Head East, a new regional cultural tourism campaign, launches today to showcase the rich diversity and quality of arts, culture and heritage found right here, on our doorstep. Residents from Norfolk and Suffolk will have the opportunity to return to their favourite activities, or discover exciting new experiences on a par with London’s cultural scene.
From coastal locations to rural and urban settings, over one year, Head East will celebrate the cultural gems in our counties, while highlighting the region as a must-see cultural destination in the UK, and encouraging sustainable travel.
By highlighting a selection of events in 2021 and beyond, the campaign invites people to enjoy themselves as they reunite with loved ones following a prolonged period apart. They can also rely on continued COVID-safe guidelines for memorable experiences with safety at the forefront.
Head East is also demonstrating that culture is open to everyone, with campaign stories expected to range from grassroots events to high-end arts; from free museums to premium performances; from outdoor festivals to indoor experiences.
The Norfolk Association of Architects, The Norwich Society and Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement, have launched the search for the best new architecture in the county, in the lead up to the announcement of their 2021 Norwich + Norfolk Design and Craftsmanship Awards. These biennial awards celebrate outstanding buildings and places in the county. A presentation ceremony will be held this Autumn.
The awards will go to projects that are well designed, meet the needs of their users and also contribute to the public enjoyment of places. The Sir Bernard Feilden award will also be presented for the best conservation scheme in Norwich.
The judges will be looking for a high standard of design and craftsmanship in their construction and finishes. The winners will also have to demonstrate that they have taken account of the wider environmental implications, including minimising any impact on climate change from their construction and use.
In the latest in our series finding out a little bit more about what it is like running a local independent business in Norfolk we caught up with the team behind The Hemporium Shops, one of our newest business members.
What is the History of The Hemporium Shops?
We opened our first Hemporium in Hunstanton in August 2019 followed by the second in Wells next the Sea in the first easing of the pandemic lockdown in June 2020. The third was in Holt in August 2020 with the fourth in September 2020 in Norwich just before the November lockdown. Finally shop number 5 was due to open on 5th November in Burnham Market but stalled due to the November lockdown being imposed but then opened briefly in the December prior to Tier 4 imposition for Xmas and then the January 5th 2021 lockdown! So the next stage of easing in April could see all 5 shops open for the first time ever!
The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland, Norwich, one of the oldest hotels in the UK, will emerge from lockdown on Saturday, July 4. It is believed that this is the first time that the hotel has been closed since it started trading as the Murtel Fish Inn during the 13th century.
Christine Malcolm, General Manager said: “We are all looking forward to welcoming guests to the hotel after this three month closure. It will also be very good to see our staff return from furlough. They have been keeping their spirits up with a whole range of activities from a baking competition, to a Zoom lunch and a virtual run between the Maids Head and our sister hotels, The Gonville in Cambridge and The Ship at Brancaster.
We recently delivered a lockdown gift of Norfolk strawberries, clotted cream and chilled rose wine to our 90 staff who live across the county, from Norwich to Wymondham, Reepham and Gorleston. This resulted in some great feedback, Dawn said: 'Lovely surpirise today, thank you Christine and the team, miss you all...' ”
Norwich City footballer Tom Trybull and his wife Anna have donated £5,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), plus a bag of clothes as the charity gears up to reopen five of its shops.
The money comes from sales of children’s book The Story of Tommy T. Tommy T is a pigeon trying to make his name in football. The story is written by Anna, based on the exploits of her husband and encourages young people to follow their dreams.
It will go towards EACH’s fundraising appeal set up at the start of lockdown to address a forecasted income gap of £1.8m over 12 weeks, caused by the cancellation and postponement of fundraising events, and the closure of the charity’s 43 shops.
Following the government announcement that non-essential shops can reopen from Monday (15 June), EACH has decided to open five of its outlets in Norfolk, in a phased reopening plan the good cause hopes will eventually restore the pre-lockdown success of its high street portfolio.