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Ipswich to 'Pass GO' with new Monopoly edition this Christmas

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich will receive its own custom edition of the iconic board game – 19 years after the last edition in 2006 – as Norwich misses out.

Why it matters: Ipswich outpaced rivals Norwich and eight other locations to secure its place on the board as Monopoly celebrates its 90th anniversary.

The details: The announcement took place at 10:00 this morning (Thursday, 27 February) at The Cornhill in Ipswich town centre.

Ben Ladd Gibbon from Winning Moves UK, Councillor Elango K. Elavalakan, Mayor of Ipswich, and Mr. Monopoly were present at the event, which features props including gigantic money, enlarged property cards, and top hats.

Monopoly Game logo
Ipswich will receive its own custom edition of the iconic board game – 19 years after the last edition in 2006

What they're saying: "Ipswich ticks every box," said Ben Ladd Gibbon, Custom Games Partnerships Manager at Winning Moves UK, who cited "Sense of Family" and "Civic Pride" as key factors in the selection process.

By the numbers:

  • This marks Monopoly's 90th anniversary

  • The game is played by over one billion players in 114 countries

  • There are more than 300 culturally relevant editions worldwide

Mr Monopoly outside the Town Hall with Ipswich Central, the Mayor of Ipswich and Tom Mumford
Mr Monopoly outside the Town Hall with Ipswich Central, the Mayor of Ipswich and Tom MumfordSophie DebenhamIpswich.co.uk

What's next: The public will be invited to suggest Ipswich landmarks and organisations to feature in the game, with popular nominations expected to include:

  • Ipswich Waterfront

  • Portman Road

  • The Cornhill

  • The Ancient House

Dig deeper: The board will be themed around heritage, tourism, entertainment, leisure, business, and travel – all reflecting Ipswich. Unlike the previous version, all three Community Chest squares will feature local charities.

How to participate: Nominations for landmarks and charities can be submitted by email to ipswich@winningmoves.co.uk from 10:00 on 27 February until 23:59 on 12 March 2025.

The bottom line: The new Monopoly: Ipswich Edition will hit shops in time for Christmas 2025.

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

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Three more arrests in Billy McNicholl murder investigation

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team has made three new arrests following the murder of Billy McNicholl, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

Why it matters: The investigation into the death of 63-year-old William "Billy" McNicholl, who was found dead in a Hawthorn Drive property on 1 January, continues as police seek justice for the victim and his friends and family.

A Home Office post-mortem indicated McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

The details: Three people were arrested on Tuesday 1 April – a 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old man – on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

All three have been questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre and subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July.

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: "A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy."

He added: "Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues."

The bigger picture: On 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions and is due to return to police on Tuesday, 22 April.

A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been told she will face no further action.

What's next: Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy's murder."

He added: "If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we'll pass it on for you."

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025.

The bottom line: Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact them quoting reference 37/162/25, either via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal, by calling 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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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