Age UK Norwich recently organised a magical day out for a group of adults in later life, taking them to the Norwich Theatre to enjoy the enchanting Aladdin panto.
The day began with a delightful lunch at the historic Coach and Horses pub, where attendees enjoyed delicious food and warm company. Following lunch, the group embarked on a fascinating tour of the Theatre Royal, learning about its rich history and the many talented performers who have graced its stage.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Aladdin panto itself. The group was captivated by the talented cast’s energetic performance, filled with all the classic panto fun, laughter, and audience participation.
“We were thrilled to receive a special shout-out during the performance,” said Charlotte Govier, Health and Community Support Lead at Age UK Norwich. “It was a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.“
The event was even more special thanks to the participation of children from Lakenham Primary School. The intergenerational interaction fostered a sense of connection and joy among all attendees.
Charlotte continued “We’re incredibly grateful to CLIF and Norfolk Community Foundation for their support. Intergenerational activities like this are vital for bringing communities together and creating lasting memories.”
The Countering Loneliness Innovation Fund (CLIF) seeks to support projects aiming at reducing loneliness in the Lakenham Ward of Norwich and Reepham and its surrounding area.
We all love great customer experiences. Let us be honest, these days it is expected as the absolute ‘norm’. How do you get your most important customer to be as passionate as you are about this hot topic. We at www.shopperanonymous.co.uk specialise in helping you with this. In the meantime, read on and find some great yet simple tips and advice in our monthly newlsetter.
The new website for the Ormiston Families “Walk with a Fork” charity event is now live at www.walkwithafork.org. When we saw the name of the event and were then asked if we would design the website for it, we knew we simply couldn’t refuse!
Ormiston Families is a very worthy local charity helping children throughout East Anglia and do lots of great work in Norfolk. Like most charities they rely on donations to keep going and this event is a great idea if you love walking and love food. The idea is you walk 8 miles sampling food from local food and drink suppliers along the way. The Norfolk “Walk with a Fork” takes place on Sunday 5th October at Sennowe Park, see you there!
Our recently refurbished offices and meeting rooms are the ideal venue for your meetings, seminars, conferences, training sessions, interviews, a place to grow your business or as a location to give your business a local presence. Set in the centre of Thetford our flexible rooms can be configured to accommodate most needs. Wireless internet access is available in all rooms. Audio visual equipment is also available.
Choose from our range of meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 14 people.
Rooms can be booked for a whole or half day, and are fully equipped with:
Tea, coffee and water
Flip charts and pens
Wireless internet access is available in all rooms
Audio visual equipment is also available
Ample free parking close by
We also provide hot desking facilities where desks can be hired by the week
Call 07799 465044 or email [email protected] to book your meeting room, arrange a viewing of for more information.
The inaugural CTS Transport Compliance Seminar took place on the 5th November at Knight’s Hill Hotel in Kings Lynn, with speakers from CTS Training & Consultancy, JMW Solicitors and the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit.
This event was attended by around 50 professionals in the logistics industry, from transport managers and planners, business owners, directors and consultants.
The CTS Transport Compliance Seminar was a great opportunity for local transport professionals to expand their knowledge of important compliance issues, keep up with the latest industry developments, and connect with fellow businesses.
Tom Cornwell from CTS Training & Consultancy kicked off the night with the launch of CTS Companion. This new membership service from CTS offers regular support, updates and discounts to help transport operators stay on top of their fleet compliance. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about CTS Companion.
Scott Bell, Partner and Head of Commercial Road Transport from JMW Solicitors delivered a presentation on Keeping Compliant covering Traffic Commissioner powers and avoiding Public Inquiry, as well as a quick round up of ‘hot topics’ in the road transport law sector.
Finally, we heard from Robert Hardingham and Chris Leah with the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit about their role and the investigations that they carry out. They also touched on plenty of relevant subjects such as load security and bridge strikes, and also did some myth-busting of common misconceptions about their work.
In a dynamic industry like transport and logistics, it’s essential to keep up to date with industry changes and to continuously improve compliance. CTS Transport Compliance Seminars are the ideal place to stay aware of any news and also have the opportunity to ask questions to industry experts. Attendees last night certainly made the most of the speakers’ knowledge and were able to see compliance issues from both the police and the solicitor’s perspectives.
Attendees described the evening as highly informative and appreciated the interactive engagement with the speakers. Many highlighted that the combination of speakers was particularly valuable as their knowledge and experience naturally complemented each other.
Our director Craig said:
“What an outstanding first event for CTS!
I am immensely proud of our team for bringing this initiative to life and deeply appreciative of the positive feedback we received from attendees.
My sincere thanks go to our exceptional speakers for their valuable insights and contributions, which played a key role in the event’s success. We look forward to building on this momentum and hosting our next event in spring 2026.”
