Dunston Hall’s Debbie Baldock Wins Camplings Inaugural Housekeeper of the Year

Debbie Baldock, Housekeeper at De Vere Dunston Hall Norwich for 10 years, is the winner of Camplings inaugural Housekeeper of the Year Award.

Tim Tyler, Sales & Service Manager, Camplings visited Dunston Hall on Tuesday, December 21 to present Debbie Baldock with her award. Mr Tyler said: "We established this new award to give something back to housekeepers. They play a key role in stock control and linen delivery. Debbie leads a very professional team who so far this year have had 347,299 items of linen through their hands."

David Graham Operations Manager, De Vere Dunston Hall said: "Dunston Hall would not be the same hotel without Debbie Baldock. She is a shining example of an outstanding Head Housekeeper and richly deserves to be Camplings Housekeeper of the Year 2010."

Debbie Baldock said: "This is a wonderful surprise for me and my team, thank you to Tim Tyler and everyone at Camplings."

Camplings provides specialist laundry, linen hire and dry cleaning services to more than 400 businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk http://www.camplings-linen.co.uk.

For more information about De Vere Dunston Hall tel. 01508 470444 or visit

www.devere-hotels.com/our-hotels/dunston-hall.

Photograph left to right David Graham Operations Manager, Dunston Hall, Debbie Baldock Housekeeper Dunston Hall, Tim Tyler Sales & Service Manager Camplings and Denis McEvoy General Manager Dunston Hall.

Special Christmas Bike for Kacie Thanks to Dunston Hall Golf Seniors

Kacie Ramm (3) from Hingham has a brilliant Christmas present from The Variety Club thanks to fundraising by De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Seniors’ section. She was presented with a pink theraplay tricycle at Dunston Hall on Tuesday, December 21.

Kacie has cerebral palsy and spastic quadraplegia. Her dad David explained: “The tricycle is a wonderful Christmas present for Kacie. She currently has to rely on her special buggy to get around, but this will give her independence. I would like to thank the Dunston Hall golfers and The Variety Club for their support.”

Ron Wade, Dunston Hall Seniors Captain said: “Kacie must be the happiest three year-old I have ever seen. I am so pleased that that the money raised for The Variety Club in my captain’s year is being used locally in such a practical way.”

Dennis Gimes from The Variety Club’s Easy Rider Wheelchair Committee said: “I would like to thank Ron Wade and the Dunston Hall Seniors for their support. The tricycle is going to make such a difference to Kacie’s life.”

De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Club Senior’s section raised £2,000 for The Variety Club Children’s Charity, the De Vere group’s charity for 2010.

The Variety Club Children’s Charity, http://www.varietyclub.org.uk/ was founded in 1949 to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. The charity has raised over £200 million in the last six decades, supporting more than one million children and young people. The Variety Club provides Sunshine Coaches, electric wheelchairs, days out, equipment for children’s hospitals and more. For more information about the Easy Riders programme see www.varietyclub.org.uk/easyriders.

For more information about De Vere Dunston Hall tel. 01508 470444 or visit
www.devere-hotels.com/our-hotels/dunston-hall.

Photograph of iced up fountain at Dunston Hall

I took this photograph today of the fountain at De Vere Dunston Hall

The Vanishing of Ruth

I have just finished reading Janet Macleod Trotter’s new book, The Vanishing of Ruth. My review of the book is below. All profits from its sale are going towards the rehabilitation of Janet’s brother Don, who was seriously injured in a road accident in March 2010, when he was knocked of his bike. Here (below) is my review. You can buy the book at http://www.janetmacleodtrotter.com.

What a rollercoaster ride – take your seat on the bus to Khatmandu and be prepared for many mysterious twists and turns on the way. I could not put this book down. Janet MacLeod Trotter engages you fully in the lives of the lead characters. You are with Amber every step of the way as she unravels the story of her Aunt Ruth’s bizarre disappearance. You worry for driver Cassidy, as he tries to guide his hungover passengers on the 1970s overland route to the East, and hope that he builds up enough ‘Dutch’ courage to declare his love for Juliet. This is a perfect winter book, which will waken the wanderlust in even the most jaded traveller.

Norfolk Travel Trade Manual – Excursions Launch

Norfolk Tourism, with partners Norfolk Lavender and Premier Inns Norwich, will be launching the 12th edition of the Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2011 at Excursions group travel exhibition, http://www.excursions.org.uk/, Alexandra Place on Saturday, January 15. The travel trade manual is the essential guide to Norfolk for coach operators and group operators, packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events.

Pick up a copy of the travel trade manual at Norfolk Tourism’s stand no. E11 or download a pdf or order a printed copy at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/group-travel. Visitors to the Norfolk Tourism stand will be invited to enter a free prize draw for a Norfolk Lavender Hamper.

With London 2012 fast approaching, Norfolk is the perfect Olympic and Paralympic base. Enjoy the historic city of Norwich, the magical waterland of the Broads, 90 miles of stunning coastline, busy seaside resorts like Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Hunstanton and the heaths and forest of the Brecks. Then take a fast rail connection from Norwich and Diss to Stratford, with direct access to the Olympic Village, or from King’s Lynn and Downham Market to King’s Cross.

The travel trade manual is full of ideas for visits to the county year-round, notably Norfolk & Norwich Festival (May) one of the largest international festivals in the UK, or Festival Too King’s Lynn’s free music festival (June and July) and the main King’s Lynn Festival (July). Great Yarmouth’s colourful Maritime Festival (September), the EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival (September) and the famous Thursford Christmas Spectacular, the largest Christmas show in the UK (November and December), all add to the mix.

News from Premier Inns Norwich, http://www.premierinn.com/ – Premier Inn Duke Street’s Thyme restaurant has been enlarged with a new menu; Premier Inn Norwich Airport has been extended and work is ongoing at Premier Inn Norfolk Showground. Premier Inn Norwich Nelson has a new group package on offer with City Boats’ river tours.

Norfolk Lavender, http://www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk/ offers several special group tours including The Lavender Fields and Distillery, The Rare Breeds Animal Centre & Meadow Gardens and The Thursford Stop-off (for groups en-route to The Thursford Christmas Spectacular).

Virginia Edwards, Norfolk Tourism Team Manager said: “Excursions is an important show for us. It is a great opportunity to meet and talk to group buyers and the travel trade in the south. Norfolk is a fabulous visitor destination at any time of year, as well as peaceful countryside with atmospheric medieval churches, picturesque villages, historic market towns, beautiful coastline and the magical Broads, we have a great mix of attractions plus Norwich, a top-five shopping destination that is easy to explore on foot, with fantastic historic buildings round every corner.”

Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/, tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use image library at http://www.norfolk-images.co.uk/.

New Norfolk Tourism Chairman - Richard Ellis Norfolk Country Cottages

Richard Ellis, founder of Norfolk Country Cottages, one of the county’s leading tourism businesses, is the new Chairman of Norfolk Tourism, the public and private sector tourism industry partnership. Mr Ellis succeeds Michael Timewell, Director of Blue Sky Leisure.

Mr Ellis originally trained as a management accountant and worked for multinational companies before moving into the food industry. He was instrumental in bringing Kettle Foods to Norwich and was their Chief Executive until 2000. In January 1992 he started Norfolk Country Cottages, with his wife Lesley, in a room at their cottage in Reepham.

Richard Ellis explained: “I wanted to develop my own tourism business based on a strong set of personal values about quality of service, attention to detail, valuing and respecting people, as well as playing an active and responsible role in the community.”

Norfolk Country Cottages is now the leading self catering agency in Norfolk with sister brands in Suffolk – Suffolk Secrets, Kent & Sussex – Freedom Holiday Homes, and Devon – Marsdens Cottage Holidays. Now collectively known as The Original Cottage Company, the business has grown to be one of the largest independent holiday cottage agencies in the UK.

Mr Ellis was appointed Chairman of EEDA in December 2003 and retired at the end of March. He is currently a trustee of Norwich Theatre Royal, The Forum Trust, Norwich and the Holt Festival.

Richard Ellis added: “I am very pleased to have joined the team at Norfolk Tourism. We live in challenging economic times, but these are also times of great opportunity for those of us involved in the county’s tourism industry. With more people holidaying at home and the Olympics approaching fast, there is growth to be had. But with reducing public funding it is imperative that the private and public sectors work more closely together to ensure that we both attract and delight more visitors.”

