Issue Eight We are funded to make this magazine
FREE Please take one
Rural Coffee Caravan
Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk
www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk
Above: Long Shadows at Red Lodge
Front Cover: Spring Flowers at Dalham
Photos by Diana Patrick
A very belated Happy New Year to you all! We gave ourselves a bit of a break from the magazine as the beginning of each year sees us busy arranging all the visits for the year and setting our fundraising plans in motion, and, like so many others we have had a few Covid issues! However we are delighted to bring you this lovely Spring edition. Hopefully you will find it both interesting and uplifting. Our Founder Sally Fogden and I share a birthday in March so the team thought it would be a good idea to tell you a little more about us both. There are updates on our visits, a lovely account of a Chinwag event in Needham Market, a really interesting article about a new touring exhibition from the Museum of East Anglian Life, which will be rebranded as The Food Museum, the country’s first, in March and a fantastic piece on an initiative called ‘Women Like Me’. Lots of excitement around the Queen’s Jubilee and the fabulous upcoming Festival of Suffolk, so we have put a snapshot in this issue and there will be more in the next one. There are also updates on our wonderful MeetUpMondays™ Network and a diary of our village visits, Oh and a yummy recipe too. So lots to enjoy, grab a cuppa read on. Don’t forget to pass it on when you are done, and if that is to someone who isn’t ‘online’ all the better. We wish you all a healthy, happy Spring!
Ann ☺ 2
Issue #8 Contents
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Out & About with the Rural Coffee Caravan
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Dates for your Summer Diary
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Festival of Suffolk and Platinum Jubilee Teaser
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Orwell Challenge
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Recipe Corner - Spinach, Lentil and Lemon Soup
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Inspiring Kindness - Spotlight on Sally & Ann
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MeetUpMondays™ - In and Around Suffolk
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Women Like Me - Allotment Sessions in Suffolk
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Food Stories - The Food Museum Goes On Tour
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Walking The Beat, Street Meets and Tweets
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Citizens Advice Contact Numbers
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c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events) Listings
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Yana - Hope Is Central To Life
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Wordsearch
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Needham Market Chinwag
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Warmer Homes Support
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Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan
Chattisham - Wreath Making Workshop Fundraiser This event was organised by Margaret Anderson in association with ‘Chattitude’ (an umbrella name given to a series of events held at Chattisham Church to increase use of this special building, whilst also raising funds for its restoration.) In December, the lovely visitors to our monthly Chattisham visit held a Christmas Wreath Making workshop to help raise funds for the RCC, generating £100 in the process! A big thank you to all involved and well done to everyone who took part! Acton - Supporting A Creative Outreach Programme Rural Coffee Caravan supports a lovely monthly art group working with the Gainsborough House Community Outreach Programme, funded by the Heritage Fund. Each month, visitors can try their hand at a variety of traditional arts and crafts ranging from collage work, rag-rugging, macramé and portrait painting. In December, it was the Christmas cracker workshop and this month it was decoupage Easter eggs. Classes are run by Anna Hennings and take place every month at the Acton Village Hall. Our regular visitors say they find the classes therapeutic and enjoy meeting new people, chatting and making friends while learning new skills. The classes inspire them to make things at home and encourage others to come along.
If you are local and interested in joining in, contact our team member Diana on 07494 572153. All materials are provided.
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Chattisham, Acton and Bramford Bramford - Suffolk Fire & Rescue
automatically calls the fire service. The visitor, The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has a good having severely community engagement presence in the town hubs advance dementia, of Suffolk with lots of easily accessible public lacked capacity to be information sessions and events. They do, however, able to phone for help if lack a route to inform rural communities outside of alarms alerted a fire, so these areas and this information vacuum has been concern was that they exacerbated by the pandemic. They are very keen to would simply sit and be frightened and not call for access these missed areas and that’s where the help. A session was arranged for training for the Rural Coffee Caravan can help! care company to help improve their systems. Their representative, John Clouting, with over 20 years promoting fire safety in the county, has a wealth of knowledge and is very keen to chat to everyone on our visits. Especially the more vulnerable who may not be aware of the new technology or options available to them. It may simply be the case that they cannot physically check their alarms if they have them, and may need help to do so.
Another visitor, coincidentally, had experienced problems with their smoke alarms the night before. Having recently lost her husband she was unsure how to set them up and operate them, as he used to do it. Help was arranged for her too. Specialist leaflets on advice relating to thatch roof fires were also available, as a lot of our villages contain properties of this type. A representative from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will be joining us on some of our other visits in February. Including Marshmoor Park Park Home site in Great Bricett, being able to offer guidance and advice particular to these types of buildings. They’ll also be coming along to our visit to Claydon in February. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service install smoke alarms for the elderly and the vulnerable. They also install Sensory Alarms for the hard of hearing. Their Specialist Practitioners carry out Safer Home Visits where they offer fire safety advice. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service work in partnership with outside agencies.
Joining Garry at our visit to Bramford in February two visitors were able to arrange appointments to be assessed for sensory alarms as their current hearing impairments meant that they could benefit from pillow vibration mats or flashing light alarms.
