Coping With Suicide Loss: Tim Owens Shares His Story of Bereavement and Support with SoBS Witney
Tim Owens, a volunteer with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) in Witney, shares his powerful personal story of losing his beloved sister Lucy, who tragically died by suicide at just 29 years old. Now, he helps others navigate the grief and unanswered questions that follow a suicide loss.
Losing Lucy: A Brother’s Journey Through Suicide Bereavement
“Lucy had been struggling for most of 2013,” Tim shares. “We knew something wasn’t right, but we didn’t realise the depth of her pain.”
After leaving her job, Lucy began travelling around the UK, staying in hotels, withdrawing from daily life. Despite her family’s efforts to reach her, she kept insisting: “I’m all good.” Tim gently persuaded her to come and stay with him and his wife in their new home.
“She mostly curled up in a blanket on the sofa. It felt like having a timid rabbit in the house,” he remembers. “I was so careful—one wrong move and I thought she’d run. But I was just glad she was there.”
One day, Tim convinced Lucy to take a walk along the river. She spoke about her plans and sounded hopeful. “I tried not to ask too much. I just wanted her to feel safe.”
Then came October 1st—a day that changed everything.
“I came home from work and opened the door. That’s when the bomb exploded in my life.”
The Aftermath: Grieving a Sister Lost to Suicide
The hours and days that followed were overwhelming. “I went into overdrive. I needed to know why.”
Tim and his family discovered Lucy’s notebooks—pages filled with inner pain, self-hate, and overwhelming sadness. “She’d been battling alone for months. None of us knew. Her friends didn’t know. She had a brave face, but inside, she was fighting demons.”
Today, more than a decade later, Tim continues to live with grief. “I still wake up thinking I’ll call her. I miss her terribly. She never got to meet my children. I often wonder—what if she had stayed just a little longer?”
Finding Hope: Support After Suicide Loss with SoBS UK
Now, Tim channels his grief into helping others through SoBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), the only UK charity offering peer-to-peer support for adults affected by suicide loss.
“SoBS provides a safe, confidential space for those bereaved by suicide to share, support, and heal. We understand that each person’s experience is unique, but no one needs to go through it alone.”
The charity offers local groups, a national helpline, and resources for people coping with suicide loss in the short and long term.
“We’re a self-help organisation and provide a safe, confidential environment”
💛 If you’ve been bereaved by suicide, you are not alone.
Contact the SoBS support line: 0300 111 5065 Open daily from 9am to 7pm Learn more at: www.uksobs.com
Celebrant Fiona Mac advises how to work through grief ahead of the next Abingdon Compassionate Café on 20th June
Balancing the sometimes-overwhelming feeling of grief with our own personal wellbeing can be a challenge. Acknowledging and allowing for the grieving process, along with prioritising your own self-care whilst seeking support if required, can be complex.
Here are some tips I have picked up over the years of working with families living with grief, and what they have shared with me that may help. Recognising that you grieve in response to a loss.
“Grief is a natural response to loss, and it’s important to allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with it. One family member said: “Grief is a fickle thing, it hits you in a way you aren’t prepared for. “I have always been a confident person, so the shift in my mental health took me by complete surprise” ” (quote from MIND)
Acknowledge your feelings:
It can help to recognise and name the emotions you’re experiencing, whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion. Some other words people have used to name their feelings, numb, stuck, confused, deeply sad, relief (at your loved one no longer in pain or suffering, closely followed by guilt), at a loss, feeling withdrawn.
Name them and then acknowledge them. Allow them to be what they need to be.
If it helps, take time out to acknowledge and maybe celebrate your loved one’s special days like birthdays, wedding anniversaries. Use these times to look back at photos that remind you of them and talk about them with your family and friends.
We all need a hand sometimes:
Talk to trusted friends, family members, charity helplines or a therapist about your grief and how it is affecting everyday life.
Sometimes being alongside others who are experiencing similar losses can provide comfort and support, so look out for local support groups.
“Grief is not a race.”
