Web Log

Norfolk County Council is encouraging residents preparing for Halloween fun to think green and get more from their pumpkins. More than one million pumpkins are now sold in the UK each year and carved into lanterns. After next Sasturday's (October 31) festivities, most of these will go straight in the bin and end up being sent to landfill.

With a bit of effort, pumpkins can be used to create some extra treats both before and after Halloween. Pumpkins are surprisingly versatile and with some creative cookery can be transformed into soup, cakes, pies and even lasagne. Even the seeds can be roasted. After the event, the inedible parts (the shell) can be transformed into compost to give your garden a treat next year. Adding a few autumn leaves, can help give your bin the right mix.

Ian Monson, Cabinet member for Environment and Waste, Norfolk County Council, said: "When pumpkins are sent to landfill, they break down without any oxygen and create methane - a potent greenhouse gas. By having a go at using the pumpkin for cooking, much of the waste is avoided. Composting the rest of the pumpkin at home as well is more good news for the environment, as it creates a useful compost to feed your garden."

Reduced price compost bins are available, with prices starting at just £8 including home delivery. Call 0845 077 0757 to order a bin.

For pumpkin recipe ideas and more information on how to get composting visit: www.recyclenow.org.uk/compost

Labels: recycling

Ghoulish ghouls, wicked witches and devilish devils return to Kings Lynn this Halloween!

The Vancouver Quarter shopping centre and King's Lynn Town Centre will be hosting the unique USA-style trick-or-treat event again this year following the success of last years event. Shoppers are invited to participate in the free event which takes place on Saturday 31st October.

The spooktacular family-friendly event includes performances from a group of parkour free runners from 2pm onwards - parkour also known as the art of movement is an extreme sport where individuals free run using street furniture and buildings. As well as entertaining shoppers with their athletic stunts the group will also be raising money for the charity ActionAid. There will also be performances from Alison's street dance.

The thrilling trick-or-treat event will be taking place from 4pm-6pm with the majority of shops in the Vancouver Quarter and Town centre handing out sweets and chocolate goodies to trick-or-treaters. Children and their mums and dads are invited to come along to the event in costume and take part in the fancy dress competition for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

Labels: events, ghosts

There's firework fun to brighten a dark winter night, on Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November.

Whirling Catherine Wheels, shooting rockets and sparkling firework fountains will streak the night sky at a special free family firework display in The Walks.

The Borough Council and the King's Lynn Lions Club have joined forces to organise the event being held on the main recreation ground adjacent to Tennyson Road.

The fun begins at 6.30 pm and includes a blazing bonfire, charity stalls, and spectacular firework display at 8.00 pm.

People are invited to come dressed as the fateful Mr. Fawkes and enter the fancy dress competition to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes, including tickets to see this year's Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton (8 December - 3 January). There are three categories, under 10s, under 17s and 'Old Guys' (18s and over). Winners will be announced by Borough Mayor Cllr. Michael Pitcher after the firework display.

After exploring the stalls and being wowed by the pyrotechnics, visitors can enjoy hot and cold refreshments from the Cafe in the Park.

Cllr. Elizabeth Nockolds, Cabinet Member for Sports, Arts and Open Spaces, said, "Bonfire Night is a traditional family favourite and a great way to celebrate the change in season. Since its restoration, The Walks provides the ideal place for an organised display such as this and means that families can enjoy all the excitement of the fireworks in safety. We hope lots of people come along to join in the fun."

Craig Campbell, Local Risk Manager, Norfolk Fire & Rescue said, "Bonfire Night is a notoriously busy night of the year for the Fire & Rescue Service. Unfortunately the evening doesn't always pass off without incident, with damage being caused, not only to property, but also to people.

People are advised not to bring pets to the park during the evening on the 5 November. Vehicular access to The Walks will be restricted on 4 November to enable preparation work to take place.

The Reverend Fr. Paul James Norwood has been ordained a Priest in the ancient Parish Church of All Saints', King' Lynn.

As far as the records show, Fr. Paul James is probably the only person ever to have been ordained there in the thousand year history of the Church.

The Service of ordination, conducted by the Right Reverend Father in God, Keith Newton, the Bishop of Richborough, was attended by over 150 people, and about twenty Priests who assisted the Bishop with the 'laying on of hands'.

The photograph shows Bishop Keith 'laying on hands' with the Rector, Fr. Paul and the other Priests present (courtesy of Daniel Gibbins at churchwebsitedesign)