Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Afternoon tea with Sir Terry Waite aboard the Orwell Lady next month?

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Book lovers can enjoy scones with clotted cream while listening to the extraordinary Suffolk resident share tales from his remarkable life during a special river cruise.

Why it matters: This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to meet the renowned humanitarian in an intimate setting ahead of his appearance at Felixstowe Book Festival begins in June.

The details: The Orwell Lady will host Sir Terry for a three-and-a-half-hour afternoon cruise on Sunday, 18 May, departing from Ipswich Waterfront at 14:00.

During his talk, Sir Terry will share insights from his encounters with prominent figures, including General Idi Amin of Uganda and Colonel Gaddafi.

The humanitarian will also discuss how he endured 1,763 days in captivity and recount stories from his time as a Special Envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Orwell Lady moored in Ipswich
The Orwell Lady moored in IpswichEmma Lightfoot

What they're saying: Emma Lightfoot, Director of the Orwell Lady, said: "Felixstowe Book Festival patron Sir Terry Waite is a renowned human rights activist, as well as the co-founder and President of the charity Y Care International, Co-founder and Chair of Hostage UK, and President of Emmaus UK, the charity for the homeless."

"This will be a unique opportunity to listen to and meet this extraordinary Suffolk resident."

What to expect: Passengers will enjoy "a lavish spread of indulgent scones served with clotted cream and jam, whilst watching the wildlife and landmarks drift by, at a leisurely pace, along the banks of the River Orwell," Lightfoot said.

The cruise will include a book signing opportunity, with Sir Terry's books available for purchase onboard thanks to Red Lion Books.

A commentary on places of interest along the river will be provided during the return journey.

For context: The event serves as a precursor to the Felixstowe Book Festival, which runs from 25 to 29 June.

What's next: Tickets for the Orwell Lady cruise are available at www.orwelllady.co.uk/afternoon-sir-terry-waite/

Tickets for Felixstowe Book Festival can be purchased via www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk or in person at Felixstowe Library.

The river cruise will depart from Orwell Quay at 14:00 and return by 17:30.

The bottom line: Tickets for the Sir Terry Waite event are "strictly limited" according to organisers, who note "they won't be around for long" based on previous years' popularity.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article