Issue Four
Rural Coffee Caravan
Catch Up
Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk
www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk
We received a rather wonderful surprise and a very special visit whilst at Aldringham in August. We were Joined by Edward Creasy, our current Suffolk High Sheriff, and his wife, Penny.
All in all a wonderful afternoon and we are very grateful and very proud of our lovely team. They gave their time very generously and were keen to learn how the Rural Coffee Caravan started and where it’s going. Aldringham residents enjoyed the chance to meet them both and we were all delightfully surprised when RCC was presented with an award for our work through the pandemic. 2
Ann ☺
Issue #4
•
A visit from the High Sheriff
Contents
•
Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan
•
Engage, Engaged, Engaging, Engagement
•
Our Special Friends
•
Welcoming Our Furry Friends
•
Community Defibrillation—Why All The Fuss?
•
Book Recommendations
•
Compassionate Communities
•
MeetUpMondays™
•
Diana’s Recipe Book - Chicken Cacciatore
•
Suffolk Sight
•
Suffolk Speak Crossword
•
Silver Sunday ‘Songs and Scones’
•
c-a-f-e and More Than A Shop News
•
Scam Alerts
•
Relaxing The Covid-19 Guidelines
•
High Hopes Update
•
Rural Coffee Caravan Visits List
Photo - Sunset in Claydon, by Becky Whitefield 3
Out and About with the Rural Coffee Caravan It feels great to have our visit diary filling up once again! Wattisfield
to bring the community together. The visit saw lots of people from the village gather together for a chat, including some new faces, who were welcomed warmly. There were some lovely responses from those attending: “Really enjoyable experience. Lovely to see all our friends and neighbours again after all the ups and downs of the past 2years.“ J.Banks “It was really great to see such a great turnout. People really need an opportunity to socialise, more now than ever, especially out in the fresh air.” C.Bremner We’re very much looking forward to returning again in September!
Diana & Becky held a fab first visit to Wattisfield in July, with organiser Martyn thanking us for creating the opportunity
Halesworth The fitness bands were out at our last visit to the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth! Kingsley, who is a local carer in Halesworth, had damaged his knee. Theo kindly demonstrated some exercises which might help!
Gazeley It was great to be invited back to hold visits in Gazeley this summer. Diana and Elaine had the kettle on and cake out for 22 visitors and they were even joined by a Shetland pony! (See page 11 for evidence!) More visits were booked for August and October and we look forward to seeing both 2 legged and 4 legged friends on our return! 4
Wattisfield, Halesworth, Gazeley, Sotterley, Mendlesham and Fornham All Saints
Sotterley The sun shone brightly on Sotterley at our last visit, pleasantly warming another great turnout of visitors. Thanks to Jim Laws and the Sotterley Chapel Team for always taking and sharing such fab photos of their visits with us!
Mendlesham at Mendlesham last month we were delighted to have four generations of one family join us at the visit!
5
...more Out and About with the Rural Coffee Caravan
Fornham All Saints We were joined by Sara from St Nicholas Hospice Care at our visit in August, who handed out some knitted hearts. The hearts are small tokens that the charity hopes will lead to heartfelt connections between families coping with dying, caring and grief. Recipients could choose to keep them or pass them on to someone. (More info at www.stnicholashospice.org.uk).
Diana with new volunteer, Christine, at Fornham All Saints
were at the Village Hall but we also pitch up at Thingoe lodge Independent Living Residence. They have a great fruit and veg garden there, which they have created themselves. They use the produce they grow to cook Sunday meals for the residents, and they are having a new greenhouse delivered. They have also created a Covid Memorial Garden to remember those lives lost to the pandemic. What a supportive community!
RCC founder, Sally, came along too,and we had a lovely turnout of around 20 visitors. It was also Christine’s first visit as a volunteer and she was a complete natural. Her cheese scones were amazing and a big hit with everyone! We alternate between two visit locations at Fornham All Saints. This month we 6
Engage, Engaged, Engaging, Engagement….. Article by Jo Reeder, BSEVC All words that we are really familiar with, but what do they actually mean to YOU within your own community.
we’d love to create a passionate, proactive and flexible network of Community Engagement Volunteers in each area – so if you’d like to know more about this exciting new volunteer role, or think you know of someone who is passionate about your community, please let us know.
At BSEVC Later Life Community, we are about to embark on an exciting new project – Later Life Community Engage, which will work alongside the Connecting Communities social prescribing + project run by Suffolk Family Carers to really look at how we can make a difference to people in their own community.
You can reach us on 01284 334516 or if you fancy sending us an email, you can do so to tracey.evans@bsevc.co.uk. And one last ask – we are on the look out for people who know how to play CHESS and may like to share their knowledge with others – after all, chess is a universal language and can be a great leveller – watch this space for more on how we are working with “5-a-side chess” to use their great initiative in communities to bring people together.
A community can mean many different things to different people – for me, one of the communities that I strongly associate with is the theatre – it’s a place that makes me feel empowered, safe, strong and valued and these are all great ways to feel. Sadly, for many this is not the way they feel and we want to do what we can to make Suffolk that place for all older people. An impossible task, maybe, but by working together (with our lovely colleagues at Rural Coffee Caravan as well), we know that we can make a difference to the lives of many.
