Rural Coffee Caravan - Catch Up - Issue 9 - May 2022

Issue Nine This magazine is

FREE Please take one

Rural Coffee Caravan

Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk

www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk

Above photo: Blue and Yellow by Ann Osborn.

Front Cover: Sunflowers original painting by Adrian, Chattisham

As we start to see some brighter weather we look forward to a busy calendar of events on the horizon. The Rural Coffee Caravan will not only be out and about visiting villages across the county, but also at various events celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and of course the Suffolk Festival.

Firstly there are the four FREE community concerts in partnership with the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra. These will be wonderful recitals by 3 or 4 members of the orchestra and we know from running these before, that they are absolutely magical and not to be missed.

Later in May, (31st May - June 1st) you will find us at the Suffolk Show in the special ‘Platinum’ area as part of the celebrations of the past 70 years and also in the ‘Countryside’ area promoting our wonderful MeetUpMondays™.

This year the Red Rooster country music event at Euston Park (2nd - 4th June) is part of the Suffolk Festival and we have been invited to set up there as part of a special community area. Finally on June 12th we will be at The Euston Rural Pastimes event, raising awareness of all that we do in rural Suffolk. Do come and say hello if you are attending these events.

Mindful that elsewhere in the world, times are unimaginably difficult, our thoughts go to the people of Ukraine, and all those displaced by conflict. If you are considering donating money to support the people of Ukraine in crisis, please be mindful to donate via trusted channels, such as the Disasters Emergency Committee. Locally, Suffolk Refugee Support - an Ipswich based charity, are already beginning to provide support to Ukrainian refugees in Suffolk, including those with family members in the UK who arrived under the Ukraine Family Scheme. They are also preparing to provide further practical support to people arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Ann ☺

www.dec.org.uk

www.suffolkrefugee.org.uk 2

Issue #9

Contents

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Out and About with the Rural Coffee Caravan

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Recipe Corner - Uggeshall Teas and Ray’s Cake

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Gainsborough’s House - Community Outreach

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St Elizabeth Hospice - Community Care Unit

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Suffolk Philharmonic - Four Free Concerts

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Friends Around the Table - Free Workshops from Suffolk Artlink

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MeetUpMondays™ - In and Around Suffolk

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Turning One Cup of Tea into Eight - Guest article from Julie Long of Suffolk Libraries

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Book Recommendations - from Suffolk Libraries

•

The Active Wellbeing Service - Overcoming Barriers to Being Active

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Canine Care Card - A Free Service from the Dogs Trust

•

Festival of Suffolk 2022 - Be Part Of It

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Scam Warnings - Council Tax Rebate and Water Companies

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

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500 Suffolk Reasons - An Opportunity for Kindness

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Rural Coffee Caravan Village Visit Timetable 3

Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan

Gazeley - Monthly Village Visit We had a lovely turnout at our visit to Gazeley Village Hall in February, with 20 visitors joining us. Including seven year old Lilley who came with her grandparents as it was half term. One visitor commented on how nice it is to come along and find out really useful information that they wouldn’t otherwise know about without the Rural Coffee Caravan’s monthly visits.

Westhorpe – Monthly Village Visit Sue, one of our village contacts, sent us in this fab photo of our March visit to Westhorpe and writes: ‘Westhorpe residents really enjoy the regular opportunity to get together for a relaxing catch-up over tea, coffee and delicious cakes, all thanks to the Rural Coffee Caravan. In March there was an added bonus of warm Spring sunshine!’

Thank you Sue! Lowestoft & Bury St Edmunds - Veterans Tea Parties.

As March rolled into April we hosted two, free, Veterans Lunches one at The Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre, Lowestoft, and the other at Combat2Coffee in Bury St Edmunds. These events, funded through Suffolk County Council, were originally intended to be held to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Guests (local service veterans and their families) were treated to two delightful afternoons, delicious spreads, and lively entertainment from talented Suffolk singer Chelsea Francis.

An added bonus of the events was being able to introduce new visitors to Combat2Coffee - who host community and charity-led spaces in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich within its coffee shops where veterans, families and those struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues can go to feel supported and connected; and to The Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre - a unique charity based in a fantastic building located on the Lowestoft seafront, which offers holiday accommodation to ex-service men and women and their spouses/partners. Each room is stylishly decorated with themed memorabilia from the different armed forces.

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Gazeley, Westhorpe, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Sotterley

Combat2Coffee: www.combat2coffee.co.uk Tel: 07429 439766 Combat2Coffee in Bury St Edmunds hold MeetUpMondays-On-Wednesdays each week between 10.00-12.00. See page 15 for more details.

The Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre: www.kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk Tel: 01502 573564 Chelsea Francis, singer Tel: 07810 824990 www.facebook.com/chelsea-francis-female-vocalist115633551797717 5

Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan continued…

Sotterley What an amazing privilege it was to be able to share in Anne’s 100th birthday celebrations at our recent visit to Sotterley! Three cakes for three digits!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Anne!

