Rural Coffee Caravan - Catch Up - Issue 7 - December 2021

Issue Seven

Rural Coffee Caravan

Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk

www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

The days are drawing in and the temperature is dropping so articles this month focus on staying connected, warm and well.

Our guest article this month is from Cllr James Mallinder, talking about the wonderful MeetUpMondays™ group that runs in his ward.

Other articles from Artlink, Suffolk Libraries, and Needham Chinwag centre around getting together and we are also delighted to feature the launch of Metfield’s new ‘c-a-f-e’, an event that attracted over 70 local residents. We are also pleased to update you on the success of Suffolk’s two The Friendly Bench® installations.

Homestart Suffolk have launched their Christmas Campaign, Healthwatch Suffolk are asking for feedback on your experiences with the vaccine rollout and Suffolk Community Foundation have launched their Winter Appeal and support campaign so we’ve popped in their flyer (just turn that one on its side to read!)

Later Life Community Connect have a very important phone number for you to keep and this number will be manned across the Christmas period.

We introduce you to Garry, who has made a very welcome return to the team after a four year break, and to lovely little Lola our new canine team member.

Festive feels include a yummy festive recipe from cook and anti-poverty activist Jack Monroe and a selection of light hearted suggestions for Christmas reading.

As always we include contact details for each agency featured. They will all welcome your call if you would like to know more about them.

We’d like to wish you all a very Happy Healthy Festive Season!

So settle down with a cuppa and enjoy our last issue for 2021.

Ann ☺ 2

Seasons Season’s Greetings Greetings

Rural Rural Coffee Coffee Caravan Caravan

Issue #7 Contents

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Out & About with the Rural Coffee Caravan

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MeetUpMondays

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Suffolk Artlink - Friends Around The Table

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Suffolk Libraries

•

Katch

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Needham Market Chinwag

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Later Life Connect

•

Surviving Winter

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Home Start Suffolk

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Recipe Corner– Jack Monroe Mincemeat Pudding

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Healthwatch Suffolk

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

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Metfield c-a-f-e Launch

•

Cup of Correspondence

•

Scam Warnings

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The Friendly Bench®

•

Christmas Book Corner

•

Befriending Phone Calls and Helplines

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Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan Kessingland, Alton Water and Hollesley

Kessingland Annette took ‘Lola’, her gorgeous cockerpoo puppy and newest addition to the RCC team to say hello to Marram Green c-a-f-e’s ‘Mates on Monday’ in Kessingland in November. Pictured here with Kessingland Parish Councillors Julie McClean and Christine Cook, alongside community volunteers Pearl Lawrence, Jane Heselwood and Ros. When the commercial café that used to host their local MeetUpMondays had to close permanently during the pandemic, Pearl, Jane and Ros were determined to revive the group for the benefit of all those who were missing their get-together. The ladies got in touch with the Rural Coffee Caravan and we were able to help them establish a new group in our c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events) network and help them access support and funding through Community Action Suffolk and Kessingland Parish Council. They relaunched with their new identity in October and everyone is delighted to be able to meet up again!

Alton Water RCC team member Garry visited Bike Active (formerly Bike Ability Ipswich) at Alton Water at the beginning of November to see their operation in action. Bike Active provides cycling for people with a range of disabilities, riding ‘on road’ every Friday to enjoy the superb countryside around Alton Water and surrounding villages. For more information about Bike Active go to www.bikeactive.org.uk or email bikeactive.org@gmail.com.

Hollesley Garry also popped along to say hello to the well established MeetUpMondays group at The Shepherd and Dog in Hollesley in November. The group is organised by dynamic volunteer Helen Lewis, coordinator of their local Good Neighbour Scheme, with support from local councillor James Mallinder who is a regular volunteer.

As well as their regular Monday Meet Up, the group organises lots of extra activities.

In November they have a Handbell Ringers event, in December there is ‘Mince Pies and Music’, and in the New Year they have a celebration lunch planned.

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Guest Article

by Cllr James Mallinder, Deben ward member and Cabinet member of the Environment

via Zoom, iPads, mobile phones - but nothing replaces meeting in person, sharing a story and laughing at a joke.

And of course those of us volunteering and running these events also benefit by giving back to society and helping others. There is nothing better, and I speak from experience, than helping someone or making someone smile. Many residents are proud and wouldn’t dream of asking for help but these meetings offer a perfect situation where a softer discussion can take place and organisers are quick to signpost additional support. Especially older venerable residents might need a helping hand, and there is nothing wrong with that.

As Covid restrictions are lifted and as we approach Christmas and New Year it reminds me how important to all of us our social connections in our community are.

Zoom meetings have their place, but right now all that we want is a cup of tea and a chat, and if you are lucky a slice of cake.

Local MeetUpMondays™ groups played an important role over the recent lock downs, arranging meetings via Zoom and also organising assistance for those residents who needed a helping hand. However their physical meetings are back and from my own experience needed more than ever. Not having something really focuses us all on what we have missed and what is important in our communities, and this social interaction really is the magic ingredient that creates a community.

“...this social interaction really is the magic ingredient that creates a community.”

Environmental issues are never far from my thoughts but even at these events I hear discussions of sharing a car or the swapping of extra home grown vegetables.

