History of the Ipswich & Suffolk Club 1885 - 2010

History of the Ipswich & Suffolk Club 1885 - 2010

Contents

Foreword by Martin Wood

Chapter One William Pykenham and Pykenham’s Gate ...... 1

Chapter Two Ipswich & Suffolk Club 1885 - 1985 ...... 5

Chapter Three Characters and tales told - Memories of Harold Page ...... 19

Chapter Four Games played at the Club ...... 27

Chapter Five Ipswich & Suffolk Club 1985 - 2010 ...... 29 Past Chairman 1885/6 ...... Spencer Dixon 1958/60 ...... G. J. Haskell 1886/7 ...... Spencer Dixon 1961/2 ...... M. W. Gonin 1887/8 ...... Frederick Saxton 1962/3 ...... W. J. Block 1888/89 ...... Spencer Dixon 1963/4 ...... P. Cordy Allen 1889/90 ...... W. F. Leighton 1964/5 ...... G. T. Barnard 1890/1 ...... William Bennett 1965/6 ...... A. E. Sladen 1891/2 ...... William Bennett 1966/7 ...... G. P. Woodward 1892/3 ...... William Bennett 1967/8 ...... G. J. Haskell 1893/4 ...... William Bennett 1968/9 ...... J. L. Roberts 1894/5 ...... William Bennett 1969/70 ...... R. M. Cooper 1895/6 ...... William Bennett 1970/71 ...... G. T. Barnard 1896/7 ...... Spencer Dixon 1971/2 ...... H. W. Page 1897/8 ...... Spencer Dixon 1972/3 ...... M. R. Taylor 1898/9 ...... Spencer Dixon 1973/4 ...... R. M. Cooper 1899/00 ...... Spencer Dixon 1974/5 ...... R. H. Willett 1900/1 ...... Spencer Dixon 1975/1976 ...... N. Twigge 1901/2 ...... Spencer Dixon 1976/77 ...... C. E. Cocksedge 1902/3 ...... Spencer Dixon 1977/78 ...... J. P. Hughes 1903/4 ...... Spencer Dixon 1978/79 ...... H. W. Page 1904/5 ...... Spencer Dixon 1979/80 ...... M. R. Taylor 1905/6 ...... Spencer Dixon 1980/81 ...... M. H. Vinden 1906/7 ...... J. F. Peacock 1981/82 ...... R. H. Willett 1907/8 ...... J. F. Peacock 1982/83 ...... J. D. Bright 1908/9 ...... J. F. Peacock 1983/84 ...... C. E. Cocksedge 1909/10 ...... J. F. Peacock 1984/85 ...... J. P. Hughes 1910/11 ...... J. F. Peacock 1986 ...... M. V. Vinden 1911/12 ...... J. F. Peacock 1987 ...... D. J. Wass 1912/13 ...... J. F. Peacock 1988 ...... J. Bright 1913/14 ...... F. E. Leighton 1989 ...... R. T Hedley 1914/15 ...... F. E. Leighton 1990 ...... C. E. Cocksedge 1915/16 ...... E. P. Ridley 1991 ...... W. J. Turnbull 1916/17 ...... E. P. Ridley 1992 ...... B. F. Tenwick 1917/18 ...... E. P. Ridley 1993 ...... D. J. Wass 1918/19 ...... A. J. Gaze 1994 ...... A. R. Anderson 1919/20 ...... B. W. Elkington 1995 ...... W. J. Turnbull 1920/21 ...... B. W. Elkington 1996 ...... Dr. M. Knight 1921/22 ...... B. W. Elkington 1997 ...... R. Wright 1922/23 ...... B. W. Elkington 1998 ...... J. Stansfield 1923/24 ...... F. Stanley Ward 1999 ...... K. Ferguson 1924/25 ...... Col. Horsfield 2000 ...... D. J Wass 1926/32 ...... B. W. Elkington 2001 ...... D. S. L. Pinner 1933/4 ...... R. C. Mennson 2002 ...... E. McCoy 1934/41 ...... W. J. Block 2003 ...... B. F. Tenwick 1942/3 ...... J. P. Clover 2004 ...... R. Wright 1944/51 ...... E. P. Tetsall 2005/06 ...... S. E. Gaskin 1952/55 ...... H. Gotelee 2007/08 ...... R. J. C. Hawkins 1956 ...... F. H. Ridley 2009/10 ...... B. Murrill 1957/58 ...... G. P. Woodward 2011/12 ...... M. Wood Foreword

Following the very successful 125 year celebrations in 2010 two things were apparent. Firstly, there was a genuine interest amongst Club members in the history of the Club and, secondly there was awareness amongst the Board of Directors that there were very few records available that would help to augment the existing history of the Club that covered the first 100 years to 1985. Further discussion quickly revealed that there was a cohort of long standing Club members who could personally add to the history of the Club from their own recollections and experiences. It was decided that an attempt should be made to gather up as much information as possible from these members. This was duly achieved by way of an extended meal at the Club where many colourful stories were recorded. The process of going from recorded anecdotes to the document before you has entailed much effort and hard work. Two members, in particular, have undertaken this project and given up many hours of their own time and I would like to acknowledge and thank Harold Page and Basil Tenwick for their labours. In order to continue to flourish in a changing world, the Club has to continually evolve. However, we as members today can appreciate stories from a different era and see how they have contributed to uniqueness of our Club and its own character and charms. Interestingly, many of the stories included here bear witness to the fact that the Club has always had to undergo change in response to the circumstances that prevailed in the wider world at any point in time. I very much hope that you enjoy reading this booklet and would like to thank all those who have contributed to its publication.

Martin Wood Chairman 2011/2012 Throughout the book there are caricatures of ‘old members’ which are portrayed in the Club bar.

These have been drawn by Leslie Harrison, above (with the exception of Bob Wright, David Wass and William Mulley) CHAPTER ONE

WilIiam Pykenham The House and Gatehouse

The House doctorates at both Cambridge and This modest gatehouse is almost all Oxford and had already acquired that remains to hint at the grand wealthy and influential patrons, in residence that William Pykenham built particular Henry, Lord Bourchier for himself when he became (later earl of Essex) and his younger Archdeacon of Suffolk. It predates by brother Thomas who was Archbishop thirty years a less impressive structure of Canterbury. He had arrived and that nevertheless related to a much quite rapidly. greater enterprise - Wolsey’s Gate in Not surprisingly, Dr Pykenham College Street. progressed swiftly and in 1471 we find There have been Archdeacons of him Archdeacon of Suffolk, a Suffolk since the twelfth century and representative of the Bishop of there are references to a house on the Norwich in an appointment that site from about the same time. The required the confirmation of the Pope. holder of the office did not always live He held his court at St Mary le there indeed during the Peasants Tower; this dealt mainly with Revolt it is recorded that he was an, administrative matters but it also had absentee foreigner, the cardinal of St. the power to fine and even to Angelo in Rome. In a later age, during excommunicate offenders against the 17th century, the house was church law. occupied by John Robinson, whose However it seems that despite his monument may be seen in nearby St. position he was not a model of probity Mary le Tower church, The site of the and there is a record of his having Archdeacon's house is today occupied accepted the same fee for a wedding by the Ipswich and Suffolk Club, from two different people - but when but it is evident that much of the confronted he just laughed it off. original structure, including many Archdeacon Pykenham quickly set roof timbers, is hidden within later about enlarging and improving the old work. Substantial remains of the house - and to emphasise its boundary wall also survive including a importance he erected a suitably once-fine doorway in to Northgate Street. imposing entrance; the gatehouse that WilIiam Pykenham we see today. William Pykenham was born to John For some time, we must assume, he and Katherine Pykenham of Otes was well-satisfied with his new and Manor, Higher Laver in Essex - landed distinguished Ipswich residence but is gentry of some affluence - but little is seems that eventually he grew restless known of his formative years. By the and after about twenty years his early 1460s however he had taken attentions were turned to Hadleigh

1 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB where he built the deanery Tower, a In the eighteenth century a brick much larger and quite magnificent facade was often added to such portal to what was to be a new deanery. buildings or, more simply the face Whether work on the house actually rendered with sand and lime, as started is not certain; Pykenham died indeed was the gatehouse at this time. in 1497 and although the tower Nowadays half-timbering is seen as survives to this day a later deanery aesthetically pleasing but the problem survives beside it. of draughts is as annoying now as it There is no record of where William was then. The early practice - scorned Pykenham died or is buried. Stoke-by- in more recent times - of lime washing Clare and Hadleigh both lay claim. His the exterior, timbers and infill alike, will stipulated that he was to be helped to minimise the gaps and is buried where he died but there is no used today at the gatehouse. named memorial; perhaps his Originally the front wall was instruction that there was to be "no buttressed; presumably for grandeur fuss" following his death was adhered rather than strength since the to rather too assiduously. The afterlife structure has remained stable was another matter and a thousand following the removal of this feature in masses were to be said for his soul the late 1700s. The nearby North and for those of his parents. Gate of the town had already been The tenants of the twelve lost. Was this an early example of almshouses that he had founded in “highway improvement” to facilitate Hadleigh were required to pray daily in traffic-flow? The stepped Dutch Gable, the same cause. The nineteen servants an interesting feature in the street, is in his household at the time of his not uncommon in these parts and is death is but one indication of his similar to the one that adorned the wealth and status, and we read that old Guildhall, St. Mildred's Church, his bequests were many and various. on the site where the Town Hall William Pykenham may nevertheless now stands. have died a very disappointed man. The view from the rear is interesting. Historians believe that had Richard III The original gatehouse, a single room triumphed at Bosworth the Archdeacon above the arch, is jettied on this face would have become a bishop. and to the right (south) but not on the The Gatehouse left. This is emphasised by supporting The front of the gatehouse, that timbers where a dragoon beam on the important facade which faced the right carries one end of the floor joists populace and greeted the visitor, in both directions whereas on the left together with the walls flanking the the joists run from front to back. This archway, were constructed of brick as suggests that the gatehouse was befitted such a distinguished owner. attached to another structure, The rest, although it had a good presumably part of the house on this pegtile roof was timber-framed with north side. Old maps show such a wattle-and-daub infilling a striking range. A brick stairway, now blocked contrast. At the time timber framing at the lower end, can be seen from was attractive for its cheapness but inside the gatehouse and would have was never highly regarded. provided access.

