Rural Coffee Caravan - Catch Up - Issue 2 - July 2022

Issue Two

Rural Coffee Caravan

Catch Up

Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk

www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

What’s the collective noun for a group of tractors… anyone??

Euston Rural Pastimes Fair, June 2021— Photo by Elaine Begent All three Rural Coffee Caravans were in attendance at the small but perfectly formed Euston Rural Pastimes event on June 13th held in the grounds of the Euston Estate. Determined to still raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice, the organisers created a wonderful scaled down version that included a tractor rally, a vintage car

run and sheepdog trials. Our role was to refresh and revive with cuppas, cakes and bacon rolls.

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was wonderful.

Everyone was respectful of social distancing but the joy of being ‘together’ at a real life event, in the sun, was palpable. The event raised £3000 for St Nichs and £600 for us. An all-round sunny

success.

Ann ☺

More photos from the day on pages 4 and 5.

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Issue #2 Contents

•

4 - Euston Rural Pastimes Fair

•

6 - The Importance of Conversation

•

10 - What Do People Need?

•

12 - Corresponding Kindness

•

14 - MeetUpMondays™

•

16 - The Stowmarket Rickshaw

•

18 - Introducing Becky & Norma

•

21 - Wordsearch

•

22 - Cooking with Kindness Appeal Updates

•

25 - Scam Warnings

•

26 - Suffolk Archives—The Hold

•

29 - More Than A Shop News

•

30 - c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events)

•

32 - So Many Ways of Loving

•

34 - High Hopes Update

•

36 - Rural Coffee Caravan Visits List

Photo - Suffolk Archives, Lowestoft Exhibition Wall 3

Euston Rural Pastimes Fair - June 2021 Photos by Elaine Begent and Becky Whitefield

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5

The Importance of Conversation Ann Osborn

Rural Coffee Caravan CEO Ann Osborn reflects on the significance of conversation, both within the work of the Rural Coffee Caravan, and in our fundamental human need to connect, by revisiting an article she wrote twelve years ago which is as pertinent now as it was then.

I

first

wrote

about

alleviated, dashed. Totally. Our need for connection, indeed our basic human need for each other, has been truly tested.

the

importance of conversation as part of what we do, back in

We have been back on the road now for a month. We told ourselves that we might see fewer people than before, that people would be nervous about coming out again and whilst that, I’m sure, is true for many, we have seen larger visitor numbers than pre pandemic. We have been told that we are seen as a ‘safe’ environment. We are diligent with our ‘Covid Safety’ so we are delighted with this observation.

It’s of paramount importance to us that our visitors, our volunteers and our staff all feel that safety.

2009...

Loneliness was just being recognised as being as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and data revealed that one in ten older people were citing the TV as their main companion.

Fast forward twelve years and a pandemic means that loneliness had taken on a new significance for all of us.

Some have experienced chronic loneliness for the first time, some have had any hope of their loneliness being 6

”…Loneliness has taken on a new significance for all of us.”

When we ask what people have missed the most - the hardest part of lockdown - the answer is invariably the same: touch, and face to face conversations.

Without conversation, we emotionally wither. When that happens and we are in low mood, we may stop being active.

To go without conversation is in fact bad for our health, both mentally and physically.

May 2009 - I had been working for the Rural Coffee Caravan for four and half years and these were my observations: The Importance of Conversation

Making sure rural residents have access to important information is the reason the Rural Coffee Caravan began and it remains a major objective but I’m sure to someone passing by it can look like little more than a tea party on a green or in a car park. The thing is, that tea party can be seen on days when no-one would normally think of eating outside, or if it’s really bad, steam can be seen rising from the caravan as more people than you could possibly imagine would fit, are drinking tea and chatting inside the van!!

So I am leaving this article pretty much untouched, except to say that conversation is more important than ever and I am so glad that we are still in a position to offer these ‘social spaces in rural places’ for people to come together, catch up with neighbours, meet new ones and just chat!

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“...We all need people with whom we can share our thoughts and opinions…”

Why is the conversation part of our project so important? I’ve been thinking about this and I think the answer is this;

The world has changed; so many people today are in their own little corners.

Some really struggling by themselves,

with others, to be together and to communicate.

Conversations build connections and expand our world.

Conversations can be tremendously creative. Great ideas can be born from conversation.

others maybe not even realising how isolated they have become and what effect it is having on them. Think of people who spend a lot of the day at home but on their own, they could be people who work from home, single parents, retired widows and widowers or even couples whose families have moved away. In the old days, we had large family groups living close to each other.

