Member News

• New all-electric Lotus Hyper-SUV – Eletre – wins prestigious award from world’s leading fashion and lifestyle publication
• GQ’s judges cited Eletre’s power, range and styling among attributes which set it apart
• Advanced ‘digital cockpit’ cabin with Lotus Hyper OS usher in new era of in-car experience
• Available in Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R variants, flagship Eletre R is world’s fastest dual-motor electric SUV

The all-new Lotus Eletre hyper-SUV has claimed victory in GQ magazine’s Car Of The Year awards, winning the prestigious ‘SUV Of The Year’ title. Selected annually by GQ’s panel of design, lifestyle and automotive experts, the awards honour vehicles from a diverse range of categories which are ‘inspiring, interesting, have automotive integrity and get the pulse racing.’ As both the first SUV and the first production EV in Lotus’ 75-year history, the Eletre marks the start of an exciting and electrified new chapter for the business and brand. Its newcomer status proved no hindrance in a crowded field of contenders, with the Eletre seeing off stiff competition from many of the world’s well-established SUV manufacturers. In summarising the Eletre’s winning traits, the GQ judges concluded: “The premium electric SUV sector is filling up faster than you can say ‘recession-proof’ with all the automotive big beasts vying for attention, but none have grabbed our attention like Lotus.” Ben Payne, Chief Creative Officer, Lotus, said: “From the very first discussions about what the Eletre should be, our vision was to deliver a unique and highly desirable car that would demonstrate to the world what the EV future of Lotus would stand for. As an SUV, it will bring a completely new audience to the brand – a lifestyle customer. To be recognised for that by GQ, a globally renowned lifestyle publication, is a great honour.” Matthew Hill, Head of Interior Design, Lotus Tech Creative Centre, with GQ magazine’s ‘SUV of the Year’ award for the Lotus Eletre. The all-new, all-electric SUV is set to hit roads later this year, with thousands of customers around the world having already placed their deposits to secure a car. Three different versions are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R – with a choice of two powertrains. Eletre and Eletre S both feature a 603hp (450kw) single-speed unit producing 710Nm of torque to deliver a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a maximum range of 373 miles. The flagship Eletre R comes equipped with a 905hp (675kw) dual-speed set-up boasting 985Nm for 0-62mph in just 2.95 seconds, making it the world’s fastest pure electric dual-motor SUV. Maximum range for this performance-oriented variant is 304 miles, while the 112kWh battery found in all versions can be charged (10%-80%) in just 20 minutes using a rapid charger. Inside, the Eletre’s premium cabin sets a new standard of desirability for Lotus interiors. The Eletre comes with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging and much more. Its advanced ‘digital cockpit’ features server-level computing power, enabling a billion-colour OLED touchscreen to display the cutting-edge Lotus Hyper OS for next-generation real-time 3D content. Immersion is further enhanced by a 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio system. Customers can upgrade to KEF Reference, a 2,160-watt 23-speaker system with Uni-Q and 3D surround sound technology. KEF Reference also features Uni-Core, a pioneering new approach to speaker and subwoofer design, and the Eletre marks its debut in the automotive world. The Eletre also comes with renowned immersive audio experience Dolby Atmos, a new way to enjoy music that takes listening to new heights through unparalleled depth, precision and clarity. Together, Dolby Atmos and the Eletre’s KEF speaker system combine to elevate music listening to new levels. Driver and passengers will feel like they’re sitting in the middle of the recording studio alongside the artist. The Eletre is the world’s first car to combine Dolby Atmos and KEF Audio. In the UK the Eletre is priced from £89,500, with a standard spec including five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, active front grille and 10-spoke 22-inch forged wheels.  

