber and the diverse array of business in Suffolk. If you would like to know more, please visit https://www.suffolkchamber.co.uk

Many of us love board games - from Monopoly, to Scrabble to Trivial Pursuit. But for our guest this week on the Suffolk Money Podcast, they’re something of an obsession. John Mariani is a games developer and highly successful entrepreneur from Ipswich, who spends his days thinking up new ideas and researching thousands upon thousands of fiendishly difficult quiz questions. Kevin Burch went to meet him and find out more about his passion for board games and trivia. With his Italian heritage, John not only speaks Italian, but is also fluent in Spanish and speaks French and German too. His love of board games came in his early 20s, when he became involved in writing trivia questions in Italian for Trivial Pursuit. Having now been in the board games industry for 35 years, John knows what makes a good game. He was quick off the mark to gain the world rights to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and has also invented countless others, including family favourites such as The Logo Game. John’s love for the traditional board game seems to be shared by us all and, despite the swift advances of modern technology, board games still have the power to draw a family round the table.

Welcome to the first episode of season five of our Podcast, Suffolk Money. Today, we’re visiting a hugely-popular venue in Ipswich, called Geek Retreat. Having opened just over two years ago, this is not only a shop and café, but a true community hub, where people go to find their niche and find their people. In this episode, Lesley Dolphin meets Sharon Lockhart, one of the owners, who explains how Geek Retreat has become a real haven for people who love gaming. Here, people can eat, meet, shop and play – everything from board games and trading card games to roleplay games and crafting too. Located in Upper Brook Street, the shop has achieved so much since they opened. Sharon’s infectious positivity about Ipswich comes from a place of community and she is passionate about wanting to support the town’s people and local businesses too. Recently, Geek Retreat teamed up with Hank's Dirty Vegan to enable them to serve a wide array of delicious vegan food. You can find out more by visiting their website at www.ipswichgeek.com plus of course they’re also on social media.

For the first podcast of 2024 from Suffolk Money, we’re looking back at some of the most memorable moments from the last twelve months. Amongst the voices you’ll hear are a young taxidermist, a retirement rebel, a campaigner against plastic pollution, a young entrepreneur with global ambitions and fund-raisers planning a lasting memorial for the Suffolk-based comedian Roy Hudd. Extra points if you can guess who’s who! Our sincere thanks to all the guests who joined us in 2023, and we’re thrilled to have now produced 90 podcasts since we launched the podcast nearly three years ago; all supported by Kingsfleet. We’ll be back with a new series of guests later this month, but in the meantime do remember that you can find each and every episode under the “Podcasts” section of www.suffolkmoney.co.uk

For our final podcast of 2023 Colin Low took a trip to Middleton, to visit the family-run company, Tosier Chocolate, which makes a delicious range of niche products. Having started in their business in 2016, Deanna and Jonathan Tilston have progressed from a basement to a converted dairy on the Suffolk coast, where they now run their small batch craft chocolate factory, chocolate shop, café and tasting rooms. In this episode, Jonathan explains the royal heritage of their intriguing name and, Deanna talks us through the fascinating alchemy of the chocolate production process, from bean to bar. With a clear passion for chocolate, Deanna and Jonathan run an open factory, which is the perfect place to share their extensive knowledge and expertise with the public. They enjoy educating people and helping them to understand not only the process of making chocolate, but also the history and origin of coco beans. Tosier is part of a transparent supply chain and Deanna explains the importance of paying farmers properly for what they do, working with them and their knowledge and skill to get top grade chocolate. To find out more please visit https://tosier.co.uk

The focus for this week’s podcast is the charity Emmaus Suffolk, who help people who’re vulnerable, isolated in society and at risk of being homeless. Colin went to meet the charity’s chief executive, Claire Staddon, at their community hub in Ipswich, to find out more about the support they offer. As Claire explains, it is Emmaus’ ambition to introduce Suffolk to new ways of tackling entrenched homelessness, isolation and unemployment. Their hubs, across Ipswich and Felixstowe are a safe and welcoming space, free to attend and open to all. Visitors to the hubs are encouraged to join Emmaus Suffolk as a volunteer, and so by helping others they help themselves. These hubs offer a supportive environment and it’s Emmaus’ aim to help stabilise people’s situations and, with early intervention, they can help them avoid hitting crisis point. Emmaus Suffolk are all about looking after the community and are ‘unapologetically joyful’ in doing so. As a local independent charity, they generate the majority of their income through their own enterprises, all the while maintaining their values around ethical employment, sustainable living and improving both the environment and the community. Not only do they have four retail shops in and around Ipswich and Felixstowe and a community café (at The Royal Oak on Felixstowe Road), but they also offer a house clearance service. To find out more about the great work Emmaus Suffolk do, please visit their website: www.emmaussuffolk.org.uk