Please call the Business Support Team 01473 Another visitor with advanced dementia attended 260588 if you’d like to with a professional carer. The carer was able to gain ask for a Home Fire advice on how their company needed to provide a Safety Visit. Mondaycomprehensive fire safety risk assessment with a Thursday: 9am to 5pm, view to having a specialist alarm fitted which Friday: 9am to 4pm. 5
2022 - An exciting and event filled summer in Suffolk! This year sees the return of many of the fantastic community events which make Suffolk so special. Take a look at our Rural Coffee Caravan website calendar to see which events we’ll be attending: www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/events We’ll be featuring more on each of the events in future issues of our magazine, but here are some dates to put in your diaries now:
17th - 20th May FREE Suffolk Philharmonic Concerts The Rural Coffee Caravan will be working with the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra to host four free concerts in May. On 17th in Worlingham, 18th in Hollesley, 19th in Ipswich, and 20th in Halesworth. To book your free place call us now on 01379 853233. More details in our next issue.
May - October The Festival of Suffolk
The Festival of Suffolk is a whole series of fantastic events and activities. Launching with a torch relay on 13th May the Festival will encompass existing Suffolk events as well as a Beacon Lighting Ceremony, ’Best of British’ concert at Thorington Theatre in the Woods, Festivals of the Sea, ORA singers at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and much more. www.festivalofsuffolk.org (More on pages 8 & 9).
31st May to 1st June The
Suffolk Show
Suffolk's annual two day event celebrating everything that is great about Suffolk, comes to life once again. A fun day out for the whole family. www.suffolkshow.co.uk We’ll be there! 66
A whisky sippin', guitar strummin', banjo pickin', rib suckin', weekend of Southern blues and country in the heart of Suffolk County, at Euston Hall, Suffolk. We’ll be there! www.redrooster.org.uk
The UK’s annual celebration for neighbours is inviting communities across the UK to come together for The Big Jubilee Lunch as part of the official celebrations for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! wwww.edenprojectcommunities. com/the-bigjubilee-lunch
A Country Show set in the grounds of Euston Hall, depicting our Rural Past, tractors, heavy horses, steam engines.....everything! Plenty to see and do on the day. Held once a year on the second Sunday in June, all proceeds go to various charities. www.eustonruralpastimes.org.uk
2nd - 4th June Red Rooster Festival
2nd - 5th June The Big Lunch and The Big Jubilee Lunch
12th June
Euston Rural Pastimes
We’ll be there!
This year, it’s all about encouraging people to embrace the idea of 'welcome' as part of their Great Get Together celebrations, extending a hand of friendship driven by Jo Cox's belief that 'we have more in common than that which divides us'. www.greatgettogether.org
This is no ordinary day in the doggy diary, but a day to celebrate our furry friends in all their guises. Enjoy a great day out of doggy themed activities, entertainments and demonstrations with your dogs, family and friends at Helmingham Hall in Suffolk. www.suffolkdogday.com 01473 786918 77
24th - 26th June The Great Get Together
31st July Suffolk Dog Day
The Festival of Suffolk is a whole series of fantastic events and activities happening between May and October 2022. Some of these are unique to the Festival, some are the regular annual treats that we already know and love from around the county, and in our own local communities. Spearheaded by the Suffolk Lieutenancy, the Festival will shine a spotlight on all aspects of Suffolk life to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The Festival is Suffolk’s unique contribution to the national Jubilee celebrations as the country and Commonwealth marks the historic Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, her 70 year reign as Monarch and her impact on the world.
Thinking of hosting your own Street Party to take part in the Festival of Suffolk celebrations and celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?
Road closure fees waived!
Street parties are a great opportunity for communities to come together on national occasions. They're usually organised by groups of residents who get together and make arrangements to celebrate with their neighbours.
If you would you like to organise an event for the residents in your neighbourhood, Suffolk County Council’s website has links to handy guides and advice and shows a list of criteria. If you would like to apply to host a Queen's Platinum Jubilee street party or other public event, you’ll need to apply by 11pm on 27 March 2022 , here:
Road closure fees will be waived for a street party or other local authority (or charity) event in recognition that Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5 June 2022.
https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-andtransport/roadworks/apply-for-a-queensplatinum-jubilee-street-party-or-otherpublic-event/
More info and ideas at: www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk 88
The first event which launches the Festival of Suffolk 2022 has been announced and you’re invited to get involved. To herald the start of The Festival and the celebrations to mark HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee a symbolic torch will travel through communities in Suffolk this summer carried by local heroes. The torch begins its journey on Friday 13th May in Brandon on the county boundary and then passes through 250 towns and villages, a distance of over 550 miles, before reaching its final destination arriving at the Suffolk Show in Ipswich on Wednesday 1st June. Communities across Suffolk are invited to nominate worthy individuals to carry the torch. These could include local heroes or notable characters chosen in recognition for their service
to the community. Details of how to nominate are now on the Festival of Suffolk website. www.festivalofsuffolk.org/all-events/torch-relay The torch bearers will be transported on community rickshaws. It’s an honour to have these organisations on board making the torch relay accessible to everyone. The torch itself is currently in production and has been designed and made in Suffolk. It’s a closely guarded secret at the moment, but will have great symbolism for the county and the Queen. This is very exciting, and it is hoped that all the towns and villages take the opportunity to welcome the torch as it transits through their community.
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THE QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY
October 2022, through to the end of the Jubilee year.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
Community groups are encouraged to get involved. The Woodland Trust is a partner of the QGC and their Free Trees for Schools and Communities Scheme is a great way to get involved with tree planting. Across 2021 and 2022 they have over three million saplings in tree packs, available on a first come first served basis. Information on how to apply for the free saplings is available through the Woodland Trust website: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schoolsand-communities/
Everyone will be encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees during the official planting season between October to March. Tree planting will commence again in
Their phone number is: 0330 333 3300
The Orwell Challenge was first held in 1976 and was the brainchild of past Rotary Club member Derek Jarman. The concept at the outset was to arrange an event that anyone could use both as a healthy challenge in our wonderful Suffolk countryside and to raise funds through sponsorship for their chosen charities or good causes. This basic concept remains at the heart of what is done today.
