10Broadland FocusWagons set to roll for 2012Participants and spectators can look forward to another successful East Coast Truckers charity convoy in 2012 with confirmation thatorganisers and Norfolk Constabulary have reached an agreement.Productive discussions between the police and event organisers have ensured that important issues relating to safety, compliance with legislation and insurance have been satisfactorily resolved, allowing the 26th annual event to go ahead this summer.The news follows a series of planning meetings held between organisers, police and other interested parties, chaired by leader of Broadland District Council Andrew Proctor.Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins said: "Norfolk Constabulary has been supporting the annual charity convoy since it began 26 years ago. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those involved - drivers, children and their carers and, of course, the hundreds of spectators who turn out to cheer on the truckers and their precious cargo.""The East Coast Truckers have worked extremely hard over the years and their dedication to the cause of disadvantaged children is second to none. Along with Broadland District Council, we were pleased to assist the forward planning for this year's event and we are delighted that arrangements are now in place for the Children's Convoy to take place again this August." Organiser Rob Billman said: "The East Coast Truckers are proud to organise an event which surely must be one of the most unusual and high-profile means of fundraising. We are grateful to the police and the district council for helping us to keep the event in the calendar."Participant Michelle Taplin, who has a niece with cerebral palsy, attended the planning meetings with her sister Alison Denholm."We are so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to ensure the convoy continues. It is such an emotional day for everyone," she said."A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes that makes the day so special for disadvantaged children. A big thank you to the truckers, the police and Broadland for their continuing efforts to keep the convoy going."The annual convoy, transporting disabled and disadvantaged children from East Anglia for a day trip to the coast, will this year take place on Sunday 26 August taking in the usual route from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills via the A47 and A12.Two new Heads of Service join Broadland District Council's Management TeamBroadland District Council has made two senior appointments at the start of this year, bringing the management team back up to full strength. The Council has appointed Richard Block as Head of Environmental Services. Richard joins the Council from Westminster City Council, where he managed a section of the Environmental Health Service for eight years. Richard says that he is excited to be joining Broadland and was committed both to maintaining Broadland's excellent reputation for environmental services delivery and to further developing the service to deliver even better value. "I am acutely aware that achieving value for money is an even more poignant issue for everybody in the present economic climate. I am really enjoying this challenge" he said. Jill Penn has taken up her post as Head of Finance and Revenue Services, which is a new role at the Council combining the roles in the previous structure of the Head of Finance and the Head of Revenues. Jill was most recently at Norfolk County Council where she was the Financial Manager for the Environment, Transport and Development. Jill's experience spans the public, private and voluntary sectors, with experience gained at the Citizen's Advice Bureau and the National Trust. As well as achieving an MSC in Accounting and Financial Management, Jill has taught numeracy to post 16 students. Jill says her broad experience will help her in her new role: "I bring lots of fresh ideas and different ways of doing things; I am looking forward to team working with all at the Council and its partners.". . . . . . . . .We're grateful to everyone who worked hard to ensure the convoy continuesSunday 26 August

Broadland News Spring 201211Best in BroadlandAGMCarpentry&ConstructionWe are a local company and can undertake all your carpentry and construction requirements.l Extensions, alterations & roofs.l Kitchens & bedrooms supplied & fitted.l We specialise in UPVC fascia, soffit & gutter replacement."We guarantee to beat any genuine quote from a national company - on 'price and quality'. Free survey quotations"(01603) 419901 Mobile 07954 786397*Best in BroadlandCelebrating Broadland's CommunitiesWhat's so special about Broadland? The things that make Broadland special are probably not things at all; they are the people and places that contribute to the quality of life in Broadland's communities. The quality of life in Broadland has been recognised twice at the International awards for Liveable Communities, Livcom; both times the Broadland District won a Gold Award. These awards are a tribute to our residents, town and parish councils, youth and community groups and voluntary organisations, who all play a role and work hard to make their area a better place to live, work and visit. Now Broadland District Council wants to recognise local effort and endeavour towards making Broadland a great place and we are delighted to introduce the Best in Broadland Awards. Best in Broadland recognises communities who come together to improve and enhance where they live. We also recognise that sometimes just maintaining an area is a labour of love and takes a lot of effort. Best in Broadland is a competition that is open to all broad-based community groups who represent all sections of the community, such as town or parish councils. Best in Broadland is open to all Broadland communities, large and small, rural or urban. Parishes will be judged in categories from the largest with populations of over 5,000 people, to the smallest with populations fewer than 200.How to EnterEntry is free. You can download an entry form from www.broadland.gov.uk/bestinbroadlandor collect a form from our Reception at the Council's Offices at Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU.The AwardsEach winning Community will be presented with a wall plaque for permanent display and a trophy, which will be handed on to the following year's winner. Winners will feature in Broadland News - so this really is a great opportunity to celebrate all that's good in your community. If you would like to contact your local parish council, their contact details are published on Broadland District Council's website: www.broadland.gov.uk To talk to someone at Broadland District Council about your award or whether your community group or project would be eligible to enter please contact Susan Flack, Community Engagement Coordinator, e-mail: susan.flack@broadland.gov.uk or telephone (01603) 430594.Susan says: "All our communities have their positive features and attributes. Yours may not be the prettiest village in Broadland, but it might be the most caring. Your community may be especially good at looking after its older members. Perhaps you have a community project which is thriving or a body of volunteers willing to turn their hands to whatever needs to be done. So as the spring approaches, give some thought to what you like about the place where you live. Go out and take photos and talk to your friends and neighbours about what makes your place special. Then consider entering your community for Best in Broadland - it's a chance to celebrate and reinforce those special features and to recognise and thank the volunteers who make things happen."improve & enhance