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Latest Progress Report from Pathways Care Farm

28 September 2018

Please see below the latest progress update from Pathways Care Farm on the wonderful work they have been completing for the community:

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Pathways Progress – 19 September 2018

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Let me tell you a story

Life can be highly stressful and there are never enough hours in a day to achieve everything on my 'to do' list...
Sound familiar? Have you ever slowed down sufficiently to ask yourself why am I working like this? Am I making time to do some of the things I really enjoy, to live rather than just making a living?
One of the greatest things about being on the care farm is that we go at a pace that is rather slower than the old 'corporate world' I used to cherish. I recently saw the notice above and it made me think about what we do on a typical farm day... we have created an environment and a community where 'moments' happen. Many moments each day... magic moments. We are involved with each others' lives and we all therefore share in this creative and very satisfying process.
Just today, one of the people we see each week controlled his temper! That may not sound like much of a moment but believe me it was. This person likes getting his own way and likes his routine. He can get quite loud and uncooperative if things don't go according to plan. Today, through nobody’s fault, plans had to be changed at the last mingute and he couldn't do a job he enjoys and wanted to do. The situation was explained to him and he simply moved on to the next job... No big deal to most people but a massive stride forward for him (and us). Those kind of moments are more precious than jewels.

 
 
 

Hidden treasure

Talking about Jewels (see top story)... the latest path in the sensory garden is littered with them. They say that the paths in heaven are paved with gold, well, this is our little bit of heaven on earth. Come and see it sometime – you will be richer for the experience.

 
 

New arrivals

We were recently blessed to be given some lovely new animals to look after and enjoy... I'm very pleased to introduce you to Basil (white) and Dexter the pigmy goats, who have created quite a stir. Not only are they lovely to be with and very good to walk on the lead but they are also escape artists and spent the first three days looking for (and finding) any gap big enough to squeeze through.
When they did get out of their own pen they didn't roam far... they just wanted to get closer to the other goats who were nearby.
We have also now started our 'small animal' menagerie. Just over a week ago we got Jumper (white) and Thumper. These are Lion Headed rabits and they have settled in so well. They love the attention they receive and are highly inquisitive as we realised when working around them to build a rather large and special run. They were constantly close by and checking out the workmanship. The run is big enough for them (and others yet to arrive) to tear around and also allow a few of us to be in with them and share their fun first hand.

 
 
 

Beware or bee wear?

The artichokes are just starting to open and their flowers are stunning. As I was looking at them last week this lovely bee arrived and busied himself just asking to be photographed. 
We have become more aware of bees since we colonised the first of our hives (well done David) and we love seeing them around the farm.
Of course, when a hive needs attention or something needs to be done nearby its always good to be dressed appropriately (see our two models below wearing this year's latest bee wear).

 
 
 

Animals, minerals and now vegetables 

I've mentioned our newest animals and the jewelled path, now to give a plug to the vegetables.
A few weeks ago we erected a small stall outside the farm gate. We put out fresh veg each day and we have a small 'honesty' box there for donations. The stall has proved to be a huge hit with some of the neighbours but we have also had people come to us from various other parts of town and even from Great Yarmouth! Such is the quality of the produce.
I was stopped one morning as I was opening up and asked 'Where is the beetroot?'. 'Is there none on show?' I asked. 'No' he said, 'Can you get me some? My wife has sent me over as we have run out and the last few were so good!'
We also supplied a batch to a local Care Home to sell at their fete (see below). 
Given the state of the soils a couple of years ago this is no mean achievement and Steve deserves all the praise he gets for his diligence and the way he has inspired others to work with him. We’re looking to some of our farm workers to become as skilful in time and even take up a career out of horticulture.

 
 
 

The proof of the watermelon is in the eating

Growing fruit and veg and having others enjoy it is wonderful but, of course, there is no better taste than to bite into something that you have helped grow (and have the juice run down your chin).
The three above didn't even stop to offer me some as they tucked into one of the first watermelons to be harvested in the polytunnel. Wow, it was good... not sure how many of these will end up on the stall – they may disappear before they get that far.
Talking of enjoying the taste... we were very pleased to host a gathering from Lowestoft Community Church who thoroughly enjoyed a hog roast (no, not one of ours) and a few tours around the farm. It was quite something to see so many people tucking in on a beautiful, sunny, September afternoon. We are blessed to have such a great facility and to be able to share it with so many friends.