Our new Community Engagement Coordinator, Tracey will be out and about in communities around East Suffolk, so if you see her, make sure you give her a wave, say hi, or grab her for a cuppa to see how we may be able to help!
We will be starting our work in areas of Waveney and Deben, and would love to hear from anyone within those areas who would like to share their experience of their community – what’s great, what’s not so great – what would you like to see – really an opportunity for YOU – and that means all of you(!) to have your voice heard. We are also going to be looking out for those fantastic community heroes – as 7
The power of animal companionship Our Special Friends has Some testimonials been helping people from clients who have benefit from support recently received our services for over 7 years help: now. What makes us “Our Special Friends different is that we aim has changed my life. I to fill a gap in have improved greatly community care by since receiving their providing services help. They were so dedicated to supporting understanding and the wellbeing of both being confined people and pets during indoors, showed me I times of need. We was a human being.” provide support through our volunteers “Our Special Friends and by working in played a key part in partnership with human my welcoming a dog health and social care; to our home, we having Ruby, 93 years young, as well as vets and animal lost ours to a premature charities. Our workload cherishing her relationship with death. She has filled a gap Bentley, who visits regularly has increased tenfold in our lives and is a quiet during the pandemic with and gentle new friend to my wife and an increase in cases from people suffering myself.” from the impact of lockdown; it may be that they are struggling with mental health issues, fleeing domestic abuse or living with loneliness. Our Special Friends believes in the power of animal companionship and we strive to help people who are struggling by offering animal companionship support services, whether by helping someone maintain contact with their own pet or by introducing a new special friend into their lives. We have the evidence to prove that by doing so, we can provide the vital link which can help them to get through a difficult time.
Members of the team in their new home at The British Racing School 8
Our Special Friends is a West Suffolk based charity that provides a range of animal companionship support services to help those in need to continue to enjoy contact with animals during illness, bereavement and other crises. “Our Special Friends reassured me that everything will be ok with my sick two year old companion. I am an unwell military veteran who relies on my dog for comfort and reassurance as well as safety. I have benefited by Our Special Friends significantly, and I would definitely recommend them to others.”
with charity, either as a donor or a volunteer, we are always interested to hear from you. Take a look at our website www.ourspecialfriends.org which will reveal more about our work, some of the cases we have looked after and the brilliant support that our volunteers give.
Our growing team has recently relocated to the British Racing School site in Snailwell, just outside Newmarket and we have recruited a new Animal Companionship Practitioner, to assist Belinda (Founder and CEO) with the increase in cases. We will also be joined by a new Volunteer Support colleague, to manage our team of volunteers across the region. These are both full time roles and with further assistance from volunteers helping with administration in the office, will free up Belinda to concentrate on developing the complex and multifaceted model of the charity to achieve our ultimate goal, which is to develop growth in other geographic areas.
Wiggo offering Jenny his wholehearted support There is a contact form on the Our Special Friends website if you would like to keep in touch with Our Special Friends, and receive our quarterly newsletter.
All this work is totally dependent on our ability to raise funds. We are looking to increase our regular donors by investigating the viability of employing a major donor fundraiser in the future and we would really welcome your help. If you feel you can contribute to our cause, please consider becoming a regular donor.
www.ourspecialfriends.org If you would like to talk with us about how you might be able to help please do contact Belinda Johnston on 01284 335351 or email office@ourspecialfriends.org
Article by Dr Belinda Johnston MA VetMB MRCVS
If you are interested in getting involved 9
When we say “All Are Welcome”, we mean it! It’s not just the wonderful people who make our village visits special. We also have some fabulous four legged friends who join in too! All really are welcome! We love meeting them as they bring such a lot of joy and fun to our visits and are such great company. All the dogs are friendly and have a special way of connecting with you. A wagging tail never fails to bring a smile to your face. Our furry friends help to bring people together and they are a really valuable addition to our visits. They are rewarded with a drink of their own and some tasty dog treats, which disappear very quickly!
other that they greet each other with a hug! It’s not just dogs that come along, cats visit too! This is Charlie and he followed his owner along to one of our recent visits. Although he decided to remain socially distanced, he kept a close watch on all the activity and he stayed for the whole visit.
Meet some of the gang... Ugg is an active 4 year old Jack Russell, who comes along to our Huntingfield visit. He likes chasing balls, walks and doing lots of tricks for treats. He is a very friendly dog and loves meeting
Brooke stole the show at our Combs Green visit. An adorable 9 year old Chihuahua, she appears regularly on the ‘Adventures in Outreach’ Facebook page and also on the ‘Chikwawa UK’ page. She has lots of fans and is the pride and joy of her owner Jay, who says Brooke much prefers people to other dogs.
new people. Robbie & Tigger are a fabulous new addition to our Chattisham visit. They regularly meet up at puppy training classes and have become firm friends, who love getting together for play dates. They are always so happy to see each 10
Rural Coffee Caravan Team Member, Elaine, joins the ‘Pup-arazzi’ this month!