Our visit here is supported by Sotterley Chapel Preservation Trust, which holds various events in and around this unique and much loved building throughout the year. The chapel has been part of the village since 1883. More info at www.facebook.com/Sotterley.Chapel.Preservation.Trust Image credits: Jim Laws, The Sotterley Chapel Preservation Trust and Annette Dunning 6

Recipe Corner

Shared from

The Teas

Recipes from 50 years of Uggeshall Teas

In 2019 The ‘Teas Committee’ at Uggeshall produced a commemorative recipe book to celebrate 50 years of the annual occasion that began as Uggeshall’s ‘Farmhouse Teas’. Held every year at Valley Farm around the last weekend in July, the teas were started over half a century ago, and were the inspiration of retired art teacher, church organist and choir master Robert White, with help from his wife, Muriel. Their aim was to raise funds for the maintenance of the ancient church building of St Mary’s in Uggeshall.

extent that by 2015 the teas had been known to attract over 200 guests per event on some occasions and have raised over £100,000 over the years! Quite a feat for a village with a population of less than 200 people!

Nowadays a percentage of funds raised is donated to other local charities as well maintaining the upkeep of the church.

Nearly everything you eat at ‘Uggeshall Country Teas’ is home-made and recipes in their commemorative book include some which have been handed down through the generations, in their original form. The Rural Coffee Caravan was delighted to be given a copy of the recipe book by one of our favourite Rural Coffee Caravan Village Visit attendees, Ray Edwards, so today we’re sharing Ray’s beloved wife Joan’s recipe from the book.

The couple generously opened up their home and garden each year and were supported by an enthusiastic team of neighbours and volunteers in the running of the event. Its popularity grew to the

Ray’s Cake Some people need to be careful about eating added sugar. Ray’s wife Joan used to bake him a special cake using fresh orange juice and mixed fruit but no added sugar.

It’s surprisingly good. The Edwards family lived in Uggeshall and Ray’s mother, Ida, helped with The Teas at Valley Farm from the very start.

Ingredients: •

½ lb wholemeal self-raising flour

•

¾ lb mixed fruit

•

½ pint orange juice

•

3 oz margarine

•

2 or 3 eggs (depending on size)

Method:

77

•

Bring juice and fruit to the boil, remove from heat and leave overnight.

•

Rub fat into flour.

•

Beat eggs into juice mixture.

•

Mix in flour.

•

Cook in moderate oven on 180°C for 1½ hours.

•

Once cool, wrap and refrigerate to keep moist.

Guest article by Anna Hennings Arts Facilitator Gainsborough’s House Gainsborough’s House are delighted to be working in a mutually beneficial partnership with the Rural Coffee Caravan When we started working together in 2018, Rural Coffee Caravan were already well established, helping rurally isolated people in Suffolk access services and information to improve their lives, health and wellbeing. This vital work strengthens rural communities by bringing people together.

Image of new building: Gainsborough’s House/A.K. Purkiss

delicious homemade cake, make new friends and try their hand at some creative activities.

Rural Coffee Caravan staff and volunteers are able to help participants access services to which they may be entitled, such as Attendance Allowance, in a confidential manner. They can also signpost other ways that people can find support and services to

The organisation and their network of contacts made them the right fit for Gainsborough’s House Community Arts Project. Gainsborough’s House, through their community outreach project, aimed to provide elderly people living in rural isolation a chance to take part in some Gainsborough inspired arts and craft activities and to socialise with others in a supportive and friendly environment. The partnership with RCC began with the establishment of monthly workshops at Acton Village Hall. We now have a regular and growing group of attendees who look forward to our monthly meetings, where they can enjoy a coffee and 8

improve their lives.

The group is gradually growing in numbers as new participants are introduced by the group or they find us through local publicity.

Feedback has been positive. Participants have said how much they enjoy and look forward to the workshops and have continued working on activities at home which they have found therapeutic such as rag rugging. They have tried new arts activities such as drawing, print making and

piece of work to show that they have completed at home.

The next project on the horizon is to create collages in paper, print, textiles and stitch, creating a tableau of images about Gainsborough’s life and 18th Century England.

Gainsborough’s House is near to completing a £9 million capital project that will be transformational to Sudbury and Suffolk. The project has been developing over the last eight years and is finally coming to fruition, tripling in size its public spaces and creating the centre for celebrating the artistic heritage in Suffolk. Re-opening in 2022 The New National Centre for Gainsborough a National Heritage Lottery Fund Project provides a visual arts focus for Suffolk and a painting and have enjoyed learning about Thomas Gainsborough and his life in Georgian England. We have recreated one of his drawings in chalk and charcoal, experimented with different print making techniques and various other crafts. One participant has recently led a workshop in paper Iris folding to make cards. This was very well received by the group and we like to encourage the participants to share their skills. It is lovely when someone brings in a

spearhead of economic regeneration for Sudbury.

