Helen is head of inclusion and development at St Elizabeth Hospice - a role which sees her working alongside colleagues to ensure the hospice’s services are available and suitable for all, regardless of their age, race, socio-economic situation, gender, nationality, sexuality, disability or beliefs
Memory
Deer spotting at dawn in Rendlesham Forest. Being woken up by my dad, at what felt like the middle of the night, my sister cuddled up in the car with a blanket and a couple of digestives. Dad would drive us to the forest to sit and wait to spot a deer – sometimes a herd. It felt like magic, and such a privilege to watch these beautiful creatures.
Town or Village
It has to be Woodbridge. Apart from a decade away from Suffolk, while studying, I have always lived in the surrounding villages of Woodbridge.
Woodbridge feels like home. I love the little streets, independent shops, buskers and the close access to the river.
On return to Suffolk, I spent some time commuting to London. Woodbridge train station is such a wonderful destination - chugging along next to the river, sail boats aplenty, and the cathartic, if not eerie, sound of masts clinking, when waiting for the morning train.
Day Out
Difficult to choose, but during lockdown my family discovered the Sailor’s Path that you can walk or cycle from Snape Maltings to Aldeburgh. It’s a beautiful route, made even better with the reward of fish and chips on Aldeburgh beach.
Beach
Sizewell Beach is a favourite, although Shingle Street is a close second! Being dog-friendly means Sizewell is perfect for walking our labradors.
Sizewell Tea is also a little treasure of a café, doing fabulous breakfasts, hot drinks for when the beach is chilly and ice creams when it’s a scorcher.
Place to walk
I am grateful to live so close to Rendlesham Forest. I can never get bored of the forest’s varied footpaths and tracks. It never fails to provide beauty in the wildlife all year round.
Shop
When I have time, I love a wonder around Woodbridge’s charity shops, including our very own St Elizabeth Hospice shop.
Place to Eat
The Galley in Woodbridge is a favourite on special occasions. The food, wine and service are all wonderful.
Pub
Without doubt it has to be the Blaxhall Ship Inn. This special pub is conveniently close to our allotment, with great food and a friendly welcome.
It provides regular musical events including open mics, there’s also a weekly folk singing meeting that’s been running for over 300 years!
Landmark
It’s not very fancy, but my first thought is the old Toys R Us store at Copdock. Ever since I can remember, seeing that appear as you come towards Ipswich means you’ve come home to Suffolk.
Export
A close call between Aspall Cyder and Stokes’ Chilli Jam. A cool pint of Aspall’s, after a hard shift at the allotment or a bike ride, cannot be beaten and Stokes Chilli Jam is just amazing.
For more information about St Elizabeth Hospice visit stelizabethhospice.org.uk, and to learn more about Zest visit stelizabethhospice.org.uk/zest.
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