Boost banks before break

Kind-hearted blood donors are being urged to roll up their sleeves to give a pint of 'the red stuff' this month to ensure local blood banks-are well stocked before the August bank holiday weekend.
Blood stocks traditionally fall by up to 10 per cent during bank holiday weekends and the summer months are traditionally a time when collections are lower than other times of the year.
Gareth Bell, Spokesman for the NBS, said: "Fewer sessions take place during bank holidays which means we need to increase our efforts around these times to ensure stocks do not fall significantly.
"Summer is normally a time when stocks dip but so far this year they are holding at a healthy level. We are really thankful to our wonderful donors for continuing to come forward but as stocks are turned over so quickly it is a case of not resting on our laurels.
"Sessions take place on a daily basis and you are never too far away from saving a life."
Platelets are the main concern for the NBS at this time. They can only be stored for up to 5 days and are most frequently needed for patients undergoing cancer and leukaemia treatments.
Platelets are collected along with red cells and plasma each time you give a donation which means up to three lives can be saved with each unit.
The National Blood Service (NBS) must collect 7,000 donations every day to ensure patients get the treatments they urgently need.

It is possible to give blood every 16 weeks, that's just three times-a-year. If you haven't donated before, make this the time to begin.
In most cases anyone aged 17-60 (you can donate on your 60th birthday), who weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg), in general good health can give blood. Regular donors can continue to donate up until the age of 70.
For further information and to book an appointment contact our National Helpline on 0845 7
711 711 or visit our website www.blood.co.uk

RAIN AFFECTS ENTRIES AT GRESHAM HORTICULTURAL SHOW

Heavy rain during the week, plus an unusual number of exhibitors on holiday, conspired to reduce the number of entries at this year's Gresham Horticultural Show (August 9). Nevertheless, the winners of many of the 59 classes reached a commendably high standard.

Winner of five categories and Best in Show for the second year running was Simon Burton-Pye with his display of Onions over 8 ozs. Running him close was Tony Jacobs from with six firsts, followed by his wife with five. Four of Tony Jacob's firsts were in the Vegetables Section, whilst four of Doreen's were concentrated in the Home Produce Section. In the Junior Section, Alex Gore scored three firsts out of four entries!

Prominent among the other winners were Margaret Denton for her Vase of mixed flowers, and Lynne Testor with her Hydrangea bloom. Equally striking were the three blooms of Dahlias from Heather Turner. Chairman of the Gresham Village Hall Association, Jimmy Annison, won three firsts - all in the Vegetables Section - whilst regular exhibitor and winner, Joy Cooper, also gained three firsts, two of them for Home Produce.

Thanks must go to the Village Hall Committee for all their hard work and to the Judges, Chris Johnson of North Walsham (Horticulture) and Frances Brittain of Aylmerton (Home Produce). A steady stream of visitors, encouraged also by refreshments and lunches, ensured a worthwhile day, rounded off by an auction of floral displays and produce.