In 2009 tourism in Norfolk was worth £2.6 billion to the local economy. Tourism related employment was 49,652, comprising 14% of the county’s workforce, http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church Dickleburgh - the winners

The winning trees at the 7th 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh, which closed on Sunday, December 12, were:

Adult: Culrose Residential Care Home, Dickelburgh

Child: Gissing Children’s Centre

The Nick Arnull Plate for the most innovative tree: Rushall Doll’s House – specialists in handcrafted miniatures.

Rev. Norman Steer, event organiser said: “We had a joyous week at Dickleburgh Church. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for their hard work in producing such an excellent ‘crop’ of trees this year, our volunteers for their support and everyone who visited who helped make this such a special event.”

http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Picture - Culrose Residential Care Home

Norfolk’s Official Tourism Website Interactive Upgrade

Norfolk’s official tourism website, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk, has had a £25,000 upgrade giving it a more contemporary look and feel, increasing interactivity by providing commission free online accommodation booking and showcasing images of the county from its flickr group.

The website development was supported by Norfolk Tourism’s partners and the regional Destination Management System (DMS) project funded by EEDA and managed by East of England Tourism. The upgrade makes visitnorfolk.co.uk a one-stop shop for visitors and local residents wanting to book accommodation, get the latest tourism news, find out what’s on, discover the county’s great food and drink and choose from the vast array of attractions and things to see and do.

The home page has a selection of revolving images, links to key themes – London 2012, World Class Norfolk and Outdoor Norfolk, seasonal highlights and what’s on information and a quick accommodation search box.

A link to ‘Your Norfolk Images’ features the 800-strong flickr database – images supplied by local photographers and friends of Norfolk. The flickr database is growing all the time and in addition there is a Visit Norfolk facebook page where visitors can leave top tips and comments and post photographs.

Visitnorfolk.co.uk links into East of England Tourism’s DMS, which then provides a seamless route to visitbritain.com and enjoyengland.com.

Jan Robertson, Norfolk Tourism’s website manager said: “I am really excited about the opportunities provided by the new website. I am very keen for us to develop our presence on social media platforms. The flickr group is proving really successful and we are working hard to ensure that we have good visibility on facebook and twitter. We also have greater flexibility to develop special promotions, which will allow us to work more closely with media partners like the Eastern Daily Press and the BBC.”

Gerry Balding, a member of the Visit Norfolk flickr group, www.flickr.com/groups/visitnorfolk, said: “I am really pleased to have my pictures included on the Visit Norfolk website. I like getting out and about with my camera as Norfolk has so many fantastic places and events to photograph. By sharing them on the website, I hope that people will appreciate the beauty of Norfolk and then come and explore the county for themselves.” To see the full range of Gerry Balding’s photographs go to www.flickr.com/photos/8929612@N04.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism added: “The new online booking system is an excellent development. It simplifies the process of choosing a holiday or short break in Norfolk. Visitors to the website can decide what they want to do in the county and then choose accommodation to suit their requirements. I would like to thank East of England Tourism and our partners for helping create our new ‘shop window’.”

Ninhams – New Colman’s Mustard and Cheese Scone Mix

Norwich based producer of traditional cake mixes, Ninhams Ltd, http://www.ninhams.co.uk/, has created a Colman’s Mustard and Cheese Scone Mix, which is now available exclusively at Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, Royal Arcade Norwich, http://www.mustardshopnorwich.co.uk/.

The final mix was developed following feedback from customers who attended a tasting session at Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum in late August. The mix is sold in 250g bags costing £2.75.

Emma Bussey, Director Ninhams Ltd said: “We are delighted to be working with Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum. It’s great to see two historic Norwich brands combining on such an excellent local product.”

Nick Cook, Retail Business Manager of Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum, said: “The Colman’s Mustard and Cheese Scone Mix is a great addition to our growing range of exclusive and tasty Colman’s mustard products and is already proving a hit with customers.”

Ninhams of Norfolk has been producing traditional cake mixes since 1870. The Ninhams brand and original recipes were acquired by Emma in 2008. Her sister, Sophie Buchanan is in charge of production and Emma’s mother, Frances Parker also lends a hand. The business is based on Whitelodge Business Park, Norwich.

As well as the Colman’s Mustard and Cheese Scone Mix, Emma and her family sell the famous Norfolk Cheesecake filling, Leavona Lemon Cake Mix, Ginger Cake Mix and Chocolate Cake Mix. For more information tel. 01603 660263.

North Norfolk Chilli Peanuts at Wroxham Barns Christmas Farmers’ Market

Glyn Kirpalani from Weybourne will be offering tastings of his Norfolk made hot chilli peanuts at the Produced in Norfolk Christmas Farmers’ Market at Wroxham Barns on Saturday, December 11, 10am to 1pm.

“Chilli Peanuts are called hot pepper nuts in the West Indies and sold by the roadside in Trinidad and Tobago where men pour handfuls of them down the throat like beer from the bottle,” explained chilli fan Glyn Kirpalani, who makes the nuts and a hot chilli sauce in his home kitchen at Weybourne.

Glyn who believes chillies, which contain anti oxidants, have good health benefits and help to fight off colds and flu, will also be explaining how his chilli sauce can be used to spice up the left over turkey.

“ I just love chillies to bits. I even ordered a chilli costume to wear at the Farmer’s Market but unfortunately I had to send it back as it was faulty. “Anyone who has a spare chilli costume they could lend Glyn Kirpalani are asked to contact him on 01263 588249.

North Walsham Salvation Army Band and the Skiffle It Band will be entertaining visitors to the Farmer’s Market.

Also on Sunday, December 19, visit Junior Farm for Christmas Carols in the Barn with Tunstead Primary School at 2pm, free admission, donations to local charities and a raffle.

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, winner of East of England Tourism’s Taste of England award 2010, is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Produced in Norfolk, www.producedinnorfolk.com, tel. 01603 241012, is a social enterprise founded in 2005 to promote and support local producers that are genuinely making their products in Norfolk. Its Farmers’ Market at Wroxham Barns won the EDP Norfolk Food Awards 2009 Best Farmers’ Market.

The Model Landscape Co – New at Wroxham Barns

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb officially opened the Model Landscape Co at Wroxham Barns on Thursday, November 25. Mr Lamb (right) is pictured with Paul Rice and Louise Mayhew of the Model Landscape Co.

The Model Landscape Co supplies model railways and vehicles plus die-cast models from most manufacturers including Joefix, Faller, Heki, Hobbytrade, Herpa, Hornby, Peco, Busch, LGB, Kibri, Brawa, Woodland Scenics, EFE, Oxford Die-cast, Corgi, Vanguards, along with its own Scenics range.

Norman Lamb MP said: “It is great to be back at Wroxham Barns and I am delighted that Paul and Louise have opened their shop here. They will benefit from the enormous number of visitors to Wroxham Barns and will add to the attraction of a day out. Every year there are new developments at Wroxham Barns giving additional reasons to visit North Norfolk.”

Paul Rice said: “Our ambition is to become the number one destination in Norfolk for model railway and scenery enthusiasts. We are really pleased to be at Wroxham Barns and I would like to thank Mr Lamb for supporting our official opening.”

The business was founded by Paul Rice who has more than 35 years experience in the model trade. The Model Landscape Co. also creates European outline scale model scenes. Paul started his model making in the 1960's and worked from an early age in Victoria Model Railways, Romford, where he was a trained Hornby and Fleischmann service dealer. He has constructed numerous dioramas and layouts for private and corporate clients and specialises in constructing set pieces incorporating Faller Car systems and fairground models.

The Model Landscape Co. is open daily from 10am to 5pm, tel 01603 783219, or contact
Paul Rice 07815 818713 and Louise Mayhew 07796 154719, http://www.modellandscapeco.com/.

Dickleburgh – Fifty Christmas Trees in a Church

Dickleburgh Church is one of the best places to visit in Norfolk in December to be infused with the Christmas spirit. This beautiful 15th century church is hosting the seventh annual Christmas extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church from Sunday, December 5 to Sunday, December 12, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on Sunday, December 12 for the prize giving).

This year’s festival has a special theme, the Heavens at Jesus’ birth. Lighting above the trees will recreate the position of the stars and planets. Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations.

The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. In addition, the Nick Arnull Plate will be awarded to the most innovative tree.

