member

Future Radio has reopened its doors after more than 3 years of operating virtually.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the charity Open Youth Trust, where Future Radio was based, sadly closed its doors. Since then, the two-person staff team have had to run the station virtually – with most of their 70 volunteers recording their shows from home – while searching for a suitable new site to accommodate Norwich’s community radio station.

Finally, after 3 long years, they have rebuilt their studios and reopened their doors for their volunteers, listeners and community, at an old police station at 14 Woodcock Road.

To celebrate, they have developed and launched a new Summer festival, FutureFest, taking over The Brickmakers Pub and Garden on Sunday 6^th August. FutureFest will offer live music across three stages, including The Brickmakers’ garden stage, as well as a range of street food, garden games and activities for kids, with bands and Future Radio DJs playing from midday until 11pm.

Tickets are just £10 plus booking fee and under 13s get in for free, promising a great day out for the whole family. For more info and to get your tickets, go to futureradio.co.uk/fest

What’s more, 100% of funds raised at FutureFest will go to Future Radio’s parent charity, Future Projects, as part of their 21st Anniversary Campaign to raise funds to help more local people in need. Following FutureFest, the charity will be running a Golf Day to raise additional funds; get your tickets here before they sell out!

“The last three years have presented a real challenge for Future Radio. But we are so proud of the staff and all the volunteers for not just keeping the station running, but for doing everything they can to support each other, train new volunteers, raise funds and ensure Future Radio continues to broadcast quality content for and about its communities.

We are also immensely grateful to all the people and organisations that have funded us through this challenging time, particularly the Norwich Freemen’s Charity, The Aviva Foundation, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust and the Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, who provided the funds to make the total rebuild of Future Radio possible.” – Daniel Childerhouse, Chief Executive Officer at Future Projects.

Station Manager, Dean Tucker (Left) and Business Development Manager, Christopher Remer (Centre-Right) with two volunteers outside the new Future Radio.

Future Radio volunteer presenting from the main broadcast studio (Studio A)

View FutureFest Banner below

For further information please contact Eddie Daniels on 01603 250 505 or [email protected]

Sorry to say it, but if you’re not including Reels in your socials strategy you’re missing a trick. Here’s our ultimate guide to creating Reels that bang.

Reels should be different
Meta calls it ‘the language of Reels’ – essentially it’s that semi-formal style that most Reels have in common. Y’know what we mean – great lighting but not overly ‘produced’, great composition without being too posed, and entertaining without being too try-hard. Easy right?!

Hit three criteria
1. Film in 9:16 ratio, or as us normal people call it, portrait.
2. Keep the bottom third and the right-hand side of your video free from text, logos, and other junk.
3. Use sounds.

Make your Reel:
Entertaining – start strong with a hook that makes people want to keep watching. Maintain their attention by being interesting.
Relatable – tell a story people recognise about themselves, a familiar situation, or a scene they can picture themselves in. Reels featuring a real-life human have a higher engagement rate than those without.
Digestible – be direct, easy to understand, and keep things as short as possible. No on is watching a 5-minute Reel (sorry not sorry).

Sign up for weekly updates direct to your inbox every Thursday and follow Jordan on LinkedIn for daily tips and tricks.

Local media company Archant, publishers of the Eastern Daily Press, has launched a £500,000 matched advertising fund for independent local businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  

Grants are available for a minimum of £200 and maximum of £2,000 matched advertising credits. These credits can be used towards print or digital advertising within Archant newspapers and associated websites in Norfolk and across the areas it operates. The fund is open to locally owned and operated independent businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus during the past few months.  Its aim is to help them kickstart their advertising in the critical time of May and June as we start to move out of lockdown so that they can let customers old and new know that they are open for business.  

All applications must be made in May to be used by June 30th. To find out more about the fund and how you can apply visit: www.archanthub.co.uk/grant. Full terms and conditions can also be found here.

