Lowestoft

Lowestoft is set to celebrate composer and Lowestoft native, Benjamin Britten, with a statue of the composer as a boy. The project, led by a team of locals including broadcaster and children’s author Zeb Soanes, aims to use the statue to inspire the town’s future generations. He said: ‘Rather than the adult Britten at the height of his powers, we choose to celebrate him as the Lowestoft boy who went on to achieve great things. We hope this beautiful statue will inspire future generations of Lowestoft children to gaze out to the horizon and dream big.’ The statue committee includes Soanes, Lowestoft and Kirkley community figures Phil Aves, Kim Boundy, Ruth Wharrier and Matt Grafton as well as BBC antiques expert, writer and radio broadcaster Elizabeth Talbot. The committee also includes Fergus Fitzgerald, head of production at Adnams brewery which has today launched a special edition whisky from which all profits will go towards the project. Fitzgerald said: ‘For children growing up in Lowestoft, the statue should serve as a reminder that Britten was someone who walked the same streets as they did and braced into the same winds and went on to do something extraordinary.’ Bronze sculptor, Ian Rank Broadley, has been commissioned to create the statue. He said: ‘The genius of Britten appeared in childhood. A statue of him as a boy in Lowestoft can inspire generations of children to follow their dreams. Bronze is for eternity, Britten deserves no less.’ The project has gained the support of important figures in the classical music industry including baritone Sir Thomas Allen and mezzo-Soprano Dame Janet Baker as well as Britten Pears Arts, the charity behind Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh Festival and the Red House.

Phone Number: N/A

Address: Millbank, 7 Kirkley Park Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0LQ

Website: https://www.brittenasaboy.com

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Tracey Bowler is the founder of Brainwave Independence Group: “In 2004, My son was in a road traffic accident, where he was ejected through the rear windscreen of a car. He was in a coma for four months & spent the best part of a year in hospital due to the extensive injuries that he had sustained. My son is left with a severe brain injury, he is registered blind/severe partial sighted and has epilepsy.” As a charity, the group promotes independent living within our clients’ own home, or in any social environment, supporting them to pursue as full and interesting a life as possible. We do this by utilising a person-centred approach to assist individuals in maximising their own potential, opening gateways’ to improved choices and independence. More detail about the charity, can be found at: www.brainwaveindependencegroup.co.uk

Phone Number: None

Address: The Point, Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1PS

Website: http://www.brainwaveindependencegroup.co.uk

Home-Start in Suffolk is the county's largest family support charity. Their vision is that every child in Suffolk is given the best start in life because of the love, support and guidance they receive from their parents, guardians or the people performing the role of their parents. You can become a volunteer -it's easy and rewarding. There are options to become a Home Visiting volunteer and part of our Families Connected Suffolk volunteer team offering telephine support to vulnerable families.

Phone Number: 01473 621104

Address: 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath, IP5 3SL

Website: https://www.homestartinsuffolk.org/

Kevin Baldwin, who’s been diagnosed with incurable cancer himself – completed his inspirational journey at Ness Point – where he began back in May. Raising money for Cancer Research UK – Kevin’s adventure took him on a route where he said he met some wonderful individuals who had supported him and restored his “faith in people”.

Phone Number: -

Address: -, -, -

Website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

Kirkley Pantry is a project supporting residents in the local area with its social supermarket. For a small weekly subscription of £3.50, members of this pantry will be able to buy food, including fresh fruit and vegetables and store cupboard favourites, to the value of £15 to £20 or more.

Phone Number: 01502 589112

Address: Kirkley Pantry St. Peter's Road , Lowestoft, NR33 0ED

Website: http:// kirkleypantry@gmail.com

Kirkley People's Forum is a People's Health Trust Initiative called The Local Conversation, which helps to support local residents make their community an even better place to live. Bringing people together by organising local events in Kirkley. Helping to support our community through community grants in Kirkley. Engaging with and listening to what our residents want in Kirkley.

Phone Number: N/A

Address: The Kirkley Centre, 154 London Road South, Lowestoft, NR33 0AZ

Website: https://kirkleypeoplesforum.org.uk

Lift Loud For Danny provides a safe space for those experiencing mental health issues, loneliness or isolation and offers peer to peer support and activities.

Phone Number: N/A

Address: Push Forward, 113-114 High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HN

Website: https://www.liftloudfordanny.org.uk

This Mens mental health and wellbeing group is free and always running every other week on a Sunday morning. They meet at the beacon on Pakefield Cliffs at 9:30am, head for a coffee and go for a walk along our beautiful coast. It is a chance to meet others, all of whom are friendly, and talk openly about what is going on or just chat generally to lift your mood. For more information and updates, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WalkAndTalkSuffolk

Phone Number: None

Address: None, Lowestoft, None

Lowestoft Men's Shed is a community project which offers a meeting place where like-minded people can meet up, share worries, pleasures and ideas. It allows members to share skills and knowledge, about having a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, without the need to feel any pressure. A Shed is about filling needs, creating a community and maybe about helping others as well.

Phone Number: None.

Address: Denmark Road, Lowestoft, NR32

Website: https://lowestoftoldandnow.org/full/landingpage/north-lowestoft-mens-shed

Waveney F.C., based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, is a vibrant football club that has evolved from a youth-focused organization to a comprehensive community hub, offering teams for men, ladies, and disabled players, alongside a strong youth setup. Recognized for its community engagement and footballing excellence, it was awarded F.A. Charter Community Club status in 2005 and became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2021 to further its commitment to local participation in football. The club prides itself on its extensive development programs, welcoming environment, and active social club, making it a cornerstone of local sports and recreation.

Phone Number: 07711 710533

Address: Barnards Meadow, Lowestoft, NR32 2QB

Website: https://www.waveneyfc.co.uk/