THE BIGGEST MULTICHARITY FUNDRAISER EVENT IN SUFFOLK
Would you like to raise funds for the Rural Coffee Caravan or another charity by taking part in The Orwell Challenge? Online registration is now open at: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk/ orwell-challenge/how-to-register Sign up on the day is possible but may not guarantee a medal or tshirt. To contact the organisers Rotary Club of Ipswich East call:
01473 411347 10
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Recipe Corner
Shared from Jack Monroe
Spinach, Lentil & Lemon Soup 34p (VG/V/DF/GF)
www.cookingonabootstrap.com
Homely, comforting and filling, it can also be made with tinned lentils and frozen spinach for the ultimate easy, inexpensive lunch or dinner.
because it’s so much less bother and you really can’t tell the difference. Roughly chop the spinach and coriander as much as you can be bothered, which yes, sometimes does mean leaving it whole!
Serves 2 generously Ingredients •
1 onion
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1 fat clove of garlic or 2 smaller ones
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1 tablespoon oil, sunflower or vegetable
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100g dried lentils or 200g tinned ones, any colour
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1 litre stock
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Zest and juice of 2 lemons or 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
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A mugful of fresh or half a mug (80gish) of frozen spinach
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A fistful of coriander, stalks and all
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A pinch of chilli
Method Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook them on a gentle heat until they are softening, for 8–10 minutes.
Rinse the lentils and tip them into the pan, followed by the stock, then stir gently. Bring it to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. If using dried lentils, carefully spoon off any greyish scum that rises to the surface; it’s just, what we call in our house and I hope you forgive the expression, ‘bean poo’ – perfectly harmless in itself, just not very pretty. I empathise.
Stir the lemon zest and juice, the spinach and coriander into the soup. Whiz everything together with a blender or in a food processor, if you have one, or leave it chunky if you prefer (I like either, they both meet a slightly different need in themselves). Scatter over some breadcrumbs and a little chilli or paprika if you feel fancy, and enjoy hot.
Grate the zest from the lemons, if using, and squeeze out the juice into a mug or glass. Fish out the pips. I only ever really use bottled lemon juice
Recipe shared from: https:// cookingonabootstrap.com/2018/02/15/spinachlentil-lemon-soup-34p-vg-v-df-gf/ 11
Two inspiring women spreading a slice of kindness across a county
Passionate about horses, as a physiotherapist for Hillside and Riverwalk special schools, Sally introduced their young people to Riding For The Disabled. For more than 45 years she has been coaching children at the charity.
Combating the stress of rural isolation Sally is also founder and chair of the Suffolk branch of the Farming Community Network (a national charity providing wide ranging support for the farming community in the UK) and it was whilst manning a helpline for this in 2003 she felt very strongly that there was a need to do something to combat the stress of rural isolation.
March the 8th is International Women’s Day coincidentally it also happens to be the birthday of both of the key women responsible for making the Rural Coffee Caravan what it is today. So we thought we’d take this opportunity to put a little spotlight on them and the wonderful things they have achieved since the Rural Coffee Caravan’s inception!
With the help of some colleagues, she hit upon the idea of a mobile community café and information centre. They purchased a caravan, gathered together some relevant information, made some cakes and took the caravan into rural Suffolk.
Sally Fogden Rural Coffee Caravan Founder
An instant hit Their little enterprise was an instant hit and, encouraged by this response they applied for, and received, some funding and the Rural Coffee Caravan Information Project was born.
The project which brought the Rural Coffee Caravan to life was the brainchild of the Rev Canon Sally Fogden. Sally was no stranger to taking care of her community. She was a member of the first group of women to be ordained in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in 1994. She was also the driving force behind the Addington Fund - a fund which helped Suffolk pig farmers during the outbreak of classical swine fever in 2000 and rural communities during the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001, for which Sally received an MBE.
The caravan started out visiting rural communities in Mid Suffolk during the summer months. Since then it has spread its wings across the whole of the county and continued to grow.
"It is an amazing thing to see a small idea grow into something rather special. The idea was in response to the loneliness and 12
“It is amazing thing to see a small idea grow into something rather special.”
anxieties in remote rural places that some of us were being made aware of through the work we do with Farm Crisis Network. The initial response from that group meant that an 'idea' could be grown into something more than that. The 'idea' became the first of our caravans but it also involved finding funds and getting out there!”
recent idea, to celebrate the vital role our small rural stores play in our communities, became our ‘More Than A Shop’ initiative. Launched in 2019, before the phrase Covid-19 had become part of our collective psyche, Sally saw just how much these village shops were already life savers. Shop staff and volunteers were always ‘looking out’ for the more isolated residents in our neighbourhoods, checking in on those vulnerable customers when there were unexpected absences from their usual shopping routines. Making out of hours home deliveries, or stocking harder to get items for people who could not shop further afield. Theses stores became local lifelines for many more
Now the Rural Coffee Caravan is an established part of the Suffolk scene with the caravan and campervans being familiar and welcome sights on many a village green and village hall car park.
