Kind-hearted golfers clubbed together and raised the ‘par’ after presenting a cheque for more than £3,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The money came from three events at Swaffham Golf Club, including a special charity competition organised by Rotary Club of Swaffham that raised £1,000. Another highlight was Swaffham Golf Club professional Nic Cains, assistant Ethan Roberts and member Tom Rudge taking on an energy-sapping challenge in July. Their mission was to play 100 holes in a single day and after Ethan spectacularly eagled the first hole just after 4am, the last putt of the day was sunk by Tom at 5.17pm. Between them, they raised £755. The third fundraiser was a golf-themed family fun day in aid of EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk. Highlights included face painting for children, in addition to a chipping competition, crazy golf and a tombola, and it raised £625. Also included within the £3,050 was £670, raised from the golf club’s pro shop JustGiving page. Swaffham GC member Malcolm Tibble, who is on the club’s centenary committee, said: “Our sincere thanks go to everyone who supported the three events, and also to everyone who came along and donated so generously. “We were thrilled to raise so much for such a very worthy cause. It’s a wonderful charity and one everyone is keen to support.” Carole Medler, from the EACH shop is Swaffham, is pictured on the right, receiving the cheque at Swaffham Golf Club. Image Credits EACH
Village bowlers scored a notable success after raising more than £1,800 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). In addition to collecting funds throughout the season, Bintree Bowls Club held a charity tournament on their green next to Bawdeswell Village Hall. They are one of ten teams in the Cawston Bowls League and, every year, clubs take it in turns to raise funds for a charity of their choice. This time it was the turn of Bintree and president Richard Johnson. Members chose to support EACH, which supports families and cares for children with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. Treasurer Alistair Hunter said: “The season always finishes with our President’s Day and that’s when we held our fundraiser for EACH. “The afternoon started with a ‘spider’ competition and we had a round-robin tournament for 28 teams. Trophies were then presented to eventual winners North Walsham and runners-up Horsford. “We also presented cups to the Cawston League winners, Bawdeswell, and runners-up, Lakeside Pilgrims, in addition to handing out silverware to the Knockout Shield winners, North Walsham, and runners-up, Swanton Abbott. “In addition to the players, who all paid an entry fee, there were also lots of spectators and we had raffles, a tombola and food and drink sales to try and raise as much as possible. “Our thanks go to Arthur Mobbs, the Cawston League secretary, for organising the competition, his grandson, Matthew Neave, for sponsoring the league and presenting the trophies and to all members for their great efforts in supporting President’s Day and EACH. “We were thrilled to raise so much and my personal goal had been to raise £1,200. I was amazed and surprised and people were very generous. “The raffle alone raised £361 and the tombola a further £127. The Cawston Bowls League also made a wonderful donation of £250.” EACH was selected as Bintree’s chosen charity after a vote among the club’s 35 members. They were given a shortlist of three worthy causes. “Obviously I can’t speak for all members but, for me, the word ‘children’ really resonates and that’s why people voted for EACH. “It’s a lovely, local charity and it felt like a very worthy cause to support.” Bintree’s President’s Day took place on Saturday, 3rd September. The event raised £1,862 and president Richard Johnson (right) is pictured handing over the cheque to Nook Friends Group volunteer Roy Grage. EACH Community Fundraising Assistant Megan Kemp said: “We were truly bowled over to receive this wonderful and very generous donation. “It’s an incredible amount and our sincere thanks go to the members, players and spectators who helped make it such a special and memorable day.” Image credits EACH
Green-fingered volunteers are being encouraged to step forward and help families caring for children with life-threatening conditions. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) runs a successful Help at Home service and is on the lookout for extra support in the Diss area. The service provides vital assistance with jobs like cooking, cleaning, shopping, sibling support, decorating and DIY. Any extra help is appreciated but the charity is especially keen to hear from anyone interested in gardening. EACH volunteer co-ordinator Anne Rayner said: “We know that some of our families struggle to keep on top of everything. “They have enough on their plates caring for their child or children, dealing with complex medications and feed times. “That’s not to mention cooking, cleaning and maintaining things indoors. “With the best will in the world, the garden isn’t high on their list of priorities and that’s why we’re keen to hear from anyone able to help. “You don’t have to be knowledgeable or a gardening expert. Just being on hand to cut the grass or do a bit of weeding will make a huge difference.” Volunteers do not need to commit to a regular time slot and training and support is providing. “All you need to give up is your time, either to help regularly or as a one-off project,” added Anne. “Whether you can spare two hours a week or two a month, it’ll have a real impact on the families we support. “Sometimes they feel isolated and it can be hard looking out of the window at an unkempt garden.” For more information about EACH’s Help at Home service, head to each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four). The charity is also keen to find more Help at Home volunteers in the Norwich and Great Yarmouth areas. Image credits EACH
