This May the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery are once again joining forces to bring an exciting night of activities and entertainment to Norwich as part of the Europe-wide Museums at Night celebration. This year’s event, on Wednesday 19 May, runs from 5pm until 11pm and marks the beginning of an association with Norfolk & Norwich Festival. It also forms part of A History of the World, the BBC’s flagship partnership with the British Museum and museums around the country. Admission is free and people are welcome to call in at any time during the evening (booking not required).


It is the third year that Norwich’s two leading museums have collaborated to stage a Museums at Night event for the city. The event will be packed with live music, storytelling, tours and creative fun for adults and children, all in an exciting late night atmosphere.

“We're really delighted to be bringing Norwich Castle and the Sainsbury Centre together again for another Museums at Night evening. Last year's event created a big buzz and this year's is set to be even more spectacular with the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and BBC coming on board too. It's great that so many partners are joining forces to deliver a fantastic event for the city” - Esther Morgan, East of England Renaissance Hub.


The theme of the event is ‘treasure', in celebration of the world-class collections held at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery. The theme links to the museums’ participation in the project, A History of the World, during 2010. In Norfolk, 10 objects were selected to represent its place in the world (5 of these are held at Norwich Castle and 1 at the Sainsbury Centre). The BBC will be running a video diary room and stand at the event on the 19 May and want people to bring their own objects along.

“Part of the History of the World project is about creating a whole new set of objects, not from museums, but from the general public. We want people in Norfolk to share with us objects that are special to them and that tell a story. At the Museums at Night event we will be helping people upload their objects on to the BBC’s History of the World website and they can also record a short video diary piece about their object if they want to. So, if you’re coming to the event, bring an object along!” - Martyn Weston, BBC Norfolk.


On the night people will have a special opportunity to get their hands on museum objects. They will be able to experience handling a collection of flints from Norwich Castle, which includes hand axes from Africa dating back 1.5 million years. Visitors will also be able to handle objects from countries such as Papua New Guinea from the Sainsbury Centre’s world art handling collection. This collection is currently an essential part of the Centre’s 3-year Heritage Lottery Funded community outreach project, Culture of the Countryside. Other object discoveries can be made on the Relics Trail through the museum, which is packed with challenges. The trail links to the CBBC series Relic: Guardians at the Museum, an episode of which will be screened during the evening.


Artist-led games will also offer the chance to explore the Sainsbury Centre and see the museum in a new light despite the darkness! Visitors will find the unexpected in the far reaches of the Centre with interventions created by the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which will reveal the museum as it has never been seen before. The fun will include a chance to venture into the Centre’s Reserve Collection with only torch light to find the objects on display.


“It is fantastic the Norfolk & Norwich Festival is featuring Museums at Night. It is fitting that an European initiative that encourages access to culture for all is now associated with the international arts festival for our region” - Jonathan Holloway, Norfolk & Norwich Festival.


Creative activities including a torc-making workshop will keep little fingers busy, while adults will enjoy a fascinating talk from archaeological finds expert Adrian Marsden and opportunities to talk to Sainsbury Centre resident artist, Eliza Bracher. There will also be an eclectic mix of performance including story-telling, the Hot Boppin’ Girls, Girl in a Thunderbolt, Futter, magician Bob Percy, live music from the Neutrinos and Dim Goddess. Chen Hong will be giving calligraphy demonstrations during the evening inspired by the collections at NorwichCastle and at the Sainsbury Centre. Regarded as a ‘cultural treasure’ in his homeland, Mr Hong is an expert and eloquent painter of traditional Chinese motifs (in residence at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery during May). A packed programme with something for everyone - and it’s completely free!


The Norfolk & Norwich Festival will also be bringing further excitement and intrigue to the Sainsbury Centre on Wednesday 19 May in the shape of a 15-foot inflatable art installation. Kurt Perschke’s RedBall: Norwich is making its UK debut as part of the Festival and will be squished into 14 different nooks and crannies across Norwich city centre.

The event at the Sainsbury Centre is the largest of eight exciting and diverse Museums at Night events taking place in the city this year, making it the biggest Museums at Night programme Norwich has ever seen! Other venues hosting events organised by Norwich HEART comprise: the Assembly House; the Cathedral of St John the Baptist; Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum; Dragon Hall; The Forum; The Guildhall and Norwich Cathedral.