Admission is adults £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75 and children free. All money raised will be shared by Connects & Co, a Norwich-based charity supporting young carers and the parish churches that comprise the Benefice of Dickleburgh and the Pulhams – Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thelveton, Shimpling and Frenze.

The Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, will officially open 50 Christmas Trees in a Church at 5pm on Saturday, December 4. The opening will include a performance of Rwandan Christmas Carols by Illuminée Nganemariya (author of Miracle in Kigali) and the Benefice choir. Illuminée Nganemariya will also be at the church all day on Wednesday, December 8.

Father Christmas will be making daily appearances throughout the festival.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave.”

Light lunches and teas are served in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). All day breakfast will be on offer on Saturday 11 December and Sunday lunches on both Sundays. Christmas Crafts on sale; good car parking at the church. Dickleburgh is just off the A140 to the north of Diss. The church is on The Street, Dickleburgh’s main thoroughfare.

For more information tel. 01379 854245 http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

PR – The Slow Burn Technique

Magazines do have a long shelf life. This is what Norwich PR consultant Paul Dickson discovered last year.

In 2007, I helped Illuminée Nganemariya, a Rwandan Genocide survivor living in Norwich, write her story of survival and subsequent life in the UK. It was published as Miracle in Kigali by The Tagman Press in October 2007.

How would it feel to wake up every morning for more than three months facing the prospect that you and your newborn baby are likely to be brutally murdered that day?
This was Illuminée’s experience. She and her son Roger, who was born during the Genocide, survived the 1994 attempt by Rwanda’s Hutu extremists to wipe their Tutsi neighbours from the face of the earth.

After watching her husband being dragged away to be killed by friends who had celebrated their wedding with them a month earlier, Illuminée embarked on a horrific journey through the Genocide with Roger strapped to her back – their survival was a miracle.

Miracle in Kigali was promoted with Norwich, London and Rwanda launches, signing events, talks and media interviews. A magazine called the Norfolk Journal, which no longer exists, featured a two-page spread about the book, with a current photograph of Illuminée and Roger, in its January 2008 edition.

Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2009 – the phone rang in Illuminée’s flat. It was Mark Blaney, one of the producers of a new feature film called Africa United. His parents-in-law live near Fakenham, Norfolk and Mark happened to be in the county for Christmas. Africa United was five weeks from going into production and they still had not cast one of the main characters, Fabrice, a middle class teenage, Rwandan football fanatic.

Mark’s mother-in-law had just given him her old copy of the Norfolk Journal, which included the Miracle in Kigali feature and happened to include a reference to Roger’s footballing prowess.

Mark’s enthusiasm for his project was infectious and Illuminée agreed to the film’s Director, Debs Gardner-Paterson visiting Norwich straight after Christmas to audition Roger. This was rapidly followed by a second audition in London on 3 January. Four days later he was offered the part.

So, on 25 January, Roger flew out to Johanessburg for 10 weeks filming in South Africa, Rwanda and Burundi, and also returned to South Africa in June for the opening ceremony of the World Cup.

Africa United’s premiere was at the Odeon West End Leicester Square on 17 October. Roger experienced the full red carpet treatment with banks of photographers and news cameras. Then on 5 November he flew out to Kigali for the Rwandan premiere, meeting the President, Paul Kagame.

As a result of his work in Africa United, Roger was cast in a BBC docu-drama to be screened at Christmas and is now being represented by United Agents.

A miraculous year for Roger, the boy whose mother’s tenacity brought him through the Genocide, and who was discovered in Norwich thanks to a PR story in an old county magazine. Keep the dream!

For more information about Africa United see http://www.africaunitedmovie.com/ and Miracle in Kigali http://miracleinkigali.blogspot.com/.

EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2010 – The Winners

Waveney River Centre led the way with three wins at the sixth EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards, organised in association with the Hoseasons Group and staged at Holiday Inn Norwich North on Friday, November 19. Richard Searle, Managing Director of Searle’s of Hunstanton since 1984, won the outstanding contribution to tourism award.

Waveney River Centre picked up best caravan or holiday park, best Broads holiday experience and the customer care award. Delia’s Canary Catering based at Norwich City FC won the business tourism award for the second year running. Banham Zoo won best tourist attraction (visitor numbers over 60,000) and Go Ape! Thetford Forest won best visitor attraction (under 60,000 visitors). Blakeney Hotel was best hotel (over 35 bedrooms), Titchwell Manor was best hotel (under 35 bedrooms), with Carrick’s at Castle Farm, Swanton Morley as best B&B and guesthouse.

The full list of winners is below.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards are a wonderful celebration of the county’s tourism industry, which contributes £2.6bn to the local economy and supports 49,000 jobs. I would like to thank the Eastern Daily Press for its commitment to the awards and its very successful EDP Holiday Here campaign. Thank you also to all the businesses that entered this year’s awards and congratulations to the winners who have demonstrated excellence in their particular field. Richard Searle, winner of the outstanding contribution to tourism and Waveney River Centre deserve a special mention for their achievements.”

Peter Waters, Editor, Eastern Daily Press said: “The EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards highlight the unique offering of our county: the wonderful coastline and countryside allied with superb accommodation and hospitality venues, great restaurants and pubs, and our brilliant visitor attractions, museums and historical sights. From the kiss-me-quick, bucket-and-spade delights of Great Yarmouth to the more genteel, refined north Norfolk, from the magical Broads and cultural, heritage and shopping hub of our Fine City to the natural beauty of the west and Brecks, there is something for everyone. Here in Norfolk we believe there is nowhere in the UK with a richer, more varied holiday experience than we are able to provide.”

The Winners
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Richard Searle, Searle’s of Hunstanton www.searles.co.uk
Berry Savory Best Tourist Attraction Go Ape! www.goape.co.uk
(under 60,000 visitors)
Berry Savory Best Tourist Attraction Banham Zoo www.banhamzoo.co.uk
(over 60,000 visitors)
Best B&B and Guesthouse Carrick’s at Castle Farm, Swanton Morley www.carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk
Best Caravan or Holiday Park Waveney River Centre www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk
Best Hotel (under 35 bedrooms) Titchwell Manor www.titchwellmanor.com
Best Hotel (over 35 bedrooms) Blakeney Hotel www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk
Best Self-Catering Plum Tree Cottage, Ashmanhaugh www.eastviewfarm.co.uk
Best Visitor Information Centre King’s Lynn Tourist information Centre www.visitwestnorfolk.com
Sustainable Tourism Awards Deepdale www.deepdalefarm.co.uk
Best Broads Holiday Experience Waveney River Centre
Customer Care Award Waveney River Centre
Business Tourism Award Delia’s Canary Catering www.deliascanarycatering.com
Best Marketing Initiative Big 3 Freedom Pass (Banham Zoo, Africa Alive and Dinosaur Adventure Park)
EDP Holiday Here Award Nancy Heywood
Most effective use of online marketing Great Yarmouth Borough Council Tourism
www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

Wroxham Barns Christmas Events

Thursday 25 November – late night shopping 6pm to 9pm – Christmas open evening with complimentary ‘small eats’ and festive music from the Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band.

Sunday 5 December – Christmas family day, with seasonal music from Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band and The East Norfolk Operatic Society, face painting and complimentary ‘small eats’.

Saturday 11 December – Produced in Norfolk Christmas Farmers’ Market, 10am to 1pm, music from North Walsham Salvation Army Band and the Skiffle It Band.

Sunday 19 December Junior Farm - Christmas Carols in the Barn with Tunstead Primary School, 2pm. Free admission, donations to local charities and a raffle. Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band will be at Wroxham Barns all day.

Wroxham Barns, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, winner of East of England Tourism’s Taste of England award 2010 www.eet.org.uk, is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Christmas Events

Sunday 12 December, 5pm to 7pm, Meet Father Christmas and his reindeer,
£5 per person; every child receives a present. Music from Top Brass, children’s crafts, Mini Christmas market, plus roast chestnuts and mince pies on sale in the tearoom. Pre-booking recommended tel. 016023 270449.

Thursday 16 December, 10.30am, Christmas Wreath Workshop, £12 per person includes all materials and tea/coffee and biscuits. Make a Christmas wreath using natural materials with Val Noon from Natural Crafts. Book in advance, tel. 01603 270449

Boxing Day Walk, Sunday 26 December, 11am with Head Gardener Ian Guest, normal admission charges.

