Unfortunately, the region's rural heritage and way of life continues to be eroded at an alarming rate. Few things highlight this more than the decline in livestock markets. This one at Ipswich is long gone.

The coast however, remains a huge draw. Felixstowe, for example, continues to attract many visitors, its grand architecture testimony to an even greater popularity at the turn of the century. The 'goat carts' (shown here in 1906) haven't fared quite as well!

Other forms of transport at this time certainly had a far greater impact on the region's economy. This card from November 1903 shows one of the earliest pictures of a tram operating in the county town of Ipswich.

Whilst trams were revolutionising life in the region's towns, traction engines were having a similar impact on farming methods in the country. This engine [RSI 26998] has threshing tackle by Ipswich based Ransomes attached.

Another famous Felixstowe 'landmark' is the 'Cork' lightship.

Continuing the floating theme, the ferry between Bawdsey and Felixstowe still operates today, although nowadays it's just a small motor boat.

This card of the 'Landseerodians' is especially cherished since I used to live in Landseer Road (Ipswich), a stones throw from where they would have performed all those years ago!

This card from 1909 of nearby Easton shows the aftermath of severe gales and reminds me of a similarly destructive storm in 1987, shortly after I moved to the area.

And finally, some damage of a less natural kind resulting from the Lowestoft Bombardment on 25th April 1916