A hardy crowd braved a chilly night at St. Peter's by the Waterfront on Wednesday 21 November 2018 for the annual Ipswich Society Awards. 

The sixteen nominations, which can be viewed on the Society's Image Archive via our website (www.ipswichsociety.org.uk), were appraised by our Vice-President, Dr Chris Wiltshire, for the variety of ways in which they made a notable contribution to the townscape. He led the audience and thirty guests representing the nominees through the projects with his mix of charm, acerbic criticism and unclouded knowledge of the town, its structures and aspirations.

Commendation awards were given to the Borough’s Crown Car Park newly decorated in its gleaming cladding; a project in Constable Road where the house-holder had renovated its seventies windows with new wooden sashes by Sash Converters' Adrian Keeble.  These were rightfully celebrated and appreciated. 

The High Commendation awarded to ‘The Follies’ – formerly the Haven public house was given for its bold initiative, the impact on the street scene and the quality of the finish: Duncan Foster, the developer was pleased for his team including Martin Tricker and Ben Reay of Last & Tricker and John Pettman of Bridgewood Property.

Above: parishioners from St Augustine's celebrate their success: Helen Schmuecker, Colin Scott, Sue Sturgess, Dan Schmuecker, Vice-President Bob Allen, Julie Daniels, Mayor Cllr Jane Riley, Mike Trower, Linda Trower, architect Brian Haward and Cathy Scott.

The final award, of Distinction was given to the Lantern Room: the new extension to Saint Augustine's Church in Felixstowe Road. This structure greatly complemented the rather stark 1930s church.  The architectural quality and original use of materials – the cladding in Corten rusting steel, the manner in which it respected and enhanced the church itself and the way it set a standard for others to follow – was noted and might be expected to lead to further honours.  We were gratified by the presence of a number of parishioners of the church who came to celebrate the success achieved on the night. Also present was the architect, Brian Haward of the Southwold practice. Sue Sturgess stood in for her husband Ian, who was instrumental in the management of the construction process, but was unable to attend owing to illness.

The evening concluded in the traditional manner of welcome drinks and canapés. The Society could commend itself for yet another successful, entertaining and edifying evening for its guests and members.

Tony Marsden

All the nominations and award winners can be viewed on the Society's Image Archive (see Links).