Gainsborough’s House is hugely looking forward to welcoming the group to the gallery and new Landscape Learning Studio with its stunning views over the landscape where Gainsborough painted Mr and Mrs Andrews where they will be able to explore the collection in the new galleries, and the Historic House birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough. We hope things will inspire more creative activities with well-earned refreshments available in the ‘The Watering Place’ new cafe at Gainsborough’s House.

For further details please contact Diana at the Rural Coffee Caravan Tel: 07976 599 993 Email: diana@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk 9

Independent Suffolk charity, St Elizabeth Hospice has extended its support to the local community with the launch of its Community Care Unit service in both East Suffolk and Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Replacing the hospice’s former Day Care services, the Community Care Unit will continue to care for patients living with progressive or life-limiting illness and complex needs by providing such support as symptom control, advance ease of access to healthcare professionals and social integration.

developing our services to meet the ever-evolving needs of patients and their families.

“Providing a personal and tailored service to patients is at the heart of the hospice’s work.

Through the new Community Care Unit we will deliver holistic care to each individual and their family to ensure we are able to support more people who need our vital care throughout the region.”

Held in the Atrium, at St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich, the Community Care Unit will offer these services predominantly on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, allowing patients and their families to receive specific care and support from the hospice’s multi-disciplinary team in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

The Community Care Unit offers the opportunity for patients’ wellbeing and social needs to be met, while also enabling the convenience of all necessary healthcare appointments to be organised and completed in one location, at the hospice Atrium in Ipswich, on the same day. While in Great Yarmouth and Waveney the Community Care Unit will be held at Martham Medical Centre on a Thursday and Sole Bay Health Centre on a Friday.

The Community Care Unit will also provide a range of nursing and medical care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, emotional and wellbeing support, support groups and rehabilitation programmes for patients, as well as additional services such as hairdressing, complementary therapy and beauty therapy.

Hanna McDowell, Head of Therapy and Community Care Units at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are delighted to launch our new Community Care Unit Service and to continue

Each patient will be assessed before they first attend the Community Care Unit service to identify their needs and to determine what support is required before a tailored plan of care is created to meet these needs.

To register for the Community Care Unit, call St Elizabeth Hospice’s 24-hour specialist palliative care advice line, OneCall, on 0800 5567 0111 to discuss with a member of the team or complete a self-referral form online by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-canhelp/hospice-care/community-care-unit/.

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About St Elizabeth Hospice St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people in East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. The hospice’s work is centred on an individual's needs, which means specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice. Through medicine and therapy we ease pain; we give life purpose and make life liveable.

Established in 1989, the independent charity and hospice has built a reputation for delivering high-level care to patients and the community it serves.

Support is provided to patients and their families via the inpatient unit, day services including outpatient’s clinics, home visits from the community nursing, medical or therapy team, and the OneCall 24/7 telephone helpline and bereavement support.

To find out more information about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

It doesn’t matter who you are, every Wellbeing Friend makes a difference, and together we can help yourself, and others, live their lives well.

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Rural Coffee Caravan is delighted to host

Four Free Concerts with players of the

Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra Tuesday 17 May 3pm-5pm

Wednesday 18 May 3pm-5pm

WORLINGHAM All Saints Church

HOLLESLEY Village Hall

Thursday 19 May 1pm-3pm

Friday 20 May 3pm-5pm

IPSWICH Salvation Army Citadel

HALESWORTH St Mary’s Church

Free tea and cake prepared by the

Rural Coffee Caravan

and our usual useful information to hand.

To reserve your FREE seat email info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk or call us on 01379 855 338.

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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.

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 map of participating host venues can be found on our website and social media pages.

73 Cumberland St, Woodbridge IP12 4AG Tel: 01394 384627

Mondays 10am – 12 noon

The Golden Key NEW

Priory Road, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SA Tel: 01728 688510

