Monday, 9 June 2008
Hot, sweaty and smelling like kippers! - Alerter
Alerter
All you ever wanted to know about
being a retained FireFighter in Suffolk
being a retained FireFighter in Suffolk
Hot, sweaty and smelling like kippers!So here we were, eight of us from Normanshurst to do our hot fire training - BA Risk Critical 2 to give it its proper title. We had four from Green Watch - Mel Buck, Pete Brown, Al Soards and Chris Randall and then the rest of the motley crew made up from the retained section - myself, Richard 'Shambles' Lambert, Jason Balls and Howard Clarke.
George was giving us a lecture in a style that only George can deliver. It's to the point, there's no waffling and you feel like you've been told 'as it really is'.
After the lecture we made up our BA sets and then had a quick tea break - the ubiquitous cheese and onion sandwiches making their usual appearance!
We divided up into pairs, one wholetime firefighter with one retained firefighter. A good idea as we can all learn from each other whether wholetime or retained. We all work with each other regularly anyway as three of the Green Watch members are also retained firefighters at Normanshurst.
Mel and I paired up with Mel going as No.1 for the first drill. Our brief was to enter the building at ground floor, advance up the staircase and carry out search and rescue on the first floor and the mezzanine floor.
Just to back track, I'll explain how this is hot fire training. There's a room on the ground floor of the smoke house that has a fire set in it. It's literally a couple of bales of straw in a cradle which has water sprayed on every so often just to keep the smoke going. You wouldn't think that this would create much heat but temperatures can reach 200oC. In fire terms that isn't very hot but it's plenty hot enough for dragging hose around and dragging dummies out!
Anyway, back to the drill. After doing an initial search just inside the door we advanced to the first floor. I swept out to the left on reaching the landing and immediately found a casualty - a tiny baby sized dummy. So back down the stairs and leave the casualty outside. We then resumed the search on the first floor and up onto the mezzanine floor. It's just a tad warm on that mezzanine but thankfully no casualties to manhandle down the Vertical Metal Ladder (VML).
We continued on the first floor until we found a second casualty literally at the end of where we could get to. As Mel had the most air he took the casualty and I led the way out.
We had our debrief which was very positive especially about our communication with each other.
A quick change of cylinder and we were out for our second wear. I was No.1 this time and our brief was to enter the smoke house at first floor level and carry out search and rescue. We took the left hand wall and searched a number of 'rooms' finding two casualties. Again, we had a good debrief followed by copious amounts of water to try and rehydrate ourselves.
The final drill of the day took place after lunch and was a combined drill using all four BA teams. The first team (Pete Brown and Jason Balls) entered the smoke house on the first floor (from the drill tower) carrying a charged 45. Their brief was to advance through the building and find the main staircase (situated on the opposite side of the smoke house). They were to descend to the ground floor and start a search as this was a 'persons reported' incident.
The second team (Al Soards and Shambles) were committed soon after the first team to assist with getting the hose through the building and down the stairs. Al and Shambles were volunteered for this job as it was felt that their strength and destructive powers would undoubtedly clear a path straight through the smoke house!
Next in were Mel and myself. We made it to the top of the stairs where we were informed by one of the other teams that more hose was needed. So we retraced our steps and dragged through another 30 foot or so. By now both previous teams had passed us on there way out, each with a casualty.
When we arrived on the ground floor we started searching off the left hand wall and then entered the fire compartment. We could see most of the room from the glow of the fire and sure enough there was a casualty tucked away behind the fire! Mel led the way out with me bringing the casualty. We stopped for what seemed an eternity to brief team four (Chris Randall and Howard Clarke). Standing there, directly above the fire and carrying the dummy I could feel my legs starting to cook. And with legs like mine they wouldn't have looked out of place as a bit of KFC!
And that was that...