Aunties, uncles, and grandparents all living in one village. There was always someone to talk to and to be with and the fact is, to flourish, we need to be

A word of praise will encourage others and build confidence, making someone feel important is to say ‘you are needed’.

To offer help can say ‘I need to be useful’ and to accept an offer of help is saying ‘I’m glad you are here’. Conversation is fundamental to understanding the different perceptions we all have. We all need people with whom we can share our thoughts and opinions. We need it as a benchmark, how reassuring is it to find through a chat that you are not the only one whose teenage son wants to paint his bedroom black?

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Or perhaps you have been feeling guilty because you find it difficult to cope with an aged parent and a chat with someone in a similar situation reveals they feel just the same. The list goes on…. Now, not for a moment am I suggesting that anything this deep and meaningful happens at one of our visits, but they can be a beginning, an opportunity for people to connect or reconnect. Starting a conversation is just the beginning to becoming socially active; it can be where an acquaintanceship begins that goes on to be an important friendship. It could be the place where a great idea for a village activity comes from the conversation over coffee and cake. It could be where someone in need of support found that help, where otherwise their need may have gone unnoticed. It could just be the only time some folk see anyone socially at all! In fact, we know this to be true in some cases.

magic!

So if you did think of it as a tea party on the green, think again, the Rural Coffee Caravan visits are a free social activity, and they could be changing someone’s life for the better, making them a little less isolated ……. A good idea might be being formed, an invitation may have been extended, an offer of help given and accepted and that in itself has to be a good thing.

June 2021 Everything above has been magnified, people who maybe didn’t understand loneliness before, do now. We came together in the only ways open to us, Zoom, telephone, distanced cuppas outside our houses, or maybe by taking back garden fences down. Some people learned IT skills they never thought they would need or want. So many people did their best and it was wonderful to see, but the suffering has been huge. It has been so unnatural, so alien to who we are as humans. As Benjamin Zephaniah says in this poem, People will always need people.

But this does not only apply to older people, many young parents at home all day with small children feel lonely and isolated too, with the added pressure of wondering if they are ‘doing it right’ especially if they are far from their family. Post-natal depression can also go unnoticed for too long if Mum has little social contact.

The key to this has to be conversation, even a simple hello in passing can work

It’s good to be back.

If your village would like us to visit, please call 01379 855 338 or email info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk to arrange.

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What Do People Need?

by Benjamin Zephaniah

We love this poem by Benjamin Zephaniah which associates perfectly with our ethos of making and sustaining connection: “People, will always, need people.”

People need people, To walk to To talk to To cry and rely on, People will always need people.

To love and to miss To hug and to kiss, It’s useful to have other people.

To whom to moan If you’re all alone, It’s so hard to share When no one is there.

There’s not much to do When there’s no one but you.

People will always need people.

To please To tease To put you at ease, People will always need people.

To make life appealing And give life some meaning, It’s useful to have other people.

It you need a change To whom will you turn.

If you need a lesson From whom will you learn.

If you need to play You’ll know why I say People will always need people.

As girlfriends As boyfriends From Bombay To Ostend, People will always need peopleTo have friendly fights with And share tasty bites with, It’s useful to have other people.

People live in families Gangs, posses and packs, It seems we need company Before we relax, So stop making enemies And let’s face the facts, People will always need people, Yes People will always need people.

–Benjamin Zephaniah

Dr Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah was born and raised in Birmingham, England. We encourage you to seek other work from this poet, writer, lyricist, musician and (self proclaimed!) naughty boy on his website at

www.benjaminzephaniah.com

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Need a more regular chat or connection?

It can be just a phone call away...

Independent Age – Regular Phone Calls. If you’re feeling in need of a good chat with someone who cares, perhaps because you’re living on your own or your health isn’t what it used to be, their volunteers can provide a regular chat over the phone. How it works: You sign up for as long or as short a time as you like; you’ll catch up with your volunteer at a regular time that suits you both. If you decide your volunteer isn’t working out, you can let them know and they’ll find you someone else. There is no charge – friendship is free! Call Independent Age‘s Helpline on 0800 319 6789 for more information or go to www.independentage.org/get-support.

Reengage – Call Companions. In response to the Covid-19 crisis Reengage,with the help of dedicated volunteers, have set up a UK-wide call companions service. Older people who are feeling alone can receive a regular friendly phone call throughout the pandemic and beyond, for as long as they want it.

Email info@reengage.org.uk or call them on 0800 716 543 to seek a call companion for yourself, or someone else. More info at www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/ apply.

