Member News

We are super excited and thrilled to announce the first Layrd event – Future Spaces Explore how to create sustainable workspaces for your staff Wellbeing. Learn how to create amazing spaces using innovative approaches and materials. Network with designers, suppliers and your peers. Listen to inspiring talks showcasing the future of Interior Spaces. We will be announcing updates on speakers, workshops, tickets and sponsors in the coming weeks and months. Save the date – Thursday 21st July 2022 Location: Top of the Terrace at Norwich City Football Club. Everyone is welcome, we look forward to seeing you there! For more info contact us at layrd Design – info@layrddesign.co.uk

This article first appeared in the Norwich Evening News ‘School Focus’ by Suzanne Day on Saturday 2 April 2022.

Norwich High School for Girls has launched a new Little Caterpillars Stay and Play group, offering free half-termly courses of sessions for pre-schoolers. This follows the opening of the school’s new Early Years Hub, which is part of the Nursery provision, in September 2021, an impressive indoor and outdoor space prioritising free play and the opportunities for child-led discoveries and creative learning through play. Families from the local community, including grandparents and childminders are invited to visit Norwich High School for Girls and use the Early Years Hub for an hour per week over a half term period. The sessions include the opportunity for outdoor exploration and play in the newly designed area with themes such as forest schools, arts and crafts and cooking. Susan Roberts, Head of Norwich High Prep School and Nursery said “We are keen to give the children who attend opportunities to do things they normally wouldn’t be offered at stay and play groups. Being able to get outside and enjoy the natural world is a really important aspect of development for all children. We have a stunning 14-acre site on Newmarket Road in the city and we are passionate about giving local families access to this beautiful environment. Our Little Caterpillars sessions offer a different experience to the visiting families and it is wonderful to see how much both the children and their grown-ups enjoy it, from cooking together to messy play and arts and crafts and utilising our forest schools area, which is in the grounds of the main school. This has been a very successful programme which has increased word of mouth about our amazing provision.” Anna Barnes, a parent attending the group commented, “We have attended both the crafting and cookery sessions and loved it. My daughter really looks forward to coming each week and is really proud of the creations she brings home. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and she has gained in confidence over her visits. Visits from Bailey, the school’s pet dog are also a real hit and helping to start overcoming her fear of dogs. We can’t wait for forest school sessions next term.” Rhian Barton, Head of Early Years at Norwich High School for Girls added: “We believe that learning beyond the classroom encourages holistic development and we pride ourselves on our ability to foster the children’s curiosity by giving them exciting opportunities to explore their natural environment. At the Forest School sessions, they can be found throughout the year, den building, playing in the mud kitchens and toasting marshmallows over the campfire. For Early Years children, this opportunity for creative play, problem solving and physical challenge is invaluable. Over the sessions our enabling approach sees the children grow in confidence.” Norwich High School for Girls has also hosted forest school sessions with local nurseries, Nellies and Bouncing Beans for children aged 3-4, which don’t have a similar facility at their own sites. The children are collected by the school’s minibus and enjoy the woodland site, bespoke forest school area, with campfire and activities and play in the mud kitchen. The sessions promote exploration and active play through physical activity, freedom and movement. Nellie’s nursery said, “As always, the children (and adults) absolutely loved their time with you this morning.” Feedback from Bouncing Beans reported, “Thank you so much for organising these events for us. The staff and children really enjoyed their Forest School session with you.” Norwich High School for Girls have spaces for their Little Caterpillars ‘Play in the Woods’ sessions after Easter. Register interest by emailing s.shearer@nor.gdst.net or call 01603 351 878. The five sessions will start Tuesday 26th April and run for five free sessions. Campfire refreshments will be provided and limited parking is available.

‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ Captain Fawcett, based in King’s Lynn, is simply chuffed to bits to announce the company has won the prestigious Insider Media ‘Made in Central & East England’ Export Award. Captain Fawcett founder, Richie Finney, accepted the award saying “I am truly honoured to be in such illustrious company, and humbly accept this accolade on behalf of the esteemed Cast & Crew at Fawcett HQ without whom this success would not have been possible.” Captain Fawcett manufactures high quality male grooming products. It exports to over 40 countries worldwide, export sales making up 80 per cent of its total revenue. Insider Media commented “The judges were impressed with Captain Fawcett’s clever use of social media to break into new markets and also with the way the company had overcome various challenges with supplying into the EU post-Brexit.” Successful manufacturers from a wide range of sectors were recognised at Insider’s Made in Central & East England Awards 2022. Held at the Jury’s Inn in Milton Keynes on 31st March, guests heard from Deborah Leary, an international motivational speaker and consultant on entrepreneurship and innovation, international trade and corporate social responsibility. The event was sponsored by Dentons UK and Middle East LLP and HSBC UK. Congratulations are due to Captain Fawcett’s much esteemed fellow finalists: Meteor Inkjet Ltd Woolroom Cambridge Precision Ltd Encocam Group Limited Shipyard Supply Co Image: Richie Finney & Vincenzo Pampararo, International Trade Manager, Department for International Trade (DiT)

This article first appeared in the Norwich Evening News ‘School Focus’ by Suzanne Day on Saturday 2 April 2022. Norwich High School for Girls has launched a new Little Caterpillars Stay and Play group, offering free half-termly courses of sessions for pre-schoolers. This follows the opening of the school’s new Early Years Hub, which is part of the Nursery provision, in September 2021, an impressive indoor and outdoor space prioritising free play and the opportunities for child-led discoveries and creative learning through play. Families from the local community, including grandparents and childminders are invited to visit Norwich High School for Girls and use the Early Years Hub for an hour per week over a half term period. The sessions include the opportunity for outdoor exploration and play in the newly designed area with themes such as forest schools, arts and crafts and cooking. Susan Roberts, Head of Norwich High Prep School and Nursery said “We are keen to give the children who attend opportunities to do things they normally wouldn’t be offered at stay and play groups. Being able to get outside and enjoy the natural world is a really important aspect of development for all children. We have a stunning 14-acre site on Newmarket Road in the city and we are passionate about giving local families access to this beautiful environment. Our Little Caterpillars sessions offer a different experience to the visiting families and it is wonderful to see how much both the children and their grown-ups enjoy it, from cooking together to messy play and arts and crafts and utilising our forest schools area, which is in the grounds of the main school. This has been a very successful programme which has increased word of mouth about our amazing provision.” Anna Barnes, a parent attending the group commented, “We have attended both the crafting and cookery sessions and loved it. My daughter really looks forward to coming each week and is really proud of the creations she brings home. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and she has gained in confidence over her visits. Visits from Bailey, the school’s pet dog are also a real hit and helping to start overcoming her fear of dogs. We can’t wait for forest school sessions next term.” Mrs Barton added: “At the Forest School sessions, they can be found throughout the year, den building, playing in the mud kitchens and toasting marshmallows over the campfire. For Early Years children, this opportunity for creative play, problem solving and physical challenge is invaluable. Over the sessions our enabling approach sees the children grow in confidence.” Norwich High School for Girls has also hosted forest school sessions with local nurseries, Nellies and Bouncing Beans for children aged 3-4, which don’t have a similar facility at their own sites. The children are collected by the school’s minibus and enjoy the woodland site, bespoke forest school area, with campfire and activities and play in the mud kitchen. The sessions promote exploration and active play through physical activity, freedom and movement. Nellie’s nursery said, “As always, the children (and adults) absolutely loved their time with you this morning.” Feedback from Bouncing Beans reported, “Thank you so much for organising these events for us. The staff and children really enjoyed their Forest School session with you.” Norwich High School for Girls have spaces for their Little Caterpillars ‘Play in the Woods’ sessions after Easter. Register interest by emailing s.shearer@nor.gdst.net or call 01603 351 878. The five sessions will start Tuesday 26th April and run for five free sessions. Campfire refreshments will be provided and limited parking is available.

Being an integral part of the local community is really important to us all at EN. So to celebrate 40 years of excellence this year our Health and Social Care and Children’s Play and Learning and Development students have written postcards to 40 Care homes and 40 Primary Schools in and around Norfolk and Suffolk to show the love and support for the community from EN students. The students are hoping to combat loneliness in Care homes and to educate Primary School children about how working hard allows you to follow your dreams – the students feel EN has enabled them to do just that, so wanted to share this. Children’s Play and Learning and Development students’ Amy, mentioned that she felt privileged to be given the opportunity to share the success the college has had over the last 40 years, whilst also contributing to a challenge that will hopefully open communication between residents in Care homes, children in Primary Schools and the College. Ben felt it was an important project to do and it was a pleasure to be involved in, because he believed a small gesture, could make a big impact on many children’s attitudes to learning and combat the isolation some residents in care homes feel. He believes that it is important to show that there is love and support for the community from EN students. All students have spoken about how they would love to have responses back from the homes and schools they have sent cards to. Teacher Hayley Vincent said “I am incredibly proud of the students for getting whole heartedly involved with this challenge and I’ve been overwhelmed by the standard of cards being written. The students have had a few tough years due to the pandemic and they are fully aware of the importance of bringing a community together. We hope everyone, who receives a postcard, enjoys reading it and that it brightens up their day.”