As George had said, "It's all in the mind...". He was right. If you started to think how hot it was then strangely it seemed to get hotter. While I was stood there waiting for Mel to brief team four, I had the chance to let my mind wander and, yes, it started to think "f**k me it's getting hot in here!"
The debrief for this drill and the whole day was very positive - nobody had cocked up...
Just clearing and cleaning up lweft to do plus the hour and a half drive back to Lowestoft with a bunch of weary firefighters and the very strong smell of kippers!
www.alerter.co.uk
Sustainable Bungay Film Shows June 2008
Sustainable Bungay Film Shows
With the twin issues of climate change and declining oil reserves becoming ever more urgent, Sustainable Bungay was formed to see what we in Bungay can do to reduce our collective carbon footprint and enjoy a lifestyle that is less dependent on oil.
To understand just how serious the issues are, Sustainable Bungay will be showing four important films at the Fisher Theatre, Bungay, during June.
The programme is:
Tuesday 10th June:CRUDE IMPACT
To promote a positive and hopeful change in the way we source and use energy.
Wednesday 11th June:POWER OF THE COMMUNITY
In this film Cubans tell how they moved from a highly mechanized industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens in the wake of the collapse of the USSR.
Tuesday 17th June:THE 11TH HOUR
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary explores the perilous state of our plant, and the means by which we can change our course.
Wednesday 18th June:ESCAPE FROM SUBURBIA
Declining world oil production has already begun to affect life in the USA. Expert scientific opinion is blanced with views from an emerging global movement of groups who are confronting peak oil.
All films start at 7.30pm and admission is free, although donations will be welcome!
Each film will be followed by a short discussion of the issues they raise.
For further information or to join Sustainable Bungay call
Didy Ward on 01986 893 824
or
Josiah Meldrum on 01986 897 097
or email sustainablebungay@gmail.com
For more on Transition Towns visit www.transitiontowns.org
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Jack and the Pirate School Part 4 - Audio Story
From Prince Bertie the Frog
14 mins
(Read by Natasha - who really enjoys doing Captain Blackheart)
Recruitment drive for Exercise Scheme
Recruitment drive for Exercise Referral Scheme
A campaign is under way to make more people aware of an exercise scheme designed to help improve the all round fitness of people with a variety of medical conditions.
The Exercise Referral Scheme, run by Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT, is specially designed for people with a medical condition who would benefit from moderate levels of physical activity. In the ten years which it has been running, over 2,000 people between the ages of 16 and 86 have taken part and benefited from the scheme.
Mark Nussey, exercise referral coordinator for Waveney, said the scheme benefits a wide range of people, including those with bone and joint problems, heart conditions, depression, arthritis, back pain or weight problems.
“With the right kind of exercise, done at the correct intensity, almost every body can benefit and most of those who take part are amazed at the results,” said Mr Nussey. “The more unfit you are, the more exercise referral staff help you as it’s often the small changes that can make the biggest difference to your life.
“The staff on the scheme have a great understanding of people’s lifestyles and how difficult it can be to make the first step to fitness. The instructors have considerable experience to know how best to support anyone taking part and will be sympathetic to their needs helping them to become a healthier, happier person.”
To take part, patients have to be referred onto the scheme. Anyone interested in taking part should speak to their GP, practice nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist or occupational therapist and ask if a lifestyle change may help stop them having to rely on medication for their condition.
“The type of exercise we prescribed is about moderate activities such as gentle cycling and walking, “added Mr Nussey. “Our staff are all highly qualified, and know how to help you get on the move again. This is a really excellent scheme and there is a mass of evidence that shows it really does work.”
The Exercise Referral Scheme started six years ago in Lowestoft and now involves seven centres throughout the area, with facilities in Lowestoft, Beccles and Southwold. In addition to local gyms, patients can also be referred to community-based exercise classes such as tai chi, Pilates, chair-based classes and general fitness classes. These are delivered by self-employed exercise professionals under the banner of the Exercise Referral Scheme.
