DECEMBER 2022 About Thetford magazine

Season’s Greetings

We bring you a typically Christmassy edition this December. There’s lots due to take place around Thetford in the weeks ahead as we look to celebrate Christmas and the festive season. Whether it be singing carols or marvelling at Christmas tree displays or ust a uiet moment of re ection with the ‘Light Up A Life’ event, myself, Karen and the About Theford team wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

There’s more celebrations to note this month as we bring you news of further achievements by our local sporting groups and details of four Thetford finalists in the orfolk ake A Difference Awards.

There’s sadness too with news of the untimely passing of Sean Ready - an absolute community stalwart and champion of our river and environment. Over the years Sean has removed countless quanities of litter from our rivers in his quiet but determined way. Sean was and remains an example to us all. Rest in peace, Sean.

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About Thetford magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper in Norfolk

Terry Jermy, Editor, About Thetford

Thetfordians Recognised At County Awards

Thetford was well represented at the BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards in mid November. Make A Difference was set up at the start of the first Covid lockdown in arch as a virtual notice board for people offering help and those needing support. Acting executive editor Anthony Isaacs said BBC Radio Norfolk had received hundreds of nominations. "Many of the people and groups do this without recognition or reward, so it's wonderful they are able to have a night where their hard work and dedication is celebrated."

From thousands of nominations, around thirty five were whittled down to become finalists including three groups and one individual from Thetford. Held at Norwich City Football Club’s Top of the Terrace, finalists and their guests from across the county were joined by judges including Anna Mudeka and Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Patrick Peal. The eight categories contested were Volunteer, Community Group, Fundraiser, Carer, Great Neighbour, Key Worker, Together and Environmental. Thetford Open Gardens, TADDS, Thetford River Group and Dave Hodgkinson were all finalists in the Fundraiser, Community roup, Environmental and Volunteer categories, with Thetford River Group announced as winners.

For Thetford River Group the award was bittersweet after the death of their founder and Thetford River Warden Sean Ready, only a few days before the event. Collecting the award, group members David and Jan spoke of what the award meant to the group and how proud they were to collect it on Sean’s behalf. The audience then heard a poignant tribute to Sean which was followed by a minute’s silence. Speaking about the award Susie Dowling from Thetford Open

Above: David (L) and Jan receive the Environmental Award from host, Kayleigh Poacher at Radio Norfolk’s Make A Difference Awards Image: © Alistair Beavis Right: Sean (R) on the river collecting litter with a fellow river volunteer. Image: © Thetford River Group

Gardens said, “It was a great evening although tinged with sadness for us, I was pleased to see the tribute paid to Sean, it was beautifully done.”

Thetford Open Gardens came runners up to Simon Feneron, who set up a convoy to get aid to Ukraine. Judge Sir Norman Lamb said that Simon epitomised Norfolk’s generosity of spirit. TADDS category was won by Wells Community Hospital Trust who were praised by judges for providing a fantastic range of services through Covid and adapting to the cost-of-living crisis with initiatives such as a community supermarket.

Joanne Mountjoy-Dixon from TADDS said, “It was lovely to attend and see the fabulous work being done entirely by volunteers within their local communities, local people caring for their own and their towns.”

It’s Panto Time Again!

It’s that time of year again, when a group of fun loving people from Thetford Players pull out all the stops to provide the town with a fantastic Panto experience. This year Thetford’s panto, ‘Puss in Boots’ has been written especially for the Players by sisters, Frankie Soan and Maddie Stebbings. Frankie and Maddie are also directing their first panto, t s very exciting and great to have something we’ve written come alive. Up to now it’s just been us in our bedroom writing. Now we can see the characters come to life.” Frankie says it’s been a big challenge to write the script and being oint directors, t s been different being on this side of the production and not performing.”

The audience is in for a real treat with the live band returning, and new cast members alongside Panto favourites Phil Pearson and Stuart Wright. Phil is Magnus the Ogre’s henchman and says he has a great selection of jokes up his sleeve. Stuart is returning to the stage as The Herald. Will O’Donnell, a semi-professional actor from America makes his Panto debut as the Ogre – having no idea of what a panto was when he auditioned ill ust blew us away, said co producer Jo Cooper, Although he has no idea what he’s let himself in for!” Will says he’s now discovered what a Panto is and is looking forward to the experience. He won’t be alone either, as his son Liam is joining him on stage as Puss (pre transformation . e arrived in England during the pandemic, so I haven’t had a chance to see a live Panto production. I just wanted to be part of the English experience. Aside from reece, there’s no better place to do theatre.” Aside from his acting, Will is no stranger to showbiz, having won an Emmy award for his drone work on James Cordan’s Carpool Karaoke with Celine Dion.

Chloe Preston is making her debut as a principal playing Princess Penny with Maggie and David Williams as the King and Queen. Laura Williams fresh from being Alice last year is Fairy Fuchsia and Adam Bond reprises his excellent Dame skills as Betty Boots. James Trayton is Puss and Liz Straight, artin odfrey and Charlie ilson are Tom, Dick and Harry respectively.

Speaking about the production Jo said, For me this is about getting back to what we do best, putting on a community show. t s our first panto since lockdown that we’ve been able to have a full chorus and children involved. It’s really special this year as it’s been written by two former cast members who have starred in our pantos.”

Jo’s fellow producer, Liz Reid said that she’s thrilled to have such a great cast, and it’s been a lot of fun getting through rehearsals. Being a home grown panto, there’ll be plenty of local references to look out for - Karen was thrilled to hear About Thetford mentioned by one of the characters!

For more information or to book tickets, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ ThetfordPlayersPanto/ Or, ticketsource.co.uk/ Thetford-Players/e-dbvyko

Thetford Players are looking forward to delighting audiences again next year

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Christmas Joy!

Thetford Singers are happy to invite you to this year’s Christmas concert, Christmas Joy! We will be performing a joyful mix of traditional carols and modern songs to get you into the seasonal spirit.

Rudolph will be making a musical appearance along with bells and wassailers. Join us for an evening of Christmas cheer on 14th and 15th December in the Guildhall. Tickets are £8 from the eaping are Box ffice in town or online at leapinghare.org. Tickets include Christmas nibbles, a pay bar will be available before, after and in the interval in the Guildhall Tea Room. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Thetford Voices Christmas Carolling

Calling all young singers for a free afternoon workshop event. Thetford Voices is once again looking to recruit young singers for its annual Christmas Carolling across the town; this year on Monday 19th December. We aim to provide musical experience to the young people and a cheerful Christmas themed afternoon to care homes across Thetford. We are delighted that for well over a decade children aged 6 to 16 years have come from across our region to join us.

We will be meeting at 12.45pm in the Williamson Hall at Thetford Grammar School to rehearse carols and Christmas songs both old and new with our musicians. We will then perform these in local care homes and finally to friends, families and the public at St Cuthbert’s Church.

Throughout the day, we will be collecting for EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospice). There is no charge for the day. It is always a pleasure to see the young people enjoying making music together and for us to be able to share a stimulating day.

We will be delighted to see you there. To sign your child up to the event please email: thetfordvoices@gmail.com

John Oliver

Christmas Tree Festival

Thetford Christmas Tree Festival is being held at the Thetford Methodist Church, Tanner Street between Saturday December 3rd and Sunday December 18th. The Festival will be open on Saturdays between 9.30am and 5pm, on Sundays between 12.30pm and 3pm and Monday to Friday between am and pm. There will be over fifty trees and decorations on display, all with this year’s theme 'All Creatures Great and Small'.

