Suckley has evolved as a scattered rural community of hamlets, farms and isolated dwellings; so it is perhaps not surprising that it is in the worst 5% in the country in terms of barriers to services. It is one of the largest parishes in Worcestershire with one of the lowest populations. 25% of all households are single person households, and half of these are pensioners. Demographics show an increasingly elderly population. Social isolation is a reality and SPACE addresses this growing need.
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- on the Church
- on our Parish
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Working in partnership with resources like Citizens Advice, the new independent access Community Room will facilitate access to Suckley’s support services like Good Neighbour Scheme and Community Liaison Volunteers. Ultrafast broadband and community volunteers will enable the elderly, internet naïve, and those without connectivity to be able to access the increasingly important online resources such as shopping, prescription reordering and claiming benefits. Introducing essential facilities will enable the present simple refreshment area to become an area for cross-generational opportunities supported by the school, and vital to counter social isolation for young and old alike.
on the Church
Suckley Church is perfectly situated (next door to the thriving school and within a short walk of one of the main residential areas of Suckley) to become again the vital hub for village life in this scattered community.
Being the largest public space in the village, the church has enjoyed coming to life again (until Covid!).
The school now uses the Space regularly. The annual BFG (Beer Food and Gifts) Festival celebrates local produce and talent in the church and churchyard. Local goods and produce are on sale and local talent entertains us. The annual Fairtrade Fortnight brings together local organisations that open our eyes to how we can usefully help other people less fortunate than ourselves.
on our Parish
Suckley church is in a beautiful location and is also enjoyed by visitors who come for many reasons, being immediately next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is in the heart of Elgar country – we know Elgar cycled around Suckley and the Suckley Hills for inspiration. He would cycle around here between his nearby ‘favourite view’ over the River Teme and his cottage in Birchwood, which he rented for inspiration as a ‘retreat’ from living in Malvern! Suckley is also a cyclist’s heaven, and attracts individuals and clubs from all around the country for both cycle touring and competitions.