After leaving Suffolk three years ago to go and live independently, a lot has changed.

I moved to Norwich after spending most of my life in a Suffolk village just outside of Ipswich.

Coming back to visit family and work for the paper has made me realise so much has gone on in such a relatively short space of time.

Here are seven things that have stood out to me since returning to the town.

1. The Baths

Maybe it was my age at the time but The Baths have become increasingly more popular, and as a music lover that is a brilliant thing.

Led Zeppelin played The Baths in 1971 (Image: Archant)I wouldn't have dreamt a band I love, The Hunna, would play Ipswich when previously they tend to stick to Norwich venues.

This brings me a huge amount of local pride as someone who loves live music and knows the history of the Ipswich music scene.

A huge part of Ipswich's history looked like it had fizzled out but that all looks like it is changing.

2.  Unit 17

First opening as Liquid, then Liquid and Envy, the Unit 17 nightclub was the setting for my first-ever night out.

Unit 17 in Cardinal Park had three rooms (Image: Archant) I turned 18 in the Covid pandemic and had my first club night the day everything opened again at Unit 17.

It was quite the experience - airport security scanners on the way in, vibrant dancefloors and what felt like the whole of Ipswich between the three rooms of the nightclub.

I felt a sort of sadness after hearing of its closure in 2022 despite only ever spending a grand total of three nights in the venue.

But like many places in Ipswich it has a new purpose and is now InflataNation.

3. Debenhams closing

The department store giant closed in 2021 and after Woolworths and BHS closed, this was the next best thing.

Debenhams closed in 2021Debenhams closed in 2021 (Image: Archant) Growing up, my nan used to take me on shopping days, spending the majority of the time in Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

We'd go around the makeup and perfume, smelling each one and looking at all the lipsticks.

When Debenhams closed, a chapter of my childhood entertainment did too.

Of course, you can still shop online but it isn't the same as physically window shopping there.

4. Christmas tree

The tree that first stood in Cornhill and then at the Waterfront for over a decade will not be making a return after being damaged in a storm in January.

The bauble tree will not be returning this year, much to a lot of people's joy (Image: Archant) The £100,000 tree was damaged beyond repair, pulling up the controversy around the bauble tree again after people said they would rather see a real tree in Cornhill.

Despite always hoping for a real Christmas tree, something about seeing the bauble one on the Waterfront makes it Christmas for me.

5. Premier League

Clearly, the Premier League has had an impact on the town. 

Ipswich were promoted to the Premier League this year (Image: Charlotte Bond) No more remarks about being from Ipswich, a town with a team that hasn't seen the Premier League in 22 years - which is longer than my lifetime!

Since visiting again, I haven't seen a huge difference in terms of town aesthetics but the moral among Town supporters is a complete U-turn for the better.

6. Cult Café closure

Cult Café closed very suddenly in April 2023.

Cult Café was the perfect place for a chilled night out (Image: Dave Kindred) The café has been in the James Hehir Building of the university since it opened and again played a crucial role in my ability to socialise after the pandemic.

The café/bar felt like a welcoming space, playing music but still offering itself as a venue more low-key than a club. 

7. Uber

Uber has recently hit Ipswich, launching its services in September.

Uber finally hits Ipswich (Image: PA) After spending a considerable amount of time in cities that have Uber, previously coming back to Ipswich and not having that can cause a bit of panic when wanting to have spontaneous nights out.

I won't stop using the local taxi firms, but in a pinch, Uber is a wonderful safety net to have.

Overall, things have changed both for better and for worse, but Ipswich will always feel like home.

What do you miss about Ipswich? Let me know here.