Various events will be happening over the Festival, including the Festival Tea Dance on 3rd December at 2pm (tickets £5); an illustrated talk from the Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing founder, Sarah McPherson on Monday 5th December at 2.30pm. Sarah will talk about the donkeys and the marvellous work they do. Other events include the annual Festival Quiz on Friday 9th at 7pm (tickets £2.50 per person) booking essential at eaping are Box ffice a visit from some of the Mini Donks on Saturday 10th December, between 11am and 2pm; our Pet Service is on Sunday 11th December at 2.30pm, when we invite you to bring your pet for a blessing. Then, the Festival Christmas lunch is on Saturday December 17th at 12 noon (£7.50 per person) again booking please at eaping are Box ffice.

We're delighted that Father Christmas will be visiting us again in his Wonderland Grotto on the 10th and 17th December between 10am and 2pm, children’s visits cost £2 each. Look out for our festive stalls throughout the Festival, any donations and proceeds will be split between the Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing charity and our own Church's work and witness. The Tree Festival will close with the Church's candlelight carol service led by Rev David McAloon featuring the Church Choir and guests from the Salvation Army at 4pm on December 18th to which all are invited.

Neville Hodson

Decorated trees from one of the previous festivals

Singers Bid Farewell To John

Thetford Singers surprised long-standing member John Weeks with a gift presentation to thank him for all he has contributed to Thetford Singers and Thetford Voices over many years. Fiona Barnett, Thetford Singers chair declared that he has “championed singing in our town of Thetford!”.

Musical Director, Chris Parsons (L) and Fiona present John with his leaving gifts

Having joined Thetford Singers in 2008 after ‘the Living Songs Concert’, which was a collaboration between Thetford Singers and Thetford Music Project, John then initiated Thetford Voices. This is a project-based group for youngsters who participate in summer and Christmas workshops culminating in performances that raise funds for local charities. Thetford Voices is the junior branch of Thetford Singers and John has now handed the baton to Polina Sosnina. John has left a legacy of youngsters with a love of singing and young leaders that he has trained and inspired.

John has also used his literary expertise and skills in writing and adapting material for various projects for Thetford Singers. Musical Director Chris Parsons presented John with a framed memento of his work on the ‘Ode to Thetford’ which was performed by Thetford Singers in 2018. John’s literary as well as musical skills were used by him most recently in the March 2021 performance of ‘When Spring comes in’ performed by Thetford Singers in Thetford Methodist Church.

John is now a life-time honorary member of Thetford Singers and all members wish John and his wife Jane much contentment as they move away from Thetford to be nearer family. Choir rehearsal will not be quite the same without him especially in the bass section!

on Thetford Singers

visit: www.thetfordsingers.org

Seasonal Consumer Advice

With Christmas approaching, as part of a National Consumer campaign, we’re asking you to stop before you shop. It may be the season to bag a bargain, with the festive holidays just around the corner. But sometimes we get less than we bargained for, and lots of people are coming to us at Citizens Advice concerned about fake or faulty goods that they’ve been sold online.

Here are three key messages to keep in mind:

1. It’s important to stop before you shop, especially coming up to a busy shopping period where we’re hoping to bag a bargain. It’s important to know your rights, particularly when shopping from online marketplaces and secondhand sites.

2. Be wise to scams in disguise. Things aren’t always what they seem to be and scammers’ tactics become more sophisticated every year, making scams tricky to recognise, but there are things you can look out for. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, if items are much cheaper than they’re being sold elsewhere. Be wary of people contacting you out of the blue on social media sites or via text and email offering an item for sale or a deal on something.

Alos, do your research. If you’re buying from a website you haven’t used before, spend a few minutes researching it.

3. Sometimes things just don’t go to plan. However much you’ve checked and double checked. But you have rights and we’re here to help. Get in touch with the consumer service or visit our advice pages for more support. Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers, helping to prevent it from happening to others too.

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Citizens Advice helpline (Freephone): 0808 222 1133. Or contact Citizens Advice Thetford via: www.cadat.org.uk/email-advice

Light Up A Life

At St Nicholas Hospice Care, we know that Christmas can be a time for togetherness, for families and friends to spend time with one another. Amidst the laughter, happiness and celebrations, we know for many this can also be a very difficult time if you have lost a loved one.

Our ‘Light Up a Life’ events, which will take place in churches across West Suffolk and Thetford in December, allow you to remember and celebrate the lives of those you miss. Our special events bring everyone together to support one another whilst re ecting on precious memories of those who are missed but not forgotten.

Mother of two Lisa Frost, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in arch and spent five weeks receiving end-of-life care at the Hospice. Lisa died aged 43 on December 19, 2021. Lisa loved Christmas and before her death our nursing staff encouraged the Frost family to celebrate with Lisa, something which Lisa’s husband Dan believes helped them all when it came to facing December 25 without her.

Dan said: “Christmas absolutely was Lisa’s favourite time of year. For her, it wasn’t just a couple of weeks build up to Christmas Day. Her planning and preparations started in November. Lisa always made Christmas such a special time for us as a family. Lisa was admitted to the Hospice on November 16. Her pain, especially at night, had become unbearable, and we couldn’t manage it at home. I think we had both been thinking that we’d get through Christmas and then afterwards start talking to the children about everything. Then, in early December, I began to notice Lisa was deteriorating”.

The arrival of some Christmas trees at the Hospice for the ward meant the family, with their favourite festive films in the background, could decorate a tree together.

Dan said: “People would be outside the door asking if they could see it, and the whole thing really brought Lisa to life. She was giggling and laughing. She was so proud of the tree. Tragically, we lost Lisa six days before Christmas”.

We can only provide the care and comfort we do because of the generosity of our community. So, we’d be most grateful if you could remember someone special this festive season by donating to St Nicholas Hospice Care. All are most welcome to attend our ‘Light Up a Life’ events. They are free and open to everyone. If you are unable to attend, St Nicholas Hospice Care offers an online in-memory page for remembering loved ones. To make a dedication, you can visit the hospice’s website at: stnicholashospice.org.uk/lightupalife

08 Dec 7pm Thetford

United Reformed Church, IP24 2AD

To have your loved ones names read out at our remembrance event, please visit: stnicholashospice.org.uk/lightupalife

Our Light Up a Life events are free and open to all, not just those whose loved ones were cared for by St Nic’s.

Join us for a special remembrance event

Happy

And just like that, it’s December, how did that happen? Don’t panic! We have some gorgeous gift ideas from our local makers, Christmas decorations (from just £2) and our gift wrapping service has you covered and will help you get through the next few weeks. Event tickets always make great gift ideas. Making memories - simply fabulous. If you’re not sure which to buy, then why not buy a gift voucher instead?

Events

The magical Christmas Tree Festival events continue at Thetford Methodist Church, dont miss their Tea Dance on Saturday 3 December, Quiz Night on Friday 9 and Christmas Lunch on Saturday 17 December. Also on Friday 9 is the Fish & Chip Supper Christmas Social Thetford Singers present their Christmas Joy! concerts with two performances to choose from on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 December. Shoestring Theatre are busy preparing for their Snow White pantomime, which takes place on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 February. Fans of George Harrison will not want to miss Saturday 25 February, a concert on what would have been his 80th birthday right here in Thetford! Don’t forget that our NEW Thetford puzzles and calendars are proving very popular, make great presents and are easy to post.

The QR code below takes you to all events on our box office.

