www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk Making a difference to rural communities throughout Suffolk Rural Coffee Caravan Issue Eleven This magazine is FREE Please take one
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Let’s get as connected as possible so we can support each other in the coming months. Friendship may not heat our homes but it certainly warms our hearts and that's important.
Meanwhile relax and enjoy this penultimate issue of our lovely magazine. Don't forget to pass it on! Ann ☺
As you will see we have been very busy over the summer, visiting old friends and new, creating connections and strengthening existing ones. I hope you enjoy the photos of our exploits as much as we enjoy sharing them.
If we don’t visit your village yet and you would like us to, drop us a line or give us a call (our contact details are at the end of the magazine). If you have a pub that might hold MeetUpMondays sessions, let us know (they don’t have to take place on a Monday).
Connection, kindness and community are at the heart of everything we do and although this hot summer seems endless, we are facing a challenging winter and we will need each other more than ever! So, if you are yet to visit with us or you haven’t tried a MeetUpMondays, do come along. You can be assured of a warm welcome.
3 Contents • Recipe Corner • Suffolk’s Self Referral Food Banks • A Warm Welcome at Suffolk Libraries • Spotlight on The White Horse, Thelnetham • MeetUpMondays™ • Are You a Befriending Hero? Asks Communities Together East Anglia • Sandpit S.O.S. Simmonds and Son to the Rescue! • Scam Advice • Men’s Sheds in Suffolk • c a f e (coffee and friends events) • Wilderley - The Hobby Farm with Heart
Alpheton is a Suffolk village situated on the A134 between Busy St Edmunds and long Melford and in August we conducted our first visit there. We set up near the village hall and after a slowvisitorsstart started to arrive. The sun shone, lots of coffee was drank and cake eaten and lots of chatter informationand was shared. The assistive care technology, Cassius, for which we have a sample kit to show people, was of great interest. It was lovely to see so many people on our first visit and we’ll look forward to returning on 14th September. Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan
Alpheton Village Visit
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Gazeley Village Visit
It must be holiday time! Our youngest visitor, Lilly, arrived with her grandparents, Diane and Mac. Lilly created a lovely drawing of both Elaine and Diana, quite a likeness! Lovely to see the regulars and a couple of new faces this time round. Conversation flowed as easily as the coffee, information was taken and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again at the end of September. Hollesley - Garry was amazed to discover the incredible yarn bombing skills of the folk at Hollesley when delivering some of our Catch Up magazines to the community in July. This is knitting and crochet on another level! We love how uplifting this simple act is, always bound to raise a smile. We couldn’t resist featuring their handsome Hollesley chap as this issue’s front cover model to hopefully raise one with you. We bet he’s got a good yarn or two to tell...! (Though the editor apologises that her puns are not a match for Hollesley yarn bomb standards…)
Pettaugh & Claydon In Pettaugh we have been delighted to welcome the very lovely Rita to our team of volunteers. Rita is a Ukrainian guest staying in Suffolk who is kindly volunteering at some of s visits. Her career has been in trauma of experience and an openly warm and friendly nature to the role.
John Clouting of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service joined our visits to Buxhall and Wattisfield in July, to provide helpful fire safety and prevention guidance and advice to some of our SFRSvisitors.declared their first major incident in years in July, after unprecedentedan number of fires ignited as a result of the recent hot weather in Suffolk, causing dried grassland to burn so quickly. The county's fire and rescue service made the announcement after attending 63 incidents in one day, with 38 of those being fires in the open. Our thoughts go out to all of the communities in Suffolk (some of whom we know well from our regular visits) who have been affected by these recent fires; the likes of which many have been shocked to see in their neighbourhoods. We are ever grateful for the incredible dedication of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, working tirelessly under such extreme pressure to tackle these blazes quickly and efficiently, keeping Suffolk residents safe.
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Garry has been lucky to receive more assistance this summer, too. This time from his daughter, Lily, at our Claydon visit, who has proved very helpful during her school holidays. She loves chatting with people and she’s a little ray of sunshine whatever the weather!
Alpheton, Hollesley, Gazeley, Buxhall, Wattisfield, Pettaugh and Claydon Buxhall and Wattisfield Village Visits
Slow cookers are a great way to eat healthy, nutritious meals whilst keeping energy costs right down. If you know of someone who may be worried about being forced to choose between ‘heating or eating’ this winter due to struggling with the rising costs of living, please get in touch with us using the details at the back of this magazine. Or alternatively, chat with one of our Community Engagement team at your nearest Village Visit. Help and support is available.Anothernew visit for us this year in June, to Great Glemham. A lovely sunny, outdoor spot in the village hall car park where the residents definitely put the ‘Great’ into Great Glemham!
Cooking With Kindness Appeal—We’re still handing out the remaining slow cookers from our Cooking With Kindness Appeal. Here, Ellie Saunders, Family Early Intervention Officer from East Suffolk Council was grateful to receive one with a recipe book and voucher in July, from Coffee Caravan team member Annette, to help out a resident in financial difficulty.