New Year’s Day Walk, Saturday 1 January, 11am with Head Gardener Ian Guest, normal admission charges.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk, tel. 01603 270449. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), admission – adult £5, concessions £4.50, child £2.50 (under 5 free). Tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance; mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Tourism Survey Reveals ‘Staycation’ Boost to Norfolk’s Economy

Figures released by East of England Tourism have revealed that the value of tourism in Norfolk increased from £2.5 billion in 2008 to £2.6 billion in 2009. Tourism related employment increased from 47,269 to 49,652, a 5% growth and is now 14% of the workforce.

Tourism Statistics
2008 2009
Total tourism value £2.5bn £2.6bn
Tourism related employment 47,269 49,652
Day Trips (millions) 25.465 26.734
Day Trips spend (millions) £916.355 £954.825
UK residents staying trips (millions) 3.747 4.092
UK residents staying nights (millions) 13.036 14.066
UK residents staying value (millions) £638.417 £674.807
Overseas visitor trips (millions) 0.232 0.221
Overseas visitor nights (millions) 2.045 1.785
Overseas visitor spend (millions) £92.308 £80.663

Lydia Smith Director Norfolk Tourism : “The statistics confirm the ‘staycation’ phenomenon. In England in 2009 the domestic overnight trips grew by 8% and spend rose by 5%. These figures are reflected by Norfolk’s tourism industry performance, with the value of day trips and UK staying visitors increasing significantly during the year. Intelligence from the industry for 2010 shows that the ‘staycation’ has continued, although this year visitors have been more careful with their spending.”

Councillor Ann Steward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Norfolk County Council said: “The tourism statistics for 2009 and the reports from the industry for 2010 are very encouraging, especially during these difficult times. It is excellent news for the county’s economy that tourism related employment is showing real growth.”

The UK Tourism survey showed that trips to the East of England for the period April to June 2010 were up 1.82% on the same period in 2009. East of England Tourism’s Business Confidence Monitor for July to September 2010 revealed that 71% of accommodation providers and 57% of attractions experienced an increase or no change in the volume of guests or visitors. Some 75% of businesses said that returning customers had the most positive impact on their business.

Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk , tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use image library at www.norfolk-images.co.uk.

Tourism Volume and Value Figures
The figures were produced by East of England Tourism www.eet.org.uk using the Cambridge Economic Model. The model uses information from national tourism surveys and regionally based data. All figures have been rounded up.

Wroxham Barns – out of town Christmas Shopping and Eating on a Plate

Forget the annual Christmas struggle on the high street and head to Wroxham Barns and tick off your shopping list in one go.

Browse through the craft studios and discover unique handmade items – freshwater pearl and gemstone necklaces at Capricorn Minerals and Jewellery, Norfolk themed mirrors, windows, roundels and fire screens from Coastal Stained Glass, Rachel Hutchins countryside inspired prints in The Norfolk Art Gallery and domestic ware and house nameplates at Tricia Francis pottery.

Visit resident sculptor, Sue Windley for art and sculpture materials, or even that special commission, and Pat Trett woodturner for beautiful ornamental bowls.

Sew Creative is a must for patchwork and quilting fans with everything from Christmas Tree kits to the new ruler cutter – just arrived in the UK.

Babies and small children are well catered for at Lads & Lasses with their own Sugar and Spice clothing range and Hooligans, ethically made in South Africa.

Pick up a pack of Uncle Stuart’s Christmas beers, bottles of Burgoyne’s Spiced Norfolk Cider from The Apple Shop or 52 North, Norfolk wine from Spooner Row at the Country Food Store, which is full of delectable goodies. Pop into The Fudge Shop for delicious Christmas fudge and traditional sweets and there’s also Bill LeGrice Roses’ with presents for gardeners in the family.

The Gallery has a vast array of gifts, toys, jewellery, accessories, ladies clothes and new this year – menswear from Kartel and Seasalt. From colourful cup cake containers and cup cake recipe books to gorgeous Cath Kidston mugs, beautiful glove puppets, along with Jellycat cuddly toys and a great selection of fun books like Father’s Wit and Suddenly Senile, there is something to satisfy even the most jaded Christmas shopping palate.

Finally with all the shopping done, the restaurant café is the perfect place to take a break. It serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using the best of local produce, with coffee and cake at any time!

Wroxham Barns, http://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, tel. 01603 783762, winner Taste of England, East of England Tourism Awards 2010, is open daily 10am to 5pm
(closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), 10 miles from Norwich, take A1151 to Wroxham then follow brown and white tourist signs for 1.5miles on the Tunstead road. Free parking.

Picture - Uncle Stuart's Brewery Christmas beers pack.

Top Night for Norfolk’s Tourism Businesses at East of England Tourism Awards

Norfolk’s tourism businesses won nine awards out of the 15 awards available at the 2010 East of England Tourism Enjoy England Awards for Excellence staged at the National Trust’s Ickworth House on Thursday, November 4.

Kelling Heath www.kellingheath.co.uk led the way with an outstanding three awards – best caravan/holiday village, sustainable tourism award and best tourism experience of the year for its star party event.

Businesses in the Broads won four awards: Philip Search, Broad House Hotel, Wroxham, outstanding customer care category www.broadhousehotel.co.uk, Dairy Barns Hickling www.dairybarns.co.uk, B&B/guest accommodation of the year, East View Farm Holiday Cottages, Ashmanhaugh www.eastviewfarm.co.uk, self-catering holiday of the year and Wroxham Barns www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, Taste of England.

Titchwell Manor www.titchwellmanor.com on the North Norfolk coast won best small hotel and Norfolk Cottages at Gissing www.animalrehab.co.uk/norfolkcottages/home.htm won the access for all accolade.

The awards celebrate the best of English tourism - and are known throughout the industry as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism. Regional winners go forward to the national awards next spring.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “This is a wonderful result for Norfolk’s tourism industry. Congratulations to Kelling Heath on its fantastic achievement and all the other winners who are first class ambassadors for the county.”

Ian Russell, Chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum, said: “The Broads Tourism Forum is very proud of our four winners, whose work has been recognised for enhancing the area’s visitor experience. This acknowledges our sustained drive for quality in the Broads.”

For a full list of winners see www.eet.org.uk.

‘A Second Helping’ charity evening at The Yurt Restaurant, Thornham

The Yurt Restaurant at Drove Orchards, Thornham is staging a ‘A Second Helping’ on Sunday, November 14, 7.30pm for 8pm start, an evening menu featuring recipes from Able to Cook, the charity cook book, published in July, by Norwich-based Able Community Care to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Able to Cook features more than 120 recipes and includes contributions from stars of stage and screen, Norfolk personalities and friends and colleagues of Able Community Care.

All profits from ‘A Second Helping’ will go to the two charities that are benefiting from sales of the book, Age UK Norfolk and Connects & Co, a Norwich charity supporting young carers.

Diners will be able to sample all six starters and choose from six main courses and five deserts (vegetarian options included). The three-course supper, plus coffee, costs £22.50, tel. 01485 525108 to reserve a table.

Rebecca Trezise Sutherland from The Yurt Restaurant explained: ”I used to work for Able Community Care as a Care Manager. We have sold 60 copies of Able to Cook so far to customers. But we decided that it would be great fun to bring the book alive by cooking a selection of recipes, as they appear in the book, and present them to diners as ‘A Second Helping’ to raise money for Able Community Care’s chosen charities.”

Menu examples
Starters – Feta Fingers with Cranberry, Orange & Mint Dip from Emma Wilcox, Head Chef Pulse Café, Norwich, Fragrant Thai Prawn Omelette from Jude Orange, Norwich Puppet Theatre and Granny’s Corn Fritters from Colette Hawes, London.

Main Courses – Norfolk Braised Beef in Beer with Herb Dumplings from Jake Humphrey, BBC Sport, Congham Pigeon Breasts in Red Wine from Henry Bellingham MP and Vegetarian Tart from Professor John Last, Principal, Norwich University College of the Arts

Deserts – Spiced Apple & Raisin Crumble from Nicholas Parsons OBE, Honey Buns from Stephen Fry and Baked Chocolate Mousse from Sarah P, Able Community Care Gazette reader who lives in Devon.

The Yurt’s suppliers, Perfick Pork Great Ryburgh, Cole’s of King’s Lynn, Mr Fruity Norwich and Drove Orchards Thornham are donating food for the evening.

