Link magazine autumn 2015

LINK

SOUTH NORFOLK

Autumn 2015

Vote for your community champion

What’s on this Christmas

south norfolk welcomes tour of britain www.south-norfolk.gov.uk SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 1

Tour Of Britain, a picture in Wymondham Linda Chapman from Wymondham is the winner of our Tour of Britain photo competition.

We asked residents to take a snap of the Tour as it passed through the district and upload them onto our Facebook page.

The judges’ favourite was a beauty, taken by Linda, who wins a brand new Frog kid’s bike worth over £400 from local cycling specialist Howards Cycles.

Amateur photographer Linda, who works in one of the town’s pharmacies and is also a carer, has chosen to give the bike to her friend’s son, eight-year-old Nicholas Townsend.

Linda said: “It was such a great day – so many people out on the streets to cheer the Tour on, and a real sense of community. I never miss an opportunity to get my camera out, but usually horses are my subject. It’s lovely to see my photo in print. A huge thanks to South Norfolk Council and Howards Cycles for the fantastic prize which has gone to a good home.”

You can see Linda’s winning photograph on page 4.

Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access our services online.

Visit: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk Main Number: 0808 168 2000 Write to: South Norfolk Council, Swan Lane,

Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2XE

Email: council@s-norfolk.gov.uk

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www.facebook.com/southnorfolkcouncil

www.twitter.com/SNorfolkCouncil

South Norfolk Freephone Numbers Automated Touchtone Payments 0808 178 7146 Benefits and Council Tax 0808 178 7141 Business Rates 0808 178 7142 Car Park Enquiries 0808 178 7145 Housing Advice 0808 168 2222 Planning 0808 168 3000 Waste and Recycling 0808 168 3333 Flytipping 0808 168 2999 Fraud Hotline 0800 389 6109 Norfolk County Council 0344 800 8020

101 is the new number to call when you want to contact your local police - when it’s less urgent than a 999 call. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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The expectations of our residents are changing and we are supporting their needs.

06 Hall and pool lead the way Doors open at Wymondham Leisure Centre

08 Supporting the community Helping projects across South Norfolk

10 Your opinions count Local Plan is sound

15 Rosebery Park Show home now open

19 Celebrating our champions Nominate your hero

20 CNC Building Control

11 xmas in South Norfolk

Simply the best

Festive things to do for all the family this Christmas in South Norfolk

21 Pick of the pickers Our winning litter pickers

Message from the leader,

leader@s-norfolk.gov.uk

It was good to see so many people out and about in our market towns for the Tour of Britain and more recently in Diss & Harleston for the Waveney Valley Food Festival.

These events don’t run themselves and your local Council plays a big hand in these and other community events aimed at improving your quality of life.

The Government has announced a crusade on house building and South Norfolk has been doing its bit to provide space to build new homes – last year nearly 1000 new homes were completed of which 379 were affordable homes to buy or rent.

The new local plan is all about permitting land for building throughout South Norfolk but not over-doing it while ensuring new homes are built close to existing facilities and, where possible to provide funds to provide new infrastructure.

This month has seen a significant landmark decision from a Government Inspector, who has formally approved our development plan. Local people now have a much greater degree of certainty over where new homes will be built. And the plan is not just about house-building.

We were pleased that the Inspector sided with us about the need to protect the countryside between settlements and our emphasis on ensuring that development does not overwhelm the availability of local school places, for example.

One example of this is in South Wymondham where the developers of new homes made it possible financially to solve the flooding problems under the railway bridge. I’d like to pay tribute to the local Councillors who fought a campaign to get this fixed.

We’re reinvesting all our income to serve you better and, while new homes are not always popular, they are directly funding infrastructure and improvements that everyone can benefit from.

Last month saw the opening of the pool and hall at Wymondham Leisure Centre.

The £3.5 million makeover will transform our facilities and put them on a par with the best private health clubs.

It’s just one of the ways in which we seek to maintain and enhance your quality of life.

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 3

round up of action close to you

Christmas Brown bin collections During the Christmas week, starting 21 December, some brown bin collection dates will be moving forward.

Please check the table below to find out if your collection date is changing.

Usual Day Monday 21 Dec Tuesday 22 Dec Wednesday 23 Dec Thursday 24 Dec Friday 25 Dec

Revised Day Saturday 19 Dec Monday 21 Dec Tuesday 22 Dec Wednesday 23 Dec Thursday 24 Dec

See page 13 for Christmas bin collection changes.

