The EDP's Support Your Pub campaign is an excellent initiative that deserves wide support. The local pub is so often the heart of village life. All of us who care about Norfolk's rural community, services and identity have to fight for them. That means two things:
- Supporting local pubs. As with Post offices, we either use them or lose them.
- Lobbying Government to stop irresponsible supermarket discounts on spirits and beer encouraging anti-social binge drinking.
It is madness that at a time when we need to be tackling outdoor binge drinking and encouraging a responsible culture of social drinking, the Government raises costs on pubs but allows supermarkets like Tesco's to run discount promotions targeting 'alcopops', cheap spirits and beer at youngsters.
This Saturday's bike ride is aimed at two things:
- Promoting some great local pubs 'off the beaten track' in rural Norfolk.
- Highlighting the rate of closure of rural pubs and the need for Government action.
Jessica Lapping, one of the Founders of the Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham, recent winner of the EDP Norfolk Food Award 2008 said the pub trade, like so many rural businesses, is facing tough times at the moment with recession, rising prices, duties and taxes. "We were delighted to be honoured with the EDP Award. We are a traditional, country pub with a modern twist . The food at The Dabbling Duck reflects the seasons and the menu changes accordingly, wherever possible the ingredients are sourced locally. We strongly support the Norfolk Way Campaign to promote local rural enterprise."
In a characteristically forthright speech, Doug set out a clear model for unlocking a revolution in the rural economy in Norfolk. In a strong endorsement of the aims of the Norfolk Way campaign, he said:
"The Norfolk Way vision is right. Norfolk CAN be prosperous AND retain its traditional identity. CAN combine the best of the old and the new. CAN have an economy based on well-connected, dispersed rural enterprises, living in a pleasant rural environment but competing in the global economy. BUT only with world class communications.
"Our whole model of social and economic development by Big Government is flawed. The Wall St and City bubble collapse is demonstrating that sustainability is to be found in sound business basics, in the traditional simple business virtues of watching cash, looking after customers, having a competitive usp, having a distinct business offering and talking to your customers.
"Small businesses always do this. All we have to do to unlock a revolution in enterprise in Norfolk is to remove the barriers that hold business back, invest in world class communications, and promote a positive model of mixed rural development. I strongly support The Norfolk Way campaign."
On his feet with no notes for over an hour and a half, his speech was followed by a lively Q+A discussion on subjects such as the lack of sufficient broadband supply in rural (and some urban) areas, the intervention of central government on issues that would be better resolved locally, the need for more investment in HE in Norfolk, and the importance of stimulating and encouraging young people into business.
George Freeman, founder of The Norfolk Way and organiser of the Mid Norfolk Enterprise Forum said:
"This is exactly what the Forum is about: promoting local enterprise, giving local businesses a voice to highlight the issues that matter to us and need tackling locally and nationally, and inspiring us to believe in our entrepreneurial spirit and to demand the infrastructure to support this.
"This area - 'tho very rural - is home to some fabulous small businesses which we need to celebrate and promote. We look forward to expanding The Norfolk Way project to help local businesses and to develop closer links between businesses, schools and communities."
The Forum launched a new 'charity slot' last night, in which a local charity has a chance to 'pitch' to the assembled businesses. Reflecting the theme of access and opportunity in the countryside, the inaugural slot was granted to Kickstart in Dereham, who run a scheme providing 500 mopeds to help Norfolk youngsters access jobs: This is a practical way the Forum can make a difference - by helping good businesses play their traditional civic role in the community.'
Sponsored by Edward Bales of Poultec, founder of South Green Park Enterprise Centre, the Forum attracted a range of business people representing all areas of enterprise, from heavy manufacturing, farming and rural diversification, cottage industries, service industries, web-based businesses and high tech innovations. After a drinks reception, delegates had a chance to mingle and meet others over a buffet before the meeting and then many of them met Doug afterwards to follow up on issues more relevant to them or their businesses.
For more quotes, photographs, details of last night's event and future events, please contact the Norfolk Way at 01842 928 748 or Coralie Green 07771 743604 or George Freeman 07855 252 999 direct.
Doug's Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs on 6 October is part of EEDA's new Big Fish campaign - places are limited so early sign up is recommended - find out more or register at www.bigfish4business.com.