Fosters Solicitors is delighted to confirm the appointment of Paige Gouldthorpe as head of its Lowestoft branch. Paige joined Fosters two years ago and during that time has become deputy head of their Wills, Trusts & Probate team and the firm’s Court of Protection specialist. Through this additional role, Paige will help drive initiatives and focus on Fosters’ services available in Lowestoft and help them continue to be a key contributor to the town. Commenting on the news, Paige Gouldthorpe, said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Head of Lowestoft at Fosters Solicitors and look forward to helping support and drive our reach in the area. We have a great team of people who are based at our Regent Road branch, and many more of our wider colleagues who provide additional support from our Norwich and Wymondham offices. We are also privileged to have such a loyal base of clients and partners within the town, who I look forward to working closely with. “We are hugely excited for the year ahead buoyed by us building new relationships, as well as cementing established ones. Last year, we celebrated a decade of partnership with Lowestoft Town FC, which we’re hugely proud of – and we are in the process of planning several activities with them and other partners in the town.” Fosters Solicitors has had an active presence in Lowestoft for over 15 years, and just ahead of the pandemic moved to new premises in the town at 14 Regent Road. Members of its Residential Property and Wills, Trusts & Probate teams are permanently based at this branch, but as an all-service law firm, all of its wide-ranging legal services for both individuals and businesses are also available through its Lowestoft office. The firm is also a community partner of Lowestoft Town FC, with the club’s ground named the Fosters Solicitors Community Stadium and the firm organising with the Blues some community activities for the coming year. Fosters’ Lowestoft office are also seasoned participants in the town’s annual pumpkin trail and pancake day race. Chris Brown, Chief Executive of Fosters Solicitors, added: “The pandemic unfortunately frustrated the official launch and development of our new Lowestoft office on Regent Road. We are therefore excited about Paige’s appointment and that her natural drive and enthusiasm will add extra focus on us increasing our presence and reach in Waveney and throughout Suffolk.” Image credit: Fosters Solicitors

Energy Overview Headlines: ✓ Gas and Electricity Wholesale prices are lower. ✓ EU Gas Storage levels are a high, 64% full. ✓ Large numbers of LNG shipments to Europe. Since our last Energy Report, Gas and Electricity Year Ahead Wholesale prices are lower. Record numbers of LNG deliveries are being made to Europe to replace those Gas supplies previously from Russia. The US Freeport LNG terminal has started making deliveries, although it is not expected to be fully operational for at least another month. There will likely be an increased demand for LNG this year from Asia, largely due to China’s removal of COVID restrictions, which may impact on deliveries to us. EU Gas Storage levels are currently at 64% full, much higher than had been feared, when commercial restrictions on Gas use was thought a possibility. Energy markets are already factoring in the need to fill Storage to the 90% target by November. The recent milder temperatures have reduced the demand for heating, although this may move higher as a slightly colder spell is due. The contribution of Gas for generation remains low so far this month, partly due to a continued good supply of Wind at 29%. With the improved availability of cheaper French Nuclear Imports, following large scale maintenance, this reduces some of the burden on the UK to generate high-cost Electricity at peak demand. The National Grid has measures in place to react to any Electricity supply shortages, which includes placing Coal assets on standby. Read the full report below.

Figures just released show that more new businesses were established in Norfolk during 2022 than in any previous year to date – making it one of the UK’s most successful counties. A total of 5,384 new formations were registered in Norfolk during the last 12 months, an increase of 3.3% on 2021 when 5,214 were recorded. This brings the number of registered companies in the county to an all-time high of 45,968. The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. Norwich formed the highest number of new businesses (1,569), followed jointly in second place by Breckland (714) and South Norfolk (714). John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct said: “It is great that Norfolk can celebrate a record year for the number of new businesses established. “The last few years have been turbulent for businesses, with inflation and a cautious economic outlook following the impact of the pandemic. However, in these figures we see evidence of the ambition, creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs in Norfolk, as well as the benefits from the county’s support for a range of enterprises. “This positivity is mirrored in the overall picture for the UK which saw a record number of new companies established during 2022, exceeding 800,000 for the very first time.” The UK saw 805,141 new companies, compared to 771,617 in 2021, which represents an increase of 4.3% and brings the total number of companies to 5,236,227. Dissolutions of UK companies totalled 578,679, down on 2021 when 606,912 were recorded, suggesting that new and existing businesses are adapting to survive in a post-pandemic business environment.” To see a more detailed picture of company formations in Norfolk – including a full local breakdown, visit: https://www.informdirect.co.uk/company-formations-2022/norfolk/ To see the report in full, visit: https://www.informdirect.co.uk/company-formations-2022/ Inform Direct is a company secretarial and formation specialist. Its award-winning company secretarial and formations software currently supports 300,000 UK companies.      

