NEW TO THE AREA?  VOLUNTEER FOR FUN!

BREAK Charity is appealing for volunteers to join their local BREAKE shops!   So if you're new to the area, and wondering how to get to know people, whilst attending evening classes or clubs might seem the best way, actually as Margaret Hart from Cromer has found, volunteering can be equally fun and at the same time very rewarding.

Margaret works for BREAK in their shop at 5 Hamilton Road, Cromer charity shop.  She moved to the area from Hertfordshire nine years ago, determined to volunteer in the shop once she'd retired, and that is exactly what she's done!  "Previously I've worked as a care assistant for the elderly, and then with people with learning difficulties.  And as my grandson is severely autistic and has been lucky enough to go to one of BREAK's holiday centres, the work that BREAK does is very close to my heart."  Margaret works on a Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon and really enjoys it, "It's great fun!  I meet lots of people and have a laugh.  Some of the customers even stop me in the street for a chat and we have some regulars who always pop in to see us, invariably leaving the shop with a purchase or two!  It's a lovely atmosphere at BREAK - the customers and staff are a very happy crowd."

Unfortunately the Cromer shop is losing some of its volunteers, as they're moving away from the area.  Pam McKinnon, BREAK Cromer Shop Manager said,  "We really need more help.  If there is anyone who'd like to lend a hand, even if it's just for one morning a week, we'd certainly find plenty for them to do.  Our volunteers help by sorting stock, keeping the shop tidy, serving customers and till work."  It's a great way to meet new people and make friends, whilst supporting a local charity to provide funding for holidays and respite care.

There are a number of other BREAK shops in the area including Holt, Sheringham, Aylsham and North Walsham, so there's sure to be one near to you.  If you'd like to volunteer, just pop into the shop or contact Susan Janes, BREAK's Retail Operations Coordinator on 01263 820722, susan.j@break-charity.org or go to www.break-charity.org .

KNAPTON'S CRAFT FAIR SUCCESS

The village of Knapton, near North Walsham, hosted its first craft fair at the end of May and the event was a resounding success.  Anna Ovenden, from the organisers Knapton Crafts said, "Despite rather poor weather, we had an excellent number of visitors to the fair and we were able to make a substantial donation to Knapton Church.  Our exhibitors, whose products ranged from chocolates to local paintings, were all very pleased and many will be exhibiting at our other events.  A big thank you to all who supported us."

The Knapton craft fair was the first of a series in North Norfolk to be organised by Knapton Crafts.  The next events are in Bacton on 2nd July, Sheringham 22nd July and Mundesley on 19th August.  On each occasion local charities will benefit from a donation.

A further craft fair is planned for Aylsham on 2nd September while 'Christmas Crafts' will be held in Mundesley in October and Aylsham in November when there will be over 20 craft exhibitors in attendance.

More details about the Knapton Crafts series of craft fairs in North Norfolk are available from Anna Ovenden on 01263 722825.

CROMER & SHERINGHAM ROTARY CLUB

Members of Cromer and Sheringham Rotary Club, together with a large number of guests, gathered at the Burlington Hotel at Sheringham for their quarterly evening dinner and to hear a lively account from Sir Michael Savory, last year's Lord Mayor of London. He spoke on a day in the life of the Lord Mayor, with stories from a very busy 12 months working on behalf of the city of London and the country at many state and business functions.

Dear Editor

May I use your paper to convey the thanks of the committee to all who contributed in any to raising of £3383.88 from the house-to-house collection during Christian Aid Week in Sheringham.  This is a few hundred pounds down on the record total in 2005, as we were unable to collect in all roads due to lack of volunteers.
Terry Beckett. Hon. Treas. Sheringham Christian Aid Week