ek_sacc

A project to create a new village green in the heart of Hatfield Broad Oak has been declared the winner of a £50,000 community challenge from Stansted Airport’s charity fund.

The Hatfield Broad Oak Village Green project, an ambitious scheme that plans to transform grazing land into sporting and recreational facilities in the centre of the village, has been awarded the one off donation from the Stansted Community Fund, part of the grant-making charity BAA Communities Trust.

Keith Artus, District Councillor for Broad Oak and the Hallingburys, said:

“The Parish Council's belief in its plan to turn 12.5 acres of land in the heart of the village into a country park has been rewarded with this wonderful offer of support from the Stansted Community Fund.   Our scheme sits perfectly with the Fund’s aims in that we will be providing new recreational, sporting and wildlife facilities for the community with the benefit of environmental improvements.

”Last year, the Fund announced plans to donate £50,000 to a major community project linked to either education, the environment and employment which would bring a lasting benefit for many people. Panel members, comprising of representatives from the local community, reviewed 25 bids before deciding the Village Green project as their favourite following a vigorous judging process.

Chair of the Stansted Community Fund, Bob Wainwright, said the donation was a great showcase for all the good work being achieved across the local community, adding:

“We had a fantastic response to the community challenge and we’re delighted to be able to make this donation and support the Hatfield Broad Oak Village Green project. There is no doubt that the scheme will bring many benefits both to the local community and the environment for generations to come.

“So many worthy causes applied for this cash boost, which is why it was important that the Fund’s members carefully reviewed each project using their local knowledge and expertise to select the best possible recipient. It was important to us to see that there was good local support for the scheme – with many volunteers working hard to make the project happen. We will be following how the project develops with great interest.”

Royal Caribbean International will launch their first direct cruise connection from London Stansted this summer, operated by British Airways charter flights to Venice. 

Launching in June 2011, guests travelling from Stansted, will connect directly onto Voyager of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean International’s activity packed cruise ships for a seven night Adriatic sailing. 

Speaking about the new cruise connection, the airport’s Managing Director, Nick Barton said: 

“European cruise markets continue to grow in popularity and with direct flight connections, guests can enjoy warmer climates and be settled into their cruise holiday within hours of departing the UK. 

“We look forward to welcoming guests jetting away from Stansted for their cruise connection this summer, and wish Royal Caribbean International every success with this new service.” 

Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented: 

“Feedback from cruise travellers tells us that convenient flight connections are a factor when selecting their next cruise experience and the new services from Stansted are a great addition to our summer 2011 programme 

“Around 6.7 million people live in Stansted’s main catchment area, putting our cruise connections onto the doorstep of millions of potential customers.   Setting off on a great value cruise holiday from an iconic destination such as Venice is now easier than ever before, and the new service will deliver an efficient route for thousands of UK cruisers to begin their holiday immediately on the day of departure”

Highlights onboard Voyager of the Seas include an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, and indoor ‘street’ running through the centre of the ship featuring shops, restaurants and bars, as well as huge amounts of space dedicated to fun for children and teens of all ages. 

For further information and reservations visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk , call 0844 493 4005 or visit your local travel agent.

Big-hearted Stansted staff have been honoured for vital work they carry out as fundraisers and volunteers in the community at an award ceremony held at the airport.

I-Volunteer is a special award scheme run by BAA Communities Trust to celebrate and reward the many volunteering and fundraising achievements of London Stansted staff in their local community.

The national awards were first launched in 2004 by the Trust, but for the first time this year, the competition was run locally at Stansted.

Speaking at the event, held at the airport’s Radisson Blu Hotel on April 4, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Nick Barton said:

“Everyone here tonight should feel very proud of what they have achieved. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners -  you are all important and valued ambassadors for London Stansted in the local community and these awards are just one way in which we can say thank you.”

Shortlisted entrants received a donation of £250 for their chosen charity, with category winners receiving £2000, and runners up receiving £1000.

In total, £15,250 was donated to various charities and local community projects.

Winners include:

Outstanding Contribution Award: Heather Stevens - Takeley

The night’s top award of £2,500 went to Heather Stevens, a security officer from Takeley. She picked up the Outstanding Contribution Award, for her work for Help for Heroes and the Hedley Court Rehab Centre.

This is a remarkable achievement for Ian Smith who has been with Price Bailey forty years.

In 1971, the year of decimalisation, Ian Smith graced Price Bailey’s door and has never looked back. 

After a five year career with the Inland Revenue (now the HMRC), Ian decided to move from his London base and join Price Bailey Chartered Accountants at the Guild House in Water Lane (he has the bumps to prove it given the low ceilings). Ian’s first role was tax senior and very soon progressed to tax manager. In those days the sophisticated technology included drum calculators, Kalamazoo and spirit duplicators - for most of us this technology would seem alien. His loyalty, integrity and diligence to his clients and colleagues make him very special. 

Richard Price, Chairman of Price Bailey LLP and son of a founding member of the firm, said it was a privilege to work with Ian. He has worked with the firm for more than half the firm’s history and has seen many changes mostly for the better which has made it a top 40 firm. 

Ian commented: “I practice what is preached but often ignored in society and that is care and courtesy go hand in hand. In my forty year career with the firm the technology may have changed significantly but gaining the trust of your clients is paramount and never letting them down is crucial.” 

Ian continues to be a valued member of the Private Client team advising clients on tax efficient ways to improve their finances.