2018 Local News Stories

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Latest post of the previous page:

Twitchers stunned to see rare American bittern make an appearance at nature reserve

An American star with stripes has lured hundreds of birdwatchers to an East Anglian nature reserve - and has provided a boost to a £1m appeal to extend the site.
Twitchers from many parts of Britain have been converging on Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes, near Lowestoft, to see an American bittern - a species rarely seen in Britain and never before in Suffolk.
Related to the great bittern for which East Anglian reedbeds are famous, the rare transatlantic visitor is distinguished by its smaller size, longer bill, greater contrast in its wing pattern and, most obviously, prominent brown neck stripes.
Hordes of birdwatchers have visited the reserve, filling its overflow car park almost to capacity, and donating generously to the trust’s Sir David Attenborough-backed Broads Appeal. The trust aims to extend Carlton Marshes by 384 acres with the purchase of Share Marsh - which is being frequented by the rare visitor - and Peto’s Marsh, together with new infrastructure that includes a new visitor centre.
Trust warden Matt Gooch said about 600 birdwatchers visited on Sunday and others were arriving yesterday. About £400 was raised for the appeal on the first day - boosting the fund which now stood at about £903,000.
Read more: http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/ ... -1-5469074

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Views sought on council’s plans for £200,000 loan to secure theatre’s future

Plans to secure the future of a vital cultural and community asset have put been forward by town councillors.
A consultation over Lowestoft Town Council’s plans to buy the Marina Theatre’s neighbouring ‘Zenith’ building which houses the theatre’s café, box office and meeting rooms, has been launched this week as the council looks to take out a loan of £200,000 for the purchase.
The Marina was one of the assets transferred into the ownership of the town council by Waveney District Council following its formation last year. However the café and box office area are owned by a third party, despite being fundamentally important to the operation of the theatre.
The proposal would see the council using its reserves and taking out the loan to buy the building, allowing it to own and then lease the two facilities to the Marina Theatre Trust, ensuring continuity and security for the future.
Lee Henderson, Marina Theatre CEO said: “The security of the ‘Zenith’ building is fundamental to our financial resilience and future business planning to ensure the Marina remains a vital cultural and community asset for Lowestoft. We are delighted Lowestoft Town Council are assisting us in progressing with the purchase and we would encourage people to share their views.”
The council’s loan payments would be met through a 20-year lease arrangement with the Trust ensuring no additional cost to the tax payer.
A town council spokesman said: “Waveney District Council was in the process of buying the ‘Zenith’ building but as they have now transferred the Marina Theatre building to Lowestoft Town Council, it makes more sense for us to take over this process. We have a vested interest in securing the future viability of the Marina building and the trust that manages the theatre services.”
Residents are being asked for views ahead of a special meeting of the town council on April 20, at 7.30pm at Waveney District Council offices in Canning Road, Lowestoft. Views must be received by 4pm on April 20, and can be emailed to info@lowestofttowncouncil.uk, online at www.lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk, call 0330 536019 or write to Lowestoft Town Council, Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1DE.
http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/ ... -1-5474159

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‘I’m proud to be a biker’ says Peggy, 101, as dozens of gleaming machines descend on her doorstep in birthday surprise

As a young child she used to bob about on the back of her father’s motorbike while he painted postboxes in the Yorkshire Dales.
Peggy Sanger was just four when she tasted the thrill of two-wheeled travel and has been an avid bike enthusiast ever since.
So when Mick Smith heard about a 101-year-old lady whose head was turned by the thrum of a passing engine he knew just how to make her day.
As a late birthday present the 53-year-old from Newmarket rallied members on the East Anglian Biker Facebook page inviting them to share their love for bikes with one of their own.
And today (Sunday April 15) weeks of planning came together when some 40 gleaming machines made their way from all over the region to Cherry Lodge in Lyndhurst Road, Lowestoft.
Mrs Sanger, who thought she was going to see just one bike, was stunned by the gesture declaring she was “over the moon.”
As well as mingling with the bikers, many of whom introduced themselves and chatted, she was presented with bunches of flowers, her favourite mints, and a special biker’s club badge.
She said: “I never expected anything like this. It is the throb of the engines I like, and Harleys have a special sound. I have been mad on bikes all my life.”
Read more: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/engine-revv ... -1-5477068 includes video.

