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Ipswich open day to raise funds for life-saving bleed kits

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A family open day at Princes Street fire and police station this Sunday aims to fund more emergency bleed kits for Ipswich, which could potentially save lives in critical situations.

The big picture: The event supports the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation's mission to install bleed kits across Ipswich, which can be crucial in treating victims of incidents like stabbings.

The Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation has already installed more than 40 bleed kits around Ipswich and Felixstowe.

Paul Stansby and Jamie Hart of the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation with firefighters and police officers
Paul Stansby and Jamie Hart of the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation with firefighters and police officers from Princes Street station, which will host a family fun day this Sunday to raise funds for a bleed kit and the Firefighters CharitySFRS

Why it matters: Bleed kits can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies, allowing first responders to act swiftly and effectively.

Key details:

  • Date: Sunday, 15 September

  • Time: 11:00-15:00

  • Location: Princes Street fire and police station, Ipswich

  • Highlights: Search and rescue challenges, firehose demonstrations, photo opportunities in police and fire vehicles, face painting and a raffle

What they're saying: "This event represents a wonderful opportunity for us to unite with the community and raise vital funds for an emergency bleed control kit, which has the potential to save lives in critical situations," said Paul Stansby, co-founder of the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation.

Background: Stansby and Jamie Hart of the Lucky 13 tattoo studio set up the foundation in memory of Stansby's brother, who was fatally stabbed near Ipswich railway station in 2017.

The bottom line: "We believe that by coming together, we can create a safer environment for everyone and empower our local heroes in emergency response," Stansby added.

Funds raised will also support the Firefighters Charity, which aids firefighters and their families in times of need.

Award-winning photographer adds new portraits to Ipswich exhibition

News

Internationally renowned photographer John Ferguson has unveiled a new series of portraits celebrating female artists from Suffolk at his exhibition in Christchurch Mansion.

Why it matters: The new 'Suffolk Creatives' collection addresses a gap in documenting the region's artistic talent, specifically highlighting the contributions of female artists who have previously lacked collective representation.

Dide by John Ferguson
DideJohn Ferguson

The big picture: Ferguson's exhibition, 'An Eye For Life', has been running since last summer at the Wolsey Art Gallery. The exhibition spans his 25-year career, featuring photographs of global celebrities, including David Bowie, Oasis and Dolly Parton, alongside local projects such as the Ipswich Banger Racers series.

What they're saying: "The exhibition has proved incredibly popular with visitors," says Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums. "These images tell stories of people's lives - challenging the viewer and changing perceptions of identity and portraiture, yet they are approachable and intimate too."

Edwina and Sahara by John Ferguson
Edwina and SaharaJohn Ferguson

Who's featured: The new portraits showcase 11 female artists, including:

  • Dide: Award-winning multi-disciplinary artist and composer

  • Jennifer Hall: Artist, sculptor and printmaker

  • Juliet Gilkes Romero: Award-winning playwright and journalist

  • Hannah Debnam: Self-taught taxidermist

What's next: The public can meet Ferguson at a drop-in event on Saturday, 25 January, from 14:00 to 15:30 at the Wolsey Art Gallery.

The bottom line: The exhibition, which is free to enter, will continue at Christchurch Mansion's Wolsey Art Gallery until 27 April 2025, featuring both the new 'Suffolk Creatives' series and Ferguson's retrospective work.

An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson

Celebrating themes of portraiture, identity and home, this exhibition will bring works by Ipswich-based photographer John Ferguson to the Wolsey Art Gallery.

  • Performing & Visual Arts
  • Multiple dates
  • 10:00-16:00
  • Every day
Photo a black lady in a sunflower field by John Ferguson
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