‘Down with the kids…’ We even had goats at one of our visits to Lidgate! On that occasion we were treated to a chorus of chatter from this lively bunch, keeping everyone very entertained.
Our feathered friends... ’Luna and the Moorhens’, (no - they’re not a girl band) sometimes make guest appearances at our Chattisham visit, and what a wonderful surprise it was to meet Fudge at our visit to Gazeley! An adorable 18 year old Shetland pony who stands 10.2 hands high. Fudge was out on a village walk with owner Louisa & family and joined in with us. Fudge likes to get dressed up and take part in dressage events, loves people and although not a fussy eater - is very partial to Polo mints! We can’t sign off without a mention for the totally paw-some Marley, Treacle, Candy, Molly and Roly, who have delighted us at various Wixfield, Chattisham and Freckenham visits. We look forward to catching up with all our furry friends and their petscapades when we’re next in the neighbourhood! Photos and article by Elaine Begent
11
Community Defibrillation—why all the fuss? Article by Martin Fagan, National Secretary, The Community Heartbeat Trust charity
On a recent Rural Coffee Caravan visit to Redlingfield we heard how wonderfully they were being supported in the acquisition of a defibrillator for the village, and so we asked Martin to share the initiative with our readers...
than 10%, with the heart degrading about 20% per minute from the time it stops working properly, until it dies. This window of opportunity allows a realistic attempt to save a life, by the application of the ‘Chain of Survival’. Once you recognise there is a problem (Stage 1), call 999 ambulance (stage 2). You will be asked to start chest compressions very quickly (Stage 3), as the chest compressions keep the person alive to allow other things to happen. The next stage (4) is where you will be told to fetch a defibrillator, if there is one available locally (and it is working!), and allow the defibrillator to perform stage 4 for you. You cannot harm anyone by using a defibrillator. The quicker you perform stages 1-4, the higher the survival.
The key for saving lives, as amply demonstrated by the saving of Christian Eriksen at the Euro’s football, was the application of the ‘Chain of Survival’. Very simply - recognise help is needed, call for that help, start CPR/ Chest Compressions and then use a defibrillator, followed by rapid transfer to hospital – 5 stages. The Ericksen incident was singularly the largest training session in a lifesaving process anywhere, with 250m people seeing how to save a life in real time. In communities, where there are predominantly untrained users, helping people step onto this ‘Chain of Survival’ should also include helping them overcome the stress and panic of doing something, rather than doing nothing. Time is of the essence.
Having a defibrillator nearby is therefore distinct advantage. But not just any defibrillator. It has to be one that is designed for community use, and makes the rescue easy. It also has to comply with disability legislation, after all, no point in having a defibrillator that only talks to you, if the user is hard of hearing/does not speak English/or otherwise unable to understand the instructions.
Cardiac Arrest (Heart stopped working) happens around 60,000 times a year in the UK in adults, roughly 1 per 1000 people per year. Survival in the UK is less 12
This is now why most community defibrillators have small TV screens on them so the user can be shown how to do the rescue. Placement is also important. It has to be easy to find. This is why since 2009 we have worked with BT to convert redundant telephone kiosks into defibrillator centres, and since we started with this idea, some 1000 have been converted by ourselves alone. Not all defibrillators can go into kiosks though, and there are rules to follow. We can therefore advise people the best way forward.
realise that it is the ‘Chain of Survival’ steps all together that saves the life – not just the defibrillator. CPR training; ready access to easy-to-use AEDs (automated external defibrillators) with visual displays; and emergency services responsiveness and support to a 999 caller, all contribute to the solution. In preparing for community training programmes, significant time should be given to ensuring confidence in the audience as opposed to just solely technical competence, and refresher sessions held at least annually.
Since defibrillators, and community training programmes, have become more prevalent in society, the survival to hospital (called ROSC) has increased to 25% in the UK. However the survival back into the community is still under 10%. Thus a great deal needs to be done. The more patients that survive to hospital, the more will leave hospital alive. Community training is therefore very important – not only to understand the basics of saving a life, but also to
Believe me, you are on cloud nine if you have helped to save a life! If your community would like to discuss the installation of a defibrillator in your village and Community ‘Chain of Survival’ Training, you can do this by getting in touch with the Community Heartbeat Trust charity at www.communityheartbeat.org.uk or by calling 0330 1243 067 13
Book Recommendations The Salt Path
sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey. The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
by Raynor Winn "A tale of triumph: of hope over despair: of love over everything" The Sunday Times. It is the current reading choice of "The Most Easterly Book Club" Recommended by Hugh and Lisa Davies of PaperWorks Books and Prints
For Raynor Winn and her husband Moth, the cruellest of diagnoses and the simultaneous collapse of their business opens an unexpected door to salvation through a journey which over its length transforms into a sweeping narrative of inner courage and nature’s ability to heal. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years is terminally ill, their home and livelihood is taken away. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs,
The Easternmost House by Juliet Blaxland Recommended by Jojo of The Aldeburgh Bookshop
"The house on the edge of the cliff was demolished this week, which means we are now the house on the edge of the cliff." In June 2015, the house was 50 paces from the edge. Now, it is 25 paces away. The Easternmost House is a memoir of a life lived precariously, describing the coastal erosion that is pushing the eponymous residence closer and closer to the edge of a crumbling Suffolk cliff, all year round and in all weathers. 14
This month’s books have once again been recommended by some of our wonderful local Independent Book Stores HALESWORTH Halesworth Bookshop: 01986 873840 or 07887427602 www.thehalesworthbookshop.co.uk email: halesworthbookshop@gmail.com
Written at the kitchen table of the eponymous house in Suffolk, it is a meditation on nature, on the passing of time, on coastal erosion, and on the changing seasons. It describes a life lived in close proximity to the natural world, and evokes the lived-in outdoors of the everyday: of the firewood forager, the improviser, the beachcomber. Blaxland’s book is a fascinating insight into dramatic change, both personal and geological.
