Volume 11 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2021 Your free local community magazine: essential local news, services & information delivered through your door every month ™©

Inwith Ashbocking, ,Touch Tuddenham, & Witnesham www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk Witnesham’s Community Volunteer Group See page 4

Sleep Out to Help Out See page 11

Image by Sarah Reader 2 In Touch online: Published by: A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, IP1 4JP We find ourselves living in lockdown once more and the threat is a little closer to home this time round. For the first time since the pandemic started, I fear one of our magazines will be delivered to a home where someone has lost EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins their life to Covid-19 or maybe knows someone who has. I hope it’s not the case but if you have been bereaved or T: 01473 400380 are separated from a loved one who is ill, our hearts go out to you and your family. Send editorial copy to: For so long we have felt safe when other parts of the country have seen case numbers spike. Now we’re told to [email protected] assume that we may unknowingly carry the virus and infect others, even though we remain asymptomatic. It’s a Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the terrifying and primitive notion but perfectly straightforward too: assume the worst and act accordingly. It’s not right to amend such submissions and cannot accept forever and this really is a life and death situation. responsibility for any loss. Thankfully, support systems are in place to help us get through this and those listed below may be a useful place ADVERTISING T: 01473 400380 to start. A more extensive directory of organisations offering guidance is available on our website. Of course, there E: [email protected] are local support hubs too; you simply have to ask. DISTRIBUTION I realise I’m sending mixed messages here. I want everyone to be nervous of the virus but we really don’t need to Tree Martin: 01473 400380 worry about how we get through this, not when we know our friends, neighbours, local businesses, community E: [email protected] groups and others will be there for us if we need them. PRINTING Who could have predicted the ways in which our local businesses would respond? Many introduced delivery ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 services while others changed their business model entirely. Pubs, cafes and restaurants turned into takeaways E: [email protected] and staff at DIY shops became telephone consultants. Somehow, Chris at my local hardware shop worked out what Disclaimer: I needed when I told him the ‘pipe thingy’ at the end of the ‘twisty thing’ was broken. He even went in on a Sunday The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is morning to get it for me and that’s why he’s going to be my go-to guy from now on! taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any Finding out who is open is getting easier too. Obviously, this magazine provide a head start but there are several responsibility for errors or omissions. online directories, including our own at www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/directory, where it’s easy to find what you While reasonable care is taken when accepting need and where businesses can have a free listing. If you do need help to promote your business, sign up today and advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ give us a call to discuss what we can do to help. editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the Those who have lost jobs over the course of the last year will be hard hit by this new lockdown and this obviously right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any affects entire families who find themselves struggling to make ends meet through no fault of their own. Foodbanks written complaints. experienced an unprecedented surge in demand last year and this is likely to continue. Those of us who get to © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. supermarkets can pop items in food bins but did you know you can donate online too? If you’re serious about No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly helping, consider supporting your local foodbank, The Salvation Army, Families in Need or any one of the multiple or in part, without the prior written permission of charities working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable members of our society. the publisher. © In Touch with & Stowupland is I am in awe of those working on the frontline who must be utterly exhausted at this point. The best way to show published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd our respect for them right now is to adhere to the guidelines. To do otherwise potentially puts more pressure on a service which is already breaking at the seams. Stay at home. Stay Safe. Protect the NHS. Ask for help if you need it and give it if you can.

Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SAFETY DIRECTORY Please recycle. IN TOUCH TITLES • Covid-19 vaccination website with a wealth of information about the vaccination programme: • Stowmarket & Stowupland www.sneevaccine.org.uk • Kesgrave & • Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus • Melton & Woodbridge • NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Suffolk Resilience Covid-19 Resource Centre: www.suffolkresilience.com/covid-19/covid-19-resource-centre • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, • Useful Suffolk County Council inks to services including Home, But But Alone, Single Point Access, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon benefits and housing, food banks, Suffolk InfoLink and The Warm Handover: • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/suffolk-advice-and-support-service • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, • Suffolk County Council Support in your Area: Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden www.suffolk.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/keep-well-and-active/find-support-in-your-area & Woolpit • Suffolk Family Carers:Working together to ensure family carers are visible, valued, supported and connected •  & The Creetings – Covid-19 information, guidance and support. https://suffolkfamilycarers.org/covid-19 • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, • Home-Start in Suffolk: Helpful links for families and volunteers. www.homestartinsuffolk.org/supportforfamilies Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone •  • Anxiety UK: Offers a range of useful information, resources and support for helping you understand how to deal • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton with your anxiety during these difficult times. www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford • Lighthouse Women’s Aid: A charitable organisation providing emotional support to women, young people & Stratford St Mary and children experiencing domestic abuse in their personal or family relationships: http://lighthousewa.org.uk • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free / www.samaritans.org • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Respect advice line: The helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. https://mensadviceline.org.uk • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Childline: Call 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead We’ve posted a more comprehensive downloadable directory online at: www.keepingintouch.co.uk • Westerfield, Ashbocking, & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall KEEPING IN TOUCH We also publish Spotlight on keepingintouchwith.co.uk / spotlightmagazine.co.uk / vanilla-magazine.co.uk Wed 10 February Twitter: @InTouchEast / @vanillamagazine is the advertising and Instagram: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanilla.magazine editorial deadline for Facebook: @mansionhousepublishing / @vanillamagazinesuffolk the March edition www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 3 NEWS