Need a chat? About anything and nothing in particular? hullo is a non-profit organisation, born out of the pandemic but here to stay; harnessing the help of volunteers to offer ‘a conversation for everyone.’ Their mission is to connect the nation through conversation fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment, which directly tackles loneliness and isolation, whilst promoting positive mental health. The hullo LINE is 0800 001 4455, and is open daily from 9am till 9pm. It is a place for anyone of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion to come together and chat with friendly volunteers. A recent poll found that 69% of British adults feel happier and more relieved after having a conversation, so we encourage anyone to grab a brew and give them a call!

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Corresponding Kindness We’re ‘big on brews’ at the Rural Coffee Caravan!

A year ago we designed our first, home printable ‘Cuppa For A Friend’ card, with its own teabag/coffee sachet pocket, to help people ‘share’ a cuppa with someone whilst they were unable to have one together in person.

Photo courtesy of @RHSSuffolk Twitter

The wonderful students of the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, who had been sending letters of kindness to their alumni during Lockdown #1, offered their help in making and writing batches of our cards. So that we could send them out to rurally isolated village residents, whilst pandemic restrictions kept us from our usual visits.

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Would you like your day brightened by receiving a cheery card or letter in the post? ...and so the ‘Cup of Correspondence’ project came to life.

Students from the Services Programme at R.H.S. print and make the cards, write lovely, friendly messages in them, and pop in a ‘cuppa’ for the recipient to enjoy whilst they read their card. Inside is an invitation to reply to the message and continue a conversation via the school. Cards are sent, received and managed by Housemistress Naomi Skau, who is leading the project with the students during term time. If you would like to receive a ‘Cup of Correspondence’ card, get in touch with us at Rural Coffee Caravan (contact details inside the back cover of this newsletter), or ask us at your Rural Coffee Caravan Village Visit, and we’ll get one to you!

There are other Pen-pal projects going on in Suffolk at the moment too:

Suffolk Mind’s - Suffolk Penpals All you need to do is write a letter to them, including your name and address for a reply, to FREEPOST, Suffolk Mind.

Nothing else needed on the envelope. There are ideas and prompts on their website if you need them: www.suffolkmind.org.uk.

The Postbox project aims to connect people, using letter writing to improve communication and develop new friendships that span the generations.

You can sign up to receive a letter, or refer someone to receive one, and the receiver will be matched with a volunteer to correspond with. More info at:

Forge Community Church The Old Chapel Forward Green, Stowmarket IP14 5HP Tel: 01449 710 437 Email: info@forgechurch.com 13

MeetUpMondays™

and beyond to host MeetUpMondays™ and they don’t even have to take place on a Monday!

It’s free to join the network, we provide free promotional materials and we guide the hosts through the set up.

If your local pub or café likes to take care of its community and you think they might be interested to find out more about what’s involved in becoming a MeetUpMondays™ host, send us their details and we’ll be happy to contact them.

Rural Coffee Caravan is funded to support pubs and cafes across Suffolk

At www.meetupmondays.org.uk You can find a map of venues and a current list of locations. More come on board each week!

Call us on 01379 855338 or email meetupmondays@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

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MeetUpMondays™ Currently active in and around Suffolk

Kesgrave Kitchen The Garden House The Golden Key The Kingfisher The Norman Warrior Barleycorn Brewers Arms The Greyhound

Pura Vida Pennoyer Centre The Shepherd and Dog The Angel Clare Antiques and Interiors The Crown Hotel

77 Main Rd, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1AF Tel: 01473 622484 1 Pembroke Road, Norwich NR2 3HD Tel: 01473 624038 2 Priory Road, Snape IP17 1SA Tel: 01728 688510 301 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QG Tel: 01473 680300 Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB Tel: 01502 561982 30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF Tel: 01638 712877 18-20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS Tel: 01473 790862 9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE Tel: 01473 252862 (Please call to check which day for now.

This group will eventually return to their regular Monday slot).

High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN Tel: 01379 766200 Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Tel: 01379 676660 The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855 2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660 The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449 25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722 15

Mondays 9 am - 10am Mondays 12pm - 1pm Mondays 10am -11.30am Mondays 9.30am - 11.30am Mondays 10am - 12 Noon Tuesdays 9.30am -11am Wednesdays 11am - 1pm Tuesdays or Wednesdays 10am - 12 Noon

Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am Mondays 10am - 11.30 am Mondays 2 pm – 4 pm Mondays 4 pm – 7 pm Mondays 10 am – 12 noon Mondays 10 am – 12 noon

The Stowmarket Rickshaw Guest article by Jo Reeder, BSEVC

So, if you remember Mungo Jerry’s famous ditty “Riding along on your pushbike honey” you will understand why I sing this in my head every time we talk about BSEVC’s new community project - The Stowmarket Rickshaw.