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Danny Boyle’s new Beatles movie could be filmed at James Paget

A Norfolk hospital and a Suffolk singing sensation could be in the running to star in a Danny Boyle comedy film about The Beatles.
The James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston is in discussions with filmmakers about scenes being shot there.
While the hospital would not reveal anymore details, it is believed the film is being shot by Danny Boyle and has the provisional title of All You Need Is Love.
And there are national media reports that Ed Sheeran is set to star in the film, which is being made by Working Title Films and is written by Richard Curtis.
A spokeswoman for the James Paget said: “We can confirm that we have been approached by a film company, which wishes to use the James Paget University Hospital as a potential filming location.
Our discussions with the company are on-going.”
It follows a casting call by the Casting Collective for paid extras in East Anglia to take part in a movie being shot locally from April to June. Acle Academy could also feature in the film.
The Mail on Sunday has claimed Ed Sheeran is set to land a leading role in Curtis’s new production about the Fab Four’s music.
The 27-year-old was said to be in talks to appear in the film, which is about a man who wakes up one day to find he is the only person who can remember the songs of The Beatles.
It is understood that he will write new music for the film, which will also include Beatles hits.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/new-danny-b ... -1-5480489

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Owner puts seafront landmark up for sale after 48 years of family ownership

If you have a spare £2.5m one of Lowestoft’s most recognisable landmarks could be yours.
The Claremont Pier is up for sale after 48 years of ownership by the Scott family, who purchased the building in 1971.
Any potential buyer would own the building which houses Rollers, a roller skating venue, Rocksalt Brasserie, Fun Palace arcade, Scott’s Restaurant, The Aquarium live music venue, and entertainment venue The Zoo.
The pier opened in 1903 as a landing stage for steamers bringing day-trippers from central London to the town.
Owner of the pier, architect David Scott, has run the business on his own for six years after taking over from his father John and brother Paul.
He said: “I am sad to see it go. It has been a big part of my life, my family’s life and my children’s life and I have put my heart and soul into it. But you reach a stage of your life when you think you have done all you can and it is time to pass it on to someone else.”
He added: “We have got it to a reasonably good level now and it is trading well and the rental income will see a good return on the investment.”
Read more: http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/ ... -1-5483821

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Appeal after green portable loo stolen from Norfolk car boot sale site

Organisers of a Norfolk car boot sale have appealed for help from the public after a portable toilet was stolen.
It was taken from the ‘The late one’ car boot sale site at Aylsham between 8pm on Monday, April 16 and 8.30am on Tuesday, April 17.
An appeal was posted on a Facebook group saying: “Your assistance is required.
“Did by chance any of you notice someone up to no good on the Aylsham car boot site from when we finished, until when the toilet people went on to empty and clean the loos on the site, and found that a green loo full of unmentionables had grown legs, and walked.
“The loo’s were well staked down, so as not to blow over in heavy winds, so someone has gone to a lot or effort to steal it. Anyone who can help as to when they last saw it on the field to narrow it down for the police, please contact either me, the police, or Happisburgh Farm Services. Thanking you good peep’s in anticipation.”
The theft has been reported to the police.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/green ... -1-5484436

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Suffolk Broads: £4m boost for Attenborough-backed project

A vision to create a new nature reserve is to be realised after a wildlife trust won a £4m grant.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust will use the Heritage Lottery Fund money to buy 348 acres of land surrounding its Carlton Marshes reserve, near Lowestoft, to form a 1,000-acre sanctuary.
It will also build a visitor centre, which will have a cafe, play area, educational activities and walkways.
The trust said it was "brilliant" news for wildlife and members of the public.
It said it hopes it will become a national nature reserve in the next five years.
The project has been publicly backed by Sir David Attenborough.
The trust's chief executive Julian Roughton said it would help "even more people" explore the landscape and "discover the wonders of the natural world".
"This nature reserve will be a flagship conservation story for the UK showing how nature can be brought back," he said.
The rest of the project's £8m total cost will come from the trust through legacy gifts, volunteer time and an ongoing fundraising campaign, which is £95,000 away from its £1m target.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-43855893

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Simon Kindleysides becomes first paralysed man to walk the London Marathon after gruelling 36 hour race