Mondays 10am – 11.30am

Emmaus Suffolk NEW

Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3BB

Mondays 12.30pm – 4pm

Tel: 01473 225627

Groups currentlyTel: active in and around Suffolk 01502 712243

The Butchers Arms

London Rd, Beccles NR34 9YT

Mondays 4pm – 5.30pm

The Boardwalk Café

Felixstowe Pier, Undercliffe Road West IP11 2AB Tel: 01394 288029

Mondays 9am – 11am

Combat2Coffee

8 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BZ Tel: 07736 351406

Mondays 10am – 12 noon

The Golden Boar

The Street, Freckenham, Newmarket IP28 8HZ Tel: 01638 723000

Mondays 2.30pm – 4pm

Sproughton Community Shop

Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Tel: 01473 747768

Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am

The Bluebell Tea Rooms

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

Mondays 10am – 12 noon

Fisher Theatre

10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE Tel: 01986 897130

Mondays 10.30am – 12.30pm

Somersham & District Community Shop

Princes Gardens, Lower Somersham IP8 4PF Tel: 01473 833416

Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm

The Wellington

27-29 High Street, Feltwell IP26 4AF Tel: 01842 828224

Mondays 2pm – 4pm

White Horse

97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF Tel: 01787 374321

Mondays 10.30am – 12 noon

The Engine Room

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

Mondays 12 noon – 2pm

The George

52 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5AL Tel: 01473 822151

Mondays 11am - 12.30am

The Norman Warrior

Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB Tel: 01502 561982

Mondays 10am - 12 Noon

Barleycorn

30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF Tel: 01638 712877

Mondays 9.30am -11am

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www.meetupmondays.org.uk

The Cherry Tree NEW

The Greyhound

9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE Tel: 01473 252862

Mondays 10am - 11.30am

Pennoyer Centre

Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Tel: 01379 676660

Mondays 10am - 11.30 am

The Shepherd

The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855

Mondays

2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660

Mondays

The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449

Mondays

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

Mondays

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

Mondays

The Meadlands NEW

93 Needham Rd, Stowmarket IP14 2AD Contact via email: stowmeadlandsrec@gmail.com

Tuesdays 10am – 11.30am

The Garden House

1 Pembroke Road, Norwich NR2 3HD Tel: 01473 624038

Tuesdays 12pm - 1pm

Combat2Coffee

12 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1PR Tel: 07889 767695

Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon

The Corn Hall

St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB Tel: 01379 652241

Wednesdays 3pm

The Chestnut Horse

Great Finborough IP14 3AT Tel: 01449 674688

Wednesdays 12 noon – 2pm

Sarah’s Coffee Shop

Capel St Mary Village Hall, Capel St Mary IP9 2ER Tel: 07730 310136

Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon

The Crown Inn

Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SL Tel: 01728 689112

Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon

The Brantham Bull

The Street, Brantham, Suffolk CO11 1PN Tel: 01473 328248

Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon

Café 66

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

Wednesdays

Pura Vida

High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN Tel: 01379 766200

Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am

The Five Bells Now on Thursdays

Southwold Road, South Cove, Wrentham NR34 7JD Tel: 01502 675249

Thursdays 10am – 12 noon

The Dooley Inn

Ferry Lane, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 3QX Tel: 01394 674190

Thursdays 10am – 12 noon

The Golf Hotel

748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR

Thursdays

Tel: 01473 727450

12 noon – 2pm

18-20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS Tel: 01473 790862

Fridays 12 noon - 2pm

and Dog The Angel Clare Antiques and Interiors

The Crown Hotel

Brewers Arms

@MeetUpMondays

@MeetUpMondays 15

2 pm – 4 pm 4 pm – 7 pm 10 am – 12 noon 10 am – 12 noon

10.30am – 12 noon

1.30pm –

10am – 11am

@MeetUpMondays_Network

www.meetupmondays.org.uk

Turning ‘one cup of tea’ into ‘eight’ Guest article from Julie Long Suffolk Libraries Fundraising Manager

The biggest issue our charity faces is that most people don’t realise we are one!

year in social value (more when you choose to gift aid your donation).

What a pleasure to meet Ann from the Rural Coffee Caravan today. Despite the fact it was our first meeting, we managed to while away 2-hours chatting about everything from family through to how much we value our diverse county, all over several cups of coffee. These moments of connection, particularly in rural communities like Suffolk, are so important for sense of self, perspective and for developing ourselves on a personal and business level.

It sounds simple, given we have 44 branches across the county and 3 mobile libraries, reaching more than 50,500 users each week, to have a huge charitable footprint, doesn’t it? And yet the biggest issue we face, even 10 years after becoming a charity, is that most people don’t realise we are one, still assuming we are a council run service.

True to say, we benefit from a contract with the council to provide grass-roots library services, but we are equally and indeed more and more reliant on our own fundraising to ensure all our libraries continue to exist, evolve, stay relevant and meet our diverse county’s needs.

And this got me to thinking, I wonder how many of you would be willing to buy a cup of coffee to support your community?

Seriously, would you give say £2.50 (based on the price of an average cup) if you knew that act of kindness was going to support someone who was vulnerable, lonely, or lacking in confidence?

Admittedly one cup isn’t going to go far, but what if I told you Suffolk Libraries would turn that one cup into eight?

Starts to sound like you’re making a bit more of an impact, right?

It is wonderful when a customer feels passionately about giving to their local library branch, and we feel this really reflects how unique each library is and how valuable it is in its local community. We would also urge anyone thinking of donating, to also consider the entire organisation. By supporting Suffolk Libraries, a donor can ensure that branches continue to be staffed in the way they should, and community services continue to be extended and improved.

