03/09/2026

Former Ipswich Town captain ‘over the moon’ with local learners’ handiwork

The team celebrating completion of the project. Credit Suffolk New College

The former captain of Ipswich Town FC said he is ‘over the moon’ with a new mobile sauna built for him by local joinery learners.

The learners from Suffolk New College were supported by Ipswich contractor SEH French and KLH Architects to convert a former horsebox trailer into the mobile sauna for Luke Chambers’ wellness club, Harmonious Society.

It will be used at Harmonious Society events, giving club members a chance to relax and unwind after running and workout sessions.

Luke said: “I’m absolutely over the moon.

“The attention to detail, the craftsmanship, the processes and end product have surpassed all expectations.

“Guided by Neil at SEH French, it really has been amazing to be a part of.

“We can’t wait to get it out there for others to enjoy.”

Learners with Luke Chambers and Neil Pryke. Credit Suffolk New College

The project saw learners draw up plans for the conversion before stripping out the interior and fitting the new sauna.

Darren Chittock, Lecturer in Bench Joinery and Carpentry at Suffolk New College, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that SEH French, KLH, Harmonious and the college worked together on this project. So a big thanks to them all.

“It gave our students an opportunity to work on a ‘real life’ project with industry partners and create something that will have a great benefit to the local community.

“It also gave our learners the chance to put themselves in the shop window with top employers. And this will hopefully enable them to get some employment opportunities in the future.”

SEH French, KLH Architects and Harmonious Society were also bestowed with an award for their work on the project by Suffolk New College.

Inside the sauna. Credit Suffolk New College

Neil Pryke, Contracts Manager at SEH French, volunteered on the project on Fridays.

He added: “The enthusiasm shown by the students has been brilliant – the whole project has been a great success.

“The end result speaks for itself, it blew us away. It is a testament to their hard work and enthusiasm.

“Projects like this are so important for giving youngsters a chance to immerse themselves in both the planning and logistics needed to get a job over the line, but also the teamwork and dedication which ensure top quality.

“We look forward to working with the college again on similar projects going forward.”

SEH French, KLH Architects and Harmonious Society are all proud industry partners at the college and help provide valuable training and employment opportunities for learners.

More information on how to become an industry partner can be found at www.suffolk.ac.uk/employers/industry-partners. 

This article was written by

Oliver Sullivan
Features Writer

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