Just like the bookshop Lesley Dolphin had the pleasure of visiting, in this week’s podcast we’re offering you something a little different! As Ipswich’s only independent bookshop, Dial Lane Books is so much more than your average bookshop. It opened its doors in February 2020, fulfilling the lifelong dream of its owner, Andrew Marsh, who fostered a love of books from a very early age. Of course, the timing here unfortunately meant that Andrew’s beloved bookshop was open for just 21 days, before the first lockdown came into effect. However, he received amazing support upon opening and, ever the entrepreneur, whilst the shop itself was closed, Andrew provided a friendly book delivery service and door to door sales throughout Suffolk. Andrew tells us how after the pandemic ended, it then took a long time for people to come back into town. Sadly, the challenges of retail in Ipswich remain difficult and Andrew is on a mission to get people to focus on the many amazing independent shops and businesses (in retail and hospitality) and to support those we have left. Dial Lane Books really is worth a visit as Andrew’s passion for books for people of all ages (not to mention his obsession with bookmarks) means he is able to give people something they won’t find in a high street chain. For more information please do visit www.diallanebooks.co.uk

The First World War is one of the great turning points in our history, with Remembrance Sunday being a national opportunity to remember the sacrifice and service of all those that defended (and of course continue to defend) our freedoms. For this week’s podcast, ahead of Armistice Day, Lesley Dolphin meets Taff Gillingham, who has taken remembrance one stage further with the creation of the First World War heritage project and visitor centre. With a vast knowledge about the Great War, Taff is a Military Historian, as well as an Historical Adviser for film and television work. Both he and his dedicated team have rescued over ten First World War structures, which they are gradually re-erecting at their purpose build site at Hawstead, in Suffolk. He takes Lesley on a mini tour of the Great War Huts and also the remarkable trenches and sentry boxes, which have been built to mirror those on the western front. This unique Great War project draws visitors and schools from far and wide. If you would like to find out more about what there is to see and do there, please visit www.greatwarhuts.org

What are the options for people with special needs, once they’ve left school? Having worked in a range of educational settings, Georgina Hanson saw first-hand a lack of provision for young people with disabilities in Suffolk. So, she used her experience to set up Fairview Farm, providing activities and programmes for people who find themselves marginalised. In this week’s podcast, we discover more about this wonderful place, as Colin Low takes a trip to visit the Farm. Georgina explains how her small-holding (near Akenham in Ipswich) operates on a simple belief; that people with disabilities deserve more. For lots of reasons, they may be unable to work and need meaningful, aspirational days, to not only help increase their confidence and broaden their opportunities, but also to give them a sense of belonging. Georgina takes Colin on a tour around the farm and he gets to meet the young people who have become part of the ‘Fairview family’, as well as a few of the animals as well! Whether they come two days a week or five days a week, the young people are all regulars and partake in a wide range of activities in a safe, supportive and friendly environment. If you’d like to find out more about Fairview Farm and what they offer, please visit their website: https://www.fairviewfarm.org

The one thing we love is a success story involving a talented entrepreneur. And in the spotlight this time is Jenna Ackerley, who started her business, Events Under Canvas, ten years ago. It’s proved a huge hit, having recently picked up an award for its impressive growth, so for this week’s episode, Colin Low went to meet Jenna and find out more about her fantastic Suffolk Business. Events Under Canvas create magnificent outside events under beautiful giant tipis. Jenna tells Colin about the history of the business and how, with the support of her family, she founded the company whilst on maternity leave. With the target of covering 12 events in the first year, Jenna ended up taking no less that 56 bookings! She puts much of the business’s success down to having a serious can-do approach, her attitude to risk and of course, a fantastic, resourceful team of people around her. From their humble beginnings, operating from an empty barn rented from a local mushroom company, Events Under Canvas now covers the whole of South and East of England. Around 70% of the business is high-end weddings and events, with the team doing 20 per weekend in the busy summer months. Having earned an outstanding reputation for their quality of service, they specialise in high-society events and the client list includes some very high-profile names. Plus, if customers don’t have the space themselves for the tipis, they can even sort this, working with beautiful venues, such as Shotley Vineyard; do listen to our podcast from 2022 for more information on this: https://suffolkmoney.co.uk/2022/09/07/a-vineyard-with-a-view/ To find out more about Jenna and her team, please visit https://www.eventsundercanvas.co.uk

