First trees planted at the Talitha Koum site

 

Also helping in the work was Paul Greater of the Evening Star, representing the trustees of the Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund, who planted a tree in memory of the five girls who were murdered in Ipswich in 2006. The Somebody’s Daughter fund was launched by the Evening Star in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council to remember the young women who tragically lost their lives in Ipswich in 2006.

 

Workers on site have already been moving 1,000 tonnes of earth and laid 50 cubic metres of concrete for the foundations of the accommodation block within the development, in readiness for the brickwork which was started by the Bishop recently.

 

Now the charity behind the project is organising tree and shrub planting weekends after winning approval from Suffolk Coastal District Council planners for the new landscaping at the site on a farm at Witnesham, just north of Ipswich.

 

When complete Talitha Koum will offer support to women who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, helping them turn their lives around.

 

Bishop Nigel, who planted an apple tree, said: “I am delighted that Talitha Koum, which has won such widespread support within the local community, is now taking root.

 

“I was very pleased to be asked to lay the first bricks and I would urge as many people as possible to help the charity now plant trees and shrubs. This will help create a beautiful landscape to lift others spirits in a very special place.

 

“Talitha Koum is a fitting place to make changes. The students, as they are known, will be able to discover new life skills and find motivation and expert help to overcome addictions so that they can enjoy fulfilled lives in the community.”

 

In a short ceremony blessing the cross which was erected at the entrance to the site, the Bishop quoted from Matthew 11, 28-30 and said “It is wonderful that this symbol of torture has become a symbol of hope, and I am delighted that it will be the first sign people will see when they arrive here.”

 

John Cobbold, Chief Executive of the charity Talitha Koum, said: “I am delighted that we are now starting to landscape TK. The orchard will be a place of beauty to lift the spirit, provide food for the students who will tend the trees and the surplus can be sold as local produce to provide an additional income.

 

“There are opportunities for people to help at our planting TK weekends. We are seeking more volunteers, individuals, organisations, or churches to help plant trees and shrubs, donate funds or trees in memory of loved ones that can be part of a lasting legacy on the site.

“We see Talitha Koum as a family and we believe that family values and the Christian faith will help the women to turn their lives around.”

 

Trees are being donated on site by organisations including the Bishop, Suffolk Foundation, local company ISG Jackson, and Somebody’s Daughter charity.

 

Talitha Koum has won widespread support within the community, including from the Somebody’s Daughter charity, a fund set up by the Evening Star in response to the killings which has already donated £20,000; ISG Jackson construction company who have donated materials and expertise to help commence the building works on the project.  Thanks also go to Maurice Burman from Holly Lodge Baptist Church for laying the bricks and to Ben and Robin who have helped with general labouring.