How you feel in yourself, your physical wellbeing:
Grief can disrupt your regular sleep patterns, so take time to think about creating a beneficial sleep routine. Come off social media a good two hours before going to bed. Maybe read, have a bubble bath, dim the lights and listen to calming music. Or try a sleep story to help fall asleep.
Grief can also affect your appetite in many ways. Of course, treats are still OK.
On the other hand, it’s really important to nourish your body with regular meals of nutritious fresh foods.
A daily dose of fresh air can improve how you’re feeling, in all weathers. If you can build in some regular daily physical activity, it can help manage any stress and improve moods.
Gardening, joining a green gym (local groups that provide gardening opportunities in small groups), and tending a local garden for a neighbour or local hospice or care home.
Think of joining in on a regular, organised local walk, jog or run. Dancing, swimming, cycling or other activities that get you moving. Perhaps take up a hobby that you used to enjoy, or look for activities that bring you joy.
Importantly, be gentle with yourself.
Grief is not a race and there is no one-size-fits-all all. Energy levels will go up and down, so pace yourself and be careful of not being driven to do things you feel you should do! Take the time pressure off everything and stick to doing “must-dos”.
Lastly, remember, you are not alone. Listed below are some organisations that can offer support, space to chat and specific bereavement support.
Fiona Mac is an award-winning professional civil celebrant, based in Abingdon. She’s a Listening Samaritan for 30+ years and the founder of the Abingdon Compassionate Café. They meet regularly, offering cake, kindness and compassion in the beautiful surroundings of St Ethelwolds House in Abingdon.
Abingdon Compassionate Café
The Abingdon Compassionate Café will be held on 20th June 2025. Then running monthly on the 1st Saturday of each month. Between 10am – 12pm and then 2pm – 4pm from Saturday 6th September 2025. Visit Fiona’s website to keep updated.
Calling all comedy & cocktail fans! Book your tickets for a solstice music & comedy special this Saturday starring Dave Benson Phillips & more at Thornden Hall in Chander’s Ford, thanks to award-winning Hampshire indie business BOOZY BAR
Have you got plans for this Saturday (21st June)? Here’s a real sunny delight for you, 6-10.30pm, at Thornden Hall, SO53 2DW.
Get ready for an evening of entertainment like no other, brought to you by the multi-award-winning BOOZY BAR who will provide the tipples. Boozy Bar founder Ben Thatcher invites you to indulge in a full bar menu featuring top-shelf spirits, locally brewed beers, and signature in-house cocktails.
Enjoy live music across two spaces with an all-star line-up of music including Beth Hendrick, The 45s and Freddy Saxo.
And it will be a right barrel of laughs, courtesy of Solent Comedy headliner Dave Benson Phillips who is an all-round funny chap as well as BBC TV personality & Masterchef star. Laugh the night away with Dave & more, with an interval for refreshments. The evening will also offer some incredible local food vendors so make sure to arrive hungry.
The men’s choir invite you to come along to their summer concert at St Thomas-on-The Bourne in Farnham on 28th June.
The concert, featuring show tunes, well-known ballads and songs, is in aid of the charity Sebastian’s Action Trust.
Sebastian’s Action Trust supports families of seriously ill children, offering emotional, practical, and social care through every stage of their journey. It offers respite breaks for families at their specialist centre in Hampshire where they can enjoy support and fun activities.
Our choir is a group of about 60 men from North Hampshire and West Surrey who love to sing. We enjoy entertaining our audiences, raising money for local charities, and having fun while we are doing it.
The choir was set up in 1960 to compete in the Aldershot Music Festival and as it was made up of volunteers from many backgrounds with an odd one from here and an odd one from there, we were originally named the “Odd Fellows Male Voice Choir”. That is still a name some remember locally, but now that we recruit and perform in a wider area we have been renamed as “The Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men’s Choir”.
We organise two major concerts a year, one in the summer and one near Christmas. At these we select a local charity to support and usually have guest performers to make for an eventful evening. Throughout the rest of the year, we are invited to sing for a variety of functions, in village halls, theatres and churches across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. We are sometimes invited to join other choirs in events outside our area and have even sung at The Royal Albert Hall in a massed choir concert on several occasions.
