Felixstowe Live

02/08/2024

New RHIDES cards and biometric authentication at Port of Felixstowe

At the Port of Felixstowe, we are getting closer to the launch of our new RHIDES system which will use a new type of biometric authentication process which will replace the handscan.

We would like to keep you as up to date as possible by sending emails with progress updates.

If you would like to sign up for these emails please use the QR Code below or send a request to join the mailing list via email: [email protected]

23/07/2023

🔴 LIVE: Katie Mitton at Carnival

28/06/2023

What are you doing next Wednesday evening (5 July) ?

If you're free, why not book a free place on this year's swift walk?
To book your place, simply send an email to either [email protected]
[email protected]

There are only 30 places available for the walk, so please book soon

We'll be setting off from outside the Library at 7pm
We'll look forward to seeing you there!

Felixstowe's Community Nature Reserve Felixstowe News Felixstowe Radio

24/06/2023

We’re LIVE on Felixstowe High Street

Felixstowe Live Felixstowe News

24/06/2023

23/06/2023

An ex-teacher from Felixstowe School has been banned from the profession following an investigation that revealed his involvement in an inappropriate relationship with a student.

The Teaching Regulation Agency conducted a hearing and determined that Sean Ward, formerly employed at Felixstowe School, should be indefinitely banned from teaching. The hearing uncovered evidence of Mr. Ward engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a pupil over a period spanning from June- august 2018.

Notably, Mr. Ward was absent from the hearing, which took place in May, and he had no legal representation. During the proceedings, it was revealed that on August 16, 2018, a former staff member notified the school of a message they received on social media from a pupil, disclosing that Mr. Ward had made inappropriate and sexual remarks to the pupil via phone and social media. As a result, Mr. Ward was suspended on August 30 and subsequently tendered his resignation on December 30, 2019.

The panel, based on documentary evidence from a police investigation, found that Mr. Ward had engaged in inappropriate conversations, discussed explicit matters, received explicit images, and suggested meeting up with the pupil. Moreover, Mr. Ward admitted to partaking in inappropriate conversations of a sexual nature and discussing personal matters, including the pupil's relationships.

The panel's findings established that Mr. Ward had received one or more explicit images from the pupil, as substantiated by the documentary evidence provided by the police investigation. Consequently, he was deemed guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

In a statement, Mr. Ward expressed that he had become a popular teacher, often sought out by students for activities outside of class. He admitted to feeling personally responsible for the victim and expressed distress and shame regarding the situation. Mr. Ward extended his sincere apologies to both the victim and the school.

The decision maker, Marc Cavey, declared that Mr. Sean Ward is indefinitely prohibited from teaching and may not hold a teaching position in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England.

A representative from Unity Schools Partnership, the organisation to which Felixstowe Academy belongs, acknowledged the findings of the Teaching Regulation Agency's report and welcomed the decision reached.

23/06/2023

A man suffering from a rare muscle-wasting condition has achieved the remarkable feat of completing an arduous triathlon challenge, earning him the title of an Ironman.

Chris Stennet, hailing from Felixstowe, demonstrated his strength and determination by conquering the grueling endurance test, which encompassed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run in Austria. Despite the formidable nature of the challenge, Chris faced an additional hurdle as he lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), an incurable condition that progressively weakens the muscles in his face, shoulder blades, and upper arms.

This achievement marked Chris's second attempt at the full-distance Ironman event, having encountered disappointment in 2021. Originally scheduled to compete in 2022, his plans were derailed by a broken arm in April of that year, necessitating a deferral.

However, armed with extensive training and invaluable lessons learned since his previous attempt, Chris emerged victorious this time, relishing the euphoria of being proclaimed an Ironman. His enduring spirit and determination were witnessed by fellow Ironman participants who passionately cheered him on to beat the 17-hour cutoff point for the challenge.

