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A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Action Short of a Strike will also cause some cancellations from 15 – 20 May inclusive Rail passengers in East Anglia are advised to check before they travel on 12/13/31 May and 3 June when strike action will affect Greater Anglia services. In addition, action short of a strike will lead to some cancellations between 15 and 20 May inclusive. On 12, 31 May and 3 June, there will be a reduced service on a limited number of routes. Most routes, including all regional lines, will have no service at all. Where services do run, they will start later and finish earlier than normal, with start/finish times varying across the network. On 13 May, services will operate between 07.00 and 23.00, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00. Some routes will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running. Some of the first services on Sunday 14 May, Thursday 1 June and Sunday 4 June may also be affected. Although these are not strike days, there will be some knock-on effects from the days before. Summary for 12 and 31 May We will operate a reduced service on a limited number of routes. Engineering works will affect some regional and mainline services between Norwich and London on 3 June. Timetables will be released nearer the time.

• Hourly service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street; Colchester and London Liverpool Street; Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street; and for Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street
• Trains that do run are expected to start from 07.00 onwards, with all last trains operating until mid to late evening and finishing earlier than normal
• One train every two hours between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street from 08.00 until early evening, with the last train from London back to Cambridge at 18.58
• No services running on other lines, including on regional/branch lines, other than those listed above

Summary for 13 May On Saturday 13 May many more services will operate with trains running on all Greater Anglia routes, except Hertford East to Broxbourne (passengers are advised to use Hertford North) and for longer hours (between 07.00 and 2300, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00). Some routes will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running. Rail replacement buses will run between Ipswich and Colchester, Ely and Cambridge, and Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Summary for 15 – 20 May Due to action short of a strike from 15 – 20 May inclusive, there will be cancellations on many Greater Anglia routes on all of those days. A full list of the cancellations for Monday 15 May to Friday 19 May are included at the end of this release. The cancellations for 20 May will be added to the Greater Anglia website as soon as they are confirmed. Details of services operating on 3 June will be confirmed nearer the time. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by strikes. Customers are advised to check before they travel on all strike days, as the number of services affected varies, with trains operating on very few routes on 12 and 31 May, but on most routes and more frequently on 13 May. The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT to try and reach an agreement.” Anyone who has pre-booked tickets to travel on strike days can change them, use them to travel on either the day before or up to two days later, or apply for a refund by going back to their original retailer. Passenger assistance will be available as usual for all trains which are running. Anyone requiring assistance who cannot avoid travelling by train on strike days should plan their journey and book assistance in advance if possible. Further information is available from greateranglia.co.uk/strikes

This week, Mark and Becky connect with a local Norfolk organisation, whose insights have global relevance – why businesses should embrace a strong Corporate social responsibility (CSR) package. (And we find out who Mark’s favourite Womble is!) Voluntary Norfolk connects businesses and charitable organisations, to help businesses meet their community objectives. In previous episodes, Mark and Becky have discussed the change in what younger generations are expecting from employers, and how they now look beyond just salary in job searches. CSR forms a huge part of most company employment packages and is a key part of Employer Brand, our guests this week discuss why volunteering initiatives are a popular offering, and the benefits they bring to the employee, as well as the business. Laura is a Volunteer Coordinator, supporting organisations and matching them to volunteers, and Nicola is a HR Consultant at CBR Business Solutions, who works as a consultant to SME businesses and voluntary social enterprises. They discuss the opportunities available to people who have had career breaks and are perhaps lacking in confidence and up to date skills, the changes lockdown brought, and they identify the mental health impact that strong CSR packages are proven to bring to the employee, and how this in turn helps to cultivate a healthy and more profitable work environment. They also discuss how hesitant business owners should see volunteering as an opportunity to identify skills in their teams that they were not aware of, and how neutral environments not based on ‘a night out’ can embolden teamwork and unity, all things that are good for business! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Voluntary Norfolk Evolve Workplace Wellbeing podcast UEA tool Institute for Volunteering Research CBR Solutions Get Involved Norfolk Leadership & Life Chat – The Attitude of Gratitude: reap the rewards of appreciation Leadership & Life Chat – The new office and the generation gap The Wombles! Listen here! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