IPSWICH Dial Lane Books www.diallanebooks.co.uk email: hello@diallanebooks.co.uk (No phone number but can be contacted by email). LOWESTOFT Paperwork Books and Prints: 07986 391313 www.paper-works.co.uk email: mail@paper-works.co.uk
Give your local bookstore a call and you can order your chosen book from a helpful and friendly person on the other end of the phone, who would be happy to recommend you something new to read, and who can arrange to have your book posted to you.
THETFORD Not Just Books: 01842 753660 www.notjustbooks.co.uk email: j.james@notjustbooks.co.uk
ALDEBURGH Aldeburgh Bookshop: 01728 452389 www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk email:
BECCLES Beccles Books: 01502 716806 www.facebook.com/becclesbooks email: becclesbooks@btconnect.com
WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Emporium 01394 382382 www.woodbridgeemporium.co.uk email: woodbridgeemporium@gmail.com
FELIXSTOWE Stillwater Bookshop: 01394 548010 www.stillwaterfelixstowe.co.uk email: hello@stillwaterfelixstowe.co.uk
Browsers Bookstore 01394 388890 www.browsersbookshop.com email:browsers@browsersbookshop.com
johnandmary@aldeburghbookshop.co.uk
15
What matters most at the end of life? Article by Dr Joe Sawyer
everyday life and how much a simple act of kindness or compassion can mean for someone dealing with serious illness or loss. Imagine the possibilities when such interactions are part of the fabric of the whole community.
Dr Joe Sawyer, is an Academic Clinical Fellow in Palliative Care. He provides an update on the fantastic Compassionate Communities’ activities taking place in East Suffolk.
It is time to recognise these often overlooked interactions as not just simple acts of kindness but as the driving force to how we experience serious illness, dying, caregiving and loss.
Death comes to us all at some stage. The idea of dying often fills people with fear and sadness, yet death can also bring companionship, courage, strength, love and compassion.
In this way, caring relationships are not merely the remit of healthcare professionals but the responsibility of the community. Such an idea is growing and has led to Ipswich and Felixstowe joining the ‘Compassionate Community’ initiative facilitated by St Elizabeth Hospice. Through this there will be many activities and events promoting the work your community does in caring for people at the end-of-life. Over the coming months I will highlight the work of these groups in the hope many of you will feel inspired and validated in the amazing work being done.
Death can occur in many ways and at different times in our lives, yet how it is experienced is often shaped by relationships made during the process of dying and grieving. Commonly, people associate the responsibility for caring relationships at the end-of-life with doctors, nurses and other professionals. Whilst such people have an important role, the reality is when someone is dying, most of their time is spent alone, with friends and family or in the company of the TV or radio. Here relationships with people, places and often animal companions can matter hugely and even define how we experience death. Such spaces exist within, and are created by the local community.
The first of which is The Hope Trust, in Felixstowe, which runs a twice yearly 4week bereavement support group for adults of any age. This is not counselling, but a chance to explore grief as it is being experienced, with others, in a safe and compassionate space.
As we open up our social spaces again, following a difficult year away, think back to social interactions that are so common to 16
“Imagine the possibilities when such interactions [as a simple act of kindness or compassion] are part of the fabric of the whole community.” There is a chance to find out about the next course on 2nd October 2021, with the actual 4-week course starting on 11th October 2021, for more information visit www.hopetrust.org.uk or call 01394 272 592.
for people to discuss grief and ask ‘Is the way I am feeling all right?’ Families and friends often think they should be ‘getting over it’ at a time when people are facing their greatest challenge. We give them the language to use and permission to express how they are feeling…'Why am I lonely, why am I angry, why do I feel guilty?'
You can learn more about The Hope Trust by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ compassion/your-stories-sheila-taylor/ to read the story of Shelia Taylor who is a pastoral worker for the Felixstowe charity.
In the last session we talk about what do I do now? Life isn’t going to be the same as it was and how am I to go forward? What can I do to make it the best life, when I feel a bit stronger and braver?"