Copies of Able to Cook (£6) will be on sale, along with raffle tickets for The Yurt Christmas Draw (proceeds also to Age UK Norfolk and Connects & Co).

Angela Gifford, founder and proprietor of Able Community Care said: “Rebecca’s ‘A Second Helping’ evening is a wonderful way to support our Able to Cook initiative. Diners are going to have a superb evening sampling some of the special recipes donated to our book and at the same time raise money for two very worthwhile charities. The Yurt is already the top selling outlet for Able to Cook and this event is really the ‘icing on the cake’!”

The Yurt Restaurant, Drove Orchards, Thornham Road, Thornham, PE36 6LS, tel. 01485 525108, http://www.theyurt.co.uk/.

Able Community Care was established by Angela Gifford in Norwich in 1980. The company provides live-in carer schemes throughout Great Britain and the Channel Islands, a true alternative to moving into a residential care setting, providing people with an opportunity to stay in their own homes, tel. 01603 764567, http://www.uk-care.com/.

Norwich Entrepreneur Opens Third New Bathroom Business in Three Years

Norwich entrepreneur, Gareth Pendleton (38) has opened his third new bathroom business in three years. The Bathroom Company at Thorpe End, Norwich is a boutique bathroom shop offering design, supply and installation of some of the most stunning and adventurous designer bathrooms available.

Gareth’s other businesses are Bathrooms by Design in Thorpe St Andrew (opened October 2007) and Norwich Bathrooms & Kitchens, Heigham Street on the Norwich Inner Ring Road, opened in partnership with Pete Garrett in January 2008.

The bathroom businesses employ eighteen people. Gareth is one of the few bathroom specialists in the Norwich area that employs his own team of specialist fitters.

Projected turnover for the three businesses by the end of 2011 is £2 million. Gareth is also actively on the lookout for opportunities to expand The Bathroom Company brand beyond Norwich.

Gareth did a plumbing apprenticeship with his father in Bungay before moving into car sales with Warwick Shubrook. But a desire to work by himself saw a move into bathroom fitting in 1998.

“I have always been very practical and started off with my mum’s bathroom. Fortunately she was pleased with the result. Half the battle with bathroom design is being able to visualise the final result as you go along. I discovered that I had a talent for this and quickly picked up work through recommendation.”

Gareth was full time on the tools for three years, running his business via a mobile phone, then took on a trainee and gradually expanded, bringing on board additional fitters.

“As the business grew, I recognised the need to establish a shop window so people could see bathroom ‘sets’ and visualise their upgrade. I found a vacant unit next to Kitchens by Design on Spinney Road in Thorpe St Andrew, so called the shop Bathrooms by Design to complement the other brand.”

Within one month of opening Bathrooms by Design, Gareth had agreed to set up Norwich Bathrooms & Kitchens with Pete Garrett as a trade and retail outlet.

The Bathroom Company at Thorpe End is a natural development. “I wanted a larger showroom which could focus on luxury and the peace and tranquillity of a special bathing experience. We want our customers to relax and enjoy the experience of choosing and visualising their dream bathroom.”

The Bathroom Company, Thorpe End, Norwich, tel. 01603 300866, email sales@thebathroomco.com, http://www.thebathroomco.com/.

Enjoy Fairhaven’s Autumn Majesty

Visit Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday, November 14 and enjoy a fabulous autumn colours tour with Head Gardener, Ian Guest.

The Autumn Majesty tour begins at 11am and will last for 1½ hours. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5, concessions £4.50 and child £2.50 (under five free).

The autumn colours are spectacular and will be at their best on November 14, especially the many ancient oak and beech trees. Pride of place goes to the huge 950 year-old King Oak, which was a sapling at the time of the Battle of Hastings – believed to be the oldest tree in Norfolk – along with its near neighbour the Queen Oak.

The tour will take visitors down the Beech Walk, along the Broads Walk with its views of the garden’s private broad and past tree-lined dykes.

Sunday, November 14 is also the final day this year for boat trips on Fairhaven’s private broad and South Walsham outer broad.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449/270683, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day).

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Able Community Care Competition Winner

Christine Smith (left) from Trimingham is the winner of Able Community Care’s 30th anniversary competition, which appeared in the September edition of EDP Norfolk. Her prize, a pearl necklace sourced from Dipples of Swan Lane, Norwich, was presented to her by Angela Gifford, Able Community Care, on Friday, October 22.

Christine is originally from Leicester, and moved to Norfolk in 2009. She and her husband started taking regular holidays in Norfolk in 1981. Cromer Pier is their favourite location. An avid reader of EDP Norfolk magazine, she has been a subscriber since 2002 and enters most competitions. This the first time that her name has been drawn out of the hat!

Able Community Care http://www.uk-care.com/

LSI Architects Norwich Rated Top Five UK Construction Industry Employer

Norwich and London based LSI Architects LLP has been rated the third best UK construction industry employer in Building magazine’s Good Employer’s Guide 2010.

The Good Employer’s Guide showcases the best firms in the construction sector. For the first time the guide features the top five across all disciplines. LSI Architects was rated third. The guide is open to all companies nationally with more than 30 ‘non-administrative’ staff.

LSI Architects was also rated as a Top Five Architect and was included in the top five in five of the other six categories:

 Feel Good Factor
 Leadership
 Smarter Working
 Social Responsibility
 Ability to Contribute

Building magazine’s survey is compiled online direct from staff responses, making it a genuine reflection from the workforce, not the management’s ‘wish list’. To view the full Good Employer’s Guide 2010 go to www.building.co.uk.

“People at LSI see our practice as a community. Senior members of the practice recognise and reward staff for their contribution, engagement and efforts. Staff repay that recognition by responsiveness to our clients and commitment to the commissions we receive. We believe that sound business practices go hand in hand with raising the quality of our designs and satisfying the objectives of those who employ us.” David Thompson, Partner, LSI Architects LLP.

In June, David Thompson received The Prince’s Ambassador Award in the East of England Business in the Community Awards. LSI Architects was also given the national Big Tick for Small Company of the Year and was a finalist in the national awards. In addition LSI Architects received the regional best Business in the Community Award (small company) and was highly commended in the regional Sustainable Travel and Work Inspiration Awards.

In May, LSI Architects was awarded the Community Mark by Business in the Community, one of 34 business across the UK to be honoured with this accolade. LSI Architects was also a finalist in EDP Business Awards 2010 Community Impact category.

“For those that succeed in running a happy company, the rewards are great. Although it may be a year or two away an upturn will come and the companies best poised to take advantage of it will be those who have not only kept good staff, but kept their goodwill.” Deborah Duke, Editor, Building Magazine.

Tel 01603 660711, www.LSIarchitects.co.uk.

Norfolk Teachers Head for Space Mission

Four Norfolk teachers fly out on Saturday, October 23 for a weeklong space education experience at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The programme organised by the International Space School Education Trust (ISSET) is supported by NWES Exchange, which has awarded each teacher a bursary to help fund their trip.

The teachers, Alison Clark Hellesdon High, Olly Brown Flegg High, Suzanne Greening City Academy Norwich and John Hudson Methwold High will work with rocket scientists, astronauts and engineers to explore space’s educational potential.

Alison Clark, maths teacher at Hellesdon High said: “I am very excited to be going on the NASA visit. It will be wonderful meeting an astronaut and discussing training. I am a newly qualified teacher and this will be a great opportunity to learn about different teaching techniques.”

John Hudson, who teaches maths and physics at Methwold High said: “It is going to be very interesting finding out about NASA’s resources. I am new to teaching A level physics and will gather lots of ideas and education materials. I am really looking forward to the week, as I have never been to the U.S.A.”

Olly Brown teaches chemistry and physics at Flegg High and is also on his first trip to the U.S.A: “I have not been out of the UK since I was very small, so the visit to NASA will be an amazing experience. I am planning to find out ways to help liven science teaching and really inspire our gifted and talented students to study Space further.”

Suzanne Greening from City Academy Norwich teaches all three sciences as well as A level physics: “This is going to be a brilliant week. I will pick up lots of exciting teaching ideas which I will share with my students in the classroom.”

As well as working with education specialists and scientists and meeting astronauts, the programme includes visits to the International Space Station Centre, the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo launch sites, the Astronaut Hall of Fame Museum and the Shuttle Launch Experience.

Jan Cockburn NWES Exchange Events Manager said: “This is the eighth year that we have supported ISSET’s teacher programme. It is a fantastic opportunity for our teachers, who are able to explore space’s education potential to the full, and return with an excellent array of resources for the classroom.”