WITNESHAM’S RECORDER’S REPORT WELL-USED TOOLS GIFTED TO STATION FOR FEBRUARY 2021 ADOPTERS’ PROJECT You will recall in last month’s In Touch David & his daughter Michelle I wrote about bringing the recorder’s role into the 21st century by bringing it online where everyone could propose an event or a happening to record for prosperity. Well low and behold, I was approached by Jean Ellinor of Tuddenham asking me if I would like to be admin for a Facebook page called the Witnesham Community. This was remarkable in two ways, one the approach was before my article appeared in In Touch and secondly, I had no knowledge of this Facebook David Males, a well-respected resident of Westerfield since April 1980, page. It was originally set up to keep residents updated on church affairs has moved to be near his daughter Michelle and his son-in-law Mark and has been going for almost two years. However, after discussing the in Derbyshire. David was thrilled to be able to pass on his garden tools matter with Jean it was obvious it could be used to keep all of us much more and wheelbarrow to support the amazing restoration work and wildlife aware of all village activity and news on a day-to-day basis. Many other local planting at Westerfield Railway Station as part of Greater Anglia’s Station Adopters Scheme. villages already have this kind of arrangement. Articles should be short and to the point, reports on events are much more appropriate to be referred to David and his wife Valerie were keen gardeners In Touch. and active members of the community so it is wonderful that their garden tools will Therefore, I am pleased to let you know that, as the village recorder for continue to be used in Westerfield. We hope Witnesham, I am now available on the Witnesham Community Facebook very much that David will visit Westerfield Page. Please sign up and support the village. soon and see how useful the tools have been. Just before Christmas I presented the People’s Medal to Mark, our postman, The Suffolk Gardeners’ Guild has kindly given on behalf of the whole village. It was obvious to me and, as it turns out, to a donation to the Westerfield scheme to lots of you that Mark has kept our spirits up with his positive, smiling and purchase further gardening tools for their friendly demeanour during this woeful year. Well done Mark. There are latest project, turning wasteland into a several people who also deserve our thanks, including newspaper delivery wildlife garden. Sandy, a member of the team, services, milk delivery and the dustman all playing their part. is pictured with some of the tools. Richards have done their bit as well. It’s a win-win situation I know but If you are interested in joining our team and the friendly, welcoming, smiling face of Sue as you enter the premises has becoming a Westerfield station adopter have gained all our support. Why go to a packed supermarket for your fruit and veg a look at Greater Anglia’s adopter scheme at: when you have such a service on your doorstep? https://tinyurl.com/y57u9zkb They have also increased their supplies, making all our lives a lot easier. They even supplied a welcome tipple and mince pie in the lead-up to Christmas as a thanks to all their customers, a nice touch but I think we should record a thanks to Sue and COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER GROUP her team and I hope once this pandemic is over, we continue to support our local businesses. Witnesham Baptist Chapel has established a community volunteer group which is managed by Anne Camp with help from Andrew and The Barley Mow has had a difficult time due to forced closure but I think other church members. we appreciate the value of community now more than ever and hopefully it will prove a gathering point for many of us, as well as the churches and village If you need help such as shopping and picking up meds/prescriptions, hall in the years ahead. please get in touch. As your Village Recorder I want to thank and record all the good work and Anne’s telephone number is 01473 785448 and her email address is: support seen and appreciated during these times. Please let me know of [email protected] some of the possible unseen and unknown activities so we can all appreciate the kindness of others. Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year. Steve Henley, Village Recorder and Historian

