BeWILDered By Bats? Jungle Has the Answer

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:51:15 GMT

Bewildered By Bats? Jungle Has The Answer

Norwich residents awoke this morning (23^rd October 2008) to a plague of purple bats that have claimed areas of the city centre as their new home. Alongside the infestation of the eerie flying mammals, residents also reported sightings last night of ghostly projections of bats on a number of the city’s famous landmarks.

Over 500 hundred bats have been spotted hanging around well known locations such as Norwich train station and Norwich Cathedral. While projected images of the bats’ leader ‘Snagglefang’ were sighted adorning the outsides of famous landmarks such as Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk County Council headquarters and Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City Football Club and Norwich City Hall.

The unexpected overnight appearance of the bats has been linked to a PR stunt to launch the new children’s book, The BeWILDerbats on Saturday 25^th October. The book is the second in a series by top selling children’s author Tom Blofeld, who also owns the enchanted treehouse adventure park, BeWILDerwood located on the Norfolk Broads.

Commenting on the city’s new residents Blofeld said: “The BeWILDerbats is a tale of an incredibly mischievous and troublesome group of bats who live in BeWILDerwood and if they were ever to escape from the confines of the park then I definitely would expect them to get up to the kind mischief we’re seeing here”.

-ENDS-

Bat Facts

Bats are the only mammals that can fly, flying squirrels are mammals but are considered to jump and glide as opposed to fly.
A group of bats is known as a colony.
According to recently unearthed fossils, scientists believe Bats have existed for 50 million years.
The largest bat colony in the world is in Bracken Cave, Texas. During the summer, this cave is home to as many as 20 MILLION Mexican free-tailed bats.
A baby bat is known as a pup.
There are over 900 different species of bats in the world and they make up one fifth of the world's mammals. They are the second largest group of mammals (rodents are the largest).

BeWILDered By BATS?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:56:07 GMT

..................................WATCH THIS SPACE.....................

Norfolk’s bestselling children’s author launches new book in time for Halloween

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:54:10 GMT

Fans of Twiggles, Boggles and ThornyClods are filling their appetites for the mythical creatures after the launch of “The BeWILDerbats,” the sequel to “A Boggle at BeWILDerwood”, from Norfolk’s bestselling children’s author, Tom Blofeld and creator of Norfolk’s award winning adventure park, BeWILDerwood.

The magical masterpiece from Blofeld hopes to follow the successes of his previous books, The Ballad of BeWILDerwood and Norfolk’s number one selling children’s book, A Boggle at BeWILDerwood which have told the tales of the inhabitants of BeWILDerwood, an enchanted fifty acre treehouse adventure park which actually exists within the Norfolk Broads on marshland owned by the author.

Blofeld commented: “The success of my previous books has shown that my readers have their imaginations truly switched on. BeWILDerbats is now here to feed their appetite for BeWILDerwood related adventures and I’m looking forward to writing more in the series.”

Tom Blofeld will be signing his latest book on Saturday 25^th October in Norwich at:

10.30am Waterstone’s (Castle Street)
Midday Jarrold
2pm Borders at Chapelfield plus story telling!

His latest epic children’s book follows a daring pair of Twiggles when their typical day out nut hunting takes an unexpected turn no thanks to the mischievous Sticklenose, leading them on an adventure that will require the help of friends old and new, not to mention the infamously troublesome BeWILDerbats.

Simon, an 8 year old and BeWILDerwood fan said: “I can’t wait for BeWILDerBats to come out because they’re really funny and I love the way you can learn more about the characters that I’ve seen at BeWILDerwood.”

The book launch comes just in time for Halloween and BeWILDerwood is holding a special week long ‘Giggling Pumpkin Parade’ event which will include a whole week of fun in the forest where children can make magical masks from Saturday 25^th October to Friday 31^st October and then take part in an enchanting lantern parade, every day, through the forest.