Thank you to Knight’s Hill Hotel for the great venue and refreshments.
The next CTS Compliance Seminar returns in the spring, where we will hear from the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit again, this time on Safe Loading.
Age UK
Norwich is delighted to announce that the Carols by Candlelight event, hosted
by The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel on December 15th, was a resounding
success. The event raised an impressive £1,185.06, which will be matched by
Aviva, bringing the total to a generous £2,185.06.
The
evening was filled with the spirit of Christmas, featuring traditional carols,
heartwarming readings, and beautiful music performed by the church’s adult
choir. The event created a warm and festive atmosphere, bringing together the
community to celebrate the season.
“We
are incredibly grateful to The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel for hosting this
event and to everyone who attended and donated,” said Bethany Grimshaw,
Marketing and Communications Lead at Age UK Norwich. “The funds raised will
go directly towards supporting older people in Norwich, helping them to live
independent, fulfilling lives.”
This
year’s Carols by Candlelight event was a testament to the power of community.
The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel generously offered their venue and their
choir to support Age UK Norwich’s mission. Age UK Norwich is committed to
improving the lives of older people in the Norwich area. The charity provides a
range of services, including advice and information, befriending, and social
activities.
One of
Age UK Norwich’s clients, Gordon, shared his heartwarming story about how the
charity has positively impacted his life. Gordon, a retired gentleman of 85,
found himself feeling isolated and lonely after the loss of his wife and
children. Age UK Norwich provided him with much-needed support through
companionship, cookery classes and regular attendance to some of the weekly
clubs including walking football and Riverside Multi-games. Gordon said “They
[Age UK Norwich] took me by the hand and led me in the right direction”.
As the
holiday season approaches, it’s a time for giving back and supporting those in
need. By donating to Age UK Norwich, you can make a real difference in the
lives of older people in our community. Your generosity can help provide
essential services, combat loneliness, and ensure that no older person faces
the festive season alone.
Norwich‐based Metalfrog Studios Limited Presents New Social Media Website to Business Entrepreneurs at ICC Arena in Birmingham
Last Friday, Chris Wheeler, Managing Director of Award WinningDigital Marketing Agency, Metalfrog Studios Limited, presented a new interactive, responsive website, live on stage at the ICC Arena in Birmingham, with Serial Entrepreneur and Head of the newly formed Theo Paphitis Retail Group, Theo Paphitis.
Chris and Theo delivered a live demonstration of the site and showed its instant positive search engine impact upon winners of Theo’s Small Business Sunday Twitter initiative, to over 1000 business entrepreneurs.
The Metalfrog team has created a fantastic, bespoke web centre for the Winners to enable them to privately blog, add offers for general viewing, receive business tips, advice from Theo himself, and much more besides. The designers and developers, alongside the social media management and marketing team, at Metalfrog Studios have been working on this project for six months. This is the second version of the site Chris has delivered with Mr Paphitis.
Chris said ” It is an honour, a privilege, and also slightly nerve-racking, to be standing and presenting with such a prolific and influential person as Theo. The Ryman team and my company have become a great partnership, which has extended from simply being #SBS Winners, into creating the brand, the official badges, and the website. We have worked with (what was) Ryman Group for over three years now, and I am delighted that I can call Theo and his senior management team ‘friends’.
Theo said ” Chris and his team have done an amazing job on this website, working well with my team at Ryman. Chris has always had my admiration as someone who always delivers, for me and for other clients he has, and I would not hesitate in recommending him and Metalfrog to anyone. I am impressed.”
If you would like to visit the website you can find it here:https://www.theopaphitissbs.com #SBS is an initiative created by serial entrepreneur and head of the new Theo Paphitis retail group. Every Sunday he gives six lucky winners the opportunity to be showcased by re-tweeting their tweet, a powerful benefit endorsing your company to his 460,000 followers. To date there are now over 1100 winners, reaping the re-tweet rewards. Want to become a #SBS winner? www.theopaphitissbs.com
Metalfrog Studios Limited is a leading digital marketing web design company based in Norwich. Working with businesses large and small, to increase on-line presence through creative marketing techniques, intelligent investment, and understanding brand culture. If you would like to see how Metalfrog could shape your future online, whether with website design and development, digital marketing and search engine optimisation, or any other on-line services Metalfrog offers, please contact 01603 861830 or view the website :https://www.metalfrog.co.uk
Aspiring aviation students are one-step closer to achieving their ambitions after New Anglia LEP secured £3m Growth Fund money to kick-start the development of the aviation academy at Norwich International Airport.
The £12.5m project, unveiled in September 2013, will create an internationally-recognised centre of excellence for education and skills in aviation with a unique collaboration between the region’s employers, education groups, the LEP and local authorities.
