Press Releases 2012
9th January 2012
Crossroads Care Association Christmas Disco for young carers, funded by Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club, proves to be a great success.
Over 100 young carers from across Norfolk came together on Friday 9 December to enjoy a spectacular Christmas Disco at the Royal Norfolk Showground.
For two and a half hours they were able to celebrate the season with music, lights and games provided by the DJ, Chris Watt of Inline Entertainment. And for those who needed a break from the excitement and dancing, a buffet and soft drinks helped the evening along.
The young carers had travelled from as far away as King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth to join the party, organised by Crossroads Norfolk Young Carers Project with the generous donation from Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club, who meet at 7.30am every Tuesday at the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich.
Christine Comacle-Smith, Senior Project Officer with Crossroads Care Association Norfolk Young Carers, said “It is wonderful to be able to organise an event like this for so many young carers. It gives them a chance to take a break from their caring responsibilities, to get out and enjoy themselves being children and making new friends. We are very grateful to the Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club for their generosity in making this possible.”
Crossroads Norfolk Young Carers Project has supported nearly 1300 young carers from as young as 4 up to 18 since it started in 2003.
The Project provides advocacy, emotional and practical support to young carers on all aspects of daily living affected by their caring responsibilities. It also enables young carers to have a break from their caring tasks by enjoying leisure and cultural pursuits.
Crossroads Care offers support to the families where there are young carers by listening to their needs and coordinating services to make life easier for all family members.
There are also around 30 young carers groups across the county where children and young people are given the space to be children, unwind and make friends.
Crossroads Care are aware of some 2,000 young carers in Norfolk but it is known that there are many more that are still ‘hidden’ young carers and missing out on support.
Press Releases 2011
14th December 2011
‘Man on the Spot in England’, Glynn Burrows of Norfolk-Tours, promotes our county to the USA bringing more and more visitors to Norfolk.
Norfolk man, Glynn Burrows, started his business last year, to encourage visitors to see the lesser known places in Norfolk. As a bespoke tour operator, it is totally up to the guests, where they go and as a result he has also taken his guests to such places as York, Colchester, Cambridge and Stratford-upon-Avon.
“I started Norfolk-Tours as a service to family historians who wanted to see where their ancestors lived”, said Glynn, but I soon became aware that my guests wanted to see places on the usual tourist routes as well as the tiny villages and hamlets associated with their own families.
The unique thing about a Norfolk-Tours’ holiday, is that we go where the customer wants to go. There are no set tours, no time restraints (apart from those set by the places we visit) and the only deadline is the flight home! Often, when driving through the countryside, one often sees a place worthy of a visit, but on a usual coach trip or a set tour, it isn't possible to say "Stop, let's take a look at that!" On a Norfolk-Tours holiday, that is exactly what is expected of the guests.
One couple were touring with me last year and the lady wanted to spend the whole day scouring antique shops, that is exactly what we did and, afterwards, her husband said to me; "If I could make my wife half as happy as you have made her today, I'd be made for life" That lady is coming back next April with two friends."
Norfolk-Tours have taken a lady to visit her ancestral castle at Horsford, visitors to explore ruins, a group of agents to a private stately home. Glynn has introduced visitors to a jeweller, who gave them a lesson in making their own jewellery, taken a group of ladies to Walsingham to soak up the spiritual atmosphere, and many others to the usual tourist attractions including Sandringham.
Glynn added, “I arrange for our clients to stay in top class, privately owned accommodation. I don't use chain hotels, just individual B&Bs and top of the range places. I check out all the accommodation before my guests arrive and my wife often comes along too, to give a woman's view.“
Glynn is now in partnership with an international operator, bringing parties of top end travel agents to Norfolk and introducing them to places they had never heard of. Most of their clients are "cruised out" and have done all the usual places such as the Cotswolds, London, Shakespeare Country, Bath etc and they now want something different and Norfolk has "different" by the bucket-load.
For most of this year, Glynn has been a guest on an internet radio show broadcast from California, as the show's ‘Man on the spot in England’ talking about our traditions and what is available for visitors to this beautiful area. He is also a guest on another US internet radio show about Family History, as there are a lot of people abroad who can trace their roots back to England. Many can trace their families to Norfolk, with people as different as Lincoln and Pocahontas having connections with this fine County. He also explains to the US listeners how we go about tracing family history in England as records here are surprisingly very different to those in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Looking ahead, Norfolk-Tours will continue to provide bespoke travel arrangements to our foreign visitors helping to boost tourism in Norfolk and beyond.
For more information on Norfolk-Tours visit www.norfolk-tours.co.uk
12th December 2011
20th Year of Christmas Day Celebration – Norwich Open Christmas provides 400 Norfolk people, on their own or homeless, a free Christmas Day Dinner at St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich This year, 180 volunteers will come together to provide a Christmas Day to remember for 400 guests, local people who would otherwise be on their own or on the streets. As well as a Christmas Dinner guests will be entertained throughout the day. A clothing area is also set up for those who need warm clothing to see them through the cold winter days and nights and food parcels are given to all those who attend.
