Local blood banks need boost after postal delays

Blood donors across the east of England are being urged to book an appointment to give blood following a string of postal strikes causing vital reminder letters to be delayed.   The national blood service (NBS) is calling on it's most loyal donors, who have not given blood in the last 16 weeks, to help them save lives over the next few weeks as well as encouraging new donors to come forward.  The recent postal strikes have meant many regular blood donors have not received invitation letters with details of where and when to give blood. Adding to the problem that recently there has been a decline in bloodstocks.  As such the NBS want to remind all blood donors who are due to give blood that they still need their continued support. They also ask that all those who have been thinking about giving blood to please do son now by calling the Donor Helpline.

Gareth Bell NBS spokesperson said: "It is important for people to remember that blood stocks are still healthy and hospitals are getting all the blood they need, but support is needed now to ensure they remain this way.  Blood products only have a very short shelf life, just 5 days in some cases, and a constant flow of donors are needed to maintain stocks. Because some of our most loyal donors might not of received the details for the coming sessions we would like to remind everyone how important it is to give blood.  Each blood donation collected from volunteer donors playa significant role at hospitals and can save more than one life!"

Only 5% of the eligible population give blood and yet 7,000 voluntary donations are needed every day in order to meet hospital demand.  In most cases anyone aged 17-59 who weighs over 7st 12lbs (50kg), in general good health, can give blood. Blood donors are asked to give every 16 weeks- that's just three times a year.

To make an appointment to give blood or find out more information about becoming a donor call 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY

The Christmas present with the wow factor! Forget the socks and shirts, the blouses and bath oils. Here's a Christmas present that won't ever be forgotten. A day driving a full-size steam engine on the Poppy Line. Poppy Line Footplate Experience Days really are something special. The day starts with preparing the loco at 7.30 am and goes on to include ten miles on the footplate, both driving the engine and helping to fire it. A guided tour of the locomotive and carriage works gives the chance to get up close and personal with historic engines and coaches. And the day ends with shutting down the engine at around 4.00pm. Refreshments, lunch and an engineman's memento are all part of the package.

Driver Experience days are a dream come true for just £345 a person. But budding Santa Clauses need to work fast-places for 2008 in April, May and October are already booking up.

CHRISTMAS DIARY

A few ideas for Entertainment or Gifts in the run up to the festive season.

"MUSIC with MINCE PIES"

Saturday 2nd December
10 -12 noon
A Coffee Morning with Seasonal Music
Raffle, Cakes etc
St. Andrews Church, East Runton

Christmas Fair
The Morley Club, Sheringham

15th December
10.30 until 4.00.
to raise money for the Big C.
Lunches served from 11.30 till 2.00
Morning coffee and afternoon teas, cake, stalls, raffles, Christmas home made jam etc
Table Christmas decorations
All Welcome

Welcome Yule! Christmas Concert

Saturday 15 December 7.30pm
Thorpe Market Church
with the Cliftonville Singers
Tickets £5 on the door in aid of East Anglian Childrens Hospice

CHRISTMAS FAIR

Saturday November 24th.
Langham Parish Room
10.00am. - 12 noon.
Christmas Raffle with a Luxury Hamper, Tombola, Plants, Cakes, Gifts, Books, Toys and competitions
Do come along and have what we hope will be another enjoyable morning. Net proceeds will be for the Langham Church General Fund with a 50/50 table for the Alzheimer's Society. Enquiries: Tel: 01328 830605

Christmas Craft Fair

Sat 1st - Sun 2nd December.
10am - 4pm Free Entry
The Beach Multi Art Centre
East Promenade, Sheringham

Sheringham Country Market Christmas Fayre

Oddfellows Hall, Lifeboat Plain
Sat 1st December
10.30am - 12.30pm
Coffee & Raffle for Quidenham Childrens' Hospice

Christmas Concert

Saturday 8 December 7.30pm at Cromer Parish Church
Sheringham & Cromer Choral present an evening of seasonal music with audience participation.
Tickets £10 avaiable on the door or in advance from K Hardware, Cromer or Bertram Watts, Sheringham. Enquiries 01263 578182

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Presented by The Briston Players  at The Copeman Centre, Briston Village Hall, Friday 30th November 2007, 7.00pm.  Saturday 1st December 2007, 2.00pm & 7.00pm.   Tickets - Adult £5 : Child £3.50.  Family (2 adults & 2 children) £15.00.  from Claire - 10.00am - 4.00pm.  142 Hall Street, Briston, 01263 861340