To this end, we encourage anyone to visit us, to shout about us to friends or on social media; and there are many other ways to support us too. You could drop some loose change in one of our collection buckets, consider us as the focus of a personal fundraising challenge, or support us on a regular basis by going online and setting up a monthly DD.

Well, that’s exactly what happens when you donate £2.50 a month to Suffolk Libraries,

the charity responsible for providing library services across Suffolk, and a host of associated befriending, literacy, and wellbeing activities.

Research has shown that for every £1 Suffolk Libraries spend on just three of our core activities, Word Play (for pre-schoolers), Top Time (for over 55+s) and Open Space (Mental Health and Wellbeing Support) we return over £8 in social value for our county; this number includes the savings to the individual through not having to seek out ‘paid for’ support and/or the savings to the local NHS. So, when you choose to donate £2.50 to Suffolk Libraries a month, you can make an impact on your community worth over £240 a

Small contributions really can make a big impact.

You can find out more about the activities on offer or how you can support Suffolk Libraries to fundraise at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk or by emailing Julie Long at Julie.long@suffolklibraries.co.uk 16

Book Reviews from Suffolk Libraries

Elizabeth Finch

by Julian Barnes

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman.

In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality.

Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with - of all things - her mind. True chemistry results.

Elizabeth Finch was a teacher, a thinker, an inspiration always rigorous, always thoughtful. With careful empathy, she guided her students to develop meaningful ideas and to discover their centres of seriousness. As a former student unpacks her notebooks and remembers her uniquely inquisitive mind, her passion for reason resonates through the years. Her ideas unlock the philosophies of the past, and explore key events that show us how to make sense of our lives today.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later, Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. The Candy House

by Jennifer Egan

It's 2010. Staggeringly successful and brilliant tech entrepreneur Bix Bouton is desperate for a new idea. He's forty, with four kids, and restless when he stumbles into a conversation with mostly Columbia professors, one of whom is experimenting with downloading or 'externalising' memory. Within a decade, Bix's new technology, Own Your Unconscious - that allows you access to every memory you've ever had, and to share every memory in exchange for access to the memories of others - has seduced multitudes.

And underpinning them all is the story of J - Julian the Apostate, her historical soulmate and fellow challenger to the institutional and monotheistic thinking that has always threatened to divide us.

This is more than a novel. It's a loving tribute to philosophy, a careful evaluation of history, an invitation to think for ourselves. It's a moment to reflect and to gently explore our own theories and assumptions.

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus "In Garmus's debut novel, a frustrated chemist finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that sparks a revolution. Welcome to the 1960s, where a woman's arsenal of tools was often limited to the kitchen--and where Elizabeth Zott is hellbent on overturning the status quo one meal at a time."--New York Times

But not everyone. In spellbinding linked narratives, Egan spins out the consequences of Own Your Unconscious through the lives of multiple characters whose paths intersect over several decades. The Candy House is a bold, brilliant imagining of a world that is moments away.

More book reviews from Suffolk Libraries at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/borrow/ recommendations/fiction/ 17

issues or concerns, as well as discovering local and safe ways you can be more active and meet likeminded people.

The service has been set up for adults aged 50+ who are currently inactive and who may be living with poor health, a long-term condition or low mental wellbeing. The Active Wellbeing team work hard to support local people to become active to improve health and wellbeing, whilst also managing existing health conditions.

The Active Wellbeing Service

Your local Physical Activity Advisor from the Active Wellbeing Service will support you to overcome barriers to physical activity and help you discover new ways to be active from home or in the local community.

provided by Active Suffolk It is said that if physical activity was a pill, it would be classed as a wonder drug, however too many of us do not take the recommended dose. An increase in physical activity alongside a healthy lifestyle helps you look after your heart, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of serious illness and strengthen muscles and bones. It can also

Where can I access the Active Wellbeing Service?

Working in partnership with the South Rural Primary Care Network, the Active Wellbeing Service is currently available to people registered with GP surgeries in Bildeston, Capel St. Mary, East Bergholt, Hadleigh, Holbrook & Shotley and Needham Market.

Additionally, with thanks to the Community Ambition Fund, Active Suffolk are now delivering the Active Wellbeing Service for residents living in the IP1 area, from the newly opened Whitton Unity Centre Hub on Meredith Road in Ipswich.

For more information about the service or to book a consultation with your local Physical Activity Advisor please visit www.activesuffolk.org/theactive-wellbeing-service or call Active Suffolk on 01394 444605.

reduce stress levels and lift your mood.

The friendly team at Active Suffolk understand that there can be a number of barriers stopping us from being more active, which is why they are delivering their Active Wellbeing Service in a number of locations across the county.

What is the Active Wellbeing Service?