Police Commissioner Coming To Thetford In December

Are you keen to know more about policing in Norfolk? If so, why not pop along to speak directly to your Police and Crime Commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie.

Giles is holding a series of engagement events across the county to chat to residents about the current and future challenges facing policing in Norfolk. His visit to Thetford is due to take place on Thursday 8th December, between 1pm - 3pm at Thetford Library. Giles will be at the library with local officers and is keen to speak to as many people as possible about any policing concerns, they may have, while gauging public opinion and perception of the police as well as highlighting resourcing challenges and requirements.

Norfolk Police & Crime Commissioner PCC Giles Orpen-Smellie, said: “The aim of the event is for me to speak to as many residents as possible about any issues they may have while explaining the demands on policing & challenges my policing colleagues face. It is important to me as your PCC to carry out regular engagement events to meet face to face with residents, explain the current picture around policing in Norfolk and hear any feedback or concerns ahead of my budget consultation for 2023/24,” added Giles.

“My Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan for Norfolk gives strategic direction for policing in the county. The plan was launched after public and stakeholder consultation with six pillars identified as key areas of focus. y first is to ‘Sustain Norfolk Constabulary’ and this is what I must do. The question-and-answer session is a perfect opportunity for residents to hear first hand from myself and Paul Sanford and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend”.

Charles Burrell Centre News

Happy Christmas from all the staff and volunteers at the Charles Burrell Centre. Where has the year gone to? It only seems a few weeks ago that we were baking in the heat of summer and the threat of drought. The year draws to a close in traditional style at the Centre. We will decorate the foyer and deck the hall with holly. Many of our tenants have some exciting end of year and Christmas events to showcase what they have achieved in 2022. Look out for separate advertising. At the Centre we welcomed Father Christmas to our fabulous sparkly grotto at the end of November and first weekend in December.

On every Tuesday evening in December we will have our free Community Dinner which will be getting more festive with each passing week. This leads up to Tuesday 20th December when we have a magical free Community Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings and a festive setup. Come along and share a communal bit of joy – pull a cracker and wear a stylish paper hat. Christmas jumpers are welcome but not mandatory. It starts at 5pm. Please let us know you are coming, if you have any dietary requirements or would like the vegetarian option. We also need to know how many people are coming with you to make sure we have enough for everyone. We will be asking people at the Community Dinners over the coming weeks so just let us know then or email: tracy@engineroomthetford.co.uk

We have two activities that you can get involved in this Christmas: Inspiring Angels - The idea of Inspiring Angels started life in Ipswich in December 2021 when the whole city was 'angel-bombed' with images of angels, messengers of good news. We would like to do the same at the Charles Burrell Centre. We have wooden angels ready to be decorated which you can pick up from reception. Imagination; cover in cloth, paint, tinsel and glitter. Please return by 16th Dec so that we can have a heavenly host and display at the Community Dinner on 20th. There is a super hamper as a prize for the best decorated. They can be collected at any time afterwards. You can also paint paper angels or even make giant angel wings. All will be displayed at CBC and prizes awarded. Or just be an angel and undertake a random act of kindness.

Reverse Advent Calender - Instead of receiving a gift, those taking part in a reverse calendar donate an item or a cash donation for the items on the advent calender. This can be for every day or a single day. You can do this as a family or as a group. If you cannot donate an item cash donations towards one or more items is also welcome. All donations will then be donated to those in need in time for Christmas. Therefore although our reverse advent calender will include the traditional 24 days we ask that all donations are with us by Monday 19th December. Donations can be made at reception or the Burrell Shop. Please do not worry about wrapping or boxing up or decorating your donations, in fact it is much easier for us if you do not.

In the lead up to Christmas we will be supporting Thetford Town Council with the Mayor’s Christmas Lunch on 23rd December. As Christmas falls on a Sunday the Centre will be closed for four days this year; 24th27th December. It will also be closed 31st December; 1st and 2nd January for New Year bank holiday.

The Burrell Shop has a new manager, Steph Wood took over on 14th November although she was at the Centre for a couple of weeks beforehand. The opening times have changed and are now: Tuesday 2pm - 6pm which coincides with Community Dinner from 5pm; Wednesday 9am –1pm and Thursday 9am – 1pm which coincides with Citizens Advice Bureau being at the Centre. Please mention the About Thetford

Children visiting Father Christmas at CBC recently

The Burrell Training kitchen has had a number of courses running in the lead up to Christmas and through December will be running Slow Cooker demonstrations and teach ins. These events are for a couple hours only and show you some surprising short cuts, saving energy and producing brilliant results.

In late November a New-U shop opened. You may have seen them in Norwich or Cromer. It offers clothes for adults at super cheap prices (50p to £2). The clothes will largely be new clothes that would have gone to landfill. The opening date and times are published on the Centre website but it does coincide with Community Dinner.

We are looking for volunteers to help in the Burrell Shop, the Engine Room and the Training Kitchen. We always need big hearted members of the community who could help at the Centre. There are plenty of options and all skills are welcome. We have a wide range of special projects such as designing a recipe book, working in the Wellbeing garden and Friendly Bench. So if you feel you could give something of yourself please contact Nik or Tracy.

Looking forward into early 2023 we will be having a tree planting Saturday in mid January. This is the Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy project which has had some generous sponsorship from individuals and a good donation from the Norfolk one million trees project. If you wish to join us watch out for more details on how to take part coming up soon.

For more information on volunteering contact: nik@charlesburrellcentre.org.uk

Do you have a couple of hours a week that you could give to the community?

The CBC welcomed Steph Wood as the new Manager for the Burrell Shop in November

Lions Clubs International Service

Thetford And Attleborough

The local Lions Club have again been raising much needed funds to enable them to present another generous food donation worth £300 to the Foodbank in Thetford to help people in the towns of Thetford, Attleborough and Watton.

They are also, with the kind permission of the Black orse pub in Thetford, running a raf e to win a Christmas Hamper, the proceeds of which will be spent in Thetford in the future for the Foodbank. To enter all you need to do buy a square for £1. There are 150 squares available. nce all the s uares are filled, a winner will be drawn. Speaking about the Christmas Hamper appeal, Black Horse Landlord Terry Gilman said, “Every year we help out with the Lions’ Easter egg appeal, so when they asked about the Christmas hamper it was a most definite yes from us e re always happy to support local and the Lions do a lot for the local community so it’s a pleasure to help.”

The collection of used spectacles has also continued with collection points at Specsavers in Thetford. If you or anyone you know would like to receive one of the Lions ‘Message in a Bottle’ to

hold your prescriptions and details of next of kin please contact us via our Facebook page.

If you feel you have time to help your local community, please have a look at the Facebook page to see some of the projects that Lions undertake and contact them for more information. www.facebook.com/AttleboroughLions

Sue and Rus’ charity gift sale in aid of CRUK Friday 9th December 10am - noon 19 Monksgate, Thetford IP24 1BY. For more information please call 01842 761826

Emmy from the Black Horse launches the Lions Christmas hamper appeal

Christmas Church Services

St Cuthbert’s Church

Mayor of Thetford’s Christmas Carol Service will be on Friday 9th December from 7pm - with the choir of St Cuthbert’s Church.

Carol Service on Sunday 18th December, 6.30pm.

Christingle Service - Saturday 24th December at 3.30pm. Come dressed as your favourite nativity character, ready for our re-telling of the Christmas story. Arrive early at 3pm for a ‘make your own Christingle’ workshop.

Midnight Communion will be on Saturday 24th December starting at 11.30pm.

