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Celebrating the new seasons with our weekly activities
Well, it’s been a busy time for everyone at ActivLives this summer, as you can see from the Newsletter It has been fantastic seeing so many people, including members, guests and visitors enjoying a wide range of ActivLives activities and events in the lovely summer sunshine However, now in a flash, we are in Autumn ActivLives is gearing up ready for the Autumn and Winter celebrations, as well as, continuing to deliver our weekly activities across Ipswich and East Suffolk, not forgetting our Sudbury site. This time of year, can be very lonely for many people, so if you know of anyone who would benefit from joining a friendly and fun ActivLives activity or volunteering with us, please point them in our direction I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our AGM in November.
Gardening World
When you walk through the gates to the people’s community gardens, it is like walking into a sanctuary, one where every plant has a story and every seed sown is a promise of growth. Physically, the act of gardening keeps us all active and engaged The rhythmic tasks of digging, weeding and planting provides exercise at your own pace, in addition to connecting us to the earth in a deep and satisfying way Muscles may ache at the end of the day, clothes may be covered on occasion in mud, and we might sometimes be soaked to the skin from the rain, but this is a small price to pay for the reward of the mass of fresh produce we are able to grow The hands-on work in the soil not only strengthens our minds and our bodies, but also connects us all directly to the rhythms of life.
Emotionally, the garden is my happy place It is a refuge for the many people who visit on a regular basis for the variety of activities we provide. There is something incredibly soothing about watching things grow from tiny seeds into flourishing plants It offers a break from life’s stresses and an opportunity to clear one’s mind, whilst cultivating a sense of belonging and creating new friendships Each bloom, and the sight of new seedlings popping through their growing medium, is a reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty, which lifts everyone’s spirits and renews our sense of hope and accomplishment Watching wildlife thrive – be it a butterfly landing on a flower to take a drink of nectar, or a bee happily buzzing around collecting pollen –fills us with a pronounced sense of peace and joy.
There is something deeply satisfying about contributing to a habitat that supports life It is a reminder of the beauty in small moments and the happiness that comes from nurturing both plants and creatures
Spiritually, the community gardens serve as a symbol of collective hope and renewal. It embodies the idea that together we can create something greater than ourselves, whilst enabling individuals to connect to something larger than themselves. The shared space nurtures plants and wildlife but also the shared vision of sustainability and interdependence It teaches us about co-operation, patience and the profound impact of working together towards the greater good, reinforcing our connection to each other and the environment
In both personal and community contexts, gardening for people and wildlife offers a harmonious blend of physical, emotional and spiritual enrichment It connects us to nature, fosters well-being, and builds stronger, more resilient communities
Ian Hirst ActivGardens Operations Officer
Julie Stokes ActivLives CEO
Summer scenes from the commun ty garden - includ ng an act vi y with Grow Your Future course, a v s t from the Internat onal Women’s Group and a drumming session w th Moira during the ActivGardens party
ActivGardens
Multi-cultural feast promotes spirit of sharing
More than 40 women from all over the world prepared a summer’s feast at the People’s Community Garden. Staff and volunteers showed members of the International Women’s Group, hosted by Suffolk Refugee Support, around the site, which was bursting with colourful flowers and ready-to-pick veg, before our visitors set to in the outdoor kitchen
We all enjoyed sitting round together enjoying Kosovan pancakes, stuffed flatbreads, and many other goodies which were generously offered around, accompanied by new potatoes and salad from the community garden.
We hope this will inspire some of the visitors to get involved in gardening at ActivGardens, showing us how to grow veg from different parts of the world and enabling us to swap and try new recipes
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for sparing the time to show us around your community gardens, sharing more about how our funds are contributing, letting us taste your honey, dig up some potatoes and learn a lot more about bees than I ever thought that there was to know. It was so interesting and I hope that you are all so proud of the incredible reach that your projects have, how they touch so many lives and make such a difference We all really enjoyed the opportunity to visit w th you - Angela Carpenter, East of Eng and Co-op Commun ty Support Manager
We were delighted to welcome a number of funders to ActivGardens over the summer, who came to see firsthand the important work they are supporting this year.