The Hope Trust holds social groups and has speakers, to help prepare for life as an older person. Sheila says “The bereavement support group is a safe place
Having the last word…
Are you grateful for an experience you shared? Do you have a favourite recipe, or a book, to pass on? One that ‘got you through the tough times.’ Are you gifting an object to a family member? Is there a memory or story attached to it that you can share with them? The Groundswell Project (in Australia) have a template PDF file on their website with suggestions on how to approach making an Emotional Will:
have you ever thought about writing an Emotional Will? An Emotional Will is all about your legacy, the things you want to convey in terms of your thoughts, values and memories. It’s not a legal document so you are free to be creative with it! It’s a chance to ensure that you don’t leave this life with things left unsaid. You can “leave” memories, letters sharing thoughts and well wishes, drawings, notebooks, photos, videos, sound recordings, it’s entirely up to you how you do it.
www.thegroundswellproject.com/ document-your-wishes
Is there a memory or a moment that encapsulates a relationship? Is there something this relationship taught you?
A lovely idea! 17
www.meetupmondays.org.uk
MeetUpMondays™ Currently active in and around Suffolk Kesgrave Kitchen The Garden House The Golden Key
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
The Kingfisher
Tel: 01728 688510 301 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QG
The Norman
Tel: 01473 680300 Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB
Warrior Barleycorn
Tel: 01502 561982 30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF
Brewers Arms
Tel: 01638 712877 18-20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS
The Greyhound
Tel: 01473 790862 9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE
Pura Vida
High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN
Pennoyer Centre
Tel: 01379 766200 Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT
The Shepherd and Dog The Angel Clare Antiques and Interiors Café 66
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 Tel: 01473 252862 (Please call to check which Wednesdays day for now. This group will eventually return 10am - 12 Noon to their regular Monday slot).
Tel: 01379 676660 The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855
Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am Mondays 10am - 11.30 am Mondays 2 pm – 4 pm
2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660 The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449
Mondays 4 pm – 7 pm Mondays 10 am – 12 noon
Kesgrave Scout Hall, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF Tel: 07852 902879
Wednesday 10am – 11am
18
The Crown Hotel
25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722
The Golf Hotel
748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR Tel: 01473 727450
CoffeeLink, Leiston Co-op
Sizewell Road, Leiston IP16 4AE Tel: 01728 831613
Tina’s Country Kitchen
18 High Street, Lakenheath IP27 9JS Tel: 07464 450034
Tuesdays 9.30am – 11.30am Launches 7th Sept
White Horse
97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF Tel: 01787 374321
Mondays 10.30am – 12 noon Resumes 6th Sept
The Engine Room
Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH Tel: 01824 779867
Mondays 12 noon – 2pm Resumes 13th Sept
Diana’s Recipe Book
•
Chicken Cacciatore Serves 4
•
2 tbsp plain flour 8 chicken thighs (2 person) •
I onion (med) 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
•
1 red pepper 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp red pesto sauce or tom puree 1/4 pint of chicken stock
•
1 tsp dried oregano •
8 black olives (optional) Salt & pepper to taste
•
19
Mondays 10 am – 12 noon Thursdays 12 noon – 2pm Mondays 10am – 11.30am
Place the flour in a plastic bag or bowl. Add the chicken thighs and shake or cover them with the flour. Chop onion, garlic and red pepper, and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the flour coated thighs on top of the onion and peppers. Make up the chicken stock with ¼ pint of hot water. Also add the tomato puree and dried oregano. Pour over the thighs and set the slow cooker. I suggest that on low for 5/7 hours or high 2/3 hours. ½ an hour before finished cooking add the olives Serve with tagliatelle and fresh chopped basil.
National Eye Health Awareness Week 20th- 24th September
Your Vision Matters
Suffolk Sight & OneLife Suffolk out & about with the Rural Coffee Caravan
vision and how, by keeping healthy, you can benefit your eyes. We are excited to be working alongside OneLife Suffolk who will be on hand to offer 30-minute health checks or 10-minute mini health checks.
Vision really matters. Losing your sight can have an enormous effect on your life, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes or about the services that exist and the tailored advice and support available.
Suffolk Sight has a dedicated and highly skilled team of community workers and technical advisers, who will be on hand to chat. They understand the issues that people face as they live their life with a visual impairment and have extensive experience and knowledge of the opportunities and choices available to you.
Suffolk Sight is your local, community-based sight loss charity supporting children and adults of all ages. We will be out and about from the 20th to 24th September promoting Your Vision Matters National Eye Health Awareness Week and highlighting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.
We work hard to provide services that are friendly and practical, and to raise awareness of the different aspects of living with sight loss. These can include daily-living aids, emotional support, benefits advice and the latest tech solutions. You can contact our office to find out more about how we can help, to get information on our social opportunities, connect to our befriending scheme or be put in touch with other services based
Thanks to the Rural Coffee Caravan, while you are having a cuppa you can also have a chat about your sight. Discover the best ways to be looking after your
20
on your personal needs and interests. Whether you have experience with technology or consider yourself to be a complete novice, we can work with you to help find the right IT solution or make the most of the devices you already own.
degeneration – the UK’s leading cause of blindness.