Visitors to a Norfolk National Gardens Scheme open garden are enticed to sample “Afternoon Holly Tea” at How Hill Farm Garden. Owned and tended by Peter Boardman, he has created three separate gardens here dating back as far as 1968. Peter opens his garden for the NGS on the 23rd May 2010 (1pm - 5pm), admission £3.50 with children free.

Peter was invited to taste Holly Tea with James Wong on the BBC 2 series ”Grow your own Drugs.” Christmas Special. James, 28 is an ethnabotanist, which means he knows what use plants can be. His programme features many natural remedies. Here in Norfolk Peter Boardman is obviously of the same thinking as James Wong. Peter has a “Collection of Holly” with the ”Wolf-Fenton Award” from the Holly Society of America. (The Award is given to an individual or individuals for outstanding service and dedication to the Holly Society of America. It is their most prestigious award).

How Hill Farm garden consists of nearly twelve acres with two pretty gardens around the house. The third started in 1968 leading to a three acre Broad dug in 1978 with views over River Ant and Turf Fen Mill. The garden has a Broad, four ponds, the site of an old Broad with 5ft Tussock sedges, with about an acre of indigenous ferns under oak and alder. It features paths through rare conifers, rhododendrons, azaleas, ornamental trees, shrubs, bamboos and herbaceous plants and good vistas. Bordering on the Broads, the boats can be seen as they quietly sail and motor past. This is a really tranquil spot with windmills and magnificent gardens. There will be English tea and homemade cakes available in the thatched barn as usual, but also the opportunity to try South American Holly Tea.

Garden owner Peter Boardman said "it was a surprise to be asked to appear on the “Grow your Drugs” programme. I have always received a bit of interest in Holly over Christmas but this was quite different. It was not until after it was broadcast I realised how popular the programme was and how much interest Holly tea had created. Now visitors can try it for themselves. Holly tea is made from a species called “Ilex Paraguariensis” which is grown in South America, here in England the weather is too cold for it to survive. It is drunk by many millions of people there but we here drink tea derived from Camellias. Paraguariensis is recognised by chemists as a stimulant for the nerves and muscles as well as the brain.”

NGS County Organiser Fiona Black said “With the increased interest of edible plants, natural remedies and growing your own produce, gardening has a whole new concept. Not only is How Hill Farm a great garden to visit but it also has the magnificent view of the man made Norfolk Broads. Afternoon tea with a brew of Holly tea and home made cakes on the Norfolk Broads would just make a NGS garden visit complete”.

If your garden is of high quality, character and at least forty-five minutes interest Contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden. Tel 01692 650247

For more garden days out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org



- Joe Swift - The New President of the National Gardens Scheme
Joe Swift, the well known garden designer and TV personality who has presented BBC2's Gardeners World since 1998, has joined the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) as President. Joe has had considerable first-hand knowledge of many NGS gardens and has filmed in several for various TV programmes, including 15 episodes of the popular BBC2 ‘Open Gardens’ series. One of Joe’s first duties as President was to host the launch of The Yellow Book 2010 at the Royal Festival Hall with Manor House Farm, Wellingham, Norfolk featured on the front cover.

- The NGS has 3700 gardens that open for charity. It is renowned for its gardens of high quality, character and interest.

- Charities which benefit from the NGS are: Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Crossroads Care and Help the Hospices, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, NGS gardeners’ careership (the National Trust) and Perennial - Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society.

- Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.

- The success of the National Trust’s careership programme can be measured by the number of post-careership gardeners that are now employed by the Trust and by major private owners. Many have risen to the horticultural heights of Head Gardener.