The music we sing is wide ranging, from classical anthems to show tunes and popular songs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Our repertoire is carefully selected to suit a variety of tastes and be fun and enjoyable for the singers as well as the audience. We are not a religious affiliated organisation although we do sing some religious pieces of music. We even have some musical items specially arranged for us.
You do not need to be an experienced singer to join us. We don’t audition you or expect you to read music when you start with us. Our highly talented Music Director and teacher will help you develop the skills of singing and reading music if you are willing to give it a try and put the work in. With his guidance, and the willing support of your fellow choir members you will soon be reaping the joy and health benefits of singing in a choir.
Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire’s picturesque countryside, The Swan in Enford has embarked on an exciting new chapter since reopening under the warm and enthusiastic leadership of Hannah Timperley
Since August 2024, this much-loved village pub has been thriving with a fresh approach, a deep-rooted connection to the community, and a promise of great food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Meet Hannah Timperley
Hannah brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience to The Swan, having started her career at just 15 years old as a kitchen porter in a local pub in her home county of Buckinghamshire. From those early days, she developed a deep passion for the industry, which led to a long and varied career in hotels, gaining experience across all departments. She eventually found her niche in meetings and events, where her talent for creating memorable occasions and ensuring flawless execution truly shone.
In 2011, Hannah took a bold step in her career by retraining as a butcher. With a desire to expand her skillset and offer something unique to her clients, she undertook a full butchery apprenticeship in West London. After completing her training, she worked in farm shops and butcher’s shops across the region, perfecting her craft and building a reputation for both her knowledge and exceptional customer service. After relocating to Wiltshire to start a family, Hannah continued her butchery career as a freelance butcher. Throughout her career, Hannah’s core belief has always been that personal connections and a deep understanding of customer needs are at the heart of great service. Whether it’s in hospitality or butchery, Hannah ensures that every guest at The Swan enjoys an exceptional, personalised experience. Her diverse background and passion for quality food are key elements in her vision for The Swan—a place where everyone feels welcome and every meal is a reflection of dedication, care, and the very best of local ingredients.
A Pub with a Purpose
At The Swan, we believe a pub should be more than just a place to grab a drink—it should be at the heart of the community. Our ethos is built on three key principles: exceptional service, value for money, and supporting local businesses. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual pint, a special celebration, or a hearty Sunday roast, we want you to feel right at home.
Our stunning beer garden is the perfect suntrap in the warmer months, offering a great spot to relax with a drink or enjoy a long lunch. And when winter rolls in, our roaring open fire creates the cosiest setting to unwind with friends and family.
Pub+ – More Than Just a Pub
We want The Swan to be more than just your local—it’s a Pub+, a welcoming hub where there’s always something happening. Whether it’s a quiet midweek drink, a lively evening with friends, or one of our many community events, we want everyone to feel included.
We’re proud to work closely with the Enford Community Fund, the Great Bustard Group, and the Parish Council to help support and host local events. The ‘Hub in the Pub’ initiative is all about bringing people together, offering a friendly space for gatherings, village meetings, and community projects.
Great Coffee, Fresh Food, and Warm Hospitality
We have recently introduced our new coffee offering, making The Swan a perfect spot for a morning catch-up or a quiet moment with a fantastic brew. We open at 10 am, five days a week, serving freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes, and generously filled rolls to start your day right.
Our kitchen serves lunch from Wednesday to Saturday between 12pm and 2.30pm, and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday between 6pm and 9pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, we’re open all day, ensuring there’s always time for a drink, a bite to eat, or a leisurely chat. Sundays are all about a traditional lunch between 12pm and 4pm, with the pub closing at 9pm to round off the weekend in style.