A dad whose son died within a month of being born says he is proud to represent bereaved parents when volunteering for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). David Taylor, wife Mary and son Ethan, 12, received support from the charity when Jude died in 2014. David, 43, says he will forever be thankful and has explained why he is always willing to help out and give up precious time for EACH. He has volunteered in various ways, from giving talks about the charity to bucket collections, and his powerful interview is being released to coincide with a special week-long campaign, encouraging more people to lend their support at this summer’s fundraising events. “People don’t realise or appreciate just how much EACH supports people like ourselves,” said the Anglian Water technician, who lives in Wymondham. “I think of the bereavement team as the ‘secret service’, because to me they’re unsung heroes. “As a family, they effectively put us back together after losing Jude. “For that, I’ll always be thankful. “I volunteer because I lost my son and I’m always very open about my reasons for being involved and supporting the charity. “It’s because I have personal experience and know first-hand what a massive difference EACH makes. “I’m proud to represent bereaved parents when it comes to volunteering and hope my involvement sends out a powerful message. “It’s a charity I love and I strongly believe in everything it does. “People just think of children dying in a hospice and while sad things obviously happen, it’s about so much more. “A lot of people in this world take and take and expect more and more. “For me, it’s nice giving something back, because of my personal connection. “I feel so lucky to have had that support and am happy to help in any way I can, depending on whenever they need an extra pair of hands.” Jude, who would have celebrated his eight birthday this month, was born at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. However, he had hypoplastic left-heart syndrome –  a complex and rare heart defect present at birth whereby the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. It had been detected during Mary’s pregnancy. He underwent surgery at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) but died within a month, on 28^th April. He was brought to Quidenham – EACH’s former Norfolk hospice, before The Nook opened in Framingham Earl in 2019. David, Mary and Ethan were able to spend three weeks with Jude, prior to his funeral. It allowed them to create memories and come to terms with their grief. “Mary and myself met an EACH counsellor before Jude was born and visited Quidenham with Ethan,” said David. “I’ll never forget that first day. “Ethan watched a film with a little boy there and we had fish and chips together. “Then we spent three weeks at Quidenham after Jude died. “It was our time to say goodbye and make memories. “As well as spending time together, we made hand and foot casts and we have a canvas that proudly hangs on our wall at home. “Since then we’ve had lots of counselling and attended monthly groups for bereaved parents, in addition to sibling events for Ethan. “The counsellors always go the extra mile and never judge, because they know everyone deals with grief differently. “There’s no right or wrong way. “They’re always impartial and always supportive. They’re amazing people. “We made lots of new friends at the support groups, too. “We had the common bond of losing a child but those sad circumstances brought us together.” David has spoken about EACH during carol services in Norwich Cathedral and Gresham’s School, in Holt. He has helped at events like the Norwich Bubble Rush and is also a prolific fundraiser, having raised £28,500 for GOSH and EACH. The Taylor family were particularly supportive when EACH was raising money to finance the building of The Nook. “It’s just the most amazing place and we were there when The Duchess of Cambridge officially opened it,” added David, who has run the London Marathon twice, on the second occasion for EACH (dressed as a flamingo as Jude was on the flamingo ward at GOSH). “In fact, Ethan was one of the children picked to help her unveil the plaque. “It was an amazing day and an unreal experience.” EACH is planning a packed and varied schedule of fundraising events this summer, with highlights being the Ride for Life cycle challenge (6^th to 8^th May), the Pier to Pier walk on 25^th June and the Norwich Bubble Rush on 16^th July. To find out more and register your interest in volunteering, head to www.each.org.uk/eventsvolunteer 