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The elaborate decoration of the evident from this simple, even crude, south side of the original gatehouse means of access that the extension suggests that this was the elegant did not have the same status as the termination of a range of buildings gatehouse and, further, that the extending from the house, first east status of the gatehouse itself had and then south. been lowered. The most interesting feature of this The present entrance to the elevation, seen from beneath the gatehouse, through the extension has arch, is that of two clearly different developed from what was originally a periods of brickwork. The lower window similar to the one immediately courses up to about five feet are of 2" above. This first-floor was later blocked bricks but the work above uses but uncovered during restoration. slightly thicker ones. This suggests To the rear of the archway the that the collapse of an early building carved spandrels show, to the left a followed by a later reconstruction. It fish and an animal, and to the right a seems very likely that the old mullet - a five pointed star. Supposing brickwork is nothing less than the the fish to be a pike and the animal a remains of the 14th century pig, early researchers were quick to gatehouse that was destroyed by fire identify a rebus indicating Pykenham. (note the blackening of these bricks) and that the structure that we see Disconcertingly, the resemblance of today was founded on the surviving the animal to a squirrel makes this walls of that ancient building. interpretation difficult to sustain. The mullet was originally puzzling since it As to the use of the gatehouse: in was an emblem associated with the de those days such a room because it Veres, but it is now believed that when was dry and secure was often used as this family fell from favour some of a muniments store, for documents their lands devolved to the especially title deeds - but could it Archdeacon who then displayed their have been a private chamber for the symbol as a gesture of triumphalism. Archdeacon himself? The hardwood treads to the old stairway together Inside the extension one side of the with the remains of a fine doorway stub corner post of the main building with gauged brick arches indicate that has a band of delicate carving, it was of some importance. wonderfully preserved by being At some time after the gatehouse protected for most of its lifetime by the was built, possibly quite soon but new structure. Outside on the certainly within a hundred years, a adjacent face of this post a modern fairly substantial two storey reproduction of the carving reassures extension was built on the south us that these skills have not been lost. side. The outline of a ground-floor This is a rare and possibly unique doorway, used until recent times, example of such a juxtaposition. may be seen in the side of the arch. The window above the new door is A steep ladder-stair led from this original but those to the south in the door to the first floor and a second extension and to the west in the main ladder-stair provided access from room are not-unpleasing "Victorian there to the main room. It is however Mediaeval" replacements.

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Originally these windows would of the old timbers still fulfil, five have had horizontally-sliding wooden hundred years later, in their original shutters, the upper grooves for which purpose. The lamp under the archway are still visible. is a later addition and once adorned During the 17th century the timber the town hall. The provision of frame must have started to pull away electricity, water and drainage has from the brick frontage since a fitted the building for modern use. wrought-iron bar - conveniently dated The survival of Pykenham's 1673 was provided to hold the two Gatehouse is remarkable, not the least together, secured to the wall-plate and because it is almost accidental. When firmly mortared into the wall. The new the gatehouse stood as a symbol structure having been stabilised, this of the wealth and power of one of the bar is now displayed on the wall-plate most interesting men in the history of where the initials alongside the date Ipswich. That man died, the tears provide a continuing puzzle. The passed, and as he was gradually fireplace, revealed during restoration, is forgotten so his gatehouse was long-disused but would have had a flue disregarded and neglected, used if at within the thickness of the wall and all for lowly secular purposes. In time terminating at the apex of the gable. the house itself became hidden beneath later accretions and the The Gatehouse Today gatehouse stood, incongruous and Restoration took place in 1982 and forlorn within a changing scene, hardly 1983 by which time the building noticed by the busy passer-by. had been abandoned and was in Just when the loss of this decaying a parlous state. The Ipswich Building structure seemed inevitable - perhaps Preservation Trust with the aid of even natural rescue came. It has been a government grant and local brought back to life in a trans- fundraising controlled the work. Much formation as dramatic as any in its new wood was used and, deliberately, long history and it stands now- this is made clearly distinguishable perhaps for another five hundred but and it is a source of wonder many years - one of the treasures of Ipswich.

Traditional Crown Post in Pykenham Gate House roof drawn by Alan Matheson

4 CHAPTER TWO Story of the Early Club 1895-1985

n 1885, on Christmas Eve to be hadn’t yet crossed the Atlantic and precise the first meeting of the the Titanic was a dream on the IIpswich and Suffolk Club drawing board. In Ipswich the Company Ltd was held. The Articles of Museum in High Street had just been Association declare the Company to opened and Christchurch Mansion have been formed. was still occupied by the Fonnereau Queen Victoria was on the throne, family, the Borough of Ipswich took it she had been there for almost 50 years. over in 1896. Russia threatened the borders of Two other institutions share our Afghanistan. In New Mexico they were centenary. The local Ipswich Evening playing cowboys and Indians for real. Star newspaper or Star of the East, as General Gordon had just died and it was known, and Roedean. The Club Sarah Bemhardt faded away before the has had little contact with the “Star” footlights. To return directly to earth, a as we have always shunned publicity, new wooden pavement was to be laid in although Bertie Elkington the Editor the Butter Market at 5s/3d per square was a prominent member. As for the yard, presumably to tidy up the place ladies of Roedean it is unlikely that for a personal visit by Dr Barnardo. they concerned the members of 1885 The motor car was being assembled too much. in small numbers, Alcock and Brown These pieces of quite useless information merely set the time scene for a light hearted review of the Club during its first 100 years. Records make no mention of the existence of a Gentleman’s Club before 1885. Many of the members had close connections with the law. It is quite possible that the Club was quickly put on to a proper legal footing. The Company was formed on September 15th 1886. The original Directors were: Edward Broughton Rouse Solicitor, Charles William Godball Gentleman, Robert Gosling Engineer, Oliver Thomas Gibbons Contractor, Spencer Dixon Accountant, Henry Medgett Eyton Architect, Charles Ernest Tempest

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Share broker. No list of the first members exists. However one T Banks Reid was made a Life Member in 1947 having been one of the original members for about sixty years. To get some impression of the Club layout in the early days it must be remembered that the present Dining Room didn’t exist; only one Billiard Room was there. The outside at the front had a small drive in through the Pykenham gate leading to the servants’ quarters. The main front door must have been the inner door to the present hallway. Reference is made to a shrubbery in the front of the Archdeacon’s house behind the tall brick wall which still screens us from public view and even more importantly, masks the traffic noise from the now busy Northgate leaving the cuttings on the green or Street. At the rear a large garden collecting them in the mower occured. existed, the western boundary wall Tommy Symes led the latter school of was at about the line of the present thought. kerbstone in Tower Street. References Fortunately a local artist, Leonard are frequently made to this garden. Squirrel, captured and recorded the The small gate in the Southern wall atmosphere in a water colour enabled the Archdeacon to slip into presented to the Club by Mr Harry the Tower Church from his garden. Knight in 1945. Ownership of the wall seems to have We know that the bowling green, now been skilfully “ping-ponged” from the Club car park, was the centre of Church Commissioners to the Club much activity until the late 50’s. Bowls according to its necessity for repair. was played with a type of wood no At what stage the Bowling Green longer in use. Arthur Turner of was laid in the garden is not known. Debenham confirms that Framlingham It was certainly there in 1912. In Woods or Cheeses were used. The very June of that year by request of some flat cheese like shape of the wood fourteen members a Foursome permitted a somewhat hazardous bias Competition was suggested and and an arc of some 8 — 10 feet. The organised. In the same year, a request modem woods bias to about 3 or 4 feet for more use of a heavy roller is only. Gentlemen played in blazers and recorded. Over the years many straw hats, tea was served outside. The references are made to the care of the now disused garden loo is the only green, and its treatment. Some sort of remaining monument to what must local feud between Harold Sadd, a have been a most relaxing and peaceful local seed merchant, and other scene in the centre of Ipswich. The members as to the advisability of suggestion book records in 1908 a