Whilst not strictly a Rickshaw (in fact a Trishaw - who’d know!) and certainly

not a pushbike as we know it – The Stowmarket Rickshaw certainly ticks lots of those boxes for us.

A true collaboration, in every sense of the word this project is a partnership with Suffolk County Council, Red Gables, Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance, The Mix and Mid Suffolk District Council and is all about encouraging and enabling people (of any age) to get out and about in Stowmarket in a safe, environmentally friendly and fun way.

We know how tough

lockdown has been for many and that the thought of starting to be “allowed” to get out can be daunting, and the Rickshaw is one of the ways that can help.

Supported by our Volunteer Rickshaw Pilots we can offer social rides, care home trips, history routes – we can even help you take your pet to the vet – in Stowmarket.

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Getting out and about in Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds or Framlingham in a safe, environmentally friendly and fun way!

Booked through our existing community transport service, we will be starting in July with a couple of afternoons a week, with the aim of building this up with volunteer support with the hope that the Rickshaw will be out and about in Stowmarket every day.

It’s free to use the Rickshaw, although donations are of course welcome as we hope to develop this to become a regular sight around the town. Of course, if you live in Bury St Edmunds or Framlingham, you will already be familiar with this great form of transport as there are great schemes already running in these towns.

“We can’t wait to start getting people out and about and enjoying what Stowmarket has to offer!”

If you would like to find out more about The Stowmarket Rickshaw, you can call 01449 707030 for enquiries or call 01449 614271 to make a booking.

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Spotlight

on

Introducing our newest Community Engagement Team Member, Becky Whitefield, who joined the Rural Coffee Caravan in April 2021

Becky

What did you get up to before joining the team?

I have had a vast range of jobs! Recently I worked for Contact and Trace as the Children and Young Person Liasion Officer. I have spent over a decade taking the phone calls for the police and have also worked for Age UK Suffolk as a Befriending Coordinator.

What were you most looking forward to about working for the Rural Coffee Caravan?

I love to bring people together so I attempted to set up a Village Cinema after seeing how fab the Age UK Suffolk Chinwag’s were. I am on the committee for our local Good Neighbour Scheme and answer the phones. I previously helped in the school library, ran the 100 club at the village preschool and helped on the inpatient unit at St Elizabeth Hospice.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a small part of the RCC team. I have loved following the Rural Coffee Caravan on social media for the past few years and the joy it brings to people by bringing communities together. I look forward to being a part of that – meeting new people, hearing their stories, learning from them, chatting and eating cake!

What

do

you

like

to

do in your spare time?

I have two girls so my interests are mainly making them smile. I love to be outdoors especially by the water, chat with friends and spend time with family, read very cheesy romance books and am studying for a degree part time. I am 18

currently saving to buy a kayak or maybe a paddle board. My current inflatable boat gets referred to as ‘the bruised banana!’

Reflecting on this past year, what

positives

can

What’s

we

quirky

all take forwards?

Becky has been hosting Village Visits since May, so be sure to welcome her if you see her!

those without the internet.

Becky has been handing out some sunflower seeds kindly donated to us for our friendly

sunflower Here’s

growing

Stephen

from

fact about you?

I’ve taught people to ear pierce – yet don’t have mine pierced anymore!

The sense of community it has created by people pulling together to ensure everyone is taken care of.

More of an understanding of what it is like to be housebound and what we can do to reach out, especially for

by

a

competition.

Chattisham

with his! The variety is ‘High Hopes’ which we think apt for this year.

See how the RCC team’s sunflowers

are getting along on page 34! www.thompson-morgan.com tel: 0844 573 1818 19

Introducing our newest Rural Coffee Caravan Volunteer What’s a quirky fact about you?

‘I like to help everyone.’

‘I used to dress up as Santa every Christmas and deliver the presents to the residents at Crabb Street Care Home before going into the Control Room for a 12 hour shift…..I still have the suit!’

Tell us a bit about what you’ve

Welcome Norma, and thank you

been up to …

for volunteering for us. Do say

‘Whilst I recently retired from working in the Control Room, for Suffolk Police, dispatching the officers, I really enjoy volunteering. Most recently I have helped in the Inpatient Unit at St Elizabeth Hospice making the teas and coffee, having a chat and keeping things tidy. For many years I volunteered at Crabb Street Care Home’.

hello (or ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’) if you see

What made you volunteer for Rural Coffee Caravan?

her!