Sunday, 16th May 2010
4 Mill Road, Marlingford NR9 5HL. Open 11 - 5 Adm £2.50
Lexham Hall, nr Litcham PE32 2QJ. Open 11 - 5 Adm £4
Narborough Hall, Narborough PE32 1TE. Open 10 - 4 Adm £4
The Mowle, Staithe Road, Ludham NR29 5NP. Open 1 - 6 Adm £4

Monday, 17th May 2010
Lexham Hall, nr Litcham PE32 2QJ. Open 11 - 5 Adm £4

Sunday, 23rd May 2010
Bolwick Hall, Marsham NR10 5PU. Open 1 - 5 Adm £3
New - 5 Batterby Green, Hempton NR21 7LY. Open 11 - 5 Adm £3
Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NL. Open 11 - 5 Adm £3
How Hill Farm, Ludham NR29 5PG. Open 1 - 5 Adm £3.50
Sheringham Park, Upper Sheringham NR26 8TL Dawn - dusk £4 per car
The Old Cottage, Colby Corner, nr Aylsham NR11 7EB. Open 11 - 5 Adm £4

Wednesday, 26th May 2010
New - Chaucer Barn , NR11 8RL. Open 2 - 8 Adm £3.50

Sunday, 30th May 2010
Holme Hale Hall, Holme Hale IP25 7ED. Open 11 - 5 Adm £4.50
Old Sun House, Damgate, Wymondham NR18 0BH. Open 12 - 5 Adm £3.50
Oulton Hall, Oulton, Aylsham NR11 6NU. Open 11 - 5 Adm £5
New -Warborough House , Wells Road, Stiffkey NR23 1QH. Open 1 - 5 Adm £3.50


Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.
www.norfolkgardens.org

Nowadays it is hard to imagine riding in a vehicle not wearing a seat belt (but there are still many drivers not taking notice), the three-point safety belt now standard in cars was invented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, and of course was fitted to the first Volvo's in 1959.

So this is the most important safety device ever invented and increases the chance of surviving an accident by over 50%....

Cancer Prevention Week 2010:
NHS Norfolk promotes a healthy lifestyle to help prevent cancer

NHS Norfolk is stressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle - including keeping active and eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day - to help prevent about a third of the most common cancers.

The call comes at the beginning of Cancer Prevention Week 2010 - organised by the World Cancer Research Fund.

Although there is no "cure all" NHS Norfolk is keen to emphasise the following:

* Healthy eating
* Exercise
* Taking up screening when invited

Jonathan Williams, NHS Norfolk’s Assistant Director of Public Health, said: “Exercise and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day is known to improve health in general. This includes the prevention of long-term conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as cancer.

"It is essential that people are able to recognise the risks so they can make informed decisions about their lifestyle.

“I urge people to be mindful of the potential causes of cancer and to seek a medical opinion if they develop symptoms which could indicate cancer.

"Part of your defence against cancer is to take advantage of the National Breast, Bowel and Cervical Cancer Screening Programmes available to certain age groups which are commissioned by NHS Norfolk. These screening tests can identify potential problems before they develop into cancer.”

Earlier this year, the Anglia Cancer Awareness Survey, commissioned by the NHS Anglia Cancer Network, showed that some people living in NHS Norfolk’s area cannot recognise some symptoms of cancer.

While most people agreed that a lump or a change in the appearance of a mole, could be a sign of cancer, only 73% of people knew that an unexplained loss of weight could be a symptom. Just 63% knew persistent trouble with swallowing could be a potential symptom.

Most knew that smoking could increase the risk of cancer, but only 8% of respondents in NHS Norfolk’s area cited being overweight as a risk. Most people knew about the breast screening and cervical screening programme, but less than half were aware of the NHS Bowel Screening Programme.

There are breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening programmes in Norfolk. Those eligible for screening programmes should automatically receive a letter. But in order to do so, they must be registered with a GP and ensure that their surgery has their current contact details.

Fiona Kelly, Screening Programmes Lead at NHS Norfolk, said: "When you receive an invitation for screening, please, please do something about it – talk to your GP surgery, ask for translations, navigate to the websites for more information, seek advice and assistance from carers if necessary … but, do not ignore invitations. Make sure that you have an informed yes or no decision and remember, your views may change sometime in the future."

These days, 'modern life' can mean that we're a lot less active. With so many opportunities to watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, we don't move about as much, or eat as well as we used to.

Hannah Critten, NHS Norfolk's Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives Co-ordinator, said: "Research has shown that an average of one in three of our Norfolk children today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease."

NHS Norfolk has developed a number of initiatives to encourage people of all ages to lead a more healthy lifestyle. Several of them are aimed at children - to encourage people to eat healthily and take exercise at an early age.

They include the Sporty Tots and MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do-it) programmes for children, which are delivered by Football in the Community on behalf of NHS Norfolk.

