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[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:44 | null | null | Airline’s chief executive said two new aircraft will be deployed on domestic routes. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FAir-Tanzania-prepares-to-fly-again-in-September%2F2560-3360096-ladtuq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Air Tanzania prepares to fly again in September | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Air Tanzania, which will be facing competition from PrecisionAir and FastJet, is targeting Dodoma, Pemba Island and Mpanda in western Tanzania. PHOTO | FILE
Air Tanzania is acquiring two 76-seater Bombardier –D8 Q400 aircraft in September as it fights to stay afloat.
The two, to be paid for from part of the $250 million given by the government to revamp Air Tanzania, are among four aircraft ordered from the Canadian manufacturer and will increase to three the fleet deployed by the airline.
Chief executive Patrick Itule said the aircraft will be deployed on domestic routes.
“We are expecting air transport in Tanzania to be more competitive. The aircraft will solve the shortage of air services in Tanzania and help connect new destinations,” Mr Itule said.
Crew for the aircraft left Tanzania early this month for training in Canada. The airline recently floated 28 positions for various trades, including flight attendants.
Air Tanzania is targeting Dodoma, Pemba Island and Mpanda in western Tanzania. The airline will fly Dar es Salaam to Moroni in the Comoros as a new, regional destination, Mr Itule said.
Air Tanzania will be facing competition from PrecisionAir and FastJet.
PrecisionAir flies to Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Tabora, Musoma, Kigoma, Bukoba, Zanzibar and Mtwara with Nairobi as its most profitable route.
No-frills carrier FastJet operates daily flights connecting Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Mbeya, Zanzibar, Nairobi and Entebbe.
Fare rates released by various travel agents indicated that Air Tanzania charges between Tsh220,000 ($110) and Tsh300,000 ($150) for a one-way trip to Mwanza and Kilimanjaro, respectively.
PrecisionAir fares have been set between Tsh240,000 ($120) and Tsh400,000 ($200) for a one-way and return trip on its long routes.
FastJet’s fares range from Tsh60,000 ($30) for a one-way ticket to Tsh240,000 ($120) for a return ticket, depending on the booking period and availability of cheap tickets.
When Air Tanzania grounded its aircraft, it lost its slots on international routes to regional and global air carriers. Among these routes were Nairobi, Johannesburg, Jeddah, Milan, Frankfurt, London, Victoria, Lusaka, Entebbe and Mumbai.
Middle East-registered airlines now dominate Tanzania’s skies, providing connection to different airports in the world, while regional airlines including South African Airways, Ethiopian Airline, Kenya Airways and RwandAir have captured regional routes connecting Tanzania to other African airports. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Air-Tanzania-prepares-to-fly-again-in-September/2560-3360096-ladtuq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/af97d6a514e6a6a08ac3d1597eb4aa4393a7b8c998a89e519e2532fbab9e25fc.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:50:26 | null | null | One of the saddest parts of my trip was when an attendant in a renowned cosmetic store refused to serve me, but warmly ushered in my white friends. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fmagazine%2FBest-and-worst-of-San-Francisco%2F434746-3359228-u3if8i%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3359252/lowRes/1419574/-/xw78fb/-/dome.jpg | en | null | Best and worst of San Francisco | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Magazine
San Francisco’s City Hall, which has a gold leaf on the dome. PHOTO | ELIZABETH MERAB
San Francisco can be many things depending on its guest’s preferences. If you are a nature lover, then the small city by the bay has more than enough scenic views to offer.
You can for instance have a glimpse of rolling hills and the year-round fog or soak in the wonder of the Twin Peaks (two prominent hills with an elevation of about 925 feet) located near the geographic centre of San Francisco, California.
If you make your way down Lombard Street, you will have a front seat view of cars cascading down the city’s most crooked street, which is paved with bricks and garnished with blooming hydrangeas.
But if your interest is in marvelling at manmade features, then the city on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay has spectacular architecture to offer its visitors.
The Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” at Hayes and Steiner Streets is not only a visual treat but also one of the most photographed locations in San Francisco.
It features the famous “painted ladies” (colourful Victorian houses) against a backdrop of downtown skyscrapers.
The city also boasts of having the world’s last manually operated cable cars rolling up and down the hilly railed roads.
But the icing on the cake for the little city is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which introduces one to the prime movie magic feel.
San Francisco is a great-looking town, to say the least.
The southern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area is Silicon Valley, home to many of the world’s largest high-tech corporations and thousands of startup companies.
San Fran, as the locals call it, is known as the home of Airbnb, Uber, Apple, Google, Twitter, Nasa and many more.
It is a city that’s reinventing itself with every refresh of a Twitter feed, while cranes rise all over downtown and an army of young techies flock into neighbourhoods across the city.
However, San Francisco is more than just the physical headquarters of today’s virtual world.
For starters, in the past 25 years, earthquake science and engineering have kept pace with the Bay Area’s tremendous transformation. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Best-and-worst-of-San-Francisco/434746-3359228-u3if8i/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/40fc99d8d7194c72e2f21386cf3e6f612a8741589501b6cdd5ffef79361417fb.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:52:04 | null | null | A campaign has been launched to sensitise communities in the park to get involved in conservation efforts. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FNews%2FAnti-poaching-measures-to-preserve-Nyungwe-park%2F1433218-3362934-4yv64a%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Anti-poaching measures to preserve Nyungwe park | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Tourists in Nyungwe National park. Photo/FILE
Put together the source of 40 per cent of fresh water in the country, the furthest source of River Nile and contributor of 30 per cent of national tourism revenue and you get Nyungwe National Park.
But all this is now threatened by poverty, say officials and conservationists. According to the two groups, it is poverty that is pushing members of the communities around the park into poaching and illegal mining.
Such unauthorised activities are a risk to biodiversity conservation in the natural forest, which plays a key ecological and economic role not just to the country but also to the region.
Now an anti-poaching campaign has been launched to sensitise the communities surrounding the park to get involved in conservation efforts.
One such member of the community is Bosco Nkezahayo, a former poacher from Nyamasheke district, who told Rwanda Today that poaching was his main source of income for 13 years.
“I used to make money out of poaching to buy cooking oil and salt,” he said after an anti-campaign launch, where 150kg of elephant tusks, weapons used in poaching and equipment used for illegal mining were burnt in a symbolic event to fight poaching.
According to Nyungwe park manager Louis Rugerinyange, 1kg of elephant tusks is sold at $2,500 on the black market.
Most animals targeted are boars and duikers but the forest also hosted elephants which have been extinct, the last was seen in 1999. Elephant tusks were seized as they were trafficked through the country.
Mr Nkezahayo said many poachers have formed co-operatives for income generating projects but there are still others who are involved in illegal wildlife activities.
“Because when he easily gets around Rwf7,000($9) per week, he stays and attracts others,” he said.
The 1,020-square kilometre Nyungwe Forest stretches across five districts and Burundi (where it’s called Kibira).
Experts root for economic empowerment in ending poaching and other illegal wildlife activities.
According to the tourism revenue sharing programme, five per cent of tourism revenues goes to community development around parks.
Nyungwe receives 30 per cent, Akagera 30 per cent and Virunga, the biggest attraction, receives 40 per cent. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/News/Anti-poaching-measures-to-preserve-Nyungwe-park/1433218-3362934-4yv64a/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/01fd814a2f940de4acb601c3400a066544a45d6efe27966f22c6e441411a9bf3.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:51:56 | null | null | Last week President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law a Bill capping bank interest rates at four percentage points above the Central Bank Rate, currently at | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FSaccos-better-plan-for-small-ventures-%2F434750-3362812-96u5r6%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3362028/lowRes/1421374/-/15pju7jz/-/cash.jpg | en | null | Saccos better plan for small ventures even with cap on bank interest | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
Saccos are the most ideal source of funding for small businesses without assets to use as collateral. PHOTO | FILE
Last week Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law a Bill capping bank interest rates at four percentage points above the Central Bank Rate, currently at 10.5 per cent, eliciting mixed reactions.
Supporters of the new law say it will save loan borrowers, especially small businesses, from the jaws of banks which have long been portrayed as merciless merchants who thrive on exploiting customers by lending at high interest rates and paying very low interest on savings.
Those who oppose the new law argue that it will do more harm than good to the very people it is supposed to benefit. They posit that getting loans will be harder, especially for small businesses without collateral and a good history, forcing them to turn to informal lenders who will treat them worse than formal banks.
Well, whatever the outcome or the consequences of the new law, we must admit that it will not mark the end of the business.
It is a challenge that the affected, both bankers who largely depend on lending to make profit and businesses that also depend on loans to make profit, must find solution in their issues.
It is expected that bankers will find innovative ways of making profit despite the challenge. Equally, small businesses must find their own ways of survival in the likely event that loans become hard to get.
One such way is savings and credit co-operatives or saccos. Saccos are the most ideal source of funding for small businesses without assets to use as collateral.
First, saccos encourage the discipline of savings which is key to financial success. The fact that one has to save at least one third of the loan they intent to borrow helps in building an asset base in savings as well as reducing exposure. It also reduces debt risk by ensuring you don’t borrow more than you can repay.
Collateral for sacco loans is colleagues who must be members of the same sacco, although in some cases a logbook or other assets are acceptable.
Secondly, saccos lend at very low interest with hardly any hidden charges and very flexible terms.
The good news is that most saccos have reinvented themselves, rebranded and expanded their services, even offering many banking services.
Unlike in the past when only employees of large organisations or professional groups had the privilege of enjoying services of saccos, today virtually every persons is eligible to join a sacco as the cooperatives adopt a universal approach to include outsiders.
Saccos, unlike banks, are for members and by members. This means whatever profit is made by the sacco through lending and other commercial activities belongs to members and part of it is shared out in the form of dividends.
In addition to normal loans, almost all saccos have structured products such as instant and emergency loans, school fees and so on that can save you from knocking at Shylocks’ doors in case of urgent financial need. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Saccos-better-plan-for-small-ventures-/434750-3362812-96u5r6/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/b9aad58252321d31ac7c914134b37152ce9f85f86585954247334cd75aa78e16.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:50:34 | null | null | Recent killing of four people in a crackdown on suspected terror groups in Rwanda has reignited a debate about radicalisation of youth in the country. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FHow-deep-is-the-terror-problem-in-Rwanda%2F2558-3359990-8xfwrxz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3152506/lowRes/1299014/-/5eo7m4z/-/EARwandaradicalisation.jpg | en | null | How deep is the terror problem in Rwanda? | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Kigali, Rwanda. The city has not suffered the brunt of terrorist attacks, unlike Nairobi and Kampala. Security organs have however been covertly identifying and arresting individuals suspected of recruiting Rwanda's young men and women and radicalising them. PHOTO | CYRIL NDEGEYA
Currently over 20 people suspected of engaging in terror related activities are in detention. Last week, the prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi said that their files are being compiled and they will be arraigned in court as soon as possible.
The Muslim Community in Rwanda said that while there are growing concerns, the incident can be treated as isolated cases and that there are efforts to control radicalisation of Muslim youth.
The recent killing of four people in a crackdown on suspected terror groups linked to the Islamic State and Al Shabaab in Rwanda has reignited a debate about radicalisation of youth in the country.
The recent killing of four people in a crackdown on suspected terror groups linked to the Islamic State and Al Shabaab in Rwanda has reignited a debate about radicalisation of youth in the country.
On August 17, police shot and killed Channy Mbonigaba, a terror suspect in Kigali’s Nyarutarama suburb. On August 19, police shot dead three more suspects linked to Al Shabaab in Bugarama sector in the southwestern district of Rusizi.
During the operation, three more people were injured. According to police, the six, who were suspected of radicalising youth in the area, were resisting arrest.
Those killed during the operation were identified as Eric Mbarushimana, Hassan Nkwaya and Mussa Bugingo. The other three — Shafi Cyiza, Lafiffah Morina, and Abubakar Ngabonziza — were arrested and detained pending investigations.
The killing of the four followed the January shooting of Muhammad Mugemangango, a deputy Imam of Kimironko Mosque, who police said was attempting to flee after he had been arrested on suspicion of terrorism. Mugemangango was accused of radicalising Muslim youth and recruiting them to join terror groups.
Police say radicalisation material, including audio CDs and books, have been seized in most, if not all the incidents.
The Muslim Community in Rwanda said that while there are growing concerns, the incident can be treated as isolated cases and that there are efforts to control radicalisation of Muslim youth.
According to Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, the spokesperson of the Muslim community in Rwanda, the religion is concerned by the cases of radicalisation among pockets of Muslim youth.
“It is something we are aware of, there are some elements looking to radicalise Muslim youth using wrong teachings. This tarnishes our image as a religion, but we have come up with measures to combat it,” Sheikh Sindayigaya said.
“We are conscious to this problem and we have begun sensitising our youth to shun acts of religious radicalism but we don’t think it is out of control yet,” he added.
Sheikh Sindayigaya blamed individuals who are not affiliated to the religion of propagating misleading teachings, as well as technology, noting that most of the materials are picked on the Internet.
“In the new era of technology, it is hard to control what our children can access on the Internet. We are aware that most of these materials are picked from the Internet,” he said, adding that the Islamic community has come up with its own manuals to counter such teachings. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/How-deep-is-the-terror-problem-in-Rwanda/2558-3359990-8xfwrxz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/b041aa1ccd762ec280972263d4813aeb5ef2136560d9266941b451861592072e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:52:13 | null | null | Persons with physical disabilities have asked to be catered for in the national community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) coverage to ease | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FBusiness%2FPeople-with-disabilities-ask-to-be-insured-for-prosthetics%2F1433224-3362972-gmvyg1z%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Rwanda: People with disabilities ask to be insured for prosthetics | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
A man adjusts a prosthetic limb in a factory. The cost of prosthetics in Rwanda is prohibitive. FOTOSEARCH
Persons with physical disabilities have asked to be catered for in the national community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) coverage to ease access to prosthetic limbs.
The disabled persons say that this will enable them to access cheaper health services especially in the countryside where such limbs which cost between Rwf200,000 to Rwf360,000.
A 2012 National Institute of Statistics survey shows that there were over 446,000 people with disabilities, excluding children and so far only 160,000 have been classified as disabled but many continue to lack prosthetic healthcare due to financial constraints.
The Kigali-based Mulindi One Love project which has since 1996 provided over 8,000 Rwandans with free prosthetic limbs has blamed government for poor mobilisation in the districts to take advantage of the services.
In 2015, the National Council of Persons with Disability recommended mainstreaming disability and influence decision makers to take the lead in planning, implementation and monitoring of the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwD) through related PwD policies, programmes and strategies.
This has however not been implemented and according to some providers has denied many disabled persons access to these limbs.
“We wrote to the government stating that we would provide free prosthetic limbs through the district. We have the products and material and districts should discuss the way forward” Mr Gatera said.
Mr Gatera says that though it is costly to produce the limbs, in the standing agreements with the local government, “The project provides 40 per cent of the cost coverage and the other percentage by the districts, but you find that some districts don’t have the money,” he said.
The State Minister in charge of Social Affairs, Alvera Mukabaranga said that a study has been conducted to add this programme to Mutuelle de Santé but the costs remain a challenge.
“This issue has been approved and a team is on the ground to study how the disabled can be assisted but we have to look at the costs so that it can be covered in the health insurance” Ms Mukabaranga said.
Adding this service to Mutuelle de Santé may however strain the current programme, which stood at 79 per cent, by January and has failed to meet the 100 per cent subscription. It has been under pressure to increase citizen’s subscription ever since the programme was placed under Rwanda social security Board (RSSB).
Rwanda has seen foreign companies like Ottobock, open shop in the local market to fill the gap of lack of access to prosthetic limbs but their prices remain high compared with local providers.
According Kingsley Diores, the area manager, Rwandans need access to proper specialised medical equipment that is patient based, not money based.
“The prices may be high but these limbs are high quality and effectively address a specific handicap compared with the cheap ones” Mr Diores said during the recent national conference on Non-communicable diseases held in Kigali. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/Business/People-with-disabilities-ask-to-be-insured-for-prosthetics/1433224-3362972-gmvyg1z/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/6c7a09b22a9bab3b32ef37e2376cefea4c198c7316f8c8b793ddbcbfdbce6721.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:54 | null | null | Tanzania is to develop irrigation and hydropower projects in the southern highlands after receiving $2.26 million under the Africa Water Facility project. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FTanzania-receives--2m-for-water-and-power-projects-%2F2560-3360190-qninx4%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Tanzania receives $2m for water, power projects | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Tanzania is to develop irrigation and hydropower projects in the southern highlands after receiving $2.26 million under the Africa Water Facility (AWF) project for a 22-month pre-feasibility study.
The project will be funded by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the government of Tanzania.
The Tanzania project is part of AWF’s $1.8 billion water and sanitation projects in Africa.
The Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility will provide $335,000 and the Tanzanian government $223,000 for the study, which will cover the dam on Ruhuhu River in Ruvuma region and its reservoir, an associated hydropower plant, a high voltage transmission line, an irrigation scheme and agro-business development.
AfDB’s director of water and sanitation Mohamed El Azizi said the bank has funded water programmes worth $60 million in recent years.
When completed, the 300MW hydro project will increase Tanzania’s hydropower capacity by 53 per cent.
Hydropower generation
Tanzania’s installed hydropower capacity stands at 562MW. The hydropower project will thus address Tanzania’s long-standing shortage of power supply.
According to AWFT the project will also improve availability of water resources for irrigation and associated activities in the area. This will boost agricultural productivity and provide additional revenues to local farmers.
Crop production is currently dominated by rain-fed agriculture.
While agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, accounting for irregular weather conditions.
Head of East Africa region for Water Aid Lydia Zigomo told The EastAfrican that population growth, uneven distribution of water, poor technology and lack of funds were the main problems affecting water development in Africa.
“We are looking at the best options to support African communities to gain access to water services as governments across the continent need to allocate more resources to their water ministries,” said Ms Zigomo. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Tanzania-receives--2m-for-water-and-power-projects-/2560-3360190-qninx4/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/29ffd1569ef4ab7a72f7506d635c12d9c89ae75d18e43372f800f986547a8295.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:42 | null | null | The govt now wants to seize privately owned land before compensating the owners. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FWill-land-acquisition-issue-bury-Museveni-no-nonsense-term%2F434750-3361708-qqqcb3z%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Will land acquisition issue bury Museveni’s no-nonsense term? | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
Frederick Golooba-Mutebi
It all began as some kind of a joke in late July, when President Yoweri Museveni was addressing a gathering of the upper echelons of the ruling NRM faithful, co-opted members of opposition parties now serving in his government, and senior technocrats responsible for driving policy implementation.
He coined what at first sounded to many like yet another of the numerous catchy slogans he throws around every now and then. He declared that his current term would be a “kisanja hakuna mchezo” (no nonsense term), mixing Luganda and Swahili as he is wont to do.
His critics, being used to hearing him make grand but empty pronouncements, such as promising to fight corruption, yawned loudly.
Well, soon enough he moved to show, if controversially, that this time round he meant business. Besides summarily dismissing a group of health workers whom people in one of Kampala’s peri-urban neighbourhoods accused of misconduct, he has been going around warning teachers of dire consequences if they do not stop “sitting under trees” instead of being in class teaching.
According to stories making the rounds, Museveni, who is notorious for skipping Cabinet meetings, now requires ministers to report regularly on what they are doing and how they are implementing his election manifesto.
Indeed, there is now a new buzz among members of the ruling elite; every now and then, one hears them reminding whoever cares to listen, of how “This is kisanja hakuna mchezo.” Those with a knack for writing or tweeting are filling newspapers with articles and social media with sound bites in which they repeat the phrase again and again.
One can deride them as much as one wants. However, there are signs that there is a serious edge to all this, a sense of purpose that Ugandans would not ordinarily associate with the functionaries who seem to do little more than joyride on the NRM’s bandwagon.
One can see this in the multiple infrastructure projects the government is rushing to complete or start implementing; young and enthusiastic ministers rushing about inspecting this or that long delayed initiative and issuing warnings to civil servants to get their act together, and others launching new, attention-catching projects.
There are integrity issues involved in some of the older projects and initiatives, and possibly the new ones too, but the new energy with which they are being pushed is palpable, at times refreshing. The question is whether it will last, to which we have no concrete answer, although history would suggest it won’t.
Perhaps the most serious indication that the president and his government are in a hurry to get things done are recent pronouncements on land acquisition by the state, currently being panel-beaten into policy proposals and possibly new legislation.
Current legislation allows for compulsory acquisition of land by the state in the public interest, but only after fair compensation of the owners. The government now finds that inconvenient and wants to change the law. It would rather seize privately owned land it wants to put to whatever use before compensating the owners.
It has its reasons. The reality is that current legislation has made it difficult for the government to quickly acquire land for urgent government projects. Infrastructure projects can be held up for years by protracted negotiations on compensation.
A major problem is that landowners and those tasked to value the land collude to inflate prices and bog down the government, as it looks around for the vast sums involved. Another is that compensation becomes a cash bonanza for actors along the decision-making chain, each of whom expects to “get something” before passing on the paperwork.
On the surface, therefore, one can see why the government wants to cut corners and make things easy for itself with a new policy and a new law. But important questions arise: Such as why, for example, the government cannot find a solution to this problem of landowners and valuers conniving to inflate land prices. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Will-land-acquisition-issue-bury-Museveni-no-nonsense-term/434750-3361708-qqqcb3z/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/7e387a61f54b74622068f528711da3e491382faa329881f31cd3478472a8d8fa.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:50:34 | null | null | GALLERIES: Artists highlight the evil of the sex and gender violence that shames our societies — and ask what it takes for us to be outraged. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fmagazine%2FOne-in-three-at-risk-from-the-bully-boys-%2F434746-3359264-h1aqjh%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3359782/lowRes/1419674/-/gahsy8/-/1in3.jpg | en | null | One in three at risk from the bully boys | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Magazine
From left, Angel by Patrick Mukabi; Young Bride by Hem Matsi; Carrier by Nansheen Saeed; and Doll (detail) by Debasish Dutta. PHOTOS | FRANK WHALLEY
"A woman, a dog and a walnut tree, the harder you beat them the better they be…” goes an English saying, the roots of which reach back to the Ancient Greeks.
I don’t know about the tree and of course I would never beat a dog but the bit about the woman, thousands of years old though it is, still seems to resonate in the minds of witless morons throughout the world.
China, India, Africa, Europe and the Americas; all have maxims about the value of wife beating and all reflect men’s fear of women… and the fact that such archaic attitudes are deeply embedded in cultures almost everywhere.
To bring this closer to home, rights organisations calculate that four out of every 10 Kenyan women suffer from domestic violence — that’s 40 per cent of all women in the nation — and state that it is on the rise.
Domestic violence in Kenya has been given a searing topicality by two images that burnt themselves into our collective consciousness.
The first, some years ago although it remains as clear as yesterday, was the film of Betty Kavita howling on her hospital bed, her mind as well as body destroyed by a beating from the man supposed to love her.
The Daily Nation ran a campaign called End the Violence following this outrage to raise public awareness of the growing problem. It was well received and urgently needs reviving following last month’s brutal attack on a young woman called Jackline Mwende whose hands were chopped off with a machete, allegedly because she could not have children.
Neither of these events is given prominence in an exhibition about sexual and gender-based violence, at the main Nairobi National Museum until September 27.
That is because the exhibition, while highly relevant to Kenya, is predicated upon the issue globally rather than as a timely and specific response to local events — naturally enough, given that the violence goes on all the time, ticking away in the background, and therefore such a show becomes pertinent to most societies everywhere and at any time.
Depressing, isn’t it.
Reinforcing concerns, the exhibition, called One in Three: What does it take for you to be outraged? offers around 60 photographs, paintings and sculpture from all over the world brought to us courtesy of the World Bank Art Programme. The title comes from the statistic that worldwide one in three of all women will experience domestic violence at some time in their lives.
Fittingly, six of the 60 works are by Kenyan artists: Patrick Mukabi, Maggie Otieno and Mia Collis.
Mukabi shows one of his cut-out angels, made from iron sheeting taken from houses destroyed in the 2007 Post Election Violence. Powerful pieces from his Siasa Mbaya, Maisha Mbaya (Bad Politics, Bad Life) series, they show an angel armed with an assault rifle, referencing the avenging archangel St Michael who is traditionally shown wielding the sword with which he wounded Satan.
Maggie Otieno presents two wood and steel sculptures from her Silent Conversations group while the photographer Mia Collis pays tribute to the work of three notable Kenyan women with large full colour portraits — Theresa Njoroge, champion of women prisoners’ rights; Alberta Wambua, director of the Gender Violence Recovery Centre; and Catherine Wanjohi, the advocate for sex workers. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/One-in-three-at-risk-from-the-bully-boys-/434746-3359264-h1aqjh/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/4d1d4b16b0fe7fa25affa096e737255d4532cc320757aa62978c742ba09796bc.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:37 | null | null | The Open University model provides distance teaching and allows more students to enrol for degree programmes because it is not bound by physical | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fea-universities-guide%2FKenya-cabinet-okays-proposal-to-set-up-Open-University-%2F3158516-3360294-8qd3kq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Kenya cabinet okays proposal to set up Open University | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | EA Universities Guide
Graduands celebrate on their graduation day. The Open University model allows more students to enrol for degree programmes. PHOTO | FILE
Kenya is to establish its first Open University after the Cabinet recently approved a proposal that has been on the table for years.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i told a national conference on higher education in Nairobi last week that the Open University is one way of expanding access to higher education at a low cost. Currently, Kenya has 70 public and private universities, with a total enrolment of 540,000 students.
The Open University model provides distance teaching and allows more students to enrol for degree programmes because it is not bound by physical infrastructure. It allows flexibility, where students study at home and at their convenience, using pre-packaged learning materials and online resources.
The best example on the continent is the University of South Africa (UNISA) with more than 400,000 students at home and abroad.
In the region, Tanzania pioneered the Open University model in 1993.
The Open University is being set up at a time when East Africa is pushing for the creation of a common higher education zone, where students can obtain admission to any of the region’s universities, pay fees at local rates, and subsequently, be eligible for employment in any of the countries.
At the conference, organised by the Commission for University Education and held at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Dr Matiang’i outlined legal and policy interventions being pursued to promote higher education. Among other moves, the government is revising the laws to give powers to the Commission for University Education to regulate quality and standards.
The government is also enhancing funding for research and innovation in higher education, raising its financial allocations from the previous 0.5 per cent of the gross domestic product to two per cent.
The secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof Alexandre Lyambaje, called for regional approaches to research programmes, saying universities stood to benefit from funding for joint initiatives. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/ea-universities-guide/Kenya-cabinet-okays-proposal-to-set-up-Open-University-/3158516-3360294-8qd3kq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/3891f19c4a4a8f9c2c71e7393514a2e21cc76fd93aba4153d913bb45bea38f86.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:51:00 | null | null | Uganda is considering installing weighbridges at all major mining centres and introducing open competitive bidding for new mining areas to boost revenue | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FNew-plan-to-stop-cheating-at-Uganda-mines-%2F2560-3360148-h9vvquz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | New plan to stop cheating at Uganda mines | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
The Uganda government is considering installing weighbridges at all major mining centres and introducing open competitive bidding for new mining areas to boost revenue collection.
The weighbridges are expected to help in calculations of royalties, while amendments to Mining Act are intended to deter the speculators.
Mining companies owe the government over Ush4 billion ($1.2 million) in royalties — which authorities says is an under estimation given that only a few districts and companies were sampled in the Value for Money Audits by the office of the Auditor General.
“By failing to collect all the mineral fees that fell due and imposing the 2 per cent penalty on outstanding royalties, there is risk that this money may never be recovered — yet this revenue could have been used to further develop and promote the mineral sector,” said Auditor General John Muwanga.
Under the Mining Act 2003, the Department of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) should have collected the amounts due and imposed the 2 per cent penalty above the commercial bank rates on outstanding royalties.
The law empowers the DGSM to revoke licences if companies fail to comply.
The DGSM inspected only 35 companies out of the 821 licensed to either carry on exploration or mining.
The Minister for State in Charge Minerals Peter Lokeris said the government has a problem with inspection capacity.
“Ministry officials do not have the logistics to move all around the country to monitor nor do we have proper technology to ascertain the volumes of minerals that have been extracted. What we get is an estimate,” said Mr Lokeris. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/New-plan-to-stop-cheating-at-Uganda-mines-/2560-3360148-h9vvquz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/88c67ae7bf2871d168dc1e76953d719ee9ad005f35bbba864ad71814cb7f31c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:52 | null | null | The Insurance Regulatory Authority and the central bank have differed over premiums that borrowers pay to cover loan charges for life insurance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FUganda-insurance-authority-and-BoU-differ-over-charges%2F2560-3360238-9j9p06z%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Uganda insurance authority, BoU differ over charges | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Bank of Uganda in Kampala. PHOTO | FILE
Uganda's Insurance Regulatory Authority and the central bank have differed over premiums that borrowers pay to cover loan charges for life insurance — known as credit life insurance.
