North Norfolk District Council recently hosted a fun-filled civic reception in the spectacular location of Cley Visitor Centre.
The fundraising event was a huge success raising £2,245 for the Chairman’s chosen charity of the year – Norfolk Wildlife Trust. During the evening an auction was held with some unusual lots, such as unique experiences including a ride in a Tiger Moth at Langham Airfield and pieces of art.
Cllr Clive Stockton, North Norfolk District Council’s Chairman, said: “I am absolutely overjoyed that the evening was informal, relaxed, with some 70 persons present and the auction itself raised such an exceptional amount.
The auction was carried out free of charge and therefore the total raised has been donated to my chosen charity. This will contribute to two strands of work being carried out by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust – the
Children and Nature fund and heritage grazing programme.
The auction was only possible because of the most generous support of the 22 donors who gave such fantastic Lots and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to them and to the auction house who facilitated the event. ”
The reception marks the commencement of a series of school and community events including tree-planting sessions taking place across the district with the aim of raising funds for Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s ‘Sure Start’ centres which focus on educating children and encouraging them to get in touch with nature.
Dr Jess French, Children’s Ambassador for Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: “I have seen first-hand the huge impact that facilitating access to nature can have on young people and their families, so it is wonderful to receive such encouragement and support from North Norfolk District Council for Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s work. Their help will allow us to engage with even more families and get even more children outside, muddying their clothes and opening their minds.”
Vice President of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, John Snape, said: “Far too many of today’s children are suffering from a whole range of mental and physical illnesses to a degree that was largely unheard of 60 years ago. The statistics are shocking but at the same time research tells us that access to nature and green space can help to provide children with many cognitive, emotional and physical benefits such as increased ability to concentrate, reduced stress and aggression levels, and reduced risk of obesity.
“As we all know, nature is also in serious trouble and if the next generation grows up with little understanding of nature, both will continue to suffer.
“I established the Children and Nature fund with Norfolk Wildlife Trust three years ago to help children and young people enjoy and value the nature that surrounds them in Norfolk. The generous donation from NNDC will help towards continuing this crucial work.”
Sure Start centres are part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Children and Nature initiative. It creates wildlife-friendly areas outdoors where children can get involved with nature through wild walks and educational sessions.