Regular exercise
What Can You Do?
can reduce your risk of degenerative eye conditions. Talk to OneLife Suffolk, who offer a variety of FREE services for Suffolk residents to help create healthier, happier futures.
Book an eye test
Chat to us,
(if you have not done so in the last two years). A sight test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions. Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss.
Suffolk Sight, over a cuppa during Eye Health Awareness Week, 20th to 24th September. We’ll be joining the Rural Coffee Caravan on the visits listed below. Or you can contact us to arrange for a visit to you at home.
Eating a healthy diet
Please phone either
can reduce your risk of suffering from many age-related eye conditions. Fruit and vegetables are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, which can protect against conditions such as macular
01473 611 011 (Ipswich) or 01284 748 800 (Bury St Edmunds) or email us at
info@suffolksight.org.uk Wednesday 22nd September
Suffolk Sight and OneLife Suffolk will be joining us on the following visits.
Somersham 2pm – 4pm Westhorpe 2pm – 4pm
Monday 20th September
Thursday 23rd September
Bramford 9:30am – 11:30am
Marshmoor Park 10am – 12pm Frostenden 10am – 12pm Wixfield Park 2pm – 4pm
Tuesday 21st September
Chattisham 10am – 12pm Wingfield 10am – 12pm Beccles 10am – 12pm Hintlesham 2pm – 4pm Worlingham 2pm – 4pm
Friday 24th September
Claydon 10am – 12pm
More details on the back cover of this magazine & at ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/events/2021-09 21
Suffolk Dialect
How well do you know your ‘Suffolk Speak?’
Crossword
Can you complete this Suffolk words and phrases puzzle from the clues below? (Answers on page 31)
22
Rural Coffee Caravan and BSEVC invite you to an afternoon of
Songs and Scones Sunday 3rd October 2021 — 2 pm - 4.30pm at Blackbourne Community Centre, Elmswell IP30 9UH
Come and join us for a homemade Cream Tea, and entertainment from Suffolk singer
Chelsea Francis The event is completely free to attend but booking is essential. Call 01379 855 338 or book online via Eventbrite at: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.eventbrite.com to reserve your place. Rural Coffee Caravan registered charity No. 1187423 BCEVC registered charity No. 1004198
23
c-a-f-e (coffee—and—friends—events) is a network helping to connect Suffolk community groups with organisations which can offer free support, advice, training & information, to help groups and clubs flourish and become sustainable. If your local group is interested in joining the network you can find out more info by visiting the c-a-f-e page on the Rural Coffee Caravan website, by emailing us at cafe@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk or by giving us a call on 01379 855 338. Needham Market c-a-f-e Community Coffee Morning Every Tuesday 11am—1pm Launching 7th September Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB
Come and join us for some friendly company and a chat over a free cuppa. Contact Jan on 07881 028 510 for more info. Two events hosted by Hadleigh Food Bank Charity:
Fresh Start c-a-f-e ‘Weekly Cream Tea’ Every Tuesday 12.30pm—1.30pm The Millers Kitchen, Kersey Mill, Kersey IP7 6DP
Weekly Cream Tea event from 12.30pm. £5 per person, also Fresh Start c-a-f-e ‘Coffee and Cake’ Every Wednesday 12.30pm—1.30pm Boxford River Cafe, 4 Broad Street, Boxford CO10 5DX
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 via www.hadleighfoodbank.org or contact Angela on 07377 190 455 for more information on both Fresh Start c-a-f-e events. Booking in advance essential. Friends Round Friday Every Friday 2pm—3.30pm Every
Dumbarton Rd Scout Hall, Dumbarton Rd, Ipswich IP4 3JP Hosted by Rushmere Good Neighbours and Rushmere Churches Together. Free refreshments, all ages welcome.
Toddler corner, books, games, puzzles. Companionship and a cuppa. Contact Michelle on 07570 093 097 for more info.
24
More Than A Shop Making a difference to rural communities Our More Than A Shop initiative celebrates and recognises how much rural village stores can be places of friendship, and also life-lines, to the more isolated or vulnerable members of our communities. We thought we’d share with you some of the feedback and nominations we have received, on what it means to be ’More Than A Shop.’
A quote from S.W., regarding New Cheveley Road Store, Newmarket: “...They have provided massive support to the fragile & elderly in Nacton, not only as a result of Covid-19 but even before that. They have been an absolute lifeline that allows my elderly mother to continue to live a full & independent life even when she has suffered fractures to her hip, wrist & pelvis….she was discharged from the rehabilitation nursing home with her & the family secure in the knowledge that she could order pretty much all her day to day requirements for food etc & they would deliver straight to her home. This [award] is an amazing recognition of all they do and how even after about 40 years they continue to be the beating heart of the village.”