The all age Christmas Day Celebration Service is at 10.30am.

Cloverfield Community Church

Candlelit Carols: Weds 14th December, 7.30pm.

‘All Rapped Up’ on Sunday 18th December from 2 – 4pm. An outdoor Christmas journey to Bethlehem for all the family. Finishing with tea together at the church. Please wear suitable footwear, as it might be muddy.

Crib Service - Saturday 24th December from 5pm. A family-friendly nativity; please come dressed as your favourite nativity character!

Christmas Day Service: Sunday 25th December from 10.30am.

St Mary’s Catholic Church

Children’s Mass will on Saturday 24th December, 5.30pm. With children reading the Christmas story

First Mass of Christmas - Sat 24th Dec at 8pm.

Morning Mass of Christmas Day on Sunday 25th December at 10am.

Grace Church

Community Carol Service on Tuesday 20th December at 3pm.

Liberty Church

Rudolph’s Rockout - a 40 minute children’s Christmas show (for under 10s) with a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Tickets are £2 from: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rudolphs-rock-outtickets-468343416767

All Saints’ Church, Croxton

Traditional Carol Service on Sunday 11th December at 6.30pm and Crib Service on Sunday 18th December, 10.30am - come dressed as your favourite nativity character.

Christmas Eve Communion from 10pm.

St Andrew’s Church, Kilverstone

Traditional Carol Service on Sunday 18th December at 2pm and Christmas Eve Communion on Saturday 24th December – 9pm.

London Road, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EW

T: 01842 810534 E: brandon@mark-skinner.org.uk

27 High Street, Lakenheath, Suffolk, IP27 9JS

T: 01842 862777 E: lakenheath@mark-skinner.org.uk

30 Bury Road, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 3DE

T: 01842 752197 E: thetford@mark-skinner.org.uk www.markskinnerfunerals.org.uk

Lauren, Mark & Sam Skinner

Afternoon Talks At Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

On Tuesday 6th December at 2pm Cath Cartman, Researcher in critical disability studies approach to photographic historiography, will speak about her work including her research on the small photograph album in our collection. Put together by William Chalk in the early 20th century, it features ‘characters’ of Thetford. It has been said that disability is everywhere, once you start looking for it, but mostly missing from the history books - and all too often when we do see historical photographs of disabled people they are from medical records, and we never find out the person’s name. In this talk Cath will share her research from the Picture Norfolk archive, and describe how it led her to Ancient House Museum and our local ‘characters’ called Dick, Teddy and Mr Keldell. This talk is

part of Disability History Month (16th November and 16th December) which is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people living with a disability and also raise awareness. In the UK, one in five people have a disability, per cent of which are acquired during working life.

n Tuesday th December at 2pm Melissa Hawker, Learning fficer, will speak about how Christmas has been celebrated through the ages. Learn about Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, and later Christmas traditions. Discover what strange remark interrupted the Queen’s Christmas speech! Remember to check out the Ancient House Museum Shop which is packed with Christmas goodies. Norfolk Museums Passholder and Ancient House Friends get a 10% discount too.

Tickets for all talks can be booked at: https://norfolk-museums. arttickets.org.uk/ancient-house r, you can book by phone on 7 99 Tuesday Saturday, am pm or by popping into the museum during opening hours.

Share Your Views On Vital Service

Residents and businesses across Norfolk are being asked to give their views on proposals put forward by the county s fire and rescue service aimed at reducing risk and improving safety “It is really important that the public use this opportunity to have their say around how our fire service plans to achieve its aims of improving public safety, reducing the number of emergency incidents and saving lives,” said Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council. "These proposals include strengthening partnerships, positioning of kit and equipment and ensuring that the resources the service has are used in the best possible way to protect Norfolk.”

The draft Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) features an online consultation with seven proposals which the public are being asked to comment on, alongside space to give views on the wider work of Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service. A drop-in event is being held in Thetford at Thetford Library, Raymond Street, IP24 2EA on Monday 12 December 10am - 12:30pm. There is no need to book. Every three years fire services are re uired to produce a CRMP showing how they will plan for existing and emerging fire and rescue risks across their communities. The review is based on risk evidence, data about what kind of incidents are attended and considerations about what resources are needed and where they are best located. Proposals being consulted on include:

* Plans to create a more targeted approach to fire prevention, working more closely with partner agencies around identifying and supporting Norfolk’s most vulnerable residents.

* Relocating a technical rescue unit from Thetford to Great Yarmouth. This water rescue equipment is also used for large animal rescues and our data shows it is more likely needed in the East.

* Housing gas-tight suits, used in hazardous incidents such as chemical spills, on our environmental protection units, whole time fire stations and on four on call fire stations. They are currently on all stations and not frequently used, they have a ten-year shelf-life.

Trialling having a fire engine as a roaming pump with a crew able to be based from anywhere in orfolk to ensure fire and rescue cover. e also want to consider expanding our eet of agile x vehicles. The consultation closes on 19 December. To have your say please visit the website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/crmp

r find more info at: www.nor olk. ov.uk/fire

Communities Join Together To Mark Maharajah’s Anniversary

This year marked the 129th anniversary of the death of Maharajah Duleep Singh. Mayor of Thetford, Councillor Jane James led the annual wreath laying ceremony at his grave in Elveden churchyard. The Maharajah is buried alongside his first wife, aharani Bamba and their youngest son, Prince Albert. Revd Paul Tams from St Andrew and St Patrick opened the ceremony followed by iani Baldev Singh who both offered prayers. Dignitaries laying wreaths included s a ri Babbar, a umbai based film director currently working on a film about rincess Sophia Duleep Singh. Representatives from the Defence Sikh Network, Norwich Sikh Society, Central urdwara ondon oined the ead Boy and irl from Thetford Academy and local councillors for the event organised by eter Bance and the Anglo Punjab Heritage Foundation.

Speaking about the event, the Mayor said, “I am delighted to welcome everyone to Thetford and to support eter Bance in commemorating and celebrating the legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his family.” Major DS Virdee said that for him it was a privilege to share in the commemoration

Dignitaries standing behind the grave markers of Maharajah Duleep (L), Maharani Bamba (C) and Prince Albert (R) Town Crier Mike Wabe is filmed durin his proclamation

of Maharajah Duleep Singh and that it is important to remember that his story is our shared history. Sikh historian eter Bance said he was delighted that the event was a success again, “What made this year’s event even more unique is that we had wreaths laid by members of the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities in addition to the local dignitaries, along with the proclamation written by Town Crier Mike Wabe. Each year we try to make the event more inclusive and having children from Thetford Academy lay a wreath was a special touch.”

Busy Time For Probus Members

Thetford Probus Club held a meeting at the Church On The Way in November and following a short amount of business heard speaker Tony Diamond give a talk about WW1 and the 1918 Armistice. This was the second time that he had addressed the club over the last year and once again gave a very lively presentation. Involving a bit of singing and some guitar playing!

David Childerhouse stood down from his position as club president after his year in office and has handed over to Bill de Bass.The Annual Dinner was held at the Mulberry in September when an enjoyable evening was had by all. This was followed by the AGM in October. In late October Probus had a lunchtime meal at Broom Hall. All of the meetings have been well attended however the club does always welcome new members. Changes have been made to include membership for ladies in their own right. And one would hope that the four lady members will encourage others to follow their example.

Anyone who might consider joining Probus is welcome to attend a meeting and should contact either the Secretary John Macpherson or President Bill de Bass.