From Saturday 22^nd July until Sunday 3^rd September 2023, Chantry Place Norwich is hosting a free ‘Safari Summer’ event with large animal sculptures, free crafts and educational activities from Banham Zoo and Africa Alive Reserve. Throughout the summer holidays, Chantry Place will be home to 10 animal sculptures, including a giant hippo, lion, giraffe, elephant, panda and more. Visitors can pick up a trail map from Deichmann on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place and then go on a safari hunt to find them all. Once complete, families can head back to Deichmann to pick up a free goody bag offering a complimentary child’s ticket for free entry to Banham Zoo or Africa Alive Reserve with a full paying adult, as well as an animal medal or prize, and enter their details to be in with a chance of winning a family annual pass to Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, with an annual pass up for grabs every week. Every Wednesday in the summer holidays, Chantry Place will host ‘Wild Wednesdays’ with local company, Schoodoodle, hosting free arts and crafts sessions with themes changing every week. Suitable for children aged four and above, these need to be booked in advance via Eventbrite. Some of the activities include making a lion’s mane and a bird of prey mask! As part of Wild Wednesdays, the education team from Banham Zoo and Africa Alive Reserve will also be at Chantry Place. Visitors can visit the discovery station, which will include artefacts, animal information and other zoo-related puzzles and games, on the lower ground floor near HMV. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the animals they care for and about their work. They will also be at Chantry Place on 22^nd and 23^rd July, and 14^th and 15^th August 2023. Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, comments: “Families can have a fun-filled day exploring Chantry Place this summer, going on our summer safari to find our animal sculptures and learning some animal facts along the way. We are really excited by the partnership we have created with Banham Zoo and Africa Alive Reserve this summer, who are providing an educational link and are generously providing some incredible prizes and offers for people doing the trail. We will be working with SchooDoodle to allow little ones to get creative every Wednesday and we can’t wait to see what they come up with! All our summer activities and events are free at Chantry Place.” Joshua Hunter-Harl, head of marketing at The Zoological Society of East Anglia, the charity that runs Banham Zoo and Africa Alive Reserve, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the ‘Safari Summer’ event at Chantry Place and are excited to engage with visitors through our educational activities. As a conservation charity, education lies at the heart of everything we do, and a trip to Banham Zoo or Africa Alive Reserve offers students of all ages an unmissable opportunity to bring learning to life outside of the classroom. We hope our partnership will help to inspire a love of animals and nature in children and adults alike.” Hannah Cole and Terry Stewart, from team SchooDoodle, comments: “We are so excited to be part of ‘Safari Summer’ at Chantry Place and can’t wait to get creative every Wednesday. We have a different animal themed crafting activity each week. Join us in embracing the mess, empowering creativity, and making memories with your little ones this summer.” Norfolk Wildlife Trust will also be visiting the Centre on Monday 7^th August and Monday 21^st August and will be educating visitors on urban wildlife, plus hosting free, fun activities for all to enjoy. To book the free SchooDoodle crafts events visit Wild Wednesdays Children’s Arts & Crafts Sessions | Eventbrite For more information on Safari Summer at Chantry Place, visit chantryplace.co.uk

Greater Anglia continues long-standing sponsorship of key regional arts event Passengers at Norwich station this Thursday morning (11 May), will see juggler and performance artist Dulce Duca, who is appearing at this year’s Festival, performing a short excerpt from her show as a curtain raiser to this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which begins on Friday 12 May. In addition to providing an unusual station performance, the occasion also marks the key partnership between Greater Anglia and the Festival. Greater Anglia is the Travel Partner for the major regional arts event, extending a relationship between the Festival and the region’s train operator which now stretches back an impressive 33 years to 1990. Over that time, the support of the local train operator has helped the Festival expand from a medium size classical music festival to an internationally recognised arts festival, that is one of the four biggest in the UK – an annual celebration that includes jazz, theatre, dance, outdoor events, visual arts and classical music. At the station from 10.45 on Thursday, Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia and the Festival’s Director, Daniel Brine will briefly outline the benefits of the partnership, as well as the highlights of this year’s Festival. Commenting on the partnership between Greater Anglia and the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia said: “Greater Anglia is delighted to be the Travel Partner for the 2023 Norfolk & Norwich Festival, extending a highly successful relationship between the Festival and the region’s railways which now extends back 33 years. We’re also pleased to be holding a curtain raiser event for the Festival at the station again. We have been actively helping to promote the Festival, providing tickets for artists and taking a proactive role in this year’s event, extending our partnership from our first links as Greater Anglia, which began with the start of our first franchise term here in East Anglia in 2012. “Our partnership helps the Festival to go from strength to strength, with a fantastic annual celebration which is fun for audiences and the local community, whilst at the same time supporting the local economy and building Norfolk and Norwich’s reputation.  We hope that this year’s Festival is a great success and that many people will travel to Festival events by train. With new, high quality, comfortable and reliable trains on all our routes in Norfolk, rail travel is an ideal way to make the trip into Norwich.” The partnership between the Festival and the railways, which began in 1990 with a locomotive train naming, has included a special train livery, previous “curtain raiser” performances at the station, community events, employee involvement in the Festival, promotion and marketing of the Festival to a wider audience, special rail travel offers, train tickets for artists, opportunities for corporate hospitality and building wider stakeholder links. With direct train services to Norwich from London, Ipswich, Cambridge, Sheringham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, festival-goers from across the region can take the train to Festival events. Late night trains operate on Mondays to Saturdays back from Norwich to Cambridge (at 22.40), Lowestoft (at 22.40), Sheringham (at 22.45 – or 23.05 on Fridays and Saturdays), Great Yarmouth (at 23.00) and Ipswich (at 23.05), so the Festival and Greater Anglia are hoping that even more people will use the train to come into Norwich and enjoy this year’s 17 day programme of music, song, dance and performance.