People who are referred on to the scheme have the chance to sit down and discuss their wishes with their instructor. The instructor will then design an exercise programme tailored to the person’s individual needs.
Those taking part will need to attend a series of sessions and are also encouraged to exercise between sessions and maintain their levels of activity after finishing the programme.
Les Chapman is one of the Exercise Referral Scheme’s success stories. Case study
One of the Exercise Referral Scheme’s success stories is Les Chapman, who has recently completed a twelve-week physical activity course as part of the Great Yarmouth and Waveney scheme.
Mr Chapman, who is 71, was referred to Spirit Fitness Gym at Lowestoft’s Water Lane leisure centre after suffering lower back pain. His instructor developed a personal exercise programme for him, made up of some resistance training alongside light cardiovascular exercise, such as cycling, rowing and walking.
Now Mr Chapman, who in the past occasionally had to walk with a stick, is feeling more mobile than ever after visiting the gym three times a week for the last eight months.
“The scheme is excellent and I have noticed a huge difference in my all round fitness,” he said. “I wanted to be more mobile and be more like other people, and this has given me much more freedom.
“A few years ago I was told I’d be in a wheelchair by now, but instead I go to the gym three times a week and to bowls twice a week. It has changed my lifestyle completely.”
Mr Chapman has vowed to continue his exercise regime and has become a member of Sprit Fitness Gym to help him maintain his fitness.
For further information: Contact Mark Nussey on 01502 719500.
Are you doing it with your eyes shut? - Driving hints
Driving hints by Mike Daniels
Dip Di Consultant for Driving to the Corporate Industry
Are you doing it with your eyes shut?
Researchers have just released that one in ten people driving for work have admitted they fall asleep at the wheel. This is a very serious statement, just to nod off for a second or two while driving CAN KILL.
Just remember if you are travelling at 60 m.p.h. your vehicle will travel 88 feet per second. Six people die every week in the UK in road collisions caused by tired drivers.
Just try walking 88 feet with your eyes closed - not a nice feeling, is it.
'BRAKE' the Road Safety Charity and Brakedown Specialist Green Flag who carried out the survey states one of the main causes is drivers not getting enough sleep the night before, they are urging companies to make sure all drivers set realistic times to get to appointments and deliveries, ensure they are fit, had enough rest and have regular breaks, such as 20 minutes in every 2 hours of driving.
During the working week I am fortunate to sit with Company drivers to assess their drivers through Health and Safety at Work, this WILL be a legal requirement from the 6th April 2008 that all Company Directors and Managers are aware of their drivers abilities, taking care of them, making sure they have a Safe Driving Policy in place protecting themselves from Corporate Manslaughter if ever any of their drivers are involved in a road traffic collision.
The drivers and companies I meet are lovely people, very much aware, but many drivers are pushed to their limits to make more calls per day, more paperwork, more targets, more stress, more hours behind the wheel, making them very tired (these are car and van drivers).
Surely there is just another day tomorrow, lets all reduce the pressure and slow down.
As you drive home from work in the evening, just think how many hours has the driver been behind the wheel coming towards you. That could be frightening.
Mike Daniels AcciDON'T - Making drivers safer world wide.
Retraining Drivers for Insurance Companies,
please don't let us meet you by Accident . . .
Mike Daniels and AcciDON’TD.S.A. Registered Instructor, Awarded Highest Grade 6
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Giant Stuffed Mushrooms - Susie’s Favourite Recipes
Susie’s Favourite Recipes
Giant Stuffed MushroomsServe 6 people
6 Large flat mushrooms
2 Slices of Bread, crusts removed
2 Tablespoons of Milk
Pepper
Large bunch of flat leafed fresh Parsley
2 Garlic cloves
50g (2oz) freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
2-3 tablespoons Brandy (optional)
* Wipe the mushrooms and remove the stalks.
* Soak the bread in the milk.
* Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan.
Add the whole mushrooms and fry for 5 minutes or until just tender, sprinkle with pepper and turn them over once.