So although we look at fundamental changes from national government to solve the climate emergency, in fact we are all doing our bit without even noticing and by supporting and developing a community we step closer to solving climate concerns. Success will be determined by building environmentally substantiable communities.

Offering support and a chat, these groups are really important, especially for residents who are living on their own who rely on such meetings to catch up with village gossip, and of course we all feel better after talking to our friends. Early November was my turn to volunteer at my local MeetUpMondays™ group - even now a lady explained to me how important these groups are as this once a week meeting is sometimes the only connection she has with others in the village.

In some ways it’s easier than ever to connect -

MeetUpMondays™ has become integral to community life and I find it hard to think now what did we do before they appeared in our villages and towns?

Happy Christmas to you and all your community groups.

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MeetUpMondays™ is a network of pubs and cafés throughout Suffolk (and growing across the UK) helping to address loneliness and isolation since 2018.

More info and a list of participating host venues can be found on our website and social media pages.

Groups are held on any day of the week!

MeetUpMondays™ creates opportunities for folk on their own to access regular company and a chat, without feeling labelled as lonely,

@MeetUpMondays @MeetUpMondays @MeetUpMondays_Network

and helps to reinforce our local pubs and cafés as community hubs.

www.meetupmondays.org.uk

www.meetupmondays.org.uk

Groups currently active in and around Suffolk White Horse

97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF

Mondays

The Engine Room

Tel: 01787 374321 Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH Tel: 01824 779867

10.30am – 12 noon Mondays

The Bluebell Tea Rooms

Bypass Nurseries, London Rd, Capel St Mary IP9 2JR Tel: 01473 806620

On hold in December, returning Jan 2022

Sarah’s Coffee Shop

Capel St Mary Village Hall, Capel St Mary IP9 2ER

Wednesdays

Tel: 07730 310136

10am – 12 noon

St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB

Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3pm

The Corn Hall

Tel: 01379 652241 Somersham & District Community Shop

Princes Gardens, Lower Somersham IP8 4PF

The Wellington

27-29 High Street, Feltwell IP26 4AF

Fisher Theatre

Tel: 01842 828224 10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE

Tel: 01473 833416

Tel: 01986 897130 6

12 noon – 2pm

Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm Mondays 2pm – 4pm Mondays 10.30am – 12.30pm

Kesgrave Kitchen

77 Main Rd, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1AF

Mondays

Tel: 01473 622484

9 am - 10am

The Garden House

1 Pembroke Road, Norwich NR2 3HD

Now on *Tuesdays*

Tel: 01473 624038

12pm - 1pm

Tina’s Country

18 High Street, Lakenheath IP27 9JS

Tuesdays

Kitchen

Tel: 07464 450034

9.30am – 11.30am

The Kingfisher

301 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QG

Mondays

Tel: 01473 680300

9.30am - 11.30am

The Norman

Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB

Mondays

Warrior

Tel: 01502 561982

10am - 12 Noon

Barleycorn

30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF

Tuesdays

Tel: 01638 712877

9.30am -11am

18-20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS

Wednesdays

Tel: 01473 790862

11am - 1pm

9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE

Mondays

Tel: 01473 252862

10am - 11.30am

High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN

Wednesdays

Tel: 01379 766200

9.30am - 11.30am

Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT

Mondays

Tel: 01379 676660

10am - 11.30 am

The Shepherd

The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU

Mondays

and Dog

Tel: 01394 411855

2 pm – 4 pm

The Angel

2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE

Mondays

Tel: 01394 382660

4 pm – 7 pm

Clare Antiques

The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW

Mondays

and Interiors

Tel: 01787 278449

10 am – 12 noon

Café 66

Kesgrave Scout Hall, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF Tel: 07852 902879

Wednesday

25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722

Mondays

748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR

Thursdays

Tel: 01473 727450

12 noon – 2pm

CoffeeLink, Leiston Co-op

Sizewell Road, Leiston IP16 4AE

Mondays

Tel: 01728 831613

10am – 11.30am

The Sun Inn

High Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DF Tel: 01206 323351

Tuesdays

Brewers Arms

The Greyhound

Pura Vida

Pennoyer Centre

The Crown Hotel

The Golf Hotel

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10am – 11am

10 am – 12 noon

10.30am – 12 noon

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New rural arts programme to tackle rural isolation through creativity Suffolk arts charity awarded funding to bring free creative get-togethers to people in rural Suffolk

Suffolk Artlink recently announced the launch of their new Friends Around the Table project, which will see a programme of free creative get-togethers take place in locations across East Suffolk during the coming year, as well as online.

the spring and summer months Friends Around the Table will visit the Woodbridge area and at least one other location in the Hadleigh area (tbc) soon after. Friends Around the Table are also planning to head out on the road with the Rural Coffee Caravan to reach extra rural towns and villages on their rounds in 2022 too!

Carrie Phoenix, Suffolk Artlink Project Officer explains: “During Friends Around the Table sessions, we are inviting people to explore food, culture and nature. Together, we’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, and improve our physical and mental wellbeing through inspiring activities. We particularly welcome adult family carers and adults living in rural locations.”

The first series of weekly Stowmarket events are taking place at the Museum of East Anglian Life on Wednesdays, between 10th November - 1st December (booking essential), and will feature sessions led by artists, foragers and food experts. Some of the activities participants can enjoy together include making natural inks from foraged plants, Vietnamese cooking and poetry walks.

