Jul 31, 2018 | ActivGardens, ActivLives
The quirky ‘Wonderland Tea Party’ was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, with all the key characters getting involved – serving tea, selling plants and causing mischief.
It was just part of the 2018 Big Garden Party, run by ActivLives, which celebrated the 10th birthday of the People’s Community Garden at Maidenhall Allotments.
The bumper event was opened by the mayor of Ipswich, Jane Riley, and Ipswich Town legend and ActivLives’ patron Roger Osborne.
With stalls from numerous Suffolk-based organisations such as Ipswich Wildlife Group and Wildlife Gadgetman, to Suffolk Refugee Support and Suffolk Police and Fire Services, it was a lively collaboration of local groups and businesses.
While the Ipswich Wildlife Group were busy building bug boxes, the Wildlife Gadgetman showed off his photography hide, and the team at Suffolk Refugee Support cooked Syrian falafal for all to try.
Younger visitors were also spoilt for choice, with activities ranging from face-painting and hat-making to a carousel, drumming workshop and magic show.
The soundtrack to the day was provided by Saints Community Band, The Phil Jackson Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, and ActivLives’ very own Keep On Rockin’ singing group as well as a few local talents perfoming in the Welcome Area.
Sam Thurlow, from ActivLives, said: “With the theme of this years event being ‘Wonderland Tea Party’, visitors were promised ‘a day to join with all your favourite Wonderland characters for a cup of tea and some cake’ and they weren’t disappointed.
“There was a tea party with the Cheshire Cat serving drinks, Alice selling plants, the Mad Hatter causing mischief and the White Rabbit seemingly running around all day – all of which were ActivLives staff and volunteers who spent the past few months organising this brilliant event.
“We think this quote sums the day up nicely: ‘Absolutely brilliant…the best Garden Party yet…it’s so much fun!’ said one of the visitors as they walked through the site with a strawberry tart in their hand on their way to try their luck in the tombola.”
Mar 12, 2018 | ActivLives, ActivSports
ActivLives has re-scheduled the Showcase Event that it is holding at the Salvation Army Priory Centre, Queen’s Way, Ipswich IP3 9EX. The original event had to be postponed due to the recent snow, the new date is now Thursday 22nd March.
The event, which is being held between 10.30am-2.00pm, is targeted at anyone over the age of 45 (there is no upper age limit!), and who would like to get involved with some accessible physical and sports activity.
The programme will include a variety of tasters including New Age Kurling, Ping Pong, New Age Bowls, Yoga and the Paralympic sport of Boccia.
There will be a yoga taster class in the morning and a Boccia demonstration from local GB Paralympian, Evie Edwards in the afternoon.
“We would encourage anyone who would like to have a go at something new, to come along”, said Mike McCarthy, ActivIpswich Project Manager. “This is inclusive physical activity that anyone can get involved with, you definitely do not need to be ‘sporty’ to enjoy getting active!”
All of the sports and activities at this event can be carried out either seated or standing, including the yoga taster.
This free event is being held in a fully accessible venue and includes a light buffet lunch. If you would like to book your place and lunch, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350.
If you would like to know more about any of the programmes that are offered by ActivLives, please call 01473 345350 or have a look on the website at www.activlives.org.uk
Feb 23, 2018 | ActivGardens, ActivLives
Closing date: Friday 6th April 2018 Interviews: Tuesday 17th April 2018
Start date: Monday 23rd April 2018
Where you’ll be working : Mainly the People’s Community Garden, Maidenhall Allotments and the CRESS Pavilion, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8RE, but also Chantry Walled Garden, Chantry Park, and possibly on outreach projects in and around Ipswich.
About ActivGardens
ActivGardens are lively, inspiring and very busy community sites which support people to lead an active, healthy life, learn and share skills, and contribute to their community. Our projects work with a wide range of people, including long-term unemployed, people experiencing mental ill health, depression and anxiety, people with disabilities, older people, and refugees and asylum seekers.
We run a schools programme working with children of all ages, including those who find it difficult to learn at school. Our core Volunteer Team helps with the day to day maintenance of ActivGardens.
What you’ll be doing :
Main role: Assisting staff to help run our gardens and associated projects.
Your role will involve:
- Assisting staff in organising and running the day
- Working alongside the people we support to help them get the most out of their sessions
- Helping run group sessions, including school groups and groups of young people
- Gardening/ conservation tasks alongside volunteers
- Assisting in organising and running monthly community market and café
- Assisting in planning and preparation for our major event: the Big Garden Party on Saturday 21st July 2018
- Contributing to development of the gardens and its projects
- Administration
- Option to get involved with woodworking/ carpentry, cooking, beekeeping, other specialisms
You will gain skills in:
- Working with a wide range of people, including people with needs; children and young people; refugees and asylum seekers
- Public engagement
- Gardening and horticulture
- Nature conservation and beekeeping (optional)
- Events organisation
Training available:
First Aid
The time you need to give:
We are looking for a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week, for a six-month period. The internship will begin the week of 16th April, and finish on Friday 12th October 2018, with the possibility of extension.
The skills you need: We are looking for a team player with a positive, friendly attitude and excellent communication skills, who enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities. We need someone with an active, hands-on approach, with a willingness to tackle a wide range of garden-related and other tasks. Gardening/ horticultural experience will be an asset, but good organisational skills are as important.
- Experience of working or volunteering with people with needs is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of working or volunteering with children and young people is desirable but not essential.
- Skills associated with woodwork, nature conservation, cooking/ hospitality / catering, community education/ teaching, PR / events, will be an advantage.
- You may be able to contribute a specialist craft skill (eg flower arranging, art, crafts etc – please let us know!) – we are open to new ideas and projects.
What you’ll get out of it: This position is suitable for someone who enjoys working with people and who has a keen interest in community gardening/ food growing projects and/ or nature conservation. You will gain experience of working in the charity sector as part of a diverse, award-winning community project. The project will contribute to local travel costs.
Contact details: Please email your CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to Susannah Robirosa, ActivGardens Development Manager susannah@activlives.org.uk, detailing your availability, experience and why you would like to join our project. Alternatively, please post to ActivLives, Brightspace, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich IP2 0HH. If you have any questions, or would like an informal chat about the role, please call Susannah on 07530 407302 or ActivLives 01473 345350.
All applications must be received by Friday 6th April 2018.