For over 170 years, Archant has worked with small businesses and has helped them to achieve their aims and reach their desired audiences. This fund is just one of the ways Archant is helping local small businesses: take a look at archanthub.co.uk for a range of free guides featuring topics such as updating your messaging and maintaining your social media presence during the Coronavirus pandemic. You’ll find details of the ongoing free digital marketing insight webinar series there too.

Emira was voted ‘New Car of the Year’ by both motor retail managers and AM judging panel

• AM Awards from Automotive Management Online,  recognise and celebrate motor retail excellence, market-leading vehicles and business leadership
• Award received on behalf of Lotus by Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Commercial Operations

Lotus Emira, the last Lotus petrol-powered sports car collected another accolade by being named as ‘New Car of the Year’ at the annual AM Awards 2023, held in London this week.

To win The New Car of the Year Award, the Lotus Emira was voted for by both motor retail managers and the AM judging panel:

“Clearly the Emira is being seen as a fantastic start of a new chapter for Lotus and its dealers. It is the most accomplished Lotus road car yet, balancing a high level of driver engagement with the practicality of an everyday sportscar, and our audience – including dealers with rival brands – is now certainly very excited about the Lotus brand’s future. Emira will certainly attract new customers to Lotus and this will giv  e the carmaker great foundations for growth,” said Tim Rose, editor, AM Online.

Receiving the award on behalf of Lotus, Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Commercial Operations said, “The Emira has won a number of accolades around the world, but this award from AM is particularly special as it was voted for by the well informed AM judging panel and a discerning automotive industry, including retailers, dealers and senior management. Not only is the Emira is a brilliant sports car and the best in breed but also this award reinforces the confidence and excitement that the industry has for Lotus as it rapidly moves towards the EV future with the Lotus Evija and Lotus Eletre.”

Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Commercial Operations for Lotus (centre) with Charlene White, ITV News presenter + awards host and David Paterson Managing Director of award sponsor Supagard

Powered by either a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine or a 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Lotus Emira accelerates to 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180mph.

The Emira is manufactured at Lotus’ global HQ for sports car and hypercar operations in Hethel, Norfolk. Subassembly manufacturing for the lightweight and high tech aluminium chassis is at Lotus Advanced Structures in Norwich.

The Lotus Emira is one of three high tech performance cars built by Lotus, along with the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV and the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar.

Norwich’s Lady Mayoress says clothes bought from a charity shop have helped her look the part during an “extraordinary” year.

Julie Keane, who volunteers at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Unthank Road, has been in the prestigious role since May 2021.

Her partner, Cllr Dr Kevin Maguire, is Lord Mayor of Norwich but his term ends on 23^rd May.

Normally the position only lasts for a year but it was extended to two because of Covid.

Julie says it has been a whirlwind year but she has enjoyed carrying out her duties while also helping in the shop every Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m a retired nursery teacher and started volunteering when the shop reopened after the first lockdown,” said Julie, who was speaking during EACH’s Be the Difference campaign – a fortnight-long drive to recruit more volunteers for its 46 shops.

“I was concerned that so many charities had reduced funding during the pandemic and wanted to help.

“The shop itself is lovely, with all the outfits arranged by colour.

“The staff are very creative in their presentation and I always notice the window displays and the way the store is changed to keep it fresh.

“I’ve found working at EACH really useful for getting appropriate clothes for my role as Lady Mayoress.

“It’s been a real boon and if ever I’m complimented on what I’m wearing, I always tell people where I got it from.”

The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of Norwich and represents the people of the city, alongside the Lady Mayoress.

Julie and Dr Maguire recently enjoyed one last big date, having been invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 9^th May.

“The first year was quite subdued, but this year has been extraordinary,” said the 67-year-old, who wore a fascinator bought at Unthank Road.

“We celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee with various activities, including lighting a beacon.

“The Lord Mayor’s Procession in July had the Jubilee as its theme, so we wore crowns. Then, very sadly, we had the death of the Queen and the Lord Mayor read the Proclamation of the new monarch from the steps of City Hall.

