IPSWICH: Today the county town of Suffolk is sending out an “Ipswich United” message of hope and kinship to our namesake in Queensland, Australia.

The plight of our namesake town on the other side of the world has prompted strong support from the community.

Ipswich Building Society chief executive Paul Winter was moved to offer �1,000 to kick start the Ipswich United fund after seeing the reports from the other side of the world.

He said: “There is a link with Ipswich in Queensland, and many people here feel real concern about what is happening here.

“Ipswich in Queensland used to have its own building society, like ourselves, although that was later taken over by a larger organisation.

“We wanted to do what we could to help and get the support rolling in.”

Our own mayor Jane Chambers is to contribute the proceeds from her Burns Night supper at the end of the month to the Ipswich United appeal.

She said: “Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Queensland. I have been to Queensland myself and have lots of good memories.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said: “There are still people here who remember the terrible floods of 1953 and this seems to be on a similar scale.

“Ipswich and the area around that city were first colonised by people from our part of the country and it is natural that there are close bonds between us. I am sure the community here will do all it can to help the people of Queensland at this time.”

The New Wolsey Theatre is also to donate the bucket collections it makes at the end of its performances on Friday and Saturday to the appeal.

Ipswich-based Olympian Karen Pickering knows the affected area having spent much time training and competing in Australia as well as returning there for holidays.

She said: “I would like to do whatever I can to help in any fundraising efforts – the news is shocking and I just hope that the area can recover before too long.”

n Full story – Pages 2 and 3.

n Opinion – Page 6