Category: Latest News

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Don’t panic Mr Mainwaring

Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales, Dominic Parravani suggests how to tackle the property market as we approach the end of lockdown and the start of summer.

Has the world gone completely mad? Indeed just lately the world of property seems as though it might have done. If the press isn’t yelling about renovations at No 10, it’s screaming about panic buying and soaring prices. How much should we believe?

With No 10, one’s view depends on which side of the fence one is sitting. And it’s the same with property. There’s the buyer’s side of the fence and the seller’s side.

Sellers are having a good time of it at the moment. In many parts of the country there is very little property coming onto the market, which is strengthening demand and driving up prices in those areas.

For buyers it is another picture. Competing for every property with many other keen and proceedable buyers is not a calm or comfortable position to be in. Urgency often causes hasty decisions, a little too much compromise and disappointment.

But the property market is fickle. The pandemic, Brexit, low interest rates, looser lending criteria and the stamp duty holiday have primarily created this surge in demand. What will happen when these things, like the No 10 renovation, are only memories?

It is impossible to say for sure. But what we do know is that the property market is cyclical. What goes up usually to some extent comes down.

The first thing one should do is to remember the immortal words of Corporal Jones in Dad’s Army, “Don’t panic, Mr Mainwaring, don’t panic”. If you must move or are up for a bit of market rough and tumble then by all means join the fray. But if you want a more leisurely buying or selling experience, then perhaps you should hold off for a little while. The market heat will dissipate before too long, just as Covid seems to be doing.

How do you decide whether to act now or wait? Well, you can leave it all to chance, or you can get some proper advice. The thing is that estate agents don’t just sell property; the best ones advise buyers and sellers wisely. When you think about it they know more about the emotional, practical and financial side of moving than anyone else, because they have seen it and done it hundreds of times for thousands of people and innumerable reasons.

So if you are wondering what and when your next step should be in the property stakes, don’t panic; talk it over with people who know.

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A garden to stimulate the senses for Fressingfield Primary School

fressingfield primary school sensory garden supported by Durrants

It’s National Gardening Week this week, so what better time to announce our support of this delightful project at Fressingfield Primary School, near Eye in Suffolk, with funding from our charitable foundation.

Back in March we received a beautifully written letter from Belle, aged 10, telling us about an exciting project going on at the school to build a sensory garden. Funds had already been raised for a ‘reflection shed’ – a space where children can take time out to be still and thoughtful, but more support was needed to create an area around it that would stimulate the children’s senses.

The children of Yangtze class, led by their teacher Mr Leicester researched the benefits of such a garden, put thought into what sort of plants and features it would need and then set to work writing to local businesses.

“This year has been extremely stressful for all children, so it would really help having a sensory garden to come to, to relax. Children with mental health issues can relax their mind and forget about all their worries.” wrote Belle. She went on to say “Furthermore, having a sensory garden is also really good for wildlife; the sensory garden will attract bees because of the strong smelling flowers.”

Here at Durrants we were delighted to read Belle’s letter which conveyed so well just how enthusiastic she and her classmates are about the garden. We decided to contribute £500 towards the project. We also sent Belle a little gift for her hard work in writing such a lovely letter.

“Making a difference to the local community is exactly what the Durrants Charitable Foundation is about and we look forward to hearing how the project progresses.” said Dominic Parravani, Managing Director of Durrants.

Fressingfield Primary School is one of several beneficiaries of Durrants Charitable Foundation 2021.  You can find out more about it here.

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Kerb appeal that sells

kerb appeal to sell your home

In all walks of life it’s a fact that first impressions count and that’s particularly true when selling your home. Kerb appeal is a term widely used when referring to the appearance and desirability of a property from the outside. But what gives a property ‘kerb appeal’?

What makes a property attractive to one buyer could make it a ‘no no’ to another – architectural style is highly subjective. But no matter what the style of your property there are key things that can be done to improve its kerb appeal and make it more desirable to potential buyers.

When selling your home you should treat every property viewing as you would a job interview. You wouldn’t go to an interview in your slippers and PJs with no knowledge behind you. You’d make yourself smart and know your onions. It’s all about preparation, presentation and attention to detail.

Front Door

The front door is the main focal point of the home and must make a positive impression. Make sure it’s clean and that the handle, letter box and knocker are polished. You may also wish to consider a fresh coat of paint if required. A clean door mat is always nice too. Of course, a stuck, stiff or squeaky door doesn’t give a welcoming feel so if your door is in need of a little maintenance, we’d recommend that it’s attended to.

Windows

Clean windows, frames and sills give the impression that the property is loved. Also consider the curtains or blinds and how they look from the outside. Leave them open, and tidy.

Paths and Driveways

A swept pathway or drive will always give a better first impression than one that is dirty and dusty. A pressure wash and removal of weeds (especially in brick-weave) will also be well-received.

Bins

Wheelie bins are ugly and out of sight is the best place for them.

Grass and Gardens

If you have a front lawn, make sure it’s cut and that borders are trimmed and neat. If your property doesn’t have any greenery, perhaps consider adding something to enhance it – a hanging basket or potted plan for example.

Boundaries and Beyond

Take a look at the hedges/fences that border the property. Do the hedges need a trim or the fences need a bit of TLC? Getting these details right can all make a property more attractive to a potential buyer.

Of course, anything outside the boundaries of your property is not your responsibility, but take a look around prior to a viewing. Is there any litter that needs picking up? Are the grass verges in need of a quick cut? These are all things that contribute to the kerb appeal and first impression of your home and ultimately, the success of your sale.

At Durrants we’re passionate about selling property and are here to guide you through the process from the initial valuation and photos, to viewings and the legalities. If you’re considering selling your home, why not get in touch with us? We’ve been selling houses in Norfolk and Suffolk since 1853 and are proud to offer a service you can trust.

Pictured: 1 Chickering Hall Cottages, Hoxne.

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No Ordinary Joe, No Ordinary Kennedy

No ordinary Joe, No ordinary Kennedy

INK has commissioned playwright, Martyn Wade to tell the dramatic and tragic story of Joe Kennedy Jnr, the elder brother of JFK, who as a young man seemed destined to become President of the United States – until, that is, the Second World War intervened.

No Ordinary Joe, No Ordinary Kennedy examines Joe’s complex character, and traces events which led Joe to volunteering for a top-secret and highly dangerous mission, in which he was required to fly a Liberator plane packed with explosives and bail out before it crossed the Channel. Tragically his plane exploded over Blythburgh, Suffolk killing him and his co-pilot, Lt. Wilford John Willy (Bud). This play is to honour them both and all those who flew and lost their lives during WW2.

Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and a grant from Durrants Charitable Foundation, the project will also gather and record local WW2 stories which will be then be presented and stored at The Halesworth Museum and an exhibition displaying parts of the crashed plane curated for the first time from different sources.

“We’re delighted to support this project.”  commented Dominic Parravani, Managing Director of Durrants. “It brings to life a fascinating wartime story that happened right on our doorstep, and the telling of that story will bring together the local community and provide fascinating insight for generations to come.”

Fiona Darrington of INK’s Community Project said, “We are thrilled, delighted and incredibly grateful to the Durrants Charitable Foundation for awarding INK funding for our heritage project – No Ordinary Joe, No Ordinary Kennedy. Your generous donation of £1,500 will make a significant contribution to our work and greatly benefit The Halesworth and Community Museum and the wider Suffolk community.”

Originally planned last year to tour Suffolk airfields No Ordinary Joe, No Ordinary Kennedy will now be performed as an audio drama and will be released from 8th April (the planned start date for INK Festival 2021) at www.inkfestival.org – an optional small donation will be suggested to help raise funds for INK and The Halesworth Museum.

 

 

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How much is your property worth?

How much is your house worth

The last 12-months have changed the way we use our homes in a way that none of us could have imagined and the demand for space both inside and outside has created an exceptional demand for larger properties.

In its March House Price Index report, Rightmove has highlighted a 4.1% increase in house prices year on year in the East of England and a 2% increase month on month.  In a recent article published by Zoopla the average house prices and square footage measurements for properties in Mid-Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and South Norfolk were laid out as follows; 

Mid Suffolk

3-Bedroom house, 1,025 sq ft  = £273,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,570 sq ft  = £404,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,265 sq ft  = £543,000

Suffolk Coastal

3-Bedroom house, 1,050 sq ft  = £300,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,530 sq ft  = £424,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,035 sq ft  = £502,000

South Norfolk

3-Bedroom house, 1,015 sq ft  = £263,000

4-Bedroom house, 1,490 sq ft  = £378,000

5-Bedroom house, 2,035 sq ft  = £482,000

So how much is YOUR house worth?

These are all good statistics, but with such a diversity of settings and dwellings in Norfolk and Suffolk what does this mean for your property value?  Well, the best way to find that out is to get in touch with us for a free, no obligation valuation.  We’ll come to the property, assess it and talk you to about your reasons for selling  and your expectations to give you an honest and realistic market value for your home.

For an instant valuation simply complete our online form or get in touch with a member of the team in our of our local offices.

Source: zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/family-homes-what-can-you-get-and-where

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Understanding Southwold is key to our success

Southwold estate agency success

Southwold. Arguably Suffolk’s most well-known town. Famous for its quirky pier, pretty beach huts, bustling high street, fish and chips and of course, Adnams brewery. But it’s something far more significant that makes Southwold so magical and unique explains Dominic Parravani, Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales.

Southwold is a town unlike any other. It’s a town of history and connections. One that’s been passed down from generation to generation along with the memories created along the way. A walk along the pier illustrates that beautifully, with the numerous plaques that line the promenade each capturing a treasured memory of someone with a special connection to the town. It’s understanding, respecting and nurturing this generational connection and being an active part of the community that make Durrants as successful as it is.

Durrants estate agency has had an office on Southwold High Street since 2007 when it took over from H A Adnams. Then, Adnams and Durrants were perfectly aligned in ethos and history both being local family firms, and that remains to this day. Durrants is an integral part of the Southwold community. The Company sponsors the town rugby club and plays a large part in the organisation of Southwold Arts Festival and the Christmas Lights festivities. The team aged, from 22 to 72, are all local and are truly passionate about the town and its surrounding area. The Company is well-respected and trusted by the local residents. So it’s no wonder that when selling a property in the town Durrants is often the first port of call.

“I strongly believe our history, our level of customer care, unrivalled local market knowledge, our team’s years of experience, and our involvement with local clubs, groups and associations is the reason we are the town’s leading agent.”

Of course sales performance also has something to do with Durrants’ success. According to Rightmove, in the first two and a half months of 2021, Durrants estate agency has outperformed its competitors in every way possible in the IP18 postcode area (Southwold and Reydon).
Of the properties on the market between 1st January and 17th March 2021, 56% were listed with Durrants. During the same period the Company secured over 59% of all new instructions; and perhaps most importantly Durrants has agreed the most sales – more than double that of its nearest competitor. This is a trend that has continued on the company’s success in 2020.

Durrants currently has 17 properties for sale in and around Southwold, from 1-bed apartments and fishermen’s cottages, to stunning sea-view Georgian villas and even George Orwell’s former home. There are some spectacular properties in the pipeline too. Browse the portfolio here.

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All you need to know about thatched roofs

thatched cottage walberswick building consultancy

So, you have seen your ideal cottage, but it has got a thatched roof and the fear of the unknown enters your purchasing decision.   What are the key considerations when considering when purchasing or owning a thatched property? 

Trevor Musk, company director and head of Durrants Building Consultancy explains.

It is costly to repair and replace a thatched roof?

The thatching cost usually is based on the area of roof to be thatched. Thatcher’s work on “square” 10 feet by 10 (100 square feet). The average roof is around 6 – 12 square although some properties are 4 square and some 80 square. The cost also depends on factors such as shape of the roof, type of material, design of the roof, ridge type and style whether wiring is required, the type of flashing required and more.

The thatcher may not know what work is required to the timbers before the original thatch is removed.  This can sometimes create an additional cost.

Always get your thatching quotations in writing so it is clear what you are being offered and also so that the thatcher is not asked to do extra work which is not quoted for.   As with all things, the most expensive quote may not be the best thatcher and similarly a cheap quote not the worst, but again you do get what you pay for. Ideally use a thatcher registered with the National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT), although not all thatchers are members of this organisation.

What type of thatch is it?

There are three main thatching materials used on roofs, Water Reed, Combed Wheat Reed and Longstraw and there are other materials used. These vary in application, style and longevity. Thatch is an environmentally friendly building material.

Water Reed

This material is widely used throughout the UK. It is also known as Norfolk Reed and Continental Water Reed. This material is very hard and has the longest lifespan of all the thatching materials. There are always exceptions to the rule but Thatch Advice Centre knows of roofs which are over 60 years old. New properties are thatched in this material because it gives the most cost effective roof to customers. To change to this material on a listed building would require Listed Building Consent. Water Reed roofs are generally straighter and less rounded looking than the other materials

Wheat Reed

This may be called Wheat Reed, Combed Wheat Reed or Wheat Straw. Combed Wheat Straw has been used as a thatching material for decades. It was the by product from grain production. The advent of combine harvesters has meant that it is now a specialist product, only produced by those with the old fashioned machines. It is labour intensive by modern day standards. Combed Wheat Reed roofs generally have a more rounded appearance than Water Reed. This material has a lifespan of around 25 – 35 years.

Longstraw

This is the same material as Combed Wheat Reed but it is produced differently once it has been brought in from the field. A Longstraw roof is more shaggy in appearance as the straws are put on with both ears and butts of the material facing downwards.

How do I know if the thatched roof is in good condition?

Before the purchase of a thatched property we would always recommend to get an independent survey of the roof by a thatcher and again one that it is registered with the NSMT.

Indication of a worn roof – on the ridge, the wire netting may be left raised where the thatch has degraded and the fixings (spars) may well be showing sticking out. The ridge may well be perfectly serviceable even if the fixings are showing and it is looking a bit untidy.
Lines across the main roof coat work and dips also indicate wear. Moss and lichens often are associated with well decayed roofs and sometimes the roof has reached a stage in its life where moss is best left as to remove it will do more damage than good.
If you look at the eave and see a triangle of dark material it may indicate water ingressing and wear of the roof.
Lead and cement flashings coming away from chimneys and gaps where they meet the thatch should be checked and cement flashings which are cracked or broken may need looking at. Lead flashings are the best.

Does having a thatched roof affect my buildings insurance?

Firstly, it is very important that you have buildings insurance on your thatched property. It must be appropriate and have the correct rebuild cost included. Be aware of what is and what is not covered and if in doubt ask the question before taking out the insurance. Understand your property and that most insurers will ask specific questions about your property, its thatch and construction.

Everyone believes that thatch is more expensive but, as with all insurance, if you know what you want and shop around for a specialist who meets your needs you can get a good solution. Be aware that some insurers are cheaper for a reason, other offer certain covers as standard which some insurers have as additional features. Be sure that you compare ‘like for like’ when getting insurance for your thatched property.

If you are wrong with your rebuild cost, and you need to rebuild your property for any reason, your pay out can often be very disappointing. You will potentially be paid out less, by the % of the amount you were underinsured, which often means if you are for example 50% underinsured, you would only get say 50% of 50%, e.g. 25% of the sum you were expecting. Specialist insurers now ask for more checks and precautions to be taken in order for them to be able to give cover. Often insurers will carry out their own survey of a property within the first few weeks of setting up a policy. This is for their own risk assessment purposes.

How and when do I maintain a thatched roof?

The lifespan of a thatched roof and therefore its maintenance requirement is due to several factors. Because of the natural degradation of the material over time, it will eventually reach the stage where it requires completely rethatching. Repairs may extend the life of certain areas but it will reach a situation where there is no life left in the surrounding material and it is false economy.

Keep an eye on your roof and any changes especially before and after the winter period. Always get more than one quote for work which requires doing so that you avoid the ‘rogue thatchers’ touting for work. Unfortunately they exist in all trades and memberships and smart websites are no guarantees. Establish early on what condition the thatch is in, then any necessary work can be quoted for and planned into a schedule of maintenance.

If a listed property requires a total rethatch, the local council listed building department/conservation officer should be consulted. The owner and thatcher should both seek the relevant advice from the authorities if they are uncertain as to the requirements. Listed Buildings should always be maintained on a like for like basis
Generally the ridge of the thatch will require replacing every 10 -15 years. The coat work will vary depending on the material used and its associated lifespan.
To keep the roof in best condition:
Allow it to dry well, remove trees and plants which may hinder the sun and wind drying it or rain dispersing. If it is damp it will also increase the likelihood of moss and algae growth which in turn keeps the roof wet.

Do not allow other trades to damage the roof either with ladders or by walking on the thatch. Any divot created has potential to accelerate the wear of the thatch and on the ridge damage to fixings can be especially detrimental to the roof life.

Do not assume that because the roof looks neat (with a good- conditioned ridge pattern) that it is prime condition. Often sellers get a new ridge done on an old roof which is beyond its life just to sell it.

Where can I get advice?

Contact Thatch Advice Centre
02380 428 058
08454 504 878
Email: info@thatchadvicecentre.co.uk
Information has been provided by Thatch Advice Centre

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Bedroom presentation to sell your home

Bedroom presentation to sell your home

Bedrooms are meant to be a place of tranquillity, calm and most importantly, a good night’s sleep. This may not be the reality for everyone, especially in these times when more of us are working from home and having to hide ourselves away in our bedrooms for important and uninterrupted calls and Zoom meetings, but if you’re trying to sell your home, presenting it in the right way is an absolute must.

Here are our 5 tips for presenting your bedrooms to help the speedy sale of your property.

Clear the clutter

As with most rooms in your house, clearing the clutter is an easy way to improve its presentation. But in the bedrooms, we don’t just mean photo frames, ornaments and trinkets, we mean furniture too. Space is incredibly important in bedrooms, and the only furniture you really need is a bed (which should be the focal point), a wardrobe or a chest of drawers and a bedside table or cabinet. Anything else is just eating space, so try to remove it if you can.

The de-cluttering goes for inside your wardrobes too. Storage is key in bedrooms and we’ve met very few purchasers who don’t like a sneaky peak in the wardrobes, whether they’re built in or free-standing. If your wardrobes are bursting it gives the message that there’s not enough storage.

Create the right atmosphere

We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms and it’s easy to become nose-blind to our everyday scent. Make sure bedrooms are well-aired and smelling clean and fresh prior to viewings. Freshly washed bed linen for viewings is a good idea not only to create a fresh scent, but to enhance visual appeal too.

Temperature is also essential in creating the right sleeping environment. According to the ‘The Sleep Foundation’ the perfect temperature for a good night sleep is 18.3°C. If a room is too cold or too warm and stuffy this can deter potential buyers from making an offer.

Make mine a double!

A double bedroom is, generally speaking, more desirable that a single. If you’re bedrooms can accommodate a double bed it’s important to demonstrate that where possible. Now we’re not suggesting buying new furniture to sell your house – that would be silly, but maybe you’re using the spare room as an office or you have a bedroom that’s being used for storage. In these circumstances putting in a made up airbed could help a potential buyer see past the current use of the room and leave them in no doubt that it can accommodate a double bed.

Consider the room layout

Often, and particularly in children’s bedrooms the bed will be pushed against the wall to allow more space in the room. This may not be the best layout to really sell your bedrooms (although it may be the most practical for you). Making the bed the main focal point of the room, with access to get in it from both sides can make it more appealing.

The finishing touches

As with all rooms, décor is a big deal. Our recommendation for bedrooms are keep it simple and coordinated with no bold statements. Think white bed linen, neutral walls, blinds or curtains that are thick enough to create enough darkness for good sleep, a few scatter cushions and perhaps a throw, et voila!

 

So there you have it. Our five tips to present bedrooms to help sell your property. Of course, the golden rule to finish on, which goes for every room in the house, is make sure it’s tidy. Make the bed as neatly as you can, remove overflowing laundry baskets, put children’s toys away, have a quick dust and hoover and clear away unnecessary clutter.

If you’re interested in selling your property and would like a free valuation from our friendly and knowledgeable team, get in touch today.

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Keep the home fires burning

Stamp duty announcement Budget 2021

Managing Director and Head of Residential Sales for Durrants, Dominic Parravani comments on Mr Sunak’s budget.

In his spring 2021 Budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has chosen to keep the fire under the property market well and truly alight.

The UK is now experiencing a property buying demand reminiscent of a 1970s or 1980s type boom. We know there’s a property boom when adverse events that might otherwise have knocked the market off course fail to do so. Lockdowns 2 and 3 haven’t dented the recharged enthusiasm for property purchase, which began in the first lockdown; nor have the threatened end of the stamp duty holiday or the dark cloud of a post-furlough unemployment spike.

It’s clear that the wider British public is back in love with home ownership, and the Chancellor has chosen to give that fire a further stoke. Mr Sunak has extended the stamp duty holiday from the end of March to the end of June. After this date, the starting rate of stamp duty will be halved to £250,000 until the end of September.

The Budget announcement also included a mortgage guarantee scheme to help people with small deposits get on the property ladder by offering incentives to lenders to provide 95% mortgages.

Simultaneously the Chancellor is easing the country from an end of furlough cliff edge and has turned away from increasing capital gains tax – an increase in CGT could have dented the holiday home and investment sectors. These moves point the way to a lively property market through 2021.

Out of the Chancellor’s control, but helping the market with other boosts, is the sensational march of Covid vaccinations and the pandemic-prompted and facilitated sea change in lifestyle choices.

With the public looking forward to the stepped retreat from lockdown and many people planning new ways of working between office and home, there are compelling new opportunities for buyers looking for first homes or for homes with more room in different surroundings.

As we wake up from the Covid nightmare it looks as if, aided by the Chancellor, a greater number of people will be turning some of their more pleasant lockdown dreams into realities.

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Don’t lose sleep over selling your home

you won't lose sleep when you sell with Durrants

Despite the excitement it can bring, it’s often said that moving house is one of life’s most stressful events. Packing up all your belongings, leaving behind neighbours and friends, taking time off work, arranging finances, not to mention the cleaning; these are all factors that add to the stress levels.

But perhaps the biggest factor that causes people to lose sleep when buying or selling a house is the process itself; the amount of people involved and feeling that things are out of your control, the movable feast that is the time it’s all going to take, the trepidatious journey to get to those milestone moments of exchange and completion.

Choosing the right agent to sell your property is the first step towards making sure you sleep well and your stress levels are kept to a minimum when selling your property. There’s a lot more to choosing your agent than just the commission rate. Here at Durrants we’re very proud of the service that we offer our clients and the positive testimonials that we regularly receive highlight the professionalism, knowledge and commitment of our team. The relationships we build with our clients are based on trust and mutual respect.

Knowing the market and you

We have an exceptional knowledge of what’s going on in the property market. When we come and value your property we’ll talk to you to understand your reasons for and expectations of selling to provide you with a realistic and honest market value for your property.

Marketing that’s right for your property

From ‘For Sale’ boards, brochures and our office window displays to our website, featured listings on Rightmove and promotion via our Mayfair Office and digital communications we will tailor the marketing of your property to a relevant audience to generate viewings and ultimately the sale of your property.

Communication

We know how important it is for you to understand how the sale is progressing and will keep you in the loop at all times during the process. Our friendly team have a wealth of experience and can guide you through with patience and understanding.

Building Consultancy

Did you know Durrants has its very own building consultancy team? We can offer RICS homebuyers reports and more comprehensive building surveys. We can also advise on extensions, alterations, planning and much more.

Advice and guidance

There’s a lot to think about when selling your property from presenting your home for viewings to packing. We’ve seen it all before at Durrants and are happy to offer helpful tips on all manner of topics from how to manage your packing to the best ways to manage the transfer of utilities.

Local Knowledge

With teams in Beccles, Halesworth, Harleston, Diss and Southwold we have a good knowledge of Norfolk and Suffolk and are well connected with other local businesses. We can advise you on many aspects of your move, from the best removal companies and mortgage advisors to use to the best café to get a coffee whilst waiting to collect your new keys on completion day.

If you are considering selling your home, why not get in touch with Durrants to arrange a free no-obligation valuation with a member of our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Durrants volunteers making a real difference in the community

The Durrants Team volunteering in the community

Playing a part in the local community in which we do business is something very close to our hearts here at Durrants and we’re very proud to have some real local heroes in our team. Read on to find out more about just three of our team who play important roles in their community.

Paula Goldsmith, our Covid hero

Paula Goldsmith is one of our holiday cottages team members, dealing with customer queries and accounts. She has worked for Durrants since 2018 and is also a member of Southwold Town Council and a well-loved member of the local community. An already busy-bee but not happy to let an opportunity to help slip her by, Paula has recently been volunteering two days a week at Sole Bay Health Centre in Reydon to assist the smooth operation of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“It’s a really varied role and I’m part of a lovely team. Each shift I could be doing anything from directing traffic and checking-in patients to reassuring people about the vaccination or making sure they’re comfortable and don’t have a ‘wobble’ after having the jab.”

We’re really proud of Paula and her fellow volunteers – keep up the good work!

Leah Smith, making new lives matter

As marketing manager for Durrants Holiday Cottages and a new first-time-mum in 2019, it would be fair to say that Leah has her hands full, but she has also found time to play a huge role for Baby Basics, a community based group who work with midwives, health visitors and other professionals to provide support to families who are unable to provide for their new arrival. Each family is gifted a moses basket full of baby essentials such as toiletries, newborn clothing, blankets, muslin cloths and other essential items.

“After becoming a first time Mum in 2019 I was stunned at how much you need to prepare for your new arrival, and it made me wonder how families in need across the country were able to obtain the basics, let alone higher priced essential items such as prams and car seats.

Part of my role within the organisation is to seek fundraising opportunities. In 2020 we sought a permanent ‘baby bank’ trolley in our local Tesco foodstore, set up regular donations from our local supermarkets and we also run an annual Christmas appeal where we ask members of the public to donate Christmas presents for the families we have supported throughout the year.”

Teresa Walsh, the festive spirit of Halesworth

Having worked for Durrants for 24 years, Teresa really is a part of the furniture – the team simply wouldn’t be the same without her. The same applies for the Christmas celebrations every year in Halesworth. For the last 6 years Teresa has been chair of Halesworth Events Management, or HEM for short, which is a group of volunteers who work tirelessly to organise and fund the Halesworth Christmas Lights.

“Christmas in Halesworth is so magical. Every November we celebrate with a parade including a band and Santa’s sleigh, followed by the big celebrity switch on. After that, there’s live music and dancing in the market place plus Santa’s Grotto at the church. Thousands of people come to the town to enjoy the festive celebrations. It’s an event that is enjoyed by not just the young but also the young at heart as many elderly residents look forward to attending this event every year.”

It’s a year-round job for Teresa, who together with her fellow volunteers, organises quizzes, fashion shows, and other fundraising activities, not to mention the risk assessments and licences that are required to pull such a tremendous event together.

We can’t thank our Durrants volunteers enough for their contribution to the community in which we do business. They really are shining stars. Thank you!

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Durrants announces £20k funding for local charities

Baby Basics and Durrants Charitable Foundation

Leading Norfolk and Suffolk property and consultancy firm Durrants is delighted to announce new funding of £20,000 available for local charities and community projects. Grants of up to £2,000 are available and applications must be submitted by 31st March 2021.

George Durrant & Sons Limited provides a range of agency, professional and consultancy services across the residential, commercial and agricultural property sectors and has played its part in the community since it was established back in 1853. Over the years Durrants has supported many local events and community projects including the work of East Anglian Air Ambulance; YANA, a rural mental health charity and Clinks Care Farm near Beccles, which provides disadvantaged people the opportunities to work and learn a variety of agricultural roles including working with livestock, carpentry, market gardening and more.

The Durrants Charitable Foundation has been set up to formalise the company’s support for local community and charity projects and this year a fund of £20,000 is available with applications for grants of up to £2,000 being accepted until 31st March 2021.

Dominic Parravani, Managing Director for Durrants said, “Being an active part of the community in which we do business is very important to us, and in these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to show our support.

The Foundation aims to support projects in the areas of Beccles, Diss, Halesworth, Harleston and Southwold, where we have offices. Perhaps a local school needs devices for remote learning, a sports club needs new equipment, or a new community event needs financial support getting off the ground. These are all examples we would consider supporting through the Foundation.”

A recent beneficiary of Durrants funding is Baby Basics, a Lowestoft based organisation that works with midwives, health visitors and other professionals to provide moses baskets and starter kits to vulnerable families in Lowestoft and the surrounding area. Leah Smith, Durrants employee and volunteer for Baby Basics commented, “We are delighted to have received the support of Durrants. This will make such a big difference to many vulnerable families in the area.”

Full details of how to apply for funding and terms and conditions are available here.