Did you dare to try a skydive in the 1970s to 1990s?

Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury's parachute team in May 1988 (Image: Archant)

Today we are looking back at parachute jumps at Ipswich Airport and around Suffolk and north Essex in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Westbourne sixth form students preparing for a parachute jump at Ipswich Airport in January 1985 (Image: Archant)

Often the skydivers were raising money for charity at these events, as well as enjoying themselves.

A parachute jump which took place in Ipswich in April 1973 (Image: Archant)

Some of the pictures in this Days Gone By gallery were taken at the former Ipswich Airport, where UK Parachuting, then known as Ipswich Parachute Centre, ran weekly jumps.

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Students from King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds taking part in a sponsored parachute jump in June 1995 (Image: Archant)

The airport also ran competitions with entrants keen to be crowned Suffolk’s best skydiver.

Hadleigh Youth Club members at Clacton receiving parachute instructions in June 1980 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Airport finally closed in 1997, and UK Parachuting now has a centre at Beccles Airfield.

Crowds watching the parachute jumps at Ipswich Airport in October 1981 (Image: Archant)

If these skydive photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to: Judy Rimmer, Archant, Ip-City Centre, 1 Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD.

To order copies of photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

A parachute competition at Ipswich Airport in October 1981 (Image: Archant)