In Suffolk, at the end of October, 48.6% of over 65s had accepted the jab compared with 53.6% last year. Whereas 25.1% of under 65s in at risk groups had accepted it against 27.9% last year.

Experts are taking no chances and want to urge patients to check if they are eligible and make sure they contact their GP surgery to have it if they need it.

Dr Victoria Fearne, NHS Suffolk’s public health registrar said: "If you are called up for a flu vaccination, or think you need one, we urge you to take advantage of the opportunity and contact your surgery."

Those at risk who are eligible for the vaccination include adults and children between six months and 65 years old, who suffer from heart or chest diseases, or diabetes. Typically, fewer than half those under 65 in at-risk groups take advantage of the free jab, leaving thousands vulnerable.

All people aged 65 and over qualify for the free annual seasonal flu jab. In addition, adults and children aged six months to 65 years who have the following conditions are deemed to be at risk and should contact their GP for the free jab:

- Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic renal disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
- Immunosuppression
- Women who are pregnant

Dr Fearne continued: "It is vital that people do not underestimate just how serious the effects of the flu virus can be. It is not like catching a cold".

People who had the seasonal flu vaccination last year will need a new seasonal flu jab this winter. This is because the main circulating flu strains change every year and the vaccine needs to match the latest strains.

Your GP surgery will invite you for your seasonal flu vaccination. If you haven’t been invited yet, contact your GP surgery for more information, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu

Other groups eligible for seasonal flu vaccination include:

· Those who live in a residential or nursing home

· The main carers of elderly or disabled people

· Healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care

· Poultry workers

A local mental health charity is celebrating after being named a green champion at a national award ceremony on Monday 15 November.

Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind’s Work 2 Grow programme was one of only three charity-run projects to be recognised at the 2010 Green Apple awards which seek to promote and reward environmental best practice among UK businesses. The Yarmouth project received its environmental award in recognition of its efforts to integrate sustainable development into all activities.

The Work 2 Grow scheme, which offers accredited training courses in woodworking and joinery to people in the Yarmouth area who are affected by mental ill health, received the award because of its ongoing commitment to using recycled materials such as wood diverted from landfill.

In addition to training people in practical skills and supporting them back into employment, Work 2 Grow also raises awareness with its learners about the impact of waste on the environment.

Stuart Bennett, development manager at Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind, represented the charity at the award ceremony held in the House of Commons, where he collected the charity’s second Green Apple award in as many years.

As a Green Apple winner, Mind now has the opportunity to join the International Green Heroes – an elite group of environmental achievers who use their experience to help thousands of others around the world.

Sylvia Moore, chief executive of Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind, says the organisation is more committed than ever to promoting the benefits of sustainability. “We’re thrilled to receive a second successive Green Apple award and will continue to use our knowledge and expertise to educate others about the need for environmentally friendly business practices.”

Mind’s Work 2 Grow programme has helped more than 80 people in the local area to access training and support since being launched in January.

If you want to contact Mind about the Work 2 Grow programme, or for support and advice, please visit www.gywmind.org.uk, call 01493 851 866 or visit the office at 31 Caister Road, Great Yarmouth.

They will sing a cheerful programme of seasonal and international music as the run up to the festive season really gets under way.

The two musical directors, Ian Humphris and Bridget Cousins, have devised an evening with plenty of familiar music and some special arrangements that will not have been heard in Halesworth before.

This family concert is designed for townsfolk of all ages and there will be opportunities for them to join in with some lusty singing of their own.

Tickets, £10 and concessions £8, and are on sale from The Cut box office, telephone 0845 673 2123, open Tues-Sat 11am-2pm. Book now to be sure of the best seats.

Logan Bedingfield (aged 22), George Crickmore (aged 16) and Adam Sloan (aged 13) all performed superbly in front of Master Oldham and various other senior Dan grades in order to be awarded their coveted black belt.

They all had to perform patterns, demonstrate techniques, perform free sparring and set sparring techniques, answer theory questions and submit a written thesis.