A leading children’s charity is calling for extra volunteers to help at its fundraising events. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is planning a packed and varied programme, with highlights including water-filled Splash Outs! in Bury St Edmunds and Huntingdon. The popular Pier to Pier walk returns in June, there will be a Bubble Rush in July and both adults and children can challenge themselves at the Whole Hog and Piglet Junior Hog obstacle course events in October and July respectively. The events are a vital income stream for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. However, they are reliant on members of the public helping out and Monday marks the start of a week-long campaign, encouraging more people to lend their support and sign up as a volunteer. EACH Events Manager Becky Redbond said: “We’re getting more and more excited about our busy schedule of events. “There are some real highlights and big dates to look forward to, made all the more special by the fact we’ve had two very difficult and challenging years because of the pandemic. “As well as being great fun, these events raise much-needed funds for our charity. “However, their success is entirely dependent on support from the public and we always need extra help. “It’s absolutely vital and I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch, sign up and join in the fun. “Our volunteers always tell us how much they enjoy being involved. “They find it a fun, uplifting and positive experience and feel rewarded that they’ve played their part in making an event successful.” EACH’s next big fundraiser is the Ride for Life cycle challenge, from 6^th to 8^th May. The Bury St Edmunds Splash Out! follows on 15^th May and the Pier to Pier walk takes participants on a 32-mile trek from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, on 25^th June. The following month sees the Piglet Junior Hog event, near Woodbridge, on 3^rd July and the Norwich Bubble Rush on 16^th July. There is another Splash Out! on 17^th September, this time in Huntingdon, before the Whole Hog adult obstacle event on 9^th October. For more information about any of the above, head to www.each.org.uk/events “I’d encourage anyone to either sign up and take part or get in touch about volunteering,” added Becky. “In terms of the latter, an extra pair of hands makes an enormous difference and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in joining us.” To find out more and register your interest, head to www.each.org.uk/eventsvolunteer   

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates are changing from 1 April 2022.  You’ll find all the details of the changes here: https://bit.ly/3Istn7e Get in touch if you have any questions: sarah@ignitepeoplesolutions.co.uk

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie today launches his Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan for 2022-24. The plan represents the PCC’s commitment to Norfolk residents about how their policing service will be delivered and managed as well as the provision of support for victims, crime prevention work and extensive partnership working that brings together services, and priorities safety for every resident in the county. For the first time, the plan brings together the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan and the priorities within the Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership’s Safer Norfolk Plan, putting a comprehensive focus on justice and safety for the whole county. It is part of the job of every PCC to publish a plan setting out how they will oversee policing in their county, manage budgets and provide support services for victims. In Norfolk, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is unique in hosting the management of the county’s Community Safety Partnership, which brings together a network of local councils, policing, probation, youth offending, health and housing, all working together to improve safety in the county. The Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan was developed following a public consultation held during the summer which asked people about their priorities for policing and safety in the county and with the input of partners including Norfolk Constabulary’s Chief Constable Paul Sanford. Giles said: “This is a plan for the people of Norfolk, developed with their input and designed to put safety and justice for all at the heart of everything we and our partners in the constabulary do. “Throughout the development of this plan I have heard loudly and clearly that what people want is policing that tackles the crimes that really impact communities. “They are concerned about drug use and drug dealing, they want more to be done about speeding and dangerous driving and they want perpetrators of rape, serious sexual assaults and domestic abuse brought to justice. “Violence against women and girls is cause of huge concerns in communities up and down the country and more must be done to tackle it, in convictions but also in prevention. “People also want a police service they can see and that they can trust. Building those feelings of confidence in Norfolk’s communities goes hand in hand with demonstrating that our county has a police force to be proud of, and that is why all of these issues are at the heart of my new plan.” The plan sets out the detail of what the PCC will expect Norfolk Constabulary to deliver over the next two years and how, through a network of partnerships, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will ensure the right support is available for Norfolk’s communities. The priorities are built on six pillars, with detailed objectives under each one featured in the plan:

• Sustain Norfolk Constabulary
• Visible and Trusted Policing
• Tackling Crime
• Prevent Offending
• Support Victims
• Safer and Stronger Communities

