New spiritual centre by the Waterfront

The Wateterfront area is the home of many fledling businesses, and much more just shops, bars and restaurants.

There are small commercial units which have been created beneath many of the apartment blocks,

In Pownall Road, just off Duke Street, is the new Elms Holistic Sanctuary which has been opened by business partners Richard Dighton and Jean Parnell.

It is a spiritual centre offering a range of treatments, alternative therapies and counselling.

Richard, who is from Ipswich, said: “We wanted to create a hub for all things holistic and spiritual. We will be offering much more as we build on what “We feel is going to be a wonderful place to be.”

The partners met through the Beeches Spiritualist Church in Woodbridge Road, explained Richard.

“The inspiration came from there.

“We were sad to see The Cedars close, it went back to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

“There were a lot of people who had put everything into that.

“We wanted a holisitc centre so we could go forward, offering training courses and treatments.

“There is a lot of people who want to know more about spirituality but they are scared of going to church.

“People can also just come in for a cup of coffee and a chat.”

“It is such a lovely area,” said Richard, “so close to the Waterfront and yet is is very quiet and peaceful.”

“We get the sun on the front in the morning, and we can see it going down over the boats in the evening.”

Jean, from Debenham, said: “It is brilliant to be here, in town.

“It is good to have a special centre, rather than to be working from home. Some people find it uncomfortable coming to your home for treatments.”

“To have something like this is a dream come true.”

Jean has lived in Debenham for 30 years and been a full-time therapist for about six years.

She specialises in reflexology, Indian head massage and energy healing (Reiki).

The new centre has plenty of space and treatment rooms and the plan is to have other visiting therapists, as well as counselling,