Community News, Events and Information

Norwich Cathedral Peregrines

Norwich Cathedral Peregrines is a partnership between the Hawk and Owl Trust and Norwich Cathedral to provide a pair of wild peregrine falcons with a suitable nesting platform. The nesting platform was installed by conservation charity the Hawk and Owl Trust in February 2011 with volunteer help from Norwich firefighters.

The adult peregrine falcons have returned to Norwich Cathedral for 2013 and to date four eggs have been laid.

The 2013 spire webcam is now live. You can watch the footage from the platform 24 hours a day below by clicking here.

Furthermore, the Hawk and Owl Trust is running a watch point at the Cathedral where visitors can watch the birds through telescopes. The watch point is open every day from 10am until 5pm unless the weather is bad.

For further information or to make observations about the falcons email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sprowston Great Big Read

Sprowston Library is on a mission to see how many people as possible in the local area to read and share the same book at the same time. The Big Sprowston Read is “One Day” by David Nicholls – a captivating love story which is both funny and heartbreaking. Read the book, listen to the audio book or watch the DVD. Pick up a copy from Sprowston Library now.

Why not get your family and friends to join in too to make it a really Big Sprowston Read! Chat about it with your friends, share your views via our website at http://norfolklibrarybookreviewblog.wordpress.com/big-sprowston-read/ or put a comment on the Big Sprowston Read board at the library.

Contact Sprowston Library on 01603 408426 for more information.

Broadland Sports News March 2013

Marriott’s Way 10k race and Corporate Challenge

The Marriott’s Way 10k race and Corporate Challenge will be held on Sunday 13 October.  Online entries will open in early June. For results from 2012 go to www.broadland.gov.uk/weekend

Tots 2 Teens

Broadland District Council's Tots 2 Teens run holiday activities for children aged five years upwards. The activities take place during all school holidays throughout the Broadland District and are for children who live or go to school in Broadland. Families can register free of charge to receive all our holiday information, but are required to complete and sign a parent consent form. A variety of activities are organised ranging from Digital Photography to Cookery, Multi-sports to Art and Craft days. Spaces are still available on the following sports courses during the Easter holidays; Fencing, Golf, Tennis, Kayaking, Football and Multi-sports.  To register, enquire or book please call 01603 430525 or visit www.broadland.gov.uk/t2t

Bure Valley Railway Walk 2013 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

This will be the ninth year of the Bure Valley Railway Walk which is being held on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April.  Jump onboard and make a difference to the lives of people living with cancer by taking part in the annual fund raising Bure Valley Railway Walk. Enjoy a wonderful steam train ride followed by a leisurely walk along the Bure Valley path between Wroxham and Aylsham. With a choice of a 3 or 9 mile walk, there’s bound to be something for you!

The money raised this year will go towards the services Macmillan provides across Norfolk including health professionals,grants, emotional support and the refurbishment at the Macmillan Cancer care and treatment center at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn.

Last year we gave out over £102,000 in grants in Norfolk as one off payments, provided emotional support to hundreds of people and their families and helped support groups with grants and funding.

For more information go to www.bvw2013.co.uk.  To register please either visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/bvrw  write to PO Box 55 Coltishall NR12 7WU or phone 07810 450758 .

Coach Education Week

The programme for Active Norfolk's third Coach Education Week is now available.  The week will take place from 8th - 14th April 2013, with the majority of the courses taking place at Sportspark Norwich..  Coach Education Week 2013 has over 35 courses planned to take place, with 14 National Governing Bodies taking part by delivering a wide range of courses and workshops, from full coaching qualifications to development courses for existing qualified coaches.

Also as part of Coach Education Week 2013 we will be delivering two seminars that form part of Sport England’s new club development programme, Club Leaders. The seminars providing free training and support to those involved with the day-to-day running of community sport clubs. The seminars will be delivered by Price Waterhouse Coopers and will provide training around marketing and management of club finances.