While the IRA says that both the borrower and lender should pay their own premiums, the Bank of Uganda argues that it is a free market where commercial banks can impose levies provided they do not break any law.
The public, on the other hand, view the charges as a rip-off by commercial banks.
“We are concerned that there are many charges, but we do not control what commercial banks charge as long as they do not break any other law. But we want banks to disclose the charges to customers before they offer any loan documents for signing,” said BoU deputy director of financial stability, Yiga Masajja.
Numerous charges
For example, a borrower applying for $5,000 receives $4,568 after meeting insurance charges at 2 per cent, stamp duty at 1.5 per cent, evaluation fee at 3 per cent, loan monitoring at $2 per month for 48 months paid up front, and a loan application fee of $11.
This amount excludes mortgage evaluation, which is also charged on the loan amount, though the interest is charged on original amount. Besides that, banks also ask for insured collateral.
Credit life insurance is a policy which the lender is indemnified if the borrower dies before repaying the loan in full.
Although BoU said the arrangement suits the unsecured loans, in some cases, banks still take ownership of the property of a borrower even when they have credit life insurance.
“Depending on the terms of the insurance cover, the bank may have the right to take ownership of a borrower’s property to clear the outstanding amount,” said IRA spokesperson Faith Ekudu. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Uganda-insurance-authority-and-BoU-differ-over-charges/2560-3360238-9j9p06z/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/022b385e21c0d0520d32b3cddbcc07347b67a55cd318e4b1d61c622ea2138e9d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:27 | null | null | The first debate scheduled to take place a month from now near New York. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FHillary-Clinton-ready-for-debate-with-Donald-Trump%2F2558-3354886-y3j43l%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Clinton ready for 'wacky' debate with Trump | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
US Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks with Jimmy Kimmel on the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live on August 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. AFP PHOTO
White House hopeful Hillary Clinton suggested Monday that rival Donald Trump could be an unpredictable adversary in upcoming presidential debates, saying she is girding for "wacky stuff."
With the first debate scheduled to take place a month from now near New York, Clinton joked about what to expect from her unorthodox opponent.
"You've got to be prepared for wacky stuff. I'm planning on drawing off my experiences from elementary school," she said on late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
Trump has suggested he might not attend all of the three scheduled debates.
But he is trailing badly in the polls and the highly watched events offer a much-needed chance to break through with undecided voters.
For a first-time debater, this cauldron of presidential political theatre could present a daunting challenge.
Trump has thrown a series of barbs at Clinton, describing her as "crooked" and making opaque suggestions lately that she has unspecified health problems.
Host Kimmel asked Clinton to open a jar of pickles to show she was in good health and also took her pulse as she brushed off a scandal over emails sent from a private server when she was secretary of state.
After Clinton told Kimmel that she used FaceTime video phone calls to visit with her grandchildren, he teasingly demanded whether she had ever considered using FaceTime instead of email.
Clinton also hit back at Trump's highly contested assertion that she and President Barack Obama created the so-called Islamic State extremist group.
"Who would have guessed this audience would be so enthusiastic about the cofounder of ISIS?" Kimmel asked, after a rousing welcome for Clinton from the crowd.
Clinton responded that she thought "when Trump talks the way he talks, it actually helps the terrorists."
"I do feel sometimes like this campaign has entered into an alternative universe," she said. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Hillary-Clinton-ready-for-debate-with-Donald-Trump/2558-3354886-y3j43l/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/030ffa6b09b4ef9fdb80870761924560b4dc798f3bcb4b99dc10241b5a852361.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T12:51:11 | null | null | Region has become hotspot in hydrocarbon exploration after substantial deposits of crude oil were found in Uganda and Kenya. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FRush-is-on-to-get-East-Africa-oil-and-gas-to-the-market-%2F2558-3360756-neccnx%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Oil and gas: East Africa's mad rush to hit the market | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Kenya and Tanzania upstage neighbours with accelerated production and export plans as Uganda reaches out to DR Congo for a joint venture on the Central Corridor pipeline. TEA GRAPHIC | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Oil and gas are the buzzwords in East Africa as countries try to outdo each other in getting their hydrocarbons out of the ground and into the market.
Last week, Tanzanian President John Magufuli ordered that exploitation of natural gas begin as a matter of urgency, as Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that Tullow Oil would send the country’s first barrels of crude oil to the market from March 2017 ahead of the start of exports in June.
At the same time, Uganda and Tanzania are courting the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is yet to start mining, to participate in talks with four countries sharing Lake Tanganyika border to discuss ways to extract natural gas and oil from the lake.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was also reported to have invited President Joseph Kabila to join in its plans to transport its oil to the coast through the Central Corridor that passes through Tanzania.
East Africa has become the latest hotspot in hydrocarbon exploration after substantial deposits of crude oil were found in Uganda and Kenya, while major gas reserves have been discovered in Tanzania and Mozambique.
Mid-week, British oil firm Tullow raised Kenya’s hopes of becoming the first oil exporting country in East Africa after it announced plans to start producing oil from Turkana in March. The London-listed firm’s count of the Turkana oil reserves so far stands at 750 million barrels, which is considered commercially viable at the current prices of $50 a barrel.
In a meeting with President Kenyatta in Nairobi, Tullow Oil chief operating officer Paul McDade said that it will initially produce 2,000 barrels of crude oil per day and have stocks ready for export in June 2017, a venture that is set to earn the region’s leading economy $37 million annually.
“We have started and we are not going back. We want to be at the top of the pile. So, we have set a path and, by 2019, Kenya is going to be a major oil producer and exporter,” Mr Kenyatta said.
Kenya is banking on the petrodollars to grow its economy and reduce the ballooning public debt that currently stands at $30 billion. Petroleum Principal Secretary Andrew Kamau said that the current market prices of oil make the project viable, adding that it is important to stick to the timeliness for production for maximum gain.
“As long as the crude oil remains above $34, then the project is viable. We need to move to production so that our venture remain profitable and viable for all the players,” Mr Kamau said.
Analysts, however, feel that Kenya is rushing to the market to upstage Uganda and Tanzania, after the April pipeline upset. As it is, Uganda will have to wait for the construction of its pipeline to move the oil to the coastline, while Kenya has already devised an alternative plan that will see its oil move by road to Eldoret, then by train to Mombasa and into the export market.
The $32 million Leseru-Lokichar Road, which is expected to connect the remote Turkana site to Eldoret, is nearly complete, and the Cabinet okayed plans for the expansion of the Kainuk bridge that will now allow larger trucks move huge quantities of crude oil. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Rush-is-on-to-get-East-Africa-oil-and-gas-to-the-market-/2558-3360756-neccnx/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/d8cbbd78af5abf71ca79f249aa3a72cc8c41385d34ec62ea4fa425d8138c3a7c.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:50:28 | null | null | A lovely escape for city dwellers in Kigali is the Nyungwe National Park with its refreshing atmosphere and scenic views. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fmagazine%2FExploring-the-Nyungwe-National-Park%2F434746-3359246-xpmwocz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2126810/lowRes/653603/-/quire/-/nyungwe.jpg | en | null | Exploring the Nyungwe National Park | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Magazine
Tourists in Nyungwe National park. Photo/FILE
A lovely escape for city dwellers in Kigali is the Nyungwe National Park with its refreshing atmosphere and scenic views.
The park is located in the five districts of Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru and Karongi and they are all in the Western Province. It is among Rwanda’s big three parks, the others being Akagera National Park and Virunga National Park.
Nature lovers have a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes, fauna and wildlife to see. However, social media enthusiasts will have to wait to share their pictures as there is little to no network coverage inside the park.
You will need to carry a sweater because the weather changes abruptly. Before taking the trip, especially if you are keen on bird watching or animal sightings, it is advisable to get a free tourist guide from the Rwanda Development Board office.
The park has various trails for hikers and guides are available for those new to the area. A favourite site is the canopy walkway, where bird watchers can see various bird species.
If driving from Kigali, it will take you about six hours to get to Nyungwe National Park. It is possible to do a three-hour hike and get back to the city by evening. However, if you plan to stay longer there are various lodges and hotels offering accommodation.
The Nyungwe Forest Lodge, which is a few kilometres away from the park, is situated inside a tea farm. Its idyllic views and excellent customer service have seen it earn a five-star rating from Trip Advisor.
This season, the payment per night is $1,600 for non-locals and $1,200 for beds in the presidential suites but for regular rooms it is $350 for non-residents and $230 for residents. There is an airstrip in the tea farm for those who prefer to fly into the park from Kigali. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Exploring-the-Nyungwe-National-Park/434746-3359246-xpmwocz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/229d496e4e192e74f4973211229c36e948a43762378cd7fa229cc53d0acb75bb.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:51:57 | null | null | Mauritius firm sets up a large-scale sugar factory in Eastern Province, creating huge demand for sugarcane supplies. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FNews%2FNew-entrant-buoys-Rwanda-sugarcane-farmer-hopes-for-better-pay%2F1433218-3361908-4mqkrsz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | New entrant buoys Rwanda sugarcane farmer’s hopes for better pay | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Kabuye Sugar Works, the sole sugar miller in Rwanda owned by Madhvani Group of Uganda, has been producing between 10,000 and 14,000 tonnes annually. PHOTO | CYRIL NDEGEYA
Sugarcane farmers are pushing for better prices following the entry of a new investor in the sector ending the longstanding monopoly of Kabuye Sugar Works.
Mauritius ACS Ltd has set up a large-scale sugar factory in Eastern Province, creating huge demand for sugarcane supplies to drive its projected 100,000 tonnes sugar output target on annual basis.
Kabuye Sugar Works, the sole sugar miller in the country owned by Madhvani Group of Uganda, has been producing between 10,000 and 14,000 tonnes annually, and hadn’t had any internal competition.
The development has been welcomed by the majority of sugarcane growers who see it as an opportunity to end years of grievances over selling below the cost of production.
“We have had many meetings with the factory managers demanding that we get saved from the loss, but there has been no change. Many of us lost interest in growing canes because revenues never matched the high cost of production and none was willing to hear that,” said Juvenal Rukera, a farmer in Rulindo District who has been growing sugarcanes for the past 10 years.
While farmers are paid Rwf96,000 per the eight-tonne truck of ready-to-crush sugarcanes — Rwf12 000 per tonne — they incur a lot more costs including Rwf21,000 pay for workers in harvesting and transport, and Rwf8,000 for loading trucks, among other expenses.
To this, add the costs incurred for prior investment in land preparation, inputs, seeds and manpower which make farmers earn little to zero profits.
“I spent Rwf400,000 and ended up getting Rwf350,000 on my two hectares sugarcane plantation last year. I decided to stop until the price per tonne is doubled or at least increased to Rwf18,000,” said Mr Rukera.
Mr Rukera is one of the farmers who had dedicated their private or rented land to sugarcane plantations, but later abandoned them due to the lack of attractive pricing in the sugarcane industry.
Some replaced the sugarcanes with other crops like bananas, maize and beans that they label as “fairly profitable” and which, unlike sugarcane plantation, are harvested two or thrice in a year.
Therefore, the situation coupled with cane yield losses arising from frequent floods caused sugarcane supplies to dwindle resulting in stagnation of Kabuye’s sugar production for years. The factory heavily depends on small-scale out-grower farmers for cane supplies.
Other supplies come from the factory’s own cane plantations on some swamp land leased to it by government along Nyabarongo River, but whose harvests failed to spur production as they are mostly washed away by floods.
Attempts to get a comment from Kabuye Sugar Works were futile by press time, but the managers of Madhvani Group had earlier dismissed farmers’ complaints saying that prices have for several times been adjusted per the factory performance.
Officials at Ministry of Agriculture could not blame farmers’ grievances entirely on the long-standing monopoly of the sector. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/News/New-entrant-buoys-Rwanda-sugarcane-farmer-hopes-for-better-pay/1433218-3361908-4mqkrsz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/c05453def6ca91779fb5bf1fbe3a66313fb3da5d264a3fd05f20d94278f9a66a.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:52:06 | null | null | Women on maternity leave will have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of the new law that guarantees them payment of their full salary for three months. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FNews%2FLaw-on-maternity-leave-benefits-awaits-ministerial-orders-%2F1433218-3362914-slcrfoz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Law on maternity leave benefits awaits ministerial orders | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Rwandan women on maternity leave will have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of the new law that guarantees them payment of their full salary for three months. FILE PHOTO | FILE
Women on maternity leave will have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of the new law that guarantees them payment of their full salary for three months.
This law establishing and governing the maternity leave benefits scheme was officially published in April, but despite the provision of the new law that comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, employers both public and private are still applying the provisions of the old laws.
These only oblige them to pay for first six weeks of their employees’ maternity leave, and ask them to come to work in the second half of their leave or surrender 80 per cent of their monthly salary.
“I was called by the Human Resource department to come back to work or otherwise be paid only 20 per cent of my salary as provided in the older law” a government employee who did not want to be named said.
The Rwanda Social Security Board designated to run the scheme, blames the delay on the fact that concerned ministries are yet to issues ministerial orders accompanying the law.
“For now, women are not receiving maternity benefits as the ministerial orders implementing the law have not yet bee adopted” said Moses Kazoora, director of communications for Rwanda Social Security Board.
Five ministerial orders, including one determining modalities of declaration and payment of the contribution and the one determining the procedure for payment of maternity leave benefits are provided by this law. The exact time it will take for the orders to be issued is unknown.
“The ministerial orders have already been checked by the Law Reform Commission, they are pending adoption by the Cabinet,” Mr Kazoora indicated.
Delay in implementation of orders has in the past rendered idle some provisions of different laws in the country, for as long as two years or more.
“Many of these orders should be available as soon as the law itself is published in the official gazette” said Me Pie Habimana, an advocate in Kigali.
When the Bill was adopted by Cabinet in 2015, the initial plan was to have the scheme fully functional by July 2015, in line with the last financial year.
Analysts fear that delay in starting the scheme with the current financial year that started in July might push it to next year.
“RSSB is ready to administer the scheme. All the necessary requirements are in place…including procedures manual and software application” Mr Kazoora said.
Though concerned organs believe it will be functional upon publication of the ministerial orders, analysts believe institution of the fund and collection of contributions might be lengthy. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/News/Law-on-maternity-leave-benefits-awaits-ministerial-orders-/1433218-3362914-slcrfoz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/00ad84b67d6dbfafdc8c33de5065db499d20cb2fff712553a0de308b305d8d79.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T08:51:33 | null | null | The Bank of Tanzania says it is closely watching the outcome of the decision by Kenya to introduce caps on loan interest rates before considering a move | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FTanzania-monitors-Kenya-move-on-interest-rates%2F2560-3361376-rq07uu%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Tanzania keeps close eye on Kenya's interest rates cap impact | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Bank of Tanzania governor Prof Benno Ndulu. PHOTO | FILE
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) says it is closely watching the outcome of the decision by Kenya to introduce caps on loan interest rates before considering a move back home.
BoT governor Benno Ndulu told The Citizen over the weekend that it would be too early to comment because of possible adverse outcomes to the low-income earners.
Last Wednesday Kenya became the only country in the region to introduce a law that caps bank interest rates at 4 per cent above the Central Bank of Kenya benchmark rate, currently standing at 10.5 per cent.
The law will regulate applicable rates to bank loans and deposits thereby capping the interest that the financial institutions can charge on loans and deposits.
Prof Ndulu told The Citizen that Tanzania would have to wait to see how the Kenyan experience turns out.
“We tried controlling credit before and it did not work for the poor,” Prof Ndulu said.
In opposing the Bill the lenders lobby, the Kenya Bankers Association had also cited lack of lessons from other countries on the issue as the problem.
Prof Ndulu said he was of the view that the Kenyan law would hurt the very people the policy intended to help.
Tanzania has had its fair share of debates and complaints from customers over the tendency of commercial banks to charge hefty interest on loans people take and minimal interest in money customers deposit with the financial institutions. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Tanzania-monitors-Kenya-move-on-interest-rates/2560-3361376-rq07uu/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/df4a086dcb8ca5d7942ee8ca30744a733bc912af3b642d68b56110a73f9a5068.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:50:35 | null | null | Igad now joins US in accepting South Sudan's former first vice president from the transitional government. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FIgad-backs-replacement-of-Machar-calls-for-peace-%2F2558-3359978-4cmwxq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3348922/lowRes/1116921/-/9hr7hr/-/riek.jpg | en | null | Igad backs replacement of Machar, calls for peace | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
South Sudan's former vice president and opposition leader Riek Machar has not been seen in Juba since the July 11, 2016 clashes. AFP PHOTO | ZACHARIAS ABUBEKER
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) has said it is up to the South Sudan government to decide whether Dr Riek Machar should be reinstated as the country’s first vice president.
That decision would be “naturally accommodated by Igad,” Sharon Kuku, a spokeswoman for the eight-nation grouping of East African states, said.
Ms Kuku noted that Taban Deng Gai, appointed by President Salva Kiir as Dr Machar’s replacement, had pledged at Igad’s August 5 Heads of States Summit to abide by the South Sudan government’s decision on the first vice presidency.
“Igad did not stop Gen Deng from attending the Summit nor speaking for the South Sudan government,” Ms Kuku pointed out.
The comment by Igad follows the group’s call on August 5 for Dr Machar to be reinstalled as first vice president. His removal was not consistent with the terms of last year’s peace agreement between South Sudan’s warring parties, Igad said three weeks ago.
In the interim, however, the United States had expressed its acceptance of Dr Machar’s replacement by Mr Deng.
Secretary of State John Kerry said in Nairobi on August 22 that “it’s quite clear that legally, under the agreement, there is allowance for the replacement, in a transition of personnel, and that has been effected with the appointment of a new vice president.”
The US position was later reaffirmed by State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau.
A faction of the armed opposition declared last month that it had chosen Mr Deng to replace Dr Machar, who was then in hiding inside South Sudan following bloody clashes in Juba.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir subsequently named Mr Deng as first vice president.
Dr Machar’s followers charged that the moves violated last year’s peace agreement and vowed to oppose Mr Deng’s appointment.
State Department spokeswoman Trudeau on Thursday repeated US calls for an end to armed conflict in South Sudan. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Igad-backs-replacement-of-Machar-calls-for-peace-/2558-3359978-4cmwxq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/c61535e6c01e1618311325689d668bb0ba84c5b231cd1b49e5fcb469a2760c6b.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:50:28 | null | null | The 211-page novel is a gripping thriller with an urgent message: Female Genital Mutilation is not temporary, but a life sentence of agony. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fmagazine%2FBook-review-The-Switch-by-Mary-Karoro-Okurut-fgm%2F434746-3359728-ws2qkdz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3359788/lowRes/1419676/-/14qby5y/-/switch.jpg | en | null | Silent suffering after the switch | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Magazine
Cover picture of Mary Karooro Okurut’s book The Switch. PHOTO | MORGAN MBABAZI
When your switch is turned off, many of your systems go off permanently, with little hope of being revived. That is the principle message of Mary Karoro Okurut’s freshly launched book, The Switch.
The 211-page novel is a gripping thriller with an urgent message: Female Genital Mutilation is not temporary, but a life sentence of agony. For some countries like Somalia and Kenya where the practice is more widespread, this may not be news. But in Uganda where only a peripheral minority from the eastern highlands and the wild northeast practice it, the book is a shocker especially to Kampala folk and other Ugandans.
But The Switch is at the same time a story of triumph amid adversity and hope in a hopeless situation. It is the story of Chelimo, a Sabiny girl from Uganda’s mountainous Kapchorwa sub-region who is circumcised at 12, goes through high school, university, civil service, politics and winds up as a Cabinet minister.
But through Chelimo’s life, we learn of the silent suffering of female folk from communities that still practice female circumcision. These start with the silent endurance of untold pain as the crude instruments perform the cruellest cut in the most sensitive area of their body lest one suffers permanent scorn for even one brief scream; weeks of painful recovery for those who do not die from aggravated infections; years of trauma; repeated UTIs arising from urine retention; painful sex due to scarred genitalia; difficult child delivery due to an inelastic, scarred birth canal, which often causes death of the infants; the scourge of fistula; rejection by even the most well meaning spouses or partners and for some unlucky victims even cancer as a result of the “switch off.”
But Chelimo triumphs over all these in an explosive climax.
Karoro Okurut is easily the best known of Uganda’s contemporary writers who needs little introduction. She is also a public figure who has served in President Yoweri Museveni’s Cabinet for a decade and until May this year held the sensitive portfolio of minister for security.
Her high profile today is alone enough to draw attention to her literally works, but the reading public has held her in high esteem and thousands of graduates who passed through her hands at Makerere University where she lectured in Literature for some two decades lovingly regard her as a mother.
Much as FGM is not always at the top of Uganda’s public agenda, the chilling statistic that 1.4 per cent of the country’s female population is affected makes Mrs Okurut’s book a much needed intervention.
Until now, an average Kampalan yawningly regards FGM as some distant story from Somalia, and matters are not helped that the afflicted 1.4 per cent of Uganda’s females are mostly on the geographical and economic fringes of the country, so it rarely gets the attention it deserves.
What this means is that even though the practice was outlawed by parliament five years ago, it continues unfettered underground because most parts of the country are not on the lookout for the crime, which is now officially a gross human-rights abuse. This year alone, 200 girls in Kapchorwa are reported to have been “switched off” and many more are believed to have been cut undetected.
Moreover, as happens in countries where FGM is banned, it is likely that even in Uganda it now gets done in modern health facilities where nurses and midwives from the “cutting” communities inflict it on newborn girls, making sure the sensitisation they are to get ten years later comes too late. This chilling message was delivered by no less that the United Nations Population Fund resident representative to Uganda, Akinyele Eric Dairo, during the launch of The Switch.
But the Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, herself a tireless anti-FGM crusader, delivered another scary alert: That even adult women who escaped FGM are at risk of being cut during labour, when midwives who support the practice circumcise them in modern hospitals under the guise of cutting and stitching to facilitate delivery.
The book is another product of the FEMRITE – Uganda Women Writers Association — which Mrs Okurut founded years back. And because of UNFPA’s financial support for her research for the book, Mrs Okurut has donated all proceeds from the sale of The Switch to FEMRITE to help budding female writers break into print. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Book-review-The-Switch-by-Mary-Karoro-Okurut-fgm/434746-3359728-ws2qkdz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/fc192a8fdaaf49ba7e974ff46428204eb256374a385f062b27cd1fd9b40d1c4e.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:40 | null | null | But the rogue elephant in the room during both of these periods is domestic government borrowing. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FKenya-banking-sector-in-a-new-mess-similar-to-the-old-%2F434750-3360244-lxqaokz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | - Comment | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
President Uhuru Kenyatta declared that the Banking Act 2016 is a response to the difficulties Kenyans face. PHOTO | FILE
On New Year’s Day in 2001, former president Daniel arap Moi rejected the Donde Bill, which had sought to regulate interest rates charged by the banking sector.
That Bill, sponsored by then Gem MP Joe Donde, sought to set a ceiling on lending rates by pegging them to four percentage points above the prevailing Treasury Bill rate, and a floor on deposit rates equivalent to 70 per cent of the level of prevailing Treasury Bill rates.
Some fifteen and a half years later, President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed into law a similar Bill proposed by Kiambu Central MP Jude Njomo, with virtually the same hype and promise that Donde’s Bill had elicited in 2000.
In his statement, President Kenyatta declared that the Banking (Amendment) Act 2016 is a response to the difficulties Kenyans face, including “credit becoming unavailable to some consumers” and the “emergence of unregulated informal and exploitative lending mechanisms.”
What has now changed to warrant assent to a similar Bill, or is it — as Jean-Baptiste Karr famously stated — “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose?”
The backdrops to the Donde-Njomo Bills are remarkably similar.
According to the latest Central Bank of Kenya data, average lending rates in March were at about 18 per cent, with deposit rates averaging seven per cent. Also according to CBK, in August 2000, commercial bank lending rates averaged 21 per cent and deposit rates about seven per cent. Lending rates in the region of 20 per cent in both periods, suggest that the pain to the borrowing public is real.
This pain is being felt by individual as well as corporate borrowers (more than 20 listed companies have issued profit warnings in the past 12 months). Contrast these two periods to (the randomly selected mid-period) August 2007, when lending rates averaged 13 per cent and deposit rates were four per cent.
There are other commonalities too. The interest rate spreads (11-14 per cent) over both periods, have been accompanied by astronomical profits enjoyed by Kenya’s commercial banks. In CBK’s annual report of 2000, provisional results showed that in the six months ended June 2000, the aggregate performance of the banking sector reported pre-tax profits of Ksh5.2 billion.
In just three months to March this year, the sector saw profits of Ksh38.4 billion, suggesting that even before adjusting for inflation and stricter reporting for bad and doubtful loans, the sector was enjoying robust performance in both periods. In August 2007, interest rate spreads averaged between six and seven per cent while six-month aggregate pre-tax profits by the banking sector stood at Ksh20.4 billion.
While the above data shows that bank profitability has continued to grow, there are unwanted similarities as well. Total gross lending was Ksh300 billion by the end of 2000, growing to about Ksh500 billion in August 2007 and to Ksh2.2 trillion in March 2016. Against this, the stock of non-performing loans (NPLs) was an eye-popping Ksh122 billion in April 2001, (40 per cent of total lending). This figure had declined to Ks102 billion by July 2006 and to Ksh70 billion by August 2007 (17 per cent and 10 per cent of total lending respectively).
By March 2016, gross NPLs before provisioning were a worrying Ksh170 billion (eight per cent of total lending). Whereas the decline in this measure suggests improved bank supervision, it should be tempered with questions over the adequacy of loan provisioning over the preceding half decade.
But the rogue elephant in the room during both of these periods is domestic government borrowing. Domestic borrowing was disruptively high in the late 1990s — evidenced by the 91-day Treasury bill on offer for 21 per cent in June 1999. By 2000, domestic borrowing was attracting Ksh22 billion in annual interest payments. The stock of domestic debt by June 2000 stood at Ksh164 billion with new issues representing 17.5 per cent of government revenue.
By June 2007, with short term Treasury Bill rates down to less than eight per cent, the stock of domestic debt had risen modestly to Ksh405 billion or 22.1 per cent of GDP and was attracting interest payments of Ksh37 billion in FY 2006/2007. By March 2016, however, the stock of domestic debt had jumped to Ksh1.65 trillion, representing close to 27 per cent of GDP and was attracting a massive 30 per cent of total government revenue in debt service. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Kenya-banking-sector-in-a-new-mess-similar-to-the-old-/434750-3360244-lxqaokz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/fc4f902b2d4031fb9c085e17d4d419ce2c65793bdbb0efbc5967d6342f1235b1.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:50:57 | null | null | Geographical information system gathers and analyses data on location of minerals. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FTech-helps-Tanzania-to-discover-more-gold-reserves%2F2560-3360196-o0gwauz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Tech helps Tanzania to discover more gold reserves | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
An expert explores for gold. The use of geographical information system (GIS) technology in gold exploration in Tanzania has led to the discovery of large deposits near the Bulyanhulu goldmine in Kahama. PHOTO | FILE
The use of geographical information system (GIS) technology in gold exploration in Tanzania has led to the discovery of large deposits near the Bulyanhulu goldmine in Kahama.
This was revealed at a recent workshop organised by Kenya-based firm ESRI Eastern Africa, which has a presence in Tanzania, to showcase the latest GIS technology used in prospecting, exploration and extraction.
“Using the technology, we have identified deposits of gold on the eastern side of Siga Hills, which could be bigger than the mine at Bulyanhulu,” said Dr Beny Lugenga of EB Hance Company, a mining firm.
He said that GIS mapping, though expensive, is effective for exploration.
“What we targeted and found would not have been possible without this technology,” said Dr Lugenga.
GIS technology helps in gathering, storing, analysing and sharing location-based information. It involves 3D visualisation; visualisation of geochemical and hydrological data; assessment of environmental impact and improvement of facility management and policies.
Chief executive of Geological Survey of Tanzania, Prof Abdulkarim Mruma said the technology helps in quick analysis of data.
“We should understand the application of GIS technology and its use in the industry. Let us work together to develop the mineral sector by networking and sharing data,” said Prof Mruma.
Dr Lugenga said that using the same technology, EB Hance Company Ltd in collaboration with General Exploration (formerly Zari), was able to discover rare earth minerals at Ngualla near Lake Rukwa.
“This is going to be the biggest rare earth mineral operation outside of China, which is currently the only supplier of rare earth minerals in the world,” said Dr Lugenga.
Tanzania boasts four large mines: Geita Gold Mine (Anglogold Ashanti), North Mara, Buzwagi and Bulyanhulu.
With its contribution to GDP at 3 per cent, mining remains leading sector in Tanzania.
The country’s target is to get the mining sector to contribute at least 10 per cent or more to the GDP by 2025, when Tanzania expects to attain middle income status.