On November 1^st and 2^nd, BeWILDerwood is hosting a huge Monster Party to celebrate the end of the season. This will include traditional party games and a Twiggle Disco!

-ENDS-

How to Buy Christmas Presents without Breaking the Bank

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:59:14 GMT

TOP TIPS

How to Buy Christmas Presents without Breaking the Bank

Consumer worried about over spending this Christmas, Hawkin’s Bazaar, the toy shop which has been providing novelty gifts, gadgets and all things tomfoolery for over 30 Christmases, have come up with 10 Top Tips on buying Christmas gifts without breaking the bank.

· Plan your Christmas shopping as far as in advance as possible so you can hit the New Year, spring and summer sales...and stick to your budget for each person.

· Look for fun novelty items – they don’t have to be expensive and are memorable – as well as talking points.

· Create a hamper of gifts which you can fill with lots of smaller gifts, novelty items. Fill the hamper with silver or gold sprayed cones and leaves so they can rummage through and find the presents.

· ‘Glam-Wrap’ your presents. Create a sensation around the wrapping rather than what’s inside! Seek out your nearest florist for Perspex wrapping, bows and fill with glitter / table confetti – for the ultimate glam wrap present.

· Have a Secret Santa family Christmas – each person only buys one gift for the other family member. A budget can be set, under a tenner or under a fiver. This way excitement is also created – who can find the most fun or inspiring gift on a budget!

· Check out price matching and ensure when you buy online you are getting the best price possible. Buying online, will also save you travel and you will avoid the queues.

· Create a List of IOU’s for your family and partner...I will IOU washing up or a lift to and from a party.

Enjoy Christmas with Hawkin's Bazaar. Buy online at www.hawkin.com or call 0844 573 4000.

Don't Get Stuffed this Credit Crunch Christmas

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:57:19 GMT

The economy is the worst it’s been in 16 years, consumer debt is at an all time high and the pressure of buying Christmas presents is about to hit.

Gary Dugan, chief investment officer at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, said the economic slowdown was likely to be compounded by two features of the recession of the early 1990s: falling house prices and high consumer debt. "This could be the worst Christmas in years," he said, which is not good news for the British economy or parents who want to splash out on presents for their kids but can’t afford to.

James King, Wealth Management expert from Chartered Accountants, Price Bailey said: “Christmas time is when people really feel the pinch, so you need to plan as far ahead as possible and budget within your means and stick to it. To avoid getting into debt or falling further into debt seek financial advice as soon as possible.”

Toy and novelty gift retailer, Hawkin’s Bazaar, has come up with ten top buying tips to purchasing Christmas presents without breaking the bank:

1. Plan your Christmas shopping as far as in advance as possible so you can hit the New Year, spring and summer sales...and stick to your budget for each person.

2. Look for fun novelty items – they don’t have to be expensive and are memorable, as well as fun talking points.

3. Create a hamper of gifts which you can fill with lots of smaller gifts and novelty items. Fill the hamper with spayed cones and leaves so they can rummage through and find the presents.

4. ‘Glam-Wrap’ your presents. Create a sensation around the wrapping rather than what’s inside! Seek out your nearest florist for Perspex wrapping, bows and fill with glitter / table confetti – for the ultimate glam wrap present.

5. Have a Secret Santa family Christmas – each person only buys one gift for the other family member. A budget can be set, under a tenner or under a fiver. This way excitement is also created – who can find the most fun or inspiring gift on a budget!

6. Check out price matching and ensure when you buy online you are getting the best price possible.

7. Buy online, then you will save on petrol and avoid the queues. Make your own crackers – much more personal! Hawkin’s mark in the catalogue the small gifts that should fit in a cracker – personalise the cracker with names of your friends and family members.

8. Have a lucky dip at Christmas – wrap lots of small presents (suitable for all ages), and put forfeits / charades in with each one e.g. You have to make the next round of drinks, or do the washing up… or for the younger ones, recite a nursery rhyme etc.