Most of us will be with family or friends but for those who are alone, Norwich Open Christmas opens its doors and welcomes everyone who turns up. As well as a warm welcome, guests can feel comfortable being with others who may be in a similar situation to themselves.
Event Co-ordinator Steve Clark said “It is thanks to the hard work of so many volunteers and generous supporters that we have been able to create this very special day for so many years and for so many people. To secure the future of Norwich Open Christmas we now need to attract additional funding and we are also working hard to become a registered charity. Our event is totally free for the guests who turn up. There is no need to book. If guests need transport then we try our best to organise a volunteer driver. Transport does need to be arranged in advance, as does our minibus service for wheelchair users. Although we don’t know exactly how many people will come, we prepare in excess of 400 dinners. We have volunteers working all day on Christmas Eve preparing the food and many more helping on Christmas Day itself. Being alone at any time of the year can be difficult, but being alone on Christmas Day can be, for some, unbearable. Every single person who supports Norwich Open Christmas, whether as a volunteer or by donating food, clothing or money, really makes a big difference”.
Norwich Open Christmas opens its doors at St Andrew’s Hall from 11am until 5pm on Christmas Day.
For general enquiries or to support Norwich Open Christmas telephone: 07973 327133 or visit www.OpenChristmas.org.uk
To arrange Free Guest Transport telephone: 01953 857200
16th November 2011
NORFOLK BASED COMPANY DISTRIBUTES THE WORLD’S FIRST MICRO-CHARGED SPA TREATMENT
A Norfolk based company, Aquavate Limited, has been awarded the sole UK distribution of the innovative and exciting Aquaneuro Wet System, designed by Professor of Medicine, Roberto Ciaff, a highly respected clinical scientist and Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Director of Biosysco, the manufacturer of the technology.
A first of its kind, the Aquaneuro Wet System is a complete and effective ‘full body’ work-out that effortlessly exercises opposing muscle groups for a totally rejuvenated feeling and so much more. It accelerates recovery from injury and surgical procedure, re-educates damaged nerve pathways and helps with muscle regeneration and toning.
Jonathan White, a Director of Attleborough based Aquavate Limited, was introduced to the wet system after being invited to West Ham Football Club earlier this year, following 10 years of back problems related to degenerated discs. “I was invited along to West Ham to see if the Aquaneuro system would help me with my back problems and I was amazed with the instant results that I experienced. I made some enquiries about where else you could experience the system and soon found out that I was in the right place at the right time, as Biosysco were looking for a UK distributor following their seven years of development. It’s a very exciting product that can help many individuals with pain management but is also great for people who just want to use it for relaxing, stress relief and rejuvenation of mind and body”.
During its development, National Hunt Jockey Mick Fitzgerald used the system after he broke his neck in two places. The Aquaneuro system accelerated his recovery much sooner than predicted and just two months later he went on not only to ride again but to win the Hennessey Gold Cup.
The Aquaneuro Wet System features unique cutting-edge patented SigmaQ technology to stimulate the body to release its own natural feel-good chemicals (endorphins) which help to alleviate stress whilst, at the same time, mobilising joints and extending range, improving circulation and increasing overall mobility.
SigmaQ is a unique, ground-breaking microgating process that initiates muscular contraction and motor neuron nerve activity, consistent with natural physiology, in a way that bypasses the sensory nervous system thus the user experiences no undesirable sensations. It is designed to be a ‘therapy session’ product where the user relaxes in a shallow pool of warm temperature-controlled water whilst strategically positioned transponders transmit the technology either to specific muscle groups or throughout the whole body.
Aquavate has designed a unique proposition for health/leisure clubs, spa centres, gyms and beauty salons looking to gain high returns on investment through the new technology. Aquavate are able to offer a full lease rental option for under £18 per day that includes a system, service, warranty and a full marketing tool kit to promote the service.
Aquavate has created new opportunities for local businesses including marketing, warehousing and installation services. As the business grows they will also be looking to employ additional sales and account management staff.
For further information call 0800 553 5051 or visit www.aquavate.co.uk
7 June 2011
Norfolk Business Coach to Inspire Young People in America
Hethersett Life and Business Coach, Judith Flowerday, 46, of Dare to Fly was, out of the blue, contacted by a researcher on behalf of The Full Potential Show http://www.fullpotential.com in the U.S. The researcher had found Judith on the internet and was impressed by her positive outlook despite suffering from what can be a debilitating illness.
The show’s presenter, James Rick, felt that Judith’s story of coaching individuals and being such a positive person herself despite being diagnosed with ME three years ago would be inspirational to the young people of America and an interview was arranged via Skype.
Following the interview Judith was invited to donate something to their 'expert treasure chest' such as coaching or an e-book.
Now set up as judithflowerday on Skype, with a good webcam and microphone, Judith is able to reach more potential clients. Using Skype for coaching sessions is more personal than a telephone call as the client and coach have visual contact throughout the session. Geographical boundaries are no longer an issue as she can now offer to coach clients in any area of the UK or even the world.
Coaching by Skype also works well for clients who are housebound by disability, agoraphobia or illness.