“I've have just been presented with this certificate from the Rural Coffee Caravan. They told me that they have had many, many comments about us from not just the local community but wider afield. I am so proud of us all...this has made my day, thank you.” Peasenhall General Store owner, Ellie Baldry. Another shop to receive many nominations was A.R. Heeks and Sons, Lavenham. It has been in John Heeks’ family for 3 generations. He remembers how his grandad helped customers and the wider community and he uses “what would grandad have done” as the foundation for his business in serving the community. “Heeks General Store keeps my mum alive I’m sure, she lives on her own in the village, I live abroad, delivers to her all the time and helps her with anything and everything, even sorting out problems not related to the store! All in the store are great! They are truly a life line in every sense.” D. H.
Feedbarn Pet Store, Halesworth, owner Laura wasn’t aware of Rural Coffee Caravan before being nominated for their More Than A Shop award and following our conversation explaining what the charity does she said: “I’m so pleased to finally have a place to signpost customers to when they need help, I have many customers that come in to chat as they don’t see other people during the day.” Tell us if your local village store is More Than A Shop. Call 07494 570905 or email: morethanashop@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk 25
Article by Sasha Watson
Spot the signs of phone fraud
Community Engagement Officer Suffolk Trading Standards
Scams of any kind are fraud. They are created by criminals to con you out of your money or to obtain personal details that can be used for Identify Fraud. Fraudsters are cunning in their phonescam tactics and it’s not always easy or obvious to tell straight away whether it’s a scam, so it's good to know some of the typical tricks that scammers use so you can be prepared.
calls. For example, they could say that your bank account will be permanently deleted if you don’t reset your password through a link that they’ve provided.
No-one should be asking for your password - A reputable company will never ask for your password or bank PIN, either over the phone or by email. If they
What are some of the common phone scams you should be aware of?
They are evasive if you have questions - If you ask to speak to a supervisor or ask for proof of where that the caller is calling from, they’ll either change the subject or make you feel at fault for asking for more information.
Bank scams - Someone may call claiming to be from your bank telling you there’s a problem with your card or account. The caller will often sound professional and try to convince you that your card has been cloned or that your money is at risk. They may ask for your account and card details, including your PIN number, and even offer to send a courier to collect your card. They may also advise transferring your money to a ‘safe account’ to protect it.
need you to reset your password, they’ll send you a link to a secure page on their official site, which will allow you to do it safely. You also shouldn’t have to give any individual person your password or PIN number.
Computer repair scams - A scammer may call you claiming to be from the helpdesk of a well-known IT firm, such as Microsoft or BT. They’ll tell you that your computer has a virus and will ask you to download ‘anti-virus software’, possibly at a cost.
Using threats to frighten you - In order to try to spur the victim into action, scammers may include threats in their 26
Fraudsters are cunning in their phone-scam tactics and it’s not always easy or obvious to tell straight away whether it’s a scam, so it's good to know some of the typical tricks that scammers use... HMRC scams - You may get a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC saying there is an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill. They may leave a message and ask you to call back. Again, don’t be fooled by this. HMRC would never contact you this way and would never ask you to reveal personal financial information such as your bank account details.
•
Pensions and investment scams - This is a call about an 'unmissable' investment opportunity or offering you the opportunity to access your pension cash earlier.
•
Scammers now have the technology to mimic an official telephone number so it comes up on your caller ID display (if you have one on your phone). This can trick you into thinking the caller is really from a legitimate organisation, such as a bank or utility company. If you’re in any doubt, hang up and call the organisation directly. If possible, call them from different phone as scammers can keep the phone line open, so that even if you hang up and call the organisation directly, the line may still be connected to the scammer. If it’s not possible to use another phone then wait for at least 5 minutes before you call.
•
Register with the Telephone Preference Service at www.tpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0345 070 0707 – it's free and it allows you to opt out of any unsolicited live telesales calls. This should reduce the number of cold calls you receive but may not block scammers. Talk to your phone provider to see what other privacy services and call-blocking services are available, although you may need to pay for some of these services. If you have a smartphone, you can use the settings on the phone to block unwanted numbers. If you’re not sure how to do this, you could visit your local mobile phone shop for assistance.
What should I do if I received a scam call?
Report the call to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Join the fight against scams and rogues by becoming a Trading Standards Champion. To sign up, and to find out more, head to www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight
How can I avoid phone scams and cold calls? You can block or prevent some cold calls. Try these simple things: 27
Relaxing the Covid –19 Guidelines How relaxed do we actually feel? We are all aware of the ‘relaxing’ of guidelines. Guidelines that were put in place to keep us all ‘safe’. Whilst for some these may have felt like a cage we need to break free from, for others they feel more of a safety bubble. We are all different, unique for a better word, and how this pandemic has affected us is very much personal. How I feel may not compare to my neighbour, friend or sister. Whilst we have all navigated the same pandemic we may all have different ideas of how we want to conduct ourselves now.
would all be stood queuing for food at a respectable social distance! Our ‘normal’ has definitely changed. If you see me out shopping I will still be wearing a face covering and hand sanitising. The meme using ‘The Urine Test’ analogy (opposite page) to explain so simply why masks are effective in controlling the spread of the virus raises a smile and is a good reminder to keep wearing them. Practising these safety measures still is not just about safeguarding myself, but also about having respect for the health of those around me and those connected to me via the chain of people I interact with. It protects those people working in the shops I visit; my children’s teachers and the health of my wider family. Whilst being double vaccinated may reduce my chances of becoming seriously ill or needing hospitalisation, I am very conscious that I can still pass this virus on. I think that is one of the great things about the Rural Coffee Caravan and its outdoor village visits. Enabling people to feel more comfortable about coming out due to the benefit of not being in a contained environment.