This weeks’ podcast comes to you from the edge of the River Stour, where Colin Low is talking to Sally Chicken, Vice Chair of the Shotley Heritage Charitable Community Benefit Society Ltd. Sally tells Colin all about Shotley’s unique 122-year-old railway pier and its fascinating history; which includes carrying mail, coal, munitions and many a sailor serving or training on the world-renowned HMS Ganges. Having fallen into disrepair around the turn of the 21st century, the pier is now in desperate need of restoration. Fortunately, Shotley Heritage Charitable Community Benefit Society Ltd managed to purchase the pier, following a successful fund-raising campaign, to save the superstructure for future generations. So far just one fifth of it has been revamped, but the Shotley community are determined to see their pier stand proudly once again, with hopes to open it to the public in the near future. To find out more about the 600-foot Shotley Railway Pier, please visit https://www.shotleypier.co.uk

All the research suggests that, when it comes to pensions, for most people, it can all be incredibly confusing. And with next week being Pension Awareness Week (11th - 15th September 2023), we thought it timely to try to answer a few key questions. So in this week’s Podcast, Colin Low is joined by two of his colleagues from Kingsfleet – Lou Gladwell and Jack Warnock – to delve into the detail. They talk about everything from Income Tax relief and annual limits, to the security of pensions and avoiding scams. Above all, they highlight the importance of Independent Financial Advice and how this can affect the value of your pension fund, which ultimately will sustain the type of life you want to have when you finish work. For more information on how Kingsfleet may be able to assist you, please visit https://kingsfleetwealth.co.uk/contact-us/

Everyone had a soft spot for the entertainer Roy Hudd, who lived here in Suffolk and who sadly died three years ago. To help make sure that his memory lives on, a statue of Roy is being lovingly crafted. Rather than being put on a plinth, as a man of the people, Roy’s sculpture will be sat on a bench outside the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, so that people can sit with him and enjoy the memories this evokes. To find out more about the project and the fund-raising campaign behind it, on this week’s podcast Lesley Dolphin meets Roy’s widow, Debbie Hudd, and talented Suffolk sculptor, Sean Hedges-Quinn. Debbie explains how she wanted a memorial to Roy that everyone could enjoy. Roy loved Suffolk and the Theatre Royal in particular meant a great deal to him. However, at a cost of around £100,000 lasting monuments don’t come cheap. Debbie tells Lesley how they are now over half way in raising the funds needed and, how she has been touched by people’s generosity, which in turn shows their love of Roy. Sean Hedges-Quinn is well-known for creating the wonderful statues of Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alf Ramsey and Captain Mainwaring amongst many others. He tells Lesley how thrilled he is to be commissioned for such an exciting project and is looking forward to portraying someone with such a larger-than-life character. Roy was appointed OBE for services to entertainment in 2004. He was a great believer in charity and philanthropy and, as Debbie says, this statue will be a way of saying “Thank you Roy, for your talent, generosity and love”. To find out more about the Roy Hudd Statue Appeal, please visit https://www.theroyhuddstatueappeal.co.uk

The picturesque sailing village of Pin Mill is famous for being the setting of one of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazon’s books. Thanks to Peter Willis, it is also now home to Nancy Blackett, Arthur’s cherished sailboat, which featured as ‘The Goblin’ in his book ‘We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea’. On this week’s podcast, Lesley Dolphin takes a stroll along Arthur Ransome’s Walking Trail with Peter, who founded the Nancy Blackett Trust back in 1996, to buy this very special 1931 Hillyard cutter and maintain her for future generations. As they follow the route of The Goblin along the glorious Shotley Peninsula, Peter tells Lesley about his lifelong passion for this very special children’s author, and his favourite yacht. Now owned by the Trust and sailed frequently by its members, Nancy Blackett ensures that Arthur’s tales of childhood adventure are kept very much alive. If you are interested in joining the Nancy Blackett Trust or would like to find out more, please visit https://nancyblackett.org