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Out and about with the Rural Coffee Caravan (continued…) Great Glemham, Kenton, Bramford and Polstead - Village Visits
In beautifullyourcontrast, cool Suffolk welcomeprovidechurchesa reprieve from the extreme hot weather we’ve recently been experiencing. As was welcomed by visitors to our visit to Kenton in August, when they decided it would be best to hold the visit inside the church rather than in the church grounds on this occasion. Indoors or outdoors (here at Bramford and Polstead) there’s always a great buzz at our visits, from neighbours grabbing a cuppa together and sharing stories, or mums of young ones catching up. Hot topics on visits this month have included ‘How cats are coping with the heatwave’, ‘North London bagels at 3 in the morning’, ‘Who was that up the tree the other day in no man’s land?’ ‘What’s it like to have a heart which is not your own after a transplant?’ and ‘What’s going on with Ash die back disease?’
Helmingham Hall
Suffolk Dog Day, the Suffolk Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser, returned on July 31st after a two years Heldabsence.asalways at Helmingham Hall, the grounds were awash with dogs of every shape size and colour you could think of! The atmosphere was wonderful and it was obvious how much people enjoyed being out with their pets and fellow dog Weowners.were pleased to be asked to attend as representatives of the myriad of small charities this day supports. Along with Our Special Friends and TogetherCommunitiesEastAnglia, we created a ‘Happy Hub’ where visitors could rest and chat with any of us about our work. It was an opportunity to show them how their entrance fee would perhaps be spent. We made some peanut butter dog treats which went down a storm. Such a simple recipe and we are printing it here (on the next page) so you can make them at home. It was a fabulous day, enjoyed by owners, dogs and stand holders. A much valued uplift in challenging times.
Suffolk Dog Day
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This simple recipe for a mouth wateringly delicious lemon drizzle cake was shared with us by Suffolk resident, Celia, from Tuddenham near Mildenhall. Ingredients: • 100g soft butter or margarine • 150g golden caster sugar • 2 eggs lightly beaten • 150g self raising flour • 3 tbsp milk • 2 lemons (juice and zest) • 50g granulated sugar Method: • Pre heat oven to 180°C • Grease or line a 2lb loaf tin • Cream butter and caster sugar in a bowl until pale and fluffy • Beat in eggs • Add and combine flour • Stir in milk and zest from the lemons • Bake for approx. 45 mins Forthelemonsyrup: • Heat lemon juice and granulated sugar together • Remove cake from oven and pierce all over • Drizzle the lemon syrup onto the cake • Leave in tin to cool For our human friends... Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe Corner Canine Crunchies 8 A tasty treat for our furry friends, inspired by Suffolk Dog Day 180g rolled oats, 100g wholewheat flour, 1 egg, 2 ripe bananas, 50g peanut butter (xylitol free). Method: • Preheat oven to 180°C/ 160°C Fan/ gas 4. • Lay greaseproof paper on a large baking tray. • Blitz oats in a food processor until they are a flour like consistency. • Add all ingredients to a bowl, mix until the mixture forms a sticky dough. • Flour a clean surface. Roll out dough to 1cm thick. Cut out your biscuits using a dog shaped cutter or a template. • Place the dog biscuits onto the papered baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. • Leave to cool on a wire rack.
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Waveney Food Bank Centre St John's Church, Broad Street, Harleston IP20 9AZ
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Waveney Food Bank Centre St Michael's Church, Framlingham Waveney Food Bank Centre Stradbroke area
Please in silence, support is available. We’ here to help.
Waveney Food Bank Centre Community Centre, 50 Upper Olland Street, Bungay NR35 1BH
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The Salvation Army 2 New Street, Woodbridge The Salvation Army Cobbold Road, Felixstowe IP11 7EL
Rendlesham Food Pantry St Felix Church, Walnut Tree Avenue, Rendlesham IP12 2GG
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Thetford Food Bank The Harvest Centre, Fengate Drove, Brandon IP27 0PW
The Teapot Project Unit 3, East Bank House, Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge IP12 1BY
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don’t struggle
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Storehouse Food Bank West Suffolk Vineyard Church, 28 Northern Way, Bury St Edmunds
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Walsham le Willows, Community Council
Waveney Food Bank Centre Hope Church, Vinces Road, Diss IP22 4HG
Waveney Food Bank Centre Beccles Baptist Church, Station Road, Beccles NR34 9QQ
Newmarket Food Bank: Open door Unit 5, Craven Way, Newmarket CB8 0BW
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Sharing from: www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus covid 19/suffolk advice and support service/food banks/ 05.08.2022 Food Banks in Suffolk which currently accept self referrals
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Waveney Food Bank Centre St Luke's Church, 61 Rigbourne Hill, Beccles NR34 9JQ
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9 • BME Suffolk African Food Pantry Ipswich • Bacton Food Bank The Rectory, Church Road, Bacton, Stowmarket IP14 4LJ • Basic Life Community Pop Up Shop Trimley Welcome Hall • Basic Life Community Pop Up Shop River of Life Church, Langer Road • Basic Life Community Pop Up Shop St Michaels and All Angels Martlesham • Bildeston Food Bank Bildeston Baptist Church • Brandon Food Bank: St Peter's Pantry St Peter's Church, 215 London Road, Brandon • BSC Multicultural Services Room 29, 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE • Bus Shelter Ipswich 549a Wherstead Road • Community Pantry at Castle Hill Community Centre Highfield Road, Ipswich • Hadleigh Food Bank Unit 12, Crockatt Road, Hadleigh IP7 6RH • Halesworth Community Larder St Mary's Church, Steeple End, Halesworth IP19 8LL • Haverhill Food Bank: REACH Haverhill Methodist Church • Lakenheath Food Bank Back Street, Lakenheath • Lightwave Food Bank Red Lodge Sports Pavilion, IP28 8FQ • Lowestoft Food Bank: Lowestoft Community Church The Old Butchers, 5 6 Bevan Street East, Lowestoft NR32 2AA •
Waveney Food Bank Centre St Mary's Church, Steeple End, Halesworth IP19 8LL
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Library offered a special winter warmers event providing hot soup and a roll. Initiatives like this will no doubt return next winter.