To read more about the project, for an up-todate timetable of creative sessions and to find out how to book visit www.suffolkartlink.org.uk

“Food and nature are such wonderful topics to explore and bring people together. We look forward to kicking things off at the Museum of East Anglian Life and, by offering remote sessions during the winter, we hope to create a new, more inclusive community. Online delivery will allow us to cater for those who aren’t able to travel, or prefer to enjoy taking part from the comfort of their own home.”

The programme will visit at least three hubs across East Suffolk as well as offer online creative get-togethers during the winter. The project begins with a workshop series in Stowmarket through November and December, followed by a series of remote sessions early in the new year. Leading into

Friends Around the Table has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Realising Ambitions (East) fund, through Suffolk Community Foundation.

Contact Carrie Phoenix at carrie@suffolkartlink.org.uk or call 01986 873955 Suffolk Artlink is a participatory arts charity.

We develop and deliver inclusive arts programmes that support peoples’ health and wellbeing. Our creative projects help people transform their lives through the arts by bringing skills, support networks, confidence and joy to communities in the East. We work in places including hospitals, hospices, residential homes, schools and community venues. Our work is led by experienced arts practitioners, encompassing a rich variety of art forms, and is delivered in close partnership with care, education, voluntary and community organisations.

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Of course, there are many people who can’t get to a library, but Suffolk Libraries offers several ways to bring the library service to you.

Article contributed by

The mobile library service is up and running again with the three mobile vehicles stopping at hundreds of rural locations across Suffolk. The mobiles carry a selection of books and other items. Many people don’t realise you can reserve items from any library in Suffolk to pick up from the mobile when it visits. You can find out where the mobile library stops near your home on the Suffolk Libraries website.

Like the excellent work of the Rural Coffee Caravan, Suffolk Libraries is always looking to reach out to people to help tackle isolation and loneliness.

It’s been wonderful seeing people back in libraries again since July. Libraries are more or less operating as normal now, with a varied programme of events and activities and the full range of services available to everyone in the local community.

The Home Library Service is also operating again now and is ideal for anyone with a disability or mobility issue who can’t get to a library or visit the mobile library. Volunteers bring books directly to the home and can also stay for a chat, thereby providing much needed social interaction for many isolated people. The service can also be accessed by care homes too. Suffolk Libraries has volunteers across the county so if you or someone you know might benefit, please contact your local library or email hls@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Libraries have also been helping to keep everyone safe by acting as pick up points for Lateral Flow home testing kits with thousands having been given out over the last few months.

Suffolk Libraries’ Phone a Friend service is also another way we’re still reaching out to help people who may be lonely or isolated. Originally launched during lockdown, volunteers are now running this befriending service and making regular calls to any older or isolated library customers who would benefit from hearing a friendly voice. It’s been very successful over the past year and around 11,000 telephone calls have been made since the first lockdown. If you or someone you know could benefit from a regular call you can email phoneafriend@suffolklibraries.co.uk

With the return of library events there’s plenty on offer across the county from the regular Top Time social activities for over 50’s, craft activities,

author talks, knitting and much more. You can find out more about what’s available at your local library by visiting suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on or visiting your nearest library.

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Suffolk Libraries is the independent charity which runs the county’s library service. If you’re interested in joining the library service or in finding out more about any of these services you can also contact the Suffolk Libraries customer service team at help@suffolklibraries.co.uk call 01473 351249 or visit suffolklibraries.co.uk

In December... several libraries are running Afternoon Tea events and screening Britten Pears Arts’ excellent Tea Dance film. If you’d like to pop along for some tea, cake, conversation and maybe a dance, check out suffolklibraries.co.uk/tea-dance to see if there’s one near you.

Katch is a pilot scheme that is trialling electric

Katch times

vehicles operating as shared taxi-buses serving

Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm

Framlingham - Wickham Market - Wickham Market

Saturday 7.50am - 8.00pm

Railway Station - Tunstall - Snape Maltings - Snape.

Sundays & Bank Holidays 10.00am - 6.00pm

Serving fixed bus stops, journeys can be booked

Fares

on-demand by telephone or via the app, charging

Return journey £7 (adult) £3 (child)

fares in line with a bus service.

Single journey £4 (adult) £1.50 (child)

Available on demand 7 days a week.

On bus cash or cashless payments accepted

Call 01728 55 44 55 or download the app

(Concessionary passes and Endeavour Cards are not accepted on this pilot service).

Map and further info at www.katchalift.com 11

subsidised ticket and travel costs with donations from individuals and local businesses. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has made this possible.

We then have a few weeks to recover before we welcome 2022 and will be hosting a New Years Party on Wednesday 5th January 2022. Dancing shoes will need to be on as one song we can guarantee will be sung is Auld-Lang-Syne. We will be joined by members of Stowmarket and Gipping Valley Rotary Club who have kindly donated to the event.

Now the clocks have gone back, and the John Lewis Christmas Advert has been released, we know that Christmas is not that far away...

The Needham Market Community Chinwag Volunteers have had a busy few months (to be more specific a busy 2021) as we were busy hosting monthly online cuppa & chats at the beginning of the year, Easter doorstep chinwags where we delivered Easter Eggs & Flowers, courtesy of our friends at Morrisons, Ipswich. We even posted sunflower seeds and postcards before we could meet up face to face back in July when the weather was slightly warmer and the evenings lighter.