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MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE LAUNCHES THE SKILLS KITCHEN The Museum of East Anglian Life is excited to announce the launch of a new training programme, The Skills Kitchen, which will introduce participants to the wide variety of work and roles that exist within the food industry and GO AHEAD FOR support them to take their next steps into training or work. EMISSION-CUTTING FUEL PLANS Over the course of four months, learners will take part in weekly training sessions at the museum which explore the range of skills needed in different Babergh and District Councils will cut their fleet’s carbon areas of the sector. Throughout the programme there will be ‘expert’ talks emissions by up to 90% – supporting the councils’ carbon neutral aims. and local site visits where participants will listen to and meet professionals The move follows approval by both council cabinets to switch their who have careers in the Suffolk food industry. They will gain insight into the vehicle fleet to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). different paths available to follow and the skills needed for the work that they do. Changes form a major step in the councils’ Carbon Reduction Management Plan which sets out how net-zero carbon emissions aim During the programme participants will learn how to cook food from a range to be achieved by 2030. of cultures and cuisines whilst at the same time building their own portfolio of transferable skills. Each learner will also be allocated a mentor for the Both councils will see a significant reduction in pollutant emissions duration of the programme who will support them with career advice and from their fleet, including up to a 90% reduction in CO2. Itwill assist with articulating future goals. There will also be focused sessions on also support a circular economy as the HVO fuel is produced from the abilities needed to work in a business as well as team activities aimed at sustainable feedstock, including waste cooking oil. building interpersonal and communication skills. Currently, the councils’ vehicle fleet represents 26% of total CO2 The Skills Kitchen will culminate in learners working together to plan, emissions, approximately 880 tonnes per year. market and deliver a series of different cuisine themed events at the The fleet includes the councils’ 35 waste lorries, as well as some museum. Participants will be able to put into practice the skills and knowledge vehicles used by the public realm and housing services. they have learnt over the programme and celebrate their achievements. Moving to the new fuel will cost an initial £50k per council for new fuel The programme starts in April 2021, although participants must be enrolled by Friday 26 February 2021. The commitment for those taking part is tanks. A further estimated £56-97k per year, per council, over the next approximately one day per week. There are no fees attached to taking three years, will cover fuel costs. part. Assistance may be available with travel costs and/or childcare if needed. However, by using HVO, lower maintenance costs and longer engine The programme is funded by The European Social Fund and granted by life for the vehicles are expected. Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils. It is for people aged 16 or over who are Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money collected from new not currently in education/training and who are unemployed or economically development is anticipated to cover most of the initial cost of the two inactive and live in Suffolk or Norfolk. They must also have permission to live HVO tanks. These will be located at the councils’ depots in Stowmarket in the UK and to work in an EU country. and Sudbury. The Museum of East Anglian Life, an open-air museum located in Stowmarket, Cllr Elisabeth Malvisi, Cabinet Member for Environment at Babergh is an independent educational charity. We tell stories through historic District Council, said: “This is a major step forward in achieving the buildings, a 75-acre estate, animals, gardens and a collection of 40,000 ambitions set out in our Carbon Reduction Management Plan. Our objects. Through our collection, we seek to engage people with where their fleet enables us to carry out some of our most visible work such as food comes from and how it is consumed. In hosting the Skills Kitchen at collecting your bin, but it also makes up just over a quarter ofour the museum, we have an opportunity to share our specialist knowledge and emissions. With HVO fuel we can quickly and significantly reduce our provide a better understanding of food production and food culture. emissions and work towards Babergh’s greener, brighter and healthy “We are looking forward to working with participants on the Skills Kitchen future.” project and creating opportunities for their ongoing development within HVO fuel provides an almost immediate and efficient way to reduce the food industry in Suffolk,” says Jenny Cousins, Director, Museum of East emissions. This is because, aside from slightly increased fuel costs and Anglian Life. new tanks, the transition from traditional diesel fuel to HVO requires If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in this programme, minimal changes to the councils’ existing fleet. please email [email protected] or call 01449 612229 for an Cllr Jessica Fleming, Cabinet Member for Environment at Mid Suffolk informal chat and details of the application process. District Council, said: “Helping to create bright and healthy futures for Alternatively, more information about the programme is at: the next generation, while protecting the environment, is one of our www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/theskillskitchen most important jobs. The Skills Kitchen Schedule/Key Dates: “This move to a greener and cleaner fuel for our fleet will bring us Application deadline: 31 January 2021 significantly closer to achieving our commitment to being net-zero Follow up interviews to be arranged on an individual basis. carbon by 2030. We know we can’t create a cleaner and healthier Programme Induction Date: Monday 12 April environment on our own. However, we hope by setting an example, Programme Start Date: Friday 16 April others will be encouraged to follow.” Programme End Date: Friday 30 July Formal procurement of a fuel supplier will start straight away, with the All dates and times correct at time of going to print. Any changes willbe changeover expected to be fully rolled out by summer 2021. updated via: www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/theskillskitchen Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 6 In Touch online: Anti-Slip Solutions for Outdoor Floors

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www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 7 8 In Touch online: NEWS