On 7^th May Richie Finney, who heads Norfolk-based, multi award-winning gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett, set off on a Great Expedition, an epic solo motorcycle adventure, visiting barbershops across Europe. Taking place in three sections between May and October 2023, The Great Expedition will see host barbershops inviting customers to a local event showcasing the hugely popular Captain Fawcett brand. As the company founder, Richie Finney, who is known as the Captain’s ‘Right Hand Man’, will highlight the best of British Gentleman’s Grooming expertise in his distinctive anecdotal style. Giving attendees the chance to meet the man behind the business, he’ll share inspirational personal stories about how a humble kitchen experiment became an iconic global brand. The road trip aims to connect with barbers, clients, distributors and stockists, who in turn will gain local, national and international exposure though Captain Fawcett’s social media, newsletters and special features on the Captain Fawcett website, where a dedicated Great Expedition page will follow the Right Hand Man and his barbershop destinations using a live tracker. Richie Finney says: “From somewhat humble beginnings in 2010, Captain Fawcett has become an international lifestyle brand, exported to 38 countries with distribution agreements in over 27. As well as winning multiple global awards, we have affiliations with some of the industry’s most celebrated global brand ambassadors. In fact, for four years running, Captain Fawcett has been recognised as a DBT British Export Champion. I have always been a great believer in the importance of real life connection, enormously curious about the world and its people. Which is fortunate because I’ve learned that in-country knowledge is really crucial when building relationships in overseas markets. “Furthermore, whilst AI may well be fiendishly clever, it cannot replicate the sheer spontaneous joy of simply being human. By its very nature, the traditional barbershop experience is hands-on. As well as sprucing up one’s appearance, having a delightfully relaxing shave or haircut, the barbershop environment is all about having a chat, a laugh, a drink, a hug, a handshake. It’s about the sensual things – scent of perfume, a head massage, a luxurious close shave. These tangible moments of connection combat isolation and celebrate togetherness. They are the stuff of life! “We’ve created a fantastic itinerary of Barbershop gatherings, meeting highly esteemed colleagues old and new. I’m enormously excited to be out on the road again seeing chums face-to-face, in real life as it should be –Huzzah!” Use the Live Tracker to follow the Right Hand Man as he rides through Europe in real time! Tune into Fawcett’s Diary for regular updates from the road… photos, stories and up to the minute mayhem guaranteed! https://www.captainfawcett.com/pages/the-great-expedition Host barbershops are marked on a specially designed maphighlighting the route. Hover over the map to reveal the stops. PART TWO | JUNE/JULY 2023 Amsterdam, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Gdańsk, Berlin, Luxembourg & Antwerp. PART THREE | SEP/OCT 2023 South Germany, Czech, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland & Paris.