Tour of Britain competition winner Above is the winning picture in our Tour of Britain Photo Competition. Local amateur photographer Linda Chapman took this fantastic photo of the tour streaming through the middle of Wymondham. Our congratulations go to Linda and our thanks to Ray from Howards Cycles for providing us with such a great prize.

new bins in wymondham In the summer we started a trial of “recycle-on-the-go” in Wymondham. The bins encourage people to recycle even when they are away from the home and to give residents information about what can be recycled in Norfolk.

The recycling side of the bins can accept the same materials that can be recycled in the green bins at home.

This includes:

Council tax competition winners Brian and Jane Fishwick were over the moon to hear they had won a Council Tax competition which will save them £1,500. The lucky pair from Burston scooped the prize in a competition run as part of our drive to get more people paying by Direct Debit, taking the hassle out of remembering to pay your bill.

Find out how you can pay your bills by Direct Debit at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk 4 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015

•Paper and Cardboard •Plastic bottles (with lids on) •Glass bottles (with lids on) •Plastic food pots, tubs and trays •Waxed food and drink cartons •Food and drinks cans It is still important that the recyclable materials do not have food or drink residue left in them as they need to be clean to be recycled.

By-election result Welcome and congratulations to Jaan Larner, who has been elected as the South Norfolk District Councillor for Chedgrave and Thurton.

Jaan, who is a Conservative, takes his seat following a by-election called after the sad death of Councillor Derek Blake who had served South Norfolk for more than ten years.

Reuse and recycling in Diss Books, clothes, toasters, lamps and over 20 bicycles were among the 600 items donated at our Reuse and Recycle Event in Diss. Items that have been donated and have passed safety checks can be taken away for reuse and at the end of the event any items that have not been given a second home are either recycled or donated to local and national charities.

Microchipping Dogs

The next event is on 7 December at Lincoln Hall in Hingham. You can drop off items from 8.00 am and the reuse area will be open from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

More details at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/weee

From 6 April next year it will be compulsory for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in England to be fitted with a microchip. Free microchipping is available by appointment from the Dogs Trust. Their nearest centre is at, North End Road, Snetterton, Norfolk, NR16 2LD. To make an appointment call 01953 498377.

Investing in play We are investing nearly ÂŁ250,000 refurbishing five play areas in the district. The sites have been chosen following recent inspections carried out by the council, and in response to requests from local communities.

The five play areas set to be refurbished are Sycamore Way and Shreeves Road in Diss, Papillon Road and Bramble Way in Wymondham and Admirals Way, Hethersett.

support for bereavement group Members of Hingham Bereavement Group enjoyed a trip to Cromer following support from a grant from Councillor Yvonne Bendle. The aim of the trip was to encourage a feeling of companionship and of being part of a group and help combat feelings of loneliness. You can find out about our grants by visiting www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/grants

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 5

investing in health and wellbeing

Wymondham pool the new look

New Sports Hall and Pool lead the way

We have been welcoming our members back to Wymondham Leisure Centre following the opening of the new and improved hall and swimming pool.

This is just the first part of the phased opening of Wymondham Leisure Centre and the improvements that can already be seen include new showers, toilets and changing area for the pool and a new floor and layout for the hall.

The health and wellbeing of our residents is a priority for the council and work is continuing to progress well on our £3.5 million refurbishment, which when finished will provide Wymondham with a first class fitness and community hub.

The new Centre will boast a brand new spa and treatment facility, a café, a new fitness suite and the gym will almost treble in size to one 6 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015

hundred stations.

Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader of South Norfolk Council said,

“This is a really exciting time as we open the doors to the new and improved hall and pool.

It’s fantastic to be able to welcome our members back to Wymondham Leisure Centre and give them a glimpse of how amazing the new centre is going to be.”

To give members access to the hall and pool as soon as possible we have opened them first, with work

on the other improvements to the centre due to be completed next Spring. The refurbishment is going well and the new centre will be much more in-line with what modern leisure users expect.

The new centre will be a great place for families and friends to get together and spend some quality time, either just relaxing in the café or keeping themselves fit and active.

