11 - Leaping Hare

A new view of life in Thetford

Photograph copyright: Neil James Media

THETFORD

DIRECT RY

It’s time to take a fresh look at Thetford. We’ve worked really hard to design, write and refresh our website – despite facing Covid-19, a lack of funding and taking the heartbreaking decision to make our amazing shop manager Jake redundant. The new website features everything Thetfordians and visitors need to know.

We’ve arranged the site to mirror the different activities of Leaping Hare, the Community Interest Company behind a whole family of local enterprises: Everything Thetford, the Local Directory, the Box Office and the Breckland Youth Directory. Leaping Hare’s mission is to enhance Thetford’s sense of identity, raise civic pride, encourage community cohesion and to promote Thetford to the world. We’ve been a fundamental part of the town for more than a decade. We think it’s vital to support the local economy, so we created the Box Office, which manages ticketing and promotion for events (slightly challenging at present!), and the Local Directory, an online space

for businesses active in Thetford to advertise to a wider audience.

Our new website makes it really easy to find a café, bar or restaurant, or a hotel for friends visiting from out of town. Plus, it’s now really simple to learn about Thetford’s history. We’ve curated details and pictures showing how the town has evolved into the vibrant area we know today. All the pages are easy to navigate. Clear, bright icons make it simple to find the type of business or event you’re looking for. We’re proud to feature some amazing images of Thetford, shot by local photographers including Carl Harding-Palmer and Neil James Garrod (who also produced the fabulous film on the website’s home page). We’ve created space for banner advertising – an excellent way to promote your company. Listing your local business in our directory is a “win win” situation: you’re instantly noticeable and contactable by visitors to our website, plus listing fees are ploughed straight back into the King Street shop, ensuring there’ll always be a central hub not only for local information, but also to showcase the talents and products of Thetford’s thriving community of makers.

How can we help you? Visit www.leapinghare.org

Leaping Hare Belmont House King Street IP24 2AP info@leapinghare.org 01842 751975

DIRECT RY

List your business and make a difference

If you’d like your business to feature in our local directory, and be visible to all our website users, visit www.leapinghare.org Fees from listings allow us to keep the King Street shop open so not only is your business reaching a wider audience, but your involvement truly benefits Thetford.

Our website is a fantastic showcase for you and your business.

A one-stop shop for 11-19-year-olds

We’re really proud to have created a unique space on our website that will bring together all the activities, helplines, groups and support organisations for those aged 11-19 in and around Thetford. The Breckland Youth Advisory Board identifies and tackles the key issues affecting young people, and works hard to assist and work alongside diverse groups in the area.

Thetford based business? Join our directory

EACH has been the second-fastest growing charity retailer in the country for the last two years. During the closure of their shops at the end of March, they have been been losing out on £100,000 a week in income.

On 15 June EACH reopened five shops in Norfolk to assess how well they could balance the implementation of new safety precautions, the needs of staff and volunteers, and commerciality. The initial reopening was a success, as were the others that followed. Highlights from the first day of trading included the Thetford shop which trebled its usual Monday sales figure. Sarah Throssell, EACH Acting Head of Retail, said: “The first phases of reopening have seen much higher sales figures than anticipated along with high volumes of donations, with some customers telling us they’ve been saving their donations especially for us, which has been lovely. We’re really excited to be trading in the community again. The safety of customers, volunteers and staff remains a priority, and we can’t thank our customers enough for their patience and continued support. We really appreciate them respecting the guidelines we’ve put in place and are happy things seem to be working smoothly for all involved. It means we’re able to once again play the role we need to in helping fund vital care and support for families who access EACH’s services.”

Shops are trading form 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays for those that are open seven days. To ensure a safe shopping experience, the number of customers allowed in a shop at any one time is restricted. EACH has also reopened its online shops, on eBay and Amazon, with both reporting healthy returns. For the latest on the reopening of EACH shops, as well as a video showing what to expect when visiting, go to; www.each.org.uk/shopopenings

EACH eBay shop volunteers needed!

We are looking for volunteers to join our hugely successful eBay team in Thetford!

as an EACH eBay volunteer you will:

Assist with the sorting of stock

Assist with the packing of eBay items Research unique donated items

Help with our administration

To find out more or apply please contact: scott.campbell@each.org.uk or call 01842 777103

@EACHhospices