The Active Wellbeing Service is free and offers you the opportunity to learn about the importance of increased movement, discuss your reasons for wanting to be more active, overcome barriers, 18

We know that the bond between you and your four-legged best friend is entirely unique. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could love and care for your dog as much as you do. But we promise we will.

Receive you Canine Care Card - when it arrives fill in the details and pop it in your wallet or purse with your other cards, so that it can always be found.

If you become seriously ill or pass away, Dogs Trust will look after your canine companion, help them get back on their paws, and find them a home.

Ensure your pet is cared for in the future

Leave instructions in your Will - confirm your wishes in your Will to help ensure they’re fulfilled. We suggest the wording: “It is also my wish that Dogs Trust cares for and/or rehomes my dog at the time of my death”.

Follow these simple steps to become a Canine Care Card holder:

We love all dogs. And though we want to be able to care for any dog whose owner has passed away or become seriously ill, there are some cases where this might not be possible. More info at www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-care/ canine-care-card-frequently-asked-questions.

Choose your Dog Guardian - they can sign your dog over to us if you’re not able to. Make sure it’s someone you trust, like a friend, family member or solicitor. Ask them before you apply, as we'll need their contact details.

Complete the online application form have the contact details of your chosen dog guardian and your dog’s microchip number handy before you begin.

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The Festival of Suffolk 2022 may be nearly here, but it’s not too late to be a part of it all! If you’ve got a great idea, a treasured local happening or the time to roll your sleeves up and help a growing team of festival volunteers deliver this extraordinary once-in-alifetime celebration, do share your activities with the Festival of Suffolk website!

If you’ve already planned an event and now want it to be part of the Festival, that’s great, it can adopt the Jubilee theme. Also, special events can be organised to help bring communities together. The Festival of Suffolk website welcomes all ideas so use their form to let them know about your events and become part of the festivities.

You can find the form at: www.festivalofsuffolk.org/be-part-of-it Here are just a few mentions of events which are taking place across the county throughout May, June and July. Head to the website for the full list and for further details on each event.

Torch Relay May 13th to June 1st Look out for the Festival Torch Relay on its 588-mile journey around Suffolk. Starting in Brandon on Friday 13th May, ending at the Suffolk Show on Wednesday 1st June, to be a centre-piece for the big Jubilee Pageant at the Suffolk Showground (starting at 4.00pm).

If you would like to nominate a community hero to carry the Torch, email kate.paul@suffolkcf.org.uk

Beacon Lighting across Suffolk June 2nd 21:15 - 23:00 Let’s set Suffolk ablaze in celebration. The Queen will be lighting the first national beacon in London at 9.15 pm, and our Lord Lieutenant Lady Euston will then light the first one in Suffolk – at a special party event in Lowestoft.

Nearly 100 beacons are planned to be lit at open air events across Suffolk – look out for details in your local community.

‘Best of British’ Show June 4th 18:30 - 20:20 Thorington Theatre Internationally-renowned coloratura soprano Christina Johnston, and an ensemble of classical musicians, will bring the very ‘best of British’ to Thorington to honour the Queen’s Jubilee.

Book tickets via the website: www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk

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Suffolk’s Jubilee Parkrun June 4th Join a Suffolk parkrun near you on Saturday 4th June as a special celebration of The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Visit the website to register: www.parkrun.org.uk/register

Suffolk Day June 21st 00:00 - 23:55 On the longest day of the year, make a plan to enjoy the wonderful landscape, heritage, community groups, venues and organisations across Suffolk..

Mark Murphy will be in front of Framlingham Castle from 6am with the Suffolk Day proclamation, Wayne Bavin will be spending the day from 10am in Bungay, Lesley Dolphin will be at the cathedral in Bury St Edmunds for Abbey 1000 from 2pm and Jon Wright rounds off the day in Felixstowe with Suffolk Remembers.

More information: www.suffolkday.co.uk

Redlingfield Village Jubilee Celebrations July 2nd - July 3rd Redlingfield, a tiny village in north Suffolk doesn’t believe that being small should hold you back. So they have organised more than a dozen Festival of Suffolk & Jubilee events for people to enjoy on the Doorstep Green.

Suffolk Community Games July 9th 09:00 - 18:00 Bury St Edmunds Taking place in Bury St Edmunds, the Festival of Suffolk Community Games will provide a unique opportunity for specially invited participants to take part in non-traditional activities such as BMX and climbing, whist traditional sports such as athletics and football will be a key part of delivering an inclusive festival experience. The Games organising committee are creating some exciting partnerships and collaborations with other local organisations to further expand the offer, more details of which will be shared in due course.

Spectators will be welcomed to attend on the day to create a unique celebratory atmosphere for our participants.