What are your interests?

‘I enjoy swimming, spending time with my Grandson, walking my dog Bobby and seeing friends.’

Tell

us

lockdown

something that

you’re

from taking

forwards ...

‘The importance of keeping in touch.’

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Euston Rural Pastimes Fair, June 2021— Photo by Elaine Begent

Find some of our visit locations in this Rural Coffee Caravan themed puzzle!

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Appeal Update Hadleigh food project hopes to provide a recipe for success

Babergh District Council has partnered with Fork Kitchen & Deli to offer free cookery classes to the district’s most vulnerable residents. The scheme will allow participants to learn vital new skills and form lasting friendships.

Renowned chef Justin Kett will run the free cookery classes at Fork Kitchen & Deli, located on Hadleigh's High Street.

The aim is to promote nutritious meals that reduce food waste. During the course of four sessions, he’ll teach participants how to prepare various meat, vegetables, pulses and grain dishes on a budget. They will then receive recipe cards and ingredients to help them make the recipes again, in their own homes.

Slow cookers will also be provided to participants, courtesy of the Rural Coffee Caravan. This equipment will help with the preparation of healthy meals.

Week 3 - Pulses and grains (how to use couscous, lentils, pasta, rice effectively) • Week 4 - Budget cuts and how to use them (using things like minced beef, lamb, turkey to make cheap, tasty and nutritious meals) The scheme also aims to reduce social isolation. A friendship group will be created to allow participants to remain in touch once the classes have finished.

This will offer them a chance to form lifelong relationships, which helps to alleviate loneliness.

Initially, there will be two courses on offer throughout the summer. One of these will be for isolated and lonely residents; the other is targeted specifically for families.

•

Dates for the family sessions are: 26th July, 2nd August, 9th August and 16th August, with classes taking place from 3:30–5:00pm.

Dates for the isolated residents sessions are: 23 August, 31 August, 6 September and 13 September, with classes taking place from 5:30– 7:00pm.

Themes for the classes are as follows: • Week 1 - Chicken (how to prepare three dishes – including risotto, salad and broth – using only one whole chicken) • Week 2 - Summer vegetables and greens (how to use vegetables and salad leaves to make appetizing meals that are amazing to eat)

Those interested in participating in either course can email communities@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

or call 01473 296358 to book their place or find out more information.

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23

...continued

Lowestoft Community Church also helped our appeal by distributing slow cookers to families and individuals in need in the Lowestoft area via their Foodbank and also via St Marks, Christ Church, Beresford Road Evangelical Church and Trinity Church.

receiving their gifts, and for the email quote passed on from one of the recipients:

Several large families received one each, such as a family whose cooker had recently broken, a family whose daughter was about to give birth, one who’d wanted a slow cooker but it was too expensive for them.

box to see it was like Christmas!!

"... Wow I am so so pleased with my brand new slow cooker it's a beauty. It was so nice opening the

It's given me a little boost. I'm really really pleased with it. Thank you for thinking of me and for dropping it off. I can now cook

Slow cookers also went to several single mums with little ones, and also to some single gentlemen. One to a gentleman who did not have an oven. They were all very gratefully received. Thank you Laura Porter, Children’s Team Leader at Lowestoft Community Church for sharing with us your blessings at being able to watch the joy on the faces of those

larger meals and freeze some for another day so I'm very pleased about that!! ... X "

Tel: 01502 537527

www.localgiving.org/charity/ruralcoffeecaravan/ Your donations enable us to continue making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk. Our grateful thanks.

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Shared from www.actionfraud.police.uk

WARNINGS

The NHS UK are sending text messages to some people to invite them to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Remember the vaccine is FREE. The NHS will never ask you for payment or banking details in order to receive the vaccine. If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

This NHS phishing email was reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at 10:06 on the 24th June and was taken down by 10:33! Please do forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk so the NCSC can continue to take quick action.

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An update from Suffolk Archives is part of Suffolk County Council and used to be known as Suffolk Record Office. The service is responsible for collecting and preserving material that is relevant to the history of Suffolk, its communities and people. For example, this could be historic records, maps, photographs, newspapers, or local studies material.

The Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft branches have recently reopened to the public operating an appointment system to ensure everyone is kept safe. To find out more about how to visit, visit our website: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/ planning-your-visit/

Introducing The Hold

There are three Suffolk Archives branches across the county, in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft. These branches are home to 900 years’ worth of history captured through millions of items, many of which are of national and international significance!

