Members of a Facebook group bringing together women from Ipswich who now live in America have got together for a trip to New Orleans.

Ipswich Star: Women from the Yes! We are from Ipswich Facebook group wear their Ipswich t-shirts with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEYWomen from the Yes! We are from Ipswich Facebook group wear their Ipswich t-shirts with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

The ‘Yes! We are from Ipswich” Facebook group was set up in 2014 by mother-of-two Jane Tuohey who moved to America 34 years ago and now lives in Carrboro, North Carolina.

In 2015 the women got together for their first big outing together, a trip to Las Vegas - this month they visited New Orleans.

Ipswich Star: The group wave their Union Jack flag with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEYThe group wave their Union Jack flag with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

Mrs Touhey said they were a close knit bunch.

“We had a brilliant time, she said.

Ipswich Star: Women from the Yes! We are from Ipswich Facebook group wear their IPswich t-shirts with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEYWomen from the Yes! We are from Ipswich Facebook group wear their IPswich t-shirts with pride on their trip to New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

“Even during the year there are little meet ups, the ladies are so close. The wonderful thing about this group is that all through the year, the ladies get together whenever they can.

“We are now in the midst of planning next year’s trip to San Antonio in Texas.”

Ipswich Star: The Natchez steamboat on the Mississippi. Picture: JANE TUOHEYThe Natchez steamboat on the Mississippi. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

While in New Orleans, the group of 16 women, joined by their husbands and friends, went for a jazz luncheon on the Natchez steamboat before boarding a Hop on Hop Off open-top sightseeing tour bus.

Mrs Tuohey said: “A few of us went on a horse and carriage ride throughout the French Quarter and we also walked around the surrounding areas.

Ipswich Star: The women from Ipswich enoying their tour of New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEYThe women from Ipswich enoying their tour of New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

“Others visited plantation homes, museums and other destinations.

“A group of 27 went on the steam boat and then went out on the town in the evening.

Ipswich Star: On board the Natchez steam boat. Picture: JANE TUOHEYOn board the Natchez steam boat. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

“We then walked down the river with our Union Jack and sang Rule Britannia. We had a blast.”

The Facebook group now has 270 members, so many that Mrs Tuohey has had to make it a private group and vet those who want to join.

Ipswich Star: Some of the gropup went for a horse and carriage ride throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEYSome of the gropup went for a horse and carriage ride throughout the French Quarter in New Orleans. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

“I have had to put it on secret because it is so much work,” she said.

“I really wanted to make sure the group is only for Ipswich people who have a real, solid connection to the town.”

Ipswich Star: The women got around the city using its famous street cars. Picture: JANE TUOHEYThe women got around the city using its famous street cars. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

The group includes members from all over the United States.

“Most of us still have our English accents though,” said Mrs Tuohey.

Ipswich Star: The group went on a guided open-top bus tour around the city. Picture: JANE TUOHEYThe group went on a guided open-top bus tour around the city. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)

“You can see by our t-shirts we are still so proud to be from Ipswich. We are a group of very patriotic ladies and are very proud of the fact we are from England and from Ipswich as well.

As well as next year’s trip to San Antonio, they are also planning a cruise in the Caribbean in 2019.

Ipswich Star: Jane Touhey, right, set up the Facebook group in 2014. Picture: JANE TUOHEYJane Touhey, right, set up the Facebook group in 2014. Picture: JANE TUOHEY (Image: Archant)