The north Norfolk coast is always a wonderful place to visit, but this weekend it’s even more special. Towns and cities may have switched on their Christmas lights in November and Santa may have made a few inappropriately early appearances, but none of that really kick started the Christmas festivities. This weekend the north Norfolk coast will get you in the mood for the most festive December you’ve ever had.


Four major events on the north Norfolk coast mark the start to the Christmas festivities - Creake Abbey Studios Farmers’ Market - Deepdale Christmas Market - Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival - Wells Christmas Tide. There never been a better excuse for spending a night or two on the north Norfolk coast!


Creake Abbey Studios will be holding a special Christmas Farmers’ Market on Saturday (4th Dec) from 9.30am to 2pm. Santa will be calling in, there will be cookery demonstrations, stalls and take the time to enjoy a hot chocolate in The Café or a mince pie. More information from www.creakeabbeystudios.co.uk


Deepdale Christmas Market is hosted by Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale, with over 40 stalls in marquees around the site & the permanent shops, selling a fantastic range of decorations, gifts, clothing, food & drink. The event is open 10am to 6pm on Saturday (4th Dec) and 10am to 4pm on Sunday (5th Dec). There are Christmas Carols with Hunstanton Concert Band on Saturday evening from 4pm to 6pm. Deepdale Café will be supplying their usual excellent food, with some Christmas specials like hot turkey and stuffing rolls! More information from www.deepdalechristmasmarket.co.uk


Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival is a week long event, from Thursday 2nd Dec to Thursday 9th Dec. It takes place in Fakenham Parish Church in the heart of the town. There are 85 trees, representing 75 charities and raises a huge amount for charity. Entrance is free, but take a bag of money to donate to your favourite charity trees in the collecting boxes around the church. Refreshments are available and of course the shops of Fakenham town centre. More information from www.fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk


Wells Christmas Tide is now firmly established in the Christmas calendar. Wells-next-the-Sea really embraces Christmas, with a weekend of events, although primarily on Saturday from 10am and into the evening. There’s a Christmas market in the Maltings, fancy dress competition, a living nativity and a performance by local children. Father Christmas arrives in the evening from the North Pole (via Creake Abbey of course!). More information from www.wellschristmastide.org.uk

As a warm up to the Deepdale Christmas Market, The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe are hosting The Rum Brothers on Friday night for some excellent live music. More information from www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk

Norfolk Green will be running their usual excellent Coasthopper bus service, which stops in Burnham Deepdale for the Deepdale Christmas Market and in Wells-next-the-Sea for the Christmas Tide. More information from www.coasthopper.co.uk

There is still accommodation available locally. Information on accommodation can be found on www.burnhamdeepdale.co.uk including hotels and B&Bs. Deepdale Backpackers & Camping (www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk) have tipis and some rooms available, there is also camping for the very hardy!

With falls being the most common cause of accidental death or serious injury among older people, as it continues to snow across the county, NHS Norfolk is encouraging people to take care and be prepared.

Jonathan Williams, Assistant Director of Public Health at NHS Norfolk, said: “Older people are particularly prone to falls during the icy winter months and it is important that they and their families know how they can best stay safe and well.

 “Being prepared means having a stock of non-perishable and tinned goods that you can use during icy conditions when you can’t go out. You should also keep a supply of salt or sand by your front door which can be spread on your path to clear it of ice.

“Make sure that you have a good pair of winter boots that have a deep tread and fit you properly as this will help keep you balanced. Sunglasses can also prevent glare from the snow.

“Importantly, although it is cold outside and you’ll probably be rushing to get indoors – don’t hurry, as this could easily lead to a trip or fall.

“Wrap up well when you go out in the cold. Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool and fleecy fibres are particularly good and help to maintain body heat.

“And don’t forget to keep an eye out for relatives and neighbours to make sure they are safe and warm too."

You can download a copy of the government's Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Campaigns/DH_121156

Sportspark customers have raised £700 for a wheelchair football club which uses its facilities. Customers have made donations in return for copies of the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News. All proceeds from the sales are being donated to charities or local sporting groups. In October £1400 was split between the Norwich and District branch of Parkinson’s UK and the Post Surgery Support Group for women affected by cancer. The latest group to benefit from the funds is Norwich City Powerchair Football Club (NCPFC).