Points of Light In 2017 Sally was awarded a UK Points of Light award. Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. Every week-day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award. In a personal letter to Sally, then Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Thanks to your vision and dedication, ‘The Rural Coffee Caravan’ is helping rural communities across Suffolk, fostering community spirit and providing valuable services and advice to thousands of local residents.”
Sally presenting Somersham Community Shop with their More Than A Shop award
Suffolk Medal
isolated and shielding residents during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. Sally’s foresight gave us an opportunity not only to pass heartfelt gratitude from communities back to the dedicated people manning then, but also to mark them as places of friendship, and to offer those shopkeepers support - a place to refer concerns and share burdens in such challenging times.
Two years later and Sally becomes one of the first ever recipients of the Suffolk Medal due to her considerable charity work across Suffolk, including the Rural Coffee Caravan. This award's purpose is to recognise, reward and champion "exceptional" contributions of people living in Suffolk - those who have made a fundamental, measurable and lasting difference to people's lives.
Sally is still active in the delivery of our Village Visits and if you’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and chat with her at one of them you’ll know her for her positive and uplifting personality, for genuinely being interested in you, and for her ceaseless determination to find new ways to help others.
From a bit of cake and a caravan... Other ‘spin off’ events such as ‘Golden Age Fairs’ and ‘Community Cream Teas’ grew out of the Rural Coffee Caravan core service. Sally’s more 13
“Building new friendships with neighbours and strengthening old ones.”
Ann Osborn
and volunteers, negotiate 'jargon' (which totally floored me at first), think strategically and generally project manage. Mostly I have learnt to have confidence in myself and my abilities. An all round 'late developer' and proud of it!”
Rural Coffee Caravan C.E.O. Ann joined the Rural Coffee Caravan Information Project in 2004 as its first official project manager. Returning to the world of work after 25 years as full time Mum, she says she felt fortunate to land this wonderful job working for a group of people passionate about helping the lonely and rurally isolated. With her fantastic people skills and her infectious enthusiasm for kindness she has been motivating the team at the Rural Coffee Caravan for over 16 years now.
Ann’s lightbulb moments of ways to help others don’t remain just ‘bright ideas’ but invariably manifest in projects and initiatives which find creative new ways to deliver the core work of the Rural Coffee Caravan: alleviating loneliness and helping people make meaningful connections.
One happy ending becomes a beginning Her chance following of a Twitter story about a lost wage packet finding its way back to its owner resulted in a network of pubs and cafes joining this cause across the country. All self-sustainably providing welcoming spaces for folk on their own, to facilitate friendships over free cuppas. MeetUpMondays™, now entering its 4th year, had created 100 of these by the end of 2019. Though slightly hampered by a global pandemic, more venues are resuming their sessions since restrictions eased, and new venues are coming on board each week. Helped currently by the support of Adnams who are encouraging their pubs to join the MeetUpMondays™ community.
Raising the RCC profile across Suffolk Ann works tirelessly to keep the charity funded and through her rise from project manager to CEO has guided it into further corners of Suffolk— expanding the service by adding three campervans to the ‘fleet’ over the years, and increasing the staff team from just two to its current seven. The extra capacity means we can set up on more village greens, cul-de-sacs and car parks and offer year round ‘Info Drop’ visits to provide access to information to villages who have already organised social gatherings.
Wanting to find a way to empower anyone intent on doing something to address loneliness in their neighbourhood, Ann also created the c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events) network. With a ‘better together’ approach to everything, she rallied the partnership of Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk Community Foundation, Suffolk Association of Local Councils and Healthwatch Suffolk, amongst others, to find a way to connect village coffee mornings to a wider family of support.
“An all round late developer and proud of it!” “I am so proud to have been able to keep this wonderful charity funded, to have hugely increased its capacity and to have raised its profile across Suffolk so that as many people as possible can take advantage of our services. I have learnt to write funding bids and monitoring reports, manage staff
Navigating the bumpy road In her time with the Rural Coffee Caravan Ann has steered the charity through some challenging times and toward deserved, but not sought after, recognition. Managing to keep the service active 14
“...We don’t do to or for, but with .” -ted so to win, and to win alongside five amazing women was, and still feels, incredible.” The same year saw the Rural Coffee Caravan’s volunteers honoured with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. The equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.
and always relevant - when the Rural Coffee Caravan lost its caravan (to thieves in 2017), and over the last couple of years, when a service which revolves around getting people together was told that everyone must stay apart. Ann always has a plan, and steadfast determination, to find creative ways to keep people connected. She does this, whilst always acknowledging and harnessing the talents and hard work of her dedicated team.
Ann and Sally both agree that with regards to the Rural Coffee Caravan “None of this would have been possible without our truly wonderful volunteers, who give so much to the project - we depend upon them as much as we did when the idea first saw the light of day.”
Sister Projects Special Recognition and a Queens Award
In 2018 both Ann and Sally were included in the EADT’s list of Suffolk’s 100 most inspirational women. 100 women who are positive role models for future generations, women who have achieved success in a diverse range of fields from business, the arts, sport and education to the third sector. Following that in 2019 Ann received the High Sheriff of Suffolk’s Inspiring Leader Award.
Continuing the ethos of sharing information empowers communities (a ‘we don’t do to or for but with’ - approach) Ann and Sally have been delighted to pass on their ’secret recipe’ to inspired people wanting to replicate the Rural Coffee Caravan in other areas of the country. This has resulted in two further ‘sister’ projects, one in Kent and one in Leicester. The Rural Kent Coffee and Information Project was started by Kathy Bugden after conversations with Ann. You’ll never guess what date Kathy’s birthday happens to be on…
“I was so discombobulated at even being nomina -
It is too!!
Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the RCC team received certificates of special recognition from the government, and also from the High Sheriff of Suffolk, for their outstanding service to Suffolk’s communities .
Ann, Sally and some of the Rural Coffee Caravan volunteers, staff and trustees receiving the Queens Award for Voluntary Service from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant – Clare, Countess of Euston in 2018. 15
MeetUpMondays™ is a network of pubs and cafés throughout Suffolk (and growing across the UK) helping to address loneliness and isolation since 2018. MeetUpMondays™ creates opportunities for folk on their own to access regular company without feeling labelled as lonely, and helps to reinforce our local pubs and cafés as community hubs. Just turn up on the day, grab a free cuppa, and chat! More info and a list of participating host venues can be found on our website and social
www.meetupmondays.org.uk
www.meetupmondays.org.uk
Groups currently active in and around Suffolk The Butchers Arms The Boardwalk Café/ Bar Combat2Coffee Combat2Coffee The Golden Boar Sproughton Community Shop The Bluebell Tea Rooms Fisher Theatre
London Rd, Beccles NR34 9YT Tel: 01502 712243 Felixstowe Pier, Undercliffe Road West IP11 2AB Tel: 01394 288029 8 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BZ Tel: 07736 351406 12 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1PR Tel: 07889 767695 The Street, Freckenham, Newmarket IP28 8HZ Tel: 01638 723000 Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Tel: 01473 747768 Bypass Nurseries, London Rd, Capel St Mary IP9 2JR Tel: 01473 806620 10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE Tel: 01986 897130 Southwold Road, South Cove, Wrentham NR34 7JD Tel: 01502 675249
The Five Bells Launching 28th March Somersham & District Princes Gardens, Lower Somersham IP8 4PF Community Shop Tel: 01473 833416 The Wellington 27-29 High Street, Feltwell IP26 4AF Tel: 01842 828224 White Horse 97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF Tel: 01787 374321 The Engine Room Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road IP24 3LH Tel: 01824 779867 16
Mondays 4pm – 5.30pm Mondays 9am – 11am Mondays 10am – 12 noon Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Mondays 2.30pm – 4pm Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am Mondays 10am – 12 noon Mondays 10.30am – 12.30pm Mondays 10.30am – 12.30pm Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm Mondays 2pm – 4pm Mondays 10.30am – 12 noon Mondays 12 noon – 2pm
@MeetUpMondays
Sarah’s Coffee Shop
@MeetUpMondays
@MeetUpMondays_Network
Capel St Mary Village Hall, Capel St Mary IP9 2ER Tel: 07730 310136 Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SL Tel: 01728 689112 The Street, Brantham, Suffolk CO11 1PN Tel: 01473 328248 Ferry Lane, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 3QX Tel: 01394 674190 St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB Tel: 01379 652241 Great Finborough IP14 3AT Tel: 01449 674688 1 Pembroke Road, Norwich NR2 3HD Tel: 01473 624038 52 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5AL Tel: 01473 822151 Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB Tel: 01502 561982 30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF Tel: 01638 712877 18-20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS Tel: 01473 790862 9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE Tel: 01473 252862 High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN Tel: 01379 766200 Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Tel: 01379 676660 The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855
Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon Thursdays 10am – 12 noon Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3pm
The Angel
2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660
Mondays 4 pm – 7 pm
Clare Antiques and Interiors
The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449
Mondays 10 am – 12 noon
Café 66
Kesgrave Scout Hall, Twelve Acre Approach IP5 1JF Tel: 07852 902879
Wednesdays 10am – 11am
The Crown Hotel
25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722
Mondays 10 am – 12 noon
The Golf Hotel
748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR Tel: 01473 727450
Thursdays 12 noon – 2pm
CoffeeLink, Leiston Co-op
Sizewell Road, Leiston IP16 4AE Tel: 01728 831613
Mondays 10am – 11.30am
The Sun Inn
High Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DF Tel: 01206 323351
Returning to Mondays 10.30am – 12 noon
The Crown Inn The Brantham Bull The Dooley Inn The Corn Hall The Chestnut Horse The Garden House The George The Norman Warrior Barleycorn Brewers Arms The Greyhound Pura Vida Pennoyer Centre The Shepherd and Dog
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Wednesdays 12 noon – 2pm Tuesdays 12pm - 1pm Mondays 11am - 12.30am Mondays 10am - 12 Noon Mondays from 23.02.22 9.30am -11am Fridays from 04.02.22 12 noon - 2pm Mondays 10am - 11.30am Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am Mondays 10am - 11.30 am Mondays 2 pm – 4 pm
Women Like Me Guest article from Claire Taylor-Haigh “There’s no better feeling than doing something for someone else, to help them to enjoy the little things like being happy outside and breathing in the fresh air.”
tidy others’ gardens. The benefits are twofold, as the gardens turn from drab to fab. The home owner can enjoy being outside again, but also the volunteers leave with a huge sense of satisfaction. There’s no better feeling than doing something for someone else, to help them to enjoy the little things like being happy outside and breathing in the fresh air. Oh, and after a garden session, I can assure you the Garden Angels all sleep like babies, so it’s definitely a WIN WIN for all.
Women Like Me was created to give women a space to be able to simply just be themselves.
Our aim is to build confidence, self-esteem and boost positive well-being, that – in turn - helps to reduce mental health decline.