* Arrange the mushrooms, stem side up, in a flame-proof dish.
* For the stuffing finely chop the mushroom stalks and parsley
(or if you prefer use a food processor).
* Squeeze the bread dry and add to the mushroom mixture and mix well (or process a little longer).
* Put the mixture into a bowel.
Crush the garlic and add with the Parmesan cheese and pepper.
* Moisten with brandy to taste with 2-3 tablespoons of
olive oil and mix together.
* Pre-heat the grill.
* Press a little stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap
and grill for about 5 minutes until golden.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Chaffinch - Waveney Wildlife
Chaffinch
Characteristics
The colouring of the male Chaffinch at rest is unmistakable; its large double white wing bars, white tail edges and greenish rump easily identify this 14-16 cm long species.
The breeding male is unmistakable, with his reddish under-parts and a blue-grey cap. The female is drabber and greener, but still easily recognisable.
Habitat
The Chaffinch uses a range of habitats, although open woodland is favoured, it is also common in gardens and on farmland. They build nest in hedges and in tree forks; forming a cup of grass, moss and lichens and lining it with hair.
Behaviour
The Chaffinch seeks seeds and insects for food from gardens, parks and farmland.
The powerful song starts slowly, accelerates down the scale and ends up with an exuberant flourish, it is repeated up to five or ten times a minute. The alarm call is very well known, and its ‘fink’ or ‘vink’.
B.A.B.
www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife
Friday, 6 June 2008
The scandalous neglect of our flood defences
We only have to look across the Channel to the Netherlands to see how to protect a coastline properly.
Thanks to a team of underwater archaeologists from the University of Southampton, we should soon be able to sense the bustle of medieval Dunwich. At the current rate it won’t be too long before the archaeologists are called to do the same for Norwich.
In April the Government’s nature quango, Natural England, revealed that it is thinking of letting the sea reclaim 25 square miles, and six villages, of Norfolk.
The story of Dunwich, or rather a misreading of the story, is frequently cited as justification for the Government’s policy of abandoning sea defences – or “coastal realignment”, as it is euphemistically described. Look at Dunwich, goes the argument, to see the futility of trying to hold back the waves.
In fact, the story of Dunwich is far more complex than that. The burghers of Dunwich, whose skulls still occasionally wash ashore, were not fools. Had the same efforts been put into defending Dunwich as have been put into defending Portsmouth, Felixstowe or any other great port that would be submerged were it not for sea defences, it would still be a large town today. It was allowed to fall into the sea because the silting-up of the docks ruined its economy and made it not worth defending.
The wealth of medieval Dunwich was reliant on its harbour on the Dunwich river. Long before the great storm of 1287, which caused the collapse of a stretch of cliff, the river had been blocked by a spit of land called the Kingsholme and diverted three miles to the north, to join the River Blyth. Dunwich gradually declined because at that point Walberswick and Southwold became much more attractive ports.
Had Dunwich survived, it would probably by now be hosting ferries to the Netherlands. There you can see what happens when a government really puts its mind to defending the coastline. Millions live quite happily on land that in places lies 15ft below sea level. There is no talk of abandoning Rotterdam; just great vigilance and superb engineering.
The difference between the polders and our crumbling cliffs and creeping saltmarshes is not that the North Sea is wilder on our side. It is that our Government is tight-fisted on flood defence, spending just £470 million a year on rivers and coasts across the whole country – compared with £9 billion on the Olympics.Moreover, in the Netherlands the business of coastal defence is in the hands of civil engineers, whereas in Britain it has been trusted to a bunch of birdwatchers who see the defence of property as less important than creating homes for warblers.
Either we take Natural England and the Environment Agency off the job or the story of Dunwich will become the story of the whole of the East of England.