Photo:Doug Richard speaks to the Mid Norfolk Enterprise Forum
Over 100 adult and some youth leaders gathered for the annual presentation of certificates and awards. Commenting after the awards, George said: "The Scouts are a shining example of volunteering and community citizenship in action. In this your 100th anniversary year, all of us owe the Scouts big congratulations and many thanks for all you do. Scouting offers many young people opportunities they wouldnt normally have - whether it be experiencing the great outdoors, a sense of belonging to a great institution, fun, companionship or the virtues of respect and discipline which are part of all team endeavour. All of us working to promote this sort of volunteering should remember that scouting was not - and could not have been - successfully started by Government. Its success lies in going with the grain of the human spirit, through small local teams. We salute you."
Richard Butler, Norfolk Scouts County Commissioner, said: "As a movement the Scouts have grown since 1807 to over 30 million members in 206 countries. Here in Norfolk we are lucky to have 8000 members, across 9 Districts and 1400 volunteer leaders, last year sending 72 young people to last year's Scout jamboree for 40,000 scouts. Norfolk Scouts are in rude health."
Photo: George was guest of honour at the Norfolk Scouts County Commissioners reception in Swaffham.
Campaigners in Mid Norfolk are celebrating the news that the two most actively fought closures have been stopped.
Of the 69 proposed closures in Norfolk and West Suffolk only two in Mid Norfolk and one in Norwich have been saved.
George Freeman, organiser of the campaign to save Mid Norfolk Post Offices said:
"Whilst this is clearly great news for all of us who have campaigned for Beeston and Buckenham - showing that local community campaigning CAN make a difference - the general effect of 69 closures across the area will be devastating to many rural communities."
"We need to be vigilant in making sure the Post Office do not apply their threatened 'one for one' policy and use this as an excuse to make more cuts elsewhere."
The Save Mid Norfolk Post Office campaign involved setting up a website and an e-petition, door knocking by local volunteers, councillors and campaigners, mass rallies and a last minute petition to Downing Street with Norfolk MP's Christopher Fraser (SW Norfolk) and Keith Simpson (current Mid Norfolk).
Speaking at Beeston Post Office with jubilant residents on Monday morning as news broke of the reprieve George said: "This is excellent news for Beeston and Buckenham and neighbouring villages. Local residents came out in force against the proposed closures and it looks like a rare victory for common sense over bureaucracy. But rural communities shouldn't have to fight to protect their basic services like this."
"Closure of Beeston PO would have resulted in locals having to walk nearly 3 miles on a narrow, busy road with no pavement for most of the way to the next nearest post office in Litcham. No-one from the PO Closures Team can have walked the proposed route or they could never have suggested it.
"The community of Beeston and the neighbouring villages are however the lucky ones - the closure of other post offices is still a tragedy, particularly for the elderly and those on low incomes who are reliant on their local post office for so much more than just stamps. We are now eagerly awaiting the full results when we will learn of the fate of others."
Mr Freeman challenged the Government to use the time ahead to think more positively about the role of the Post Offices and to consider deregulation to promote Post Offices as rural enterprise hubs:
"Post Offices could be helped to develop their traditional role as community hubs and centres of enterprise. They should be allowed to run more services such as rural IT, training, perhaps even linked to social services and council outreach. With imagination they could be supported at little cost as one stop shops offering a range of services necessary to those living in rural areas.
"Instead of the Government cutting rural services whilst wasting money on daft new headline grabbing schemes, why not back the facilities people know and love?"
Photo: Campaigners celebrate news that Beeston Post Office will remain open.
Norfolk politicians yesterday presented a petition to No 10 Downing Street on behalf of the community in Mid Norfolk, calling on the Prime Minister to save local post offices scheduled for closure.
George Freeman, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new Mid Norfolk constituency, with the support of Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk and Keith Simpson, MP for Mid Norfolk travelled to London to present the petition calling on the Government to re-think their policy of post office closures.
George Freeman, who launched the 'Save our Mid Norfolk Post Offices' campaign said: "During the consultation, we have collected hundreds of signatures from people in Mid Norfolk who oppose the Government's policy of closing Post Offices. The EDP has run an excellent campaign to inform the people of Norfolk, many of whom have come out on to the street to demonstrate their concern People are fed up with sham consultations.
Now is the time for Mr Brown to show that he is in touch and in control, by listening and stopping the cuts."
The consultation period ended on 2nd June and a final announcement on the sites to be closed has yet to be made.
Christopher Fraser MP said, "I am delighted to support George in his Mid Norfolk campaign. I know from my own work in South West Norfolk the strength of feeling among local people about the impact of the proposed closures. They will hit the most vulnerable groups hardest. I firmly believe that it is part of the Government's one-size-fits-all urban agenda that demonstrates time and time again that the Prime Minister does not understand or care about the rural community."