The speaker secretary has been industrious and sourced speakers for the next six months. It is hoped to arrange some outside trips in addition to our routine meetings and our peripatetic second meetings of the month. The club finished the month with a meal at the Elveden Inn and will have their Christmas Lunch at the catering college of West Suffolk College in December.

For more information about Thetford Probus, email the Secretary john.bet@btinternet.com or the President billdebass@btinternet.com

Club Treasurer Tony Boutle and Bill De Bass

Friends Prove It’s Never Too Late For A Comeback

Once called a disciplined dynamo in Motorcycling Magazine, never did Barnham resident Nev Busson believe he’d be back on a podium, never mind celebrating a championship win four decades after his first.

Motorbikes have always been part of Nev Busson’s life, one of his earliest memories is sitting on the back of one of his father’s bikes in the early 1960s aged four years old. y Dad always had bikes in the 9 s s, and was always around them. ev explained.

ev s first competitive race was in 97 on a Suzuki T . The following year he raced on a Honda MT125 ending the season as joint winner of the Newmarket Club’s 125cc championship and fourth in the equivalent class with the British Formula Racing Club. Unable to devote as much time to his bike and racing as he would have liked, ev hadn t competed at that level before. Much to his competitors surprise, he entered the final round at Silverstone and finished it with an outright win. This success enabled ev to gain some sponsorship and commit to the whole season the following year. ev said he thought he stood a good chance as he never placed lower than th. 9 saw ev change bikes to a Revetts 125 Honda and become the Yamaha Marlboro Champion, equivalent to the 2nd highest championship in the country. aving raced at some of the most famous circuits in the country including Donington ark and Brands atch, ev finished racing in 9 .

Throughout the years racing was still a passion of Nev’s along with his friend and former neighbour Richard Rudling. The two friends en oyed hours watching and discussing races together and contemplating ev competing again.

Then four years ago, Nev was invited to a Yamaha reunion at Cadwell Park circuit, thirty-eight years after his last race. thought it would be great if that became ev s comeback race said Richard, knew he could do it and thought it was our last chance to do this. Unfortunately, this time it s taken him four years to get to the top rather than one Richard laughed.

The friends brought the bikes together and pooled their resources, creating Thetford based Firetek Racing. Richard continued, t s been a lot of fun, but lots of hard work. t s dangerous stuff, not for the light hearted. e maximise everything we can, to do the best ob we can. used to walk round the paddocks and learn from what the other teams do, with the aim to do it better.

Returning to racing in the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (also known as the CRMC) has enabled Nev and Richard to reconnect with a group of old friends who are still racing. ev said, There s still a lot of the same people and machines on the circuit, he then chuckled, one competitor asked me if I was the same Nev Busson who beat him decades ago ev s team includes Nigel Allen from NPA Engineering Ltd in the town who is a keen bike fan and helps with

ev winnin his first Marlboro amaha round at Snetterton Circuit in 1 7

the bike engineering. Richard s wife Sarah is head caterer, their son Simon carefully compiles Nev’s data and their grandchildren are keen supporters, starting young as ev did originally. The learning curve has been vertical oked Richard.

Across the 2022 season Nev had eleven race wins, finished every race he started, he never finished below th place. e was Rider of the Day and Race of the ear winner at Croft. n September 2022 at Snetterton circuit, Nev won the CRMC Championship – forty-two years after he d won the first time, on the same track. Racing locally meant ev benefitted from lots of local support. Richard says that it s a dream come true for him. For ev it has spurred him on to do it again next year. m hoping for no crashes during , ll keep myself fit, watch my diet and battle through the aches and pains.

Nev and Richard are keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for the upcoming season, please contact Richard at firetekuk hotmail.com or call 797 7 .

ichard with ev at Snetterton circuit a ter ev’s winning race Image: © Firetek Racing

Nev racing, 42 years on at Snetterton in September ma e M hoto raphy

Save Money And Look Out For The Environment This Christmas!

Christmas can be known for being expensive and wasteful, but it doesn’t have to be! Let's have a look at some ways to save money and the planet this Christmas.

Wrapping Paper - Save and reuse gift bags and wrapping paper, use things from around the house such as pretty paper wrappers, beautiful scarves, maps, music sheets, brown paper and decorate with potato stamps. Make it fun and unique!

Tape - Avoid all plastic tape. Try string which can look very pretty, look out for paper tape or try Japanese Furoshiki wrapping.

Cards - DIY using old Christmas cards, craft bits you have around the house and potato stamps. You can buy cheap recycled card locally or online, otherwise use old packaging.

Second hand gifting, regifting and mindful gifting - Avoid tat, it’s a waste of money and ends up in the bin. Choose gifts that are wanted, regift (especially toys the kids may have grown out of) and choose second hand where you can.

Support local - If you can do your bit to make a small business owner happy and support the local economy then please do.

Experiences - These can be a really great thing to be given. There is nothing better than trying new things and doing something fun together.

Food - This is a huge part of festive celebrations, but food waste can also be huge. It’s nice to indulge, but keep it within reason and don’t buy and cook so much food that you end up throwing it away. Cook reasonable portion sizes, making sure to freeze leftovers, or eat them the next day. Try switching out meat dishes for veggie versions.

Decorations - Enjoy what you have. There is no

need to replace decorations to fit with trends, use the decorations that you are sentimental about and make them last. If you need new decorations, second hand and natural materials such as wooden or glass are best and DIY decorations are great fun to make!

Focus on time with loved ones and making memories - The ‘stuff’ is just a bonus to what is really important. Our wallets and the planet don't need to suffer for us to have a brilliant time. Have a wonderful, compassionate festive season and a happy new year!

Dog Grooming by Skaiste.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2022 16:

Hazel Thetford Environment Group

Blackbirds Winging In Dead Of Night

Blackbirds are one of the UK’s most loved birds, and a familiar sight in both urban and suburban gardens throughout the year. It’s hard to imagine the humble Blackbird doing anything else but hopping around, foraging amongst leaves, pulling worms from the ground, and gorging on winter berries. Perhaps you may have noticed you see more Blackbirds doing just this over the winter months. But why do we see more Blackbirds at this time of year?

The answer is that not all Blackbirds seen in the UK during winter months are residents. Blackbirds breeding in the more northerly parts of their European range tend to be migratory, and BTO bird ringing has revealed that our winter migrants originate from Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. An easterly wind this time of the year will push migrating Blackbirds across the North Sea and late October is the peak time for them to be on the move. Before migrating, Blackbirds will switch from a diurnal to nocturnal activity pattern, and they will begin their journey south between dusk and midnight under the cover of darkness to avoid predators. They are soon greeted by the huge open expanse of the North Sea and will y nonstop until they reach land. The arrival of many thousands of Blackbirds during the autumn months goes largely unnoticed, primarily because migrant birds are indistinguishable from our resident birds. However, an early morning visit to some berry-laden coastal scrub and hedgerows will reveal a feeding urry of new arrivals. hen startled they will often emit a familiar a low-pitched ‘chook, chook’ call, or a loud chattering call that may, on occasion, be drawn out into a long and undulating screech if an individual is alarmed. It’s often worth looking skyward on crisp winter evenings and taking a moment to listen as Blackbirds will often call when migrating, which sounds like a high pitched, sibilant ‘seeeeep’.

Right now there are likely to be migrant Blackbirds feeding alongside the local birds in our gardens so next time you see a busy Blackbird in your garden it may have come a little further afield than the garden next door.

