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University students launch spooky Suffolk-inspired anthology

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Suffolk Haunts, a collection of eerie tales written by University of Suffolk students, was unveiled on Tuesday night, completing a four-year anthology project celebrating the county's landmarks and stories.

The big picture: The book is the fourth and final volume in the Suffolk Anthology Collection, featuring 27 stories inspired by local ghost tales and landmarks. It's part of an initiative giving MA Creative and Critical Writing students real-world publishing experience.

  • The anthology includes stories about a friendly ghost in a Lavenham pub, a mystery letter in Bury St Edmunds, and a movie star ghost in Stowmarket's Regent Cinema.

  • It features a QR code linking to a map of story locations, allowing readers to connect with the places that inspired the tales.

  • Previous volumes focused on Suffolk folk tales, trees and nature, and the county's waterways.

The latest volume in the anthology collection
The latest volume in the anthology collectionUniversity of Suffolk

What they're saying:

Roy Haddock, a 62-year-old student from Ipswich who contributed one of the stories, said: "I didn't think contributing a story to a published anthology was something I would ever see. This has given me the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people."

Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Suffolk, award-winning novelist and publisher of the Talking Shop Press, which publishes the volumes, said: “Our course offers students the academic and creative support they need alongside professional networks and an exceptional experience of publishing and presenting their work as part of their MA experience."

Why it matters: The project showcases local talent and celebrates Suffolk's rich history and folklore while providing students with valuable publishing experience.

  • Many alumni have gone on to work in creative industries, study at PhD level, and secure interest from literary agents.

  • Some have been shortlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries Award 2024.

Students and staff who worked on Suffolk Haunts at the launch event
Students and staff who worked on Suffolk Haunts at the launch eventUniversity of Suffolk

What's next: A new anthology series is set to launch next year for future MA students.

Where to buy: Suffolk Haunts is available at Waterstones, independent bookstores in Suffolk, and online retailers.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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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