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

From Instagram to Italian: Suffolk New College unveils affordable new leisure learning courses

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

Suffolk New College is launching a new autumn programme of short and affordable "leisure learning" courses, ranging from Italian to Instagram.

The big picture: Starting in September, the programme provides affordable, short courses for people of all ages to learn new skills, socialise, and make friends. Last year, around 500 people participated in these courses.

Why it matters: The short and affordable courses offer an opportunity for personal growth and creative outlet, potentially leading to new interests or even life changes.

Two women on a printmaking course
Printmaking courses are availableSuffolk New College

Key details:

  • Courses include languages (Italian, French, Japanese), arts (photography, printmaking, painting), and digital skills, including an Instagram masterclass.

  • Future courses will cover British Sign Language and upcycling clothes.

  • The Instagram course is a two-hour online session taught by Elene Marsden, a radio presenter and social media expert.

  • Pottery and Japanese have been among the most popular offerings recently.

A lady at a knitting class
Knitting is another popular leisure learning course at Suffolk New CollegeSuffolk New College

What they're saying:

  • Tracey Macdonald, business development co-ordinator: "We are delighted to launch our new autumn programme. The short affordable options offer the chance for people of all ages to learn, socialise and make new friends."

  • Elene Marsden, Instagram course teacher: "The course is a two hour online session for people who want to get in to Instagram but don't know where to start. I help them create 'a stunning profile' and we also look at the power of reels and techniques for creating engaging content."

  • Adam Green, 55, leisure learning student: "I've enjoyed returning to something I love and rediscovering that passion for creativity. It's been stimulating and I'm very proud of the work I've created."

The bottom line: Suffolk New College's leisure learning programme provides a broad range of courses, allowing local residents to explore new interests, develop skills, and engage with their community in a relaxed and informative setting.

Get involved: You can learn more at https://www.suffolk.ac.uk/study-with-us/adult-professional/leisure-learning/

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

Nine arrests made in Ipswich police operation targeting road criminals

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

More than 70 vehicles were stopped and over 190 Traffic Offence Reports issued during a multi-agency day of action in Ipswich last week.

Why it matters: The operation targeted criminals using Ipswich's road network while also focusing on dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to fatal collisions.

The big picture: The intelligence-led operation involved nine partner agencies and took place on Tuesday, 22 April at a check site at Sainsbury's in Hadleigh Road, aiming to disrupt organised crime groups that operate across county borders.

Police arrested nine people and stopped more than 100 vehicles
More than 70 vehicles were stopped and over 190 Traffic Offence Reports issued during the latest operationSuffolk Constabulary

By the numbers:

  • 71 vehicles were escorted to the check site, with just 14 found clear of offences

  • 63 Traffic Offence Reports were issued at the site

  • 129 additional speeding offences were detected in surrounding areas

  • Five vehicles were seized for various offences

The details: Police made four arrests, including three for drug-driving and one for a suspect wanted by Lincolnshire Police for theft. Immigration Enforcement made five further arrests after checking 51 people.

Officers focused on the "Fatal Four" offences that commonly cause serious accidents: drink/drug driving, mobile phone use, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.

A motorcyclist was recorded travelling at 81mph in a 40mph zone on the A1214 London Road.

What they're saying: Sergeant Alex Kelly of the Roads and Armed Policing Team said: "Days of action like this are vital in helping us gather and share intelligence with partner agencies, and are also a great way of intensely targeting an area."

"I have attended far too many collisions where one of the 'Fatal Four' elements was a contributing factor, some of which have resulted in the loss of a loved one."

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: "The number of arrests and traffic offences recorded show just how valuable these multi-agency days of actions are."

"I fully support these pro-active campaigns. They send out a strong, clear message to those who choose not to comply with the 'fatal four' that Suffolk Constabulary is on the case."

The bottom line: The operation was part of the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight, which focuses on criminal use of the road network and targets those committing the most dangerous driving offences.

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