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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

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

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Martlesham pub makes history with record-breaking pint pour

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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

The Douglas Bader has etched its name in the history books after participating in the largest simultaneous pint pour ever recorded.

Why it matters: The Martlesham Heath pub was one of 114 venues nationwide to set a new Guinness World Records title, showcasing the growing demand for both traditional and alcohol-free draught beer options.

The Douglas Bader in Martlesham, Ipswich
The Douglas Bader in Martlesham, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

How it happened: The nationwide "The Big Pour" event took place on 7 April, with publicans connecting via video call to pour pints of Heineken and Heineken 0.0 in perfect synchronisation.

  • Participants had just 10 seconds to complete their pours under the watchful eye of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator

  • The Douglas Bader was among pubs from across the UK, ranging from Scotland to Surrey, that took part in the record attempt

The bigger picture: The event celebrated Heineken installing its 1,000th alcohol-free draught tap in UK pubs.

  • This milestone makes Heineken 0.0 the most widely available alcohol-free beer on draught in the country

  • The company says it now has more alcohol-free draught installations than any other brand

What they're saying: Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director Star Pub at Heineken UK, said: "Part of the ritual of going to the pub is watching your pint being freshly poured from the tap – the tilt of the glass, the smooth cascade, and mouthwatering anticipation of the first sip."

  • "This draught experience is central to pub culture, and for non-alcoholic beer to become truly mainstream, it needs to be part of that experience"

  • "It needs to be poured from the tap like any other pint, not just another option in the fridge"

The bottom line: The Douglas Bader's participation in this record-breaking event highlights Ipswich's place in brewing history while reflecting changing consumer preferences in the pub industry.

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

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