9. Stockings not just for children – adults love them too, Hawkin’s Bazaar has lots of stocking fillers for all ages including useful gadgets that won’t break the bank, full stocking looks like lots of presents but none of them need to cost the earth.

Gemma Morgan, Head of Purchasing at Hawkin’s Bazaar said : “With 300 new gifts on sale in time for Christmas and a staggering 800 items – nearly half of which you can buy for less than a fiver, you will not be disappointed with the ingenious gift ideas you will find.”

Editor’s Note

*Phone 0844 573 4000/0870 429 4000, buy online at www.hawkin.com or visit a Hawkin’s Bazaar store near you.

Since 1973, Hawkin’s Bazaar has been offering a unique and extensive range of unusual toys, gifts, gadgets and curiosities. There are 45 shops across the UK and a fantastic website where you can buy the most extraordinary toys online.

Hawkin’s Bazaar is not just another toy-shop, or indeed just another mail-order company. They work hard to source out-of-the-ordinary products and to offer something different, a range of toys and gifts that will appeal to many ages and tastes.

Marc Joins the Jungle

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:07:03 GMT

Jungle PR has announced the new appointment of account executive, Marc Shortt, who will be working across the agency’s variety of exciting clients.

Marc, 23, joins the agency from the industry-renowned Bournemouth University Media School with a degree in public relations. He also brings with him a year’s experience as an account executive for London PR agency, Cow PR. There he handled media relations and developed strategic communications plans for numerous consumer clients.

On the announcement of his new appointment, Marc said: “I’m delighted to be joining an award winning and forward thinking agency and I’m very excited to be working with the wide range of clients who require media relations with online and offline press coverage.”

“Jungle PR has achieved a great deal in the past and it will be a privilege to play a role in shaping the future of the agency and its clients.”

Agency director, Kate Morfoot (Nee Abbot) said “Marc has joined at an important stage of the companies’ growth. Due to recent client wins in the property and retail sectors we are expanding and have recently moved offices to Yaxham near Dereham. We are delighted to have Marc on board who brings with him solid education in PR together with London experience.”

The latest clients to join Jungle PR are Holiday Inn Norwich-North, Chaplin Farrant Architects and Hawkin’s Bazaar, who have 45 toy shops across the UK.

Earlier this year, the agency launched its new Jungle Digital division to help companies manage their reputation and corporate identity online and Marc will be bringing his Online PR expertise across the busiess.

Jungle PR manages 42lb Wedding Burger

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:57:56 GMT

Jungle PR has a ferocious appetite for a big story and the UK's first ever giant Wedding Burger which weighed in at 42lb (19KG) was no exception.

The mammoth burger was created by Zaks American Diner, in the Norfolk village of Poringland, as a surprise gift for newlyweds Tom and Kerry Watts who are big fans of the restaurant and decided to hold their wedding reception there.

Measuring 18 inches across, the whopper was garnished with 12 iceberg lettuces, 12 onions, 30 tomatoes, 48 slices of dill pickle, 2kgs of cheese and finished off with lashings of ketchup and mayonnaise. The 5kg (10lbs) sesame seeded bun had to be specially made by bakers from a neighbouring town and Zaks’ chefs had a saw on hand to cut it in half on the day.

Jungle PR account executive, Marc Shortt, who conceived the idea commented: “The burger was a great way to say thanks to Tom and Kerry for being such loyal customers and to celebrate their big day. Zaks is also famous for making the best burgers in the area so this was a fantastic way for the restaurant to show off their skills”.

“The couple and all the restaurant staff were a dream to work with and we helped to make the big day even more unforgettable by achieving coverage in local, regional and national press as well as online, radio and television”.

Jungle Public Relations Wins Toy Account

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:49:04 GMT

Jungle Public Relations Ltd is delighted to announce winning the public relations account for Hawkin’s Bazaar, the purveyors of unique and extraordinary gifts and toys.

