Many of us have mixed feelings about winter weather, it may be cold out there but it’s nice to cosy up or go for a crisp walk. However, for those living with asthma, the colder months can bring a unique set of challenges. Winter isn’t just about bundling up, it can genuinely affect breathing, trigger symptoms, and increase the risk of asthma flare-ups.
Greater Anglia has introduced a new Business Plus ticket on the Norwich to London mainline services, which is perfect for the business traveller looking for increased value and some of the benefits of First Class travel, from a Standard ticket.
Business Plus is an advance purchase ticket priced between the Standard Anytime and First Class Anytime fare and provides comfortable, spacious seats with more legroom in First Class accommodation, with complimentary tea or coffee, mineral water and snacks.
Business Plus is available for return journeys only for travel from Norwich, Diss, Stowmarket and Ipswich to London and can be purchased through Greater Anglia’s Business Travel Department and existing corporate sales channels. A Business Plus return offers savings of up to 32% off the First Class open return.
Greater Anglia has also introduced a new advance purchase Business Return fare for travel in Standard Class, aimed at the business traveller and offering savings of up to 30% on the standard open return fare. Ticket holders must have a compulsory reservation on their outward journey but the ticket offers extra flexibility by allowing return travel on any train, even during peak times.
Eleni Jordan, Head of Sales for Greater Anglia said: “We’re really keen to deliver good value for our business travel customers and these new products aimed at the corporate sector offer new and cost-effective options for the business user in Norfolk and Suffolk.”
The Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon takes place this weekend, set to welcome up to 3,000 runners supported by hundreds of volunteers for one of the region’s biggest annual sporting events. Organised by Good Running Events, this year’s half marathon features an improved route for 2025, offering participants a refreshed and scenic experience.
A key enhancement to this year’s route sees runners taking on 13.1 miles around Easton, Colton, Barnham Broom and Marlingford, before entering the grounds of Easton College. This new section provides wider paths, and a smoother transition back into the Norfolk Showground, where thousands of spectators are expected to gather.
The event continues to draw runners from across the UK, with a significant portion travelling from outside of Norfolk, bringing a welcome boost to local tourism, hospitality and businesses across the weekend, as well as a host of local charities.
Participants will once again be raising funds for a variety of good causes, with this year’s charity partners including Keeping Abreast, East Anglian Children’s Hospices, The Benjamin Foundation and the Big C, among many others being supported through the runners efforts and causes close to their hearts.
The event would not be possible without the tireless support of its volunteer team. From helping to deliver a safe course, to assisting runners at water stations and celebrating them across the finish line, volunteers remain at the heart of the event. Organisers are also grateful to title sponsor Larking Gowen, who continue their steadfast support of the event as headline sponsors.
Race Director, Aaron Murrell said: “We absolutely cannot wait to see thousands of runners lining up on the start line on Sunday morning. The atmosphere at the Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon is always incredible, and with our newly improved 2025 route — including the fantastic section through Easton College — we’re excited to offer participants a brilliant race day experience.”
Spectators are encouraged to visit the Norfolk Showground to cheer on runners and help contribute to the positive atmosphere – with the 2025 Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon promising to be a memorable celebration of running, community spirit and determination, as thousands come together for one of Norfolk’s most anticipated annual events.
The award winning Chef, Franck Pontais, Offer now Private Cooking Master Class for you and your friends at home.
This is the opportunity to Learn from a Master in the comfort of your own residence, don’t worry about the size or facilities in your kitchen, Franck will bring his own equipment with him.
Courses are from Beginners to very keen cooks and will be designed upon your own needs.
For more information please contact Franck on 07960 700 538 or consult his website at www.franckpontais.co.uk.
Thomas Cook has confirmed a partnership with Flybe that will open up long-haul routes to regional airports across the UK via the operator’s Manchester hub.
Thomas Cook Airlines hinted at a partnership earlier this year but has today confirmed the details of the deal.
It will mean that customers can fly from Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Inverness, Isle of Man, Norwich and Southampton to Manchester to connect with Thomas Cook flights to the Caribbean, Florida, Las Vegas, Mexico and Goa.
These include the only routes outside London to Antigua and St Lucia, and one of only a handful of flights from the UK to Barbados.
“As we develop Manchester Airport as our UK hub – working in partnership with Flybe – we’re pleased to be able to offer more flexibility and choice for our customers, competing with the very best scheduled and charter carriers with a range of connections ensuring they don’t have to rely on London’s airports,” said Christoph Debus, Thomas Cook Group head of air travel.
A spokesman confirmed that when Thomas Cook chose its new long-haul flight times from Manchester, launched in the spring, it already had Flybe connections in mind.
Connections to Sanford in Florida (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) and Las Vegas (Wednesday) will be available with early morning Flybe connecting flights. A new Las Vegas flight on a Friday starts on 2 April 2014.
From 29 March 2014, Thomas Cook Airlines launches flights to Orlando International, with same-day Flybe connections available on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays and with an additional departure on Wednesday from next summer.
For winter holidays, Flybe flights will connect with Thomas Cook Airlines’ Manchester to Cancun flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays on selected dates during the winter.
A new Manchester-Antigua-Barbados Thomas Cook Airlines flight operates from Thursday 19 December. Flights will leave late morning from Manchester, with Flybe connections.
A Manchester-Goa flight departs every Wednesday.
However, for Thomas Cook’s new weekly Sunday Manchester-St Lucia-Barbados route, starting on 10 November, holidaymakers need to spend the night at an airport hotel on the Saturday night.
The airline’s Sunday flight to Goa also benefits from a connecting departure, and from March 2014 Thomas Cook will introduce its first Sunday Florida flight from Manchester.