Representatives from the East of England Co-op - which is helping to fund our ‘Grow Well Eat Well’ project through their Community Cares Fund - looked around the People’s Community Garden before rolling up their sleeves to harvest potatoes Their project is enabling our produce go to local families who use the St Peter’s Top Up Shop
Meanwhile Scrutton Bland accountants, which is supporting our beekeeping project, enjoyed an informative session led by Ian, attended by ‘Gardening In Mind’ course participants Their funding is helping people to engage with nature to enhance their overall health and wellbeing You may not believe it – but beekeeping can have a wonderful calming effect!
A Langlands Grantmaking Fund trustee came to see an ActivBlooms workshop for care home residents at the CRESS Pavilion They will be delighted to see all the flowers we have grown for this project as part of ‘Grow Your Future’. Service users at Woodlands Mental Health Unit based at Ipswich Hospital left with their hands full when they picked for their own activities on the wards!
In your words
ue first volunteered for the people’s community arden as part of her workplace scheme, which ncourages employees to do something worthwhile in eir community instead of coming into work for a day part-day Sue, who was Business Support Officer at swich Hospital NHS Trust Adult and Community ervices, decided to come along to ActivGardens. She njoyed it so much, that after she retired, she became a gular volunteer
Sue says: “I joined for the opportunity to be outdoors, meet new people, and feel worthwhile after I retired - to have a purpose
ove it - the freedom, the fact I can wander around if I ant to, I do a lot of weeding! It’s nice to have the pportunity to do pruning and harvesting You learn as ou go along, you learn from other volunteers. I didn’t alise I would enjoy it as much as I do! The thing about garden is it’s different every year, and it’s different roughout the year
his year, I know the produce is used and it goes to a good place – you’re harvesting to give people a good diet, because fruit and veg is important and that’s what a lot of people seem not to be able to afford I’ve made new frie nt bereave
More than 90 five to six year olds from Sidegate Primary School visited the community garden to learn about nature and growing plants, while young people from Orwell Park School toured the garden and Wild Zone and tried their hand at beekeeping during the summer months.
Orwell Park Science teacher Andrew Haile said: “I wanted to say a massive thank you for our School trip to The People s Community Garden last week. The children really enjoyed it and learnt a lot What you told us about linked in perfectly with classroom lessons and our Environment day
I felt that Year 7 engaged really well and listened brilliantly Conversations around growing hot peppers, of all things, hooked the boys I was worried wouldn't engage - thank you. Some of them even used the compost toilet!”
Mak ng Kosovan pancakes in outdoor kitchen
Gina teaching Act vB ooms participants during a f ower workshop
Gardens wow funders
Young volunteers come w th their mum to p ck up veg for the Top Up Shop
Children get closer to nature!
Sue, our featured volunteer, he ps with the harvest ng for the Top up Shop
Internat onal Women's Group v s t to commun ty garden
Wood ands visits Chantry Wal ed Garden to gather flowers
EECOOP trustee Lesley Dolph n and Community Support Manager Angela Carter
Schoo pupi s examine a slow worm
ActivGardens ActivHubs
ActivGardens’ summer party brought staff, members and volunteers from all areas of ActivLives together to enjoy the garden, good food, activities and live music
Gina’s rock ‘n’ roll numbers got volunteers and staff up dancing, while Carl’s soulful set included some popular favourites
Moira gathered people around to try drumming in the orchard, while Mike ran a game of boccia near the polytunnel. One volunteer said it was the “best fun” they had had in a long time.
Ian and Josh turned out an amazing barbecue, while Julie and Pauline offered mouth-watering cakes with a refreshing cuppa
Thanks to those who donated to the raffle, run by trustee Louise.
Ducks In A Row with Red & Black through one of our Trustees Clare Lucas raised £500 for ActivLives during their 4th birthday bash for their clients, families, friends, and wider network
If you are looking to raise funds for a charity, please consider ActivLives as your charity of choice Find out more here: https://activlives org uk/
Thanks also to Marika, Adrian, Steve, Paul, Michael, Rob and Max on the produce stand, to Phoebe on plants, and Cynthia, Trev, Jomel and everyone else who helped with set-up, meet and greet and pack down, as well as staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make the garden look its very best for the big day
More than 70 people attended, raising around £250 towards a new container for community garden storage Thank you to everyone who came and supported us!
