Community-minded residents from an aptly-named street have handed over a bumper cheque to charity. Kind-hearted people living in Christmas Lane, Lowestoft, decorated and illuminated their houses during the festive season and raised nearly £1,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Visitors came from far and wide to see the eye-catching extravaganza and were asked to pop donations in collection buckets. A cheque for £1,412 was recently handed over by residents Denise Bretton and Paul Gray to EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp. The presentation took place at The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, near Norwich. “It’s been so rewarding for Christmas Lane residents to raise money for EACH – a charity we immediately agreed upon,” said Richard Louis Ainslie, who hatched the original plan for the fundraiser with Denise. “As we bring light to the people of Lowestoft and further afield, we hope the money raised will bring light into the lives of those that need support, medically and emotionally, at the most difficult time of their lives. “It’s been amazing to create such a strong bond with EACH – one that will keep becoming stronger.” The magical displays, featuring every house in the lane, some in nearby Prospect Road and one in Noel Road, contain thousands of twinkling lights and everything from stars and bells to snowmen and Santas. Megan said: “It’s an extremely kind gesture from the people of Christmas Lane. “The displays sound truly stunning and every penny donated will help us provide care and support for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, right across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.” Image credits EACH
A green-fingered charity volunteer says she loves combining her passion for gardening with helping others. Julia Dalton is part of the Help at Home service run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Volunteers are matched with a family so they can provide vital practical support with chores like cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, dog-walking and DIY. In Julia’s case, she helps a family tend to their garden and spares two or three hours a week. “I feel very lucky to be helping others, while doing something I genuinely enjoy and am passionate about,” said the 67-year-old, who retired in 2021 but previously worked at Houghton Hall for 15 years. “When I signed up, I said I was particularly interested in gardening, because that’s my background and what I did in my previous job. “I was matched with a family who only wanted a gardener, and didn’t need any help in the house, so it was perfect. “I go once a week and it’s generally for two or three hours, although sometimes more depending on what I’m doing. “It’s great and I love it. “For one thing, I like being outside. I’d been a full-time gardener beforehand and it was something I missed. “However, the main thing I love is doing something that helps others. “It means they don’t have to worry and I can keep their garden tidy, looking after the flower beds and pruning when necessary. “It’s more a case of little things than big projects – some weeding here and there, keeping the path clear and taking things to the tip.” Julia, who has a son, Harry, 23, lived in California for nine years before moving to Norfolk in 2003 and she currently resides in Norwich. She decided to start volunteering this time last year and completed some initial training with EACH Volunteer Co-ordinator Anne Rayner. She was then matched with her family and started volunteering in the Spring. “The irony is that I first came across it by accident, because I was looking on Indeed for part-time jobs,” said Julia. “That’s where I saw an advert for a part-time gardener at The Nook. “I thought ‘oh, that’s interesting’ and got in touch, which is what led to me joining the Help at Home service. “It’s not something I’d heard of previously but I’m so glad to be part of it now. “The first year has gone so quickly and it’s definitely something I plan to continue. I certainly don’t have any plans to stop. “You get to build a relationship with the family, which is lovely and rewarding. “It’s nice to feel you’re helping and making a difference. “Sometimes it doesn’t always feel like much, but they’re always very appreciative. “I’d definitely recommend it to others.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. To read more about Help at Home, click here. For more information about the service, head to the EACH website, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four). Image credits EACH
Above: The new running in board at Brundall Gardens. Pictured from left: Gillian Lincoln, station adopter, Martin Halliday, Wherry Lines CRP, Greg Chandler, station adopter and Phil Hogg, Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Project Delivery Site Manager. New signage has been installed at Brundall Gardens Station combining a modern twist with a nod to the past. Brundall Gardens station on the Wherry Lines between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft has been cared for by adopter and nearby resident, Greg Chandler for almost 20 years and his efforts have seen the station recognised with awards and a special wildlife friendly accreditation. Over the past few months, the station has received substantial investment by train operator, Greater Anglia, which has included the resurfacing of platforms and a new lighting scheme. The recent works have enabled some changes to the station planting and this has enabled new station name signs known within the rail industry as Running in Boards to be