Ross Clark - www.timesonline.co.uk
FALLEN ANGEL (12) - Diss Film Society
Next Screening:
9th June 2008
9th June 2008
The Park Hotel, Diss
Film Starts 8pm
Members £3 Non-Members £4 Students £2 (under 21)
FALLEN ANGEL (12)
Origin: USA
Year: 1945
Running Time: 98 mins
Director: Otto Preminger
Cast: Alice Faye, Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell
The classic film noir scenario - poor man develops obsession with femme fatale. Dana Andrews’ character falls in love with beautiful waitress, Linda Darnell, and marries rich Alice Faye for the money he needs to woo her. When the waitress is killed, Andrews investigates the murder on his own, eventually discovering the shocking identity of the killer.
The incisive acting and shadowy world of midnight rendevous make this one of Preminger’s early masterpieces.
* * * * * *
What's On in Diss? visit
for a list of Diss Events
* * * * * *
Film Starts 8pm
Members £3 Non-Members £4 Students £2 (under 21)
FALLEN ANGEL (12)
Origin: USA
Year: 1945
Running Time: 98 mins
Director: Otto PremingerCast: Alice Faye, Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell
The classic film noir scenario - poor man develops obsession with femme fatale. Dana Andrews’ character falls in love with beautiful waitress, Linda Darnell, and marries rich Alice Faye for the money he needs to woo her. When the waitress is killed, Andrews investigates the murder on his own, eventually discovering the shocking identity of the killer.
The incisive acting and shadowy world of midnight rendevous make this one of Preminger’s early masterpieces.
* * * * * *
What's On in Diss? visit
for a list of Diss Events* * * * * *
AGM, ‘highs’ and events - Magpies Hockey
Chairman's ChatAGM, ‘highs’ and events
In case you have not seen the special ‘Chat’ I issued with the AGM agenda, in which I thanked all officers, captains, coaches and committee members of the Club for all their hard work during the past few months, you might like to see the following – I hope so!
Overlooking a few painful ‘lows’ I select below some of the ‘highs’ the Club has enjoyed during the last twelve months – listed in no particular order. An impressive list – if I may say so!
Men’s 1sts win East League by 15 points
Promising results achieved by many of our other outdoor league teams including Men’s 2nds, 3rds and 4ths and Ladies’ Colts A, 6ths, Development XI (winners of their league) and Colts B
Excellent results achieved by our U11 and U13 mini hockey teams
Men’s indoor team finish second in Div 1 of the national league and promoted to the Premier Division
Boys’ U18s reach national indoor finals
Boys’ and Girls’ U18s reach national outdoor finals
Club hosts very successful East minis
Men’s Veterans reach national semis
Mixed team reaches national quarter-finals
Carl Sitch plays for England U18s
Superb website kindly sponsored and maintained by Nigel Bedingfield of www.imajaz.com
HMHC awarded Clubs 1st status (after a lot of hard work!)
Upgrade of floodlights, replacement of clubhouse balcony and installation of disabled toilet
Establishment of the coaching committee
I take this opportunity to remind you of the following:
The Summer Mixed Hockey
which will once again be played on Monday nights (7.30pm)
commencing on 2 June and continuing on 16 & 30 June and concluding on 14 July.
Please bring a white and coloured shirt and £3 match fee!
which will once again be played on Monday nights (7.30pm)
commencing on 2 June and continuing on 16 & 30 June and concluding on 14 July.
Please bring a white and coloured shirt and £3 match fee!
Annual General Meeting
to be held in the clubhouse at 8.00pm on Thursday 19 June
to be held in the clubhouse at 8.00pm on Thursday 19 June
Sunday 22 June
Strawberry Luncheon
You and your friends are cordially invited to this event which is always one of the most enjoyable in the Club’s annual social calendar
Shotford Hall, Harleston
(by kind permission of Jill and Roy Whipps)
Tickets (including a drink) are £10 (adults), £5 (children 7 to 12) with children under 7 free
are obtainable from Daphne Beckett (Tel: 07850 709297) or David Alexander (Tel: 01508 530237)
Sunday 13 July
In The Mood
A picnic in a delightful setting followed by a musical trip down Memory Lane – what better way can there be to enjoy a summer’s afternoon?!