The UK’s Food Museum is located in the very heart of Suffolk and for this week’s podcast, we’ve gone behind the scenes with its director, Jenny Cousins. Formerly the Museum of East Anglian Life, the Museum changed its name in 2022 to reflect the way the museum had been evolving in recent years. Jenny explains to Colin how the museum had become motivated by a mission to connect people with where our food comes from and the impact of our choices; past, present and future. Our local heritage is presented in a way that is relevant and engaging to today’s audiences, drawing parallels with today’s farming and addressing the technological, social and industrial issues connected to food. Developed on farmland that was previously part of the Abbot’s Hall estate (with records that date back to the Doomsday book) the museum is set within an 84-acre site, with lots of buildings to explore and over 40,000 items in its collection – it’s quite the day out! Jenny takes Colin on a tour of a few of the workshops, to get a flavour of the hands-on experiences available and, to meet some of the beautiful birds and animals on site. But there’s so much more to see and do, so to find out for yourself why not come and take a look. For more information, please visit https://foodmuseum.org.uk

Plastic Free July is a global movement, urging us all to do our bit for cleaner streets, oceans and communities. So, who better to talk to about the scourge of plastic in our environment, than Jason Alexander, founder of award-winning social enterprise, Rubbish Walks. In this episode, Lesley Dolphin heads over to the banks of the River Orwell to chat to Jason about the impact rubbish is having on the environment; from drinks bottles and cigarette butts to lesser-known nurdles and bio beads. Known to many as the Wildlife Gadget Man, before founding Rubbish Walks Jason had spent two decades designing wildlife camera systems. In 2014, whilst out photographing a sunrise he discovered a gannet on Bawdsey beach that had got caught in pink balloon and ribbon and subsequently died. It was at this moment that Jason knew he needed to do more the raise awareness about the impact we’re having on wildlife without even thinking about it. His mission is now to spread the word, always seeking new and innovative ways of engaging with people and asking if they can think about making just one or two changes to help reduce the amount of plastic they use. He also works with lots of schools and is passionate that education is key. Jason says “we’re not about building communities of litter pickers, we’re about building communities that don’t litter.” To find out more about Rubbish Walks please visit https://rubbishwalks.co.uk And if you want to find out more about Plastic Free July you can visit their website www.plasticfreejuly.org Jason also advocates keeping up-to-date with what can and can’t be recycled here in Suffolk https://suffolkrecycling.org.uk

This week on the Suffolk Money podcast, we’re talking about funerals. Our guest, Anne Beckett-Allen, is someone who knows the industry inside out, having started out in the family-run business when she was just 16. She is now one of the top funeral directors in the country and talks to Colin Low about her role in the family-run business, Rosedale Funeral Home. From very humble beginnings in 2004, Rosedale has gone from strength to strength and now has four funeral homes in Norfolk and three in Suffolk. They not only arrange funerals – providing exceptional support for the bereaved families – but also train funeral directors across the country, run support groups, creative writing workshops and also offer walks of remembrance. As well as explaining how she arrived at where she is now, Anne also talks about people’s varying perceptions of funerals and, how important it is for people to come together to talk about their final wishes. Whilst funeral planning can be a difficult subject to approach, conversations now can later provide much comfort to the loved ones left behind. Lots of resources around this subject can be found on the Dying Matters website, which aims to help people to talk openly and comfortably about death, dying and grief: https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters For more information about Rosedale Funeral Home please visit: https://www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk

Motivated by positive ageing and the benefits of slowing down to enjoy the journey, Siobhan Daniels is leading her own retirement rebellion. In this week’s episode of Suffolk Money, Colin chats to Siobhan, a retired television and radio journalist who, in 2019 sold most of her possessions and put her old life into storage. She then hit the road in her new motorhome to begin travelling the country, defying stereotypes and spreading a positive-ageing message. As mistress of her own destiny, Siobhan has whole-heartedly embraced her new, more authentic life. In fact, her transition from feeling ‘broken’ in her mid-50s, to now feeling the “happiest [she] has ever been” has led to her to write a book, reflecting on her experiences and inspiring others to take their own journeys to find happiness. Siobhan is bringing her wonderfully uplifting book, Retirement Rebel, to the Felixstowe Book Festival and will be speaking on Saturday 24 June 2023. For more information or to book your tickets visit: https://felixstowebookfestival.co.uk