Happy Birthday Chris Hunt(58) 4.11.16

[Paul K]

Many thanks chaps. Went to the only good restaurant in Ipswich last night - thoroughly enjoyed it. As for a new battleship Paul - I did get Battlefield 1 as a pressie, not installed it yet but hopefully I'll get some time with that tomorrow.

Chris, I've been looking at Battlefield 1 myself, including the official videos. Visually, it's very impressive; that Zeppelin catching fire and coming down is quite something. However, would it be fair to say it is just another FPS, this time set in a WW1 environment, or is there a bit more to it ?

And further off topic - you mention Ipswich. What's it like ? I was there the other week and had a quick wander around the town centre, which seemed quite nice, but I am more interested in the place because of its easy rail connection to London. Just a general view of it will do - paradise on earth / not bad / shite...that sort of thing.

[ChrisHunt]

Hi Paul, I've not had time to play Battlefield at the moment - don't get enough time in the evening and I've got the deep joy of working this coming Friday and Saturday night so won't get time at the weekend either (might on Friday day with luck :-) ).

Regarding Ipswich - depends where in Ipswich you live - North and East areas of the town are the better places, the road system is crap so traffic is often a pain. Generally there hasn't been much investment in the town so I've seen much better but it's got most things you might need. If you are going to commute to London (my daily lot) then starting from Ipswich isn't a bad idea as you're more likely to get a seat. As a place to go I much prefer Norwich or Bury St Edmunds. There are some fine places around Ipswich - Woodbridge deserving a special mention. Rick might chip in on this conversation as he lives over the other side of Ipswich from me and no doubt he's got his own views.

[Paul K]

Hi Chris,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Thanks for the info on Ipswich. My choice is either Ipswich or Norwich, and it wouldn't be a daily commute into London as such, because I will be finishing full time work before the end of next year. I've inherited a place in Norwich, so I could modernize that ( it's frozen in time in the mid -seventies ) or sell it, along with this place in Cambridge, and buy in Ipswich. I think I'll probably end up in Norwich, but Ipswich will be an option until the last minute. Perhaps I could come back to you for further info at some time over the next few months, please.

Regards
Paul

[ChrisHunt]

Hi Paul, of the two my preference would be Norwich (even if I don't have 12 toes :-) ). Have you thought about BSE (Bury St Edmunds)? Much nicer than Ipswich and not as far as Norwich. Also there's Woodbridge if you're not on a regular commute. Good little market town on the Deben so boats also. Also has a rail station.

No probs if you want to discuss further.

[Paul K]

Hi Chris - yes, I've thought about other places, and Bury St Edmunds was one of them. What I'm after is ease of access to London to spend time with my daughters, who are both London residents, and in order to enjoy what that great city has to offer. The problem is getting home late, and I'd rather not have to change trains in the dead of night. So, a straight run up to Ipswich or Norwich is preferable. Last week I went out to dinner with them, followed by P J Harvey performing at the Brixton Academy - thats the sort of thing I'll be doing more and more from now on, so an easy trip home is desirable. If I have a home town, it is Norwich, and it really is a lovely place, so I think I will end up there - even with ten toes.

[ChrisHunt]

Have a look at Manningtree Paul. That's my "local" station and is easier to get in and out of than Ipswich. Manningtree is quite a nice little town, even if it is in Essex . I'm in a similar situation to you but going the other way - I have a son and daughter in Norwich but also a son in London but if going to Norwich we always drive. Getting into London at the weekend's by rail can be a bit of a trial - late again last night (bl**dy freight) and again coming home again this morning and following 8 weekends of a rail replacement bus service, which turned a commute of under 2 hours into one of 3 hours.

[Paul K]

Manningtree - I'll have a look, thanks Chris. This rail work at weekends - isn't it all to do with the upgrade of that line ? I believe the project is called 'Norwich in Ninety' - at least four trains a day will travel from Norwich to London in ninety minutes, and take about an hour from Ipswich. The time from Manningtree will be even shorter, obviously.

[ChrisHunt]

Hi Paul, the rail work is all about Crossrail (who wouldn't be?). I imagine Norwich in 90 would bring more fun. Often it's more like Norwich by 90. Also, if you did live in Manningtree then you could walk home from the station for those wet trips to London.

[Paul K]

Hi Paul, the rail work is all about Crossrail (who wouldn't be?). I imagine Norwich in 90 would bring more fun. Often it's more like Norwich by 90. Also, if you did live in Manningtree then you could walk home from the station for those wet trips to London.

Yes, very Cross rail. I find Crossrail very interesting, and have followed its general progress over the last few years. You've got take your hat off to those who've designed and built it. An incredible feat of engineering.

I had a look at Manningtree, but house prices would be a bit of a squeeze, so I won't be a new resident there, unfortunately. Ipswich is just the right balance between property prices and times to London - but that said, I'm veering towards Norwich. I have to ask myself how often I'll be making the trip, and whether that extra 30 minutes is really an issue. Norwich is such a lovely city, and is as near a 'home town' as I have.

I don't have to make the decision until next year, so no great urgency. I do appreciate your advice Chris, and sorry to have hijacked your Happy Birthday thread. If eventually I do move to Ipswich, I shall buy you a pint or two in recompense.

[ChrisHunt]

Hi Paul, if you don't have to go into London that often I would stick with Norwich - much better than Ipswich. But why move away from Cambridge?