GREEN LIGHT FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES HUB FUNDING

On 7 December 2002, Mid Suffolk District Council approved £431,740 in economic recovery and growth in the town. Other exciting projects funding from housing growth to progress plans for a shared Emergency taking shape as part of the council’s vision for Stowmarket, include Services Hub in Stowmarket – paving the way for collaborative working and the regeneration of The Regal Theatre and the expansion of the town’s enhanced 999 services. leisure centre. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from developers when they CIL contributions are also used to support Mid Suffolk’s smaller communities, build new homes in the district, ensuring local infrastructure keeps pace with with councillors approving a bid for £16,651 from Ringshall Village Hall. housing growth – and supports the council’s vision for communities with This much-needed funding will secure a new sewerage system for use by bright and healthy futures. the village hall and primary school. Without this important infrastructure, Councillors considered bids from the latest CIL funding round with unanimous the village facility would not be capable of use by the community. Planning agreement reached on proposals to contribute over £431,000 towards permission has been granted and works are expected to begin next year. a new Emergency Services Hub in Stowmarket. Sited in the heart of Mid Additional funding for a previous project was another successful bid agreed Suffolk, the hub will provide a shared state-of-the-art facility for the police, by Cabinet. Plans for a new car park at Thornham Walks, which Mid Suffolk fire, and ambulance services to operate from. District Council granted £27,000 of CIL funds for in March 2020, require a further contribution due to Covid-19. While it had been hoped that some works could be carried out by volunteers, the council will now provide £3,355 to employ contractors to complete the scheme. This will ensure public safety as the pandemic continues and avoid unnecessary delay at a time when walks have provided solace for so many. Cllr David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council Cabinet Member for Planning said: “I am delighted that our council has provided the final funding needed for a new blue light hub in Stowmarket to go-ahead. The project is set to make a real difference to our district, with residents benefitting froma collaborative and more efficient emergency services response. “This demonstrates how CIL monies continue to contribute to important infrastructure, ensuring this keeps pace with growth, as well as providing the facilities needed to secure bright and healthy future for our communities.” Once completed, the district’s residents will benefit from more efficient services and enhanced response times. A collaborative approach will Suffolk County Council’s Cllr Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Public also enable the sharing of information and best practice between the Protection said: “This is great news and I’m thrilled that the bid forCIL emergency services and partners. funding to support the building of a new Fire and Police Blue Light Hub for Stowmarket and the surrounding communities has been approved. Funding for the multi-million-pound project has already been received The benefits this will bring the community and both Fire and Police cannot from Suffolk Constabulary, the Department of Communities and Local be understated”. Government and Suffolk County Council. Mid Suffolk District Council’s contribution provides the final financing needed for proposals to go-ahead, District CIL is income retained by the district council to spend on infrastructure with planning permission recently granted for the new development to support development. This money must be applied for and the decision to spend amounts above a certain level must be taken by Cabinet. The new energy efficient building will further Mid Suffolk’s ambition to address climate change and offer reduced maintenance and running Further information about how the CIL works can be found at www.babergh. costs. This follows the council approving CIL funding for the installation of gov.uk with details about how the levy has been allocated available on the electric vehicle charging points in Stowmarket as it continues to prioritise councils’ award-winning Developer Contributions Database.

DR DAN POULTER MP REPORTS BACK At the time of my writing, the Prime Minister has addressed the nation once vaccine might be available. Residents will be contacted directly, in turn, and more and we find ourselves living under further restrictions, with the current invited to attend their nearest site for vaccination. advice being to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus. Whilst I, and indeed our Prime Minister, understand just how frustrating Whilst there is no doubt that in fighting the old variant of the virus, our this latest lockdown is, we all must continue to take the necessary precautions collective efforts were working, but we now face the added challenge of the to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable in our communities and to new strain of the virus, which is between 50% and 70% more transmissible. slow the spread of the virus. Again, I would like to thank every one of you This new strain has led to a rapid surge in infections, hospital admissions and who are continuing to play your part and following the rules. We’re all in this increased case rates across the country, including here in Suffolk. together and the sooner we stick with it, the sooner we can start to return to normal. If we are to protect our NHS and ourselves and our loved ones, we must all play our part and follow the guidance so that our NHS can focus on the We must continue to protect jobs and our local economy, and the Chancellor herculean task of delivering the critical vaccination programme. It is the has unveiled further financial support for businesses and individuals. Locally, vaccination that will finally free us from this virus and the restrictions it brings the Suffolk Support and Advice Line can help with financial and employment to all our daily lives advice – 0800 068 3131. In addition, the Home, But Not Alone free phoneline, supporting the most Vaccinations have already begun here in Suffolk and I have been lobbying vulnerable in our communities, is available via 0800 876 6926. Both lines are to ensure that we have adequate site provision here in Central Suffolk and staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. North Ipswich. Our public health team and NHS colleagues here in Suffolk are working tirelessly to deliver the vaccines as quickly and efficiently as possible As your MP, I shall always work hard for the people of Central Suffolk and to those most in need and I would echo their plea to ask residents not to North Ipswich and if there is anything I can help with, please get in touch via: block phone lines to GP surgeries or hospitals enquiring about when the www.drdanielpoulter.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 9 ON THE GRAPEVINE

