Shorts of All Sorts

Wolsey's Gate has suffered from graffiti and rubbish dumped behind it. The brickwork has been worn by traffic pollution but it is basically sound. Dr Blatchly points out that if IBC could buy a small strip of land behind it, the gate could become part of St Peter's churchyard.

A 'Clean Team' run by Ipswich Central complements the usual street cleaning done by me. They concentrate on a problem area in the town centre - a time for cleaning, weeding and painting. This is an important contribution to the town's appearance, especially for visitors.

Edith Cook, the first British woman to pilot a plane solo, is commemorated by our Blue Plaque on her birthplace at 90 Fore Street. A group has been formed to promote a statue to create more recognition for this pioneer of the air. They aim to raise £50,000.

Assis Carreiro, Artistic Director of Dance East, is joining the Royal Ballet of Flanders. Without her drive and influence it's doubtful whether the DanceHouse on the Waterfront would have happened. You may recall she gave the Society a fine lecture in 2008.

Associated British Ports and IBC have signed an agreement to clear litter from the water along the Waterfront. The popularity of the area has this downside of debris in the dock. It is to be hoped that a thorough cleaning every two weeks will be sufficiently frequent.

Chantry Park's plant nursery is being used by Suffolk New College for their urban and park horticulture course, due to start this term. A good use of IBC property.

The 'Rail Chord' (the 'Bacon Curve' after the Harris bacon factory which was nearby) is getting closer to reality. Preliminary testing work has begun on a new 1 km track. Felixstowe freight heading for the Midlands won't need to come via Ipswich and the London mainline. The Transport Minister has approved it and work will start this year and finish in 2014.

Five wicker 'sculptures' have created an unusual Floral Trail in town this summer. They were a shoe, a wristwatch, a crown, a boat and a cup and saucer. It ought to be taken for granted that they'd remain largely undamaged and (fingers crossed!) that's still true in early September, so they must have been widely appreciated. Originality each year helps to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit for shopping or leisure.