It will be the first of its kind in the UK and support 80 engineering apprenticeships per year, as well as degree-level and further and higher education courses in engineering, airport operations and cabin crew training, for hundreds of students. The £3m secured by the LEP will pay for the creation of the centre at the airport.
Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP said: “This project is the centerpiece of all our ambitions to create an aviation cluster around Norwich Airport. The benefits of this academy will be felt by aviation businesses across the UK and the world, it will be a powerful draw for further inwards investment and once again give our region a strong competitive advantage over other key European locations. The academy presents a whole new world of opportunities for local students and we are delighted to have been able to support its creation.”
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport, said. “The Norwich International Aviation Academy addresses two key issues. Firstly it helps to satisfy the demand for diverse skills at Norwich Airport, a demand which is increasing as the airport, and the businesses that are based here, grow. Without the right skills, the potential of these businesses, and of the Airport, will not be realised.
Secondly, it projects a clear message both across the UK and internationally that we are intent on becoming a centre of excellence for aviation. There is a well-documented global skills deficit across a range of aviation activities which the academy will help to address. This facility will enable local students to go global in their career ambitions, and will attract students into the region from the UK market and overseas.”
KLM UK Engineering Limited has been a founding partner in the project. Arjan Meijer, managing director, said: “KLM UK Engineering is looking forward to delivering its Aircraft Engineering courses to a much larger group of students through the NIAA than can currently be managed at our own college. This will allow the company to transfer its excellent skills and knowledge to the aircraft maintenance engineers of the future.
I am very excited about the academy as it will significantly increase the availability of local technically trained staff for our company. To interest future generations early-on for jobs in aviation is crucial, not only for sustaining our current aircraft maintenance business, but also to allow for further growth of our industry worldwide. The NIAA will position Norwich firmly on the international aviation industry map.”
Simon Witts, Chief Executive of Aviation Skills Partnership said: “We are delighted that we have been able to play a pivotal role in bringing the partners together to make this project a reality. With our main skills partners City College Norwich and University of East Anglia and main project partners NPS Group and WT Partnership, we are immensely proud that we can launch the first of our planned Aviation Skills Hubs in Norwich, a City within a region that I believe offers exactly the right ingredients for a successful academy”.
The remainder of the £12.5m investment is expected to come from loan funding and the private sector, who will provide the “real world” training experience with a full size aircraft, plus additional equipment and aviation facilities.
It is supported by a core group of founding partners, including KLM UK Engineering, Norwich International Airport, Aviation Skills Partnership, City College Norwich, University of East Anglia, New Anglia LEP, Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and Broadland District Council.
The Academy plans to open its doors in September 2016 although a ‘feeder’ programme with City College Norwich started in September 2014.
Build your CPD with this Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 qualification in Understanding Health Improvement, with the help of Active Norfolk’s Fit4Work.
This one day qualification course will give you the basic health advice, knowledge and understanding to effectively help people who need support and encouragement to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles.
Two training sessions are available, and spaces are limited.
NORWICH February 26 – UEA Sportspark, Norwich
SOUTH NORFOLK March 26 – South Norfolk House, Long Stratton
Available for South Norfolk businesses only
This free training course is funded by Fit4Work, the workplace health programme delivered in the county by Active Norfolk.
For more information and to book the free training course through Fit4Work, please contact
At Norwich Castle we need to raise £14,500 to re-gild the frame of one of our rarest and most famous paintings, The Paston Treasure, before it goes on display as the centrepiece of a major international exhibition.
Visitartfund.org/arthappens-norwichif you’d like to donate – and bag yourself some great rewards as a thank you for your support, including an exclusive tote bag, a beautiful photo-book or a VIP day that takes you behind the scenes at the museum.
The Paston Treasure is a Norfolk masterpiece of international importance. It was painted by an unknown Dutch artist at Oxnead Hall in Norfolk around 1670 and portrays some of the treasures collected by the famous Paston family.
See The Paston Treasure for yourself in the Treasure, Trade & the Exotic Gallery at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
Just TWO WEEKS until the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition – are you ready? 👀
We’re looking forward to meeting fellow business owners, sharing top marketing tips, and discovering exciting new opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, startup, or established business, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
💡 Looking for marketing advice? Let’s chat! We’ll be on hand to help you elevate your brand, boost engagement, and drive more sales. 🚀
📍 Where? Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition 📅 When? 26th March 2025
If you’re attending, make sure to pop by and say hello – we’d love to meet you! Let’s talk all things marketing, growth, and smashing success together. 🚀
Were you at the #grandnorwichduckrace? Which duck was your favourite?
We loved seeing all the creative designs and being part of such a fun event for a brilliant cause. Proud to support @breakcharity and the amazing work they do