Sadly, it looks like the cost of living and the cost of heating homes will continue to rise over the coming months and we are committed to continuing to find different ways to support the people of Suffolk whatever their needs. Many of those who will be the worst affected by this crisis will of course be older people. As well as offering a warm space, libraries also offer a regular programme of social activities for over 55s so visiting the library is a great way of not only staying warm but staying active and social when times are tough. We know times will be tough this winter and we’ll be there to help. For more information about what’s on offer at your local library, pop in or visit suffolklibraries.co.uk
We know times will be tough this winter and we’ll be there to help” by Bruce Leeke
A WARM WELCOME AT SUFFOLK LIBRARIES
LIBRARIES ARE FRIENDLY AND INCLUSIVE SPACES THAT OFFER A WARM WELCOME TO EVERYONE (IN BOTH SENSES OF THE WORD). Getting a library card is free, as is access to dozens of services and thousands of activities that Suffolk Libraries runs every year. Everything Suffolk Libraries offers is designed to help people and improve wellbeing. There are many examples across the county of how those who are struggling financially or emotionally have been supported by their local library. Our colleagues are a reassuring presence at the heart of the community during an unprecedented squeeze of household income.
One of the amazing things about our libraries is that Suffolk Libraries staff are so good at working out what their local community needs and proactively finding ways to help. For example, Gainsborough Library in Ipswich has a weekly scheme selling low cost healthy fruit and veg and last year Chantry
SUPPORT, SOCIALS & SAFE SPACES
Guest article
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Southwold Library, recently moved to a newly refurbished hub, complete with underfloor heating and our staff there have already been told by customers that they’ll be visiting the library more often in the winter due to energy costs and the library’s ability to provide a warm and safe space.
WARM ROOMS Of course, many people just come in to be around others, to chat to staff and make new friends and during the winter to keep warm. We know people came to libraries during the winter months to keep warm. Bungay Library was part of the first ‘Warm Rooms’ project offering free, warm spaces across the town for people to spend time in during the coldest and most difficult times of the year.
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It may seem strange to be talking about winter when the weather is still so warm but with the cost of living crisis causing so many people to struggle at the moment we’re thinking ahead to when the colder weather returns.
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Guest article by Sharon Riches
Our Community Benefit Society (iFarm) has purchased 10 acres of land and has recently taken on our local pub The White Horse (1 mile away). It’s a place for
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Spotlight on The White Horse, Thelnetham MeetUpMondays & iFarm
Butmaybetogether,musicagain,communitythetogathertellstories,playandsharetimeoverapint(oracupoftea)...we ’re #MoreThanAPub. Our providesorganisation “Health and wellbeing services / activities that relieve pressure on local statutory services.” The purpose of our organisation is: Reducing social isolation, improving health and wellbeing, advancementtheof education and the advancement of environmental protection or improvement. We do this by providing access to our 10 acres of “medicinal quality” land for nature based activities and community supported agriculture (the food we grow helps address food poverty) and this shows demonstrable improvement in physical and mental health. We work with our local NHS commissioning group for social prescribing and we are front line community health champions for our District Council, as participants in their You Are Not Alone Now,programme.wealso hold regular MeetUpMondays for people who find themselves on their own more than they would like, at our community pub, so they can meet and chat.iFarm brings assets into community ownership to steward them for future generations. Combating social isolation and loneliness, we grow community resilience in the face of crises by way of mutual aid. Resilience Includes food, water management, and energy use reduction and generation. Delivering education and practical action on the Climate & Ecological Emergency through local community planning. Through our community we transform loneliness into belonging and meaning, economic inequality into cooperative economy, climate crisis into sustainable ecological design.
Sharon Riches, volunteer and chief coordinator of the group, had been extremely enthusiastic to join the network and that energy is apparent at their MeetUpMondays, with canine companions openly welcomed, talk of a book club offshoot group in the planning and new visitors attending each week (there were four first timers on the morning we turned up!)
F IDM Managing Director (volunteer) iFarm (Ikigai Farm Ltd)
“It’s one of the best things we’ve done!”
The team of local volunteers is working extremely hard to save the pub from becoming a residential property, in order to keep it as a community asset. Not only that, the projects these guys are developing extend to a community farm and even plans for a micro brewery addition to the pub. We were so inspired by them that we asked them to tell our readers all about it!
Julian Thompson
iFarm Wellbeing Team Volunteer & founder of the White Horse MeetUpMondays
In August, Ann & Tina visited The White Horse pub in Thelnetham, one of our newer MeetUpMondays™ host venues, to drop in some promotional materials and see how they were getting along.
