CFTC help out at Dereham Town
The second Canaries for the Community (CFTC) summer project took place recently at Dereham Town Football Club. Staff from Norwich City Football Club kindly gave up their time to help out on the day, which involved painting nearly 100 panelled fences surrounding the pitch. The following day we had 14 other volunteers continue the work including Dereham Town Manager, Matt Henman, and Chaiman Simon Barnes. Many thanks to everyone who contributed during the two days of work and special thanks to Sam Smith, Rachel Brister, Lisa Richards, Rob Whittle and Peter Rogers for the enthusiasm and hard work you showed.

Active Waveney Sports Awards Presentation Evening
Inspirational, passionate, enthusiastic, determined, committed and hard working.....they were just some of the 'buzz' words I highlighted during my speech as sporting excellence was recognised at a special ceremony.

The annual Active Waveney Sports Awards were celebrated recently as nine trophies and two certificates were handed out to honour 'outstanding' successes and a wealth of sporting talent in the district.

Leading sportsmen and women and volunteers were singled out for their successes in 2008-09 as the 12th annual awards ceremony recognised and rewarded people involved in sport within the Waveney District. But the awards were not only given out for individual achievement and excellence - they were also presented to honour the unsung heroes and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, such as coaches, teachers and volunteers, many without whom none of this success would be possible!

The presentations were also made by made by the Chairman of Active Waveney and Gymnastics Club Mr Pawsey, who said: "The award winners have come from numerous different sports, and echoing what Jeremy said they have all shown there is no gain without pain - that is the secret to success in sport." The award winners all now go on to be automatically entered into the Suffolk Sport Awards, which takes place in October.

The Canaries support of Lord Mayor's Procession
The Football Club were delighted to have participated, once again, in the annual spectacular Lord Mayor's Procession through the streets of Norwich. With 43 floats and 23 walking groups it really was an electrifying show for the 25,000 people who lined the streets. The NCFC attraction on the night were 'The Angel Dance Team' who, led by Sarah Cullum, batten-twirled their way around the guided walk proudly wearing their Norwich City shirts. Feeling just as proud were my sons Joseph and Jacob who led the way holding up giant NCFC footballs! Congratulations and well done to all the NCFC staff who contributed on the night and a special thank you to Chloe Turner, Ann and Sarah Cullum who were responsible for organizing an enjoyable and very successful event.

Howard Junior School visit
For me one of the best parts of my job is making visits to local schools to congratulate children who have achieved special awards and this was the case when I travelled to King's Lynn to speak to everyone at Howard Junior School. Many awards were given out on the day to children who in their own way have shown a good attitude and willingness to learn and achieve. I really enjoyed my time there and was very impressed by the teachers and parents who showed an obvious determination to instil enthusiastic 'life-skills' into the next generation growing up in and around King's Lynn.

Halesworth Highfield Residential Home
Highfield Residential Home was the venue for my third trip to Halesworth this month. Many Canary fans live in this region and I was pleased to meet some of our more 'senior' fans at Highfield where we had interesting conversations surrounding many former NCFC players. I've got to admit that the residents are some of the most dedicated fans I have ever met and it was a pleasure to have listened to them share their experiences of the Club's glorious past.