A former children’s hospice employee who swapped nursing for volunteering says she would recommend it to anyone. Caroline Church was Care Manager at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ former Quidenham base. After retiring four years ago, she wanted to stay connected with the charity and now spares four hours a week to help at the EACH shop in Aylsham Road, Norwich. She also gives her time to support the wellbeing team at The Nook, in Framingham Earl, which replaced Quidenham and was opened by The Princess of Wales in November 2019. “EACH makes such an enormous difference to the children and families it cares for and supports,” said Caroline, who was speaking during the charity’s Be the Difference campaign – a fortnight-long drive to recruit more volunteers for its 46 shops. “I was always aware of the importance of the shops, during my time as an employee. “However, now I’m on the other side of the fence and get a completely different perspective of all the amazing work that goes on in the community. “In terms of the shops, they only function thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of volunteers. “Without these wonderful people, they wouldn’t be able to operate because there are only a limited number of paid staff. “It’s so inspiring and volunteering is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone.” Caroline, who lives in Sprowston, started working for EACH in 2008, joining the team as a nurse before progressing to become Care Manager. “When I took early retirement, I wanted to carry on supporting the organisation,” said the 59-year-old, who is married with two grown-up children and three grandsons. “I’m passionate about the care it provides at end of life, from diagnosis onwards, and the bereavement support families receive afterwards. “That care is not available anywhere else. “It’s something I’m deeply passionate about and, by volunteering, I still feel I’m helping to provide a valuable service. “It’s also allowed me to remain connected to the charity, which is important to me. “I’ve met some lovely new friends and enjoy chatting to customers, knowing the money raised is helping to promote excellent care and support. “I also support the wellbeing team at various groups and events, including child support groups, sibling groups, bereavement events and the Christmas party. “It’s fantastic to see the children and families gaining so much and it’s a lot of fun.” EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income. This year alone it needs to raise £6.5 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex and a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. For more information, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk

Would-be charity shop volunteers are being encouraged to step forward and join a record-breaking retail team. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has launched its Be the Difference campaign – a fortnight-long drive to recruit more help in its 46 shops. The charity plans to shine a spotlight on existing volunteers by releasing a series of features outlining why they choose to help. At the same time, it also hopes to hear from others interested in joining the team and playing a part in its continued success. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “The last financial year saw another 12 months of outstanding achievement,” said EACH Director of Retail and Trading Ian Nicolson. “Almost all our shops achieved record sales and this helped us contribute more to the charity than ever before. “I’ve run out of superlatives to describe our trading success and, in addition to thanking staff, so much of the credit goes to our amazing volunteers. “My gratitude to them has never been more heartfelt and there’s never been a better time to join our winning team. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do – it simply wouldn’t be possible without them – and the money we generate helps our charity continue its vital work. “As we start the new financial year, I have great confidence that the coming year will be another successful one for our wonderful team. “Why not pop into your nearest shop, find out more about becoming a volunteer and help us raise even more money for this fantastic charity?” EACH has 46 shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk and its 47^th is due to open in Frinton-on-Sea on 25^th May. The charity also has a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. EACH’s last Be the Difference campaign was hailed an “outstanding success” after inspiring more than 100 newcomers. That tally consisted of 36 in Norfolk, 26 in North Essex, 20 in Suffolk, 16 in Cambridgeshire and six in EACH’s Royston shop, just across the Hertfordshire border. Hopes are high for similar success this time around. Hannah Milbourne, Volunteer Services and Development Manager, said: “Extra help is always needed and volunteers have an absolutely crucial role to play. “They make such a difference and, quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to run our shops – and therefore go on to provide the care that we do to families – without them. “We’d be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining our team and, while we’d obviously love people to offer a regular slot, just a morning or afternoon makes the world of difference. “We have shops across the region, in the heart of the community, and there are various roles available, from serving customers to sorting and organising donations and listing eBay items. “The hours are completely flexible, to fit in with busy lives, and a friendly welcome is assured. “We’d also love to hear from anyone interested in helping out, even if it’s just a short-term arrangement like students being home on their university holiday.” EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and, this year alone, just from its retail operation, it needs to raise £6.5 million. For more information, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk A full list of the shop locations can be found here. There are other ways to support EACH, including helping its facilities, events, fundraising and administration teams, or being part of the charity’s Help at Home service.  

