Lamb’s “steadfast work” on Equitable Life recognised by award!

Local Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb was today presented with an award from EMAG, the action group campaigning for justice on behalf of Equitable Life members. The award has been given to 6 MPs, who EMAG recognise as “outstanding parliamentarians” – including 2 from Norfolk, Norman Lamb and Norwich North MP Ian Gibson.  Paul Braithwaite, general secretary of EMAG, presented Norman Lamb with the award this morning in recognition of how much he has done to help members of Equitable Life. The award is for Norman Lamb’s “steadfast work on Equitable Life as a member of the Treasury Select Committee, culminating in his telling cross-examination of Minister Ruth Kelly before the committee.”

“I am delighted to receive this award today,” said Norman Lamb. “However the fight is not yet won and I will keep up the pressure to ensure justice for victims.”

“People lost much of their life savings when Equitable Life collapsed.” Norman Lamb added. “There are still concerns over the role and competence of the Government Actuaries Department in the matter.”

“The Parliamentary Ombudsman has now agreed to reopen the inquiry but it is vital we ensure this does not drag on. People who have lost their savings need compensation now and I will continue working towards this goal.”

CARNIVAL QUEEN SELECTION DANCE
13 MAY
Sheringham Social Club

DO YOU KNOW?

I wonder if you or any of your readers could help me please. I have been trying to carry out research on the life and times of my Granddad - Philip Ernest Willeard who married a local girl at Ingworth Church (1908) and was resident for a short while in Upper Sheringham, where he was employed as a domestic car driver (chauffeur). The two attached photos, taken round about 1912, show him with the car he used to carry his employees around the town and countryside. I have been told the house in the background was Upper Sheringham Hall but I have been unable to verify this. Maybe one of your readers recognises it and can confirm one way or the other.

Just before the outbreak of the First World War he and his wife moved to Devon - Exmouth from where he signed up in the Army Service Corps. Sadly he died in 1918 (aged just 36) and was buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site at Littleham just outside Exmouth. His widow returned to Sheringham and was resident at Exning House in Holway Road for many years until her death in the early 1960s. My father (Francis John) had been born in Sheringham in 1911 and I myself was born there also in Holway Road in 1944 so your delightful town has been a part of our family history.I should appreciate any help you are able to provide since information at first hand is rapidly disappearing. My father (now deceased) never knew his father since he died when he was only 7 years old and four of those where taken up with his part in the Great War. My Grandfather has remained an enigma ever since and it would be great to know something of his short lifetime. Please feel free to use my e-mail address if it helps otherwise my postal address is 30 Britten Road, Lowestoft NR33 9BW.
Many thanks, Philip John Willeard