Galleon Storage & Mooring at Puddingmoor Beccles, has invested £500,000 in transforming a run down yard into one of the most state of the art and environmentally friendly yards on the Norfolk Broads.

Among its eco-friendly features is a unique decontamination facility, which removes toxic chemicals from hull wash water and bilge water. After the boats are washed down in a specially built bay the wash water is stored in a decontamination tank. It is then run though a WashTek filtration system and 98% of the pollutants are absorbed by cartridges before the clean water is returned to the river.

The American WashTek system is considered to be the most efficient equipment of its kind in the world and it can be mobilised to deal with oil and diesel spills.

The Broads Authority's Sustainable Development Fund has contributed £12,500 to the project.

Conservation Officer, Andrea Kelly, who has worked closely with the yard, said: "This is an innovative boatyard development which has adopted very good practice in protecting the Broads from pollutants, and we hope other boatyards will be inspired by it."


The yard is also the first on the Broads to offer a 'dry stack' system of boat storage which does away with the need to antifoul boats. The yard is able to store boats up to 33 ft long out of the water, launching them when owners wish to use them, saving the cost of antifouling and the cost to the environment.

The yard also offers three EZdock pontoons for storing small boats out of the water.

To add to the yard's environmental credentials the navigation lights marking the entrance from the River Waveney are solar powered.

Work to the yard has included dredging out and piling a yacht basin, building a slipway for the launch and recovery of 'trailer sailers' and secure facilities for storage of cars and trailers. There are also ten berths for boats either awaiting their owners or left ready for returning to the shore after use.

The man behind the venture, Mr William Bent, said: "We were concerned about a lot of antifouled boats being in a basin where there were no tides to sweep the pollutants away. Although I'm not obsessive about being green I think everyone should do their best to protect the environment.

I adopted the dry stack system because of the limited bankside moorings and slipways in the area. I wanted to provide a specialist facility which would enable people to bring their own boats to the Broads."

 All Hallows now offers a Befriending Service for older people (50+)

Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone. For people who become isolated because of poor health, disability or social disadvantage, a befriender can fill a big gap.

The aim of the service is to reduce isolation and promote independence by providing a range of support to socially isolated, housebound older people. Benefits to clients include better quality of life as well as improved all-round health. The service will support clients to follow their hobbies and interests, which is hoped will enhance their self confidence and independence and to decrease their sense of isolation.

What befrienders do depends on what a client needs; they provide the opportunity to have a cup of tea and a chat or play Scrabble and do a crossword. They may join sports activities, such as taking someone out and playing a round of golf. Go shopping, to a garden centre, or just sit and listen. The good thing a bout this service is that we can provide exactly what the clients needs. It is ideal for family carers to give them a break either for a few hours for the evening or a week.

The Service is available 7 days per week with the exception of bank holidays. A befriender can be arranged from a minimum of 1 hour to as often as you like. As a one off or on a regular basis. The beauty of this service is that we are here to assist with the needs of our clients. With direct payments from social services, individuals have the right to choose how to spend their money, so they can choose to use this service and help decrease their sense of isolation.

Before direct payments were introduced social services would only pay providers for personal care. People can refer themselves, or be referred by GP's or Social Services.

For further details please contact:

Mandy Hart on 01986 891676 or email homecare@all-hallows.org.uk

http://www.all-hallows.org.uk/homecare/homecare.asp

download or view leaflet
www.all-hallows.org.uk/downloads/Befriending-Leaflet.pdf

 


 

Having worked within the Veterinary Profession for 16 years, I know what a difference it makes and just how much client’s appreciate receiving a condolence card.

I have, therefore, combined my background knowledge along with my love for watercolour painting to produce an individual range of quality cards, which are exceptional value for money and are very different to others available within the veterinary market.

KT Tunstall switched OFF the Christmas Lights at Westfield London to launch the countdown to WWF’s Earth Hour, which will take place on March 31st 2012.


The globally renowned singer also performed an intimate performance for fans gathered at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush.

KT’s sparkling performance also marked the launch of WWF’s nationwide competition to find one lucky community which will be given the honour of leading the Earth Hour switch off in the UK. The winning community will win a £1,000 grant to make sure that their ‘switched off’ event goes with a bang.

WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple idea that’s become a global phenomenon, with hundreds of millions of people turning off their lights to show they want to create a brighter future for the planet. Spanning a record 135 countries in 2011, this year’s Earth Hour is set to be even bigger.

WWF’s Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses joined in. Last year hundreds of millions of people and landmarks from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in London to the India Gate in New Delhi, and even as far as The Sydney Opera House, took part.

Westfield has supported WWF’s Earth Hour globally since it began in 2007 as one of the first organisations to sign up. In 2011, Westfield London became home to Rooftop Rainforest with Sky, bringing a taste of the Amazon rainforest to the city.

KT Tunstall, ambassador of WWF’s Earth Hour, said:

"I'm delighted to have switched off the festive lights at Westfield London today to launch WWF's Earth Hour. It's such a simple, powerful campaign and it's a great feeling to be joining many millions of others around the world who care and are taking action. I really hope that people feel inspired to sign up and switch off their lights on 31 March."

"I've always cared deeply about the environment and try my best to limit the impact my life and work has on the planet. It's not easy but there are simple steps and commitments you can make and WWF's Earth Hour is a great chance to tell others what you are doing and get them to join you."

Their holiday lodges and penthouses are great for a short break or holiday at any time of year, featuring fabulous views across Carlton marshes, and with unlimited use of the pool and spa included in the price. The Park also has a friendly pub, large shop and day cruiser hire.

If you're planning your 2012 holidays and fancy a few days on the water, why not base yourself at Waveney River Centre's marina and enjoy a series of day trips with a guaranteed mooring at night, complete with use of the swimming pool and luxury showers? Or for a Broads holiday with a unique twist, combine your boating journey with a few days camping or a break in one of their lodges.

Waveney River Centre holds the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award and last year was a triple winner at the EDP Norfolk Tourism Awards - winning Best Holiday Park, Best Broads Experience and the Customer Care Award. This year they are finalists in the EDP Business Awards (Environment and Sustainability).

Check out their website at http://www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk for full information and a video tour.

Or make friends with A Fish Called Eddie and get all the latest news - http://www.facebook.com/afishcallededdie

James Knight
Waveney River Centre