The Suffolk based company which has been operating for over thirty years has forty five shops across the UK and Jungle will be working closely with the Hawkin’s team to promote their brand and key products and gifts in the UK media.

“Hawkin’s Bazaar is a fantastic brand and we are looking forward to promoting their amazing array of gifts and toys in the local, regional and national press,” says Kate Abbot.

Check out the toys and gifts at Hawkin’s Bazaar online - www.hawkin.com.

-ends-

Bat in Bra - PR Dream Story for Holiday Inn

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:29:03 GMT

Kate Abbot, director of Jungle Public Relations couldn't believe what she was hearing when she was told that Abbie Hawkins, 19, found a bat in her bra while working as a receptionist at the Holiday Inn, Norwich North hotel.

It was at a PR meeting at the hotel when the story came to light and Kate instantly recognised this as a PR's dream story and one to certainly put this Holiday Inn branch on the map.

Abbie was a true star and with her co-operation we gained excellent press coverage about her batty experience in the local, regional and national press.

The Bat Conservation Trust also gained some excellent press coverage!

Jungle Public Relations Wins New Website Account

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:45:43 GMT

Jungle Public Relations Ltd is delighted to announce that it's now working with yours2share - a website company set up by Sophie Garrett.

"yours2share is based on the ethos of sharing, renting and fractional ownership" says Kate, director of Jungle PR. "The PR campaign will be centred around educating our key audience about how yours2share works and the successful users it has had to date."

Jungle PR is experienced with online PR strategies and yours2share will be featuring on many websites to highlight the business.

For more details about yours2share (www.yours2share.com) or Online PR contact Kate Abbot.

New website aims to highlight benefits of sharing

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:39:31 GMT

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own the yacht, villa or classic car you have always wanted, but without having to fork out the entire cost?

Many people dream about owning a boat on the south coast, having a sports car convertible, owning a holiday home in the Mediterranean or a beach hut in sleepy Norfolk, but for many these luxury assets are just a pipe dream.

One woman, who has set up an online service called yours2share, has made these dreams reality for many people and saved them money in the process.

Sophie Garrett, 44, set up yours2share after spending a year fighting cancer. Once she had recovered, Sophie decided to change her life, giving up a well paid full time job, to work from home and set up a company that enables people to enjoy the good things in life at a lower cost.

"I spotted a gap in the market when I wanted to rent our holiday cottage in Suffolk to another person or couple for the alternate weekends when we didn't use it. It seemed an obvious thing to do, but to my surprise there was no service allowing you to do this. Then I realised there was an even bigger gap in the market bringing like-minded people together to buy expensive stuff together.“

This type of asset sharing is known as ‘fractional ownership or fractional rental’ where groups of people own or rent the asset for fractions of time.

So far Sophie has a good track record in helping people to share. Three Yorkshire men, Ian Chapman, Tom Harrison and Geoff Sumner had never heard of each other until autumn 2007 and met through yours2share. Six months later, they bought a Fairline Targa 40 together for £155,000.

“Through yours2share” said Sophie, “they made contact with each other and as a result bought the yacht together. After discussion and negotiation, they agreed how they would split the time, who could use the boat, and all the nitty-gritty which was detailed in the comprehensive contract that they signed. They are like-minded people, got on well and buying the boat together has saved them a lot of money.

“Owning a yacht is an expensive hobby not only in terms of the initial purchase costs, but also the high maintenance, management and mooring costs. In addition, boats deteriorate if they lie idle for long periods. If their boat is only going to be used a few times a year, people often consider chartering to generate income. But chartering has its disadvantages: sharing is a great alternative.”

For others, renting on a repeated or fractional basis can be the ideal route to the city crash pad or country cottage they dream about.

