Children dug deep and turned archaeologists for the day during a trip to Sutton Hoo

“The children had a fabulous day and there were great conversations and connections among them all” – siblings turn archaeologists for a trip to Sutton Hoo. The visit was organised for siblings attached to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices(EACH).
The nine youngsters who attended were either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.

Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, is the site of two early medieval cemeteries, dating from the 6th to 7th Centuries. Archaeologists have been excavating the area since 1938, when a previously undisturbed ship burial containing a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artefacts was discovered. The site, considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever, is important in establishing the history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of East Anglia.

It is also a place of special habitats and, first up, the children met a ranger, who showed them some of the bugs and wildlife living in the woods.They then took part in a sand archelogy activity, followed by a guided tour of the burial grounds.

A visit to the tower also proved a highlight. The children climbed 81 steps to the top for fabulous views of the site and to the port of Felixstowe.

“The staff couldn’t have been more generous and welcoming,” said EACH groups and events coordinator Lucy Hynes.

“After a whizz round the exhibition, the siblings were given a gorgeous treat box of cakes and biscuits and a goody bag full of things from Sutton Hoo.

“They were also given a much-needed ice cream, kindly donated by the catering team.

“The children had a fabulous day and there were great conversations and connections among them all.

“A special thanks go to Sutton Hoo and the National Trust. Their incredible staff treated us like VIPs.”

EACH run sibling days during the school holidays, for children aged five to 16.They allow siblings to come together, have fun and make friends in a safe environment.

EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, North Essex, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. In addition to The Treehouse, it also has hospices at Milton, near Cambridge, and The Nook, in Framingham Earl.

Image: Karen Self/EACH