Classic cars and vintage vehicles proved a real crowd-puller during a popular charity event in north Norfolk. Broads Motor Mania took place at the Sutton Staithe Hotel, in Stalham, and raised more than £1,800 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The event was organised by Sue and Rob Goreham, who set up Jessica’s Wish in 2014 in memory of their daughter, who was stillborn in 2006. Since then, they have been organising regular fundraising events for charities close to their hearts, including EACH. In 2019 they held an event to raise money for The Nook Appeal and the following year they staged a Valentine’s Ball, at Sutton Staithe Hotel. Broads Motor Mania, their latest brainchild, featured 130 vehicles, as well as drawing a bumper crowd of between 400 and 500 people. “This was our first car show and, although a steep learning curve, we were delighted with the way it went,” said Sue, who lives in Salhouse. “It was great to see people coming along and supporting us, paying to get in and also making generous donations. “We even had a park-and-ride service from Stalham High School, with regular coaches bringing visitors to the main event. “It was very busy and we were constantly on our feet, but I think the adrenaline kept us going. We got home that night and said ‘wow’. “It was worth all the hard work and we were indebted to so many people and businesses who helped make the day such a success. “Car shows are definitely the way forward and we have a date in the diary for next year (29th July, 2023). “We already have a sponsor and several stalls booked, plus bands, so are hoping it proves even bigger and better. “When things go well, it inspires us to carry on and we already have lots of ideas for the future. Things are going round in our heads all the time.” Sue and Rob initially started fundraising to buy cuddle cots – a cooling mattress that stop a baby’s body deteriorating, and can be placed in a cot or pram. It allows parents to stay with them for a period of time before their funeral, hugging them, dressing them and taking them for walks. Sue, 49, and Rob, 47, who have two sons, Joshua, 17, and Ethan, 14, bought one for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. “Anything to do with children is important to us,” said Sue. “They’re our world and we’re happy to do our bit to help. “EACH is such a special and important charity that does so much amazing work. I’m in awe. “We visited Quidenham (the charity’s former hospice) and have also been fortunate enough to be shown around The Nook, in Framingham Earl. “It’s an incredible place but also one that pulls on your heartstrings. I had to step outside at one point because I felt so emotional.” In addition to vintage vehicles, Broads Motor Mania also featured a children’s petting zoo, live bands, a beer festival and street food. It took place on 30th July. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices at Milton, near Cambridge, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich. Image credits EACH
Today, Pure celebrates 20 years in the business. That’s 20 years of helping clients find people, helping people find jobs, and supporting organisations across the eastern region with their recruitment strategies. In 2002 Ian Walters, Gill Buchanan and Caroline Batchelor started a recruitment consultancy with a difference, from a tiny room in Cambridge. Despite only having a rudimentary IT system, dial-up internet and one fax machine, they had a clear mission – to help job seekers find their perfect positions, to build lasting relationships and to become the go-to recruiter for businesses in the east of England. They called this Pure. Not long after that they were joined by Lynn Walters and David Culley. Fast forward 20 years and we’re now the leading recruitment specialist in the eastern region. And our Pure family has grown to over 80 people across four offices. In our own words When asked about Pure, Ian said: ‘20 years ago we set out to build long-lasting valued relationships, as we believed that was the best thing we could do for our clients and for job seekers. And that’s as true today as it was then.’ David agreed: ‘I’m proud of how we’ve never lost sight of what makes us who we are. This business was founded on a desire to build long-term relationships, go the extra mile and serve our customers the best we can. We did it back then and we’re still doing it now.’ From Caroline: ‘For me, what makes Pure so special is getting the chance to work with such great people – both within the company itself, and with clients and job seekers. I’m also very proud of how we’ve stayed true to our values. We’ve never compromised on quality, not even during the pandemic when times were tough. This is reflected in the fact that we have so many loyal customers.’ Recruitment with a difference What makes Pure stand out is that we pride ourselves on recruiting with purpose. Our mission is as relevant today as it was 20 years ago – to connect talented people with the right opportunities, and to support the growth of organisations in our region. And when it comes to careers we go the extra mile, teaming up with experts across the region to offer development opportunities and programmes. All to help businesses and their people be the best they can be. What our clients and partners say Beverly Dickson has been with Pure as both a job seeker and client since the very beginning. ‘I’ve worked with Pure for 20 years and they’ve placed me in all my jobs in those years. Pure has also recruited all my people into my teams. I asked my team what they thought of Pure and they said they’re proactive, unique, reliable and enthusiastic. I look forward to the next 20 years – although I hope to retire before then!’ We regularly work with Fluent, a digital product development agency. In fact, our Cambridge office is next door to theirs, and we even share a wall. Wesley Cole, their operations director, said: ‘Working with Pure feels like we’re all part of the same team. For your 15th birthday we were asked for words to describe Pure. After some reflection, we’ve decided that our decision then still stands – even if it’s actually three words – “laughter through walls”.’ Jay Wright, Virgin Wine’s CEO and one of our clients, said: ‘It’s been a pleasure working with the Pure team. We were looking for a top-level candidate for a senior position of critical importance to our business, and I can’t speak highly enough about Pure’s approach. Everyone worked with precision, great communication and a sense of real collaboration.’ Pure in numbers In the past 20 years we’ve:
helped find jobs for over 28,000 people
worked with nearly 3,000 clients promoting more than 53,000 jobs
raised over £170,000 for charity
seen 12 marriages and around 45 babies born in our team.
For more media information please contact Judith Pugh on 01223 209886 or email judith.pugh@prs.uk.com. Image provided by Pure
Staff and volunteers from a popular charity shop donned fancy dress and travelled back in time for a weekend of nostalgia. The team from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) got in the spirit for the 1940s-themed event in Sheringham. In addition to wearing costumes from the war-time decade, they raised extra funds from a tasty cake sale and got involved in all aspects of the town’s celebrations, which took place on 17th and 18th September. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. It has three hospices, including The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and 44 retail outlets across the region, like the one in Station Road, Sheringham. Shop manager Naomi Munro said: “The whole weekend was a complete success. “We took £2,485 of donated sales over the two days and normally take that figure in a whole week during the colder months! “Our cake sale was also very popular and raised £140. “Volunteers and regular customers made the cakes and we had Victoria sponges, gingerbread biscuits, lemon cake and cupcakes. “We cleared out the shop to make space for the revellers and the 1940s enthusiasts were out in force, dancing in the street and in our shop. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!” Sheringham’s 1940s spectacular was originally started by North Norfolk Railway and celebrations also take place in Weybourne and Holt. It is a fun nod back to the 1940s, remembering the music, dancing, fashions and classic vehicles of the era. Image credit EACH
Residents to the west of Norwich are being asked their views on a series of proposals to improve safety on Mayfly Way in Bowthorpe, a popular walking and cycling route, linking the Bowthorpe employment area with the city centre and beyond. Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership are seeking to improve safety for those travelling through the area by bike or on foot by widening the existing shared use pavement to provide separate facilities for cycles and pedestrians across a 550m off road route which connects to the existing pedalway network. The proposals include a number of safety improvements to crossing facilities on Harpsfield, Chapel Break Road and Barnard Road, where a small section of double yellow lines would also be introduced to improve visibility around a new pedestrian and cycle crossing. Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “All our Transforming Cities Programme is focused on improving sustainable transport connections between homes and areas of retail, employment and education. “We have already successfully delivered a similar scheme on Marriotts Way, which was the first in the country to be constructed through this central government fund and this latest proposal would also tie in with further improvements being developed for Dereham Road, which we hope to consult the public on later this year”. The proposed improvements on Mayfly Way would be funded through part of the £32m awarded to Greater Norwich through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund. Councillor Mike Sands, representing Bowthorpe on the county council said: “I broadly support the proposals for Mayfly Way and have been working with local residents to bring about further improvements across the wider area.” Further information is available on the council’s website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/mayflyway where you can also take part in a brief online survey. The consultation is live until Wednesday 5 October and alternative formats can also be provided on request
This signals the start of a new era where the full strengths of our group can be accessed by all our local customers, demonstrating we truly are stronger together. Credo Asset Finance, based in Norwich with offices in both Norwich and Ipswich, is building on more than two decades as one of the most successful and trusted financial services providers in their region and are proud to be a part of the STAR Asset Finance family of experts. The group-wide rebrand reflects a closer alignment of the group’s businesses and new specialist divisions – ready to serve UK SMEs better than ever. In a challenging time for many small businesses, STAR Asset Finance Group are confident they’re building a group that serves their financing needs better than many other independent asset finance providers. STAR Asset Finance Group have a bold ambition to be the most recommended asset finance provider in the UK and believe they can achieve this by offering more to customers, without taking away what they have come to expect – great personal and local service. Stronger together This re-brand across all group businesses, inspired by the new leadership team of Jim Higginbotham (CEO) and Paul Slapa (Commercial Director), reflects a closer alignment and even greater collaboration within the group, with more shared resources, expertise and investment in improved back-room systems. They have also created new specialist divisions – STAR Stocking and STAR Professions – backed up by expert hires and a new STAR Loans product providing unsecured ‘own-book’ lending with greater decision speed and flexibility. National business benefits with a local touch The result is a nationwide group able to offer more financial options, more choice, more flexibility and more value to their customers. And because they still operate through local businesses, they are able to retain the local touch and understanding that their customers expect and value so much. A model that’s working for UK SMEs This year, the group will exceed a landmark of £1.5 Billion of funding since the group formed in 2015, supporting over 100,000 UK SMEs. Their 2022 funding growth is already currently double the market rate. “The STAR Asset Finance Group has always been a great collection of local businesses, but this latest brand refresh signals the start of a new era where the full strengths of the group can be accessed by all our local customers, demonstrating we truly are stronger together. “I’m really excited about driving the STAR Asset Finance Group forward into its next chapter of growth. We have a great team, fantastic customers and a world of opportunity.” Jim Higginbotham, CEO STAR Asset Finance Group Photo credit: Credo
Law firm Howes Percival has recorded a 12% increase in turnover since the start of 2020, with profits per equity partner also up 12% over the same period, according to its latest annual results.
The firm has seen turnover increase from £23.4m before the pandemic, to £26.3m this year and market share increase in Norwich and its other UK offices.
The last 12 months have also seen Howes Percival invest in a nationwide expansion programme, with close to 100 new recruits appointed in that period.
Howes Percival has had an office in Norwich for over 30 years and the team of more than 100 staff provide the full range of corporate and private client services to the city and the wider region.
Norwich partner Tessa Haskey said, “We are absolutely delighted with the way the firm has performed over the last couple of years. Like everyone, we experienced the shock waves when the pandemic struck, but we were able to adapt quickly to the new ways of working to support our staff and clients. As a result, we’ve have seen strong growth in core areas such as corporate and commercial, property, litigation, employment law and private client services.
“Our people have been at the heart of everything that has happened in the last couple of years and our focus was very much on ensuring that everyone was supported, valued and rewarded during such a challenging period. Together we developed improved ways of working and supporting each other that continue today, with more flexible working, more family-friendly working practices and health and well-being benefits. Our bonus scheme applies to all employees and recognises the contribution that everyone has made.”