Reflecting on his journey, Chris acknowledged the significant progress he had made since 2021. He shared, "Before I embarked on training back in 2021, I lacked swimming skills, hadn't ridden a bike in years, and had a less-than-ideal track record in running. Every improvement along the way has been a remarkable accomplishment, proving that one never truly knows their limits until they put themselves to the test."

Following this momentous achievement, Chris plans to take a well-deserved respite to recuperate and repair his bike.

However, he already has his sights set on his next endeavor—an upcoming half-distance triathlon in Minsk, Belarus, scheduled for the end of July. Throughout his athletic pursuits, Chris remains dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a national charity that provides support to individuals with muscle-wasting conditions. His previous endeavors include completing the London Marathon in April and attempting the Marbella 70.3 half Ironman in May, although he was unable to finish.

Chris readily admits that the Ironman challenge posed significant difficulties. He encountered hip, back, and quadriceps troubles during the demanding bike ride. By the time he commenced the run, his lower back and hip were further compromised.

As a result, he adopted a walk/run strategy to prevent himself from reaching a point of exhaustion from which he could not recover. Despite being the last athlete to complete the marathon portion, Chris recognizes the immense significance of every Ironman finisher, as the 17-hour cutoff time is a monumental milestone that everyone strives to achieve after a grueling day. He vividly recalls the overwhelming support he received from a cheering crowd eagerly awaiting his arrival at the finish line—an experience he will cherish forever.

Chris's passion for sports was deeply ingrained, particularly through his involvement as a keen rugby player at Felixstowe Rugby Club. However, his athletic journey took an unexpected turn when he received a surprising diagnosis of Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at the age of 26 in 2019.

Persistent shoulder weakness, dislocations, and rugby-related injuries prompted a visit to a neurologist, who confirmed the presence of FSHD through genetic testing. Although this news initially shook him, forcing him to abandon rugby and mixed martial arts due to the heightened risk of injury, Chris swiftly resolved not to let the diagnosis impede his sporting aspirations.

Kiera Santry, senior challenge events officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK, commended Chris as an inspiration and expressed pride in his remarkable achievements.

Recognising the immense value of his ongoing support, she emphasised the indispensable role individuals like Chris play in enabling the charity to carry out its vital work.

Those who wish to contribute to Chris's cause can do so by donating through his JustGiving page, while information on supporting the charity can be found on their website.
Felixstowe News

23/06/2023

Please show our community spirit and support our amazing carnival committee who work all year by helping for a few hours :
Please use the contact information in the post below
Felixstowe News

A call out to you!
Do you have 2 hours you can offer us as a volunteer, there is nothing too onerous. Tasks include setting up before the weekend starts, procession marshal, and collecting donations and handing out programmes at the Beachside events area.
The help our volunteers offer is vital in us being able to offer our event to the community and we hope you will consider joining our happy group over the weekend.
Let us know on here or email [email protected]

23/06/2023

Preparations are underway to commence the renovation and enhancement of a children's play area located in Langer park .

The design of the park has been influenced by the creative input of students from Langer Primary Academy, ensuring its suitability for both toddlers and juniors.

Once completed, the play area will boast an array of exciting features such as a zipline, basket swing, cradle swings, slides, sensory play panels, and multi-play units.

In addition, captivating sculptures crafted by Graeme Mitcheson in collaboration with the academy's children will be installed as part of the enchanting Lost Creek Trail.

The council's cabinet member for communities, leisure, and tourism expressed enthusiasm, stating, "This endeavor will not only revitalize the play area, making it visually appealing, but it will also transform it into a modern and enjoyable facility, providing families with an enhanced experience at the park."

The refurbishment of the play area is just one aspect of a broader program aimed at improving Langer Park as a whole.

This comprehensive initiative aims to create a welcoming and tranquil space where individuals of all ages can unwind and take pleasure in their surroundings.

Furthermore, there are ongoing tasks in the park's agenda, including the replacement of outdated signage, installation of informative boards, clearing overgrown areas, and the reinstatement of the toilet block.