Those who feel too shy to meet someone face-to-face may feel more comfortable conducting the session via Skype. Clients who are just too busy to arrange to meet could be coached at home or from their office.
Judith said, “Coaching feeds my spirit like nothing I have ever experienced and the feeling I get from watching a client blossom is immense.” said Judith. “I started Dare to Fly offering life coaching but have attracted clients who required coaching & mentoring for business purposes so I naturally progressed to doing both”.
For information on life coaching and business coaching visit www.daretofly.co.uk or telephone 01603 810024.
3 May 2011
From ME to coaching- making the most of your potential
Three years ago Judith Flowerday, 45, of Hethersett was diagnosed with ME, a diagnosis that came as a complete shock for someone who had always believed that she was invincible.
Looking back she realised that for several years she had overstretched herself, particularly the work she did as a PA two years earlier, a time during which she was very stressed and continually suffered from colds and chest infections. Her body was issuing her warnings to slow down but like many of us she continued to work at high stress levels until her doctor insisted that she take an easier role, but the damage by now had been done and her health deteriorated to such a point where she was sleeping 13 hours a night and taking several hours to get up, showered and dressed in the mornings.
After a year and having learned how to balance work with her health needs, Judith, who had qualified for a Diploma in Coaching Practice in 2006, set up Dare To Fly in 2009.
“Coaching feeds my spirit like nothing I have ever experienced and the feeling I get from watching a client blossom is immense.” said Judith. “I started Dare to Fly offering life coaching but have attracted clients who required coaching & mentoring for business purposes so I naturally progressed to doing both”.
One client, Sam Reece of Quagga Design Management, who has benefited from Judith’s coaching said, “Judith has changed my life. When I initially went to address my assertive abilities on a personal level, my session soon developed into work that involved my business and professional life as well. Before I started seeing Judith I was lost. I had my goals but I simply didn’t know how to fully achieve them, or even begin to reach them. She has helped me with both my personal and business life, giving me confidence and faith in everything I do. In short, she has unlocked my potential and helped me in realising my future”.
Towards the end of last year, Judith decided to ‘officially’ offer business coaching as well as training and has been working hard on developing business coaching tools that echo the very supportive and intuitive ethos that has become Dare To Fly.
In May Judith is holding her second birthday party to thank all those who have supported, encouraged and motivated her throughout her journey.
Her ultimate vision is to be able to support hundreds of thousands of clients across the world by working alongside people who demonstrate the same vision and values as Dare to Fly.
For information on life coaching and business coaching visit www.daretofly.co.uk or telephone 01603 810024.
17 March 2011
Are you interested in the issues facing Norfolk both locally and nationally? A number of inspirational guest speakers will be visiting Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club over the coming months to talk to members and answer questions.
The speakers during April to June include Mark Crutchley of Greenpeace, Chloe Smith MP, Paul McVeigh of Inspire International, Anna Dugdale Chief Executive , Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Richard Marks of John Lewis and David White ,Chief Executive of Norfolk County Council.
The club, which meets at 7.30am every Tuesday morning at the Maids Head Hotel in Tombland, has built a reputation of featuring well informed speakers in its programme
Club President, Maurice Land said, “We are a group of like minded individuals who meet once a week for a positive start to the day and have fun doing it. Add this to this social events, networking, a varied speaker programme and support for local and international charities and you will understand why members attend week after week.”
.If you wish to attend some of the Breakfast meetings as a guest to hear our speakers talk about the challenges facing them and have an opportunity to ask questions while enjoying a cooked breakfast or are interested in knowing more about Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club, please telephone Jane Crane on 07758 831822 or visit www.blackfriars-rotary.org.uk
12 March 2011
Letter to the Editor
Redundancy ....A Fresh Opportunity?
Dear Editor
Already this year we are seeing a number of jobs going as people in a range of positions in Norfolk find themselves being made redundant, I being one.
To be told that your organisation is planning a restructure which, if it were to go ahead, would not include your position, is not the news you particularly want to hear just before Christmas. It is news that can either make you crumble or get you thinking about what you really want to be doing with your career in the future.
I decided that the second option was the best, to assess my skills gained from working in advertising for 20 years and in fundraising and pr for a local well respected charity for 5 years, and use them to start my own businesses.
I have been so impressed with the help that is available to someone in my position. In the weeks since I was officially made redundant I have attended workshops and courses, all of which have been free and so valuable when you are considering starting your own venture. I contacted WEETU and Business Link East initially who gave me useful start up info and lists of other contacts. From there I contacted NWES and was given the opportunity to attend a 4 day Business Planning course. This has been excellent.
I am looking forward to officially starting my business in April, working with local charities who need help in raising their profile and additional income, as well as assistance with event planning.
I will also be working with businesses, some of whom I will have already developed excellent relationships with over the years.
Charities and Businesses wishing to know more about the services I offer can email sharon@sharonhulbertevents-pr.co.uk or telephone 01692 536181.
Sharon Hulbert (Mrs)
Sharon Hulbert Events & PR Consultancy
.