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MeetUpMondays we’ve had great success launching MeetUpMondays at The White Horse, which offers free tea, coffee and cake on a Monday lunchtime, encouraging those in the local area who ‘are fed up with their own company’ to meet up and chat. This may be because they are a new mum, a home worker, out of work (for whatever reason) or an elderly person or couple who have started to feel isolated. Since the so well attended, it s a joy to see. We’ve even had regular visits from miniature Shetland ponies both in and outside the pub! We’re going to keep these essential meet ups going, as it’s been an immediate success. A place, space, time and people that are obviously needed in our community. You can see more about our pub here: SaveTheWhiteHorseThelnethamwww.facebook.com/ and about iFarm here: www.facebook.com/iFarm.norfolk We’re just about to launch a crowdfunder to support what we’re doing, so please drop us a like and a share and keep an eye on the page so you can support our marvellous team of volunteers with a donation! Thanks! didn’t think I’d make it through anothernowwinter,Iwill.
13 to andourservicestheseprovidetoresidentspatrons.
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14 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. Barleycorn (Brandon) *NEW* Brandon Health & Leisure Centre, Church Road , Brandon IP27 0JB 10.30amMondays 11.30am The White Horse *NEW* Hopton Road, Thelnetham, Diss IP22 1JN Tel: 01379 898800 Phone only manned part time presently 10.30amMondays 12 noon The 147 Club Sea Rd, Felixstowe IP11 2DH Tel: 01394 276012 10amMondays12 noon The Cherry Tree 73 Cumberland St, Woodbridge IP12 4AG Tel: 01394 384627 10amMondays12 noon The Golden Key Priory Road, Snape, Suffolk IP17 1SA Tel: 01728 688510 10.30amMondays 12 noon Emmaus Suffolk Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3BB Tel: 01473 225627 12.30pmMondays 4pm The Butchers Arms London Rd, Beccles NR34 9YT Tel: 01502 712243 4pmMondays5.30pm Combat2Coffee 8 Northgate Street, Ipswich IP1 3BZ Tel: 07736 351406 10amMondays12 noon The Golden Boar The Street, Freckenham, Newmarket IP28 8HZ Tel: 01638 723000 2.30pmMondays 4pm CommunitySproughton Shop Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Tel: 01473 747768 9.30amMondays 11.30am The Bluebell Tea Rooms Bypass Nurseries, London Rd, Capel St Mary IP9 2JR Tel: 01473 806620 10amMondays12 noon Fisher Theatre 10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE Tel: 01986 897130 10.30amMondays 12.30pm Somersham & District Community Shop Princes Gardens, Lower Somersham IP8 4PF Tel: 01473 833416 2pmMondays3.30pm The Wellington 27 29 High Street, Feltwell IP26 4AF Tel: 01842 828224 2pmMondays4pm White Horse 97, North Street, Sudbury CO10 1RF Tel: 01787 374321 10.30amMondays 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 11amMondays12.30am
15 @MeetUpMondays @MeetUpMondays @MeetUpMondays_Network www.meetupmondays.org.uk The WarriorNorman Fir Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2RB Tel: 01502 561982 10amMondays12 Noon (Mildenhall)Barleycorn 30 Marketplace, Mildenhall IP28 7EF Tel: 01638 712877 9.30amMondays11am The Greyhound 9 Henley Road, Ipswich IP1 3SE Tel: 01473 252862 10amMondays11.30am Pennoyer Centre Station Road, Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Tel: 01379 676660 10amMondays11.30 am The Shepherd and Dog The Street, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3QU Tel: 01394 411855 2Mondayspm 4 pm The Angel 2 Theatre St, Woodbridge IP12 4NE Tel: 01394 382660 4Mondayspm 7 pm Clare Antiques and Interiors The Mill, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW Tel: 01787 278449 Mondays 10 am 12 noon The Crown Hotel 25 High Street, Watton IP25 6AB Tel: 07458 396722 10Mondaysam12 noon LeistonCoffeeLink,Coop Sizewell Road, Leiston IP16 4AE Tel: 01728 831613 10amMondays11.30am The Sun Inn High Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6DF Tel: 01206 323351 10.30amMondays 12 noon The Meadlands 93 Needham Rd, Stowmarket IP14 2AD Contact via email: stowmeadlandsrec@gmail.com 10amTuesdays11.30am 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 10amWednesdays 12 noon The Corn Hall St Nicholas Street, Diss IP22 4LB Tel: 01379 652241 Wednesdays 1.30pm 3pm The Chestnut Horse Great Finborough IP14 3AT Tel: 01449 674688 12Wednesdaysnoon2pm The Crown Inn Bridge Road, Snape IP17 1SL Tel: 01728 689112 10amWednesdays 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 10amWednesdays11am Pura Vida High Road, Wortwell, Norfolk IP20 0EN Tel: 01379 766200 9.30amWednesdays11.30am The Five Bells Southwold Road, South Cove, Wrentham NR34 7JD Tel: 01502 675249 10amThursdays12 noon The Golf Hotel 748 Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP4 5TR Tel: 01473 727450 12Thursdaysnoon 2pm Brewers Arms 18 20 Orford Street, Ipswich IP1 3NS Tel: 01473 790862 Fridays 12 noon 2pm
Local businesses can help support us with this endeavour too, by sponsoring pavement swing signs to help signpost people to their nearest MeetUpMondays group. Ask us about it!