“For the Coronation, we attended a service at the Anglican Cathedral and another at St Peter Mancroft.

“We often go to church services and I was honoured to read a lesson in the Cathedral at the EACH Christmas Carol service.

“Unfortunately, it all ends for us when a new Lord Mayor takes over on 23^rd May.

“However, I’ve already suggested to his wife that, if she needs them, she’ll find some lovely clothes at Unthank Road!”.

Julie feels a strong connection to EACH and partly due to personal circumstances, because son Iain died in a canoeing accident when he was at university in Wales, in 2000.

He was 19 and just days away from coming home to Norwich for Christmas.

“It’s often hard for parents to talk about children they’ve lost – not because of our pain, but because of the reaction of the listener,” said Julie.

“Other people imagine the loss of their own child and are so upset they shut the conversation down very quickly.

“I haven’t visited The Nook yet, but I imagine that’s one of the strengths of the hospice – that there are people who’ll always understand.

“To be truthful, it hadn’t occurred to me until recently that my loss had anything to do with my support for EACH.

“It was a sort of ‘ah ha!’ moment, but then it seemed obvious. Thinking things through gave me insight into why I might have chosen to work for EACH.”

Julie says volunteering suits her personality and would recommend it to anyone.

“I’m a very chatty person so often work on the till,” she said.

“I love talking to customers, but, having lost a family member recently, I’m also aware that sometimes people are bringing in items they’re clearing from the house of someone who’s died.

“We handle those donations with particular care.

“I was talking to one man about a table centre piece he’d brought in after clearing his parents’ house.

“He said it was always used for parties, but he wasn’t sure if anyone would want it.

“I told him it would be popular and that we’d certainly be able to sell it.

“He went away happy, but, just as we were closing, he knocked on the door and asked if he could have it back.

“Talking about how his parents had used it had brought back memories and he realised he wasn’t ready to let it go.”

Julie, who has two surviving children, also loves working for a children’s hospice because of her career working with youngsters.

“I retain my interest and love to see them playing in the children’s area,” she said.

“I particularly like telling families about the free children’s books we give out in the school holidays.

“It’s fantastic but while I find my volunteering both fun and engaging, I never lose sight of the reason we do it.”

EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income.

This year alone it needs to raise £6.5 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex and a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.

For more information about volunteering, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email [email protected]

Determined walkers defied sweltering conditions to complete a 32-mile trek and raise more than £40,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The charity’s Pier 2 Pier challenge took participants along the stunning Norfolk Coastal Path from Cromer to Great Yarmouth.

Eighty-eight people took part – another nine signed up but had to pull out because of injury or illness – and that tally included families who have received support or continue to be supported by EACH.

Others represented businesses who were keen to get involved and raise funds.

The walkers set off at 7am and the first person to cross the finish line, Lee Hopkins, reached Cromer nearly nine hours later at 3.50pm.

The final walkers finished around 8pm.

EACH Events Fundraiser Emma Cook said: “It was another fantastic and hugely successful day.

“Despite the hot conditions, everyone rose to the challenge and enjoyed the camaraderie of walking together.

“There’s always a great sense of spirit during this event and that was certainly evident again, because everyone motivates each other.

“We’ve had some very positive feedback from participants saying they felt looked after and supported throughout.

“They also commented on the organisation of the event which is lovely to hear.

“Our thanks go to everyone who took part for helping us raise such a phenomenal amount of money.

“It’s incredible and will go such a long way in terms of helping us continue our vital work.”

Among those to take part were bereaved couple Demi Little and Jordan Keys, in addition to Norwich mum Leigh Smith.

Georgia Miles and Lisa Ayton also pulled on their walking boots and have a close connection with EACH as their children receive care at The Nook and Milton, in Cambridgeshire, respectively.

In addition, there was strong representation from the corporate world, including 27 members of staff from First Home Improvements, who raised more than £10,000.

