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Orwell Challenge marks 47 years of Suffolk charity fundraising

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Ipswich East Rotary Club's flagship event returns with new features including group discounts and the first King Charles III Coastal Pathway.

Why it matters: Suffolk's largest multi-charity fundraising event provides a ready-made platform for local charities to raise funds through supporter participation.

The big picture: The event, scheduled for Sunday, 29 June at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich, offers both competitive running and recreational walking options:

  • An officially verified ultra marathon, marathon and half marathon trail run

  • Walking routes ranging from 3 to 25 miles along the Orwell Estuary

Walking for Suffolk Mind
Walking for Suffolk MindLesley Dolphin

What's new: The 2025 event introduces two significant changes:

  • The inclusion of the first stretch of the King Charles III Coastal Pathway in the country

  • Free places for group leaders registering 10 or more young people

By the numbers: Early bird registration is available throughout February 2025, offering:

  • 20% discount on entry fees

  • Available until 28 February

What they're saying: "Almost anyone can take part. We'd particularly like to let local charities know that this is a ready-made fundraiser for them. All they need to do is ask their supporters to sign up and raise money for them. If they sign up this month, they'll save money too!" says John Button, Orwell Challenge Co-ordinator for Ipswich East Rotary Club.

The bottom line: The 47-year-old event combines serious competitive running with family-friendly walks, supported by Rotarians providing refreshments and encouragement at checkpoints along the route.

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

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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

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