Friday's Fascinating Flower Facts

Balloon flower is a member of the Bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and is a single species. In spring and summer the plant is native to Asia and at the peak of flowering, appear to be covered in a blanket of pastel-coloured flowers. The scientific name Platycodon literally means 'broad / flat bell' and refers to the way in which the round bud opens up into an almost flat star. The flower's five points give rise to a lot of local folklore. In Europe it represents the five senses, and the five elements according to ancient Greek philosophy. In Japan the Balloon flower appears on the coats of arms of important families, and Wicca believers see a pentagram in it. It makes Balloon flower an archetype that appeals to virtually everyone.

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Today's Felixstowe sunrise: 04:38

Today's Felixstowe sunset: 21:08

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Tide Times

01:41 0.69m

08:06 3.45m

13:57 1.29m

20:20 3.33m

Floodgates open

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Weather:

Some morning sunshine possible, before thickening cloud spreads north with outbreaks of rain. These turning persistent in places, and perhaps heavy at times through the afternoon, mainly along the Essex coast. The odd rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out. Maximum Temperature 21c, low of 12c.

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Orwell Bridge:

Open

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Joke of the day:

I invested in a hot air balloon company...

And it's really taken off

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Today's Post Office Openings:

Bent Hill, Wolsey Garden – 10.30 – 12.30

Felixstowe, Hamilton Road - 09.00 – 15.00

Old Felixstowe, High Road, East – 09.00-17.30

Walton High Street – 08.15 – 17.30

Trimley High Road – 06.00 – 22.00

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Today's supermarket shop openings:

Co-op Hamilton Road – 07.00-21.00

Co-op Wadgate Road – 06.00-23.00

Co-op High Road West - 07.00-23.00

Co-op King Street – 06.00-23.00

Co-op Walton High Street 06.00-23.00

Morrison's – 07.00 – 21.00 (petrol 08.00-22.00)

Tesco metro – 07.00-22.00

Sainsbury's Warren Heath – 08.00-22.00

Lidl Langer Road: 08.00 – 21.00

Lidl Haven exchange: 08.00-21.00

Wear face covering. Respect social distancing rules and treat shop staff with respect.

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This weeks' surgeries and dispensary times:

Grove Medical centre 08.00-18.30 (283197) - Covid vaccinations available by appointment only

Haven Health 08.00-18.30 (670107)

Howard House 09.00-17.00 (282706)

Felixstowe Community Hospital (458820)

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Felixstowe - Harwich - Shotley Ferry timetable (from Monday, March 29)

Felixstowe-Bawdsey ferry will run from:

Easter weekend until April 30: 10.00 - 17.00 weekends only.

Wave to hail the ferryman, or call 07709 411 511. Go here for website

Bus services:

Check here for 77 service Monday to Friday timetableLive travel updates: 

Check here for 75 service Monday to Friday timetable

Live travel updates: 

Train times and traffic hold ups

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