Memory

About 30 years ago we were in Woolpit in a cottage which turned out to be much older than we first thought. Some of the beams were dated to the 14th century. That experience kick-started my passion for living in old buildings. After that we spent 11 years in a 16th century farmhouse between Felsham and Cockfield, and finally moved to Lavenham 10 years ago where we live in part of a house probably built for one of the early wool merchants . I remember attending the very first Lavenham Literary Festival in 2013 and even then feeling that I wanted to be involved in the organisation. Little did I know that I would eventually become chair.

Landmark

My landmark is a view, one I love to think about when I’m away from Suffolk. There’s a walk along a path called Clay Lane, away from our village and up on the hill towards Preston St Mary. After a while the woodland opens out to give a broad landscape of fields and hedges with a fan of trees on the horizon. There’s hardly a building in sight. It’s calming and uplifting at any time of year and I always stop my walk here to look and to contemplate and to breathe in the beauty of the land we are privileged to be part of.

Beach

Like so many people I am never happier than wandering on the coast, whether it’s the quiet, atmospheric, plant-strewn spookiness of Shingle Street, or the jolly beach at Aldeburgh. We spent a week in Aldeburgh last summer, swimming, walking, eating gorgeous sea food platters bought from the huts, and just soaking in the sunshine.

Town or Village

Bury St Edmunds for its history. The outline of the Abbey, the tombs in St Mary’s Church, the old medieval grid which is such a pleasure to wander along. Thankfully there are still many independent shops but I mourn the passing of several others. I am a happy regular customer of the Abbeygate Cinema.

Attraction or Day Out

We drive over to Orford when we can and on a sunny day sit in the café by the harbour looking out on the estuary, over the boats to Orford Ness. Once there I would not exchange that view for all the tea in China. Lunch at either the Crown and Castle or the Butley Oysterage, and homeward bound with bread, patisserie and chocolate bought at the Pump Street Bakery and packed into the boot of the car.

Place to Eat

Ah, so many to choose from! I particularly like the Crown at Bildeston for its cosy atmosphere in winter and its lovely outside tables in summer. The food is gorgeous, the menu not too big – it’s always a good sign for me when the chef doesn’t spread herself or himself too thin but concentrates on a few wonderful dishes. I’ve also recently enjoyed the Black Lion in Long Melford. In Bury St Edmunds I would head straight for the unique quirkiness of Pea Porridge.

Event

The Lavenham Literary Festival of course! After the disappointment of the last two years we are planning a fantastic come-back with a starry line-up of speakers and the usual warm, welcoming atmosphere. Kate Humble will be guest speaker at the Festival Dinner, Alan Johnson will make a welcome return, and Tracy Borman will open the festival on the morning of Saturday, November 19. Sudbury author Simon Edge will be speaking in the gorgeous Lavenham Guildhall on November 18. See lavenhamliteraryfestival.co.uk for details and how to join the mailing list.

Shop

I’m lucky to live a few doors away from The Parlour run by the fabulous Jane Hadley. She makes ice-cream to die for and sells an unusual selection of fine chocolate, and an ever-expanding array of items for the home. For small children’s clothes, all of which are made from organic fabric, I head for Pickles and Lillies, also in Lavenham High Street, which carries an irresistible range of toys and other gifts. Finally Lavenham Butchers for locally-sourced, high quality meat and a great delicatessen.

Export

Plants and gardens. Suffolk rejoices in many and varied nurseries and national collections of plants and writers about horticulture. There are glorious gardens to visit and talks throughout the year from organisations such as Suffolk Plant Heritage and the East Anglian Garden Group.