Clubs: Hobbies / Interest

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Access to Nature Ipswich

Access to Nature Ipswich aims to connect people with their local natural green spaces, through a huge variety of activities and events ranging from guided walks to wildlife photography workshops, bonfire parties to building wildlife habitats, doing bug hunts to coppicing trees, and so much more!

The events and activities that we run are free of charge and are open to everyone, with no commitment or restriction – we just want to help as many people as possible to enjoy discovering the natural world!  Check our events listing on our website to see what’s coming up!

For those that want to get more involved, there are loads of volunteering opportunities on all aspects of the project, from doing conservation work and delivering events, to presenting the radio show and making films.  We offer free training and personal development to all our volunteers and the chance to try new experiences in a no-pressure environment.

Find out what we are doing, or get in touch, via facebook or twitter, our website www.a2nipswich.org.uk or contact Becky on 01473 418033  or Email:  bmarley@csv.org.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Card Craft Workshops

We are a group of young people aged 18-30, out to meet new people, try new things and do some good, from raising money for charity to undertaking conservation work, volunteering at local gigs and festivals to increasing awareness of key issues for our generation, and to do all these things with a great sense of adventure and fun.

If you want to get an idea of the kind of things we get up to, have a look at the Events Calendar and Previous Events pages on our website.

We are always looking for new members, so please do contact us if you would like to come along to any of the events listed on the calendar, or if you would like more information about the club.

• http://www.debenrotaract.org.uk/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Discovering Suffolk

Illustrated talks mainly about Suffolk History and Heritage

• Every Monday, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Westbourne Sports College, Marlow Road, Ipswich IP1 5JN

For further details ring 01473 214494 or Email: discoversuffolk@btinternet.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

East Ipswich Camera Club

The East Ipswich Camera Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings of most months at Tower Hall, Rushmere on the eastern side of Ipswich. 

We are a friendly club of approx 35 members with a range of photographic experience. 

Our programme leans heavily towards competitions both within the club and against other clubs in the area. Competitions provide encouragement to get out and about with your camera. During the year we also have lectures and discussion evenings to learn how to achieve better pictures and some social events most of which combine picture taking at a specific location with a meal together afterwards.

Membership of East Ipswich Camera Club is open to anyone aged 18 and over and guests are welcome for up to 2 meetings for a nominal £1.00 entry fee per meeting.

If you find yourself in our area on a Tuesday night why not call in and give us a look.  We are an easy going bunch, we don’t stand too much on ceremony and you will be made to feel most welcome.

For further information including our full programme of events, please see: http://eastipswichcameraclub.co.uk 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gippeswyck Gathering

Pagan Social moot on the 4th Monday of each month at 8.00pm, in the back room of the Dove Street Inn, in Ipswich. 

A very friendly group of pagans/pagan friendly folk meeting up for a social night – nothing formal – come in for a drink and a chat and find out what other pagan/Eco events are going on each month – including the “I want yours Raffle”

• All welcome. 

Free admission – no membership fees – Just bring along enough money for drink (or a few – and raffle tickets if you’d like them)!

• Website: www.gippeswyckgathering.co.uk
• Email address is: admin@gippeswyckgathering.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ipswich Wildlife Group (IWG) is a registered charity, relying entirely on volunteers, that promotes interest in, and conservation of, wildlife and habitats in and around Ipswich.

We seek to inform and educate the local communities of Ipswich about the wildlife and habitats that can be found in the area, and the issues affecting them, as well as involve local people in practical wildlife conservation.

• We bid for grants to improve wildlife and green areas around Ipswich.

• To continue to do this, we need all the members & support that we can get.

Kesgrave Knatty Knitters

A small friendly machine knitting club where all are made very welcome.

For any further information please ring the Organiser, Mrs. Olive Procyshyn on 01473 622086.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Knitting Group

The group meets on the first Monday of the month, from 9.30am onwards at DanceEats Café, Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DW

This informal drop in group is open to absolute beginners – just bring whatever you are working on.

There is no charge to come but do bring money for a coffee and slice of homemade cake from the café!

