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Local authors inspire Ipswich pupils at Red Hat Reading Festival

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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

Seven local authors visited primary school pupils across Ipswich during last week's Red Hat Reading Festival.

Why it matters: The festival aims to get authors into schools to inspire and engage with young people, "something which most schools do not have budget for these days," according to organisers.

The big picture: Following last year's successful inaugural event, Ipswich Children's Book Group secured new funding from The Rope Trust and Let's Talk Reading Ipswich to continue the initiative.

Pupils at Ranelagh Primary School thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Tonka Uzu
Pupils at Ranelagh Primary School thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Tonka UzuRed Hat Reading Festival

By the numbers: Seven Ipswich primary schools participated:

  • Castle Hill Primary

  • Hillside Primary

  • Murrayfield Primary

  • Ranelagh Primary

  • Ravenswood Primary

  • The Beeches Primary

  • Whitehouse Primary

The details: The schools selected from seven participating authors and illustrators, with most authors based in East Anglia.

Tonka Uzu, who recently collaborated with Elena Arevalo-Melville on the picture book "Elki Is Not My Dog", visited Ranelagh Primary School on Wednesday 12 February.

Tonka Uzu at Ranelagh Primary School in Ipswich
Tonka Uzu at Ranelagh Primary School in IpswichRed Hat Reading Festival

What they're saying: "Without the reading festival, an author visit would not have been possible so we really value this opportunity to get our children interested in reading books, publishing and illustrating," said April Hyam, Literacy Lead at Ranelagh Primary School.

"The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Tonka and were really engaged in the assembly, her story and linked activity," she added.

Other authors to visit local schools included:

  • James Mayhew

  • Kate Rolfe

  • Cat Weldon

  • Elena Arevalo-Melville

  • Rob Ramsden

  • Mitch Johnson

The bottom line: The festival has successfully continued its mission of bringing authors into schools that could not otherwise afford such opportunities, engaging young readers across Ipswich.

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

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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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