To find out how you can become a member of Wymondham Leisure Centre visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisure

“The earlier opening time for the pool are good and the new changing area looks brilliant” – Sarah from Wymondham “Wow that looks lovely” – Jenny “The new Hall looks fantastic – can’t wait to get back to Zumba in there” – Helen “The pool area is looking much better and the changing rooms look great” – swim school parent, Karen More information and a timetable of activities for all alternate sites is available on the Council’s website: www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisureupdates

New members welcome @ #2, a home from home To keep fit and active during the closure, Wymondham Leisure Centre members have been using our temporary facility at Copper Smith Way, Gateway 11, called Wymondham #2. The temporary centre that provides members with a fully equipped gym and a range of classes will remain open until Spring 2016 when the project to transform Wymondham Leisure Centre will be completed.

Both new and existing members are also welcome at our other Leisure Centres in Long Stratton and Diss.

Wymondham #2 Open until spring 2016 SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 7

Supporting COMMUNITIES to realise their potential

Supporting the COMMUNITY Helping community groups and projects become self-sustaining.

Two of the grants available to our communities are our Members’ Ward Fund, with each councillor having an annual budget of £1, 000 and our Community Action Fund with our five Neighbourhood Chairs each having £30,000 to spend in their neighbourhood area this year.

Pushing the boat out for youngsters The 1st Dickleburgh Sea Scout Group, which helps young people take part in watersports such as sailing, kayaking and rafting on the Southern Broads rivers, has received grants totalling £11,000 including £3,000 from our Community Action Fund.

They have used the money to buy new camping, rafting and training equipment.

Paul Playford, group scout leader, said,

“We are indebted to all our funding providers including the Council, whose support helps youngsters continue to enjoy our adventurous Scouting activities. It’s such great recognition of the youth work we do across the district.”

Apparently the new patrol tents that were purchased with the grants stood up to the lashing rain that characterised this summer!

Sea Scouts enjoying outdoors adventures

Mulbarton allotments given lease of life Allotment holders in Mulbarton are celebrating after grants totalling £6,500 helped to fund the installation of a mains water pipe and water troughs to irrigate their crops.

The Mulbarton Allotment and Leisure Garden Association (MALGA) worked closely with us and Mulbarton Parish Council to obtain funding of £5,000, plus an additional £1,500 from the Lafarge-Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.

Geoff Kitchen, Secretary of MALGA, said: “We are delighted with the grants that have helped to secure the future of our allotments and made it a lot easier for older gardeners to tend to their plots. In summer months, many were struggling to carry water from across the road.

Mulbarton allotments Karen at work

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“The benefits of communal gardening are enormous. It isn’t just about what we grow - it’s also great fun, good exercise and there’s a real community spirit that spans all age groups.”

Promoting a thriving local economy

Supporting Business growth There are many funding options available to support business growth in South Norfolk.

A thriving local economy leads to the creation of jobs and brings investment into the district. Continental Product Engineering, a Loddon-based manufacturer of components for the gas industry, came to us to find out how we could support their business expansion plans.

Working with partners, we helped them secure funding of £130,000 from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Business Fund. They used the grant, along with private funds, to build a factory extension that created 15 new jobs, bolstering their existing 70-strong team.

Managing Director, John Burton says,

“My first port of call was South Norfolk Council’s Economic Development officer, who was quick to understand the needs of our business and put me in touch with the right people, including New Anglia Growth Hub.”

Assembly line at Continental in Loddon

“It’s fantastic that we were able to secure the funding that allowed us to kick-start our factory expansion, grow the business and create local jobs. I am very optimistic for the future.”

Continental have also claimed back £90,000 from HMRC, under the Government’s Research & Development tax credits scheme.

Freshasia is coming to South Norfolk Freshasia, a Chinese food manufacturing firm will create more than 50 new jobs when it opens its new production facility in Little Melton.

The company currently has a factory in Kent, but with increasing demand for his products, owner Jian Li, known as Calvin, is opening a second factory after receiving support from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Nat West.

Freshasia Councillor John Fuller and Calvin Council Leader, John Fuller said:

“We’re delighted that Freshasia has chosen to base itself in South Norfolk. World-leading innovation and production techniques in food manufacturing are helping to drive our local economy and sustain employment.”

Calvin said: “Due to a production bottleneck, we were struggling to meet the market demand in busy seasons. We spent a long time searching for the right premises and although this one will involve a lot of work, it was a food factory before so fundamentally the function and design is right.”