Celebrating our VolunteersThe Step by Step Programme
At ActivHubs, we would like to celebrate our volunteers, who help and support our Better Balance sessions on a weekly basis. We rely on our volunteers to help and support our members and Instructors, by taking the register/money, and to be on hand if a member needs extra assistance doing their exercises.
“Our Volunteers are so important to us, we really appreciate the help and support they provide for the instructors and members They help us to create a safe and efficient service for older adults, who want to keep active and mobile,” Jemma Tilley, OTAGO Instructor and Development Coordinator said.
ActivLives participated in the recently concluded SNEE ICS “Can Do” Health and Care EXPO 2024 We also received the Highly Commended recognition for the Healthier Lives Award category. Guests at the EXPO were also able to learn more about the charity through our stand at the Wellbeing Zone
Clifford,
“I enjoy volunteering at the two Better Balance classes at Rushmere on a Friday, to help people stay active. My role is collecting the money and making the coffee, chatting to the members They are all lovely. Mobility is very important for a healthy and independent life It’s lovely to see people improve their fitness even after a few weeks, that’s makes them and me very happy ”
– Sue Goodman, Rushmere Volunteer
“I have learnt so much from Volunteering at the Better Balance sessions at Woodbridge. The chats and laughs we all have, always creates a lovely atmosphere – I would certainly recommend volunteering.”
– Suzanne Clifford, Woodbridge Volunteer
“I just want to help others where I can, and I have a couple of free days I really enjoy the classes, it gets me motivated, everybody is so friendly and its great to see the improvement in those
“I was asked why do I volunteer? I enjoy meeting people and helping them improve their wellbeing. I like to support them during the exercise sessions, and see how they have progressed each week.”
– Elayne Green, Rushmere Volunteer
Sue Goodman, Rushmere volunteer
Jeny Lloyd, Martlesham volunteer
Suzanne
Woodbridge Volunteer
Elayne Green, Rushmere Volunteer
ActivHubs
“I’ve been a volunteer for over a year, I always look forward to Wednesday as it gives structure to my week. We always have a laugh while doing exercises. It’s a nice group to come to & very friendly. I would definitely recommend volunteering. It’s good for your mental health &
Carolyn
“I enjoy welcoming and checking in participants to the Tuesday balance exercise classes run by Del which are always great fun! I also enjoy providing and serving refreshments at the end of the session. Both activities provide an opportunity to socialise and chat with members, especially those who are new to the group or living on their own.”
– Carolyn Wallace, Rushmere Volunteer
“It’s good to see everyone working hard, improving their balance and coordination and becoming more confident I feel fitter now than I’ve ever been. The classes make me use my brain and I’ve met lots of lovely people and made new friends ”
– Anne, Walton Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteerin mation, please email jemma@activlives.org. 345350.
Update
n its members, volunteers, partners and funders to join the Annual General Meeting this coming 14th of November, Thursday at 2:00 PM. The venue is at the Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF For more details on the upcoming AGM, please contact our office on 01473 345350
Special Hubs
Welcome to Summer…Wednesday mornings full of fun!
The pond was partially covered by wonderful, flowering water lilies, and has an assortment of fish of all sizes We brought chairs down to the water and then fed the fish, which was great fun and relaxing.
Other Summer days we filled with lively debate, historic videos and what we call “Veranda Time“
So, if you are over 60 and feel like coming to a fun, lively, men’s breakfast group, in Ipswich, get in touch, spaces are limited though We can offer wonderful bacon rolls, biscuits galore, teas, coffees and lots of chat
Participate & Volunteer at ActivFriends
For further information on Attending or Volunteering please call Alison Pearson on 01473 345350
In July we had a visit from the lovely Kimya Piper, from Cancer Support Suffolk, who gave a presentation on Prostate Cancer, which was well received, followed by a visit from Nellie Kuma from the Talking about Cancer Together project organised by the Community Action Suffolk
We then decided that with all the lovely weather we would take the opportunity to visit one of the members gardens, who has a large, lovely garden in West of Ipswich
The weather was great, a picnic meal was prepared and parking was organised Wonderful huge grassed area, surrounded by trees, with the added benefit of a hugely successful allotment with a massive fish pond at the bottom of the garden. Sandwiches and cake were eaten, conversation was relaxed and fun, people went off in groups to investigate the allotment, walk around the garden with the prolific fruit trees and the best bit, investigate the pond.