Greater Anglia is advising rail passengers, including football fans and people travelling to work and school or college, to avoid travelling by train on Saturday 1 and Wednesday 5 October as national rail strikes are set to cause widespread disruption. People travelling to the London Marathon on Sunday 2 October will also be affected, as the 24-hour strikes have a knock-on effect the following day, with first trains affected and no services before 7/7.30am. Rail unions ASLEF and RMT have rescheduled strikes postponed due to the death of Her Majesty The Queen, to next month. Members of the train drivers’ union ASLEF are striking on Saturday 1 and Wednesday 5 October. They will be joined by RMT union members, including Greater Anglia’s conductors, train cleaners and station staff and Network Rail’s signallers and maintenance teams, in their national rail strike on Saturday 1 October. As a result, Greater Anglia services will be severely disrupted, with the company only able to run a fraction of its services – and no services at all between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street or on regional or branch lines. A heavily reduced service will run between London Liverpool Street and Norwich, Colchester, Southend Victoria and on the Stansted Express service between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street. On Saturday 1 October, services will only operate from 7.30am and with all last trains setting off before the end of the working day and final whistle in most cases in order to be at their final destination by 6.30pm. All of East Anglia’s top football teams – Norwich, Ipswich Town, Cambridge United, Peterborough United and Colchester United – have fixtures on Saturday 1 October, as do Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Arsenal. Fans are strongly advised to make alternative arrangements, as are students travelling to school or college and people commuting to work, because Greater Anglia is only able to run a heavily reduced service. On Saturday 1 October, due to engineering work there is a rail replacement bus service between Colchester and Ingatestone connecting with the heavily reduced train service. There will be no rail replacement buses to replace trains not running due to the strike. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by strikes, which this time will affect football fans and some people from our region competing in the London Marathon, as well as school or college students, commuters and business travellers. “We’re only able to run a fraction of our usual services, so our advice again is to avoid using our trains on strike days. “The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT in an effort to avert the strike.” Anyone who has pre-booked tickets to travel on 1 or 5 October can change them, use them to travel on either the day before or up to two days later, or apply for a refund by going back to their original retailer. Passenger assistance will be available as usual for all trains which are running. Anyone requiring assistance who cannot avoid travelling by train on strike days should plan their journey and book assistance in advance if possible. Greater Anglia is currently finalising details of the strike day timetables and will publish them on its website when are they are ready, which is expected to be early next week. Further information is available from greateranglia.co.uk/strikes which will be updated as details are finalised. Other train companies affected by strikes on both days are Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry Trains, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, GWR, Northern Trains, Southeastern, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains, Hull Trains and London Overground. Network Rail, Southwestern and GTR – which includes Great Northern, Thameslink and the Heathrow Express – and will be affected by strikes on Saturday 1 October. Photo credit: Greater Anglia
A record number of students have joined the professional accountancy training programme at leading East Anglian firm, Larking Gowen. The 41 students include school leavers, university graduates and placement students, who will be working across the firm’s offices in Norfolk, Suffolk and north Essex. They will be working towards a variety of accountancy, taxation and other specialist qualifications. Julie Grimmer, Managing Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to our latest intake of trainees. It’s refreshing to see so many talented young people coming forward to take their first steps in what should be a very rewarding career.” Julie, who joined the firm as a trainee herself, said the training programmes are not just about passing exams. “Our employment proposition is a commitment to career-long training and development, offering a wide range of experience in the business. They’ll be supported and mentored by experienced professionals who’ll be looking out for them every step of the way.” She continued, “As with my own personal journey through the business, we want our current crop of trainees to go on to build lifelong careers at Larking Gowen.” Photo credit: Larking Gowen LLP
“One in five of the children we support receives care because of these special gifts” – Free Wills Month is a golden opportunity to support EACH The public are being encouraged to think about the future by leaving a “special gift” that benefits children and young people receiving vital hospice care. Free Wills Month takes place in October and gives people over the age of 18 an opportunity to have their Will written or updated for ‘free’. In return, they are encouraged to make a donation or leave a gift to a charity like East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). EACH Individual Giving Manager Amy Cudmore said: “This special month is an opportunity to start a very important conversation and ensure the public are aware they can leave a gift in their Will. “After taking care of family and friends, it’s an opportunity to help us continue our work supporting children and their families for generations to come. “One in five of the children we support receives care because of these gifts and we’re asking supporters to consider having their Will written. “Leaving something, no matter how big or small, really will make a huge difference in terms of helping us continue our vital work across East Anglia. “It’s an incredible, very personal way to help give more children and young people the opportunity to receive our tailored, high-quality specialist services.” EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, is directing supporters to a free online Will writing service called Farewill. It provides an opportunity for people to write their Will online, at no cost, in return for making a donation to EACH. For more information about leaving a gift in your Will, head here. Alternatively, email supportercare@each.org.uk or call 01223 800807. EACH has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and Milton, near Cambridge. Photo credit: EACH