Join us at the Thomas Paine Hotel for a murder mystery night and 3-course meal on Saturday 15th April. Tickets are £40 per person. Advanced booking is required to secure your table. Get in touch today to book! T: 01842 750372 | E: enquiries@thethomaspainehotel.co.uk

JOHN PETRUCCI BREAKS HIS WORLD TOUR TO POP INTO FAWCETT HQ World renowned Grammy Award winning rock star, John Petrucci, made time to jump on the train to King’s Lynn, Norfolk before his sold-out Dream Theater show at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith. In April 2022, Richie Finney, founder of Norfolk based Gentleman’s Grooming company Captain Fawcett Ltd, was invited to London, along with members of the Fawcett crew, as John Petrucci’s VIP guests. This year they were absolutely thrilled to return his hospitality at Captain Fawcett’s Norfolk HQ. Richie Finney said ‘It’s an absolute delight and extraordinary honour to welcome John Petrucci to Fawcett HQ. Not only is he veritable Rock Royalty, he is surely one of the world’s most charming gentlemen to boot. And his beard is truly a wonder to behold – simply magnificent. All Hail the Hirsute!’ In 2021 Captain Fawcett worked in close collaboration with John Petrucci to create a majestic Signature Series Gentleman’s Grooming Gentleman’s Grooming range. Called ‘Nebula’, the range launched with a Beard Balm, Beard Oil and Moustache Wax, distinguished by a delectable smoky fragrance and sumptuous purple and silver branding. Each 50ml ‘Nebula’ Beard Oil currently includes a Limited Edition ‘Nebula’ Guitar Flow Pick, designed and created by John Petrucci in collaboration with Jim Dunlop USA. John Petrucci, who won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with ‘The Alien’, is in the UK with the millions-selling progressive music titans Dream Theater. On 21^st February 2023 they’ll play the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on the second London leg of their ‘Top of the World’ tour, before heading back to the US, then on to Japan in April. John Petrucci said ‘I have a giant beard so my wife, Rena, bought me a Captain Fawcett Gift Set. I was so impressed by how well the products worked and how they smelt, but also the great storytelling, the lore and voice of the mysterious Captain Fawcett. I thought this company is awesome. I love everything about it, to the extent of partnering with the Captain to release a Beard Balm, Beard Oil and Moustache Wax…so far! It’s called the ‘Nebula’ range so I guess you could say this partnership was written in the stars. Captain Fawcett is so in my wheelhouse. The packaging, the beautiful artwork, the incredible writing, and the fact you’re transported into this world just with Beard Oil! It’s crazy, it completely intrigued me. There are parallels with the way Dream Theater develops an album, through music, lyrics and artwork, we try to create a new world. It’s a sensibility Captain Fawcett has in common, orchestrating elements to make a beautifully crafted whole. We work with the great artist Hugh Syme. He’s amazing at creating visual, whimsical worlds we carry into our live performances. We try to keep everything consistent and tied into that vision, the stage set, the video, so when you walk into the venue you’re walking into this world. And that’s exactly like Captain Fawcett HQ. Richie has created a complete world. The place is absolutely unbelievable. Get to King’s Lynn and visit. And if you can’t take the online tour!’ For further information and images please contact jenna@captainfawcett.com ???? Photo credit…Ian Ward or Bryony Grainger 

Samaritans’ new campaign film. Credit: Samaritans Greater Anglia has joined Samaritans to remind the public that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by simply striking up a conversation, as part of the charity’s latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign. Samaritans are relaunching their Small Talk Saves Lives campaign today to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help on the railways or in other public settings. Today and in the coming few weeks, Samaritans volunteers be out and about at stations across the Greater Anglia network including:

• Cambridge and Ely between 1730-1930 on Tuesday, 21 February
• Chelmsford between 0630-2030 on Tuesday, 28 February
• London Liverpool Street between 0800-1800 on Wednesday, 1 March
• Colchester between 0600-0800 on Tuesday, 7 March
• Norwich between 1000-1800 on Monday, 13 March

