Rural Coffee Caravan CEO to retire after more than 20 years tackling loneliness in Suffolk
Ann Osborn, Chief Executive Officer of The Rural Coffee Caravan (RCC), will retire at the end of May after more than two decades supporting some of Suffolk’s most isolated rural communities. Ann, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Suffolk in 2023 for her contribution to the county’s charity sector, has led the organisation since its earliest days.
Ann joined the charity soon after it was founded in 2003 by the Revd Canon Sally Fogden MBE, helping recruit its first volunteers, shaping its early “village visits” model and building strong referral and service delivery partnerships with local authorities, advice organisations, community groups and statutory agencies. Under her leadership, The Rural Coffee Caravan has grown to nine staff, hundreds of volunteers, and a fleet of Coffee Caravan vehicles making over 550 village visits a year, compared with just 15 in 2003. Its innovation and good practice have also captured the attention of national policy makers and the national media.
In April, the charity will welcome its new CEO, Alice Sim, who joins from community engagement and project management roles at Suffolk County Council (Suffolk Information Partnership) and Community Action Suffolk (Good Neighbour Network Development).
The Rural Coffee Caravan welcomes Alice Sim as its new CEO in April
Ann Osborn, outgoing CEO, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Alice has been appointed. She understands the organisation, has been a supporter for many years, and will bring a fresh pair of eyes to guide the charity into its next chapter. I know the organisation will be in very good hands with her. Alice will add her own touch while caring for Sally’s legacy and the community spirit that has shaped The Rural Coffee Caravan since the beginning.
“I will be spending more time growing 500 Suffolk Reasons — a small local fundraising group where 500 people each donate £1 a week to give £500 to a person or family in need. We are working hard to reach, and hopefully exceed, the 500‑member milestone. I will also be contributing further in my role as a Director of the East of England Co‑op. But I will always be a passionate supporter of The Rural Coffee Caravan. I am immensely grateful for everything it has given me personally, and I could not be prouder of our team and the positive difference they make, day in and day out, to the lives of rural residents.”
Revd Canon Sally Fogden MBE, founder of RCC, said:
“When Ann joined us, RCC was a tiny project determined not just to talk about rural loneliness but to do something practical to alleviate it. She immediately caught the vision. Through her leadership, we have grown into an effective and much-loved charity recognised across the county for the help we offer. We now warmly welcome Alice, who brings her own gifts and enthusiasm to take this work forward, honouring the original concept while supporting our talented team as they continue to reach those who need us most.”
Richard Browne, Chairman of Trustees, said:
“Ann will be a very hard act to follow, but we’re delighted that Alice is joining us as CEO. Alice brings infectious enthusiasm, strong organisational skills and a real understanding of what makes RCC special. We’re confident she will help us build on everything achieved so far. Under her leadership, we will continue doing what we do best, bringing people together, offering a friendly ear and improving life for rural communities across Suffolk.”