The team at the Brantham Bull receive their pavement swing sign, kindly sponsored by local Property Agents, Chamberlain Phillips. A cuppa and a warm welcome await visitors to MeetUpMondaystheat The 147 Club, Felixstowe.
As the colder months approach us and our wallets become tighter from further increases in living costs, the warm welcomes guaranteed by our MeetUpMondays™ groups will play an even more key role this winter.
Warm Welcomes Guaranteed
We’d love to welcome a pub or café in every town and village across the county to the MeetUpMondays network, to help ensure anyone in Suffolk who might be struggling this winter can access that warm welcome, on all of its levels.
In some cases, making the most of warm spaces outside of our homes, throughout the week, may contribute towards keeping both our physical and mental health in check. When every penny counts, knowing a free cuppa and a friendly chat awaits you somewhere warm can make a world of difference and also help counteract feelings of isolation.
You can get involved! If you don’t have a MeetUpMondays in your neighbourhood, tell your local pub or café all about it and, if they would like to know more, send us their details so that we can help them through the quick and easy process of signing up! Get in touch via meetupmondays@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk
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Telephone: 01284 334516 or Email:
In Suffolk we have pockets of extreme loneliness and social isolation, which has been exacerbated by COVID, but it’s not new, and as an ageing county, isolation in older people continues to be a growing issue. People are not just lonely Monday Friday, which is why our service will be available (subject to volunteers) seven days a week. We will be operating from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week which hopefully will also attract people who are still working full time but can spare some time during the evening in the week, or at weekends, which may be Thepreferable.bigdifference with this service is that it does not have to be just telephone support, although that is one avenue our volunteers can chose. It could be a face to face visit once a week, maybe in the person’s home, or meeting for a coffee and a chat. Alternatively, it could be pen pal support. Writing a letter to an older person can help to combat their loneliness and give them a purpose. Support could even be in the form of a zoom call. It’s all dependant on what the elderly person feels comfortable with and what the volunteer can offer.
communitiestogetherlaterlifecommunity@-ea.org Alternatively, you can contact: Teri Ann Perkins Befriending and Volunteering Manager. Mobile: 07480 260163 Email: terriann.perkins@ communitiestogether-ea.org Jayne Rowley Evans Befriending Co ordinator Mobile: 07988 728473 Email: jayne.rowley communitiestogetherevans@ ea.org Are You A Befriending Hero? Pictured: Jayne and Teri Ann from the Befriending team 17
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Stowmarket based charity Communities
People are not just lonely Monday to Friday
Together East Anglia has recently launched a brand new countywide befriending service, primarily aimed at supporting people in later life, as part of their Later Life Community service. With an ambition to combat loneliness and isolation, the charity are looking for volunteers to support their work and to reach as many people as possible who may benefit from this support.
This friend making service will operate seven days a week and aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’, primarily for those over 65 struggling with loneliness. At the moment we are supporting 60 clients with regular calls to check on their wellbeing and this is why we are calling on anyone who has the time to help the elderly within their communities. All we ask is that volunteers are able to offer a minimum of one hour per week, either by phone, video call, or face to face.
If you think you could be a befriending hero and would like to register your interest to be a volunteer, or if you would like to access the service for more information, please contact us.
Garry, when not ‘on the road’ with van, Lottie, conducting Rural Coffee Caravan visits, is a keen amateur detectorist in his spare time. Though he did make us chuckle admitting to once trying a spot of detecting straight after work, but forgetting he had his steel toecap boots on. “It was a disaster… I was digging everywhere and finding nothing, then realised it was my feet!”
Suffolk Sandpit S.O.S Simmonds and Son to the rescue!
Sadly, there was still no sign of the ring.
Melissa’s Nanny Family reached out on social media and two local detectorists, Poppy Hayhoe and our own Rural Coffee Caravan team member Garry Simmonds, answered the call, armed with their metal detectors. After four hours of searching and with the assistance of those lovely local boys, who chose to stay and help long after all the other children had gone home, the tiny precious ring was found by Garry and his son, Jack. Garry and Jack were delighted to have helped.
This is the story of how Suffolk resident Melissa Hieatt lost something small but very, very precious, in the sandpit at Chantry Park, Ipswich on a lovely sunny afternoon at the beginning of the summer holidays, and how our team member, Garry, and his son Jack got involved giving up their time to help reunite a stranger with her beloved family heirloom. Melissa works as a Nanny and was enjoying a fun outing to the park with her two young charges, playing a game of ‘bury the feet in the sand’. On returning to the car, about to leave, she realised the ring from her finger had gone; that it must have slipped off at some point during the sandy play. The ring had originally belonged to Melissa’s Great Grandfather and had been passed on to her Grandfather, Sir Coles John Child, a Major in the Coldstream Guards and Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey in 1960. Melissa’s father, Sir Coles John Jeremy Child, had then been left the ring when his father died, and he wore it every day until his own death earlier this year, leaving the ring to Melissa. “It’s all I have left of him,” said Melissa “So you can see how much it means to me.”