Our searchrooms are open to everyone what could you discover about your family, home, work, community, or school?

This year, Suffolk Archives is also excited to be able to welcome you to The Hold, a brand-new heritage centre on the waterfront in Ipswich. The Hold has been made possible thanks to a major multi-million-pound contribution from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as support from Coastal Communities Fund, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, Ipswich 26

“What could you discover about your family, home, work, community, or school...?”

Borough Council, and numerous heritage organisations across Suffolk and further afield. Home to the Suffolk Archives Ipswich branch, which will be opening later this year, and shared with the University of Suffolk, The Hold is an exciting new visitor attraction and meeting place for Ipswich, with a purpose-built exhibition gallery, café, shop and more.

and heritage inspired cards and gifts in the shop.

What’s more, this wonderful new space means that we can now proudly host a fantastic and varied programme of events and activities, helping to share Suffolk Archives collections in a whole host of new ways. From exhibitions to film screenings, family craft activities to talks and lectures, we have something for everyone!

Come and be inspired by the regularly changing programme of exhibitions in our gallery, not to mention a whole range of archive-inspired displays to explore all year round. Be wowed by local artist Valerie Irwin’s charcoal sketches displayed at an enormous scale, watch BBC Look East’s Kevin Burch reporting ‘news from the archives’, and discover childfriendly hands-on displays exploring different topics through recordings, photographs, models and even puzzles.

This year’s July to December What’s On Guide is available in printed form from your local Suffolk Archives branch or library, or can be downloaded as a PDF from the Suffolk Archives website: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson (continued overleaf…)

While you are visiting why not pop into the Café at The Hold and treat yourself to a coffee or light lunch, and don’t forget you can browse a wide range of Suffolk 27

The Hold

The Hold - viewing Valerie Irwin's sketches

Forthcoming exhibitions at The Hold:

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk Suffolk Archives Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @suffolkarchives Café at The Hold Facebook: @cafeatthehold

17 July – 27 September: Brick History; A family-friendly journey through history, all imagined in LEGO® bricks.

15 October – 9 January 2022: House and Home; Step back in time and find out what house and home means to Suffolk people throughout history.

Suffolk Archives is pleased to have received the VisitBritain Good to Go mark in recognition of the COVID-19 processes implemented to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.

We hope to see you soon!

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More Than A Shop news The team have been out and about presenting awards to more Suffolk village stores who provide vital lifelines and friendship to the more isolated members of our rural communities.

Otley Village Store

Tel: 01473 890257

Jack and Penny received the award on behalf of all their volunteers. They were nominated by their customers who say they are the heart of the village and are so grateful for their tireless continued support of Otley and its surrounding villages.

Polstead

Community

Shop

Our volunteer Norma presented a certificate to some of the volunteers at Polstead Community Shop. This lovely store provides a warm welcome and takes time to talk to all their customers. They are also happy to pass on information on setting up village shops so do get in touch if this is something your community is considering. Tel: 07833 206797

A.R Heeks & Son, Lavenham Nominated by customers who said of the shop there‘s: “Always a friendly face and someone to talk to” and “Keeps my mum alive, she lives on her own, and helps her with problems not related to the store, truly a life line in every sense” Tel: 01787 247257 If your local store is More Than A Shop and you would like to nominate them, call Elaine on 07494 570905 or email: morethanashop@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk 29

The Rural Coffee Caravan’s

•

Your community can use c-a-f-e as an ‘umbrella’ to present a variety of different activities. This works well because it removes any ‘labels’ and is more inclusive. For example, ’Great Byefield c-a-f-e’ could be holding a weekly ‘Coffee Morning’ for people living with dementia; planning an annual ‘Big Lunch’ and also holding monthly ‘Skills Swap Sessions’ • Alternatively existing groups will be able to retain their club or event name whilst being listed as a member of the c-a-f-e network.

We’ll map everyone on our website so that people can find their nearest c-a-f-e events, and we’ll provide a welcome pack containing useful information from each of the c-a-f-e partner organisations. We’ll also provide logos and templates to help you with promotion of your events, and a window sticker to display to show you’re part of the network.

If your local group is interested in joining the network you can email us at cafe@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk or call

c-a-f-e (coffee—and—friends—events) network is an initiative helping to connect Suffolk community groups with organisations which can offer free support, advice, training & information, to help them flourish and become sustainable.

The c-a-f-e network offers groups access to useful resources such as: •

current information on things like neighbourhood safety, winter warmth initiatives and health & wellbeing, • free training courses for volunteers, • grant finding and funding for extra equipment, or development of community spaces.

