AGM, Lectures & Events

Annual General Meeting and Lecture
University Campus Suffolk, Wednesday, 25 April, 7.30 pm

We are pleased to be able hold our AGM again in the Ground Floor Lecture Room at DCS. We aim to make the business part of the evening efficient but less rushed than last year's, when some members who wanted to speak felt that there was insufficient opportunity to do so. We shall then hear a talk by Mr Alistair Lang who, after a distinguished career in banking, is now Chief Executive of Birketts Solicitors. He is a member of the CBI Eastern Regional Council and was actively involved in the successful renewal campaign for the Ipswich Business Improvement District. Following the talk, The Future of Ipswich, there will be opportunities for a chat over wine, soft drinks and nibbles.

Advance notice of a Winter Lecture on Friday, 12 October 2012

Griff Rhys-Jones is the President of Civic Voice, the national organisation which our Society belongs to. We are pleased to report that he has agreed to talk to us about the importance of Civic Voice and our support for it. He is well known as an informative and entertaining speaker on this subject which has become close to his heart. The talk will probably take place in the atrium of Suffolk New College and there will be wine and food, and possibly a charge for admission. The date is fixed but these other arrangements remain to be confirmed.

Birkin Haward (1912-2002): architect, artist and antiquary

Town Lecture by Martin Harrison, 10 May, 1.00-1.50 pm, Museum Street Methodist Church. Birkin's career as an architect was mostly devoted to his work in and around Ipswich. His buildings often showed an imaginative use of technical innovations. Sadly, some have been lost or are under threat but many still remain in excellent use. He was also a talented painter and draughtsman as can be seen in his thoroughly researched books on Suffolk churches and stained glass. This lecture should be a welcome reappraisal of a fine artist in the widest sense. He was also a founder member and a good friend of The Ipswich Society.

Ipswich in Bloom

You are invited to enter your garden in the 2012 Ipswich in Bloom Competition. The entry brochures can be obtained from the Entry Secretary email info@ipswichinbloom.org The closing date is Friday, 25 May. There will also be a barbeque event for entrants on 25 May at Castle Hill allotments, with a chance to meet other gardeners. Prizes and certificates will be awarded on 26 September, 6 pm, at Museum Street Church.

Elm Street and Museum Street

This extraordinary juxtaposition of architectural shapes and styles is typically British. (The City of Bath is wonderful but it's not typical!) When each building is good of its kind, the resulting mixture can be stimulating for anyone interested in aesthetic appearances. All the more so if one has any awareness of historical characteristics. Here we have buildings of the 17th century, second half of the 20th century, early 20th century and 18th century (Mrs Smith's almshouses of 1760 glimpsed on the right).