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Menorcan padel players hit over £4,500 for Ipswich veterans' social enterprise

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A team of 'padelers' in Menorca has smashed their fundraising target, raising more than £4,500 for Ipswich-based social enterprise Combat2Coffee.

The big picture: British Army veteran Adrian Deamer led a group of 12 fundraisers in a 24-hour "padelathon" in Son Parc, Menorca, significantly exceeded their initial £2,500 goal for the ex-forces charity.

Deamer, who previously ran Rest & Recover Menorca offering rehabilitation retreats to veterans, became a supporter of Combat2Coffee after seeing founder Nigel Seaman on The One Show.

Menorca padelathon group in front of a Combat2Coffee sign
Menorca padelathon groupAdrian Deamer

By the numbers:

  • £4,580 raised in total

  • 24 hours of continuous play

  • 12 fundraisers participated

  • Over 500 games played

Most participants were over 60, playing in rotations of two hours on and four hours off to manage the physical demands of the challenge.

What they're saying: Deamer praised participants, saying: "The effort they put in was truly remarkable – it was absolutely amazing. We had lots of locals coming out to support us and cheer us on."

Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee founder, was blown away by the support: "All of us at Combat2Coffee are hugely thankful to Adrian and the amazing guys over in Menorca for raising such an incredible amount.

“The veteran community never ceases to amaze us.

"Every penny they raised will go directly towards our mission of changing lives, one sip at a time.”

The bottom line: The padelathon demonstrates how retired veterans continue to support each other long after their service has ended and the growing reach and impact of Combat2Coffee.

Bats off to them.

How to help: For information on fundraising for Combat2Coffee, visit www.combat2coffee.co.uk.

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Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange announce star-studded spring entertainment lineup

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The Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange have unveiled their spring season programme, featuring top comedians Jimmy Carr and Jack Dee alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars and music tributes.

The big picture: The spring season spans multiple entertainment genres, bringing a variety of performances to Ipswich:

  • Eight major comedy shows running from February to April

  • Six Strictly Come Dancing professionals performing individual shows

  • Two classic opera productions

  • Multiple music tribute acts and performances

Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineup
Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineupIpswich Theatres

Key performances

Comedy:

  • Paddy McGuinness: Nearly There (20 February)

  • Jack Dee: Small World (27 February)

  • Chris McCausland: Yonks (18 March)

  • Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour (22 March)

  • Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (9 April)

  • Rob Beckett: Giraffe (15-16 April)

Dance:

  • Giovanni Pernice (21 March)

  • Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu (23 March)

  • Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez (28 March)

  • Nikita Kuzmin (19 April)

Music:

  • BOYZLIFE (26 January)

  • Big Girls Don't Cry (14 February)

  • The Darkness (6-7 March) - sold out

  • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (23 April)

  • Illegal Eagles (25 April)

Opera:

  • Madama Butterfly (4 February)

  • La Bohème (27 March)

What they're saying: Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said: "We're thrilled to present an exciting new season of shows at the Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange, which are designed to delight, inspire, and entertain."

The bottom line: All shows are now available to book through the Ipswich Theatres website, except for The Darkness performances which have sold out.

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

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

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