Seasonal Menus – Fresh, Local, and Inspired by the Countryside
We embrace the changing seasons by offering seasonal menus that highlight the best local produce throughout the year. Our dishes are carefully crafted to celebrate the freshest ingredients available, from hearty, warming meals in the winter to light and vibrant options in the summer. We work closely with local suppliers, ensuring that every plate tells a story of quality, sustainability, and flavour. Whether it’s a festive feast in December or a fresh asparagus and lamb dish in the spring, our menu is always evolving to bring you the very best of Wiltshire’s larder.
Our Onsite Butchery – The Best of Wiltshire
One of the things that makes The Swan extra special is our onsite butchery. We’re passionate about quality and sustainability, which is why all our meat is sourced from small, local businesses right here in Wiltshire. Whether it’s perfectly aged steaks, handmade sausages, or a classic Sunday roast, everything we serve is fresh, flavourful, and carefully selected to support our local farmers and suppliers.
Upcoming Events at The Swan
On August 9th & 10th, we’re bringing you SwanFest 2025 — our biggest celebration yet! Expect fantastic live music, amazing food, the best local drinks, and a fun-filled weekend for all ages. It’s going to be a highlight of the summer, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Looking to the Future
While we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, we’re always looking ahead to make The Swan even better. In the coming months, we have some exciting projects planned to enhance both the pub and the experience we offer.
We’ll be replacing our windows to ensure the historic charm of the building is preserved while making it even more inviting and energy-efficient. Another major project is the restoration of our historic gantry, bringing back an important part of The Swan’s character and heritage.
Beyond preserving our past, we’re also thinking about the future. To help secure the long-term success of The Swan, we’re hoping to introduce on-site accommodation. This will allow guests from near and far to fully immerse themselves in the charm of Enford, whether they’re stopping over for a countryside retreat or attending one of our fantastic events.
We’re committed to keeping The Swan a place that serves the community, supports local businesses, and offers a truly special experience to everyone who walks through our doors.
Join Us at The Swan
Whether you’ve been coming to The Swan for years or you’re visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you. Since reopening in August 2024, we’ve loved sharing this new era with our guests, and we’re excited for what’s still to come.
So come in, grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and experience the warmth, friendship, and hospitality that makes The Swan a place like no other.
Wokingham Cricket Club celebrates 200 years with England legends match
Wokingham Cricket Club (WCC) is set to commemorate its 200th anniversary with a landmark event on Friday, July 11, 2025. The club will host the PCA England Legends in a celebratory match, marking two centuries of cricketing heritage. https://www.wokingham.cc/
A day of cricket and community festivities
The festivities will commence at 10am at WCC’s home ground in Sadlers End, Sindlesham, Berkshire. The highlight of the day is the T20 match between Wokingham CC and the PCA England Legends, scheduled to start at 3:00 PM . The Legends team features renowned former England players such as Jonathan Trott, Ajmal Shahzad, and Owais Shah.
In addition to the match, the day will offer junior coaching sessions led by the England Legends, providing young cricketers a unique opportunity to learn from the greats . The event will also feature live music, a BBQ, and various refreshments, ensuring entertainment for the entire family.
VIP Experience and Ticket Information
For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP packages are available. These include a marquee lunch with an England Legend, with options for single tickets or tables of ten.
This bicentenary event promises a memorable day of cricket and celebration, honouring Wokingham Cricket Club’s rich history and its contributions to the sport.
The Society of Antiquaries of London and Heritage Crafts are excited to announce Sarah Le Breton as the 2025 Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor, where she will work from April to October
This year sees the third of three residencies at Kelmscott Manor for members of Heritage Crafts, with a particular focus for 2025 on rural crafts. The project presents an opportunity to showcase such crafts in an iconic rural setting visited annually by over 26,000 people. During her residency Sarah will be focusing on the crafts of basket making and chair-seat-making.
Natasha McEnroe, FSA General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Antiquaries, said: “The Society of Antiquaries is delighted to welcome Sarah Le Breton as this year’s Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor. Her work combines beauty with practicality and a use of traditional crafts in a way that I am sure William Morris and his circle would recognise and appreciate. I am looking forward to seeing how Kelmscott will shape and influence Sarah’s creativity, for the benefit of all of our visitors.
