Member News

Norwich City legend Grant Holt is swapping his football boots for walking shoes as part of a gruelling charity challenge. The Canaries hero is trekking 44 miles from Ipswich to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). He plans to set off at 5pm on Tuesday, 8^th August and walk through the night before arriving at EACH’s hospice in Norfolk. Dad-of-three Grant is an ardent supporter of the charity and completed a fundraising skydive in January 2022. In advance of his latest challenge, he visited The Nook and was given a tour by Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “I already knew lots about EACH and the incredible work it does but visiting The Nook was a real experience,” said Grant. “It’s such an amazing, impressive place and much bigger and better than the old hospice at Quidenham. “Coming here has definitely inspired me and I felt even more motivated after being told EACH needs to raise £8,600 from voluntary income per day, per hospice to keep The Nook, The Treehouse (in Ipswich) and Milton (near Cambridge) going. “It needs to raise £6.7 million a year from voluntary donations – and another £7.8 million from its shops – and they’re incredible figures, especially when you consider only 15 per cent comes from statutory sources. “That’s far less than an adult hospice, which is insane, and why I’m determined to do whatever I can, and raise as much as possible. “The walk is going to be tough but it’s always good to challenge yourself and do difficult things, especially for such an amazing cause. “I’ve got 80,000 Twitter followers and if everyone chipped in just £1, we’d have £80,000. How amazing would that be?” Former striker Grant helped Norwich to back-to-back promotions and was named player-of-the-year three times at Carrow Road. Now he is an ambassador for specialist recruitment agency ARC Group and he will begin his walk at the company’s Ipswich office on the Alpha Business Park, in White House Road. In addition to raising funds, the 42-year-old wants to use his platform to raise awareness of the charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “The bigger the total, the bigger difference it’ll make,” said Grant, who was at Norwich City FC from 2009 to 2013. “We all know it’s hard at the moment. Everyone’s penny-pinching and I understand and respect that, but this is a charity that deserves our support. “It does a vital job and I’d love it if people could give a pound or two. Let’s see where that takes us. “Sometimes people give to charity and wonder where the money goes, and whether it makes a difference. Trust me, this money really does make a difference. “EACH does so many amazing things but I just love the thought of parents being able to take a break – just to grab a coffee or close their eyes for a few minutes. That precious time must help so much and it’s easy to take it for granted. “It’s the little things that make such a massive difference. “It’s an amazing charity and, in addition to fundraising, I hope to use my position to help spread the word about EACH. “It’s such an important cause and I hope publicity from this challenge helps raise awareness, as well as funds. That’s my big hope.” To show your support and sponsor Grant, click here. The ARC Group is a specialist recruitment agency covering industries like mechanical and electrical (M&E), construction, healthcare, driving and maintenance. It was founded in 2004. Pictures: Karen Self/EACH

A popular charity shop is celebrating the sweet taste of success and marking its fifth birthday with a cake sale. The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Poringland is hosting the event on Wednesday, 12^th July. Staff and volunteers plan to celebrate with the community by organising a cake sale and raffle, from 10am to 2pm. The shop is less than a mile from The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2018. Manager Maria Hall said: “I’ve been here since day one and feel pleased and proud of the way we’ve built things up. “Our shop exceeded its target last year and we’re very thankful to everyone who’s played some part – not least our loyal volunteers and customers. “I’m also very grateful to have such a brilliant deputy in Sharon Wright. “It’s a great team and our shop is an important part of the community. “That’s why we want to mark its fifth birthday in style and everyone is welcome to come along and join us. It should be fun.” Maria was Deputy Manager at EACH’s Long Stratton shop before moving to Poringland. Prior to that she had been volunteering for the charity since 2009. “I feel a strong connection and love my job,” she said. “It’s an amazing charity and the retail side of things is a vitally important way of raising funds.” The Poringland shop is in Overtons Way and one of 19 across Norfolk. For more information about volunteering there, pop in, email maria.hall@each.org.uk or call 01603 984498.  