The new campaign comes after the latest research from Samaritans revealed that only 50% of UK adults said they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public. The survey also suggested that we’re more comfortable behind a screen as a nation, as people would much prefer chatting to someone they don’t know on the phone (33%) or by email (18%), compared to face-to-face (9%). Of those who said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching someone they don’t know, the top reasons holding them back were ‘worrying the person wouldn’t welcome their approach’ (44%) and ‘worrying they’d make things worse’ (29%), whilst a quarter said ‘not knowing what to say’ was also a concern. As part of the launch, a new film across digital and social media reassures the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery. In a campaign first, Samaritans volunteers across the country will also be heading to their local stations to host outreach events. They will be speaking to passengers about the campaign, highlighting the power of talking and providing myth busting leaflets to help ease any concerns they may have. Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at Samaritans we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be. “Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse – it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation, and showing you care. “We know it’s been a really challenging time for people’s mental health over the last few years, so we hope the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds that confidence and remind the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.” Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability said: “We’re very proud to be working in partnership with the Samaritans again on this important campaign to help raise awareness of the power of small talk. “We’ve worked with Samaritans since 2012 to encourage life-saving conversations with the public, with over 700 of our staff now trained to do so. It’s so important we continue look out for one another, as we all have the simple skills which could save a life.” Launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed the positive part the public could play in suicide prevention. The campaign is backed by suicide prevention expert Dr Lisa Marzano from Middlesex University. She said: “In our latest research we spoke to those who had made and received interventions themselves and they really echoed the main Small Talk Saves Lives message. We heard how powerful it can be to use small talk or to ask simple questions, in a calm manner. We also found reassuring results around teamwork and the fact that you don’t have to manage this alone – you could speak to a member of staff or call 999 in an emergency too.” For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives

A bereaved mum whose baby daughter died after just 89 days is returning to fundraising to help mark what would have been her daughter’s tenth birthday. Leigh Smith became a tireless supporter of charities including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) following the death of little Beatrice, or Bea, in February 2014. She had been diagnosed with the rare heart condition restrictive cardiomyopathy, which affects just one in a million children. Leigh and then husband Toby went on to raise more than £60,000 for London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, in addition to vital funds for EACH and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). Highlights included a bike ride from the NNUH to Quidenham (EACH’s former Norfolk hospice) in the summer of 2014 and Leigh spoke at the launch of The Nook Appeal, where she met EACH’s Royal Patron, The Princess of Wales (then The Duchess of Cambridge). She subsequently received correspondence from Her Royal Highness and met her again at the opening of The Nook, in November 2019. “Bea would be ten on 28th November and a decade of her life feels a very significant milestone,” said Leigh, who is taking on EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk, on 10^th June. “This year, after a break in any fundraising due to life events, Covid, divorce and having my youngest daughter, I knew I wanted to challenge myself to do something to mark her significant birthday, so signed up for the Pier 2 Pier walk. “I love walking as it’s often when I think about Bea. “It’s further than I’ve ever walked in one go and I know it will be hard, although it needs to be because my daughter fought hard and continues to inspire me.” Leigh says she will forever be grateful to EACH for the care and support it offered during a “truly horrific time”. “EACH has been incredible,” she said. “It was first mentioned to us while Bea was still at Great Ormond Street, although it was becoming clear she was dying. “We were initially reluctant to hear the words palliative care, because we knew what that meant. However, we couldn’t have been more wrong. “After Bea passed away, EACH ensured all the arrangements were made for her to be brought back home to Norfolk and she stayed at Quidenham. “She stayed in her own room, with her name on the door, looking as beautiful and peaceful as we could have hoped. “We stayed overnight and were able to do a number of memory activities, hold her, allow friends and family to visit and say their goodbyes and know she was looked after in the days leading up to her funeral. It was a gift beyond words. “That time to make memories in a positive and special way has aided my grieving process and, as strange as it sounds strange, I remember that time with warmth and love. “Without EACH and its wonderful, compassionate staff, things could have been so different.” Leigh lives with son Elliott, 12, daughter Ottilie, five, and dog Betsy in Norwich. “Life can only be described as before Bea and after Bea,” she said. “That period of time was a nightmare and took a long while to feel real. To be truthful, it still doesn’t, nine years on. “What happened was the kind of thing you read about but not something that could happen to us – except it did. “A lot of it feels like a blur, although I remember some moments with real clarity and they will stay with me forever. “Life since Bea died has been equally tough. “Her death and the difference in the way her dad and I grieved ultimately put a lot of strain on our marriage. “Toby and myself grew apart and, despite going on to have Ottilie, in 2017, we separated and divorced in 2020. “Despite the heartache, I still wouldn’t change things. “Bea taught me so much and made me appreciate life more intensely. “She inspired me and so many others and we’ve done so much in her name. “She continues to have an impact, not least in terms of raising awareness of congenital heart disease and all the charities that played such an important part in her short but impactful life.” To read Bea’s story, click here. The annual Cromer to Great Yarmouth Pier 2 Pier walk is scheduled for 10th June. This fundraiser takes participants on a 32-mile walk along the beautiful Norfolk Coastal Path. To sign up or find out more, click here. To sponsor Leigh, click here. Pictures: Rob Dodsworth and EACH