Mark Womersley, Secretary of NCPFC said: “Sportspark have been very supportive of us as a club in the past anyway, and this additional financial support from them is vital to keep small voluntary clubs like ours in existence. We will put the money towards the purchase of a specialist powerchair football wheelchair, and hopefully a mini tournament, where we can invite other teams to come and sample Sportspark's fantastic facilities, with us beating them obviously!”

Assistant Director of Sportspark, Maria Rowe, said: “Clubs like Norwich City Powerchair Football Club are vitally important to make sure every member of our local community can enjoy the social and physical benefits of sport. Sportspark supports anyone who wants to keep active.”

She added: “We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and donations which are helping fund sporting activities for local groups and charities.” 

For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk


NCPFC plays in one of Sportspark’s indoor sports halls every Sunday night. For more information on the Norwich City Powerchair Football Club visit www.norwichcitypowerchairfc.co.uk or contact Mark Womersley on 01603 507509 or email ncpfc@tiscali.co.uk.

Burnham Deepdale, on the north Norfolk coast, is already well known for great food at Deepdale Café, excellent shopping at Dalegate Market, and of course the award winning hostels, campsite, tipis and yurts at Deepdale Backpackers & Camping.

Now the village aims to be a main feature in the festive calendar as the Deepdale Christmas Market goes from strength to strength. The second annual market on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December and will host over 50 stalls selling everything you need for the festive season - decorations, presents, food and drink.


If its presents you are looking for then try something unique from Flutterby Crafts and Fudgydoo, something for the outdoors from Garden Habitats or pampering products from Aroma Natural. The Spindly Brindly Dog Company are sure to have something for dog lovers. Corryvreckan, Linda Ridd and Fi offer unique jewellery for that special loved one. A picture from Tim Hall or Photographic Art is sure to please and James Buttifant’s penquins are superb!

Moreish cheese will be available from Lymn Bank Farm Cheese Co, savoury selection from Red House Kitchen, while Just Truffles and Rachel’s Cakes will most definitely please those with a sweet tooth. Enjoy some mead from The Grumpy Landlords, sort your Christmas wines with help from the Hunstanton Wine Cellar or if you prefer real ale then Beeston Brewery will make you smile.

Of course the regular shops and café at Dalegate Market will be open throughout the weekend, as they are all year. Adults and childrens clothes from Fat Face, toys and gifts from Little Giggles, jewellery and accessories from Relish, pottery and art from The Hare & The Hen and everyday essentials from Leftleys Supermarket. The usual great food will be available from Deepdale Café with the added extras of mulled wine, mince pies and hot marinated turkey baps with stuffing and cranberry!

Four charities are supported by the Christmas Market, each raising funds in their own unique way – RNLI, St Mary Church (Burnham Deepdale), Brancaster School and Brancaster Baby & Toddler Group. Last year over £500 was raised for charity.

Don’t forget that extra Christmas spirit is available on Saturday evening (4pm to 6pm), when Hunstanton Concert Band will be performing Christmas tunes and carols. The St Mary’s Church Carollers will be supplying carol sheets for anyone wishing to join in, along with mulled wine and roast chestnuts. The stalls will all be open until 6pm too.

Why not combine a visit to the Deepdale Christmas Market with a visit to the beautiful north Norfolk coast, take a walk or bike ride, visit the local pubs and escape the rat race for a couple of days.

The Coasthopper bus service can drop you at the Deepdale Christmas Market and take you home again. If you can’t avoid the car then there is good parking and with a little notice we can accommodate coaches too.

The 50 stalls and shops look forward to welcoming everyone to Deepdale on 4th and 5th December for Deepdale Christmas Market.

The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, is visiting a new scheme at a local convenience store in Norwich, to boost the availability and promotion of fruit and vegetables in stores across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

The new Change4Life Convenience Store campaign is being rolled out in 11 stores across the East of England and will help make it easier for people in all parts of the community to get their 5-a-day.

All the shops are selling a wider range of fruit and vegetables and prominently display the produce for customers. In return, the Department of Health has provided funding to buy fruit and vegetable chillers, stands and marketing materials. A project co-ordinator will also work with the stores and offer advice on maximising profits, minimising waste, as well as displaying and promoting the new fresh produce to the local community.

The Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, said: "Promoting the 5-a-day message is a good thing, but we also need to make it easier for people to actually buy fruit and vegetables locally. That is why this Change4Life Convenience Store campaign is such a great idea - simple but highly effective.

"Similar stores in the North East, where the scheme was first launched, have seen on average an increase of 40% in sales of fresh fruit and vegetables.

"This roll out of the campaign in Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire is excellent news for local communities - a boost to customers’ health as well as proving beneficial for shopkeepers’ profits."

Alex Lynch, NHS Norfolk's Change 4 Life Co-ordinator added: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has chosen to visit a store in Norwich.

"We would like to encourage families to sign up to Change4Life and see the benefits for themselves. You can find oiut more at www.nhs.uk/Change4Life"

Mr Lansley will be joined at the Spar store on St Augustine Gate (on the corner of Aylsham Road) by Chloe Smith, the MP for Norwich North.

They will be met by Dr Tim Crayford, NHS Norfolk's Interim Director of Public Health, James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores.

Also there will be Shaun Allen from Thetford who has been helped by Thetford Health Trainers to lose weight, making a huge difference to his life and by local children from the Magdalen Gates Primary School. The children will show the Health Secretary how to make fruit smoothies with the use of a ‘smoothie bike’ - combining physical activity with healthy eating.

The store was recently given an upgrade - relocating the fresh produce unit into a more prominent central location. The store is heavily involved with the local community and has embraced Change4Life as an opportunity to grow business and community relations.

All the stores taking part in the campaign will be encouraged to link their efforts to promote the 5-a-day message to other local schemes, such as cooking clubs in a bid to help their customers learn more about how to easily include more fruit and vegetables into their weekly diet. Nutritional information and training will also be offered to store staff so that they are able to talk about the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.

The Campaign is a part of the Department of Health’s Change4Life coalition, aimed at reversing the rising tide of obesity and encouraging everyone - businesses, local community groups, charities and parents - to get involved in the movement and make positive changes to their lifestyle. The Government has been working with the Association of Convenience Stores and its membership in the East of England including Spar, Costcutter, Londis and Nisa Local. All retailers have agreed to match fund the Government’s contributions.

James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores said: "Local shops are at the heart of communities, and Change4Life’s help in improving the fruit and vegetable on offer in these stores can make a huge difference to the diet choices that people can make.

"This scheme in the East of England will bring significant benefits to retailers and their customers. The launch of Change4life in convenience stores across England shows the enthusiasm and commitment from the convenience store sector to Change4Life and to promoting healthy choices.”

 
Sportspark launches a new Basketball night

Sportspark, based at the University of East Anglia, is launching a new informal basketball night with the aim of increasing participation in the sport. Basketball players will have exclusive use of the entire Haydn Morris sports hall which uniquely accommodates four training courts.

The event is starting on Saturday 27th November from 8.20pm – 10.20pm and will run every Saturday. Members of the public do not need to be in a team and can simply come to shoot hoops or play in a scrimmage. There is no need to book in advance and anyone can turn up and pay and play. For two weeks only players will pay a special introductory price of just £2 for two hours. Non-members must also pay a 60p guest fee.

Director of Sportspark, Keith Nicholls said: “Basketball is the world’s most played sport. It is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and now in Norwich. Due to the increasing interest, we are setting up a dedicated night so that we can bring together enthusiastic players. We hope this will lead to more teams setting up locally, who will be able to come and use our excellent facilities.”

Although Sportspark is owned and managed by the University of East Anglia, it is open to the whole community, not just the people at the University. For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk

For more information about Sportspark visit www.sportspark.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SportsparkUEA
Become a fan on Facebook

 

Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.

Nationally, at the end of October, 48 per cent of over 65s had so far accepted the jab against 54 per cent at the same point last year. Whereas 26 per cent of under 65s in at risk groups had accepted it against 31 per cent last year.

The 'blip' in uptake could be explained by a period of milder than usual weather for this time of year or it could be due to people being unnecessarily concerned about the jab containing swine flu vaccine.

So experts are taking no chances and want to urge patients to check if they're eligible and make sure they contact their doctor to have it.

