Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC) was delighted to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Kesgrave Community Chinwag on Friday 17th July, marking an incredible milestone for one of the area’s most cherished community initiatives.
The special celebration welcomed over 150 members of the local over-60s community, alongside volunteers, community groups, local businesses and invited guests, all coming together to recognise five years of friendship, support and connection.
Among those attending the celebration were the Chair + Events & state Manager of Kesgrave Town Council, the Secretary and Treasurer of SPARK, East Suffolk Council’s Partnership Manager, together with representatives from local schools, charities and businesses who have supported the Chinwag throughout its journey.
Kesgrave Community Chinwag was an event taken over by KWMCC following the meet-ups ran by the fantastic Age UK Suffolk. The first meeting at KWMCC happened five years ago in July 2021 and was a small gathering under a marquee in the Community Centre’s garden following the Covid-19 pandemic. What started as a simple opportunity for people to reconnect has grown into a thriving monthly event, now welcoming 150-160 attendees every month.
Over the past five years, the Kesgrave Community Chinwag has become much more than a social afternoon. It has provided a welcoming space for people to make new friends, reduce loneliness, rebuild confidence and become part of a supportive community – all while enjoying an afternoon of free entertainment and refreshments. For many attendees, it has become a highlight of the month and an important source of companionship.
The anniversary event featured an afternoon of celebration, entertainment and refreshments, while recognising the volunteers, community partners and organisations whose continued support has helped the Chinwag grow into the success it is today.
Reflecting on the day, Fiona Farrell, Chinwag Coordinator, said:
“Seeing everyone come together to celebrate this milestone was fabulous! When we started, we had a vision of creating a space where people felt welcome to come and enjoy a sociable afternoon – catch up with “old” friends and make new ones – but the reality has far exceeded our expectations. The success of our Chinwag isn’t about any one person – it belongs to every volunteer who showed up, every partner who believed in us, and every person who walked through our doors looking for a bit of company. Today was a celebration of that collective spirit, and I am incredibly proud of what we have built together.”
Stuart Lawson, General Manager at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, said:
“I am so proud of what has been achieved here over the last 5 years or so. To build something that is now an integral part of the monthly diary for Kesgrave residents, that helps combat isolation, builds friendships and gets people out and about in the community, is testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen. Fiona and her band of wonderful volunteers are always
welcoming, serving refreshments and homemade cakes with a smile, and deservedly should take credit for making Kesgrave Community Chinwag the true success that it has become.”
Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre would like to thank everyone who has supported the Kesgrave Community Chinwag over the past five years, including its dedicated volunteers, community partners, local organisations and, most importantly, the attendees who continue to make the event such a welcoming and vibrant part of the Kesgrave community.
As the Kesgrave Community Chinwag looks ahead to the future, KWMCC remains committed to ensuring it continues to provide a place where older residents can come together, build friendships and enjoy being part of their local community for many years to come.
