Many long-standing residents don’t know what makes Ipswich Institute tick. Some might have noticed an impressive door and arched entrance just down from the Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre but you have to walk through to see what a treasure chest of a facility this is.
The guide says the Institute, a registered charity, is “a source of inspiration, a place of tranquillity”. No arguing with that. The reading room and library holds newspapers, periodicals, 8,000 books, music but, above all, a great opportunity for conversation. This is where people come for refreshments and a chat. It’s a lovely, heart-warming place - so peaceful you would not believe you are in the heart of a busy town centre.
The angle was privileged to be given a tour of the facilities by Krystyna Smithers, the Ipswich Institute’s General Manager. Her enthusiasm for the place is infectious; we came away with a sense of missing something over the years. All this just a short walk from our editorial office and we always walked straight past.
That niggling sense of regret is enhanced when you nip round to The Admiral’s House in Tower Street. This is the “new” Institute but is as much wrapped in history as the other rooms. Here we find elegance in every room, including the Chapters restaurant, where the lunch menu is inviting to say the least. The Admiral’s House also offers meeting rooms and a coffee lounge. Educational courses and hobbies abound. You can also book the restaurant for special celebrations.
But what is the institute for? “For everyone,” says Krystyna. “The Institute might be a best-kept secret (or two) but this is a special place we want more people to know about. We have members of all ages (bang goes another myth about it being only for senior citizens), including students, and all we ask is that they respect the ethos and the special atmosphere.”
The Ipswich Institute began life back in 1824 as a Mechanics’ Institute dedicated to making knowledge more widely available. This was a different age, remember. Wellington was the hero of Waterloo and canals were the motorways of Britain.
Today, the Institute has become a wonderful cultural centre but one thing remains the same; it is self-supporting and eager to help its members and their guests find something to amuse and stimulate them. Bridge classes, poetry readings, day trips and art are all on the Institute menu.
Membership of this exclusive and inclusive club costs £33 a year for individuals (plus £5 joining fee) or £55 for households (plus £5 joining fee).
If you want to find out more about what goes on behind that secret door give Krystyna or her staff a call on 01473 253992.
The Ipswich Institute is open Mondays to Saturdays and there is an Open Day at both buildings on Saturday 11th March from 10am to 4pm.