So please bring your picnic and be entertained by the evocative music of Timescape at this open air event being organised by Harleston Lions, Scouts and Magpies Hockey Club on Sunday 13 July 2008 at Bone Hill, Rouse’s Lane off Low Road, Starston, IP20 9NT
Gates open at 3.30pm with the live musical entertainment commencing at 4.30pm.
Since their formation in 2004 Timescape have played at many venues and events throughout Norfolk and beyond performing the memorable songs and music of Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller, Anne Shelton and many others. A most enjoyable afternoon is assured. Why not come in a uniform or civilian dress to help recapture the spirit of the 40s? You will be very welcome. Please bring your relatives and friends for a really enjoyable summer’s afternoon.
For tickets - £10 adults, £5 U16s with U5s Free - please phone 01379 852002
Strawberry Luncheon
You and your friends are cordially invited to this event which is always one of the most enjoyable in the Club’s annual social calendar
Shotford Hall, Harleston
(by kind permission of Jill and Roy Whipps)
Tickets (including a drink) are £10 (adults), £5 (children 7 to 12) with children under 7 free
are obtainable from Daphne Beckett (Tel: 07850 709297) or David Alexander (Tel: 01508 530237)
Sunday 13 July
In The Mood
A picnic in a delightful setting followed by a musical trip down Memory Lane – what better way can there be to enjoy a summer’s afternoon?!
So please bring your picnic and be entertained by the evocative music of Timescape at this open air event being organised by Harleston Lions, Scouts and Magpies Hockey Club on Sunday 13 July 2008 at Bone Hill, Rouse’s Lane off Low Road, Starston, IP20 9NT
Gates open at 3.30pm with the live musical entertainment commencing at 4.30pm.
Since their formation in 2004 Timescape have played at many venues and events throughout Norfolk and beyond performing the memorable songs and music of Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller, Anne Shelton and many others. A most enjoyable afternoon is assured. Why not come in a uniform or civilian dress to help recapture the spirit of the 40s? You will be very welcome. Please bring your relatives and friends for a really enjoyable summer’s afternoon.
For tickets - £10 adults, £5 U16s with U5s Free - please phone 01379 852002
With kind regards and best wishes to all members, supporters and friends of the Club.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Business Weekly, digital edition 5 June 2008
The latest edition of Business Weekly's epaper has been uploaded.
Click the front page to accessLocal Mills - Loddon Corn Windmills
c.1925Loddon Postmill
Stood in Mill Road and was known as Pye's Mill.
c.1885Loddon Smockmill
Sometimes known as Chapman's Mill stood in Mill Loke and was demolished c.1904
News from the past . . .
To be SOLD
A Very good WATER-MILL, WIND-MILL, DWELLING-HOUSE & about nine Acres of Land at Loddon in Norfolk. The situation of the above Watermill is so well known, that it is needless to point it out to the Public. For Particulars apply to Messrs. FOSTER, SON & UNTHANK, Attornies in Norwich.
Norfolk Chronicle - 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd May 1784
One of the earlier known millers was William Burton snr who was born in Colton c.1774. He first married Sarah King but there are virtually no known details of this liason. His second wife was Mary Rush who was born c.1777 in Banham. William had at least four children - Sarah Ann Burton bapt 8th July 1803; William Burton bapt 5th May 1803 (died soon after birth); William Burton jnr bapt 27th June 1809 Loddon; Esther Burton born c.1823 Loddon.
William jnr worked as miller with his father for many years. He married Elizabeth Napp (born c.1818) on 25th December 1837 at Loddon. Before Elizabeth died (buried 18th August 1840), they had one child, Elizabeth, who went on to marry Arthur Trollope at Newton Flotman on 11th May 1858. She died at New Lakenham 17 years later on 23rd April 1875.
