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Mayor's civic service to celebrate community spirit in Ipswich

News

Ipswich Mayor Councillor Elango Elavalakan will lead the annual civic service next month, bringing together local leaders and residents to honour those who serve the community.

The big picture: The civic service is a longstanding tradition that:

  • Celebrates Ipswich and its community servants

  • Brings together mayors from across Suffolk

  • Features a procession and musical performances

Why it matters: The event showcases Ipswich's civic pride and offers a moment for reflection on the contributions of local officials and volunteers.

St Mary-le-Tower Church
The event will be held at St Mary-le-Tower Church in IpswichHolly Woodward-Williams

Key details:

  • Date: Sunday, 13 October

  • Time: Procession starts at 3:15pm, service begins at 3:30pm

  • Location: St Mary-le-Tower Church

  • Open to the public

What they're saying: "I'm looking forward to this annual event which gives us an opportunity to bring the community together and to give thanks," says Councillor Elavalakan.

Councillor Elango Elavalakan
Ipswich Mayor Councillor Elango ElavalakanIpswich Borough Council

Of note: The service will include performances by the Choirs of The Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace and St Mary-le-Tower Ipswich.

The bottom line: This civic service offers Ipswich residents a chance to connect with their local leaders and celebrate the spirit of community service.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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