Can Help: ICare Connect Carers
“If you need someone to talk things through with as a carer, or if you used to be a carer and need advice, I can help Please do get in contact with me, Alison Pearson, on 01473 345350 or email me at alison@activlives org uk”
Summer days brought light and sunny days to ActivLives Men’s Breakfast Hub
A LOOK BACK: ActivS ngers enterta n ng everyone at AGM 2023
Hubs
Wallace, Rushmere Volunteer
ebbie, Felixstowe Volunteer
ActivLives Men’s Breakfast Hub was visited by the lovely Kimya Piper from Cancer Support in Suffolk to talk about the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Members enjoying the garden pond on a sunny day
Anne, Walton Volunteer
ActivLives celebrated National Boccia Day with a ‘Big Boccia Bash’ on Wednesday 25th September at the Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich The event consisted of a variety of boccia skills and fun team challenges followed by a mini-tournament. 44 players from across the region joined the Boccia Bash
Boccia is a target sport played whilst sitting down It is particularly suitable for players with a disability, although anyone can play
Feedback from the event has been very positive - “I came today with my 17 years old son. He was anxious at the start but soon settled in and he has thoroughly enjoyed it Brilliant atmosphere, it has been lovely watching everyone enjoying themselves and just having fun”, Parent
Summer Lawn Bowls: Fun under the sun
ActivLives held 12 weeks of Lawn Bowls throughout the summer at Kesgrave Community Centre
We had a total of 286 attendances in this 12-week period, with an average attendance of 24 joining in each week
Special thanks to Kevin the caretaker- who will be retiring later this year. Thank you for all your efforts looking after the lawn and for all the kindness and support you have shown our members
“It was really good with great people and great company”, commented one of the participants
Boccia England commended ActivLives for organising the event. “We are delighted that ActivLives is organising a Big Boccia Bash We firmly believe that boccia is the most inclusive sport in the world and this event is a great way to show that off We would urge anyone interested to give it a try – we know you will love it”, Will Evans, Head of Sport at Boccia England
ActivLives is very grateful to the players, guests, volunteers, staff and our partner organisations who all contributed to the success of the event
If you would like to find out more about ActivBoccia and other inclusive sports and physical activities that we
Boccia Tournament in Stowmarket
The second ActivLives Inclusive Boccia Tournament was held in Stowmarket on the 28th of July The event attracted 42 competitors, who played a total of 70 ends of boccia, over 26 matches, scoring 123 points. There were over 75 people who attended the event, during the course of the day
Julie Stokes CEO said, “It was fantastic to see so many people of all abilities taking part in the Boccia Tournament, it’s a great sport for younger and older people to participate in, it’s fun, helps people engage with others and can be very competitive. A big thank you to Mike McCarthy for promoting Boccia in Suffolk and enabling people with disabilities to participate in a Paralympic sport ”
(Top Pictures: MIke together with the players, volunteers and supporters during the Inclusive Boccia Tournament)
BreatheFit Leiston celebrates 1st year
It has now officially been 12 months since ActivLives started Leiston BreatheFit'!
To mark our first 'anniversary'- members kindly organised a tea party together as a group following our exercise session. Plenty of cakes and treats were lovingly provided by those who attended today Thank you all so much for your efforts It was a wonderful day
If you would like to know more on how to register, please send email to frazier@activlives org uk or chat with us at 01473 345350
The sport of Boccia, which is played whilst sitting down, is particularly suitable for players with a disability, and was part of the Paralympic programme in Paris
The ActivLives tournament in Stowmarket, consisted of three divisions, where players competed in teams of three, in a round-robin format The day concluded with a ‘spider decider’ mass team event, with all of the players involved.
“The atmosphere was brilliant throughout the event, with some very tight matches being played throughout the day”, said Mike McCarthy, from ActivLives.
“Many thanks to all of the athletes, to our brilliant team of volunteers and also to our supporting partners Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, the Suffolk Community Foundation, and our hosts for the day at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre”
If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with boccia in the Stowmarket, Ipswich or Felixstowe areas, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives org uk
Frazier
ActivLives celebrates National Boccia Day with the Big Boccia Bash
with members ce ebrating BreatheFit Le ston’s 1st year
Volunteers who provided the r support at the B g Boccia Bash
Participants enjoy ng boccia during the B g Boccia bash