At a special awards ceremony last night (25 September), local architectural excellence and craftsmanship was celebrated with the announcement of the winners of the annual Mayor's Design Awards.
The 2018 awards, which were launched in October 2017, attracted a large amount of entries. 30 schemes were shortlisted for the awards under a number of different categories. The judging panel had previously commented on what a pleasure it had been to visit all the schemes and what a difficult job it was to choose the winners.
Commenting at the ceremony, Pam Lynn, the council's conservation officer, said: "A very successful and well-attended event to recognise and celebrate the high quality design and workmanship which make west Norfolk such a wonderfully interesting and diverse place to be.
"We had more entries than ever this year with a good mix of traditional and contemporary buildings, which made the judges' job in selecting the winners extremely hard. From a conservation perspective it was immensely pleasing to see such a high level of craftsmanship throughout all of the building trades, but especially in respect of the various historic buildings where the skills in the use of traditional materials is key. Well done to everyone involved and special congratulations to our winners."
The overall Gold Award Winner was Davaar House, Docking. The judging panel commented: "Davaar House stood out for the panel. It is an exceptional scheme which not only has high environmental sustainability credentials, but is also a clever and distinctive design that sits comfortably on its plot and takes advantage of the views afforded by the surrounding countryside".
Cllr Nick Daubney, Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, said: "The awards ceremony was a great evening, a suitable celebration of our push for better design and innovation and construction standards across our borough. We've worked closely with architects, contractors, developers, and their clients to achieve this aim, and we are glad to reward buildings and schemes that illustrate this focus on quality and innovation.
"I was very pleased to present the Mayor's Special Award, which was instituted for this tear's awards. I felt it was needed as there was no particular category to recognise a scheme or building that hadn't changed much in appearance, but has had an immense impact on the 'story' of the area. Goldings Public House and Rooms has achieved this magnificently, and we wanted to recognise the effort that has gone into the scheme. The renovation of the building has transformed the use and atmosphere of the Saturday Market Place, improving the impression it makes on residents and visitors to King's Lynn, and the pleasure they take in it".
All this year’s entries have been scrutinised by the judging panel, which comprises The Mayor, Cllr Vivienne Spikings, chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Mick Peak, vice-chair of the Planning Committee, Stuart Ashworth, Assistant Director Environment and Planning and Pam Lynn, Conservation Officer.
The winners of the 2018 Mayor's Design Awards are:
Community Schemes
Winner – SPAR Shop, Castle Acre
Residential Extensions
Winner – Larks Rise, Castle Rising
Single New Build Properties
Winner – Davaar House, Docking
Conversion Schemes
Winner – GroundWorks Gallery, King’s Lynn
Listed Building Schemes
Winner – Snowre Hall, Fordham
Small Residential Groups
Winner – Queen Street, King’s Lynn
Craftsmanship
Winner – Snowre Hall, Fordham
Gold Award
Winner - Davaar House, Docking
Mayors Special Award
Winner – Goldings, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn
The Government asked all local authorities to find suitable accommodation for homeless people in shelters and hostels to enable them to self isolate properly. All those identified have now been relocated to alternative accommodation where they have their own room and are able to follow social distancing guidance. They are also being provided with welfare support, 3 meals a day, toiletries and will soon be provided with clothing bundles.
This was no mean feat and would not have been achieved without the support of partners in west Norfolk providing assistance.
Cllr Adrian Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I would like to thank all of those involved for their efforts in ensuring the safety and protection of the homeless in our area. While we know this is a time of concern for many, our top priority needs to be the most vulnerable in our community. This has been a mammoth task in such a short timeframe and I’m pleased to see that yet again the council has pulled together with community partners including the Purfleet Trust Day Centre, the Winter Night Shelter and Alive West Norfolk to ensure some of our most vulnerable members of the community are protected. Broadland Housing Association also stepped forward with providing accommodation. We wouldn't have achieved this without their support" .
This February, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk will once again be celebrating all its apprentices, during National Apprenticeship week, 3-9 February 2020.
The council has run a successful apprenticeship scheme for 8 years, supporting employees by offering a broad spectrum of apprenticeships across a variety of fields. At the moment, there are 30 apprentices working towards qualifications.
As part of the week-long celebration, a fresh campaign will be launched highlighting the apprentices, their successes and experiences while earning and learning at the council.
All apprentices are being asked to take part in the campaign. In addition, Stephanie Glasser (Accountancy) and Holly Attlesey (Waste & Recycling) have participated in the East of England Apprentice Challenge, competing to be the Local Government Apprentice of Year.
A much-loved and historic venue in King’s Lynn will give people an extra reason to visit when major refurbishment and renovation work is completed. Live shows return to the Alive Corn Exchange in March and, in the summer, a new two screen cinema will open at the site in the Tuesday Market Place.
As well as hosting regular live theatre, comedy and music in the main auditorium, visitors will be able to enjoy big screen releases in the upstairs cinema. There will be special screenings for parent and babies, parent and toddlers, Silver Screenings (for over 60 year olds) and family screenings at the weekend.
Comprehensive work is already taking place inside and outside the building. The glazed roof is being replaced with acoustically sealed zinc panels. Repairs are being made to the Grade II listed stonework façade, gutters and flashings.
A new floor will be put in the main foyer, with cladding of the box office and bar counters. The ground floor toilets will be refurbished, with additional female toilets.
People planning to buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder are being encouraged by The Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk to ask to see their licence and meet their mum in a new campaign.
The licence number should be displayed on any advert, web page or facebook page. New guidance on buying a pet can be found at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/
More people than ever before enjoyed The Searles Soap Box Derby in Hunstanton on Sunday 22 September.
The event, organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, returned to the town in 2017 and has got more popular each year. 44 teams raced down the new, faster, course that started at the town hall and finished near the bandstand overlooking the sea.
Teams travelled from all over the country to take part, including racers from Newark, Wellingborough and Milton Keynes.
This year, for the first time, there was a speed trap on the course. Some karts travelled at more than 30 miles per hour. The fastest vehicle on the day was driven by Ed Napolitano in the Hunstanton District Round Table kart. Completing the course in 31 seconds on his first run and 28 seconds on the second.