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

Former college student follows teacher's footsteps to save lives in Suffolk

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

Cassidy Beeton turned inspiration into action, joining her former tutor as a Community First Responder while pursuing her paramedic dreams.

Why it matters: The 18-year-old from Ipswich, a former Suffolk New College  student, is already helping save lives while studying on an access course, having secured a conditional place to study as a paramedic at the University of Suffolk.

Will Burl and Cassidy Beeton in their roles as community first responders, where they volunteer to help people and save lives in Suffolk
Will Burl and Cassidy Beeton in their roles as community first responders, where they volunteer to help people and save lives in SuffolkSuffolk New College

The details: Cassidy started her first shift as a Community First Responder (CFR) on Christmas Eve, working alongside her former Suffolk New College tutor, Will Burl, after completing three weekends of training and passing her CFR assessment last year.

  • CFRs are trained volunteers who attend emergency calls within their local area, committing at least 20 hours monthly to support 999 calls.

  • The pair have attended various emergencies, including an unconscious patient, cases of chest pains, strokes and cardiac events.

What they're saying: "The experience has given me skills and knowledge, and I think it will give me the upper hand when I hopefully fulfil my dream of becoming a paramedic and working with an air ambulance crew," Cassidy said.

Cassidy Beeton gives current students advice about becoming a community first responder at Suffolk New College, her former place of study
Cassidy Beeton gives current students advice about becoming a community first responder at Suffolk New College, her former place of studySuffolk New College

Burl, a former RAF member who mentored Cassidy, said: "I'd say half of the times we have been to see people, if we hadn't treated them, then their condition could have been life-threatening. Cassidy has dealt with every situation exceptionally well."

Inspiring others: Cassidy is already inspiring others, recently speaking to current public service students at Suffolk New College about her experiences.

The bottom line: "The one thing I wanted to get across is that they should feel confident going into any situation," Cassidy told students, embodying how determination and the right support can transform career aspirations into life-saving action.

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

One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
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

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

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