Sarah’s appointment as the 2025 Maker in Residence at Kelmscott brings with it the unique opportunity to reflect Morris’s advocacy of heritage and the handmade, and contribute to his legacy by playing a distinctive part in the Manor’s programme of public engagement. Visitors will be able to discover the crafts of basket making and chair-seat-making through hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by Sarah throughout her residency. Sarah will also share her skills with education groups as part of the Manor’s Learning & Outreach programme.
Sarah Le Breton, 2025 Maker in Residence, said: “To be showcasing the rural craft of basketry as this year’s Maker in Residence is a dream come true. The values, beliefs and creative power of William Morris have long been interwoven in my life and are held within all that I design, create, make and teach. I look forward to this incredible opportunity of engaging with and responding to the Manor, gardens and its visitors as well as supporting in widening the learning programme. I’m also very excited to be able to forge new work in this special place that will not only honour my heritage craft form, but that I hope will innovate and inspire.”
Sarah’s appointment as the Maker in Residence is made possible as part of the NHLF-funded £6 million ‘Kelmscott and Morris: Past, Present and Future’ project.
Kelmscott Manor is open to the public from 3rd April- 25th October.
Barnes Fitness is excited to announce the return of the Twyford Kids Triathlon, a thrilling event for young athletes aged 8-16.
After a five-year break, the Triathlon is back and ready to inspire a new generation of triathletes. The event will take place on Sunday June 22, 2025 at Polehampton Church of England Junior School and King George’s Field in Twyford.
The Twyford Kids Triathlon offers a fantastic opportunity for children of all abilities to experience the challenge and excitement of a multi-sport event. Participants will swim in an open-air heated pool, cycle on an off-road course, and run on the grass fields. The event is also a part of the Triathlon England South Central Junior Series.
“We are thrilled to bring back the Twyford Kids Triathlon to the community,” said Ellie Barnes, Event Organizer at Barnes Fitness. “It’s a fantastic event that promotes a healthy lifestyle, builds confidence, and encourages children to challenge themselves. We welcome both seasoned triathletes and those trying the sport for the first time.”
The event will feature a new “Have a Tri” option for those who want to try triathlon without the pressure of competition. In the “Have a Tri” event, participants can choose the amount of time they swim, bike, and run within set limits, and will receive a medal and event memento.
Event Details: • Date: Sunday 22 June 2025 • Location: Polehampton Church of England Junior School, Kibblewhite Crescent, Reading RG10 9AX, and King George’s Field. • Age Groups: 8-16 years old (age as of December 31st of the event year). • Distances: Vary by age group. See the event website for details • Registration: CLICK HERE • Entry Fees: Vary by age group and event. • Prizes: Medals for all finishers, trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in female and open categories (excluding “Have a Tri”).
Features: • Clearly marked route with marshals. • Chip timing (except “Have a Tri”). • Results available instantly. • Event-specific medal for every finisher. • Event memento for every finisher. • Free event photos to download.
We all need space, sometimes personal and sometimes in our homes, there are ways you can create both.
Do you feel like you need more space?
How often have you looked around your house and wished there was more space for all your ‘stuff’?
Try looking at the space you have with fresh eyes as you walk around your home and think about what you can. Let’s start in the hallway…
Do things have a habit of finding their way there whether its their natural home or not? Hallways become a natural ‘dumping’ ground for coats, bags, shoes etc but you can put a stop to this by adding some practical storage. Try some built-in shelves or rails or how about floor to ceiling shelving. The more ‘stuff’ you can tidy away the greater the impression of space it creates.
If you have space under the stairs how about turning that into your home office space, use the natural alcove created by the stairs. Pop some open shelves above a desk, if space is very tight than try a fold down desk to create a small but stylish office space.
Are you using your kitchen space well?
Moving through to the kitchen, this room probably has the most traffic in your home, but are you making the most of it? Clever storage and lighting can make all the difference here. Add more light if possible and let as much natural light in as you can, quite simply the more light will create more space. If your kitchen allows for it can you add bi-folds or retracting doors to welcome in more natural light? Under cabinet lighting will illuminate worktops and fix spotlights into the ceiling rather than having pendant lighting to maximise open space.