The funding, along with support and guidance from South Norfolk’s economic development team has enabled the expansion of the business with a 40,000 sq feet site with a cold storage facility and new specialist manufacturing equipment.

For more information about grants available to both communities and businesses visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/grants

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 9

Supporting COMMUNITIES to realise their potential

YOUR OPINIONS COUNT After years of consultations and listening to the views of local residents and businesses three key documents of the South Norfolk Local Plan have been tested by an independent Planning Inspector and found to be ‘sound’ Following the Inspector’s decision we have formally adopted the Site Specific Allocations and Policies document, the Development Management Policies document and the Wymondham Area Action Plan.

The South Norfolk Local Plan has been developed with the help of our local communities and are a ‘blueprint’ for future growth and development in South Norfolk. The Local Plan will allow us to address the social, environmental and economic needs of our communities both now and in the future.

One of the three documents found to be sound by the Inspector is the Wymondham Area Action Plan. This is a plan for Wymondham between now and 2026. The Plan balances the growth of the historic market town with protecting and enhancing a ‘Kett’s Country Landscape’ and strengthening the role of the Tiffey Valley.

Wymondham will now have at least 2,200 new houses, about 20 hectares of employment land and improved services including better public transport and new education provisions.

The Plan will also maintain the open space between Wymondham and Hethersett.

Council Leader John Fuller said:

The Council has had a difficult job balancing the demands of developers and landowners against the sometimes strongly held views of local parishes and residents. We have taken into account all these views in the context of the national and local need to build new homes but without overdoing it.

Over 50,000 new homes were promoted by landowners on about 1,500 sites across all 119 parishes in South Norfolk. We’ve whittled these down to about 10,000 homes to be built in the next 11 years on about 200 sites focusing on locations that are well connected to transport, health and education facilities while protecting valuable open spaces and allocating land for infrastructure improvements like the Long Stratton bypass.

I am delighted that the Inspector has agreed with our proposals and local residents can look forward to a period of stability and certainty over planning while we build a better South Norfolk.”

These plans can now be put into effect, and we will use them to help decide planning applications, guide investment in infrastructure and to give our communities more certainty about how their part of South Norfolk will grow and develop.

“I would like to thank everybody who took time to contribute in the consultations that helped shape these plans.

For further information visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/local-plan-examination.

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pull out and keep

Special offer: CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS From the 28 November you will be able to download money saving vouchers from our website that could give you huge saving off your Christmas shopping, in our market towns.

teamed e v a h e istmas w cal shops and This Chr r 100 lo e v o h r market t i u o y e up w k a ses to m erience even busines xp opping e h s n w o t gical. more ma

To start saving all you will have to do is visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/christmasvouchers to see the list of local shops, cafes and restaurants taking part and download your vouchers.

And there are even more reasons to shop in our market towns this festive season When you download your vouchers don’t forget to print your Accumulator Card for a chance to be our Barnham Broom Christmas Winner.

Your Accumulator Card has eight boxes waiting to be stamped. Visit any eight of the participating local shops and businesses, get your card stamped in each and be entered into our Christmas draw to win a fabulous night away for two, with dinner, bed and breakfast at Barnham Broom, in January.

FREE CAR PARKING THIS CHRISTMAS And to give visitors time to relax and enjoy Christmas in South Norfolk we are offering free parking on the four Saturdays in the run up to Christmas.

On 28 November, 5, 12 and 19 December charges will be waived in car parks run by South Norfolk Council, allowing you to do your market town shopping, take advantage of our special offer vouchers and enjoy the festive entertainment.

The car parks offering free parking for the four Saturdays before Christmas are: Diss: Park Road, Chapel Street Lower, Chapel Street Upper, Church Street, Weavers Court, Mount Street, Shelfanger Road East, Shelfanger Road West.

Wymondham: Back Lane, Town Green, Market Street, Cemetery Lane.

Loddon: Church Plain and the Staithe.

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DON’T BAG IT KEEP IT LOOSE This Christmas you can recycle more than ever before but please remember items must be clean and placed loosely in your green recycling bin.

Cardboard

made into corrugated brown card for the packaging industry

Foil

melted to make cast metal items such as engine components.

Newspapers & magazines

Aluminium Cans

are made into new drinks cans (they can be recycled and back onto shop shelves in 6 weeks).

Waxed food & drink cartons

the materials are separated and cleaned before being recycled back into food packaging.

