Suffolk community hub appeals for 3000 birthday cards

Michelle Frost, who runs the Jam Community Pot in Stowmarket, is aiming to gather 3,000 birthday cards for Jim Grant for his 100th birthday next month.

Mr Grant was born on December 20, 1924, and was 19 when he helped storm the Normandy beaches on the way to free France from occupation. 

Jim Grant is turning 100 and members from the Jam Community Pot are aiming to get him 3000 birthday cards. (Image: Michelle Frost) Fast forward 80 years and he is now a regular attendee at the Monday coffee morning organised by the Jam Community Pot, a space for isolated people to come together. 

The founder of Jam, Michelle Frost, 53, is also the organiser of the appeal for the birthday cards, she said: "I just want Jim to know how many people appreciate him, we owe him a lot, not just Jim but all veterans,

"It is a real opportunity to make a fuss about him.

Michelle Frost, pictured 2018, is the founder of Jam Community Pot which has been going for the past 10 years (Image: Archant) "It started at 100, which then went to 300, and then I added an extra zero."

As well as making a fuss of Mr Grant amongst the Jam community, Miss Front believes this could be an opportunity for education for some of Suffolk's young people.

"I am trying get schools on board, I am really passionate about home made cards, Jim just loves home made stuff.

"I would really love if more schools could get involved, especially those at Key Stage 2 that are learning about Second World War and D-Day.

Jim Grant was a 19-year old Royal Marine Commando when he stormed the beaches of Normandy (Image: Michelle Frost) "We are around that time of year as well, it is poppy appeal time, so if school's could make that connection as to why we have the poppy appeal that would be brilliant.

"It would be great if we could encapsulate that now."

Away from the coffee mornings on a Monday, Jam Community Pot are also hosting a free Christmas Day lunch for those who are by themselves, which will be held at Stowmarket United Reformed Church 12pm-4pm.

Cards can be posted to: Jim C/O Jam Community Pot, Baldwins Department store, 29, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AH or dropped off at dedicated post boxes at Baldwins Department store and The Mix Stowmarket.