Daredevil Susan Cox is taking a walk on the wild side to raise funds for charity. The 69-year-old thrill-seeker has signed up for a wing walk to show her support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and East Anglian Air Ambulance. Her adrenaline-filled challenge is taking place at Shuttleworth Aerodrome, in Bedfordshire, on Friday morning (7^th July) and she hopes to raise £5,000. “It’s beginning to dawn on me, now the big day is getting closer,” said Susan, who lives in Woodton. “I wanted to do something out of the ordinary and it occurred to me I don’t know anyone else who’s done a wing walk. “I love flying, especially take-off, so thought why not? “Originally I was thinking of doing something to mark my 70^th birthday. “However, there’s no time like the present so thought I’d arrange something while it was fresh in my mind. “I can’t say I’m nervous at the moment but I’m sure the butterflies will kick in when I wake up on Friday morning. “I’ll probably think ‘what have I done?’ and my family and friends think I’m a complete lunatic! “However, I’m the kind of person who likes stepping out of their comfort zone and I’m sure I’ll be raving about it afterwards. “I think it’ll be an exhilarating experience and I’ll probably be disappointed it’s over!” Retired Susan has long admired EACH’s work, having lived close to its former Quidenham hospice. She recently visited The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and was given a guided tour by Community Fundraiser Anne Austin. “I always think charity begins at home and that’s why I’m so keen to support EACH,” said Susan. “It’s a great cause right here on my doorstep, caring for and supporting people in our community, and I’ve had friends who have used the services. “Going to the hospice underlined why I’m taking on this challenge. It’s an amazing facility and no-one could fail to be impressed. “It’s nice doing something not only for the children being cared for but also the parents, siblings and wider family members who are being supported so well.” To sponsor Susan, head here.

Suicide Awareness is a 3.5-hour workshop designed to teach the warning signs of suicide crisis and how to respond. Content

• How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide.
• The common causes of suicidal behaviour.
• Looking at the lived experience of suicidal thinking.
• The warning signs of suicide.
• How to get help for someone in crisis.

Resources Includes free certification valid for three years and local resource/information booklet. Suitable For:

• ‘Non-Specialist’ front line staff working in health, social care, the wider public and other services.
• Individuals who are likely to have direct and/or substantial contact with people who may be at risk of mental ill health, self-harm or suicide.

Dates 15th September 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 4th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 13th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 18th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 9th November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 14th November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 21st November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 4th December 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom More dates to be announced

Langley is a special place, full of people who care deeply about our community with a strong sense of family. We are a co-educational, inclusive, day and boarding school from 6 months to 18 years old. We are fortunate to be set on two enviable 100+ acre countryside sites. These green, stunning campus locations are a wonderful canvas that allow children space to breathe and grow, as well as enjoying the benefits of being on the doorstep of the vibrant and dynamic city of Norwich. Image provided by Langley School

Business people in King’s Lynn with a passion for the town and its future prosperity are being sought to join the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board.

The King’s Lynn Town Deal Board was established to develop a Town Investment Plan in 2020. The board brings together a diverse range of individuals representing the community, businesses, and statutory agencies such as local authorities. Their collaborative approach and expertise provide stability to secure investment for the long-term vision for the town. A town in which people feel engaged in town developments and have both the skills and opportunities to flourish, enabling our businesses and communities to thrive. The board is made up of representatives from all tiers of local authority, Members of Parliament, local businesses, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Business Improvement District, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the College of West Anglia. The Town Investment Plan has been published and the board has secured £25m through a ‘Town Deal’ with government, and supported other ‘Levelling Up’ funding and investment from partners. The board is now looking for one or two additional members from the local business community to get involved with shaping the economic regeneration of the town. Graham Purkins, Chief Technical Officer of Merxin and Chair of the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board, said:

“We are looking for one or two enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are really passionate about the town and want to get involved in securing its long-term, economic future. These are unremunerated positions that offer very real opportunities to make a significant difference in our town.” “Qualities we’ll be looking for include being open-minded and collegiate with an entrepreneurial spirit. Ideally potential board members would be able to commit to 12 face-to-face meetings each year, plus meeting preparation and other work. They would bring their business acumen with them along with a range of other skills which might include, experience working in the private sector, strategic thinking, insight into tourism and/or creatives industries, marketing skills, or understanding ‘clean’ growth.”