BLUE CROSS SUFFOLK SEEKS FIND SOME LOCKDOWN VOLUNTEER FOSTER CARERS MOTIVATION WITH IPSWICH If your New Year’s resolution is to volunteer and help animals, then pet TRIATHLON CLUB charity Blue Cross might have the purrfect opportunity for you. The charity’s rehoming centre in Wherstead, Suffolk, is in urgent need of As we go into yet another lockdown, you probably wouldn’t think that volunteer foster carers to help them care for sick, injured and homeless cats, triathlon is the ideal sport to take up when you can only get out to dogs and small animals exercise once a day. Many pets who come into the care of the charity have been found abandoned, Ipswich Triathlon Club is inviting you to join for 2021 and we want to while others have been signed over to Blue Cross for rehoming by owners who help you get fit as a fiddle ready for your first race in the summer. are unable to keep their pet for a variety of reasons including relationship breakdowns, job loss, illness or death of an owner or family member. While all our group club activities are suspended, we will be running a series of online sessions for newbie and novice triathletes. You’ll Blue Cross needs volunteer foster carers who can welcome pets into their learn all about the different types of races you can take part in, what home who may need close supervision, be recovering from operations, are to expect, how to train and how to do it on a budget. We will also help too young to go straight into the charity’s rehoming centres or are simply you put together a training plan. nervous and need time in a home to build up their confidence. Some people are put off the idea of triathlon because they think it will The charity is looking for foster carers to help them look after cats, dogs and be very expensive. This is not true, especially if you are just starting small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. out. We can show you where to find the best second-hand equipment Potential foster carers will need to: and how to get round your first race. • Live within a 45min travel time of the Blue Cross rehoming centre on We will tell you about the different distances you can race over and Bourne Hill explain some of the technical jargon used in triathlon. We will look at • Be a minimum age of 18 years old some of the rules of the sport as well as its history and we’ll share • Have their own car and be able to transport cats to and from the centre some truly inspiring stories. or to vet appointments Triathlon training done properly is one of the best ways to gain all • Be able to offer a quiet, reasonable size spare room round fitness while avoiding hurting yourself, and you can start at • Be at home for most of the day to monitor our foster pets regularly absolutely any age. You don’t need to do it with other people, so it suits training by yourself. We will help you to develop a full training • Be willing to learn and follow Blue Cross processes and procedures plan and will be available to give guidance on how to adapt it over the • Be confident with video technology such as Teams or Zoom to coming months as you discover what you enjoy the most and what communicate with the centre when needed you are best at. • Experience of looking after pregnant mum cats and nursing kittens is also a bonus! The club costs £20 to join for the year and amongst other things gives you membership of Athletics and reduced entry fees to Pets will need feeding, cleaning, socialising, grooming and some may require running races. Being a club member also gives you access to cycling medication. All equipment and food will be provided by Blue Cross, along time trials during the summer and cross-country running races in the with virtual online training. winter. Jenna Silk has fostered cats and dogs for Blue Cross since March 2019. She said: “Fostering has made our house feel like home again during a tough year, If you would like to join, follow the link on our club website. getting to know each character is such a joy and a privilege. Saying goodbye www.entrycentral.com/ipswich-tri isn’t so sad at all when it’s followed by updates of them thriving in their new home. While we aren’t in a position to commit to our own pet, we can help so many more along their journey in the meantime.” Jill Armstrong has fostered cats for Blue Cross for six years following the death of her own cat. “It’s lovely to see a nervous cat become more confident, to give a cat that gets stressed in the cattery a quiet place to stay and as to looking after kittens - well, someone’s got to do it! All the cats are different- some super confident, some very playful, some vocal, some softy lap cats – it’s always interesting getting to know their different personalities and odd quirks. “ Cat fosterer Adeleve Allaton said: “Knowing that you have helped an animal while it finds its forever home is so rewarding. It’s always interesting getting to know their different personalities and odd quirks” Jennie Paige, operational supervisor at Blue Cross Suffolk, said: “We rely on our amazing foster carers to provide temporary loving homes for the animals in our care, usually whilst they are recovering from illness, injury or are just in need of some TLC and socialisation. To know you have helped an animal and to see them blossom and ultimately head off to a loving new home is very rewarding.” During lockdown, home checks and training will be carried out remotely before people are recruited to foster for Blue Cross. For more information contact Blue Cross Suffolk on 0300 7771480. 10 In Touch online: ON THE GRAPEVINE

Hope after Suicide Loss (HOPE) is a small independent charity that provides lifelong support following the suicide of a relative, friend or colleague. The charity relies heavily on generous donations to deliver this much needed service but every penny raised is guaranteed to be invested back into the WORK WELL SUFFOLK: REMOVING local community. HOPE was first launched November 2019 and is led by Suzy Clifford who has BARRIERS TO WORK FOR AGES 18+ tirelessly supported individuals bereaved by suicide for ten years. Suffolk County Council has been successful in securing European Social On 8 June 2009, Suzy discovered her husband’s forlorn body in the family Funding to deliver a three-year project called Work Well Suffolk. garage, a moment she describes as life changing. Suicide loss is recognised as a psychological trauma but, at the time, the only support available was either Work Well Suffolk is providing a locally integrated coaching and time limited or self-financed. employment service that tackles the deep-seated barriers to work for all who need it. The service will act as the ‘cement between the Sometimes described as one of Suffolk’s hidden gems, HOPE remains the bricks’ of the health, employability, skills and wellbeing services only established, peer-led service in the that responds to the that are available to people in Suffolk. It will ensure that individuals trauma of suicide loss by offering free, indefinite support and responding to trauma by being available 24/7. can gain bespoke and timely access to relevant services whilst blending in coaching, employability support, skills provision and advice Suzy explains: “At HOPE there is no waiting list. We speak the same language and guidance. and give survivors real hope for the future. Covid-19 has forced the temporary closure of face-to-face group meetings but phone support booked on a weekly basis and Skype group meetings have proven popular. Our website is put together by survivors for survivors. “Suicide recognises no age, social, ethnic or cultural boundaries and neither does HOPE.” Contact HOPE: 01284 760 97 / 07531 087623 / [email protected] www.hopeaftersuicideloss.org.uk