We’re working with Suffolk Community Foundation, Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk Association of Local Councils and Healthwatch Suffolk to do this.

Groups can join the network in one of two ways:

01379 855 338.

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c-a-f-e events launching soon!

Two events, which will be running weekly , are starting this month, both hosted by Hadleigh Food Bank Charity: Fresh Start c-a-f-e ‘Weekly Cream Tea’ Launching Tuesday 20th July 2021 The Millers Kitchen, Kersey Mill, Kersey IP7 6DP

Weekly Cream Tea event Tuesdays from 12.30pm. £5 per person, booking in advance essential, via www.hadleighfoodbank.org or contacting Angela on the number below.

Also: Fresh Start c-a-f-e ‘Coffee and Cake’ Launching Wednesday 21st July Boxford River Cafe, 4 Broad Street, Boxford CO10 5DX

Every Wednesday afternoon between 12.30pm – 1.30pm, a great opportunity to meet up with friends and meet new people, to enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious cake at The Riverside Café for £5.80 (includes £0.80 booking fee). You can book online for this event via Eventbrite.com or contact Angela on 07377 190 455 for more information on both events.

Solo Housing Coffee Morning Launching Wednesday 21st July 2021 10am to 2pm Held at The Mix, 127 Ipswich Rd Stowmarket, IP14 1BB (in the Underlands Room).

For Solo Housing residents and anyone who would like to learn more about Solo Housing. Call Vicky on 07463 366629 for further information. www.solohousing.org Friends Round Friday – hosted by Rushmere Good Neighbours and Rushmere Churches Launching Soon – 2021 Dumbarton Rd Scout Hall, Dumbarton Rd, Ipswich IP4 3JP

Friday Coffee afternoon with additional activities.

Contact Michelle on 07570 093 097 for more information.

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Rural Coffee Caravan Book Recommendation darkness and there are many unexpected developments concerning love, location, friendship, family and, as you might guess from the cover, a dog.

Ultimately, So Many Ways of Loving is a story of hope, celebrating our zest for life. It features three main female characters in their 50s and 60s. They are all, in their own way, facing crises, and the unlikely friendship that evolves between them is sustaining for them all.

Acting as a kind of link between these friends is a fourth female character who is a great support to them. Readers may spot that she has been borrowed – though is now very much older than she was – from one of the author’s other novels.

‘A poignant and insightful tale of widowhood and other challenges of later life which really resonated

with my clinical experience.’

Dr Max Pemberton – Psychiatrist and Daily Mail columnist

So Many Ways of Loving is set in 2019 before the world was shocked to the core by the pandemic. And it is another story by Webber featuring people in their mid to later years.

Christine Webber tried various careers in her younger days – she was a classical singer, a Principal Boy in pantomimes, an undistinguished actress as well as a piano and singing teacher. Fortunately, for her, when she was thirty, she managed to get a job in television as a continuity announcer, and shortly thereafter she became a news presenter at Anglia TV. Finally, she had found an occupation she liked that other people thought she was good at. This was a massive relief.

This is such an astonishing part of our lives,’ says Christine. ‘And packed with unforeseen changes.’

But unlike the storylines of Who’d Have Thought It? and It’s Who We Are some of the changes in this tale are bleak and heartbreaking. However, life is full of light just when we think there is only 32

by Christine Webber

So many ways of loving massive relief.

More information on www.christinewebber.com. Email: christinewebber@christinewebber.com

In her early forties, she married the love of her life, Dr David Delvin. Soon afterwards, she decided to leave news presenting in order to train as a psychotherapist, and she also became a problem page columnist for various publications including TV Times, Best, BBC Parenting, The Scotsman and Woman. In addition, she regularly broadcast relationship advice on Trisha, The Good Sex Guide …Late and from the BBC’s Breakfast sofa.

So Many Ways of Loving was published on June 17th 2021 and is distributed by Gardners.

You can listen to Christine’s podcast conversations with Thea Newcomb ‘On a Break’, about break ups, breakdowns and breakthroughs on any digital device at

In her fifties, she and her husband set up a practice in Harley Street, and they worked together there and collaborated on several books. They also wrote the sex/relationships content on www.netdoctor.co.uk and penned a joint column for the health section of The Spectator.

podcasts.apple.com

Over the decades, Christine was commissioned to write ten self-help books including Get the Happiness Habit, How to Mend a Broken Heart and Too Young to Get Old.