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Council Tax Rebate

ALERT Scammers are cold-calling people asking for their bank details to receive the government's £150 energy rebate, councils have warned.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the rebate for homes in council tax bands A to D in February to help people cope with escalating cost of living prices.

financial details over the phone. If you’re not sure the caller is genuine, hang up and phone your council directly using the contact number on its website.

The £150 council tax rebate is available to all households in council tax bands A to D in England, Scotland and Wales and is designed to help with the rising cost of energy bills. Councils need to pay the rebate to households by 30th September, though some have already started to make payouts.

Councils will reach out to households to confirm how they’ll make the payment, Those who did not pay their council tax by direct debit should be sent a letter with details of how to claim.

Mohan Iyengar, vice-chairman of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said councils were working to ensure residents received their energy rebate payments as soon as possible.

The rebate will, in most cases, be paid automatically from April to eligible households in England that pay council tax by direct debit, directly into their bank account, using those existing details.

He added: "However, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to take advantage of the financial worries people are facing and as a result many of these scams look legitimate on first impression."

If you don't currently pay your council tax by direct debit you can set one up by contacting your council directly. If that's not your preferred way to pay, you can cancel the direct debit after receiving the rebate.

Anyone who unexpectedly receives a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they could be sure it was genuine, the LGA said.

The Local Government Association (LGA) urged people to be alert to the scam and not give out personal information. It emphasised that councils will never request bank details over the phone.

You should beware giving out your personal or

Fraudulent text messages can be reported by forwarding them to 7726, a free reporting service provided by phone operators. Potential scams can also be reported to Action Fraud.

Content shared from BBC NEWS: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61119730.amp and MONEY SAVING EXPERT : https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/04/warning--councils-will-never-call-to-ask-for-bank-details/ 22

Suffolk Trading Standards recently received a report from a Lowestoft resident who had a scam call from an individual claiming to be from their water company.

The company offer a password protection scheme through its Priority Services Register. This scheme means that any customer can choose a secure password and if they were to get a visit or call from the water company they can confirm who they are with this, only genuine employees from Essex & Suffolk Water would know the password.

The fraudster claimed the resident had overpaid their water account and so they needed their bank details to be able to refund them.

Anglian Water - Love Every Drop can be contacted on 03457 145 145.

Their customer contact staff will be able to check and make sure any telephone call, doorstep call or email is genuine and will be able to advise you on billing.

The caller was very persistent, offering to wait until the resident got their bank statement or bank card.

Thankfully the resident was suspicious of the call and refused to give them their financial details, demanding that they send a cheque with the overpayment. They then hung up

If you have given a scammer any financial information, please contact your bank If you receive a similar call, please hang up and do immediately. not provide the caller with any personal details.

Report all scam calls to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133

Essex and Suffolk Water can be contacted on 0345 782 0999.

www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards

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c-a-f-e 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. Here are our active c-a-f-e group members.

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:

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 Suffolk Carers Natter sessions are FREE and aimed at family carers 55+ coming together to meet with others within their communities whereby creating friendships, sharing experiences and forming networks of peer to peer support over a cuppa and cake. For more info on all of the below sessions: email Sharon or call 01284 333035.

Felixstowe – Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30am – 12.30pm

The Cliff Top Cafe, Cobbold Road, Felixstowe IP11 7LR Thurston – Fortnightly on Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm

The Fox & Hounds pub, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2QT Beccles – Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.00am – 12.00pm

The Station Cafe, Station Road, Beccles NR34 9QJ

Woodbridge – Fortnightly on Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm

Christine’s Tea Rooms, 74 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 IAL 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Snape Good Neighbours Monday c-a-f-e is now a MeetUpMondays™ group (see pages 14 & 15) and is held on Mondays 10.30am—12pm at The Golden Key pub in Snape.

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Friends Round Friday Fridays 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. Info: Michelle on 07570 093 097.

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

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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is a small local fundraising group run by five friends who want to make a difference. www.500suffolkreasons.org Recently, in my role at the Rural Coffee

The premise is simple, 500 people each donate £1 a week and are then able to nominate a person or family in need of a helping hand.

This could be a front line worker unable to afford a vital car repair or MOT, someone who hasn’t seen family since the pandemic began but can’t afford the travel, a family who need particular equipment, school kit or tech for a child, a recently homed person who needs furniture.

The reasons will be as varied as we are as humans.

Caravan, I have been both privileged and humbled to be asked to award ‘hardship’ funding to families experiencing financial stress because of Covid induced problems, job loss, furlough, etc.

I have been so moved to hear some of those stories. It has made me realise how a small amount of money can fix many of the genuine difficulties that are being experienced. Money that cannot be found by any means other than generosity.

The rising cost of living and increases in energy prices will be adding financial pressure on people across the county.

This is why 500 Suffolk Reasons has

been created.

Many of these people never imagined they would find themselves in these situations.