Realise Futures CIC will provide a dedicated Work Well Suffolk coaching service for people with multiple and complex barriers to progressing in life and work. It will also focus on supporting the people of Suffolk to re-engage with education, training, or employment. Working with our strategic partners, Steadfast Training and MENTA, dedicated Work Well Suffolk employment services will seek out, create and support employment and self-employment, volunteering and mentoring opportunities for individuals across the county. SLEEP OUT TO HELP OUT The project will be managed by Suffolk County Council and delivered Here at In Touch we’re supporting a fundraising campaign by Laura Polley and across the following areas of Suffolk; Ipswich, , Babergh Grace Nicoll who are passionate about ending homelessness in our local area. and Mid Suffolk, East Suffolk and Waveney. Last year these remarkable young women raised money for Shelter which The project is being supported by a Strategic Steering Group with strives to provide hot meals to rough sleepers in Ipswich. This year, they are members from Suffolk County Council, Realise Futures CIC, MENTA, even more committed to the cause and seek your support in raining money Steadfast Training, West Suffolk Council, Department for Work and for Anglia Care Trust (ACT). Pensions, Ipswich Borough Council, East Suffolk Council and Babergh Since March 2020, ACT has worked relentlessly to provide housing support and Mid-Suffolk District Council. when other agencies couldn’t. They have provided safe accommodation for Work Well Suffolk can help anyone who is over 18 years old and eligible rough sleepers, prison leavers and survivors fleeing domestic abuse. They never closed, never stopped answering the helpline and never stopped to work in the UK. If our service is not the most appropriate to help, fighting to make people safe. we will do a warm handover to other services. Priority for the coaching service will be given to people who face barriers to employment due To honour their hard work and help to ensure their services are known to the to: a long term health condition, a mental health issue, a learning local community, Laura and Grace have organised a SleepOut fundraiser on difficulty of disability, autism or childcare issues and are unemployed February 5 in partnership with their colleagues at University of Suffolk or unable to work. Due to lockdown restrictions, they will be sleeping rough in their back gardens for the night to raise awareness of the realities of homelessness. To refer into Work Well Suffolk please use the website below or email [email protected] for further information. If you’d like to take part and host your own SleepOut for ACT, please get in touch with Laura Polley via Facebook. www.suffolk.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/work-well-suffolk Your support would mean a lot to Laura and Grace so please use the QR code to locate their Localgiving page where every donation, however small, will help make a difference. www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 11 THE POWER OF EMPATHY More than 1,400 mental health packs distributed by Emmaus Suffolk

by the impact of the pandemic. Our mental health packs, along with the regular phone calls from our team of volunteers, helped to alleviate some of the issues around boredom and loneliness, and has helped to encourage them to stay at home when needed to protect themselves and others.”

As the initial Covid-19 lockdown continued, the Mental Health Packs were offered to more people through agencies like Housing First, Home start, Anglia Care Trust and Sanctuary Housing, as well as 40 homeless people who were houses in a local hotel under the ‘Everyone In’ protocol.

The charity received funding from the Suffolk Foundation Covid Fund, Felixstowe Town Council Covid Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund so that the packs could continue until the end of 2020. This additional funding also meant the packs didn’t have to be recycled, so recipients were able to keep the items they received, and Emmaus Suffolk was able to add essentials such as face masks, hand wash and sanitiser.

Along with this funding, the charity was incredibly grateful to receive donations from several individuals and businesses, including a magnificent donation of thermal and bamboo socks from Sock Shop and over 500 brand new T-shirts which were both added to the packs and turned into bags for the packs by the Emmaus Suffolk sewing group, the Busy Bees. The charity also When Covid-19 first forced the temporary closure of the Emmaus Suffolk added 80 hand knitted woolly hats, books, puzzles and toiletries donated by shops and drop-in hubs in March 2020, the charity was determined to the local community. continue to support those who regularly attend their centres. Emmaus Suffolk works with people who are already socially isolated, vulnerable or at risk of By November, the charity was making 200 packs per month for over 28 homelessness so keeping in touch with them during lockdown was vital. partnership agencies across Suffolk such as The Chapman Centre, Withipol St (women’s refuge), Level 2 Youth, 4YPS, Cavendish Lodge (homeless hostel), The team at the Ipswich and Felixstowe charity developed the idea of creating Felixstowe Schools, Stowmarket Find, GYROS, Bangladeshi Support and the and delivering Mental Health Packs, or Boredom Packs, filled with items from Richmond Fellowship. In December, Christmas items were added to the their shops. The first packs were filled and distributed in April, with support pack, and an extra 130 were created for the Felixstowe Salvation Army who from the Chapman Centre and Emmaus volunteers. They contained DVDs, distributed them to vulnerable people across Suffolk. books, CDs, puzzle sheets, a gift for Easter, thanks to a donation of 100 Easter eggs from Sainsbury’s, and some basic toiletries along with a handwritten In total, Emmaus Suffolk made and delivered 1,449 packs in 2020, and these card from the Emmaus team. The packs were collected from recipients every proved to be a lifeline for many people across the county who were isolating two weeks, sanitised, recycled and then redistributed. alone.