Jonathan Williams, Assistant Director of Public Health at NHS Norfolk, said: "If you are called up for a flu vaccination we urge you to take advantage of the opportunity."

Those at risk who are eligible for the vaccination include adults and children between six months and 65 years old, who suffer from heart or chest diseases, or diabetes. Typically, fewer than half those under 65 in at-risk groups take advantage of the free jab, leaving thousands vulnerable.

All people aged 65 and over qualify for the free annual seasonal flu jab. In addition, adults and children aged six months to 65 years who have the following conditions are deemed to be at risk and should contact their GP for the free jab:

* Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma
* Chronic heart disease
* Chronic renal disease
* Chronic liver disease
* Diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
* Immunosuppression

Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health said: "We don't know how serious flu will be this winter. But we do know that improving seasonal flu vaccine uptake will ensure that more vulnerable people are protected.


"This year's vaccine is the ordinary seasonal flu jab and protects against the dominant strains - this year it protects against three types of flu, including the type known as "swine flu".


"It is vital we don't underestimate the effects of this virus. It is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health.


"My advice is to visit your local GP surgery and get the vaccination as soon as possible. This is the best form of protection for you and others."

Mr Williams added: "Women who are pregnant, and the child they are carrying, can suffer more serious symptoms, particularly with the H1N1 strain of flu. Statistically there is a greater risk of them being admitted to hospital so we strongly advise they have the vaccination.


“The vaccine has been rigorously tested and is safe. If you have any queries, please ask your GP or midwife."

The vaccination does not offer 100% protection from catching seasonal flu, but out of every 100 people immunised, 70 to 80 will be protected.

People who had the seasonal flu vaccination last year will need a new seasonal flu jab this winter because the virus changes every year and the vaccine needs to match the latest version of the virus.

Your GP surgery will invite you for your seasonal flu vaccination. If you haven’t been invited yet, contact your GP for more information, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu

A limited number of adult and family weekend tickets for Latitude Festival 2011 will go on sale from 9am on Friday 3rd December at 2010 prices. Secure your tickets now and join us as we open the gates to enter into the sixth edition of Latitude taking place on 14 – 17th July 2011, in the glorious setting of the Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s stunning Sunrise Coast.

Set at this year's prices, Latitude lovers can beat the VAT increase by purchasing tickets before the New Year – saving up to £10 per ticket. Perfect as a Christmas gift for friends, family or a personal treat!

Pre-sale tickets will be available until 31st December 2010. General sale tickets and line-up will be released in Spring next year. For more details visit:


A place to explore, discover and enjoy; Latitude encourages you to indulge yourself and open your mind to a world of wonders, thrills and delights which awaits your arrival. Latitude is unrivalled in the breadth and quality of its programme, with previous highlights including performances from Belle and Sebastian, Thom Yorke, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Grace Jones, Daniel Kitson & Gavin Osborn, Royal Opera House, Royal Shakespeare Company and Sadler's Wells.

Norwich Puppet Theatre, one of just two puppet theatres in England, is 30 years-old on the 1 December 2010. A series of exciting celebration events begins with an exhibition documenting some of the Theatre’s long history at the Fusion in the Forum, Norwich, from Monday 29 November until Saturday 4 December 2010.


Then on the eve of Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Birthday, there will be a fundraising auction of glove puppets, decorated, adorned or signed by a host of celebrities and artists, including Floella Benjamin, Sir Peter Blake, Stephen Fry, Terry Gilliam, Rolf Harris CBE, Cath Kidston and Gary Lineker (to name just a few).


On Saturday 4 December 2010, the Theatre has programmed a free family open day, which will be followed in the evening by a puppet cabaret for adults. Finally, the Norwich Puppet is calling for people’s written, photographic and film memories.


Norwich Puppet Theatre opened on 1 December 1980 with Humbug, an adaption of the classic tale of Scrooge. This was followed in spring 1981 with a production of the much-loved story of Pinocchio. The opening of a puppet theatre in Norwich was a huge project, which relied heavily on a dedicated volunteer committee and team of hands-on helpers, with support from Norwich City and Norfolk County Council, local businesses and residents. The conversion of the Church of St James, which had been a men’s night shelter in the mid-1970s, was a massive undertaking and took nearly 3 years to complete.

