Pakefield is a wonderful Place to Enjoy a Short Stay including a Caravan & Pontins Holdiay Park Break

The financial crisis was supposed to decimate the property market, but estate agents are finding that buyers are still out there, and Pakefield’s attraction to families and first time buyers is holding strong.

Although things are far better than was feared a couple of years ago, many agents are still having a tough time staying ahead of the competition, and are looking for ways to bring their businesses into the new era and retain their edge. Estate agent software is proving to be a vital lifeline for struggling agencies, with intuitive systems for making the most of social media and iPhone app technology included out of the box.

With 33 books to her name, Ali Sparkes is a publishing sensation, but as the popular kids’ author revealed on a recent visit to Pakefield, she began her working life as a Pontins’ Bluecoat at the Pakefield resort.

In 1985, Sparkes was a teenager, and decided to earn some summer cash by working for a season at the Pontins camp. She told the East Anglian Daily Times: “I remember the long, long journey from London on the train; and then the change at Ipswich to a train that’s like a bus on a flat, flat line so straight it’s got a disappearing point.”

“It was early season and the place was virtually deserted. It was just flat, flat greenery everywhere, with the camp lying low on the horizon, crouching there. You could hear the birds and little else. I really did have a sense of something beginning. It’s the kind of thing I would write about now.”

Ms Sparkes is the writer of the popular Shapeshifter series, and she treated Pakefield Primary School pupils to a reading, as well as sharing her memories of 1980s Pakefield. She enjoyed sharing her work with the schoolkids, but noted that life as a childrens’ author isn’t the best way to earn money:

“Kids say ‘Miss, are you a millionaire?’ And I tell them how it is and watch the light die in their eyes . . .” she laughs. “But you do have that ever-present promise: what if Steven Spielberg calls . . . ? It could happen.”

Pakefield Primary School’s brand new Rainbow building was officially opened last week, and one of the school’s most illustrious former pupils turned up to share some of his experiences with pupils.

Michael Foreman, who has written and illustrated an incredible 200 childrens’ books, told 400 pupils of his time at Pakefield Primary, and even admitted that he didn’t always pay attention in class.

Pakefield Primary headteacher Imant Ladusans told the Lowestoft Journal: “absolutely brilliant”. He added: “About 400 pupils sat still for the whole hour. He held their attention so much that the pupils did not even fidget.”

Mr Foreman, 73, who has worked as an illustrator for Roald Dahl, as well as producing an incredible number of his own books, told the Pakefield kids how he was inspired to take up an artistic career after teachers spotted his talent at the primary school.

The Rainbow building is part of Lowestoft’s move to a two-tier school system which replaces the previous middle-school system, and which is helping to improve educational facilities in the town.

Suffolk County Council’s cabinet has voted to invest £7.5m in the proposed Pakefield High School, which is to be built on the former site of Pakefield Middle School.

Money for new school buildings was supposed to be provided by a central government grant, which has since been cancelled, leaving a £12m shortfall in council education funding.

However, Suffolk County Council have remained committed to a new, state-of-the-art high school for Pakefield’s children, and voted to invest Council funds to complete the project.

The first pupils are due to move to the new buildings this spring, with 900 students due to attend daily by 2014. Graham Newman, the county council’s portfolio holder for children, welcomed the cabinet’s decision, telling the BBC:”The new Pakefield High School is a key part of our planning for the Lowestoft area,”

“It represents the culmination of the county council’s investment in this part of Suffolk to reorganise the education provision to the nationally recognised two-tier system.”

After a six-match run of unbroken victory, Kirkley and Pakefield FC was brought back down to earth after a defeat at Ely

Yet manager Paul Tong has renewed his commitment to the club, and is confident that the tiny giant-killing side will avoid relegation.

“Until it’s mathematically impossible for us to go down I won’t sleep easy,” the former Great Yarmouth boss told the EDP. “I’m hard on them but it’s vital that we stay in this division. I will be looking to add one or two new faces and we’ve got some great youth players coming through.”

Despite the loss at Ely, fans are thrilled with this season’s performance, and are hopeful that if the team can avoid relegation that they will go from strength to strength.

The only fly in the ointment is the ankle injury suffered by striker Russell Stock, but Tong remains upbeat: “He’s a big player for us and he’s part and parcel of the run that we’ve been on recently. But when someone is out it provides a chance for somebody else and we’ve got some young lads knocking on the door of the first team.”

As part of the BBC’s Stargazing LIVE series, the Pakefield-based Lowestoft and Yarmouth Regional Astronomers’ Society is holding a series of observation nights

These nights will see keen amateur astronomers try to catch a glimpse of some rare and wonderful celestial sights.

The stargazing meetings are aimed at enthusiasts of every level, with experienced members offering their expertise to newcomers, and all are welcome to join.

Among the sights to be seen this week are four of Jupiter’s moons, some rarely-glimpsed nebulae and for those with access to a powerful telescope, some fascinating star clusters. As well as this, atmospheric conditions are just right for observing Andromeda, our closest neighbouring Galaxy (although at 2.5 million light years away, close may not be the word).

So if you’re a keen stargazer looking to link up with other enthusiasts, or you’re a beginner to the hobby, the Lowestoft and Yarmouth Regional Astronomers’ Society is a great place to learn more about the universe. If you want to join them, visit their site and head down to Pakefield Cliffs for your chance to see some truly unique heavenly objects.

Kirkley and Pakefield FC started the year with a resounding defeat of Great Yarmouth town in front of 165 delighted supporters on Monday the 2nd January.

The win should provide the team with a boost heading into the rest of the year.

The Royals dominated the Bloaters from the off, with the home supporters at Walmer Road cheering them on. The Royals’ two goals leave them in a strong position, ready to take on 2012′s forthcoming fixtures.

The match serves as a warm up for the 10th January’s derby game against Lowestoft Town, which is set to be a truly memorable clash, with both teams firing on all cylinders.

This New Year’s Eve in Pakefield it’s time to celebrate the arrival of 2012 in style, with our guide to the best of what’s on.

Your favourite Pakefield pubs are gearing up for their New Year’s Eve celebrations, with the Oddfellows, the Ship and the Carlton all hosting their own events.

One of the most popular events this year is the return of Beach Farm Park’s annual New Year’s Party, which features a live band, and is ideal for families, as it caters to partiers of all ages.

So if you’re still deciding what to do on New Year’s Eve in Pakefield, there are plenty of ways to have a night to remember.

Thanks to the picturesque Suffolk coast, Pakefield has always drawn more than its fair share of homebuyers, but in these troubled financial times, what can local estate agents do to stay ahead of the big national companies?

Large, national agencies may lack the personal touch, but their huge marketing budgets and hi-tech online tools mean that buyers are increasingly likely to use them over a smaller local firm. But now, with the advent of Lettings Software from CFP, the underdogs are fighting back. CFP’s software allows even the smallest firms to make use of technology that puts them on a par with the largest national agencies, including web based portfolios, interactive customer management and even dedicated smartphone apps for both iPhone and Android.

Combining cutting edge online tools with the local firm’s traditional personal touch, it looks like Lettings Software might just turn the tables on the big boys.

Love Pakefield have compiled a list of all upcoming events in Pakefield and surrounding areas, for great days out to enjoy Pakefield in all its glory.

Jack and the Beanstalk

The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, Suffolk

The traditional family pantomime returns to the Marina Theatre, with two performances a day. For details of show times, contact the Marina Theatre on the number below.

Wed 14 Dec 2011
Mon 2 Jan 2012

01502 533200

Dick Whittington

The Seagull Theatre, Morton Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk 19:00

The Seagull Theatre presents the pantomime favourite, Dick Whittington, with up to two performances a day. Call the Seagull Theatre on the number below to check individual show times.

Thu 15 Dec 2011
Sat 24 Dec 2011

01502 589726

Stick Man

Carlton Marshes, Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft

A delightful show based around the hit kids’ book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Booking is essential as demand is high. £3.50 for kids, £1.50 for adults.

Tue 20 Dec 2011 10:00 to 12:00

01502 564250

Winter Survival

Carlton Marshes, Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft

Find out how different creatures survive the winter and compete to see who can keep ‘Dopey Doormouse’ the warmest by building the best nest. £6 per child (suitable for ages 8 to 12 years)

Wed 21 Dec 2011 10:30 to 14:30

01502 564250

The Rainbow Serpent

Carlton Marshes, Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft

A range of activities for kids aged between 8 and 12, based on traditional Aboriginal tales. £6 per child.
01502 564250

Wed 15 Feb 2012 10:30 to 14:30