Other colleagues came from Midwich, VM Hosts, Cambridge Electrical Services and Cambridge EV Points, Unite Marketing and Events and Planning Manager Ltd.

EACH Help at Home volunteer Marcia Foy was also among those to take on the challenge.

“In addition to the walkers, our sincere thanks also go to everyone who made the event possible, including staff and four amazing volunteers,” added Emma.

“Many others contributed on the day, including Rapid Relief Team, Glenn Hands, from Evocative Images, Norfolk and Suffolk 4×4 Response and Marett’s Chariots. We’re extremely grateful for their support.”

EACH is hosting a Suffolk Pier 2 Pier walk, on 2^nd September.

The 16-mile coastal walk takes participants from Lowestoft to Southwold.

Pictures: Glenn Hands/EACH

“I was referred to the Green Light Trust by Bethanie, Chances Team Leader at Voluntary Norfolk and I can’t thank her enough.  I wanted to join the course because I had just turned 24 and had literally not done anything with my life.

I remember always feeling anxious from the age of 5 and I hadn’t ever felt comfortable mixing with people in school or college.  My anxiety continued to get worse and worse over the years until I hardly left the house leaving me feeling “terrified” of the prospect of ever going outdoors again.

I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, panic attacks and long-term anxiety.  All the medications I was given just made me feel worse.  My stepdad died during lockdown with COVID and I was very close to him so I just stayed at home, isolated, lonely and ended up living inside for four years.

I found myself locked in a negative state of mind which kept me indoors and isolated from everything.  I didn’t trust anyone at all but being with the staff at the Green Light Trust has changed all that.  I think it’s totally changed the way I feel about people and the world too.   The staff are amazing you choose what you want to do so there’s no pressure on you.  You can just chill out and chat if you want.  They are just really caring people who just want you to do well but more importantly be happy.

I used to tell myself really negative stories about how the world was and it wasn’t true – there are some really good people in the world who genuinely want to help.

I was totally stuck and didn’t go anywhere.  The world outside just seemed completely dangerous and untrustworthy, and my life was ruled by fear and staying safe at home.  I realise now that you only get support if you ask for help and the course has been an amazingly positive experience for me.

I only joined the course 7 weeks ago and have just enrolled in an allotment project in King’s Lynn.  I also went to a Women Only support group last week.  The course at Green Light Trust has inspired me to try these new things – it is exciting.  Once I took the first step, I wanted to get out there and try other new things.

After telling myself for years I can’t do stuff and being locked in the house with my mental illness I now say “I can do this”   The feelings I thought were anxiety I’ve now re-labelled as “excitement” this helps me get out of the house if I start feeling the way I used to feel.

Being out in nature has been so healing for me – and you don’t get that stuck inside the house!

I now tell myself “I am ready” and I really feel I am.  I am looking at working in a nursery (plants) or I’m also thinking about doing a Horticulture Apprenticeship.  The staff at the Green Light Trust have supported me with this too.

If you are thinking about doing a course – do it.  You may not think you are ready, but I think you are!  Everyone is ready to do something positive with their lives you just need to take the first small step.

I’m already booked onto the next course which starts in August and I can’t believe my life has changed so much.

The Benjamin Foundation are hosting their annual ‘Sleep Out’ event at the Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral on Friday 6^th October.

Can you spend one night outside so a young person doesn’t have to?

Sleep Out challenges people to get sponsored to spend one night sleeping outside and has raised over £300,000 to support their work since 2015. The Benjamin Foundation are the regional partner of the EveryYouth movement which seeks to reduce the prevalence of youth homelessness across the UK.

With an estimated 129,000 young people facing homelessness in the UK last year (source: Centrepoint), and the Foundation’s estimates suggest 3-4,000 here in Norfolk and Suffolk, this cause has never been more important.