Over the past 10 years, Tanzania has attracted world renowned mining giants including Anglo-Gold Ashanti, Acacia and Resolute. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Tech-helps-Tanzania-to-discover-more-gold-reserves/2560-3360196-o0gwauz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/ae250c950acbc04c4d8ef3cb7ca6da53cb752d17adf2dee77ece99a4ab0befca.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:50:37 | null | null | Six employees of the East African Community Secretariat have moved to court to challenge termination of their contracts. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FEAC-employees-in-court-to-protect-their-contracts-%2F2558-3359776-olayrkz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3359810/lowRes/1419689/-/22o6hz/-/eacj.jpg | en | null | EAC employees in court to protect their contracts | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
The East African Court of Justice in session. Six employees of the East African Community Secretariat have moved to the court to challenge termination of their contracts. PHOTO | FILE
Six employees of the East African Community Secretariat have moved to court to challenge termination of their contracts.
The employees of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) support programme have lodged a case in the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), seeking orders to overturn the Secretariat’s decision.
On June 17, Dr Libérat Mfumukeko, EAC Secretary-General, wrote to the APSA staff, informing them that their contracts had been terminated and giving them three days to hand over.
The hearing for the preliminary application to stop execution of the Dr Mfumukeko’s letter is scheduled for September 14, Yufnalis Okubo, the registrar of the court said.
The aggrieved employees are now accusing Dr Mfumukeko of abusing the rules of procedure, arguing that their dismissal will affect peace initiatives in the region.
According to correspondence seen by The EastAfrican, Dr Mfumukeko’s decision to close the department was attributed to lack of funds as the European Union (EU), which funds the activities of the organ through the African Union, cut funding.
“Considering that the EAC has no funds to support the APSA project staff, we hereby give you a notice of three months to terminate your employment contract effective from June 20, 2016,” reads a letter signed by Dr Mfumukeko.
The affected employees, however, responded that the termination of their contracts was not in line with the EAC rules and regulations, and urged Dr Mfumukeko to reconsider his decision.
Despite the delays, they said, the process to secure funding for the project was in the final stages, adding that the Secretariat could advance funds from its coffers to sustain the project in the meantime.
A letter dated July 18 and seen by The EastAfrican, informed Dr Mfumukeko that the process of releasing funds had become a lengthy one due to the new EU conditions.
“It is expected that the AU in the coming days will visit the Regional Economic Communities to sign agreements that will pave the way for the disbursement of APSA funds to the RECs. In the meantime, disbursement of arrears (August to December 2015) has been done and funds are expected to be in the EAC-APSA account by July 23, 2016,” the petition reads.
It further indicates that the disbursed funds will be enough to pay off the money advanced by the EAC Secretariat to the APSA project and cover emoluments for staff for the remaining part of 2016.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General has cancelled a tender for insurance coverage for the Secretariat staff after a tussle between two insurance companies.
The fight between Britam and Liberty had divided staff, with some senior staff being accused of pushing for cause of each of the bidding companies. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/EAC-employees-in-court-to-protect-their-contracts-/2558-3359776-olayrkz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/399f4f23f23f75b002bad76e9e1738f6cdd4a21dd65b0ba95d00eef4bd0651b7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:29 | null | null | British oil firm Tullow officially announced plans to start producing oil from Turkana in March next year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FTullow-Kenya-oil-March-2017-production-date%2F2558-3357146-bc3qgpz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Tullow raises Kenya’s oil export hopes with March 2017 production | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Tullow Oil workers at a drilling rig in Turkana. Tullow struck Kenya’s first oil in the northwest region of in Lokichar in 2012, and followed it with a string of other finds. PHOTO | FILE
British oil firm Tullow on Wednesday raised Kenya’s hopes of becoming an oil exporting country after it officially announced plans to start producing oil from Turkana in March next year.
Tullow Oil chief operating officer Paul McDade told President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi that it will initially produce 2,000 barrels of crude oil per day and have stocks ready for export in June 2017.
The announcement is in line with State House’s plan to have the oil transported by road from Turkana to Eldoret for onward delivery by train to the port of Mombasa — a distance of 1,089 kilometres.
“Following President Kenyatta’s directive that exportation of Kenya’s first oil be expedited, Tullow Oil has this afternoon confirmed that it will start oil production in March next year,” a statement from State House said.
Tullow’s count of the Turkana oil reserves so far stands at 750 million barrels — which is considered commercially viable at the current prices of $50 a barrel. One barrel is equivalent to 159 litres.
Kenya is hoping that exporting oil will earn the country the much-needed petrodollars it needs to stem the rising tide of public debt that now stands at more than $30 billion.
Mr McDade said Tullow will be drilling eight extra exploratory wells in North Lokichar, Turkana County where it hopes to make more discoveries and take the mean recoverable resources to more than a billion barrels.
At the current global crude prices of $50 a barrel, the export of 2,000 barrels a day would bring in $37 billion annually before factoring in the cost of production, transportation and profit margins of the mining firm.
Concerns, however, remain about the economic viability of transporting the oil by road and rail to Mombasa — especially because no hard data has been produced to support it.
Petroleum Principal Secretary Andrew Kamau told the Business Daily in a recent interview that the venture will remain profitable as long as crude prices remain at more than $34 per barrel.
The identity of who will buy Kenya’s oil remains unknown as the global market grapples with a glut that has more than halved the prices of crude oil in the past three years.
Kenya closed its obsolete refinery in 2013, putting the country on the sole path of exporting crude even as it continues to import refined products. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Tullow-Kenya-oil-March-2017-production-date/2558-3357146-bc3qgpz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/57559bdb8d2190489a45980421b46e119f4ab39d5da2e5d6125e1a459a93bfa3.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:52:07 | null | null | Cement consumption has been growing faster than production on average in the region. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FCement-boom-in-East-Africa-attracts-foreign-players%2F2560-3363140-f10eu1%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Cement boom in East Africa attracts foreign players, price wars loom | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
East African cement makers face a significant drop in revenues due to cheap imports and rival foreign firms looking to pump millions of dollars into the regional industry. PHOTO | FILE
East African cement makers face a significant drop in revenues due to cheap imports and rival foreign firms looking to pump millions of dollars into the regional industry.
A market study by AIB Capital shows that as foreign companies eye the region, local companies are expanding their capacity to sustain their market share and profitability amid declining margins.
The decision by the East African Council of Ministers to reduce duty on cement imports from non-EAC countries from 35 per cent to 25 per cent has also heightened competition, amid high power costs in the region, which account for 40 per cent of production costs.
For example, cement prices in Kenya dropped to $100 per tonne last year, from an average of $140 per tonne in 2011, while the industry’s net profit margin contracted to 10 per cent from 15 per cent in the same period.
Nigeria’s Dangote Cement, with a market capitalisation of $30.96 billion, is plotting a dramatic entry into Kenya by setting up a 1.5 million tonne plant. The company has already set up a three million tonne capacity plant in Tanzania, with production initially scheduled to start in August.
Dangote Cement leads in investment in the sector, expanding its footprint to fill the supply gap on new cement frontiers as well as to counter slowed growth in its home country. It is Africa’s leading cement producer with 40 million tonnes of operational, capacity and has three plants in Nigeria, an import terminal in Ghana and recently opened factories in Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa, Senegal and Cameroon.
According to the AIB Capital report, the entry of new players in the sector and the expansion of the existing firms has created a fertile ground for price wars.
“We are bullish on the industry growth in the mid-term. However, only those companies that have enough capacity to supply the region will be able to defend their market share as competition increases,” an analyst at AIB Capital said.
The report notes that the East African region is one of the cement frontiers in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting international cement companies looking to offset the slowed growth in other countries. The region remains an attractive investment hub due to its high economic growth rates compared with sub-Saharan Africa averages.
East Africa’s growth is mainly being driven by infrastructure development, increased output in agriculture and an expanding services sector.
Oil and gas discoveries are also expected to significantly boost growth in the region as countries reduce dependence on agriculture. Kenya is estimated to have about 1 billion barrels of oil with production expected to begin in 2019, while Uganda has discovered an estimated 1.7 billion barrels of oil.
The Dubai-based conglomerate Dodsal Group discovered 2.7 trillion cubic feet of gas with a potential upside of up to 3.8 trillion cubic feet in Tanzania.
Lafarge-owned Bamburi Cement is the biggest cement supplier in the region, with a strong presence in Kenya and Uganda, while its subsidiary, Hima, mainly serves the Rwandan market due to its location. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Cement-boom-in-East-Africa-attracts-foreign-players/2560-3363140-f10eu1/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/712987573ead665e30c0a45cd117bd29621216c9aca74f20d89e70b59b85cdc2.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:51:28 | null | null | It is understood that Tanzania and DR Congo have been at loggerheads over the proposal for the two countries to issue a joint exploration licence for the | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FCongo-ready-for-talks-on-Lake-Tanganyika-oil-and-gas-prospects%2F2558-3360790-lydhcx%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3360926/lowRes/1420551/-/3jm3pd/-/afp.jpg | en | null | - News | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
An oil exploration tower in Tonya on the shore of Lake Albert on the border between Uganda and DR Congo. PHOTO | AFP
Tanzania has said the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to talks with four countries sharing the Lake Tanganyika to discuss ways of extracting natural gas and oil in the lake.
Experts have warned that the lack of demarcated boundaries between countries sharing the lake could lead to disputes.
It is understood that Tanzania and DR Congo have been at loggerheads over the proposal for the two countries to issue a joint exploration licence for the lake.
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has already allocated two blocks on the Tanzanian side of the lake. The southern part of block was awarded to Australia’s Beach Energy in 2008.
The discovery of oil in Lake Albert, which is located in the Great Rift Valley as Lake Tanganyika, and Beach Petroleum’s announcement in 2012 that initial seismic surveys had indicated the potential of 200 million barrels of oil, raised hopes that massive oil deposits could be discovered in the area.
In May 2008, shortly before Beach Petroleum was awarded an exploration licence, DR Congo and Tanzania signed an agreement for joint exploration of the lake but Congolese senators strongly disapproved the agreement.
Prof Sospeter Muhongo, Tanzania’s minister for Energy and Minerals said in a brief statement that DR Congo ministers and Tanzania have agreed to hold joint meetings in October to discuss the issue.
“They (DR Congo ministers) will collaborate with their counterparts from Burundi and Zambia to discuss the exploration of oil and gas but us (Tanzania) have already started exploration activities in Lake Tanganyika,” Prof Muhongo said in a brief statement seen by The EastAfrican.
But experts warn that lack of security stability in eastern DR Congo and the country’s lack of comprehensive oil framework and its natural resources focus on Tanzania being mainly on mining might make the deal unlikely in the near future.
Thierry Vircoulon, the project director for Central Africa at the International Crisis Group said despite the international custom requiring that a border for a lake between countries to be in the middle, the two countries needed to address the boarder issue immediately. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Congo-ready-for-talks-on-Lake-Tanganyika-oil-and-gas-prospects/2558-3360790-lydhcx/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/7c296b3e3bdf789cc3f6e55fcdf622f8a52661b7112f48271870d64782607897.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:51:58 | null | null | Early results indicate the ruling party will win the elections in all the five new districts of Rubanda, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibale and Omoro. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FUganda-ruling-party-extends-dominance-in-new-districts-elections%2F2558-3362844-vov6ar%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Uganda's ruling party extends dominance in new districts polls | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
NRM supporters celebrate in Omoro District. Uganda's ruling party has extended its dominance after it swept elections in five newly created districts. PHOTO | FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP
Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has extended its dominance both in Parliament and local governments after it swept Monday’s elections in five newly created districts.
Early results indicate the ruling party will win the elections in all the five new districts of Rubanda, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibale and Omoro.
Created in 2015, the new districts boundary changes took effect on July 1 this year prompting the special elections.
The President Yoweri Museveni-led NRM won an overwhelming parliamentary and local government’s majority in the February 18 General Election that saw him gain another five years in power.
Uganda’s Electoral Commission is set to declare the final results of the by-elections on Tuesday.
The opposition parties have had a poor showing in the elections as candidates in many cases came a distant third ceding even the second position to NRM leaning independents.
According to the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) which deployed at least 150 observers for the five elections, the elections were beset by delays in delivery of materials and voter turnout. The law requires that at least five voters are present before voting materials can be opened to start the polling. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Uganda-ruling-party-extends-dominance-in-new-districts-elections/2558-3362844-vov6ar/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/11ddc25b0f5af6c29c968b63b71ce90a7cd06b3759c22ccb4bd98182a923f0e5.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:51:14 | null | null | Environmentalists warn that any such collaborations should not be allowed to override environmental concerns. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FMuseveni-invites-Kabila-to-join-pipeline-project--%2F2558-3360788-5hagyq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3360820/lowRes/1420549/-/vqougz/-/mus%252Bkab.jpg | en | null | Museveni invites Kabila to join pipeline project | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (right) holds to the arm of Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila as they step on a podium for a welcoming ceremony on August 4, 2016 in Mpondwe on the border between DRC and Uganda. AFP PHOTO | KUDRA MALIRO
President Yoweri Museveni’s recent invitation to his Congolese counterpart Joseph Kabila for collaboration over exploitation of oil resources in transboundary areas renewed concerns among environmentalists that the leaders may look more to money and politics over critical environmental concerns.
It has emerged that a meeting between presidents Museveni and Kabila at the Mweya Safari Lodge in Uganda’s border district of Kasese tackled more than what has been officially acknowledged.
It is understood that President Kabila, facing tough times in his push to change the constitution so he can hang onto power after the expiry of his current term, sought the meeting in a bid to win over critical Kampala support.
But away from political discussions, The EastAfrican is privy to information that President Museveni, who has already struck a deal with Tanzania to build an export pipeline for crude oil from Hoima to the port of Tanga, urged Kabila, whose country shares the same basin as Uganda’s discovered reserves, to consider joint economic activities.
Congo’s collaboration could come in handy especially as the mineral rich country could be expected to bring in critically needed financial resources in joint exploration.
Uganda’s State Minister for foreign affairs in charge of International Relations Henry Okello Oryem confirmed to The EastAfrican that President Museveni invited his Congolese counterpart to join the joint exploitation initiatives currently being advanced by Kampala and Dar es Salaam.
But environmentalists now warn that any such collaborations should not be allowed to over ride environmental concerns that are supported by the Ramsar Convention.
Twenty eight regional non-profit organisations in Congo and Uganda involved in environmental and natural resources advocacy have instead urged Kinshasa and Kampala to prioritise other equally, if not more viable economic ventures.
These, they say, have a longer lasting return on both capital and social investment and less negative impact on the already fragile ecology in the marked area of exploration.
“Oil exploitation is certainly one of the engines that can boost the economy of any country but tourism contributes as much and has even proved transformative to the economic growth of countries,” the NGOs said in a joint statement.
“At a time when the fight against global warming is at the highest level of the community locally, nationally and internationally, it would be paradoxical to carry out polluting activities in or around [an] already very fragile ecosystem,” they added.
However, the likelihood is high that both governments will ignore the NGOs and the frontline communities which face the potential harm associated with oil exploration in ecologically delicate areas.
As analysts have noted, in the debate between conservation and development, governments tend to prefer the latter. This is in spite of their recognition of the importance of protecting the environment. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Museveni-invites-Kabila-to-join-pipeline-project--/2558-3360788-5hagyq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/55503cfbd008d2614657848b5723fa3f3220009aed6c6c455fc72dbc8b61cede.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:52:05 | null | null | Persons with physical disabilities have asked to be catered for in the national community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) coverage to ease | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FBusiness%2F1433224-3362972-7eh30h%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Rwanda: People with disabilities ask to be insured for prosthetics | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Persons with physical disabilities have asked to be catered for in the national community based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) coverage to ease access to prosthetic limbs.
The disabled persons say that this will enable them to access cheaper health services especially in the countryside where such limbs which cost between Rwf200,000 to Rwf360,000.
A 2012 National Institute of Statistics survey shows that there were over 446,000 people with disabilities, excluding children and so far only 160,000 have been classified as disabled but many continue to lack prosthetic healthcare due to financial constraints.
The Kigali-based Mulindi One Love project which has since 1996 provided over 8,000 Rwandans with free prosthetic limbs has blamed government for poor mobilisation in the districts to take advantage of the services.
In 2015, the National Council of Persons with Disability recommended mainstreaming disability and influence decision makers to take the lead in planning, implementation and monitoring of the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwD) through related PwD policies, programmes and strategies.
This has however not been implemented and according to some providers has denied many disabled persons access to these limbs.
“We wrote to the government stating that we would provide free prosthetic limbs through the district. We have the products and material and districts should discuss the way forward” Mr Gatera said.
Mr Gatera says that though it is costly to produce the limbs, in the standing agreements with the local government, “The project provides 40 per cent of the cost coverage and the other percentage by the districts, but you find that some districts don’t have the money,” he said.
The State Minister in charge of Social Affairs, Alvera Mukabaranga said that a study has been conducted to add this programme to Mutuelle de Santé but the costs remain a challenge.
“This issue has been approved and a team is on the ground to study how the disabled can be assisted but we have to look at the costs so that it can be covered in the health insurance” Ms Mukabaranga said.
Adding this service to Mutuelle de Santé may however strain the current programme, which stood at 79 per cent, by January and has failed to meet the 100 per cent subscription. It has been under pressure to increase citizen’s subscription ever since the programme was placed under Rwanda social security Board (RSSB).
Rwanda has seen foreign companies like Ottobock, open shop in the local market to fill the gap of lack of access to prosthetic limbs but their prices remain high compared with local providers.
According Kingsley Diores, the area manager, Rwandans need access to proper specialised medical equipment that is patient based, not money based.
“The prices may be high but these limbs are high quality and effectively address a specific handicap compared with the cheap ones” Mr Diores said during the recent national conference on Non-communicable diseases held in Kigali. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/Business/1433224-3362972-7eh30h/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/afe382390f9f034fec1aa65534df3f177249784b63eb5df9386b3239e3b19a4c.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:51:24 | null | null | Tanzania, which won the geopolitics battle with Kenya, by snatching away the pipeline deal, has also upped its stake with its gas plant. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FTanzania-upstages-Mozambique-on-gas-%2F2558-3360766-11jy5b0%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3355036/lowRes/717430/-/b4icv9z/-/lng.jpg | en | null | Tanzania upstages Mozambique on gas | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Tanzania has acquired over 2,000 hectares of land at Likong’o- Mchinga in Lindi to pave the way for a $30 billion liquefied natural gas plant. TEA GRAPHIC | FILE
Tanzania, which won the geopolitics battle with Kenya, by snatching away the pipeline deal, has also upped its stake with its gas plant, trying to upstage Mozambique, which is still reeling from dampened investor confidence, following the $1 billion hidden funds scandal with IMF.
The start of the gas pipeline plant will also raise confidence on the Tanzania-Uganda oil pipeline deal championed by Paris-based Total, which was one of the riders Kampala received, allowing Dar es Salaam to draw level with Nairobi.
Early this week, President John Magufuli gave his government officials a dress down over the slow implementation of the project. Dr Magufuli instructed them to speed up the long-delayed work on the planned $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) onshore export terminal in Lindi.
Shell, Exxon Mobil and Ophir Energy plan to build the facility in partnership with the Tanzania Petroleum Development (TPD) in the next four years, but the project has been delayed by land acquisition wrangles and legislation challenges, despite the passing of the Petroleum Act in last year.
“I want to see this plant built. Sort out all the remaining issues so investors can start construction work immediately,” Mr Magufuli said while meeting with Oystein Michelsen, Statoil’s Tanzania country manager.
In January, TPDC announced that it had acquired the title deed for the 2,071 hectares that have been set aside for the construction of the planned LNG terminal at Likong’o village in Lindi. The country’s parliament is set to debate the matter.
It is understood that Magufuli’s timing for the announcement is meant to give Dar es Salaam an upper hand in the market over Mozambique, owing to the latter’s recent issues, including the renewed Renamo insurgency that has unsettled investors.
Maputo has also scared off investors through its new hydrocarbon law clauses on local content, which analysts say will prolong the gas project’s timelines.
Quicken its pace
John Roper of Uniper Global Commodities said that the region must quicken its pace as the race for supply contracts accelerates.
“The region benefits from convenient geography, with the coastline acting as a springboard to market in India, China, Japan and Northern Europe. Tanzania is just acting quickly to court investors in a bid to leverage its assets,” Mr Roper said.
Last week, Energy Minister Sospeter Muhongo said that Tanzania should expect an “economic revolution” with $30 billion investment in gas liquefaction facilities. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Tanzania-upstages-Mozambique-on-gas-/2558-3360766-11jy5b0/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/fb6ef4f48b4ae6a7558f7c84418c68f9b64370f57af349cb0ff770ee04c5bb0a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:47 | null | null | A South Sudan diplomat has told off regional leaders who have been pressing for the reinstatement of the sacked vice president Riek Machar. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FEnvoy-tells-off-Igad-after-Kerry-remarks-South-Sudan-leadership%2F2558-3355344-1p0n6e%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Envoy tells off Igad after Kerry’s remarks on Juba leadership changes | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Newly appointed Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai (left) and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir at State House in Juba on July 26, 2016. PHOTO | AFP
A South Sudan diplomat has told off regional leaders who have been pressing for the reinstatement of the sacked vice president Riek Machar asking them ‘to hear loudly and clearly’ US Secretary of State John Kerry’s endorsement of the changes.
At press conference in Nairobi on Monday, Mr Kerry said the August 2015 peace agreement allowed for replacement of personnel in the transition government.
“I think it’s quite clear that legally, under the agreement, there is allowance for the replacement, in a transition of personnel, and that has been effected with the appointment of a new vice president. And what they decide to do is going to be dependent on them in the context of the implementation of the peace agreement,” said Mr Kerry when asked by the media about the US position on the replacement of Dr Machar with Taban Deng Gai.
Dr Machar is now under UN protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo as he recuperates from injuries believed to have been sustained during the fighting by rival factions at the Presidential Palace in Juba last month.
James Morgan, South Sudan representative to the African Union (AU) told “those who have been calling the changes in the SPLM-IO illegal,” a thinly veiled dig at the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (Igad), a regional security grouping of eight eastern and Horn of Africa countries, that Article 6.4 of the Agreement gives the leadership of the SPLM-IO the legal rights to nominate a replacement for Dr Machar.
“For those who have been calling the changes in the SPLM-IO illegal, let them hear what Secretary Kerry has clearly and loudly stated in Nairobi,” Mr Morgan said.
However, Dr Machar’s spokesperson, James Gatdek said that the changes would only be legitimate if made at a full meeting of the SPLM-IO Political Bureau.
“There were only four Political Bureau members in Juba at the time and yet it comprises of 25 members. We call on the individuals to abide by the contents of the peace deal and the Igad resolutions,” said Mr Gatdet.
The US position goes against that held by the Igad which declared the changes as null and void, during a summit in Addis Ababa on August 5, and called for the reinstatement of Dr Machar as the bona fide partner in the agreement. The summit also called for the deployment of regional protection force to act as a buffer to allow Dr Machar’s return.
That message was reiterated by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta last week when Mr Gai led a delegation to Nairobi seeking help in addressing the worsening economic and humanitarian situation facing the country. Sources said President Kenyatta told the delegation that the isolation of Dr Machar would not be in the best interests of stability in the fragile country.
ALSO READ: South Sudan new VP holds talks in first Khartoum visit | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Envoy-tells-off-Igad-after-Kerry-remarks-South-Sudan-leadership/2558-3355344-1p0n6e/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/00cfa2faa1fe1d301d8d913386364c4734532ffda54f283a04862f76c45c920e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:43 | null | null | Will we go on adopting corporate-driven agricultural products that will enslave farmers? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FTanzania-farming-and-GMOs%2F434750-3361736-aryj6qz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | In the future, meat won’t be murder; before that, can we import some | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
Elsie Eyakuze. PHOTO | FILE
Everyone loves to eat, right? The mouth is one of the most sensitive organs in the human body, so much good happens there. Temperature, touch, smell, texture, sound, umami and probably a few others. And then that tummy-full feeling, the relaxation.
Eating may be a bodily function but it is elevated to art by being an intimate experience, no matter how rich or humble the food being consumed is. So let’s talk again about genetically modified organisms, because Weird Food is here.
It is a bit silly to hold on to prejudices about GMOs at this point in history but old habits are hard to break. While I am reconciled to the foods that are familiar being a bit “doctored,” we all have limits.
I joined some Americans to go make approving noises at a model farm in Arusha maybe a year ago; they loved it, I was horrified not only by the business model but also by the products.
And because why leave well enough alone, I cornered some model farmarians and asked them to be brutally frank about whether they preferred eating the old-school maize they used to grow or the new-fangled breed that had corns as big as American teeth. You can guess the answer.
Yet for all that Tanzania has ridiculous potential for agriculture, old or new school, our children are shockingly malnourished. So much so that it has raised concerns about our youth’s ability to withstand academic training and the longer term effects on the labour market.
The reasonable thing to do would be to launch a nationwide campaign about good nutrition, especially for children, and do all the attendant things that smarter cultures have done. The smartest by far that I have come across seems to be Japan, where their post-war reforms included a school feeding programme that is just mind-blowing because it not only generates an internal market for local produce, it also transmits culture, good food habits and other benefits.
I have no illusions that this is reproducible here, now, given our circumstances. Do you know the kind of visionary leadership that would take? So it is going to be interesting to watch what we do instead.
We’re going to adopt more and more corporate-driven agricultural products that will, if we’re not careful, enslave farmers to MNCs that some government automaton will call “development partners” at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The foods we eat will remain less diverse than they should be, children will be stuffed with belly-stretching cheap starches and affordable Azam “milk product” and we shall continue to wonder why things are not coming together.
The world can feed herself and have plenty left over but we don’t, because of politics and power. Tanzania can feed herself and have plenty left over but we don’t because of politics, money and power. Well, you know what they say. If you can’t stand them, join them?
Outside of the nefarious world of terminator seeds there are interesting things going on with GMOs that are worth some contemplation. Two recent innovations that are fun to speculate about are the advances in 3D printing and the manufacture of meat grown in laboratories.
There are some companies that are seriously looking into how to make 3D printed edibles affordable to the general public. It is a bit of a stretch because of all kinds of physical limitations but nothing is beyond human innovation.
One day we’ll be heading to eating points where at the touch of a button you can get food manufactured from a machine and dispensed to you fresh and hot! How appetising! And then there’s the lab-grown meat. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Tanzania-farming-and-GMOs/434750-3361736-aryj6qz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/9814ee6b8866f404398822dd234e74ad7d396e9b3600ae12a3d7542915dcb8d1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:24 | null | null | The recent appointment of Kenyan-born Urjit Patel as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stoked controversy over his roots even as those | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FRise-of--Kenyan-born-economist-to-India-central-bank-top-job%2F2560-3358034-1ue55az%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Uproar as Kenyan-born man to head India central bank | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
The newly appointed Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel. His hiring despite nationality concerns is seen as a statement the State is interested in real talent. AFP PHOTO
The recent appointment of Kenyan-born Urjit Patel as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stoked controversy over his roots even as those who know him celebrated in Nairobi.
Some have criticised him for being ‘less Indian’ than his predecessor Raghuram Rajan whose term ends on September 4.
“Patel, perhaps, is far less Indian than Rajan (his predecessor) if we consider the fact that he took an Indian citizenship only after he was offered the post of RBI deputy governor in 2013.
Before that, Patel was a citizen of Kenya,” said Shweta Punj, the associate editor of India Today newspaper capturing the mood on the choice of the governor.
But Bharatiya Janata Party MP Subramanian Swamy on Sunday said it would be really ‘idiotic’ to criticise the newly appointed RBI governor for being born in Kenya.
Mr Swamy has been a bitter critic of the outgoing RBI governor, accusing him of pursuing policies geared toward controlling inflation at the expense of economic growth.
Mr Patel beat a pool of highly skilled contenders for the top job.
He was born in Kenya to Indian businessman Ravindra and his wife Manjula who ran a chemical factory named Rexo Products in Nairobi.
Described as “humble but very bright and knowledgeable” by his Kenyan acquaintances, Mr Patel studied in Visa Oshwal Primary School and later in Jamhuri High School in Nairobi.
He pursued a first degree from the London School of Economics and thereafter obtained a master’s degree from Oxford University in 1986 before obtaining a doctorate in Economics from Yale University in 1990.
He then immediately launched his career at the International Monetary Fund.
Defied noise by critics
In picking Mr Patel, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen to have defied noise by critics over Mr Patel’s nationality.
