Left, Mathew Francis at Old Buckenham airfield told me how they'd turned their fortunes around by encourageing non-aviation business to use their land and premises. The airfield was threatened with closure as finaces were so tight but this turnaround means that its future is more secure. They're getting the bar up and running seven days a week too so watch out for future public events to take place there.
I'm across country then to Swaffham where 'Advance Swaffham' action group show me how, six months since my last visit, their new orchard is coming along. Volunteer Mike Smith was showing Claudia one of the fruit trees whilst her mum, Kate Francis from the group, explained the progress they've made. There's another public event this Saturday evening and they're also hoping to get the old signal box back that stood on the site. Another excuse to return in the future!
Costessey Centre on Longwater Lane is the latest venue for Broadland District Council to have a recyle day for electrical goods. Take along what you don't want, their electricians will test for safety and carry out repairs then from 11am the public can come along and take what they want for free. It means that unwanted and repaired items are put back into use instead of into landfill. Pictured is Environmental Protection Manager Bob Wade. At the Bethel Street fire station they're preparing to leave after occupying the station there since 1934. Through the blitz and the burning down of the library just opposite this iconic building will be sold off. What will it become? The new station is in Trowse from where they can even control the traffic lights to get them to an incident that much quicker. Showing me round was Divisional Fire Manager Greg Preston.
Wednesday morning at 0730 they closed off the Fiveways roundabout on Earlham Road Norwich for resurfacing. The huge planing machine was brought in and unfolded its conveyor arm. Within minutes the surface was being removed to a depth of about 12cms. and the spoil fired into the lorry and taken away one after the other. Let's hope the new surface goes down just as quickly - but I don't think so. Impressive stuff nonetheless.
At Robertson Barracks Swanton Morley, 25 teenagers are experiencing the Army life for a week. Last night they were under canvass in battle conditions. Pic 2 are Cathryn Sharp, Charlie Blakely, Sgt.Major John Richmond and Cathryn's twin sister Zoe. All hope to make the Army their career except John of course who's already done pretty well for himself! The to more young people at Ormiston Victory Academy (formerly Costessey High) Emily Waters, Rebecca Mussett, Principal Rachel De Souza and Joshua Fiddy are about to reveal their GCSE results. Look at the expression on their faces then compare them with pic 4 after they've opened them. Rebecca got eleven A's. All are staying on to study further.
Friday at the Holt Youth Project. Since the many cuts that have been imposed recently, it's increased the interest in what Julie Alford has achieved here. Self help, community spirit and raising funds from the Lottersy and elsewhere, it's a great achievement and thriving. I met some of the young carers who use the facilty which has an IT suite, hairdressing, machine room, games and sports hall as well as a keep fit centre. Callum Wright (tallest in pic 3) has been going there since he was 11 and helped the NEAT group, went on courses and now has landed an apprenticeship all though the Centre. Getting older he now helps out as a volunteer to put back a little of what he's been given over the years.
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