At Plain Speaking PR, we’re supporting one of our clients – Sue Lambert Trust – to gather responses for its 2023 Sexual Consent survey. The survey is being circulated during Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. A heavy topic but one that undoubtedly needs addressing Sue Lambert Trust wants to collect views and responses from people in Norfolk, to help explore the depth of understanding locally, about the issue of sexual consent. Do we really understand what it means? Do we understand the law around consent? What opinions and attitudes do people hold around the issue of consent, and are these changing? The survey is completely anonymous. Sue Lambert Trust is the main specialist charity in Norfolk offering free, professional, therapeutic counselling to people who have ever been raped, sexually abused or sexually assaulted, and has been supporting people in Norfolk for more than 40 years. The charity hopes this survey will encourage more informed, open, and direct conversations about consent. More information about it on their website. And you can open the survey here. (It will only take a few minutes)

Norfolk County Council can confirm today that EB Charging has won the contract to install on street charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in Norwich. The contract is to install, supply and operate 46 new charge points on 40 streets across Norwich and is a huge step in achieving what has been set out in the council’s Electric Vehicle and Local Transport Plan 4 strategies. Charge points (EVCPs) will be available to all members of the public, helping everyone access the charging infrastructure, which is crucial to the transition to electric vehicles, particularly for residents who do not have access to off-street parking – where they could otherwise charge their vehicles. Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said; “Norfolk County Council is committed to a greener and cleaner future and we have a leading role to play in reducing our carbon footprint through cutting the dependence on motor transport that runs on fossil fuels. “We know from research that a lack of charging points is one of the top barriers to people making the transition to electric vehicle, and we hope that this programme will support more people in the Norwich area to make the change to electric. “This is a fantastic collaborative project which will allow us to make a huge improvement to infrastructure for our residents a minimal cost to the taxpayer thanks to EB Charging who will fully fund the installation and ongoing maintenance of the charge points, and UK Power Networks who have supported us from the start of this project to identify locations and ensured the electricity grid can support these new charge points.” Alex Calnan, Managing Director of EB Charging, commented; “We’re really excited to be working with Norfolk County Council on this ambitious project to dramatically increase the availability of EV charging options across Norwich. Working with UK Power Networks, they’ve ensured sufficient power supply for current and future charging needs, making switching to EVs a realistic option for residents, businesses and visitors.  This will provide a real boost to the council’s programmes to improve air quality across Norwich and the wider region.” Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks said; “We’re making it easier for people to make the switch to an electric vehicle by helping Local Authorities to facilitate more public chargepoints that are accessible to all. We want people to have confidence they’ll be able to charge their vehicle, regardless of whether or not they have access to off-street parking and private charging.” Following feasibility studies carried out by UK Power Networks, 40 streets in Norwich have been identified as the preferred locations for the first chargers to be rolled out. Due to the nature of these streets some on-street parking restrictions next to the charge points will need to be reviewed, so electric vehicles can access them. These will be decided at design stage and any changes to parking restrictions will be subject to statutory consultation with residents. The chargers that are currently being proposed for the sites include floor-mounted 22kW fast chargers) – Alfen Twins and 50-100kW rapid chargers Delta Slimlines. These are both best suited to residential, on-street sites and can be seen in the attached pictures. Norfolk County Council will be working closely with EB Charging through the detailed design stage of the project and will engage with residents ensure the impact is minimal to those who live on the streets identified. In addition to statutory consultation a survey will go live shortly for residents to feedback on the identified locations as well as the opportunity for people to suggest other locations that they would like to see charge points installed across the county in the future.

Chick out Chantry Place Norwich this Easter, from Saturday 1^st April to Sunday 16^th April 2023, for its free family Easter trail around the Centre and meet the RSPB team on select days throughout the school holidays when they give out free sunflower packs and let little ones get hands on with nature.

Families can pick up a free trail map for the Chantry Place Easter Eggstravaganza trail from Langleys and then follow the posters to collect letters which will spell out an Easter themed word. A competition prize is on offer too for one lucky winner worth around £150, including Easter eggs, Jellycat toys and an H&M voucher, with some bird houses too up for grabs for runners up. Everyone who completes the trail can also pick up a sticker too from Langleys at the end.