Paper only takes a week to be pulped, cleaned and recycled into new newspapers and writing paper.

Plastic pots, tubs and trays

Recycled into plastic food packaging.

Some are made into plastic pellets clothing and bedding. They can also be used for fencing or plastic bags.

Glass bottles & Jars crushed to produce a uniform size, remade into glass containers. A small amount is turned into

Steel cans & aerosols used to make bikes, cars, paperclips and new food & drink cans.

Plastic bottles (PET)

the majority are recycled back into plastic bottles, but it only takes 25

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HDPE milk bottles

recycled HDPE is used to make new containers and plastic toys.

Your christmas bin collection You can find out the date of your bin collections by logging in to My South Norfolk on our homepage www.south-norfolk.gov.uk

Collection day moving forward Usual Collection Day

Revised Collection Day

Change

Monday 21 December

Saturday 19 December

2 days early

Tuesday 22 December

Monday 21 December

1 day early

Wednesday 23 December

Tuesday 22 December

1 day early

Thursday 24 December

Wednesday 23 December

1 day early

Friday 25 December

Thursday 24 December

1 day early

Collection day moving back Monday 28 December

Tuesday 29 December

1 day late

Tuesday 29 December

Wednesday 30 December

1 day late

Wednesday 30 December

Thursday 31 December

1 day late

Thursday 31 December

Saturday 2 January

2 days late

Friday 1 January

Monday 4 January

3 days late

Monday 4 January

Tuesday 5 January

1 day late

Tuesday 5 January

Wednesday 6 January

1 day late

Wednesday 6 January

Thursday 7 January

1 day late

Thursday 7 January

Friday 8 January

1 day late

Friday 8 January

Saturday 9 January

1 day late

YOU CAN RECYCLE THESE ITEMS IN YOUR GREEN BIN

Paper and cardboard

Glass bottles and jars

Aluminium foil and foil food trays, including those from takeaways and ready meals

Plastic bottles

Shredded paper, envelopes, wrapping paper and greetings cards

Empty aerosols

Waxed food and drink cartons

Plastic pots, tubs and trays

Food and drinks cans

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 13

WHAT’S ON IN SOUTH NORFOLK THIS CHRISTMAS

Earsham Hall Christmas Market Tuesday 24 November 6pm – 9pm Earsham Hall Courtyard NR35 2AN See the 18th Century courtyard transformed into a festive Christmas Market for a wonderful evening of shopping, food and entertainment. Show room and Tea room open .

Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. www.earshamevents.co.uk Time for Christmas Saturday 28 November 9:30 –5:30 Harleston Town centre IP20 9AD Harleston will be a-buzz with a Festive Street Market, Christmas Bazaar at St John’s Church, and Santa’s Grotto. At 4:30pm the Christmas lights will be lit whilst Sparkling Snowball Sprites, carol singers and Cheeky Elves provide entertainment.

Facebook Harleston Futures.

St. Nicholas Christmas Fayre & Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 28 November 11am – 6pm Diss Town centre Featuring Christmas carols, live music, mulled wine, hog roast and entertainment. Shop for Christmas gifts and enjoy the light switch on at 6pm Christmas Visits at Bressingham Sunday 29 November – Thursday 24 December 2pm – 7pm See website for times and prices Bressingham Steam Museum IP22 2AA Rudolph is away so Father Christmas has chosen to use his faithful steam car ! Lots of fun. www.bressingham.co.uk The Christmas Tree Festival Sunday 29 November – Sunday 6 December Please call for times 01379 741994 Dickleburgh Church IP21 4NQ An unforgettable Christmas celebration featuring over 50 individual decorated Christmas trees. Small charge applies. www.thebenefice.org.uk 14 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015

Loddon and Chedgrave Victorian Evening Friday 4 December 6.30pm – 8.30pm Loddon Town Centre NR14 6LZ An evening of late night shopping, entertainment and carol singing. Open church, farmers market, fun and good spirit.

Wymondham’s Traditional Christmas Saturday 5 December 2pm – 7pm Wymondham Town Centre including the Abbey and Market place. Christmas Tree Festival. Father Christmas Grotto. Lighted procession from Abbey to Market Place. Communal carol Singing. Stage presentations for all ages.

Wymondham Town Team Facebook page www.facebook.com/WymondhamTownTeam Christmas Bistro and Party Nights 5 & 18 December From 7pm booking essential The Pennoyer Centre Pulham St Mary IP21 4QT Celebrate Christmas with family, friends or work colleagues.