Logan also had to perform several destruction techniques as he had to complete the Adult syllabus, one of which involves a breaking kick of an inch thick pine board 7 feet above the ground, which Logan smashed easily 1st time.

Adam did especially well as he is an autistic child and has overcome significant obstacles in his quest to achieve his 1st Dan. Mum and Dad, who are also Black belts at the club were immensely proud of his achievement and it makes them the 1st family in the club to all gain black belts.

George has balanced his A level studies alongside his training and has started to help out in the School extra curricular club held on Wednesdays, demonstrating true commitment and dedication.

These three students passing takes the black belt tally at the club to 12 since it opened in 2003 and Clinton Gillett said, “I really think these guys deserved to get their belts they train hard, have shown great determination, dedication and most of all are very respectful and eager to learn”.

The club which trains at Bungay High School every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm is getting ready for its last grading and end of year party, but if you want to come along and have a go at this Olympic martial art then please just pop in to the main Hall or contact Clinton on 01986 892140, it is suitable for everyone male and female from 7 years old to 70!

 
Sportspark launches a new Basketball night

Sportspark, based at the University of East Anglia, is launching a new informal basketball night with the aim of increasing participation in the sport. Basketball players will have exclusive use of the entire Haydn Morris sports hall which uniquely accommodates four training courts.

The event is starting on Saturday 27th November from 8.20pm – 10.20pm and will run every Saturday. Members of the public do not need to be in a team and can simply come to shoot hoops or play in a scrimmage. There is no need to book in advance and anyone can turn up and pay and play. For two weeks only players will pay a special introductory price of just £2 for two hours. Non-members must also pay a 60p guest fee.

Director of Sportspark, Keith Nicholls said: “Basketball is the world’s most played sport. It is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and now in Norwich. Due to the increasing interest, we are setting up a dedicated night so that we can bring together enthusiastic players. We hope this will lead to more teams setting up locally, who will be able to come and use our excellent facilities.”

Although Sportspark is owned and managed by the University of East Anglia, it is open to the whole community, not just the people at the University. For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk

For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk

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Over eighty people took part in Mary’s Walk with Wonderful Beast - a community event led by Mary Warner resident Mary Chittock as part of Suffolk Coast and Heath’s Woodwose Outdoor Festival in October.

Mary led members of the public, fellow residents and Hollesley Primary School children and families on a four mile walk through the Boyton countryside, following the River Ore with stunning views of Havergate Island and tracking through ancient woodland, punctuating the walk with  interesting local history facts along the way. 

Following the walk, Mary Warner Homes ran a deliciously well-stocked tea shop, with step dancing and live music provided by Wonderful Beast Theatre Company.

A beautiful map of the walk was produced for the event, incorporating artwork and poetry by Hollesley Primary School children and Mary Warner residents.

Eleven people took part in art workshops to create work for the map, following them there was some lovely feedback about the project:

“It felt you were part of something interesting for our age group”
 
“I did something I had not done since my school days which sometimes you have forgotten that it was something you enjoyed.”

A limited number of adult and family weekend tickets for Latitude Festival 2011 will go on sale from 9am on Friday 3rd December at 2010 prices. Secure your tickets now and join us as we open the gates to enter into the sixth edition of Latitude taking place on 14 – 17th July 2011, in the glorious setting of the Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s stunning Sunrise Coast.

Set at this year's prices, Latitude lovers can beat the VAT increase by purchasing tickets before the New Year – saving up to £10 per ticket. Perfect as a Christmas gift for friends, family or a personal treat!

Pre-sale tickets will be available until 31st December 2010. General sale tickets and line-up will be released in Spring next year. For more details visit:


A place to explore, discover and enjoy; Latitude encourages you to indulge yourself and open your mind to a world of wonders, thrills and delights which awaits your arrival. Latitude is unrivalled in the breadth and quality of its programme, with previous highlights including performances from Belle and Sebastian, Thom Yorke, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Grace Jones, Daniel Kitson & Gavin Osborn, Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sadler's Wells.