Chantry Place will also be welcoming the RSPB to Chantry Place on Tuesday 4^th, Friday 7^th, Saturday 8^th, Sunday 9^th and Thursday 13^th April for more free family fun. Visitors will be able to pick up some free sunflower seed packs for a fun competition, meet the RSPB team and visit its nature display table featuring owl pellets, snake skins and bones and more. They can be found on the lower ground floor near Langleys.

Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “This year we are planning free events in the school holidays for families to enjoy and this self-led chick trail will be enjoyed by little ones as they search for all the letters, then get some help to unscramble them into an Easter-themed word. We are looking forward to being visited by the RSPB too so that visitors can have fun learning and discovering more about nature and the work the charity does in protecting habitats and saving species.”

Freya Stuart, Membership Venues Officer at the RSPB, commented: “The RSPB is thrilled to be visiting Chantry Place on selected dates over Easter when we will be sharing an exciting, family-friendly grow challenge. Drop by to pick up your free Sunflower Race Pack (subject to availability) and take part in your very own Sunflower Race at home! April is the perfect time to plant sunflowers! Whose sunflower will be the tallest? Who will have the biggest flower? And who will produce the most sunflower seeds to feed hungry garden birds? Visit our ‘nature pod’ next to Langleys toy shop on the lower ground floor opposite Boots to pick up your pack, learn some amazing nature facts and discover more about the RSPB. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it!”

At Chantry Place, visitors can discover a range of Easter gifts and treats, including delicious Easter eggs from Hotel Chocolat and décor from Flying Tiger. The shopping centre is also home to numerous restaurants including Wagamamas, The Real Greek, YO! Sushi and Ask Italian, making them a perfect place to grab a bite to eat before or after the Easter fun.

For more information on events happening around the centre, please visit www.chantryplace.co.uk/events

To find out more about Chantry Place, visit chantryplace.co.uk

People living in Swanton Morley and Dereham are the latest to benefit from enhanced bus services thanks to money received from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the County. The Fab 4 service operated by Konectbus will begin a brand-new Sunday service on Sunday 19 February with the first bus leaving Swanton Morley at 7:40am. The service runs every two hours until 15:40 and stops at Dereham, East Tuddenham, Longwater, Cringleford and Norwich. The last bus back from Norwich is at 16:14 to Swanton Morley and at 17:25 to Dereham. There are also two extra journeys which operate from Swanton Morley to Dereham at 8:40am and 17:35pm. For the rest of the week (Monday to Saturday) the Fab 4 service will benefit from the following extra evening journeys:

• 19:30 & 21:10 Norwich to Swanton Morley (last bus was previously at 18:25)
  • This provides a 19:45 and 21:25 pick up at the NNUH useful for those working later shifts.
• 18:25 & 20:00 – Dereham to Norwich (last bus was previously 17:10)
• 18:10 & 19:45 – Swanton Morley to Norwich (last bus was previously 16:55)
• 20:45 & 22:25 – Swanton Morley to Dereham (last bus was previously 16:55)

Cllr Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “Providing later services is something many residents asked for when we developed our bus service improvement plan – so being able to deliver these services to those who wanted them is exactly what the money secured from the DfT is for. Having buses run into the evenings and on a Sunday means more people can make the choice to leave the car at home and use their local bus service – which is key to us achieving our net-zero ambitions.” A single trip on the services will cost just £2 between January and March as Konectbus are one of the local operators taking part in the fare cap promotion funded by HM Government as part of their Help for Households campaign . Gavin Smith, Managing Director of Go East Anglia/Konectbus said; “ Konectbus are delighted to have been involved with the BSIP funding project, from initial public consultation to drawing up proposals for bus service enhancements, new services, and improved connections with other transport services across our region. This enhancement is great for people living in Dereham and Swanton Morley and with stops at many key areas of employment such as Longwater retail park and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital it means more people can choose the bus to get to work.” This is just one of a number of service enhancements which are being funded by the £49.55 million funding which Norfolk County Council was successful in securing from the Department for Transport (DfT) to use on improving bus services across the County over the next three years. Approximately £12 million of the funding has been allocated to provide new or expanded bus routes and increase service frequencies on key routes, including more evening and weekend services. Roads Minister Richard Holden said; “People up and down the country deserve a clean, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Norfolk County Council with almost £50 million to boost its bus services. “Supporting Konectbus with providing more frequent services is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Norfolk has to offer.” Full details of the new enhanced service can be found at: https://www.konectbus.co.uk/fab4