With our underlining principle being - Let’s Learn Laugh & Grow Together, we are pretty unique in the work that we do. And we must be doing something right, as we are 4 years old on the 8th
We run weekly allotment sessions in three locations – and soon to be four! These spaces are known as ‘A Place to Be’ and they give women the opportunity to unwind and be around other women to cultivate the land, drink tea, and discuss a variety of subjects. Problems are shared, friendships are formed, and we generally put the world to rights most days. And with no knowledge or experience in this field - excuse the pun - needed, women are able to feel comfortable and safe in their new surroundings.
We also run ‘The Garden Angel’ project – where women volunteer some time to clear and 18
hard for women to answer “What have I done this week that’s just for me?” But on the flip side of not having enough time for yourself, there’s loneliness and isolation. Sometimes days and weeks can go by without talking to someone. And before you know it, you’re feeling low and depression can very easily creep in. Because we can’t have allotments in every town and village, we organise workshops, usually in Arts and Crafts. And we are presently asking our followers, what they would like to do in the next few months. There’s been a variety of suggestions, so once we’ve found the relevant facilitator, for some of the workshops,
March 2022. The day is also International Women’s Day, so we always do our best to celebrate the day with as many women as possible – This year we’re hosting an event in Beccles, called ‘Hot Flushes & Vol-au-vents’. You have probably gathered by now; we do LOVE a good strapline. We were also recognised last year by Suffolk Chamber Waveney Business Awards, for the work we have done during the pandemic. And our Co-founder also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work to the Voluntary and Community sector. Both awards were unexpected but gratefully and humbly accepted.
we’ll be promoting the sessions on our Facebook page.
To be honest, this isn’t actually anything to do with gardening! It’s simply just about women giving themselves the time to do something they want to do. To be able to get away from the pressures of the home or work. Women tend to make sure everyone else is happy and catered for, before they even consider their own wants and needs. Usually by the end of each week, it can be
We really work hard to try to help as many women as possible, and are always happy to listen to any new ideas others may have that could enhance the work we already do. Why not take a look for yourself. Website: www.women-like-me.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenlikemeandyou You can email Claire at: info@women-like-me.co.uk
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The Food Stories Tour will be joining us on our Rural Coffee Caravan visit to
Mendlesham United Reformed Chapel Friday 6th of May 10am - 12pm
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Walking the Beat, Street Meets and Tweets Suffolk Police Community Engagement Officers Guest article from PC Stefan Henricksen see us ‘walking the beat’ again and are amazed to see that we still wear the well recognised Police helmet. We carry out street meets, which we advertise online and through Police Connect (if you are not a member but would like to sign up for free please contact me on CEO.Stowmarket@suffolk.police.uk or visit the Suffolk police website). We set up in a busy spot with as many people passing as possible, to maximise our potential to engage. We talk about crime prevention and any community issues, we also property mark bicycles and give away the odd freebie, the current favourite being the purse bells. We engage at as many community events as we can, and its such a pleasure to attend community events, fetes, Fayres, Rallies, and anything else we can get along to. As well as being a pleasure, engagement is also an important part in helping the SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team), with problem solving issues in the community, and two-way communication.
Hello, my name is Stefan and I’m one of twelve community engagement officers who represent Suffolk Police across the County. This role was introduced in 2018, partly to ensure we still have direct face to face contact with all members of our communities.
Wearing Different Hats Before I go into a bit more detail about what we do, let me tell you a bit about myself. I’ve been a Police officer for over 20 years and started my career in Herfordshire, before transferring with my family to Suffolk (best move we ever made). I have mainly been on the frontline, but wearing different hats (literally), as I have different speciality roles, like search and PSU (the chaps in the riot gear). I have to say that of all the roles I have had, being an engagement officer is by far my favourite. Its really given me the chance to get to know and help my communities. Good Old Foot Patrol
21st Century Engagement
A big part of our role is to engage with as many members of the community as possible. We do this in several different ways. We still do the good old foot patrol, around our towns and villages, and the amount of people that tell us that they love to
To make sure we can talk to as many people as possible in our engagement, we use social media like Facebook and Twitter to tell people what we are up to, how to get hold of us and what’s going on locally, even as it happens. It’s amazing to see people mobilise on Facebook to find a missing person, and several have been found this way I’m pleased to say! One of my favourite engagements, is of course at Rural Coffee Caravan meets ups. Along with my colleagues, I love to come along for a chat and a cup of tea. We are happy to talk about any issues on your mind, crime prevention on current trends like scams, or simply pass the time of day.
I hope to see you again soon, or meet you for the first time, in the near future.
PC Stefan Henriksen with residents of Thingoe Lodge at our Rural Coffee Caravan visit in December 2021
Stefan (PC Henriksen) 22
Our network of charities across England and Wales offer free confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person. No matter what your problem, we’ll help you find a way forward. We’re a voice for our clients on the issues that matter to them.