If you would like to join please Email loisamelia@yahoo.co.uk

For more information visit: http://www.danceeast.co.uk/whats-on/589/New-knitting-group-at-the-danceeats-caf%C3%A9/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ladies Fellowship

We meet on the Second Wednesday of each month – 7.30 pm at The Salvation Army, Ipswich Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Rd, Ipswich

For Ladies of all ages – Something new each month.

For more information visit: www.ipswichcitadelsalvationarmy.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Martlesham Brushstrokes Art Group

Painting for pleasure – St Michaels Church Annex, The Drift, Martlesham Heath, Nr Ipswich IP5 3PL

A fun and informal time to get out your paints with like-minded people.

A good mix of people working in all sorts of medium. 

We meet alternate Thursday evenings – 7:30pm to 9:30pm

The membership fee (paid per term) includes light refreshments!

Please join us, just walk through the door.  All new members get their first night free!

For more information Email Beryl Shepherd: berylshepherd@hotmail.com find Martlesham BRUSHSTROKES Art Group on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/140588972640812/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Martlesham Heath Aviation Society

Our regular Monthly Meeting is held at 7.30pm on the First Friday of each month at The Main Hall, Martlesham Heath Community Centre, Old Felixstowe Road (behind Tesco Supermarket), Martlesham Heath, IP12 4PB.

Admission: £1.50 to members, £2.50 for non-members – you may like to join on the night! MHAS membership is only £7 per year! 

• All are warmly welcomed

For more information contact Howard King 01473 274300 or visit: http://www.mhas.org.uk/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Orwell Art Club

The Orwell Art Club (Ipswich) meets one evening a month from September to June for demonstrations, talks and social evenings. 

There is a Summer Programme of painting and sketching in and around Ipswich every Saturday from May to September.

We also have an Annual Exhibition at the Tourist Information Centre for two weeks in September. 

• There are also workshops and a coach trip every year.

For more information please visit our website: http://orwellart.host-ed.net/index.htm

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

RSPB Indoor Meetings

• Held Monthly on a Thursday
• Where:  Sidegate Lane Primary School, Sidegate Lane, Ipswich IP4 4JD
• Time:  7.30pm

Price: Group Members £2.00, Non-Members £3.00, (Includes refreshments) Concessions apply.

For more information Tel: 01473 423213 E-mail:  or visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich/events

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Scrabble Club – And Other Games

We meet the first Tuesday of every month at Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH – 1:30pm – 3:00pm

• All welcome from beginners to the more advanced player. 
• £1.00 members. £2.00 guests
• Tea and biscuits served.

For more information contact: Mrs Wendy Atkins Email: ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk

Tel: 01473 251867 or visit: www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/BranchEvents.aspx?bID=3668_

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

South East Ipswich Cage Bird Society

Welcome to the South East Ipswich Cage Bird Society.

The club was formed back in 1972 and is now in its 39th year.

We meet once a month, usually at The Church Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford, Nr Ipswich. 

Unless otherwise stated, meetings start at 8.00pm – All forthcoming dates and subjects are on our website.

For more information/to join please Email: donksy@btinternet.com

Or visit our website: http://southeastipswich.tripod.com/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Speak Easy at Martlesham Speakers Club

Would you like to improve your public speaking or presentation skills? 

Speak Easy At Martlesham is a public speaking club, affiliated to Toastmasters International, that can provide you with the opportunity to practice and improve those skills.

At meetings, members give either a short impromptu speech or a longer prepared speech.  Why not come along to a meeting as a guest and try it for yourself?  As a guest, there is no pressure to speak but if you wish to do so, your contribution will be welcomed and you will receive helpful feedback in return, given in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere.

• Guests are always welcome at meetings.

The Suffolk Book League is a local literary group with a difference!  Founded in 1982, we promote the pleasures of reading by bringing popular and distinguished writers to speak in Ipswich and the surrounding area as well as supporting a wide range of literary-related community projects.

• To us, reading matters.

Full details of our annual programme of talks and other events as well as how to become a member can be found on our website – www.sbl.org.uk.

You do not need to be a member to attend our events but membership does include a number of benefits such as discounted ticket prices and a copy of our regular literary journal “Book Talk”.

