Plans to form a Joint Housing Board were approved by Members at both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils last year. This is believed to be the first Joint Housing Board in the country where tenants and Members from two districts will work together, with equal voting rights, to decide on strategy and develop plans and policy.

Martin King, Head of Housing for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils said: “The Government’s commitment to localism, the devolution of power to communities and the Housing Revenue Account reforms are all factors that mean we must transform our decision making processes. The new Joint Housing Board is part of that change and will provide the capacity and flexibility to meet these challenges.”

The Joint Housing Board, which will be made up of 12 Members (six councillors and six tenants), will be established in the next few months. It will cover six wards across the two districts.

All tenants will be allowed to stand for election. Those who stand as a candidate will be asked to write a ‘mini-manifesto’. The manifesto will contain information about the candidates and what they see as the priorities for the new Board. All tenants will then take part in a postal ballot to elect a tenant to represent their ward. This will be done in February 2012.

Richard Senior, Chair of the Babergh Tenants Forum said in support of the board: “This is an exciting new development and involves tenants fully. It is the first time ever that tenants have been involved in such a scheme. The tenants will have more control and more say in what goes on.”

Rick Langford, Chair of the Mid Suffolk Forum has been involved for many years and feels that this is a major step forward: “This is great news and means that tenants will have an equal say in all matters that affect the service that the councils provide for us.”

Keith Wykes, Chair of the Joint Integration Group, a joint tenant forum that was set up to oversee the integration of the two councils housing service summed up by saying: “Exciting things are happening at your local council. We all urge tenants and leaseholders to find out more, and be part of it.”

Tenants and Leaseholders who would like to find out about the Housing Board and how to stand as a candidate can contact Tarina Gregory on 01449 724759 or email: tarina.gregory@midsuffolk.gov.uk

The Suffolk Coastal Resource Network (SCRN) is urging local community, voluntary and faith groups to give their details to their local Volunteer Centre to be placed on the site, which aims to pull together all the volunteering opportunities on offer in the district. Members of the public interested in volunteering can then see what opportunities are available in their area.

“This is an attempt to get both an accurate picture of all the activities underway in our district and it also matches potential volunteers to the needs of local voluntary and community groups, using online technology,” said Jonathan Moore of the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership Board.

“Volunteer Ipswich and Volunteer Centre Framlingham & District are running this important initiative for us within the SCRN and I hope that as many organisations as possible will register their details. Those groups on the west side of the A12 should register with Volunteer Centre Framlingham and the east side with Volunteer Ipswich, while groups in the Woodbridge area can register with either body.

“We would also like existing volunteers themselves to come forward and register with their local volunteer centre, and say with which organisations they are currently working.

“So that their contribution to their local community can be widely acknowledged, we would also like to know what role they have and how much of their time and skills it takes to fulfill that role. Volunteer Ipswich and Framlingham Volunteer Centre are able to support these existing volunteers, and people interested in volunteering, to find the right opportunities for themselves, either in person, or by going onto www.do-it.org and seeing what is available,” added Mr Moore.

The registration forms for volunteers and also for local groups can be obtained by calling Kirk Jackson, Volunteer Support and Development Officer at Volunteer Ipswich on 01473 261116 or emailing volunteer@ipswich-cvs.org.uk . Volunteer Centre Framlingham & District’s contact is Jan Wright, available on 01728 621210 or by emailing framlingham@volunteercentressuffolk.co.uk

The SCRN is a Suffolk Coastal LSP backed project that has been playing an important role in helping Voluntary and Community Sector groups in the district, and has so far offered support and advice that has gained over 400 groups over £500,000 of funding from national, local and regional sources.

“I can’t believe, it, it’s great, “she said. “There is just so much happening, so many new stalls, the new ring, all the games for dogs, people are really going to have a fantastic day out this year and hopefully we will be making plenty of money for Suffolk charities. My family love Suffolk and we are so happy to be living here, so it is wonderful to be giving something back and helping it thrive through a fun event like Suffolk Dog Day. People just love their dogs,” said the former Crufts presenter,” and this is such a great way to give them a fun and stimulating day out with all the family.”

As well as the 12 classes for puppies from six months to vintage dogs aged seven years onwards, there are novelty classes for both pedigree and cross breeds, including Suffolk’s next top model, dog with the waggiest tail, Top dog, Designer Dog and That’s the one for me, the dog the judges would most like to take home. Among the judges are many of the generous sponsors supporting the day and many who judge on the national canine circuit, ensuring the Suffolk Dog Day really is one for top dogs.

As the event has gained popularity the organisers have expanded the activities across the Helmingham site. New this year is the Suffolk Arena – another display ring with demonstrations, chances for dogs to participate in musical sits and for parades of the winners. This will be compered throughout the day and surrounded by many other activities all designed to stimulate our canine friends, including Rally Obedience, Catch the Rabbit the Blue Cross Fun dog Scurry the Gun Dog Scurry in the pond as well as bungee trampoline and bouncy slide and castle to ensure owners have a bit of a work out too. On the Scent Agility will be running the “have a go “ agility ring and BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rob Dunger will be joining the popular commentary team with Peter Purves, Dudley Clarke and Christopher Clarke.

Little noses will be sniffing out the curry cart, pies and cakes, hog roast and bacon butties, Belgium waffles and pancakes, local ice creams, Fair-trade tea and coffee and freshly made lemonade among the many catering options designed to keep strength up, but these are strictly for two-legged friends. In addition Adnams, the lead sponsor, has its boat bar on site.

Away from the rings there are numerous tradestands selling animal related accessories and gifts, photographic and portrait opportunities as well as gifts for dog owners looking for something locally made.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to exhibit at Dog Day,” said chairman Jacqui Mayne. “And there are some lovely and different stalls, I cannot wait to see some of the designer dog collars and see what the Dog Deli has to offer my dogs for supper! We have a great line-up and anticipate a really successful day for everyone. So get online at www.suffolkdogday.com and register your dogs and buy your tickets now!” she said.

Tickets are discounted if bought in advance and cost £6 for adults, £4 for children aged 4-16, and £16 for a family ticket. Prices on the day are £7, £5 and £20 respectively. There is a £3 entry fee per dog, per class. Parking is free. Gates open at 10.30am.For further information on the day, to check out the classes and find out how to register in advance or to download a trade stand form visit www.suffolkdogday.com or call Elizabeth on 01473 734125.

As well as the fun dog classes a highlight will undoubtedly be the Best of Suffolk Champions Parade when all the winners will walk around the Show Ring.

Helmingham Hall is renowned for its beautiful gardens designed by Lady Tollemache, gold medal winner at Chelsea Flower Show, and entry to walk around them is included in the Dog Day ticket price.

Established just under six years ago, The Suffolk Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living in the county. It has already awarded more than £4m in 1500 grants to local charities and voluntary groups that are making a genuine difference to the lives of Suffolk communities and believes in the importance of helping communities respond to their local circumstances in their own way.

By managing funds and donations on behalf of individuals, companies, trusts and public agencies, The Suffolk Foundation is the vital link between local donors and local needs – connecting the people who care with the causes that matter. Recipients include The Bridge Project, Sudbury; Iceni; TANK Residents Group, Ipswich; Suffolk Befriending, JUMP, Lowestoft; Fisher Youth Theatre, Bungay; Waveney Women’s Health Centre, Lowestoft; Eastgate and Triple-A Boxing Clubs, 1st Horringer Scout Group and Women’s Aid Ipswich.
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For further press information contact Stephanie Renouf, PR for Suffolk Dog Day on 01502 726172/07785 551193.

Sam, Black Ice Display Team.