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One for the diary: Suffolk Dog Day returns next month

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Man's best friend takes centre stage as Suffolk Dog Day returns to Helmingham Hall next month, promising a tail-wagging good time for dogs and their humans.

The big picture: Suffolk Dog Day, a beloved regional event celebrating our canine companions, is set to return on Sunday, 8 September, at Helmingham Hall.

Hosted by St Elizabeth Hospice and sponsored by Gladwells Pet & Country Store and Skinners, the day promises a variety of activities for dogs and their owners.

Lady and her dog participating in Suffolk Dog Day
Suffolk Dog Day 2023St Elizabeth Hospice

Key details:

  • Fun dog classes, agility and scurry activities

  • Over 50 stalls selling dog-related products

  • Crufts-style competitions

  • Children's entertainment

  • Food and drink options available

Why it matters: The event raises crucial funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care to over 4,000 people annually in Ipswich, East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

What they're saying: "We cannot wait for Suffolk Dog Day to arrive and we are sure it will be an event which will have tails wagging in approval," said James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice.

He added: "Suffolk Dog Day is such a staple of the Suffolk calendar and it is a fantastic opportunity to join with supporters, and the local community, to celebrate our love for our four-legged friends, while raising funds for our vital services."

The bottom line: Suffolk Dog Day offers a fun day out for dog lovers while supporting an important local charity.

Get involved: Make sure you head to Helmingham Hall on Sunday, 8th September. You can book your tickets here. Early bird discounts are available.

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Suffolk to roll out 6,000 EV chargepoints from Summer 2025

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Suffolk County Council has partnered with operator Believ to deliver around 6,000 new public electric vehicle chargepoints across the county, starting next summer.

Why it matters: 25% of Suffolk households don't have a driveway and park on their street, creating a significant barrier for residents considering electric vehicle ownership.

The big picture: The rollout aims to provide residents without driveways access to a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk.

Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of Believ
Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of BelievBeliev

By the numbers:

  • £5.3 million secured from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund

  • An additional £16 million provided by operator Believ

  • Nearly 140,000 tons of emissions forecast to be removed by late 2026

The details: The majority of new units will be bollard-style chargers at the kerbside, suitable for long-stay or overnight charging. Drivers will benefit from an overnight off-peak tariff and a dedicated resident's tariff with discounted charging at all times.

Public car parks will also see rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoint installations for quicker charging options.

What they're saying: "We are providing a solution by installing chargepoints on their street, or very nearby. Our ambition is to provide them with a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk or wheel," said Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to rollout such a significant number of chargepoints across Suffolk. It will make a real difference to local EV drivers and give others the confidence to go electric, helping to support our mission to deliver cleaner air for all."

What's next: In advance of all on-street chargepoint installations, local residents will receive letters with details of the work due to take place, including information on timescales.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council is the first local authority in England to both award their LEVI main funding tender and subsequently sign a contract with an operator, allowing installations to begin at pace to help meet the county's target of 5,400 public chargepoints by 2030.

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

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