South Norfolk Council’s Leisure Team have recently launched a brand-new YouTube channel to help residents keep fit and active during lockdown.
The Council’s 3 Leisure Centres in Diss, Wymondham and Long Stratton were forced to close in March, but the team have been busy creating free content to help inspire residents to try new ways of exercising and keep fit at home.
Over the coming weeks, the team will post Pilates, Yoga, HIIT workouts and much more on their South Norfolk Leisure channel.
Cabinet Member Councillor Yvonne Bendle, said: “Just because our residents can’t get to the gym, it doesn’t mean they can’t take part in exercise classes, we will be posting regular videos to help keep people active at home. There will be something for everyone on our channel, from people who are new to fitness, to those who are regular gym-goers. With new videos every week, we hope they will help motivate our residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle in these difficult times. Give our free classes a go and if you like the videos, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.”
Visit the South Norfolk Leisure Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/
Anglian Vipers Rugby League is a new Rugby League club formed by Rob Humphries of WSX World Sports Exchange, Chris Wildish; former Naval Officer, Airline Captain and Author of “Please Don’t Cancel Christmas, Daddy” and Dave Parkin working for Deloitte in Norwich and a Rugby League player from Bath University and Silsden Storm.
The gap in the provision of Rugby League was noticed by Rob and Chris over 2 years ago. Covid got in the way of the initial plan but when Dave joined in, it became apparent that there were 3 likeminded individuals with different complimentary talents and the enthusiasm (in spades) to start a Rugby League Club to cover Norfolk and Suffolk and give everyone in the area the opportunity to try this slick, fast, hard hitting, exciting sport. Several names were considered but Anglian Vipers struck as the one name to appeal to everyone across the two counties and give an identity beyond just Norfolk or Suffolk.
A brand-new café at South Norfolk Council’s Wymondham Leisure Centre is proving popular, with their coffee hailed by customers as ‘the best they’ve ever tasted’.
Coffee with Flo opened its door on 1 April selling a variety of light lunches, cakes, snacks and drinks. The food is fresh and locally sourced, and everything is cooked from scratch. There’s also lots of healthy choices and plenty of vegan options to choose from, as well as a children’s menu.
Manager Florin Stoian, who has over 20 years’ experience in the catering industry said: “All our customers have been fantastic, giving us such great feedback, we have really been overwhelmed by their praise, particularly for our coffee and giant scones.”
Determined Olive Duffield is back behind the counter at her favourite charity shop – a year after breaking her pelvis. The long-serving East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteer, 82, was forced to take a year out after suffering her injury in early 2021. She also had a bout of shingles but was always determined to return to the shop in Long Stratton. She has been a regular fixture there for more than a quarter of a century and started volunteering in early 1995, working at the former shop that raised funds for the old Quidenham hospice.
Now she is back where she belongs, dutifully giving up two hours a week every Friday morning. “I’m as good as I’m going to be,” joked Olive, referring to her recent brushes with injury and illness. I never thought about not coming back – it was always something I wanted to do. I wanted to get back in the shop as soon as possible because it’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I don’t get to see many people so enjoy the chance to chat with customers. It gets me out and I like the sense of helping others. The more money we take the better, because of the charity we’re supporting. I’ve known many of our customers for years and seen children grow up, now coming into the shop with their own little ones. There have been so many changes but it’s something I continue to enjoy and would recommend to anyone.”
The 2022 Broadland & South Norfolk Business Awards finalists have been announced.
Organised by South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Councils, the awards celebrate the excellence, innovation and best practice shown by businesses across the combined area.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Economy, Councillor Lisa Neal, said: “This has been an extremely challenging time for local businesses and these awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the hard work and commitment it has taken to run a successful business through the pandemic.”
Two very generous local businessmen are once again putting smiles on children’s faces this Christmas after making a huge donation to South Norfolk Council’s Help Hub.
Last week Jeremy Payne of J Payne Services and Michael Downes of Carbrooke Cars and Commercials delivered over £2,000 worth of brand-new children’s toys, games and wrapping paper to the Council’s HQ in Long Stratton.
The presents will be wrapped up and distributed through the Council’s Help Hub to families in need within the district, to help ensure every child receives a gift on Christmas Day.
South Norfolk Council Chairman Councillor Florence Ellis said: “Jeremy and Michael’s kind actions really sum up the meaning of Christmas spirit. Thanks to them, children all over the district will be getting a present on Christmas day this year, knowing that Santa hasn’t forgotten them. Their generosity will come as a huge relief to struggling parents.”