Enjoy a festive home cooked meal using local produce.

Finish your evening with dancing and aperitifs.

2 courses £18, 3 courses £24 www.pennoyers.org.uk Mid-Norfolk Railway Santa Specials Saturday 12th December 11am and 2.30 pm Wymondham Abbey Station NR18 9PH Every child on the train will meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a special gift. Trains run from Dereham on other dates. www.mnr.org.uk Medieval Market Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 December.

The 12th sees a Medieval Market celebrating 750 years of the Hingham Fair. This will feature Story telling, Minstrels, Fire Eaters and a traditional market. On the 13th there will be a sing-a-long in the church along with refreshments and stalls.

Businesslike, effiecient and customer aware

HOME FROM HOME AT ROSEBERY PARK

Rosebery Park homes

People wanting to buy a house in South Norfolk can now take a look around the show home at Rosebery Park in Poringland.

The show home was declared open following a ribbon cutting ceremony by local councillors Lisa Neal and John Overton and the Leader of South Norfolk Council, John Fuller, and houses are already selling fast.

Rosebery Park is the first venture by Big Sky Developments, a company that is owned by South Norfolk Council. Through Big Sky Developments we are investing in the future of the district by building new homes and we are also investing in our local economy by providing new commercial office space and encouraging businesses and employment into the area.

We will get a return on our investment through the sale of houses and from the rental income from residential and commercial property. This income will be used to help maintain services and keep your Council Tax low.

Councillors John Fuller, Lisa Neal and John Overton

The development at Rosebery Park is made up of 43 residential properties including two, three and four bedroom houses and 14 affordable homes. The business space is designed to offer a range of open plan and modular office units, suitable for a variety of businesses including start-ups and companies looking to expand.

The first offices will be available to let later this year.

The Rosebery Park show home is open Friday to Monday, 10.00am to 5.00pm. For more info visit www.bigskydevelopments.co.uk or call 01508 533916

Business units SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 15

Supporting the economy

Crown Inn, Pulham Market

OUR pub of the year is crowned The Crown Inn, Pulham Market is our new Community Pub of the Year. The announcement was made by the judges at an awards ceremony held at our offices in Long Stratton.

Jon Bingham, landlord of the winning pub said, King’s Head, Woodton

The Railway Tavern, Framlingham Earl

“We are very proud to receive this award. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that our community has got behind us and nominated the Crown as their Pub of The Year.

It’s not until things like this happen that you realise just how much of a difference a proper local pub can make to the community.”

The Crown Inn had been closed for eighteen months before being re-opened by Jon and his team.

The Queen’s Head, Hethersett

The Green Dragon, Wymondham

Jon added “A great pub like the Crown should never be closed. It is such a wonderful community asset and a place where people can catch up and enjoy themselves.”

Terry Stork from the national organisation The Pub is the Hub and a member of the judging panel, said. “I would like to congratulate the Crown Inn which was a very worthy winner. This is the seventh year that I have been a part of this unique competition and South Norfolk Council is still the only Council in the

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country supporting its pubs this way.

All of these pubs are winners. They all stood out for the great things that they’re doing in their communities and it was very difficult for us to decide on our overall winner.”

At the ceremony four other pubs were also recognised as the best community pubs in their Neighbourhood Area and collected their winner’s plaques.

The Neighbourhood winners were: The Railway Tavern, Framingham Earl, (Eastern Rivers), The Queen’s Head, Hethersett (Northern Rivers), The King’s Head, Woodton (Tas Valley) and The Green Dragon, Wymondham (Tiffey Valley). The Crown Inn, Pulham Market (Waveney Valley) The Crown Inn will also receive £1,000 to put towards a community event.

The Water’s Edge Inn, Bramerton, The Old King’s Head, Brockdish and The Ferry House, Surlingham all collected Highly Commended certificates.

Find out more about the competition and our winning pubs at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/pubs

Enhancing the quality of life

Helping residents live independently The number of older and vulnerable people that we have helped to stay in their homes has doubled over the last year.

Simple adaptations to the home can make a huge difference to health and wellbeing of our residents, and delay the need for social care.

We were able to give Nancy Birkhead, 88, of Swardeston, practical advice and mobility equipment that has helped her continue to live safely in her own home.