NWES Exchange is part of the NWES group and exists to support schools and businesses to work together in achieving effective partnerships.

NWES Enterprise Agency has been helping pre-start, start up and existing businesses since 1982. It offers a range of business support covering finance, advice, training and premises in the East of England aimed at anyone who would like help and support in starting or growing a business, www.nwes.org.uk, tel. 0845 60 99 991.

For more information on ISSET see www.isset.org.

Photograph left to right: Alison Clark Hellesdon High, Olly Brown Flegg High, Jan Cockburn NWES Exchange, Suzanne Greening City Academy Norwich and John Hudson Methwold High.

Norfolk Tourism Businesses Twenty-Two Nominations East of England Tourism Awards

Norfolk’s tourism businesses have an outstanding 22 nominations in the 2010 East of England Tourism Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The awards dinner is at the National Trust’s Ickworth House on Thursday, November 4.

Kelling Heath leads the way with three nominations (Best Caravan/Holiday Village, Sustainable Tourism Award and Best Tourism Experience of the Year). Denver Mill and Wroxham Barns are both nominated in the Taste of England category and Cranmer Holiday Cottages and Fairhaven Woodland Garden join Kelling Heath in the Sustainable Tourism category. BeWILDerwood and Pensthorpe are battling it out for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year accolade and Philip Search of Broad House Hotel, Wroxham is a finalist in the Outstanding Customer Care category.

The awards celebrate the best of English tourism - and are known throughout the industry as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism. Regional winners go forward to the national awards next spring.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: "To have 22 finalists in the East of England Tourism, England for Excellence Awards is simply outstanding. The nominees are all top quality businesses and great ambassadors for the county’s tourism industry. Congratulations to all the finalists and good luck on the night."


Norfolk’s finalists

B&B / Guest Accommodation of the Year
Bays Guest House, Hunstanton and Dairy Barns, Hickling

Self-catering Holiday of the Year
East View Farm Holiday Cottages, Ashmanhaugh

Caravan Park / Holiday Village of the Year
Deer's Glade Caravan and Camping Park, Hanworth and Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Small Hotel of the Year
Heacham Manor Hotel and Titchwell Manor Hotel

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
True's Yard, King's Lynn

Taste of England
Denver Mill and Wroxham Barns

Large Hotel of the Year
Marriott Sprowston Manor, Norwich

Sustainable Tourism
Cranmer Cottages near Fakenham, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Access for All
Norfolk Cottages, Gissing

Business Tourism
Delia's Canary Catering

Tourism Experience of the Year
Go Ape!, Thetford, Kelling Heath Star Party and Treasure Trails, Norfolk

Outstanding Customer Service
Philip Search, Broad House Hotel, Wroxham

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
BeWILDerwood and Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

For a full list of finalists see www.eet.org.uk.

Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk, tel. 01603 222846.

Fairhaven’s Halloween Spooky Trail, Sunday, October 31

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, is staging its 11th annual Halloween Spooky Trail on Sunday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm. The trail will feature fireworks, magic and ‘strange happenings’.

Admission is adults £5, senior citizens £4.50 and children age three and over £2.50. Visitors can go round the trail as many times as they dare and should bring their own torch.

Fireworks will light up the night sky at regular intervals. Live music will be provided by The Rockin’ Monks. Watch out for a selection of new frights and terrors for 2010.

Hot soup, sandwiches and snacks will be on sale in the tearoom. For further information telephone 01603 270449 or 270683, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted of the A47 at the B1140 junction. The garden is open daily all year (closed Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm.

De Vere Dunston Hall - the essence of Autumn

De Vere Dunston Hall hotel, Norwich, is encouraging guests to explore the beauty of the great outdoors this Autumn with the launch of unique family friendly initiatives designed to make the most of the surrounding countryside and city sights.

Guests taking a break at De Vere Dunston Hall can take advantage of the hotel’s Autumn activity package which includes free wellies for the kids to borrow; activity leaflets; guides to the best walking hotspots in Norfolk and flasks of hot drinks. The hotel restaurant will also be offering heart-warming seasonal specials, many sourcing products from local producers.

With the hotel set in one of the most picturesque parts of Norfolk, Dunston Hall is encouraging guests to get out and about and discover the sights. Local walking guides will be provided at the hotel, with guests even able to pre-order for just £5 a flask of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup to take on their walk.

There’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained as the Woodland Trust have supplied Autumn educational activity packs for the hotel. And, with free wellies available for the kids to borrow, as well as golfing umbrellas, hotel staff will ensure guests make the most of the great outdoors whatever the weather!

Denis McEvoy, general manager of Dunston Hall said: “Autumn is a wonderful time of year and we want our guests to immerse themselves in everything this season has to offer. The activities and additional extras we’re offering will create a unique and engaging experience that will enhance any break at our hotel and guarantee a memorable visit.”

De Vere Hotels are also offering some great deals this Autumn on rooms and mini-breaks, including one night breaks with dinner, bed and breakfast from £99. For the latest details about the offers currently available visit www.devere.co.uk or call the central reservation line on 0844 980 9950.

De Vere Dunston Hall Norwich - Tune into Business

De Vere Dunston Hall is tuning into local business with the launch of a new marketing campaign designed to bolster its meetings and conference sales and take advantage of the growing confidence in the UK’s economic recovery.

The hotel, just south of Norwich, Norwich is offering a free iPad for any business bookings over £25,000 (including VAT) contracted by 30th November 2010. To qualify for the iPad the meeting, incentive conference or event can be taken any time between now and December 2011.

“The Think Business, Think De Vere” campaign is being supported on line, via promotional flyers and through a direct marketing shot to Dunston Hall’s business to business data-base. The extra focus on the commercial conference, meetings and events sector also includes the production of bespoke brochures for Dunston Hall highlighting its unique facilities and the sense of space that can be found within the hotel’s stunning location.

And in order to inject some fun into business proceedings, delegates will also be able to help themselves to branded pick ‘n’ mix sweet bags and soda streams in all hotel meeting rooms, not to mention morning and afternoon sweet treats.

De Vere Dunston Hall competitive business rates start from day packages of just £35 per person or £135 per person for 24 hour, stay over packages.

Denis McEvoy, general manager of Dunston Hall, said: “We have a fabulous location where meetings and events can really come to life and believe that as business confidence returns the time is now right to step up our marketing to this important commercial sector.

“As well as providing an inspired environment for the business sessions our hotel features a terrific golf course, relaxing leisure and spa facilities and acres of grounds for team building or breakout exercises. The iPad is the must have kit for business and pleasure so makes an ideal gift for this promotion,” added Denis.

To support the marketing drive, and for a limited period only, De Vere is also offering £1 in iTunes vouchers for every event enquiry.

Businesses can find out more by calling 0844 980 9933; visit www.devere.co.uk or email meetings@devere.co.uk.

De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Seniors Raise £2000 for Variety Club

De Vere Dunston Hall Golf Club Senior’s section has raised £2,000 for The Variety Club Children’s Charity, the De Vere group’s charity for 2010.

Pictured left to right on Dunston Hall’s 18th Green at the cheque presentation are: Peter Briggs Golf & Leisure Operations Manager Dunston Hall, Mike Haszko Corporate Fundraising Manager The Variety Club, Ron Wade Captain Dunston Hall Seniors, Frank Allen Treasurer Dunston Hall Seniors and Denis McEvoy General Manager Dunston Hall.

Ron Wade, Senior’s Captain, chose The Variety Club as his charity of the year to support the De Vere campaign. The money was raised through hole sponsorship and the raffle at the Senior’s Charity Competition on September 14, plus the annual barbecue and raffles throughout the year.
Ron Wade, Captain, Dunston Hall Golf Club Seniors said: “I am very pleased that we have raised £2,000 for The Variety Club. We are hoping that the money will be able to fund a specific project like a sport wheelchair to help a young athlete.”

Mike Haszko, Corporate Fundraising Manager, The Variety Club said: “My thanks go to Ron Wade and the members of Dunston Hall’s Senior’s section for their fundraising work on behalf of The Variety Club’s Children’s Charity. I really appreciate their support for our work with disadvantaged children and young people.”

Seventy-six members and guests took part in the Senior’s Charity Day stableford competition. The best Senior’s golfer receives The Harold Harman Salver. This year Robin Lincoln took home the salver as well as winning the overall competition.