Norwich Puppet Theatre was the brainchild of a husband and wife puppetry team, Ray and Joan DaSilva, who had been touring their puppet shows extensively across Britain. They were inspired to base the Theatre in Norwich after the warm response from the team at Norwich Theatre Royal and audiences who had seen their puppet shows there.

“I am delighted that Norwich Puppet Theatre is celebrating 30-years. When we originally came up with the idea of setting up the Theatre, we were full of ideas and aspirations but it was hard to envisage how things would be in 5 years time, let alone 30 years! The Theatre remains to this day, a truly special place and it would not be here without the continued support of many Norwich people;, I remember especially Tony Ede, Chair of the early steering committee and its enthusiasm for the project” – Ray DaSilva, Co-Founder of Norwich Puppet Theatre.

Since opening in 1980, hundreds of puppetry professionals have developed their art and skills in devising, directing and performing puppet theatre in Norwich. They have become some of the leading names in the puppetry community, at the heart of the art form in the region, the UK and Europe with hundreds of performances reaching audiences internationally.

“We are immensely proud of the part Norwich Puppet Theatre has played in the development of puppetry as an art form and in training some of the leading puppeteers in the sector. Amongst the Theatre’s alumni and the companies with whom they have gone on to work are Ray DaSilva (the founder), Peter O’Rourke (Spitting Image, Little Angel Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company), John Roberts (Puppetcraft), Sean Myatt (Nottingham Trent University), Joy Haynes (Banyan Theatre), Zannie Fraser (Ripstop Productions), Mark Pitman & Iklooshar Malara (Garlic Theatre), Luis Boy, Mark Whitaker (Horse and Bamboo Theatre and others), Sam Dutton (Royal Shakespeare Company and others) to name but a few” – Ian Woods, General Manager, Norwich Puppet Theatre.


“Many volunteer hours have been spent trawling through old films and photographs of productions. Some fantastic footage has been found and we are sure, once edited, will make a fascinating and entertaining exhibition about the Theatre. We hope people will drop-in to Fusion to find out more!” – Holly Rumble, Trustee and Exhibition Organiser.

Norwich Puppet is calling for people’s memories of the Theatre as part of the celebrations. These can be submitted on-line on their website (www.puppettheatre.co.uk) or dropped in to the Theatre. Written memories, photographs and films are requested, which may be used for the exhibition at Fusion or displayed at the Theatre during the Birthday week.

A highlight of the celebration is the auction of glove puppets at the Forum on Tuesday 30 November 2010 to raise money for exciting future projects. The glove puppets, to be auctioned by TW Gaze, have each been decorated, adorned or signed by a host of well-known celebrities and artists.

Some of the stars who have taken part in the project are: Floella Benjamin, Sir Peter Blake, Quentin Blake CBE, Heston Blumenthal, Richard Briers CBE, Sir Terence Conran, Bernard Cribbins, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Frederick Forsyth, Stephen Fry, Terry Gilliam, Rolf Harris CBE, Sir Derek Jacobi, Cath Kidston, Gary Lineker, Sir Ian McKellan, Tony Robinson, Prunella Scales, Michael Sheen, Terence Stamp, Virginia Wade and Gok Wan.


“I am delighted to have received such tremendous backing from celebrities and artists for this project – a reflection I’m sure, of the high esteem in which Norwich Puppet Theatre is held nationally. I hope that the event captures the imagination of people in Norwich and they will come along and help us raise a fantastic sum of money. Funds from the auction will be used for developing exciting new projects with the local community and developing new productions” - Debbie-Lee Pinching, Norwich Puppet Theatre Trustee and auction event organiser.

