Memory

As a child I remember going to the Abbey Gardens in Bury for picnics every year for my friend's birthday, listening to her favourite boyband in the car on the way. We’d find our favourite tree to sit under and then walk around the Abbey ruins. We liked seeing the birds on show next to the entrance. In more recent times the gardens surrounding the ruins had an internet bench installed in 2001. It was the first bench of its kind. There is also now a sensory garden for the visually impaired.

Landmark

It has to be St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Suffolk Action Week was held there, which EACH attended. It wasn’t until then (I’m from Norfolk, so wasn’t too familiar with the local history) that I learnt all about St Edmund. In addition to guided tours of the cathedral itself, visitors can view changing exhibits of art in the Edmund Gallery, and an exhibit of historic and religious regalia and artefacts in the Cathedral Treasures display

Beach

Lowestoft is one of my favourites and I love spending time there on the pebble-free sand. As a child I learnt to body board there and also to playing in the fountains. I always remember the main bridge scared us when we were younger as it wobbles when you walk across at the same time as the cars go over.

Town or village

I love working in Bury St Edmunds. It has such a strong community spirit and I enjoy chatting to customers and volunteers in our shop, as well as market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the same reason.

Place to eat

We’re frequent visitors to see Claire at Tummy Love Grub in Bury. It’s a great place for a bite to eat I can strongly recommend the BLT and milkshakes. They’ve also kindly donated vouchers for our shop advent calendar Christmas raffle.

Attraction

It has to be Africa Alive. As the name suggests the main feature area is called the plains of Africa, in which five African species are all together. My particular favourite are the lions. You feel like you're in the lion enclosure from the viewing platform. Of course you have to round the day off with a trip around the park on the safari road train.

Event

Working for EACH, this is an easy one and has to be our Splash Out! event. Myself and my counterpart from the Diss shop were sponsored by volunteers and customers and had so much fun taking part, while raising money at the same time.

Shop

This is another easy one, given that I work for EACH. Our shop has been in Bury for 10 years. It’s great fun and we’re fortunate to have a wonderful team of staff and volunteers. Look out for our regular promotions and events if you fancy joining in and getting involved. Obviously I’m biased but it’s definitely the best charity shop in Bury!

Export

I love the Christmas market at Rougham barns. They hold it every year and showcase lots of crafters from Suffolk and further. Their crafts range from ironmongery to card making, ceramics and jewellery.