Your Local Citizens Advice Citizens Advice Felixstowe Citizens Advice Ipswich
http://www.felixstowecab.org.uk/ For advice: 0300 3309016 https://www.citizensadviceipswich.org.uk/ For advice: 0300 3301151
Citizens Advice Leiston, Saxmundham & District
https://www.leistoncab.org/ For advice: 01728 832193
Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk
http://www.midsuffolkcab.org.uk/ For advice: 01449 676060
Citizens Advice North East Suffolk
http://nesuffolkcab.org.uk/ For advice: 01502 518510
Citizens Advice West Suffolk
http://suffolkwestcab.org.uk/ For advice: 0300 3301151
Sudbury and District Citizens Advice
http://www.sudburycab.org.uk/ For advice: 01787 321400
Suffolk Advice and Support Service (SASS) 0800 068 3131 Suffolk Advice and Support Service (SASS) is a free phoneline and is available to support vulnerable people in our communities (who do not have a network of family or friends to call upon), to access emergency support such as: •
emergency food and medicine deliveries
•
befriending schemes
•
support with basic care needs
•
debt/money advice
Telephone line open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can leave your name and number outside of these hours and somebody will call you back within 1 working day.
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c-a-f-e (coffee—and—friends—events) is a Rural Coffee Caravan initiative 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. We help promote Women Like Me—Allotment Sessions Weekly from end of February Allotment locations in Lowestoft NR32 2QL, Kessingland NR33 7SG and Beccles NR34 9BP Weekly group sessions open to women, providing a place for them to just be themselves, share life experiences to learn, laugh and grow together. Allotment sessions run in Lowestoft on Mondays, Kessingland on Tuesdays & Beccles on Wednesdays. For more info and times email Claire at: info@women-like-me.co.uk Metfield Community c-a-f-e First Saturday of the month 9am—12 noon Metfield Village Hall, Skinner’s Lane, Metfield IP20 0LH All ages welcome, come along to tuck into breakfast and real coffee. An opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones! 9am-12 Noon. There will be a rolling programme of interests. For more info on the current month’s events and offers to be involved, contact: Lorraine – 01379 586 307, Chris – 01379 586 560, Lynda – 01379 588 170. Snape Good neighbours Monday c-a-f-e Mondays 11am—12.30pm Snape Village Hall – 5 Garrett Close, Snape IP17 1RN Weekly Monday coffee morning run by the wonderfully active Snape Good Neighbours scheme. This group – previously meeting as a MeetUpMondays™ at The Golden Key, have relocated to the village hall and offer a warm and friendly welcome and FREE refreshments to anyone wanting to join them for some, a cuppa, and delicious cake! More info please call 07541 754426. 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—NOW IN THE MORNING 10.30am—12 noon
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. 24 20
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: 07917 441 793 for more info.
HAVE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT PUT ON OUR MAP!
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. 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). 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 becoming a c-a-f-e member you can find out more 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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HOPE IS CENTRAL TO LIFE. HOPE IS WHAT EVERYTHING ELSE GROWS FROM. As we embark on another new year it often brings a time of reflection, not just on what’s happened last year but for the things we might want to do this year. It’s more than making New Years resolution, it’s about learning from what’s been, to inform our future. It’s about consciously deciding what we want and agreeing with ourselves how we might try to achieve that with the best chance of success. The last thing we want to do is set ourselves up to fail!
Let people know they are valued and appreciated by you. Be specific about what you think about them.
Share your successes, things that you have tried and have worked well.
Share your failures, what didn’t go so well, what obstacles have you faced and overcome? Knowing other people have overcome difficulties can help people to feel hopeful.
Positive change takes time. It’s through working with others, keeping talking, and using a support network, that can help to sustain optimism over a long time and prevent people from giving up.
Help people to figure out what their goal(s) is/are. Explore what they want to change and remind them that change is possible. Be positive but realistic about change and what’s possible.
People are most hopeful when they are passionate about something. Help others to find their passion; what gets them excited? Maybe they can't feel passionate right now but in the past there will be times. Try to support them to reignite that passion.
Talk in hopeful ways, it is contagious! Be specific, be hopeful and talk about what you are looking forward to. Others will often follow suit.
There are always things we can do There are so many reasons why we can feel restricted and not able to fully achieve what we set ourselves, including things like ill-health, stretched finances, lack of support, and poor mental health. But there is always hope to be found. There are always things we can do, we may just need to tweak them to our current circumstances. Chatting to other people about what we want for ourselves can bring what was just a thought, to life, as something that now seems more possible. So please get talking. At times we cannot hope for ourselves but we can find it in other people. So how can you offer hope to someone?
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Shake off winter’s cognitive cobwebs with our Rural Coffee Caravan Spring Wordsearch
Answers on page 30
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volunteers have blonde hair and when wearing their polo shirts look very similar. After the success of our New Year’s Party, we have been planning the schedule for 2022 and look forward to sharing our plans in the coming months. February’s theme is friendship, and we will be encouraging the chinwaggers to share a cuppa with a friend by providing a goodie bag to each of them as they leave. In May we are looking forward to the Ukulele Band ‘What No Cake’ joining us. We must remember to make sure we have extra cake that month. We also have a Beach Party theme in August. Fingers crossed by then we will be enjoying sunny days and face coverings Goodie bags for will be a distant Friendship February memory – unfortunately, we cannot promise this though.
At the time of writing, we have said goodbye to January and are looking forward to February and the coming months. What is a Chinwag? For those who do not know about the Needham Market Community Chinwag – it is a social group for the over 60’s living in Needham Market and surrounding areas and an opportunity for anyone (over 60) to come along, regardless of their interests, challenges, mental health, physical difficulties and caring status. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Needham Market Community Centre from 2pm 4pm. There are refreshments, plenty of chat and entertainment whether it be a singer or speaker, quiz, or games, there’s always a warm welcome whatever the weather.
