The Ipswich Star's Good News Ipswich round up of 2023

In January, we were delighted to share with you the incredible story of long-lost siblings Steven Wells from Ipswich and Helena Fahie, who met for the first time as adults when Steven was interviewing Helena for a role at British Gas.  

The pair met at a Tesco Cafe in Colchester. The interview passed unremarkably – until Steven raised his hand, and Helena caught sight of the ring he wore, embossed with her family’s coat of arms. 

At first, Steven thought Helena was mad – but when his mother revealed the true story of his birth, he and his newfound sister burst into tears, embracing in the cafe to cheers and applause. 

Steven (third from the left) and his long-lost family. Helena is standing fourth from the left. (Image: Contributed)

In February, our community made us proud when hundreds of you turned out for the funeral of an Ipswich war hero.

RAF veteran Ronald Gale was due to be cremated with just two solicitors and a neighbour present.

However, when Ipswich heard the news, hundreds of you were there to accompany him on his final journey, a response he surely would have been overwhelmed by. 

Mr Ronald Frank Gale. Credit: Estate of Ronald Gale (Image: Estate of Ronald Gayle)Those attending the funeral after hearing of the appeal lined the road ahead of Mr Gale's service. Picture: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Community spirit prevailed in March, when crowds gathered outside the Novotel for a counter protest, chanting: “Say it loud, say it clear. Refugees are welcome here.” 

In April, army veteran Ryan Bamforth sprang into action to save the life of a fellow serviceman.

Mr Bamforth was staying at the Premier Inn in Papermill Lane when the RAF veteran, 80, suffered a heart attack in the restaurant.

Using his first aid training, Mr Bamforth was able to get the gentleman breathing again – and was left emotional and overwhelmed when paramedics congratulated him on saving the man’s life. 

In May, we met TikToker Jak Warner, known as Community101hmp, and learned of his mission to spread happiness and financial aid across the globe.

So far, the dad-of-five has helped a homeless man in Spain, a woman with her vet’s bills, and an American struggling to pay rent.

Mr Warner said: “It’s so mental that it took just a little guy from Ipswich to say, come on, let’s help each other.” 

Jak at his set up for when he goes live. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In June, we met surrogate mum Megan Watson-Wing. Despite having no desire to have children herself, Ipswich woman Megan is determined to give the gift of parenthood to those facing fertility issues – and even walked down the aisle on her wedding day, seven months pregnant with another couple’s son. She would do it again, she said, “in a heartbeat”. 

July saw a procession through Ipswich, celebrating the arrival of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey’s famous Galero hat arriving in his hometown. The Wolsey 550 project has been ongoing throughout the year, celebrating the legacy of the iconic Wolsey. 

Wolsey's hat arrives in Ipswich to be greeted by mayor Lynne Mortimer and a recreation of the cardinal himself. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In August, we were excited to hear of the borough council’s strategy to transform the town centre, with plans for full CCTV coverage, good lighting, regular pressure washing and seeping of streets and an ‘events and enlivenment programme’ bringing a new event to the Cornhill nearly every week.  

In September, lifelong Ipswich Town fan Jason Wills told us of his plans to cycle over 350 miles, visiting football grounds around the country, all to raise funds to support Town legend Marcus Stewart, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year. Mr Wills was determined to cycle from the Stadium of Light in Sunderland and make his way down the country, arriving at Portman Road just four days later for the Ipswich v Preston game.  

Town fan Jason Wills is cycling from Sunderland to Ipswich for the Darby Rimmer Foundation, after Town legend Marcus Stewart was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in September last year. (Image: Submitted)

In October, all anyone could talk about was Ewa the polar bear, who arrived in Wherstead to make her home at Jimmy’s Farm.  

Ewa the polar bear explores her new home. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In November, further plans to revitalise Ipswich were announced. Three projects were approved by the borough council’s executive committee, totalling a whopping £13 million. 

And finally, our favourite story of the month came from best friends, Mary and Joyce. The duo were nextdoor neighbours, having both been born in White Elm Street. This Christmas, the pair are neighbours once more, having both moved into Henley House. Their 84-year friendship has weathered the ups and downs of both their lives, and is still going strong.  

“In 84 years, we’ve never had a falling out,” said Mary. “Not yet!”

Mary and Joyce proudly said that they have never had a falling out in 84 years. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)The two friends as girls: Mary sitting on the left, with Joyce beside her. (Image: Charlotte Bond)