installed. The new signs have been funded by the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and are a modern twist on the original signage in place when the station opened as a halt in the 1920s. Construction of the signage has been a family affair with Greg building the frames and his son, a cabinet maker, creating the mahogany architrave. Greater Anglia’s project delivery site manager, Phil Hogg who has been overseeing the station improvement scheme assisted with the installation. Station Adopter Greg Chandler said, “I’ve wanted to reinstate the traditional Running in Boards at the station for several years, having seen them pictured in old photographs. When the project to install new lighting at the station began, it was necessary to remove some of the hedging and this gave the opportunity to create a little more space, enabling the installation of the new signs. “They are a modern take on the original signage and I am grateful to Phil Hogg at Greater Anglia for his assistance in installing them and to the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership for providing the funding.” Martin Halliday, Community Rail development Officer added; “We were delighted to assist Greg with funding for new signage at Brundall Gardens. Based upon original designs from the 1920s, these splendid additions include a modern element which will make them more friendly for passengers. We are continually looking to improve station signage across the area and where possible incorporating larger signs which are also helpful for those with dementia.” As part of Greater Anglia’s upgrade of the station, the project team have also installed a specially constructed composting unit donated by principal contractor Braybrook and will be assisting with new planting in the spring. Phil Hogg, project delivery site manager at Greater Anglia said; “We have worked closely with Greg and Gillian to carefully undertake improvements to the station infrastructure, the work involved removing a substantial amount of hedging, new lighting and re-surfacing and we were pleased to be able to support efforts to install this excellent new signage.” The railway station opened in 1924, some 80 years after the line first opened, and was initially named Brundall Gardens Halt. The station was jointly funded by the railway and cinema impresario Mr. Frederick Cooper who owned the adjacent Brundall Gardens. It was built to support visitors to the lakes, waterways and a restaurant which were part of the original gardens. Today, around 14,000 people use the station annually, a mixture of residents and those visiting the nearby marina. The station is adopted by Greg Chandler and Gillian Lincoln and features a fascinating array of planting, supporting bees and butterflies. The recent works at the station has facilitated additional space for new planting schemes which Gillian is currently planning. The station was the first in the region to receive accreditation for its wildlife friendly environment and Greg and the volunteer team have been recognised at both regional and national level for their efforts. Above: Brundall Gardens Halt signage circa 1960 (courtesy Graham Kenworthy Collection)
A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Greater Anglia is advising customers how they can benefit from the best value fares ahead of the national fares increase next month. From 5 March 2023, fares will rise by an average of 5.9% and customers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to benefit from cheaper prices. Anyone buying tickets for travel after 5 March can benefit from 2022 prices if they buy between now and March 4. Customers buying tickets from 5 March onwards will be charged the new fares. Martin Moran, Commercial Director, Greater Anglia, said: “If you buy a ticket between now and 4 March, even for travel after 5 March, the ticket will be sold at the current price. The new fares will only start to be sold on and from 5 March itself. “We want customers to benefit from the best value fares. When using ticket machines, customers can select the ‘cheapest fare’ button and anyone purchasing Advance tickets via our website can use the ‘best fare finder’.” Customers are also reminded to buy direct from the Greater Anglia website or app, as the train operator does not charge booking fees. There will be no changes to car parking charges across the Greater Anglia network from 5 March. A trial discounting the cost of parking is currently underway at 14 stations Tariffs have been reduced at Audley End, Billericay, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Diss, Harlow Town, Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon, Lowestoft, Manningtree, March, Marks Tey, Rayleigh, Whittlesford and Wickford. The trial follows the introduction of new, hourly parking tariffs at 30 Greater Anglia station car parks, so people have a cheaper option if they’re not planning to park all day, reflecting the way work patterns have changed since the pandemic. Last year, Greater Anglia also launched a new flexible car parking season ticket – giving rail passengers who park at stations two or three days a week on a regular basis a discount of up to 12.5 per cent. The flexible parking season ticket gives eight parking sessions which have to be used within 28 days of purchase – matching the new Flexi Season train ticket. The eight parking sessions can be used on any day – there is no need to specify them in advance. Customers are reminded that strike action will affect services on 16, 18, 30 March and 1 April. Anyone travelling on those days is advised to check before they travel.
