At the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, HM Lord Lieutenant for Suffok, Clare, Countess of Euston, wrote to the Community Shop sending thanks for the support and service the shop was giving to the community in very difficult times.

The Shop replied and invited Lady Clare to Afternoon Tea at the Shop when things returned to something more ‘normal’. After a longer delay than any of us had expected, Lady Clare joined volunteers and customers for afternoon tea on Saturday 1st October.

Lady Clare also agreed to plant a tree to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the work of the Coddenham Community Response Group (CCRG) in supporting the community. Representatives from all the member groups were represented at the tree planting including the Vice Chair of the Parish Council, Rob Denning, made a short speech. Lady Euston replied, paying tribute to all that the village had achieved in the recent challenging years and saying Coddenham was an example for others to emulate. She then planted an English Oak, kindly supplied by the Parish Council and assisted by some of the village children.

A very happy and successful afternoon for Coddenham!

Photos: Colin Hardy