As a group we are fortunate to have received support from District and County Councillors, Rotary Club of Stowmarket Gipping Valley, Stowmarket District Lions Group, Gipping Press, Hudson Signs, Morrisons, Asda, Dan’s Coach Travel and Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Services to name a few, as well as individual donations – all of which means we do not have to charge people for attending (although donations are always welcome). We look forward to seeing familiar faces in the coming months and new chinwaggers are always welcome. At the present time no booking is required, just turn up - we would love to see you.
Volunteers are key The group was originally set up by five volunteers in September 2020. We meet twice a month to discuss ideas and to get organised for the monthly Chinwag. Each volunteer brings something different to the group and without them the group would be unable to run. Since we were able to start face to face meetings, we have seen a steady number of chinwaggers through the door and several returning month after month. To see a friendly and familiar face is a comforting sight. It does get confusing though because three of the
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 Instagram: @NMchinwag
Best wishes Tracey, Lesley, Dave, Mandy, Clare, Hayley, Julie, Trish, Ken & Peter 28
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Do you know someone who is living in a cold home? Please put them in touch with the Warm Homes Suffolk team on 03456 037 686 or visit www.warmhomessuffolk.org for more information. Worried about the rising costs of energy bills?
Warm Homes Suffolk has already made a difference to so many people living in Suffolk. Find out more about the many ways the Warm Feeling Fund team can help make your home a warmer place to live.
Warm Homes Suffolk is here to help. With grants and advice for those with a household income of under £30,000, get in touch with the Warm Feeling Fund to find out more about how they can help make your home warmer and more energy efficient while helping to reduce the cost of your bills.
Warm Homes Suffolk is helping both home owners and renters across Suffolk to improve the energy efficiency of their homes so they can save on their energy costs. They are also keen to hear from Suffolk residents living in cold homes or those with a low energy rating (especially those with a rating of E, F or G), to find out if you are eligible for a grant to improve the insulation in your home. To check your eligibility, please visit the website warmhomessuffolk.org or call 03456 037 686.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, if you, or someone you know, would like to receive individual support from the Surviving Winter
Answers to the wordsearch from page 27
Appeal, call Citizen’s Advice on 01473 298634.
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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
If you have access to the internet, you can now put your postcode into our interactive map to find your nearest Rural Coffee Caravan Village Visit, MeetUpMondays™ host venue, local c-a-f-e (coffee and friends events) or see if there is a More Than A Shop store near to you. Got to:
www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk/map
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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RURAL COFFEE CARAVAN VILLAGE VISIT
TIME of visit
MARCH dates st
APRIL dates
Rattlesden - Pavilion
10.00 – 12.00
1 March
5th April
Frostenden - Village Hall
10.30 – 12.30
1st March
5th April
Fornham All Saints TL=Thingoe Lodge / VH=Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
2nd March (TL)
6th April (VH)
Kenton - Church Grounds
10.00 – 12.00
3rd March
7th April
Sotterley - Chapel/War Memorial
10.00 – 12.00
3rd March
7th April
Mendlesham - Community Centre Car Park
10.00 – 12.00
4th March
1st April
Kessingland - Marram Green (Info Drop)
10.30 – 12.30
7th March
No visit
Stutton - Community Hall
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
4th April
Shotley - Outside the Village Hall
14.00 – 16.00
7th March
4th April
Finningham - Village Green (or church if inclement)
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
5th April
Freckenham - East View
14.00 – 16.00
No visit
5th April
Redlingfield - Doorstep Green
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
6th April
Benhall Green
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
12th April
Aldringham - Mill Hill
14.00 – 16.00
No visit
12th April
Framsden - Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
9th March
13th April
Huntingfield - The Hub
10.00 – 12.00
9th March
13th April
Worlingham - Samford Court
varies
10th March 10-12
14th April 2-4pm
Hitcham - Village Hall
14.00 – 16.00
10th March
14th April
Lidgate - Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
11th March
8th April
Cavendish - Village Hall
10.30 – 12.30
14th March
11th April
Chattisham - All Saints and St Margaret Church
10.00 – 12.00
15th March
19th April
Hintlesham - Community Hall
14.00 – 16.00
15th March
19th April
Wingfield - Castle Crescent
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
19th April
Combs Green
10.00 – 12.00
16th March (Wed)
14th April (Thurs)
Darsham - Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
16th March
20th April
St James - St James & St Nicholas Village Hall
14.00 – 16.00
17th March
21st April
Tattingstone – Village Hall
10.30 – 12.00
No visit
21st April
Great Cornard - Stevenson Centre (Info drop)
10.00 – 12.00
18th March
No visit
th
Polstead - Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
18 March
No visit (bank hol)
Bramford - Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace
09.30 – 11.30
21st March
No visit (bank hol)
Somersham - Brook Way
14.00 – 16.00
No visit
21st April
Gazeley - Village Hall
10.00 – 12.00
23rd March
27th April
Westhorpe - Village Hall
14.00 – 16.00
23rd March
27th April
Marshmoor Park
10.00 – 12.00
24th March
28th April
Wixfield Park
14.00 – 16.00
24th March
28th April
Claydon - St Peter’s Court
10.00 – 12.00
25th March
22nd April
Buxhall - Village Hall
14.00 – 16.00
26th March
25th April
Halesworth - Pear Tree Centre
10.00 – 12.00
31st March
28th April
Wattisfield - Community Centre
10.00 – 12.00
No visit
29th April
PLEASE NOTE: Visit locations, dates and times are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. If you’d like to confirm any visit details before travelling, please give us a call or get in touch with us using any of the methods on the previous page. 32