More information about the King’s Lynn Town Deal Board, the Town Investment Plan and this opportunity is available on the visionkingslynn website, along with a recruitment pack setting out roles, responsibilities, and a person specification. Visit visionkingslynn.co.uk or contact the team by emailing placebasedinvestment@west-norfolk.gov.uk. For an informal discussion call Jemma on 07920232999 The closing date for applications is 9 July with interviews taking place mid July.

Zest, one of the UK’s fastest-growing EV charging networks, has invested in new EV charging facilities at Chantry Place in Norwich, one of the region’s largest shopping centres. Zest is providing sixteen charging bays at Chantry Place, a Savills retail destination of 90 shops, cafés, and restaurants in Norwich city centre. Zest will also operate and maintain the charging facilities, in order to provide a reliable long-term service for customers and staff. According to recent research by LCP Delta, 74% of UK EV drivers would more frequently visit destinations with charging facilities. The chargers at Chantry Place have been selected to reflect the average dwell time, with 22kW fast chargers adding around 90 miles range in an hour. The first eight charging bays are now open in the centre’s lower-level car park, with the second phase set to bring eight more in its upper-level car park. For Zest, Chantry Place is the latest in a rapid series of retail destination projects that includes Metrocentre in the North-East and Merry Hill in the West Midlands. For Chantry Place, named in Trip Advisor’s top five places to shop in Norfolk, this is the latest in a long list of sustainability innovations. The centre has already implemented carbon-reducing features such as natural ventilation, the latest LED lighting, and 772 solar panels on its roof. Paul McCarthy of Savills, General Manager of Chantry Place, said: ““Our aim is to provide an unrivalled retail and dining experience in Norwich and provide everything under one roof for shoppers. We are incredibly proud of the 1,000-space car park we offer and being sustainable is a huge priority for us, so we are incredibly grateful to Zest for their support and putting these EV chargers at Chantry Place.” Robin Heap, Zest CEO said: “We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. Retail destinations, like Chantry Place, that respond now to this demand are those that will thrive as new EV drivers establish their charging habits.”

It’s widely considered that the US Marine Corps is one of the best examples of leadership in the world. Veteran Janet Polach chats to Mark and Becky about how best to leverage the skills of your team and avoid being a selfish leader. They examine each step of Janet’s book, The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make, and delve into Janet’s ‘make it worse’ technique. After discussing the importance of people knowing their responsibilities and role, and the value in one-to-ones, they reflect on the impact of the transition between feedback frenzy in school, into the feedback desert that is the workplace. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here to watch the full interview  Show notes Contact Janet – janet@inthelead.co LinkedIn The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make – Janet Polach Adam Grant  Attitude of gratitude – Leadership & Life Chat Olga Dies Dreaming – Xochitl Gonzalez Listen here Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

A bereaved mum is swapping bubbly for bubbles and planning a poignant hen party with a difference. Rather than hitting the town, Deborah Goddard is rallying friends and family and taking part in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norwich Bubble Rush. She wants to raise funds for the charity as it supported her following the death of her baby daughter in April 2022. Jovie was just a year and 11 days old and, afterwards, Deborah and her family spent time making memories at The Nook. Now she wants to give something back and is looking forward to a day of a foam-filled fundraising on 16^th July. “There are 18 of us in the team and we’re all looking forward to it,” said photographer Deborah, who is marrying Jovie’s dad, fiancé Chris, on 19^th August. “My Matron of Honour has been the main organiser and she knew I didn’t want a traditional hen party. “I didn’t want to go out – that’s just not me – but this seemed like a fun, meaningful way to say thank you and show support. “As soon as I saw the advert, I knew it was what I wanted to do. “EACH has become a massive part of our lives and we’re happy to do whatever we can to help. “It feels like my daughter will be part of the celebrations and that’s very important to me. It’s like we’ll be together on the day.” Jovie had a severe brain condition that was detected during pregnancy. She defied the odds by living for over a year and after her death at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, she moved to The Nook. Her family were able to create precious memories and spend time together. “It was an incredibly tough time,” said Lowestoft-based Deborah. “Jovie did amazingly and we feel blessed to have had a year together, because she wasn’t expected to live that long. “EACH was there in the background when she was alive, in terms of helping with symptom management. “Then, after she passed, we had the chance to spend some days at the hospice. “It was still a shock, despite being expected, and gave us an opportunity to process everything that was going on. “We felt looked after. My other daughter, Tallulla, was supported and got the attention she deserved and we had the chance to bath and dress Jovie. “We made hand and footprint casts, creating precious memories that I’ll forever hold close to my heart. “It wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, so I’ll always be grateful.” Deborah and Tallulla, now 14, continue to receive bereavement support at The Nook. They also attend events at the hospice with Jovie’s Dad and their other children, including Memory Days. “It’s lovely having a place where Jovie will always be remembered,” added Deborah. “It makes me feel that I’m not alone in my grief.” To show your support and sponsor Deborah, click here. A record number of participants – more than 2,000 – have signed up for this year’s Bubble Rush. The event raised an incredible £43,500 last year but this summer’s version has a new home as it taking place at the Norwich Showground. There will be food stalls and face glitter painting. The course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. Click here for more details of EACH’s fun-filled 2023 Events calendar.

