The trail runs till the August 29. For the first and only time, all 131 hares from the art trail will come together for a spectacular send-off. This is in Ipswich Corn Exchange on September 6 and 7. A chance to tick them all off your list.
You will have the opportunity to own one of these magnificent hares and piece of art by bidding online or in person at the Hop to it! auction on September 17.
New for this year, the art trail is in other local places: Beccles, Lowestoft, Woodbridge and Felixstowe. I was delighted to head to Felixstowe on a family trip to investigate. The hares are mainly in the shopping area of the town, though it seemed that everyone was at the beach that day.
Babies having their first paddle, teenagers celebrating their exam results, older folk reading and watching the boats. The water was clear and clean and swimmers were joined by a playful seal bobbing alongside them. I did bump into fellow councillor Bryony Rudkin, who had cycled to Felixstowe, with her husband, to go swimming, which was impressive on both counts! They returned home on the train, with their bikes. Felixstowe and Ipswich – only a short train or bike ride apart!
Another place worth visiting in Felixstowe is Landguard Fort which was built to defend the approach to Harwich Harbour, an important port for many centuries. Rather ironic that Britain’s main container port came along after the Fort was closed in the fifties.
I do have an interest in the Second World War and was interested to see the command centre which co-ordinated the defences of the East coast as well as a range of heavy and light guns for defending against aircraft and ships.
The Second World War was centre stage in Ipswich last Friday as we commemorated VJ day – Victory over Japan – at the Ipswich Cenotaph in Christchurch Park. The park was immaculate – well done to the Parks team.
VJ day is always in the shadow of VE day – Victory in Europe. I think it’s vital to remember the war with Japan as the sacrifice was just as great as in Europe. A local sacrifice was made by the 18th Division – the East
Anglian Territorial Army Division – which was sent to Singapore just before the surrender. Many Suffolk men were deployed and repulsed several Japanese attacks. However, they were largely taken prisoner and over one-third of the division’s troops died in captivity. I’m sure the brutal treatment of prisoners by the Japanese left the returning heroes scarred for life.
On a lighter note, as the refurbishment of the Ipswich Regent Theatre continues, we’re asking the public to share ideas of what should be included in a time capsule.
What memories, stories, photos, objects or memorabilia do you have that captures what the Regent Theatre means to you and the community?
A selection of these ideas will then be sealed in a time capsule during the final stages of the theatre’s restoration. When reopened in the future, it will give generations to come a glimpse into the theatre’s vibrant history and its importance within the community.
These are just some of the things where Ipswich Borough Council are contributing to the enhancement of Ipswich and the surrounding area.
Neil MacDonald is Labour leader of Ipswich Borough Council