• You can also “like” our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @SuffolkBookTalk.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Bugrs

We are a very friendly, relaxed and informal club with the aim to get v-dubbers in Suffolk and the surrounding area together to have fun, make friends and gain valuable contacts in the
VW scene, running since May 2005.

If you want to join us, chat away on the message board, read latest news, check up on events, search our galleries, or get advice – it’s all on our website.

Regular meet dates are the 2nd Sunday of every month unless stated otherwise 11-00am onwards. 

• We also arrange club camps and convoys to the main VW shows throughout the year.

For more information visit our website: http://www.suffolkbugrs.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Family History Society

We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each Month

• Come along and join in

We have regular talks and help members break down their research “brick-walls”, with helpful suggestions and advice.

• New researchers are warmly welcomed.

Meetings start  at 7:30 p.m and are usually held at The Red Cross Hall, Chevallier Street, Ipswich IP1 4AB (entrance is via the Bramford Road Car Park behind Lloyds Bank).

• Admission: £2 per person. 

For more information Tel: 01473 274300 – Or visit: www.suffolkfhs.co.uk/groups/g-ipsw.html

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society

The Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society hold regular meetings and issue a news letter 4 times a year.

• Meet once a month on a Wednesday

Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society do not have their own web site so the River Gipping Trust host a page for them.  You will find details of the meetings and visits that the Society has organised on the website along with a link to their newsletter: www.rivergippingtrust.org/SIAS.aspx

All meetings are held in Room 1, Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich IP1 6DG and start at 7.30pm.

To contact SIAS please Email Steve Worsley: colguard73-sias@yahoo.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

Suffolk Naturalists’ Society is a group of people with a common interest in natural history: animals, plants and geology, the Suffolk countryside and the environment.

Our members include beginners, experienced amateurs and wildlife professionals.

We run field meetings, publish a range of journals and books on the natural history of Suffolk, hold members meetings and organise a conference every two years.

If you’d like to learn more about Suffolk’s wildlife; contribute your records or just meet other wildlife-minded people, please join SNS!

Website: http://www.sns.org.uk

Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group (SOG)

SOG is the Group for people interested in the birds of Suffolk, and provides a network and a voice for birdwatchers in the county.

The Group is administered by Suffolk birdwatchers for Suffolk birdwatchers, keeping them in touch with what is going on and with each other.

Through the Group’s Council, SOG has good links with other naturalist and conservation organisations in the region.

SOG organises an extensive programme of field meetings, an opportunity for members, young or old, novice or expert, to see birds, and to share camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.

Indoor meetings are held in Ipswich, with quality speakers entertaining members with slides and stories, both local and from around the world.

The Group’s bulletin, The Harrier, published quarterly, keeps members in touch with what’s going on – stories about birds, conservation, reserves, and people.

SOG organises and promotes surveys and projects on the birds of Suffolk, with an opportunity for members to participate.

SOG is also able to support worthwhile projects through bursaries.Membership of SOG is open to anyone with an interest in the birds of Suffolk.

You can now follow us on Twitter at suffolkbirds1

For more information visit: www.sogonline.org.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Rambling Club

The Suffolk Rambling Club is a friendly Club which enjoys walking in Suffolk, North Essex and sometimes Norfolk.  It was established in 1921.

We offer: *a whole day’s walk on Sundays (around 10 miles) *a whole day’s walk on Wednesdays (8-10 miles) *an afternoon walk on Saturdays (around 5 miles)

We also hold various social events from time to time.  A warm welcome is extended to all new members.

For further information, please contact: Club Secretary: Wendy – 01473 611078 or Membership Secretary: Liz – Email: elizabeth.h761@gmail.com or visit: www.onesuffolk.co.uk/suffolkramblingclub

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The expertise of our staff and volunteers gives Suffolk Wildlife Trust an unrivalled understanding of the county’s natural world.

With this local focus, we are able to safeguard habitats and species, taking action on the ground, where it really counts.

Our aim is to create a Living Landscape where wildlife flourishes in our countryside, towns and villages. Our conservation advisors work with farmers and local communities to improve their land for wildlife and create networks of linked up habitat across Suffolk.