Melissa has kindly let us share her story with you, with this message to everyone who came to her aid: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and my rather sandy pockets!) My faith in humanity is restored and the next generation are really rather wonderful.“ We’d also like to express our thanks to Melissa for the very kind donation she made to the Rural Coffee Caravan.
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Poppy (left) with Melissa, and Jack (right) Melissa and Garry, after the successful search 18
MelissahowatchildrenAsearch.continuetothegroupofplayingtheparksawupsetwasand they joined in the search, digging with their bare hands and bringing sticks and sieves to aid the efforts, telling Melissa not to be sad, and offering kindness and reassurance.
After an initial dash back with the two young boys to try to locate it, it was nowhere to be found. With a heavy heart she drove the boys home, but her Nanny Family (the boys parents) were determined she shouldn’t give up just yet, and leaving the children with their grandparents, they returned to the park with Melissa
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Rural Coffee Caravan team member Garry attended the Health and Wellbeing Infomarket at the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth at the end of June, and it was a great opportunity to brush up on Scams and Cyber advice whilst chatting with representatives of the Police Fraud team who were also present. They introduced The Little Book of Big Scams to us, and we thought it definitely needing sharing with our Fraudreaders!costs the UK billions of pounds every year. The effects of this can be devasting on individuals and also on the UK economy. Several million cases of fraud and of computer misuse are reported to the police every year.
“To avoid becoming a victim of online crime you don’t need to be a computer expert.”
There is also an audiobook version of the 4th edition of The Little Book of Big Scams available at soundcloud.com/metropolitan-police/the-littlebook-of-big-scams narrated by Gloria Hunniford
Ask our Community Engagement team if you would like a physical copy of The Little Book of Big Scams as we’ll be bringing some along to our Village Visits.
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crimesofthatstaggeringmorebutstaggering,It'sevenissomanythosecould have been prevented by making a few small changes in online behaviour.
ADVICE The Little Book of Big Scams
The Little Book of Big Scams published by MetropolitanthePolice, is a comprehensive guide which helps raise awareness of some of the ever evolving ways that fraudsters scam the public out of their hard earned money. The book aims to empower people with a few good online habits to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cyber crime, making people less vulnerable and letting them use the web safely. The guide also advises the best course of action when people have been victims of online fraud, to report and remedy the situation.
More guides in the Little Book series can be found at www.met.police.uk/littlemedia
21 Locations of the main existing Suffolk Sheds are: Ipswich, Debenham, Stowmarket, Kessingland, Bacton, Beccles, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Halesworth, Saxmundham, Lowestoft and Wickham Market, although there are many other smaller operations which can still be found online at menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed
22 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. *NEW* Tattingstone Every Thursday 10.30am TattingstoneVillageHall,SchoolRoadIP92ND Our village hall is located close to Alton Water and is a lovely venue for a cuppa and chat, choose from our speciality teas, coffee, hot chocolate or squash, accompanied with biscuits. There is a small charge of £1 per adult, children are free. Please feel free to borrow a book or jigsaw from our tabletop library. The hall has a car park and wheelchair access making it accessible to all. Call Tricia on 07895 052 086 for more info. Metfield Community c a f e First Saturday of the month 9am 12 noon MetfieldVillageHall,Skinner’ s Lane,MetfieldIP200LH 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 Women Like Me Allotment WeeklySessionsfrom end of February NR32AllotmentlocationsinLowestoft2QL,KessinglandNR337SGandBecclesNR349BP 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 Friends Round Friday Fridays 10.30am 12 noon DumbartonDumbartonRdScoutHall,Rd,IpswichIP43JPFreerefreshments,allages welcome. Toddler corner, books, games, puzzles. Companionship and a cuppa. For more info call Michelle on 07570 093 097. Sax’cess c a f e Coffee Morning *ON HOLD DUE TO BUILDING SaxMAINTENANCE* ’ cessHouse,24HighStreet, SaxmundhamIP171AE 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 BrandonDayCentre,WarrenClose,BrandonIP270EE Come and join us each week for some friendly company and chat, all welcome! Friends old and new! Tel: 01842 819Fresh777Start c a f e ‘Weekly Cream Tea’ Tuesdays 12.30pm 1.30pm TheMillersKitchen,KerseyMill,KerseyIP76DPWeeklyCreamTeaeventhostedbyHadleighFoodBankcharity.£5perperson.Enjoyasconeandacuppaandafriendlynatterinabeautifulsetting.ContactAngelaon07377190455formoreinformation.Bookinginadvanceessential. Here are our active c a f e group members:
23 ‘Mates On Monday’ hosted by Marram Green c a f (exceptMondayseBank Holidays) 10.30am 12.30pm Road,MarramGreenCommunityLounge,HallKessingland,NR337AHComeandenjoyafreecuppa,cakeorbiscuitandsomefriendlychat!Thisevent is supported by Kessingland Parish Council. Coffee, Cake and Catch Up First Wednesday of each 10ammonth12pm MainRoad,Benhall,Suffolk,IP171NAYourchancetogettogetherwithfriendsold&newalikeinaruralsettingwithinourmarketgarden.Watchoutforthechickens!Allwelcome!Formoreinfoemail:hello@railwayfarmshop.co.uk Coffee, Cake and Chat SecondDays Friday of each betweenDropmonth.in 10am 12pm or 1pm 3pm EyeHartismereMichaelBurkeWellbeingCentre,Hospital,CastletonWay,IP287BHOureventsaredesignedtogivepeople 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. 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. 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. *NEW* (running) Ipswich Every Monday 10am 12pm Road,Combat2Coffee,UnityCentre(WhittonClinic),MeredithIpswichIP16ED*NEW*(running)PakefieldEvery3rdTues10am 12pm MorrisonsCafe,18TowerRoad,Pakefield NR337NG *NEW* LAUNCHES 15th SEPTEMBER Eye Every 3rd Thursday 10.30am 12.30pm LangamsStowmarketTheBankArtsCentre,2CastleStreet,EyeIP237AN*NEW*LAUNCHES11thOCTOBERNeedhamMarketEvery2nd&4thTues10am12pmTheGardenCafé,Roots&ShootsGardenCentre,Rd,BadleyIP68RR*NEW*LAUNCHES11thOCTOBERStowmarketEvery2nd&4thTuesday2pm4pmCafe,4MarketPlaceIP141DP*NEW*LAUNCHES24thNOVEMBER Ipswich Every 4th Thursday of the month 10am 12pm MorrisonsCafé,Morrisons,SproughtonRoadIP15AQWickhamMarket1stTuesdayofmonth10am 12pm VidaHausCafe,ThreeTuns,MainRoad,Pettistree,WickhamMarketIP130HWBrandonFortnightlyonWednesdays10am 12pm Tilly'sTearoom,BrandonIP270AAFelixstowe Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30 12.30pm TheTheCliffTopCafe,CobboldRoad,FelixstoweIP117LRThurstonFortnightlyonThursdays2pm4pmFox&Houndspub,Thurston,BuryStEdmunds IP312QT Beccles Fortnightly on Thursdays 10am 12pm TheStationCafe,StationRoad,BecclesNR349QJWoodbridgeFortnightlyonWednesdays 2 4pm Christine’ WoodbridgesTeaRooms,74TheThoroughfare,IP12IAL
Volunteers tree planting at Wilderley Guests and host families enjoy an Away Day (shared from facebook.com/wilderleyworld). Follow their Facebook page for news of further dates and their latest projects.
Amongst the community projects, Wilderley (itself host to two Ukrainian refugees) has also become a hub for Ukrainian Away Days; created for both hosts and their guests to get away from it all, have enormous fun, and share their experiences, as well as enjoy everything the farm has to offer, for free. The first two dates took place in June and July and were a great success, giving people not only a lovely day out, but a way of forging new contacts informationprovidingand for both guests and their come.moreTherehosts.willbedatesto
We came across Wilderley (a unique recreational farm resort in the heart of the Waveney Valley) a little while back, but more recently we learned about the wonderful community projects it hosts, and so we had to share this ‘hobby farm with heart’ with our Catch Up readers.
Wilderley is more than a mini wildlife park where you get to meet meerkats, a Patagonian Mara, rescue parrots, emus, peacocks, free range goats, sheep and alpacas galore! You can stay on the farm in a range of hand crafted uber cool accommodation too, ranging from a stunning tree house, a round the world sailing boat, a railway carriage, a luxurious barn with sauna, or a bohemian apple wagon. There's even a UFO where you can watch a sci fi film while sipping your own personalised cocktail. If you walk one of the alpacas, you are invited to take part in the 'Wishing Tree Project' and tie your very own wish on a tree strung with wishes fluttering in the breeze.
"So many of our volunteers have really transformed and grown in confidence," Celeste Goschen, Wilderley's founder said, "It's one of the key reasons why we do what we do. Our guests love striking up a conversation with our young volunteers and its given the kids a huge sense of responsibility and awareness of what an important role they play on the farm."
Ukrainian Away Days
Wildlife, wishing trees & wellness
Though there’s a cost involved in staying on the farm and walking the alpacas, Wilderley also numerousdedicates days for its projects.communitymany Volunteers grow and transform Participants from organisations such as Lapwing, for young people with learning difficulties, can work with the animals as well as on the farm.
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The Active Suffolk Awards will be returning to Trinity Park on Friday 18th November 2022 !
The Active Club of the Year Award will celebrate a sports or leisure club in Suffolk that works tirelessly to offer inclusive support empowering the community to be active, participate in sport and bring people together. This could be a sports club, an online community, a running club, swimming club, you name it, we want to hear about them!
Jane’s day
This years event will be the fifteenth prestigious award ceremony celebrating local individuals, teams, communities, volunteers, professionals and schools across the county who have overcome adversity through participation in sport and physical activity, been successful in their chosen sporting discipline or who have contributed towards supporting the people of Suffolk to be more active regardless of age, ability, or inequalities.
The Active Community Award will celebrate a group of individuals from any local village, neighbourhood, community group, local faith group or residential area that have collaborated to ensure physical activity is an important part of what they do.
awards 2022 25
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If connection with the valley and nature, numerous and unusual animals, quirky places to stay and a variety of community endeavours isn’t enough to make this place so special, Wilderley is also raising awareness of sustainable travel by being the showcase and hub for the world's first certified, fully electric plane, and is now also starting to host sustainable ‘micro weddings.’