Who are we..? We are a small, simple, transparent fundraising group comprised of five like minded pals who all work in the third sector in Suffolk: • Ann Osborn (Chief Exec of Rural Coffee Caravan) • Sue Hughes (Independent Chair of Suffolk Dementia Forum and Non Exec Director of Healthwatch Suffolk) • Andy Yacoub (Chief Exec of Healthwatch Suffolk) • Jo Reeder (Chief Exec of BSEVC) • Sally Connick (Project Manager Get Suffolk Reading. National Literacy Trust).

In our various roles within Suffolk, it is clear to us that there have always been hidden needs and hardships in our county and the pandemic has exposed further inequalities and significant difficulties.

If you live, love or work in Suffolk - please consider joining us.

We are aiming for 500 participants, each donating £1 per week by standing order. This will enable us to give out up to £500 per week to a struggling household.

If you would like to become a member of 500 Suffolk Reasons, here’s how to join...

Together we can cut through the red tape to deliver some simple kindness each week.

Set up a standing order

Acc. name: 500 SUFFOLK REASONS

for £1 a week

Sort Code:

Payments to be made

Acc. number: 4 9 8 9 1 9 7 9

each Monday

Reference:

www.500suffolkreasons.org

52 - 30 - 31

Then let us know you’ve signed up by emailing us at

500suffolkreasons@gmail.com

Thank you

Your Full Name

@500suffolkreasons 26

@500suffolkreasons

@500suffolk

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 enter 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.

Find the map at: 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

MAY dates rd

Next dates

Rattlesden - Pavilion

10.00 – 12.00

3 May

7th June

Frostenden - Village Hall

10.30 – 12.30

3rd May

7th June

Finningham - Village Green (or church if inclement)

10.00 – 12.00

3rd May

7th June

Freckenham - East View

14.00 – 16.00

3rd May

7th June

Bentley – Village Hall

14.30 – 16.30

No visit

7th June

Fornham All Saints (TL=Thingoe Lodge VH=Village Hall)

10.00 – 12.00

4th May (VH)

1st June (TL)

Pettaugh – St Catherines Church Car Park

10.00 – 12.00

4th May

6th July

Redlingfield - Doorstep Green

10.00 – 12.00

4th May

30th May

Kenton - Church Grounds

10.00 – 12.00

5th May

7th July

Sotterley - Chapel/War Memorial

10.00 – 12.00

5Th May

2nd June

Shotley - Outside the Village Hall

14.00 – 16.00

No visit

6th June

Mendlesham - Community Centre Car Park

10.00 – 12.00

6th May

1st July

Cavendish - Village Green

10.30 – 12.30

9th May

13th June

Benhall Green

10.00 – 12.00

10th May

14th June

Aldringham - Mill Hill

14.00 – 16.00

10th May

14th June

Framsden - Village Hall

10.00 – 12.00

11th May

8th June

Huntingfield - The Hub

10.00 – 12.00

11th May

8th June

Combs Green

10.00 – 12.00

12th May

9th June

Worlingham - Samford Court

varies

12th May 10-12

9th June 2-4pm

Hitcham - Village Hall

14.00 – 16.00

12th May

9th June

Lidgate - Village Hall

10.00 – 12.00

13th May

10th June

Boyton - Almhouses

14.00 – 16.00

13th May

8th July

Bramford - Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace

09.30 – 11.30

16th May

20th June

Wingfield - Castle Crescent

10.00 – 12.00

17th May

21st June

Chattisham - All Saints and St Margaret Church

10.00 – 12.00

17th May

21st June

Hintlesham - Community Hall

14.00 – 16.00

17th May

21st June

Darsham - Village Hall

10.00 – 12.00

18th May

15th June

Somersham - Brook Way TBC

14.00 – 16.00

19th May

16th June

St James - St James & St Nicholas Village Hall

14.00 – 16.00

19th May

16th June

Tattingstone – Village Hall

10.30 – 12.00

No visit

16th June

Polstead - Village Hall TBC

10.00 – 12.00

20th May

17th June

Buxhall - Village Hall

14.00 – 16.00

23rd May

27th June

Wattisfield - Community Centre

10.00 – 12.00

24th May

28th June

Gazeley - Village Hall

10.00 – 12.00

25th May

22nd June

Westhorpe - Village Hall

14.00 – 16.00

25th May

22nd June

Marshmoor Park

10.00 – 12.00

26th May

23rd June

Halesworth - Pear Tree Centre

10.00 – 12.00

26th May

30th June

Wixfield Park

14.00 – 16.00

26th May

23rd June

Claydon - St Peter’s Court

10.00 – 12.00

27th May

24th June

Redlingfield

10.00 – 12.00

30th May

6th July

Visit locations, dates and times are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or last minute isolation requirements. If you’d like to confirm any visit details before travelling, give us a call or get in touch with us using any of the methods on the previous page.

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