6 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB complaint that some members not only sported disgustingly battered straw hats but they wore them inside - in the Reading Room. Life inside the building was very much a male domain. Females were employed in the kitchens but they were not permitted to pass the half door leading to the old bar. Originally and until about 1925 no bar existed. Gentlemen didn’t go into bars! Drinks were served by stewards who were expected to know the likes and dislikes of all the members. If a drink was required one pressed the “tit”, a quite acceptable term for a bell push, a waiter would take your order to the small hatch about 12” square, still existing on the right hand side of the back door. The barman would Not so sombre were the habits of dispense the drink. Borne on a tray it some members in the Smoking Room. was carried to the member whose April 1909 records a suggestion that order it was. Back he would trail with “members do not sing, otherwise the money, and return with the annoy, or molest other 'members”. change. Not exactly perfection in time The Secretary of the day was and motion but labour was cheap in instructed to warn the offenders. those days. Mail was collected from the Club The stewards or bar boys’ uniform box four times a day. The 12.30 consisted of a blue tail coat with silver collection enabled letters to be buttons, trousers to match, worn with delivered in London by 5.15pm. Not white shirts and black ties. In 1992 bad for 11/2 old pence. Today’s price their scruffy appearance was and reliability hardly compares. disapproved and J & J Edwards in The 1914 - 1918 war appeared to Tavern Street were ordered to supply have very little effect upon the Club’s replacements for £2.15.0 a “boy”. activities. The Directors invited all Decorations in the Club have Regular or Territorial Officers on always been a controversial subject. active service quartered in the district It was just as difficult to please to become Honorary Members. everyone in 1909 as it is today. A rather odd incident followed a January 1909 records a suggestion suggestion that a red light should signed by eight prominent members be placed over the wicket gate in for the Dining Room to be white on the Northgate wall. Before readers lincrustra paper only to be countered jump to the wrong conclusions the by a dark crimson frieze and canvas dimmed red light almost certainly coloured wallpaper. had something to do with the

7 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB blackout against Zeppelin raids. and were then as now the focal point However the police objected to it of the daytime activity of the Club. and it had to be removed. In 1928 a five course lunch cost 3/6 1 From very early days, perhaps even (17 /2p). Some of the younger from the outset, the premises were members of the day protested, so open to members every day, Leslie Harrison arranged for a three including Sundays. Rooms were course meal to be produced for two 1 available for members to reside on shillings and sixpence (12 /2p). the premises. About half a dozen It is interesting to note that whilst people "lived in" plus the staff who today the Club can provide a slept in the low attic rooms still noticeably cheaper lunch than that existing above the flat. They can be which is available in a good class reached by a small spiral staircase restaurant in the town, the leading out of the Tack Room now comparable price at Limmers (a good part of the kitchen alongside the class restaurant on the Cornhill and archway. Nostalgic explorers will be later in the Butter Market) in those appalled by the lack of ventilation days was only two shillings (10p) and tiny windows but rewarded by In the late thirties, one of the crisis finding the original crown post in the periods for the Club, an economy roof beams. Equally rewarding is drive forced the members to make do the sight, and smell of the beautiful with only cold food and sandwiches at craftsmanship and detailed carpentry mid-day. carried out by local builders in 1982 when heavy bulges in the front wall Harold Hooper, a larger than life had to be remedied and restored. character, architect by profession, and a great advisor to the Club, Rooms were also available for introduced the Snug. A small room guests; overnight accommodation originally furnished, if that was available until 1965. Hugh description can be used, with a Green is recorded as the last member hotch potch of odd tables and resident. He had rooms and a chairs, an electric fire (not very bathroom, now part of the resident’s efficient) accommodated some of the flat. His departure saw the end of leading representatives of the Law in residential facilities within the Club. the town. What furnishings lacked In 1925 permanent residents paid in comfort was more than 30/- per week or 5/6 for bed and compensated for by the joking, breakfast as a temporary guest. A ribbing and near slanderous certain Mr Elkington had a special remarks which flew across the room, which one is not recorded but tables. Tribute is paid to the it cost £2 per week. In 1952 bed and witticisms on a small tablet breakfast was 12/6 per night and explaining “More people have been £3.13.6 per week. Various minutes insulted in this room than in any record members' tardy payments of other room in Ipswich - in the nicest their dues, reductions requested for possible way, of course” nights away and comments about the food. So revered was this tiny room that Lunches have always been served, Geoffrey Barnard during his first stint

8 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB as House Chairman persuaded the staff at the age of 15. The most Directors to refurbish the Snug with important daily job for Eddy and the purpose made seats and tables. The other junior waiters was to rub down architect made the first tables so and clean the brass plate outside the small that two dinner plates could not front doorway. It had to be left like a be placed opposite each other, a shining beacon portraying an aura of mistake that was soon remedied. A respectability to the outside world. The small interesting carved bracket, part inside of the building hardly matched of the original structure was this shining symbol; in fact "tatty" discovered in this room. The same would have been a better description. bracket design is to be found on the Eddy still remembers the members Pykenham Gate and on many other of the day and their favourite drinks Suffolk timber frame buildings. which he was expected to know about The third dining area, the Kitchen without being asked. D Hoyland, the housed a large deal table around Police surgeon, drank "bloody cough which the farmers would sit, usually mixture" - Gin and Italian: Mr R on Tuesdays, market day in Ipswich. Meneer Snr, French Vermouth: his Philip Woodward, Geoffrey Ball, Jack son K Meneer with large walrus Chappel, George Stedman, Aubrey moustache, a tankard of Tollys: Mr Pratt and Geoffrey Clarke were some Tony Waters, Whisky and Polly of the usual diners. After a good lunch (apollinaris); Tony Grimwood, the dice were always called for to Auctioneer, frequently in hunting decide the unlucky diner to pick up gear, a tankard of ale. the bill, this practice continued for many years but in recent years the The card room at the top of the number of farmers lunching in the stairs on the left, a beautifully Club has greatly diminished. proportioned room, accommodated This room during the reign of the first lady manager was transformed with brighter curtains and new whitewood chairs and tables. That's why it was called Kate's Kitchen or by some directors as Page's folly, because Harold Page was usually being one of the prime movers in trying to brighten the place up a bit. The late Johnny Cobbold once said shortly after the bottle green and cream tobacco decorations had been replaced by brighter colours "Don't make the place too posh, we like it a bit scruffy you know!" Eddy Plummer has very kindly contacted us with some memories of his working days at the Club. He worked as a waiter in the years preceding the 1939 war joining the

9 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB the card playing quartet Dr Henry, Col Horsefield, Mr Wyatt and Mr Waters. A fee for the use of this room had to be collected by the waiter at a tactfully chosen moment. Wines and spirits were delivered weekly in to the hatch by the small front door. Miller and Sidgwick in the Thoroughfare and Cowells were the suppliers. After a shoot, jackdaws were hung in the same cellar to ripen and eventually cooked and served, maggots and all! By noon the forecourt would be almost filled with members cars including a model T Ford belonging to Mr Tracy. At 4.30pm promptly, tea was served, price 7 old pence (3p). For the regulars, either playing bowls on the green at the rear or inside. Tea was Indian with buttered toast. Mr Savoury Ipswich Ice Company. Always in the had to be served China tea and anchovy "box" were large joints of pork, ham toast. "Toast" had a special specification, and beef. Sometimes tall bottles of a thin slice of white bread cut by hand, white wine for a private dinner party toasted under a grill, cut in halves would be included. One day Eddy was diagonally with crusts removed. Not bad ordered to "Fetch the hock to the bar". value for 3 new pence. Due to his country upbringing he Drinking was cheap too Whisky 9d, duly arrived with a large leg of meat Gin and It 10d, a glass of Port 1/- , on a plate, only to be reprimanded. He Sherry wine 8d and a tankard of learned that hock was a wine in long Tollys ale 6d. Liqueurs, a special necked bottles. drink, one shilling and four pence. It The tables in the Billiards Room was rare for a round of drinks for six and the Snooker Room were brushed people to exceed five shillings (25p). and ironed every morning. As soon The kitchen was commanded by as each game was over the waiter the Stewardess, Mrs Edwards, had to clean the balls and set up the assisted by a female cook, kitchen tables before the next game was due boy and a scullery maid. A stockpot to commence. was continuously on the boil during In the Reading Room, now the Bar, the daytime. Into this large black newspapers had to be displayed and pot went all morsels left on the folded to show only the titles and plates, bones and bacon rinds. headlines. The Daily Mirror was not What came out was surprisingly permitted anywhere in the building. A nourishing and hot. garden boy was employed to attend to Cooling came from a large ice box, the large lawn, fish pond, vegetable lead lined and filled weekly by the garden and at one time a tennis court.