The Variety Club Children’s Charity, http://www.varietyclub.org.uk was founded in 1949 to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. The charity has raised over £200 million in the last six decades, supporting more than one million children and young people. The Variety Club provides Sunshine Coaches, electric wheelchairs, days out, equipment for children’s hospitals and more.

For more information about De Vere Dunston Hall tel. 01508 470444 or visit
www.devere-hotels.com/our-hotels/dunston-hall.

Halloween – Spooky Times in Norfolk

There are lots of strange goings on in Norfolk in the run up to Halloween. Try Snagglefang's Spooky Spectacular at BeWILDerwood, Holkham Hall’s Halloween Ghost Hunt, the Halloween Spooky Trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and The Fairyland Trust’s Real Halloween at Holt Hall.

Here are the county’s Halloween highlights:

 Bure Valley Railway – Spooky Express – Saturday, October 23 to Sunday, October 31, free travel for children accompanied by an adult – competition to spot spooky items on the journey tel. 01263 733858, http://www.bvrw.co.uk/.

 Pensthorpe Nature Reserve – Spooky Halloween Half Term’ – Saturday, October 23 to Sunday, October 31. Join in the ghoulish fun on our spooky trail. Find out more about local legends and freaky facts from the natural world, tel. 01328 851465, http://www.pensthorpe.com/.

 Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Welney, Spooky Children’s Day, Sunday, October 24, 10am to 4pm, Pumpkin carving, story-telling and arts and crafts, making edible jack o’lanterns, tel. 01353 860711 www.wwt.org.uk/welney.

 BeWILDerwood Snagglefang’s Spooky Spectacular, Monday, October 25 to Sunday, October 31 make your own masks and lanterns and join the lantern parade at the end of the day, tel. 01603 783900, http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/.

 Oxburgh Hall (National Trust), Thing’s That Go Bump in the Night, Thursday, October 28, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Geoff Hales presents an evening of ‘ghostly’ stories – Henry Irving’s ‘The Bells’, Dickens’ ‘The Signalman’ and other creepy pieces! (Age10+) Ticket £10, tel. 01366 328258, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastofengland.

 Norwich Puppet Theatre, Halloween Mask making Workshop, Thursday, October 28 and Friday, October 29 at 11am, create a monster, ghoul or generally scary mask to disguise yourself for Halloween, tel. 01603 629921, http://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/.

 Fairyland Trust – The Real Halloween in the grounds of Holt Hall, Saturday, October 30, 12noon to 6pm and Sunday, October 31 and 11am to 5pm make magic potions and witches pets, carve pumpkins, bob for apples, hurl pumpkins and face painting. Tel 01328 710165, http://www.fairylandtrust.org/.

 Halloween at Holkham, Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31 and 11am to 5pm – a Halloween Ghost Hunt through the spookily-lit rooms and corridors of the Bygones Museum seeking out the hidden ghouls, tel. 01328 713111, http://www.holkham.co.uk/.

 Blickling Hall (National Trust), Halloween at the Hall, Saturday October 30, timed entry between 6pm and 8.30pm. Family Halloween event with spooky story telling and ghoulish happenings in the hall. Booking essential,tel. 0844 800 4308, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastofengland.

 Fairhaven Woodland Water Garden 11th annual Halloween Spooky Trail on Sunday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm. The trail will feature fireworks, magic, music and ‘strange happenings’, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/.

For information about other events and activities and accommodation see http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/.

Norfolkbroads.com – Tourism Website Relaunches with Cutting Edge Technology

Norwich based www.norfolkbroads.com relaunches today (October 4). It is now the most sophisticated and cutting edge tourism directory website in the East of England, featuring fully interactive map navigation with an intelligent search facility, Google Street View, and video guides to Norfolk and Suffolk.

Over 600 local businesses work with Norfolkbroads.com. Each business has a five-pages in the site, offering the interactive map and Google Street View on an individual basis.

More than 1,500 hours have been spent building and coding the website. “The way that it has been created is unique,” said James Clabburn, Managing Director of Norfolkbroads.com. “We have taken the Google map and have built our own highly customised interactive search features, using an Open Source framework, so that our technical knowledge can be shared.”

“The Norfolkbroads.com directory was launched in 1997 and upgraded 10 years ago,” added James Clabburn, “but this latest development is in effect a brand new website. However, regular visitors will meet old friends like the ‘free what’s on listings’ and ‘free ads facility’, local area guides and Speakers Corner message board.”

The interactive map navigation gives visitors an intuitive search facility for holiday accommodation, boat hire, eating out, attractions and things to do by name, category or location. ‘What’s On Today’ information scrolls on the home page along with photographs of the best of Norfolk and the Broads.

Norfolkbroads.com is fully integrated with social media outlets and designed to work on the iPad. The website also scales automatically to fit the visitor’s PC or laptop screen size.

“We are very proud of the work that we have done over the last 13 years to promote Norfolk and Suffolk and support our business partners. We were determined to create a website that met the expectations of a 21st century audience and look forward to receiving feedback on bugs and functionality,” concluded James Clabburn.

For further information on www.norfolkbroads.com contact James or Ross Clabburn, tel. 01603 735573, email webmaster@norfolkbroads.com.

Other websites in the Norfolkbroads.com family: Innershed Website Design and Hosting www.innershed.com, Short Breaks www.shortbreaks.net and Weddings Guide www.weddingsguide.co.uk.

The Franchise Magazine – The ‘Be Your Own Boss’ Magazine Celebrates 25 Years

The 25th anniversary edition of The Franchise Magazine, the ‘Be Your Own Boss’ magazine was published on September 24 by Norwich-based Franchise Development Services (FDS) and looks at the reality of becoming a franchise millionaire, http://www.thefranchisemagazine.net.

The magazine, the first in the UK written for people wanting to own a franchise, has helped more than 1000 franchisors to replicate their success both in the UK and internationally, giving over 10000 people the chance to run and develop their own franchise business.

Publisher Roy Seaman said: “Franchising is the safest way to start a business – some 90% of new franchise owners succeed. We pride ourselves in the reputation that we have developed with The Franchise Magazine for promoting some of the most interesting and genuine business format franchises.”

“Brands like McDonalds, Mars, Subway, Cash Generator, All Trades, Belvoir the letting agency and Molly Maid, work closely with The Franchise Magazine to recruit new franchise owners,” added Roy Seaman. “With a print run of 20,000, a further 70,000 digital subscribers and more than 100,000 visitors so far this year to the website, The Franchise Magazine is proving a vital resource for people who have been made redundant or have simply lost their job and are exploring franchising as a proven business opportunity for their skills, energies and ambitions.”

The 25th anniversary edition looks at owning brands like CeX (computer entertainment exchange), Domino’s Pizza, Ovenclean, Prokill, The Real Bean Coffee Company, Rush Hair and Beauty and new this issue, mobility retailer Ableworld, which is launching a national franchise operation. Also featured is Taylor of Bond Street, purveyor of luxury male grooming products since 1854, which is planning to develop international franchises.

FDS also publishes The UK Franchise Directory. The current editions features more than 1400 franchise opportunities. But such is the growth of the industry that potential franchise business owners can now choose from 1554 brands, 70% of whom are UK based.

To complement The Franchise Magazine and The UK Franchise Directory, FDS runs a series of free seminars for potential franchisors – ‘How to successfully franchise your business’ – the next dates are October 20 in Norwich and October 27 in Manchester and Reigate.

Other publications and websites in the FDS portfolio are Irish Franchise Magazine, Franquicias y Negocios (Spain), http://www.franchise-international.net, the only website promoting master franchise and area development rights worldwide and http://www.europeanfranchising.net profiling master franchise opportunities across Europe.

FDS head office is in Norwich tel. 01603 620301, enquiries@fdsltd.com, http://www.fdsfranchise.com, with regional offices in Manchester tel. 0161 926 9882, Litchfield tel. 01543 483509, Reading 0118 974 5115 and Reigate tel. 0845 372 2010.

EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival Wroxham Barns Sunday 26 September

Events and Activities at Wroxham Barns Sunday 26 September

Fourth Annual Scone Competition - enter your scones by 2.30pm, winners announced at 4pm (approx.). Four categories – plain, fruit, cheese and freestyle – any ingredients allowed!

Produced in Norfolk Taste the View at Uncle Stuart's Brewery - taste his Norfolk beers, 11am to 4.30pm.