If you want to record the birds that visit your garden, please take part in our BTO Garden Birdwatch survey by visiting: www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw

Jenny Donelan, BTO

Blackbird taken by Edmund Fellowes

Thetford Garden & Allotment Club

Gardening Notes

The short days of December are with us once again! It has been a very strange gardening year with extremes of weather and with climate change ongoing we are going to have to learn to deal with these extremes of wet springs followed by drought in the summer.

If you have a wormery it’s important that it is kept frost free. If you want the worms to stay alive and keep working, move it inside a shed or garage. At this time of the year we often buy festive house plants such as Cyclamen, indoor Azaleas and of course that Christmas favourite, the Poinsettia. Most of these plants prefer a cool spot in the room but poinsettias prefer a warm, draught free room. Providing the correct conditions will mean your festive buys will look lovely long into the New Year. Now that most of the leaves have fallen from trees and deciduous shrubs and perennials have been cut back there is a chance to have a look at the structure of your garden. Take a note of any changes you wish to make, maybe lifting the canopy of a garden tree or pruning a shrub back hard to make space in a border. Planting structural evergreen plants such as Phormium or Sarcocca can change the look of a garden in winter.

Although on most allotments it is a quiet time, if the ground is not too wet then plots can be dug over roughly. You can stand on a plank to prevent soil compaction. Heavy soils can be improved by adding well rotted bulky organic matter, either dug in or applied as a mulch. If you have Brussel Sprouts growing to accompany your Christmas lunch make sure taller plants are staked to prevent wind damage. If you are tidying up areas of your garden or allotment then make sure you look out for hibernating frogs and toads and try not to disturb them. Feed birds the same time each day so they don’t waste energy looking for food. The Club doesn’t have a meeting in December but we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Merry Christmas! Maggie Baldwin

Tales From The River Project Launches Film

ver fifty people attended the first screening of the short film Tales from the Riverbank at Thetford ibrary on Saturday th ovember. The audience included under s to over 9 year olds, the young historians who created the film and donors of memories, images and historic material along with pro ect volunteers, supporters, and local residents. All came to watch this entertaining tale of how the two rivers that run through Thetford have been used for swimming, fishing, boating and other activities over the last years. The film was created by young people in the Tales from the Riverbank and Ancient ouse istory Clubs. The film was made using animation, location filming and other techni ues, with archive documents, images, ob ects and oral history accounts gathered by Tales from the Riverbank volunteers, together with newly researched material. t was put together by filmmaker ewis ickwar, who worked with the young people during the week long riverbank summer club during the school summer holiday in August.

mogen Radford, pro ect lead said: The young people s imagination and enthusiasm brought to life oral history accounts, images and historic and new material gathered by volunteers. t was wonderful to see everyone absorbed watching the film, some hearing their own voices with memories of swims in the river, some watching themselves presenting on screen, and others listening to the stories.

Chris Thacker, one of the oral history interviewees, said, That brought back memories, and it had some stories hadn t heard. t was very odd hearing my own voice in the film, though. Barbara ritchard, donor of photos and the baby bath boat story, continued, That was a really lovely event,

Above: Young people working on the film at Ancient House

Right: Participants enjoy viewing the film or the first time at het ord Library

so well attended and supported, with all the interactions and sense of community it stimulated. The film was very engaging and informative, and clearly loved by all. thoroughly en oyed it, the children were a oy, their enthusiasm was obvious, as was the pride and admiration shown by the children s family and friends.

The film and launch were organised by the Tales from the Riverbank pro ect part of The Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers andscape artnership Scheme BFER supported by ational ottery eritage Fund , working with Ancient ouse useum and Thetford ibrary.

Tales From The Riverbank film can be found on the BFER ouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/BrecksFenEdgeRiversLP

Festive Fun For Flower Club

Thetford Flower Club were delighted to welcome Area Chairman Barbara Collins to our November meeting. Members and visitors enjoyed Barbara’s spectacular demonstration entitled, ‘All Spruced Up’ with many colourful arrangements, and a Christmas Wreath. This was followed by festive tea and mince pies.

There will be no December meeting, instead the club will meet for a Christmas Lunch on December 14th. Then, the January 2023 meeting will take place on January 10th with a practice evening, called ‘Special Memories’ which we hope members will share with the group.

You are very welcome to visit our friendly club where you can learn to ower arrange, watch demonstrations, visit other clubs, and make new friends. Thetford Flower Club meets at 2pm on the second Tuesday of each month, at the Church On The Way, Churchill Way, Thetford, IP24 2JZ.

For more information contact Lynda on 01842 762919

Be Prepared For Winter Floods

Even though we are still in drought, it is coming around to that time of year again when surface water and the over topping riverwater can become a problem. How prepared are you?

Do you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water f you leave your home during a ood you’ll need to turn off your mains water, gas and electricity if it s safe to do so. ou should find out in advance how to do this.The location of water stopcocks, gas shut-off valves and electrical master switches varies between properties. The gas shut-off valve is usually beside the meter. The mains electricity cut-off is usually a big red switch on your fuse box. f you can t find your water stopcock, ask someone with practical experience or a plumber to help you.

You can look on this map of the town at: www. etthedata.com/ ood-map/thet ord to see where it usually oods, and there is more information on the District Council's own website. One thing you might not know is that Breckland Council only has a limited supply of sandbags, that can be provided to residents in an emergency by calling 01362 656870. These can be provided where there is an imminent danger of internal ooding to living accommodation. Breckland Council cannot help in the protection of gardens, outbuildings or garages. If there is no immediate risk of ooding sandbags can be purchased at most DIY and builder's stores. Breckland Council says that residents should not rely on them to provide sandbags when ooding occurs. f you need to report a ood please visit: www. breckland. ov.uk/environment/report- oodin

You can check the levels of the river near you at any time on this link: https://riverlevels. uk/thet-thet ord-mel ord . Y2z6vXbP3ak. This one is the Melford Common Gauging station and you will see the other nearby locations on the website.

Thank you to everyone who nominated us for the ‘Make a Difference Awards’, we really appreciate your support. Most of all a big thank you to each of you who made such a difference this year by taking your litter home. By doing this you have stopped the plastic from becoming part of the fish s diet and ending up in the kingfishers, egrets or the sea. Looking forward to seeing you out and about along the river in the year ahead.

Thetford River Group

www.gov.uk/check‐flooding

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Thetford Business Expands Printing Services

Thetford based print and leisure business, Event Stuff Ltd, are proud to announce the launch of their new brand, Designs on Print. Designs on Print provides high-quality printing services to businesses in East Anglia and across the whole of the UK from their brand new base in Station Lane, Thetford.

The new brand builds on the success of Photo Cutouts, another print arm of the Event Stuff Ltd family. Photo Cutouts specialises in the design, print, and manufacture of face-in-the-hole boards, traditionally found on our seaside piers. Over time, the business has expanded its range to include giant presentation cheques and life-size greetings cards, all of which have been hugely popular.

General Manager of Event Stuff Ltd, James Cupit says of the launch: “Our print range was growing at a rapid pace and Designs on Print represents the more traditional print services that we offer. We have always custom-made print products for our customers’ needs and the expansion of our print production is a natural step for us. We are excited to be varying our range and working with local businesses across East Anglia”.

With over 30 years experience in traditional and digital print, Designs on Print offers traditional and digital print such as signage and display products, exhibition stands, vehicle and surface graphics, as well as specialist print services like fine art and photographic printing. Customers can purchase directly from the website or work with the in-house design team to create fully bespoke print solutions.