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The staff at the outbreak of the 1939 war was about a dozen. Mr and Mrs Edwards Steward and Stewardess. Emily Cook Tom Kitchen Boy Rose Kitchen Maid Annie Roberts Chamber Maid Fred Farrow Garden boy Henry Geldam Head Waiter Eddy Plummer 1st Waiter Tommy White 2nd Waiter Don Brown Dining Room Waiter

In addition he had to keep an eagle appreciation of friendship and good eye on the play. When a game of drinking, enjoyed by hosts as well as bowls was in progress he had to wipe visitors, during the years of hostility. each wood with a yellow duster before No direct war damage to the premises presenting to a member about to play. is recorded, although the building must On busy days a waiter would be called have been shaken by a daylight bomb to assist in this service. falling in the middle of St Margaret's Eddy Plummer left us to take up a Green and another in Lower Brook post as footman at Hubbard's Hall at Street by the County Club. Harlow in Essex. The outbreak of the As would be imagined the war years 1939 war saw many members on saw no great developments. It was really active service, some of them for the a matter of keeping affairs afloat during second time to fight for their country. difficult years. The premises had been So many of these men must have been away just when their professional careers and families were at their most interesting period. For the second time in forty years visiting officers were made welcome by the Club. The membership fee for the duration of the war was 1 guinea. Shields around the bar remind us of the many branches of the fighting services where Club members served. Tankards in the bar bear inscriptions from visitors from locally sited aerodromes manned by Americans as well as British volunteers. At the end of the war HMS Ganges presented a silver ink stand and pen tray to the Club from grateful visitors. Regretfully it was stolen by an intruder and no longer remains to record their

11 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB repainted externally in 1937 so little In 1944 the pot holes in the front car was done outside. Incidentally the cost park, the only car park at that time, of outside painting was £44.18.0. became so dangerous that the Directors In 1975 the bill for the same work had to apply for a permit for 80 gallons was approximately £4000 and today of tar to patch the uneven surface. no doubt considerably more. The pear crops from the cordons on Wartimes regulations required a the north wall of the garden were sold Firewatcher, a person appointed to be for five pounds. These sturdy espalier on duty all night to deal with branches crop well so the labours of incendiary bombs for which a few one Percy Clover, the planter of the buckets of water had to be left around trees, have been a wise investment of and a hand operated stirrup pump. To their cost £13.13.9 in 1943. help defray this and other additional The fall in membership brought about costs a guinea had to be added to the difficulties with the finances and the subscription and car park charges at bank balance went £386 into the red. one guinea per term. To keep their spirits up, the 1941 Rationing meant that no lunches were Annual Dinner set them back six served on Saturdays and the price for shillings a head. As an economy lunch was increased by six old pence. measure the premises were closed on Sundays from May to September. In 1942 the rent paid to the By 1946 glimpses of optimism were Ecclesiastical Commissioners was to be seen. They opened the Club, £250 per annum, not a great change, presumably including the bar, all day it was £200 per annum in 1924, the to celebrate Victory Day, and provided wartime rent was frozen by the Rent a Luncheon for three bob (15 pence in Acts in 1939. today's currency) Sunday evening opening was also restored. young members came back to "Civvy Street", some sons of existing members. Names like Gotelee, Block, Haskell and Harrison were to be perpetuated on the membership list. One of this list perhaps warrants further mention at this time, that of Granville Haskell. His father James had been a member for many years. Granville and his friends brought a breath of fresh air into the daily life of the Archdeacon's House. Their presence was resented by some of the protected custodians of wartime Club life. However a few words of wisdom from the Chairman of the day soon smoothed things over. Jumbo Haskell, as he was known to his friends, was a

12 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB staunch supporter since he joined in 1946. He served as a Chairman and was a Director for over 25 years. It is invaluable for the ever changing board to have this continuity, someone that the board can turn to for past experience. In the case of Granville even his sheer mass has been used to the advantage of the Club. Several years ago a small crack appeared in the ceiling of the bar. The experts were called in. Quite disturbing suggestions were made: iron girders were to be placed beneath the offending crack, and a stanchion was to be popped into the middle of the room and embedded in the cellar.' Oh dear! Heaven forbid that this lovely room should be so desecrated. Sanity prevailed. Somebody sug- gested that we should take up the years and gave not only vast amounts Adam room floor and have a look. The of time to the post-war administration tiny crack had been there for over 50 but helped in the restoration and years when the building was first maintenance of the building. His wired for electricity. The timbers and knowledge as a Director of W M Brown, construction would have supported Timber Merchants, was invaluable. an elephant. Harry Gotelee, of Gotelee & At this time another heavyweight Goldsmith, Solicitors, also held office director, Dick Cooper had been for many years. His son Allan, after a ordered to lose four stone in weight. distinguished war service in the Royal Granville Haskell and Dick took a bet Navy, a double D.S.C presented the to see who could lose the most weight Chairman's Chair, a throne like seat pro rata. After the weigh-in the two still used today, in memory of his jogged around the Adam Room father's term of office during difficult stripped to the waist! Not a pretty years 1952 - 1956. sight, these two heavyweights. Much For many years after 1951 domestic less pretty however would have been affairs were dealt with by a House boxed girders on vertical poles in the Committee. They dealt with the ever middle of the panelled bar. recurrent problems of running a bar and During recent years the Chairman catering. Sometimes in the past with has served for two years, prior to that difficult staff. The first House Chairman the term was one year with the was W. H Edmonds, a very stern and Chairman often returning at some later formidable character, especially so for one date for a second term of office. whose talents included running a factory Chairmen of yesteryear served for much making ladies underwear. He possessed longer. E. P Tetsall served for seven a positive paranoia about pirate car

13 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB parkers or members who stayed too long. In September 1960 a small minute A perfectionist who even had his own coat sows the seed for what was hanger in the cloakroom. He had it undoubtedly one of the most inscribed "Harry Edmonds not to be important decisions made by the taken away" The temptation was too Board during the100 years covered by great, somebody had to amend it to this chapter. It read "Arising out of a "Harry Edmonds should be taken away" letter from Mr A R Paterson on behalf The early fifties appear to have been of the Diocesan Board of Finance the a low period for the Club. In 1951 question of purchasing the Club lunches had temporarily to cease due premises was discussed and the to poor takings. The bed and breakfast board agreed to give serious charges went up to £3/13/6 a week. consideration to the matter.... " Additional income was derived from This matter had been raised several letting the Adam Room and the Card years before when Granville Haskell Room to Castleton and Elliot, a had approached the then Chairman branch of a London firm of Chartered H. S Gotelee to contact the landlords Accountants started and later taken with a view to purchasing the over by Alec Paterson to become premises but he could not persuade Paterson and Thompson. A 6% loan the directors at that time. was secured from the landlords to The Directors of the day were carry out long overdue repairs to the Granville Haskell (Chairman), Dr building. In July 1953 an Mervyn Gonin, Bill Block, Jack Ridley, extraordinary General Meeting was Jim Roberts, Philip Woodward, Harry called to alert the attention of the Edmunds, Allan Gotelee and Herbert members to the seriousness of the Zinn. Each one of these very much a financial state of the Company. An character in their own right. appeal for greater support was made to all the members. In 1955 a small fire broke out in the let offices but little real damage resulted. In the same year, the barman disappeared and the C.I.D. were informed. Diplomatic discretion prevailed, the minutes on the matter are scanty but we must assume he had become confused about the ownership of some of his employers property. Alarm surrounded the increase of the Water Rate. It went up from £4.6.3 to £5.10.3 in one leap. Despite such difficulties it was felt that the Club should guard its outward image, just had been done in the 30's. A minute from the Board Meeting of the day clearly forbad the presence of trade vehicles in the Club's car park.

14 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

It is probably not an exaggeration to prudence of this action of the say that had it not been for the Directors. Subscriptions were raised to opportunism and foresight of these 12 guineas for ordinary members. The gentlemen the Club might never have finances were in good shape making a survived some difficult times. The modest annual profit and an amount main events from this era which of £200 from the fruit machine. shaped the future for the Club can be In February 1962 the Club applied summarised as follows: to the Borough of Ipswich to convert 1) The purchase of the freehold of all part of the rear garden to a car park the Club premises. The main building with an entrance into Tower Street. and its grounds and bowling green, The Borough Surveyors Department, the Pykenham Gatehouse, and little whose offices were at that time in the house by the gatehouse and 11 building facing the rear of the Club Northgate Street. came up with a plan to enhance the vista in front of their office and also 2) The sale of land on the Tower Street widen Tower Street, providing the frontage to the Borough of Ipswich enabling the road to be widened and the paved boulevard with seats and trees. present car park to be constructed on The Club would benefit by the the sacred bowling green. provision of the rear entrance and retaining wall. The compensation for 3) The welcome addition of members the land surrendered made a welcome from the County Club. The approach contribution to the provisions of the from the Church commissioners car park for 30 cars. The deal provided offering to sell the freehold of the for the council to bear the cost of property was quickly followed up by building the retaining wall and the Directors. A sub-committee providing the ramp and gates and for comprising Jack Ridley, Granville the Club to pay for preparing and Haskell and N J Lucas was formed. surfacing the old bowling green and Various suggestions were made for car park. It was a happy coincidence financing the purchase. The members that the lowest tender also were approached and on 7 September apportioned the total cost very much 1961 each member was given the in the Club's favour. opportunity to make a loan, interest to Later in 1962 the Club tenants be paid. For every £40 loaned the Paterson and Thompson, wanting subscription would be reduced by two larger premises, purchased the Lower guineas. Two thirds of the capital was Brook Street premises occupied by raised on a ten year loan from Fisons the County Club. This led to a Pensions Trust Ltd and the final third coming together of the two clubs and from funds loaned by volunteer 34 members of the County Club were members of the day, plus some help proposed by John Cobbold and from Lloyds Bank. seconded by Stanley Pierson for The increase in the value of freehold membership of our Club. At a time of property in central Ipswich, even increasing expenditure these new allowing for the restricted use brought members were most welcome. They about by the building being scheduled brought with them certain effects as Listed, surely highlights the which were valued at £200. One