Step after step over a gruelling 36 hours a father-of-three from Norfolk has become the first paralysed man to walk the London Marathon.
Simon Kindleysides, from Blofield, has spent the last two days walking around the 26.2-mile marathon course using a Rewalk exoskeleton suit, and surrounded by a team of supporters.
Mr Kindleysides was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and a glioma brain tumour in 2013, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
But the 33-year-old has been determined not let his paralysis hold him back - in 2015 he hand cycled from London to Paris and raised more than £5,000 for charity.
And at 10am on Sunday he set off with thousands of others on one of the toughest races in the world. By the time winner Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line in little over two hours, Mr Kindleysides was still facing 24 miles and 34 hours on the road.
By 9pm on Monday night he was walking along the Embankment, and by 11pm had become the first paralysed man ever to complete the race.
Read more: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/simon-kindl ... -1-5488777

[boatbuilder]

This is 'sort-of' local news as it seemed to affect much of East Anglia.

Double rainbow graces East of England skies

A double rainbow added a splash of colour to skies across the East of England.
Captured by BBC Weather Watchers, many were keen to share their photos

Video collation of images

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Men jailed for total of 23 years after violent burglary where victim was shot

Two men have been jailed for a total of 23 years following an aggravated burglary in Lowestoft which left a man with significant gunshot injuries.
At the sentencing at Ipswich Crown Court today, Thomas Dale, aged 20, received a jail term of 14 years, while Daniel Howarth, aged 26, was given nine years in prison.
Emma Hales and Hayley Capps, both aged 31, received 17 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
The incident happened on Sunday, August 27, 2017, when at around 1.20pm police received reports of an injured man seen staggering in the High Street in the town.
Officers attended but were unable to locate the injured man. They began extensive forensic, house to house and CCTV enquiries, and discovered a damaged front door of a flat in the High Street. Inside, officers seized items including a firearm, gas canister and metal bar.
Full article http://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/ ... -1-5496386

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‘Dad, I think we broke the internet’ - nation reacts to Norwich duo on Britain’s Got Talent


Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell gave his first ‘golden buzzer’ last night to the father-and-son singers from Norwich.
Tim Goodacre, 43, and son Jack, 12, performed an original song The Lucky Ones while playing their guitars.
They have since received a huge outpouring of support and congratulations, with Mr Cowell even suggesting the pair will win the talent show.
Tweeting last night, Jack and Tim wrote ‘OMG! Thank you everyone so much! Jack and I are literally overwhelmed...I promise to respond but my phone has melted! Jack said “Dad I think we broke the internet!”’
The pair also received many congratulations from residents from their home in Norfolk when readers commented on our story via Facebook:
Twelve-year-old Jack has previously appeared on The Voice Kids where he made it to the semi-finals of the competition. He also performed in Andrew Lloyd Webbers West End adaption of School of Rock last year, taking on the role of Zack Mooneyham.
The talented pair will now go through to the live shows, meaning they do not have to endure the judges vote.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/britains-go ... -1-5497141

PS I posted their performance on “Interesting videos on youtube” in “The Dark Room” earlier today.

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Oxford English Dictionary to feature East Anglian bug terms

Two East Anglian dialect phrases for insects are to be added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) this year.
“Billywitch”, a Suffolk term for the cockchafer beetle, will be added in June and “bishy barnabee” – a ladybird in Norfolk and Suffolk - will be included later.
Michael Profitt, OED chief editor, said regional words were “distinctive, inventive, and evocative”.
Keith Skipper, an expert on the Norfolk dialect, welcomed their inclusion.
He said “bishy barnabee” was one of the first words newcomers to the county learned. It is splendid news that proper Norfolk is being recognised in the way,” he said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-43950084

[boatbuilder]

News from an email @ 12:48pm today:

[muzzy]

Oxford English Dictionary to feature East Anglian bug terms

Two East Anglian dialect phrases for insects are to be added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) this year.
“Billywitch”, a Suffolk term for the cockchafer beetle, will be added in June and “bishy barnabee” – a ladybird in Norfolk and Suffolk - will be included later.
Michael Profitt, OED chief editor, said regional words were “distinctive, inventive, and evocative”.
Keith Skipper, an expert on the Norfolk dialect, welcomed their inclusion.
He said “bishy barnabee” was one of the first words newcomers to the county learned. It is splendid news that proper Norfolk is being recognised in the way,” he said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-43950084

Never heard of them!

[boatbuilder]

I thought 'bishy barnabee' was a character in 'Midsomer Murders'

[morty1753]

Bishy Barnabee was definately one of the first words I learned when I came to the area.

When I first heard it I thought they were talking squit.