From department stores to beloved nightclubs, here are five things Ipswich Star readers would bring back from the past.

1. Grimwades

Grimwades was built on the corner of Westgate StreetGrimwades was built on the corner of Westgate Street (Image: Newsquest)

Once located on the Cornhill, the business was founded by tailor Richard Grimwade in 1844 and was carried on by his 16-year-old son John.

Grimwades was an old style ladies and gentleman's clothes shop which also sold school uniforms and in later years had a restaurant on the first floor. 

The shop closed its doors in 1996 and has since been used as a greeting cards shop and a bargain clothes store. 

READ MORE: 145-year-old Bible bought from car boot sale for 50p returned to family member

2. Broomhill Lido

The swimming pool in 1990The swimming pool in 1990 (Image: Newsquest) Construction of Broomhill Lido began in the 1930s with the swimming pool opening in April of 1938. 

Despite being made a Grade II listed building the area has remained derelict and in a state of disrepair since closing in 2002. 

After more than 20 years of campaigning, readers will get their wish.

Plans to restore the pool were submitted and the lido is expected to reopen in 2026.

3. Ancient House Bookshop

The earliest reference to the Ancient House was in the 14th centuryThe earliest reference to the Ancient House was in the 14th century (Image: Charlotte Bond) The Ancient House in Ipswich is believed to have been the hiding place of King Charles II who hid in the attic after losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651. 

In 1968 Deben Bookshops of Woodbridge took over the building before it was taken over by Hatchards of Piccadilly in 1971 when it traded at The Ancient House Book Shop.

Cookery appliance store Lakeland occupied the building until 2021. 

4. Co-Op Fete

The fairground rides were a huge attractionThe fairground rides were a huge attraction (Image: Newsquest) During the summer Christchurch Park was taken over by a huge celebration with dancers, races, flower shows, Morris dancers and more. 

The fete first began in Chantry Park in 1934 before it moved to the bigger area where it was staged every year until 1980. 

Many have described it as the "best day out in Ipswich."

READ MORE: Can you spot yourself in our photos of Suffolk nightclubs?

5. Cindy's Nightclub

The interior of Cindy's NightclubThe interior of Cindy's Nightclub (Image: Richard Rackham) The building once home to the nightclub started as a 17th century inn and was established as a "hub" of the wool trade in Ipswich. 

Cindy's Nightclub was a popular place to be until its closure in 1991 with little notice. 

The building was then transformed by Bethesda Baptist Church into a church cafe which opened in 1999.