We will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the month in 2022, from 2pm - 4pm at Needham Market Community Centre and new chinwaggers are always welcome. At the present time no booking is required, just turn up - we’d love to see you. If you would like to know more about the group, we can be contacted the following ways: Email: needhammarketchinwag@gmail.com telephone: 07944 688799 Facebook: Needham Market Community Chinwag and Instagram @NMchinwag We are pleased to share that Kesgrave Community Centre host a monthly chinwag on the 3rd Friday of the month for people living in Kesgrave. For more information, please contact Fiona Farrell on 01473 612648 or email chinwag@kwmcc.co.uk.

What’s in a Chinwag?

For those who don’t know what the Needham Market Community Chinwag is – it’s a social group for the over 60’s living in Needham Market and surrounding areas, we meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Needham Market Community Centre. There are refreshments, plenty of chat and entertainment whether it be a singer or speaker, quiz or games. A warm welcome is guaranteed and since we hosted our first ‘Pop In’ Chinwag back in July we have seen a steady flow of chinwaggers.

Woodbridge Christmas Chinwag And before I sign off, the Later Life Team at BSEVC are looking at hosting a Christmas Chinwag in Woodbridge. If you would like to find out more about this, or other ways that BSEVC Later Life Community may be able to help you or someone you know, please contact Tracey Evans on 01449 708957 or 07878 768288

We are looking forward to our Christmas Party Chinwag on Wednesday 1st December from 2pm 4pm. We will be joined by students from The CTC – a local performing arts college who will be providing the entertainment. A Christmas quiz has been written and there will be a raffle. We also have our first ‘Chinwag Trip’ planned on the 2nd December and will watching Jack & the Beanstalk at the Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. As a group we have been lucky to be able to offer 12

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Later Life Community Connect

With Christmas rapidly approaching, at Later Life Community we appreciate that it’s a great time to celebrate with loved ones, although for some people the reality is that the Christmas period can be one of the loneliest times of the year.

end of the phone to help.

If you or someone you know is going to be alone over the Christmas period – from Christmas Day through the ensuing bank holidays, please share our number

So, a reminder

We will also be making calls over this period, so if you would like us to give you a call or know someone who would like a call, please let us know and we will make sure that we chat over the Christmas period.

if you are aged over 65 (ish), you can call

Later Life Community Connect 7 days a week between 10am – 2pm

01284 334516.

Our Connect telephone line will be open as normal, every day between 10am – 2pm so if you fancy a chat, or have worries or concerns that are bothering you, give us a call and one of our friendly team will be at the

for any issues, worries, concerns or just for a chat.

Christmas is no exception.

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considering the family’s needs and wishes, volunteers’ skills and at the core of this, the very special relationship between the family and volunteer, which is what gives 85% of families a positive outcome from working with Home-Start in Suffolk.

Giving back this Christmas

“We couldn’t do without our volunteers,” continues Tara, “and neither could Suffolk, which is one of the reasons that this summer Home-Start in Suffolk’s volunteers were recognised for their incredible work and awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service – the equivalent of an MBE for Voluntary services.”

Home-Start in Suffolk has been supporting families since 1999 as they navigate challenges which include, isolation, poverty, mental health, illness, bereavement, and domestic abuse. Last year our volunteers supported 570 families but due to the pandemic there has been a 46% increase in demand over the past six months which means that we are now short of 80 volunteers to ensure that every family receives the support they need at a time they need it.

With increases in referrals at an all time high, the need to recruit and train new volunteers is ever increasing too. If you are interested in finding out more about joining the amazing team of volunteers call 01473 621104 or email jean@homestartinsuffolk.org

“The pandemic has placed immense pressure on families, and not just what we see each day with the effects of the previous school closures. But for babies born in lockdown who have missed opportunities to socialise, parents who held it together during the lockdowns to support their children but are now at breaking point, children who are anxious about the effects of the pandemic on themselves and loved ones, carers devoid of respite. For families the effects of this pandemic are not letting up. And not only that, fuel prices rising, supply challenges, increases in heating costs, all widen the gap for families who were already struggling to manage” Explains Tara Spence, CEO Home-Start in Suffolk.

Other ways to help: In Christmas 2020 Home-Start in Suffolk supported more families than ever and the launch of their special Christmas Campaign, giving vouchers for both supermarkets and toy stores to help struggling families during the festive period was a huge success!

So many families benefitted from this campaign thanks to the Suffolk community’s generosity, but sadly, with the huge rise in need across Suffolk, even more people will need help this year.

Support a Suffolk family this festive season and join in the Christmas Campaign 2021!

Home-Start in Suffolk can’t solve a family’s problems, but as a Suffolk County Council Commissioned provider, they can work with a diverse range of families across Suffolk to help them cope a bit better, and through their incredible team of more than 270 fully trained volunteers who provide weekly 1 to 1 support Home-Start in Suffolk can give families respite from their challenges and work with them to get things in place to help manage things a bit better. Each family’s support is personalised,

If you would like to get involved and contribute to our Christmas Gift Cards Campaign for families we would like to suggest the following: Gift Cards for the Supermarkets: Tesco . Morrisons . ASDA . Sainsbury's . Lidl . Aldi Gift Cards for the following stores: The Entertainer . Smyths Toy Store Please send vouchers to: Home-Start in Suffolk, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3SL 16

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Recipe Corner

Shared from Jack Monroe

Mincemeat Pudding

www.cookingonabootstrap.com

Serves at least 4 very generously, from 37p.

works itself out in a moment.

