Coffee mornings helping to combat loneliness in Snettisham

SPAM (the Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal) and Coffee Morning was held at the Snettisham Memorial Hall. Pictured are husband and wife. Dave and Jackie Sheppard. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

SPAM - Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal - has been given £1,000 by Comic Relief to expand its services.

As well as its annual dinner for more than 80 people, held in March, the group organises monthly coffee mornings, laying on transport for the less able and information on befriending services.

Eric Langford, one of the organisers, said: 'We're trying to target the lonely, this is their chance to get out and socialise and also hopefully get some information about safeguarding their lives.

SPAM (the Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal) and Coffee Morning was held at the Snettisham Memorial Hall. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'We want to try to extend it to Ingoldisthorpe and maybe Sedgeford.'

As well as coffee and cake, today's event included bric-a-brac and craft sales. Many of those attending had recently moved into the village.

Retired businessman and borough councillor Richard Bird, who moved from Hunstanton in the summer, said: 'I had no idea what a wonderful little village this was, I'm really enjoying getting into it.'

At the SPAM (Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal) and Coffee Morning are (L) Sue Heath and Lynne Tennant. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Dave and Jackie Sheppard, both in their 70s, moved to Snettisham almost a year ago, also from Hunstanton.

'Everyone's been ever so friendly,' said Mrs Sheppard. 'They made us welcome straight away.'

West Norfolk Mayor Carol Bower, who attended the morning said: 'It's a very good community effort by the village, it's exemplary really. I'm so glad they got the grant for £1,000.' Pippa May, chief executive of West Norfolk Befriending said: 'It's a fantastic effort by the community supporting the community. It's fantastic to come and see.'

SPAM (the Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal) and Coffee Morning was held at the Snettisham Memorial Hall. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

SPAM is planning to include short advice seminars, with invited speakers taking questions on how to deal with nuisance callers, phone and financial fraud scams, safety in the home, living with Dementia and befriending services.

SPAM coffee mornings are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Memorial Hall, between 10am and noon. Admission is free.

Community transport is available. Anyone who would like to make use of it should call Mr Langford on 01485 541515.

SPAM (the Snettisham Pensioners Annual Meal) and Coffee Morning was held at the Snettisham Memorial Hall. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)