Determined motorcyclists raised more than £3,500 for charity after embarking on a mammoth trek to all four corners of the UK. Ian Charlesworth, Chris Tebbit, Robert McDonald and Ethan and John Stenner visited the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Western points used for motorcycle riding feats within 32 hours. Starting at John O’Groats, in Scotland, they headed to St Davids, on the Welsh coast, and Land’s End, in Cornwall, before finishing in Lowestoft. The epic journey was in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and they revved into action at the crack of dawn on Saturday, 29^th April. Salesman Ian and technician Ethan are colleagues at Reiten Motorrad, in Glemsford. John is Ethan’s dad while Chris and Robert are friends from Tect Risk Services and A2B Motorcycle Movers respectively. “There were a few minor hick-ups, including a couple of punctures, snow, rain and fog so bad you couldn’t see more than 20 yards,” said Ian, who lives in Stowmarket. “However, we completed the challenge safely and got back in one piece. “It took us 32 hours from start to finish and the whole journey was more than 1,500 miles. “To do that in one day, only stopping for fuel and snacks, was hard going but an amazing experience. “We were all chuffed and, apart from a few back and knee aches, we’re all pretty much back to normal.” Ian and Co. rode on BMW motorbikes and were delighted to raise so much for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “We were amazed by the support,” added Ian, 47. “Lots of people wanted to know about our fundraising and they donated money wherever we went. “Before heading off on our challenge, we even had a letter of support from South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge. “We hope the money helps in some way, because it’s a very good cause for very deserving little people.” Ethan lives in Glemsford, John in Halstead, Essex, and Chris and Robert in Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire. To add to the total and support the group, head here. EACH has three hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, The Nook, near Norwich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. Images provided by EACH

Darts aces stepped up to the oche and hit the bullseye for charity. Kind-hearted players from the Loddon and District League have been raising money throughout the season and recently handed over £1,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. Brenda Cushing, the league’s secretary and treasurer, said: “EACH is such an important charity here in Norfolk. “Everyone feels strongly and, on a personal note, myself and my husband live close to The Nook. “We go along to the fortnightly coffee afternoons every other Tuesday. “It’s a charity that does so much great work and it was my privilege to be invited on a recent tour of the hospice. “It’s an incredible place – so modern, spotlessly clean and very impressive.” The league is a long-term supporter of EACH and, in total, players have raised £8,500 since 2002. EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp received the cheque and said: “We’re incredibly grateful for this very generous donation. “It was lovely to have an opportunity to meet members of the committee and hear more about their passion and commitment to EACH. “It means a lot and these funds will help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia.” In addition to supporting EACH, the league also raised £1,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. The league, which runs summer and winter competitions, is on the lookout for new teams and players. There are currently six men’s teams and seven ladies’ teams. To find out more, email Brenda via Cushing42@btinternet.com or call 01508 492303. League chairman David Bloomfield is pictured making the cheque presentation to Megan at The George and Dragon pub, in Thurton.

Determined Rotarians are taking on an epic fundraising cycle challenge. The team of five are saddling up in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). They plan to pedal nearly 230 miles in two days, visiting EACH’s hospices at The Nook, in Framingham Earl, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and Milton, near Cambridge. The ride is being organised by Phil Davies and Jonathan Holmes, from King’s Lynn Priory Rotary, and they will be joined by cycling friends Jim Hodgkinson, Mark Gregory and Mark Nicholson. The ‘Rotary Ride for EACH’ is taking place on 23^rd and 24^th June. “It’ll be gruelling but we’re ready for it and know how to ride to support each other,” said Phil, 73. “This will be our second two-day fundraising ride for charity and the idea partly came by accident. “One of our rides went past a signpost for The Nook and I recalled that our Rotary Club has previously supported EACH “I wondered whether it would be feasible to cycle to all three hospices, to and from King’s Lynn. “It turns out the distance is perfect for a tough but do-able two-day ride. “Training has been slow because the weather up until now has either been cold, wet, windy or a combination of all three! “However, we’re confident we can reach the necessary levels of stamina in the next couple of months and are starting to introduce longer rides into our regular twice or three times weekly group rides.” The group’s previous fundraiser was two years ago, when a team of eight took on a 250-mile trek around Norfolk for Little Discoverers, raising £1,825. The charity provides support and training for parents of pre-school children with significant development problems. This time, the team will start in King’s Lynn before visiting The Nook (58 miles) and The Treehouse (107 miles), ending day one on 116 miles. Then, after an overnight stay in Claydon, they will head to Milton (60 miles) before returning to King’s Lynn (113 miles). “Rotarians from the Eastern Region are welcome to join us for the whole ride or parts of it,” added Phil. “Our Garmin Routes can be supplied and we’ll attempt to cycle at an average of 15mph, with café stops roughly every 30 miles. “Everyone will ride at their own risk but we strongly advise to cycle in groups of no more than six, for safety.” Phil and Jonathan live in King’s Lynn, Jim and Mark Gregory in Dersingham and Mark Nicholson near Downham Market. To sponsor the team, click here Image provided by EACH of Phil (left) and Jonathan (right)