We care for over 6500 acres of Suffolk’s most precious wildlife habitat in over 50 nature reserves which are tranquil havens for everyone to enjoy.

Action for local wildlife, led by local people has always been Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s great strength. Our vision for a Living Landscape for Suffolk, is a 21st century approach to nature conservation firmly grounded in our ethos of enabling people to take action for wildlife where they live.

Facts about Suffolk Wildlife Trust:

• We are part of a network of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the country
• We care for 52 nature reserves; which are all free for anyone to enjoy

We are supported by more than 1000 volunteers who help in all areas of our work.  Their commitment is key to our success.

• We are a growing membership organisation with more than 25,000 members.

Our education team work with hundreds of children and families throughout Suffolk –  at our four education centres and in the community

• We offer advice to landowners, throughout Suffolk, helping them manage their land for wildlife
• We have two thriving visitor centres, where you can enjoy and learn about Suffolk’s wildlife
• We are a registered charity – number 262777

For more information visit: http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Cameo Club – For the over 50′s

We meet every Tuesday at 9.30am – 12noon at The Salvation Army, Ipswich Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich

Many activities Including carpet bowls, pool, board games, crafts and more

• Includes Tea, coffee and biscuits

• £1 admission

For for information visit: www.ipswichcitadelsalvationarmy.co.uk

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Ipswich Bonsai Society

We are a very small club that started in 1989 and we have just 12 members, so welcome anybody else who shares an interest in Bonsai.

We meet on the second Friday of the month at Kesgrave Community Centre, Bell Lane, Kesgrave, Nr Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.30pm.

We have two speakers a year but obviously the more members we have the more speakers we could afford.

We have several workshops where members help each other with ideas and generally enjoy each other’s company with the same interests.

For more information please Email: Gill Milbourne at gill.teddyworld@gmail.com

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Oddfellows (Ipswich Branch)

Celebrating over 200 years of making friends and helping people, we’re a mutual, not for profit friendly society with the aim of ensuring that our 120,000 members, across 151 Branches, join together to enjoy the social side of life, as well as providing care advice and support in times of need.

We’re one of the largest Branch based Friendly Societies that continues to innovate by developing new and improved services for our members. With a growing international membership, we’ve a number of Branches abroad including those in Bermuda, South Africa and New Zealand to name just a few.

The Oddfellows has no political or religious affiliations – membership is open to all, regardless of age, sex, political persuasion, religion, race or disability. Quite simply: We encourage members to build upon their friendship networks with others across the UK, and overseas, by socialising and showing mutual support.

Most people join the Oddfellows today to expand their social networks and take part in a range of activities including: musical nights, day trips, dances and meals out. In addition, we’ve an Active Travel Club which hosts UK holidays and members can enjoy breaks overseas which can be arranged via our very own Holiday Exchange facility.

• The Ipswich Branch is based at Oddfellows Hall, 37 High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3QH.

We organise lots of events, but please be aware that some of them are limited to members, so it’s always best to check first. 

• UK membership is just £25 per year.

For more information/To contact the Ipswich Branch please Tel: 01473 251867 or Email: ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk or visit: http://www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/BranchHome.aspx?bID=3668

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Waterfront Book Club

The Waterfront Book Club brings together people of all ages to read & talk about books from a variety of authors/genres over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee at the Danceeats! Café, Foundry Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DW.

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm – 7.30pm and the first Thursday of the month at 6.00pm – 7.30pm. Both sessions are informal, but the discussions on Tuesday are helped along by a facilitator.  

There is no joining fee, but members are asked to purchase their own books.

For our reading list, or if you would like more information please refer to the DanceEast website: http://www.danceeast.co.uk/Waterfront%20Book%20Club.aspx or email Gayle MacGregor on waterfrontbookclub@gmail.com. Please note the club is run by volunteers. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Top Time – Time of Your Life

Group for older people and Carers

• At County Library, Lecture Hall, Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3DE
• Every Thursday – 2.30pm – 4.00pm
• A varied programme of activities each week.

For more information visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/LeisureAndCulture/Libraries/LocationsAndOpeningTimes/IpswichLibraryEvents.htm