On Friday 25th April, in an official ceremony at the home of Lady Clare, Countess of Euston and Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, our Coffee Caravan ‘Chief’, Ann Osborn, received a British Empire Medal for her services to older people and for the significant impact she has had on addressing loneliness and isolation in rural communities across Suffolk and Norfolk.
Nicola Beach, C.E.O. of Suffolk County Council introduced Ann with these kind words, ahead of the pinning of the medal:
“She is synonymous with rural Suffolk and its people, and a befriending guru and renowned as a tireless campaigner, innovator and entrepreneur. If she is not innovating she is looking elsewhere to bring something special and new to Suffolk. Her dedication to improving the lives of others has made her a beacon of hope and support in rural Suffolk.”
Ann was accompanied on the day by her husband, Mike and their four children. Also present was RCC founder, Sally Fogden, who along with the Coffee Caravan team and Trustees, was proud to see Ann receive this well deserved recognition of her endeavours.
As well as steering The Rural Coffee Caravan to success for more than 20 years, Ann initiated the creation of a network of MeetUpMondays hosts (throughout Suffolk and beyond) in 2018, engaging hospitality venues in the premise that ‘Loneliness is Everyone’s Business’.
In 2021 Ann set up 500 Suffolk Reasons, which she runs with four other colleagues from the voluntary sector. This fundraising group delivers support to nominated Suffolk households in vital need. The aim is to have 500 members each donating just £1 per week, creating a weekly £500 pot of kindness, and support that cuts through red tape. Follow the link for more information about the initiative or to sign up to become a member.
Other recipients of BEMs on the day (pictured here) were: Christine Boatwright, for services to mental health; Kathleen Hamilton, for services to theatre; John Dunnett, for services to the community of Grundisburgh; Muriel Bridges and Lillian June Winter (known as ‘the Ant and Dec’ of Framlingham), for their work for St Elizabeth Hospice and Jill Terrell for services to libraries.
Photo credits: Lucy Taylor and East Anglian Daily Times