15 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB piece of furniture was the beautiful round table in the reading room. At some Club functions it is fitted with its radial leaves making it into a most impressive round dining table. When the table was restored by Green and Hatfield it was decided that it was too nice a piece of furniture to be covered by a tablecloth in the dining room but should be on display for all to see and enjoy. The sixties saw a new mood of management in the affairs of the Club. Nothing succeeds like success and it was the good fortune and opportunism of the Directors, which started a momentum which, happily has been maintained. The increased membership did however make the small bar, situated in the passageway to the kitchen, too cramped. It was decided to make a cooking was superb. Dover soles so larger bar in the Quiet Room directly large as to overlap a dinner plate on below the Adam Room where it is both sides were a weekly treat. Nancy now. Great care was exercised in the would have no time for "portion design of the new room. Keith Pert control" or budgets. Furthermore the designed the bar with his members didn't make too much effort characteristic attention to detail. to enlighten her. The bar was officially opened by Another member of staff who served the Chairman of the day H J Lucas us almost without a break for many on 21st Dec 1963. Free drinks added years was Winifred Walker. Winnie had £9 17.4 to the budget. Obviously this been trained in service, she was quiet, proved to be "the last straw" causing efficient, always discreet, knew not the subs to go up to 15 guineas and only everybody’s name but their fads lunches now to be 7s/6d (37p). and fancies, who liked custard and It would be remiss not to let this era who didn't, who always complained pass without reference to the about the food being too hot and who Stewardess of the time, Mrs Lifford. always felt it was too cold. Nancy as she was known to some Always diplomatic, one day Winnie more privileged members ruled the was confronted by a member who only Club with a rod of iron. A large lady, dined with us when he had in all respects suffered no inhibitions experienced temporary financial of subservience. embarrassment! The member went Her forthright character sometimes through the usual pocket searching called for diplomatic management act whereupon Winnie quietly said "I when the immovable lady met an expect you would like to pay next time equally immovable member. Her Sir?" He always did, and couldn't

16 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB possibly have complained, the "motors" when parked, ever since then comment was so politely made. more and more space has been Running an establishment handling allocated to parking. cash and drinks can have its In 1971 the last piece of garden was management hazards. From time to to be added to the car park. In the time staff have had to be relieved of middle of the garden was a pretty their duties, when a stocktaking check sapling magnolia. It was agreed that the revealed cold tea in the whisky bottles. Club should prune and preserve the On the whole however we have been tree, a simple aesthetic act which fortunate with our staff. caught the attention of the Planners. The late Eric Cook, a retired The ensuing correspondence between Inspector of taxes and a member, Geoffrey Barnard, at his letter writing became our Secretary in 1965. He best, caused much amusement. As overhauled our book keeping which Chairman of House Harold Page recalls had lapsed in previous years. So that he was amused to see gathered prosperous and active was the Club around this sapling, two representatives by 1965 that seven members signed a from the Parks Department, two petition to move that no new members Council Officials plus the Leader of the should admitted. In 1965 Hugh Council, who by this time surely wished Green, the last resident left the Club the damn thing had been pulled out. although he had provided his own The Planners wished to prevent us catering. A bedroom remained paving the area in this vicinity which available for overnight use by would have seriously reduced the members, this facility was not much additional parking area, at the same used and ceased when the flat was time in the garden of the Education enlarged for a resident secretary Sqdn Department nearby they were doing Ldr Geoffrey utting. exactly that. The Club won! Today it has References to the motor car have developed into a well shaped tree. Its been frequent over the years. As far impressive blooms are short lived but back as 1920 it was requested that beautiful, making, their last claims to chocks should be provided for the “garden”.

17 View from the west. Print by W. Hargreen, 1845.

18 CHAPTER THREE Characters and Tales Told Memories of Harold Page

have so many memories of the His Saturday snooker evening duels characters of the Ipswich and with his friend Donald Cornell ISuffolk Club, they have provided sometimes became quite heated. It is a much of the history of the place and I convention, if not a rule, that one does would like to mention a few of them not leave the billiards room during play. in the next few pages. However, as the players became older and their drinking became heavier they agreed to relax the rules, slide out of the sash windows and accommodate themselves in the fish pond. No harm was done to the fish, in fact they appeared to thrive from the additional alcohol in their diet. Granville Haskell. Club Chairman 1958-60. Granville was a local Jeweller and Clockmaker, he was also a Lt. Colonel in the Suffolk yeomanry. He generously donated the pair of silver candelabra used on special occasions and the annual Directors' Dinner. Dr. Mervyn Gonin was the first doctor to enter the Nazi prison camp at Belsen at the end of the second world war. The sight of the people who had been starved and ill treated by the Germans was an experience which lived with him until his dying day. For those of you who have seen pictures of the emaciated bodies, almost skeletons, will understand his reactions and his horror. He stayed in Belsen for over a year. Full details of his experiences were deservedly given in his obituary in the Daily Telegraph. He was however a great character in the Club.

19 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

On one occasion at the end of an annual cocktail party, I gave him a lift to his home. He undressed put pyjamas on and decided to walk along the corridor to say "goodnight" to his wife - she was not there! He had left her in the Club! He recalls that one year, his wife gave him two neckties at Christmas. Being a dutiful husband he wore one at breakfast time. Her only remark was "didn't you like the other one?"

Geoffrey Barnard. Club Chairman 1970-71. I was flattered to be asked to act as Geoffrey's House Chairman, and Vice Chairman of the Club. I had not long been a member and I know that Geoffrey didn't suffer fools gladly' . Bill Block. Chairman 1934 and 1941. I, therefore, asked him what were the duties of House Chairman? Bill always had lunch in the Club. When his wife presented him with His answer was quite clear "you do their fourth daughter he said "I think everything. If it works, I get the I'm going to be put on the transfer praise. If it fails you get the blame". list!". In his latter days, he had several During this year, we enlarged the car very serious surgical operations. He park. At one side was a small still struggled in to the Club almost magnolia bush which we felt, if every day. After one visit, somebody pruned, would grow in to an said "I greatly admire that man's attractive tree - as it has done. The persistence to keep going. He really Planners got to know of this has got guts". Immediately, a medic in proposition. A special meeting had to the bar said "that unfortunately is just be held. In attendance, were the what he no longer has". Parks Committee Councillor, the Head Park Keeper, the local Dr. John Hughes. Chairman 1978. Councillor and Geoffrey. One of the most regular visitors to the After an hour's discussion, it was Club. He had 'his own' stool at the bar. agreed that if we provided open He was also perhaps our best earth and flagstones with large customer. It was his escape from a very holes, the project could go ahead. responsible position of Senior Physician Geoffrey said "If you had told me it at the Ipswich Hospital. Alas, he is no was going to be such a performance, longer with us. He only enjoyed a very I would have got my wife to back short retirement. Stories about him are into the blessed bush!". plenty. Here are just a few.

20 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Both John and his wife lived in Paget Road. On the gate were two brass plates, one for John and one for June each with their professional qualifications printed thereon. Below the brass plates one of his children had pinned a notice 'White mice - sixpence each". John was not amused. John, and several of his friends on the Board had very strong views believing that the Club should be preserved for professional and business men only as it had been for over 100 years. Myself, and a few other Directors felt equally strongly that the Club needed to be more The Annual Directors' Dinner is a commercially run and updated to give very prestigious occasion. The food is it a wider appeal. Perhaps, and only Denis at his very best, about seven perhaps, to include lady members. courses. The wines too are carefully I had a very high regard for John and chosen. Everybody is in full evening his views. They were absolutely opposed dress. On a recent visit to Holland, I to mine and a few others. However, at bought a set of miniature table glasses, no time did I ever hear any mention of each about one and half inches high. our serious opposition to the views held The table was set, everything perfect, by each of us mentioned outside the tableware and glasses all in line. I Board Room. This was the mark of a persuaded Winifred to remove John's Gentleman. yes, it was a 'Gentleman's' glasses and replace them with the Club. In this respect nothing has miniatures, carefully filled with white changed and I hope it never will. (Even wine, red wine, sherry and port. The if now we have lady members). Chairman called for silence. "Pray Jim Moulang silence for grace" Silence prevailed A drinking companion of John Hughes. John looked down at the miniatures, A Civil Engineer who supervised the only for him. No doubt existed in his Buttermarket Shopping Centre from mind. In a loud voice he exclaimed day one until the topping out ceremony "That b...... man Page” and its opening. Asked how he was John had a love hate relationship enjoying his retirement; he said "Not between himself and his wife who also much is happening now". Looking into was a doctor. At breakfast one day he his diary the only entry for Monday looked at his diary. The only entry for was "Put wheely bin out!". the day was 'W.Ann'. He called to On one occasion, the police June, asking who the hell is she? followed three members leaving the She swiped him across the head Club and all three were breathalysed. with The Times and said "Wedding Jim Moulang was below the limit and Anniversary". I expect she said a few was acquitted. The other two were more words. They are not recorded. not so lucky. He objected to the