Being overweight isn’t just about the way we look. It can lead to more aches and pains, problems sleeping and people report a loss of energy and confidence.
Take the first step towards getting yourself or your children eating well, moving more and living longer just by registering with the Change4life movement at www.change4life.co.uk

To encourage people to eat more healthily, NHS Norfolk runs the Joy of Food, a community-based programme funded by the Big Lottery, which increases fruit and vegetable consumption by teaching basic food skills and raising awareness of the social pleasure of food.

Caroline Seaman, NHS Norfolk's Joy of Food lead said: "British grown fruit and vegetables will soon be coming in to season, and there's no better time to aim for your five-a-day. Fruit and vegetables contain a range of vitamins and minerals to enhance your health - and the nutrients in everyday food like carrots and apples can be just as important as those found in exotic foods like sweet potatoes and papaya."

Cancer Prevention Week aims to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can prevent up to a third of the most common cancers, including healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. For more details visit the World Cancer Research Fund website at www.wcrf-uk.org

For more details on NHS Norfolk's Joy of Food, call 01603 257219.

To find out more about other activities and initiatives across the NHS Norfolk locality which can support you to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, call the NHS Norfolk Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 4132.

For more information about these services and others log on to the NHS Norfolk HERON website at www.heron.nhs.uk

Joint initiative to raise awareness of older people’s mental health

The Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust has joined forces with Age Concern, Alzheimer’s Society and Crossroads to showcase an older people’s mental health information event.

The drop-in event is aimed at members of the public to provide information and advice for older people on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, memory loss and dementia.

The event will be held on May 20 2010, in the Forum, Norwich from 10am-4pm.

There are plans for interactive laptop presentations and quiz questions to be running on the day.

Opportunities to have informal discussions with representatives from the organisations and the Trust’s community mental health team will be available at the event alongside the information stands.

Chris Hardwell, Community Mental Health Team Manager at the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:
"With the growing population of older people living in Norfolk, it is important to promote understanding and awareness of mental health issues. Events such as the information session at the Forum aim to positively promote wellbeing in later life, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health".

For further information visit www.nwmhft.nhs.uk or call 01603 421494.

It Takes Two - Norwich 20 Group Artists Collaborate will be staged at St Margaret’s Church, St Benedicts, Norwich from Tuesday, May 11th to Saturday, May 22nd, open daily 10am to 6pm, free admission.

We are looking for volunteers to help with the Active Norfolk Corporate Games on Friday 18th June. Volunteers will be needed all day and roles will include keeping scores, marshaling and helping with the smooth running of the activities throughout the day. Volunteers will receive lunch, a t-shirt and a certificate.

If you are interested, please email shelley.starkings@activenorfolk.org and request a registration form

For more information about the Active Norfolk Corporate Games, click here



Men and women with disabilities will be able to try several sporting activities at the event which is being organised by Active Norfolk and delivered in partnership with Football in the Community (FITC).

It is FREE to enter and is open to individuals with disabilities over the age of 16. Click here for details

The Norfolk Working Well Conference will give attendees a chance to hear the economic case for investing in health and wellbeing initiatives and encourage them to implement the ideas within their own organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff.

The event has been arranged by NHS Norfolk in partnership with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and will take place on Tuesday, May 11 2010 at Open, on Bank Plain in Norwich between 9am-1.30pm.

Sheila Childerhouse, NHS Norfolk’s Chair will open the conference, before it is chaired by Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. The conference will also include a keynote speech from the National Director for Health and Work, Dame Carol Black.

Over 100 organisations are expected to be represented at the event from a mixture of both public and private backgrounds, some to exhibit their ideas and some to discuss how they may be able to implement the initiatives themselves.

Business representatives will be able to explore how the introduction of similar initiatives and policies could benefit their own organisations by potentially reducing staff sickness, staff turnover, recruitment costs and stress – but increasing staff morale, productivity and loyalty.

Around 22 stands will be on display from a range of organisations to promote initiatives for a variety of aspects regarding health and wellbeing, such as ideas to help people stop smoking, become more active, eat well at work and maintain positive mental health.

Representatives from NHS Norfolk will be promoting programmes offered by the organisation, which was recently awarded ‘Fit for Business’ status for its efforts to implement and promote initiatives and policies to improve the wellbeing of its staff.