Ms Punj also noted that Mr Patel also represented the need to pick the best for the job regardless of nationalistic sentiments. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Rise-of--Kenyan-born-economist-to-India-central-bank-top-job/2560-3358034-1ue55az/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/9c1683916a5b6a5c78611324da594bbffa5bfcf43bdebb066fe985154a9beaae.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:35 | null | null | Both China and Japan have major interests on the continent. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FChina-questions-Japan-ability-to-fulfil-Ticad-promises%2F2558-3361674-146vgh9z%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | China questions Japan’s ability to fulfil Ticad promises | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta during the closing session of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad VI) in Nairobi on August 28, 2016. In the course of the summit, Mr Abe pledged $30 billion for infrastructure development, education and healthcare expansion. DAI KUROKAWA | EPA
The Chinese on Sunday appeared to spoil Japan’s big publicity from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) in Nairobi, when Beijing’s head of delegation questioned Tokyo’s ability to fulfil the promises made during the summit.
Mr Zhang Ming, China’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, was in Nairobi in what he said was to “gain first-hand knowledge” of Africa’s other partners.
But as the conference ended, the former Chinese envoy to Nairobi told journalists that Japan could be joining a list of countries that have promised much but delivered little to Africa.
“There is never a shortage of conferences and promises for Africa, and yet action and implementation have not always followed.
“We hope Africa’s partners will honour their commitments with real actions and deliver tangible fruits to the African people,” he said on Sunday in a statement.
Ticad VI, happening for the first time in Africa, saw Japan pledge up to $30 billion more over the next three years to be invested in African infrastructure, healthcare systems and other projects meant to boost the economy.
On Sunday night, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed further bilateral agreements where Japan pledged $100 million to fund various healthcare projects.
But this conference always appeared to be in the shadow of China’s ventures in Africa.
“Both China and Japan are working with Africa as part of the international endeavour to help the continent.
“We support the diversification of Africa’s partners and hope they will leverage their respective strengths and combine forces to support enduring peace and rapid development in Africa,” Zhang said.
At China’s similar conference, called the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) last year, Beijing pledged $60 billion to go into infrastructure, most of it to be channelled through government-to-government deals.
Beijing claims billions worth of agreements have been signed already, although there is little information on how the money is to be repaid or the terms of the agreements.
Japan, on the other hand, would be mostly disbursing these monies through development agencies, and will be following up to ensure the money is used for the purpose given.
Yet the Chinese official who served as Beijing’s ambassador to Kenya between 2006 and 2009 said China’s way of doing things remains that of non-interference. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/China-questions-Japan-ability-to-fulfil-Ticad-promises/2558-3361674-146vgh9z/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/d17e9c2ca7a7f83839f02916f16c62957a8c0aaa08e3212eb052acaf9a700e41.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:52:00 | null | null | Cabinet has approved a budget proposal for the 2016/17 fiscal year which nearly tripled spending at $520 million. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fbusiness%2FSouth-Sudan-seeks--300-million-in-external-support-for-budget%2F2560-3362648-voiulo%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3362656/lowRes/1421915/-/nutnep/-/304579-01-02.jpg | en | null | South Sudan seeks $300 million in external support for budget | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
Juba’s Konyo Konyo market early 2014. South Sudan's government wants $300 million in aid and loans to support its next budget, as it seeks to stabilise the country which has been scarred by civil conflict since achieving independence in 2011. PHOTO | AFP
South Sudan's government wants $300 million in aid and loans to support its next budget, as it seeks to stabilise the country which has been scarred by civil conflict since achieving independence in 2011.
Last week, the Cabinet approved a budget proposal for the 2016/17 fiscal year which nearly tripled spending at 29.6 billion South Sudan pounds ($520 million).
"If it is approved by the transitional National Legislative assembly (the funding aim) will be around $300 million, for which we will seek support from the donor community in terms of grants or external borrowing," Finance Minister Stephen Dau said in comments broadcast on local Radio Miraya FM.
The world's newest country has been devastated by war since December 2013, when soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir clashed in the capital Juba with troops loyal to his former deputy Riek Machar.
The conflict has hammered the economy and left swathes of the 11 million population without enough food.
Oil production, South Sudan's main source of revenue, has tumbled as oil fields have been cut off and global prices have dropped.
Dau said in 2016/17, the government planned to raise 9 billion South Sudanese pounds in non-oil revenue, a 50 per cent increase from the previous year.
“This financial year budget is different from the last because it contains reform measures that were advised by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) in their consultation when they came here last May. There are reform measures will be taken that will lead to the increase of non oil revenue,” he said.
Juba has also taken loans from Chinese companies, offering to pay them back with future oil proceeds.
Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Deng Alor said the country planned to ask China for a $1.9 billion loan - a sum equal to more than a fifth of its national output - to be used for infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.
A wobbly peace deal saw Machar return to Juba as deputy president in April but Kiir appointed a new deputy to replace him in late July, when he left the capital after street battles between rival troops. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/South-Sudan-seeks--300-million-in-external-support-for-budget/2560-3362648-voiulo/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/a20d3c526a2b0e90cee8820b0524680306e8d3cd0f35cfde5053be154e820e8d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:52:04 | null | null | Trade and Industry Minister Francois Kanimba said the government has had to push back the plan, pending the automation of the Saccos. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FRwanda%2FBusiness%2FRwanda-Saccos-to-wait-a-little-bit-longer-for-a-cooperative-bank%2F1433224-3363010-hlmp08%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Rwanda Saccos to wait a little bit longer for a co-op bank | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Business
The much-awaited introduction of an umbrella co-operative bank in the country has been put on hold pending reforms in the savings and credit societies (Saccos).
The bank, which is expected to act as a central financial institution for over 416 sector-based Saccos in the country and take up their day-to-day supervision, was scheduled to start operations by end of last year.
However, Trade and Industry Minister Francois Kanimba said the government has had to push back the plan, pending the automation of the Saccos, an exercise expected to be concluded by June next year.
“The studies to guide the operation of the bank were finalised, but we couldn’t proceed when the Saccos are still on the manual system. We need to first address this problem. This is basically what caused the delay,” Mr Kanimba said.
While the government earlier sought a strategic investor who would take up management of the financial institution and contribute 40 per cent of the Rwf5 billion capital required, Mr Kanimba said it would now start off as a microfinance bank, which would graduate to a full co-operative bank with time.
“The capital for a microfinance bank is Rwf1.5 billion,” explained Mr Kanimba.
“This is the money Saccos can mobilise among themselves. If we start as a microfinance bank, we shall only look for a manager who is not necessarily a shareholder, for we want to ensure that there is a strong management.”
Government largely blames financial malpractices that plagued most Saccos on their outmoded conduct of business that makes it not just difficult to control Saccos but also makes it easy for rogue managers to embezzle members’ contributions.
Majority of the Saccos were on several occasions put on the spot over bad loans, financial misappropriation and embezzlements of public contributions, among others.
Rwanda Today understands that it has increasingly become difficult to maximise oversight on the Saccos operations as the Central Bank doesn’t have enough staff to deploy for regular supervision of these institutions, neither does Rwanda Co-operative Agency.
The two institutions only conduct audits, where they are tipped off an alleged mismanagement.
According to Gilbert Habyarimana, who heads the Co-operative Inspection Division at the Rwanda Co-operative Agency, more than 41 of the 51 audited Saccos were found to have lost over Rwf120 million this year to financial malpractices.
Analysts argue that the proposed co-operative bank calls for stern reforms towards achieving the accounting and reporting frameworks of individual Saccos.
It is planned that all Saccos at sector levels will be merged into one at each district to own stakes in the co-operative bank on their behalf. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/Rwanda/Business/Rwanda-Saccos-to-wait-a-little-bit-longer-for-a-cooperative-bank/1433224-3363010-hlmp08/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/d30be466367fee7a9dc676f422844c51153ba08897c0f435f97b8e16e3675867.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:51:15 | null | null | Not one week ago, the difference between the CBK’s dollar rate and one bank’s internal rate was Ksh6. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FInterest-rate-caps-Get-ready-for-creative-charges-%2F434750-3360848-tp4a7l%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/1966184/lowRes/34871/-/wa817wz/-/muthoni-wanyeki.jpg | en | null | Interest rate caps? Get ready for creative charges | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
The banks lost. The people won.
Or did they?
This past week, amendments to the Banking Act were signed into law. The presidential assent followed weeks of stern warnings from the financial sector about the potential consequences. As well as frantic efforts to forestall the amendments’ passage, including the announcement of a new credit facility for SMEs. All to no avail.
At risk of being held criminally liable, banks must now fully disclose all charges and terms on credit. This isn’t new. Except for the criminal liability.
In a not-so-effective effort to provide consumers with the information necessary to exercise informed consent, the Central Bank of Kenya has for years dutifully published comparative bank charges and rates on a regular basis. But when every bank follows the lead of every other bank, doing so hasn’t resulted in customers being able to vote with their feet.
More importantly, banks must now offer credit at no more than four percentage points higher than the CBK rate. They must also now offer interest on deposits held by them (in savings accounts at least) at no less than 70 per cent of the CBK rate.
The point being to make credit more affordable and reduce the wild spread between lending and savings rates.
There was at least one immediate impact of the signing . The value of bank stocks fell promptly. Not that that induced much sympathy. The only people who make money off banking are those who own banks. Big and small shareholders alike. Mere consumers exist solely to enable bank owners to make money.
Make money they do, even (or especially) in economies like ours. Which brings us to the second impact expected sooner rather than later. It is not true that banks here make their money off lending to individual consumers. For mortgages or for SMEs.
Given the bank failures aided and abetted by the large stock of non-performing individual (political) loans up to the end of the 1990s, banks shifted their money-making ways to two other avenues:
First, banks (imaginatively) placed charges and fees on every possible transaction that they could. Individual consumers pay to put money in. To pull money out. To move money between their own accounts at the very same bank. To exchange money. Not one week ago, for example, the difference between the CBK’s exchange rate to the dollar and one bank’s internal exchange rate was Ksh6 — between a dollar and shilling account held by the same individual at the same bank! The exchange rate spread is as usurious as the lending rate spread.
Second, banks moved happily to low-risk and high-yield lending, primarily to government paper. Enabled by this parliament, which blithely raised the limits of government borrowing without blinking an eye. Whose relevant committees don’t seem the least bit concerned about the shocking ballooning of both domestic and other debt since 2013 alone.
These amendments are likely to push banks further along the path of creative charges and fees. Which, by the way, the government has also leapt on the back of. Hands up all who feel incensed looking at their bank withdrawal slips and seeing not only the bank withdrawal fee but also the VAT charge. And banks will almost certainly revert to lending primarily to government.
Soon enough, we’ll all be keeping our money under our pillows. Mobile money being far more convenient and useful but also yet another money-making scheme for telco owners. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Interest-rate-caps-Get-ready-for-creative-charges-/434750-3360848-tp4a7l/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/865997118f0be42c242e2c9815aa55cfe9fbb0604870505d38d94675f7c74c83.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T10:50:25 | null | null | African governments are expected to take advantage of the TICAD summit to sign agreements on energy, health, agriculture, infrastructure and investments | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FTicad-Japan-Africa-deals%2F2558-3359620-d6s9x3%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Ticad: Energy, health, agriculture among sectors eyeing funds | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) shakes hands with Chadian President Idriss Deby, the African Union chairman during the opening of the TICAD VI Conference in Nairobi on August 27, 2016 Nairobi. PHOTO | SIMON MAINA | AFP
African governments are expected to take advantage of the TICAD summit to sign agreements on energy, health, agriculture, infrastructure and investments with Japan.
Kenya is expected to sign a financial assistance agreement worth $9.98 million for geothermal power projects.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is expected to have a sideline meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the discussions to centre on infrastructure projects.
A statement from Japan’s foreign ministry said that discussions will also include investment promotions that will see more Japanese companies encouraged to establish businesses with Uganda, based on public-private partnerships.
Kenya’s energy deal, to be signed by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister Abe, will go towards financing the sector and providing technical assistance.
The deal is part of Tokyo’s $200 billion infrastructure loans, which it announced mid this year for geothermal projects that have reached the construction stage.
The Kenyan deal will see Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offer the funding through low-interest loans to cover a portion of pre-construction stage costs, which can run up to $100 million.
Kenya has Africa’s biggest concentration of geothermal power capacity mainly located in the Olkaria area of Naivasha and Baringo.
Japanese firms Toyota Tsusho and Toshiba already won a 2011 contract for geothermal power facilities in Olkaria and are in the middle of constructing these facilities.
Kenya’s Mining Minister Dan Kazungu will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Oil and Gas Metals National Corporation on remote sensing technology within the mineral resources field.
Kenya is also expecting to sign an agreement with Tokyo for the promotion and protection of investment. The agreement will be signed by Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury Henry Rotich.
In health, the Kenya Red Cross Society will receive a hi-tech mobile health clinic from Toy Factory International Company to support the delivery of health services to the most vulnerable communities living in hard to reach areas in Kenya.
Nigeria’s special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said his country will be signing an MoU on health and infrastructure development, followed by a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Abe.
Mauritius will also be getting additional funding from Japan for its meteorological observation system. Japan is currently providing substantial support for the installation of a Meteorological Doppler Radar System, which is expected to be complete later next year. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Ticad-Japan-Africa-deals/2558-3359620-d6s9x3/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/2234655d04d81e592ab43f8a30499d160e36cf1b8b1de648c25a75d781596110.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:45 | null | null | While this is Uganda’s best educated generation, unemployment remains a critical challenge. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2FOpEd%2Fcomment%2FSome-good-news-about-Ugandan-youth-and-some-bad%2F434750-3361860-10jiocq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Here’s some good news about Ugandan youth... and some bad | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | Comment
Nearly 80 per cent of East Africa’s population is below 35 years of age, and the median age is estimated to be 18 years. Our future is in the hands of this unprecedented large proportion of young people. Hence the future is not out there, nor is it some unknowable moment in the mists of time.
The East African Institute of the Aga Khan University commissioned a survey of youth in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania between 2014 and 2015 to understand their values and attitudes, concerns and aspirations. To paraphrase the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke, if we understand the sentiments that preoccupy youth today, we can shape what the future will look like.
The Uganda Youth Survey Report, which will be released officially in Kampala on September 1, reveals findings that offer reasons both for optimism and deep concern and underline the need for urgent action. Moreover, some of the findings are contradictory and counter-intuitive. About 1,900 out-of-school youth were interviewed.
The good news is that Ugandan youth are optimistic about the future; 75 per cent of the youth believe Uganda will be richer materially and 66 per cent believe there will be more opportunities for youth – better access to quality education and health, and more jobs for youth. Moreover, 62 per cent believe society will reward merit and hard work.
This is perhaps the most educated generation in Uganda’s history. About 80 per cent of the youth surveyed had a post-primary level of education. About 40 per cent had post-secondary education. Moreover, this study showed that the proportion of women enrolled in primary school and university exceeds that of men by about 10 per cent.
While this is Uganda’s best educated generation, unemployment remains a critical challenge, especially as the country begins to transition into a knowledge-based economy.
The study showed that youth with a post-secondary education were twice more likely to be employed compared with their counterparts who did not have tertiary qualifications.
Currently, the majority of youth without tertiary qualifications or vocational skills are in informal employment, which is low paying and intermittent. Hence, there is a need to expand enrolment in business, technical and vocational training to enhance labour participation among youth who do not possess post-secondary qualifications.
Here is what is disconcerting about the findings of the survey: Only 27 per cent of the youth strongly believed it is important to pay taxes; 40 per cent would readily take or give a bribe; 30 per cent believed corruption is profitable and 56 per cent believed it does not matter how one makes money as long one does not end up in jail.
Moreover, 73 per cent of the youth were afraid to stand up for what is right for fear of retribution.
The youth had positive views about politics and democracy; 68 per cent believed it was important to vote and would participate in the 2016 election. But only 54 per cent believed their vote would make a difference. The survey reveals that 74 per cent of the youth were vulnerable to electoral bribery, with 39 per cent saying they would only vote for a candidate who bribed them.
Throughout his campaign for re-election in 2016, President Yoweri Museveni pledged to address three of the most urgent issues that concern youth: Unemployment, access to capital for young entrepreneurs and poverty through industrialisation, skills development and a youth venture capital fund.
This renewed commitment should hopefully expand awareness and enhance access and responsible utilisation of public funds for youth development. Moreover, such funds must be targeted to address priority needs identified by the youth.
The Youth Survey report does not prescribe solutions or policy options. Instead, the report provides a reference point for reflections and conversations that could inform policy priorities and action to address the needs and aspirations of the youth. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/OpEd/comment/Some-good-news-about-Ugandan-youth-and-some-bad/434750-3361860-10jiocq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/b38caee117da951bb7597774ddcaa54427176ddbfa74572224378de9d4259737.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:52 | null | null | Africa is becoming a lucrative investment destination for Asia’s leading economies — primarily China, India and Japan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FJapan-charm-offensive-returns-to-Africa-%2F2558-3355956-sdhnnvz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Japan’s charm offensive returns to Africa | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
President Uhuru Kenyatta with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on March 13, 2015. PHOTO | ISSEI KATO | AFP
Africa is becoming a lucrative investment destination for Asia’s leading economies — primarily China, India and Japan.
This month, Nairobi is hosting the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which will focus on creating a favourable environment for Japan-Africa economic co-operation.
In this forum, Japan hopes to cement its diplomatic and economic clout on the continent. This follows similar Summits with the Chinese and India last year. In November, Delhi hosted the India-Africa summit that saw it commit to $10 billion in funding, 50,000 scholarships and infrastructure projects for Africa.
A month later, in Johannesburg, China hosted its own Africa summit that resulted in a $60 billion pledge to develop Africa’s infrastructure, education and health sectors.
The conference, from August 27-28 will offer Tokyo a chance not only to lobby for its bid for a UN Security Council permanent seat but also seek to secure African mineral imports while seeking a market for its products in exchange for infrastructure and development aid to the continent.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will attend the Nairobi summit, is expected to seek Africa’s support for Japan’s push to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to increase the number of permanent members.
Tokyo has long pushed for reforms at the UN, saying the current UNSC does not fully meet the needs of the international community.
“It is time for action, and Japan is ready to work with other countries. When the UN was formed, there were only 51 member countries, with five of them having the permanent membership status. This hasn’t changed despite the organisation currently having 192 members.
We need to change this,” Mr Abe said in March, adding that his country has demonstrated that it has the capacity to take on further responsibility as a permanent member of a reformed Council.
Tokyo is currently the second-largest contributor to the UN budget among the member states, bearing 12.5 per cent of the total budget.
Lack of representation
Africa accounts for more than a quarter of the member states. But it does not have a permanent seat, with only three countries having served as non-permanent members on the UNSC so far.
This is the ammunition Mr Abe expects to use to charm countries like Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Libya, which have expressed the same interest, in exchange for economic co-operation. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Japan-charm-offensive-returns-to-Africa-/2558-3355956-sdhnnvz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/6c31bb6a96b13864778aadb9d79df165fad1ea8cba741af485974d4a5e9c8182.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T08:52:02 | null | null | AU is pushing for uniform fishing laws and increased investment in the sector to control the $2.5 billion worth of resources currently trawled away by | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FAfrican-Union-calls-for-uniform-fishing-regime%2F2558-3362748-evanmq%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3362222/lowRes/1421586/-/kd5ga3z/-/FISH.jpg | en | null | African Union calls for uniform fishing regime | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Kenya is making several strides in improving the sector and has passed the fisheries Bill that will address the challenges. PHOTO | FILE
The African Union is pushing for uniform fishing laws and increased investment in the sector to control the $2.5 billion worth of resources currently trawled away by advanced nations.
Mr Bruce Mukanda, a senior programme officer at the AU’s Animal Bureau said all member states need to adopt a framework already developed by the continental body.
“At the continental perspective, we are looking at individual country policies as we aim to harmonise them across the continent in order to harness this huge fisheries resource,” Mr Mukanda said in Nairobi during a Ticad VI side event.
Kenya is one of the countries that are yet to exploit their fisheries potential. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett said the country is losing a lot of its fisheries resources to illegal trade by aliens, depriving the country of much-needed revenue.
He said Kenya is making several strides in improving the sector and has passed the fisheries Bill that will address the challenges.
Kenya, for instance, has acquired a new ship to patrol its Indian Ocean territory as the country steps up the campaign against illegal fishing, which has seen it lose up to $100 million every year. The ship, which has the ability to detect illegal movement of fishing vessels in Kenya’s territorial waters, is expected in the country in January.
“If well tapped, fishing is a great contributor to the economy of our country and we are trying our best to increase our potential by addressing the challenges facing the sector,” said the Mr Bett.
The country has a large exclusive fishing zone with potential to produce 300,000 tonnes of fish annually valued at about $750 million. However, it is yet to utilise the opportunity optimally.
Kenyan fishermen are expected to fish up to 200 nautical miles from the Kenyan shores Under Exclusive Economic Zones rules, but they operate at below five nautical miles for lack of appropriate fishing gear to explore deep seas. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/African-Union-calls-for-uniform-fishing-regime/2558-3362748-evanmq/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/3f0657ddedfef799e8c265494826c1cee45361dad9fef71e8d373c2ca908196b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:04 | null | null | With over 580,000 refugees from the Great Lakes Region, Uganda’s forests have been under pressure, as people cut down trees for fuel for cooking and clear | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FLow-cost-housing-and-energy-efficient-stoves-for-refugees%2F2558-3358772-pq042mz%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Low-cost housing and energy-efficient stoves in restoring Uganda’s | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
As refugee numbers continue to rise, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners are now working to prevent deforestation around their settlements in Uganda.
With over 580,000 refugees from the Great Lakes Region, Uganda’s forests have been under pressure, as people cut down trees for fuel for cooking and clear land for agriculture, the main economic activity in the country.
Now refugee agencies are pushing for construction of low-cost semi-permanent brick houses, fuel efficient stoves and reforestation efforts around refugee camps.
In the Kyangwali refugee settlement forest, for example, refugees have formed groups and grown 108 hectares of teak, pine, fruit and eucalyptus trees, as their contribution to Uganda’s pledge to restore up to 2.5 million hectares of its degraded and deforested landscapes by 2030.
Action Africa Help International (AAHI) gives the refugees seedlings and a monthly stipend of Ush95,000 ($27.8) as an incentive to plant trees. AAHI is also training other groups to make briquettes for sale, as a way to increase the income of refugees. The briquettes are made from dried maize stalks, and any other household rubbish that can burn, reducing the need to cut down trees for charcoal.
About 37 per cent of the 10,039 households in Kyangwali have received energy efficient stoves, which also reduce the amount of energy needed for cooking.
In Hoima district, where Kyangwai is located, firewood is the main source of fuel for cooking. This has sharply increased deforestation, with Bugoma central forest reserve losing most of its tree cover.
Firewood
“Without trees to cut down, women and children are now moving about 17 kilometres in search of firewood,” says AAHI’s Jackie Kitentera.
According to Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Relief Hillary Onek, dwindling forest cover is a problem across all refugee settlements and camps in Uganda.
The dwindling forest cover has UNHCR rethinking its dependence on trees for constructing shelter. In the Kyaka camp, where 22,000 refugees live, UNHCR has provided money for the construction of low-cost brick housing units. Each comprising two bedrooms, a kitchen and a toilet and costs $800.
These environmental conservation activities are likely to help UNHCR and its partners avoid a situation like the one in Tanzania, where the government has banned use of wooden poles in erecting shelters and urged use of fuel efficient stoves to tame deforestation
It is unclear whether these initiatives to reduce deforestation among refugee-hosting communities will be sustained, as UNHCR and its partners are struggling for money —the UNHCR is receiving just enough funding to cater for urgent needs like food and healthcare. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Low-cost-housing-and-energy-efficient-stoves-for-refugees/2558-3358772-pq042mz/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/4b22a2bfbe8bff97e17bcbadfbe8a41b7cf02b1688a2f34111575bf885f328a2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:11 | null | null | A debate on whether to scrap Presidential term limits in Burundi is set to kick off | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FBurundi-could-scrap-term-limits%2F2558-3356170-803fjez%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/2456/favicon/33593/-/8dqlwwz/-/root.ico | en | null | Burundi could scrap presidential term limits | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza. PHOTO | REUTERS
A debate on whether to scrap Presidential term limits in Burundi is set to kick off after a commission formed last year to chart the country’s political future said it was ready to present its findings to Parliament.
Inter-Burundi Dialogue Commission chairman Justin Nzoyisaba said views it collected from across the country favoured removal of the two-term limit for the President.
“More than two means that people said that they have to remove the term limits. It means that the president can go for as many terms as he wants if elected by the people,” said the inter-Burundi dialogue commission chair Justin Nzoyisaba.
Mr Nzoyisaba said this would necessitate a review of the Arusha Accord and the country’s constitution which prohibit a President running for a third term in office.
Relative calm
Burundi is just returning to relative calm after a political crisis set off by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term in office.
He went on and won after the country’s highest court said his first term in office was not by universal suffrage but by a consensus of parliamentarians under the Arusha Accord of 2005 that was meant to end the country’s civil war.
The Inter-Burundi Dialogue Commission was in the run up to the May 2015 election with a mandate to seek views from all Burundians on how to secure lasting political stability in the country.
Mr Nzoyisaba also said the public supported an all-inclusive government.
“I can’t specifically say what the Burundians said but I can note that they raised their concerns on the quotas of 60 per cent Hutu and 40 per cent Tutsi which disregards the twa ethnic (group),” he said. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Burundi-could-scrap-term-limits/2558-3356170-803fjez/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/30f839f4289ac8afb672a93d6c24f7d866ab2d223becf68654865ad1c02a1785.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:03 | null | null | Uganda has issued eight oil production licenses to two firms, British Tullow Oil and France’s Total as it moves to speed up its export plans. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theeastafrican.co.ke%2Fnews%2FUganda-issues-8-production-licences-to-Tullow-Oil-and-Total%2F2558-3363216-mf7ksy%2Findex.html.json | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/image/view/-/3363242/lowRes/1423476/-/f2rvxu/-/muloni.jpg | en | null | Uganda issues 8 production licences to Tullow Oil, Total | null | null | www.theeastafrican.co.ke | News
Uganda's Energy Minister Irene Muloni (right) hands over documents to Tullow Uganda's Jimmy Mugerwa (left), Total E&P's Adewale Fayemi (second left) and CNOOC'S Xiao Zongwei during the awarding of oil production licences in Kampala on August 30, 2016. PHOTO | MORGAN MBABAZI
Uganda has issued eight oil production licenses to two firms, British Tullow Oil and France’s Total as it moves to speed up its export plans.
On Tuesday, Tullow was allotted five licences while Total got three, bringing the total permits issued to nine after the Uganda handed one to the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) in 2013.
The country has set a target of 2020 for its oil to begin flowing from the 6.5 billion barrels of reserves confirmed so far out of which between 1.4 and 1.7 billion barrels are recoverable.
Exploration efforts for more hydrocarbons have also been enhanced with the signing of production sharing agreements (PSAs) with three Nigerian and one Australian earlier this month.
Uganda’s oil fields, for which the production licences were issued, are jointly owned by Total, Tullow and CNOOK following a $2.9 billion farm down by Tullow to the two others in February 2012.
“The companies are expected to move towards Final Investment Decision within 18 months after the issuance of the production licenses and field oil is expected in the year 2020,” said energy minister, Irene Muloni while handing over the licenses in Kampala.
The companies are expected to invest $8 billion in the oil-related infrastructure. The investments will include drilling of about 500 wells, construction of central processing facilities and feeder pipeline among others. | http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Uganda-issues-8-production-licences-to-Tullow-Oil-and-Total/2558-3363216-mf7ksy/index.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.theeastafrican.co.ke/def9c602c6b6c577fe3b8f91e626acae71b363c9bbe20506875e073bfdad3e86.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:47:55 | null | 2016-08-30T21:46:00 | Visit now for the latest music news - direct from the Bury Free Press | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic%2Fworld-renowned-guitarist-in-pakenham-1-7551504.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7551502.1472589938!/image/image.jpg | en | null | World-renowned guitarist in Pakenham | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | World-renowned Spanish guitarist Carlos Bonell is making a return visit to the Suffolk village of Pakenham next Friday.
Mr Bonell will perform a repertoire of songs ‘From Bach to the Beatles’.
Organiser Christian Stenderup said: “Carlos Bonell played in Pakenham for three years at a sell-out concert.
“He loved Suffolk, and we loved his wonderful, evocative music - so we are delighted that he wants to returning with a new repertoire of music.
“To add to the ambience, Spanish wine and tapas will be included in the ticket price.
“As September begins to usher in the autumnal mood, here’s a wonderful opportunity to hold onto the evocative warmth for an evening of great entertainment.”
Mr Bonell, who is described as one of the great communicators of the guitar world, has recorded more than 20 albums and played in 40 countries, with concert appearances ranging from intimate recitals to concertos with symphony orchestras.
During his appearance in Pakenham, he will perform music from his number one ITunes album Magical Mystery Guitar Tour.