You can drop in for a chat with the Designs on Print team at Unit 2 Station Lane, Thetford, IP24 1ND or call 01842 337100. For more information on products visit: www.designsonprint.com

MONEY MATTERS

AUTUMN STATEMENT: SMALL BUSINESSES FEEL THE PAIN

Jeremy Hunt said that everyone would feel the pain in his Economic Statement; that is certainly true of businesses, and SMEs in particular. Given that they are the real engine of growth in the UK economy, he may find that attacking them on every front will not prove particulary popular in the business community.

Going into this Autumn Statement, small business owners had already been targeted with a significant increase in the rate of corporation tax from April next year and an across the board . uplift in tax on dividends.

Last month’s statement piled on the pain. Perhaps it wasn t surprising that the Chancellor chose not to extend the Super Deduction beyond next arch the Annual nvestment Allowance remains in place, extended to m , but the reduction in small business R D tax relief announced in the statement effectively reduces tax relief on R D for small firms from to .

The 9.7 increase in the ational iving age will add cost for businesses, not ust at the lower end, but with a knock on effect right across the wage structure. Add to that the freezing of the employer national insurance threshold, and employing people is about to get much more expensive.

eanwhile, uncertainty about energy costs continues. The Chancellor acknowledged that bills are likely to remain high throughout by extending the residential energy cap for another year. But businesses received no such relief, and will have to wait until the new year before they learn what – if any – further support they will receive after arch. For those renewing business energy contracts right now, that lack of certainty is hardly helpful.

eanwhile, business rate payers are facing big rises following the announcement that business premises revaluations will go ahead as planned next year. There will be some transitional relief, but this is sure to be another rising cost for businesses. Better news for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, who will see relief extended for another twelve months.

The only silver lining is what the Chancellor didn’t do: no VAT increase, no rise in national insurance rates, and no rise to headline income tax rates. But this will give small comfort to hard pressed small businesses.

hat is clear from the statement is that the Chancellor has accepted that high levels of in ation are here to stay for at least another twelve months, and there is little he can do about it. Sadly, it seems that businesses will have to resign themselves to a tough few months ahead.

James Shipp is a Partner at Lovewell Blake

East Wretham Memorial Service

The East Wretham Memorial Service was held at St Ethelbert Church, Wretham on Wednesday 9th November 2022. This was the 19th Anniversary of this service organised by the Thetford & District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA). The service is always held on the Wednesday prior to National Remembrance Sunday due to the heavy involvement of the RAFA and the Royal British Legion (RBL) over that period of time.

The service is held to commemorate and to remember the twelve Czechoslovak and two Polish airmen who are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves (CWG) at St Ethelbert Church. The Czechoslovak aircrew in the CWG’s were from No.311 (Czechoslovak) Sqn Royal Air Force which was formed at RAF Honington on 29th July 1940.

Representatives from the Czech and Slovak Embassies in London were in attendance along with the Town Mayor’s of Thetford and Watton, RAF Honington personnel, plus the Memorial Association for Free Czechoslovak Veterans (MAFCV) RAFA and RBL members, Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Chairman of Breckland Council, as well as local councillors from Thetford and Brandon and people from the local area nine

Standard Bearers, a bugler and bagpiper with the Reverend Simon Richardson taking the service all helped, along with very nice weather, to make a very memorable service. After the service everyone gathered in the Wretham Community Hall for refreshments.

John Macpherson Royal Air Forces Association

Thetford Parkinsons Group

The next meeting is on Tuesday 13th December in the Engine Room Cafe at Charles Burrell Centre (Staniforth Road, IP24 3LH) - a new venue for our group. Plenty of car parking spaces available. We will meet between 11am and 1pm. For more information contact June on 07771637821

Breckland Cats Protection

Feline parvovirus is a virus that can cause severe disease in cats, particularly kittens. It can be fatal. The disease is also known as feline infectious enteritis and feline panleukopenia. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for long periods. It has a high mortality rate and on occasion outbreaks are seen in some multi cat situations where there are unvaccinated cats.

Vacinating your cats annually will keep them healthy

Parvovirus does not affect humans or dogs, but canine parvovirus can occasionally infect cats. FPV can survive in the environment for up to a year and a specialised disinfectant is required to kill it. Most cats contract FPV from a contaminated environment via infected faeces rather than from direct contact with infected cats. The signs of FPV are vomiting, raised body temperature, inability to eat or drink and watery diarrhoea with or without blood. It is diagnosed by taking blood and faecal samples which are sent to a veterinary laboratory to check for signs of the virus and antibodies. There is no cure for FPV but if the disease is detected in time, the symptoms can be treated and some cats recover with intensive care including good nursing, uid therapy and assisted feeding.

Vaccination is the main method of prevention. Primary vaccination courses usually start at eight to nine weeks of age and a second injection three to four weeks later. Adult cats should receive regular yearly boosters. Unvaccinated adult cats are also susceptible to this disease and allowing booster vaccinations to lapse can be risky. The FPV vaccine is usually combined with other disease vaccines, such as the u virus.

For help or advice or if you need assistance with the cost of neutering, please call Breckland Cats Protection on 01842 810018.

Rita Thompson

Not Just Books

We’ll be open every Sunday in December as we run up to Christmas from 10.30am –3pm to give you more time to get that Christmas shopping in. Since October, there have been some amazing Christmas titles published and many of these are featured in our Christmas catalogue. We still have a few in store if you haven’t picked up your copy yet. We also have selected books that come with Indie exclusive wrapping paper - adding a different element to your Christmas gifting. Don’t forget we also have a great selection of book tokens that make a perfect gift.

Our monthly book club, Reynard Reads, goes from strength to strength, with old and new members joining us regularly. If you fancy joining us, we will next discuss a collection of short stories from Sylvia Townsend Warner titled Winter in the Air Wednesday 14th December. We hope to see you there, everyone is welcome.

The Children’s Book of the Month for December is The Grumpus by Alex T. Smith. We love the title as its what Jane calls one of her cats at home! The Grumpus and His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan is a fantastically festive Christmas adventure about a very grumpy character. Full of gorgeous colour artwork this new Christmas story is sure to become a Christmas classic to be enjoyed year after year by all the family.

The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra

Benedict is our Fiction Book for December. When Lily returns home to her aunt’s manor house, she discovers that in order to inherit, she and her estranged cousins must stay together over the Christmas week and take part in a family tradition: the annual treasure hunt. But as they are drawn deeper into the game, the clues seem to point not to the deeds to the manor house, but to the key to a twenty year old mystery: what really happened to Lily’s mother? As a snowstorm cuts them off from the village, it becomes apparent that the game has turned deadly and that Lily is fighting for more than ust an inheritance: she is now fighting for her life. Does she have what it takes to survive? Twelve clues, twelve keys and twelve days of Christmas for the heirs of Endgame ouse to find their inheritance, but how many will die before Twelfth Night?

Don t forget, if there is a specific book you are after and we don’t have it in stock: we have access to hundreds of thousands of titles through our wholesaler, making Christmas shopping a doddle and keeping it local on the high street. Merry Christmas from the Team at Not Just Books and happy reading!

Advertising in About Thetford magazine is a great way to grow your business. We have a wide range of advert sizes all competitively priced. The deadline for the January 2023 edition is the 7th December. Call Karen on 07540463662 or email: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

December At Thetford Library

There’s lots of fun to be had at Thetford Library in December. For the adults we have a Shared Reading session with a Christmas twist. What is shared reading? Just relax, listen to some festive stories and poems (and maybe enjoy a mince pie or two). Thursday 15th December, 4 - 5pm.