Nancy, whose two sons live over two hundred miles away, has a heart condition and was finding it difficult to get upstairs and to get into the bath.

She explained,

“I have great neighbours. One of them runs the local care home and advised me to contact the Independent Living Team at the Council to see what help might be available. I had visits from a welfare advisor to assess my financial needs, and then the housing adaptations team came out to talk to me about the practical side.”

“Within days they had delivered a bath hoist – a wonderful contraption that lifts me into the bath so that I can use the shower.”

Nancy Birkhead

Nancy added, “It was all very quick and efficient. It’s certainly improved my daily life. I feel much safer and I know that further support is available if I need it, such as a stair lift.”

Our service is available to self-funding residents as well as those eligible for council grants. For more information, email independentlivingteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk, or call 01508 533705.

Dementia Home Improvement grants are now available, for more information call 01508 533705.

Winter warmth We offer a number of ways to help residents keep safe and warm over winter, including: • • • • • • •

Temporary emergency heaters Home energy checks to identify savings Boiler servicing grants for the over 65s and boiler replacement grants Oil buying grants, emergency oil, and advice on buying oil at the best price Loft and cavity wall insulation grants Decent Homes Loans to ensure a home is safe and heated Severe weather packs for our most vulnerable residents.

For further details and eligibility information, please contact 01508 533677 or housingstandards@s-norfolk.gov.uk

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 17

supporting communities

Early Help drop in sessions

Most families experience times when they need a bit of extra help or support. Early help means providing that support as soon as a difficulty or problem emerges.

What help is there?

Our Early Help team have been holding drop in sessions in association with the Wymondham Cluster Schools. The drop in sessions are open to all family members and are a place where you can discuss any difficulties you may have in private, receive immediate advice and get connected to the right source for help.

The Early Help Hub supports families, vulnerable and older people to access help when they first need it. Services accessed from the hub can help you to gain employment, manage debt and finances, access housing, keep safe, remain independent, and stay healthy, amongst others.

There is no need to book, just turn up any time from 8.30am to 10.00am on: Monday 9th November Ashleigh Primary School, Sheffield Rd, Wymondham NR18 0HL Friday 11th December Browick Primary School, Browick Road, Wymondham NR18 0QW You can contact our communitiy connectors for Diss, Wymondham and Costessey by emailing communityconnector@s-norfolk.gov.uk or by searching for ‘community connectors’ on facebook

Domestic abuse support We have a new Early Help worker focusing on domestic abuse to support you and your family.

Everyone has the right to safety and to live without fear.

Abuse is never acceptable. We can help you to recognise the signs of abuse and its effects, and we work with you, at your own pace, to provide emotional and practical support.

We are committed to taking a stand against domestic abuse and violence. November also sees the launch of the ‘Norfolk Says No’ campaign to raise awareness of this issue across the county.

You can contact the Early Help Hub in confidence on 01508 533933 or email: earlyhelphubsouth@s-norfolk.gov.uk 18 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015

The Help Hub’s Go for it Grant also support grassroots projects, to encourage communities to come together and encourage people to take part who would not normally get involved.

Call the Early Help Hub on 01508 533933 or email earlyhelphubsouth@s-norfolk.gov.uk

Text message support for young people One of the organisations that supports early help is Respect Yourself, a Hethersett based organisation that gives moral and motivational support to young people in the form of a daily text message. Topics covered include bullying, finance, sexual health and cultivating positive mental habits. The aim is ensure that young people can fulfil their potential as individuals.

For more information, see www.respectyourself.org.uk

Celebrating our community champions

Our Community Awards are back and the search is on to find unsung heroes from across South Norfolk.

This is the fourth year that we have held these popular awards that celebrate community champions and pay tribute to the valuable contribution that volunteers make to our district.

As the awards have grown in popularity so has the number of nominations we receive for local heroes. Last year, there was an overwhelming number of names put forward, so please don’t delay in sending us your nomination. The awards are open to everyone who has made a difference and several nominations can be made by one person.

Volunteers win Award A restoration project supported

by South Norfolk Council’s Neighbourhood Fund has won a top award. Forncett St Mary’s Church, which lay derelict for almost 30 years was transformed by enthusiastic residents and has won a prestigious Historic England Angel Award for the Best Rescue or Repair

Martin Wilby, Deputy Leader of the Council said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the people who give up their time to make South Norfolk such a wonderful place.”

