COASTAL FLOODING 'DEADLY SERIOUSLY'

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, is calling on the Government to give a higher priority to coastal defences following a report published today showing that 17,500 homes in the region will be threatened by flooding by 2040.   The report was issued by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).  It concludes that without improvements to defences, the cost of a serious coastal flood could cost up to £16 billion.

"This report has come at a crucial stage," said Mr Lamb.  "The Government has been cutting funding for coastal and flood defences this year, just at a time when the threat is increasing because of rising sea levels.  The Government has got to start taking this issue deadly seriously."

Link: Association of British Insurers report and press release at http://www.abi.org.uk/DISPLAY/default.asp?Menu_ID=773&Menu_All=1,773,0&Child_ID=651

REMEMBRANCE DAY IN SHERINGHAM

We have just had another Remembrance Day Parade in Sheringham and as normal this was extremely well supported, with over 100 on parade and many more at the War Memorial.  I would like to draw your attention to a few facts about the Royal British Legion, especially as we are approaching the time of year when the weather turns very cold.  Utility prices have risen dramatically in the last year and many of the older generation were hesitant to use their heating during last winter for fear that they would not be able to afford the bill when it landed on their doormat.  Obviously, with the price rises this year, many will be even more reluctant to use it this year.  If you or your dependants have served seven days and drawn seven days pay from any of the Armed Forces, you are eligible to apply for help.  Please, please do not switch off your heating, keep warm and comfortable and if when your bills arrive you are not able to meet them, then get in touch with us.  We are often able to help, it is after all the reason so many of us traipse about in all weathers collecting for the Poppy Appeal.   All you need to do is telephone County Office on (01328) 864543 and they will take it from there.
MC

ANTIQUES FAIR

It was GOING, GOING GONE, as the hammer came down on the record breaking 10th Antique Fair organised by The Rotary Club of Aylsham.  At the preview evening on Saturday the 7th October nearly 200 guests circulated amongst the stalls whilst being served canapés by the Aylsham Guides.  During the evening Mike Downes, President of the Rotary Club, made a donation to the Girl Guides of £100 towards their funds.   There was an auction during the evening, which made £400.

On the Sunday, the day of the main Antiques Fair, people were queuing to get in before the opening time of 10am and during the day over 500 people came through the door to both browse and also buy from the quality antique and collectors' stalls. 'Antiques Roadshow' style valuations were kindly made by Keys of Aylsham valuers, for a £1 donation and this proved very popular with some people being pleasantly surprised at the value of the item they had brought along for valuation.  The Buxton Church Ladies group laid on refreshments and these proved very popular.

The highlight of the day was when Maggie Secker from BBC Radio Norfolk attended with her sound crew to give a two hour outside broadcast from the show during which she described the various stalls and interviewed stall holders.

Aylsham Rotary Club wishes to thank all its supporters and sponsors who helped to raise getting on towards £4,000 for charity from the show.

READERS LETTER

I would like to respond to a letter from your Issue No 53 - Friday 2nd September 2005 newsletter.   There is a readers letter from Steven Flack regarding Hilbre School.   I myself attended this school from 1970 - 1974 and I am planning to travel to Sheringham at some point to have a look at the old place and reminisce.   I have heard a few stories from people who work in and around the area about what the old School looks like now, and how the area has changed so I would like to go and see for myself.

I live in the Ipswich area and I noticed from the letter that Steven was a Suffolk boy.   If Steven would like to contact me he would be more than welcome to on this contact email address:- daly1964@yahoo.co.uk.   Denise Daly

Dear editor

Thank you very much for advertising the Christian Aid and Traidcraft stall on Ottendorf Green on 28th October (issue no 68).
I would be grateful if you could mention in your next issue that we sold £141,24 worth of goods and thank everyone who came to the stall.   Brenda Smith.