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Forty new ambulances to boost region's emergency services this winter

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The East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) will add 40 new ambulances to its fleet by December, enhancing emergency response capabilities in Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

The big picture: EEAST is modernising its ambulance fleet to improve patient care and operational efficiency as winter approaches.

  • 40 new Renault Master ambulances will join the Trust's fleet

  • The first 20 have been delivered and will be on the road soon

  • The remaining 20 are expected to be in service by the end of December

  • These new vehicles will make up about 10% of the total ambulance fleet

Renault Master ambulance
40 new Renault Master ambulances will join the Trust's fleetEEAST

Why it matters: The new ambulances are equipped with technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to cost savings and environmental protection.

  • Engines automatically turn off when idling.

  • This feature cuts fuel use and reduces emissions.

What they're saying: Wayne Lawlor, head of fleet for the Trust, said: "Our fleet of vehicles are worked hard - seven days and week – covering more than 1 million miles a month, and our Mercedes ambulances are due to be retired this year."

He added: "The new Renaults will replace these and our crews and patients will have the benefit of newer ambulances as we go into the worst months of winter."

What's next: The Trust plans to continue modernising its fleet beyond these 40 new ambulances.

  • Additional Ford Transit and MAN TGE-based vehicles will join the fleet this autumn.

  • The fleet team will work on replacing ageing Mercedes and early-generation FIAT ambulances in the coming weeks.

The bottom line: This significant investment in new ambulances will continue to improve emergency services for Ipswich residents as the challenging winter period approaches.

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

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

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