I went out for a drink the other night and where as, pre-pandemic, I would rather have sat indoors (because I feel the cold), I now feel more comfortable sitting outside. I chose being outdoors in the fresh air over being inside. Yes, I need to wear more layers, but I’ve gotten used to it, and it’s all about finding out what now works for us – whilst also respecting others wishes. For me, the distance between benches allowed me to keep a comfortable distance from others. When I’m home, if friends come over to visit we tend to sit outside or if we do end up indoors we keep the windows open. Talking to a Latitude goer, it was interesting to hear them laughing at the fact that one minute everyone would be crowded together watching a band play, and the next minute they
It is now down to each and every one of us to make those decisions to keep each other safe and well.
28
(This meme was first posted on www.reddit.com/r/funny on 29th April 2020)
29
High Hopes Update ‘The Munchificent Seven’, which became Six, are now Three, with the tallest measuring 2ft 8”. They might be short but have won the race to flower! Bill and Ben were doing so well, then disaster struck! The recent high winds knocked them over and ‘Bill’ came to a snappy end, leaving ‘Ben’ to carry the golden torch onwards. ‘Hope’ isn’t showing signs of flowering yet, but it won’t be long before she’s peeping over Ann’s 6ft fence! ‘Rocky’ managed to survive the winds and with additional support is now a strapping 6ft 5” tall. ‘Norman’ is now 5ft and struggling a little with his foliage—but we all have bugs to bear in life and he’s still reaching for the sky! And last but not least, ‘Big H’ is just plain showing off— with a stonking 9ft 7” and still climbing! Our grateful thanks to Adrian from Chattisham (pictured below with Diana) who kindly sent us his lovely sunflower painting which decorates the banner at the top of this feature!
30
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
Answers to Suffolk Dialect Crossword from page 22.
31
VILLAGE
TIME of visit
SEPT dates
OCT dates
Fornham All Saints
10am-12pm
Redlingfield - The Knoll Sotterley - Chapel/War Memorial Kenton - Church Grounds Mendlesham - Community Centre Car Park
10am-12pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm
1st Sept Thingoe Lodge 1st Sept 2nd Sept 2nd Sept 3rd Sept
6th Oct Village Hall 6th Oct 7th Oct 7th Oct 1st Oct
Rattlesden - Outside Shop/Post Office Kelsale-cum-Carlton -Car Park opposite Village Hall Finningham - Village Green
10am-12pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm
7th Sept 7th Sept 7th Sept
5th Oct n/a 5th Oct
Freckenham - East View Framsden - Village Hall Snape - Village Hall Hitcham - Village Hall Lidgate - Village Hall Playing Field Cavendish - Village Hall Worlingham - Samford Court Aldringham - Mill Hill Combs - Combs Green Benhall - Village Green, Aldecar Lane Huntingfield - The Hub Polstead - Village Green Pettaugh- Laffits Hall - Suffolk Artlink event Bramford - Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace * Worlingham - Ashdale Drive * Chattisham - All Saints & St Margarets Church * Beccles - Meadowvale Close * Wingfield - Castle Crescent * Hintlesham - Timperleys * Westhorpe - Village Hall * Somersham - Brook Way * Frostenden - Playing Fields * Marshmoor Park * Wixfield Park * Claydon - St Peter’s Court * Buxhall - Village Hall Wattisfield - Community Centre Halesworth - Pear Tree Centre
2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10.30am-12.30pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12noon 10am -12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10am-4pm 9.15am-11.15am 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10am-12noon 10am-12pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 2pm-4pm 10am-12pm 10am-12pm
7th Sept 8th Sept 9th Sept 9th Sept 10th Sept 13th Sept 14th Sept 14th Sept 15th Sept 16th Sept 16th Sept 17th Sept 19th Sept 20th Sept 21st Sept 21st Sept 21st Sept 21st Sept 21st Sept 22nd Sept 22nd Sept 23rd Sept 23rd Sept 23rd Sept 24th Sept 27th Sept 28th Sept 30th Sept
5th Oct 13th Oct n/a 14th Oct 8th Oct 11th Oct 12th Oct 12th Oct 20th Oct 14th Oct 14th Oct 15th Oct n/a 18th Oct n/a 19th Oct n/a 19th Oct 19th Oct 27th Oct 27th Oct 21st Oct 28th Oct 28th Oct 22nd Oct 25th Oct n/a 28th Oct
* On these visits we will be joined by Suffolk Sight and One Life Suffolk as part of Eye Health Awareness Week and free eye health checks will be available to visitors who would like them. See inside for further details.
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 on the previous page.
32