21 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Sergeant of Police saying to him as At 5 pm he would wake up and he left the Police Station "Go arrive in the bar at about 6 pm for a carefully next time Sir". Jim replied drink then return home to collect his “I have been acquitted!" wife and go out for dinner (they never Keith Cooper. A man with the midas ate at home) and home again at touch. Everything he handled turned around midnight. Therefore, he to gold. He always drove a spotless achieved fourteen days in every week. Rolls Royce and bought a new one usually, he arrived in the bar at every two years. In those days, so great about 6.15 pm when most people was the demand for good second hand were leaving for dinner at home, not 'Rolls' that he always got his purchase wishing to accept his offer to buy a price back. His motoring therefore only round of drinks. cost him the petrol used. One day, he insisted on buying When one orders a new 'Rolls', the everybody in the bar a drink. car is especially made for the His reason for this sudden customer, exactly to his generosity was because he said "I requirements. One year, his wife said can't remember when I last bought "Why do we always have to drive a a round". Whereupon, an black car?" So they looked at the accomplished wit, named Alan catalogue and found an alternative Matheson, said "I can remember colour called 'Moorland'. It sounded when it was. Furthermore, I can a nice colour so they ordered it. remember how much it cost". Keith, When it arrived 'Moorland' was a being very money conscious said shade of dark green. Now, Keith was "How much was it?" The reply came very superstitious. He would not ever "Two pounds, three shillings and enter the Club by the green door or four pence". (decimal currency had use anything Coloured green. His been in for a full five years!). only solution was to phone all the A dull hush ensued. I suspected recent purchasers of his model Rolls trouble but luckily everybody, and change it for a black one. It cost including Keith, enjoyed the joke! him several thousand pounds. The Jack Chappel. One of a group of income tax officials objected to this farmers from North Suffolk when he as a business expense - the outcome played cricket on Sundays he called remained a closely guarded secret. himself Jack Church in order not to Whenever he drove in the evening, offend his family who frowned upon he wore a chauffeur's hat and his games being played on the Sabbath! wife sat in the back of the car. The police never challenged him. His favourite tale was when the local vicar asked him 'Jack do you Keith claimed that he could work believe in the hereafter? yes he replied 14 days in every week. His strict I frequently go into my barn, and ask routine was to wake up at 6 am, myself ….'what am I here after! drive to his farm and caravan site and return to Ipswich at noon, have Dr Charles Lawson. One of the most lunch in the Club and go home to highly respected General Practitioner’s have a rest, put his pyjamas on, and in North Suffolk. His entry in the sleep in bed. Suggestion Book was "The furniture in

22 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB the newly fitted out Gentlemen's Lavatory has been mounted at the wrong height!" signed Charles Lawson, who stood every inch of 6' 6" and also signed by a diminutive Architect, whose name escapes me, who could barely claim to be more than 4' 6". He always had lunch in the Club on Tuesdays. Tuesdays used to be market day, long since discontinued but they still came. After lunch they played dice. The person who lost paid for all the lunches Roy Kitching. A quiet and un- Johnny and Patrick Cobbold. John assuming man - few people knew of his and his brother Patrick were distinguished career as a war- time Air frequent visitors to the Club. Both Navigator. He completed four tours of had to suffer many criticisms about operations - very few people survived the Ipswich Town Football Club with this long in Air Crew. He was awarded whom their family had a long and a special medal of honour by the valuable association. Maltese Government for mine laying One day, after redecoration of the around the island's harbour. This interior rooms Johnny said "Don't called for very accurate navigation. He make it too posh. We like it to feel a also was the Navigator flying a Dakota bit scruffy". DC3 on daily trips to the Nuremburg At a Directors' meeting of Cobbolds' Courts for the trials of Nazi leaders. Brewery, the Directors were asked, in One morning one of his daughters turn, to describe what their particular noticed footprints in the snow all duties were. When it came to around their house in Henley Road. Johnny's turn, he said "I do nothing, The footprints stopped at every but I do it extraordinarily well", which window and door. She called the Police he did. All his workers loved him. who agreed that somebody had been trying to get into the house. They asked for the shoes of every man in the house. It was quickly apparent that the footprints were Roys! He had had a very liquid dinner and had been driven home by a friend. unfortunately, he couldn't locate the front door so he kept going around the house until he reached the keyhole on the second tour! A very good friend to many of us. He was never allowed to forget his snowbound circular tour!

23 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Honour at the annual directors' dinner. He stood, a little unsteadily and gave an outstanding after dinner speech in praise of the Club and it's directors. He sat down with a bump and disappeared under the table. We revived him with cups of black coffee and called a taxi to take him home. As they drove down Northgate Street, the driver said "Perhaps you should tell me where you live, Sir?" Leslie replied, "In a piddling little bungalow in Capel St. Mary". Many of you who know the now extended village will appreciate that some 200 dwellings could match this description. Eric Manby , usually wore plus fours, a However, the taxi driver found the heart of gold but a son of the soil! A bungalow, leant him against the barley merchant, devoted to the Club front door, rang the bell and quickly but disliking the somewhat scruffy ran back to his car. Leslie had seen interior arranged for some decorators to better times and had lived in scale the wall at the weekend and re- Westerfield Hall, a majestic building, decorate the bar at his expense. His enhanced by his large black and good deed, well intended, drew the yellow Bentley parked outside. In wrath of the Chairman and he was addition to providing me with a very asked to resign. He appealed against detailed account of Club life in the decision but lost. One director the1930's he has described some of resigned over the decision. the members. At the risk of libel Leslie Harrison. Leslie joined the action I will quote some of them. Club in 1928, as a junior member, a Rev Harry Graham later Archdeacon new classification to encourage of Ripon. His tragic death shocked young men to join at a reduced fee of every member. three guineas per annum. Tony Grimwood Auctioneer. Harry So he was for many not only the Gotelee - solicitor, a charming man, oldest member but the longest was the father of Allan Gotelee , double serving member He used to visit the DSC, and a good friend if caught Club in a large yellow and black drinking and driving (pre Barbara Bentley. Their family owned the Castle) George Horsfield - Colonel of Ancient House in the Butter Market the local "gunners". Lennie Marchant, Ipswich. Leslie was a gentleman with had a cocktail named after him! an unquenchable thirst. His Hugh Haskell - jeweller son of James caricatures which still hang in the also a jeweller and father of Granville bar give us a lasting reminder of (Jumbo). Club characters of yester year. Colonel Harold H Hooper (HRH to In honour of his long membership, his friends), a colourful character, he was on one occasion the Guest of commanded the 4th Suffolk’s, a

24 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk, did great service to the Club. He often spoke at Club dinners, frequently bringing the house down (an unfortunate epitaph for an Architect!).

Percy Clover , A grand Edwardian gentleman who played serious bridge with Harold Sadd (Seed Merchant), George Horsfield, Norton Fagg and Jim Crewes - A Cor nishman with an enigmatic smile except on October 1, when subs were due. Horace Crewes for some reason always called Crewes or Scrooger because he was the Secretary. This 'surname only' address was usually reserved for 'those in trade' although "Crewes" was a retired Bank Manager. Trevor Davies - a miniature Welsh gentleman, was a good shot and an early motorist Garfield Goult , the Club accountant for many years. Bob Lawler - an Irish talker, Colonel in the Home Guard, high ranking railway employee - hence called the Porter. Stanley Ward - the "Judge" was a solicitor with a wicked sense of fun. Reggie Ward, his brother, was a wizard of the "one armed bandit" that we had Robert Hamilton Bobbie Bremner , in the Club. Our takings fell as depicted in his cartoon, was the dramatically after he died. only person to have three sittings for Wallace Manthorpe , one time President his caricature. of the Carmen Guild in the City of Norman Barnes who lived at the Club London, a Club Director - a great chap! - a resident who always enjoyed life.

25 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Major R Barnes who always won the his 80's. Tony Turnbull from Australia pre-war pineapple weight guessing resented any references to Botany Bay. competition, in truth the result was He ran the Ancient House in Ipswich always fixed to persuade him to buy an whilst Leslie Harrison and Leslie's expensive celebration round of drinks. brother were away during the war. Edwin Fraser - outstanding wit and Philip Woodward - an uncle like friend of Stanley Ward , was a character with a constitution of steel, solicitor in the town. Kenneth was renowned for being up at around Fraser , brother of Edwin, lived 5am on his farm, going to London mostly in India, hence he and his where he served on the committee of brother were always known as the Royal Benevolent Institute, coming Fraser's Home and Colonial. back to the Club for tea and then playing competition snooker until midnight. A great servant and supporter of the Club he was also a leading figure in the Suffolk Agricultural Association. Walter Hayles used to tell stories of an evening when Teddy Bostock brought a performing bear into the bar! The bear proceeded to do its pick pocketing act on Harry Edmonds who was not amused. Lastly for those readers who shun superstition I give you this true story. One day I arrived at the Club to be greeted by a very agitated Winnie. "Mr Page, the big picture in the Dining Room has fallen down. Somebody is Dr Stanley Hoyland , Police Surgeon, his going to die." Later that day we learned colourful language caused a gentleman of the death of Dr Mervyn Gonin. What of the cloth to dub him "an apostle of the we did not know until some weeks later purity of the English language". that the picture in question (Ships in Moses Making , who rode home to Elton full sail in Sole Bay) was the property of Park somewhat erratically on his bicycle. Dr Gonin, on loan to the Club. Of Jack Ridley (F.H) Chairman responsible course, there must be many more that for the coats of arms in the bar. I have missed. My apologies to them. Frank Mason , another Ipswich trader At a recent luncheon party of some who served the Club and the town. His six senior members of the Club at sons Geoffrey Mason and Vice Admiral which I was present, we recalled tales Sir Frank Mason KCB, were also of these distinguished characters. A members. Reginald Meneer and his recording of this meeting has been son Kenneth, both solicitors from the made to be kept for those who may be autocratic school. Bill Roberts - of the interested in future times. Some people Mazawattee Tea Company and known think we no longer have "characters" as Mazawattee Roberts, was a great as they did in years gone by. Perhaps, sportsman playing tennis until well into we are the characters of today.