Puppets Received So Far
Mark Addy
Michael Attenborough
Floella Benjamin OBE
Tim Bentinck
Sir Peter Blake CBE
Quentin Blake CBE
Heston Blumenthal OBE
Richard Briers CBE
Steve Bruce
Jan Brychta
Lida Brychta
Simon Callow CBE
Charles Clarke
Sir Terence Conran
Sir Henry Cooper OBE, KSG
Bernard Cribbins
Jamie Cullum
Tom Daley
Peter Duncan
Sophie Ellis Bextor
Michael Foreman
Frederick Forsyth CBE
Stephen Fry
Terry Gilliam
Howard Goodall
Shelia Hancock OBE
Rolf Harris CBE
Hugh Jackman
Sir Derek Jacobi CBE
Cath Kidston
Paul Lambert
Gary Lineker OBE
Roger Lloyd Pack
Michael Palin CBE
Gareth Malone
David McKee
Sir Ian McKellan CH, CBE
Bill Oddie OBE
Chris Packham
Korky Paul
Debbie Reynolds
Tony Robinson
Prunella Scales CBE
Michael Sheen
Delia Smith
Terence Stamp
Virginia Wade OBE
Gok Wan
Nigel Worthington

Celebrations culminate on Saturday 4 December 2010. The free open day at Norwich Puppet Theatre promises to be lots of fun with two free performances and drop-in puppet-making activities. Garlic Theatre will present Little Red Robin Hood, a fast and funny family show which brings together the classic tales of Robin Hood and Little Red Riding Hood. The audience will be entertained with generous helpings of slapstick, clowning and musical delights. Norwich Puppet Theatre will present Thumbelina, the story of a little girl’s adventures with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow, played out amongst gardening tools, leading Thumbelina to ultimate happiness in the kingdom of flowers. The production uses traditional glove and rod puppets and is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre for young children.

Finally, on the evening of Saturday 4 December there will be a puppet cabaret show for adults. The line-up will include: Bob Percy, compere and purveyor of wonder, hawker of hogwash, seller of subterfuge, magic, flim flam and sleight of hand mysteries for audiences entertainment and delight; Theatre founders Ray and Joan DaSilva will present, Fanfare for Puppets, the curtain-raiser at the first performance at the theatre on 1 December 1980; Ronnie Le Drew with a special 30th anniversary message from Snitchity Titch, Dodo and friends; Mark Mander with Clementine, the living fashion doll; Steve Tiplady with his One Man Hamlet; Mexican Love Tragedy and Petit Suicide by Gyula Molnar from Sean Myatt; Meg Amsden’s The Invisible City, a sly confection of shadows and projected images, based on a story from Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino; Dangerous Dave, infinitely more daft than dangerous and his ridiculous sidekick Herbert Lemon, present some of the most mind-bendingly silly stunts ever, performed by Nik Palmer and Sarah Rowland; Bryan Clarke’s Punch & Judy for grown-ups; and Zannie Fraser’s, The Black Cat, a dark yet fun tale of revenge based on the story by Edgar Alan Poe.

Fusion Exhibition
Monday 29 November – Saturday 4 December
At Fusion, The Forum, Norwich
Drop-in during Forum opening hours
Free


Auction
Tuesday 30 November
At The Forum, Norwich
6.15pm drinks and canapé reception
7pm auction
Tickets £10 - available in advance from Norwich Puppet Theatre (see below)


Open Day
Saturday 4 December
At Norwich Puppet Theatre
10am – 5pm
Free admission
Tickets for performances issued on the day on a first-come, first-served basis
Drop-in workshops run throughout


Cabaret
Saturday 4 December
At Norwich Puppet Theatre
8pm
Tickets £10 (limited availability)
Suitable for ages 12+


Bookings for the Auction and Cabaret


Box Office – call 01603 629921or email info@puppettheatre.co.uk
The box office is open Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5pm and from 9.30am on performance or workshop Saturdays. An answerphone service operates at other times.

Mistle thrush searching for worms, this video was taken along side a photographic shoot.

For a high res image go to: www.wildaboutimages.co.uk
© Paul Bunyard

School of World Art Studies, Sainsbury Centre Building, UEA

Saturday 26th November – Friday 17th December 2010

The School of World Art Studies’ forthcoming exhibition The Art of Faith: Self, Spirit, Surroundings investigates the expression of personal beliefs in Norfolk through the work of eight local artists. The exhibition investigates the transmissibility of spirituality to viewers, in the absence of a shared belief-system or a communal iconographic language of faith.

