Explore the Ipswich Institute this August

Why it matters: August at the Institute is open to everyone, members and non-members, offering a rare taste of what goes on inside one of the town's most historic buildings.

The details: Running throughout August, the programme features more than 40 talks, workshops and guided walks led by Institute tutors and guest speakers. Bookings can be made online or in person at the library.

Highlights include a talk from professional chess player and coach Dagne Ciuksyte, who has represented Lithuania and England internationally; a look at the history of inheritance fraud with James Thelusson; and a session on artificial intelligence in healthcare with Ian Hawker.

Other talks cover topics as varied as Rasputin, the Carnation Revolution, Amelia Earhart and the lost streets of Ipswich.

Beyond talks, the programme includes art and craft workshops, along with language taster sessions in French, Italian and Latin, free financial awareness sessions run by Yorkshire Building Society, and a fitness and wellbeing strand covering yoga, meditation and dance fitness.

What they're saying: Jo Rooks, general manager at the Ipswich Institute, said: "Introducing an August specific programme last year worked so well we knew we had to make it a regular feature in our already busy calendar.

"We know that to many Ipswich residents and visitors we are a bit of a mystery, so it's lovely to be able to showcase what we do and share the welcoming atmosphere that makes the Institute so special."

The bigger picture: The Ipswich Institute is a registered educational charity that provides library facilities and an extensive programme of leisure learning courses, talks and trips to more than 2,000 members. It also runs the Ipswich Tourist Guides Association.

What's next: The Institute's autumn programme begins on Monday, 14 September, with enrolment opening at 9am on Thursday, 3 September. Day course brochures will be available from the library, or online, from mid to late August.

The bottom line: Whether you're curious about membership or just after a different way to spend a summer's day in town, August at the Institute offers a rare chance to see what's on offer.

Don't forget: If you enjoy our content, please add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google so you can easily find more of the content you value.

This article cost us ~£27 to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.