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Ellisons Solicitors

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Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Win once-in-a-lifetime Wimbledon experience with tennis star Mark Petchey

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Ipswich tennis enthusiasts have the chance to win a private coaching session at Wimbledon with former British No.1 Mark Petchey in a new competition launched at Ipswich Sports Club.

Why it matters: The Mark Petchey Grand Slam Giveaway offers local players the opportunity to receive elite-level coaching at the home of tennis, including exclusive access to Centre Court and a private lunch with the former Andy Murray coach.

The big picture: The competition launch follows Petchey's recent coaching masterclass at the club, where members and guests received expert technical guidance from the respected tennis commentator.

Mark Petchey giving a coaching masterclass at Ipswich Sports Club
Mark Petchey giving a coaching masterclass at Ipswich Sports ClubIpswich Sports Club

What they're saying: "It was an honour to welcome Mark Petchey to Ipswich Sports Club last week. I would like to thank him on behalf of the Club for his time coaching his sport and engaging freely with members," Club Chairman Andy Isles said.

How to enter:

  • Weekly qualifiers take place every Sunday until 1 June

  • Free entry for ISC members, £10 for guests

  • The final entry fee is £20

  • Email chris@dearling.com by Thursday to enter the following Sunday's qualifier

  • The final will be held on Sunday, 8 June, at Ipswich Sports Club

By the numbers: Additional prizes include Active Away Coaching Weekend vouchers worth £218 for second and third-place winners.

The bottom line: ISC members and event attendees also have an exclusive chance to win a holiday for two at a Neilson resort in Greece or Croatia.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

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Ellisons Solicitors

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

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