26 CHAPTER FOuR

Games played at the Club

he playing of games has always His widow did, at a later date, present been a leisure pursuit. Club the gaming table, at present in the Trecords speak of bowls, with Adam Room. Framlingham woods, a set of which Snooker and billiards are the present were presented to the Ipswich games played although in the old days Museum. Tennis was played, a game called "Slosh" was played at the presumably on a court in the garden old County Club. Here the pink can be at the rear of the Club. Darts was potted in any pocket but the rest of the played in the Darts Room just above colours were potted in their allocated the cellar. Bridge was played and still pockets. The game of volunteer continues today. snooker is played on snooker evenings Stanley Ward in his caricatures is and in some competitions. The rules depicted playing chess. A Shove are too complex for publication but Halfpenny board is mentioned in the eventually new members come to records, and poker dice were used in understand the rules! the days when the farmers used to The games room proved a haven for decide who was paying for the lunch. visiting officers during the two world A squash court was proposed but was wars. In 1926 a Handicap Committee not sanctioned. of six was formed and still hands However the attraction of the green down its frequently disputed decisions baize has been with the Club for many today. In 1927 a member complained years, long before television or Pot that no waiter was available to mark Black gave it today’s popularity. his game! Originally one room existed. A Several trophies are played for second table was introduced into a annually. years ago the Handicap specially built room on the west side Competition as preceded by a supper in 1924 and opened in 1926. The and a auction. Each entrant was given building work cost £750 and was a handicap and the auctioneer (for funded by loan shares of £5 each several years Dick Cooper) invited bids from members. Colonel Horsfield from other members to buy whoever donated the oak floor at no cost. The they wish and a large amount of table was bought from Temple money was raised. Each entrant was Wrinch for sixty pounds Stanley allowed quarter share free and they Pierson offered to donate a third table could buy another quarter for to be erected in the Adam Room. themselves. The late Jack Barnard Space would have dictated the use of would often swell the kitty by short cues so the gift was declined. investing money in some no hopers,

27 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB something which rarely yielded a games evenings when the spirits return on his money but which were high, consisted of two members certainly boosted the ego of the lying at full length on the floor head players involved! to head and feet furthest from each The Claude West Trophy is played other. Their left hands were held by for by people with higher handicaps. their side. In their right hands, after This trophy was presented to the Club being blindfolded, was placed a in memory of Claude West, a Director rolled newspaper. One would cry who died at a very early age and had "Are you there Moriarty?" His given many lessons in snooker to help opponent would move and call out other members start the game. Very "yes". The member would rise and few members win the trophy more lash out at his opponent in the than once - the handicap committee direction of the voice. The roles were see to that, any winner will find that then reversed, points were awarded very shortly after his victory his according to "strikes". usually the handicap is reduced to prevent him dual ended in a free for all until the from entering the next year. newspapers became too shredded to One other game played in the Club continue play. in the earlier years at the end of the Sadly perhaps this game has died out!

View from the east, engraving after Sears, 1830, from Clarke’s ‘History of Ipswich ’

28 CHAPTER FIVE The Club between 1985 - 2010

n 1985 we celeb rated 100 years Trust in 1983 was still well cared for of the Ipswich and Suffolk Club. with thin white over wash which seems IPart of the celebration was the to be the latest custom with timber publication of a small volume giving a framed buildings - contemporary light - hearted history of the preceding buildings in Lavenham and Hadleigh years. The other celebration was a have received the same treatment. Grand Dinner held in a large marquee The front door was no longer in the rear car park for the members unlocked for all to freely enter but and honoured by the Lord Lieutenant protected by a coded lock. Not of the County Sir Joshua Rowley Bt. knowing the secret number he rang and our own The Venerable the bell. The door was quickly opened Archdeacon Charles Hooper MA, one by a lady with a smiling face. Thank of the best after dinner speakers to be goodness somebody he remembered, heard at the Club. Sheila Studd. Not only did she greet To detail the changes made at the him with a smile but she remembered Club since 1985 let us imagine a his name. Just as well she did fictitious member in 1985 being sent because she is the only member of our on an assignment abroad and staff who was with us when he went returning to reclaim his membership abroad in 1985. twenty five years later in 2010. He (it had to be a he in 1985) arrived, parked his car in the rear car park just where the Centenary celebration had been held, on ground which in the early years of the club had been a bowls green this is pictured in the 1941 painting by Leonard Squirrel which hangs in the Club today. From the outside the fabric of the majestic building was still immaculately cared for, as it had been for the preceding 25 years, though the colour had changed - the outside walls were now terra cotta. The Pykenham Gatehouse restored by the Ipswich Building preservation

29 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

The inside of the building was much Coppin the Club Manager, responsible the same as before. Some of the colour for increasing the membership, scheme introduced by the ICI paint developing marketing strategies and advisors had now been tastefully promoting meeting room facilities as covered. Climbing plants had been well as being responsible for day to day planted on the East Wall. Inside there secretarial and administrative duties. were a few new pieces of furniture. Let us study these quite revolutionary The circular table in the Ante Room changes in deeper detail. was still there in all its glory How, when and why did they take resplendent with loving care given by place and who were the main movers? the staff, plus equal coatings of wax Also, how did existing members react polish and elbow grease. In the bar to the 21st century being allowed into the caricatures of members past and the Archdeacon's House? present still hung on the walls as before but what he did now see sitting Many of the new ideas, lady members, in the bar were TWO LADIES! They financial control by budget, seeking were not sitting self consciously on the and encouraging new members, edge of their seats waiting for their reciprocity with other Clubs - were not husbands but firmly ensconced entirely new. Most of them had been looking completely at home sipping proposed from time to time by various their pre luncheon drink. Directors, but it was always difficult to encourage the Board to take on They were MEMBERS! He could see new, and sometimes possibly them studying an impressive menu - controversial ideas, when we had the menu of the day for daily diners, liquid assets around £100,000 and plus a most tempting a la carte and generally speaking a well satisfied wine list. At this point he was membership. introduced to a slim figure in full chef rig and a distinct French accent - our John Bright, a highly respected GP Denis Groualle. and Director alas no longer with us, Our visitor took a stiff drink poured said quietly to a fellow Director one by Sheila. He needed a strong one as day " Stop worrying the Bank Balance in the space of only a few minutes he is good, and the members are happy". had witnessed more than a few Be this as it may, in 1987 when changes which had occurred during Harold Page retired from his business, the last quarter century - not least the it was agreed that he should visit introduction of ladies. What's more he other Clubs in the area for an had just heard that the Dining Room interchange of ideas. Also to get their had been tastefully refurbished and reaction to a suggestion for reciprocity that the beautiful Adam Room - enabling members to visit other Clubs formerly a quiet haven for a snooze in the area. Reciprocity was welcomed after lunch - was now used for by all the Clubs that he visited except business meetings and receptions. the Norfolk Club in central Norwich. Other changes not immediately They could not accept because they apparent came to light as more had lady members who could not be members came in, plus a gentleman excluded from the proposed who introduced himself as Robert arrangements. They went on to say

30 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB that they had already introduced lady members and without them their Club would not have survived. Further more they had just appointed their first lady Director! His paper was accepted. The survey was appreciated and it seemed that we were doing quite as well as other Clubs. If anything, a touch better. Our liquid reserves were still good. It was, therefore, felt that none of the proposals need to be pursued at that time. It was not until June 1996 that Chris Cocksedge produced another paper on the admission of lady members. His proposal was put to the AGM in that year. Members were asked to write in with their views. No one resigned but understandably some members felt uneasy. One letter of protest received by the Still there were sincere desires to Board came from the wife of a hold onto the past. At one Director's member. She put her case succinctly. meeting, somebody calculated that we She felt that it was right that her needed at least 120 new members to husband and others should have a meet our rising expenditure. The "bolt hole of refuge" with his male Chairman of the day was heard as friends. One wonders if what she saying "I couldn't agree less!" really meant was "at least I'll know Looking back over the past 40 years where he is" or so after the purchase of the Over the years, the Club has freehold of Archdeacon's House and preserved its' long established its surrounding buildings, the Club reputation as a place of solitude in the has enjoyed prudent management by very centre of a bustling town. the Directors. The property had been Members can enjoy a quiet drink, eat respectfully cared for, as were its a snack or a really good meal, play a furnishings. competition game of snooker or bridge With the benefit of hindsight, when or perhaps just sit and enjoy the one closely examines the balance newspapers and periodicals that the sheets, we had indeed been prudent in Club provides. It is always easy to find the management of the Club's day-to- good company and somebody to "pull day affairs BuT where we had been your leg" and enjoy a good laugh. very wise, or perhaps just fortunate Many members would have liked was to appoint Ronnie Willett and this cosy atmosphere to remain forever later David Wass to manage our but in the period '84 - '85 it became tenants which took care of our rising clear that the membership was expenses plus an agreeable and declining, as were our cash reserves. welcome profit. This "goose" was