Add the egg and beat in briskly with a fork, until the wet ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients: 300g white bread, 14p (36p/800g, HW Nevill at Tesco) 300ml whole milk, 26p (50p/568ml or 1pt, Asda)

Pour the wet ingredients over the bread, and mix well. Leave to stand and absorb for 15 minutes.

50g baking spread, 11p (55p/250g, Best For Baking spread, Asda)

Lightly grease a loaf tin, 20cm cake tin (round or square), or individual pudding tins.

Transfer the pudding mixture to the tin, or divide equally if using pudding tins.

300g mincemeat, 84p (£1.15/411g, Asda) 1 egg, 13p (75p/6 medium free range eggs, Asda) 400g can of custard, 50p (Tesco or Asda) – optional

Place in the centre of the oven at 190C, covering with a little foil to prevent it from overly browning. You can remove this 10 minutes before the end if you like a crispy top and edge to your pudding. Bake for 50 minutes, checking with a knife to the centre, cocktail stick or skewer. It should be moist and dense but not underdone. If it clings to your implement, return it to the very bottom shelf of the oven for a further 10-15 minutes.

Method: First dice your bread, tear it up, or blast it in a food processor.

They all give a similar result, with the food processor edging it for a slightly more even texture but not enough to justify yet more washing up, in my humble opinion.

But do whatever feels right to you, with whatever you have at your disposal. Place into a large mixing bowl that will easily hold twice its volume, and set aside for a moment.

Serve with custard, or whatever suits.

This can be made up to three days in advance and warmed through in the microwave or oven to serve as required.

This recipe is part of an ‘Ultimate Budget Christmas Dinner ‘found at: https:// cookingonabootstrap.com/2020/12/18/jackmonroe-mincemeat-christmas-pudding/ Jack Monroe is an award winning food writer and bestselling author. She works with Oxfam, the Trussell Trust, Child Poverty Action Group, Plan Zheroes, the Food Chain and many food banks, schools and childrens centres to teach people to cook and eat well on a low income, and campaigns against the causes of poverty and austerity in Britain and abroad.

In a second, smaller mixing bowl, or jug, measure in the milk. Melt the spread and beat in quickly. Mix in the mincemeat – it won’t look particularly pretty at this stage, but it all

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Pressure on services is increasing – we can all help to make sure they are there when we need them

Health and care leaders are urging the public to help the NHS as pressures on services are increasing. We can all do our bit to make sure the services are there when we need them most.

Here’s what you can do...

Vaccinations are the best defence against flu and COVID-19 Admissions to hospitals are increasing, and it is known that the sickest patients are those individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID.

For more information or to arrange an appointment you can contact the Suffolk and North East Essex vaccination helpline on 0344 257 3961.

If you’ve not booked your jab yet, you can find a list of walk in clinics in Suffolk at https://sneevaccine.org.uk including

If you live in Waveney, please visit this site for more information: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn/

Boosters, 1st dose and 2nd dose Clinics for 12-15 year olds

Clinics for Immunosuppressed patients

Please share your experiences relating to the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Suffolk.

Healthwatch Suffolk will make your feedback known to the leaders of your local health and social care system. Please include a note about your location (such as where you received the vaccination or where you are based) in the comment if you can. You can do this online at:

https://healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/ services/covidvaccinationfeedback/ Or you can contact the team on 01449 703949 or email them at info@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk 19

c-a-f-e (coffee—and—friends—events) is a Rural Coffee Caravan 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.

Groups can join the network in one of two ways: • 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. So, 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.

Groups get a welcome pack containing useful information from each of the c-a-f-e partner organisations, digital templates to help you with promotion of your events, and a window sticker to display to show you’re part of the network.

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 & well-being • 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.

Needham Market c-a-f-e Community Coffee Morning Every Tuesday 11am—1pm Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB Come and join us for some friendly company and a good chat over a free cuppa. Contact Jan on 07881 028 510 for more info.

Fresh Start c-a-f-e ‘Weekly Cream Tea’ Tuesdays 12.30pm—1.30pm The Millers Kitchen, Kersey Mill, Kersey IP7 6DP Weekly Cream Tea event hosted by Hadleigh Food Bank charity. £5 per person. Enjoy a scone and a cuppa and a friendly natter in a beautiful setting. Contact Angela on 07377 190 455 for more information. Booking in advance essential.

Friends Round Friday Fridays 2pm—3.30pm Dumbarton Rd Scout Hall, Dumbarton Rd, Ipswich IP4 3JP Free refreshments, all ages welcome. Toddler corner, books, games, puzzles. Companionship and a cuppa. Contact Michelle on 07570 093 097.

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Sax’cess c-a-f-e Coffee Morning Mondays 10am—12 noon Sax’cess House, 24 High Street, Saxmundham IP7 1AE Join our friendly coffee morning each week for company, chat and free tea, coffee and homemade cake! Call Jon on 07917 441 793 for more information.