Funds from the event will be shared between St Mary’s Church in Pakenham and the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
Tickets for the concert, which is being held in St Mary’s church on Friday, September 9, from 7.30pm, are available by calling either 01359 230220 or 01284 766933. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/music/world-renowned-guitarist-in-pakenham-1-7551504 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/ac8a8c0b2e9d468b809984be3e6be698918b16569f02e12784dcbd88145a7e58.json |
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"Ken Watkins",
"Sport Buryfreepress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:00 | null | 2016-08-26T11:22:46 | Christian Cantrill will have a simple, but stark, message for his Bury Saints players on Sunday: ‘play every play as if it’s the last one of your life’. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fsaints-out-to-retain-their-invincibles-tag-1-7544473.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544472.1472135001!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Saints out to retain their invincibles tag | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Christian Cantrill will have a simple, but stark, message for his Bury Saints players on Sunday: ‘play every play as if it’s the last one of your life’.
Those are the words the head coach of Bury St Edmunds American football team’s head coach will use before sending out his players for the BAFA National League 1 Championship final.
Unbeaten Saints take on the undefeated Edinburgh Wolves at the John Charles Stadium in Leeds (4pm).
With both teams having already won promotion to the Premier League, on Sunday they are playing for glory, and to extend their unbeaten runs.
“There can be only undefeated team in National League 1,” said Cantrill. “The players know that, and they also know that on Sunday there is no tomorrow. We have won promotion, so that pressure is off, but we want to be the number one team.”
The Saints went through last season undefeated, and won nine of their 10 conference matches this season, the other ending in a 28-28 tie with Sussex Thunder.
With post-season victories, the unbeaten run over the last two years stretches to 29 games, the latest victory 42-13 against the Yorkshire Rams to earn the final place.
The Wolves have had a perfect 100 per cent season, sweeping aside Kent Exiles 35-0 in their last match.
Although the teams will be rivals on the pitch, Cantrill says they have an excellent relationship.
“We have done a lot of scouting, we’ve swapped game film, so there are no secrets,” he said. “They have a number of great athletes, as do we. It could be a 7-0 game or 35-36. At this level you never know.
“We really have our work cut out. Edinburgh are a very good side, and the fact that they have lost only one game in two years speaks for itself.”
The Saints offence averaged 38 points a game over the season to Edinburgh’s 37. Defensively, the Wolves conceded an average of five points to Bury’s 10.
Saints know they have to take away the threat of Wolves wide receiver Lloyd Dignan, but with 27 interceptions this season, confidence in the defensive unit is high.
On their website, Wolves highlight the threat of wide receiver Joe Hill, and warn that Saints’ high-powered offence is capable of scoring at any moment. Saints will be well supported on Sunday. Some of the players are going up with their families the night before, others travelling with their families by coach on the morning of the game. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/saints-out-to-retain-their-invincibles-tag-1-7544473 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/def1c45ea7aa105e83ef399a300d3612571ab0c6ef5832ffffe992b48d46137f.json |
[
"Steve Barton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:49:49 | null | 2016-08-19T15:22:39 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fguitar-queen-chantel-returns-to-bury-st-edmunds-1-7535664.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7535662.1471616552!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Guitar Queen Chantel returns to Bury St Edmunds | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Chantel McGregor stunned The Apex’s audience with her guitar virtuosity when she played there two years ago.
Now she’s back to showcase her own style of contemporary rock-blues.
Imagine the tone of Robin Trower, the inspiration of Hendrix, the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the energy of Bonamassa, the intensity of Walter Trout and the haunting vocal of Stevie Nicks all rolled into one...that’s Chantel.
Guitar prodigy Chantel has won five British Blues Awards in the last three years, including Guitarist of the Year in 2013 and 2014, in doing so becoming the first woman to achieve it.
When Chantel was eight years old, she was the youngest person in the UK to pass a Rock school exam.
At 12, she was jamming in her native Bradford and evolving into a gifted musician.
At 14, Chantel was told by major labels that she had a “great voice, but girls don’t play guitar like that!”
Wisely ignoring the comments, she enrolled at the Leeds College of Music and became the first student in the college’s history, to achieve a 100% pass mark, with 18 distinctions.
When Chantel released her 2011 debut album, ‘Like No Other’, one critic said, “Chantel McGregor deserves to be held up as a messiah of blues-rock and given her own mountain.
She doesn’t strum or pick her guitar but almost bends and distorts it, as if she’s channeling the ghost of Hendrix through her fingers”
New album ‘Lose Control’ sees Chantel producing an exciting pantheon of rock crescendos and riffs that will please her devout blues rock fan base, but also displays a bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive influences.
Chantel explains: “I juxtaposed heavy, guitar riff-based, dark tracks with haunting, emotive acoustic tracks, whilst tying them together with the lyrical themes of desperation and loss so often seen in Southern Gothic fiction.”
Chantel plays at The Apex on Thursday, September 8 at 8pm. Tickets are £14, or £16 on the door. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/guitar-queen-chantel-returns-to-bury-st-edmunds-1-7535664 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/ecf5d6f8d33c8eca64739fdda0dbeac6cb2385a9180ca990799114b5b02098c6.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:49:38 | null | 2016-08-29T15:19:26 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffolk-luminaries-to-perform-at-traditional-music-day-in-stowmarket-1-7532824.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7532823.1471519221!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Folk luminaries to perform at Traditional Music Day in Stowmarket | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The 15th Traditional Music Day takes place on Saturday, September 3 at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
The guest line-up is headed by singer Nancy Kerr making a rare solo appearance.
Nancy was BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the Year in 2015 and she tours the UK extensively with the Sweet Visitor Band and Simpson, Kerr & Cutting.
Other guests include superb singers Roisin White (Singer of the Year 2015 for Ireland’s Gaelic language TV channel TG4) and traditional singing legends Peta Webb and Ken Hall, first time appearance of the new English Dulcimer Duo, festival favourites The Dartmoor Boys, and local Irish musician Michael Sheehy.
Site entertainment includes storyteller John Row, one man band Chucklefoot and singer Jim Eldon, with stepdancing, ceilidh dancing and music sessions making full use of the museum grounds.
Tickets are available in advance until 1st September, from the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust.
Alternatively, you can turn up on the day and buy an ordinary museum entrance ticket which allows access to the outdoor Traditional Music Day events, including the site entertainment and family activities, but not the main concerts or other indoor events.
The whole museum site is open from 10am and museum buildings close at 4.30pm except for the Barn which hosts a Stepdance Special until 5.30pm.
In the evening there is just one event – Traditional Night Out in the Tithe Barn - an atmospheric acoustic event in a magical setting, featuring all the main guests.
Tickets for this event are available separately.
All the details are on www.eatmt.org.uk or you can ring EATMT on 01449 771090 for more information. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/folk-luminaries-to-perform-at-traditional-music-day-in-stowmarket-1-7532824 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/467cee6db161b61c83d38986eb1b0b0bb708adc778116c16102cb37529caf41a.json |
[
"Elizabeth Anderson"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:26 | null | 2016-08-30T10:47:08 | A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Frevealed-the-top-uk-companies-for-work-life-balance-1-7550178.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550177.1472550409!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/revealed-the-top-uk-companies-for-work-life-balance-1-7550178 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/a40f1a15a23eeef1a64584a1de9a48f9a876f9733ff4deab89f84de7b7622464.json |
[
"Steve Barton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:50:04 | null | 2016-08-28T09:15:26 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Flocal-bands-take-centre-stage-in-bury-st-edmunds-1-7531439.json | http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/mastheads/MBFP-masthead-share-img.png | en | null | Local bands take centre stage in Bury St Edmunds | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The 545, a brand new band showcase, is taking place at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Friday, September 2.
It features five of the area’s most exciting up-and- coming bands and will also celebrate the launch of the 2017 BurySOUND music competition.
Winners of BurySOUND 2016, Suburban Minds play anthemic indie-rock with soulful lyrics, layered guitars and huge drums. They have a new single ‘Leave It There’ available now.
Siah also participated in BurySOUND 2016. This local four-piece pop/punk band have recently signed to R*E*P*E*A*T Records.
Gaffa Tape Sandy are an exciting three piece punk band from Bury St Edmunds and their debut single ‘Smart Dressed Guy’ has just been released.
Hailing from Cambridge, The Abstracts are a four-piece Indie/Rock outfit with an EP available: ‘All Roads Lead To Everywhere’.
The Staycations have been garnering support from the likes of Huw Stephens from BBC Radio 1, while CLASH Magazine declared: “They make the sort of chiming indie pop that summer was invented for.”
Application forms for BurySOUND 2017 will be available on the night.
The first band starts at 7pm. Tickets are £5.
For more information, or to book, callthe box office on 01284 758000, or visit www.theapex.co.uk. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/local-bands-take-centre-stage-in-bury-st-edmunds-1-7531439 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/edae0319207fe2e4446f8b66aaa70f08437446276ccbd286771760771134e6f5.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:44 | null | 2016-08-25T10:06:20 | West Suffolk food producers have been earning accolades in national food awards. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fwest-suffolk-producers-give-taste-judges-food-for-thought-1-7543053.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7543048.1472115956!/image/image.jpg | en | null | West Suffolk producers give taste judges food for thought | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | West Suffolk food producers have been earning accolades in national food awards.
The judges went nuts over Nathan and Susan Williams’ Tudor’s Luxury Pralines, whose sugar and spice coated nuts are sold from Bury St Edmunds Market and now in shops and online.
Stephany Hardingham of Alder Tree ice cream at Creeting St Mary ANL-160824-113426001
They entered the Great Taste Awards while distributor Caprera entered them for the Great British Food Awards.
Great Taste judges gave a One Star rating, putting their pralines among 3,500 foods thought deserving of stars out of 10,000. Then they had a second in the Great British Awards’ confectionary class .
Nathan, of Great Ashfield, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. We’re battling to get new products in place for the Specialist Fine Food Fair in two weeks time so it was good news.”
Alder Tree Ice Cream, at Creeting St Mary, has been earning Great Taste stars since 2007 and this year its goosebertry and elderflower ice cream was one of 878 products to get two stars while its damson, blackcurrant and ginger and rhubarb got one.
Clive Williamson of Maynard House Picture Mark Westley ANL-160824-233644009
Owner Stephany Hardingham said: “With 54 awards to date, we have shown we consistently make exceptionally tasty ice cream.”
Maynard House juices of Bradfield Combust is also a past winner and took two stars with its Egremont Russett and one star with its Discovery and Cox and Bramley apple juices. Owner Clive Williamson said: “says “It feels like a nice reward for what has been a big year for the company; we have undergone such a huge rebrand and the doubling of our range from just five varieties.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/west-suffolk-producers-give-taste-judges-food-for-thought-1-7543053 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/48f891f4d1b08dfc4b57a87ec38fbea0961b4725e066a53fd1cdef740c835bad.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:21 | null | 2016-08-26T17:48:09 | Visit now for the latest sports news in and around Bury St Edmunds - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fmildenhall-go-further-clear-at-the-top-of-division-one-1-7544065.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6120662.1472135990!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Mildenhall go further clear at the top of Division One | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | MARSHALL HATCHICK
TWO COUNTIES
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION ONE
Mildenhall 255-7 beat
Frinton-on-Sea II 220-7
by 35 runs
With four matches remaining to play in this season’s campaign, the supposed “Mildenhall Juggernaut” looked more like a low loader as it ground out an unconvincing 35-run win at home against Frinton-on-Sea II on Saturday.
Mildenhall were invited to bat first and Joe Reed and Steve Taylor had reached 88 just before the halfway point, having been largely contained by 10 overs of medium line and length bowling by Frinton’s Tony Stubbs.
Reed was then bowled by Russ Stockdale for 37, with Luke Youngs and Taylor gradually accelerating the score with an 86-run partnership.
Taylor (82) had a let-off on 49 when a double fumble allowed him to avoid being run out, but in the 40th over he was caught by Stubbs off Jack Oakes.
Youngs (48) was the third wicket to go down with the score on 192, before skipper Ben Shepperson departed for 15.
Peter Worthington (28 not out) and Kyle Morrison (19) quickly added 30 in the next three overs as Mildenhall closed on 255-7.
Frinton had reached 121 by the 27th over when Stockdale was caught for 70 by Reed, who finished with three wickets as the visitors closed on 220-7.
n Mildenhall II were eight-wicket winners away at a weakened Exning side, with Jon Allen (3-27), Matt Heywood (3-36) and Steve Graham (66) impressing.
n Mildenhall III secured a four-wicket home win over Elmstead II and a much-changed Mildenhall IV lost to Halstead III by eight wickets.
n Mildenhall Sunday finished the season unbeaten after beating Bury St Edmunds by seven wickets in their final game, while Mildenhall Sunday II finished nine runs short against Edwardstone.
n Mildenhall Ladies won by 45-runs against close table rivals Ipswich Ladies to still be in with a chance of winning the title. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/mildenhall-go-further-clear-at-the-top-of-division-one-1-7544065 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/3e1e7c32ef603daac436b8ad7d4103e86f2799efd84c8291fe1796f8bd8ae59c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:28 | null | 2016-08-25T16:14:34 | Care UK’s Davers Court care home in Bury St Edmunds is welcoming the community to an afternoon of family fun at its annual free summer fete on Saturday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fbury-s-davers-court-holds-its-annual-fete-1-7544728.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544727.1472138062!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bury’s Davers Court holds its annual fete | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Care UK’s Davers Court care home in Bury St Edmunds is welcoming the community to an afternoon of family fun at its annual free summer fete on Saturday.
Between 2.30pm and 5pm, visitors to the Shakers Lane home can enjoy traditional cream teas, games and bric-a-brac stalls as well as a local jazz and swing singer.
There will also be a craft table, where visitors can join residents in making salt dough models, and a photo booth with props to help families capture the day in style.
Wendy Harvey, home manager, said: “We’re all really looking forward to welcoming the local community for a fun-filled afternoon of games and activities. The event will also be an opportunity for local people to meet the Davers Court team and see the home. We hope many local people will join us.”
For more information about Davers Court, which provides residential and nursing care, or the summer fete please call 01284 748410 or visit www.careuk.com/davers-court. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/bury-s-davers-court-holds-its-annual-fete-1-7544728 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/f173d914674dc83fe9776aaa2887e1fca73618bae9b6589dc1db8d8b792bccf7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:24 | null | 2016-08-25T13:08:15 | Pupils are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results - with some schools scoring their best marks in years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fpictures-pupils-celebrate-strong-gcse-results-1-7543814.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7543790.1472127953!/image/image.jpg | en | null | PICTURES: Pupils celebrate strong GCSE results | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Pupils are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results - with some schools scoring their best marks in years.
At St Benedict’s Catholic School, in Bury St Edmunds, 74 per cent of its 145 students who took GCSEs achieved five A* to C grades including English and maths – a gain of 10 per cent on last year.
GCSE Results - County Upper Pictured: Evie Carter (5a*, 6a), Ben Pamplona (4a*, 8a) and Ben Amroota (9a*, 2a, b) ANL-160825-104127009
All pupils gained at least one qualification at A* to G, 79 per cent scored five A* to Cs and 97 per cent achieved five A* to G grades.
Four students achieved 10 or more A* grades – Rebecca Gibbons 11A* and two As; Gina Bryson 10A* and one A; Elena Saiu-Bell 10A* and three As; Jeremy Snudden 10A* and three As.
Head Hugh O’Neill said: “We’ve awaited these results with a measure of uncertainty, as government changes to subject content, examinations and grade boundaries all make it harder to predict results with certainty.
“Once again, we congratulate our students, their families, and their teachers and support staff, at this school and those who laid the foundations of their success at primary and middle school.”
GCSE Results - County Upper Pictured: Rebecca Severy (12a*) ANL-160825-104142009
At County Upper School, in Bury, 251 students sat the exams and the A* to G pass rate was 99.6 per cent. The number gaining five or more A* to Cs including English and maths stood at 68 per cent and those achieving a C or higher in English and maths, which is a new Government progress measure, was 68 per cent.
Head Vicky Neale said: “These excellent results, following last week’s superb A-Level performance, crown another hugely successful year for County in and out of the classroom. Across the curriculum, students of all abilities have done themselves proud.
“Despite the increasing difficulty, we have again shown a remarkable consistency in our results over many years.
“A quarter of all grades are A*/A. Rebecca Severy gained A*s in all her 12 subjects, closely followed by top boy, Ben Amroota , with nine A*s and two As who headed a large group with eight plus A*/A performances. Once again, I thank the staff across our All-Through Trust who do such an excellent job and congratulate all the students.”
GCSE Results - KEGS Pictured: Ellie Barford (6a*, 5a) ANL-160825-104339009
King Edward VI School, in Bury, has achieved its best GCSE results in a decade.
Out of 341 students, 65 per cent gained five A* to Cs including English and maths compared to 63 per cent last year. Sixty nine per cent achieved a grade C or higher in English and maths and 99 per cent at G or higher.
Eleven students gained nine or more A/A* grades.
Head Geoff Barton said: “In a year of considerable national and local change, to achieve our best results in a decade is a huge credit to the King Edward VI team.
GCSE Results - KEGS Pictured: Andreas von Doorn (1a*, 3a, 4b, 2c) and Chris Shepard (4a*, 3a, 2c) ANL-160825-104353009
“Once again, our students have done us proud. We are thrilled for those who will now join our Sixth Form and for those going on to vocational courses at college. All deserve success. These results are also a credit to the foundations laid by primary and middle school teachers across our town and villages. As a new era of education begins, we should feel proud of what every teacher at every level has done to support so many students.”
At Thurston Community College, the pass rate was 99.3 per cent from 2,620 entries, the A* to C pass rate was at 71 per cent and 56 per cent of students achieved five or more passes at A* to C including English and maths.
Principal Helen Wilson said: “This year group have made more progress than any previous cohort for at least the last 10 years.
“At all ability levels, their progress has exceeded national expectations and their results will ensure that every student is able to progress to the next stage of their learning. For the majority, we look forward to welcoming them to our bespoke Sixth Form at the Beyton Campus in September. We are all so proud of the efforts and achievements of these young people and I wish each one of them every success for their future.”
At Mildenhall College Academy, the number of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades including English and maths was 51 per cent and A* to C in both English and maths was 53 per cent.
It added that the academy is above the national average for the Government’s new Progress 8 measure which captures the progress a pupil makes from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school.
Thurston Community College GCSE result day Picture Mark Westley ANL-160825-112237009
Top students included Connor Carter with 13 GCSEs including four A* and six A grades, Sian Johnson with 12 GCSEs including three A* and eight As, Emma Tapp with 13 GCSEs including one A* and nine A grades and Daniel Gee with 12 GCSEs including two A* and five A grades.
Taylor Jane Miller overcame significant difficulties to achieve 12 GCSEs of which six were A and B grades.
Taylor is a young carer for her mother and just before the exams she broke her leg which made being assessed for practical dance difficult. She also contracted a virus and needed regular rest breaks between exams.
Principal Susan Byles said: “We’re incredibly pleased with these results which represent outstanding progress for the students in this year group. Fischer Family Trust predicted that 44 to 48 per cent of this cohort would achieve five or more A* to C grades including English and maths. Following in the footsteps of Team GB, this year group has smashed those predictions. What is even more impressive is that they have done this despite having a very rocky start to their secondary education which was spent in the last year of closing middle schools.
“The students had to ‘catch up’ significant gaps in knowledge and from the day they started with us in Year 8 they and the staff worked hard to make this happen.”
At Stowmarket High School, the overall pass rate was 98 per cent with 51 per cent at A* to C and 45 per cent at A* to C including English and maths.
Stowmarket’s top performers included Kamara Bloomfield-Keeley and Oscar Coussins both earning seven As and one A*, whilst Francesca Deane received eight As and two As. However, right at the top came Jess Slocum with seven As and four A*s.
The headline figure of 45 per cent A* to C in English and maths was close to what Stowmarket High was expecting, but does not sit easily with head Dave Lee-Allan.
He said: “This was always going to be a tough year for us, and all concerned threw everything we had to maximise student achievement, and my full praise goes those students who have gained the grades they need to progress to their next destination. We now continue the vital work of school improvement. We have made extensive changes to our team and we are welcoming some outstanding teachers who join us in September.”
Stowupland High School said that in a year of new measures it is thrilled high numbers of students continued to gain five or more passes including English and maths.
In the new combined GCSE English and maths A* to C measure, 61 per cent of students secured these upper grades. It says its progress measures are looking ‘healthy’ and ‘particularly strong’ in English and maths in contrast to the national picture.
Head Karen Grimes said: “We’re delighted with the achievement of all our students and it is really pleasing to see boys and girls performing equally well in core subjects. A number of students including Emily Dearlove, Harry Finbow, Ruby Hunter, Harry Simpson and Betty Staddon have performed superbly gaining A* and As across a full range of subjects. We also have students whose progress is quite exceptional and Oscar Cantwell, Molly Holden, Paige Batram, Kayleigh Prendergast, Eleanor Fishlock, Iona Mayes, Tom Patrick, Lucy Goodrum, Emily Bird and Chelsea Doyle deserve particular congratulations.”
At IES Breckland, in Brandon, all students attained at least one pass (A*to G), 91 per cent of students achieved at least one GCSE A* to C and 42 per cent pass at A* to C in English and maths.
Principal Alison Tilbrook said: “We’re thrilled at the progress that our students have made, as on entry they were academically significantly below national average.
“They have exceeded last year’s results in English and maths with a 42 per cent pass rate. Our Progress 8 score will be positive but this cannot be finalised until 2016 Progress 8 figures are released by the Department of Education.”
Iceni Academy, in Methwold, scored an overall pass rate of 100 per cent, 60 per cent of pupils achieved five A* to C grades, a four per cent increase on last year, while 65 per cent gained A* to C in English and maths.
Principal Gee Cook said: “We’re particularly pleased with our progress measures. Students at all levels have worked hard and their determination is reflected in the progress they have made. These results are likely to be the best in West Norfolk for the second year running.”
At Thetford Academy, 41 per cent of students gained A* to C in English and maths.
At Culford School, 79 pupils sat GCSEs and 91 per cent achieved A* to C grades.
At Thetford Grammar School, 39 students sat exams with 100 per cent at A* to G, 95 per cent passed at least five A* to Cs and 90 per cent at least five including English and maths.
GCSE Results - St Benedicts ANL-160825-104236009
Thurston Community College GCSE result day Brooke Lawrence, Rachel Drury, Peter Ransom, Chris Royal, Erin Skoyles and Lauren Gooch Picture Mark Westley ANL-160825-112328009
Thurston Community College GCSE result day Twins Nathan and Ronan Somerville with dad Stuart and Mum Anita Picture Mark Westley ANL-160825-112223009
Thurston Community College GCSE result day Oscar Pepper Picture Mark Westley ANL-160825-112128009 | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/pictures-pupils-celebrate-strong-gcse-results-1-7543814 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b2ab4109441778fc0315300174ae16b6b9c6c064b57ede679e6d055d9b2c1e63.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:22 | null | 2016-08-28T13:39:32 | Visit now for the latest sports news in and around Bury St Edmunds - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fjenkins-is-not-ruling-out-link-up-with-fen-tigers-in-2017-1-7543995.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.5455383.1472135716!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Jenkins is not ruling out link up with Fen Tigers in 2017 | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Teenage sensation Jordan Jenkins has dropped his biggest hint to date about the possibility of riding for the Mildenhall Fen Tigers beyond the current season, writes Graham Clark.
With a host of clubs expected to fight it out for the 15-year-old’s signature over the winter, the Norwich-based rider has spoken enthusiastically of his time spent with the National League side in his two meetings to date.
After scoring nine on his debut for the West Row-based outfit against the Kent Kings earlier this month, Jenkins bettered that effort with a paid 13 total (12+1), which included three heat wins, during Mildenhall’s 61-29 defeat of the Cradley Heathens on Sunday.
“Mildenhall seems like a good place. We’ve already spoken about things,” said Jenkins.
"The management team don’t put you under any pressure.
"They help you out and when you do really well they are happy with you.
"They are very supportive and the fans are so good as well.
“Potentially I could be with Mildenhall Speedway next year but we will see what happens."
While no deal has been struck yet one thing Jenkins, who will be starting his GCSE exams at Sprowston High School next month, will not be swayed by when making his final decision is money.
“It is not all about the money it is about the club,” added Jenkins.
“Some people chuck lots of money at you then treat you like rubbish.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/jenkins-is-not-ruling-out-link-up-with-fen-tigers-in-2017-1-7543995 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/571d04e11272e7fb1b023ca515d69c0d250fe4efc943ccbae2730546e0050386.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:46:54 | null | 2016-08-28T18:58:22 | A series of summer charity concerts across Suffolk have boosted the coffers of Macmillan Cancer Support to the tune of £1, 315. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Flifestyle-leisure%2Fsuffolk-choir-boosts-macmillan-cancer-support-1-7548246.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7548245.1472407084!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Suffolk choir boosts Macmillan Cancer Support | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A series of summer charity concerts across Suffolk have boosted the coffers of Macmillan Cancer Support to the tune of £1, 315.
Led by musician Graeme Hopson, two VivaVoices choirs from Bury St Edmunds and another from Stowmarket, held a series of gigs in July.
The concerts contained a mix of pop, easy listening, songs from the musicals as well as more classical numbers.
Mr Hopson said: “One of my choir members had lost his wife to cancer and suggested we raise money for Macmillan and we did this through a retiring collection at the end of each concert.
“Singing is a great way to lift the spirits and being able to help others though our concerts only enhances our enjoyment.
“VivaVoices welcomes new members, there’s no need to read music and no audition to join.”
Nicola Clark, Macmillan fundraising manager for West Norfolk and West Suffolk, said: “Just one of the ways we could use the money these concerts have raised is to help ease the financial impact on someone affected by cancer.
“The Macmillan welfare rights team offer advice over the phone via Macmillan Support line. Every £10 we spend on our phone service could lead to our cancer support specialist helping people affected by cancer claim £389 of benefits they are entitled to.
“We are grateful that the members of the Choir chose to support Macmillan in this way and for the generous support given by those who attended these concerts.”
Rehearsals for the VivaVoices choir start in mid-September and anyone interested in joining can contact Mr Hopson on 01284 700286 or visit: www.vivavoices | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/lifestyle-leisure/suffolk-choir-boosts-macmillan-cancer-support-1-7548246 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/ce9d54b1a69c03e8404e9e1c37b2e630cd3db11e240f2eb14afc1be9adf56870.json |
[
"Steve Barton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:50:03 | null | 2016-08-19T13:39:21 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fjohn-buchan-s-classic-thriller-to-be-staged-at-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-1-7535359.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7535358.1471610351!/image/image.jpg | en | null | John Buchan’s classic thriller to be staged at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Fresh from their successful Summer season at Aldeburgh and Southwold, Suffolk Summer Theatre visit the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds between September 6 -10 with their fun-filled production of The 39 Steps.
For the first time these two Suffolk based Theatrical institutions join together to present the rippingest of ripping yarns.
Recently returned from the colonies, Richard Hannay is terribly bored.
In need of something entirely pointless to do, he goes to the theatre! From this innocuous beginning, Hannay is plunged into adventure involving the stupendous Mr Memory, an exotic female spy, the sinister Professor Jordan and an array of heavies.
The thrilling film by Alfred Hitchcock from the story by John Buchan is made larger-than-life on stage courtesy of a cast of thousands… and four actors!
The show features local actor Joe Leat (Eastern Angles, Common Ground Theatre Company), he returns to the Theatre Royal after recently appearing in Breathing the Blue (2016) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2015).
The ensemble cast is completed by Simon Stanhope, Amy Christina Murray and Clive Flint.
The play originates from the pens of writers Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon who came up with the idea of staging the whole adventure with just four actors and a lot of ingenuity.
First produced at the Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire, it became an instant success and subsequently toured the UK.
The 39 Steps has been adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon by arrangement of Fiery Angel LTD. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/john-buchan-s-classic-thriller-to-be-staged-at-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-1-7535359 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/707e3e9bca00b065123200e3851be66cb7648b99faf5cecb3195856eb3f078f8.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-27T14:48:24 | null | 2016-08-27T14:05:57 | Comedy and pathos go hand in hand in the next production from Sudbury Dramatic Society, Bazaar and Rummage by Sue Townsend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fadrian-mole-author-s-play-all-set-for-sudbury-s-quay-theatre-1-7531065.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7531064.1471439238!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Adrian Mole author’s play all set for Sudbury’s Quay Theatre | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Comedy and pathos go hand in hand in the next production from Sudbury Dramatic Society, Bazaar and Rummage by Sue Townsend.
The play is on at 7.45pm at The Quay Theatre in Sudbury from Tuesday, September 6 to Saturday 10th.
Sue Townsend, author of the very popular Adrian Mole books, has crafted the funny and moving story of three severely agoraphobic women who, as part of a self-help group who have never met, have left their homes for the first time in years, and made it to a London church hall to run a rummage sale, organised by trainee social worker Fliss and ex-agoraphobic volunteer Gwenda.
She is helped and hindered by ex-professional singer Katrina, obsessive cleaner Isabel, loud-mouthed Margaret and Fliss, not to mention a nervous policewoman.