A full programme and more information about Coach Education Week can be found www.activenorfolk.org/coachedweek or by contacting Ian Grange, Coaching Development Manager on 01603 731568 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Coaches Voice

The latest edition of our Coaches Voice magazine is out now.  The magazine features an exclusive interview with British Cycling's Track Sprint Coach Iain Dyer and is not to be missed!  To read the magazine online go to www.activenorfolk.org/coachesvoice. 

Startrack Athletics

An Olympic-themed athletics festival for boys and girls aged 8 - 15 of all abilities. This course is based on running, jumping and throwing an a friendly and warm environment. It's a chance to experience all athletics events within fun team-based activities.  All equipment is provided, though participants should bring packed lunches, a drink and sunscreen.   All our coaches are qualified through UK Athletics and checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.

This event runs across 2 days - Thursday 11th and Friday 12th April, 10am – 3pm at Sportspark Norwich at a coast of £28.  For more information please contact Paul Evans, Athletics Development Officer, Active Norfolk  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 01603 731567

Get Into Golf!

Norfolk Get Into Golf Week (22nd - 28th April 2013) – Organised by the Norfolk County Golf Partnership (NCGP).  Throughout this week golf clubs and facilities across Norfolk will be running a variety of FREE taster sessions giving people the opportunity to have a go at golf. Available tasters include sessions for men, women, couples and families.

Also coming up……6 and 8 week beginner Get Into Golf courses across the County from just £25 per person!

All taster sessions taking place during Get Into Golf week and all other courses / opportunities organised by the Partnership are listed at www.getintogolf.org

For more information in relation to the Partnership and the initiatives we run please visit www.norfolkgolfpartnership.co.uk or contact George Webster (16+ Activity Co-ordinator – NCGP) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01603 732332 / 07920 25880

‘Fit4Work’ Football Cup

Does your business have what it takes….?  Norfolk FA and Active Norfolk have teamed up to offer local businesses the chance to compete in a specially organised 5-a-side competition!  The competition is being held on Thursday 2 May 2013 at FDC, Clover Hill Road, Norwich NR5 9ED, kick off 7pm.  Squads of 8 can take part in this 5-a-side tournament at a cost of £10 per team.  To enter visit www.activenorfolk.org/fit4work

Fit4Work aims to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle to employees in Norfolk and provides activities to be involved in, as well as advice and guidance.

For more information please visit www.activenorfolk.org/fit4work or call 01603 732333

For more information about any of the items above please contact Maria Alborough, Sports Development Officer, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01603 430570
 

Spring Sportivate Courses for 2013

Sportivate courses for 18-25 year olds

Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis to anyone aged 18 – 25 years old.

Sportivate Climbing

Where: OPEN, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF

When: Thursdays 6 - 7pm on 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th May and 6th June.

Cost: £5 for 6 sessions if booked before 18th April, £10 thereafter (normally £30)

The OPEN climbing course is for any ability and covers a range of different areas. The course involves rope work, how to use equipment safely, climbing techniques, skills & development, teamwork & trust, understanding of the sport as well as future pathways in climbing.

Sportivate Skiing

Where: Norfolk Snowsports Club, Whitlingham Lane, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8TW

When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th April and 7th May

Cost: £15 per 6 hourly sessions if booked before 19th March, £20 thereafter (normally £50)

The course will start with balancing while sliding down the slope, introducing snow ploughs and plough turning to control speed.  As the course progresses, participants will increase the distance that they travel whilst controlling speed and direction.  All equipment is provided.

Sportivate Golf

Where: Royal Norwich Golf Club, Drayton High Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5AH

When: Tuesdays, 6 - 7pm, 14th, 21st and 28th May, 4th, 11th and 18th June

Cost: £10 for 6 sessions if booked before 30th April, £15 thereafter (Group coaching normally £40)

Where: OPEN, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF

When: Thursdays 7 - 8pm on 30th May, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June and 4th July.