The artefacts displayed in the associated exhibition, The Art of Faith (now showing at Norwich Castle until 23rd January 2011) directly engage with religious groups and are often used for ritual purposes. However, Self, Spirit, Surroundings is an exploration of the many artists whose work, though faith- driven or spiritual, cannot be categorised within any specific faith group. The artists presented here each engage with a very personal and often eclectic and inarticulable dialogue with religious beliefs, testing the borderline between faith and a more tenuous spirituality, through a range of media. This quest often relates directly to the artists’ local community and its histories, and to the land they inhabit. The works might draw inspiration from Norfolk’s raw coastline or from visual traces of religious activity left upon the landscape, from ancient burial mounds to Norfolk’s many churches.

Juliet Wimhurst explores Norwich anchoress, Mother Julian and her ‘feminisation’ of Christianity, whilst Martin Mitchell merges his Christian beliefs with his awe of rural Norfolk. Trevor Ashwin casts an archaeological eye upon shamanism. Renowned artist, Peter Baldwin uses the local coastline to tussle with layers of belief, from childhood Catholicism to Quakerism. Internationally exhibiting artist, Maz Jackson fills her work with an eclectic mix of religious and mythological iconography, placed within a local landscape of ancient woods and earthworks. Keith Pomeroy explores both local and global religious mythology through highly abstract forms. Dominique Rey investigates her Persian ancestry through engagement with residual religious beliefs and ideologies bound to the Norfolk landscape and its communal history. Louise Richardson contemplates the very material traces of departed souls and their communal identities, testing the bounds between life and death.

For schools wishing to explore the educational elements of the main exhibition further, an Art of Faith web site contains teacher resources, interactive games and events for schools.
Visit: www.artoffaith-learning.co.uk

Both The Art of Faith and Art of Faith Today: Self, Spirit Surroundings are part of the Art of Faith Research Project, a collaboration between Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service and the University of East Anglia and supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council; Castle exhibition catalogue special price £9.95; RRP £12.95.

Opening Times

Mon – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm

Admission Free

Local charity Age UK Norfolk, based in Old Catton, is celebrating the launch of its Home Domestic Service, Household Helpers, on Monday 22 November following a successful pilot at Grays Fair Court, the charity’s Community Support Centre in New Costessey.

Kate Rudkin, Head of Development and Operations said: “Household Helpers is a Social Enterprise. Older people told me that they were having some difficulties managing their homes but were worried about employing someone they did not know. I realised we could help people and support the charity too.”

Tenants from Grays Fair Court’s Housing with Support and Care flats have been highly complimentary of the service. Norma Mallett, who is registered partially sighted, commented: “It is a great weight taken off my mind knowing that I haven’t got to do my laundry and housework myself.” Ken, a double amputee, added: “It makes life a lot easier knowing that my housework, washing and ironing are done for me and all to a very high standard.”

Household Helpers has been designed with all ages in mind. In addition to providing a standard cleaning service, it also offers help with other domestic jobs in and around the home such as laundry and ironing, changing bed linen, shampooing carpets, defrosting fridge freezers, spring cleaning and collecting prescriptions from your local pharmacy. Another useful option is regular supermarket shopping using the internet via our Customer Contact Team.

Household Helpers puts the customer in control - you simply choose from the menu of cleaning services on offer, select a day and time that suits you and decide whether you would like a regular or one-off service.

There are no employment worries as all Household Helpers are hand selected by Age UK Norfolk, carry identity cards and are CRB checked, as well as being provided with extensive training.

A free, no-obligation in-home consultation is carried out to discuss the customer’s domestic needs and to provide a tailor made plan that meets each individual customer’s requirements.

Household Helpers is available in Norwich and its northern suburbs followed by availability across the county. All customers who book an appointment with Household Helpers by 24 December 2010 will receive the first four weeks of their service at a special introductory price of £12.50 per hour.

The regular price for the service is £14.25 per hour, purchased initially as a one hour slot, with the flexibility to add further 30 minute slots depending on the requirements of the client.

For further information, or to book an appointment, please call the Customer Contact Team on 01603 785200 or 01603 785262 or email householdhelpers@acnorfolk.org.uk.

Age UK Norfolk offers a wide range of support services for older people and their carers in your community. These include a free information and advice helpline (available 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday), telephone befriending, benefits advice, support to people in their own homes with personal administration and financial management and much more. Contact 01603 787111 or visit www.acnorfolk.org.uk for further information.