No room for a freestanding table and chairs, try creating a built-in storage area with padded seating and storage space beneath. Roller blinds will also add to the sense of size giving a cleaner look. Can you knock through into your dining area to craft a larger space, creating an open plan room?
Perhaps you can knock through into your living room and again smart space is the answer here with floor to ceiling storage, especially useful if you have lots of books or vinyl, not only is it a great way to store it but it also makes for an interesting feature wall – be bold and strike out in colour. Create a media wall with your TV as the focal point and build around it, whether you opt for a DIY approach or professional installation, it’s another solution to tidying and organising everything neatly and tidily and is sure to be a talking point.
Let’s take this upstairs
Moving upstairs to the bedrooms where you should enjoy a sense of calm and rest but perhaps not if you’re surrounded by clutter. If you feel like you’re living in a shoebox, perhaps it’s because you have too many shoes scattered around, a simple solution here is under bed boxes for spare bedding, seasonal clothing and all those shoes.
Simple stacking systems can make all the difference
Mirrors create the illusion of space and again think about floor to ceiling storage, fitted wardrobes are perfect again for alcoves and those awkward nooks and crannies you just don’t know what to do with. These options needn’t cost a fortune, simple stacking systems can make all the difference, try floating shelves, make the most of corners and simple pegs and hooks will keep all those things off the floor.
Loft conversions
Going even further up in your home to the loft offers the perfect space for many to expand and create space, move the Christmas decorations and suitcases aside and make an extra bedroom, office space or den. Well designed and executed it can add value to your property too. Not all lofts are suitable for conversion so make sure you do your homework first – height and roof pitch are major considerations and you’ll also need to check whether planning permission is required, often not but better safe than sorry.
Try these ideas and watch your interior grow on you!
Once you’ve sorted your space indoors, why not take a look at ideas for your garden.
Tom Straker, Melissa Hemsley & Raymond Blanc OBE are among the stars at this year’s Blenheim Palace Food Festival, 24th to 26th May
Get ready for the ultimate feast at Blenheim Palace with a three-day celebration of food, fun and entertainment.
Foodies can enjoy gourmet stallholders cooking up fresh flavours from around the world, Michelin-star masterclasses, talented local artisans and high-quality home accessories, gifts and crafts.
Tantalise your taste buds and discover gastronomic delights with Raymond Blanc returning for the 11th year, to headline alongside Thomas Straker and Melissa Hemsley in the Festival Kitchen. Indulge in a variety of cuisines and enjoy delicious dishes from around the globe.
The festival’s long-term ambassador, Raymond Blanc is Chef patron at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire, and he will, again, have his own restaurant at Royal Ascot, Raymond @ The Panoramic restaurant
Thomas Straker, a classically trained chef and entrepreneur, combines his farm-to-table upbringing with a food philosophy centred on honesty, simplicity, and a commitment to high-quality produce. He educates his 2.6 million followers on the importance of seasonal cooking and sourcing premium ingredients. In 2022, Straker founded Straker Restaurants Limited, launching the highly successful Straker’s in Notting Hill. Building on the success of his viral butter-based recipe series, he secured £2.2 million in seed funding for his British butter brand, All Things Butter, now stocked by leading retailers.
Melissa is a food columnist, best-selling cookbook author, real food activist and sustainability champion who is passionate about spreading the power of feel-good food. She celebrates easy and affordable healthy food that everyone can enjoy, as well as a more sustainable way of eating for everyone. She began her food career as a private chef for international actors and bands, including Take That, and has written and co-written six bestselling books, with her most recent, Sunday Times Bestseller Real Healthy which is full of easy, everyday recipes to help you unprocess your diet. Melissa regularly appears on Lorraine (ITV1) and a host of other cookery and news shows, often speaking on behalf of the charity and community projects she works with.
Tickets on sale priced at £31 (adult) £15 (child), available online at blenheimpalace.com