Giles added: “It is the job of the PCC to ensure that the people they serve get the policing service they need, and these priorities will form the basis on which I hold the Chief Constable for Norfolk to account. I hold regular accountability meetings with the Chief Constable and his senior team, and they are required to provide reports on how they are delivering against the priorities we have all agreed are the most important for Norfolk. “But it is also by drawing together a wider network through the Community Safety Partnership that we can really all be stronger together, sharing expertise to ensure that preventing crime, supporting victims and building trust are absolutely entwined in everything we do.” The Police Crime and Community Safety Plan replaces the plan in place under the previous PCC and will be in place throughout Giles’ term as PCC. Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “In developing this plan, the PCC has consulted widely with communities across Norfolk and with my chief officer team. The result is a plan which seeks to address the significant police challenges facing the county. “The constabulary is committed to working alongside the PCC to tackle the priorities set out it the plan and to provide exceptional policing throughout the county.” Discover more about the plan >>

Today (31 March) Larking Gowen bids a fond farewell to Partner, Chris Greeves. On 23 March, the firm hosted a retirement event at Fakenham Racecourse where clients, fellow partners past and present, and colleagues gathered to celebrate Chris’ 40 years in the business. Chris joined Larking Gowen in 1981 as a Graduate Trainee, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1984, becoming a member of the Institute of Taxation in 1985. He became a partner in 1991 and was elected Chair of Partners from 2017-2020. His career started at the Queen Street offices in Norwich where he worked for three years, followed by two years at Holt before moving on to Dereham in 1986. He ran the Dereham office from 1995-2019 before moving full time to Fakenham in 2019. He had another role as a regular contributor on Radio Norfolk’s Breakfast Show and helped present many breakfast seminars across East Anglia. Over the years, he has advised, guided and looked after the interests of scores of owner-managed and family businesses across a range of sectors, particularly in Farms and Landed Estates. Chris said: “After over 40 years with Larking Gowen, I feel the time is right to move on to the next chapter of my life. “The firm looks very different from the one I joined as a trainee in Queen Street in 1981, but the spirit of Larking Gowen and the ethos of client service has been a constant throughout that time. “I have really enjoyed working with the team, my clients and my fellow Partners, some of whom I have known for over 30 years. “One of the real pleasures of the job for me has been working with different generations and seeing families and businesses develop and change. You get to know people well and become their trusted friend and adviser. “I will be leaving a fantastic team in Fakenham and a truly successful firm that is in a great position to meet the new challenges that lie ahead.” One of Chris’ long-standing clients in the region is Wells Harbour Commissioners. Simon Cooper, a representative from Wells Harbour Commissioners’ office, comments, “Throughout Chris’ tenure, the Wells Harbour Commissioners have been through major changes and at times, when complex and sometimes difficult circumstances have arisen, the support from Chris in his very calm and personable way was always very welcome and assuring. “We have engaged the services of Chris and the Larking Gowen team for many years for our accountancy and audit needs. During this time the Wells Harbour Commissioners have very much enjoyed and relied upon Chris and seen him very much as our trusted adviser, providing professional, diligent and timely support to us. We thank him for all his support and wisdom and wish him a very happy retirement.”

A fantastic collaboration between East Norfolk Sixth Form College and local primary schools has led to an eye-catching sculpture capturing all that is great about Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and the local area. In preparation for the Break GoGo Dino summer trail, EN launched a competition in September last year for children to create a design for the college’s GoGo Dinosaur. The children were given a brief to come up with designs that captured everything that is good in our local area and encouraged to think about the past, present and future including landscapes, rich history and diverse industries. A total of 252 entries were received from 13 local primary schools and were then judged by EN Principal Dr Catherine Richards and Art Faculty Lead Lyndsay Carlyon. Five designs in the Year 5 and 6 categories were chosen as overall winners. Not only will those children see their designs come to life on the GoGo trail in the summer, but they also received an art workshop and art resources too. The five overall winning designs were creatively brought together into one final design by Fine Art students at East Norfolk and then painted by those students. In January 2022, a second competition was launched to name the dinosaur. The children who were highly commended in the first competition got the chance to submit names. They were then shortlisted by the Principal who chose her favourite five before going to a public vote. A total of 623 votes were cast and the T-Rex has officially been named as Sandy Fisher won. Faculty Lead for Arts at EN, Lyndsay Carlyon, said “This has been a fantastic community art project that has demonstrated the creative flair and imagination of children within our community. Our T-Rex design is comprised of five designs from an incredible 252 entries. AS Fine Art students from EN have painted the T-Rex and helped to bring the imagination of the children’s designs to life and celebrates the diverse and rich landscapes within in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and surrounding areas.” The sculptures will take to the streets of Norwich from Monday 27th June until Saturday 10th September and will encourage explorers of all ages to have fun and learn more about the county, while simultaneously working to raise awareness and vital funds for the Break charity and the vulnerable children and young people they support. Supporting children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care, Break believes that every child, no matter their start in life, deserves a bright future. Starting by building and earning trust, and then providing opportunities for young people to engage with, Break’s aim is to walk with those they support on the way to independence. And the support doesn’t stop there, a lifeline offer means the charity is there whenever and wherever they’re needed. break-charity.org GoGoDiscover is delivered by East Anglia based children’s charity Break, in partnership with Wild in Art. The Presenting Partners are Norwich BID, Chantry Place and ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure. From 27 June – 10 September 2022, 80 T.rex and Steppe Mammoth sculptures, each individually designed by an artist and sponsored by a business and 100 mini Breakasaurus T.rex decorated by a school or community group will roam the streets of Norwich and Norfolk forming a fun, free and family-friendly trail across Norwich and Norfolk. By fundraising during the trail, putting £1 into a collection pot when collecting your trail map or buying a sculpture at the auction on 28 September, GoGoDiscover supporters allow Break to deliver services giving children and young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care the best chance of a bright future. break-charity.org/gogodiscover

