Woodbridge is a fine small Suffolk town with two distinctive faces: the interlocking communities around the church, the market square and the Thoroughfare; and the Quay area along the tidal River Deben. The Quay has its own elegance focusing on the white weatherboarded tide mill and nearby cottages. But it also has workaday rough edges in the station, the boatyards, chandleries, warehouses and venerable boats, edges that give it life and character.
Woodbridge is conveniently close to Ipswich, well within commuting distance, and easily within striking distance for London weekenders. How tempting then these boat yards and business premises must be for developers wanting to build smart riverside apartments within the sound of the curlew’s call. And how sad that would be for the distinctiveness of the town. Renewal yes, but for something that respects on the traditions of the place and provides real jobs for local people.
Photos: Woodbridge shipwright’s workshop, June 2014