People from east Suffolk and neighbouring areas are being invited to find out more about the free services offered by the Pear Tree Fund, meet its friendly staff and volunteers and enjoy refreshments and live music at a special open day.

The Pear Tree Centre, in Bungay Road, Halesworth, will throw open its doors on Sunday 15 May. During the celebrations, Lowestoft Chorale will perform British choral music from the 13th to 20th century from 1pm to 3pm, while charity founder and former trustee Barbara Kell will officially open Richard’s Garden, which is dedicated to the memory of her late husband, at 1pm.

Richard Kell was a well-known local GP and chair of Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund, the Pear Tree Fund’s predecessor, for 18 years before retiring from the role in 2017. He died in July 2019 of motor neurone disease at the age of 64.

The garden has been created in his memory as a tranquil space in which visitors can relax and includes a striking piece of artwork by Suffolk sculptor Brian Alabaster, who was one of Richard’s friends.

Barbara said: “It is so sad that Richard had not been able to see the completion of The Pear Tree Centre, but my family and I are honoured that the garden has been named in his memory.

“Richard was passionate about the outdoors, walking and wildlife, and loved nothing better than pottering around in our garden. He would have loved the calm, tranquil ambience of the space created by Edward Flaxman and his team at Studio 31.”

Kevin Vaughan, chief executive of the Pear Tree Fund, said: “We are really excited about this open day and being given the opportunity to throw open our doors to our local community.

We’d encourage as many people to come along as possible and find out more about the wide range of free services we provide to people with life-changing illnesses and long-term health conditions, together with their families and carers and those who have experienced a bereavement.

“This includes everything from a cup of tea and listening ear to help with wellbeing, group support, information and advice and sessions with our qualified counsellors and complementary therapists. We also offer social welfare advice about areas such as benefits and support with digital literacy, and work closely with the voluntary sector, community groups and partner charities to put the right help in place to meet the needs of the whole family.

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase some of the fantastic work carried out by our team and volunteers which is making a real difference to local people when they need it most.”

Everyone is welcome to drop in to the open day, which takes place between 11am and 3pm. Alternatively, you can find out more about the support offered by the Pear Tree Fund or to donate to the charity by calling 01986 899655, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.peartreefund.org

 

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Traditional Taekwon-do for all ages!