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260-year-old law firm celebrates anniversary with £44,000 charity drive

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ellisons marked its historic milestone by raising £44,460 for community causes across its five regional offices, with a particular focus on The Brain Tumour Charity and Essex Wildlife Trust.

Why it matters: As one of the region's oldest businesses, Ellisons' fundraising efforts demonstrate a long-term commitment to local causes, with Ipswich-based charities Headway Suffolk and Memory Lane Cafe among the beneficiaries.

Ellisons team with a large cheque for £44,460
Ellisons marked its historic milestone by raising £44,000 for community causes through collaborative fundraising across its five regional officesEllisons Solicitors

What they're saying: "Our 260th anniversary has been about reflecting on our history, celebrating our achievements, and most importantly, giving back to the communities we are proud to be part of," said Guy Longhurst , Managing Partner at Ellisons Solicitors .

The details: The law firm organised departmental competitions to create "the most innovative ways to raise money," which generated "a buzz of enthusiasm and collaboration throughout the year."

Beneficiaries included:

  • Essex Wildlife Trust: £16,880

  • The Brain Tumour Charity

  • My WiSH Charity in Bury St Edmunds: £500

  • St Luke's Hospice in Chelmsford: £250

  • Mid and South Essex Children's Burns Service: £250

  • Colchester Foodbank: £500

  • Home-Start in Frinton-on-Sea: £500

And Ipswich-based charities:

  • Headway Suffolk: £250

  • Memory Lane Cafe: £250

The bottom line: Beyond the £44,000 raised, the initiative has reinforced Ellisons' 260-year commitment to the communities where it operates, benefiting causes from wildlife conservation to homelessness.

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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