Catering for the conference is being provided by The Joy of Food (a project hosted by NHS Norfolk) which has trained a number of individuals to work alongside the project team to feed the delegates some of the Joy of Food’s speciality dishes, all of which represent the key elements of a balanced diet.

Justine Hottinger, joint-organiser of the event and NHS Norfolk’s Health Improvement Specialist for the Workplace, said: “I have been working closely with NHS Norfolk management to implement a number of policies and initiatives which encourage our members of staff to take suitable breaks, be active, eat well and generally lead a healthier lifestyle in and out of work.

“This can really help to increase productivity in the workplace, make staff feel like a valuable resource and ultimately benefit the organisation they work for by increasing efficiency and reducing staff sickness.

“At the Norfolk Working Well conference, we will demonstrate to Norfolk businesses that investment in the wellbeing of staff can reap significant rewards. For example, by helping staff manage their stress levels and stay healthy generally, businesses can reduce the number of staff absences which tend to cost businesses significantly over the course of a year.”

The conference is for Norfolk businesses and free of charge, though booking is required. For more information about the Norfolk Working Well event or information about how to book, go to: www.workplacehealth.biz

Kingfisher

Kingfishers are birds of the three families Alcedinidae (river kingfishers), Halcyonidae (tree kingfishers), and Cerylidae (water kingfishers).

Characteristics
There are about 90 species of kingfisher. All are small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds, they have large heads, long, sharp, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.

Habitat
Kingfishers live in both woodland and wetland habitats. Kingfishers that live near water hunt small fish by diving. They also eat crayfish, frogs, and insects. Wood kingfishers eat reptiles.

Kingfishers of all three families beat their prey to death, either by whipping it against a tree or by dropping it on a stone.

They are able to see well both in air and under water. To do this, their eyes have evolved an egg-shaped lens able to focus in the two different environments.

Behaviour
They fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. They are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation through pollution.

They are widespread, especially in central and southern England, becoming less common further north but they are currently increasing in their range in Scotland. Kingfishers are found by still or slow flowing water such as lakes, canals and rivers in lowland areas.

In winter, some individuals move to estuaries and the coast. Occasionally they may visit garden ponds if of a suitable size.
B.A.B.


www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife

With many magnificent gardens open this year, the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk is enticing visitors to plan a garden day out and venture further afield to benefit from gardens within easy reach of each other, opening on the same day. Garden enthusiasts are encouraged to down tools and enjoy the results of others hard work and sit and enjoy the views and peace in these wonderful gardens. Gardens surrounding halls and farmhouses and small ones in towns and villages, can all be found to provide that garden day out of ones choice.

Lexham Hall and Narborough Hall, both set in parkland, open on Sunday 16th May. With a splendid show of spring colour, including wisterias trained on walls and arches and spring flowering clematis, they are only 10 miles apart. Both gardens, although very different in layout, have extensive walks along the River Nar, woodland, topiary and walled gardens.

One of the first new gardens to open is 5 Batterby Green, Hempton, a cottage garden packed with plants opening the same day as Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk on Sunday 23rd May. With six NGS gardens open this week-end, there is a challenge for the keen visitor to see how many they can enjoy, starting at 11 o’clock in the morning!

Chelsea Award winning garden designer Clare Agnew opens the garden at Oulton Hall (featured on the front cover of 2010 Norfolk NGS Garden Guide) on Sunday 30th May. A short journey to the north coast will provide the opportunity of visiting a new open garden. Warborough House is a seven acre garden on a steep chalk slope, surrounding a nineteen century house (not open) with views across the Stiffkey valley and to the coast.

NGS County Organiser Anthea Foster said “If your garden choice is large and formal, small and quirky or just the wow factor of interest, plan a NGS garden day out in Norfolk this year. Throughout the open garden season a combination of gardens can be enjoyed at a relatively low price. A chance to down your garden tools and admire the hard work of another gardener. With seventy five gardens and fourteen new gardens this year, several varied garden days out can be planned. Sit back and enjoy the view in a private show garden while helping raise funds for the charities of the National Gardens Scheme".

If your garden is of high quality, character and at least forty-five minutes interest Contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden. Tel 01692 650247

For more garden day out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org.