William Burton snr. died in 1852 and was buried in Loddon churchyard beside 2nd wife Mary and 2 daughters Martha and Esther. William left instructions that both the towermill and the watermill along with the land should be sold with £1,000 of the proceeds to be invested in government stock.
LODDON MILLS
To be Let on LEASE from April 6, 1853
A BRICK TOWER MILL and a WATER MILL with Dwelling House, Barn, Stable and about 10a. of Land
Application to be made by letter stamped and directed to A.B. to be left at the Post Office, Loddon.
Norfolk Chronicle - 4th December 1852
For more history about these mills and many others, please visit - www.norfolkmills.co.uk
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
The Toilets at Beccles :(
This snippet was sent in via a concerned resident:
The Toilets at Beccles(Waveney Valley Bog?)
The Gents' toilets at Beccles, accessed via the alleyway by the side of the Post Office at the town centre, has been a disgrace for as long as can be remembered, but at long last the Mens' facility has recently been done up so that now there is a flush which actually works.
That is an improvement indeed!
There is also a seat now which also might be considered to be a plus point, but it is not hinged.
How can it be kept respectable when it cannot be lifted up?
Do you have a point of view to add to the blog?
£3.2 million for projects in Waveney Valley
£3.2 million win for rural projects in the Waveney Valley
An application led by local people to promote the communities, businesses and enterprises in the Waveney Valley area has won over £3 million of funding awarded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) through the Rural Development Programme for England.
Funding totalling in excess of £20 million is to be allocated between now and 2013 to Local Action Groups across the East of England through the Leader approach. The Leader approach is a community led ‘bottom up’ approach to project delivery where a group made up of private businesses and community interests provide a key role in defining and addressing local needs.
The Waveney Valley Local Action Group was one of six groups in the East of England to be successful in its application for funding under the Rural Development Programme for England. The group has been given the go ahead to develop in full a six year investment programme to increase the economic opportunities in the area and help land based businesses, rural businesses and communities.
The Waveney Valley Group’s projects have multiple aims through which they hope to raise not only the profile but also the sustainability criteria of the area. It will achieve this by building partnerships and improving communication between suppliers and consumers, develop further business capacity and improve the sustainability of existing producers situated in the Waveney Valley.
Richard Ellis, chair EEDA, said:
“I am delighted that Waveney Valley Local Action Group has been successful in its bid to develop an investment programme worth in excess of £3 million using RDPE funding . These funds will help the group identify innovative solutions to their local needs and improve the competitiveness and sustainability of local land based and other rural businesses.
“Each of the groups offers strong and exciting programmes of local development and I look forward to seeing the results.”
Michael Mack of the Waveney Valley Local Action Group said:
"The Waveney Valley is a very special place as all those that live in it know. As the area has never worked as one on a programme we are very exited about the opportunities that this unity will create. The development of the Waveney Valley identity will be a key focus of our work over the next 6 years. During the writing of the Local Development Strategy we have already seen the strength of the businesses and communities in the valley, through working with these strengths we believe that this funding will have a dramatic effect on the people and environment that make up this beautiful area."
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is funded jointly by the European Union and the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), and will see a total of £65 million invested in the region over the next six years. A proportion of the funding is to be delivered through the Leader approach, which channels funding through local action groups. The competitive selection process to identify the best applications from local action groups capable of identifying the needs of their area and of delivering multi-million-pound investment programme began in 2007.
Ed Palferman, EEDA press officer
Tel: 01223 200871 Fax: 01223 713940
Email: edwardpalferman@eeda.org.uk
Please could I advise you to lodge any ideas on the www.ruraladvice.co.uk website using the contact form so that I have all the relevant contact details and the project idea. As soon as the delivery system starts to take shape we will be looking through these ideas to develop the first set of grant applications.
Thanks, Mike
Michael Mack JP NSch