The Benjamin Foundation provides stability for young people at risk of homelessness to flourish on their journey to independence. Providing a safe home to around 250 young people each night, they also help them learn essential life skills, such as cooking and budgeting, and support their education and career aspirations while building their resilience and self-esteem. Eventually helping young people to move on to independent living and manage their own tenancies.

This year, The Benjamin Foundation hosted a launch event for the campaign, which was attended by local dignitaries, businesses and previous supporters, including The Lord Mayor of Norfolk, James Wright (who has supported the Sleep Out events for many years) and the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Caroline Jarrold, all showing out to celebrate the start of our 2023 Sleep Out campaign.

The Benjamin Foundation are delighted to partner with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for the Norfolk campaign this year. Nova Fairbank, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, spoke at the launch event and had the following to say on why they are partnering with The Benjamin Foundation for campaign this year:

“Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are delighted to be supporting the Benjamin Foundation for their 2023 Norfolk Sleep Out Campaign. We’re looking forward to sharing the latest updates with the business community and seeing them get involved with the campaign too. An event like Norfolk Sleep Out is vital to raise awareness of the challenges of youth homelessness and some of the Chamber team joining in the Sleep Out too. We are proud to collaborate with The Benjamin Foundation on their journey.”

Speaking at the launch event, Matt Garrod, The Benjamin Foundation Director of Operations for Housing and Homelessness explained:

“We were delighted so many people across different organisations and businesses were able to join us for our Norfolk 2023 Sleep Out Launch events. Interest in the launch event and the pending Sleep Out in October shows the deep concern our community has for young people who have experienced homelessness and a willingness to work collaboratively with The Benjamin Foundation to combat this issue”.

The event this year is sponsored by Birketts LLP, who have participated in the campaign for many years. Jonathan Agar, the Chief Executive at Birketts, had the following to say:

“Birketts is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s 2023 Sleep Out campaign. As long-time supporters of The Benjamin Foundation, we know just how important the charity is in tackling youth homelessness and helping young people who need it into safe homes. We are looking forward to this year’s event in October, joining many others in spending the night outside to raise much needed funds for our local community.”

Manager of one of The Benjamin Foundation’s accommodation services, Ray Cook, knows first-hand how important the funds that are raised through Sleep Out are for the charity:

“Sleep Out gives a tiny insight into the reality of young people having to sleep outside when they are homeless and without support or a safety net. Alongside raising awareness about this vital issue, the funds raised help us to provide them with the accommodation and help they need to get back on track, enjoy a better life off the streets and achieve their life goals.”

Each of the EveryYouth member charities around the UK organise Sleep Out events each Autumn to help support young people to lead successful, independent lives, raising over £6M for the cause since its inception. Join the movement today!

For the first time The Benjamin Foundation are offering a discount for early signups. Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive £10 off your booking, redeemable until 1^st August.

Bookings for the Sleep Out event is now OPEN. Book your place today:

NORFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 6^th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norfolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-611169653887

Based further afield? Join the Suffolk Sleep Out instead!

SUFFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 13^th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-615746754117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch   

Can’t attend but want to support ending youth homelessness in Suffolk? Make a donation to the campaign:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/norfolksleepout2023

Sleep Out is open to those aged 18 or over. For more information, please contact [email protected]

Blickling Estate is the perfect setting for days out full of fun and adventure. Create, explore, move, wonder, make-believe – try everything from building dens and giant nests as you discover five play stations nestled in the woodland and parkland. Head into the gardens to discover stacks of possibilities to play all day – who can’t resist pushing a wheelbarrow around the Walled Garden and digging in our play patch? Ever dreamed of being on stage? Now’s your chance to get dressed up to perform on our mini theatre! After oodles of play, head to The Stables, Farmyard or Muddy Boots cafés for ice-creams, refreshing drinks and light meals – with colouring sheets while you wait.

Summer of Play activities are free (normal admission applies), so if you don’t manage to try them all on your first visit, you can come back again and again.

Find out more : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate/family-days-out-at-blickling