31 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB surely laying for us truly golden when purchased than the total cost of "eggs". Bigger and better by the year. the meal. On one occasion a Director Outside the walls of Archdeacon's arrived for lunch at about 1.10pm. He House, Ipswich was growing and was told in no uncertain terms that expanding its accommodation for "lunch was served at one o'clock". shopping precincts and office space. The Club had other ladies who In fact the town was soon over served us with meals just as mother provided with new offices and shops. used to serve. Others who provided The rentals which had kept us afloat what some members described as now had to be held without increase. good boarding school fare and one In some cases tenants removed to member likened the meals as being other premises and in one or two very similar to those served in the cases tenants had asked for lower Sergeant's mess during the war. One rent. The rental market took a very young lady whose catering was more severe battering in the 90's. Prime adventurous than anyone before was rents in the town centre fell from £16 a trifle temperamental. She "upped per square foot to £7.50 in 1995. The and went" in the middle of the "goose" that laid "the golden eggs" was morning leaving the members with a forsaking us! make - do lunch. In April 1996 the Directors met with Following this the newly appointed Dr Michael Knight in the chair. At that House Chairman asked for a little meeting a lengthy discussion was held more detail in the column headed on the Club's finances and the way "Petty Cash Expenses". forward in view of the loss of the sub - tenants rental income. Chris Cocksedge said he intended to make a formal proposition at the next meeting to admit lady members. It was generally agreed that lady members were not to be the panacea to the Club's financial problems but that the Club should move forward and also pursue other possible plans for reorganisation. Things were beginning to happen in a big way - perhaps even bigger than ever before. First to see a noticeable change was the catering. In the period since 1968 the Club has had an interesting selection of caterers. One formidable matriarch ruled with a rod of iron. She fed members well and her particular friends very well! ! The Dover soles and steaks which were served frequently costed more

32 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

In the past the Club had never In December 1995, the minutes provided catering which made you feel recorded "It was not felt appropriate to that you simply must bring your adopt a more commercial attitude to family and friends in to enjoy the fare. the Club" However things were now Some outside meetings of the 41 Club changing. and Rotary had been arranged but the Nevertheless by April 1996 the menus were healthy but never really Club's slight downturn in finances sensational. were noted and it was obvious that The Directors wanted the reputation this slight trend could gain dangerous for catering to be so good that non- momentum. It was felt that one of our members were urging their member best tenants might not renew their friends to bring them along to the lease. It might not be possible to rent Club for really good food and wine. the accommodation at a similar figure. In May 1997, the Directors "took the It could even be difficult to find a plunge" and appointed professional suitable tenant even at a lower figure. chef Denis Groualle who had So, things really had to change. previously worked at the Angel Hotel The introduction of lady members in Bury St Edmunds. would help, but as already stated it Early in 1998 a membership 2000 would not be the solution to committee was formed. Keith everything. In 2000 a loss of some Ferguson, David Pinner and Basil £15,000 was shown and a deficit of Tenwick were appointed not only to almost £29,000 was forecast for the encourage increased membership, but following year. to seek it out in a discreet manner. A membership drive - something Also in 1998 it was felt that "the Club which had never been whispered before needs to be actively marketed within - was now tackled by the new formed the business and professional Membership Committee of 3 Directors. communities. No longer should a colonial Club atmosphere be allowed Over the years we have had many to prevail". Club Secretaries. One depicted in the cartoon pictures, nicknamed Scrooge To this end, a part time Club who frequently appeared wearing knee Secretary Manager was to be breeches. appointed, not only to keep the records but to actively promote the activities. One who disappeared without saying goodbye! Another one was a At Christmastide in 1998, exactly 113 retired Inspector of Taxes, a retired years after the founding of the Ipswich Squadron leader, one more a and Suffolk Club Co Ltd a young lady schoolmaster. In 2006, Robert Coppin Veronica Gilmour was appointed. joined the Club as Manager. Veronica had worked in France and had the right personality to welcome in new members, some of whom would be Changes at the Club. ladies. One Director is quoted as saying With the desire for more openness "We now have the resources for about the Club and its activities, controlled changes, but do we have the Victoria Hawkins, wife of director desire for these changes? Richard Hawkins was approached to

33 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB prepare a feature in the newly created net membership figure was 402 and it "Suffolk Magazine" It was headed was felt that a new target of 430 could "Quiet Please - Boardroom Revolution be achieved without distress to in Progress.’’ It was very well written. current members. In September 2001" Pictures featured current Directors, membership reached an all time high our Chef, the Secretary and Marketing -it was also noticed that the average Manager together with information age of members was beginning to regarding members activities and of drop. With the possible exception of course views of our magnificent the car park, all the other facilities of Archdeacon's House. On Heritage the Club could easily cope. Many Days, the Club building is part of a social changes have taken place over Town Walk. Conducted tours were not the past years, we also had to change. only given to show the visitors the No longer was it the practice for building and talk of its history but to professional men to take drinks in the inform possible new members of our bar after office hours and when the facilities and activities. No longer was children were put safely to bed, go there an atmosphere of almost home for "dinner at 8pm" Many Masonic secrecy about what goes on modern professional couples both in the big building behind the high have their own occupations and the wall in Northgate Street. family duties shared. Progress was soon apparent. The Bar has also had to accept October 2000 minutes record a change. Not only do drivers have to noticeable increase in diners and their respect the drink and drive laws but visitors. A membership target of 400 young men are more health conscious was promoted, and by early 2001 the and prefer a visit to the gym rather than sail home awash with Adnams ale. The bar is now an attractive venue for light lunches and there is also an outside area for smokers. In fact on some occasions it is cheaper to have an Honesty Bar - than to pay bar staff. Nevertheless, it is good to see the bar alive, especially at lunch times when visitors gather for drinks before the midday meal. A regular Newsletter is sent to all members giving current news and a complete calendar of events for the year. In addition, a most attractive brochure encourages not only members and their friends but outside organisations to hire rooms for meetings. The social calendar now includes a large array of functions and meetings including a Book Club, Bridge Club, Computer literacy courses, Quiz

34 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Nights, restaurant evenings and themed dining events many of which are usually oversubscribed. It is naturally understandable that in the past some Directors (and members) have not been keen to abandon the decorum and atmosphere built up over the past 125 years. Suffice to say that all our Directors work tirelessly for the continuation of the business of the Ipswich and Suffolk Club. Granville Haskell, a jeweller and Lt Col of the Suffolk yeomanry retired as a Director after over 20 years of service on the Board. Minutes record his parting message "I hope that I will be succeeded by someone with a business brain!" He is nearly always present at these Another Director was mildly evenings at some point to ensure that rebuked by the Chairman of the day all is running smoothly, without these for suggesting that new Directors functions and the revenue they should be chosen with specific skills produce the Club would be in a far less to fill any gaps in the administration – healthy position than it is today. In not merely nice types who wouldn't addition to this he has maintained a rock the boat too much. tight control on the costs at the Club. It has been mentioned earlier that He has brought a wealth of Robert Coppin was appointed knowledge and boundless enthusiasm Manager of the Club in 2006. It is to the Club and during his time with perhaps not saying too much to us the financial position of the Club suggest that in the years since his has moved to a very healthy position appointment the Club has undergone (not a small achievement in the some of the most significant and financial climate of recent years). successful changes for many years. Apart from being in overall charge of Membership numbers have remained the running of the Club, he has been at a very good level throughout the last responsible for providing numerous six years and the Club has also been speakers for the lunches held at the able to keep our wonderful building in Club on a regular basis and he has excellent condition thanks to his developed the functions held at the prudent housekeeping. Club. years ago the Club would With regard to the future and perhaps hold one function per month, knowing Robert he will already have now under Robert’s guidance two formulated plans for continued perhaps three functions may be held growth at the Club. The Club is very on the same evening, most if not all of lucky to have someone like Robert as these are sold out in advance. Manager of the Club.

35 HISTORy OF THE IPSWICH & S uFFOLK CLuB

Today's Directors are all business has installed budgetary control and and professional members whose management figures which enable particular skills and experience are all the Board to have accurate needed to successfully direct the measurement of our performance Club in the 21st Century. One and predict our path for the future. Director who has been responsible for Even more importantly, he was able giving us financial advice over the to persuade his fellow Directors to recent years is Keith Ferguson. He back his new plan.

Well that’s it, a potted history bringing the Club up to today (or nearly!), our apologies to those who have not been mentioned and once again our thanks to those that have. As with any other Club, our prosperity is in the hands of the members. If the Board continues to create an environment in which people enjoy spending their business and leisure time and in doing so encourage their friends and colleagues to join them we will prosper as a Club. The Club must continue to evolve and it is always easier to do so from a position where we have a strong income and as such we must extend the membership. Our imaginary member having survived the changes of the past 25 years can look forward to perhaps even greater changes and prosperity in the future. As we all do.

36

Ipswich & Suffolk Club Co Ltd Archdeacon’s House, 11 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BX Tel: 01473 252095 • Fax: 01473 215584 email: [email protected] www.ipswichandsuffolkclub.co.uk