 
 
 
 

...and finally 

The next workparty will be on Saturday 29 September at 10am – the last Saturday of the month this time... don't ask! (just in case Steve hasn't left for Wales by then!)
A few weeks ago we started to renovate one of the courtyard roofs. We had a wonderful group of people from Altro in Lowestoft come to help which gave us extra hands on the roof, in the sensory garden and building an extra pen for the piglets. Thank you all, your help and support means so much. 
As ever there are lots of jobs to do this month but there are also lots of things to just see and enjoy. 
Please come we would love to see you.
Geoff

 
 

Read more on Latest Progress Report from Pathways Care Farm

Heritage Open Day events a big success across the town

26 September 2018

The Heritage Open Day events which took place across the town earlier this month were hugely successful and gave a large number of visitors and local people a wonderful opportunity to explore Lowestoft's heritage. Over 70 free events were offered; which is a significant increase on previous years. Lowestoft Town Council is proud to have participated, and saw 500 visitors flock to the historic, Grade 2 listed Town Hall to explore informative displays about local heritage and significant female politicians. As you can see, our Councillors really entered into the spirit of the occasion with their fantastic costumes! Lowestoft Town Council would like to congratulate all those involved with making the Heritage Open Day events the big success they were, and hopes that this initiative will continue to strengthen year on year.

Town Hall5Town Hall3

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Emergency repair work to a damaged sewer on Station Square to begin next week

26 September 2018

Anglian Water will be undertaking emergency repair work to a damaged sewer on Station Square, Lowestoft.

The work will begin on 1 October and will last approximately 5 weeks. A southbound lane closure will be in place on Station Square which will see traffic approaching from Denmark Road diverted via Katwijk Way/A12. Access for the emergency services will be maintained throughout the duration of the repair.

Further repair work will also need to be carried out on Commercial Road up to the A47 Junction which will last for 10 weeks, and will begin once the Station Square works have been completed. The road will be closed but a full diversion will be in place.

More information regarding these works can be found here: https://media.anglianwater.co.uk/anglian-water-begins-work-to-repair-a-damaged-sewer-in-lowestoft/

Read more on Emergency repair work to a damaged sewer on Station Square to begin next week

Public consultation regarding the future record office service in Lowestoft

26 September 2018

The public consultation regarding the future record office service in Lowestoft is now live. This will be a six-week consultation, running from Friday 21 September to Thursday 1 November inclusive.

Suffolk County Council are seeking your views on:

  • Opening hours
  • Events and activities
  • Collections and digitisation
  • Volunteering opportunities

This is your chance to have your say and help to shape the future service. You can do this by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/LROconsultation or downloading a hard copy from Suffolk County Council's website and returning it to: Suffolk County Council - Lowestoft Record Office Consultation, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX.

Lowestoft Town Council's statement on the threatened closure of the Records Office, as published in February, can be viewed here.

 

 

Read more on Public consultation regarding the future record office service in Lowestoft

Access to Meeting Rooms at Hamilton House

25 September 2018

Please be advised with regard to Lowestoft Town Council's meetings, if you arrive after the meeting has started you may not be able to access the meeting room. This is due to the current security arrangements and it is being reviewed. In the meantime please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. The full timetable of meetings can be viewed here.

Read more on Access to Meeting Rooms at Hamilton House

Maritime Commemoration - 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI

24 September 2018

Hamilton Dock to Belle Vue Park Lowestoft 13:30 - 16:00 on the 7th October. Please join us to observe the parade to the Royal Navy Patrol Service Memorial, dedication of the new Poppy Garden in Belle Vue Park and Service of Commemoration of the vast maritime effort undertaken by the men and women of Suffolk during WWI.

 

Event Schedule:

A Parade will form up in Hamilton Road at 1300hrs departing at 1330hrs for a march along Whapload Road and up Cart Score before entering Belle Vue Park. 

The Parade and guests will form up around the area of the Poppy Memorial Garden in order to undertake a Dedication Ceremony. 

Following the Dedication of the Memorial Garden guests and the Parade will move to surround the Memorial. The Formal Parade will then be inspected by Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock KCB and this will be followed by Service of Commemoration including a 2 minute silence and wreaths will be laid. 

It is anticipated that the event will be completed by 1600hrs.

 

A Parade will form up in Hamilton Road at 1300hrs departing at 1330hrs for a march along Whapload Road and up Cart Score before entering Belle Vue Park.

The Parade and guests will form up around the area of the Poppy Memorial Garden in order to undertake a Dedication Ceremony.

Following the Dedication of the Memorial Garden guests and the Parade will move to surround the Memorial. The Formal Parade will then be inspected by Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock KCB and this will be followed by Service of Commemoration including a 2 minute silence and wreaths will be laid.

It is anticipated that the event will be completed by 1600hrs.

Read more on Maritime Commemoration - 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI

Macmillan Coffee Morning

23 September 2018

Join Lowestoft Town Council in raising funds for this important cause by buying tasty treats, and come and see the Town Council's new offices on the First Floor of Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1DE, between 10:00 - 13:00. Please be aware that no parking is available on-site but there are nearby pay-and-display car parks as well as limited on-street parking.

Read more on Macmillan Coffee Morning

Community Survey Results

17 September 2018

Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent community survey. The Town Council is pleased that the responses given were so helpful and that we will be undertaking a full analysis of all the data. The Town Council has ambitions to improve assets and services transferred to them and is determined to ensure that it is informed by the views of residents.

Read more on Community Survey Results

Meeting Location

3 September 2018

Starting today all of our meetings will be taking place at our new offices at Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft.

Read more on Meeting Location