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Blues to sponsor sculpture in St Elizabeth Hospice art trail

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Ipswich Town Football Club has announced it will sponsor one of the sculptures in St Elizabeth Hospice's upcoming Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 art trail. The news was revealed as the first trail sculpture was unveiled at Portman Road with Town legend Matt Holland.

The big picture: The upcoming art trail will feature more than 35 decorated hare sculptures placed across Suffolk, marking the first time the initiative has expanded beyond Ipswich to include nearby towns.

Why it matters: St Elizabeth Hospice needs to raise around £12 million annually to maintain its services, with 70% of funding coming from community support. The art trail is a key fundraising initiative for the hospice, which supports over 4,000 people living with progressive or life-limiting illnesses across the region.

Matt Holland & Seb Norton from ITFC alongside hospice staff and the hare sculpture
Matt Holland & Seb Norton from ITFC alongside hospice staffSt Elizabeth Hospice

What they're saying:

"The Club is delighted to be supporting St Elizabeth Hospice's art trail next year," said Matt Holland, former Town midfielder and current board member. "We know from previous years how much joy the trails bring to families across Suffolk."

Liz Baldwin, Corporate and Sponsorship Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "Having the Tractor Boys involved will add excitement to next summer's art trail, which is set to bring colour and creativity to the local community."

The details:

  • This is the third hospice art trail supported by Ipswich Town FC

  • Previous trails include Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk and the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022

  • New satellite locations will include Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Woodbridge

  • Each satellite location will feature at least six sculptures, including both large and small hares

The bottom line: The partnership between Ipswich Town FC and St Elizabeth Hospice continues a successful relationship that has already helped raise vital funds for hospice care across Suffolk.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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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