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Overstrand Mermates win 'Local Treasure' award and recognition from national charity

Just days after completing their '12 Dips for December' in aid of Cancer Research UK, the Overstrand Mermates achieved local and national recognition. The Mermates braved the bitterly cold North Sea for 12 Dips each during December. Poppyland Radio presenters Claire Goldwater (The Mardle) and Scott Butler (Beyond the Beaten Track) were part of the heroic charity fundraising team.


From left: Julie Masters (Mermates co-founder), Andi Attfield, Mike Clark, Sophia French (Cancer Research UK), Scott Butler (Beyond the Beaten Track), Claire Goldwater (The Mardle) and Karen Balcombe (with Meryl)
From left: Julie Masters (Mermates co-founder), Andi Attfield, Mike Clark, Sophia French (Cancer Research UK), Scott Butler (Beyond the Beaten Track), Claire Goldwater (The Mardle) and Karen Balcombe (with Meryl)

Poppyland Radio listeners nominated the Mermates to win the January 'Local Treasure' award. It's announced live on air every month at the end of the Norfolk Treasure Hunt show which is sponsored by Crayford & Abbs. A special presentation was arranged, but when Sophia France of Cancer Research UK heard about it, she was determined to come along and thank everyone in person.


As the Mermates, their supporters, dogs (Mermutts) and appreciative locals gathered on the clifftop above Overstrand beach, Sophia congratulated them all for raising more during the fundraising event than any other group in all of the UK. She then presented Julie Masters, one of the Mermates founders, with a specially framed certificate from Cancer Research UK. Julie was quick to share the award, emphasisng the team effort that had gone in to raising well over £10,000 during December. Six of the Mermates were there to recieve their accolades, along with team manager (or 'momager') Carolyn Clark and Meryl, the Mermate team mascot knitted by Sheila White.


Sophia then presented the Mermates with the Poppyland Radio Norfolk Treasure Hunt 'Treasure' following their nomination for the January show. The treasure included vouchers kindly donated by The Red Lion pub in Cromer, The Grove Hotel and Bann Thai restaurant also in Cromer. The most coveted piece of treasure though, is the now-famous Poppyland Radio mug!


Hear the presentation highlights during the Norfolk Treasure Hunt on Sunday, 2 February from 10am on www.poppylandradio.co.uk.



If you'd like to nominate a 'Local Treasure' for acknowledgement, recognition or congratulations in the next Norfolk Treasure Hunt, email your nomination to studio@poppylandradio.co.uk or complete the online nomination form today!

If you haven’t donated to the Mermates yet, it’s not too late. You can donate by visiting the Mermates group page at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/overstrand-mermates



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