Sophie says: “There is a trend at the moment for Monday to Friday rentals for those who have a lengthy commute or work away from home but don’t want to live in a hotel during the week. Monday to Friday landlords benefit from having their home to themselves at weekends. Many people want cottages and houses for weekends at regular intervals either as second homes or for visiting elderly relatives or children.”

“Although” she adds: “you make less money than holiday or permanent lets, fractional renting generates some income with much less inconvenience. Once you have found like-minded partners with compatible requirements and agreed a contract, the arrangement can run hassle-free for landlord and tenant for many years.”

yours2share has extensive guidance pages and template contracts are available for between £20 and £40. People should obtain independent professional legal advice, but the template contracts should help to reduce these costs

The website is free to use and it is easy to post an ad. The majority of ads are from people who want to sell or let a fractional share, but ads from people looking to buy or rent, or create a new syndicate, get an excellent response.

Sophie says: “yours2share makes me feel good. Many people who share can easily afford the full cost but sharing makes them feel good too and helps them to justify the expenditure.”

For more details visit www.yours2share.com .

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

yours2share is a free website for private individuals to buy, sell or rent shares in valuable assets, or create new syndicates. This enables people to see all the options in one place, and allows them to take control and create bespoke sharing arrangements. yours2share is totally independent. It doesn't sell any of the valuable assets, finance or insurance, so it offers an objective view of the industry.

Digital Division Launched to Manage Online Reputation

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:14:53 GMT

Jungle Public Relations Ltd has announced the arrival of its new digital division, ‘Jungle Digital,’ to help companies manage their reputation and corporate identity online.

Increasingly public relations and corporate reputation on the web is a powerful medium which allows companies to get their messages across to specific target markets.

Client demand has led to this new division being launched and Jungle Digital can now offer Online Public Relations campaigns, Online Crisis Management, video and audio pod casts and videos for corporate clients.

Kate Abbot, Director of Jungle Public Relations says: “There is no excuse for not managing your reputation on the web - much the same as a negative appearance on television or radio, your company reputation can be ruined in seconds. Negative blogs and adverse publicity on websites can do companies a great deal of damage.”

-ends-

Jungle PR Ltd the only Norfolk PR Agency Through to the Final!

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:16:54 GMT

Norfolk PR Agency

Goes through to Final

Jungle Public Relations Ltd, Norfolk’s only public relations agency to win a Gold CIPR* PRide Award 2007, will be representing the county and going through to the 2008 President’s Grand Prix Awards final in Birmingham (March 6^th 2008).

Jungle Public Relations won the prestigious Gold Award for ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ for its client BeWILDerwood and a Silver Award for ‘Outstanding Small Consultancy’ in the regional PRide Awards 2007.

Director, Kate Abbot said: “We were delighted to win two awards especially as we were the only Norfolk PR agency to win a Gold Award. It’s a great accolade to win and an excellent opportunity to showcase the excellent work and results we are getting for our clients.”

Jungle Public Relations will be competing against 13 other Gold finalists within the ‘Best Media Relations’ category from around the UK.

* Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)

Judge's Comments:

Gold Award - Jungle Public Relations Ltd, BeWILDerwood – Best Use of Media Relations

To launch Bewilderwood, a 50-acre wild and imaginative adventure park located near Wroxham, Norfolk. An excellent campaign that achieved outstanding coverage across national and regional press, enabling Bewilderwood to smash their visitor targets for the first week of opening. A 90 per cent press launch attendance figure is a true testament to the quality of the campaign and this unique tourist attraction.

Jungle PR Ltd Win Two Awards at the CIPR PRide Awards 2007

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:42:43 GMT

From Left to Right: Paul MacGowan (JPR), Kate Abbot (JPR) and Simon Egan (BeWILDerwood) with the Gold Award for Best Use of Media Relations

Kings of the Jungle

The Jungle drums were beating as the team collected TWO fantastic accolades at the CIPR Pride Awards 2007.

Jungle won a Gold Award for ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ for its client BeWILDerwood and a Silver Award for ‘Outstanding Small Consultancy’.