Those holidaymakers returning into Manchester on a Sunday will benefit from same-day returning Flybe flight back to their local airport.
In addition to new Florida and Las Vegas connections, next summer will also see Flybe flights linking to the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Manchester-Cancun flights, and the introduction of a new Manchester-St Lucia-Barbados route every Thursday.
Now sending out invitations to wedding suppliers to offer stand spaces for our wedding fair on Sunday 20th October, if you would like a stand or knows someone that might let me know… we are starting a big marketing campaign this weekend to take us right through to the event so you won’t want to miss out!
BBC News -23rd May 2012 Source: The Work Foundation, Paul Sissons. • Too many young people lack the social skills needed to get their first job.” • “Too many youngsters lack soft skills – such as communication and team working – to get a start in jobs.” • “…..people in industrialised countries are isolated from the labour market by a lack of skills.” • “Most new graduates lack even the basic skills needed for the workplace. Graduates were more interested in what a job can do for them, not what they have to offer an employer.” What Iceni Academy is doing NOW to support our pupils & their employability……. • MAKE PUPILS APPRECIATE JUST HOW EMPLOYABLE THEY ALL ARE! • MAKE PUPILS APPRECIATE THEIR SKILLS! • WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY; • MAKING SCHOOL & YOUR LEARNING RELEVANT TO EMPLOYMENT. • WE WILL BE; – Working closely with a variety of employers, on projects, in the classroom
AND Launching an initiative which is entirely new, unique & EXCLUSIVE to Iceni Academy……….!
Employability Skills Passport!
How Employability Skills Passports work • On a regular basis, PUPILS will have to; • Record in their passports examples of when they have demonstrated 8 key employability skills either; – In the classroom – In tutor time – In hobbies / part time work • Their recordings must be discussed with tutors in form time • At the end of the month, ytheir Community Leader will discuss the evidence with them. • According to successes, the Community Leader will allocate ‘Air Smiles’ • Air Smiles will enable pupils to travel forwards to success!
The ‘Air Smiles’ Process! • Up to 25 Air Smiles will be awarded to qualifying pupils each month. • Awards will be made based on the quality of the Employability Skills evidence gathered. • The Community Leader will record Air Smiles centrally, on schools Management Information System • At the end of each term, the total Air Smiles per pupil will be calculated. • Student achievement will be calculated & ONE employer related reward given out! • In the event that more than one student achieves the same highest amount of Air Smiles, deciding factors will include levels of attendance, attitude towards learning and effort.
We already have a number of local business’s engaged in this fantastic project who have kindly given their time and sponsorship in various ways.
For more information or to get involved please contact Mrs Jo Dickerson on [email protected]
Money can be one of the biggest causes of stress in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be. When you and your partner talk openly about money, you’re not just planning your finances; you’re building trust, teamwork, and a shared future.
Here are a few simple ways to make those conversations easier (and maybe even enjoyable).
1. Start with Openness, Not Judgement
We all have different money habits and histories. Instead of focusing on who’s “good” or “bad” with money, try exploring why you each handle it the way you do. Maybe your approach was shaped by childhood, past experiences, or just different priorities. Understanding where each other’s coming from makes those chats a lot smoother.
2. Share Your Goals
Whether it’s buying your first home, planning a dream holiday, or building a nest egg for the future, talk about what really matters to you both. When you’re working towards shared goals, saving and spending decisions become much easier (and far less likely to cause tension).
3. Create Regular Check-ins
Money shouldn’t just be a topic for when something’s gone wrong. Think of it like a monthly team meeting, a chance to sit down, grab a cuppa (or a glass of wine!), and talk about what’s coming up, where you’re at, and how you both feel about it. Regular chats keep things open and honest.
4. Be Honest About Debt and Spending
Honesty is everything. If one of you is feeling stretched or spending more than you’d like, talk about it early before it becomes stressful. You’re a team, and teamwork starts with transparency.
5. Get Professional Help if You Need It
Sometimes it helps to bring in a neutral expert, especially for bigger decisions like mortgages, pensions, or investments. A financial adviser can help you both feel confident, supported, and on the same page about your next steps.
6. Keep Money Conversations Positive
Money chats can get tense fast, but they don’t have to. Try to keep the tone positive and focus on what you can do together. Swap “we can’t afford that” for “how can we make that happen?” It’s amazing what a shift in language can do for motivation and harmony.
Talking about money doesn’t have to cause arguments; it can actually bring you closer. At Planit Financial, we’re all about helping couples plan confidently for the future.
The Leathes Prior Employment Team represented Blakeney Manor Hotel at Norwich Employment Tribunal, in the defence of a constructive dismissal claim brought by a long serving manager.
Rejecting the claim without criticism of the Hotel, Judge McMahon held that the employer had at all times acted reasonably and that the manager had not been entitled to resign and consider herself unfairly dismissed.
Dan Chapman, Head of the Employment Team, appeared before the Tribunal as the advocate, and the case had been prepared by Catherine Hepworth (shortly to qualify as a Solicitor).
There is no doubt the mobile revolution is here with traffic to websites form mobile devices predicted to reach 50% by the end of 2014. However is your website ready for this new potential opportunity? Our latest guide helps you how to decide if your business needs a mobile website and what the options are. Full details are here and if you have any questions please contact us.
Steeles Law is holding a Legal Clinic at its 2 Mount Street, Diss offices on Friday 4 October, with pre-bookable 15 minute consultations available between 3.00 and 6.00pm.
Whether you a private individual or business owner, you can book a complimentary appointment with a legal professional in connection with any of the services we offer.
Please call 01379 652141 to make a booking. Appointments are offered on a first come, first served basis and must be booked before the day