As the afternoon progresses, the distinction between the carers and the cared for becomes less and less clear.
But by the time they all leave it is apparent that although their agoraphobia is by no means cured but they have at least made a start.
SDS director Jon Scripps says of his all female cast: “I have watched my cast grow in confidence each week and have enjoyed watching their characters come through.
“I am looking forward to sharing our enjoyment of Bazaar and Rummage with the audience.”
Bazaar and Rummage was first staged in 1982 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, London.
The SDS Quay Theatre production is set very firmly in the 1980s but audiences need to note that it contains some strong language and adult humour.
Tickets for Bazaar and Rummage are on sale now from The Quay Theatre box office on 01787 374745 or online at www.quaysudbury.com. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/adrian-mole-author-s-play-all-set-for-sudbury-s-quay-theatre-1-7531065 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/0403b0b3ccc797e652cf1a8e0db05ed7c27213bfe48afffe063dda2155c04143.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:11 | null | 2016-08-29T14:18:55 | Plans to build an infill house in Bury St Edmunds have been revised in the hope that a change in planning policy will remove the need for any parking provision. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Frevised-plans-for-infill-house-in-bury-st-edmunds-1-7544197.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7495914.1472322952!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Revised plans for infill house in Bury St Edmunds | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Plans to build an infill house in Bury St Edmunds have been revised in the hope that a change in planning policy will remove the need for any parking provision.
In February, the borough council approved plans to demolish a garage and boundary fence and build a two-storey house – with an on-site parking space – in Albert Street.
But applicant Barney Walker, of John Stebbing Architects, is now seeking approval for a revised design without any off-street parking.
A previous application for the site – now known as Rowan House – was refused in May 2014 and a subsequent appeal dismissed on the grounds the lack of on-site parking provision would cause a highway safety hazard.
But a planning statement accompanying the latest application says much has changed ‘in policy term’s since the first application was refused.
It gives the second edition of the Suffolk Guidance for Parking - Technical Guidance as one example, with ‘new advice added describing how the highways authority will flexibly respond to requests for reductions to residential parking guidance in urban areas’.
It adds: “Policy matters aside, common sense and recent planning decisions might suggest that Bury St Edmunds can accommodate small scale infill development without off-street car parking in a highly sustainable location such as the application site.”
The previously approved scheme met with considerable opposition due to its modern design, which the applicant said was required to accommodate the need for a car.
The revised scheme has a more traditional appearance and Cllr David Nettleton, who was among those to object previously, said he preferred it.
“The design doesn’t offend me this time,” he said, adding that residents would be able to purchase up to two parking permits under the town’s newly extended Zone ‘H’ residents’ parking scheme.
Cllr Andrew Speed, ward member for the borough council and chairman of the town council, said ‘the design was more significant than the parking issue’.
He added that he had arranged a number of meetings over the next month to address the ongoing parking issues in the town and that he hoped to improve the position overall when the new PCSOs start on behalf of the town council in January. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/revised-plans-for-infill-house-in-bury-st-edmunds-1-7544197 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/5913156e2126cb7559fe226969e7eb307f279b742ea25e7139708c86d8c02b86.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:24 | null | 2016-08-19T12:46:29 | Its fun all the way as the “Purveyors of Cool” swing into The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday, August 25 with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fcome-fly-with-the-rat-pack-iin-bury-st-edmunds-1-7520236.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7520235.1470829657!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Come fly with the Rat Pack iin Bury St Edmunds | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Its fun all the way as the “Purveyors of Cool” swing into The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday, August 25 with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century.
Wonderful memories of three incredible performers - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior in a fabulous production that continues to be successful all over the world.
Now in their 15th year the show goes from strength to strength and its all totally live both musically and vocally.
The Rat Pack Orchestra are more than just great musicians as they are a show band who also join in the fun as do The Fabulous Vegas Showgirls who also add a touch of glamour to proceedings.
Every song is an absolute classic - Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Lady Is A Tramp, That’s Amore, Mack The Knife plus many more of your favourites.
With an abundance of class and style they take you on a trip back in time to vintage Las Vegas hip with their timeless soiree that still remains the coolest party around.
For tickets please call the box office on 01284 758 000 or book online at www.theapex.co.uk
To see, hear and get more information about the Rat Pack, visit their website at www.ratpack.biz | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/come-fly-with-the-rat-pack-iin-bury-st-edmunds-1-7520236 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/3997175a86da2cdb165be299dc066792d8e9bac9b91bc4f68e24e73db3e53caa.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:47 | null | 2016-08-21T10:48:31 | When the fixture list first came out in June, I’m sure the first thing that both Norwich and Ipswich supporters looked for was the return of the East Anglian derby. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fnorwich-city-fan-edward-seaman-believes-if-canaries-match-town-s-work-rate-their-quality-will-tell-1-7536848.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6266612.1472134748!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Norwich City fan Edward Seaman believes if Canaries match Town’s work-rate their quality will tell | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | When the fixture list first came out in June, I’m sure the first thing that both Norwich and Ipswich supporters looked for was the return of the East Anglian derby.
The chance to resume the age-old rivalry - which, let’s not forget, City have dominated in recent years - and the opportunity to secure bragging rights until February at least.
And we haven’t had to wait long. As with 2014/15, the Canaries travel to Portman Road after just three games of the new season.
Our build up to the derby has been good. The goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday was hardly vintage, but it was a real test – one perhaps needed after the ease of the opening day.
We knew teams were going to come to Carrow Road and be compact, and that the onus would be on us to use the ball well to break them down.
Against Wednesday we were sloppy in possession, took one touch too many and allowed them to stay in shape with relative comfort.
Tuesday night against Bristol City was better. We moved the ball around with a greater efficiency and accuracy, managed to get our fullbacks forward and as a result, created more space in and around the area.
Space that allowed Wes Hoolahan to tee up Jonny Howson, who takes the honour of being the first player to see a replay of his goal on the new big screen.
I think Sunday will have the feel of a home game. Ipswich won’t press too high for fear of leaving themselves exposed and again it will be up to City’s flair players to remain composed, get their foot on the ball and make things happen in the final third.
Whatever you say about Mick McCarthy’s side, they are no fools at this level. If we can match them for desire and work rate however, I’m confident our quality will shine through. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/norwich-city-fan-edward-seaman-believes-if-canaries-match-town-s-work-rate-their-quality-will-tell-1-7536848 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/270256006b9d74f6401abcb47e78717ff7d07f751001d87906faabc7c8cf8bef.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:29 | null | 2016-08-10T15:09:00 | Described as ‘the best rock and roll show on the road,’ That’ll Be The Day is coming to the Apex in Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm on August 20. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fvintage-popular-music-revived-in-bury-st-edmunds-show-1-7504130.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7504128.1470060628!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Vintage popular music revived in Bury St Edmunds show | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Described as ‘the best rock and roll show on the road,’ That’ll Be The Day is coming to the Apex in Bury St Edmunds at 7.30pm on August 20.
The show’s performers entertain with classic hits from the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80s plus more hilarious comedy!
That'll Be The Day; Petula Clark. Picture: Pembrokeshire Photogrpahy
Originally established on the cabaret circuit in the late 1980’s, the show began playing regional theatres in the early 1990’s.
Now it performs over 200 shows a year to capacity audiences across the UK. Trevor Payne (who first created the show back in 1986) still directs, produces and stars in the production today.
Complete with stunning costumes and incredible live music performances, That’ll Be The Day is the golden age of popular music…revived!
Tickets are £24.50, call the box office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more details. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/vintage-popular-music-revived-in-bury-st-edmunds-show-1-7504130 | en | 2016-08-10T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/8c97ac404581acf0228ea3d04cc899037b019de4aca99b4998ce1f38424e9bad.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:05 | null | 2016-08-29T08:00:21 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fbury-st-edmunds-fundraiser-hits-the-right-notes-for-hospice-1-7546172.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7546170.1472211045!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bury St Edmunds fundraiser hits the right notes for Hospice | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A Bury St Edmunds fundraiser’s gig in memory of his father has hit all the right notes for charity by raising £1,490.32.
To commemorate the sixth anniversary of his father Ian’s death from cancer, Lee Graham, decided the best way to remember him would be to stage the musical event Push Play, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Mr Graham, pictured above, said: “I wanted to raise money in his memory as the hospice do absolutely amazing work and will do all I can to help and support this amazing cause.”
George Chilvers, community fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “Lee’s fundraising efforts for the Hospice really do make a big difference.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/bury-st-edmunds-fundraiser-hits-the-right-notes-for-hospice-1-7546172 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/832d11e5dba4a98c4f4b24c5332c483ec1e42f7b275c1762bda52a457dc1d858.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:59 | null | 2016-08-26T12:38:35 | Puppy buyers are being warned by Suffolk Trading Standards to take care not to buy illegally imported animals | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fdog-day-warning-on-illegally-imported-puppies-1-7546204.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7546144.1472210699!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Dog Day warning on illegally imported puppies | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Puppy buyers are being warned by Suffolk Trading Standards to take care not to buy illegally imported animals
The warning comes today, National Dog Day, after Suffolk County Council’s Trading Standards team quarantined a bichon frise puppy when a vet discovered it had been brought into the UK illegally, unbeknown to her owners from Stowmarket.
The puppy has come from Romania and was found to have been given vaccination too early to be effective so it has been quarantined and will be re-vaccinated before it can be released.
An imported dog must be a minimum of 12 weeks old when vaccinated or it may be ineffective. A vaccine also takes at least 21 days before an animal is fully protected.
The regulations on animal imports protect the UK’s rabies free status.
Trading Standards is now advising people to make sure they know where their new puppy has come from and has had a health check by a vet.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection said: “The main issue around illegally imported puppies is that we cannot guarantee that the dogs are properly vaccinated and rabies-free.
“These puppies are usually sold via adverts on the internet and in newspaper small ads. The dogs are often accompanied by incomplete, false, and forged documentation which lead buyers to believe they have been imported legally or bred in the UK.”
Trading Standards advise getting as much information as possible about where the puppy has come from and be suspicious if the seller cannot show you the puppy with its mother and litter mates.
If the puppy has been vaccinated, ask to see the documentation, which must clearly state the veterinary practice that did it.
A puppy brought in from another country, should have a pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination recorded in it, which must be at least 21 days before it travelled and the dog must have been at least 12 weeks old.
Full details of the Pet Passport system can be found at www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview
Anyone concerned about a puppy they have bought should contact their vet. If you suspect your puppy has been illegally imported, report it to Trading Standards on 03454 040506 | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/dog-day-warning-on-illegally-imported-puppies-1-7546204 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/37dbf01519f487977b50412536dcecbaac84088968359845db816067f8632a2c.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:08 | null | 2016-08-29T08:00:42 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fbury-st-edmunds-firm-add-treat-to-2016-colour-dash-1-7546244.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7546243.1472212654!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bury St Edmunds firm add ‘Treat’ to 2016 colour dash | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Employees from Bury St Edmunds-based manufacturing firm Treatt are gearing up to get messy at this year’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Bury Colour Dash.
The company have sponsored a paint station around the 5km course for the EACH Colour Dash, which takes place on Sunday, September 11, at Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds.
The dash is returning to the town for a second year after its huge success in 2015.
Tracey Morris from Treatt, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting this fun event being run by such a worthy cause.
We have supported EACH in the past because we all know what wonderful work they do with families in our local community.
We’re all really looking forward to the day, helping the runners enjoy their day and getting messy.”
Hannah Walker, EACH Suffolk community fundraiser, said: “We’re so pleased to have Treatt on board as a team of colour pirates.
“They are great supporters of EACH and we are so grateful for their continued support.
“We still have some tickets available so if you haven’t already booked please come along to join in the fun.
EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the region and supports their families.
For both families accessing care, and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time.
To book your tickets on the colour dash, visit www.each.org.uk/colour-dashes or call 01473 276196. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/bury-st-edmunds-firm-add-treat-to-2016-colour-dash-1-7546244 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/4170d5e5645aa3e33fdf3e48dff1eae417eb7a03c08ab86810d29aed83025bf1.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:47:45 | null | 2016-08-31T08:00:54 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fformer-beirut-hostage-terry-waite-opens-hartest-fete-1-7551520.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7551517.1472590521!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Former Beirut hostage Terry Waite opens Hartest fete | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | World-renowned humanitarian and author Terry Waite, CBE, came home on Monday to join in the fun at the Hartest village fete.
Mr Waite, who has lived in the village for more than 20 years, opened the fete with the Reverend Patrick Prigg from Hartest All Saints Church.
Hartest Village Fete Pictured: Opened by Terry Waite ANL-160829-235328009
As well as signing his many books, Mr Waite delivered a moving speech about human values and the importance of having a close community.
Mr Waite was held hostage in Beirut for five years in the late 1980s while negotiating the release of hostages in the Middle East on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
His new book, Out of the Silence, which will be released on November 18, contains a collection of memories, poems and reflections – 25 years after his release from captivity.
Gill Leeming, part of the fete committee, said: “It was a fantastic day, one of the best we’ve had for several years.
Hartest Village Fete Pictured: Ronnie Line (2) sitting in a Bury Fire Engine ANL-160829-235507009
“We had more than a 1,000 people come along, some of who came from as far-a-field as London and Kent.
“It’s a great occasion as it brings everyone in the village together. I’d like to thank Michelle Roper, from the Friends of Hartest School, and everyone else for their hard work in making the day such a big success.”
The fete had everything from donkey rides, morris dancers and games for children to a marvellous sax group. Proceeds from the event, which organisers hope will reach £5,000, will be split between Hartest All Saints Church and Hartest Village School. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/former-beirut-hostage-terry-waite-opens-hartest-fete-1-7551520 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/6949e7452ff2e74683d7bd8ed8b35568b79729b19534183b1bc4fb89186f8d53.json |
[
"Elizabeth Anderson"
] | 2016-08-31T02:47:46 | null | 2016-08-30T10:47:08 | Visit now for the offbeat news - from the Bury Free Press | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Foffbeat%2Frevealed-the-top-uk-companies-for-work-life-balance-1-7550178.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550177.1472550409!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/offbeat/revealed-the-top-uk-companies-for-work-life-balance-1-7550178 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/30eedf554b59a5c8ef1ca4d867345c8420476cfe115eea29ce4b3976175b7772.json |
[
"Chris Ingham",
"Cjr.Ingham Btinternet.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:18 | null | 2016-08-26T10:46:22 | Chris Ingham previews the best jazz gigs around the region this week. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fjazz-matters-weekly-preview-for-the-east-august-26-september-2-1-7545808.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.5440471.1472204765!/image/image.jpg | en | null | JAZZ MATTERS: Weekly preview for the east (August 26-September 2) | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Chris Ingham previews the best jazz gigs around the region this week.
Friday, August 26
ART THEMEN QUARTET: (Hunter Club, Bury, 8pm, £12. Details: www.headhunterslive.org) A fantastically exciting, playful and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been a beloved character of the British jazz scene for over 50 years, in bands led by Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey among many others, and remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever. With Chris Ingham (piano), Rev. Andrew Brown (bass) and George Double (drums).
DEREK NASH SAX APPEAL: (Stoke By Nayland Golf Club, 8pm, £18. Details: www.fleecejazz.org.uk) Legendary band led by Nash for over 30 years featuring a 5-piece saxophone section (Derek Nash, Bob McKay, Scott Garland, Brandon Allen, Vasilis Xenopoulos) plus Pete Adams (keys), Phil Scragg (bass) and Mike Bradley (drums).
Sunday, August 28:
SARAH MOULE: (The Apex Lounge, Bury, 11.30am, £9.50. Details: www.theapex.co.uk) The August edition of the Apex’s Sunday Songbook brunchtime sessions. For six years the featured singer with the John Wilson Orchestra, Sarah Moule is one of Britain’s great interpreters, with Chris Ingham (piano), Owen Morgan (bass) and George Double (drums).
TRACKS: (The Bell Hotel, Clare, 7.30pm, £10. Details: www.jazz-nights.com) An acoustic version of the jazz-rock fusion band formed in the late 1970s which led to the formation of Shakatak featuring current Shakatak members Bill Sharpe (keys) and Roger Odell (drums) with ex-member Keith Winter (guitar) plus Martin Elliot (bass).
ANDY BOWIE QUARTET: (Tram Shed, Cambridge, 8pm, free) Tenor saxophone-playing philosophy professor leads a quartet presenting a connoisseur’s choice from the modern jazz repertoire.
Monday, August 29
JAZZ JAM: (The Fat Cat & Canary, Norwich, 8.30pm, free. Details: www.jazzjam.org.uk) Established and friendly jam session led by guitarist Lee Vasey. All instrumentalists and singers welcome for sitting in.
Thursday, September 1
SOLE BAY JAZZ BAND: (Sports Pavilion, Ditchingham, 8pm) Long established traditional group usually featuring Tim Densham (saxophone/clarinet), Ron Hockett (saxophone/clarinet), Bill Brewer (trombone), Ray Simmons (piano), Tony Jullings (bass), Craig Hipperson (drums) and Alan Cugnoni (guitar).
Friday, September 2-Sunday, SeptEmber 4
JAZZ WEEKENDER: (Norwich. Details: www.norwichjazzclub.co.uk) A three-day, multi-venue extravaganza featuring James Tormé with The Dunnett/Baxter Big Band, Georgia Mancio Quartet (feat. Alan Broadbent), Liane Carroll Trio, Resolution 88, Grupo Lokito, Enrico Tomasso’s ‘Swing Company’, Ant Law Quintet, Dave O’Higgins, Sirkis / Bialas International Quartet, the Julian Siegel Quartet plus workshops and jam sessions.
FOR THE DIARY
Friday, September 9
JAZZ AT THE MOVIES: (Hunter Club, Bury, 8pm, £12. Details: www.headhunterslive.org) Part of their Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2016 tour, popular repertory five-piece fronted by acclaimed chanteuse Joanna Eden and featuring Mark Crooks (clarinet/saxophone).
Saturday, September 24
BARFORD STONEMAN QUINTET: (Hunter Club, Bury, 8pm, £12/£6 U25. Details: www.headhunterslive.org) A collective Hard Bop organ quintet comprising the cream of the UK’s young jazz talent including the winner of Young Jazz Musician 2016 Alex Ridout (trumpet) and local sax hero Harry Greene. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/jazz-matters-weekly-preview-for-the-east-august-26-september-2-1-7545808 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/f656eaf3289b6bdd08834905c1494b020b0fbf63b3c0dbc4d6757249d4ff722a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:47:43 | null | 2016-08-30T10:41:14 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhadleigh-clergyman-martin-thrower-arrested-on-suspicion-of-voyeurism-1-7550162.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7551236.1472574722!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Hadleigh clergyman Martin Thrower arrested on suspicion of voyeurism | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A senior clergyman has been suspended after being arrested on suspicion of voyeurism.
The Very Rev Martin Thrower, 55, was quizzed by police earlier this month and released on police bail but has been unable to return to his duties at the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Suffolk.
St Marys Church Hadleigh Picture Mark Westley ANL-160830-170142009
His wife, Pauline Thrower, has issued a statement saying that her family was supporting him with “unconditional love” following his arrest.
It said: “It is with great sadness that we find ourselves in the situation we are now in.
“Whilst this has come as a shock to us as a family we are all supporting Martin with unconditional love at this difficult time.”
Rev Thrower has been rector of Hadleigh with Layham and Shelley, Suffolk, since 2009 and has since become Dean of Bocking and Rural Dean of Hadleigh, Suffolk.
John Howard, spokesman for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: “I can confirm that The Very Rev Martin Thrower, Rector of Hadleigh, Layham and Shelley, and also rural dean of Hadleigh, has been arrested by Suffolk Constabulary for voyeurism.
“He has been suspended from all offices within the diocese until further notice. We have made arrangements to look after his church duties and to offer support to his parishes at this difficult time.
“We will make no further comment while the police investigation is ongoing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone affected by this situation.”
Rev Thrower attracted some controversy three years ago when he announced plans to remove many of the pews at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh, Suffolk, to create a more flexible space.
The Victorian Society objected to the plans, but after getting permission from the church authorities this work was carried out - leading to the church being used much more by a wider variety of groups.
One of these is the Porch Project for youngsters from 11 to 20 who meet there twice a week for leisure activities.
Although it is backed by St Mary’s and meets there, it is a separate organisation and supports 300 youngsters in a town where there have been criticisms in the past of a lack of activities for young people.
At the time of the controversy over the pews Mr Thrower said: “Churches weren’t built with pews in - they were built to be the community space, to have the market in and host big meetings and we have an aspiration to return the building to being the true parish church.”
Suffolk Constabulary confirmed Rev Thrower was arrested on August 4 and has been bailed to return to the Police Investigation Centre in Martlesham in October. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/hadleigh-clergyman-martin-thrower-arrested-on-suspicion-of-voyeurism-1-7550162 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/cda52f7e0380295bb47c1c4bdd5e36a184d479c1f40e6fae25df5bfe667cc5c5.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:47:42 | null | 2016-08-30T09:54:53 | Visit now for the latest health news - direct from the Bury Free Press | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Fnational-recognition-of-west-suffolk-hospital-s-parent-and-baby-scheme-1-7550059.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550058.1472547272!/image/image.jpg | en | null | National recognition of West Suffolk Hospital’s parent and baby scheme | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The high standards of care which breastfeeding mothers receive from West Suffolk Hospital have been recognised after the trust was awarded an upgrade to its “baby friendly” status.
The hospital has been awarded stage two baby friendly status by UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund) for the support it offers parents to help them make informed decisions about feeding their babies.
To achieve the status, the hospital had to demonstrate that the right training and education is in place to give staff the necessary practical skills and knowledge to successfully support breastfeeding mothers.
The hospital hopes to achieve stage three – the final milestone – by August next year. To gain the status, parents using the hospital’s maternity and neonatal services will be asked their opinions about the care they have received.
Bernadine Bramble, general manager for women and children at the hospital said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have achieved this important status, which shows that parents who have their babies at the hospital are receiving the right help to make sure their children get the best possible start in life.
“Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood. It can also help protect mum too, by reducing the risk of some cancers.
“But breastfeeding isn’t always easy and lots of new mothers need support. We’re committed to making sure they get the help they need and are pleased that has been recognised by UNICEF.”
For more information about the Baby Friendly initiative, visit www.babyfriendly.org.uk | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/health/national-recognition-of-west-suffolk-hospital-s-parent-and-baby-scheme-1-7550059 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b171abc973ba6c8a5640fff517afbbbaddee2b8a07734fe64c4333147ded4dcb.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:47:45 | null | 2016-08-31T15:35:55 | Visit now for the latest crime news - direct from the Bury Free Press | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fbreaking-man-s-body-pulled-from-the-water-in-sudbury-area-cordoned-off-1-7554574.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7353588.1472654197!/image/image.jpg | en | null | BREAKING: Man’s body pulled from the water in Sudbury - area cordoned off | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A man’s body has been pulled from the water near Blackfriars in Sudbury this afternoon, Wednesday August 31.
Police were contacted by a member of the public just after 1pm today reporting there was a body in the water near Railway Walk.
Officers attended and alerted the fire service to assist with the recovery of the body. A cordon has been put in place while initial enquiries get underway at the scene.
The body is believed to be that of an older man and his next of kin have been informed.
At this early stage there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances to his death but police are asking anyone who may have seen anything in the vicinity to call Suffolk police on 101 quoting CAD number 215 of today, Wednesday 31 August.
A walking stick was found on a bridge in the area and police would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have seen a man walking with a stick in the area today. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/crime/breaking-man-s-body-pulled-from-the-water-in-sudbury-area-cordoned-off-1-7554574 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/57c8b7dba7dbeed556ab8c676a1b0050bdfd86f20ba1f7f72f8db311a9dcb4a5.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:26 | null | 2016-08-12T09:00:38 | Mini worlds is the theme for the week in the summer series of family events taking place at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fminiature-fun-at-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7511611.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7511610.1470311196!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Miniature fun at St Edmundsbury Cathedral | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Mini worlds is the theme for the week in the summer series of family events taking place at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Mini worlds is the theme for the week in the summer series of family events taking place at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Discover the miniature world of railways with a massive train set provided by Bury Railway Club. Explore and enjoy the mini world of model making and meet the enthusiasts behind these detailed creations at this three day event.
On August 16 you can make a mini cathedral, on the 17th a mini world garden and on the 18th a model train.
There is also a world children’s trail on all three days.
The price includes the whole event and activities on the day and is £5 per child, £3 per attending adult, under 3s free.
These are drop-in events and there is no need to book. They run from 10.30am – noon then 12.30pm to 4pm.
On the 17th there are also a number of mini world themed Lego workshops, starting at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, costing £8 per person.
Come on an adventure with ‘Trevor’ the Train Driver and choose which story line to take, let your imagination take hold, be inspired to build the ending to your own adventure with our professional Lego builder.
He will help you turn your ideas into a work of LEGO art plus show you some expert LEGO building tips and skills along the way.
Book at the cathedral office or call 01284 748720.
There is a chance to purchase your creation at the end of the workshop for an additional cost. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/miniature-fun-at-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7511611 | en | 2016-08-12T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/40a7ddb677399d21ff50591f122906c4b6b46ac1ffd2c6abc0838625d4af7bee.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:00 | null | 2016-08-24T10:00:03 | Hollywood and Broadway legend, Stefanie Powers, stars as Helene Hanff in a major new production of 84 Charing Cross Road at Cambridge Arts Theatre. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fnew-production-at-cambridge-arts-theatre-is-a-tender-tale-of-transatlantic-friendship-1-7521805.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7521804.1470908369!/image/image.jpg | en | null | New production at Cambridge Arts Theatre is a tender tale of transatlantic friendship | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Hollywood and Broadway legend, Stefanie Powers, stars as Helene Hanff in a major new production of 84 Charing Cross Road at Cambridge Arts Theatre.
Starring alongside her will be Clive Francis as Frank Doel, reprising the role he played to critical acclaim in 2015.
Adapted from Helene Hanff’s best-selling book, 84 Charing Cross Road has been delighting audiences since its premiere in 1981.
A tender and heart-warming tale of transatlantic friendship, this bittersweet comedy is based on the extraordinary true story of the remarkable relationship that developed over 20 years between a vivacious New York writer and a London bookseller.
Through their exchange of humorous and often intimate correspondence a snapshot of Britain from the post-war 1940’s to the swinging 60’s is revealed, alongside a touching human story that still resonates today.
Stefanie Powers plays Helene Hanff. A star of stage and screen, with a career spanning over 50 years, Powers is best known for her role opposite Robert Wagner in Hart to Hart, which ran over five series and eight TV movies between 1979 and 1996.
Her extensive film and TV credits include McLintock!, The Magnificent Seven Ride Again, The Rockford Files, The Bionic Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Clive Francis plays Frank Doel.
Francis’ recent credits include Les Blancs (National Theatre), Enron, The Madness of King George III (West End), The Queen and Mr Turner; he will shortly be appearing in the major new Netflix drama, The Crown, written by Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Audience).
84 Charing Cross Road premiered at Salisbury Playhouse in 1981 before transferring to the West End and Broadway.
This new production, premiering at Salisbury Playhouse in 2015, is produced by Cambridge Arts Theatre and Lee Dean.
The play was also adapted into a film in 1987, starring Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench and Anne Bancroft as Helene, who won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/new-production-at-cambridge-arts-theatre-is-a-tender-tale-of-transatlantic-friendship-1-7521805 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/71bb195ba20c5786286b55358ccf64ef49d8cc247595eba2f2b0e0ae04d76574.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:02 | null | 2016-08-19T12:00:00 | John Sands believes that the presence of some familiar faces will help him to flourish in a Needham Market shirt. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffriends-reunited-as-sands-signs-on-with-marketmen-1-7533842.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7533841.1471534192!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Friends reunited as Sands signs on with Marketmen | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | John Sands believes that the presence of some familiar faces will help him to flourish in a Needham Market shirt.
The experienced striker completed his move to Bloomfields on Monday, despite having only signed a deal with King’s Lynn in the summer.
The switch will allow Sands to renew acquittances with the likes of Sam Nunn, Billy Clark and Luke Ingram, all of whom were team-mates of the centre-forward at Bury Town.
It was during his stint at Ram Meadow — as well as with Leiston — that Sands also worked under the management of current Needham assistant Richard Wilkins.
And the 29-year-old has insisted that he can only benefit from playing alongside those that know him well.
“I was asked to play out of position at Lynn. They wanted me to drop deep and that is not my game,” he said.
“I am all about playing on the last man and coming alive in the penalty box — that is what Needham want me to do.
“I am really looking forward to it because a lot of the lads know how to get the best out of me.
“The service was not the right type at Lynn, but I know that it will be different at Needham.”
To further highlight his point, Sands won the Ryman League Premier Division Golden Boot in 2012/13 with his 26-goal haul for Bury.
Never one to lack self-belief, the ex-Mildenhall Town frontman has backed himself to go on to have a similar campaign this time around.
“Twenty-five goals is at least what I am hoping to be scoring,” he added.
“I have shown that I am capable of doing it at this level with Bury and at Canvey Island.
“After getting over a few niggles in pre-season, I feel strong and confident.
“It is now down to me to get my head down and work hard.”
Sands made his debut during Tuesday night’s draw at Suffolk rivals Lowestoft Town.
Ingram gave the visitors the lead after 60 seconds at Crown Meadow, but Jamie Forshaw earned Lowestoft a point towards the end of the first half.
Prior to that, Needham began 2016/17 with another 1-1 draw last Saturday, this time with Burgess Hill Town.
Colchester United loanee Jack Curtis marked his debut for the club with a 10th-minute goal.
Mark Morsley’s men travel to Kingstonian tomorrow (3pm), before hosting Canvey on Tuesday (7.45pm). | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/friends-reunited-as-sands-signs-on-with-marketmen-1-7533842 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/47debfa293cc5102e687d4e6118187ad5fef3bc5a292738abea63f6f113441f3.json |
[
"Paul Derrick"
] | 2016-08-31T02:47:35 | null | 2016-08-30T14:39:28 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fchairman-of-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-to-step-down-1-7550803.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550802.1472564347!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Chairman of Bury St Edmunds’ Theatre Royal to step down | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The chairman of Bury St Edmunds’ Theatre Royal who helped turn around the venue’s fortunes is stepping down after completing his four year tenure.
Stephen Bourne joined as chairman of the theatre’s board of trustees in 2012 and oversaw major organisational changes with the playhouse’s director Karen Simpson.
The overhaul eliminated the theatre’s budget deficit and boosted audience numbers.
Mr Bourne said: “When I took on the chairmanship of the theatre four years ago, I never imagined such drama.
“The finances were a horror story, but have been transformed. Although there’s still work to do, we’re back on an even keel.
“The other great success has been the drama that occurs onstage. I’m so proud of the advances that have been made under Karen Simpson’s leadership in the past three years. We really can say that the Theatre Royal now offers something for everyone. The theatre’s on a roll, and we have a fine team in place. I’m a happy man.”
The theatre is now seeking a new chairman to champion the next four years. Interested applicants should submit a CV and covering letter by September 12 addressed to Keith Turner (Trustee), Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/chairman-of-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-to-step-down-1-7550803 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/8f70b23cc5bda56ecbf90f4afcde8b12d79fdff4441af1f7941ef2d40c0071d7.json |
[
"Paul Derrick",
"Paul.Derrick Buryfreepress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:32 | null | 2016-08-30T12:13:22 | Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival scored its busiest single day ever as thousands of people sampled the town’s culinary delights. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fbury-st-edmunds-food-and-drink-festival-enjoys-busiest-day-ever-1-7550466.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550456.1472555547!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival enjoys ‘busiest day ever’ | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival scored its busiest single day ever as thousands of people sampled the town’s culinary delights.
From celebrity chefs to scores of stalls as well as a beach, a taste of Rio and mini farm, there was fun for all the family at the bustling event on Sunday and Monday.
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured; Mad Hatters Tea Party in the grounds of the Cathedral. Jasmine Greenfield (6) having a go at some painting ANL-160829-234910009
And organisers Ourburystedmunds say the festival has proved more popular than ever.
On Monday, chief executive Mark Cordell said: “It seems the busiest single day we’ve had in our five years.
“Lunchtime was heaving and the lovely weather helped.”
He said they made a ‘conscious effort’ this year to have more stalls featuring businesses from across East Anglia.
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured; Mad Hatters Tea Party in the grounds of the Cathedral. Hannah Ratcliffe, Tony Kimber and Nicola Scott ANL-160829-234932009
“The whole purpose is to showcase Bury as a food destination,” Mr Cordell said.
“We had our top restaurants performing onstage - reminding people that Bury is the best place to come for food and drink.”
On Sunday, Galton Blackiston, from North Norfolk’s Michelin-starred Morston Hall, gave a cooking demonstration in the Aga Rangemaster Theatre Kitchen, on Cornhill. He was followed by James Tanner on Monday.
The seaside was brought to the town centre as families enjoyed a beach at the arc shopping centre.
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured: Farmers Market on Angel Hill ANL-160829-235006009
There were also cake-decorating workshops, face-painting in Cornhill Walk, a mini farm in Abbeygate Street and a Rio themed carnival atmosphere with drumming and mask making in Langton Place.
The fun at St Edmundsbury Cathedral became curiouser and curiouser as it hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
More than 200 people enjoyed croquet, dressing up, painting a Cheshire cat, skittles and dominoes.
Colchester artist Nicola Burrell helped youngsters make their own huge mad hats and animal masks.
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured; A taste of Rio in Langton Place. Pictured: Grupo Senzala Capoeira ANL-160829-235028009
The Very Rev Dr Frances Ward donned the Queen of Hearts costume with cathedral administrator Tony Kimber as the Mad Hatter and visitors and volunteer manager, Hannah Ratcliffe as Alice.
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured: A taste of Rio in Langton Place, Dan Sansome and Mariana Pinho from Gandaia Arts ANL-160829-235051009
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured: Mini Farm ANL-160829-235102009
Bury Food and Drink Festival Pictured: Cafe Kottani stall, Dimitris Turnanelis, Aise Tachiroglou and Margarita Kopalitou ANL-160829-235125009
Bury Food and Drink Festival ANL-160829-235209009 | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/bury-st-edmunds-food-and-drink-festival-enjoys-busiest-day-ever-1-7550466 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/c02317fbbce963b237fa3bdeaf5ca8de3fd513705e3be6aa1fffc3a787691150.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:20 | null | 2016-08-27T09:39:14 | Visit now for the latest sports news in and around Bury St Edmunds - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcruickshank-cracks-his-fourth-ton-in-six-games-1-7544585.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6120662.1472135990!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Cruickshank cracks his fourth ton in six games | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | GIBBS DENLEY
EAST ANGLIAN
PREMIER LEAGUE
Vauxhall Mallards 202-8
lost to Bury 206-4
by 6 wickets
When it comes to writing the story of the 2016 season, Daron Cruickshank’s name will feature strongly with four centuries in just six games so far, writes John Urquhart.
Mike Comber’s team rediscovered the winning habit with a six-wicket win over third-placed Mallards, to leave them 32 points away from the bottom but 34 points below the next team in the league.
Once again winning the toss, Comber inserted Mallards under a cloudy sky with rain in the air.
Sean Park stepped up and took five wickets and swung the game decidedly towards Bury following a stand of 103 for the second wicket.
In reply, Bury made an unsteady start losing James Sturgeon and Dom Manthorpe with just nine on the board.
But Cruickshank came to the crease and changed the game completely with an unbeaten 128, sharing stands of 52 with Ben Curran, 71 with Comber and 74 with Park.
n In Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division Four, Bury II (149) lost to Wivenhoe II (153-2) by 8 wickets.
Adam Kizis’ team suffered their first loss of the season, going down to league leaders Wivenhoe in a tense encounter.
n In Division Five, Nacton (233) beat Bury III (203-6) by 30 runs.
Great team spirit nearly produced a remarkable result after Kevin Dobson took to the field with just eight players.
Frank Stennett and Ollie Riddick both took three wickets and Yogi Kumar three catches before Tony Riddick scored an unbeaten 65.
n In Division Nine West, Eye and District (251-3) beat Bury IV (197) by 54 runs.
In a game reduced to 80 overs, and with both teams fielding ten players, Eye batted first and their openers, Kilburn and Weedon, put on a commanding 157 for the first wicket on the way to a very competitive total which Bury were unable to chase.
n In Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division One, Bury St Edmunds (222-7) lost to Mildenhall (223-3) by 7 wickets.
Glenford Boyce (51) and Daron Cruickshank (64) dominated the Bury innings but couldn’t prevent Mildenhall reaching their target
n Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, Daron Cruickshank, Tony Riddick.
n In Two Counties Championship Division Six: Stowmarket 241-5 (Ives 147 not out, Blake 49, Hawes 33) beat Kelvedon 108 ( D. Watling 3-13, G. Tillbrook 3-20, J. Finbow 2-31, A. Johns 1-24, S. Lilley 1-17) by 133 runs.
n In Division Nine West, Stowmarket II 131 (Mayhew 55, Witherly 22 no, H. Tillbrook 19, Gilbee 7-24 )lost to Stradbroke 287-4 (Mann 116, Allum 59,Codd 2-78, H Tillbrook 1-38, T Lown 1-27) by 156 runs. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/cruickshank-cracks-his-fourth-ton-in-six-games-1-7544585 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/6addec63a93ae7b9cb76bbecc4353eaa38455583bcc2366202ad6a02b8fe7021.json |
[
"Russell Claydon",
"Russell.Claydon Suffolkfreepress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-28T18:47:45 | null | 2016-08-28T18:03:02 | Former Supporters’ Player of The Year Dave Cowley has returned to AFC Sudbury to add to Jamie Godbold’s attacking options. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fryman-league-transfer-news-round-up-fans-favourite-cowley-back-at-afc-sudbury-1-7548203.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7548202.1472403761!/image/image.jpg | en | null | RYMAN LEAGUE TRANSFER NEWS & ROUND-UP: Fans’ favourite Cowley back at AFC Sudbury | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Former Supporters’ Player of The Year Dave Cowley has returned to AFC Sudbury to add to Jamie Godbold’s attacking options.
The winger, who made 75 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals from signing in July 2012 to leaving for Needham Market in February 2014, resigned for the club from Thurrock in time to make his second debut in Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Enfield.
It takes AFC’s new signings up to six, with Sam Bantick (Concord Rangers), Rob Eagle (Lowestoft Town), Adam Tann (St Neots Town), Aaron Greene (unattached) and Callum Robinson (unattached) having already joined this summer.
Cowley, who was with Harlow Town during the 2014/15 campaign ahead of signing for Thurrock, said: “It’s good to be back at AFC, I had a great time when I was last here and didn’t really want to go then. I hope I can help the club achieve what they are trying to do”.
Manager Jamie Godbold said: “I am really pleased to have him involved with us. He was thorn in our side last season and I would rather have on our side than against us”.
Saturday’s 2-0 win over Enfield Town came courtesy of first goals from two of the club’s summer signings, Adam Tann and Aaron Greene, which were both scored in the first half.
It saw The Yellows record their first home win in the Ryman League Premier Division, following two 2-2 draws since promotion, and kept up their unbeaten start.
Ahead of travelling to Godbold’s former club, Lowestoft Town, tomorrow in a Suffolk derby (Monday, August 29 3pm), AFC are fourth in the table after five games with their opponents lying in 10th, following their 1-0 defeat at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the club have also announced that young goalkeeper Callum Robinson, who was previously with Colchester United’s academy ahead of signing for AFC Sudbury in the summer, has signed dual registration terms with Thurlow Nunn League side Kirkley & Pakefield in order to get games while Marcus Garnham remains in possession of the number one shirt.
Elsewhere in the Ryman League, AFC’s divisional rivals Needham Market also kept up their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 1-0 win at Folkestone Invicta, with recent recruit Reece Dobson scoring the winner, as he did at Kingstonian (2-1) seven days previously, to leave the Marketmen seventh.
In Division One North, Bury Town are fifth are drawing 1-1 at home to Great Wakering Rovers with captain Bradley Barber’s 41st minute opener cancelled out by Tony Jacobs’ leveller 10 minutes after the re-start.
An Adam Mills strike on the stroke of half-time consigned Soham Town Rangers to a 1-0 defeat at Maldon & Tiptree, with The Greens second-from-bottom, only having a point from their opening three matches.
* For team news and live updates from Crown Meadow, follow @russclaydon on Twitter. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/ryman-league-transfer-news-round-up-fans-favourite-cowley-back-at-afc-sudbury-1-7548203 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/8514be89dd8d21fda438e71cc1dbcf2fdd0db2dfec9ea49ee2d4748a577ea515.json |
[
"Zach Ward",
"Zach.Ward Dissexpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:30 | null | 2016-08-30T12:18:27 | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be attending this Sunday’s Burston Strike School Rally, it has been confirmed. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Flabour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-set-to-attend-burston-strike-school-rally-1-7550494.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550493.1472555887!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set to attend Burston Strike School Rally | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be attending this Sunday’s Burston Strike School Rally, it has been confirmed.
Mr Corbyn, MP for Islington North, will replace Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who was due to appear at the annual event, which commemorates the longest-running strike in history.
Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong supporter of the Burston Strike School, and his presence at the rally last year gave the attendance a significant boost
A regular in recent years, his increased profile last year while competing to become Labour leader saw the rally’s attendance in 2015 swell to 3,000, and is a late addition to this year’s event.
A spokesperson for the rally said: “The organisers of the Strike School Rally unfortunately have to report that the shadow chancellor John McDonnell MP will no longer be one of the speakers at the event this year.
“John is a hugely popular figure and many people will be greatly disappointed to hear that he will not be in attendance.
“Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong supporter of the Burston Strike School, and his presence at the rally last year gave the attendance a significant boost.”
The day’s proceedings will kick off 10.45am, with a number of bands, poets, and speakers set to attend.
Musical entertainment on the day will be provided by Steve White and the Protest Family, Red Flags, the NASUWT Brass Band, and the Banner Theatre 1st May Band, while performance poet Attilla the Stockbroker is due to perform, as well as renowned poet, humourist and musician John Hegley.
Suffolk Punches will also lead the march around the ‘candlestick’, which follows the route of the children’s original demonstration.
For more information visit www.burstonstrikeschool.co.uk | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-set-to-attend-burston-strike-school-rally-1-7550494 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/94fc172d53d3110175d15c5588421a14c924898a66eb4bc5b3db3ec169b1b498.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:09 | null | 2016-08-28T18:58:22 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fsuffolk-choir-boosts-macmillan-cancer-support-1-7548246.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7548245.1472407084!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Suffolk choir boosts Macmillan Cancer Support | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A series of summer charity concerts across Suffolk have boosted the coffers of Macmillan Cancer Support to the tune of £1, 315.
Led by musician Graeme Hopson, two VivaVoices choirs from Bury St Edmunds and another from Stowmarket, held a series of gigs in July.
The concerts contained a mix of pop, easy listening, songs from the musicals as well as more classical numbers.
Mr Hopson said: “One of my choir members had lost his wife to cancer and suggested we raise money for Macmillan and we did this through a retiring collection at the end of each concert.
“Singing is a great way to lift the spirits and being able to help others though our concerts only enhances our enjoyment.
“VivaVoices welcomes new members, there’s no need to read music and no audition to join.”
Nicola Clark, Macmillan fundraising manager for West Norfolk and West Suffolk, said: “Just one of the ways we could use the money these concerts have raised is to help ease the financial impact on someone affected by cancer.
“The Macmillan welfare rights team offer advice over the phone via Macmillan Support line. Every £10 we spend on our phone service could lead to our cancer support specialist helping people affected by cancer claim £389 of benefits they are entitled to.
“We are grateful that the members of the Choir chose to support Macmillan in this way and for the generous support given by those who attended these concerts.”
Rehearsals for the VivaVoices choir start in mid-September and anyone interested in joining can contact Mr Hopson on 01284 700286 or visit: www.vivavoices | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/suffolk-choir-boosts-macmillan-cancer-support-1-7548246 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b198d7f4042107a0828cf2d043f418c6c1abd5a38713ab10ee97a3039db2d982.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:38 | null | 2016-08-20T11:07:20 | The summer series of family events at St Edmundsbury Cathedral continues on August 23 and 25 with a feather and fun filled day where children can learn more about and get close to birds of prey. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fmasters-of-the-skies-to-make-flying-visit-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7522662.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7522661.1470924467!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Masters of the skies to make flying visit to St Edmundsbury Cathedral | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The summer series of family events at St Edmundsbury Cathedral continues on August 23 and 25 with a feather and fun filled day where children can learn more about and get close to birds of prey.
A range of birds will be there, including eagles, owls and hawks.
Visitors can learn about their lives and challenges in the natural world and even be photographed with one of them.
At 11.30am and 2pm each day there will a chance to watch a full flying display and falconer’s demonstrations on the cathedral’s garth.
Each day there is also a family trail, plus art and craft activities.
Entry is £5 per person and includes the whole event (plus the flying displays) and activities on the day. Under-3s are free
On August 29 the cathedral is holding a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. It is an Alice in Wonderland themed drop-in event, with activities such as making a Cheshire Cat mask and Mad Hatter’s hat. An entry fee applies. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/masters-of-the-skies-to-make-flying-visit-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7522662 | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/64bc242020c875e9b847cfe9c30c1a6ab94ddb0d790ca5ddcee9baba4ee7e34f.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T10:47:22 | null | 2016-08-27T09:39:14 | GIBBS DENLEY | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fcruickshank-cracks-his-fourth-ton-in-six-games-1-7544585.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6120662.1472135990!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Cruickshank cracks his fourth ton in six games | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | GIBBS DENLEY
EAST ANGLIAN
PREMIER LEAGUE
Vauxhall Mallards 202-8
lost to Bury 206-4
by 6 wickets
When it comes to writing the story of the 2016 season, Daron Cruickshank’s name will feature strongly with four centuries in just six games so far, writes John Urquhart.
Mike Comber’s team rediscovered the winning habit with a six-wicket win over third-placed Mallards, to leave them 32 points away from the bottom but 34 points below the next team in the league.
Once again winning the toss, Comber inserted Mallards under a cloudy sky with rain in the air.
Sean Park stepped up and took five wickets and swung the game decidedly towards Bury following a stand of 103 for the second wicket.
In reply, Bury made an unsteady start losing James Sturgeon and Dom Manthorpe with just nine on the board.
But Cruickshank came to the crease and changed the game completely with an unbeaten 128, sharing stands of 52 with Ben Curran, 71 with Comber and 74 with Park.
n In Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division Four, Bury II (149) lost to Wivenhoe II (153-2) by 8 wickets.
Adam Kizis’ team suffered their first loss of the season, going down to league leaders Wivenhoe in a tense encounter.
n In Division Five, Nacton (233) beat Bury III (203-6) by 30 runs.
Great team spirit nearly produced a remarkable result after Kevin Dobson took to the field with just eight players.
Frank Stennett and Ollie Riddick both took three wickets and Yogi Kumar three catches before Tony Riddick scored an unbeaten 65.
n In Division Nine West, Eye and District (251-3) beat Bury IV (197) by 54 runs.
In a game reduced to 80 overs, and with both teams fielding ten players, Eye batted first and their openers, Kilburn and Weedon, put on a commanding 157 for the first wicket on the way to a very competitive total which Bury were unable to chase.
n In Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division One, Bury St Edmunds (222-7) lost to Mildenhall (223-3) by 7 wickets.
Glenford Boyce (51) and Daron Cruickshank (64) dominated the Bury innings but couldn’t prevent Mildenhall reaching their target
n Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, Daron Cruickshank, Tony Riddick.
n In Two Counties Championship Division Six: Stowmarket 241-5 (Ives 147 not out, Blake 49, Hawes 33) beat Kelvedon 108 ( D. Watling 3-13, G. Tillbrook 3-20, J. Finbow 2-31, A. Johns 1-24, S. Lilley 1-17) by 133 runs.
n In Division Nine West, Stowmarket II 131 (Mayhew 55, Witherly 22 no, H. Tillbrook 19, Gilbee 7-24 )lost to Stradbroke 287-4 (Mann 116, Allum 59,Codd 2-78, H Tillbrook 1-38, T Lown 1-27) by 156 runs. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/cricket/cruickshank-cracks-his-fourth-ton-in-six-games-1-7544585 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b9e698af56d7bd704089bed54dfe82d9e888b37c340350350de8ff0cef9bf8fd.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T08:47:07 | null | 2016-08-29T08:00:21 | A Bury St Edmunds fundraiser’s gig in memory of his father has hit all the right notes for charity by raising £1,490.32. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fbury-st-edmunds-fundraiser-hits-the-right-notes-for-hospice-1-7546172.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7546170.1472211045!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Bury St Edmunds fundraiser hits the right notes for Hospice | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | A Bury St Edmunds fundraiser’s gig in memory of his father has hit all the right notes for charity by raising £1,490.32.
To commemorate the sixth anniversary of his father Ian’s death from cancer, Lee Graham, decided the best way to remember him would be to stage the musical event Push Play, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Mr Graham, pictured above, said: “I wanted to raise money in his memory as the hospice do absolutely amazing work and will do all I can to help and support this amazing cause.”
George Chilvers, community fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “Lee’s fundraising efforts for the Hospice really do make a big difference.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/bury-st-edmunds-fundraiser-hits-the-right-notes-for-hospice-1-7546172 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/6238aef6abc8cb117457469da1c0c95e167eafd5a799af3d341df69cd14e1792.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:07 | null | 2016-08-26T16:30:44 | Visitors swooped down to St Edmundsbury Cathedral to watch birds of prey in full flight. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fbirds-of-prey-swoop-on-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7546773.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7546767.1472224664!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Birds of prey swoop on to St Edmundsbury Cathedral | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Visitors swooped down to St Edmundsbury Cathedral to watch birds of prey in full flight.
The event featuring birds including hawks and kestrels on Tuesday and Thursday attracted more than 200 people to the Bury St Edmunds landmark including families and adult fans of the magnificent raptors.
Birds of Prey and crafts at Bury Cathedral Pictured: Ross Thomson (from Fens Falconry) with a Ferruginous Hawk ANL-160823-152150009
Children could also join in various arts and crafts activities.
The event was one of several fun-filled family activities organised at the cathedral over the summer including mini beasts, a planetarium and mini worlds centred around model railways.
Marie Taylor, events and marketing manager at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said: “Visitors were surprised to see such a different event held at the cathedral and were treated to flying displays and talks about the birds.
“There were crafts for children to make to remember their day and people stayed for hours and had a great time.
Birds of Prey and crafts at Bury Cathedral Pictured: Ferruginous Hawk ANL-160823-152135009
“We’re excited about putting events on like this a during every school holiday and look forward to welcoming even more people.”
The cathedral hosts a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Sunday and Monday as part of the Bury Food and Drink Festival. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/birds-of-prey-swoop-on-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7546773 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/987f9f9431a171f1d1a13b1b120389a4fd918102e0b28c7204c14831d81dd7eb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:11:08 | null | 2016-08-20T06:58:59 | This week’s winner is Jon Christie with this picture of a ‘bumble bee having a good lick of the flowers’. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Freader-photos%2Freaders-pictures-from-the-bury-free-press-of-friday-august-19-1-7534966.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7534962.1471600807!/image/image.jpg | en | null | READERS’ PICTURES: From the Bury Free Press of Friday, August 19 | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | This week’s winner is Jon Christie with this picture of a ‘bumble bee having a good lick of the flowers’.
Jon, from Great Livermere, wins the chance to have his picture made into an A3 canvas print courtesy of Denny Bros’ Sprint Print service, in King’s Road, Bury St Edmunds.
Daisy and clouds by Kieran Elson ANL-160714-112839001
Alternatively, he can choose to have five smaller glossy prints.
Kieren Elson, from Bury St Edmunds, took this close-up picture of a daisy with a beautiful blue sky and clouds as a backdrop.
This picture of a young great spotted woodpecker being fed by its parent was taken in her Horringer garden by Krysten Newby.
Send your pictures to mailto:news@buryfreepress.co.uk. Please put ‘Reader Picture’ inthe subject line and include your name, full postal address (we’ll need it if you’re a winner) and some information about the picture. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/reader-photos/readers-pictures-from-the-bury-free-press-of-friday-august-19-1-7534966 | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b832a8398eed3619a3d9fe7f0a2b0bf16ddb2303b6d5caca1870d8d923ab4668.json |
[
"Ron Raisey"
] | 2016-08-31T02:48:24 | null | 2016-08-25T15:14:49 | Visit now for the latest sports news in and around Bury St Edmunds - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcaught-in-the-middle-with-ron-raisey-match-of-the-day-will-be-on-the-cricket-field-1-7544437.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544435.1472134472!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Caught in the middle with Ron Raisey: Match of the Day will be on the cricket field | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Mildenhall have opened up a 30 point gap at the top of Division One after their nearest rivals Wivenhoe were comprehensively beaten by Witham. With just three games to go, surely it is theirs to lose now.
Mildenhall beat Frinton II’s by 35 runs thanks to another good knock from Steve Taylor, Mildenhall 255-7, Taylor 82, Frinton 220-7, Joe Reed 3-28.
Their remaining fixtures are Witham away this Saturday then home to Hadleigh, before finishing off with an away trip to Haverhill.
After last week’s unexpected victory, Worlington must have had high hopes of another win when they posted 314-4 against Hadleigh, thanks to Jimmy Watson 113 and Chris Baugh 108, but they were well beaten in the end by five wickets. Hadleigh made 317-5 with Tom Piddington staying undefeated on 153 not out, ably backed by Marlon Dias 69.
This Saturday, Worlington travel to Haverhill while Hadleigh entertain Wivenhoe.
Halstead beat Braintree by five wickets, Braintree 253-6, Halstead 254-5, Charlie Douglas-Hughes 73. Coggeshall are the visitors this Saturday.
Haverhill won a close encounter with Coggeshall by just 10 runs. Haverhill 237-5, Chris Palmer 67, Coggeshall 227, Palmer 3-25.
It will take a miracle now for Exning to avoid relegation as they were well beaten by local rivals Mildenhall II by eight wickets.
Exning 129, Dominic Nelson 33, Jon Allen 3-27, Mildenhall 130-2, Steve Graham 66. Exning travel to East Bergholt on Saturday.
Long Melford were well beaten by 86 runs by Dunmow, who scored 309-6 and then restricted Melford to 223-6, Cameron Stace 115 no. Melford visit Mildenhall II next.
Lakenheath earned themselves a much needed victory over Easton thanks to a century by opener Rob Horrex.
Lakenheath 223-9, Horrex 120, Easton 151-9, Adam Horrex 3-46, Paul Pallant 3-6, Tim Milner 2-11.
It’s good to see these aging bowlers turning in some good performances with the ball. It’s a trip to Dunmow next for Lakenheath on Saturday.
In Division Six, Stowmarket have won the league after beating Kelvedon and Feering by 133 runs.
Stowmarket 241-5, Michael Ives 147no, Kelvedon 108, George Tillbrook 3-20, Dale Whatling 3-13.
Their final game of the season is away at Long Melford II.
For our clubs in the top two divisions there is still a lot to play for as we head into the final three games.
Some of our sides are dangerously close to the relegation places in both divisions.
They all have tough games this weekend, but if they play to the best of their abilities then there is no reason why they shouldn’t come away with victories.
I shall be umpiring in the game at Witham, where Mildenhall are the visitors which promises to be the match of the day.
I strongly recommend a visit to the Worlington Beer Festival over the weekend, with 11 beers, five ciders and Jimmy Watson and Graham Ford the burger kings you can’t go wrong. I’ll be there on Sunday, hope to see some of you there. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/caught-in-the-middle-with-ron-raisey-match-of-the-day-will-be-on-the-cricket-field-1-7544437 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b0b0dc334d1b0a85006622caa3a39666dcf6c7a52ac7bba92c9cd26e4a0eb0e9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:15 | null | 2016-08-25T09:22:12 | A £10 million futuristic ‘gallop in the sky’ is being planned by Jockey Club Estates to boost racehorse training facilities in Newmarket’s Hamilton Road. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Fvideo-jockey-club-unveils-plans-for-10m-newmarket-gallop-in-the-sky-1-7542894.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7542891.1472113316!/image/image.jpg | en | null | VIDEO: Jockey Club unveils plans for £10m Newmarket Gallop in the Sky | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
A £10 million futuristic ‘gallop in the sky’ is being planned by Jockey Club Estates to boost racehorse training facilities in Newmarket’s Hamilton Road.
The Hill Gallop will be constructed to mimic Headquarter’s iconic Warren Hill giving trainers on the opposite side of town a training asset vital to the conditioning of racehorses right on their doorstep.
Nick Patton, William Gittus and Jonathan Ascroft ANL-160824-114134001
The ambitious plan, which will be submitted to the local planning authority next month, revolves around the building of an all-weather gallop which will start five metres below ground level before rising 30 metres on an flyover-like construction covering four and a half furlongs. It will be wide enough for two horses to work upsides and there will be a separate track running alongside for use by emergency vehicles.
The project has been five years in the planning and has the full backing of Newmarket trainers including Sir Mark Prescott who has been training in the town for 47 years and is chairman of the heath committee.
William Gittus, managing director of Jockey Club Estates said the location of the state-of-the-art gallop would be the key to its success as it was hoped access to such a facility would attract more trainers and horses to the Hamilton Road yards.
