Skip to main contentEnter

Ipswich Town FC memorial garden gets blue and white makeover

News

The Ipswich Town Football Club Garden of Remembrance has been revamped with blue and white plants ahead of the new Premier League season. Notcutts Woodbridge Garden Centre led the project to refresh the memorial space.

The big picture: The garden honours fans whose ashes were interred in the original pitch soil before it was replaced in June 2023.

Why it matters: The refreshed garden provides a dedicated space for families to remember loved ones at Portman Road stadium.

The ITFC Garden of Remembrance
The ITFC Garden of RemembranceNotcutts

The details:

  • Stuart Andrews, Notcutts Plant Buyer and lifelong ITFC fan, led the horticultural team

  • New plant varieties include Perovskia and Asters in bright blue and white

  • The garden is located at the corner of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and Cobbold Stand

  • It's open to visitors on matchdays and throughout the week

The Ipswich Town Football Club Garden of Remembrance
The Ipswich Town Football Club Garden of Remembrance has been given a Premier League makeover by the expert horticultural team at Notcutts Woodbridge Garden Centre. L-R: Norma Waye, Plant Area Assistant; Stuart Andrews, Plant Buyer; Mark Kitson, GroundsmanNotcutts

What they're saying: Jayne Jones, whose son Aiden's ashes are in the garden, said: "Our son Aiden was tragically killed in 2009 at the age of 20. He was the kindest, most caring son, brother and amazing friend to many."

"Aiden loved ITFC, he had been a season ticket holder for 14 years, so for us to be able to lay him to rest at Portman Road by the Sir Bobby Robson Stand was incredible because there was no other place that he would have wanted to be."

She added, "Having the memorial garden is absolutely fantastic as it's a place where we can sit for a while and reflect upon our memories."

Stuart Andrews of Notcutts said: "We encourage everyone visiting the stadium to take a peaceful moment in the Garden of Remembrance in honour of the Blues fans no longer with us, who would have loved to see this moment of glory as ITFC return to the Premier League."

The bottom line: The refreshed Garden of Remembrance prompts us to reflect on what's important in life amidst the excitement of Ipswich Town's return to top-flight football.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

Load next article