The vast array of career routes in the heritage sector were at the forefront of a major two-day conference held at East Norfolk Sixth Form College (EN) on the 2nd and 3rd March 2022. Supported by funding from Historic England and in partnership with the Great Yarmouth High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme, over 700 students from EN and local primary and secondary schools took part in over 40 different activities ranging from willow weaving and stone masonry to boat building and heritage art. Students also attended talks and workshops covering a wide range of careers in the heritage sector and local heritage and renovation projects. There were also a number of universities from across the UK on hand to advise and inspire students about the opportunities open to them. Great Yarmouth Borough Council run the High Street Heritage Action Zone in partnership, with Historic England and Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust. It involves local people in repairing, conserving and building a better understanding of the area’s historic buildings and sites. This supports regeneration and recovery, conserving buildings and creating new facilities and giving people new skills. The Great Yarmouth HSHAZ is a 4-year project with a theme of skills and employability, being highlighted and promoted through the various works and heritage projects taking place across the borough. These include training in traditional craft and construction skills, heritage research and development of critical skills with an emphasis on employment opportunities. As a HSHAZ community engagement partner, EN recognised the scheme as an excellent way to improve opportunities for work experience, future employment, apprenticeships and education. EN Deputy Principal, Dr Simon Fox, said “When we heard about the opportunity to get involved in the project and lead on the production of a completely new Heritage Careers conference for Great Yarmouth, we were really excited. We are incredibly passionate about our local area and community and we recognise the pivotal role heritage plays in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. The conference seemed the ideal way to promote that appreciation, get more young people interested in careers in the heritage sector and celebrate the amazing skills and trades which could too easily be forgotten.” Joe Warburton, East of England High Street Heritage Action Zone Project Officer, Historic England said: “This was such a fantastic and engaging event. It was wonderful for my Historic England colleagues and I to chat to so many students about our work and to answer questions. Inspiring interest in craft skills and developing opportunities for heritage careers is an important part of the Great Yarmouth High Street Heritage Action Zone. We really feel that spark has been ignited at this conference and we’re delighted to see that there are more events planned.” Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “This was a great opportunity for young people to hear all about the wide range of careers available in the heritage sector. Thanks to Historic England and the support and funding we receive from them regarding our High Street Heritage Action Zone area, Great Yarmouth has plenty of exciting projects to be a part of until the scheme ends in 2024.” Students taking part in the activities thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were really appreciative of the opportunities on offer and the generous time that the various exhibitors committed to the event. The feedback reflected the core aims of the conference. To inspire, excite and enthuse young people about heritage careers. “It’s been amazing! I’ve always wanted to give woodcarving a go but have never had the opportunity to try it so I’m really excited to be able to have a go now and get stuck in and try something new! I think this could become a new hobby for the future!” “We listened to the Careers in History talk and it was really interesting! We heard about preserving our heritage, careers and how history is all around us, it’s inspired me to have a look into some different careers I haven’t thought about before.”