Brandon Day Centre c-a-f-e ‘Old Friends, New Friends’ Mondays 10am—12 noon Brandon Day Centre, Warren Close, Brandon IP27 0EE Come and join us each week for some friendly company and chat, all welcome! Friends old and new! Tel: 01842 819 777 ‘Mates On Monday’ hosted by Marram Green c-a-f-e Mondays (except Bank Holidays) 10.30am – 12.30pm Marram Green Community Lounge, Hall Road, Kessingland, NR33 7AH Come and enjoy a free cuppa, cake or biscuit and some friendly chat! This event is supported by Kessingland Parish Council.

Coffee, Cake and Chat Days Second Friday of each month.

Drop in between 10am – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre, Hartismere Hospital, Castleton Way, Eye IP28 7BH Our events are designed to give people the opportunity to get out, meet new people and make friends. We’re going to trial a prize bingo session at the afternoon session of our December event. Everyone is welcome.

We do not charge for refreshments, although donations towards our costs are always gratefully received. Call Bev on 01379 388682 for more info.

Coffee, Cake and Catch Up First Wednesday of each month 10am – 12pm (Now on Weds, not Thurs).

(Next dates: 1st Dec 2021, 2nd Feb 2022)

Main Road, Benhall, Suffolk, IP17 1NA Your chance to get together with friends old & new alike in a rural setting within our market garden. Watch out for the chickens! All welcome! Email hello@railwayfarmshop.co.uk for more info.

If your local group is interested in joining the network you can find out more by visiting the c-a-f-e page on the Rural Coffee Caravan website: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk, by emailing us at cafe@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk or by calling us on 01379 855 338.

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Metfield Community c-a-f-e launch Fellowship, Friendship and Company lacking for some people since the pandemic – combined with a tasty breakfast and good coffee!

Rural Coffee Caravan CEO, Ann, dropped in to the launch of the Metfield c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events) towards the end of their first session, to find three very excited and exhausted volunteer coordinators of the group!

Lorraine, Chris and Lynda were feeling super pleased with how many people had turned out to take part in all the community activities which had been arranged.

November's Cafe was a great success, with around 70 people enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and browsing the stalls (two craft, freecycle & bookswap) and examining Gary's fascinating exhibition of his metal-detecting 'finds'. Several people joined the Litter-Pick gang; old friendships were reestablished and new ones forged.

The cafe is to be entirely self-supporting from now on and, to continue, will rely on more volunteers coming forward to occasionally cook the breakfasts, bake some cakes, take a stall or demonstrate a hobby or skill for the 'Topic of the Month'.

We're off to a really encouraging start and long may it continue. If you’d like to offer to help, get in touch on the numbers below.

The next Metfield Community c-a-f-e event takes place on Saturday 4th December 9am—12 noon.

They will be serving Mulled wine, a free tea and coffee and they will hold a raffle with all proceeds going to a local homeless charity. December’s activities will include • Chris Osborne’s Christmas waffle breakfast • Sharon’s festive mince pies • Metfield through the lens curated by Sylvia • Clare’s craft stall • Church home bake stall • Collection of pre-ordered wreaths • Freecycle table and book exchange • Litter pick

The first Saturday in November saw the launch of the new Metfield Community Cafe, to be held monthly in Metfield Village Hall.

Guided and supported by the Rural Coffee Caravan, Metfield residents Lorraine, Chris and Lynda set up the c-a-f-e with donations from Metfield Church, Metfield United Charities, the Village Hall and Metfield Stores.

The intention is to provide a meeting point for fellowship, friendship and company – so sadly

Metfield Community c-a-f-e First Saturday of every month.

Metfield Village Hall, Skinner’s Lane, Metfield IP20 0LH All ages welcome to come and enjoy a cooked breakfast or snack and tea & coffee on the first Saturday of every month. More info & offers of help: Lorraine 01379 586 307, Chris 01379 586 560, Lynda 01379 588 170 22 22

‘Cup of Correspondence’ project Do

you

know

someone

who

might like to receive the warmth of a friendly card or letter in

the post this winter?

The wonderful students of the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, who had been sending letters of kindness to their alumni during the pandemic, have partnered with us to ‘share a cuppa’ with rural Suffolk residents.

Students from the Services Programme at R.H.S. print and assemble handmade cards designed by the Rural Coffee Caravan, and write friendly messages in them. Inside is an invitation to reply to the message and continue a

card or write their reply. Cards are sent, received and managed by the school.

If you, or someone you know, would like to receive a ‘Cup of Correspondence’ card, get in touch with us at the Rural Coffee Caravan (our contact details are inside the back cover of this magazine), or ask us at your Rural Coffee Caravan Village Visit, and we’ll get one to you!

conversation via the school. They then pop in a tea bag sachet for the recipient to enjoy a cuppa whilst they read their 23

Shared from

WARNINGS

Staying secure online: Use a strong, separate password for your email account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA), where possible.

Watch out for phishing emails or texts: Some of the emails or texts you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you are unsure, don't use the link, visit the website directly instead.

Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

How to protect yourself

•

Choosing where you shop: If you are making a purchase from a website or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. Look online for reviews and any seller feedback history before going ahead with the purchase.

•

Payment method: Use a payment method that offers buyer protection, such as a credit card if you have one.

