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Drumroll please: Suffolk School of Samba to host introductory evening in Ipswich

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Get ready to unleash your inner carnival spirit, Ipswich! The Suffolk School of Samba is inviting residents to an introductory evening to learn the basics of Samba.

The big picture: The Suffolk School of Samba is rolling out the red carpet for newcomers, offering them a chance to dive into the vibrant world of Samba.

Suffolk Samba at Aldeburgh Carnival in 2022
Suffolk Samba at Aldeburgh Carnival in 2022Suffolk Samba

Key details: The introductory evening, scheduled for Thursday, 17th October, aims to teach participants the samba fundamentals while fostering new community connections.

  • When: Thursday, 17th October at 19:00-21:00

  • Where: St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich

  • Who: Open to anyone aged 16 and over

What's on offer:

  • Basic drumming and dancing techniques

  • Hand signals used to communicate musical changes

  • Instruction on one of the group's performance pieces

  • Opportunity to meet new people and try a new hobby

No experience necessary: Left your drumsticks in Rio? Never set foot on a dance floor? No worries! The school welcomes all levels, from "What's a samba?" to "I was born in a conga line."

How to participate: Interested individuals can email admin@suffolksamba.com for more information or to register.

The bottom line: Whether you're looking to spice up your social life, find a new workout routine, or just want to make some noise without annoying the neighbours, Samba might just be what you're looking for. There's only one way to find out.

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

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Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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