Adventurous colleagues were left on a high after raising nearly £4,700 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Staff from Pentaco Construction took on the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales – Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon respectively – within 24 hours. Between them they tackled 23 miles, ascending 3,064 metres, and raised £4,665. Proud representatives handed over a cheque to EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen during a recent visit to The Nook. “We’ve been overwhelmed at the support from our supply chain – not only in donating but also our headline sponsors, Newnham Structures, Gowing & Hunt and LNS Interiors,” said Pentaco Social Value and Engagement Manager Louise Reeve. “Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible. “We actually reduced our initial target from £5,000 to £3,000 when a few of the team dropped out, nervous of the mission ahead. However, we ended up getting close to the original amount. “Because the challenge is so well known and popular, people seemed happy to donate as they know it’s such a significant task and huge commitment.” Contracts Manager Chris Clow added: “As a team, we found it extremely difficult and the majority commented on how they’d underestimated the terrain and scrambling that was required – not to mention the snow. “Scafell proved the most challenging of the peaks but the scenery was overwhelming. “One of our walkers, Jon Kent, decided to set his alarm for 4am to do his own six-mile hike before even starting the challenge! “There were a few knee injuries along the way but, overall, all bar two completed all three peaks.” Despite the scale of the challenge, the team stuck together and were on hand to offer words of motivation and encouragement. “We had five walkers that were back down from Ben Nevis in a really impressive time,” added Louise. “However, they decided they wanted to wait for the full team to come down before setting off for Scafell. “The team motivation and support was great to see, with lots of encouraging hugs and those more capable sticking with others that were starting to struggle. “No-one was left alone and the support crew were fully appreciated as the driving was a huge challenge in itself, especially with the lack of sleep.” Pentaco Construction work across the East of England, with offices in Norwich and Cambridge. The team’s Three Peaks Challenge took place from 26^th to 28^th May. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. It has three hospices – The Nook, in Framingham Earl, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.

Listen here Selling doesn’t need to be scary or robotic, yet for some of us we feel uncomfortable about the whole process. Let’s start to overcome some of that by simply talking passionately about what it is we do and most importantly, how it can help your customers! Brian, who joins us with his leopard print socks, loves sales and almost everything about it. Having been involved across all sectors and represented private companies, worked in public sector at local and national levels he has sold most things to most people. From small to very large (the things, not the people!) Sales is an art and we can all do it and in this weeks episode Brian explains why he believes we are born with all the requisite skills as his career has proven. As well as partaking in sales first hand, Brian has also taught charities, companies and even a high street bank how to improve their practice. If you would like to know more about Brian and his role as the Head of Business at Impact Services,  a leading renewables business covering East Anglia, and the health and wellness CIC – Walk to Run based in Brundall, use the links below. LinkedIn/bbushonline impact-services.co.uk www.parkrun.org.uk Nurture Marketing, OJay Health and Barnham Broom are joining forces to help the business community in East Anglia get fit for business this summer. To take part and be in with a chance of winning one of our fabulous prises, sign up here:​ www.strava.com/athletes/rechendas

View our latest edition of Let’s Talk, which includes the following hot topics below

• Employment Law
• Recruitment Processes
• Rising Cost of Living
• Industry Data