Keith Simpson MP said, "I strongly support George Freeman's Mid Norfolk campaign. Villages in Mid Norfolk have already lost vital services like banks, shops, and pubs, and the future without a post office is bleak. Gordon Brown can be in no doubt that this is a hugely unpopular policy. It is now time for the Government to listen and reverse its funding decision."
Photo: George Freeman with Christoper Fraser MP and Keith Simpson MP presenting the petition against post office closures in Mid Norfolk."
Over 100 people turned out on the last Saturday of the Post Office Consultation to show how strongly Mid Norfolk feels about the damage to rural communities caused by the Post Office closure programme.
The event was well covered in Monday's EDP (click here) and received good coverage in the morning hourly bulletins on BBC Radio Norfolk, so the voice of opposition in Mid Norfolk was heard loud and clear.
For more details on the campaign please visit www.postoffices.georgefreeman.co.uk
Photo: George Freeman and campaigners outside Beeston Post Office.
3,000 houses will be built, 750 of which will be affordable; they plan a business park, primary school, sixth-form college, nursery, medical centre and three local centres providing shops and other facilities. Plans have been submitted for land which is outside the current development boundary and which pre-empt the 'core strategy for future housing development' by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership which will identify suitable land for future housing needs. Should the plans be allowed to go ahead? To find out more and be part of the consultation process click on the following link www.southwymondham.info
Please also let ME know what you think. Click here to send me an e-mail
Residents and campaigners were out in force in Beeston on Saturday, gathering signatures for the Save Mid Norfolk Post Office campaign.
Local Cllr Elizabeth Gould, who lives on Dereham Rd, and George Freeman, who is co-ordinating the Save Mid Norfolk Post Offices campaign, spent Saturday morning meeting residents and shoppers in the Post Office, collecting signatures and inspecting the proposed route to the alternative post office at Litcham.
"The Post Office's proposal that residents without a car can access the nearest alternative post offices at Litcham (2.2miles) or Mileham (2.7miles) on foot is madness, and likely to lead to serious road traffic incidents", said George Freeman.
"Anyone who has tried to walk these routes knows the road is a busy single lane designated for lorries, with a steep hill and high banks and no pavement for most of the way."
The attached photograph shows a pensioner being forced off the road by lorries whilst trying to walk part of the route.
"The route has been recognised by the County Council as too dangerous for school children to walk or cycle, so why can the Post Office get away with telling pensioners without cars to walk it?" said Cllr Gould.
Local resident Di Walthew, who has been helping with collecting signatures for the Beeston petition, said:
"Don't they realise that in rural areas like this many people, especially the elderly and people on lower incomes, don't have access to vehicles and depend on their local Post Office?"
Beeston, which is typical of many of the Mid Norfolk threatened with closure, has a number of reasons to be worried about the closure:
- Over 14 families have no transport of their own and rely on the PO to collect benefits, use banking and other services.
- An estimated 30% of Beeston residents do not have access to a computer so cannot access the Post Offices alternative online services.
- Due to lack any public transport between Beeston and Litcham, prescriptions are collected from, and delivered to, the Post Office by the local health centre.
- Extensive research by the Institute of Advanced Motoring Trust (2007) found that official records of fatal and serious accidents show rural roads are the most dangerous.
"The hidden knock-on effects of these closures will be huge" said Mr Freeman, "Village life, and especially the elderly, vulnerable and children will suffer. Car use will increase. Villages will become dormitories of people cut off from each other. We must have an alternative way."
"If the Post Office 'consultation' is genuine and the Post Office is listening to local views, Beeston Post Office must not be closed" he said.
Photo: Pensioner walking to Post Office forced off the road.
Photo: Steve Norris addresses the Mid Norfolk Enterprise Forum.
George launches a new Save Mid Norfolk Post Offices campaign, with an online petition and signature campaign with local councillors and residents.
As featured in the EDP, George has launched a new Save Mid Norfolk Post Offices campaign, with an online petition and signature campaign with local councillors and residents.
"If you agree that Post Offices are the life blood of our rural communities then please take 1 minute to join in and have your say by supporting our campaign. YOUR VOTE WILL COUNT! Click the link below to add your name to the huge number of people signing up to tell the Government and Post Office what we think of their closures....
"Rural post offices are more than just places to buy stamps. The PO is a crucial facility in a rural community. Many, especially the elderly, immobile and vulnerable, depend on the service that it provides. Experience elsewhere has shown that the closure of a PO can have devastating consequences for a village. Less money is spent locally, further undermining the rural economy. Car use increases. Those without transport suffer. Village vitality falls. The loss of a village PO is often the final blow to struggling hard pressed rural communities.