Produced in Norfolk Taste the View at The Apple Shop – free samples of traditional Norfolk Cider and pure pressed Norfolk farm apple juice.

Free fudge tastings – just like granny used to make it! – at The Fudge Shop.

Country Food Shop – free tastings from our extensive range of preserves, pickles and chutneys – probably the largest selection in Norfolk.

Gavin Fisher of Watercress Lane Duck Eggs, Mattishall will be at Wroxham Barns offering tastings throughout the day, cooking scrambled duck eggs on site. There will also be buns made from duck eggs and Portuguese Duck egg custard tarts, one of the recipes on their recipe cards. There will be opportunities for visitors to purchase eggs, learn about duck eggs and the Watercress Lane Blue Duck scheme which is focused on safety and consumer knowledge, www.watercresslane.co.uk, tel. 01362 850254.

Wroxham Barns tel 01603 783762, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

National Franchise Week – UK Report Reveals Franchise Sector Growth

With more than 250000 people actively looking at owning their own franchise business and more than 1500 franchise brands expanding nationwide, Norwich-based Franchise Development Services (FDS) publishes the first comprehensive report reviewing all aspects of the UK franchise industry on Friday, September 24.

The report, produced by MBA students from the Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia (UEA) launches National Franchise Week – September 27 to October 3. It demonstrates that franchising is the safest way to start a business – some 90% of new franchise owners succeed.

Roy Seaman, Managing Director FDS said: “The franchise industry’s good health is evident, so far this year 146 new franchisors have entered the market in the UK providing increasing opportunities for people to own their own business. The major banks with franchise departments are actively loaning money to the franchise sector. People who have been made redundant or have simply lost their job are exploring franchising as a proven business format for their skills, energies and ambitions.”

Local government is waking up to the potential for franchising to kick-start the economy. Ipswich Borough Council is running, with FDS, the first ever local authority sponsored franchise exhibition on November 10.

For potential franchisors, FDS runs a series of free seminars – ‘How to successfully franchise your business’ – the next dates are October 20 in Norwich and October 27 in Manchester and Reigate.

The report Insight: An Industry review of Franchising in the UK 2010 is the result of research by UEA MBA students and analyses historic, present and future trends in the UK franchise market incorporating the views of franchisors, franchise owners and banks with specialist finance departments.

Terry Kendrick, MBA Programme Director at Norwich Business School, said: “FDS and our team of four MBA students have produced an interesting report on a key business area. Together they have provided an insightful introductory overview for those looking at this marketplace – a great example of experienced university students working with business”

The report, costing £495, will be offered at £125 during National Franchise Week. It is available from FDS, tel. 01603 620301, email enquiries@fdsltd.com.

National Franchise Week culminates in The National Franchise Exhibition at NEC Birmingham on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2. More than 150 franchise brands are exhibiting at the show. FDS will also be at the show at stand A180.

A key element of The National Franchise Exhibition is the extensive free conference programme, which includes seminars by FDS. There will be two seminars each day helping owners of successful businesses to understand how best to successfully franchise their business.

All the speakers are experienced British Franchise Association affiliates and members of the FDS Franchise Consultancy team. They will cover all aspects of creating the Franchise Development Business Plan, including the infrastructure requirements and then how best to recruit franchise owners. Their advice and guidance is based on FDS’ 29 years of experience of working with the UK franchise market.

FDS, which was established in Norwich in 1981, has helped 1000 franchisors, including brands like Domino’s Pizza and Subway, to replicate their success both in the UK and internationally, giving 10000 franchise owners the chance to run and develop their own business, www.fdsfranchise.com, tel. 01603 620301, enquiries@fdsltd.com.

Cakes Galore! at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

Sample Cakes Galore! at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden tearoom, South Walsham on Wednesday, September 29 from 3.30pm to 5pm. This EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival event also features cakes baked by Ninhams Ltd, Norwich based producer of traditional cake mixes.

Try as many of the famous Fairhaven cakes as you want – £4 per person (includes tea/coffee). Gluten free, diabetic and vegan options on offer.

Pre-booking advised tel. 01603 270449, email fairhavengarden@btconnect.com.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance; mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Tour of Britain Cycling Norfolk – Broads Welcome in Wroxham

Riders on the Norfolk leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race on Thursday, September 16 were welcomed at Wroxham Bridge by the Broads Tourism Forum on Broads Tours’ Vintage Broadsman cruise boat.

Ian Russell, Chairman Broads Tourism Forum said: "We are delighted that the Tour of Britain route passed through the Broads. This is great cycling country for all ages and experience. We hope that many visitors will be inspired by the Tour of Britain to get on their bikes and explore the Broads cycling routes."

For information about cycling in the Broads see http://www.thebroadsbybike.org.uk. For other activities see http://www.enjoythebroads.com and http://www.norfolkbroads.com.

Dunston Hall Food & Beverage Director hits Marathon Trail for Variety Club

Paul Murfitt (40), Director of Food & Beverage at De Vere Dunston Hall, near Norwich is running his first marathon in Nottingham on Sunday, September 12 in aid of the Variety Club Children’s Charity.

“The Variety Club Children’s Charity is the De Vere Group’s charity of the year,” said Paul Murfitt. “I decided that it would be a good challenge to have a go at a marathon and add some extra funds to the £10,000 raised by our golf day and ball in May. I have been doing around 40 miles a week and hope that this will be enough preparation!”

To support Paul, go to www.justgiving.co.uk/paul-murfitt .

The Variety Club Children’s Charity, http://www.varietyclub.org.uk/ was founded in 1949 to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. The charity has raised over £200 million in the last six decades, supporting more than one million children and young people. The Variety Club provides Sunshine Coaches, electric wheelchairs, days out, equipment for children’s hospitals and more.

For more information about De Vere Dunston Hall tel. 01508 470444 or visit
www.devere-hotels.com/our-hotels/dunston-hall.

Norwich 20 Group exhibition – ‘a must-see event for all art lovers’

Keith Roberts, Chair of Norfolk Contemporary Art Society has described Norwich Twenty Group’s (N20G) autumn show at John Innes Centre, Colney, as ‘a must-see event for all art lovers’. The exhibition, showcasing more than 120 works runs to Wednesday, September 15 and is open daily, 10am to 5pm, with free admission, www.norwich20group.co.uk.

“This has to be one the best 20 Group shows; a must-see event for all art lovers. The exhibition space is light, the 100 or so works are beautifully displayed, and the breadth of talent and technique displayed is really impressive. A great opportunity to see (and acquire) the best of Norfolk.” Keith Roberts, Chair, Norfolk Contemporary Art Society

“An intriguing, varied show of mature talents. Very good to see.” Comment in the visitors’ book

The exhibition features the work of more than 40 of Norfolk’s top artists, from traditional
figurative painting to abstract painting, sculpture, stone carving and imaginative site installations.

As well as the exhibition of large works, there is an opportunity to pick up many small items in the Art Bazaar. All Art Bazaar items are donated by N20G members to raise money for the group and are sold for £15.

New Members exhibiting with N20G for the first time are Martin Laurance, Keith Pomeroy and Julia Sorrell. N20G reviews the Final Degree Show at Norwich University College of the Arts each year and invites young artists of exceptional talent to join the group as 'licentiates'. This means they become members of the group for one year free of charge and are qualified to take part in exhibitions. This year’s artists are Emma Armitage and Lorna Johnson.

Rory McShane Chairman N20G said: “Our autumn exhibition celebrates the rich mix of styles and ideas coming from some of Norfolk’s top artists and is a colourful, energetic and original show.”

Norwich 20 Group
N20G was formed in 1944 comprising professional artists from the Norwich School of Art and Design. The group is no longer limited to 20 and now has more than 70 members, several of whom exhibit regularly in the West End and abroad. All aspects of the practice of contemporary fine art are represented e.g. sculpture, print, photography and painting.

Over the years the membership has included nationally known artists, for example, Bernard Reynolds and Jeffrey Camp. Colin Self has taken an active role as have numerous art historians and architects. Mary Newcomb, one of Britain’s best loved artists, famous for her visionary ruralist paintings, who died in 2008, was a member of N20G for many years. Her work often sold at exhibitions for around £20. It now changes hands for five figure sums. Current N20G members include Andy Campbell, David Holgate, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley, Louise Richardson and Laurie Rudling.