Dozens of public houses have closed in Ipswich in recent years. The pace of losses has now slowed and many community pubs are run by volunteers.

Ipswich Star: Who was serving the drinks at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?Who was serving the drinks at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?

This week David Kindred looks back at the two in particular - The Old Bell, which stood at the junction of Stoke Street, Vernon Street and Bell Lane, and Blooming Fuchsia in Foxhall Road.

Ipswich Star: The Old Bell Inn - This photograph was taken in January 1975. The shop on the left, at the corner of Dock Street, has since been demolished and Vernon Street widened.The Old Bell Inn - This photograph was taken in January 1975. The shop on the left, at the corner of Dock Street, has since been demolished and Vernon Street widened.

A reader has written recalling The Blooming Fuchsia, which was demolished in fairly recent years and replaced with houses now stand.

Ipswich Star: Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974? (Image: Archant)

The Old Bell building is a 15th or early 16th Century grade two listed building, which is presently being restored.

Ipswich Star: Who were these regulars?Who were these regulars? (Image: Archant)

Margaret Longstaff, of Ipswich, said: “My brother grew up in Ipswich and for the past two decades he has been living in Spain.

Ipswich Star: Were you a regular at the Blooming Fuchsia?Were you a regular at the Blooming Fuchsia? (Image: Archant)

“He recently enquired about the Blooming Fuchsia public house on Foxhall Road, Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?

“I told him houses now stand on the site and that the coloured tiles, forming a picture of a fuchsia from the pub wall have been retained on the site set in a wall.”

Ipswich Star: Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974?Can you add names to these photographs taken at the Blooming Fuchsia, Ipswich, in September 1974? (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Darts players at the Old Bell Inn, Stoke Street, Ipswich, in January 1975. Do you recognise anybody featured?Darts players at the Old Bell Inn, Stoke Street, Ipswich, in January 1975. Do you recognise anybody featured? (Image: Archant)

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Ipswich Star: Who was behind the bar at the Old Bell Inn, Ipswich, in 1975?Who was behind the bar at the Old Bell Inn, Ipswich, in 1975?