“If you know of someone who is doing a great job in your community, then nominate them today and show them how much you appreciate their hard work.”

The eight categories you can nominate people for are: • Volunteer of the Year • Young Volunteer of the Year • Community Group of the Year • Community Fundraiser of the Year • Business Community Champion • Community Wellbeing Champion or Group of the Year

• Environmental Champion • Lifetime Community Hero Nominations close in the second week of January. All shortlisted nominees will be invited to a special awards night held at the John Innes Centre on 25 February. Winners will receive grants of £250 to give to their chosen charitable organisation.

Councillor Martin Wilby

You can make your nomination by visiting www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/ champions or call 01508 533945

of a Historic Place of Worship.

The building’s rejuvenation has brought the community together and it is now regularly used for services, concerts, exhibitions, craft fairs, valuation days and talks.

It is open every day for visitors to view the Church.

To find out more about funding visit www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/ grants

Forncett St Mary’s church

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 19

Promoting the local economy

LABC Award winners

CNC Building Control, simply the best Staff from our CNC Building Control have been celebrating after winning three prestigious accolades at the Regional Local Authority Building Control Awards.

The awards celebrate building excellence across the Eastern Region and take into account technical innovation, sustainability and high performance.

The calibre of entrants was extremely high, so for CNC to come out on top in both residential and commercial categories underlines the technical expertise of the team.

CNC, which offers Building Control for five Norfolk districts, took the top prize in three of the thirteen categories and were finalists in another five. Overseeing projects to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, our successful projects were:

Our winning projects will now be shortlisted for the National Building Control Awards which take place in London in November.

Best Conversion of an Existing Building - won for CNC’s work with Hopkins Homes and their conversion of Aylsham Water Tower into a state-of-the-art seven storey residential home.

Best Public Service Building – won for CNC’s work with Russen and Turner and the local Islamic Community for turning a property in King’s Lynn into a new Community Centre.

Best Commercial Building – won for CNC’s work with NPS and Balfour Beatty for the creation of environmentally sustainable office suites at Hethel Engineering.

Chairman of South Norfolk Council David Bills said:

“It was fantastic to hear so many clients talk so positively about the way they’ve been helped by our CNC staff and the faith they place in us.”

Council Chairman David Bills

20 | SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015

The Water Tower Aylsham

To contact CNC Building Control call 0808 168 5041 or visit www.cncbuildingcontrol.gov.uk

The Pick of the Litter Pickers

Tacolneston litter pickers

As part of our drive to keep South Norfolk looking clean and tidy the Big Litter Pick 2015 proved to be our biggest and best yet.

A total of 80 litter picks took place involving over 900 residents from across South Norfolk and nearly 2,000 bags of rubbish and recycling were collected. Once again there were four £200 prizes up for grabs in each of our five neighbourhood areas and every group who took part were given a £20 voucher to be spent on their group, charity or local community.

The £4,000 prize fund was split between the five Neighbourhoods to ensure that it was shared across the district and the names of all of the community groups and schools that registered to take part in a litter pick were entered into a draw. The lucky winners were:

Tiffey Valley

Waveney Valley

Hingham litter pickers Wymondham Allotment Association Tacolneston Parish Council Wreningham Primary School

Harleston Archbishop Sancroft High School Taylor Road Residents Association Burston Chapel 1st Pulham Brownies

Tas Valley Long Stratton Lions Saxlingham Nethergate Parish Council Bunwell Primary School Great Moulton Chapel

Northern Valley

Eastern Valley

Tacolneston Parish Council Chairman, Bev Spratt said,

Surlingham Parish Council Hales & Heckingham Community Events Group Kirstead Litter Pickers Broome Parish Council

Little Melton Parish Council HEAT Great Melton Parish Council Marlingford Litter Pickers

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the litter pick and also South Norfolk Council who helped make it

happen. The litter pick brought the whole community together and showed what can be achieved by people who are proud of where they live. We will be putting the money towards a skatepark for the village” The Long Stratton Lions are spending their winnings on organising an outing for Harker House Old People’s Home, Saxlingham and Kirstead are both buying litter picking equipment and Harleston Archibishop Sancroft High School is putting its winnings towards a ‘nurture room’ for students with special educational needs.

If you want to organise a litter pick and would like to borrow our equipment, please contact our Environment Team on 0808 168 3333.

SOUTH NORFOLK LINK autumn 2015 | 21

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