Celeste said, "Wilderley's mission is to serve as a soothing space; awakening a sense of fun and a shift towards an overall healthier well being. That's what I believe this farm was made for to make people and animals as happy as possible."
To nominate someone in your community for an award, go to www.activesuffolk.org/the active suffolk
For more information visit: www.wilderley.com (Wilderley illustration by Hannah Gifford) Celeste and friends
This year, Active Suffolk will be asking you to submit your nominations between 12th 30th September 2022 after which an expert judging panel will shortlist and make a final decision on this years winners, before they are presented at a spectacular event being hosted at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Friday 18th November 2022. As well as awards in categories such as The Sports Personality of the Year and Active Team of the Year, there are awards for The Active Unsung Hero, The Active Community of the Year, The Active Club of the Year, and Anmore.Active Unsung Hero is an individual of any age who is passionate about the benefits of physical activity, movement, and sport, and who volunteers their time within the local community to inspire local people to be active.
Every first Monday of the month, the farm only opens its doors to those who have recovered from or are going through cancer. Free admission and refreshments are provided as well as access to the animals, the gardens, a flight in a plane, or whatever the visitor feels that they need on the day.
26 Suffolk Advice and Support Service (SASS) is a free phoneline and is available to support vulnerable people in our communities with access to debt and money advice. The telephone number is freephone 0800 068 3131 and is staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You will be asked to indicate what you need help Debt/moneywith. advice queries will be answered by specialist debt advisors on hand to assist. More info can be found online www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirusat:covid 19/ suffolk advice and support service
you
This lovely photo of the moon at sunrise, taken in June near St Joseph’s Centre, Mendlesham, was sent in to us by Shannon Pilsworth, thank Shannon! It looks as if the sky
27 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! Email us or post your ideas to us. info@ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk Our ‘Virtual Leaflet Rack, ‘Noticeboard’ and more news and info can be found at www.ruralcoffeecaravan.org.uk Rural Coffee Caravan The Old Shop, Harleston Road Weybread IP21 5TU tel: 01379 855 338 31 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? Thank you! can 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 27
has been painted in!
28 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. RURAL COFFEE CARAVAN VILLAGE VISIT TIME of visit SEPT date Next date Sotterley - Chapel/War Memorial 10.00 12.00 1st September 6th October Kenton – Church Grounds 10.00 12.00 1st September 6th October Mendlesham - Community Centre Car Park 10.00 12.00 2nd September 7th October Shotley Outside the Village Hall 14.00 16.00 5th September 3rd October Rattlesden - Pavilion 10.00 12.00 6th September 4th October Finningham Village Green (or church if inclement) 10.00 12.00 6th September 4th October Frostenden - Village Hall 10.30 12.30 6th September (4th October TBC) Freckenham East View 14.00 16.00 6th September 4th October Redlingfield - Doorstep Green 10.00 12.00 7th September 5th October Fornham All Saints (TL=Thingoe Lodge VH=Village Hall) 10.00 12.00 7th September VH 5th October TL Pettaugh St Catherines Church Car Park 10.00 12.00 7th September Resumes 2023 Belstead Village Hall 14.30 16.00 none 10th October Combs Green 10.00 12.00 8th September 13th October Worlingham - Samford Court 14.00 16.00 8th September 13th October Hitcham Village Hall 14.00 16.00 8th September 13th October Lidgate - Village Hall 10.00 12.00 9th September Resumes 2023 Boyton Almhouses 14.00 16.00 9th September Resumes 2023 Dalham Village Hall 10.30 12.30 11th September TBC Cavendish Village Green 10.30 12.30 12th September 12th October Benhall Green 10.00 12.00 13th September Resumes 2023 Great Glemham – Village Hall 14.00 16.00 13th September 11th October Aldringham Mill Hill 14.00 16.00 13th September 11th October Alpheton Village Hall 10.00 12.00 14th September TBC Framsden Village Hall 10.00 12.00 14th September 12th October Huntingfield - The Hub 14.00 16.00 14th September 12th October Tattingstone – Village Hall 10.30 12.00 none 20th October Somersham - Brook Way 14.00 16.00 15th September 20th October St James St James & St Nicholas Village Hall 14.00 16.00 15th September (20th October TBC) Polstead - Village Green 10.00 12.00 16th September 21st October Bramford Loraine Victory Hall Greenspace 09.30 11.30 19th September 17th October Wingfield - Castle Crescent 10.00 12.00 20th September 18th October Chattisham All Saints and St Margaret Church 10.00 12.00 20th September 18th October Hintlesham - Community Hall 14.00 16.00 20th September 18th October Darsham Village Hall 10.00 12.00 21st September 19th October Capel St Mary – Dove Close 10.00 12.00 21st September TBC Marshmoor Park 10.00 12.00 22nd September 27th October Wixfield Park 14.00 16.00 22nd September 27th October Buxhall - Village Hall 14.00 16.00 26th September 24th October Wattisfield Community Centre 10.00 12.00 27th September 25th October Gazeley - Village Hall 10.00 12.00 28th September 26th October Westhorpe Village Hall 14.00 16.00 28th September 26th October Halesworth - Pear Tree Centre 10.00 12.00 29th September 27th October Claydon St Peter’s Court 10.00 12.00 30th September 28th October