22/06/2023

East Suffolk councillors will soon make a decision regarding a proposal to install an observation wheel along 's Sea Road, specifically on the promenade, for a period of six months.

Officers are recommending approval.

Standing at a height of 34.5 meters, this captivating structure would have the capacity to accommodate 144 individuals, with each of its 24 enclosures capable of holding six passengers.

Notably, one enclosure would be designed to be accessible for disabled individuals.

According to the planning statement submitted by Paul Hedges, the applicant, this proposal aims to introduce a novel and thrilling attraction to the seafront.

What do you think of the proposal?

22/06/2023

Our Felixstowe Live website has just launched, with content uploaded daily
www.felixstowelive.co.uk
Felixstowe News

22/06/2023

Felixstowe Live Crime Snapshot:

In March 2023, a total of 187 crimes were reported, reflecting a 6% decrease compared to the same period last year when 198 incidents were recorded.

The breakdown of crime types for March 2023 is as follows:

Violence and sexual offences accounted for the highest percentage at 43.32% (81 incidents).
Anti-social behavior constituted 11.76% (22 incidents) of reported crimes.
Public order offenses made up 10.16% (19 incidents).
Shoplifting comprised 9.63% (18 incidents).
Criminal damage and arson constituted 7.49% (14 incidents).
Other theft accounted for 6.95% (13 incidents).
Other crime represented 4.81% (9 incidents).
Burglary, theft from the person, and vehicle crime each accounted for 1.6% (3 incidents).
Drugs and possession of weapons each constituted 0.53% (1 incident).
These statistics provide an overview of the crime landscape in , highlighting areas that require attention to maintain a safe and secure community.

Felixstowe News

22/06/2023

The owner of a well-established bakery in expressed deep concerns about the future of his business, as skyrocketing energy bills threaten its very existence.

The Bakery, faces imminent closure as monthly energy costs have surged from £800 to an astronomical £6,500.

Last year, owner Andy Cole sought to renew his energy contract and unknowingly signed a three-year agreement, with prices fixed at the original, exorbitant tariff quoted during the peak of energy costs.

Having dedicated 12 years to running The Bakery on Hamilton Road, Mr. Cole emphasised that if energy prices do not decrease soon, he will be left with no choice but to shut down the business.

This would not only jeopardise his own livelihood, but also disrupt the income source for his family, as well as leave their eight staff members unemployed.

Mr. Cole shared his concerns, stating, "I can't see how much longer this can continue. If I continue to lose money, it directly affects my wages, leaving me unable to meet my mortgage payments. And it's not just me—any small business that renewed their energy contracts will find themselves in the same predicament. Today, I could get an energy quote for just 20 pence per unit, but last year, it ranged from 40 to 80 pence, which is simply unsustainable."

For over a decade, The Bakery has been an integral part of the Felixstowe community, fostering strong connections along Hamilton Road. Even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bakery went the extra mile by offering a home delivery service at no extra cost to customers, hiring a dedicated delivery person.

The potential closure of The Bakery would not only be a loss for the community but also serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in the current energy landscape. Urgent measures are needed to address these soaring costs and ensure the survival of cherished local establishments like The Bakery.

22/06/2023

In , a man and his dog were injured in a dog attack. The incident occurred on the former Deben High School site in Garrison Lane between 5 pm and 5:20 pm on Saturday, June 17.

While walking his Labrador, the man encountered an unleashed black Rottweiler that swiftly approached and attacked his dog. In an attempt to intervene, the Labrador's owner also sustained injuries.

Fortunately, another member of the public stepped in to help remove the Rottweiler, after which its owner arrived, retrieved the dog, and departed. The owner of the Labrador sustained cuts and puncture wounds, while the dog itself required veterinary treatment for its wounds.

07/05/2023

Felixstowe Vintage Car Rally