Rural coffee caravan information project
At the outset of this project it was a matter of going forth in faith, to try to combat rural isolation.
The idea of using a caravan as a place to meet and socialise and taking it to where people were, was first supported through the Suffolk group of Farm Crisis Network. With some very generous personal financial support, and practical help from RAF Honington who adapted the caravan and provided it with a secure home when not in use, the caravan got on the road in 2003. We were also greatly encouraged by the support of Radio Suffolk, not only on the air and by sending someone to launch the project, but by the gift of mugs and tea towels. The dedicated group of volunteer drivers has grown over the years.
In the 2008 season (April to October), 84 villages were visited by the Rural Coffee Caravan, some on several occasions. Information is initially sent to villages and visits are organised following an invitation. Ideally there needs to be someone in the village who will leaflet every house, with information supplied by the project, giving the agreed date and time of visit. Just sitting around our tables and chatting with others over a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake means a great deal to many of the people we meet, and several times newcomers to a village have stopped by and have met
their neighbours for the first time. Should anyone want to talk more privately to any of us, (we have someone prepared for this at each venue,) then there is always a place where confidential conversations can take place.
Soon after the launch we were asked to carry literature and pamphlets by various organisations, and the word information was added to the title of the project. The range of literature which is now available on the caravan comes from about 85 organisations. This is especially appreciated in areas where the village post office has disappeared and where transport can be a problem. The project has evolved and developed and we now tend to think of ourselves as a mobile advice centre.
We have recently acquired charitable status and funding is always going to be uppermost in the trustees’ and manager’s minds. We need about £26,000 a year, for paying the part time manager and administrator, and to reimburse the volunteers. Local authorities are now realising we are doing some of their work for them so are prepared to supply funding. Mid Suffolk District council were the first to offer finance on a year on year basis.
From 1 April, which is our start date for this year, a programme is already in place through to October.
George W Frost, Vice Chairman of project, Agricultural Chaplain, East Anglia District Methodist Church
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www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk
rural mission and ministry
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