Welcome to That Was The Year That Was, a review of an eventful 2015, as compiled by MICK HOWES and MARK BOGGIS. In the first part, we look back at some of the stories making the headlines in The Journal last January.
Landlord helps fire victims – When their homes in Victoria Terrace, Kirkley, were left severely damaged following a blaze which broke out in one of the flats on New Year's Eve, three tenants thought they might be left with nowhere to live.
But they gave a heartfelt thank you to their quick-thinking landlord Hanif Jaffer who found them new accommodation within hours.
Funding for beach repairs – It had been hoped that a popular section of Lowestoft's south beach could be open by the summer after it was revealed that a £2million Defra grant had been given for the second phase of the works.
A large section of the beach was closed off by the council due to loss of sand and the collapse of the sea wall during the storm surge of December 2013. Works continued through 2015.
Mystery over pet deaths – Dog walkers were avoiding parkland near Airedale, Lowestoft after reports of dogs suffering poor health and a case of some dogs dying. A local vet dealt with a number of cases in which previously healthy canines had been brought in gravely ill.
Police investigated but couldn't find anything evidential to say what had happened, or whether it was part of a deliberate act.
Big revamp for leisure centre – A major investment in leisure services was celebrated at the official opening ceremony of Lowestoft's main sports centre.
More than £1m had been invested in the Waterlane Leisure Centre, which is operated by Sentinel Leisure Trust – its second major revamp in less than three years.
Clowning around – Performers from across Europe assembled in Lowestoft for the UK Clown Gathering Convention.
Top acts from Scotland, Blackpool, France and even Belgium congregated at the Hatfield Hotel in Lowestoft for workshops on how to apply makeup, to consider the best way to build a relationship with their audience and a hands-on guide on how to master the art of the comedic fall.
The week long convention culminated with two variety shows at the Seagull Theatre.
Tributes paid – Commemorating 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, dignitaries, residents and young people joined together for remembrance services on Holocaust Memorial Day at Lowestoft Railway Station.
About 50 people attended the ceremony to pay respects to Lowestoft's role in the Kindertransport.
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