Cost: £5 for 6 sessions if booked before 16th May, £10 thereafter (£30)

Age: 18 - 25 years old

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.

Sportivate Kayaking

Where: Broadland Paddlesport, Girlings Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0HE

When: Tuesdays, 6.30 to 8.30pm on 30th April, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th May and 4th June.

Cost: £15 for 6 sessions if booked before 16th April, £20 thereafter (normally £67.50)

The sessions will allow participants to work towards their BCU one star award.  It is a flat water award and demonstrates that an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills.  All equipment is provided.

Sportivate Trampolining

Where:  Chermond Gymnastics Club, 10 Delta Close, Norwich, NR6 6BG

When: Thursdays 7:30-9pm on 25th April, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th May. 

Cost: £10 for 6 sessions if booked before 11th April, £15 thereafter (normally £50)

An introduction to trampolining where you will learn basic techniques, jumps and shapes. You will learn tuck, pike, straddle jumps and seat landings before making progressions towards somersaults.

Sportivate Karate

Where:  Sports Hall, Sprowston Community High School, Cannerby Lane, Sprowston, Norwich,NR7 8NE.

When: Mondays 8-9pm on 13th and 20th May, 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th June. 

Cost:  £10 for 6 sessions if booked before 29th April, £15 thereafter (normally £39.75)

The classes are suitable for men and women who would like to acquire traditional karate skills with all the associated benefits, combining effective self-defence with a total body workout. Karate is an all-round activity which develops both physical and mental abilities and is a great alternative to other sports.

To book and for more information contact Maria Alborough 01603 430570, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.broadland.gov.uk/sportivate for a registration form.

National Citizen Service: It all starts at yes!

Last Updated (Tuesday, 05 March 2013 13:55)

National Citizen Service (NCS) has returned for 2013, offering Year 11 and Year 12 students the chance to make a positive impact in their schools and communities while enhancing their CVs, improving their attitudes and behaviour and developing vital skills for work and study.

NCS gives 16 and 17 year olds from different backgrounds a unique opportunity that helps build your skills for work and life, making friends with new people and face new and challenging experiences on residential weeks away from home.  They will also work with businesses and local community organisations to design and deliver social action project on an issue that matters to them.

The programme takes place over several weeks out of school time, during holidays and weekends.  Fees for participants are capped and bursaries are available for the most disadvantaged pupils to ensure that NCS is accessible to all.  Further information is available on the NCS website at www.NCSyes.co.uk.

A Summer of Fun for Tots2Teens

Young people aged between 5 and 16 years of age had the opportunity keep busy during the six week summer holidays by attending a wide range of activities provided by Broadland District Council’s Tots2Teens programme. Nearly 1400 places were taken up throughout the holidays by young people living or going to school in the Broadland District, with the scheme continuing to allow parents to arrange care for their children at an affordable cost.

This summer saw the addition of Zumbatomic (zumba dance for young people), climbing, den making and advanced digital photography, as well as the return of cookery, fishing, crime scene investigation and cycling to name a few of the sessions on offer.

The holidays kicked off with an opening ceremony at Sprowston Community High School where young people were able to participate in a range of activities including volleyball, hockey and athletics (pictured left).

Another highlight of the summer holidays was a traditional sports day held at Horsford Village Hall. Young people took part in races including; egg and spoon, three legged and space hoppers. Olly the Elephant (Active Norfolk’s Olympic Mascot) and Cllr Claudette Bannock (Member Champion for Sport) were on hand to award young people with certificates for taking part and medals for the winning team (pictured right).

