I have been away in New Zealand for 3 months visiting my frail parents and it still feels strange being back. Travelling during a global pandemic was a challenge, and living in a society where they were effectively virus-free was like travelling back through time. They are now battling to get back to that state after delta variant cases were introduced from Australia, to see if they can recover that previous and hard-won ‘safety bubble' across the country.
Being back in Sudbury has made me think how much we need to value and look after own local sphere, where we spend so much of our time.
Now is the time for all of us to support the life and well-being of Sudbury, to retain its sense of community, character and vibrancy. As we approach the end of the official ‘summer holidays’, can we collectively keep shaping our town into a great place to live, work and flourish?
I guess my question to you all is “are you doing something today for the good of your town and its community?” If so, wonderful and could you do more? If not, how about it?
There are many different ways you already doing this or where you could start , for example by volunteering for a local charity or community group, or in your daily work, shopping or recreation, but one way we hope you’ll consider is by joining the Sudbury Society.
The Society was formed in 1973 to challenge inappropriate development in the town, but whilst commenting on local plans for areas such as Chilton Woods, Bellevue and Market Hill are a key focus, we also want to open debates on other issues or simply learn about interesting local ideas, projects and people. Essentially we need as many people as possible to engage, to share their thoughts and inspire with their deas.
We have been unable to operate our monthly member meetings/events since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 but we plan to re-start them this September, inviting speakers involved in a wide range of local ventures.
Events planned over the coming months include a film screening of ‘Stanley’s War in November; a tour of the new gallery at Gainsborough’s House; New Year talks on re-wilding and on electric transport but we are particularly excited to kick off our re-opening with a talk by Sara Tatum of the Rug and Carpet Studio (https://rugandcarpetstudio.co.uk).
Since founding the business 30 years ago, Sara has developed a nationally recognised expertise in sourcing handmade rugs and carpets, and her in-house team specialise in their restoration, conservation and cleaning. It is amazing to have unique and skillful businesses such as these on our doorstep and I know from visiting the Studio in Long Melford the sheer treat it offers up a visual and tactile feast of colours, patterns and textures.
Sara is in great demand for her talks about rug restoration in stately homes and bespoke designs so I am sure we will enjoy a fascinating evening on Thursday 23rd September at 7pm at Sudbury Town Hall.
It is also an opportunity, at last, for members to come together in one place, to remain socially distanced if they prefer, but for the Society to celebrate the revival of social gatherings with some nibbles and refreshments. However our monthly talks are not exclusive – all visitors and non-members are warmly encouraged to attend and enjoy our talks. Feel free to ask questions and to find out more about the Society and how you might be able to have an input.
We hope those who are the future of Sudbury can come along to Sara’s talk on 23rd of this month, or to a future meeting, which are held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the Town Hall. You can find details of all events and how to join if you are interested at our website: https://sudburysociety.org.uk
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