The ground has been broken to start construction of Great Yarmouth’s exciting new state-of-the-art Marina Centre, with Great Yarmouth Borough Council sharing a video on social media in order to celebrate this exciting milestone with the community. The council’s £26m investment will be a major boost to the economy and community for decades to come, acting as a catalyst for potential further investment and seafront regeneration, whilst supporting health and well-being for the whole borough. While it was not possible to stage a ground-breaking ceremony on-site, the council worked with main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction to create a “virtual ground-breaking ceremony” in the form of a video shared with residents on the council’s social media channels.

South Norfolk Council has supported more than 100 families, including more than 150 children, so far this festive season by providing toys, tins of chocolates and Christmas food hampers.The packages and presents were distributed by South Norfolk Council and Broadland Councils’ Help Hub, a partnership between organisations that support people in the two districts by offering practical help, advice and guidance. Donations to make this gifting possible came from The Salvation Army, two local businessmen who have supported the initiative for several years, local charities and community groups, council staff and members of the public. The Help Hub will continue distributing these festive packs to families in need over the coming fortnight to help make Christmas extra special and make sure that no one gets forgotten on Christmas day.

Residents and visitors are asked to complete a short survey to help bolster a major funding bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save and revive Great Yarmouth’s Winter Gardens. The Grade II*-listed landmark is a national heritage gem, the UK’s last surviving Victorian seaside cast iron and glass winter gardens, and it requires significant national investment to repair and restore, supported by a robust business plan for re-use. With the project among only 12 shortlisted nationally to apply to the Heritage Horizons Awards scheme, Great Yarmouth Borough Council is working with conservation specialists and a preferred operator to finalise the application to the first stage of this very competitive multi-stage national funding pot.

A unique countryside burial park has become dear to the hearts of many Norfolk people since it opened five years ago. It plans to open its gates and welcome visitors on Christmas Day. Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park is an 18-acre multi-habitat parkland nature oasis. It has proved to be a place of huge comfort to relatives who want to take a few minutes of quiet reflection as they remember – and celebrate – the lives of loved ones who have been laid to rest there. “That is true all year round – but we have found it is especially true at Christmas,” said Andrew Morton who, with his wife Caroline, is the driving force behind the Burial Park. “And that has never been more pertinent than in this Covid-hit…