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In pictures: Suffolk Dog Day raises over £70,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice

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Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered at Helmingham Hall on Sunday for the annual Suffolk Dog Day, raising vital funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

The big picture: The event, sponsored by Gladwells Pet & Country Store and Skinners, and supported by media partner GenX Radio Suffolk, raised more than £70,000 for the hospice, which provides specialist palliative care to over 4,000 local people annually.

Why it matters: St Elizabeth Hospice relies heavily on community support, with 70% of its £12 million annual service costs generated through local fundraising efforts like Suffolk Dog Day.

Event highlights:

  • Over 50 stalls offered doggy goods

  • Dog classes and Crufts-style competitions took place

  • Helen Bone and her Border Collie, Murphy, won Supreme Best in Show

Photos from Suffolk Dog Day 2024

What they're saying:

  • James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice: "We have had a fantastic time at this year's Suffolk Dog Day. There have been lots of smiling faces and wagging tails, as the community has joined with the hospice to share our love for our four-legged friends and to support the charity too."

  • Helen Bone, Supreme Best in Show winner: "We've had a fantastic day and it feels absolutely amazing to win! Murphy is a great dog and has performed so well. The show has been so well organised and I hope it has raised a lot of money for the hospice."

Winner of Supreme Best in Show, Helen Bone and Murphy, at the Suffolk Dog Day 2024
Winner of Supreme Best in Show, Helen Bone and Murphy, at the Suffolk Dog Day 2024Robyn FayersRobyn Fayers Photography

The bottom line: Suffolk Dog Day not only brought joy to hundreds of dog lovers but also raised crucial funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, supporting their mission to provide specialist palliative care to thousands across the region.

Search for 'rogue trader' targeting vulnerable Ipswich residents

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Trading Standards has issued an alert after a vulnerable resident in the IP4 area of Ipswich was pressured into a £2,500 roof repair by a doorstep trader just before Christmas.

Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing concerns about doorstep traders targeting vulnerable residents, with Trading Standards officers having to intervene to prevent further exploitation.

The details:

  • The uninvited trader approached the resident's property around 19 December

  • A verbal agreement for £2,500 was agreed for roof work

  • No paperwork was provided, and the trader left no contact details

  • The trader claimed scaffolding would be erected and work completed this week

  • Trading Standards Officers have since implemented measures to prevent the trader's return

Front door of a house
Trading Standards has issued an alert after a vulnerable resident in the IP4 area of Ipswich was pressured into a £2,500 roof repair by a doorstep trader just before ChristmasGetty Images

What they're saying: "Never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call, and don't be pressurised into having the job done immediately," warns Suffolk Trading Standards.

Be smart: Trading Standards advises residents to:

  • Get quotes from two or three traders

  • Ask for traders' full names and addresses

  • Request detailed written quotations before work begins

  • Never pay upfront for materials

  • Avoid cash payments

  • Only pay once work is completed satisfactorily

How to help: Anyone with information about traders operating door-to-door in the IP4 area before Christmas or details about vehicles or individuals involved should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The bottom line: Residents seeking trusted traders can use Suffolk Trusted Trader, a vetted directory maintained by Trading Standards, rather than accepting unsolicited doorstep offers.

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