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Suffolk Wedding Show celebrates its 18th year this weekend

News
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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

Ipswich couples planning their big day can find everything under one roof this Sunday at the Suffolk Wedding Show.

Why it matters: Wedding planning can be overwhelming. The Suffolk Wedding Show offers a one-stop shop for couples to meet vendors, get ideas, and potentially book services for their special day.

The big picture: The event, celebrating its 18th year, brings together over 50 local suppliers:

  • The show runs from 10:30 to 15:00 on Sunday, 22 September at Venue 16

  • Attendees can meet local florists, photographers, cake makers, and other wedding professionals.

  • Live musicians will perform, giving couples the chance to scout potential wedding entertainment.

The Suffolk Wedding Show founder Melissa Neisler Dickinson and Jamie Smith of Venue 16
The Suffolk Wedding Show founder Melissa Neisler Dickinson and Jamie Smith of Venue 16Lee HayesLee Hayes Photography

What to expect:

  • Over 50 local wedding suppliers showcasing their services

  • Live music performances

  • A café and bar for refreshments

  • Opportunities to book vendors on the spot

What they're saying: Founder Melissa Neisler Dickinson, who started the show after being disappointed by existing events when she was planning her own wedding in 2006, said: "I wanted to support local wedding suppliers and create an event where couples could find everything they need without travelling to major cities."

The team of Vintage Dream Wedding Cars
The team of Vintage Dream Wedding CarsLee HayesLee Hayes Photography

How to attend: Tickets are available at www.thesuffolkweddingshow.co.uk

The bottom line: Whether you're just engaged or finalising plans, this long-running local show offers a wealth of inspiration and resources for Ipswich couples.

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

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

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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

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