FELIXSTOWE'S Spa Pavilion was due to close from today while the first phase of an extensive refurbishment programme gets underway.

FELIXSTOWE'S Spa Pavilion was due to close from today while the first phase of an extensive refurbishment programme gets underway.

Julie Howes, the Spa's sales and marketing manager, said: “The initial works will include a new box office and the introduction of an additional bar in the foyer area, open during the interval for all theatregoers at all performances.”

Although temporarily relocated, the box office will remain open as usual while the work is carried out.

Miss Howes said: “The next phase of the Spa redevelopment programme is proposed to start in June this year and will include the restaurant and lounge bar areas of the venue.

“The restaurant will be closed for four days from today and will reopen on Friday for normal opening hours between 10am until 4pm.”

The Spa's spring/summer season starts on Wednesday, January 16, with music hall show The Good Old Days.

Miss Howes added: “A competition placed in the Evening Star to name the new bar was won by nine year old, James Aleksic from Ipswich who aptly suggested Limelights.

Historically, lime-lights were used in theatres from the mid 1800's and were so called because lime was an essential component in the burning process that produced a vivid light.

They were then used to cast a beam of light on the central character on stage excluding the other cast members. Today, these are more widely known as follow-spots.

Are you a regular Spa Pavilion customer? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk