Cricket bats made from English willow grown in Suffolk and Essex are being shipped in large numbers to India and Pakistan, with some manufacturers sending most of their output there. Family-run firms are replanting willow trees and local farmers and parish councils are earning extra income from growing them for the trade.
Pupils at St Augustine's Junior School in Peterborough are encouraged to choose what they read, from comics and recipe books to mysteries and biographies. The school's approach is helping to lift reading rates, with 77% of its children meeting the expected standard in 2026, above the national average. Local libraries were also kept open after community campaigns, and children continue to visit them.
Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, which supports the Cambridge hospital, has been shortlisted for five National Charity Today Awards, including Charity of the Year. The recognition celebrates the charity's work for its local community.
A nursery in Welwyn Garden City marked its 25th anniversary with a charity fundraiser that raised £1,715. The celebration highlights the local community's support for a good cause.
Woodbridge Excelsior Band in Suffolk, now marking its 180th anniversary, has grown into a lively mix of men and women of different ages. Jackie Walker, who joined in 1971 as only the second woman in the band, later met her husband Andrew there and they have played together ever since. The band's current members say they enjoy the music and friendship it brings.
A family fiesta event in the East of England raised thousands of pounds for a children's cancer charity. The fundraiser brought people together to support young patients and their families.
A local fundraising challenge in the Lynn area involves participants walking over hot coals to raise money for charity.
A Norfolk woman has spent four years raising thousands of pounds for her local hospital. Her long-running fundraising is supporting care in the community she lives in.
A local community project appears to be sharing surplus produce from its farms with people nearby.
Volunteers in the Epping Forest area are helping older residents stay active and connected with others.