Occupancy rates in the training yards on the Bury side of town is currently around 90 per cent compared with less than 60 per cent on Racecourse Side and trainers have cited the proximity of the uphill canters on Warren Hill, which are used by over 2,000 horses a day, as the key factor in this discrepancy.
sky gallop, Newmarket ANL-160824-103142001
“To enable further growth, and the economic benefits and employment that will bring to the district, we need to encourage more trainers to base themselves on Racecourse Side where there is scope for expansion,” said Mr Gittus.
Two years ago he and project team leader and assistant managing director of Jockey Club Estates Nick Patton, travelled to Japan to view its gallops built on man-made inclines. “That was definitely a turning point,” said Mr Patton. “It really opened my eyes to what could be done with a little innovation.” said Mr Patton.
“It’s wonderful to have reached a point at which we are now ready to submit the planning application. A lot of people have contributed to the development of the project and a design committee which includes trainers and vets, has played an integral role in the process.
“This is about Jockey Club Estates planning ten, 15, 20 years ahead and Newmarket maintaining its status as a world-class centre of excellence for the training of thoroughbred racehorses. Newmarket’s development as the HQ of racing is built on its history and heritage and the centuries-old turf of the Heath, but its future health could be shaped by 21st century technology and this gallop in the sky.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/video-jockey-club-unveils-plans-for-10m-newmarket-gallop-in-the-sky-1-7542894 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/fb61e788da6b4e848837902ccb62ec3f9da86f75a49df3f5a9dfb5da79787c4a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:47:17 | null | 2016-08-26T18:29:48 | Needham Market’s Richard Wilkins believes they will have nothing to fear when Leiston visit in a Suffolk derby on Monday (3pm), writes Russell Claydon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fwilkins-set-to-go-up-against-former-club-with-needham-1-7544541.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544539.1472135442!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Wilkins set to go up against former club with Needham | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Needham Market’s Richard Wilkins believes they will have nothing to fear when Leiston visit in a Suffolk derby on Monday (3pm), writes Russell Claydon.
The Marketmen’s assistant manager left as Leiston manager by mutual consent in May after guiding them to their best ever finish (eighth) in the Ryman League Premier Division last season.
The Blues had mounted a strong challenge to lead the division though before eventually falling short of the play-offs.
Four wins from four sees them top the early table this season, but Wilkins is confident his new unbeaten side (won one and drawn two) can halt their progress when the sides meet on Monday.
“The way I left was a little bit strange and you look forward to pitting your wits against them,” he said.
“There are one or two from when I was there which gives me an insight.
“I fancy us at home. I have heard reports they have scored some late goals and sometimes lady luck is on your side.
“They are a good team but I am confident we can get a result.”
It will not just be Wilkins going up against his former club, with manager Mark Morsley having also had a spell in charge at Victory Road and forwards John Sands and Michael Brothers and goalkeeper Danny Gay among those to have turned out for the Blues.
Needham will travel to current sixth place Folkestone Invicta tomorrow (3pm) looking to build on a pleasing 2-1 win at Kingstonian on Saturday, which saw Jack Curtis pull them level in the second half before Reece Dobson came off the bench to score an 80th minute winner.
On Tuesday night, the Marketmen saw their home game with Canvey Island abandoned after the floodlights failed with Morsley’s side trailing 2-1 at half-time.
“It was one of those things,” said Wilkins. “We waited a good hour and it was only when we were showering they came back on.” | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/wilkins-set-to-go-up-against-former-club-with-needham-1-7544541 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/1f731a4f09624238d9441dbac213350db6bd1cdcfe3ceb23aa8e1de40c6425b2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:49 | null | 2016-08-26T12:00:59 | The death of a prisoner has led to a number of changes being made at HMP Highpoint, an inquest has heard. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Finquest-hears-stradishall-prisoner-s-death-has-led-to-changes-1-7544130.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544128.1472130233!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Inquest hears Stradishall prisoner’s death has led to changes | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The death of a prisoner has led to a number of changes being made at HMP Highpoint, an inquest has heard.
David Shane Smith was found hanging in his cell at the Stradishall prison on the night of May 23, 2014, and was confirmed dead at West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, the following morning.
An inquest into his death opened last Monday and continued this week.
Giving evidence at the hearing in Bury on Wednesday, Kate Heard, a governor at Highpoint, told the jury about measures the prison had taken since David’s death ‘to hopefully prevent this sort of thing happening in the future’.
On May 23, 2014, David was transferred from HMP Chelmsford to Highpoint where he asked to speak to a ‘listener’ – prisoners trained by the Samaritans to support other prisoners in distress – but none were available.
He also asked to call the charity’s helpline, a request which was delayed by two hours because a phone on his induction unit was missing.
Ms Heard said Highpoint had increased its ‘listeners’ from two to three people and everyone involved had agreed they could be approached if a request was made when they were not on the rota.
She said at the time of David’s death, responsibility for the management of looking after the prison’s Samaritans’ phones rested with unit staff but now belonged to its safer custody team which checked on them weekly.
She added that ‘a lot of work’ had been done to ensure all prison staff, not just those who have contact with prisoners, were trained to know how to highlight welfare concerns.
The inquest heard last week that Highpoint’s emergency code system was not used by the staff member who attended David’s cell and that prison staff had not contacted David’s family after he was found injured.
Ms Heard told the jury she had drafted a document, now superseded by regional protocol, on responses for emergency codes and that a new way of monitoring which prisoners had failed to give details of next of kin was helping to improve prison records.
The inquest continues. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/inquest-hears-stradishall-prisoner-s-death-has-led-to-changes-1-7544130 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/97385a5700951fa0cf9851c68c56764c4df39b80362c7570d99f91a473b55b5b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:35 | null | 2016-08-19T13:00:00 | Bury Town manager Ben Chenery is looking to kick-start another cup run when his side begin their road to Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup at home to Spalding United on Saturday (3pm). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffa-cup-preview-bury-town-players-being-kept-grounded-1-7533847.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7533846.1471534410!/image/image.jpg | en | null | FA Cup preview: Bury Town players being kept grounded | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Bury Town manager Ben Chenery is looking to kick-start another cup run when his side begin their road to Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup at home to Spalding United on Saturday (3pm).
With officials hoping the club’s revamped clubhouse can be open to the public for the first time — painting was finished this week and carpets were laid on Wednesday — Chenery is looking for a polished finish on the pitch to match.
“The FA Cup is a great cup competition, the best domestic competition we have,” he said, ahead of hosting Evo-Stik League Division One South Spalding, who play at the same level as themselves.
“It will be difficult as the opposition are a good outfit but we have home advantage which is a positive.
“Last year we had a nice little cup run which was good for the town and the club.
“But we are under no illusions how tough it will be and we have got to bring our best game, no doubt about it.”
Bury progressed through two rounds of the FA Cup last season before exiting to higher-league Hemel Hempstead Town and four rounds of the FA Vase before succumbing to Dulwich Hamlet.
And they go into the preliminary tie — with £1,925 available for the winners — on the back of two straight wins in the league, following up Saturday’s 2-1 home victory over Waltham Abbey with a 3-2 success at Witham Town.
“It’s been pleasing for me as a manager but I have explained the importance of keeping our feet on the ground,” said Chenery, whose side would face a trip to higher-league Mickleover Sports in the first qualifying round on September 3, should they overcome Spalding.
Summer signing Tom Debenham, who can play in central defence or midfield, did not receive his international clearance following his USA scholarship until Tuesday, so was given an outing with Team Bury ahead of coming into the squad for tomorrow. Ollie Canfer, who missed Tuesday due to work commitments, is also available. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/fa-cup-preview-bury-town-players-being-kept-grounded-1-7533847 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/0fb5037a43d2b34c50febc2a579143a7038b28154f72bdf4454fa8b24b25f7d8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:52 | null | 2016-08-21T10:47:41 | Following the painful play-off exit last time we locked horns, we certainly have a score to settle when the East Anglian Derby returns on Sunday (12pm). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fipswich-town-fan-russell-claydon-is-hoping-the-blues-can-do-it-for-atkinson-in-the-derby-1-7536847.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.5483329.1472134631!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Ipswich Town fan Russell Claydon is hoping the Blues can do it for Atkinson in the derby | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Following the painful play-off exit last time we locked horns, we certainly have a score to settle when the East Anglian Derby returns on Sunday (12pm).
The general consensus seemed to be that it was a good thing to be facing them so early on in the campaign, before they had chance to readjust to life back in the Championship.
But with just three games gone and seven points on the board those Canaries already seem to have a head of steam up, while our start has been a mixed bag.
For all the doom-and-gloom surrounding Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Brentford though there were still a number of first-half chances that were fashioned that, on another day, could have seen a very different outcome.
A point at Molineux would normally be regarded as a good result but on Tuesday we could and should have taken advantage of a lacklustre Wolves side that seemed devoid of ideas.
While we seemed unlucky to not have Daryl Murphy’s header awarded as a goal, we were still left indebted to Bartosz Bialkowski again though, for a fine penalty save, to save Adam Webster’s blushes.
But the performance can certainly give us some confidence heading into Sunday.
Despite the giant gulf in the costs of the squads, I’m expecting another cagey derby affair where a set-piece or a swift counter-attack could prove decisive.
Shackling Wes Hoolahan will be pivotal to our chances, while with David McGoldrick sadly out injured again, we will need a big performance from young Teddy Bishop.
I’d also like to see Tommy Smith brought back into the defence, taking Webster out of the firing line.
It was terrible news to hear about former Town striker Dalian Atkinson’s tragic death this week. He was before my time but what a fitting tribute it would be to do it for Dalian on Sunday. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/ipswich-town-fan-russell-claydon-is-hoping-the-blues-can-do-it-for-atkinson-in-the-derby-1-7536847 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/d671896cbb130ef4d1c61c78ff8745dd50bc017fce3b9e747677521d257c969d.json |
[
"Steve Barton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:49:39 | null | 2016-08-20T11:07:20 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmasters-of-the-skies-to-make-flying-visit-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7522662.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7522661.1470924467!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Masters of the skies to make flying visit to St Edmundsbury Cathedral | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The summer series of family events at St Edmundsbury Cathedral continues on August 23 and 25 with a feather and fun filled day where children can learn more about and get close to birds of prey.
A range of birds will be there, including eagles, owls and hawks.
Visitors can learn about their lives and challenges in the natural world and even be photographed with one of them.
At 11.30am and 2pm each day there will a chance to watch a full flying display and falconer’s demonstrations on the cathedral’s garth.
Each day there is also a family trail, plus art and craft activities.
Entry is £5 per person and includes the whole event (plus the flying displays) and activities on the day. Under-3s are free
On August 29 the cathedral is holding a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. It is an Alice in Wonderland themed drop-in event, with activities such as making a Cheshire Cat mask and Mad Hatter’s hat. An entry fee applies. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/masters-of-the-skies-to-make-flying-visit-to-st-edmundsbury-cathedral-1-7522662 | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/6e21bc9da30086c0e9e0127fc0ef99a2ed337522c7c00ae878ec0729f4387543.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T02:48:17 | null | 2016-08-26T09:48:44 | Visit now for the latest sports news in and around Bury St Edmunds - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fworlington-lose-out-at-home-to-hadleigh-in-high-scoring-clash-1-7544069.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7544068.1472135789!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Worlington lose out at home to Hadleigh in high-scoring clash | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | MARSHALL HATCHICK
TWO COUNTIES
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION ONE
Worlington 314-4 lost to
Hadleigh 315-5
by five wickets
Worlington were defeated by a five-wicket margin in a high-scoring affair when they took on relegation-threatened Hadleigh at the weekend.
Batting first, Worlington amassed 314-4 from their 50 overs with centuries from Jimmy Watson (113) and Chris Baugh (108), who shared a third wicket stand of 176 runs.
After tea, Worlington’s opening bowling pair of Sean Cooper (1-16) and Steve Flack (1-38) then kept Hadleigh in check early on, reducing them to 54-2 with a wicket apiece.
Craig Woollard soon followed up, collecting his first wicket of the afternoon when he removed Mark Simmonds for 32.
However, Marlon Dias and Tom Piddington posted a fourth wicket stand of 168 to wrestle back control for the visitors.
Dias eventually fell for 69, and although Woollard (2-56) picked up a second wicket towards the close, Piddington was in fine form, finishing unbeaten on a match-winning score of 153.
Worlington, however, hold onto fourth spot in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division One, ahead of a trip to Haverhill this Saturday (1pm).
n In Division Five, Worlington II made the journey to face their Witham counterparts and the title-chasing Essex side were victorious by a nine-wicket margin.
Half-centuries from 16-year-old Matt Wittish (62) and Terry Small (52) helped Worlington post a score of 191-8 from their innings.
Witham passed the total inside 41 overs and for the loss of just one wicket, finishing on 192-1 to claim the win.
n Worlington Academy enjoyed a five-wicket win at home to Battisford and District in Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division Four on Sunday.
Wittish, Shaun Lister and Jake Goodall all took two wickets each to restrict Battisford to 147-9, before Dan Abbs (49) and Wittish (46) steered Worlington to 149-5 to secure a 10th win in a row. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/worlington-lose-out-at-home-to-hadleigh-in-high-scoring-clash-1-7544069 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/5e8d338b5368243ab9867f0ffc1a6cf808977ed55ebf4752a37cdb7b2354f8f1.json |
[
"Steve Barton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:49:58 | null | 2016-08-23T10:30:42 | Visit now for the latest entertainment and leisure news and features - from the Bury Free Press, updated daily | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffund-raising-concert-for-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-1-7522528.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7522527.1470922263!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Fund-raising concert for Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The Choir of Clare College is performing at St Mary’s Church in Bury St Edmunds on August 31.
The concert is a Theatre Royal Friends fund-raising event to support the Theatre Royal.
This visit to Bury St Edmunds to perform a programme of choral works spanning the centuries under the direction of Graham Ross is guaranteed to delight.
English work by Byrd and Purcell sit alongside Bach’s motet Der Geist Hilft and Heinrich Schütz’s double-choir Magnificat, with 20th Century works of the Anglican choral repertoire by Holst, Harris, Bainton, Vaughan Williams and Tippett, including Benjamin Britten’s A Hymn to St Cecilia.
The programme concludes with Gershwin’s Summertime, a sumptuous arrangement of Nobody Does It Better and Ward Swingle’s popular Country Dances.
The Times newspaper described this choir as creating ‘music to transform your life.’
As well as regular tickets, there are a limited number of £30 tickets available. These include front row pew seats and a pre-concert drinks reception with the conductor at 6.30pm.
For tickets and further details please call the box office on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/whats-on/fund-raising-concert-for-bury-st-edmunds-theatre-royal-1-7522528 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/c4355a8ec0cc703d070b296859988e3ae37e13f11c1b5045e9c16a622ccb58c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:47:43 | null | 2016-08-31T10:37:09 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Folympics-inspired-lavenham-carnival-attracts-hundreds-of-visitors-1-7553764.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7553759.1472636587!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Olympics inspired Lavenham Carnival attracts hundreds of visitors | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The sights and sounds of Rio came to Lavenham at the weekend when its Olympic-inspired carnival took place, attracting hundreds of visitors.
The annual event was held over the bank holiday weekend and incorporated the Rare Breeds Motor Show with more than 400 vehicles.
Lavenham, Suffolk. Lavenham Carnival at the recreational ground on Sunday. Pictured is Abigail Collins entertaining the crowds at the recreational ground. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE ANL-160828-203259009
Entertainment was also provided by ‘Garden Veranda’ - with some audience participation.
Organiser Annie Eves-Boland said: “It was a fantastic event showcasing everything that is good about Lavenham.
“The weather may not have always been Rio-esque, but the atmosphere was always warm and positive - it seemed like a great time was had by all.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored the carnival and the motor show.”
Lavenham, Suffolk. Lavenham Carnival at the recreational ground on Sunday. Pictured is Ferdi Howe. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE ANL-160828-203204009
Samba dancers and drummers led the eye-catching procession.
The entertainment started on Saturday evening with a ‘Club Carnival’ music night courtesy of the Azwun band, trombonist T-Bone and DJ Richie Rich in a specially-erected marquee on the Recreation Ground.
Other entertainment and activities included workshops, a children’s activity tent, land zorbing, archery, bungee trampolining and an inflatable assault course.
The carnival supported the Lavenham Community Council, which is fund-raising for a new pre-school building.
Lavenham, Suffolk. Lavenham Carnival at the recreational ground on Sunday. Pictured is Abigail Collins entertaining the crowds at the recreational ground. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE ANL-160828-203343009 | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/olympics-inspired-lavenham-carnival-attracts-hundreds-of-visitors-1-7553764 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/dff8de952442d1a38965ceaf4c514e805aa52915797d6bd3e6de31eac13fb734.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:25 | null | 2016-08-22T10:21:28 | It was sweet 16 for Bury St Edmunds at the weekend as they ended a run of 15 games without a win by beating Vauxhall Mallards by six wickets. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fcricket-round-up-bury-end-winless-run-while-diss-suffer-relegation-1-7537664.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7537663.1471857675!/image/image.jpg | en | null | CRICKET ROUND-UP: Bury end winless run, while Diss suffer relegation | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | It was sweet 16 for Bury St Edmunds at the weekend as they ended a run of 15 games without a win by beating Vauxhall Mallards by six wickets.
Sean Park (5-30) took five wickets to restrict the hosts Vauxhall to 202-8, before an unbeaten century from Daron Cruickshank (128 not out) helped Bury to a winning score of 206-4, and saw them climb up to ninth in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League table.
Elsewhere, Sudbury slipped to sixth in the table after a crushing nine wicket defeat at home to Burwell, and Woolpit dropped to the foot of the table after drawing at Copdock and Old Ipswichian.
In the Dipple and Conway Opticians Norfolk League, Diss were relegated from the Premier Division after an eight wicket defeat at Downham Town.
Despite a century from Chris Cooper (120) helping Diss score a total of 244, Downham (245-2) reached the target with the loss of just two wickets, and coupled with Cromer picking up maximum points in their win over Sprowston, it meant Diss will finish the season in the bottom two.
Garboldisham climbed up to second place in the Premier Division after beating North Runcton by 69 runs, while Old Buckenham’s four run defeat at newly crowned champions Brooke saw them drop to fourth.
Elsewhere, Mildenhall stretched their lead at the top of Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division One at the weekend.
Mildenhall secured a 35 run win at home to Frinton II, while nearest rivals Wivenhoe lost at home to Witham, meaning Ben Shepperson’s men now hold a 30 point lead at the top of the table.
Haverhill, Hadleigh and Halstead all tasted victory at the weekend, with Worlington losing at home to relegation threatened Hadleigh.
EAST ANGLIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
Sudbury (0) 95 all out in 36.2 overs (G Hume 5-29) lost to Burwell (25) 99-1 in 8.5 overs (R Potter 54no) by 9 wickets.
Vauxhall Mallards (4) 202-8 in 64 overs (D Conway 60, S Park 5-30) lost to Bury St Edmunds (25) 206-4 in 49.1 overs (D Cruickshank 128no) by 6 wickets.
Copdock & Old Ipswichian (15) 296-6 dec in 60 overs (D Botha 100no) drew with Woolpit (11) 260-5 in 58 overs (M Rippon 123no).
TWO COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP
*home team
Division One: *Braintree (7) 253-6, lost to Halstead (18) 254-5 by 5 wickets.
Haverhill (20) 237-5, beat *Coggeshall (7) 227 by 10 runs.
*Mildenhall (18) 255-7, beat Frinton II (8) 220-7 by 35 runs.
*Worlington (7) 314-4, lost to Hadleigh (17) 317-5 5 wickets.
Division Two: *Exning (3) 129, lost to Mildenhall II (20) 130-2 by 8 wickets.
*Lakenheath (20) 256-9, beat Easton (7) 151 by 105 runs.
Dunmow (18) 309-5, beat *Long Melford (7) 223-6 by 86 runs.
Division Three: *Brockley (20) 216-7, beat Woolpit II (6) 150 by 66 runs.
*Copdock & OI II (20) 220, beat Sudbury II (7) 127 by 93 runs.
Coggeshall II (17) 306-4, beat *Halstead II (7) 210-5 by 96 runs.
*Haverhill II (0) 99, lost to Kelvedon & Feering (20) 101-0 by 10 wickets.
*Mistley II (20) 255-5, beat Tuddenham (5) 150 by 105 runs.
Division Four: Needham Market (4) 163-8, lost to *Abberton (19) 164-3 by 7 wickets.
*Bury St Edmunds II (3) 149, lost to Wivenhoe II (20) 153-2 by 8 wickets.
Felixstowe & C (19) 267-8, beat *Hadleigh II (9) 248-9 by 19 runs.
Elmstead II (8) 200-6, lost to *Mildenhall III (18) 201-6 by 4 wickets.
St Margarets (14) 204-7, tied with *Walsham le Willows (13) 204-8.
Division Five: Nacton (18) 233, beat *Bury St Edmunds III (10) 203-6 by 30 runs.
Great Bromley (1) 117, lost to *Earl Stonham (20) 121-0 by 10 wickets.
*Nowton (4) 172, lost to Kesgrave (20) 177-2 by 8 wickets.
Worlington II (4) 191-8, lost to *Witham II (19) 192-1 by 9 wickets.
Division Six: Stowmarket (20) 241-5, beat *Kelvedon & F. II (3) 108 by 133 runs.
Melton St Audrys v Long Melford II result not received.
Division Seven: *East Bergholt II (5) 142, lost to Woolpit III (20) 143-7 by 3 wickets.
Mildenhall IV (3) 134, lost to *Halstead III (20) 135-2 by 8 wickets.
*Stowupland (7) 227-9, lost to Tendring (19) 229-5 by 5 wickets.
Division Eight: Frinton III (5) 172, lost to *Battisford (20) 173-5 by 5 wickets.
Abberton II (19) 185-4, beat *Elveden (6) 177-9 by 8 runs.
Division Nine South: West Mersea II (6) 261-5, lost to *Boxted (17) 262-3 by 7 wickets.
Division Nine West: *Eye & District (20) 251-3, beat Bury St Edmunds IV (6) 197 by 54 runs, 80 overs.
Stradbroke Vikings (20) 287-4, beat *Stowmarket II (4) 131 by 156 runs.
Sunday
Ladies Challenge: *Mildenhall (18) 191-3, beat Ipswich (6) 146-7 by 45 runs.
Saffron Walden v Woolpit result not received.
Ladies T20:*Battisford (5) lost to Mistley (17) scores not received, Mistley won by 65 runs.
NORFOLK ALLIANCE
Premier Division: Brooke 223 all out beat Old Buckenham 219 all out.
Garboldisham 175 all out beat North Runcton 106 all out.
Division One: Thetford Town 207-10 lost to Stow 257-7.
Topcroft 223-10 beat Norwich II 204-10.
Division Three: Bungay 258-4 beat Mundford 80-10.
Old Buckenham II 158 all out lost to Acle II 183-9.
Division Four: Norwich III 254-7 beat Garboldisham II 250-6.
Division Six: Diss II 55 all out lost to Bradfield II 56-2.
Hales & Loddon 133 all out lost to Topcroft II 134-8. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/cricket/cricket-round-up-bury-end-winless-run-while-diss-suffer-relegation-1-7537664 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/b68103698c80c545036353b49b7e6420e2f3c4852b5e398eaf1bee509027ac21.json |
[
"Steve Barton",
"Steve.Barton Haverhillecho.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:02 | null | 2016-08-19T11:44:37 | Exciting, playful and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen is playing at the Hunter Club on Friday, August 26. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fwhat-s-on%2Fwhat-s-on%2Frenowned-saxophonist-heading-to-bury-st-edmunds-jazz-venue-1-7522010.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7522009.1470912352!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Renowned saxophonist heading to Bury St Edmunds jazz venue | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Exciting, playful and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen is playing at the Hunter Club on Friday, August 26.
Art has been a beloved and legendary character on the British jazz scene for over 50 years, featuring in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey among many other projects, and remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever.
Joining Art will be Chris Ingham on piano, Rev Andrew Brown on bass and George Double on drums.
To reserve pay-on-the-door seats, email info@headhunterslive.org or pre-pay via www.headhunterslive.org, following the TICKETS links. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/what-s-on/what-s-on/renowned-saxophonist-heading-to-bury-st-edmunds-jazz-venue-1-7522010 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/9ff850b5510db1f3143e9e5f8eb3dcf820b6f6ac1fcb1066ae91d60d37d125df.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:47:28 | null | 2016-08-30T14:12:33 | Firefighters have extinguished a blaze at a former chicken shed in Stowmarket. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flatest-news%2Ffirefighters-extinguish-blaze-at-former-chicken-shed-1-7550734.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6845798.1472562814!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Firefighters extinguish blaze at former chicken shed | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
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Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/firefighters-extinguish-blaze-at-former-chicken-shed-1-7550734 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/222dbfdee156d09263499374987ce5abade6060999820143197d052a5614a917.json |
[
"Zach Ward"
] | 2016-08-31T02:47:54 | null | 2016-08-30T12:18:27 | Get the latest breaking news from the Bury Free Press - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flabour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-set-to-attend-burston-strike-school-rally-1-7550494.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.7550493.1472555887!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set to attend Burston Strike School Rally | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be attending this Sunday’s Burston Strike School Rally, it has been confirmed.
Mr Corbyn, MP for Islington North, will replace Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who was due to appear at the annual event, which commemorates the longest-running strike in history.
Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong supporter of the Burston Strike School, and his presence at the rally last year gave the attendance a significant boost
A regular in recent years, his increased profile last year while competing to become Labour leader saw the rally’s attendance in 2015 swell to 3,000, and is a late addition to this year’s event.
A spokesperson for the rally said: “The organisers of the Strike School Rally unfortunately have to report that the shadow chancellor John McDonnell MP will no longer be one of the speakers at the event this year.
“John is a hugely popular figure and many people will be greatly disappointed to hear that he will not be in attendance.
“Jeremy Corbyn is a lifelong supporter of the Burston Strike School, and his presence at the rally last year gave the attendance a significant boost.”
The day’s proceedings will kick off 10.45am, with a number of bands, poets, and speakers set to attend.
Musical entertainment on the day will be provided by Steve White and the Protest Family, Red Flags, the NASUWT Brass Band, and the Banner Theatre 1st May Band, while performance poet Attilla the Stockbroker is due to perform, as well as renowned poet, humourist and musician John Hegley.
Suffolk Punches will also lead the march around the ‘candlestick’, which follows the route of the children’s original demonstration.
For more information visit www.burstonstrikeschool.co.uk | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-set-to-attend-burston-strike-school-rally-1-7550494 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/20ffbd4cd668d153561e2d3383ad7c8222779bf4ca9eab2364a07d855a57f59e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:47:11 | null | 2016-08-26T17:48:09 | MARSHALL HATCHICK | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buryfreepress.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fmildenhall-go-further-clear-at-the-top-of-division-one-1-7544065.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/webimage/1.6120662.1472135990!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Mildenhall go further clear at the top of Division One | null | null | www.buryfreepress.co.uk | MARSHALL HATCHICK
TWO COUNTIES
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION ONE
Mildenhall 255-7 beat
Frinton-on-Sea II 220-7
by 35 runs
With four matches remaining to play in this season’s campaign, the supposed “Mildenhall Juggernaut” looked more like a low loader as it ground out an unconvincing 35-run win at home against Frinton-on-Sea II on Saturday.
Mildenhall were invited to bat first and Joe Reed and Steve Taylor had reached 88 just before the halfway point, having been largely contained by 10 overs of medium line and length bowling by Frinton’s Tony Stubbs.
Reed was then bowled by Russ Stockdale for 37, with Luke Youngs and Taylor gradually accelerating the score with an 86-run partnership.
Taylor (82) had a let-off on 49 when a double fumble allowed him to avoid being run out, but in the 40th over he was caught by Stubbs off Jack Oakes.
Youngs (48) was the third wicket to go down with the score on 192, before skipper Ben Shepperson departed for 15.
Peter Worthington (28 not out) and Kyle Morrison (19) quickly added 30 in the next three overs as Mildenhall closed on 255-7.
Frinton had reached 121 by the 27th over when Stockdale was caught for 70 by Reed, who finished with three wickets as the visitors closed on 220-7.
n Mildenhall II were eight-wicket winners away at a weakened Exning side, with Jon Allen (3-27), Matt Heywood (3-36) and Steve Graham (66) impressing.
n Mildenhall III secured a four-wicket home win over Elmstead II and a much-changed Mildenhall IV lost to Halstead III by eight wickets.
n Mildenhall Sunday finished the season unbeaten after beating Bury St Edmunds by seven wickets in their final game, while Mildenhall Sunday II finished nine runs short against Edwardstone.
n Mildenhall Ladies won by 45-runs against close table rivals Ipswich Ladies to still be in with a chance of winning the title. | http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/sport/cricket/mildenhall-go-further-clear-at-the-top-of-division-one-1-7544065 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.buryfreepress.co.uk/39a2bfee9b89c03e33cbe3c2ffde8ab4c0cddf9ec7f37b11693e9cd3bec21227.json |
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