Talking about the packs, Claire Staddon, Chief Executive of Emmaus Suffolk, For more information on the work Emmaus Suffolk does to support those said: “Many of the people being supported by this new project were highly socially isolated, vulnerable, long-term unemployed or at risk of homelessness vulnerable prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and these issues were exacerbated here in the county, visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/suffolk

BE AMAZING, VOLUNTEER IN 2021 You could become a Vaccine Steward to support the rollout of the vaccine Suffolk is a beautiful place to live, work, visit and volunteer. Amazing across Suffolk. charities, groups and volunteers make Suffolk the best place tobe. You could support local families with Home-Start in Suffolk. One phone call, Volunteers were invaluable in 2020 and we need them more than once a week could be a lifeline to a family, providing vital support across our ever now. county. Do you want to be part of this volunteering revolution? There are many ways you can volunteer with St Elizabeth Hospice, directly The Volunteer Suffolk website shows the many ways you can volunteer and supporting people and the hospice when it’s needed most. even helps to match your interests, time and skills with the opportunities available. Suffolk Scouts is entirely volunteer-led and there will be a local unit near you. The pandemic has hit our young people hard. Having positive role models to Volunteering Opportunities for All guide the way and give that extra bit of encouragement is so important in Opportunities include direct community response help, befriending phone times like these. Help children and young people gain skills for life. Whether calls, home-based support, helping with food banks and volunteer driving, you join to support young people or to help behind the scenes, there are lots to name just a few. of roles to consider. Volunteering can be something you do once a week for a one-off event Without volunteer trustees, charities would not exist! Can you help oversee or for a specific project to share your skills. Employers often encourage the running of a local group or charity? volunteering. Businesses may have an Employer Supported Volunteering/ CSR policy to enable this. For more information visit:www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk Why not sign up to be an NHS Volunteer Responder? Volunteers are currently Or email Janet Perry at Community Action Suffolk: being recruiting for a variety of roles. [email protected] 12 In Touch online: SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Are you getting fed up? Fed up with the ongoing restrictions even though vaccines are being given out and many have received one. Fed up because Sadly, the national lockdown has left the school very you’re not in the right group to be offered the vaccine. Fed up with the quiet and you might imagine that spirits would be ongoing wrangling of American politics. Fed up with home schooling. subdued. However, students and staff have risen to the challenge and shown us their best approach I guess many people all around the country are fed up with these things and to blended learning and impressed us with their it is frustrating when the end keeps being moving further away. I write this in remote working. early January when the promise of change by springtime has already moved to ‘after Easter’ and even autumn has been mentioned. Of course, this would not be possible without staff planning, marking and assessing as well as working from classrooms, living rooms and Alongside the fed-upness is the anxiety about employment and finances to kitchen tables to deliver lessons every day. make ends meet. Knowing that most of us are in the same boat and that our neighbours feel the same helps a bit. The opportunity to chat over the fence Once again, there is a significant learning curve for all of us but we can with neighbours and to see family on video calls helps a little too. see great engagement from the students, which stems from the work being done by their teachers, supported by a range of staff including Knowing that the number of deaths from Covid-19 is over 80,000 and still our librarian and learning support assistants. increasing makes us think about our own mortality. I refuse to make what We have welcomed some students onto site each day to undertake could appear as glib comments about this as a Christian Pastor. I remain their learning using the school’s IT facilities, supporting our most physically and spiritually hopeful for the future and I’m always happy to chat vulnerable students and also children of critical workers. Any parents with anyone about hope in Christ. or carers who need to make use of this facility should contact the Knowing that I make this life journey with God and that He fully understands school. my anxieties and emotions helps me look beyond being fed up as I know the As critical workers, we continue to work, both on-site and from home, future will be brighter. Fed up or not, stop looking down or inward to what undertaking not just teaching but many other of those core functions isn’t but up and outwards to what is! that must keep going during a school term. Anyone in contact with the Can you see positives around you? Maybe it is a renewed relationship school will find reception, finance and site teams all working, alongside with a family member or friend made possible via text, letter or Zoom. Maybe teaching colleagues, albeit in slightly different ways as is needed. it’s speaking to your neighbour or getting help from an unexpected person In addition to all of this, the school has also set up its own testing or seeing the changing season out of your window. Compared to many centre to undertake lateral flow testing which is available to all staff people suffering around the world, we can be thankful that we live in and will be made available to all students before they return later in (relative) peace and calm. the term. It has been a busy time, undertaking training and learning Maybe things will appear even brighter for us all next month. Until how to don full sets of PPE, process and record tests but, once again, then, may you know and welcome God’s blessings (search YouTube our staff have impressed me with their willingness to take on these for ‘The UK Blessing’). new roles and support the national efforts to break the transmission of the coronavirus. Pastor Andrew As one of those who have been tested by my colleagues, I can confirm All services and other activities are on hold at the moment. how reassured I was with their professionalism and newfound In the conservatory, we have a FIND (Families in Need) expertise. collection box which can be used for donations when the post We hope that everyone in the local community stays well during this office is open. Non-perishable food is very welcome. difficult time and we send our best wishes to you all for your continued Outside we have a Salvation Army clothes bank. All contributions are good health. gratefully received. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor The post office is still available in our conservatory on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Please use this service to help keep it in the village.