Kate Abbot said: “Just being short listed in two categories was a tremendous accolade for Jungle Public Relations, and we were delighted when we received an award for both. It’s fantastic for our work to be recognised as being the best for our clients and for us as a professional company.”

Sue Wilcock, Chair of CIPR East Anglia added: “The PRide Awards showcase the excellent PR work being done in East Anglia and the contribution this makes to business and society. Having faced a rigorous judging process, to come out on top is a tremendous achievement and I congratulate all of the 2007 winners.”

This year there were 1456 entries over the 22 award categories, with Jungle PR going through to the National CIPR PRide Awards on Thursday 6^th March 2008 in Birmingham.

Watch this space!

Judge’s Comments:

Gold Award - Jungle Public Relations Ltd, BeWILDerwood – Best Use of Media Relations

Silver Award - Jungle Public Relations Ltd – Outstanding Small Consultancy

The judges were impressed that over the last two years, Jungle has gained a wide-ranging list of clients, including a handful of national names. Most came through reputation and pitches, often against larger regional and London agencies.

Firm Changes Logo After 40 Years

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:15:43 GMT

Jungle Public Relations has launched a brand new corporate identity for William Morfoot Ltd, a successful Norfolk-based company specialising in land draining, horse manege and sports field construction.

The company which has been in operation for 40 years had not changed its logo and felt it was time for a new look.

Chairman, William Morfoot said: “We are delighted with our new logo which we will be very proud to place on our stationery, vehicles and our brand new land drainage machine.

“The logo has a strong sense of identity, it’s increased our presence in our market place and we now have a modern, fresh and definite new look.”

To find out how a new corporate identity can improve your company’s presence contact Kate at Jungle PR on the Contact Us page.

Jungle PR Ltd Shortlisted for Two CIPR Awards

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:29:04 GMT

A Rumble in the Jungle

Jungle Public Relations Ltd headed up by managing director Kate Abbot has been short listed for two prestigious CIPR PRide Awards including ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ for its client BeWILDerwood and ‘Outstanding Small Consultancy’.

Colin Farrington told Jungle Public Relations: “Being short listed is a tremendous achievement. Your work has been judged to the highest standard by leading PR experts to be amongst the best in your area. The Pride Awards is the only awards scheme showcasing the best PR work being carried out across the UK regions and nations.”

This year there were 1456 entries and the winners will be announced on December 5^th at the PRide Award ceremony taking place in Ipswich.

Kate Abbot said: “Just being short listed is a tremendous accolade for Jungle Public Relations and we are delighted for our work to be recognised as being the best for our clients and for us as a professional company.”

The Jungle Public Relations team is continuing to celebrate their client wins and extraordinary success in 2007 with the announcement of new client, Campus East, a joint consortium including Universities of Essex, Hertfordshire and East Anglia, providing conference and accommodation facilities.

Kate Abbot, Jungle Public Relation’s director said: “We are excited to be working with Campus East, which begins with their launch at the National Venue Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 25^th – 27^th September 2007. Plans are underway to make sure that we make the best use of this event aimed at their key markets.”

Kate added: “This year has been amazing for us and with the results we have achieved being noticed by businesses in East Anglia and London, we feel confident that this will prove to be a very exciting time for the company.”

The success of the results driven PR agency over the past year has also enabled expansion, with the appointment of PR Account Executive, Paul MacGowan and a continued recruitment drive throughout 2007.

Campus East now join the already extensive and eclectic range of high profile clients on Jungle Public Relation Ltd’s client list. Over the past year this has seen the inclusion of BeWILDerwood, Broad House Hotel and Blue Sky Leisure which covers Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Woodhill Park and the chain of ZAKS Fine American Diners.

To find out how public relations can improve your company’s presence visit www.junglepr.com, telephone 01508 528739 or email passonthemessage@junglepr.com.