A fun-loving family that has raised more than £30,000 for worthy causes has signed up a charity Bubble Rush. Lee Howlett and four-year-old son Arthur will be among those representing Team Hector at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) event in July. They are supporting EACH because of the care it provided for little Hector, before his death at the age of just 15 months in February 2022. He had Alpers syndrome – a rare mitochondrial disease caused by a double mutation of the POLG gene. Hector’s family have been tireless fundraisers since his diagnosis, raising more than £30,000 which helped build the play park behind their home in Great Witchingham. The rest was split between EACH, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and mitochondrial disease charity The Lily Foundation. Mum Tara, 36, said: “When Hector first got sick we set up a GoFundMe page to finish our local play park in Great Witchingham. “We hoped to raise £8,000 and, incredibly, that target was hit within 24 hours. “The page ended up raising £25,000, which was then divided between other charities, including EACH. “Since then, some friends have run, or are running, the London Marathon for the Lily Foundation and, this year, we wanted to take part in the Bubble Rush. “We thought it would be a fun thing to do, especially for Arthur. “He’ll by five by then and talks about his brother every day. We thought it would be nice for him to get some sponsorship for EACH. “Lee and myself have both had bereavement counselling and we’ve been invited to lots of events. “However, we haven’t felt able to attend any yet so the Bubble Rush will be the first for us.” Arthur and dad Lee will be joined by Lee’s brother and sister-in-law, Damien Le-May and Victoria Pask, Tommy Le-May, 15, Henry Muskett, 14, and George Muskett, 15. However, they hope others may join them in flying the flag for Team Hector. To read Hector’s story, click here. EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush will take place at the Norfolk Showground on 16th July and the course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. To sign up or find out more, click here. To sponsor Team Hector, click here. View Hectors Story below Image credits EACH
East Anglia businesses have set out their top ‘levelling up’ priorities, ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget. Businesses in the region have placed tax cuts and government subsidies for regional businesses, ahead of other key business policy areas such as infrastructure investment and job creation. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses, a quarter (25%) of mid-sized businesses in East Anglia want to see the Government offer tax cuts and subsidies to regional businesses, as part of the so-called ‘levelling-up’ agenda. Nationally, 22% want to see this as a Government priority. The survey by the accountancy and advisory firm, also showed that improving digital connectivity and investing in skills were other areas businesses believe the Government should focus on in delivering its pledge to level up the regions. Peter Harrup, Partner and Head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, commented: “It’s unsurprising to see that tax cuts and efficiency measures, alongside important economic issues, feature strongly in the list of key levelling up priorities – something that regional businesses are calling for ahead of the Spring Budget later this month.” Last week, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill reached Committee stage in the House of Lords, as it makes its passage through Parliament. The Government has proposed to speed up the process and deliver on its commitment to offer all of England the opportunity to benefit to from a devolution deal by 2030. Harrup added: “It’s clear from our latest Rethinking the Economy survey that levelling up remains an important part of the narrative for East Anglia businesses and one that the Government must maintain momentum on if it’s to meaningfully engage with regional businesses, communities and local leaders and even the playing field in terms of delivering on its promise of a de-centralised democracy.” Image provided by BDO LLP
28th of February 2023 Written by Lee Hart, Head of Knowhow Energy Overview Headlines: – Gas and Electricity Wholesale prices are lower. – EU Gas Storage levels are high at 62% full. – Large numbers of LNG shipments to Europe. Since our last Energy Report, Gas and Electricity Year Ahead Wholesale prices are lower. The healthy Gas supply position continues to contribute to the downward price trend, despite the lower temperatures increasing demand. EU Gas Storage levels remain high at 62% full, compared to 64% last week. This is much higher than had been feared and provides some confidence that the target of 90% full by November can be reached, in readiness for the winter. Large numbers of LNG shipments are still being made, and the US Freeport LNG terminal has partially returned to service, which may help reduce the demand pressures expected from Asia. Over the last week we have seen an increased contribution of Gas for generation, at 42% compared to 29% the previous week. This is largely due to a reduction in Wind at 22% from 34%. Imports of Electricity from the continent are high, partly due to the return of French Nuclear assets, after extensive maintenance. This reduces some of the burden on the UK to generate high-cost Electricity at peak demand. The National Grid has measures in place to react to any Electricity supply shortages, which includes placing Coal assets on standby. The government has announced that the Energy Bills Discount Scheme will replace the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, from 1st April 2023. Please see our Blog for more details. Despite the lower costs, there continues to be some volatility, which may be exaggerated should there be another significant global event or an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. For this reason, we would advise looking at your options for contracts ending in 2023 and having conversations with Indigo Swan about your specific requirements. Read the full report below
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Emira praised for high level of interior quality, dynamic performance and value for money
Judges drawn from across the automotive media landscape
Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title
The Lotus Emira has been named Best Performance Car at the ‘UK Car of the Year’ awards 2023. Now into its sixth year, the UKCOTY is wholly independent and designed to advise UK customers about the best new cars on the market. It is judged by almost 30 professional journalists who cover the whole automotive industry, including some of the most respected names from national newspapers, magazines, TV and online. Comments from the judges included:
“It’s great to have Lotus back producing cars that put a big smile on your face – and with a huge step-up in interior quality.” – Paul Barker, Carwow
“As Lotus’ last-ever petrol car, the Emira two-seater sports car had to visually ‘go out with a bang’. Inside, the Emira’s cabin is one of its most well-appointed and comfortable ever to wear a Lotus badge. All in all, big bang achieved.” – Guy Bird, freelance journalist
“What a return to form! Rapid yet enjoyable at lower speeds, a ride/handling balance that defies belief and exotica looks despite being cheaper than its Italian rivals.” – Keith Jones, CAR magazine and Parkers Car Guide
Russell Carr, Director of Design, Lotus Cars, led the Emira design team and said: “It is a great honour for the whole team at Lotus to receive this award for the Emira, and from such respected and knowledgeable judges.” He added: “This award is also an appreciation and acknowledgement for all at Lotus Cars, from the engineering and development teams, those in manufacturing and quality and in sales and marketing, who have worked to take this now multi-award-winning sports car from concept to production and record sales.” The Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title, to be announced next month. Powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Emira delivers breath-taking performance and class-leading ride and handling. It is a junior supercar with everyday usability, beautifully balanced with excellent steering weight. Delivering a shift in practicality, comfort, functionality and technology, it is a true Lotus – nimble, mid-engined, exotic looking and competitively priced. It is the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to come out of the Hethel factory gates.
Visitors, shoppers and traders alike are set to benefit from a new scheme aiming to reduce Norwich waste going to landfill, thanks to a new partnership between the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and the regional waste management division of Anglian Group.
Anglian is one of East Anglia’s fastest-growing waste management companies and recycling facilities. Based in Attleborough, the organisation beat off stiff competition from a range of national suppliers to become the new waste and recycling partner for the Norwich BID over the next five years.
(Stefan Gurney, Managing Director of Norwich BID (left) with Ryan Marshall of Anglian Waste Recycling have partnered to help businesses in the BID area tackle their waste sustainably)
Martin Blackwell, Joint Head of Operations for Norwich BID said: “We were looking for a new partner to help us recycle as much of the waste collected in the BID area in the most responsible way possible. It was absolutely vital that this service was delivered in the most cost-effective and efficient way for local business owners. Anglian clearly demonstrated a methodology and operational plan to help us achieve our goals and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them for this exciting part of our sustainability chapter.”
Businesses that are based in the BID area will have the option of using the waste management services provided by Anglian, which include free waste management audits and waste collections that will be processed at Anglian’s licensed 10-acre site in Norfolk.
Stefan Gurney, Managing Director of Norwich BID added: “We have been actively trying to reduce the environmental footprint the BID area by providing support plans, advice and resources to businesses and running initiatives such as our Net Zero Waste Champions and Upcycle Your Waste scheme. Having a local provider that cares about sustainable waste management as much as we do on side, with all the experience they bring is a huge asset to our city. We are delighted to partner with Anglian for this initiative.”
For the first time, Anglian and Norwich BID will also be recording data on how much waste is being collected and recycled in the BID area, which will enable the team to benchmark significant reductions in future years. Ryan Marshall, Senior Environmental & Waste Manager at Anglian’s waste recycling division, who has previously worked in waste management for Chantry Place and Don’t Waste, is spearheading the work with Norwich BID.
(The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) team celebrate its new partnership with Anglian Waste Recycling)
He said: “I am particularly passionate about the waste data we are set to capture from our partnership over the next five years. This will allow us to reduce waste across the city, increase recycling performances and provide detailed reports on the progress. Our mission is to responsibly dispose of waste collected from customers and help them reach a zero-to-landfill goal, so to see that happen as we benchmark will be fantastic. We offer regular environmental audits to clients, where we can analyse their waste data against their waste targets and identify areas to help them achieve goals to combat environmental change. This is a huge benefit for BID members, and one we hope they will take full advantage of.”
Established in 2007, Anglian initially started life as a demolition and asbestos company but has grown rapidly over the last few years to include multiple divisions including sustainable waste management.
Lee Storer, Managing Director of Anglian, added: “Anglian has been associated with the waste sector for over 14 years due to the nature of our industry and services. Over the last four years we have developed a standalone waste division to provide a full waste management service to our customers. Environmental sustainability is a crucial element of any good waste management programme. As well as being able to make a real difference to the environment in the county in which we live and work, winning the contract will also ensure employment opportunities in this sector stay in Norfolk. It is a great opportunity for all involved.”