Thursday saw the launch of the McCarthys Fine Foods initiative at a special event at the Norwich head office. The new Fine Foods service will offer a selection of goods from small, artisan food and drink producers from all over Norfolk and Suffolk. The family business is East Anglia’s leading wholesaler of fresh fruit and vegetables, boasting the expertise of over 135 years’ experience in the market and supplying a wide range of shops, delis, farm shops, restaurants and hotels. The Fine Food range will champion the goods from over 30 suppliers offering a range of 350 lines. Working alongside the Broadland Food Innovation Centre Project, McCarthys Managing Director Sam McCarthy saw that many the local producers he met through the food Innovation Cluster events, were without a route to market – without distribution. He says “It soon became clear that there were dozens of local producers who are creating really special wares yet had little reach in the marketplace. After a few conversations and being asked if we would be interested in stocking ‘the odd product’, we realised that we could launch the Fine Foods initiative. To support the work of the Broadland Food Innovation Centre Project and build the region’s food community benefits everyone involved.” “Farm Shops and Food Halls have adapted over the last 20 years to stock a plethora of goods – we are working with a lot of them already for their fruit and veg, so if we can stock dry goods; drinks; charcuterie and fresh meats; dairy products, it stands to reason that we have a chance of supply these to our customers as well.” The showcase event was hosted to be a platform for the producers to showcase their products all over East Anglia and attended by over 70 buyers. Sam McCarthy said” there are some well-known names in our range, but there should also be several which are new to a lot of people, and which we are extremely excited to promote.” Producers from Norfolk included: Old Rectory Preserves, awarding winning maker of jams, chutneys and marmalades – who have been a loyal customer of McCarthys for the fruits and vegetables they use in their preserves. Norfolk Rum a triple distilled spirit using 100% pure molasses and other local ingredients and botanicals including Norfolk honey. Helen Adshead founder of gluten and dairy free cakes and bakes brand Weddell & Turner said “this event is so valuable for small businesses like us, we have reached so many people it would have taken us years to meet and frees up so much time.” Producers from Suffolk included well-known names such as Hill Farm Oils and Tosier Chocolates to smaller, newer businesses including Humber Doucy Brewing Co and Mallard Moat Farm a supplier of quail eggs and pickled quail eggs. “Katie Parsons said “Woking with McCarthys is wonderful. They are a family business like us – we are husband and wife team with our 4 sons all engaged in the business.” For Further information, PR Contacts: Polly Robinson: polly@pollyrobinson.co.uk 07966 475195 and Fiona Smith: fiona@smithandbaxter.co.uk 07831 193250

Lighthouse Safety are an established Health and Safety Training provider with an HQ in Kent. Following a valued member of the training team relocating to Norfolk the decision was made to offer their first class training courses to this new location. Not only a beautiful place to live, Norfolk is emerging as an exciting enterprising community with a bright future, boasting a strong and diverse business base which is home to leading innovation centres and enterprises. Lighthouse are offering courses that all businesses should have knowledge of including IOSH Managing Safely®, Qualsafe First Aid and NEBOSH Risk Assessment At Work. Managing Safely®, the market-leading health and safety course for line managers, is tried, tested and trusted. Designed to provide all managers with the confidence and enthusiasm to apply knowledge to the workplace, this course is unlike any others as it covers all industries and will help you improve the safety awareness culture in your organisation, see your productivity increase and enhance your reputation within your supply chain by embedding safety and health across the whole organisation. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to make arrangements to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. This includes carrying out a risk assessment, appointing a suitable amount of first aiders and providing appropriate first aid at work training, so Lighthouse’s Emergency First Aid course is an essential. It covers the key life saving skills to deal with the emergency injuries and illnesses that can occur in the workplace such as CPR, AED use, choking, recovery position and cuts and wound management. Current courses are:

• IOSH Managing Safely®
• Qualsafe Emergency First Aid at Work
• Qualsafe First Aid at Work
• Qualsafe COSHH, Manual Handling and Fire Courses
• NEBOSH – Risk Assessment at Work
• NEBOSH Incident Investigation

Lighthouse deliver training in Norwich, King’s Lynn and Thetford in a relaxed learning environment. They have been classed as an ‘outstanding’ training provider, won awards for customer service and achieve fantastic pass rates, so why not contact them today on 01634 260 631 to enquire about a course or visit https://www.lighthousesafety.co.uk/training-courses-2/norfolk-training-courses/ to book