Appeal News

Appeal launched at public meeting help in Happisburgh Church

18 January 2007

NORTH NORFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL has pledged to spend £200,000 on sea defences for the village, but this amount could be boosted by public subscription in order to build even more effective defences. It was suggested by Jack Hall - Chairman of Coastal Concern Ltd., the charity set up alongside the CCAG Campaign group – that with over 400 properties in Happisburgh, if we could achieve a sum representing an average of £100 per property, a significant difference could be made. The donation was dubbed a "one-off insurance premium". He said, " Providing we act within the short time available, we have a unique opportunity. We are asking people to make their own individual contribution."

The Finance Director of Coastal Concern Ltd., Jim Whiteside, added his voice to the campaign for funding, stressing that any contribution, large or small would be gratefully received and that people might want to encourage friends, relatives and neighbours to join in this fund-raising effort.

The District Council project is due to start in the middle of February, and one of the advantages of giving money now was that each and every pound would go towards materials. All overheads would be already in place for the work being undertaken by the Council. CCL already has a five-figure sum in the bank from previous donations and community events.

A simple system is in place whereby anyone who was unable to attend the meeting can pick up an addressed envelope, in which to place a contribution, at Happisburgh Post Office or Cliff House or from any officer of CCAG or trustee of Coastal Concern Ltd. The envelopes can be returned to the Post Office or posted to Cliff House (the registered company address of Coastal Concern Ltd.) The envelopes contain a gift-aid form which – if filled in by tax payers - adds an extra 28p to every £1 donated.

More details of how to donate, including online, are given on the Buy a Rock for Happisburgh website

Thursday’s meeting also provided an opportunity for people to ask questions and put forward their own views. Technical matters were dealt with by Peter Frew, NNDC Head of Coastal Strategy and questions directed to Council members were answered by Clive Stockton, Deputy Council Leader. The Council’s Chief Executive, Philip Burton, was also present but, sadly, Norman Lamb, MP, was held up by storm damage on the railway and was stranded in Ipswich at the time of the meeting.

Before the meeting closed, Philip Burton made a presentation to Malcolm Kerby in recognition of the work he has undertaken on behalf of the village, which has become famous world-wide for its campaigning on the issues of coastal erosion. The gift of a bottle of whisky and whisky glasses engraved with a picture of seashore and rocks and the words "MALCOLM - with grateful thanks from Happisburgh" epitomises the admiration and esteem in which Malcolm is held in this village.