This year, Norwich-based digital marketing agency – 101 – celebrates the 20th anniversary of its email marketing platform, Smart Messenger. To mark the anniversary, 101’s MD, Holly Stibbon, has written an insightful blog revealing what it was like to be one of the first to market with an email marketing system and reflecting on the brand’s achievements and growth in the following two decades. How it all began Twenty years ago, 101 launched one of the UK’s first ever email marketing systems: Smart Messenger. Back then, email marketing was in its infancy. The use of email systems in business was also still relatively new, having only become commonplace in the 1990s. In 2003, 101 was already five years old, with an established client base and a reputation for high-quality web design and development. A website client approached the team for help with an email project. They wanted a solution that would allow them to know how many emails had been sent and opened. 101 accepted the challenge and built a standalone product that delivered what the customer required. It was basic, but revolutionary at the time! 101 recognised the commercial potential of the system, and Smart Messenger was born. Over the next twenty years, Smart Messenger has been enhanced and improved with countless new features and upgrades to become the powerful, intuitive system that it is now. Today, the Smart Messenger platform handles the creation, delivery and reporting of millions of emails each month for hundreds of clients of all sizes. Smart Messenger ethos Throughout this time, 101 has remained faithful to its original ethos when starting out with Smart Messenger, which is to provide a first-class, UK-based email marketing solution and an unrivalled level of customer service. Today’s Smart Messenger clients benefit from:
An intuitive, fully-featured email marketing solution with powerful functionality
A choice of three cost-effective subscription plans (Lite, Standard and Pro), to cater for businesses of all types and sizes, from start-ups to SMEs and corporates
Full training and unlimited, ongoing phone support from 101’s friendly, expert team in Norwich
An entirely UK-based platform supported by 101’s in-house data protection specialists and a guarantee that clients’ data is safe with 101.
What is the secret of Smart Messenger’s success? 101’s MD, Holly Stibbon, is clear on the reasons for Smart Messenger’s success: “It’s simple. We deliver all the top email marketing functionality our clients require combined with a level of tailored, personal service that huge global email marketing companies like Mailchimp simply cannot begin to rival. “We get to know our clients so we can provide support and guidance based on their individual requirements. We also provide free training for new subscribers and our renowned ‘Just Call Us’ support service. This unlimited, ongoing phone and email support is available to all our clients for no extra charge. It is often a key reason why marketers switch to Smart Messenger from faceless online services where support is limited to chatbots or help forums. “We are also entirely UK based and clients often choose Smart Messenger as an alternative to Mailchimp because of concerns about where their data is being held and processed. Our servers are based in the UK, we’re stringent about data protection and clients can be assured that their data is safe with us.” Top tips for email marketers Drawing on two decades of email marketing experience, Holly’s three top tips for email marketers are:
Know where your data is being held and processed – handling your contacts’ data responsibly and in line with data protection regulations is a major responsibility.
Ensure your email content is relevant – the goal is for recipients to click on your calls to action, not hunt for the unsubscribe link!
Test, test and test again. Make sure your emails look the best they can when they reach their recipients so they align with your organisation’s professional image.
101 has produced a useful blog containing more simple tips on how to get better results from email marketing. What does the future hold? According to Holly, the company will continue to build upon the strong brand reputation that Smart Messenger has gained over the last 20 years: “After 20 fantastic years for Smart Messenger, we have no intention of resting on our laurels! The platform will continue to improve and evolve over the coming years – as it always has – to include even greater functionality and features in response to customer demand and technological advances. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to focus on providing unrivalled customer support and helping clients to benefit from the advanced features already included in this powerful system.” About Smart Messenger Launched in 2003 by 101, Smart Messenger is a professional, easy-to-use, UK-based email marketing solution for businesses of all sizes. The system includes powerful features such as landing page and form builders and automated workflow capabilities. Clients choose from three subscription plans, depending on the functionality they require and the volume of emails they intend to send. Plans start from £10 per month. 101’s expert team of designers, account managers and technical specialists in Norwich provide all the training, unlimited ongoing support and advice that clients need to get the most from their campaigns. The platform is trusted by hundreds of UK organisations to help them drive business and achieve their goals. If you’re looking for a digital marketing agency to help you shape a really successful future for your email campaigns, give 101 a call. We would love to hear from you.www.smartmessenger.co.uk