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Ipswich pub donates double decker bus to homeless shelter

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Attwells Solicitors

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The Duke Ipswich has donated its double-decker bus to The Ipswich Bus Shelter, a local organisation that supports the homeless community.

Why it matters: The bus, which helped the pub survive COVID-19 restrictions and hadn't been moved for over three years, will continue to benefit the community by providing shelter and support services for those in need.

A true community project: Hammond Recovery Motor Group transported the bus free of charge and The Duke plans to host fundraisers to help pay for bus renovations.

The bus being towed
Hammond Recovery facilitated the operationSally GoodgerSally Goodger

What they're saying:

  • Chris Mapey, Landlord of The Duke: "Our double decker bus was a lifeline for us and our patrons during some of the toughest times of the pandemic."

  • Sally and Roy Goodger, new managers of The Duke: "We are delighted to see this double decker repurposed to support The Bus Shelter Ipswich in their mission to aid the homeless community."

  • Gareth Brenland, Co-Founder of The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC: "We are intending to use the bus to provide a lifeline to those facing a night on the street by offering a safe space/sleep along with other services to help the wider community."

  • George Hammond, Recovery Manager of Hammond Recovery Motor Group: "We are honoured to support The bus Shelter Ipswich and The Duke in this meaningful endeavour."

The bus being recovered from the Duke Ipswich
The recovery option was anything but simpleChris Mapey

What's next: The Bus Shelter Ipswich will incorporate the bus into its services, providing temporary accommodation and support to homeless individuals in Ipswich.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Attwells Solicitors

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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