www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 13 CHURCH NEWS

 The United Benefice of Westerfield and In Touch with WTW Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

ST VALENTINE cards on Valentine’s Day, rather Lockdown Update! February is a month that we than letters, became more popular. associate with St Valentine’s Day, or Whatever Saint Valentines Day All three PCCs decided to close the the feast of Saint Valentine, means to you, remember it’s a day buildings until the end of January. celebrated annually on the 14th of love, kindness, and respect. With this being the February edi- February. It’s now a day when gifts  tion, please see the website and and flowers are exchanged between So, as we go about our daily lives in Facebook site for upͲtoͲdate infor- mation and service times.  loved ones, all in the name of St this most challenging time, let us all  Valentine. But who is this know that we are held in God’s love, Even if there is no change, there mysterious Saint and where did and attempt to love one another. will continue to be a service online these traditions come from? Well,  for each Sunday which can be the history of Saint Valentine’s Day There is a hymn that I feel sums up found on our website and Face- and its patron Saint is shrouded in all these things: book page.  mystery.   There will be Morning Prayer on  Lord, for the years Wednesday morning at 9.30am on We know that the month of Your love has kept and guided,  zoom. This is for 30 minutes as we February is the month of romance Urged and inspired us,  read the Old Testament and New and that Valentine’s Day, as we Cheered us on our way; Testament readings for the day know of it today, contains vestiges Sought us and saved us, and pray together.  of both Christian and ancient Roman Pardoned and provided;  traditions. There are three stories Lord of the years,  We will recommence Coffee on around this Saint, all telling of a man We bring our thanks today Wednesday from 11Ͳ12. This is a carrying out God’s work.   time just to chat. Come for as little  We all have the ability to love one or as long as you would like.  another. So, as we go about our  One in particular tells of a priest If you would like the zoom link for daily lives remember the word Love. who performed secret marriages either of these events please con-  against the authorities in the third tact me at: Mary Scholey.  century. He was imprisoned in the [email protected] home of a noble, and while there he  healed his captor’s blind daughter, We are considering whether we causing the whole household to offer other services on zoom, and also other social events. If you convert to Christianity Ͳ and sealing Our Own his own fate. Before being tortured have any ideas then please do get th Sunday Service in touch.  and decapitated on the 14  February, it is said he sent the girl he at Home: Charlotte had cured a note signed “Your  Valentine”. Hence the day became WTW Benefice known as Saint Valentines Day. YouTube channel Getting in touch...  please contact Priest In Charge: Revd Charlotte Cook 01473 399542 It was not until the 1900s, with    [email protected] improvements in printing www.wtandw.org.uk technology, that sending printed

Day / Date St Martin’s St Mary’s St Mary Magdalene’s

Sunday 7th February  9.30am Family Communion  10am All Age Worship  11am Family Communion

Sunday 14th February   9.30am All Age Worship  10am Family Communion  11am Morning Worship

Sunday 21st February  9.30am Family Communion  10am Morning Worship  11am Family Communion

Sunday 28th February  9.30am  Morning Worship  10am Family Communion  11am Morning Worship

 Please Check Our Website: www.wtandw.org.uk as the patterns may change due to the updating of CovidͲ19 guidelines.

14 In Touch online: SUFFOLK

To take part visit the Keep Moving Su‚olk website and click on the ‘My Virtual Mission link’ on the home page. To participate you just need Your virtual mission, if you to donate between £5 and choose to accept it, is to £20 to St Elizabeth Hospice cycle 272km, the equivalent and you’ll be on your way. distance of visiting every St You’ll also be in with a Elizabeth shop and hospice chance of winning money in Suolk, between 1 can’t buy VIP tickets for the February - 31 March. Women’s Tour finish in Felixstowe on the 12th June.

Setting goals is a great way to stay motivated and to enjoy all the benefits of riding your bike. You can set goals, monitor your progress and share your success using your Love to Ride profile. Be a goal-getter! Follow these 4 simple steps and you’ll be on your way to success! 1. Get personal 2. Make it measurable, specific, and time-bound 3. Set mini-goals to achieve something bigger 4. Share it to Stories. For more detail and to register visit Love to Ride www.lovetoride.net/su olk www.keepmovingsuolk.com

@keepmovingsuolk @keepmovingsuolk @Most_Active To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380 a member of our sales contact please and Essex, advertise in this section, which appears 18 magazines areas across Suffolk To www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk/westerfield 15