24 24

• Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Further advice: www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely

More Than A Shop news News of some more certificates which have been awarded to a handful of our fantastic rural stores. These stores play such a vital role in villages across Suffolk. Our More Than A Shop initiative celebrates them and thanks them for being places of friendship and welcome for the more isolated and vulnerable people in our rural communities. We are glad to be able to also support the shop teams with signposting advice if queries are raised, and provide useful information for them to share onwards. Especially with customers less likely to access digital resources.

Orford General Store Tel: 01394 450204 Orford General Store has been nominated for an award for going above and beyond for their customers. One nomination came from someone who wanted to express a big thank you to them for looking after her mum. The lady had only recently moved to the village but the shop team noticed an absence of her routine visit and went to ask her if she needed anything. Discovering she was unable to get to the shop at that point, they then made fresh deliveries to her. Assistant Manager, Bradley, received the award on behalf of all the team and told us we had made his day. He proudly shared with us the other initiatives the local residents have in place to support each other, such as their Community Fridge, and a regular coffee morning. We're absolutely delighted to be supporting this wonderful shop to support their community.

Henry Abbott Hardware Tel: 01728 860254 Henry Abbott Hardware, Debenham, one of the oldest family run businesses in the country, established in 1707, has joined our More Than A Shop network. James received the award on behalf of all the family and staff, who customers say 'make the shop a cheery happy place to be, nothing is too much trouble and they go above and beyond to help the village.'

Spar, Melton Tel: 01394 380664 It is always nice to make someone's day and raise a smile. We presented Manager, Sue, and Assistant Manager, Ali, with a Rural Coffee Caravan More Than A Shop award as a 'big thank you' to all the hardworking staff at the Spar shop in Melton. Nominated by customers who say ‘They are all so very kind and helpful, everyday'.

If your local Suffolk store is More Than A Shop and you would like to nominate them call Elaine on 07494 570905 or email: morethanashop@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk 25

Reconnecting People Back To Their Community The Friendly Bench® is a social enterprise which aims to tackle loneliness, social isolation and build community cohesion using innovative, purposely designed outdoor community-led social spaces, The Friendly Bench®, that help reconnect people back to their own community.

They do this in three key ways:

people's physical health, mental well-being, social behaviour, self esteem and life satisfaction.

Specially designed outdoor social spaces Specially designed, constructed and adhering to DDA guidelines, The Friendly Bench® are safe, easily accessible mini-community gardens with integrated seating and sensory planting which are situated within communities for people to meet, chat, connect with nature, build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Connecting people Accessible, inclusive community-led social spaces, each The Friendly Bench® is hub for friendship, as well as regular community events and activities which help grow and strengthen people's social networks with their wider community and helps improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Active social hubs The Friendly Bench® are active, social hubs where free, community-led activities and events are regularly held to encourage everyone to participate, have fun, feel accepted, valued and develop a support network.

Connecting places Purposely designed, each The Friendly Bench® provides a convenient and comfortable place for those with limited mobility to rest, helping them to connect with local services and public places, whilst also encouraging independence and opportunities to participate in the wider community on their terms.

Community-led Every The Friendly Bench® is independently managed, funded and run by it’s own voluntary group / organisation for their own community. As a member of The Friendly Bench® network, each group receives free advice, support, sharing of best practice, marketing resources, publicity and promotion from The Friendly Bench® CIC team.

Connecting with nature Enabling easy accessible interactions with nature, wildlife and the outdoors to help improve

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The Friendly Bench® in Suffolk Ipswich and Brandon.

The Friendly Bench® Ipswich

The Friendly Bench® Brandon

Located in the Castle Hill area of Ipswich, The Friendly Bench® is managed by the NWIpswich Big Local Trust who focus on bringing together those in their community who have been suffering social isolation due to physical and mental wellbeing issues, encouraging them to meet and get involved with activities outdoors at The Friendly Bench®.

Located in the town centre of Brandon, Suffolk,

Their The Friendly Bench® was temporarily transformed into a memorial garden and place of reflection for Remembrance Day this year, when members of the community created poppy tributes to decorate it. Walking groups use it as a meeting point, and it’s a great place to study nature and do a bit of moth spotting!

Brandon in Bloom was awarded a Royal Horticultural Society Achievement Award in the ‘Cultivating your Community’ category this October, for their The Friendly Bench®.

They host regular ‘Coffee and Cake’ days around it and a fun morning was had by all at this year’s Halloween event where the community dressed up for the occasion, sharing refreshments, prizes, gifts, cake and magic tricks.

This The Friendly Bench® is managed and run by Brandon in Bloom who are a very active group who are bringing people of all ages and abilities together to tackle loneliness and social isolation through naturebased activities and gardening.

It is located at Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, IP1 6DG

It is located on Bury Road, Brandon, IP27 0BU.

Photos shared from Brandon In Bloom Facebook page, North West Ipswich Big Local Trust Facebook page and the Rural Coffee Caravan

If your community would welcome a The Friendly Bench® to create a social space for people to connect with each other, and nature, then we recommend getting in touch with the lovely Lyndsey Young by email at thefriendlybenchtm@gmail.com or by calling 07875 719849.

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Christmas Book Corner Underneath the Christmas Tree

Christmas Word Search Large Print Wordsearch Books For Adults

by

ISBN-13 : 9798582489580

There are a total of 50 beautiful Christmas puzzles in this book.

This easy on the eyes word search book provides hours of fun, challenge, and brain stimulation. Start training your brain and memory now!

