Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

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

Local brothers make history at national trade skills finals

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

In what's believed to be a first for any UK college, two brothers have both reached the podium in different disciplines at the prestigious SkillBuild national finals.

The big picture: SkillBuild is a national competition that tests the skills of construction trade apprentices. This year's finals saw hundreds of competitors from across the country competing in various disciplines.

  • George Page, 21, secured second place in carpentry

  • Sam Page, 20, achieved joint third place in plumbing

Brothers Sam and George Page
Brothers Sam and George Page both competed in SkillBuildSuffolk New College

Behind the success:

  • George, from Harkstead, completed a challenging two-and-a-half-day task building a garden seat with a roof.

  • Sam, who lives in Ipswich, competed over two days at Oldham College against the country's top plumbing apprentices.

  • Both brothers represented Suffolk New College and qualified through regional heats in Colchester.

What they're saying: "To have two brothers get to the national finals is very unusual — I can't imagine any other college has ever managed to have two brothers reach that level in two different construction finals," said Lloyd Ince, construction lecturer.

George, who works for SEH French, said: "The pressure was big, but I was able to manage it. To get to the final is a highly regarded achievement and I'd say to others, if you get given the opportunity to do this, get involved and enjoy the experience."

Looking ahead: Sam, who works for Whitwell Services in Hadleigh, is now hoping to progress to a selection phase in Northern Ireland that could lead to representing the country in WorldSkills, known as the skills 'Olympics'.

The bottom line: The brothers' success reinforces the quality of local construction apprenticeships, with both siblings now working towards promising careers in their chosen trades.

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

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

Load next article