For children and families on Monday 19th December, 10:30 - 11am, we have a Bounce and Rhyme Christmas Special – if library staff have been good, we’ve been told Father Christmas could visit (suitable for under 2’s). Later on the same day on we have a Family Christmas Crafts and Storytime session,34pm, (all ages welcome). On Wednesday 21st December, 10:30 - 11:30am, we’ll be going festive with our latest Slime Workshop (suitable for 8 - 11s). All of our activities are free, with the exception of the slime workshop, and we’d recommend booking to avoid disappointment.

session,

Visit our what’s on pages for more info and to book: www.library.norfolk.gov.uk/whats-on

Thetford Inner Wheel

The speaker after dinner at our November meeting was Colin Mackay who gave a most informative talk on the Pharoah Tutankhamun. It was perhaps coincidental, but this was on the eve of the 100 year anniversary of the finding of his tomb.

We continue to collect humanitarian items which will be sent via the National Police Aid convoy to countries in need. A few members will be attending the District meeting of our area in Diss and two members are planning to go to Blackpool for the Annual Conference in March when members from all over the country gather. After cancellations because of Covid this is the first real conference for some time. Plans are in hand to celebrate the centenary of the founding of Inner Wheel in GB and Ireland in 2024 in Manchester.

For further information about Inner Wheel visit: www.innerwheel.co.uk

The Perfect Gift

I started Halcyon Days Skincare with my brother 32 years ago! We have seen many changes in the beauty industry over those years and what has stayed consistent in all of those is the love and pleasure of receiving gift vouchers.

Our clients love having treatments and let’s face it most of us don’t need the type of gifts to look at and collect dust! Their friends and family purchase vouchers for them and they can have exactly what they want, when they want it, you can’t do better than that.

Receiving a gift voucher to put towards a treatment is a very personal gift. Some clients want to have treatment courses which can be a large investment in both money and time, but they often say how pleased they were that a family or friend got them a voucher and they can use it towards that.

Last year I had a client who was having permanent make up carried out, it’s a form of tattooing. She told me her husband said he would give her a voucher for one eyebrow and her sister was paying for the other, we laughed a lot about that, especially who paid for which brow! So my advice, if you are looking for the perfect gift, be it for Christmas or birthdays, a thank you or anything else, you really can’t put a foot wrong if you get them a Halcyon Days gift voucher.

This year we are raf ing a Christmas hamper which is worth £300. Tickets are £5 each and all the proceeds are being donated to The East Anglian Air Ambulance. Draw takes place on Monday 19th December. The salon is open every day and only closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Merry Christmas and joyful New Year.

Lisa Stallings

Halcyon Days Skincare

Halcyon Days

Skin Care &

Gift Vouchers Available

3 Woolhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LA Tel: 01284 704991 e-mail: info@halcyondaysskincare.co.uk www.halcyondaysskincare.co.uk

Exciting Times At Thetford Town Boxing Club

The weekend of 22nd - 23rd October Thetford Town Boxing club saw two of their boxers compete in the England boxing, National Development championship semi final and finals.

Simona Zavicka entered in the Senior female, under ten bout category at 66kg and Kaden Scotney entered in the Junior A under ten bout category at 7 kg. Simona went in at the uarter Final stage, competing the weekend before against an opponent from the U armed forces. Simona completely out-classed her opponent with a classy display of boxing and got the win, securing her place in the semi finals. n to the semi finals, Simona boxed an experienced opponent, again a classy act, but her opponent out worked her, winning by unanimous decision.

aden went straight in at the semi final stage in his category and completly outworked his opponent, landing some fierce straight back hands, securing his place, the next day in the finals. n the final, aden boxed a lad who was at the upper limit of the bouts, having had ten bouts, whilst aden had only three prior to the finals. Although more experienced, his opponent was met with a high work pace throughout all three rounds and aden finished even stronger in the third round using the roll and left hook to score clean, powerful shots, this made for an explosive, exciting bout. e thought we had done enough to win but unfortunately we lost on a split decision, aden walking away with a silver medal.

Accompanying the two boxers and supporting them through the event were Thetford Town coaches Matt Dean (Head Coach), Paul Dean and Roni Dean. The coaches were extremely pleased with both boxers performances and couldn’t have asked for more.

The boxers did their club, their town and themselves proud. They were also supported by a mini bus full of members who came to cheer on in the finals, traveling all the way from Thetford to Banbury. Exciting times for Thetford Town Boxing Club as this is just the beginning for these boxers and another stepping stone for the club having only been open since .

Roni Dean

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Simona Zavicka and Kaden Scotney (C) with Thetford Town Boxing Club coaches, Matt Dean (L), Paul Dean (2nd R) and Roni Dean (R)

Thetford Town Football Club Win Award For Excellent Run Of Form

Before their home match on the 22nd October, Thetford Town were presented with the Thurlow Nunn Performance Award for their excellent run of form in August and September.

Representatives from the Thurlow Nunn League gave the club an engraved silver plate, £150 for the club’s funds and, most importantly, a £100 charity award which has been given to the Thetford Foodbank, based close to the club on Croxton Road.

times have delighted the club’s small, but loyal, following. One long-time fan recently commented that this is the best Town side they have seen since the early 90s.

For more information about Thetford Town Footbal Club visit: www.thetfordtownfootballclub.com

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Jackie Skipp (L) and Darren Iles (R) present the Thetford Town Football cheque to Thetford Foodbank at The Hub, Croxton Road

Fittingly, the team followed it with an 8 - 0 thrashing over Whitton United which cements their position on top of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

The good run, which followed a strong finish to the previous campaign, saw The Brecklanders’ win nine of their ten league games. The fast-paced football has seen the goals ow with Town scoring thirty-three times in this spell.

For a team more used to fighting at the bottom of the table in recent seasons, these heady

Thurlow Nunn representatives present the award to Thetford Town captain Sam Bond and Chairman Nigel Armes (L). Photo Credit: Sean McKeon

Thetford First XV Rugby Team Return To Winning Ways

After a heavy defeat at Swaffham RFC on the 5th November, Thetford RFC hosted the UEA XV, who travelled from Norwich both in hope and great expectation. This was not to be however, as Thetford fielded a side of true grit and extra determination, exemplified by veteran Bob Seys returning to the team.

The first twenty minutes saw the UEA younger players piling on the pressure, however a well organised defence and fierce tackling saw the score remain nil all. The rest of the game was played in a competitive spirit by both sides, with Thetford increasingly on the ascendancy. Scoring on a regular basis, Thetford emerged victorious 31/0 to the obvious pleasure of the sixty plus supporters on this wet and windy day.

Thetford First XV Captain, Jack Codling said “The boys put in a great shift and really came together to get a great result”. Coaches Neil Thynne and Dave Tanner said they were really proud of the boys. A great core of players putting in an impressive performance together. The UEA players were applauded for their fantastic sportsmanship, a credit to the game of rugby.

Thetford RFC are always looking for new players

and train on a Thursday evening at Two Mile Bottom from 7pm onwards. All are welcome and no experience is required. The club is also hoping to re-establish its junior section in the near future. Follow the Club on Facebook for upcoming games and news on the commencement of junior rugby. For more information see Facebook or email: thetford-rfc@outlook.com

If you’re part of a local sports group, please send any articles or updates through to the About Thetford magazine team: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com Feb - Dec Deadline: 15th of the month

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Thetford in a previous game against Norwich Union image: ©Andrew Sparrowhawk