”I fell in love with Suffolk when I acted in the Summer Theatre in Southwold in the early 70s. But it was only during the pandemic that I realised there was no earthly reason why I shouldn’t live

Now, in her seventies, her focus is on the issues of mid and later life. As well as writing novels, she makes video podcasts on positive ageing and writes a column for various regional papers on that theme. She is also a life coach specialising in health and ageing.

in the county. I am so pleased that I made the move. There is a leafy lushness and a harmony about the part

of Suffolk I’m in. I feel I am in the right place and that’s a great feeling.”

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...And finally... a quick update on the Rural Coffee Caravan’s ‘High Hopes’ variety sunflowers which the team planted in spring.

Our grateful thanks to Thompson & Morgan for their seed donations!

Norman 26” Hope 26”

Rocky 21”

Big H 46”

Unnamed

Annette

Ann

Elaine

Tina

Diana

“All was thought to be lost after being discovered on its side, dehydrated and suffering from a slug attack.

This disastrous start has not stopped this hardy chap and it was potted out after regaining strength and having a little growth spurt.

Come on Norman!”

“A shaky start for Hope II..’ (as ‘Hope I’ was eaten by Ann’s adorable new puppy) ‘...But things are starting to look more promising as Hattie hasn’t found her yet!”

“Mine’s Rocky Balboa as it has been a fight to survive every day since he was planted.

Despite all the weather he hasn’t thrown in the towel and has kept growing!”

“Big Al (the allium) took an early lead but H took advantage of the recent weather and soaked up both sun and rain to finally sneak ahead!”

“Yum, yum” said the snail.

The Munchificent Seven Becky

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That’s not what Diana said………..

Send photos and tips to us, of your sunflowers growing, so we can share them in our newsletter!

Becky’s original was eaten so she thought: ‘safety in numbers’ and put the new lot up high… but they’re being nibbled too! We’re putting out an S.O.S. (save our sunflowers!) Have you got any top tips to share?

IP21 5TU

If you’ve something Suffolk related you would like to submit to share with readers of our newsletter then we’d love to hear from you!

Our copy deadline is 14th of the month for the following month’s issue. Email us or post your ideas to us.

tel: 01379 855 338

info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

Rural Coffee Caravan The Old Shop Harleston Road Weybread Diss

Our ‘Virtual Leaflet Rack, ‘Noticeboard’ and more news and info can be found at

www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

It's really great to be getting together in person again but we do not yet know by how much the vaccine stops COVID-19 from spreading. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread COVID-19 to others so let’s all keep following the guidance to keep each other safe.

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VILLAGE

TIME of visit

JULY dates

AUGUST dates

Sotterley - Chapel/War Memorial Mendlesham - Community Centre Car Park Finningham - Village Green Freckenham - East View Fornham All Saints

10am-12pm 10am-12pm

1st July 2nd July

5th August 6th August

10am-12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm

Redlingfield - Doorstep Green Pettaugh St Catherine’s Church Car Park Benhall Green Huntingfield - The Hub Lidgate - Village Hall Playing Field Cavendish - Village Hall Aldringham - Mill Hill Worlingham - Samford Court Frostenden - Playing Fields Polstead - Village Green Bramford Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace Wingfield - Castle Crescent Chattisham All Saints and St Margaret Church Beccles – Meadowvale Close Hintlesham - Timperleys Combs - Combs Green Marshmoor Park Wixfield Park Claydon - St Peter’s Court Buxhall - Village Hall Somersham - Brook Way Westhorpe - Village Hall Gazeley - outside The Chequers pub

10am-12pm 2pm-4pm

6th July 6th July 7th July (Thingoe Lodge) 7th July 7th July

3rd August 3rd August 4Th August (Village Hall) 4th August (4th August tbc)

10am -12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10.30am-12.30pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm 9.15am-11.15am

8th July 8th July 9th July 12th July 13th July 13th July 15th July 16th July 19th July

12th August 12th August 13th August 9th August 10th August n/a 17th August 20th August n/a

10am-12pm 10am-12pm

20th July 20th July

17th August 17th August

10am-12noon 2pm-4pm 10am-12noon 10am-12noon 2pm-4pm 10am-12noon 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12noon

20th July 20th July 21st July 22nd July 22nd July 23rd July 26th July 28th July 28th July 29th July

n/a 17th August 18th August 26th August 26th August 27th August 23rd August 25th August 25th August tbc

Visit locations, dates and times are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in government Covid-19 guidelines. If you’d like to confirm any visit details before travelling, give us a call or get in touch with us using any of the methods overleaf.

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