Preparations are now underway for October Half Term with booking lines opening at 8am on Monday 1^st October 2012. For more information, to register or book, please contact the Tots2Teens team on 01603 430538 or visit: www.broadland.gov.uk/t2t

Sprowston Community High School welcomes the English Youth Ballet

English Youth Ballet principals - Emma Lister
and Oli Speers, photo Patrick Baldwin

Sprowston Community High School is pleased to be welcoming the English Youth Ballet for a month of rehearsals in June 2012, in preparation for the production of ‘Giselle’ – the well-loved classical ballet, which comes to the Theatre Royal, Norwich for 3 performances only: Friday 29th June 2012 at 7.30pm and Saturday 30th June 2012 at 2.30pm/7.30pm. For tickets call: 01603 630000 or visit: www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Award-winning English Youth Ballet - one of the UK’s largest ballet companies:
English Youth Ballet (EYB) is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies and previously won The Stage Award for special achievement in regional theatre. The opportunity to watch English Youth Ballet (EYB) is a unique experience. Sell-out audiences are treated to beautiful international principal artists sharing the stage with the top up-and-coming young talent from the local area. EYB’s large cast ensures the ballet is performed with the scale and grandeur which was originally intended. The company is made up of 7 professional principals and 100 local dancers (aged 8 – 18) from Norfolk and Suffolk. EYB principal dancers are of the highest calibre and have joined EYB from companies such as English National Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The young dancers are some of the top talents from the local area. There are now ex-EYB young performers in some of the world’s best companies – including the Royal Ballet. 

Giselle Act II

The dramatic love story of Giselle:
English Youth Ballet (EYB) brings their moving production of Giselle to Norwich in a romantic full-length classical ballet production. The story follows the Army Officer - Albert and how he woos the weak-hearted Giselle and deceives her into believing he is a common footman.  When she discovers the truth and that he is engaged to be married she tragically dies. In death, Giselle is transformed into a Wili spirit, in the forest. The Wili spirits are dance-loving brides who have died tragically before their wedding day. The Wilis seek revenge on any man who crosses their path. What will become of Albert when he enters the forest?

The choreography, design and musical score – a masterpiece:
The inventive choreography is faithful to the well-loved original version and was created by Janet Lewis MBE – EYB’s Artistic Director – and her team. The classic stage designs were created by Keith Bish. The evocative musical score was composed especially for the ballet, in 1841, by the great master Adolphe Adam. An extra section of music by Adam, that is rarely heard, has been added for the Hunt Scene. In this section the exquisite music can be likened to the sound of galloping horses. 

Highest calibre international principal artists:
The professional principal dancers have joined EYB from some of the world’s most renowned ballet companies – including; the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, National Ballet of Portugal and Ballet de Toulouse.

Employ-Able: The free package for unemployed residents in Broadland

Tuesday, 19 July 2011 00:00

Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS) are offering all unemployed Broadland residents assistance to help them return to work.  The Employ-Able project is ideal for you if you need some extra support in applying for jobs or getting through the interview process.

This package includes:

• A free half-day course in Employability Training where you receive valuable advice and guidance in CV building, application form tips and interview techniques.
• Access to 2 courses from the standard BCTS training programme for a reduced rate of only £10.00 each.
• Two free one hour one to one coaching sessions.

All courses/coaching sessions take place at the Broadland District Council offices in Thorpe St Andrew.  Information on our range of courses can be found at www.broadland.gov.uk/trainingcourses  For further details please contact BCTS on freephone 0800 3891113 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Active Norfolk Coaching Bursaries.

Active Norfolk has 3 coaching bursaries; Village Games Bursary, Disability Coach Bursary and Performance Coach Bursary available to coaches in the county.  For more information go to Active Norfolk - Coach Development Funding or contact Ian Grange, Coaching Development Manager, 01603 731568 or 07785 724967 for more information.

Information for Clubs working with Volunteers

Volunteering England have launched a readable guide to legal issues for volunteer managers. This publication is the first of its kind dedicated to volunteering. Valuable for large and small organisations alike, Volunteers and the Law covers all the main areas of concern including expenses, benefits, criminal record checks, health and safety, data protection and avoiding creating employment contracts.  To view the publication go to Volunteers and the Law.