•

50 Christmas Word Search Puzzles.

•

18 words cleverly hidden in every puzzle.

•

Includes answers to all puzzles.

• Printed with large font making these puzzles easy to read for everyone.

Santa’s Christmas Activity Book 100+ Puzzles for Adults Paperback – Large Print ISBN-13 : 9798566767659

• Easy-to-read large print puzzles that are perfect for adults of all ages

• 32 Christmas themes making each puzzle fun and unique • 32 pages of word scramble, 28 pages of word match and 16 word searches

• 12 easy, medium and hard sudokus designed to take you from a beginner to an expert • Fun and challenging puzzles that will bring the entire family together

Heidi Swain Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it.

Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned. When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?

Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

‘Heidi Swain is the queen of feel-good fiction, and this Yuletide yarn certainly ticks all our boxes’ New! Magazine ‘A seasonal romance as warm and welcome as a mug of mulled wine’ Woman & Home ‘You’ll want to curl up with a hot choc to read this warm hug of a festive book’ Fabulous Magazine

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Festive puzzles, activities, classics, romance and a tale full of magic and wonder

A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

The Night I Met Father Christmas

Charles Dickens (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

by Ben Miller

The Christmas classic from bestselling author Ben Miller

Part of Penguin's beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award -winning Coralie BickfordSmith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality colourful, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design.

Enter a world of wonder this Christmas with the bestselling classic adventure from the fastest-growing UK children's author, Ben Miller.

Jackson knows all about the flying reindeer, the elves and the secret North Pole workshop, and the magic that allows Father Christmas to deliver presents around the world in just one night. But one thing he doesn't know - how did Father Christmas become Father Christmas? That all changes when, one Christmas Eve, Jackson meets Father Christmas and hears his incredible story. It might not be what Jackson is expecting, but then no good story ever is . . .

After reading Christmas Carol, the notoriously reclusive Thomas Carlyle was "seized with a perfect convulsion of hospitality" and threw not one but two Christmas dinner parties. The impact of the story may not always have been so dramatic but, along with Dickens other Christmas writings, it has had a lasting and significant influence upon our ideas about the Christmas spirit, and about the season as a time for celebration, charity, and memory.

A Christmas classic full of magic and wonder and the perfect gift to read together, The Night I Met Father Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazini will have the whole family waiting to see who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve.

Why not support an independent Suffolk book store this holiday season, if ordering any new books as Christmas gifts or for festive activities? Here’s a list: IPSWICH Dial Lane Books www.diallanebooks.co.uk (prefers to take orders in store or online) ALDEBURGH Aldeburgh Bookshop: 01728 452389 www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk BECCLES Beccles Books: 01502 716806 www.facebook.com/becclesbooks

FELIXSTOWE Stillwater Bookshop: 01394 548010 www.stillwaterfelixstowe.co.uk HALESWORTH Halesworth Bookshop: 01986 873840 or 07887427602 www.thehalesworthbookshop.co.uk LOWESTOFT Paperwork Books and Prints: 07986 391313 www.paper-works.co.uk

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THETFORD Not Just Books: 01842 753660 www.notjustbooks.co.uk WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Emporium

01394 382382 www.woodbridgeemporium.co.uk Browsers Bookstore 01394 388890 www.browsersbookshop.com

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Rural Coffee Caravan The Old Shop Harleston Road Weybread

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

Diss

Email us or post your ideas to us.

IP21 5TU

info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

tel: 01379 855 338

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

www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

Need a chat about anything and nothing in particular this winter?

Here are some handy numbers: Reengage – Call Companions. Would you like a regular friendly chat over the phone with your very own call companion? Call companions is available to anyone aged 75 and over who would benefit from a regular chat over the phone with a friendly volunteer.

You can email them at info@reengage.org.uk, or call on 0800 716543 to seek a call companion for yourself, or someone else.

More info at: www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/get-a-call-companion/ If you feel isolated, need to unwind or get some guidance, or if you’d just like to chat with someone new, call us and say hullo. 0800 001 4455 Phone lines open every day 9am - 9pm.

Originally launched during lockdown, volunteers are now running this befriending service and making regular calls to any older or isolated library customers who would benefit from hearing a friendly voice.

Email: phoneafriend@suffolklibraries.co.uk for info.

Whatever you're going through, you can call them any time, from any phone for FREE. Call 116 123. Alternatively you can write them an email, to: jo@samaritans.org (Response time: 24 hours). You don't have to be suicidal to get in touch – nearly half of the emails we receive are from people who are having a tough time, but not suicidal.

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We hope you have been enjoying our magazine! This is our last issue for 2021.

We are having a short break and will resume in early spring. Below is a list of the villages we will be visiting over the winter across east, mid and west Suffolk.

If you require more details on these visits go to www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/ events or give us a call on 01379 855 338.

Bramford

Great Bricett Lidgate

Buxhall

Great Cornard

Shotley

Halesworth

Southwold

Cavendish Chattisham Combs

Hintlesham

Fornham All Saints

Hitcham

Framsden

Kenton

Gazeley

Kessingland

Huntingfield

Pssst… if you’ve enjoyed our magazine and can think of someone else who might like to read it, how about passing your copy on to help us share our resources with another person instead of the recycling bin?

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Sotterley Stutton

Wattisfield Westhorpe Worlingham